: , , , , - 28 . Delhi will host its first 'Human Library' wherein one can 'borrow' real people for 30 minutes who will share their experiences with them. By India Today Web Desk: Come June 18, Delhi will host its first 'Human Library' in Connaught Place. During the event, people can 'borrow' real people for 30 minutes who will share their stories. The idea behind this concept is to learn through these conversations, get information and dispel misconceptions. The concept was first introduced in 2016 at IIM Indore campus and then Hyderabad and Mumbai adopted it. But the 'Human Library' movement was started in Denmark by Ronni Abergel and now has expanded to around 80 countries. advertisement So, as in a library one can choose from a set of books, participants belonging from various backgrounds can be selected to have a productive conversation with. The idea is clear misconceptions by asking any number of questions and they will provide information. Through this, a social change can be brought by breaking stereotypes, changing perceptions just with help of a friendly conversation. These 'Human Books' will be selected based on their understanding of the subject and personal experiences. The debut event will display 'human books' from 11 categories. From a drug abuser, cancer survivors to female solo travellers, people from various backgrounds will be present. The event will take place at Innov8, Connaught Place from 2pm to 7pm on June 18. Know more about the concept of Human Library here: --- ENDS --- Sanjeev Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 13 Indian Oil Corporation, the countrys largest fuel retailer today assuaged dealers concerns over daily revision of petrol and diesel prices from Friday and said the fear of dealers about inventory loss is unwarranted. Petrol pump dealers have threatened a No sale, No purchase protest on June 16 when the daily price revision is to be rolled out across the country after a pilot in five cities. IndianOil Chairman Sanjiv Singh, along with BS Canth, Director (Marketing), also held a video conference session on daily price change with retail outlet dealers of 11 states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Bihar. They also received firsthand feedback from dealers of five pilot cities where daily pricing implemented from May 1 is in progress. IndianOil said the fear of dealers about inventory loss is unwarranted as the change of prices will happen both upwards as well as downwards, and thus both gain and loss would compensate each other. The pilot has been successful in the 5 cities where the price change has been implemented smoothly. Prices are communicated to dealers by 4 modes (customised SMSs, e-mails, mobile app and web portal for dealers). These means of communication are also available to dealers of automated petrol pumps. There is no technical issue with regard to flow of information about daily price change to dealers or customers, it added. IndianOil is holding regular awareness sessions pan-India with dealers to ensure their cooperation for smooth rollout of daily price change and to enable working of the automation system at the retail outlet. Although daily price revision is effective from midnight, IndianOil said the dealer is not required to be present at the retail outlet every day to change the price at midnight. In case of automated petrol pumps, there is a provision for dealers to schedule the price change at 8 pm for price change to take effect at midnight. It said in case of non-automated outlets, manual change of price has to be done. Retail outlets operating during the night have already employed manpower. No additional manpower is thus required for the change of price. Changing of the price in the dispensing units consumes very less time. Moreover, as the same is effective at midnight when the rush of customers is minimum, inconvenience caused to customers will also be minimised. IndianOil said it has stepped up efforts to ensure convenience to dealers and customers on daily price revision of petrol and diesel. The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association said oil companies have jumped into this decision without checking the ground reality that the automation system installed at most of the pumps in Delhi is not supporting the automatic price change in the dispensing machines. Petrol dealers said a stringent fine of Rs 5 lakh and suspension of sales and supplies for 60 days has been implemented in the amended guidelines for not operating the petrol pump in the automation mode. Varinder Singh Tribune News Service Bathinda, June 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make in India slogan seems to have evaporated into thin air for over four crore workers engaged in the countrys textile and mink blanket manufacturing units, as these industries are staring at a bleak future due to the Central governments decision to cut the levy of import duty and GST from 29% to 16% on all imported blankets and fabrics. The GST Councils decision to decrease the customs duty and other taxes under the GST regime is set to result in shutting down of over 50 largescale mink blanket manufacturing units in the country, as these units wont be able to compete with cheap imported mink blankets after the GST rollout. These units produce nearly 1.5 lakh mink blankets every day, out of which 15% are exported to North America, Europe, Russia and Australia. How can we compete with mink blankets imported from China as these would be cheaper by at least 13% due to decreased duties on imported blankets from July 1. We will be left with only two options. Either, we will be forced to shut down our units or we will have to import blankets from China and stop domestic production. This will lead to unemployment of thousands of workers currently engaged in the mink blanket manufacturing industry, said Abhishek Vij, Director of Jalandhar-based Shital Fibres Ltd., a mink blanket manufacturing unit that contributes around 70% in Indias mink blanket exports. The company produces nearly 45,000 blankets daily. Cutting down of import duty, cess and GST on imported blankets from 29% to 16% will be disastrous for domestic textile and blanket manufacturing units. We will raise the issue with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley soon and request him to review the decision, said Ramesh Jagota, president, All India Mink Blanket Manufacturers Association. He said the textile industry employs nearly six crore workers. Under the GST regime, not only mink blanket industry will suffer huge losses but the textile, yarn and fibre industries, too, will also incur losses, he added. London, June 13 Indian-origin MP Alok Sharma was on Tuesday appointed minister of state in the Department for Communities and Local Government in the UK government. The Conservative Party MP had held on to his Reading West seat by 2,876 votes in the June 8 general election. I am absolutely delighted to be elected as MP for a third time and I will do my very best for the people of Reading West, Sharma, 49, said in reference to his victory. His win was precarious as he was contesting a marginal seat constituencies with a very slim majority for the sitting MP leaving it up for grabs for any party. With any election in a marginal seat, which Reading West has been for a number of years, theres always an amount of nerves, he said. Over the past seven years, the big issues I have tackled include securing more spaces at schools, getting more business investment and securing more standard class seats on trains from Reading into Paddington. Those are the big issues and thats what matters to the people of Reading West, Sharma said. In his new ministerial post, Sharma will serve as a junior minister under Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid, who was re-appointed secretary of state for communities and local government last week. In the previous Theresa May led Cabinet last year, Sharma had been parliamentary under-secretary for Asia and the Pacific in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and was effectively the FCO minister in charge of India. His latest appointment marks a step up in the UK ministerial ranks. Meanwhile, the senior-most Indian-origin minister Priti Patel attended her first Cabinet meetings this week after being re-appointed secretary of state for international development. Britain got its first female Sikh MP and first turban- wearing MP as the UK general election results threw up a small increase in the number of Indian-origin MPs in the House of Commons. The Labour Party improved its record from five to seven MPs, with the Tories retaining their five Indian-origin MPs taking the total up from 10 in the 2015 general election to 12. PTI Melbourne, June 13 Two Indian-origin men are among 900 Australians who have been recognised by British Queen Elizabeth II in her annual Birthday Honours list for their contributions to the community. The Queensland-based Professor Rajiv Khanna was honoured with Order of the Companion of Australia for distinguished service to medicine in the field of immunology, through contributions to the development of cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, infectious complications and chronic diseases. Unnikrishnan Velayudhan Pilla from Queensland was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in the general division (OAM) for service to the Malayalee community in the state. The list for this year released on Monday recognised a diverse range of people, including scientists, entertainers, lawyers, designers, community workers, performers and a psephologist. To all recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said. Khanna is the founding director and group leader at the Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development at Brisbane-based QMIR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and also the senior principal research fellow at National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Khanna, born in India, came to Australia 27 years ago and has authored and co-authored more than 200 scientific papers. Velayudhan Pilla, founder of Jvala Charitable and Cultural Society, has been a recipient of several community awards in the past, including Bharat Gaurav Award, Lord Mayors Australia Day Award, and Multicultural community award for services to the Malyalee community in Queensland. Others who received the award this year were Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, eminent scientist Antony Colman and well-know economist Ross Garnaut. The honours are awarded for service to the country to mark the Queens official birthday in June each year. PTI THE Special Task Force, constituted by the Congress government in Punjab to tackle the drug menace in the state, is showing some positive results. It has arrested a CIA Inspector, known in police circles as a drug recovery specialist, posted at Kapurthala. Small-level arrests have been made but big fish have escaped the net. Results are inadequate and unsatisfactory. A few days ago the Bathinda SSP and a DSP were accused of facilitating the release of a drug trader. The detention of an SP-rank officer after the Pathankot air base attack suggested a police-drug-terror nexus but the NIA clean chit came without offering a convincing explanation for his activities close to the border with Pakistan. Then there is the all-important 2014 case of ex-DSP Jagdish Singh Bhola, which hinted at political involvement in drug trade. The case has dragged on and seems to be proceeding in favour of the accused. Last year a Jalandhar court acquitted him in one of the cases, which points to weak prosecution. Now his case is being handled by junior-level ED officials. It is hard to believe that drug business could have flourished in Punjab without the knowledge of the police. The fragile law and order situation, the unsolved high-profile murders, the rise of gangsters, the pathetic condition of jails and an abysmal rate of conviction in cases involving politicians do no credit to the Punjab Police and urgently call for its overhaul and depoliticisation. When Capt Amarinder Singh swore with his hand on a holy book to remove the drug affliction from the state within a month of coming to power, people believed him. The expectation was, regardless of the offenders position or political colour, none would be spared. Even though three months have passed and impatient opposition parties have started protests, all that the government has to show up by way of result is a litany of promises and an expression of resolve. Low-key submissions have replaced pre-poll thunderous declarations. The Captains well-wishers are willing to give him more time but there is a limit to patience. Tribune News Service Yamunanagar, June 13 Employees of the Yamunanagar depot of the Haryana Roadways went on a strike today in protest against bus permits to private operators in the state. The strike caused inconvenience to thousands of passengers as they had to depend on buses of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh Roadways plying via Yamunanagar on different routes. Besides, 35 private buses also ply on local routes in the district. Leaders of Roadways unions Ratan Singh Kalanaur and Ravinder Singh said they were forced to go on strike because the government failed to honour the compromise reached with the unions to scrap the transport policy of 2016-17. The employees also staged a dharna at the gate of the Roadways workshop and raised anti-government slogans. Karnal: Employees of the Karnal depot parked their buses at the depot and protested at the bus stand. Ishwar Singh, roadways union leader, said the government assured them twice that their concerns would be addressed, but to no avail. People had to face inconvenience due to the strike. Sources said the buses of the Karnal depot earn a revenue of around Rs 13.5 lakh every day. The Delhi University has initiated the process to start the Delhi School of Journalism and will offer an integrated course in journalism from the upcoming academic year. Delhi University will also start a postgraduate diploma in cyber security and law from the upcoming academic session By Arpan Rai: Giving private colleges a run for their money, the Delhi University has decided to offer an integrated course in journalism from the upcoming academic session. The country's revered central university will open its gate for journalism aspirants and offer them a unique degree course called Bachelors and Masters in Journalism. "Delhi University has initiated the process of starting Delhi School of Journalism which will allow students to pursue a Bachelors and Masters degree in journalism," confirmed Maharaj K Pandit, chairperson of Delhi University's admission committee. advertisement Bachelors and Masters in Journalism will be a five-year-long course which will allow multiple exits to a student. "Unlike any other course in journalism offered across India, a student can leave after three years with an Honours degree in the programme and if he/she wishes to continue, she can complete the five-year integrated programme and will be awarded a Masters degree," said Pandit. SUBJECTS In major takeaways of this programme introduced by the varsity, a student will be taught subjects on political thinking, business journalism, data analysis, statistics among other disciplines the committee is deliberating on. Along with disciplines which will enable critical thinking, the students will be taught foreign languages comprising Arabic, Spanish, French and Mandarin. In addition to providing better access and understanding of South Asia, the students will also be taught Tamil and Bengali in the later stages of the course. Through this course, the university is set to give a major blow to private universities currently offering this course at undergraduate and postgraduate level at a plush price. "The fees for studying this course stands at Rs 30,000 per semester," confirmed admission committee officials. The intake for the programme will be 60 and admission to the programme will be through entrance exams. In addition to this, Delhi University is also slated to start a Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security and Law from the upcoming academic session. PG ADMISSIONS BEGIN Delhi University also kicked off its admission process to 72 postgraduate level courses on Monday. The aspirants will have to appear for offline entrance examination for pursuing MPhil, PhD and postgraduate diploma. Owing to maximum applications the university officials have received in the past, the university has restricted examination centres to six cities - Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Nagpur and Varanasi. We get over 90 per cent of applications from Delhi, followed by Chennai and Kolkata. This precisely why we have not introduced entrance centres in other parts of the country," said admission committee officials. In its two-way route for admitting students, the university will admit 50 per cent of candidates who have been a student of Delhi University on the basis of merit. The remaining seats will be filled by the method of entrance exams. advertisement According to Maharaj K Pandit, around 650 seats would be announced for MPhil course and around 850 seats would be alloted for PhD courses. "The exact number of seats will be finalised soon. However, based on professors' freedom of choice -whether to offer a seat this year or not - the seats have been calculated roughly," Pandit added. ALSO READ | DU introduces change in reservation policy, increases categories for admitting students with disabilities --- ENDS --- Ravi S.Singh Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 13 Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced to launch an agitation against the Centre and state government from June 16 to press for acceptance of a charter of pro-farmer demands, including waiver of agriculture loans. The decision was taken during a meeting of farmers representatives from across the state and Congress workers, which was convened by him. Representatives of social and various caste organisations also attended the meeting. Some of the other demands are round-the-clock supply of electricity, MSP for vegetable crops and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report on the MSP. The meeting was attended by 12 sitting MLAs, MPs Deepender Hooda and Shadi Lal Batra and nearly 60 former MLAs, ministers and ex-chairpersons of boards and corporations. Phool Chand Maulana and Dharampal Mallik, both former presidents of the state Congress, also addressed the gathering. The proposed agitation, which would be in the form of holding kisan panchayats would commence from June 16 in Kurukshetra. The panchayats would be held in Sirsa on June 21, Rewari (June 25), Sonepat (July 5) and Nuh (July 7). In the midst would be a mahapanchayat in Jind on July 5. It would be a state-level agitation in which farmers from all districts would take part. Hooda also announced that a memorandum christened Adhikar Patra (memorandum of farmers rights) would be submitted to the Governor. Addressing the gathering, Hooda said he had no ambition for any post. He said the meeting was convened to discuss about issues of farmers who were in deep distress. I am not angling for any post. I have had them all. The issue at hand is much larger which concerns farmers who form the backbone of the country, he said. Condemning the police firing on agitating farmers in Madhya Pradesh in which seven of them lost their lives, he said unrest in farming community was emblematic of country-wide distress in farming community. Exhorting Congress workers to be ready for a struggle for the cause of farmers, he cautioned the Centre and the state government not take the farmers for granted. They are stoic, but not dumb, he said. He alleged that the Centre and the state government were systematically denigrating and weakening the farmers. Tribune News Service Shimla, June 13 The BJP today appealed to Shimla residents to give a chance to the party to rid the capital of the Congress and CPM. Chief spokesman of the BJP Rajiv Bindal, who held a roadshow to muster support for BJP-backed candidates in the fray for the SMC polls, said huge funds would be required for restructuring the civic amenities and solving the chronic problems of drinking water, parking, traffic woes and decongesting the town which would be possible only under the Modi government at the Centre and the BJP, which is bound to return to power in the state. Bindal took out the road show from Sher-e-Punjab to Central Telegraph Office(CTO) through the busy Lower Bazar and stressed that the BJP alone could solve the problems of Shimla and restore its pristine glory. We are not contesting the SMC polls for winning the elections but fighting for the rights of the residents of Shimla who had suffered under the 31-year rule of the Congress and CPM on the civic body and facing perennial water crisis, congestion, parking and traffic jams, Bindal said, adding that the situation turned from bad to worse. Bindal asked the voters to make a choice in the larger interest of the town and its residents. Proper coordination between the Centre and the state government and the SMC was crucial for speedy development, he asserted. Give us a chance and we will give you a city worth living, Bindal said taking a jibe at the Chief Minister for his comments that the water problem would be solved in next 3-4 years. Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, June 13 Notwithstanding the recent verbal duel between them, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and state Congress president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu today jointly hit the election campaign, presenting a united face of the Congress in the elections to the prestigious Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC). Even as both the leaders have remained engaged in hectic campaigning for the last two days, the two shared dais at New Shimla, Patyog, Kangnadhar and Dhalli. Today was the first day when the two leaders jointly addressed public meetings in support of the party-backed candidates. The two will tomorrow jointly release the Congress vision document for Shimla called Shimla Sankalp. Virbhadra and Sukhu undertook joint campaign in a bid to dispel the notion that the Congress is a divided house. Congress has always worked towards maintaining the glory of Shimla which has remained the erstwhile summer capital of the British and we remain committed to this resolve, said Virbhadra. He said his government had cleared several schemes and projects to ensure that Shimla retained its glory and attracted tourists from world over. The Chief Minister today campaigned in Totu and Majhyaat wards along with his son and the state Youth Congress president Vikramaditya Singh. Virbhadra visited more than 10 of the 34 wards that form part of Shimla MC. Addressing the gathering in support of the Congress-backed candidate Kusum Thakur (New Shimla) Mahima Thakur (Patyog) and Monika (Kangnadhar), Sukhu said the Congress remained committed to providing the best facilities and living conditions to the people of the state capital. Our motto remains kaam hi pehchaan and it is on the basis of the development work done by the successive Congress regimes and the Congress-dominated SMC that we are seeking votes, he remarked. The Congress chief said Shimla has had a BJP legislator for the last 10 years and the corporation was under the control of the CPM. Both have failed to fulfill the promises they made to the people of the town during the election and now they are once again trying to make lofty promises to take the people for a ride, he said. He said the Congress was committed to restoring the lost glory of Shimla while the Mayor and Deputy Mayor had failed to utilize the money released by the state government for the SMC. Sukhu said providing adequate clean drinking water to the residents was the top priority of the Congress regime. He added that it is with the support of the public that Congress will take Shimla to even greater heights. Azhar Qadri & Suhail A Shah Tribune News Service Srinagar/Anantnag, June 13 For the first time in recent years, militants carried out a series of near-simultaneous attacks in four districts of Kashmir valley on Tuesday, injuring 16 security personnel and looting four rifles. The first attack took place in Tral sub-district in the evening and by the night-fall, the militants had carried out a total of six attacksfive in south Kashmir and one in north Kashmir. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) DGP SP Vaid said there was prior intelligence about possible escalation in attacks to commemorate the anniversary of Battle of Badr, the first battle fought by a Muslim army in the seventh century. Today was the 17th day of Ramazan, it is also the day of Battle of Badr. We had inputs on escalation of their activities and grenade attacks, he said. In Tral, located in volatile south Kashmir, militants hurled a grenade at a CRPF camp in which 10 paramilitary personnel were injured. Zulfiqar Hassan, IG (Operations), CRPF, said the injured were rushed to Army 92 Base Hospital in the city and were reportedly in a stable condition. Following a brief lull, the militants carried out five attacks within a span of an hour, targeting a guard post at the residence of a retired judge, a police station, CRPF camp and two Army camps. At the guard post securing the residence of retired Justice Muzafar Attar in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, militants injured two policemen and looted four self-loading rifles. A police official said the militants opened indiscriminate fire at policemen guarding the house, injuring two of them. Attar, who is now affiliated with a political party, and his family were not at home. Both the injured have been shifted to Anantnag district hospital. While one of them is stable, another is in a critical condition, the police official said. In Pulwama district, militants hurled a grenade at a CRPF camp in Padgampora locality. Minutes later, militants fired a rifle grenade at the police station in Pulwama town and opened fire at the policemen. A police spokesman said two of their personnel sustained minor injuries. The fifth attack of the day targeted an Army camp in north Kashmirs Sopore sub-district. The DGP said a rifle grenade was fired at the camp. Later in the night, the militants also attacked an Army camp at Lurgam village of Tral. Two personnel were injured in the attack. A police spokesman said the militants fired a rifle grenade at the 42 Rashtriya Rifles camp. Meeting on security New Delhi: After holding meetings with CMs of Naxal-affected states and those having boundaries with Pakistan, China and Myanmar, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called a conference of state Home Ministers on July 3 to discuss internal security. Pervin Malhotra Q.Ive just appeared for my board exams. Please tell me how I should apply to universities in Canada? Do they require SAT or ACT scores? I have not prepared for either. Pradeep Rawal A.No written test is necessary for obtaining admission to Canadian universities or colleges. But while the SAT is generally not required, a few universities (e.g., McGill University) may consider SAT scores when reviewing applications. The basic requirement is a strong academic record demonstrated through secondary and senior secondary results (CBSE or ICSE). Popular programmes and universities typically require marks in the higher 80s, but this will vary across programmes and institutions. English language proficiency: As English is not the first language in India, Indian applicants must provide an English proficiency test score. An IELTS score of 6.5 and above or TOEFL (internet based) score of 90 and above is required. Although universities and colleges will accept either of the two, the Canadian High Commission in India highly recommends proof of your IELTS score. If youre applying to a Quebec-based university where the medium of instruction is French, you need to provide French proficiency test scores. What are the job prospects in urban planning? Q.I am doing my masters in geography. Ive heard that, postgrads in geography can go into Urban Planning. What are the career prospects? Tarun Horo A.In 2000, only 40 per cent of the population in developing countries lived in cities. This is expected to increase to 56 per cent by 2030. Half of all Indians would be living in urban areas by 2050. Our future, therefore, hinges on the sensitivity, expertise and speed with which this urban transition is handled. The chief impediment is not technology or capital, but the availability of sufficient numbers of professional urban change-makers. We have only 5,000 registered urban planners in India: i.e. just one planner for 75,000 people. Urban planners are big-scale thinkers. Whether developing a local park or a whole cosmopolitan city they juggle the realities of the here and now with the possibilities of the distant future to create, revitalize and grow vibrant communities. Before creating a plan, urban planners assess and evaluate all available information. This involves research, surveying the area and consulting with the health, sanitation and transport departments in the government. Besides a fair amount of administrative and managerial skills, writing reports, addressing meetings, youll closely work with other professionals such as architects, lawyers, civil engineers, statisticians, sociologists and economists. Once youve completed your MPlan degree from a reputed institution, diverse career paths will open up for you. You could work with government agencies, private consulting firms and MNCs, non-profit agencies or international organizations such as the World Bank, UNESCO, WHO, etc. Tourism boards, health authorities, construction companies and environmental organizations also require the services of planners. Find your true interest Q. I have so many and varied interests that when people ask me what career I have finally chosen I feel very confused and pressured. They ask me to stay focused on one particular field and not waver? I like science and dancing and law and history and Spanish language, to name just a few. I also tend to get bored of things soon. Please suggest how to resolve this dilemma. I am in my final year of BSc. Kaveri Rathod' A.While its always good to do something you love, its also OK not to think of your career as your whole life. The important thing in such a situation is to believe in yourself, and delve into your interests one by one initially picking something that can easily translate into a monetary benefit. You know, we often fear the consequences of failing if we focus on just one thing. But succeeding in a specific area will give you the confidence to focus on the next one. Be open to doing multiple things throughout your life if you don't feel like sticking to one specific job. There are no hard and fast rules here. But if you have multiple interests, do also remember that not all of them can, or need to translate into careers. So, instead of merely focusing on your various interests, do also factor in your inherent talents the tasks you can do effortlessly. Another thing that may hold you in good stead while keeping your options open is to develop some transferable skills youll discover that the expert knowledge youve gained in one field is often transferrable to other fields. In fact, now most careers are inter-disciplinary. So having a wide range of interests will afford you greater flexibility when it comes to finding a job in another field. Now, you may not become an expert fashion stylist without practice, but if you know how to creatively solve problems, communicate with others, quickly learn new things by training your brain to do so, these skills will apply to fashion styling as well. And if you keep an open mind, youll be delighted to find that an interest in one often connects you to your other interests. It may take a while. Im not saying youll be able to master them immediately, but if you keep learning, youll gather all sorts of cross-disciplinary insights. After that, its mostly about whom you know and how you can sell it to them. A good career aptitude test would give you a fair understanding of your skills and interests regardless of whether you pick those specific careers or not. Usha Albuquerque For those of you for whom college education begins and ends at Delhi University, there is good news and some hope. The university has started several new courses and has also increased the number of seats this year. With cut-offs crowding around 95-100 per cent, most aspirants feel distressed even thinking about the possibility of making the grade for their favourite college, or any college for that matter. But if one were to go by the final cut-off list of last year (the percentage of marks at which the admissions closed), there were many college courses which admitted students with as low as 68-75 per cent marks for some courses. If your heart is set on a particular subject then you may have to be prepared for considering alternative options to Delhi University if your marks do not measure up. But if you do not have a particular course in mind and are willing to consider a variety of subject options, then it is likely you wont be disappointed. Often the best option for the undecided is to take up graduation in an arts, commerce or science subject of their choice which may be a good base for further study. So a BA, BSc or even the general programme courses can be the starting point leading to further studies at post-graduation, in any specialised field. While a majority of students seeking admission target the more popular courses such as the commerce and business studies, some science courses and a few social sciences, there are so many other courses worth a second look. In the past couple of years several new courses have also been introduced in several colleges, as well as a couple of new courses in the university. These include Political Science (Hons) at St Stephens College; Sociology (Hons) at Indraprastha College for Women; Mathematics (Hons) at Gargi College and Delhi College of Arts and Commerce; as well as Computer Science (Hons), History, Psychology and Mathematics (Hons) at Aryabhatta College; and several new courses at Bharti College, Ramanujan College and Daulat Ram College. In addition, a new course being introduced is the BSc in Forensic Science which will be started at SGTB Khalsa College. Also a new five-year integrated course in journalism will make its debut this academic session under the Faculty of Social Sciences a big relief for male students interested in journalism and mass communication. The only other college offering this course being the all-girls Indraprastha College. Some interesting courses at DU that deserve special mention include : Faculty of Arts/Social Sciences/ Applied Social Sciences & Humanities BA and BA Hons in Indian and foreign languages, including Bengali, Punjabi, Persian, Arabic, Spanish and Italian. In todays globalised world language fluency can open doors to a range of jobs with corporate organisation based in or dealing with foreign countries, international organisations, and in jobs related to travel, and communications. BA (Hons) in Hindi Patrakarita (Hindi Journalism) offered at Aditi Maha Vidyalaya College, Dr BhimRao Amedkar College, Ram Lal Anand College, Ramanujam College, is another good programme for anyone looking for a career in journalism. Bachelors degree in Vocational studies (BVoc) which covers a range of interesting skill based courses in Healthcare Management, Retail Management & IT, Web designing, Printing Technology, Banking Operations, Software development, and TV programme and News production. Each course provides job -oriented training that can lead to direct employment on graduation. Admission will be given on the basis of cut-offs which are expected to be much lower than those for the regular Honours programmes, with a 2 per cent advantage given to those who have passed related vocational subjects to be included in the best of four subjects. Colleges offering B Voc courses include Maharaja Agrasen College, Kalindi College, Jesus and Mary College, and College of Vocational Studies. In addition, College of Vocational Studies continues with seven vocational courses that it has been offering for several years. These include tourism management, office management and secretarial practice, management and marketing of insurance, small and medium enterprises, materials management, human resource management and marketing management and retail business. Faculty of Science/Inter-disciplinary & Applied Sciences BSc Food Technology: Requires physics, chemistry, mathematics/biology or biotechnology. The course is being offered at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Science, Institute of Home Economics, and Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women. The course which covers food and nutrition, food processing and packaging, food chemistry, new product development, and so on can lead to jobs in food processing industries, dairy industries, distilleries, packaging units, research laboratories, catering establishments etc. Lady Irwin College and Institute of Homes Economics offer the BSc Home Science (Hons) course which requires any one science subject, and programme course, which is open to students of any stream can also lead into careers related to this field. BSc Biomedical Science: Offered by Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women requires students to have taken up physics, chemistry and biology/ biotechnology in Class XII. Students with maths as the additional fourth subject get a 3 per cent advantage. This is an inter-disciplinary science course covering biological chemistry, immunology, biotechnology, pharmacology and toxicology as well as bioinformatics, IPR, and human physiology and includes hands-on training in medical lab techniques, epidemiological data analysis, and with tools used in forensic science. Good opportunities for further study and jobs in scientific research and development, bioinstrumentation, medical imaging, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment manufacturing and healthcare await the pass outs. Two good courses to start this year include the five- year integrated Journalism programme and a BSc ( Hons) Forensic Science course at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur (SGTB) Khalsa College. Journalism, five-year integrated course To be offered at a new Delhi School of Journalism, this is a much sought after course being introduced this year. The course will lead to a masters degree in journalism, with an exit option after three years with a bachelors degree. The course will cover reporting and editing, media studies, social media, operations of mobile broadcast stations, as also study of foreign languages and regional languages. It will also include hands-on learning through internships and project work, print and media work and film documentary making. The B Sc (Hons) Forensic Science programme will require physics, chemistry and mathematics or biology, and cover subjects such as criminal law, forensic psychology, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic anthropology, forensic medicine. Good prospects with forensic labs, detective agencies and the police department are envisaged after such a course. Minna Zutshi Tribune News Service Ludhiana, June 13 For the hype about the vastly-improved healthcare facilities at the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana, the ground reality is apparently different. From the account of patients and their attendants, the hospital healthcare services remain inaccessible to poor, uneducated patients from lower socio-economic background. Mostly, these patients/attendants are uninformed about their rights and are ignorant about the medical facilities that they can rightfully avail themselves of. No time for treatment She is a migrant woman who had to run from pillar to post for her treatment. She was told that she had swelling in her stomach and stones in her gall bladder. She visited the Civil Hospital, hoping for a quick and reliable treatment. Her first visit was followed by second and third and yet more visits. The visits were more painful than the pain of the disease she was suffering from. The hospital visits drained her of time, energy and finances a visit would gulp down a day and a days earnings. Finally, she was told that she should consult a private practitioner who could operate upon her. The doctors at the Civil Hospital were too busy and short-staffed to perform surgeries, she was told. Treatment unavailable A Class-IV employee working as a safai karamchari recounts how the Civil Hospital refused to provide medical aid to her sick husband. She said she was told that the hospital did not have the provision for the required treatment (unable to specify, she said the treatment pertained to a respiratory problem). The woman took her husband to a private practitioner who informed her that her husbands BP was dangerously low. Financial constraints made the woman delay her husbands treatment. Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 13 Amid calls for a nationwide shavasana on International Yoga Day on June 21 and a Shaheed Kisan Mahapanchayat in Mandsaur on July 6, the issue of farming distress and protests in Madhya Pradesh gained momentum as two more farmer suicides were reported from the state in the past 24 hours. Makhan Lal in Hoshangabads Bhairopur village allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself. His family said he was deeply distressed as he had many outstanding loans and had even sold off land to repay some of the debt. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Hari Singh Jatav of Jirapur village in Vidhisha, who allegedly consumed poison on Monday, passed away at a hospital in the night. With this, the number of suicides by MP farmers has risen to four in the past one week. Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kantilal Bhuria and supporters, meanwhile, were detained on way to Mandsaur today. Also, Gujarats Patidar movement leader Hardik Patel was arrested in Neemuch district while heading to meet the families of farmers killed in police firing last week. The man behind the MP protests Shiv Kumar Sharma or Kakaji of the Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh plans to take on the ruling BJP by asking farmers to perform shavasana (corpse pose) to portray their current state on the International Yoga Day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs yoga with people. The sangh a group of 62 farmer unions will hold nationwide protests wherein farmers will lie down wherever they can to suggest that the farming community has been driven to its deathbed because of the agrarian crisis. On June 16, farmers will block national highways across the country for three hours, while on June 19, the Kakaji-led Mahasangh will meet to decide whether or not to take political support for their cause, which the BJP claims they already have from the Congress. This Kakaji denies vehemently. The farmer organisations are demanding a one-time waiver of all loans coupled with remunerative prices. Manas Dasgupta Ahmedabad, June 13 The BJP government in Gujarat has been caught distributing schoolbags with pictures of former Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The faux pas causing a major embarrassment to the BJP has come to light in the tribal-dominated Chhota-Udepur district carved out of the Vadodara district and is not immediately known if similar bags have been distributed in other districts too. The schoolbags, as part of the state governments scheme to encourage people from backward classes to send their kids to schools, are distributed every year during the Shala Pravesh Utsav (school admission celebrations), which began with the reopening of the schools after summer vacation in the state yesterday. Over 12,000 bags were distributed in Chhota-Udepur district with the sticker Jilla Shikshan Sakha (District Education Department). But on suspicion when the stickers were pulled out, out came another sticker with the picture of smiling Akhilesh and UP slogan Khub Padho, Khub Badho. An embarrassed Education Minister Bhupendra Chudasma has ordered an inquiry. The bags were purchased online from a Surat-based private company at Rs124 each, he said. By Press Trust of India: ships records Kochi, Jun 13 (PTI) Officers from the Director General (Shipping) and the Mercantile Marine Department today seized all records, including digital data, of a foreign cargo ship suspected to have hit an Indian fishing boat off the coast here, killing two fishermen. Inquiry officers inspected the Panama-registered cargo ship Amber L, suspected to be involved in the incident. advertisement The officers took the documents into custody in the presence of officials including those from coastal police, Indian coast guard and lawyers representing the owners of the vessel, the Mercantile Marine Department said in a statement here. Customs, Immigration and Cochin Port Trust officials were also present during the inspection. "Further scrutiny of these documents for the purpose of inquiry will be undertaken by the investigating officers, after obtaining necessary concurrence in this regard from the High Court of Kerala," it said. The Court had yesterday directed the two agencies to take safe custody of the original official log book, voyage data recorder, original log abstract, night order book and bell book, original GPS log and navigation chart for voyage of the vessel Amber L, suspected to be involved in the incident. Justice P B Suresh Kumar had passed the order on a petition by a co-owner of the boat who apprehended that digital records of the ship could be destroyed if they were not impounded. Two fishermen were killed and 11 injured when the cargo ship allegedly hit their fishing boat off Kochi coast around 2 AM on Monday. Out of the 14 crew members on-board, 11 were rescued by fishing boats operating in the vicinity and two bodies were recovered. One fisherman Motidas from Assam is missing after the collision. Coastal police authorities said a coordinated search and rescue operation by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard is on to locate the missing fisherman. The ship along with its crew was detained soon after the incident. PTI TGB BN IKA --- ENDS --- Bhubaneswar, June 13 Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh today demanded an apology from the Congress for its leader Sandeep Dikshits comment likening Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to a goon on the street. Apologies and regrets expressed by individual leaders are not enough, said Singh, a former Army Chief himself. Congress as a political party should apologise for his (Dikshits) remark, which is inappropriate and condemnable. The Minister said the Army does not indulge in politics in any form and works for the nation with complete dedication and commitment. Dikshit, an ex-Congress MP and son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, had yesterday said: Ours is not a mafia army like the Pakistani army which makes statements like goons. It looks bad when our Army Chief gives a statement like a sadak ka goonda (goon on the street). Dikshit later withdrew his statement. PTI Ahmedabad, June 13 Police arrested a man for allegedly throwing bangles at Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani on Tuesday while she was addressing a Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' rally in Amreli town. Irani later blamed the Congress for this incident and said that she was expecting this. "With elections soon to happen in Gujarat, I was expecting such tricks, Irani said. She said, "A man has been sent to attack a woman. This strategy of the Congress is absolutely wrong. According to the police, the man was identified as Ketan Kaswala, a resident of Mota Bhandaria village in Amreli district. Reportedly, ahead of the function, the police detained around 25 Congress workers for staging protests against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government outside the venue, Agriculture University Hall. Meanwhile, the Congress leaders resorted to hunger strike demanding the release of the detained man. This is not the first incident when a union minister has been insulted publicly. On June 10, the Bhubaneswar Police arrested five persons, including Youth Congress President Lokanath Maharathi for allegedly hurling eggs at Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh's vehicle near the State Guest House. They also showed him black flags in protest against the killing of six farmers in firing in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred soon after Singh left the State Guest House and was on his way to Jatni to attend a programme. Singh was here to attend the mega 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' event. On May 28, a member of the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti had allegedly hurled a shoe at Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Bhavnagar district. ANI Ratlam, June 13 Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kantilal Bhuria and several Congress supporters were detained while they were on their way to Mandsaur town the centre of last weeks farmer protests on Tuesday. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Congress leaders were detained at the Nayagaon-Jaora tollbooth while they were on their way to the town to meet families of farmers killed in last weeks police firing. Ratlam Superintendent Amit Singh said, "We have already informed the Congress leaders that section 144 has been imposed in Mandsaur and therefore, they would not be allowed to visit the town". The Congress leaders and their supporters staged a sit-in at the tollbooth demanding that they be allowed to visit Mandsaur before they were detained. Scindia insisted on going to Mandsaur, alone in view of the ban against assembly. "Why the police is preventing me from going to Mandsaur? This is Hitlershahi," he asked. Meanwhile, Scindia's supporters burnt an effigy of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Guna, the constituency of the Congress leader, and courted arrest. The farmers' protest in Madhya Pradesh, which began on June 1, took a violent turn on June 6, when five of them were killed in police firing at Mandsaur. Subsequently, bandhs and arson were witnessed as the agitation spread to other districts of western Madhya Pradesh including Neemuch, Dhar, Ratlam and Jhabua. Scindia is among the several political leaders and social activists who made their way to the site that saw six people being killed in police firing during farmer protests last week. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was also detained last week when he went to visit the farmers days after the violence. Patidar leader Hardik Patel, social activists Medha Patkar, former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav and Agnivesh were among others who were detained at Mandsaur. PTI/Agencies Bengaluru, June A special court on Tuesday refused to extend anticipatory bail of former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who faces corruption charges. Janata Dal (Secular) Party state president Kumaraswamy has been accused of having illegally granting permission to Janthakal Enterprises for illegal mining projects. With his anticipatory bail application now rejected, he could face arrest. Agencies New Delhi, June 13 Pregnant women should control lust, hang beautiful pictures on the wall and shun non-vegetarian food if they wish to have a healthy baby, a booklet released by the governments AYUSH Ministry says. The booklet Mother and Child Carewas distributed at a recent function here, presided over by the Minister of State for AYUSH, Shripad Naik, ahead of the International Day for Yoga observed on June 21. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Pregnant women should detach themselves from desire, anger, attachment, hatred and lust. Avoid bad company and be with good people, the tract, issued by the government-funded Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, says. Minister Naik told PTI that the booklet, published three years ago, is a compilation of yoga practices that are believed to help pregnant women. The Booklet does not contain any advice on abstaining from sex, he said. The booklet has a list of items that it believes pregnant women should steer clear of. Avoid tea, coffee, sugar, white flour products, garam masala, fried and oily items, egg and non-veg etc, it says. It advises them to have spiritual thoughts and read the life histories of great personalities. The booklet recommends hanging good and beautiful pictures on bedroom walls, which, it says, will also have a positive impact on the foetus. The booklet puts together relevant facts culled out from clinical practice in the fields of yoga and naturopathy. It also contains wisdom accumulated over many centuries of yogic practice, Naik says. PTI GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 13 The SGPCs participation in the SAD-BJPs statewide protest against the Congress government has not gone down well with Akal Takht. Criticising the move, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said the SGPC should have refrained from participating in any political programme. Personally, I feel that the SGPC president and other office-bearers should have avoided being part of a political protest. SGPCs jurisdiction should be restricted exclusively to religious matters, he said. The SAD-BJP combine had staged protests against the Congress over the alleged impropriety in sand mine auctions and its failure to fulfil pre-poll promises, including farm debt waiver. While SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar addressed political gathering at the Patiala DC office, several prominent SGPC members were present in the protest held at the Amritsar DC office. The SGPC chief had maintained that the apex body was compelled to join the protest against the Congress as various issues related to the Sikh religion were being overlooked. He cited the example of encroachment of the SGPC-owned gurdwara land at Bhai Rupa in Bathinda at the behest of Congress leaders. SAD (Delhi) general secretary and former DSGMCpresident Harwinder Singh Sarna emphasised that the SGPC presidents presence at the SAD protest testified that the existing body of the SGPC had surrendered itself before the Badals. Badungar should put in his papers and become an OSD to the SAD president, he said. Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 13 Three members of Punjabs Devinder Shooter gang allegedly committed suicide when cornered by Punjab and Haryana policemen in Sirsas Asakhera village in the wee hours today. Sirsa SP Satender Kumar Gupta said Punjab Police had a tip-off that gangsters Bunty Dhillon, Jaspreet alias Jumpy and Nishan Singh were hiding in Asakhera village. A police team from Faridkot arrived in Sirsa and, accompanied by the Dabwali police, surrounded the hideout. The SP said the gangsters fired 14 to 15 rounds and the Punjab cops three. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) When the firing stopped, the police teams climbed the terrace of the house where the gangsters were hiding. They found two bodies, which were identified as that of Bunty and Jaspreet. Nishan Singh, who had a bullet injury in the chest, died while being taken to hospital. Gupta said while Bunty and Jaspreet shot themselves in the temple, Nishan was perhaps shot by one of them. Two more accomplices of the gangsters were arrested, he said. While most villagers were tightlipped on the issue, Krishan Kumar, a former sarpanch of nearby Chautala village, said he had information that the gangsters were killed in the encounter. The police killed three of the five youths inside the house and detained two more, he alleged. Sources said Bunty and Jumpy had lately established links with the notorious Vicky Gounder gang. They were involved in the Tarn Taran shootout, Ravi Khwajka murder, Chautala killings, the shootout at Paonta Sahib on June 6 and other heinous crimes. Two pistols, a .32 revolver, a .315 bore rifle and 150 rounds of live cartridges were found at the encounter site. A Scorpio used by the gangsters was impounded, the police said. Award for 16 cops, says Punjab DGP Faridkot: Suresh Arora, Punjab DGP, announced that 16 Faridkot police officials who took part in the joint operation in Sirsa village, leading to the death of three gangsters, would be given promotions and appreciation letters. He said gangsters Bunty Dhillon and Jaspreet Singh were both proclaimed offenders. TNS Living dangerously Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 13 Israeli envoy to India Daniel Carmon has invited Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to visit his country in September to take forward their discussion on cooperation across a wide range of subjects, including defence, agriculture, horticulture and water conservation. This was disclosed here by an official spokesperson after the Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon met the Chief Minister here on Tuesday morning. The two sides explored enhanced cooperation in several areas that are critical for the development and progress of Punjab, said the spokesperson, adding that the Chief Minister had suggested that his delegation to Israel could include some progressive farmers. The Israeli delegation said they looked forward to the Chief Ministers visit, which could follow the Prime Ministers visit to their country, and offered to prepare a tailor-made agenda to ensure a continued meaningful dialogue. The delegation invited the Chief Minister to coincide his visit with WATEC Israel, an international professional exhibition to be held in Tel Aviv from September 12-14, which would offer a platform to showcase latest technologies in water and environment. While defence is on top priority for cooperation between Israel and Punjab, the Chief Minister is also keen to use Israeli expertise to promote horticulture, dairy farming, bee-keeping, irrigation and water conservation in the state. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 13 The SAD-BJP alliance today asked Governor VP Singh Badnore to direct the Congress government to get the sand mining scam investigated by national agencies. A delegation led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and state BJP chief Vijay Sampla submitted a memorandum to the Governor at Raj Bhavan here today. The delegation also asked Badnore to direct the Capt Amarinder Singh government to fulfil its poll promises, ensure the rule of law and protect the rights of the Dalit community. On the Rs 26-crore bid for a mine by Irrigation and Power Minister Rana Gurjit Singhs former employee, Sukhbir said it was an open-and-shut case of a benami transaction, which needed an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (IT) authorities. He said the one-man commission of a retired judge, JS Narang, formed by the government to probe the issue was just an eyewash. The SAD chief also asked the Governor to instruct the government to fulfil its promise to waive farmers loans completely in the Budget session itself. He said farm suicides had increased tremendously in the past three months with 70 farmers taking the extreme step. Sampla urged the Governor to ask the Congress government to take firm action to stop repression of the Dalit community. He said the SC community was being systematically targeted across the state for supporting the Akali-BJP alliance in the Assembly elections. While interacting with mediapersons outside Raj Bhavan, when the delegation was told that the Congress government was coming out with a white paper on state finances, Sukhbir said the SAD-BJP alliance would come out with a super-white paper on development done during the past 10 years. Probe all auctions in past 10 yrs: Cong Jalandhar: On the demand for an inquiry against Rana Gurjit Singh by Central agencies, PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar said here on Tuesday, Let us wait for the finding of the judicial commission first. Commenting on the silence over unearthing the money trail, the PPCC chief said, I am for an inquiry into all sand mining auctions during the past 10 years. Let there be a consensus on an investigating agency that satisfies the ruling and Opposition parties, he added. TNS Tribune News Service Chandigarh/Jalandhar, June 12 The Special Task Force of Punjab Police today arrested Inspector Inderjit Singh on charges of drug trafficking and seized drugs, arms and ammunition from his official quarters. Raids were carried out this morning on Inspector Inderjit Singhs Jalandhar Police Lines residence and his Phagwara quarters. While drugs were seized from the Phagwara house, weapons were found from the Jalandhar residence, the STF chief, Additional Director General of Police HS Sidhu, said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The police seized 7 kg of narcotics, including 4 kg of heroin, an Italy-made .9 mm, live cartridges of various calibers and Rs 16.50 lakh in cash during the raids. The Inspectors involvement in drug trafficking came to light when the STF was studying cases pertaining to large recoveries of narcotics in the past five years. It was found that Inderjit, as Inspector, had seized large consignments of drugs in 2013-14 but there was a pattern most of the accused were acquitted in cases where he was the investigating officer (IO). The accused were acquitted on the grounds that the Inspector was not competent enough to investigate the case as he held the rank of Head Constable. Under the NDPS Act, the minimum rank to investigate such cases is Assistant Sub-Inspector, Sidhu said. Holding the rank of Head Constable, Inderjit was given charge as Inspector under the own rank pay (ORP) system. The modus operandi that he adopted was simple he would nab smugglers along with drug consignments and in return of favours pave the way for their acquittal. Sources claimed Inderjit ran a drug trade under the garb of recoveries. Interestingly, Inderjit was the Investigating Officer in 10 drug cases registered in Tarn Taran between June 2013 and August 2014 when he was in charge of the districts CIA wing. Sidhu said they had definite information that Inderjit had links with smugglers. During 2013-2014, he not only provided protection to smugglers operating in Tarn Taran, but also ran a drug cartel through various associates, he said. Gangster Prince, arrested by the STF two months ago, is said to have given information against the Inspector. Already, a case filed by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau under Sections 7, 8 and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, is pending against the accused cop. By India Today Web Desk: Former Bigg Boss contestant Diandra Soares took a jibe at Katrina Kaif for allegedly having some cosmetic procedure done. In a Facebook post that has now been deleted, Diandra used a photo of Katrina from the recently-held Jagga Jasoos press conference and wrote how women should not "mess with nature" but instead, "mature naturally." Hair for Katrina at the Jagga Jasoos song launch #danielbauermakeupandhair @danielbauermakeupandhair #katrinakaif @katrinakaif #tanyaghavri @tanghavri #artistfactoryindia @artistfactoryindia A post shared by Daniel Bauer Makeup And Hair (@danielbauermakeupandhair) on Jun 9, 2017 at 11:05pm PDT A screengrab of Diandra Soares's now-deleted post advertisement Diandra also clarified that it was not a hate post for Katrina, but rather a piece of advice to all women. "Its just that I happened to see this pic n her interview n it got me thinking...as to why women are doing this all over the world (sic)." Diandra has deleted the post after being attacked by Katrina's fans online. She seems to have slyly responded to the outrage with her tweet, "Has everybody untwisted their panties???" Has everybody untwisted their panties???- Diandra Soares (@diandrasoares13) June 13, 2017 Meanwhile, Katrina has not commented on the issue. She had earlier said (at the same press conference, in fact) that she chooses to ignore the negativity that comes her way on social media, and focuses instead on the love that she gets from her fans. ALSO READ: Jagga Jasoos aka Ranbir Kapoor responds to Katrina Kaif's claim of being a better dancer ALSO WATCH: Ranbir and Katrina's awkward Jagga Jasoos press meet --- ENDS --- Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, June 13 PPCC president Sunil Jakhar today warned his SAD counterpart Sukhbir Badal that the presence of SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar at a dharna in Patiala could be an attempt by the committee chief of turning the tables on the former Deputy CM. It seems that Badungar is taking a shot at doing what former SGPC presidents Gurcharan Singh Tohra and Jagdev Singh Talwandi could not accomplish. The former wants to subvert the Badals who have been at the helm of SAD affairs for the past many decades. His presence there is being construed as a challenge to Sukhbirs authority, Jakhar quipped at a workers meeting here today. As Sukhbir Badal had yesterday issued a statement saying that Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh should educate Jakhar on Sikh ethos and governance, the Congress chief countered it by saying, Sukhbir should first stop playing with the sentiments of Sikhs by mixing religion with politics. The biggest example was for everyone to see at his partys protest in Patiala. My father Balram Jakhar taught me Manas ki jaat, sabhe ek hi pehchaan bo. Sukhbir evaded a reply on my query as to how both bidders for the LED advertisement contract at the Heritage Walk site in Amritsar were from Jaipur and none from Punjab, he questioned. London, June 13 A 21-year-old British man, who travelled to the Islamic State-controlled area of Syria in 2014, says he has escaped from the clutches of the dreaded terror group and he now hate them more than the Americans do. Jack Letts from Oxford, dubbed Jihadi Jack, is suspected of going to Syria to fight for so-called Islamic State. But he claims he is opposed to IS and has left their territory and is now being held by Kurdish forces fighting the group. Letts spoke to the BBC via text and voice messages. Speaking about leaving IS territory, Letts said: I found a smuggler and walked behind him through minefields. He said he and the smuggler eventually made it near a Kurdish point where we were shot at twice and slept in a field. He said he is now in solitary confinement in a jail in Kurdish-held north-east Syria. Letts converted to Islam while at Cherwell comprehensive school in Oxford. He travelled to Jordan, aged 18, in 2014, having dropped out of his A-levels. By the autumn of that year he was in IS- controlled territory in Syria. His family denies he went there to fight and instead say he was motivated by humanitarian reasons. He married in Iraq and now has a child. He said that he had been injured in an explosion and had gone to Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS in Syria, to recuperate. He claimed he became disillusioned with the group about a year ago after it killed its former supporters. I hate them more than the Americans hate them, he said. I realised they were not upon the truth so they put me in prison three times and threatened to kill me. He claimed he had escaped from low-security detention and had been in hiding when he managed to find a people smuggler to take him out. His parents have pleaded not guilty to charges of funding terrorism after being accused of sending cash to their son. John Letts and Sally Lane told the BBC that, having not heard from their son for several weeks, they suddenly received a message saying he was in a safe zone. It was the news weve been waiting for three years ever since he went out there and now we just want to get him home, said Lane. They believe their son is not being treated badly but are concerned about his mental health. Letts parents are calling on the British authorities to do whatever they can to help him. The government had told them that they could only help if he left IS territory but now he is out no-one wants to take responsibility, said Lane. Letts, an organic farmer, acknowledges that his son will have to account for his actions once he returns to Britain, but the family is not convinced he has done anything at all, from what he has told them. The UK government advises against all travel to Syria and parts of Iraq and a number of people who returned from these areas have been prosecuted. Asked by the BBC why the UK government should help him, Jack said: I dont want anyone to help me. Ill just chill here in solitary confinement till someone decides its easier to kill me, he added. PTI Dhaka, June 13 Landslides triggered by heavy rain buried hillside homes in Bangladesh on Tuesday killing at least 43 people with dozens missing, officials said. The landslides hit the hilly districts in the southeast, killing 10 people in one village, eight in another and seven in a third, said police official Rafiq Ullah. The death toll could go up as rescuers were searching for bodies and dozens of people were missing, he said. Densely populated Bangladesh is battered by storms, floods and landslides every rainy season. The latest fatalities came weeks after Cyclone Mora lashed Bangladesh's southeast, killing at least seven people and damaging tens of thousands of homes. In 2007, about 130 people were killed in a landslide in Chittagong in the southeast. Reuters Washington, June 12 They came to praise President Donald Trump, not focus on the controversies engulfing him. One by one, Trumps Cabinet members assembled around the table spoke effusively about the President as he sat beaming, soaking it all in at the first formal gathering of his most senior officials at the White House on Monday. The lavishing of praise and adulation contrasted with the storm enveloping the president as he struggles with myriad crises, including an investigation into possible ties between his election campaign and Russian meddling in the race. For him, the meeting was a welcome rendering of what he feels are major accomplishments ignored by his detractors, even though major legislative achievements have eluded him thus far. There was no one more gushing than White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, who is frequently the target of criticism from long-time Trump advisers and is often see as just one misstep away from being ousted, even though rumours of his departure have all proved to be premature. Trump used the meeting to try to show a sense of momentum for his agenda after weeks of being engulfed in controversy over his May 9 firing of FBI Director James Comey, who was heading the Russia investigation. Weve been about as active as you can possibly be and at a just about record pace, he said. In just a very short time we are seeing amazing results. People are surprised. Its kicking in very fast. But one of his greatest adversaries, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, put together a mock video of a meeting with his staff with aides praising Schumer. Michelle, howd my hair look coming out of the gym this morning? Schumer asks, turning to one staffer. You have great hair. Nobody has better hair than you, Michelle said. Priebus was not alone in using the opportunity to praise Trump. It is the greatest privilege of my life to serve as vice president. The president is keeping his word to the American people, said Vice President Mike Pence. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, noting the comments from other officials who said they had recently been abroad, noted wryly: While we are bragging about international travel I just got back from Mississippi and they like you there. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, who as governor of South Carolina had endorsed Trump opponent Marco Rubio last year, called it a new day at the UN with Trump in power. Reuters New York, June 13 A senior Bangladeshi diplomat here has been indicted on charges of forcing his domestic help to work long hours without pay, with prosecutors saying he tried to cover up his actions after an Indian diplomat faced visa fraud charges and accused of exploiting her maid in 2013. Md Shaheldul Islam, 45, is the Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh in New York and holds limited immunity which pertains specifically to official actions only, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. Islam was indicted by a Queens County grand jury with 33 counts of labour trafficking, assault and other charges. He was arraigned yesterday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, who set bail at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash and ordered Islam to surrender his passport.If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. According to the indictment, Md Amin was brought to Queens from Bangladesh around 2012 to work as household help for Islam and his family. Soon after Amins arrival, Islam allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day in the familys home. However, Islam sought to cover up his own alleged illegal actions after Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was then Indias Deputy Consul General in the city, was indicted in January 2014 on visa fraud and making false statements regarding the visa application of her domestic worker, Brown said. Khobragade too was accused of underpaying her domestic help while making her work long hours and of intimidating her and her family. PTI DHAKA, June 13 Bangladesh's foreign ministry summoned a United States diplomat on Tuesday to express dismay over the arrest of the country's deputy consul general in New York on charges of labour trafficking and assault. The deputy consul general Mohammed Shaheldul Islam was indicted on Monday on charges of using threats and intimidation to force his servant to work without pay, a New York City prosecutor said. Islam has limited diplomatic immunity and was ordered to surrender his passport when he appeared in court, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Bail was set at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash and was due to be posted on Tuesday. According to the indictment, Islam brought another Bangladeshi, Ruhul Amin, to New York between 2012 and 2013 to work as household help. Mahbub Uz Zaman, Dhaka's acting foreign secretary, summoned the US diplomat to the foreign ministry to ask for an explanation. "We have urged the US to release Bangladesh's deputy consul general," he said without elaborating. Shameem Ahsan, the Bangladeshi consul general in New York, told Reuters over the telephone from New York that Amin disappeared on May 17, 2016 but only made these allegations recently. "It is surprising for us that after 13 months he has appeared with these allegations. Why did he not raise this issue earlier?" he said. Reuters New York, June 13 A senior Bangladeshi diplomat here has been indicted on charges of allegedly forcing his domestic help to work long hours without pay, with prosecutors saying he tried to cover up his illegal actions. Md Shaheldul Islam, 45, is the Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh in New York and holds limited immunity which pertains specifically to official actions only, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. Islam was indicted by a Queens County grand jury with 33 counts of labour trafficking, assault and other charges. He was arraigned on Monday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, who set bail at USD 50,000 bond or USD 25,000 cash and ordered Islam to surrender his passport. Islams next court date is June 28 and if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) According to the indictment, Md Amin was brought to Queens from Bangladesh around 2012 to work as household help for Islam and his family. Soon after Amins arrival, Islam allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day in the familys home. Even though Amin had a contract which outlined his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work and if he disobeyed Islams orders, Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the diplomat, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe. The Bangladeshi diplomat allegedly forced Amin to work for his family in their Queens home without financial compensation from approximately 2012 through May 2016, when the victim was able to escape. According to the charges, the victims only source of income came from tips from guests when he was a server at parties and a minuscule amount of money that Islam sent to Amins family in Bangladesh. However, Islam sought to cover up his own alleged illegal actions after Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was then Indias Deputy Consul General in the city, was indicted in January 2014 on visa fraud and making false statements regarding the visa application of her domestic worker. Khobragade, too, was accused of underpaying her domestic help while making her work long hours and of intimidating her and her family. Manhattans former top federal prosecutor Indian-American Preet Bharara had brought the charges against Khobragade, setting off a major diplomatic crisis between Washington and New Delhi. However, in 2014, shortly after there was local news coverage of an Indian diplomat being charged with labour trafficking, the defendant allegedly sought to cover up his own alleged illegal actions by taking most of the victims cash tip money which he gave back in the form of a cheque. It is alleged that the victim then had to deposit the cheque into his bank account, thereby creating the appearance that the employee was receiving a paycheque, the Queens District Attorney statement said, referring to the Khobragade incident without naming the Indian diplomat. Finally, according to the criminal charges, when Amin asked to leave his job on several occasions, Islam in response, allegedly hit him or threatened to harm his family back home in Bangladesh. It is alleged that Islam specifically threatened to kill the mans mother and young son and, on occasion, stated he would have Amins college-age daughter shamed if he did not continue to work as his servant. In May 2016, Amin was able to escape from the residence and reported his experience to the police. The allegations in this case are very disturbing. A diplomat is accused of using both physical force and vile threats to control a person in his employment and whom he refused to pay, Brown said, adding that Islam seized his domestic helps passport and, from the first day on the job, refused to pay wages due the employee. PTI Washington, June 13 The visa ban is about national security and not against any religion, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has said after a US appeals court upheld a decision blocking President Donald Trumps revised executive order imposing a travel ban on six Muslim-majority nations. President Trump knows that the country he has been elected to lead is threatened daily by terrorists who believe in a radical ideology, and that there are active plots to infiltrate the US immigration system--just as occurred prior to 9/11, Sessions said in a statement on Monday. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) He was reacting to Mondays ruling by a three-judge bench of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit against the revised travel ban. The bench had unanimously ruled against the ban, saying the executive order signed by Trump exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress to oversee immigration. The President is committed to protecting the American people and our national security, and we are proud to support his mission to put America first by defending his right to keep us safe, Sessions said, adding, This is the reason why the Department of Justice will continue to seek further review by the Supreme Court. Sessions said the Presidents executive order is well within his lawful authority to keep the nation safe. We disagree with the Ninth Circuits decision to block that authority, he said. The recent attacks confirm that the threat to the nation is immediate and real, he said. Certain countries shelter or sponsor terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and we may be unable to obtain any reliable background information on individuals from these war-torn, failed states, he said. Sessions cautioned against placing our nation at risk until we have the have the ability accurately and responsibly to vet those seeking entry here. The President was clear in his landmark speech in Saudi Arabia: this is not about religion; it is about national security. In fact, he called upon leaders in the Muslim world to join the United States in protecting religious freedom for all, including the freedom to be free from violence and terror, Sessions said. He said the executive branch is entrusted with the responsibility to keep the country safe under Article II of the constitution but unfortunately, this injunction prevents him from fully carrying out his Article II duties and has a chilling effect on security operations overall. Mondays ruling was the latest in a string of judicial blows to Trumps efforts to prohibit the entry of citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days while the US government reviews their screening procedures. The executive order also called for a 120-day ban on all refugees. PTI Beijing, June 13 In a diplomatic coup for China, Panama today cut long-standing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with Beijing as the cash-rich Communist giant exerted its economic clout to wean away handful of allies of the self-ruled island. Regarded as big blow for Taiwan, China and Panama signed a joint communique here formally establishing full-fledged diplomatic relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panamas vice president and foreign minister, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. They signed the joint communique in which Panama has recognised One China, meaning that Taiwan is part of the Chinese mainland. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said on Monday that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China. Im convinced that this is the correct path for our country, Varela said. Taiwan expressed anger and regret over the very unfriendly diplomatic turn by Panama that yielded to economic interests by the Beijing authorities. It accused Panama of bullying Taiwan while ignoring the many years of friendship between the two countries, and added it would not compete with the Beijing authorities for money diplomacy. Last June Taiwans leader Tsai Ing-wen, a strong advocate of Taiwans independence from China visited Panama, on her first overseas trip as President. PTI By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) A state-of-the-art technology centre of tyre manufacturer Michelin India was inaugurated by French envoy Alexandre Ziegler in Manesar near here today. The sprawling 3,800-sqm Michelin Indias Research and Development Laboratory in Haryana seeks to expand the French majors research and innovation capacity and strengthens its commitment to the mobility industry in the region. advertisement This technology centre is focused on radial truck and bus tyre research and development, and will provide technical support to the companys manufacturing facilities in Chennai, China and Thailand. "Our vibrant economic partnership with India is boosted by Frances leading companies such as Michelin which actively contribute to Make in India and bring research and development technology expertise here. "Along with providing innovative products to India and other emerging markets in the region, this technology centre will also help augment skilling, thus contributing to the Indian governments National Skill Development Mission, a key parameter for global competitiveness for India," Ziegler was quoted as saying in a statement by the French Embassy. With an annual research and development budget of more than 700 million euros, Michelin has over 6,000 employees engaged in research, development and process engineering at technology centres in Europe, North America and Asia, it said. PTI KND SMN --- ENDS --- 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 ... Three Girl Scouts were murdered on June 13, 1977, at a camp located near Locust Grove. Gene Leroy Hart was arrested on April 6, 1978, after the largest manhunt in state history. The anticipated trial furthered divisions among Hart supporters and those convinced of his guilt, and by the time it finally kicked off in March 1979, emotions were running high, with national media attention only adding to it. The prosecution in the State of Oklahoma vs. Gene Leroy Hart called 32 witnesses in making its case. Among them: Larry Dry, a convict and former associate of Hart's Carla Wilhite, Dee Elder, Susan Emery and Karen Mitchell, Camp Scott counselors Ann Reed, forensic chemist Neil Hoffman, Oklahoma state medical examiner John MacLeod, Cornell University professor of anatomy and expert on human reproduction Breakdown of the major prosecution evidence: Sperm: MacLeod, flown to the trial from New York, testified that sperm taken from the bodies and from Hart's underwear were "quite similar." Hair: Hair samples taken from the bodies and from Hart's head were "exactly the same," according to Reed, an OSBI chemist. She said they came either from Hart or from someone's hair "with the same microscopic characteristics." It's important to note: As of 2015, with the FBI's admission of problems with it, microscopic hair analysis has been discredited as a forensic technique. Items discovered in a cave three miles from Camp Scott: That cave, which witness testimony said Hart had used while on the run, was situated just 100 feet from Hart's onetime boyhood home, of which a foundation and cellar were all that was left. Items found included a pair of sunglasses alleged to have been stolen from a Camp Scott counselor; a roll of tape that matched tape found at the death scene (the tape was on a flashlight presumably left behind by the killer); and photos reportedly developed by Hart, who'd once worked in a prison photo lab. Items recovered from the shack where Hart was captured: These included a mirror and toy pipe, which another Camp Scott counselor testified had been taken from her tent. The flashlight: Left behind at the crime scene, it had been modified in a specific way that emitted only a slice of light a way that Hart was known to use to modify flashlights, according to testimony from an associate of Hart's. Among witnesses called by the defense to try to undermine prosecution claims, three of the most important included: Allen Little, former Mayes County Sheriff's jailer. He testified of the photos linked to Hart that he saw them in the sheriff's office after the prisoner's escape in 1973, which the defense cited as evidence they must have been planted in the cave. Sam Pigeon, an older Cherokee man at whose shack Hart had been captured. With help from a Cherokee interpreter, he testified that he'd never before seen the items in his home that were later recovered there by OSBI agents. Joyce Paine, an Okmulgee woman who gave testimony implicating Kansas convict Bill Stevens in the murders. Paine was charged with perjury for this, before ultimately pleading no contest to a reduced charge. Related content The complete Girl Scout Murders series Chapter 1: Tulsans react to the stunning news that three area girls have been murdered at a Girl Scout camp near Locust Grove. Chapter 2: The largest manhunt in Oklahoma history kicks off in pursuit of two-time prison escapee Gene Leroy Hart, who, despite being charged with the murders, has a growing number of supporters. Chapter 3: One of the state's most-anticipated and sensational trials pits a seasoned, successful district attorney from Tulsa County against a scrappy, young Oklahoma City defense attorney in a battle over evidence and accusations that Hart is being framed. Chapter 4: Officials stop pursuing the case despite a not-guilty verdict, and Hart dies unexpectedly while in prison for unrelated crimes. Chapter 5: In the years following the murders, the survivors and others affected continue trying to make sense of it all, while maintaining hope that advancements in DNA testing may ultimately bring answers. Chapter 6: After 40 years, the victims' families show their resilience, undeterred by the mystery that still surrounds the case. The local Congress leaders claimed that the man, by throwing the bangles, had actually raised the demand for a complete farm loan waiver in the state. By Press Trust of India: A man was detained by the police on Monday for throwing bangles at Union minister Smriti Irani while she was addressing a function at Amreli town in Gujarat. The man, in his mid-20s, was identified as Ketan Kaswala, a resident of Mota Bhandaria village in Amreli district, the police said. The incident happened in the evening when the Union textile minister was addressing a gathering as part of the celebrations of the completion of three years of the Narendra Modi government, said Amreli Superintendent of Police (SP) Jagdish Patel. advertisement "As the minister was addressing the crowd, Kaswala, who was sitting far from the dais, suddenly got up and threw two or three bangles towards the stage and shouted 'Vande Mataram'. Due to the distance, the bangles did not reach the stage and the policemen quickly took him away," he said. DEMAND FOR COMPLETE FARM LOAN WAIVER While the local Congress leaders claimed that Kaswala, by throwing the bangles, had actually raised the demand for a complete farm loan waiver in the state, the police denied it. "Kaswala is not associated with the Congress or any other organisation. While throwing the bangles, he had shouted 'Vande Mataram' and no other slogan," said Patel. He added that when the policemen were taking him away, Irani urged them to let Kaswala take part in the event. "The minister even told the policemen to let him throw the bangles which she would send them to his wife as a gift," said Patel. 25 CONGRESS WORKERS DETAINED Ahead of the function, which was held at the Agriculture University hall, the police had briefly detained around 25 Congress workers for staging protests against the ruling BJP outside the venue. Local Congress MLA Paresh Dhanani claimed that Kaswala was a farmer who raised the demand for a complete farm loan waiver in Gujarat by throwing the bangles at Irani. "As per my information, Kaswala is a farmer who wanted the government to announce a farm loan waiver. He expressed his anger as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, both BJP-ruled states, did that recently. But, the BJP government here is yet to announce a farm loan waiver," he said. This is the second such incident in the recent past in which a Union minister was targeted in Modi's home state. On May 28, a member of the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti had hurled a shoe at Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Bhavnagar district, alleging that the BJP government was not doing anything for the educated youth of the country. Also Read: advertisement 1 of 4 DU students accused of 'stalking' Smriti Irani apologises to the minister 4 DU students detained for allegedly chasing, trying to overtake Smriti Irani's car WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- OKLAHOMA CITY Gov. Mary Fallin on Tuesday ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma Senate District 37 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Sen. Dan Newberry. Newberry, of Tulsa, announced his resignation earlier this month to take a position in senior management with TTCU The Credit Union. The resignation will become effective Jan. 31. The filing period for the special election is June 26-28. The special primary election is set for Sept. 12, and the special general election is scheduled for Nov. 14. In the event a special primary election is not necessary because no more than one candidate has filed in each party, the special general election will be Sept. 12. Senate District 37 covers part of Tulsa County. Police are looking for a 24-year-old woman who was charged with first-degree murder Monday in the shooting death of another woman in north Tulsa on Sunday. Ashley Good, also known as Sevyn, is charged in the death of 31-year-old Jade Jones, also known as Jade Thomas, who was found shot near Latimer Street and Delaware Avenue just before 2 p.m. Sunday. Sgt. Dave Walker said in a news release that Good, who had not been arrested by Monday evening, has been violent in the past and should be considered armed and dangerous. A witness to the shooting told police he saw Good carrying a .38-caliber revolver, according to a probable cause affidavit. Officers were called at 1:51 p.m. and found Jones lying wounded in a gravel lot. She was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where she died. Sgt. Marcus Harper said police believe that Jones and Good knew each other but that a motive for the shooting had not been determined. The affidavit says a witness told police she heard Jones yelling at a woman before she heard Jones say she had been shot. The witness said she had called Jones to figure out who had her husbands phone, as he was not answering her calls. Jones then went outside a residence and confronted Good, who is accused of shooting Jones once in the chest before fleeing in a white GMC Yukon. Jones boyfriend, according to the document, said he heard a gunshot and ran to the front of the residence to see her on the ground. He said Jones identified Sevyn as the shooter before slipping out of consciousness. He said he believed that Sevyns first name is Ashley, which helped officers identify Good as the suspect, according to the affidavit. The first witness husband told detectives that he drove the SUV to pick up Good at a home just north of Interstate 244 and Xanthus Avenue and then went to the house on Delaware to pick up another friend and take him to the store. He said he told that person upon his arrival that Good would take him instead. Police said the husband identified Good out of a photo lineup as the person who had a .38-caliber revolver at the house and the person who drove away in the Yukon. Anyone with information may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 918-596-COPS (2677), online at p3tips.com/918 or through the Tulsa Tips app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or iTunes stores. The homicide tip line can also be reached at 918-798-8477 or emails sent to homicide@cityoftulsa.org. The trial for a former Rogers County commissioner accused of conspiracy to defraud the county has been moved to July. Meanwhile, another former commissioner reached a plea deal last month in which he received a one-year suspended sentence and will pay $2,000 in restitution to Rogers County. The deal was reached for former commissioner Mike Helm, who pleaded guilty to an amended charge of embezzlement to obtaining property by false pretenses. Former commissioner Kirt Thacker will go to trial July 24 on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the county. His trial was to begin Monday but was postponed. The developments are the latest in a case that dates to 2013, when a grand jury began investigating claims of misconduct within Rogers County after residents took their concerns to the state Attorney Generals Office. Helm was indicted on an amended 2015 charge by the grand jury in 2016. He allegedly sold a county pickup truck component in May 2014 to a resident while serving as a Rogers County commissioner but did not give the county the money from the sale. Thacker was also indicted in 2015 on two counts of embezzlement based on claims he ordered county employees to use county equipment for improvements to his property. President Donald Trump nominated the district attorney of four northeastern Oklahoma counties on Monday for the vacant U.S. attorney post for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Trump selected Brian Kuester, the district attorney for District 27 in Oklahoma, for the position, according to a news release provided Monday evening by the White House. Oklahoma's District 27 consists of Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties. The U.S. Eastern District of Oklahoma, which has its headquarters in Muskogee, includes 26 counties that are primarily south and east of Tulsa County, including the four counties that make up District 27. It spans as far south as McCurtain and Pushmataha counties and as far west as Carter and Love counties. U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford, both Republicans, issued statements Monday evening in which they congratulated Kuester on his nomination and said they expect him to be confirmed by the Senate. Brian Kuester, President Trumps nominee for US Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, is a great candidate to serve in this role, Inhofe said. Since 2011, Mr. Kuester has served as the district attorney for Oklahomas 27th District and has a proven track record that is fair and ethical while upholding the highest standard of the law. Mr. Kuester is a good and honest Oklahoman and I look forward to confirming him in the Senate and working with him in his new role. Lankford said: Brian Kuester has dedicated his career to public service. He has served in his community as a police officer, district attorney and now future US Attorney. I congratulate Brian on his nomination, and I look forward to his confirmation in the days ahead. A phone call to Kuester seeking comment wasn't returned Monday evening. If confirmed, Kuester will replace Mark Green, who was U.S. attorney for the district from October 2010 through this March as a nominee of former President Barack Obama. Green held the position until U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions requested his resignation and that of 45 other U.S. attorneys across the country in March. Doug Horn, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, was named interim U.S. attorney at that time. U.S. attorneys are political appointees, and it is typical for them to resign when there is a change in which political party holds the White House. The 46 attorneys at issue in Sessions' request had not tendered their resignations beforehand. Danny Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Tulsa-based Northern District of Oklahoma, also resigned in March after Sessions' request. Loretta Radford has been the Northern District's interim U.S. attorney since then, and Trump hasn't yet offered a nomination to fill that post. Kuester has been the top attorney for District 27 since being elected in 2010 and again in 2014. He was previously an assistant district attorney in Tulsa County and staff counsel for Allstate Insurance Co., and he served on police agencies in Springfield and Fulton, Missouri, before earning his law degree from the University of Tulsa in 2000. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State University in 1990. A former Savanna police officer was arrested Tuesday on complaints of forcible sodomy, two counts of sexual battery and accepting a bribe, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The complaints against Jerry Jay Lynn Gragg Jr., 40, stem from an investigation of a Jan. 21 traffic stop in Pittsburg County. A female driver alleges Gragg pulled her over and said he would take her to jail unless she could pay the fine in full. The woman did not have enough money, according to an OSBI report. The woman alleged the officer then made sexual advances and forced her to perform oral sex. She later came forward with a complaint and provided a stained blouse that allegedly matched a DNA sample provided by Gragg. Savanna Police Chief David Spears said Gragg was terminated March 30 for policy and procedure violations. Spears said his agency had no knowledge of an investigation into the traffic stop at the time of Graggs firing. Gragg is in the Pittsburg County Jail. Jarrel Wade 918-581-8367 Twitter: @jwprairiedog Tulsa County deputies trying to get Joshua Barre to drop two butcher knives followed him for about a mile Friday morning before he was fatally shot by them and a Tulsa police officer as he entered a convenience store. Family members and the stores owner question why authorities didnt or couldnt act sooner to safely detain Barre, who was mentally ill. The Sheriffs Office and Police Department responded that they gave Barre every opportunity to follow commands and attempted to subdue him by Taser and held off on using deadly force until he became an imminent threat to the public. Barre, 29, stopped taking medication for his schizoaffective disorder in April, sending his mental health into decline, according to his family. The Sheriffs Offices Mental Health Unit had made three earlier attempts to detain him since a court order was signed May 31 for him to receive a mental-health evaluation or treatment. In two instances, authorities say, Barre threatened deputies, and in the third deputies were unable to locate him. Nyesha Barre said her brother, whom she described as a devout Christian who loved to draw, began exhibiting symptoms of mental illness in 2013 after the death of their father. Their mother provided deputies with Joshua Barres keys earlier this month so they could get him help, but deputies left empty-handed. She also questioned why, as deputies followed Barre for several blocks Friday, they didnt back down and call someone specifically trained to help mental-health patients or handle it in a way that doesnt end with him being dead. Basically, they failed him as a mental illness patient. If they would have done their part, he would still be with us today, Nyesha Barre said. They had ample opportunity to handle the situation before it escalated to his death. They failed to handle the situation in a matter of knowing he was actually mentally ill. Sheriff Vic Regalado told the Tulsa World on Monday that the two deputies who are in the agencys trained Mental Health Unit showed restraint in the encounter, trying to de-escalate the situation. Regalado said a deputy attempted to use a Taser a less-lethal option on Barre in the business parking lot but that its two barbs didnt make successful contact to complete the electrical circuit. Regalado said Mental Health Unit deputies also exhibited patience by not entering Barres home during previous attempts to serve the court order despite the familys having given the Sheriffs Office the keys to it. Yes, we could have entered into that house. But understand this is a civil action with an individual who has mental-health issues that is more than likely in psychosis, Regalado said. If we escalate by entering into his house, he may not know that we are there to put him into custody to get him help. At that point in time I believe we are escalating that issue, and if we have to use deadly force because weve entered into his house on a civil action where hes not a threat to the general public, I think thats where we would have serious issues. Muhammad Javed expressed concern to the Tulsa World that authorities fired into his occupied business, saying he thinks they could have handled the situation better. Javed is a 50-year-old co-owner of the Super Stop convenience store where Barre was killed. He was working the cash register when he noticed police cars pull into the parking lot with their lights activated. Javed walked to the glass door, which the only customer in the store was about to exit, and saw that multiple officers had their guns raised at a man approaching the door. He said he tried to lock the entrance but that he couldnt quickly find the right key among the many on his keychain. Javed then ran toward his office and told the customer to follow him. They didnt get far before the shots rang out. It was so quick. I didnt know what was going on, he said. I got scared when I saw the guns and moved away from the door. When I was just a few feet away, that guy entered inside and the police shot. He soon headed back to the entrance and saw the man lying on the floor as officers tried to resuscitate him. Javed said it was lucky that nobody inside the store was hurt. He and the customer had just moved out of the line of fire, and the only other employee was working in the kitchen. Although he was too afraid at the time to count the shots, he said he found six bullets that penetrated the door. Two rounds damaged the glass door of a cooler in the back of the store. Javed said he believes that the officers could have handled the situation better, adding that they had plenty of time to detain the man before he reached his business. They were shooting from all sides, he said. They were shooting, and they didnt know where our positions were inside the store. That also put our lives in danger, too. I was so scared. Javed said he and his colleagues will consider filing some kind of complaint. Surveillance video from the store shows a Tulsa police officer firing shots at Barre, but neither deputy appears to be in the footage. Regalado said a deputy was on either side of the entrance, putting the two deputies and single police officer in a triangle configuration. Regalado said its his speculation that they could clearly see inside the store, based on his past law enforcement experiences at that business and how visible the officer is on video from the inside looking out. He added that its his assumption that all three were fairly certain there was no risk posed to those inside when deciding to shoot. Sgt. Shane Tuell, a Tulsa Police Department spokesman, said officers are trained to know their backdrop, or, in other words, what is behind a person they might shoot. Officers do target practice with a dirt berm behind to stop the rounds in a controlled environment. Unfortunately, Tuell said, at some point a suspects actions will dictate what the backdrop is in an uncontrolled environment. He said he guarantees that the deputies and officer were thinking, I have to be as accurate as possible because there could be other people in there. Tuell said an officer must draw a line on how far a person can go or act before using deadly force and hope to God they dont cross that line. If Mr. Barre entered the store and just started attacking people, then did we not do our job? Tuell said. It becomes that question. Tuell said law enforcement officers focus was entirely on Barres safety until his actions threatened the occupants of the business. The poor young man had mental health issues, and we wanted to get him that help, he said. Authorities say five people taken out of a Rogers County house in handcuffs Tuesday afternoon are not related in any way to four men who recently escaped the Lincoln County Jail. The house is east of Catoosa near County Road South 4130 and 570. A neighbor saw an SUV broken down on the side of the road Tuesday afternoon and knew the occupants weren't from the neighborhood, according to Rogers County Sgt. Kyle Baker. Authorities converged on the home about 5:10 p.m. Four men and a woman were removed in handcuffs. Baker said the woman was arrested on a felony fraud warrant, but the men were to be released. Baker said it was a case of mistaken identity when a passerby reported individuals running from a broken down SUV on County Road South 4130 near 580 Road. Baker said the men in the home matched the neighbor's description but weren't the four jail escapees. "We thought they were maybe trying to avoid arrest or police when OHP showed up on scene," Baker said. The woman lived in the residence, while the four men were visitors, Baker said. Authorities have been searching for four men who escaped from the Lincoln County Jail, one of whom is charged with first-degree murder. Jeremy Tyson Irvin, 31; Trey Goodnight Glenn, 27; Brian Allen Moody, 23; and Sonny Baker, 41, escaped early Monday by climbing through the ventilation system, according to the Sheriffs Office in Chandler. Irvin was charged with first-degree murder last September and is scheduled for trial Oct. 16. Moody and Baker, who authorities say escaped by the same method in March and were recaptured, were in the jail on property crimes, as was Goodnight. Irvin was described as 5-foot-2, white and about 100 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. Those with knowledge of the escapees whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office at 405-258-1191. The incident was reported in a tribal village in Chhota Udaipur district of Gujarat. By India Today Web Desk: Schoolbags with former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's photograph were distributed in Gujarat. The incident was reported in a tribal village in Chhota Udaipur district of Gujarat. As part of an enrolment initiative, the government distributed schoolbags to 12,000 children. The schoolbags carried a logo which came off and revealed the photograph of Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav with the slogan 'Khub Padho, Khub Bahdo' on them. #WATCH Bags given to students at govt school in Chhota Udaipur reveal photo of Ex UP CM Akhilesh Yadav under stickers put on bags #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/hwIIUil7mK; ANI (@ANI_news) June 13, 2017 advertisement The education department has ordered a probe into the incident. According to local officials, the schoolbags were distributed through a Surat-based firm. As per rules, the schoolbags should have carried the logo of the Gujarat education department. While most bags carried the logo of the Gujarat education department, at least 5 per cent of the bags carried the photograph of Akhilesh Yadav. According to officials, the firm which supplied the schoolbags to the Gujarat education department had also supplied bags to the Uttar Pradesh government. Earlier, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh distributed schoolbags with Akhilesh Yadav's photograph on them in 23 districts. The Yogi government decided against wasting the schoolbags and directed the state administration to distribute them in time for the new academic session. ALSO READ: One Akhilesh Yadav project that may be spared Yogi Adityanath's axe Yogi Adityanath distributes schoolbags with images of Akhilesh Yadav's face Man throws bangles at Union minister Smriti Irani in Gujarat ALSO WATCH: Man who threw bangles at Smriti Irani during Amreli rally in Gujarat detained --- ENDS --- Update: Tulsa fire marshals determined the condo fire that seriously injured a 10-year-old girl was an accidental fire. Tulsa Fire Department Capt. Stan May said a juvenile in the condo started the fire accidentally. A 10-year-old girl was injured through smoke inhalation. She was transported to a local hospital in serious condition Monday night. Her condition was unavailable Tuesday. A child was in serious condition after being rescued from an east Tulsa residential fire Monday evening. The girl, whose age has not been released but was estimated at about 10, was in serious condition at the Childrens Hospital at Saint Francis Hospital, authorities said. Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Stan May said no burns were visible on the child, so smoke inhalation is the likely cause of her injury. The fire at the Oakbrook Village condominiums, in the area of 13th Street and 110th East Avenue, was reported just after 7 p.m., a dispatcher told the Tulsa World. The blaze was fully involved when firefighters arrived. Besides the child who was taken to a hospital, medics treated four other patients at the scene, the EMSA spokeswoman said. May indicated that the patients were firefighters and that they were being examined for heat exhaustion after fighting the blaze from inside the building. The girls grandmother was also being evaluated, he said. Andrew Fulton said he was driving by when he saw smoke and stopped to make sure any residents got outside. He climbed onto the roof and kicked in a window before firefighters arrived, he said. He found an elderly woman inside and yelled repeatedly for her to get outside, but she couldnt hear him, he said. She did manage to get outside, he said. Firefighters rescued the girl from an upstairs room, he said. Four families will be displaced from their homes in the quadplex. When a restaurant opens on tribal land in Broken Arrow this summer, a principal in its holding company says gaming machines wont be part of the development although they could be someday. The Embers Grille is set to open Aug. 1, said Luis Figueredo, principal with Red Creek Holdings LLC. The restaurant will be located on a Muscogee (Creek) allotment south of the Creek Turnpike, just off 129th East Avenue. The restaurant is described as new American-country chic and will serve cocktails, beers, appetizers and wood-fired specialty dishes. So far, the restaurant hasnt received a liquor license from the Oklahoma ABLE Commission, although a representative of the office said an application was submitted May 24. It normally takes 30 to 45 days to render a decision on applications, the representative said. Since developers proposed the restaurant, located near the same Creek Turnpike interchange as the thwarted Red Clay Casino project, theyve said it might one day host Class II gaming machines. The allotment belongs to Steve Bruner, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Though Figueredo said the prospect of gaming on the site was only a possibility, the holding company posted two positions on job website Indeed for openings at Red Creek Casino. Before being named The Embers Grille, the planned restaurant was referred to as Red Creek Dance Hall and Restaurant. When asked about the job postings, Figueredo said the company wanted whomever they hired in this case a finance manager/director and an information technology supervisor to have the skills to work for the casino if the transition to gaming at the facility is eventually made. We thought about just saying a financial person, but if at some point we decided to expand and put Class II games on which we told everyone we are considering it we want to make sure whomever we hire has that skill set, he said. Figueredo said hed been in contact with the Kialegee Tribal Town, a federally recognized tribe based in Wetumka, about providing gaming oversight for the development, but he could not confirm whether it has submitted a letter of intent to the National Indian Gaming Commission to license a new gaming facility at the site. Calls to the National Indian Gaming Commission and the tribe were not returned Monday. The Kialegee Tribal Town sent a similar letter of intent to the commission in April 2011 in conjunction with the Red Clay Casino project. The project was ultimately abandoned amid an outcry from residents and an injunction that halted the casino plans in 2012, despite the Kialegee tribes successfully appealing the injunction. In October, Broken Arrow city officials and residents discussed the development at a City Council meeting. There, officials discussed the restaurant and the potential for gaming on the site in the future. Three residents spoke at the meeting and expressed concerns about potential gaming at the location. City Attorney Beth Ann Childs then Wilkening spoke about the proposed development at the meeting when site representatives declined an invitation to do so. On Monday, Childs reaffirmed what she believes is the citys role in the project. I see the citys role as maximizing transparency with regards to this development. Although the city doesnt have any jurisdiction on this particular parcel, we still recognize the potential impact that it could have on surrounding properties, which are located within the city, she said. The citys jurisdiction ends at the propertys access point on 129th East Avenue, she said. The restaurant will use a well for water and a private anaerobic sewage-treatment system rather than city utilities. GROVE Authorities are investigating after a woman was found fatally shot in her back yard in a Grove subdivision, the police chief said. Authorities are not looking for a suspect, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. Family members found the woman's body on Monday in the Quail Run subdivision, Grove Police Chief Mark Morris said. State and local law enforcement are investigating the fatal shooting, said OSBI spokeswoman Jessica Brown. Agents are still on the scene investigating, Brown said. The woman's identity has not been released, pending notification of next-of-kin, authorities said. Eleven emerging directors, six screenwriters and ten online creators will travel to LA this month taking part in masterclasses, professional development activities and industry networking. Talent LA is funded by being funded by Screen Australia with the screenwriters delegation is being co-sponsored by the Australian Writers Guild (AWG) and Scripted Ink. The online creators will perform and host workshops at the worlds largest online video conference Vidcon. Given the burgeoning international demand for distinctive and engaging screen content, it is more important than ever for Screen Australia to promote and profile both our best creatives as well as production companies to the international sector, said Richard Harris, Head of Business and Audience. This Talent USA mission will showcase some of Australias most exciting emerging creative talent across feature film, TV and online to the American industry, while at the same time offering them a unique opportunity to access some of the most plugged-in creative and commercial minds in the business. The emerging Australia directors selected are: Sarah Bishop known for comedy trio Skit Box, Sarah co-wrote/directed and starred in the sketch comedy series Wham Bam Thank You Maam and is currently in development on webseries Plus Ones for ABC iView and Public Relations for Revlover. Corrie Chen writer/director of AACTA nominated short film Reg Makes Contact, director of ADG award- winning documentary Suicide and Me, a director on upcoming teen series Mustangs FC and currently co- writing/directing her first feature film Strangers and directing the SBS webseries Homecoming Queens. Victoria Cocks writer/director of ADG award-winning webseries Wasterlander Panda, Victoria is currently directing her first feature film In The Blood. Beck Cole director of AACTA award-winning series Black Comedy, as well as The Warriors and Redfern Now Series 2, Beck is also the writer of childrens series Little J and Big Cuz and drama Plains Empty, writer/director of feature film Here I Am and documentaries Wirriya; small boy, First Australians and Making Samson & Delilah. Sophie Hyde writer/director/producer of feature film 52 Tuesdays which was awarded the Crystal Bear at Berlinale and best directing for world cinema at Sundance. Sophie produced Sam Klemkes Time Machine and Shut Up Little Man!, and is currently directing feature Animals and TV series F**king Adelaide. Tim Marshall writer/director of award-winning short films Gorilla which won the Iris Prize, and Followers which screened at Sundance and SXSW. Tim is currently developing a feature version of Followers and a second feature The Love Division. Jennifer Peedom BAFTA nominated writer/director/producer of documentary feature Sherpa, writer/director of Life at 9, Life at 7 and SOLO, and producer of the Camera DOr nominated David Stratton: A Cinematic Life. Jennifers latest feature Mountain will premiere at the 2017 Sydney Film Festival. Claudia Pickering writer/director/producer of feature film Frisky and short film Potluck, writer/producer of feature Winning Formula and short film Quit Yer Lion!, Claudia is also co-creator of a series of online videos as part of comedy trio Frothpocalypse. Damien Power writer/director whose debut feature Killing Ground screened at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Damiens short film credits include Peekaboo, Bat Eyes and Boot which have screened at film festivals around the world. Luci Schroder writer/director/producer of short film Slapper, Luci was nominated for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and awarded Best Emerging Australian Director at Melbourne International Film Festival, Best Short Film at Sydney Film Festival and the ADG Award for Best Direction in a Short. Nicholas Verso writer/director of award-winning debut feature Boys in the Trees which was selected for Venice, Toronto and Busan Film Festivals, Nicholas is also the director of shorts Hugo, Apocalypse Bear, Flight, AACTA award-winning The Last Time I Saw Richard as well as episodes of teen drama Nowhere Boys and Grace Beside Me. The below six Australian screenwriters will attend Talent LA with the support of the AWG, Scripted Ink. and Screen Australias Enterprise program: Shelley Birse co-creator/writer of Love Is a Four Letter Word, Shelley has a long history in TV including Satisfaction, Rush and Wildside. Shelley is best known as the creator and producer of multi- award winning series The Code. Kristen Dunphy Kristen has 25 years of experience writing television drama and has received three Australian Writers Guild Awards for East West 101, The Straits and White Collar Blue. In 2015, she co-created and co-wrote The Principal and is currently creating her own eight-part drama series. Matt Ford an experienced television writer, producer, show-runner & story editor. His credits include the US series Farscape. Chris Lee having held several senior roles on TV series Police Rescue, Big Sky, Love My Way and The Secret Life of Us, Lee has most recently written ratings hit mini-series Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo and Howzat! Kerry Packers War. Michael Miller co-creator of the upcoming ABC series Pulse, Michael also wrote critical and audience favourites Cleverman (series one) and Peter Allen Not The Boy Next Door. Sue Smith with over 30 years in the industry, Sues work includes feature Peaches, co-writer for Saving Mr Banks and television series including Mabo, Temptation and Brides of Christ. By Press Trust of India: Panipat (Har), June 13 (PTI) Three persons are believed to be trapped under the debris of a gurdwara which collapsed on the National Highway 1 here and a team of NDRF and Haryana Police are carrying out operations to pull them out. The gurdwara collapsed yesterday, killing a 30-year-old man hailing from Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh. advertisement Police today said that they were assisting a NDRF team in carrying out rescue operations. "Three persons are believed to be trapped under the debris and we are trying to trace them," a police official said. After the incident yesterday evening, some of the injured had been referred to various hospitals including at Delhi and Karnal. Panipat DSP (City) Atma Ram said that rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident. Police said fire department officials were also at the incident spot as the rescue operations were still going on. The gurdwara, where some construction work was going on, is located on the busy GT road. PTI SUN DV --- ENDS --- When Abdul Kader first returned to the ruins of his home in Homs Khalidiya neighbourhood after five years of displacement, the scale of the destruction left him numb. At first I didnt react at all. I was in shock. I went in for five or ten minutes, then left. I just couldnt stand it, he said. After a couple of weeks, the softly spoken former Arabic teacher found the strength to return. Working alone in the rubble of his house and the flattened neighbourhood beyond, he slowly began to clear the debris and fill the gaping holes in the walls left by years of shelling. Abdul Kader is among more than 11 million Syrians who have been driven from their homes by more than six years of brutal conflict. More than five million people have fled to neighbouring countries since the start of the crisis in 2011, with a further 6.3 million displaced inside Syria. In total, Abdul Kader and his family were displaced five times, moving from one neighbourhood to another inside Homs as the fighting closed in around them. The experience left them afraid and exhausted, but was particularly hard on the children, who had to leave their school and friends behind. Every time we moved, I fell further behind in school. So many days were wasted, Abdul Kaders 12-year-old son Saleh explains. Like his father, Saleh was pained to see what remained of his former school. Regardless of the circumstances, there is no place like home." This is the school where I spent my days, my life, he said, looking up at walls scarred by bullet holes, with rows of brightly painted classrooms visible through bombed-out windows. It used to be so beautiful, and to see it like this he added, his voice trailing off. Despite the destruction, Abdul Kader was determined to return and take his family back home. With financial assistance from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the family has been able to renovate much of what remained of their home, replacing doors and windows and repairing the water and electricity networks. Under UNHCRs Owner-Oriented Shelter Support scheme, more than 9,405 people in Homs received support to rehabilitate their homes last year, with plans to support up to 15,300 people through the programme in 2017. Though currently one of only five families that have returned to the devastated Khalidiya neighbourhood, Abdul Kader and his family are determined to finish rebuilding both their home and their lives. For Saleh, after years of displacement and conflict he is raising his sights to the heavens, where one day he hopes to travel himself. I want to continue studying and become an astronaut, he explained. Whats happening now will not stop me. I want to focus on my education and not give up. Abdul Kader is content with trying to reclaim his old life, and feels he has made a difficult but important first step. Regardless of the circumstances, there is no place like home. The feeling of coming back is great. I feel like a bird that has returned to its nest after being away for so long. A nurse in Qamishli, Syria, holds two children who survived a mine explosion as their family tried to escape the embattled city of Raqqa. Their mother was killed, their father, Mustafa, badly injured. UNHCR/Areej Kassab QAMISHLI, Syria Terrified of being caught up in the fighting currently engulfing Raqqa, Syrian father Mustafa Yousef loaded his wife and three young children onto the back of his motorcycle and headed north, in a desperate bid to escape the northern Syrian city that has been under the control of armed groups since 2014. The family, originally displaced from Aleppo five years ago, had almost reached the safety of a military checkpoint when a mine exploded beneath them, claiming the lives of Mustafas wife and eldest son. I was relieved when I saw the checkpoint and thought that we had finally managed to escape, said Mustafa, badly injured and still shocked. Only a short distance away from the checkpoint the explosion happened. I started waving and screaming for them to come and rescue us. Mustafa and his two surviving children were taken to the border city of Tal Abyad, 100 kilometres north of Raqqa, before being transferred to the Qamishli National Hospital in Syrias far north-eastern Hassakeh governorate. "I started waving and screaming for them to come and rescue us. The explosion left Mustafa with a broken right arm and leg, and shattered his left wrist. His three-year-old son Abdul Karim suffered a broken jaw and shrapnel in his left eye, while surgeons had to remove the toes on his left foot. We did our best here, but he needs urgent specialized ophthalmological surgery, which we cant provide, said one of the doctors taking care of the family. Despite having no visible injuries, Mustafas one-year-old daughter Lailas condition is the most serious. She needs chest surgery and paediatric surgery, both of which are not available here, the doctor said. She has suffered a bruised right lung, and without urgent surgery she could lose her life. Thousands remain stranded inside the city amid rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions, which aside from the fighting include acute shortages of essential commodities such as food, medicine and fuel. Armed groups controlling the city have threatened to kill any people found attempting to leave, while many of the roads out of the area have been heavily mined, those fleeing the city say. Despite the dangers, more than 160,000 people like Mustafa and his family are estimated to have fled fighting across Raqqa governorate since April 1. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with other UN agencies and humanitarian partners, is doing what it can to provide life-saving assistance to the displaced. This includes providing shelter and relief items in camps established in Raqqa and Hassakeh governorates. But with only sporadic access in some areas due to the challenging security environment, an effective humanitarian response is more difficult to mount. UNHCR is calling on all parties to the conflict to allow greater and sustained humanitarian access. With needs growing and displacement rising, access on the ground is challenging. With needs growing and displacement rising, access on the ground is challenging, UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told a news briefing in Geneva on Tuesday (June 13), noting that relief items are being airlifted from Damascus to Qamishli a costly and complex undertaking. Until now, there were no viable land routes available to move supplies. With partners we continue to explore all possible supply routes and are working with the authorities to secure greater access to those in need. Having paid a terrible price to make his escape, Mustafa was told that without evacuation and urgent medical treatment, his two surviving children could die or suffer lifelong complications. As a result, UNHCR in coordination with other UN agencies, humanitarian partners and governmental departments arranged to transfer the family to Damascus, where they will get the specialised medical assistance they need. It is not the first time that we facilitate such evacuations, said Roupen Alexandrian, the head of UNHCRs field office in Qamishli. Our priority is to make sure that all medical cases are being referred to medical facilities and that evacuation pathways are available for those in critical conditions. People fleeing for their lives are in urgent need of support to survive, Alexandrian added. We are working tirelessly to make sure that they receive relief items and have access to a safe place as soon as they reach us. (Writing and additional reporting by Qusai Alazroni) Donate Hardik Patel was on his way to meet farmers, six of whom were killed in police firing last week. By India Today Web Desk: Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel was arrested today in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district when he was on his way to Mandsaur to express his solidarity with the agitating farmers, six of whom were killed in police firing last week. Patel was accompanied by Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah. "The farmers gave their lives for their rights. It will not go waste. Hardik will meet farmers and will ask them to continue their protest," Patidar Navnirman Sena General Secretary Akhilesh Katiyar told IANS on Monday. advertisement Hardik Patel was arrested from Nayagaon in Neemuch to prevent the commission of cognisable offences, City Superintendent of Police Abhishek Diwan said. NOT A TERRORIST Lashing out on authorities after his arrest, Hardik Patel said, "I am not a terrorist. I have not come from Lahore. I am an Indian citizen and have the right to go anywhere in the country." He also criticised the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and said that 50 crore farmers have come together against the saffron party. Hardik Patel was later released on bail and transported out of Madhya Pradesh in a police vehicle, SP Abhishek Diwan said. TINDERBOX MANDSAUR Farmers' protests, that started in the state on June 1 for better prices for their produce and debt relief, turned violent on June 6 when six farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur. The violence spilled over to several other districts, including the Malwa-Nimad area and even reached the state capital. Angry farmers blocked roads, vandalised property and set fire to vehicles. After the farmers' killing, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial probe. ALSO READ: Madhya Pradesh: Mandsaur farmers, traders say demonetisation doomed us Mandsaur heat touches Punjab, farmer unions to go ahead with protests Farmers will fire bullets at government under our leadership: Madhya Pradesh Congress leader ALSO WATCH: Mandsaur: Congress leader Dilip Mishra incites public for violence --- ENDS --- It was Rahman's off-cutters that did the trick against India two years back when he bagged five-wicket hauls in two consecutive matches rattling the Indian batting order. By Indo-Asian News Service: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman is hoping his off-cutters, which are not working in England as much they used to at home, come good against India in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final here on Thursday. According to a report in Bangladesh newspaper Daily Star on Tuesday, the 21-year old left-arm fast bowler said he is ruffled a bit by the fact that his famed off-cutters are not coming good here and that he is working hard on it. advertisement It was Rahman's off-cutters that did the trick against India two years back when he bagged five-wicket hauls in two consecutive matches rattling the Indian batting order. Rahman has so far got only one wicket from three matches in the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Bangladesh players looked very relaxed on Monday ahead of their first semi-final in an ICC event. According to the paper, some headed for shopping while others returned after doing a gym session. It was an optional day for practice and only the bowlers turned up to have some fitness drills at the ground. At home in Dhaka, excitement is reaching a crescendo as fans have started planning where they will catch the action on Thursday and the city is also decking up for that. Bangladesh, led by Mashrafe Mortaza, defied all odds to make it to the last-four stage after beating New Zealand and then seeing England get past Australia in Group A. --- ENDS --- June 13 2017 Student accommodation provider Watkin Jones is to press ahead with a 199-bed build in Aberdeen after securing the financial backing of institutional investor Europa Generation.The deal saw Watkin Jones forward sell six UK developments for 153m, all payable during construction, providing it with the confidence to plough ahead.Located at the junction of Garthdee and Auchinyell Road on the site of the former Caledon House the accommodation will serve students of Robert Gordon University in accommodation designed to respect its residential context with the upper two floors employing projecting dormer windows to take best advantage of high level views.In their concept statement ICA wrote: The building will be set on a levelled platformed site to reinforce ease of access for pedestrians and vehicles from street level off Auchinyell Road and bed the building on the site to an appropriate level to the neighboring residential buildings.A cut and fill strategy will limit spoil from excavation and contribute to a newly formed landscaped embankment on the Garthdee Road edge.With planning permission already in place construction could complete by September 2018. Two immigration officers posted at the Mumbai airport were arrested for helping a gang of three men illegally transport people out of the country. By Saurabh Vaktania: The Mumbai Police arrested two senior officers posted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport for allegedly letting people pass through immigration without due process. The officers - identified as Anil Surse (35) and Harshal Patil (33) - were arrested after a major case of illegal transportation of humans was busted last month. Mumbai Police's Sahar unit made the arrest. advertisement According to police officials, they uncovered the racket after arresting a woman who was travelling to Vancouver, Canada under a fake name and passport. During interrogation, the woman provided information on the racket and named three men believed to be the masterminds. Mumbai police then arrested the three men - Gaurav Singh, Mukadam Gulam Ali and Mustakil Hussain. The three used to arrange the illegal passage of people out of the country. During their interrogation, the police stumbled upon the involvement of the immigration officers, who later confessed to their crime. A police officer said, "The officers would let people (through immigration) without checking them. They would not check whether (the) passport is legal or not, all details are right or not." The officer said that senior airport officials have launched a separate inquiry into the matter. According to the police, as many as 50 people without proper documentation were able to leave India under the two officers' watch. A senior officer said, "This is a very serious and dangerous incident. The security of the Mumbai international airport is on risk (sic). I am shocked." Mumbai Police believes more officers may be involved in the racket. ALSO READ | Mumbai: 2 women arrested at airport for smuggling gold ALSO READ | Major transfer racket busted by Mumbai crime branch, four arrested --- ENDS --- SBDC Webinar Explores Government Contracting for Disadvantaged Businesses Government agencies have annual goals to award contracts to companies participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program. Obtaining this designation can be a great way to set your business apart from the competition in the government market. A Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) webinar, titled The SBA 8(a) Program: Government Contracting for Disadvantaged Businesses, is scheduled Thursday, July 6, from 11 a.m.-noon. This webinar will cover what the SBA 8(a) program is and how this designation can help socially and economically disadvantaged businesses win government contracts. The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the SBA. The SBDC focuses on educating small-business owners and potential owners on how to successfully start and operate small businesses. The SBDCs main office is located at UW. Topics to be addressed include eligibility requirements, the materials you will need to apply and the application process. Participants also will learn how the Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) can help them throughout the entire application process. Brett Housholder and Andrea Lewis have more than 10 years of experience helping businesses with government contracting. Their training in the government procurement process includes required government registrations, finding government contracting opportunities, marketing to government agencies and applying for government certification programs such as SBA 8(a), Woman-owned Small Business, HUBZone and Veteran-owned Small Business. The webinar is free of charge. However, attendees must register to obtain the link to the webinar at www.wyomingsbdc.org. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. For more information, call Housholder at (307) 234-3203 or Lewis at (307) 772-7372. The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, PTAC, Market Research Center and SBIR/STTR Initiative. The networks mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research activities are free of charge to Wyoming residents. The SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW. For more information, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org. Sheridan Start-Up Challenge Fills WTBC Incubator Five local entrepreneurs, vying for access to a $50,000 seed fund, recently pitched their new business ideas to a panel of judges and 150 people in attendance at the WYO Theater in Sheridan. As a result, the Sheridan Start-Up Challenge helped launch six new high-growth-potential companies in Sheridan, filling the Wyoming Technology Business Centers (WTBC) Sheridan incubator. The Pitch Day event, which took place May 23, was the culmination of the WTBCs Sheridan Start-Up Challenge, a program designed to encourage and stimulate more entrepreneurial activity in the Sheridan area. The event was sponsored by the Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority Joint Powers Board, the Homer A. and Mildred S. Scott Foundation, First Interstate Bank, Davis and Cannon, and the WTBC. As a local business owner, I am very encouraged by the work of the WTBC, says Jesus Rios, COO of Ptolemy Data Systems. I cant think of a single resource in our community that has spawned this level of creativity, out-of-the-box thinking and flat-out risk-taking among Sheridan County entrepreneurs. Three of the five teams qualified for access to the $50,000; a $5,000 prize; a free year in WTBCs Sheridan incubator; and pro bono legal counsel from Davis and Cannon. -- K-Driven, founded by Justin Koltiska and Garrett Kron, has created the K-Drive, which is a new, patented oil field tool designed to make the process of raising and lowering rod strings much safer, less expensive and quicker for only a single person. Created by Koltiska and Kron, the K-Drive will significantly reduce the cost of maintaining and servicing wells while allowing companies to ensure maximum efficiency of the pump. -- Oatware, founded by Anne Gunn and Mark Thoney, is a new platform designed for existing media companies that can reunify local advertising for both local classifieds and commercial advertisers. It marries free, categorized, searchable private ads, which drive traffic, with paid commercial advertising, providing value to sellers, buyers and the marketplace provider. -- Old Army Records was founded by Kevin ODell and Jim Powers. Genealogy research in the U.S. is a $3 billion market, with annual growth of more than 12 percent. One of the current trends in the industry is to make new historical records available to the growing number of researchers. Old Army Records is developing a web platform that will allow users to easily search and access the immense government database of detailed records from the 19th century military. Two other finalists and a third semifinalist from the Sheridan Start-Up Challenge also have taken space in the WTBC Sheridan incubator. These include: -- Clinical Trials Project, founded by Lekan Ajayi, is developing a web-based platform that allows health care providers to easily connect cancer patients with available drug trials. -- RS Water Drill, founded by Rick Shelton, is commercializing a machine for thawing frozen water pipes. -- Cypher Software, founded by Steve Butler, is developing a new host and service-monitoring software solution for IT departments. These additions have filled the incubator with 10 client companies. Existing incubator companies are Advanced Waterflooding Technology, Edge Exteriors, Jenae Neeson Creative and Sheridan Programmers Guild. As a Sheridan city councilman, I am extremely pleased to learn that the WTBCs business incubator is at capacity, Rios says. The demand in services and the overwhelming response we saw from the Start-Up Challenge continue to emphasize that the city of Sheridan has made a good investment in our partnership with Sheridan County and the University of Wyoming. The WTBC is a business development program of UW that was launched to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wyoming and encourage the development of more high-growth companies within the state. The program has business incubators in Laramie, Casper and Sheridan that offer comprehensive business consulting as well as programs designed to stimulate new business activity. Administered by the University of Wyoming Office of Research and Economic Development, the WTBC is a not-for-profit business incubator that provides entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools necessary for success. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) India to be a co-partner in a global food and beverages trade ANUGA to be held in Cologne, Germany from October 7-11, this year. The 34th edition of ANUGA is being organised by Koelnmesse GmBH and 7,200 exhibitors from more than 100 countries are likely to participate in the event. advertisement "Being the largest producer of food in the world, India cannot remain distant from such mega events, and to become global food market and global food factory, representation of India needs to grow by many times in the years to come," Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said after signing the memorandum of understanding for participation in ANUGA. She said that foreign investment and interest in India will also grow many times and therefore the country has to become an important partner of these events. Indian exhibitors at ANUGA have been on rise since 2005 and around 135 companies and individual traders had participated in the event last year. Badal also invited Germany to participate in the forthcoming global food investors trade fair to be held in November this year in the national capital. PTI LUX SRK --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Dubai, Jun 13 (PTI) An Indian man in Kuwait has committed suicide by jumping from a bridge after his girlfriend broke-up with him and married another person, a media has report said. The man, in his early 30s, left a suicide note saying "life makes no meaning without you" before jumping to his death from a bridge on Maghreb Motorway. advertisement A team of rescuers went to the scene and discovered he was dead, the Arab Times reported. The Interior Ministry received a distress call from a motorist saying a person had jumped off the bridge and fallen on his vehicle, the report said. They went ahead to check CCTV footage at the location and discovered he had committed suicide. The team also found the suicide note addressed to his lover saying life makes no meaning without you", it said. The remains have been sent to forensic examination and a case has been registered. The identity of the Indian was not disclosed. PTI MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Chandigarh, Jun 13 (PTI) Punjab Chief minister Amarinder Singh has been invited by Israeli envoy to India Daniel Carmon to visit his country to discuss about enhancing cooperation in the various areas. The Israeli Ambassador met the chief minister today and invited him to visit his country in September. During the meeting, the two sides explored the areas critical for development and progress of Punjab and on which they both can cooperate, an official spokesperson. advertisement Singh suggested that his delegation to Israel could include some progressive farmers, to which the Israeli delegation said they were looking forward to the chief ministers visit, he said. The CMs visit could follow Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to that country and they offered to prepare a tailor-made agenda to ensure a continued meaningful dialogue, he added. The delegation invited the chief minister to coincide his visit with WATEC Israel - an international professional exhibition to be held in Tel Aviv from September 12-14, which would offer a platform to showcase latest technologies in water and environment. While defence is on top priority for cooperation between Israel and Punjab, the chief minister is also keen to use Israeli expertise to promote horticulture, dairy farming, bee-keeping, irrigation and water conservation in the state, the spokesperson said. Beside working on a strategic partnership on water conservation and agriculture, the two sides also decided to set up a joint working group on agriculture, horticulture and dairy farming, he added. This was the second meeting between Singh and the Israeli envoy since the former took over as Punjab chief minister. At their last meeting in April, the two sides had agreed to explore the possibility of setting up a Punjab-Israel working group for continuous dialogue on issues of mutual interest, with the concurrence of the Government of India. The two decided today to put in place a robust mechanism to set up the working group, said the spokesperson. The Israeli envoy evinced keen interest in setting up more centres of excellence to promote agriculture diversification across the state after the success of its two such existing centres at Kartarpur (Jalandhar) and Hoshiarpur. He said these centres had been instrumental in introducing high yielding varieties of fruits, vegetables, new farm practices under controlled conditions, net farming, drip and sprinkler irrigation. Carmon informed the chief minister that two more such centres were in pipeline, one in floriculture and another in bee-keeping, to boost allied farming in the state. advertisement He sought the CMs personal intervention to get both these projects expedited from the Ministry of External Affairs. The two also agreed on the need to incentivise private companies to collaborate on such projects, with the chief minister urging the Israeli delegation to showcase their technology to Indian private companies to motivate them to join in the government efforts. Private companies could be engaged initially to work on a pilot project, which could pave the way for large-scale engagement and funding of such projects, Singh suggested, underlining the need for a quantum shift in technology to promote farming as a viable source of income for the government. He asked his chief principal secretary to rope in key players in agritech for value addition to supplement the income of the farmers, who were passing through acute financial crisis due to squeezed margins and low returns on account of the near stagnant minimun support price (MSP). Expressing concern over the depleting water table, Singh sought Israeli support in helping farmers adopt innovative techniques in drip irrigation and hydroponics to tackle the water problem. Model farms should be created to help create awareness for farmers, he said, emphasizing the need for promoting vegetables and floriculture marketing as a means of boosting agriculture income. advertisement The chief minister suggested exploring the possibility of converting the Mandi Board building into a market to enable seamless marketing of produce by the farmers. Responding to the request of the visiting envoy to join MASHAV- Israel?s Agency for International Development Cooperation programme, Captain Amarinder asked the chief secretary to explore the possibility to chalk out an action plan for training in different short term courses offered by the Israeli government to further augment Human Resource Development, besides enhancing capacity building programmes. PTI VJ SMJ --- ENDS --- The ADCs estimated wire rod and coil import dumping margins are 20.9 per cent for Viet Nam. - Photo VnMedia According to the Viet Nam Competition Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Viet Nams products targeted by the investigation bear the HS codes of 7213.91.00.44, 7227.90.90.02, and 7227.90.90.42. Those products are currently not subject to tax when exported to Australia. The probe was triggered by a complaint filed by Australian steel producer OneSteels Company that took effect on May 31. The period subject to the anti-dumping investigation was from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017, while the period under damage inquiry was from January 2013 to the present. The dumping margins calculated by the plaintiff are 30.6 per cent for Viet Nam, 30.6 per cent for Indonesia, and 43.3 per cent for the RoK. However, the ADCs estimated dumping margins are 20.9 per cent for Viet Nam, 29.8 per cent for Indonesia and 20.9 per cent for the RoK. The applicant claimed that due to a market situation with regard to taxes on the two main inputs, the domestic selling price for Viet Nam is not appropriate for use in determining the normal value. The Viet Nam Competition Authority said ADC could adopt temporary anti-dumping measures but not earlier than 60 days, since the launch of the investigation. ADC is due to issue Essential Facts on September 25, 2017, and the involved parties will have 20 days to give opinions on this document. In 2014, ADC carried out anti-dumping investigation for this product imported from Indonesia, Chinas Taiwan and Turkey, following an application lodged also by OneSteel Company. OneSteel alleged that the imported wire rods were sold at prices lower than their normal value, and the dumping has caused material injury to the Australian industry. After terminating the investigation in 2015, ADC announced that it had imposed anti-dumping duty against imports of wire rod in coil from Indonesia and Taiwan. However, in 2016, ADC removed the anti-dumping duty imposed on Indonesias products, as the association found there had been no dumping of goods. In April 2016, ADC launched an anti-dumping investigation of wire rod in coil imported from China and soon after, it announced levying anti-dumping duty against Chinas products. The Australian Consulate General in the southern metropolis of HCM City worked with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Monday to explore co-operation in hi-tech agriculture in the coming time. - Photo dwrm.gov.vn Cao Thi Thanh from the Consulate General said Australia had developed hi-tech agriculture, while Viet Nam and the Mekong Delta particularly boasted large potential in this sphere. She cited Australian statistics that only 1 per cent of land in the country is suitable for agricultural production with the involvement of 4 per cent of the population. However, Australia has the highest proportion of self-supplier of farm produce in the world. Averagely, an Australian farmer could produce farm produce for 190 people. Apart from domestic provision, 80 per cent of the farm produce is exported. The income of an Australian farmer amounts to US$100,000 per year. She noted that Australia wanted to seek co-operation opportunities with the Mekong Delta in technology and human resources training. Vice rector of Can Tho University Le Viet Dung said the delta had recorded significant strides in the field of high technology with many products receiving good feedback. Such partners as Japan and China are stepping up investment in agricultural machines. Thereby, Australia should conduct fact-finding trips to produce highly competitive machines. Professor Le Van Hoa said the weakness of the Vietnamese agriculture lay at post-harvest losses, especially for rice, animal husbandry, vegetables and fruits. This was attributed to the countrys limitations in processing, preservation and transport, he said, adding that Australia is strong in technology, harvest chain, processing and transport of farm produce. He hoped Australia would introduce the latest machines to increase the regions post-harvest efficiency, quality of products, and farmers income. This would be a key factor to help Vietnamese farm produce meet Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP), he added. Dung also suggested exchanging experts and opening training courses and workshops as well as expanding effective production and processing models. Appearing in front of US Congress, Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday denounced suggestions that he had colluded with Russia to help Donald Trump win the presidency. Sessions also refused to detail the discussions he has had with President Trump. By Reuters: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday denounced as a "detestable lie" the idea that he colluded with Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, and he clashed with Democratic lawmakers over his refusal to detail his conversations with President Donald Trump. Sessions, a senior member of the Republican Trump's Cabinet and an adviser to his presidential campaign, had a series of tense exchanges with Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee during about 2-1/2 hours of high-stakes testimony as they pressed him to recount conversations with the president. advertisement "You raised your right hand here today and said you would solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich said. "Now you're not answering questions. You're impeding this investigation." Sessions refused to say whether he had discussed FBI director James Comey's handling of the FBI's Russia probe with Trump before the president fired Comey on May 9. Similarly, he did not answer whether Trump had expressed concern to Sessions about the attorney general's March decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation. Sessions previously offered to resign because of tensions with Trump over his recusal decision. Sessions also refused to answer whether any Justice Department officials had discussed possible presidential pardons of individuals being looked at in the Russian investigations. Russia has denied repeatedly that it interfered in the US election, and Trump has denied any collusion by his campaign with Moscow. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden told Sessions, "I believe the American people have had it with stonewalling. Americans don't want to hear that answers to relevant questions are privileged." "I am not stonewalling," Sessions replied. Sessions said he was following Justice Department policy and would not discuss confidential communications with the president. Senator Angus King, an independent, questioned Sessions' legal basis for refusing to answer. Sessions said Trump had not invoked executive privilege regarding the conversations. Executive privilege is a power that can be claimed by a president or senior executive branch officials to withhold information from Congress or the courts to protect the executive branch decision-making process. "It is my judgment that it would be inappropriate for me to answer and reveal private conversations with the president when he has not had a full opportunity to review the questions and to make a decision on whether or not to approve such an answer," Sessions said. The committee's Republican chairman, Richard Burr, asked Sessions to ask the White House if there were areas officials there would be comfortable with him answering and provide written answers if so. advertisement US intelligence agencies concluded in a report released in January that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an effort to interfere in the election to help Trump in part by hacking and releasing damaging emails about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The testimony by Sessions marked the latest chapter in a saga that has dogged Trump's first five months as president and distracted from his domestic policy agenda including major healthcare and tax cut initiatives. "I have never met with or had any conversation with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States. Further, I have no knowledge of any such conversations by anyone connected with the Trump campaign," Sessions said. "The suggestion that I participated in any collusion or that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for over 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie," he said. Sessions is the most senior member of Trump's administration caught up in the Russia controversy. In his opening remarks, Sessions said he knew of no conversations between Trump campaign individuals and Russian officials about interfering in the US election. But under questioning, Sessions acknowledged that Trump's campaign foreign policy advisers "never functioned as a coherent team" and there were members of that group he never met. advertisement SPECIAL COUNSEL Even before Sessions testified, attention in Washington swiveled to whether Trump might seek to fire Robert Mueller, named last month by the Justice Department to head a federal probe into the Russia issue. Sessions told the senators he has confidence in Mueller but said he had "no idea" if Trump did because he had not spoken to the president about the matter. Asked whether he would ever take any action to remove Mueller, Sessions said, "I would not think that would be appropriate for me to do." Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the person who would be responsible for carrying out any such dismissal, told a different congressional panel he would not fire Mueller without good cause and he had seen no such cause. Sessions, a former Republican US senator and an early supporter of Trump's presidential campaign, testified just five days after Comey told the panel Trump ousted him to undermine the agency's investigation of the Russia matter. Sessions had written a letter to Trump recommending Comey's firing. advertisement In March he acknowledged he met twice last year with Russia's ambassador to Washington, Sergei Kislyak. Sessions said he did not mislead Congress because the encounters were part of his job as a US senator, not as a Trump campaign representative. Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation in March after the revelations of the two Kislyak meetings. The abrupt dismissal of Comey prompted Trump's critics to charge that the president was trying to interfere with a criminal investigation. Asked about media reports that he had met with Kislyak on a third occasion at a Washington hotel last year, Sessions testified that did not remember meeting or having a conversation with the ambassador at the event. Sessions said he "racked my brain" and had no meeting with any Russian in his capacity as a Trump campaign adviser. Sessions said he did not recuse himself because he felt he was a subject of the investigation himself but rather because he felt he was required to by Justice Department rules. ASLO READ | US Attorney General Jeff Sessions asks 46 Obama-era US attorneys to resign ALSO READ | Ex-FBI chief Comey tells US senators Trump pressured him on Russia probe --- ENDS --- Ater a successful first seven years, the Brighter Path scholarship programme enters its second stage The schoolgirls, all of whom come from ethnic minorities across Vietnam, will be selected based on academic records and their passion for personal and social development. Over seven years, each recipient will receive approximately VND220 million ($9,697) to cover her tuition fees, books, accommodation, food, and uniform costs. Every year, the girls will also attend a summer empowerment programme titled Dream Meeting, where they learn about soft skills, computing, and personal finance. In these meetings, the schoolgirls will meet with prominent female leaders from corporations and government agencies. The scholarship is intended to help ethnic girls finish high school and college. We want to empower exemplary girls from ethnic minority tribes and help them escape poverty through education, said Robin King Austin, CEO of VinaCapital Foundation. 46 ethnic girls in the first phase of Brighter Path, which started seven years ago, have completed high school. Almost everyone in the programme continued to further their education in law, medicine, economics, and other fields. About 70 per cent of these college graduates have already found a job. The Brighter Path scholarship receives donations from VinaCapital Foundation and REE Corporation. Both organisations have pledged to continue their support for the second phase. Theresa May. (Photo: AFP/Adrian DENNIS) May's Conservatives unexpectedly lost their majority in parliament in Thursday's snap vote, causing political chaos ahead of Brexit talks with the European Union set to start next week. She is due to face MPs later Monday, where she could face demands to quit over her lacklustre campaign and decision to call the election in the first place. The chaos has weighed on the pound, which has plunged almost two per cent since Thursday, and the government may have to delay the announcement of its policy plans to parliament. May however has vowed to stay on, and on Sunday unveiled a largely unchanged new cabinet, which met for the first time on Monday. Foreign minister Boris Johnson, who was reported by British media to be lining up a leadership bid, insisted May should stay. "The people of Britain have had a bellyful of promises and politicking," he wrote in The Sun tabloid. "Now is the time for delivery - and Theresa May is the right person to continue that vital work." May's party fell eight seats short of retaining its parliamentary majority, and is now in talks with Northern Ireland's ultra-conservative Democratic Union Party (DUP) - which won 10 seats - to forge an informal alliance. DUP leader Arlene Foster is due to see May on Tuesday for crunch talks, which could force the delay of the government's presentation of its legislative programme to parliament by Queen Elizabeth II, due on Jun 19. "Obviously until we have that we can't agree the final details of the Queen's Speech," said May's deputy Damian Green, referring to a DUP agreement. 'WALK AWAY' WITH NO DEAL Brexit minister David Davis insisted the government still aimed to take Britain out of the EU single market. "The reason for leaving the single market is because we want to take back control of our borders, they're not compatible," he told BBC Radio. He also said the government would "walk away" with no deal if talks broke down on ending Britain's 40-decade membership of the bloc. But Ruth Davidson, the pro-EU leader of the Conservatives in Scotland, called on May to "reopen" the government's Brexit plans. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said May's government lacked the credibility necessary for Brexit talks and should delay the negotiations. "The idea that the UK led by this prime minister and this government can just blunder into negotiations starting one week today, I just don't think it's a credible proposition," she told reporters in London. UK election winners and losers AFP/Kun TIAN 'DEAD WOMAN WALKING' May has a busy schedule on Tuesday, hosting a cabinet meeting and talks with the DUP leader before travelling to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. Brexit will likely be on the agenda at the Paris meeting, after May confirmed she will stick to the negotiating timetable. "Going abroad and being seen to be the prime minister and talking to the president of France ... is a classic move to shore up authority at home," said Colin Talbot, professor of government at the University of Manchester. May tried to reassert her shattered authority at the weekend by announcing her new cabinet - with no changes among her top team. In a surprise move, Michael Gove was appointed environment and agriculture minister less than a year after the prime minister sacked him as justice minister. After the opposition Labour party made hefty election gains by focusing heavily on national issues, May listed areas such as education and housing as top policy priorities. May has shown little public contrition for the electoral gamble that backfired spectacularly, but was forced to accept the resignations of her two top aides - reportedly a requirement by cabinet colleagues for allowing her to stay in office. On Monday, she faces members of the Conservatives' 1922 Committee, which can trigger a vote of confidence in a party leader if it receives letters from 15 per cent of the party's MPs. They are expected to make demands on Brexit negotiations and any deal with the DUP. CONCERN OVER DUP DEAL DUP leader Arlene Foster said there had been "positive engagement" so far. "We are going into these talks with the national interest at heart. The union as I've said before is our guiding star," she said. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the government was not looking at a formal coalition but would seek assurances that the DUP would vote with May "on the big things". He stressed he did not share their ultra-conservative views on issues such as abortion and homosexuality, which have caused disquiet among many Conservatives. The deal has also caused consternation in Dublin, with Irish premier Enda Kenny warning such an alliance could upset Northern Ireland's fragile peace. London's neutrality is key to the delicate balance of power in Northern Ireland, which was once plagued by violence over Britain's control of the province. General Electric's Jeff Immelt who led the US giant since 2001 will hand his chief executive position over to John Flannery on Aug 1. (AFP/SAJJAD HUSSAIN) Immelt, 61, will step down as chief executive on Aug 1, handing the reins to GE Healthcare president John Flannery, a 30-year veteran of the company whose previous roles included country chief in India. During a conference call with analysts, Immelt said the transition was first discussed in 2013 and GE leadership had targeted summer 2017 to make the change. But the announcement also comes after activist investor Nelson Peltz, one of the most influential voices on Wall Street, invested in GE, which has been hit hard by the plunge in oil prices. Peltz has pushed GE to deepen cost cuts to boost profits. Questioned by analysts on the merits of GE's conglomerate model, Flannery, 55, pledged he would undertake "a comprehensive review of the portfolio," with an update in the fall. But he said he had seen firsthand the benefits of GE's diverse structure while leading the health care division, during which he "borrowed" from the company's technology and global supply chain. "I see the reality of this in a very tangible way all the time," Flannery said. The GE transition comes three weeks after Ford abruptly changed chief executives. Others, including Honeywell International and Caterpillar, also have announced new leaders over the last year as traditional industrial companies seek new chiefs to help them adapt to an increasingly digital economy. MIXED LEGACY Immelt's 16-year tenure began shortly before the Sep 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and was also roiled by the 2008 financial crisis. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, he oversaw a spate of large divestments from GE Capital to unload what was effectively the fifth biggest US bank. Immelt, who succeeded the legendary Jack Welch, also led GE through the 2015 purchase of the power assets of French industrial giant Alstom, and a proposed merger with oil services company Baker Hughes engineered to better manage the effects of a two-year slide in oil prices that has dented GE's oil services earnings. On Monday, US antitrust officials ordered GE to divest a unit that sells chemicals to oil refineries as a condition of winning regulatory approval. Immelt also has taken steps to beef up GE's technology businesses, including by investing in the 3D printing, which is seen as a growth area. Despite these efforts, analysts have a mixed views of Immelt's tenure. "We continue to believe that any new leader here needs a material reset," said JPMorgan Chase analyst C. Stephen Tusa, Jr. "We are all ears on the new narrative," Tusa said, adding that Flannery will be constrained from making radical changes that could threaten the company's dividend. CFRA analyst Jim Corridore said while Immelt "should get credit for transforming GE away from consumer finance," the pace of change "has been slow and the company has had execution challenges." Still, he added, "We think GE remains on the right track with its strategy and expect share performance to improve in the coming year." Flannery praised Immelt's leadership, saying the changes he made took "courage" and the company now is "clearly better positioned" in its markets because of the outgoing leader's efforts to simplify operations. Even so, there are "clearly areas where we need to be better," Flannery said. "There are clear areas of concern around cost structure." GE shares had been down nearly 13 per cent in 2017, but Monday they rose 3.6 per cent to close at US$28.94. File photo of police officers responding to a situation in Munich, Germany. (Photo: AFP/Christof Stache) "Several people were injured by shots. A female police officer was badly wounded," Munich police tweeted. Authorities reported that a handgun was fired during a police operation at an S-Bahn station in Unterfoehring, a northeastern suburb of the Bavarian city, and that the scene was now secured. Police later ruled out any political or religious motive in the incident, saying the attacker acted out of "personal" reasons. "The sole male perpetrator was motivated by personal reasons. There is no political or religious background here," police spokesman Marcus da Gloria Martins told reporters. Singaporean company Keppel Land spent VND845.9 billion ($37.3 million) to acquire 16 per cent of Saigon Centre Stephen Wyatt, country head for Jones Lang LaSalle Vietnam, said that in 2017 M&A in real estate may increase very sharply and reach record levels. As the company observed, billions of dollars are just waiting to be poured into the market in most segments, with a focus on apartments, offices, hotels, and industrial real estate. Since the beginning of the year, there have been several big M&As in the field. In March, Singaporean company Keppel Land bought the entire stake (16 per cent) of Southern Waterborne Transport Corporation (Sowatco) in Saigon Centre for VND845.9 billion ($37.3 million) through subsidiary Krystal Investments Pte., Ltd. Also in the same month, Hong Kong Land from Hong Kong became the strategic partner of Ho Chi Minh City Infrastructure Investment Joint Stock Company (CII) in developing residential housing in Thu Thiem New Urban Area. Japanese investors are also increasing involvement in Vietnam. Last September, Kajima, one of the four biggest contractors in Japan, set up a 50:50 joint venture with Indochina Capital to invest $1 billion in 10 years. At first the joint venture is going to focus on residential units, hotels, and resorts in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. Keisuke Koshijima, senior executive officer and general manager of the overseas division at Kajima Corporation, called Vietnam Kojimas key market in the region. Besides the residential and commercial segments, industrial real estate also attracted heavy interest from foreign investors. CFLD Vietnam Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. (CFLD Vietnam), a subsidiary of China Fortune Land Development Co. (CFLD), said it plans to build dozens of industrial cities mostly in Southeast Asia, where Vietnam is an important destination. In January last year the company worked with the Dong Nai Peoples Committee to find investment opportunities. In September, CFLD Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding with Tin Nghia Corporation to build a New Industry City (NIC) in Ong Keo Industry Park, which is located in Dong Nai, east of Ho Chi Minh City. In April 2017, the company spent $65 million through subsidiaries CFLD Investment 27 Pte., Ltd. and CFLD Investment 28 Pte., Ltd. to buy over 70 per cent of Dai Phuoc Lotus, also in Dong Nai, from VinaLand Limited and VinaCapitals Vietnam Opportunity Fund. Masataka Sam Yoshida, senior executive for Vietnam at Tokyo-based M&A consultancy company Recof, said that Japanese investors are now more interested in the Vietnamese real estate market and are more willing to accept associated risks. Many experts said that the newfound propensity to take risks is due to the optimistic macroeconomic outlook of the country. Also, political stability and the stable currency are further incentives. Meanwhile, the profitability of commercial projects is higher in Vietnam than in other countries. For example, office space rental in Vietnam can return a profit of 8-10 per cent a year, while the figure is 4-6 per cent in Singapore. Duong Thuy Dung, CBRE Vietnams head of market research, said that the most popular way for foreign investors to join the Vietnamese real estate market is through setting up joint ventures with domestic companies to take advantage of their land reserves and connections in the field. They will contribute to the joint venture with their financial capabilities and experience gained in more developed markets. Another method is to set up a 100 per cent foreign-owned subsidiary then buy a project or stake in a Vietnamese real estate developer. Observers say that M&A is the way to increase liquidity for the market as well as save costs and time for investors. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc lauded VNPT's successful restructuring Substantial revenue During the three years between 2014 and 2016 VNPT carried out vigorous restructuring in accordance with Decree No. 888/QD-TTg dated June 10, 2014 issued by the Prime Minister. The company was asked to rearrange its apparatus of 3600 staff members and promote professionalism, originality and efficiency. VNPT was also ordered to change units, apply new business models and management methods, as well as establish three main corporations in network infrastructure (VNPT-Net), telecommunications services (VNPT- Vinaphone), and communications (VNPT- Media). At the same time, VNPT had to ensure that business remains stable, keeping its market share and ensuring the lives of its workers. VNPT had not only successfully completed the restructuring of the entire company in accordance with the demands and timeline proposed by the government, but has produced impressive performance in its manufacturing and trading activities that many state corporations aspire to achieve. In details, in the past three years (between 2014 and 2016), VNPT Corporations consolidated revenue reached $6.8 trillion, increasing by an average 4.3 per cent annually, while reporting a consolidated profit of $450 million, increasing by 25 per cent annually. These revenue and profit figures do not include figures from MobiFone, VNPost, Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, and Central Post Office, because these agencies had been separated from VNPT. Profit before tax was $115.6 million in 2014, $155.9 million in 2015, and $182.2 million in 2016. Previously, during 2011-2015, the total profit was $538 million, with an average growth rate of 2.1 per cent per year. Between 2013 and 2015, the average growth rate was 17.9 per cent per year. In conclusion, during the last three consecutive years (2014 to 2016), VNPTs total profit increased by more than 20 per cent per year. The corporations total profit has tripled thanks to restructuring in the right direction, said Pham Duc Long, VNPT general director. The positive results of VNPTs restructuring have been acknowledged by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a meeting in August 2016. The prime minister was highly appreciative of the restructuring process, saying in a short period of time VNPT had produced spectacular results and conjured up a great business management apparatus, improved service quality, as well as increased revenue and profit. Rookies take the lead Contributing the most to the corporations impressive manufacturing and trading operations were the products of the restructuring process: core, specialised, and professional businesses operating according to the new business model. It was these companies that brought about new energy, more revenue, and huge profit for VNPT. The most typical example is VNPT VinaPhone. In 2016, the company earned a revenue of $1.6 billion with a profit of $48.3 million. Newbie VNPT Technology achieved impressive results from exporting telecommunication products with a revenue of $141.6 million and profit of $12.1 million. VNPT Media earned a revenue of $64 million with $5.2 million in profit in 2016. VNPT has also divested from non-core businesses. However, the stagnating stock market, along with low liquidity and the lack of interest from investors, influenced the pace of divestment. By the end of 2016, VNPT has divested entirely from 15 subsidiaries, with a divestiture value of 31 per cent of the target ($26.5 million from $88.1 million). The revenue earned from the process was $46 million, which is 174 per cent of the initial investment in VNPTs ledger. Long said that VNPTs divestment from non-core or inefficient businesses have faced many difficulties and challenges due to the lack of flexible regulations on divestiture and the bleak conditions in the financial market. For example, VNPT has five item categories that have completed the procedures for public auction but failed to garner sufficient interest from investors. In essence, VNPT has finished the restructuring process and is operating with much higher efficiency. These positive results will be both the foundation and the motivation for VNPT to continue with the divestment process, while simultaneously equitising the parent company by 2020. Production and trade results of VNPT during 2014-2016 (Source: Document No. 2836/VNPT KHDT dated June 1, 2017, disclosing the results of the implementation of the production, trade, investment, and development plan in the last three years. Unit: million USD) Justice Karnan, who has been missing since May 10 after the Supreme Court's order to arrest him, had asked for various Dalit leaders' support across the country. By Pramod Madhav: Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi, a pro-Dalit party's leader Thol Thirumavalavan has levelled grave allegations against the Indian legal system while extending his support to Justice Karnan. Justice Karnan, who became an outlaw after the Supreme Court's order to arrest him, has asked for various Dalit leaders' support across the country. Justice Karnan has been missing since May 10 after the Supreme Court sentenced him to six months in jail. Karnan's arrest orders were issued after he sentenced Chief Justice of India JS Khehar and six other Supreme Court judges to five years in jail under the SC/ST Act. advertisement Thol Thirumavalavan claimed that the order against Karnan is against the Constitution. "I request and demand President Pranab Mukherjee to recall the sentence given against Justice Karnan by the Supreme court. It is totally unconstitutional and against human rights," he claimed. JOINING HANDS AGAINST CORRUPTION Thirumavalavan wants the president to intervene in the matter using powers under Article 72 (1)(B) by which he can supersede the Supreme Court's order. He stated that along with Karnan, they are joining hands to protest against corruption and save the Constitution while as he made clear that he was not providing asylum to Karnan. When asked why Karnan was running away from the judicial system, Thirumavalavan said that Karnan had to do so as legality was followed in his impeachment. "He had to run away as no law was followed. Without questioning the accused, how can punishment be pronounced," he questioned. NO CONTACT WITH KARNAN Thirumavalavan, however, made it clear that he has no contact with Karnan but is only supporting him to save the democracy. For Karnan, he is also planning to bring various Dalit movements from across the country together and go on a mass protest at Jantar Mantar. "I don't think he has any plans to surrender and the Supreme Court is treating him like a terrorist where he has no other option. Like someone who is on waiting for capital punishment and filing plea with the president, Karnan's condition has deteriorated," he claimed. The Dalit leader was also of the view that Karnan was treated in such a way because he is a Dalit. "Our former CM J Jayalalithaa was convicted by the court but the court waited till her death and didn't take any action till then. However, in case of Karnan without giving time or any chance immediate action was taken against him and punishment was declared," he added. Also read: Justice CS Karnan: First High Court judge to retire while absconding Also read: Curious case of Justice Karnan: A history of controversies and mystery --- ENDS --- remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The Dangerous Side-Effects of Plastics, and How to Minimize Their Toxic Impact Plastics are not only an environmental disaster; these man-made conveniences introduced a century ago are also harming our physical and mental health. Phthalates chemical compounds used to make plastic more flexible and durable are found in more products than you might imagine, and have become the human bodys Scindia was arrested by the police when he was on his way to meet the relatives of the farmers who were killed in police firing during the Mandsaur violence. By Supriya Bhardwaj, Rahul Noronha: Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia was today arrested from near Ratlam of Madhya Pradesh. Scindia was arrested by the police when he was on his way to meet the relatives of the farmers who were killed in police firing during the Mandsaur violence. Scindia and his aides were adamant on meeting the farmers' relatives. The Congress MP's convoy was stopped near Dhodhar toll in Ratlam district. advertisement "I wanted to go alone to Mandsaur. I wasn't allowed. Rather they arrested me. Tomorrow they will come, roll out red carpet for Shivraj Singh. Section 144 will be removed from Mandsaur," Jyotiraditya Scindia told India Today. He alleged that the rule of law has not been followed in the state. Scindia is accompanied by Ratlam MP Kantilal Bhuriya and former Mandsaur MP Meenakshi Natarajan. Immediately after the arrest of Scindia and his aides, Congress workers present at the spot turned hostile. Police have been deployed at the spot to prevent any untoward event. Rapid Action Force has been kept on standby. Earlier today, Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel was arrested in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district when he was on his way to Mandsaur to express his solidarity with the agitating farmers, six of whom were killed in police firing last week. Patel was accompanied by Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah. "The farmers gave their lives for their rights. It will not go waste. Hardik will meet farmers and will ask them to continue their protest," said Patidar Navnirman Sena General Secretary Akhilesh Katiyar. Also read: Madhya Pradesh farmers protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi arrested outside Mandsaur, confirms Neemuch top cop Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh farmers are demanding what Narendra Modi had promised in 2014 WATCH | Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia arrested on way to Mandsaur --- ENDS --- During colonisation and throughout the Cold War, the imperialist powers used religions in order to gag all protest against their domination. So, France, which in 1905 adopted an important law about the secularism of its institutions, immediately decided not to apply them in the colonised territories. We know today that the Arab Springs were a British initiative aimed at putting the Muslim Brotherhood in power and thus reinforcing Anglo-Saxon domination over the Greater Middle East . For 16 years, the Western powers have been rightfully accusing the Muslims of not cleaning up their own house, and of tolerating terrorists. However, it is clear today that these terrorists are supported by the same Western powers in order to enslave Muslims by means of political Islam . London, Washington and Paris have no problems with terrorism until it spills over from the Greater Middle East , and they never criticise political Islam , at least as far as the Sunnis are concerned. By giving his speech in Riyadhh, on 21 May 2017, President Trump intended to put an end to the terrorism which is consuming the region, and is now spreading to the West. The words he spoke did indeed act as an electroshock. His speech was interpreted as an authorisation to finish with the system. What had seemed unthinkable over the last few centuries suddenly took shape. Saudi Arabia agreed to cut off all contact with the Muslim Brotherhood, and raged against those who continue to pursue their collaboration with the British, and particularly against Qatar. Riyadh gave the signal for a cleansing which will sweep much frustration along with it. In a spirit of Bedouin vengeance, diplomatic relations have been interrupted, and an economic blockade was organised against the Qatari population while in the Emirates, a sentence of 15 years of imprisonment was established by law for any individual who showed as much as a little compassion for the inhabitants of accursed Qatar. A gigantic displacement of forces and alliances has begun. If this movement is to continue, the region will organise itself around a new fissure. The question of the struggle against imperialism will wither and give way to the struggle against clericalism. The Europeans lived with this cleavage for four hundred years, from the 16th to the 19th centuries, but not the United States, because their country was founded by the Puritan cult who were fleeing from this cleavage. The struggle against political Christianity was first of all a combat against the pretensions of the clergy of the Catholic church, who sought to govern their faithful all the way into their bedrooms. This only ceased with Paul VI, who abandoned the pontifical tiara. This triple crown was supposed to symbolise that the Pope was a higher authority than kings and emperors. Like original Christianity, which had no ministers (these only arrived in the 3rd century), original Islam and current Sunnism have none. Only Chiism has been structured like Catholicism and Orthodoxy. As a result, political Islam today is incarnated by the Muslim Brotherhood and the government of Sheikh Rohani (the title of Shiekh indicates that President Rohani is a member of the Chiite clergy). Currently, a clerical alliance is in the process of formation, with the help of the United Kingdom. It could constitute a block including Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Idleb to the North-West of Syria, and Gaza. This group would become the protector of the Muslim Brotherhood, and consequently the defender of the use of terrorism. In two weeks, the Arab Press, which until now had viewed the Muslim Brotherhood in a favourable light, as a powerful secret organisation, and jihadism as a legitimate engagement, has suddenly made an about-turn. Everywhere, everyone is publishing denunciations of the pretension of the Muslim Brotherhood who want to regulate peoples lives, and the cruel folly of jihadism. This flood of commentaries, the centuries of frustration that they express, coupled with their violence, makes any back-pedalling impossible which does not, however, mean that the alliance Iran-Qatar-Turkey-Hamas will go all the way. This revolutionary tsunami is happening in the middle of the month of Ramadan. Meetings between friends and families, which should be consensual celebrations, sometimes turn into arguments about what until now had been perceived as the basic truths of Islam. In case the cleavage for or against clericalism should continue, we will be seeing a general recomposition of the political landscape. For example, the Revolutionary Guard, which was created to stand against Anglo-Saxon imperialism, has accumulated resentment against the Iranian clergy. Many of them remember that during the war forced on them by Iraq, the mullahs and the ayatollahs manipulated ways of hiding their children, while the Guard was dying on the battle-field. But, weakened during the first Rohani mandate, it is unlikely that they would dare to rise against the civil-religious power. On the contrary, the Lebanese Hezbollah is commanded by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (here the title of Sayyed indicates that he is a direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad), a personality who promotes the separation of the public and private spheres. Although he has a religious function and another, political, function, he has always been opposed to blending them both, while accepting the Platonic principle of Velayat-e faqih (that is goverment by a wise man). It is therefore unlikely that Hezbollah will follow the Rohani government. Meanwhile, the whole region is buzzing - in Libya, the Muslim Brotherhood have left Tripoli, leaving a militia to liberate Saif el-Islam Kadhafi, and General Haftar to expand his influence. In Egypt, the General-President al-Sissi has asked his opposite numbers in the Gulf to draw up a list of terrorists. In Palestine, the political directors of Hamas have fled to Iran. In Syria, the jihadists have stopped fighting against the Republic and are awaiting orders. In Iraq, the army has redoubled its efforts against the Muslim Brotherhood and the Order of the Naqshbandis. In Saudi Arabia, the Muslim World League has excluded from its administrative council the Brotherhoods star preacher, Sheikh Qaradawi. And Turkey and Pakistan have begun the transfer of tens of thousands of soldiers towards Qatar -which can now only feed itself with the help of Iran. A new dawn seems to be rising over the region. The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods. Corinne Olympios and Demario Jackson. Photo: Getty Images; ABC Since Warner Bros. announced on Sunday that the studio had shut down production on the Bachelor spinoff Bachelor in Paradise due to allegations of misconduct, more and more disturbing details about what happened on set in Sayulita, Mexico, have emerged. This morning, the Daily Mail published a horrifying account from an anonymous BIP crew member who said they witnessed producers filming an alleged sexual assault. The crew members story is the most complete account of the alleged misconduct published to date. Before we get to the details, lets recap whats been reported so far: Several media outlets have reported that BIP contestant DeMario Jackson allegedly had a nonconsensual sexual encounter with contestant Corinne Olympios in a hot tub during filming. Sources connected to Jackson told TMZ that Jackson had oral sex with Olympios, that he was too drunk to have penetrative sex, and that the next day everything was fine. Sources close to Olympios told TMZ that Olympios said she does not remember and did not consent to the sexual encounter. Warner Bros. is investigating the incident and wont comment on specifics for now. The BIP crew member told the Daily Mail that the incident occurred after producers suggested Jackson and Olympios hook up. Corinne and Demario found out when they arrived in Mexico that the story line would involve the two of them hooking up so they decided to hang out and get better acquainted over drinks, the source said. Soon they decided to go swimming and when they climbed into the Jacuzzi, they were both loaded. Corinne proceeded to remove her bathing suit and things got increasingly sexual. The crew member then provided a disturbing account of the encounter, during which Olympios seemed to go limp: There was hugging and kissing and touching, but before long, she seemed to go limp and was sliding under water. DeMario kept trying to hold her up and at the same time he appeared to be having intercourse with her. After he finished which only lasted a few seconds he lifted her out of the water and laid her on the cement, where he proceeded to have oral sex with her. She appeared to be unconscious. At that point some of the crew came out and carried her off to her room. She was limp and seemed unable to walk on her own. The crew member was obviously disturbed by what they saw and by the production teams response to the alleged assault. One of the things that really disturbed people was that no one called a doctor or paramedic, which some felt they should have, the source continued. Instead someone made the decision to just let her sleep it off. When Corinne awoke the next morning, people began filling her in on what happened the night before, because she claimed to have absolutely no recollection of what transpired. Our sister site the Cut has reached out to Jackson and representatives for Warner Bros. and Olympios. We will update this post as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any information youd like to share about Bachelor in Paradise, please contact allie.jones@nymag.com. Update, 2:20 p.m.: Jackson has not officially commented on the allegations against him, but The New York Post just published some of his text messages that seem to outline his strategy going forward. In the texts, sent to an unknown party, Jackson writes that he wants the footage of his encounter with Olympios. i just want the footage, he wrote. we all know what happened and the tape will prove it. Jackson has yet to explicitly state that he believes Olympios consented to the encounter. Bill Cosby and Andrea Constand. Photo: Getty Images Bill Cosbys words were used against him this afternoon at the Montgomery County Courthouse in suburban Philadelphia. After the defense shocked the court by resting its case after only one witness, the prosecution made closing arguments focused on Cosbys statements to investigators more than ten years ago. Though the 79-year-old comedian denies drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004 when she worked at Temple University, he could face up to three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault with a maximum sentence of ten years, and fines of up to $25,000 per count. Since the trial started one week ago today, Cosby never took the stand. Instead, his attorneys spent most of the trial painting Constand as an unreliable witness, a troubled person, and a woman seeking to ruin the comedy legends reputation, even after dozens of other women have come forward accusing the entertainer of rape spanning at least four decades. This aint right! yelled defense attorney Brian McMonagle, who accused Constand of telling a stone-cold lie. He delivered his closing statements with the vigor thats come to be expected from the brash Philly attorney, suggesting that Cosbys accuser was a lover and not a victim. By the afternoon, prosecution hammered home the glaring consistencies between both Constand and Cosbys stories up to but not including the type of pills that were administered by Cosby on the night Constand says he sexually assaulted her. According to testimony, Cosby referred to the pills in question as friends, and encouraged Constand, an athlete whos normally averse to taking medication, to try them. Theyre your friends, he allegedly told her. Constand told the court last week that after she ingested the drugs she was unable to move or fight back in Cosbys suburban Philadelphia home. The comedian later told investigators that he remembers giving the then-33-year-old over-the-counter Benadryl tablets to help her relax. He said that after she took the pills, she and Cosby engaged in heavy petting on the sofa in his living room. Cosby admitted in a sworn statement that Constand neither objected nor gave permission for the sexual activity that he admitted occurred that night. Constand said she awoke to Cosby inserting his finger repeatedly into her vagina and putting his penis in her hand, and that she had rebuffed him twice before. The prosecution says that if someone is unconscious or unable to react to sexual advances of this kind, its rape. He has told you what he has done, the prosecution said today. Its about as straightforward as youre going to get in a sex crimes case. D.A. Kevin Steele also told the jury that Constand, who was sitting in the front row of the court today, had courage to come forward, even after she had been painted as a liar. But what could perhaps be the most revealing statement that prosecutors spotlighted again and again to the jury came from Cosbys sworn statement to investigators. When Cosby was questioned about the night of the alleged assault, he told police that he did not have sexual intercourse with Constand, either awake or asleep. Who says that? asked Steele, who proceeded to critique the comedians attempts to pay off Constand after he got worried that she may go public. During a taped phone call that was broadcast in the courtroom, Cosbys recognizable voice can be heard offering to pay for graduate school in addition to travel expenses and a meeting with a talent agent. Constand did not accept any of the gifts. Citing a settlement between Cosby and Kelly Johnson, a former William Morris assistant who accused the comedian of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1996, Steele said that Cosby has a history of trying to cover up his assaults. When Johnson testified last week, she broke down on the stand, saying the pills Cosby furnished made her feel like she was underwater. She was later fired from the agency and no charges were brought against Cosby. Throughout the closing statements, Cosby leaned forward a few times and shook his head, but mostly he maintained his poise, seated and sometimes staring off at the judges bench and ceiling. He occasionally whispered to his defense team as his wife, Camille Cosby, looked on from the courtroom with a clenched smile. Today is the first day she has appeared by his side in court since the case started last week. Steele was adamant that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Cosby is guilty of raping Constand. Based upon [Constands] testimony alone you must convict, he said. He is definitely guilty of all three aggravated indecent assaults. In a surprising move, Steele also admonished the Montgomery County D.A.s office for not bringing charges against Cosby sooner, saying it was a failure. Cosbys fate now rests in the hands of the jury, as they begin deliberating. By Press Trust of India: By Aditi Khanna London, Jun 12 (PTI) Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, made a surprise visit to London terror attack victims at a hospital in the city today. The wife of Prince William arrived at King?s Hospital, south-east London, hospital for a visit that was not publicised in advance to enable staff to continue to treat those affected without disruption. advertisement In total 14 victims were taken to the hospital, one of whom was "walking wounded" and able to leave quickly after being seen by emergency staff. The remaining 13 required treatment for stab wounds of varying severity. Seven were in a critical condition and are still receiving round-the-clock treatment. The Duchess of Cambridge met staff who were on shift in the emergency department at the time of the terror attack, as well as those working on the trauma ward. She spoke to six patients who are still being treated at the hospital and also to doctors and nurses who were working on the night of the atrocity. Eight people were killed in the London Bridge terror attack when three men - Pakistan-born Khuram Shazad Butt, Moroccan-origin Rachid Redouane and Moroccon-Italian Yousef Zaghba ? drove a white van into pedestrians, before jumping out and stabbing bystanders. Almost 50 people were injured in the attack, which took place in London Bridge and Borough Market area of London on June 3. Armed police marksmen descended on the scene and shot the three suspects dead. Nurse Kirsty Boden, 28, and au pair Sara Zelenak, 21 - were among the eight killed in the attack. The other victims were identified as Canadian national Christine Archibald, 30, French nationals Sebastien Belanger, 36, Alexandre Pigeard, 26, and Xavier Thomas, 45, Spanish national Ignacio Echeverria, 39, and Londoner James McMullan, 32. The Islamic State (ISIS) had claimed responsibility for the attack. Scotland Yard are currently questioning seven suspects in connection with the investigation into the attack. PTI AK NSA --- ENDS --- After Bachelor in Paradise recently suspended production, reportedly over an alleged sexual encounter in which a contestant was too drunk to consent, a former producer for the Bachelor franchise who talked to People shed some light on how alcohol plays into filming the show. The whole point of the show is that to succeed you need to make friends, and people feel its advantageous to drink and hook up and find a boyfriend or girlfriend, he said. Its par for the course that there is a drunken hookup that went too far, he added. That certainly goes on all the time. In the incident that launched the investigation, producers allegedly filmed cast member DeMario Jackson engaging in a sexual encounter with Corinne Olympios, a female contestant. Olympios, according to TMZ, says she was too drunk to consent. Warner Bros. and ABC havent commented on the specifics of the allegations neither contestant has filed a lawsuit while host Chris Harrison has said that theres a lot of misinformation out there about what happened on the show. The former producer who spoke to People said that contestants having sex that ends up being filmed isnt a surprise. Theres a lot of sex on the various shows that happens that never airs, he said. There are cameras everywhere and theres nowhere to hide, so when cast members behave outrageously, they allow themselves to forget there are cameras and just get caught up in the moment. The producer characterized the show as having a party vibe like summer camp or spring break. He added that producers, the majority of whom are women, will absolutely step in if they think there is something bad going on. If someones had a few drinks, but seems to know what theyre doing, youre probably going to let that go, he said. If someone is passing out or slurring, youre going to take care of them. Johnny Depp. Photo: The Weinstein Company/IMDB When did you forget about The Libertine, the 2004 historical drama starring Johnny Depp and Rosamund Pike? Was it as soon as you left the theater, or as soon as you read about Depps other Libertine movie? In the Libertine were talking about, Depp played John Wilmot, a rogue who is threatened with exile after he pens a play that offends King Charles II (John Malkovich). If you havent seen the movie, youre in luck: As Glastonburys first Cinemageddon stage guest of honor, Johnny Depp is bringing it back, according to the Guardian. (The Hollywood Vampires are staying home for this outing.) The Pirates star will introduce three movies The Libertine, Jim Jarmuschs Dead Man, and Withnail and I for an audience seated in 100 American and Cuban cars from the 1960s, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis told the Guardian. Depp will also chat about the selections with filmmaker Julien Temple. The Libertine, which flopped when it was released, is sure to be the nights crown jewel. This is one of those films that got lost in the shuffle, Depp said in a statement. Its a film on which a lot of people worked very hard, and one that I am very proud of. Feel free to revisit the trailer for yourself. Anyone who doesnt understand rape culture, how the patriarchy normalizes sexual assault, and/or the ways that men can be so incredibly awful in their pursuit of women should watch this episode of Southern Charm. The behavior of Shep and the other men as they tried to excuse what is simply inexcusable behavior shocked me repeatedly. My jaw dropped to the floor and then it dropped lower and lower each time he talked about his incident with Chelsea at a bar, so low that my jaw has now traveled all the way through the Earth and is currently inhabiting a one-room apartment somewhere in Shanghai. The story is that Shep went out drinking with Austen and Chelsea. Shep previously had one night of making out with Chelsea, but then he moved on and she moved on to Austen. Chelsea and Austen have been dating for several weeks, though not in an official relationship. Okay, the scene is set. Shep, Chelsea, and Austen are at the Commodore and Austen leaves them alone to get drinks. According to Chelsea, Shep grabbed her, took her outside, and repeatedly tried to force himself on her by kissing her even though she made it clear his advances were unwanted. That, in and of itself, is gross. Chelsea is there with another dude, ostensibly a friend of his, and he tries to put the make on her in the back of the bar? She obviously doesnt want to be with him. What kind of girl does he think would want to do that? Chelsea tells this story to Austen and I really wish that the cameras had been there so that we could see some objective footage of what happened. (Why the hell werent they there?!) Instead, we have to rely on what Chelsea and Shep say about the matter. That is also a good primer for what its like in a real-life allegation of sexual assault. As usual, I tend to believe the woman, especially because Shep admits that he was so drunk he doesnt remember. We hear this story again when Austen does the right thing and confronts Shep about his awful behavior. Shep doesnt even deny it! Not for a second! He doesnt think that hes even done anything wrong. It was a test, he says. I was doing it on your behalf. I would like to do that annoying thing and say that I just threw up a little bit in my mouth, but in reality, I actually threw up everywhere and now all of the storm drains in a ten-block radius are clogged with chunks of the entire box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch I ate for lunch. Then it gets worse. Craig, a law-school graduate who does not know the meaning of the world Lothario and thinks you are ridiculous for thinking he would know what that word means, tells everyone that Shep tried to sleep with Naomie the first night he introduced them. Yes, this is a pattern. Craig later admits its so prevalent that he just had to accept that Shep is always going to try to sleep with his dates. That grosses me out more than thinking about what the drain looks like after Josh Gad manscapes in the shower. In this instance, Whitney is really the awful enabler. After hearing this story, he says, It seems like late in the evening, [Shep] made an inappropriate advance, but not really and like youre overreacting. Wait, wait? Is he saying that a man who moves a woman out back and repeatedly tries to kiss her after she expresses she isnt interested is an inappropriate advance but not really? But not really? In what disgusting Penthouse Forum world do these guys live where they think that is actually appropriate? Ugh, that is grosser than a quiche made out of dick cheese. Austen is by no means overreacting. His friend just tried to make out with his girlfriend when he got up to get more beers. I think he is exactly the right level of mad and I think that we need more men like him to stand up to jerks like Shep if this behavior is ever going to stop. Especially when there are people like Whitney telling him to just drop it because God forbid Austen upset their disgusting world order of privilege. The conversation that Cameran and Chelsea have about this incident is totally different from the one the guys have. Chelsea tells Cameran what happened and she believes her immediately not only because everyone who has ever been close enough to Shep to smell the day-old hops on his breath knows he is probable to behave that way, but also because she is a woman in America and has probably been in the exact same position more than once. I know so many guys who act like that and are entitled because of the way theyve grown up and at some point that cant happen, Chelsea tells Cameran. She is 10 hundred billion percent correct. Luckily, Cameran is the kind of southern belle who is strong enough to blow a rape whistle in Sheps face until he understands why what he did was wrong. However, this was the worst of all the conversations. This is when we see the monster behind the mask. Shep tells Cameran the reason he did it was because he was wasted. That is a problem. If you cant calm that primal urge of yours, you need to stop drinking, she tells him. Amen, sister. Amen. A rosary of amens. A mole of amens. (I dont remember what that is, but from chemistry class I remember that its a lot.) Shep then blames Cameran for getting in his ear about how Shep and Chelsea should be together. Hes not wrong, she should have let that bullshit drop a long time ago, especially because it is clear that Chelsea doesnt seem to be interested in any relationship so Cameran shouldnt be pushing her on anyone. But that is no excuse for Shep being a total asshole to her. Thats entitlement. Youre not entitled to go kiss any girl you think is hot, she says. Wow. How am I agreeing with Cameran? How is she the one who is standing up for women everywhere? How is it that a crappy Bravo reality show is the best thing Ive ever seen about white cis male privilege and how it erodes everything in its wake like a tooth left in a bottle of Coke for three weeks? This is not even happening. Then we finally get to the Access Hollywood tape of it all. It usually works, he says to Cameran about just kissing any girl he thinks is hot. It usually works. Luckily, there isnt any Cinnamon Toast Crunch left for me to barf up. Whats sad is that hes right: We live in a world where dudes think this is acceptable and they dont even know any better. They dont even know that its wrong and that makes me want to rip off my eyelids and feed them to a brontosaurus. It takes all of the Chelseas and the Camerans and especially the Austens of the world to stand up to these guys on an individual case-by-case basis to tell them that it doesnt work, it is wrong, and there will be consequences if they keep behaving like that. That is how we dismantle rape culture. We rip it apart by watching shows like this where we see it, we say that it is awful, and we let the world know that no woman should ever be dragged into the back of a bar and be beset by a drunk, privileged man who expects to walk away blameless. There is a lot that happens in this episode Kathryns ridiculous photo shoot, J.D.s ridiculous bow tie, Landons ridiculous tears over her ridiculous website with its ridiculous name, Craig and Naomies ridiculous attempts to try to save their doomed relationship, whatever the hell sad store where Kathryn goes shopping but its so rare when reality gets real. Its so rare when there are these moments, these small little incidents that show who all of these people are and expose them for the monsters (or victims or heroes or attackers) that they really are. We need to honor those moments. We need to listen to Chelsea, believe her, and be willing to stand up for her and what is right. We need to tell Shep that no one will ever sleep with him again if he keeps running around thinking he can just grab women because hes famous. Every day, thanks to pop culture like this, more and more people are willing to stand up and fight back, and thank God were finally in a time when that happens. You might already feel like youre living in a museum dedicated to Donald Trumps tweets every day of your life, but this weekend The Daily Show invites you to take that feeling to the next level plus free air-conditioning, on them. Located at 3 West 57th Street in Manhattan, a block and a half from Trump Tower, The Daily Shows Donald J. Trump Presidential Tweet Library memorializes our first social-media-obsessed POTUS. The pop-up memorial offers interactive exhibits like a complete timeline of Trumps constantly evolving Twitter presence, testimonials from actual people directly targeted by Trump on Twitter, and, of course, a golden toilet from which you can issue your tweets. The museum will only physically exist from Friday through Sunday, but to quote Hotel California, you can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave. A brief clip of remarks from Oskar Eustis before the show begins. Happy opening, JULIUS CAESAR. pic.twitter.com/84zx8KgvxN The Public Theater (@PublicTheaterNY) June 13, 2017 Before Monday evenings opening night of Julius Caesar, the artistic director of the Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, addressed the controversy surrounding their Shakespeare in the Park production. The play, he said, warns about what happens when you try to preserve democracy by non-democratic means. Again, spoiler alert: it doesnt end too good. As Eustis explained in part to a supportive audience, Like drama, democracy depends on the conflict of different points of view. Nobody owns the truth. We all own the culture. Both Delta Air Lines and Bank of America withdrew their sponsorship of the yearly free outdoor Shakespeare festival in response to a negative backlash received by the Public Theaters version of the show, which depicts Julius Caesar as a blonde, modern-day Trump-like tyrant. Not exactly crying havoc and letting slip the dogs of war, but the theaters stance on the whole debacle is pretty clear nonetheless. By Saurabh Vaktania, Mayuresh Ganapatye: Police investigating the death of 27-year-old model-actress Kritika Choudhary are banking on CCTV footage and the autopsy report for clues on what transpired in the suspected murder. There are four CCTV cameras near Bhairavnath Co-op Society, where Choudhary was found dead, and Mumbai police are collecting footage from cameras at a temple and a grocery shop close by. advertisement In mysterious death case of model-actress Kritika Choudhary on one hand Mumbai police is waiting for autopsy report where on second hand they have not obtained CCTV footage from nearby temple and grocery shop. ?. They have obtained footage of one month. "We have known for the last six months. She used to come to the temple and feed dogs here. Last I saw her outside the building 5-6 days back. I had been to her house to perform a pooja. I never heared any complaint about her from society members," said Abhimanyu, a pandit at a Sai Mandir near the society. "Police asked me for temple's CCTV which I have given to them," he said. The police has, meanwhile, detained two people and is questioning them. They have also infomred her family, which is on their way to Mumbai. "Our investigation is on. We will abale to tell you the reason of death after we get the autopsy report only. We are observing CCTV footage," said ACP Chavan. Encounter-specialist Daya Nayak, who recently resumed duty, is also part of investigation team. Kritika was found dead in mysterious circumstances at her flat in Andheri today morning. The incident came to light when Kritika's neighbours complained of a foul smell emanating from her flat and informed the police. Authorities suspect it to be a case of murder. --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) Scientists have invented a bio- sensor technology - known as a lab on a chip - that could be used in hand-held or wearable devices to monitor health and exposure to dangerous bacteria, viruses and pollutants. "This is really important in the context of personalised medicine or personalised health monitoring," said Mehdi Javanmard, an assistant professor at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in the US. advertisement "We are talking about platforms the size of a USB flash drive or something that can be integrated onto an Apple Watch, for example, or a Fitbit," said Javanmard. The technology, which involves electronically barcoding microparticles, giving them a bar code that identifies them, could be used to test for health and disease indicators, bacteria and viruses, along with air and other contaminants. In recent decades, research on biomarkers - indicators of health and disease such as proteins or DNA molecules - has revealed the complex nature of the molecular mechanisms behind human disease. That has heightened the importance of testing bodily fluids for numerous biomarkers simultaneously, researchers said. Bulky optical instruments are the state-of-the-art technology for detecting and measuring biomarkers, but they are too big to wear or add to a portable device, said Javanmard, senior author of the study published in the journal Lab on a Chip. Electronic detection of microparticles allows for ultra- compact instruments needed for wearable devices. The new technique for barcoding particles is, for the first time, fully electronic. That allows biosensors to shrink to the size of a wearable band or a micro-chip. The technology is greater than 95 per cent accurate in identifying biomarkers and fine-tuning is underway to make it 100 per cent accurate, Javanmard said. The team is also working on portable detection of microrganisms, including disease-causing bacteria and viruses. "Imagine a small tool that could analyse a swab sample of what is on the doorknob of a bathroom or front door and detect influenza or a wide array of other virus particles," he said. That kind of tool could be commercially available within about two years, and health monitoring and diagnostic tools could be available within about five years, Javanmard added. PTI SAR SAR --- ENDS --- The former Chilis building at North Valley Mills Drive and Bosque Boulevard has hit the market again, and a real estate agent said it has attracted attention from two national restaurant chains hoping to enter Waco. Dallas-based Fin Development had placed the 5,111-square-foot structure under contract after Chilis closed there and relocated to a new mixed-use center at South Valley Mills Drive and Interstate 35. But that deal collapsed, said commercial agent Pat Farrar, who is listing the property. Farrar said during an interview Monday the owner of the building, RexCo Development of California, would prefer to lease the building. Farrar is quoting a rate of $22 a square foot triple net, meaning the lessee also would cover the cost of taxes, maintenance and insurance. Im in the early stages of discussions with two restaurant chains, Farrar said. I get a lot of inquiries from prospects wanting to buy the place, but were not even quoting a price. The owner wants a lease. Real estate agent Josh Carter represented Fin Development in its negotiations to acquire the former Chilis building. He said company officials grew tired of dealing with delays and obstacles to getting a deal done. The group that owns the shopping center where the building is located would not respond to requests to view our architectural plans, though we asked them to do so on several occasions, Carter said. There were some architectural restrictions and deed restrictions that had to be dealt with, and we fought tooth and nail to make it happen, but we could not. Carter said Fin Development was prepared to spend multi-millions of dollars to take that building down to its shell and give it an entirely new look. What they had planned would have done nothing but enhance Parkdale Shopping Center. And while we were talking, another group acquired the vacant Johnny Carinos building nearby, and beat us to the punch as far as placing a privately operated emergency room on North Valley Mills Drive. We thought the two locations were too close to one another for both to operate successfully, so Fin Development withdrew. Atlanta-based Core Property Capital, which owns nearly all of Parkdale shopping center except for the former Chilis building, could not be reached for comment on the negotiations. The center includes such tenants as Hobby Lobby, Drug Emporium, Dickeys Barbecue Pit and 99 Cents Only, among other retailers and restaurants. Farrar said Core Property had approval rights to changes made in the Chilis building, though the structure has a separate owner. He said Parkdale and Chilis once shared the same ownership group. Express ER opened June 3 in the former Carinos space at 1411 N. Valley Mills Drive. Company officials said it represented an alternative to the Premier ER and Urgent Care locations that have opened in Woodway and on Interstate 35 near University Parks Drive. Five physicians partnered with an investment group to open Express ER, which offers laboratory services, X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds. They spent about $3 million to convert the vacant restaurant space into a 6,500-square-foot, full-service emergency facility, said Paula Hatfield, regional administrator for Express ER, which operates other emergency facilities in Temple and San Antonio and plans another in Harker Heights. Construction of private emergency centers without hospital affiliation has exploded since the Texas Legislature in 2009 passed the Texas Freestanding Emergency Medical Care Facility Licensing Act. Such facilities are comparable to hospital ERs and can deal with medical crises including heart attacks, strokes and major accidents. Chilis decided to close for business in Parkdale shopping center more than a year before its lease was to expire in July of 2017. A new Chilis went up in the development at South Valley Mills Drive and I-35 anchored by a Gander Mountain outdoors store that will close following a quitting-business sale prompted by the retailers bankruptcy filing. A new construction project at Rapoport Academy will soon allow elementary students flexibility to work on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics projects in one designated location at the charter school systems North Elementary campus. The nearly $300,000 project will transform the campus basement into a STEAM lab for second- through fourth-grade students by this fall, Rapoport STEM coordinator Clay Springer said. The facility will allow the school to expand the campus by turning its current reading, science and art rooms on its upper level into three other classrooms and add a new STEAM and science teacher, he said. The lab will also improve how elementary education directly ties into higher-level STEAM education within the school system and across the U.S., Superintendent Alexis Neumann said. In recent years, there has been a nationwide push for STEAM education to be a priority, with former President Barack Obama urging students to move from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math, according to the U.S. Department of Education. [The lab] brings it more from being just a part of the class to a focused, dedicated curricular space. For us at Rapoport, every student, every day has exposure to STEAM-related industries, content, projects and problems, Neumann said. Thats what this is going to help us do for second- through fourth-grade students. Rapoport Academy has been a T-STEM school district since about 2006 for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school system offers hands-on, creative engineering projects and target STEAM curriculum with learning opportunities on and off campus, school officials said. But most of Rapoports individualized STEAM classes, certifications and endorsement opportunities dont begin to take off until middle school, Neumann said. This expansion will place a unique focus on STEAM with designated lab time to each area throughout the school week, something that hasnt been done before, she said. Were pulling science out of the classroom and moving it down here for our classroom teachers, and allowing them to focus on two subjects at a time instead of four, Springer said. Weve also changed our whole schedule to fit around this. We changed it to where students come down here in blocks. The facility, once used for storage only, will have two classrooms and a reading area near an older fire place that hasnt been used in years. One classroom will house computers and 10 to 12 tables, while the other will have a work space for art, including a large sink, a 3-D printer or two and a kiln, he said. The districts also making changes to its middle and high school facilities because, starting this year, all Rapoport students will be required to take a STEAM 1 course, Springer said. The new lab will make the transition from elementary-level STEAM work to middle school work easier, he said. The three free rooms upstairs will then transform into a resource room, and two second-grade classrooms. Right now, second- and fourth-grade students are split between two buildings on the campus, he said. The new lab will now allow the campus to keep both grade levels together in their respective buildings, and open another room in the second building for an intervention specialist, Springer said. Im excited about having more space and for them to have all that space down there to create, dean of academics Amy Taylor said. Weve been doing STEAM in the classrooms, and here theyre going to be able to spread out and flow from room to room. Im looking forward to that for them. A woman traveling on a Greyhound bus through Bruceville-Eddy was arrested early Monday morning after she stabbed a woman on the bus four times, Bruceville-Eddy Police Chief Bill McLean said. Reshundra Denise Pickens, 31, was arrested after police were called to mile-marker 317 on northbound Interstate 35 at about 12:30 a.m. McLean said Pickens was on the bus when she moved seats and sat next to another woman whom she apparently did not know. "(Pickens) sat down and started asking the other woman questions, but (the second woman) just looked at her funny," McLean said. "Pickens didn't get a response because the other woman only speaks Spanish, so Pickens got upset and pulled a knife." Pickens allegedly stabbed the woman four times in the torso, McLean said. Police were called and found Pickens in possession of a knife with a 4 1/2-inch blade. McLean said the injured woman was taken to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center for her injuries. Her condition was not available Monday evening. Pickens was arrested on a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault. She remained in McLennan County Jail on Monday evening with a bond listed at $10,000. Rudolph Wesley Scott, Jr. July 20, 1927 - June 9, 2017 Mr. Rudolph Wesley Scott, Jr., 89, passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 in Kingwood, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2017, Waco Memorial Park with the Rev. Josh Pruett officiating. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, Cole Funeral Home, McGregor. Mr. Scott was born July 20, 1927 to Rudolph and Pearl (Breeding) Scott in Falls County, Texas.He married the love of his life, Annie Bea Gent, on December 24, 1949. Mr. Scott proudly served in the United States Merchant Marines. After his service in the Merchant Marines, he worked as a power station operation supervisor with Texas Power and Light for 40 years. Rudolph was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Bea, on August 9, 2016. Survivors include his son, Randy Scott and wife, Lynn, of College Station; grandchildren, Emily Rickman and husband, Chris, of Spring, Heather Pulaski and husband, Scott, of Springboro, Ohio, Brad Scott and wife, Brook, of Montgomery, and Andy Scott of College Station; six great-grandchildren; brother, Harvey Scott of Kerrville, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. When Waco Today took a look back at the Miss Waco Pageant from its beginning in the 1960s to the mid-1990s, it wasnt able to contact many of the past winners in time for the story. Deanna Williams Bracciale, the Miss Waco winner in 1987, wanted to get a chance to share how much she enjoyed her time in her role. The China Spring High School graduate attended and earned her degree from Baylor in radio, TV and film, going on to work at KWTX 97.5 FM as a disc jockey. She said she competed in pageants for a few years, especially because she figured it could help in her career in radio, TV and film. These days, however, she is busy as a regional trainer for H-E-B pharmacies in the North Central Texas area (Editors note: the May story incorrectly listed her as a pharmacist for H-E-B). She continues to have fond memories of her time as Miss Waco. I got to meet a lot of really nice people and have made lifelong friends through it, she said. She remembers trying to always be available to represent the pageant and the city as Miss Waco at various events during her title reign in 1987-88. There could be appearances with the Mayors Committee on Disabilities to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sickle Cell Anemia Association, American Heart Association, local boat races on the river, to name just a few. She was busy, she said, adding that shed often have appearances about four days out of every week, sometimes without a lot of advance notice. I kept my crown and banner in the back seat of my car, just so I could be ready, she said. I wanted to do as much as I could do as Miss Waco. When she competed the pageant occurred the same time as Celebrate Waco, which resulted in large crowds attending the local pageant Bracciale said she also won the Peoples Choice Award at the pageant, which gave her even more incentive to represent her hometown well. I hoped to show that this is what Waco is about, she said. She enjoyed getting to represent Waco at the Miss Texas USA Pageant in 1989 in San Antonio. It was a great experience, she said. Im glad I did it. I wouldnt trade those days for anything. Reunion Event DiAmore Fine Jewelers is hosting and sponsoring a Miss Waco Reunion cocktail event from 5 to 8 p.m. June 15 at its business, 4541 W. Waco Drive, to honor former contestants and winners of the Miss Waco pageants All contestants and winners are invited to RSVP to DiAmore Fine Jewelers by calling 776-9877 to secure an honorary gift and official invitation. The government aims to develop Lahaul-Spiti as part of the Buddhist tourism circuit. By India Today Web Desk: A hilly terrain with trekking trails, monasteries, diverse flora and fauna, and a rich Tibet-influenced culture--the twin districts of Lahaul and Spiti boast of a wide variety of attractions to woo tourists. To tap its tourism potential, these destinations in Himachal Pradesh have now been identified to be developed as new tourist spots. Union Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma assured that the Centre has approved Rs 250 crore to develop the much-talked-about Buddhist tourism circuit in parts of India, including Lahaul-Spiti. The minister said this while visiting the district on the occasion of Chandra-Bhaga Sangam Parv. Picture courtesy: Instagram/deepakkoundal advertisement The trans-national Buddhist circuit from India to Nepal has been one of the most important tourism projects envisioned by the government. With Buddhism having originated in India, the government is looking at bringing more of Buddhist pilgrims to India. Also Read:4 of the least populated Indian villages you must travel to Mahesh Sharma also added that the Tandi Sangam, where Chandra and Bhaga rivers meet, would be developed for tourism purposes, as per the demand of people, as there was no dearth of funds to execute the project, reported The Tribune. Picture courtesy: Instagram/mayank16196 Picture courtesy: Instagram/mayank16196 Besides, the Centre has reportedly approved Rs 100 crore to develop four museums in Himachal Pradesh, as part of its endeavour to promote tourism in the state. Revamping Lahaul-Spiti as a tourist destination would also mean added employment opportunities for otherwise-deprived inhabitants. --- ENDS --- Hit by a massive farmers' protest over mounting debt and better crop prices, Madhya Pradesh witnessed at least 2 more farmer suicides in the last 24 hours. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan is likely to visit Mandsaur tomorrow. By India Today Web Desk: Hit by a massive farmers' protest over mounting debt and better crop prices, Madhya Pradesh witnessed at least two more farmer suicides in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to visit Mandsaur tomorrow, his first visit since police firing killed six farmers in the violence-hit district. Makhan Lal Digolia, 68, killed himself by hanging from a tree in Hoshangabad's Seoni Malwa. News channel NDTV reported that another farmer Dhulichand, 52, allegedly committed suicide last night in Sehore, which happens to be the hometown of Chief Minister Chouhan. advertisement The two suicides continue to headline the plight of farmers in Madhya Pradesh, which saw a violent protest in Mandsaur and other places last week, resulting in the death of at least six farmers in police firing. On Monday, the Madhya Pradesh government also appointed Justice JK Jain (retd) to head the one-member judicial commission to probe the June 6 police firing in Mandsaur. Chouhan later sat on an indefinite fast in capital Bhopal to placate the protesting farmers, which he ended with a few announcements to benefit the farming community in his state. On Sunday, Chouhan ended his day-old fast. The farmers in Madhya Pradesh are on strike since June 1 demanding loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce. According to a report in the Times of India, the latest national crime record bureau (NCRB) claims that 11,000 farmers have committed suicide in the state in the last nine years. Also read | Shivraj Singh Chouhan asks collectors not to be casual towards issues concerning farmers Also read | Farmers will fire bullets at government under our leadership: Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Also read | Madhya Pradesh: Mandsaur farmers, traders say demonetisation doomed us WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- James Packer's Crown Resorts says all its staff who have been detained in China since October have now been charged with offences relating to the promotion of gambling. Employees who had been released on bail had also been charged, it said in a statement to the ASX. Their cases have been referred to the Baoshan District Court. Crown said no further comment would be made as the matter was now before the courts. A total of 18 Crown employees including Australians Jason O'Connor, Jerry Xuan and Pan Dan, Malaysian Alfread Gomez and 14 Chinese nationals were detained in a co-ordinated police operation across several Chinese cities on October 13 and 14 targeting the gaming giant's marketing activities in China. The appointment of administrators could give the broadcaster a chance to extract itself from onerous supply contracts with US networks CBS and 20th Century Fox. Lachlan Murdoch (left) holds 7.5 per cent of Ten and has formed an alliance with Bruce Gordon. James Packer still holds 7.7 per cent of shares. Credit:Rob Homer A lengthy administration process would also give parliament time to pass proposed media reform laws that would lift ownership restrictions and scrap broadcast licence fees (costing Ten about $23 million annually). But the new laws have not been introduced yet and parliament has just nine sitting weeks left this year. Mr Murdoch and Mr Gordon are both prevented from owning controlling stakes in Ten by the two-out-of-three and reach rules in media ownership laws. They are currently overseas, but are being represented in meetings by advisors. Masterchef is rating well, but Ten has entered a trading halt as it sorts out debt problems. Credit:Martin Philbey In late April, the board warned there was material uncertainty about the group's ability to continue as going concern unless it was able to cut costs, renegotiate contracts with US suppliers, and secure licence fee cuts. It was also reliant on the three shareholders guaranteeing the next loan. Back in 2013, directors also warned the cost and risk of other funding sources "made them unpalatable", raising questions about Ten's ability to find palatable sources of debt in coming months, especially given shareholder support was necessary to clinch an affordable and acceptable loan from Commonwealth Bank. Logical buyer Network Ten has often struggled since it was launched in the 1960s, according to Mark Westfield, author of a history of Australia's media industry called The Gatekeepers. "Every time Ten gets into trouble, the many times it has struck financial trouble, it has found a buyer," he said. He sees Foxtel, which already owns 14 per cent of Ten, as the logical buyer, but this would require it to work around existing media ownership laws or wait until the reforms pass. The current chairman, David Gordon, is a former corporate adviser and lawyer. Other directors include Debbie Goodin, former trade minister Andrew Robb (who represents Gina Rinehart's 8.2 per cent), Andrew Lancaster, chief executive of Win Corporation and representative for Mr Gordon's 15 per cent, and Foxtel chief executive Peter Tonagh. 'Unsettling time' In a brief email to staff on Tuesday, Mr Anderson told staff he would keep them updated. "Whilst this is an unsettling time for us all, we must assume that our operations continue as usual," he wrote. But employees have expressed disappointment in Ten's management to Fairfax Media. Some say that communication from senior executives has been infrequent and evasive. "We're pretty much being kept in the dark," one worker says. "We learn what's happening by reading stories in other news outlets." Programming improvement Meanwhile, Ten's struggles are not explained by ratings alone. In March, the network axed its failed weight loss series The Biggest Loser: Transformed. It could scarcely afford another flop. More than ever, it needed its new season of MasterChef to work - and it has. Last week, the Tuesday and Thursday episodes of the long-running cooking show attracted more than 1 million capital city viewers each. (These figures include repeat and catch-up ratings). Slow-burn success Have You Been Paying Attention did even better, with an audience of nearly 1.2 million. Still to come this year are new seasons of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Offspring and Australian Survivor. All punch above their weight in the lucrative under-55 demographics. Ten will also debut Common Sense, a spin-off of the successful Gogglebox (which also airs on pay TV provider and partner Foxtel). Just a few years ago, the network endured a string of expensive flops: The Shire, Being Lara Bingle, Everybody Dance Now, I Will Survive, Breakfast and Wake Up. Last week, however, it captured almost 30 per cent of prime time viewers aged 25-54. So why can't Ten turn a profit in 2017, given the considerable improvement in its programming? Growing competition Partly to blame is growing competition from online behemoths. As Google and Facebook take an ever-increasing slice of advertising budgets, the price of TV commercials has dropped. In early 2016, for instance, a 30-second prime time ad cost around $60,000. Just a few months ago, similar spots were selling for $50,000. Loading Meanwhile, Ten is encumbered by expensive content deals with US studios Fox and CBS (rumoured to cost a combined $120 million annually). Yet the value of American programs to Australian broadcasters is dwindling. Most attract smaller audiences than they used to, thanks to competition from pay TV, streaming services - and piracy. Gonski Review panel member Kathryn Greiner says it would be a "disaster" if the Senate voted down the Turnbull government's new school funding model, making her the second panellist in two days to throw their support behind the changes. On Tuesday, former NSW and South Australian department of education boss Ken Boston said Parliament was on the "threshold of a new deal of historic national importance" and it would be a "tragedy" if the opportunity were allowed to pass. Education Minister Simon Birmingham and Senate kingmaker Nick Xenophon seized upon Dr Boston's comments as evidence the current funding system needs to be overhauled. Ms Greiner, who recently conducted an internal review of the NSW Catholic school system, told Fairfax Media: "I agree 100 per cent with what Ken said - it would be a disaster for Australian education if this doesn't pass. Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak Credit:AP In his opening statement, Sessions said any suggestion that he participated in or was aware of any collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government to undermine the democratic process "is an appalling and detestable lie." Sessions also denied talking to any Russian official in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington at an event in April 2016, rejecting reports that he may have had an undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, at that event. Jeff Sessions appearing before the Senate committee on Tuesday. Credit:Washington Post livestream He said he recalled no private conversations with any Russian officials at that reception and "if any brief interaction occurred in passing with the Russian ambassador, I do not remember it." The Huffington Post reported March 8 that Sessions and Kislyak had attended that event, at which Trump was also present, but that it was not clear whether the two had spoken. CNN has more recently reported that there continue to be questions about whether there was such a meeting. The issue matters because Sessions testified at his confirmation hearing that he did not communicate with the Russians in 2016, but it later emerged that he had at least two contacts with Kislyak; the question is whether there was a third. (Sessions has said his answer at the hearing was accurate in context.) Communications with Trump Sessions refused to talk about direct communications with Trump, saying, "I cannot and will not violate my duty to protect the confidential communications I have with the president." Pressed by Warner, though, Sessions clarified that Trump had not invoked executive privilege -- a constitutional doctrine that permits a president to shield his confidential communications with subordinates. Rather, he said it was a matter of longstanding Justice Department practices to keep those discussions secret. "I'm not able to comment on conversations with high officials in the White House," Sessions said, denying that he was "stonewalling." As the testimony unfolded, that played out in several ways. For example, at one point, Sessions refused to say whether he had discussed the FBI investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 election with Trump. At another, asked by Senator Marco Rubio about the account the account of James Comey, the former FBI director, that Trump had cleared the Oval Office after a February 14 meeting -- including asking Sessions to leave -- Sessions said that would be a White House communication he could not comment on. But when Rubio asked if Sessions remembered seeing Comey stay behind, Sessions replied, "Yes." Sen. Martin Heinrich criticised Sessions for refusing to answer questions about his conversations with Trump. The senator argued that since the president had not invoked executive privilege, Sessions had no legal basis for declining to provide answers, accusing him of "obstructing" the congressional investigation. Sessions said he believed it would be inappropriate to discuss confidential communications with the president that were potentially subject to executive privilege before Trump had an opportunity to decide whether to invoke it. "I have consulted with senior career attorneys in the department," Sessions said. "I believe this is consistent with my duties." Sessions contradicts Comey Sessions offered a different account of what he said when Comey approached him following a meeting February 14 in the Oval Office with Trump. Comey recounted that after a routine counterterrorism meeting, Trump cleared the room of everyone else -- including Sessions -- and then made comments that Comey interpreted as an improper request to drop an investigation into Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. Afterward, Comey said, he "implored" Sessions never to leave him alone with the president again, but Sessions did not respond. After Comey's testimony last week, the Justice Department released a statement contesting Comey's account that Sessions had merely remained silent, and Sessions himself on Tuesday said directly and under oath that he did respond. "While he did not provide me with any of the substance of his conversation with the president, Mr. Comey expressed concern about the proper communications protocol with the White House and with the president," Sessions said. "I responded to his comment by agreeing that the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policies regarding appropriate contacts with the White House." He added: "I was confident that Mr Comey understood and would abide by the department's well-established rules governing any communications with the White House about ongoing investigations. My comments encouraged him to do just that, and indeed, as I understand, he did." Robert Mueller's tenure Under questioning from Warner, Sessions said he would not have anything to do with any effort, should one emerge, to fire Robert Mueller as special counsel, since he is recused from the Russia investigation Mueller is leading. "I wouldn't think that would be appropriate for me to do," he said. As things stand, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is the acting attorney general for the purpose of overseeing the Russia investigation, and so oversees Mueller. Still, Sessions was involved in recommending the firing of Comey -- a decision Trump said he made while thinking about the Russia investigation -- despite being recused from it. Sessions defends his recusal Sessions defended his involvement in the decision to fire Comey, explaining that his recusal did not prevent him from having a say in his department's management decisions. "It is absurd, frankly, to suggest that a recusal from a single specific investigation would render an attorney general unable to manage the leadership of the various Department of Justice law enforcement components that conduct thousands of investigations," he said. He argued that he recused himself not because of "any sort of wrongdoing," but in accordance with department regulations regarding his involvement with Trump's presidential campaign. "This is the reason I recused myself," he said, holding up a copy of the rule. "I felt I was required to under the rules of the Department of Justice." But Sessions made it clear that would not stop him from defending himself. "I recused myself from any investigation into the campaign for president, but I did not recuse myself from defending my honour against scurrilous and false accusations," he said. Misleading senators? Sessions sent a stand-in to the Appropriations Committee, Rosenstein, but that did not stop Democrats there from venting their frustrations at him. The Maharashtra government is set to release advance of Rs 10,000 to farmers to help them sow in Kharif season. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: The Maharashtra cabinet today decided to disburse Rs 10,000 to farmers ahead of the sowing season to take off their monetary burden to some extent. Marginal farmers that comprise almost 80 per cent of the total agrarian population will be benefited from the advance. The demand made by Shiv Sena in the Cabinet meet and was unanimously accepted. advertisement HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Farmers were worried about missing the sowing season due to monetary constraints and hence the demand made by the Shiv Sena was to facilitate farmers in buying seeds. "The loan waiver package is being worked out... But in the meantime farmers need money for seeds for the Kharif sowing... Loan waiver will happen but till then we demanded that an advance of Rs 10,000 be paid to them, so that they do not miss the deadline," said Diwakar Raote, Maharashtra Transport Minister. However, there was a fallout between BJP and Shiv Sena over who raised the loan advance issue. "It was unanimously decided in the earlier meeting that advance should be paid to farmers as immediate relief," Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil said. He further said that if the district banks are unable to disburse loans, then nationalised banks will give crop loans. --- ENDS --- By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Adding to the already existing set of woes of the state, 16 lakh employees of the Maharshtra government have threatened to go on a three-day strike in July demanding the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission. The state government Employees Union has been demanding immediate implementation of the pay commission and had even threatened a similar strike in January, earlier this year. advertisement Speaking to India Today, secretary of the employees union, Avinash Daund said, "Apart from the 7th Pay Commission, our demand is also to extend the retirement age to 60 years. But that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon. So if our demand is not met, we will go on a strike on July 12, 13 and 14, and if the government doesn't budge then we will go on an indefinite strike." STATE REELING UNDER FISCAL DEFICIT According to rough estimates, Rs 24,000 crores are required to implement the 7th Pay Commission. The state government is already reeling under severe debt and fiscal deficit. Maharashtra has a debt of Rs 3,85,000 crores for the financial year 2016-17. A sum of Rs 25,000 crores is paid only as an interest over the debt. Till the end of next financial year, the figure is likely to cross Rs 4,00,000 crores. Presently, the state has a fiscal deficit of Rs 5,511 crore. After scrapping the LBT, an additional burden of Rs 7 thousand crore has been put on the state. The recent decision by the Supreme Court to ban liquor shops and bars on highways has also added a burden of Rs 7 thousand crores on the state. The demand coming at such a crucial juncture has only added to the worries of the government. Also read: 7th Pay Commission: Central government employees likely to get revised allowances from July Also read: 7th Pay Commission: Narendra Modi-led cabinet may decide on revised allowances for govt employees tomorrow --- ENDS --- Following an invitation by school teachers from a primary school in Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus, a representative of Cyprus Customs met with 6th grade students on 6 June 2017 to brief them during a lesson that was being given on the illicit trade in antiquities. After a brief introduction on the role of Customs today and the challenges it faces, as well as the structure and organization of Cyprus Customs, Customs Officer Georgios Constantinou explained what was being done to control the movement of cultural objects and the main results achieved in this field so far by his administration. He also showed the students several photos during his talk, including one of a holy icon that was ordered through E-bay and later seized at the post office. In addition, the students were shown various awareness-raising videos on the prevention of illicit trafficking and the protection of cultural heritage from destruction. The students were very focused during the presentation and actively participated in the discussion. Answering a question aimed at assessing their knowledge on what Customs actually does, one of the students responded that since ancient times Customs has been responsible for collecting taxes. Asked by a student whether Customs checks all imported parcels in Cyprus, Mr. Constantinou said that, due to the increasingly high volume of imported parcels and the need to facilitate legal trade, it is not possible to check all of them. He went on to say that for this reason, Customs used risk analysis as a tool in the fight against trafficking. The initiative taken by Cyprus Customs to participate in such a course, which was well received, was a start in cultivating students consciousness when it comes to the protection of cultural heritage and, according to the administrations Head of Education and Training, may lay the foundation for a comprehensive awareness campaign targeting schools in the coming years. At the invitation of the G20 German Presidency, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya attended the G20 Africa Conference, held in Berlin, Germany on 12 and 13 June 2017. The Conference was opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the presence of a number of Presidents and Ministers of Finance of African countries as well as heads of international organisations. The main points that emerged from the keynote speeches in relation to Customs work were economic growth, domestic resource mobilisation, peace and security and capacity building. At the panel session on macroeconomic stability and developing strong tax systems, Secretary General Mikuriya explained the Customs operational model of transaction-based real time actions and its significance in capturing commercial data at the borders, fighting effectively against fraud, and tackling the issue of illicit financial flow. The Secretary General pointed out that building on this operational model, Customs major functions have evolved to include, inter alia, the following : efficient collection of revenue, with Customs contributing, on average, to around 40% of tax revenue in African states; provision of an enabling environment for private investment by the development of soft infrastructure for trade and transport through simplification, digitisation in collaboration with other regular agencies and a risk-based approach that is required by the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation; and contribution to security through a continuous and relentless fight against illicit trade. Dr. Mikuriya, therefore, urges political leaders in Africa, G20 partners and the international organisations to provide sufficient resources and support for capacity building in institution building while understanding Customs strength and potential contribution. At the Ready to Trade breakout session, Secretary General Mikuriya emphasised the need for ownership approach by political leaders by applying best practices that the WCO offers towards regional integration in Africa, involving the African Union and regional economic communities in a more collaborative manner. At the invitation of Mr. Alwyn Nicely, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica attended the 39th CCLEC Conference held in Miami, United States, from 23 to 25 May. Twenty-six Heads of Customs and senior delegates participated in the Conference, as well as representatives of several regional and global international organizations. The meeting was organized under the theme Digital partnerships in a connected world. WCO Deputy Secretary General Mujica made a keynote address at the opening of the Conference, highlighting the key priorities the WCO is currently working on, with special focus on digital Customs and data analysis, which is the WCO theme for the year 2017. Mr. Mujica also recognized CCLEC as a key partner for the WCO in its efforts to modernize Customs administrations in the Caribbean region, and invited CCLEC Members which have not yet joined the WCO to do so. CCLEC Permanent Secretary Alwyn Nicely reported on the main activities developed by CCLEC over the past year, particularly in the area of engagement with key stakeholders, IT and capacity building. The Conference also agreed on the main strategic priorities for CCLEC, including ratification of its Treaty by 2018; improving the automated Customs clearance service provided to yacht operators; data sharing; and the development of a strategic threat assessment for the region. The weather this year has been perhaps the worst in the past 50 years bringing the entire area to a standstill. Several houses have collapsed in the hills and dead livestock is seen floating in the river. By Manogya Loiwal : Mizoram is facing one of its worst fury in past few years due to bad weather. Buildings have collapsed and at least have died in the region due to incessant rain. The weather this year has been perhaps the worst in the past 50 years bringing the entire area to a standstill. Several houses have collapsed in the hills and dead livestock is seen floating in the river. advertisement Heavy rains and thundershowers in Mizoram have caused the largest recorded flooding of the Tlawng river in the last 50 years. Damage has been so extensive that even a rough estimate of the damages due to landslides and mudslides across several districts is difficult. The landslides had already destroyed several houses this morning, and also took down the main road. Locals are currently helping evacuating people from buildings in parts of Mizoram. In one part of Siarang, approximately 15 houses have been destroyed and more than 50 have been evacuated. More houses were destroyed by a landslide in Changpui, which is situated in the Lunglei district of Mizoram. While no fatalities have been reported yet, there have been some close shaves. Lalchhuanmawia, a local resident of Changpui, was rescued alongwith two of his children, but suffered severe injuries. His wife and youngest daughter, however, are still missing. The rains have completely blocked the road between Aizawl and Champhai, and at one point has caused a 30-feet collapse on Tuirial Airfield Road, which also called NH 54. In Tlabung, which falls under the Lunglei District, more than 80 families have been evacuated from their homes, and close to 70 houses have been submerged by the floods. In Serhmun, over a 100 houses have been swept away by the floods. While locals are doing their best to cope with the natural disaster, it has permanently destroyed the livelihoods of many who live in the state. With Hmingmawia in MizoramWATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) With a focus on natural history, environment and spirituality, the eighth edition of Mountain Echoes Literary Festival is to be held in August this year in Thimphu, Bhutan. An initiative of India-Bhutan Foundation along with literary consultancy Siyahi, the three-day festival will begin from August 25. A celebration of literature, art and music, the festival will host guests like Australian author Markus Zusak, American television host and author Padma Lakshmi and fiction-thriller writer Ashwin Sanghi. advertisement "Over the last eight years, Mountain Echoes has established itself as one of the most thoughtful, moving and evocative celebrations of literature anywhere on our planet. "The shared narratives of Bhutan and India, and of mountain regions everywhere, expand the space for insights across cultures and geographies," Namita Gokhale, co-director of the festival, said. The event will also explore globally-relevant issues such as conservation, spirituality and evolution of textiles and design traditions. Presenting a view on this years theme, founder of Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy, Siok Sian Dorji said, "The vision of the festival is to present a confluence of literature, art and music from both India and Bhutan. "This year is a specially-designed programme that will enable the audiences to engage in the form of storytelling that inspires them. Masterpieces on canvas, through music and performances, or literature. Theres something for everyone. The festival as always is free for everyone to attend." The festival will set a pace for discussions on ancient cultures while presenting an insight into philosophy of both the nations. Mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik will share the stage along with author Jerry Pinto and Sharanya Manivannan, author of the book The High Priestess Never Marries: Stories of Love and Consequence, among others. Presented by Jaypee Group, the festival will also hold discussions on Bhutanese arts and fashion with photographer- filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji and designers Chimmi Choden and Chandrika Tamang at the event. PTI RJS MAH BK --- ENDS --- A shocking CCTV footage surfaced where a leopard was seen barging into a girls hostel in Mumbai. By Saurabh Vaktania: Humans invading the wildlife day by day has created a conflict between the man and the wild. It might be a survival tactic for animals but for humans it can prove to be dangerous. In a recent case near Mumbai, a shocking CCTV footage surfaced where a leopard was seen barging into a girls hostel. The leopard wandered off into the Aarey jungle area of Goregaon inside the Bombay Veterinary College and started attacking two stray dogs. advertisement In the video, when the leopard attacks the dog, another dog comes to his rescue but fails to save him and runs away. The leopard being stronger than a stray, took away the dog inside the jungle as his meal. The hostel officials are, however, concerned that the dogs attract the leopards. Hence, students are advised not to feed stray dogs. Here's the exclusive CCTV footage: --- ENDS --- Paducah City Commission sees three retain seats and one return By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 12, 2017 | 04:19 PM | PADUCAH, KY A second music retailer in Paducah was recently named as one of the top 100 music merchants by a worldwide association.Symphony Supply was named as a Top 100 dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global association of music products and music retailers.They will receive the award on July 14 at the dealer awards event held as part of the 2017 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, Tennessee.In a press release, Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, said, Symphony Supply is dedicated to the pursuit of creating a more musical world, shared.The Top 100 Dealer award underscores their commitment to create a space which welcomes and inspires music makers through their products and services," he said.An independent panel of judges reviewed hundreds of submissions before compiling the top 100 list. Stores were rated on customer service, music advocacy, store design and promotions. Sarah Story from Symphony Supply reacted to the news, saying, "We are thrilled about the recognition and are proud to serve the people of western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri and northwest Tennessee." In addition to the Top 100 Dealer award, Symphony Supply could receive a Best Of award in one of seven individual categories, including Emerging Dealer or Rookie of the Year, Store Design, and the Music Makes a Difference award. The Dealer of the Year award will also be awarded at the event.To learn more about Symphony Supply, please visit symphonysupply.com or visit 734 Kentucky Avenue in downtown Paducah.To learn more about NAMM and the Top 100 Dealer Awards, please visit https://www.namm.org/summer/2017/top-dealer-awards Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 13, 2017 | LYON COUNTY, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 13, 2017 | 01:55 PM | LYON COUNTY, KY A Missouri man was seriously hurt Tuesday morning in a crash on Interstate 24 in Lyon County that shut down traffic for more than two hours. According to Kentucky State Police, 55-year-old Ronald Irick of Springfield, MO was traveling east on Interstate 24 at around 7 a.m. when he struck a guardrail. Irick's tractor trailer then struck the rear of another semi driven by 62-year-old Miguel Esparza of Laredo, TX. Irick's vehicle overturned in the median, where he was trapped until fire and rescue units were able to free him with mechanical means. Irick was treated on the scene by Lyon County EMS, and later airlifted to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville for life threatening injuries. Esparza was not injured in the crash. I-24 was shut down for more than two hours after the crash, and restricted to single-lane travel for several hours. Her post-mortem, which was conducted today, revealed that she died of a serious head injury, police said. Police is suspecting that a person known to her may have killed her by a knuckle. By Saurabh Vaktania: A case of murder was today registered against an unidentified person in connection with the mysterious death of actress Kritika Chaudhary at her flat in suburban Andheri, police said. Her post-mortem, which was conducted today, revealed that she died of a serious head injury, police said. Police is suspecting that a person known to her may have killed her by a knuckle. advertisement According to an official, Kritika's family members, friends and her acquaintances were being questioned. "Police have received the post-mortem report some time back and after going through it, we have filed an offence of murder," Paramjeet Dahiya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-IX) said. According to another officer, the autopsy report attributed the serious head injury as the cause of her death. "Initially, the Amboli police had registered a case of accidental death in this connection. Now, an offence of murder against an unidentified person has been registered and the probe is on," the officer added. He said police are checking the Call Data Record (CDR) of Kritika's cell phone along with the CCTV footage of her residential building as well of the surrounding area. Kritika's body was yet to be handed over to her family members, the official said. The decomposed body of Kritika (30) was found at her residence in Andheri (west) last evening after police broke open the door of her flat on the complaint by neighbours that foul smell was emanating from inside, police said. PERSONAL LIFE Investigations have revealed that Kritika had a love marriage and came to Mumbai. But eventually she got divorced and started staying alone. Earlier husband was suspected in the case, but as of now, he is let off. She got opportunity of acting in one film Rajjo, Kangana starrer and also few balaji telefilms serials and few south Indian movies, but her acting career never took off. --- ENDS --- CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE ANNOUNCES "TRASH TROUT" ON MUD CREEK Aquatic trash has become a pervasive problem in freshwater environments, presenting a challenge to water quality and habitat protection, in addition to causing aesthetic blight, ecological effects, economic impacts, and possible public health risks. Mud Creek has been listed as impaired on North Carolinas 303(d) list since 2006 and is the largest conveyor of water borne trash to the French Broad River in Henderson County. After a heavy rain, the creek can explode in volume as it sheds over 200 square miles of urban and rural areas. To address the trash in higher flowing creeks, Asheville GreenWorks developed a device capable of withstanding greater volumes of water, while not impairing the local ecology. City stormwater staff, in partnership with non-profit organizations Asheville GreenWorks and Mountain True have installed a trash collection device on Mud Creek in an effort to reduce floating trash in Mud Creek. This project will offer opportunities for public education and outreach as well as generate public involvement in water quality and stormwater management. The device, named the "Trash Trout" was designed and built by the Asheville GreenWorks organization. Its purpose is to sit in a flowing waterway and collect floatables as they move downstream with the current. Similar devices have been successfully installed in other municipalities including Waycross, Georgia, Evansville, Indiana and several locations in Washington D.C. This device aids in reducing the amount of trash in our waterways and improving overall water quality for our community. Mountain True, Asheville GreenWorks, This City of Hendersonville Stormwater Department, and various community groups are partnering to maintain the device located at Balfour Bridge on Mud Creek. Help us keep the Trash Trout in the water. Asheville GreenWorks is seeking volunteers to maintain this device. Contact Eric Bradford / 828-232-7144 or Michael Huffman / 828-458-5693, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you're interested in helping out with the Trash Trout device. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) An NDMC delegation, led by Mayor Preety Agarwal, today met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and sought release of the "amount pending" to the cash-strapped civic body under the Fourth Delhi State Finance Commission, besides discussing the issue of desilting. "Since 2012-13, Rs 1,616 crore is due from the Delhi government, which needs to be released immediately as the corporation is facing a financial crunch," she said. advertisement "Even funds which is due to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) as per the Third Delhi Finance Commission, have not been fully released," Agarwal claimed. The other members of the delegation were deputy mayor Vijay Bhagat and coucillors Jayender Dabas, Jai Prakash and Tilak Raj Kataria. The mayor also discussed the issue of desilting with the chief minister and plans for combating vector-borne diseases, like dengue, chikungunya and malaria as the monsoon is approaching. She told the chief minister that the Delhi government should join hands with the NDMC in the interest of the citizens. Agarwal said the drains whose maintenance is the responsibility of the Public Works Department and, Irrigation and Flood Control Department "need to be desilted". She today inspected PWD drains at Britannia Chowk, Wazirpur Industrial area, Azadpur and Jahngirpuri areas. In a press conference at the Civic Centre, the mayor alleged that the situation of the drains was the same as last year because desilting work has not begun. "The PWD has still not completed desilting of its drains which may lead to waterlogging," she was quoted as saying in an NDMC release. The delegation apprised Kejriwal about steps being taken to tackle vector-borne diseases. Yesterday, an SDMC delegation led by Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat had called on Kejriwal and sought release of "amount pending" to it under the Third Delhi State Finance Commission, besides discussing desilting and vector-control issues. PTI KND NSD --- ENDS --- The design of these notes is similar in all respects to the Rs 500 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. By Devina Gupta: The Reserve Bank of India has issued a new batch of Rs 500 denomination notes, an official said here on Tuesday. "In continuation of issuing of Rs 500 denomination banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (new) series from time to time which are currently legal tender, a new batch of banknotes with inset letter "A" in both the number panels, bearing the signature of Urjit R. Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India; with the year of printing '2017' on the reverse, are being issued," an official statement said. advertisement The design of these notes is similar in all respects to the Rs 500 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, which were notified on November 8, 2016. With inputs from IANS Also read: Your new currency is not 100 per cent 'Made in India' Watch | RBI turns 'Reverse' Bank of India with old currency exchange being denied at various offices --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: By K J M Varma Beijing, Jun 13 (PTI) In a major blow to Taiwan, Panama today broke off diplomatic ties with it and established relations with China as cash-rich Beijing exerted its economic clout to wean away handful of allies of Taipei. Regarded as a diplomatic coup for Beijing, China and Panama signed a joint communique here formally establishing diplomatic relations. advertisement Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panamas vice president and foreign minister, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. They signed the joint communique in which Panama has recognised One China, meaning that Taiwan is part of the Chinese mainland. Taiwan expressed "anger and regret" over the "very unfriendly" diplomatic turn by Panama that "yielded to economic interests by the Beijing authorities". It accused Panama of "bullying" Taiwan while "ignoring the many years of friendship" between the two countries, and added it would "not compete with the Beijing authorities for money diplomacy". Last June Taiwans leader Tsai Ing-wen, a strong advocate of Taiwans independence from China visited Panama, on her first overseas trip as President. The switch by Panama leaves Taiwan with a handful of allies around the world. Few months ago, Sao Tome and Principe has switched sides. Taiwans foreign ministry condemned the move, alleging the island nation had demanded a huge amount of financial support. The move by Panama comes as China began construction of a container port with natural gas facilities in northern province of Colon last week. For long, Panama has maintained that it has commercial ties with China and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Taiwan, which broke away from China in 1949, is coming under immense pressure from Chinas push with huge funds of Belt and Road Initiative. Panama is the latest country to cut ties with Taiwan. Taiwan has left with few allies, mostly small countries. They include Belize, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras and Saint Lucia In Africa: Burkina Faso and Swaziland, The Holy See, Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Panama did not give any reason for changing its diplomatic allegiance but there has been growing economic co- operation with China in recent years, BBC reported. Chinese companies are developing ports in Panama, and Chinese state firms are said to have expressed interest in developing the land around the Panama Canal once the country opens a tender for it later this year. advertisement The Panama Canal is a vital shipping route. As China expands its global trade ambitions with its One Belt One Road infrastructure-building initiative, access to the eastern coasts of both South America and the US is expected to be of growing importance for Beijing, the report said. PTI KJV AJR AKJ AJR --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After Republican congressional candidate Greg Gianforte violently assaulted a reporter in Montana last month, the most-searched term on Merriam-Websters online dictionary was body slam. During James Comeys testimony last week before the U.S. Senate intelligence committee, some of the former FBI directors folksy turns of phrase caused an upswing in searches for Lordy. Of course, there were also people looking up his less-homespun utterances: exfiltrate, defame, vindicate, salacious and collusion. Michael Lionstar Kory Stamper Few of those people probably stopped to think about the fact that the online dictionary is not some magical clearinghouse of accumulated knowledge, but a place where people actually work lexicographers, to be precise crafting precise definitions for words, sweating over etymology and usage, both for wrestling terms from the 20th century and for words derived from the Latin vindicatus, in use since 1571. Kory Stamper is one of those lexicographers, whom she admits are a very particular breed. If you like solitude and Old English, we have a spot for you, she says with a laugh. An editor at Merriam-Webster, she is also the author of the new non-fiction book Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries (Pantheon, $40), a fascinating and funny look at how these taken-for-granted reference tools are created and the constant struggle to keep them updated much to the chagrin of people who would prefer the language to stay static. Every generation feels like the new technology is ruining English; we have people dating back to the 12th century complaining that the French are ruining English, says Stamper, reached after a long day of answering emails and tweeting some of the more hilarious requests, including one from an adamant reader who believed the word should be teethpaste, since we brush more than one tooth. People have always lamented technology and the allegedly detrimental effect of progress on language. Back in the fifth century BC, Greek philosopher Socrates railed against writing things down, claiming it would lead to intellectual and moral decay. (He thought everything should be committed to memory.) Today its the Internet, texting and social media that bear the brunt of disdain from people who believe the dictionary should protect the purity of English, which is a bit of a mongrel to begin with. (English is such a whore, Stamper says. It just takes languages from all over the world and pilfers them of vocabulary.) Even those who long ago gave up on forcing everyone to use the literally accurate use of literally or to write decimate only in situations where one-tenth of something is destroyed can agree that we must be saved from the OMGs and LOLs weaselling their way past lexicographers and into the dictionary. These people believe the dictionary has a prescriptive role, rather than the descriptive role it actually has, which is to document the way a language is being used, rather than the way we might wish people would use it. Prescriptivists can sit in the status quo or what they perceive to be the status quo, because the actual status quo is not at all what they perceive it to be, Stamper says, but the platonic ideal of the status quo, they like to sit in that because I think they use it as a gauge: this is what marks an educated person from an uneducated person. Word by Word This is an easy shorthand for them to say, I understand English and that person doesnt. It makes them feel better about themselves. Theres no denying the Internet has had a huge impact on lexicography. However, Stamper says, contrary to how it might feel, the World Wide Web is neither causing language to change more quickly, nor corrupting it beyond repair. I think the Internet is making us see language change more quickly, she explains. I dont know that its making language change any faster than it already changes. I think the difference is there is no lag time on the Internet between when a person writes something and when it gets edited and when it gets published. We also have access to a lot more different types of English, which, as a lexicographer, is very exciting. The thing thats really great about the Internet is instead of showing us just this really narrow slice of language development and movement, it shows us a huge swath instead. And thats super-exciting for lexicographers and also super-intimidating, because theres just no way you can keep up with it. The narrow slice she refers to includes the longtime required reading material for lexicographers, such as newspapers, journals, books, magazines and other edited sources. But now, especially as those credible sources are increasingly edited with less fastidiousness and adherence to in-house style (the New York Times, for instance, quietly dissolved its copy editing desk recently), lexicographers turn with a careful eye to online sources that include blogs and social media. Contrary to what the-sky-is-falling language scolds believe, this does not mean a nonsense word like U.S. President Donald Trumps covfefe is going to take up residence before cow in the dictionary, just because it was used a lot after he tweeted it (although see the phrase on fleek for a bizarre example to the contrary). But it does mean lexicographers can more easily monitor the way and frequency with which words are being used, especially in communities beyond those traditionally served by mainstream media. We definitely chart the blips, because you never really know when one of those words is going to be a blip and when its going to last Stamper says, pointing to chad as a word that underwent a huge surge during the 2000 U.S. election. Were charting woke, were charting lit, were charting T-H-O-T thot, were charting all of these slang words that youre seeing a lot on Twitter and on the Internet. Woke is an interesting example of a word that is bubbling to the surface. Indicating an awareness of social injustice, its used to refer to those who actively question the dominant paradigm shes woke and became entwined with the Black Lives Matter movement. Its part of an activist hashtag (#staywoke) but it has also turned up in scholarly debate of racism. Woke has sort of gone mainstream, but its been used in African-American Vernacular English since the 60s, Stamper says. So even if woke doesnt stay mainstream, it will still be used in AAVE because it has been for almost 60 years now. In that way, even the idea of blips of usage is a complicated thing, because its much more like a word moves up and down through different layers of language. It might have its origin in one layer and then an event pushes it up through the surface. And then it falls back down. Luckily, we have the lexicographers to document its rise and fall, because Lordy/OMG, its tough to keep track on your own. jill.wilson@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @dedaumier If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more. Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/06/2017 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The University of Manitobas multi-year, multi-million dollar climate change study has been put on ice for a year because of climate change itself. David Barber, the universitys renowned Arctic researcher, and chief scientist of the BaySys project, said 40 scientists on the Canadian icebreaker CCGS Amundsen made the decision to postpone the $17 million project until next year after two weeks onboard because they realized the ship was needed elsewhere due to the continued extreme ice conditions in southern waters around Newfoundland and Labrador. The icebreaker, formerly known as the Sir John Franklin, is a scientific research ship, but it can be redirected by the Canadian Coast Guard if its icebreaking capabilities are needed. SUPPLIED The BaySys project, the University of Manitoba's multi-year, multi-million dollar climate change study has been put on ice for a year because of climate change itself. Its the second most powerful icebreaker in the country and we had trouble getting through the sea ice, Barber, the Canada Research Chair in Arctic Systems Science at the university, said on Monday. Theres a lot of people who rely on it. They were helping fishing boats, supply ships bringing fuel oil to communities, oil tankers. We ended up doing a lot of this during the two and a half weeks in total we were there. I realized it would be dangerous for us to leave the area because it would put people at risk so we cancelled the study this large scale climate change study was cancelled because of climate change. Just last week, while Barber and the scientists were still on the Amundsen, the ice breaker was tasked with rescuing fishers on four fishing vessels from La Scie Harbour that were stuck in sea ice off Newfoundlands Baie Verte Peninsula. But, within sight of the boats, the Amundsen was called off from helping after it was discovered the ice was two metres thick too strong for it to get through. Some of the fishers were finally rescued by helicopter after one of the vessels sunk while the rest made it back to port on their own. Barber said the scientists had already left on the Amundsen almost a week earlier than planned when the Coast Guard warned them the sea ice was moving and could cause them problems getting to Hudson Bay where the research study was to take place if they didnt leave earlier. SUPPLIED The BaySys project is looking at what effects having more fresh water from rivers flowing into Hudson Bay due to climate change is having on the salt water marine environment. But Barber said once out on the water the scientists realized this wasnt the usual sea ice, which would be relatively easy for the icebreaker to plow through, but thicker ice from further north which had broken off because of climate change. Barber said it would also have been difficult and potentially dangerous for the scientists to try to do five weeks of scientific work in the three-week window left to them. For me it was easy to see the ice conditions werent just difficult, these were unprecedented ice conditions, he said. The research project is looking at what effects having more fresh water from rivers flowing into Hudson Bay due to climate change is having on the salt water marine environment. But just because the main scientific project was postponed, it doesnt mean the trip was wasted. We had our scientific equipment so we did a detailed scientific analysis of the ice conditions, Barber said. SUPPLIED The icebreaker being used by the arctic researchers of the BaySys project is a scientific research ship, but it can be redirected by the Canadian Coast Guard if its icebreaking capabilities are needed. This will be very useful scientifically, but it is just a small piece of it. Its a consolation prize for us. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Dont expect to see Tim Hortons doughnuts showing up at a Burger King anytime soon. Restaurant Brands International the fast-food empire that owns Burger King, Tim Hortons and now Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen plans to keep the divisions separate, with no mixing of menu items. Despite Restaurants Brands reputation for scooping up businesses and squeezing costs, it doesnt see product synergies between the chains, said chief executive officer Daniel Schwartz. Everything isnt about synergy, the 36-year-old said in an interview. These are iconic brands it doesnt make sense to mix and match products. The approach is a break from how other fast-food conglomerates have been run over the years. Yum! Brands tried melding Taco Bell and KFC, while Dunkin Brands Group put Baskin-Robbins inside its doughnut shops. It also belies the broader philosophy of 3G Capital, the private equity firm that created Restaurant Brands and is famous for streamlining operations. The company most recently acquired Popeyes, a fried-chicken chain that competes with KFC. But products from that business wont be migrating over to Burger King, even though it serves chicken as well. Instead, Restaurant Brands is focused on building up sales of each division and sharing talent across the company, Schwartz said. The separation also applies to marketing: Burger Kings brash advertising strategies, which include sending its King mascot to high-profile sporting events and tricking Google Home devices into reading a description of the Whopper, arent well-suited to Tim Hortons less aggressive Canadian identity, he said. Schwartz got his start working for 3G in 2005 after co-founder Alex Behring moved to New York to build the firms U.S. operations. Schwartz, a former M&A analyst at Credit Suisse, was tasked with finding an American consumer brand that 3G could buy. The aim was to boost profit by applying 3Gs aggressive meritocracy culture. Over the last year, shares of Restaurant Brands International have surged 35 per cent, more than double the gain in the S&P 500 index. The stock slipped 0.4 per cent to close at US$57.03 Monday in New York. Bloomberg News By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs) By K J M Varma Beijing, Jun 13 (PTI) In a diplomatic coup for China, Panama today cut long-standing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with Beijing as the cash-rich Communist giant exerted its economic clout to wean away handful of allies of the self-ruled island. Regarded as big blow for Taiwan, China and Panama signed a joint communique here formally establishing full-fledged diplomatic relations. advertisement Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panamas vice president and foreign minister, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. They signed the joint communique in which Panama has recognised One China, meaning that Taiwan is part of the Chinese mainland. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said on Monday that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China. "Im convinced that this is the correct path for our country," Varela said. Taiwan expressed "anger and regret" over the "very unfriendly" diplomatic turn by Panama that "yielded to economic interests by the Beijing authorities". It accused Panama of "bullying" Taiwan while "ignoring the many years of friendship" between the two countries, and added it would "not compete with the Beijing authorities for money diplomacy". Last June Taiwans leader Tsai Ing-wen, a strong advocate of Taiwans independence from China visited Panama, on her first overseas trip as President. Taiwans foreign ministry condemned the move, alleging the island nation had demanded a huge amount of financial support. The move by Panama comes as China began construction of a container port with natural gas facilities in northern province of Colon last week. For long, Panama has maintained that it has commercial ties with China and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Taiwan, which broke away from China in 1949, is coming under immense pressure from Chinas push with huge funds of Belt and Road Initiative. Panama is the latest country to cut ties with Taiwan. In December last year, the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe made a similar move. Now only 20 countries have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taiwan has left with few allies, mostly small countries. They include Belize, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras and Saint Lucia In Africa: Burkina Faso and Swaziland, The Holy See, Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau. advertisement Panama did not give any reason for changing its diplomatic allegiance but there has been growing economic co- operation with China in recent years. Chinas foreign ministry also released a statement saying that "the Chinese government and its people highly appreciate and warmly welcome" the move by Panama. The United Nations in 1971 switched diplomatic recognition to Beijings Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and most countries have since followed that lead in order not to antagonise the economic giant which is the worlds second largest economy. Chinese companies are developing ports in Panama, and Chinese state firms are said to have expressed interest in developing the land around the Panama Canal once the country opens a tender for it later this year, media reports said. The Panama Canal is a vital shipping route. As China expands its global trade ambitions with its One Belt One Road infrastructure-building initiative, access to the eastern coasts of both South America and the US is expected to be of growing importance for Beijing, the report said. PTI KJV AJR AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/06/2017 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Following the deaths of about 3,500 hogs in a fire near New Bothwell on Thursday, Hog Watch Manitoba is calling on the Pallister government to reinstate fire regulations the province changed this year. In January, the provincial government announced its repeal of the Manitoba farm building code, which effectively reduced regulations for fire alarm systems and fire-rated separations in buildings with low-human occupancy. Humans might not live in those buildings, but about 3.5 million hogs in Manitoba do, and Hog Watch thinks the changes are inhumane and will lead to more tragedies like the one in New Bothwell. GRANT BURR / THE CARILLON About 3,500 hogs died after a fire ripped through two barns last Thursday at a large commercial farm near New Bothwell. These awful, fiery deaths for these animals are preventable, said Vicki Burns, a member of Hog Watch and the former executive director of the Winnipeg Humane Society. Any barn holding live animals should have appropriate fire prevention measures. Thursdays fire was reportedly burning for several hours before the fire department was notified and able to respond. Because it was built before a new building code was introduced in 2011, the barn didnt have an active fire alarm system, fire extinguishers or fire-rated walls. With proper preventative measures, Burns thinks the situation could have been avoided. For Burns and her Hog Watch colleague, Janine Gibson, its an issue of animal rights. If this were happening at dog shelters, people wouldnt tolerate it, Burns said. According to statistics provided by the province, 64,063 Manitoba hogs have been killed in barn fires since 2007, an average of nearly 3,800 per year. In 2008 alone, 30,569 burned to death. Because the barns that have burned are generally family-run, Gibson thinks the lack of regulatory requirements will ignore the fires impact on farmers and local fire departments. The animals suffer the most horrifically, but the people suffer too, Burns agreed Hanover fire chief Paul Wiebe said 45 firefighters responded to the fire and prevented the blaze from spreading to the three other hog-filled barns on the property. When they arrived, it was clear there wouldnt be any surviving animals. Any time you go into a barn like that, you know theres nothing you can do to change it, Wiebe said Monday. We do what we can to save any human and animal, but we have to be safe in doing that. Whether its humans, animals, one dog or 3,500 hogs, we respond the same. Wiebe said the hogs in the fire likely didnt burn to death, but rather suffocated from smoke inhalation long before. Its obviously tragic, he said. I know the farmer is devastated by it. A statement provided on Monday by the province said the adopted changes to farm building requirements are based on standards that align with the National Farm Building Code of Canada, a common standard with other jurisdictions. When the intention to change the regulation was announced in January, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler said the old code had unnecessary regulatory requirements. Our government is listening to Manitobas farm families and other stakeolders, who have clearly shown how the current code for farm buildings is impractical and costly, Eichler said. But with damages to the farm near New Bothwell estimated at $2.53 million, and with 3,500 hogs dead, Burns and Gibson believe the costs of fire prevention are clearly justified. I think a lot of people find what happened horrific, but they may not understand that it does not have to be this way, Burns said. ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/06/2017 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An early morning break in at Butlers Compound on Sunday has left both the managers of the company and a customer frustrated by repeated thefts at the storage facility. A number of cargo trailers were broken into during the incident, although the company declined to specify what was stolen as the matter is still being investigated by the Winnipeg Police Service. A storage container was also targeted, but the perpetrators were unable to successfully break into it. Theyre looking for tools, anything they can sell really, said Dave Craig, a manager at Butlers Compound. Its basically like having your home invaded. You dont know when you come to work whether youve been broken into again. Its very unnerving and you wonder if you should stay in business or not. Supplied This is not the first time the company has been hit by thieves and Craig says theyve taken precautions. They currently employ a security service that monitors the 45-acre compound at night and have employees present during the day. heyve also set up a number of cameras, an electronic gate at the entrance and security lights. However, Craig admits with such a large property it can be difficult for the on-duty security guard to effectively deter thefts. Before Sunday, the most recent break-in at Butlers compound was last year, although theyve had previous incidents. One of the trailers targeted on Sunday is owned by Jay Michno, who has rented storage space at Butlers Compound since 2015. Following the break-in, he says he removed his trailer from the property and is currently searching for a storage space he feels has better security and is less secluded. You pay for a storage service and you expect that your property will be secure, said Michno. I dont believe they do enough to combat the theft problem they know they have. Ive come and gone at all times, on different days of the week, and never once witnessed any security in the yard or at the gate. Michno went on to say the latch to his trailer was cut, which bypassed his padlock. He says he asked employees of Butlers Compound if they would reimburse him for the damage and was told the company would not. In my opinion, he has a responsibility to his customers to do so, said Michno. If his customers things are getting damaged he should be responsible for some of those costs. In response to Michnos comments, Craig said all customers are informed when renting storage space that the company cannot be held liable for any damages to their property and the only person who can take insurance out on the property is the owners themselves. He went on to add the security guards employed are only on-duty overnight, which would explain why Michno has never seen them while the business is open. Craig says that Butlers Compound is far from the only company in the area to have break-ins, as thieves target storage facilities due to the amount of valuable property stored at the locations. He said Butlers Compound is currently in the process of setting up more security cameras and lighting on the property. The increased security has cut into the companys bottom line, but Craig says it has become a fact of doing business. I know other companies in my area here have been targeted, said Craig. Its usually the same thing where they come in at night and cut the fence. They are very sophisticated. Its almost as if they know where all the cameras are. They dont break into anything in sight of a camera. The Winnipeg Police Service confirmed it received a call in relation to the incident at Butlers Compound, but could not provide further details due to it being an ongoing investigation. Were doing absolutely everything we can, said Linda Craig, who also manages Butlers Compound. Its very upsetting for us as we dont want any of our customers to have their property damaged or taken. We value them and a lot of them have been with us for 20 or 30 years. ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Canadian Reserve Force will increase by 1,500 members and its initial recruitment process will be reduced from eight months to four weeks in accordance with the new federal defence policy. Kevin Lamoureux, MP for Winnipeg North and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader, announced the changes Tuesday at the Minto Armoury in the West End. [This] reinforces that the government believes in the reserves in a very real and tangible way, Lamoureux said. No doubt Winnipeg will get both direct and indirect benefits from todays announcement. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux announces investments in the Canadian Armed Forces' Reserve Force, as part of Canadas new defence policy, at the Minto Armoury in Winnipeg Tuesday. Lamoureux stressed the changes are intended to show a long-term commitment to both the reserve and regular armed forces. By easing the intake process and simplifying the transition system for regular force members who want to move to the reserves, Lamoureux hopes the boundaries of joining will become less significant. The changes, which take effect in the fall, will allign remuneration and benefits of primary reserve force members with those of the regular force with similar demands of service. Reservists deployed on named international operations will also be exempt from federal income tax up to the pay level of lieutenant-colonel. In recent years, recruitment and retention within the reserve has proven to be a challenge, but Lamoureux thinks the changes could help reverse that trend by providing flexibility and job security to part-time reservists. Not only are we investing in having more reservists, were also going to make sure that they are properly equipped so the money is flowing along with this, he said. Its not just some dream in the sky. We are increasing numbers and seeing a tangible increase in budgetary dollars. By 2026, the federal defence budget will increase to $32.7 billion, a 70 per cent increase over last years budget of $18.9 billion. Sgt. Peter Montgomery, a reservist for 18 years, believes the changes Lamoureux outlined could give the reserves a serious boost. If the proposed changes actually happen, it will be great to see them, Montgomery, 35 said. The reality is weve seen defence policies before, and the implementation of them is always the stumbling block. When Lamoureux asked a group of reserves how they felt about local interest in joining, there was a long pause before Montgomery spoke up. Locally, about half of all reserve recruits will drop out within six months, he said. A lot of people dont know what theyre signing up for, he added later. Col. Barry Burns said the quota for his 38 Signal Regiment is 411 people, but the regiment only currently employs 130. Burns would like to see that number grow closer to 250. With the new policy expanding the reserves, allowing more people to join, and also making it easier for regular force people, we hopefully anticipate a surge in our Signal Regiment, and in other regiments as well, he said. An increase in recruits makes it easier for the reserves to do their job, which is to provide support to the regular force in deployment and in domestic operations, Burns said. While the intake process will be accelerated, Burns emphasized that primary checks and detailed background checks will still be completed as before for all recruits. The government consulted with academics, experts and military members in the development of the new policy, Lamoureux said, and he considers the new policy to give appropriate, sustained support to both full and part-time reservists. Its an ambitious plan, but it is achievable because it is backed by the resources both human and financial, Lamoureux said. We need to make it a reality. ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. City police have charged a 22-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run collision involving a pedestrian last month. Daniel Bembenek of Winnipeg was arrested Monday and is charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and failing to remain at the scene of a collision involving bodily harm. He has been detained in custody. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The 18-year-old male pedestrian was transported to hospital in critical condition after the crash on Jefferson Avenue near McPhillips Street on May 28. The 18-year-old male pedestrian was transported to hospital in critical condition after the crash on Jefferson Avenue near McPhillips Street on May 28. He remains in hospital after surgery for both internal and external injuries, which the Winnipeg Police Service described as life-altering. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Many refugee families are unable to find adequate housing in Winnipeg, forcing them to overcrowd small homes two or three to a room and leaving their children unable to sleep at night. Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press Files Abdikheir Ahmed, Director of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, is a panelist at an interactive discussion on the state of refugee housing being held by the city this Wednesday. Thats according to Abdikheir Ahmed, Director of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg and a panelist at an interactive discussion on the state of refugee housing being held by the city on Wednesday, June 14. The housing portfolio in Winnipeg does not respond to the needs of refugees, said Ahmed. Many have large families and many have low incomes. They are unable to afford housing in the private market and the social housing component is designed for traditional Canadian families of three or four. Many of these families are struggling and compacted in small units, with kids struggling to sleep at night and struggling to concentrate at school due to the conditions of their homes. The discussion, which will be held at the Carol Shields Auditorium at the Millennium Library between 6 and 8 p.m., will provide information on efforts towards assisting refugees transition to Canadian life, as well as how organizations and citizens can assist in the process. All panelists are individuals currently involved in issues surrounding refugee housing and services. Seating is limited for the event and a question and answer period will follow the panel discussion. Overall the province has been quite supportive of refugee claimants, but my goal for events like this is that individuals in the community or private sector will step up to help the refugee claimants, said Ahmed. He went on to say the recent decision by the provincial government to cut funding for the Rent Assist program will have a negative impact on refugees, many of whom rely on that funding to afford housing and basic necessities. Azarias Butariho of New Journey Housing will be another panelist at the event. We really hope that the government will look into all these issues and instead of cutting the Rent Assist program, the government should think about increasing it, said Butariho. I understand the challenges of the government, but newcomers are really struggling. At the panel Butariho plans on speaking about the challenges he faced coming to Canada in 2007, after fleeing the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and spending 10 years in a Kenyan refugee camp. Following his arrival in 2007, Butariho spent time living at Welcome Place, IRCOM House and Manitoba Housing, before purchasing his own home. He has worked as a housing advisor with New Journey Housing since 2011. The event is part of the ongoing Housing Speaker Series organized by the city. Each series aims at raising awareness of a particular housing issue and addressing the challenges surrounding it, in order to ensure the diversity of housing needs in the city are being adequately met. ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/06/2017 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A seven-year-old female Boxer will be euthanized after being labelled as exceptionally dangerous for its second vicious attack on a person in two years. Councillors on the City of Winnipegs community services committee Monday voted to reject an appeal by the dogs owner to spare its life. Derek Forsyth disputed allegations his dog, Boss, is a threat, saying the most recent attack was the victims fault. Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press Files Animal services COO Leland Gordon Jim Robson, a retired police officer, told the committee he was attacked by the dog in April after going to Forsyths Transcona home enquiring about purchasing a lawn mower at a yard sale. Robson said while he waited at the back door, the dog charged out of the house and attacked him, biting him several times on his hand, shoulder, buttocks and leg. He said he was treated in hospital for the wounds and required several repeat visits to doctors to treat a subsequent infection. If this had happened to my wife or a child, it would have been pretty bad, Robson told reporters Monday after the meeting. Leland Gordon, chief operating officer of animal services, said he decided to label the dog exceptionally dangerous which is a death sentence as the attack on Robson was the second such incident in two years. In August 2015, the dog attacked a young girl after it ran into a home. The girl was bitten repeatedly on the face and arm, and was taken to hospital for her injuries. Gordon said animal services seized the dog following the attack on Robson and held a hearing in May, where Forsyth described Boss as a model dog and blamed the victims for the attacks. Gordon said Forsyth had failed to take any precautions to ensure his dog wouldnt hurt anyone, adding he wasnt acting like a responsible dog owner. There is definitely a need to ensure owners are responsible with their pets, committee chairman Coun. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) told reporters following the meeting. There was enough evidence before us to show us the dog was exceptionally dangerous. Gordon said he exercised his discretion not to seize the dog following the 2015 attack, explaining the girls parents did not want to pursue the matter. At the meeting Monday, Forsyth described Boss as his child, and said he couldnt explain why the attacks happened. Forsyth was visibly upset following the committees ruling, storming out of the meeting and yelling obscenities at Robson and Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona), who said the dog should have been euthanized after the first attack. Wyatt said he was concerned Gordon had failed to seize the dog and hold a hearing following the 2015 incident, adding he wonders how many other dangerous dogs animal services has allowed to remain the community. Pagtakhan agreed with Wyatt in his belief the dog should have been seized two years ago, adding the committee will want a followup report from Gordon on other similar situations. aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/06/2017 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. One of two men from Ghana who made international headlines when they nearly froze to death walking into Canada goes before the federal immigration and refugee board Tuesday. Less than 24 hours before his hearing, Razak Iyal was on an emotional roller-coaster. Im feeling so good, Iyal said Monday in Winnipeg. His optimism was buoyed by the decision his travelling companion, Seidu Mohammed, received last month allowing him to stay in Canada. His fellow Ghanaians hearing was held in March. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Razak Iyal said his spirits were boosted when his travel partners application was approved, but his wait has still been worrisome. When Seidu was successful, I was very happy to hear that, said Iyal, whose hearing was supposed to happen in March as well. The hearing was delayed because authorities were conducting background checks, he said. Ive been waiting for this for a long time. Iyal said he doesnt know if the board member will make a decision at the end of Tuesdays hearing or if hell have to wait to find out whether or not Canada will grant him refugee protection. Nearly six months after he and Mohammed trudged through -30 C conditions into Manitoba and spent seven hours trying to flag down a passing vehicle both men lost their fingers to frostbite Iyal said hell be relieved to finally have the hearing behind him. At the same time, the possibility his refugee claim will be denied haunts him. Im very worried, he said. Iyal is asking to stay in Canada because if hes forced to return to Ghana, his life is in jeopardy because of family and political issues. Hes being careful not to make public any information that could put him in greater danger should Canada reject his refugee claim and send him back to Ghana. He said he is now a public target because of media reports in Ghana that falsely identified him as a gay man because sexual orientation formed the basis of Mohammeds refugee claim. Because Im with Seidu, the media back home has reports accusing me of being gay, said Iyal, who has a wife in Ghana. Mohammeds refugee claim stated, as a bisexual, it wasnt safe for him to be returned to Ghana. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada agreed, ruling Mohammed had a well-founded fear of persecution should he be returned to Ghana. In that country, an act of unnatural carnal knowledge can lead to imprisonment for six months to 10 years, the board members decision said. Iyal said the Ghanaian media reports accusing him of being gay have been submitted to the board by his lawyer. His wife and friends are now asking about his sexual orientation. Even though hes straight, being publicly outed as gay makes him vulnerable to attack if hes returned to Ghana, he said. Im going to lose my life. Iyal said he met Mohammed in December at the Minneapolis bus depot while they waited for the bus to Grand Forks. The two Ghanaians learned they both were held in American immigration detention cells for close to a year before their hearings in the United States. Neither received legal guidance filling out the maze of paper work involved. Both were facing deportation from the U.S. and were desperate to seek asylum Canada. They agreed to share a hefty cab fare from Grand Forks to just south of the Canadian border. In the dead of night on Christmas Eve, they overshot their targeted destination of Emerson and walked for seven hours until they were able to flag down a trucker near Letellier. The two men spent several weeks in the hospital undergoing surgery and treatment. Iyal has been staying at Hospitality House Refugee Ministrys residence and has received legal aid, as well as assistance and support from the Ghanaian community. He volunteers at the Canadian Muslim Womens Institute, using whats left of his thumbs to help sort through bags of donated clothes. Once his refugee claim is decided, Iyal said he can plan for the future. Until he was forced to flee and leave his wife and everything behind in 2012, Iyal said he ran a successful appliance business in Ghana. I have a business mind, he said. I want to make sure I use that business mind and contribute to the community. Whatever happens, he said he is grateful to have made it this far and to have been received so warmly by Canadians. I thank the people of Canada and the province of Manitoba. Its my province and Winnipeg is like home to me. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Police suspect that the actress was murdered by an unidentified person. By India Today Web Desk: Actress Kritika Choudhary was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her apartment in Andheri on Monday. Police suspect it to be a case of murder. The incident came into view when Kritika's neighbours complained of foul smell coming from her flat and informed police. The police broke open the door which was locked from outside for the last three-four days and found a decomposed body of a woman, who was later identified as Kritika Choudhary. advertisement As per the reports, initially, police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), but during the investigation it came out that Kritika was murdered by an unidentified person. Kritika hailed from Haridwar and was seen in Ekta Kapoor's Parichay that starred Sameer Soni and Keerti Nagpure in the lead. She was also a part of Kangana Ranaut starrer Rajjo. --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Manitoba politician says a pervert slid a camera under the door of a public washroom she was using on Tuesday morning in the Johnston Terminal at The Forks. Nahanni Fontaine, the NDP MLA for the city riding of St. Johns, complained to management, which said theyre looking at installing a surveillance camera outside the washroom to safeguard womens privacy in the future. I had just sat down and it was not more than 10 second later when I noticed a shadow under the door and I thought somebody was waiting but then I noticed the shadow was literally in the shape of a square and up pops this camera, almost like a web camera. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine It kind of looked like an Apple product. It was all white, a square with a camera in the middle of it. It fit under the door, flat, Fontaine said in a phone interview. The bathroom, located steps from the back exist of the building, is a single unit behind a locked door, not the kind of public bathroom that leads into a set of stalls. When I realized what was happening, I was enraged and I screamed. I was so mad. Soon as I did that, the camera went out from under the door, Fontaine said. Fontaine said she, along with her assistant and a Quebec film crew shooting a documentary on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, gave chase but didnt find anyone who looked suspicious. As a result of the commotion, Fontaine said her assistant told her at least one shop owner confided there have been previous problems with that particular bathroom, to the point that management reinforced the wall which had been drilled through for peep holes. Heres the thing. . . even though theyve had previous incidents, theyve not installed cameras before. Why havent they? Fontaine asked. Im not concerned with what happened to me. It was over in seconds. And all the camera saw was me on the toilet swearing. Im concerned with all the women, the little girls, the teenagers, our international guests who dont know they being filmed, Fontaine said. She posted a blistering report of the incident on Facebook almost immediately afterward, under the caption BEWARE. I want folks to be aware some pervert idiot is going around filming women while theyre in the washroom,she wrote on Facebook. Fontaine is perhaps best known for her national advocacy around the issue of missing and murdered indigenous woman and girls. She played an instrumental role in the provinces decision to erect a monument at The Forks that pays tribute to the victims and their families and Tuesday she had arranged for the documentary crew to film an interview there. Fontaine said she also called police. Johnston Terminal is part of The Forks but a spokeswoman referred media to a separate property management company, Marwest Management, which oversees the building. The Forks, as a national historic site is run by The Forks North Portage Partnership. Site manager John Bruce said a fellow staff worker at Marwest took Fontaines complaint and called him almost immediately. He said he tried to speak to Fontaine in person but they missed each other. He was on the phone outside the washroom when she left through the back exit. Bathroom voyeurs are nothing new in public spaces like the Johnston Terminal, Bruce conceded. Weve had freaky people trying to see into the womens bathrooms and now were looking at a security camera, Bruce said That said, Bruce expressed some scepticism. He said the clearance under the door cant be much more than one centimetre high and any camera would have to be very small to fit and even then, the lens would point to the ceiling, not the toilet. I have a hard time believing it happened, Bruce said. But it is a high traffic area. Taxi drivers at the hotel (Inn at The Forks) use the bathroom and we have trades here (doing construction). Theres a lot of traffic going in and out. For someone to take a chance like that, and not get caught, its a fluke, Bruce said. alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/06/2017 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. LAKE ST. MARTIN A new community is rising not from the ashes but from the murky waters of the Assiniboine River. Six years after Assiniboine River waters were rerouted north by the Portage Diversion, contributing to the flooding of homes in Lake St. Martin First Nation, the rebuilding here is taking shape. The site looks surreal a sparkling new urban subdivision going up in the bush and farm fields of the northern Interlake, 250 kilometres north of Winnipeg. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Workers place a new home on a lot in the Lake St. Martin First Nation housing development under construction. The first four prefab homes had arrived by the end of last week. Two had been placed on their new lots, one was still on blocks, and the other was still on the flatbed trailer it arrived on. Much of the infrastructure is completed and waiting for houses to arrive. Yards are surveyed and the driveways have been neatly gravelled. Most of the sewer and water pipes are in place and giant water- and sewage-treatment plants have been built. Interestingly, the new community is set out in the style of a newer suburban residential development, with street names, uniform-sized, large (200-foot by 200-foot) lots, lawns and houses on every lot. There are even cul-de-sacs. On the former Lake St. Martin reserve, houses were scattered, spaced well apart. People will now live in what looks like a modern urban subdivision. Thats the only way to make it affordable to put in water and sewer systems, said Chief Adrian Sinclair. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure thats going there. With street lights already up, spaced 30 to 40 metres apart, the reserve is expected to literally glow at night and be visible for kilometres around. Ditches have been dug along the streets, with culverts in place beneath driveway approaches. Sinclair expects there will be sidewalks and, eventually, paved roads. About 190 new homes are scheduled to be in place by November on the south side of Highway 513, just off Highway 6. Another 130 are slated for the north side of Highway 513 in 2018. There will also be a school, recreation centre, nursing station and band office. The nursery-to-Grade 12 school is expected to open by August 2018. The new reserve site is on parcels of land purchased from two brothers who farm in the area. The land north of 513 was just converted to reserve land last week. Lake St. Martin has a population of about 2,000. The first houses to arrive have three bedrooms and are about 1,250 square feet. Some four- and five-bedroom homes will arrive later, Sinclair said. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Temporary street signs in the Lake St. Martin First Nation housing development under construction. Construction for Operation Return Home, as it is called by government, is largely funded by Ottawa with some cost-sharing by the province. Most of the approximately 1,400 evacuees have been living in private and rental housing in Winnipeg, but as of last fall there were still more than two dozen living in city hotels. The prefab homes are being built in Headingley by Matix Lumber, Inc. Anderson Building Movers are delivering the houses. A grand opening is scheduled in July when its hoped residents can move into the first 25 homes. Sinclair said the First Nation is also planning to build its own strip mall, and have a few basic commercial outlets, such as a store, restaurant, hair salon, etc. Were very pleased and very anxious to move home, and our members are very excited. This has been in making for six years, he said. bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Administration from the Winnipeg School Division will produce a report about what is being done within the division to improve students attendance at school. Trustee Chris Broughton hopes the report may provide a starting point for discussion on improving ways the Winnipeg School Division can partner with the community to reduce absenteeism, according to minutes from the May 15 WSD board meeting. Broughton requested the board release the finished report publicly to allow a discussion with the community, partners and schools to improve student attendance. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES On May 8, a delegation had appeared before the board expressing concern that absenteeism is higher at inner-city high schools than in more affluent areas of the city. As an example, the delegation used attendance numbers provided by the WSD during a one-month period in 2016 to compare absentee rates at St. Johns High School with those at Kelvin High School, which is located in a more affluent area. The delegation included chairman Sel Burrows of the North Point Douglas Residents Committee; Kent Dueck, executive director of Inner City Youth Alive; and Kyle Mason, executive director of the North End Family Centre. The delegation said in May 2016, there were 161 students at St. Johns who were absent four or more times that month. At Kelvin, the comparable number was 38. St. Johns has 300 fewer students than Kelvin. Burrows said a good start to addressing absenteeism would be connecting students with supports already in place, such as linking community support workers for children in feeder schools with older siblings in high school. He said solutions can be found by members of the community, families, government and the school system working together. Broughton indicated many of the thoughts and recommendations that came from those presentations (by the delegation) to be problematic and troublesome, the minutes said. However, he stated in the minutes suggestions made by the delegation are part of the WSDs existing programs. Burrows will email further recommendations to the trustees, Broughton said. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. If you are planning a famine, dont hold it in summer were on vacation then. Also, avoid U.S. election years. That old and sad joke is one relief workers used to tell years ago to explain the lack of media attention for some disasters in the developing world. It came back to me as I thought about how little coverage the terrible hunger crisis in parts of Africa and Yemen is getting today. And it is terrible: an estimated 20 million people face starvation in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and parts of Kenya and Nigeria. Its the largest humanitarian food crisis in 70 years, according to the United Nations. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES An estimated 20 million people face starvation in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and parts of Kenya and Nigeria. And yet, there has been very little news about it in the Canadian media. Sure, theres been a bit of coverage here and there; the CBC did a good job in early May. And the May 29 announcement of the governments matching Famine Relief Fund generated a bit of attention. But, in general, there has been mostly silence. Why is this the case? I can think of a number of reasons. First, journalists cant get into the most-devastated areas even NGOs have trouble getting to places of the greatest need due to fighting. Its hard to get stories of people affected by the crisis. Second, media outlets also have fewer resources and staff to cover stories than they once did. Even if they wanted to do more, it would be hard to find the funds to do it. Third, its hard to tell the story of a famine. Compared to an earthquake or hurricane, which happen quickly, famines take months to develop. Until all the food runs out and people are actually dying, there are few dramatic images to show. Fourth, theres the Trump effect; the new U.S. president has sucked up much of the medias oxygen. Throw in terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, plus all the other news competing for attention, and it can be hard to find time and space for the famine especially when newspapers, in particular, have fewer pages to report the news. This lack of media coverage isnt new, as a 2007 study of major U.S. TV network coverage of international disasters discovered. Titled News, Droughts, Floods, and U.S. Disaster Relief, the study looked at 5,000 natural disasters between 1968 and 2002 that affected 125 million people. The study found that the amount of coverage a disaster received was affected by whether it occurred at the same time as other newsworthy events, such as the Olympic Games, along with where it happened and how many people died. It showed that while the media covered around 30 per cent of the earthquakes and volcanic disasters, less than five per cent of droughts and food shortages were covered despite many more people dying from droughts and food shortages. The authors even came up with a numerical comparison: for every one or two people who dies in an earthquake or volcano overseas, 32,920 people must die of food shortage to receive the same media coverage. The study also revealed geographical bias. It found that 45 times more Africans have to die in a disaster than Europeans to get the same kind of media coverage in the U.S. But when the American media did pay attention to a disaster in the developing world, the study found that people responded. Media attention spurred governments and people to action. A lot has changed in the world of communications since that study came out. Today, a growing number of people get their news from social media, not from newspapers or broadcast media. For the media, this a challenging time as they try to figure out what their role can be how can they show people they are still relevant and worth supporting? Stepping up to help save the lives of millions of people would be one good way to make that case. John Longhurst directs communications, marketing and fundraising for Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/06/2017 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Churchills 2017 ordeal started in the first week of March, with a powerful storm that dumped something like 50 centimetres of snow on the region. Rail and air service was interrupted and the town was shut down. Then came the thaw, raising the Churchill River discharge to a peak of 200,000 cubic feet per second at the end of May. Flood damage to the rail line stopped the trains again. Last Friday came the latest blow: Omnitrax engineers have looked at the state of the rail line between Gillam and Churchill it wont re-open before the fall. Freight, including food, will have to come by air from Thompson at great expense. But will rail service resume in the fall? Omnitrax or a new owner, if the line is sold will have to calculate whether the revenue generated by the rail line will cover the cost of construction work to repair all the washouts and replace the damaged bridges. Meanwhile, residents and business operators in Churchill are left wondering: do we have a town here or not? If there is no surface access, its hard to keep it going. FACEBOOK Hudson Bay Railway under water If determination and adaptability could solve the problem, Churchills people could handle it. They have been putting up with harsh conditions and unreliable transport more or less forever. They have found ways to operate a town and live their lives in an environment that could seem impossibly hostile for people used to milder climates. But beyond the character of Churchills remarkable people, the economic equation also has to be solved. The Manitoba government will have to lead the research and planning to answer basic questions about Churchills future. Can ocean shipping traffic through Churchill return? The port formerly kept the rail line open, but now the port is mothballed. Will tourists keep coming for the polar bears and the whales if all consumer prices are raised to cover air transport? Was this years sequence of March storm and May flood a one-off, or does it warn of a new normal in a warmed northern climate? Can floating airships operate economically where trains and winged aircraft cannot? The answers to these questions will emerge from a combined effort of private investors, academic researchers, local government and federal and provincial departments. The key role, however, will be played by the province, in terms of planning, strategic analysis and some form of financial support. If Manitoba comes up with a sound plan and decides to keep Churchill going, others will pitch in. If Manitoba stands aside to wait and see what others will do, then residents and businesses will slip away and the long dream of a northern ocean gateway will fade to a memory and a might-have-been. The Golden Boy atop Manitobas legislature looks north because Manitoba has believed for a century and more that hope lay in the north country. Our licence plates show the river running northward through the forest to the inland ocean of Hudson Bay because that is where Manitoba locates itself on this continent. Indigenous people of Manitoba made their first contact with Europeans in the Hudson Bay lowlands, long before an overland route from Montreal was found. Sustaining Churchill will require a huge effort of will on the part of Manitoba. It is worth a huge effort. If we abandon Churchill, we abandon our northern origins, our proud boast of toughness we abandon ourselves. The Army Corps of Engineers might have to reconsider a preliminary draft plan for trucking and disposal of dredged Mississippi River spoils to farmland in Buffalo and Wabasha counties. A 40-year proposal that identified 7 new permanent and on-shore transfer sites in the Wabasha, Nelson and Alma areas has caused an uproar among landowners and people worried about increased trucking. An estimated 175 people turned out at a recent Buffalo County Board of Supervisors special session in Nelson where the Corps of Engineers outlined planning and got an earful from people opposed to it. The Wabasha area would take the brunt of a long-term Corps solution to getting rid of river channel sand dredged from Lower Pool 4 in the Alma and Wabasha areas. Upwards of 11 million cubic yards of dredged sand would be permanently deposited at 5 placement sites identified in a tentative Corps management plan. Two of the sites are in Buffalo County, both privately owned agricultural zoned property on the north side of Nelson and south of Alma near Cochrane. Opposition to the proposal was fierce and steadfast at the meeting in Nelson where numerous people pleaded with the Corps of Engineers to do more thorough study of options and alternatives to its plan on the table now. Buffalo County Board Dist. 1 Supervisor Bernie Brunkow of Nelson said the proposed sand plan was a mess. Theres got to be a better way, Brunkow told the Corps. I could show you 40 other sites more suitable for the Corps to dump its sand. No one spoke in support of a first-draft plan only recently made public by the Corps. The proposal emerged from sand management studies the Corps says it began in 2014. The Corps says it normally dredges 270,000 cubic yards of silt from the river channel bottom every year in Lower Pool 4. While most of it would end up in the Wabasha area under the proposed draft plan, the Nelson area would see increased trucking of sand from new off-shore transfer sites in Minnesota. Over the decades the Corps would move 1.9 million cubic yards of sand to some 75 acres of agricultural land it proposed taking from Weisenbeck family farm adjacent to state highways 35 and 25. About 1.5 million cubic yards would be spread out on agricultural land in the Town of Belvidere along Highway 35 that the Corps described as Flury East property. The Corps says an estimated 90 days trucking would be needed to move sand annually to the proposed permanent placement sites. A hauling plan impacting the Alma area said trucking would be limited to 11 summer days a year using 20 trucks back and forth daily to dump sand at the Flury East site. A 40-year preliminary plan said 7.1 million cubic yards of sand would be permanently spread out on farmland owned by Willard and Nora Drysdale on the north side of Wabasha. Some 650,000 cubic yards would go to Wabasha Sand & Gravel 2 and new off-shore transfer sites at locations described as Carrels East, Carrels West and Southside Fitzgerald would have temporary capacity for 800,000 cubic yards. The Weisenbeck and Drysdale family farm owners made it clear to the Corps that they opposed selling their land willingly to the federal government. Under pressure, the Corps recently extended its public comment time on sand management plans from June 9 to June 23. Another public meeting on the plan was scheduled at 7 p.m. this Thursday at Wabasha-Kellogg High School. A financial technology company ranked Buffalo County first among the top 10 counties in Wisconsin in best overall value index. The BJP with allies, is presently comfortably poised to see its candidate assume the highest office of power in Rashtrapati Bhawan. By Poulomi Saha: The BJP is off the block building consensus for a presidential nominee of their choice. The party president Amit Shah on Monday constituted a committee of the party's senior most leaders Venkaiah Naidu, Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh, who will liaise with leaders of other parties to bring them on board with BJP's choice. The day started early when Amit Shah paid a visit first to Union Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu and then Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. advertisement Rajnath Singh, who is not in Delhi, is expected back this evening. The committee members spoke to each other too and are expected to start paying visits to top political party leaders in order to arrive at the name of a consensus candidate. When asked if the BJP will reach out to opponents like the Congress and Left too, Venkaiah Naidu, at a press conference, said, "We will speak to all political parties. We have to take everyone on board and we will evolve broad consensus. We will seek their support." While he did strike a democratic note, Naidu was also quick to add that all political parties should be aware that the people's mandate is with the Central government. The BJP with allies, is presently comfortably poised to see its candidate assume the highest office of power in Rashtrapati Bhawan. The power corridors are likely to witness some hectic activity in the coming days, as the Election Commission of India gets all set to notify the Presidential elections tomorrow in New Delhi. Also read: Presidential election process starts tomorrow: 10 things to know Also read: Presidential election: Amit Shah's 3-member team to select NDA's candidate Also read: Why BJP may surprise again with its pick for President of India's post Also read: How PM Narendra Modi can now have a president of his choice Also watch: Person of Interest: The rise and fall of LK Advani --- ENDS --- Beaver Dam School Board approved renewing Taher Professional Food Service Management to provide meals at district schools. District director of business services Anne-Marie Woznicki said that the district entered a food service contract with Taher in 2012. Before that, the district had an in-house service. Woznicki said 17 different food management companies were contacted, with six coming to the district to tour schools and learn about the needs of the district. Of those six, four sent in proposals, Woznicki said. The bidding companies were Aramack, Arbor, Chartwells and Taher. Five people, including Woznicki, two elementary principals and two school board members assessed the proposals. The school lunch program is regulated by the National School Lunch Program so many factors have to be considered, she said. Aramack and Taher were close rivals in the scoring, but there was one thing that put Taher ahead, Woznicke said. Taher provides fresh vegetables and fruit and Aramark doesnt, Woznicki said. The board approved a one-year contract, along with four possible extensions which could be offered. Taher is a contract food service management company providing K-12 school lunch management, campus dining, senior dining, business dining and catering, summer camp dining, and vending and office coffee services to clients. The company has contracts with several area school districts. In other business, the board approved a 1.26 percent pay increase for the administration and support staff. The district is still in negotiations with the teachers union. The board amended the 2016-17 school district budget to reflect the borrowing and spending that has been done since the referendum passed in November for the district. The budget had to be updated before being sent into to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The Columbus Public Library will host a Manga Club for fans of Japanese-style comics, with the first meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, from 4 to 5 p.m. Each month there will be a discussion of a different series. The June read is Volumes 1 to 5 of the "Skip Beat" series: "Kyoko Mogami followed her love, Sho, to Tokyo to support him in his dream of becoming a star. After overhearing Sho say he's using her as a maid, she vows to get revenge by beating him in show biz!" For those new to manga, you don't need to read Japanese. The group's picks will all be written in English. But you will have to remember to hold the books "backward" as they're made to be read from right to left. Teens and adults are welcome. MADISON A former Kendall man who allegedly took $420,000 from a construction company he co-owned was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to five months in prison and fined $3,000 for tax evasion. Jeffrey L. Overton, 57, now of McGregor, Iowa, co-owned Four Bears Construction, of Elroy, with three other men. While his partners worked as project managers, Overton alone kept the books for the firm. However, between tax years 2008 and 2011, Overton used company funds to buy trucks, tractors, an all-terrain vehicle, and guns and ammunition for himself. Then he changed company financial records to make the purchases appear to be legitimate business expenses, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner. Overton also did not report the stolen money as income amassing an unpaid tax liability of $127,000. Overtons scheme was discovered when the firm hired a new bookkeeper in 2010 who found that Four Bears had incurred almost $600,000 in accounts payable, with $366,000 past due at least 30 days, Wegner wrote the court. When confronted about the stolen money, Overton said he believed he was entitled to it because he worked harder than the other owners, Wegner wrote. Due to its financial problems, Four Bears dissolved in the summer of 2013, according to Wegner. Four Bears co-owner Elmer Hanson blamed Overton for the companys demise. He told District Judge William Conley on Tuesday that Overton was motivated by greed and dishonesty and it resulted in Hanson losing his home, filing bankruptcy and divorced. Ive personally lost everything Ive worked for, Hanson said. His actions are reprehensible and no sentence is too stiff. Under questioning by Conley, Hanson acknowledged that another owner had concluded that the company was not going to make it due to the recession and other owners taking money out of the firm, too. Theres not enough evidence to say the company failed due to the defendants malfeasance, Conley told Hanson. Wegner asked for a sentence within the 18-24 guideline range which was based on the amount of revenue loss to the government, the duration of the offense, the delay in prosecution, Overtons lack of prior convictions and his entering a timely guilty plea. Conley told Wegner that he could not sentence Overton for stealing $400,000 because the government charged him with tax fraud and not embezzlement. He didnt plead guilty to defrauding his partners but to not paying taxes on the money he took from the company, Conley said. Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth dropped theft from a business charge against Overton in 2012 saying the evidence showed other people also had access to the companys funds. Overtons attorney, Paul Schwartz, asked Conley for a probation-only sentence contending that his client had otherwise lead a crime-free life and is now working as a grounds supervisor at the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution. The sentencing goal should be to allow him to keep his job and pay off his tax debt, Schwartz said. Overton has paid it down by $16,000. Overton said he regrets what happened to Four Bears Construction attributing his offense to bad judgment and bad decisions. I will not be making that mistake again, he told Conley. Others also took money out of the company, Overton said but when he told the judge that he did not know if he took more than others, Conley replied, You maintained the books, you were in the best position to know what others took. In sentencing Overton to prison, Conley said it sends a message to would-be tax evaders and embezzlers that there are consequences when they are caught. However, he did not impose any supervised release, saying the IRS can collect the tax debt without the courts supervision. I dont pretend its the perfect sentence, Conley said. After court Hanson agreed. I feel it was too light. (Overton) didnt take full responsibility for (his offense) and didnt show any remorse, Hanson said. On behalf of the Wisconsin Dells School District, the 4K teachers would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our Outreach Program this school year. The 4K students in our district have been able to enrich their education through hands-on activities and develop knowledge about the world around them by attending a variety of Outreach activities. By Press Trust of India: candidate Eds: Incorporates related stories New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) The ruling NDA and a loosely knit group of opposition parties would soon intensify efforts to zero in on a "mutually acceptable" presidential candidate, and go their separate ways if a consensus proves elusive. After a prolonged silence on the issue, BJP chief Amit Shah today constituted a three-member committee comprising union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and M Venkaiah Naidu which will hold consultations with the NDA allies and the opposition on the issue. advertisement "This committee will consult leaders of different political parties over the presidential poll and try to evolve a consensus," a BJP statement said. Meanwhile, the 10-member team set up by the opposition for finding a consensus nominee will meet here for the first time on June 14. They have already held several rounds of talks on the issue but have not yet announced a joint opposition candidate. Sources in the opposition said they were waiting for the ruling dispensation to come up with its candidate and will discuss if the name proposed by the NDA is acceptable to them. A senior leader said if a consensus proved elusive during the talks with the NDA, the opposition would put up a joint candidate against the ruling dispensations nominee. The sources said Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge represent the Congress in the 10-member group, which also includes other senior opposition leaders such as JD-Us Sharad Yadav, RJDs Lalu Prasad and CPI-Ms Sitaram Yechury. DMKs Rajya Sabha member R S Bharathi, Samajwadi Partys Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Partys Satish Chandra Misra, TMCs Derek OBrien and NCPs Praful Patel are also on the panel. While the ruling party is holding its cards close to chest, the opposition has already discussed the names of possible candidates and has held talks with one-- former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi. A retired bureaucrat and an euridite scholar, he is a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Among the other names doing the rounds are those of former Speaker Meira Kumar and former Defence Minister Sharad Pawar, though the NCP strongman has said he is not in the race. The BJP, on the other hand, has maintained silence on the issue. However, a strong section within the BJP is of the view that it should pick a nominee who is strongly wedded to the partys ideological moorings as it now has the numbers to ensure a victory in the poll if the opposition parties put up a candidate. In that case, it looks certain that the opposition parties would reject its nominee and field its own. advertisement Though the BJPs committee of three veterans will consult political parties across the ideological spectrum, the final decision on the nominee will be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah. The opposition, in all likelihood, will make public the name of its presidential candidate only after the NDA has announced its nominee. It became abundantly clear when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the JD(U) president, said in Patna that the opposition parties were waiting for the BJP to come out with a consensus candidate, and if there was none, it was the oppositions duty to put up a candidate. The Centre should take initiative in this regard, Kumar told a press conference and added that it will not take the opposition much time to decide its candidate as its leaders have discussed the issue several times. The polling to elect the next president will be held on July 17 and counting will take place on July 20. The term of incumbent Pranab Mukherjee ends on July 24. PTI KR/SKC BDS SK SK --- ENDS --- advertisement The three gangsters, wanted in several cases of murder, decoity and loot in Punjab and Haryana were cornered in Asakhera village near Dabwali, Haryana. By Manjeet Sehgal: Three dreaded Punjab gangsters on early Tuesday morning committed suicide to avoid the police action after being cornered, police sources told India Today. The three gangsters, wanted in several cases including murder, decoity, loot and other heinous crimes, registered in Punjab and Haryana were cornered in Asakhera village near Dabwali, Haryana. "The trio belonged to Faridkot town of Punjab and escaped to Haryana as Punjab Police were chasing them. The Faridkot Police also informed Dabwali Police which joined them to nab the gangsters. The gangsters were identified as Bunty Dhillon, Jaspreet Singh alias Jumpy, both A category gangsters and Nishan Singh, a B category gangster. advertisement Fearing police action, the gangsters killed themselves. While Bunty and Jaspreet died on the spot, Nishan Singh succumbed to his injuries in the hospital," SSP Sirsa, Satender Gupta said. GANGSTERS COMMITTED SUICIDE Police sources said that the gangsters belonged to Bunty gang and had later joined the Vicky Gaunder gang, the dreaded gangster responsible for Nabha, Patiala jail break who is still at large. All the three were sleeping on the roof of a house when the police on a tip off challenged them. The gangsters started firing which was retaliated by the cops. The gangsters suddenly stopped firing. The police officials after reaching at the spot found bodies of Bunty and Jaspreet were lying on the roof and Nishan Singh was bleeding heavily. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The police claimed the gangsters committed suicide. They were also wanted in a double murder case reported in Chautala, Haryana besides a shootout in Tarantaran and Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. The police have recovered 5 weapons, other ammunition besides an SUV from the possession of the gangsters. According to Suresh Arora, DGP Punjab, "57 criminal gangs are active in the state and a special task force (STF) has been created by the police to counter these gangs." Also read: Gangster Chhota Shakeel's aide detained by special cell in Delhi Also read: Gurgaon: How gangster Satish murdered 9 people while on parole for 'good behaviour' --- ENDS --- The split between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has forced a Qatari businessman to plan the biggest bovine airlift in the history to fight the dairy needs of the country. By India Today Web Desk: After Saudi Arabia left Qatar isolated post accusing the country of supporting the Islamic terrorists, Qatar is forced to open and look for new trade routes for food, construction and more to support its natural gas industry. World's richest country by capita, Qatar is forced to fly dairy goods from Turkey for the time being while Iran is supporting Qatar by exporting fruit and vegetables. advertisement The split between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has led to a great disruption of trade and geopolitical alliances and has forced the country to depend on local products. But amid the hustle bustle, one Qatari businessman thought of handling the dairy drama on his own. Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman of Power International Holding, decided to fly 4,000 cows back to Qatar for a constant supply of fresh milk in the country. Al Khayyat is one of Qatar's biggest businessmen in the construction industry and has even built the biggest mall of Qatar. Also read: Iran sends planes of food to Qatar amid concerns of shortages Seeking air routes, Khayyat decided that it would be better to airlift the cows while the transport routes are blocked. Qatar Airways would be able to fly the 590 kg bovines which are 4,000 in number in a total of 60 flights. "It's time to work for Qatar", Khayyat told Bloomberg. Photo: Reuters The Qataris are also trying to promote local goods by placing signboards in front of their shops saying "Together for the support of local products." Earlier Doha's 1 million population and their dairy needs were facilitated by Saudi Arabia but after the split, the transport routes were cut off by UAE and their two other allies. Al Khayyat's company is taking a huge risk by importing cows as the shipping cost for the bovines hit 5 times than the usual which calculates up to $8 million. --- ENDS --- China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page As Rahul's latest foreign visit came amid hectic politics over farmers' protest or the upcoming Presidential election, the BJP took some quick jibes. By India Today Web Desk: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today said he will be taking a break from politics to visit his grandmother abroad, triggering taunts from the opposition BJP which called the visit the "picnic" of a "kid during his summer vacations". "Will be travelling to meet my grandmother & family for a few days. Looking forward to spending some time with them," Rahul Gandhi tweeted today. He did not mention how many days will he be out and where in Italy was he headed to. advertisement Rahul's grandmother Paola Maino lives in Italy. In March, Rahul had visited the US, where his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi had gone for a health check-up. Earlier, during the New Year Celebrations, the 46-year-old leader had gone to London for a short break. As Rahul's latest foreign visit came amid hectic politics over farmers' protest or the upcoming Presidential election, the BJP took some quick jibes. "When we were kids, then we used to go to the nanihaal (maternal grandmother's place) during our summer vacations," senior BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh Kailash Vijayvargiya said. "You can't expect Rahul ji to be worried about the country or the farmers. He does politics to enjoy his picnics," he added. The Congress hit back, calling it Indian culture to visit ageing grandparents. "Rahul ji is going to meet his 93-year-old grandmother. It is Indian culture to take care of your ageing parents and grandparents," Congress spokesperson RS Surjewala said. ALSO READ:Power of truth replaced by truth of power in India: Rahul Gandhi WATCH VIDEO: Rahul Gandhi to visit grandmother in Italy, BJP calls it a 'summer vacation picnic' --- ENDS --- Rolls-Royce elaborates on its SMR plans 13 June 2017 Share Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer the UK socio-economic benefits that would last 100 years, said John Molyneux of Rolls-Royce, but today's government must make its mind up how it wants to proceed. Rolls-Royce's director of technology and engineering, John Molyneux gave more details on Rolls-Royce's new reactor design and the next steps in its development when speaking to the European Young Nuclear Generation Forum event in Manchester, organised by the European Nuclear Society and the UK Nuclear Institute. Still without a publicised name, Rolls-Royce's design is a pressurized water reactor in a close-coupled four-loop configuration. A team of about 150 people have been working on it for around two years. The first months were taken with major design decisions including the use of a light-water as coolant and moderator and to select the close-coupled arrangement of steam generators as opposed to integrating them into the reactor vessel, or adopting a more spread out design similar to today's large reactors. At 450 MWe the output is higher than other innovative designs, and actually outside the usual range considered to define the SMR market of up to 300 MWe. Molyneux said, "I do not believe light water reactors have got to the end of their evolution" and it is not necessary to move beyond them to find improvements. "It's easy to get swept away with technology, and as an engineer I'd love to. But as an industry we have to look at economics. The challenge for the industry is how you get a 40% cut in the levelised cost of electricity, to get down to what gas is at." To complement Rolls-Royce's team, a group of ten UK companies have been recruited over the last year, including operators, turbine island designers, civil engineers, researchers and engineering consultants. Molyneux said it was "difficult to reveal who they all are, but ten organisations." Their goal is "to succeed from day one and reduce the overall cost of the station." Rolls-Royce is prepared to lead a national design consortium, and invest accordingly, said Molyneux, but the units "would have to sell, and sell internationally". Industry needs government support funding to get to the "critical design stage where the design becomes easily investable from a straight commercial perspective", he said. Having been on track to declare a strategy and select technologies for development funding, the UK SMR program stalled in the face of the Brexit vote a year ago, while uncertainty has continues even after last week's general election. "Government needs to decide whether it wants SMRs; if they do, what technology solution they are after." For Rolls-Royce, the primary market would be the UK where up to about 7 GWe of small units could be deployed, probably at existing nuclear power sites. "The UK market is important," Molyneux said "but to really make them fly you have to look internationally so support from the UK government to international markets becomes really important" requiring further long-term political commitment. Molyneux said he expects strong competition from Chinese, Russian and US offerings to mean that Europe and the Middle East would be more likely sales targets for Rolls-Royce. According to a study by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, those areas could see 4400 MWe and 5200 MWe of small units, respectively. Should the UK succeed in becoming a reactor vendor again, the socio-economic benefits are enormous, said Molyneux. Up to 40,000 jobs could be created in the years 2030-2050 and a total benefit to the UK economy of GBP 188 billion ($239 billion) spread across a century. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics IAEA fuel 'bank' on course 13 June 2017 Share International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Yukiya Amano yesterday updated the agency's board of governors on recent developments including the IAEA's storage facility for low-enriched uranium (LEU) - known as the LEU Bank - which will be inaugurated on 29 August and should receive its first uranium in 2018. Yukiya Amano delivers his introductory statement to the IAEA board of governors (Image: Dean Calma/IAEA) The facility, at the Ulba Metallaurgical Plant in Oskemen in Kazakshtan, will host a physical reserve of up to 90 tonnes of LEU suitable for making nuclear fuel and will act as a supplier of last resort for IAEA member states should they find themselves unable to obtain the material on the global commercial market or otherwise. This, the IAEA says, will enable countries interested in using nuclear power to be confident they will be able to obtain LEU for nuclear fuel in the event of unforeseen, non-commercial disruption to their supplies. The facility is seen as an important part of international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, dissuading countries from building uranium enrichment facilities by guaranteeing access to LEU for fuel use should other sources fail. SCK-CEN designated an ICERR The IAEA has designated Belgian nuclear research centre SCK-CEN as an "International Centre based on Research Reactors" (ICERR), Amano said yesterday. It joins France's CEA and Russia's RIAR centres as designated ICERRs under an IAEA scheme launched in 2014 to help member states to gain access to infrastructure for capacity-building as well as for nuclear research and development. Two US laboratories have also submitted ICERR applications, Amano said. Amano said construction of the facility was proceeding on schedule, with an inauguration ceremony - which he plans to attend - on 29 August. "We continue to work on the LEU Procurement Plan and aim to have an LEU acquisition contract in place before the end of 2017. Our goal is that all the LEU acquired will be transported to the storage facility in 2018. The IAEA LEU Bank will then have been established," he said. The bank will be owned and controlled by the IAEA and has been funded by the European Union (24.4 million, $26 million), Kuwait ($10 million), Norway ($5 million), the United Arab Emirates ($10 million), the USA ($49 million) and US-based organisation Nuclear Threat Initiative ($50 million). Kazakhstan has contributed funding of $400,000 plus in-kind contributions. Safeguards and verification Amano also told the board of governors that its safeguards agreement with Pakistan concerning units 2 and 3 of the Karachi nuclear power plant, approved by the board in March, had entered into force in May. The two Chinese-designed Hualong One units are planned to enter commercial operation in 2021 and 2022 respectively. A total of 182 states now have safeguards agreements in force, and 129 have additional protocols, Amano said, and called for parties to the international Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty without comprehensive safeguards agreements in force to bring such agreements into force without delay. "I hope that States which have not yet concluded additional protocols will do so as soon as possible," he said. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Court ruling clears path for restart of Genkai units 13 June 2017 Share A court in Japan has dismissed a request for an injunction against the restart of units 3 and 4 of Kyushu Electric Power Company's Genkai nuclear power plant in Saga Prefecture. The court sided with the utility in deciding the units are safe to operate. The four-unit Genkai plant (Image: Kyushu) A group of some 230 residents from Saga and neighbouring Fukuoka Prefecture filed a lawsuit with the Saga District Court in July 2011. They claimed the safety of the Genkai plant is not secured. Kyushu, they said, had inadequate measures in place against earthquakes at the plant and a serious accident could occur due to degradation in pipe work. However, in a ruling today the court said it had found no issues with the plant's earthquake resistance or steps taken against serious accidents. It said there was no specific danger of radiation exposure at the plant. Kyushu welcomed the court's ruling, saying it was a "reasonable decision". The plaintiffs are expected to appeal the decision to the Fukuoka High Court. Kyushu submitted applications to Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in July 2013 to restart Genkai 3 and 4. In January this year, the NRA confirmed the two 1180 MWe pressurised water reactors meet new regulatory standards. The Saga prefectural governor gave his approval in April for the restart of the units following the adoption of a resolution by the prefectural assembly approving their restart. Genkai 3 and 4 are expected to resume operation later this year, once the NRA has completed remaining safety inspections. Of Japan's 42 operable reactors, five have so far cleared inspections confirming they meet the new regulatory safety standards and have resumed operation. These are: Kyushu's Sendai units 1 and 2; Shikoku's Ikata unit 3; and, Kansai's Takahama units 3 and 4. Another 19 reactors have applied to restart. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Over the course of the 20th century, the sea level rose globally by around 7.5 inches. The UN warns that it could rise three feet more by the end of the 21st century. Not only is the rising ocean an escalating challenge for the low-lying, small island states, but violent weather patterns, including increased frequency of unexpected storms, are beating down on these already-vulnerable nations and further submerging them underwater. Rising sea levels and changing climate are effects of global warming, primarily caused by the human hand of the most-polluting countries. Many island nations lack protection against natural disasters and share the fragility of a subsistence economy based on tourism and financial dependence on international trade. Violent natural forces also hinder communications and infrastructure development, putting basic human survival into question. Some of the low-lying Pacific Islands are home to a protective barrier of coral reefs, now quickly waning under the rising ocean, leaving people and land increasingly vulnerable to climate change and the rising sea each day. These eight countries helplessly pend global warming effects, with a grim future of being literally washed off the map entirely. Read More6 US Regions That Could Disappear Underwater By 2050 Marshall Islands Aerial view of the atolls of the Marshall Islands. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a tiny Micronesian state with an area of 181 square kilometers over five islands with 29 atolls in the Pacific Ocean. Captain John Marshall discovered the isles in 1788, while they only gained independence from the United States in 1990. Presently, with its population of 60,000, some residents are facing impending submergence by the sea level rise that has already begun. It is most visible in some of the atolls and tracts of land swallowed by the ocean in the capital city of Majuro. It is likely that within the next century, irrevocable consequences of global warming will threaten the very existence of the country. Kiribati Villages in Kiribati are highly vulnerable to sea level rise. The Republic of Kiribati covers three million square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia, over 33 coral atolls, and one island. The Spaniards first discovered these atolls. Later, the British ruled here, with the independent country of Kiribati emerging only in 1979. Today, Kiribati authorities are highly concerned by the rising sea level that is slowly submerging the nation's coasts and forcing people to relocate. The country has an average elevation of only three meters above sea level and is already losing its villages under the rising sea. The saline water is also inundating the freshwater resources of the atolls, leading to crop failures. According to estimates, this densely populated island nation could be underwater by the end of the century, leaving thousands of helpless climate migrants behind. Fiji A home in Fiji completely ravaged by a cyclone. Such extreme weather events combined with sea level rise worsen the chances of survival of such nations. The tourist-paradise destination Republic of Fiji covers 1.3 million square kilometers of territory over 330 islands in the Pacific. The islands were originally colonized by Southeast Asians, settled by the Europeans in the 17th century, and under British ownership until 1970 when Fiji declared independence. Fijian Islands are daunted by a double force, slowly pushing the isles to the bottom of the ocean. Despite this, the islands' population increased by 0.56% from the previous year to 929,766 residents in 2022. Along with sea level rise, extreme weather conditions are also hitting Fiji hard. Inclement weather put Fiji under mercy in 2009 with a rainstorm that resulted in 19 human casualties and 9,000 evacuees. The cane plantations were also significantly damaged, along with the cities' infrastructure that provided for tourism, greatly hindering Fiji's other main source of income. In 2016, Fiji was hit by Tropical Cyclone Winston, which impaired industry and left residents scrambling for food. The former home to over 100 locals, the village of Vunidogoloa is now a tropical forest, with a town square covered in tropics, rotting rodents in abandoned houses, and salt water seeping up from the earth as far as 300 feet away from Natewa Bay. It was the first village to relocate to a newly-built town nearby due to the effects of climate change, and Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama knows that it won't be the last. He says that at least 40 more villages will be forced to face the consequences of rising sea levels in the next few years. The changing climate of intense storms and floods that pounded Fiji makes the government anticipate losing at least 5% of assets in GDP, and more with each year. Samoa Tourist cottages along the sea in an island in Samoa. Tourism, the mainstay of the economy of Samoa, is threatened by rising sea levels. The Independent State of Samoa comprises seven islands covering under 3,000 square kilometers, with many surrounding coral reefs. It was settled by the Europeans in the early 18th century, with the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom sharing parts of the territory in the 19th century, and Samoa gaining independence from New Zealand in 1962. Today, global warming is playing a cruel card on this small nation. Rising water temperature has wasted large sections of the coral reefs here through a process called coral bleaching. The loss of these protective barriers has allowed the rising sea to inundate the land of Samoa, adversely affecting the country's tourism and agricultural sectors. Read MoreWhat Is Coral Reef Bleaching? Solomon Islands Villages like the one in the image in the Solomon Islands can easily disappear during a natural disaster like tsunami or cyclone. The Solomon Islands is an extensive chain of 990 isles spread through the Solomon and Santa Cruz archipelagos in the Indian Ocean. The islands were discovered early on in 1568 by the Spaniards, then owned by Britain, and received independence in 1978. Altogether, they comprise some 30,000 square kilometers of scenic paradise that could soon find itself underwater. Six islands have already sunk below the surface, with more following suit. Despite this, Solomon Islands' population has been steadily increasing over the years to almost 728,000 inhabitants at the present day. The authorities are alarmed by the disappearing country and the future of its residents, as it appears that global warming will seriously impede their survival within just the next few decades. The Maldives Coral bleaching due to warming sea in the Maldives makes the islands more susceptible to rising sea levels due to the absence of the protective action of the coral reefs. The Maldives is a famously-affordable tourist destination, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, with the capital city of Male. The nation occupies an area of 298 square kilometers south of India with incredible scenery. Few know of its rich history, having changed hands multiple times, and shared between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British until independence in 1965 while retaining vibrant culture from each nationality. The low-lying Maldives, with a maximum "peak" at 2.3 meters and "boasting" the lowest average altitude in the world of just 1.5 meters, is most threatened by rising sea levels. It is very likely that many of the 1,200 islands will start dipping into the ocean soon, which will halt its economy's mainstay, tourism. The rising sea level, at alarming rates around the nation, is also endangering the coastal livelihood of the 562,335 residents and forcing many to relocate. The Maldives partnered with another vulnerable nation, the Bahamas on an international campaign to alert others and save themselves. It focused on the moral issues regarding suffering by the mostly-poor nations with little hard power, which made the campaign victorious and shaped the global 2015 Paris Agreement. Tuvalu The vulnerable island nation of Tuvalu as seen from aircraf. The small country of Tuvalu is composed of four coral reefs, five atolls, and three islands in the Pacific Ocean. Despite its meager size, the nation is a perfect candidate to represent those who do the least harm and suffer the most. The country is one of the lowest pollution producers in the world, home to just over 12,000 residents, and falling victim to global warming caused by the more emission-producing countries. Tuvalu is set comparatively low to the sea level and lacks natural boundaries, making it helpless against storms and sea level rise. The archipelago was discovered by the Spaniards around 1568, owned by the British, and achieved independence in 1978. Together with its neighbor Vanuatu, Tuvalu suffered-through Hurricane Pam, which worsened its precarious situation and alarmed the government of its near-future survival. In fact, the authorities are very demanding with the Kyoto Protocol compliance, accentuating the "innocence" of the hindered island through the fault of most-polluting countries. Vanuatu Vanuatu low elevation threatens this island nation's very existence. The Republic of Vanuatu is an archipelago of 12,000 square kilometers in area, set in the South Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1606 and obtained independence from Britain and France in 1980 as a new state. According to the UN, the nation holds "the most vulnerable" "world record" in terms of natural disasters. The forces of nature persistently threaten to wipe Vanuatu off the map, making it highly likely that the 83 volcanic islands of Vanuatu will disappear soon. Cyclone Pam was responsible for destroying nine of each ten buildings in the capital. Vanuatu's high rate of cyclone formation is burdened further by the main threat of rising sea levels that quickens the disappearance of the already-vulnerable state. Its rising population today faces forceable relocation after a turn disaster proves "doomsday" to all. Read MoreThese 9 Cities Could Disappear By 2030 With so many nations, human lives and well-being under threat, it becomes clear that there is a need to take immediate action to address such threats. However, since climate change is a global problem, every nation needs to make commitments and keep the same if the issue is to be resolved. Else, world maps will have to be constantly modified to omit nations lost to the sea in the coming decades. Equatorial Guinea is located on the west coast of Central Africa. It consists of both a mainland and island regions which cover an area of 11,000 square miles. This country has an interesting history and a unique current situation. Below is a look at 10 interesting facts about Equatorial Guinea. 10. It is the smallest African country to be a member of the United Nations. Most African countries cover an extremely large area with the exception of some island nations, coastal nations, and Equatorial Guinea. On November 12, 1968, this country became a member of the United Nations. At the same time, according to total land area, Equatorial Guinea became the smallest African country to be a UN member. 9. It is considered to be one of the The government of Equatorial Guinea is considered authoritarian and has one of the worst records of human rights abuses in the world. According to the yearly Freedom in the World survey which measures political and civil rights, Equatorial Guinea has a ranking of 7. The scale is 1 (most free) to 7 (least free). Additionally, human trafficking is a significant social issue in this country, targeting women and children to work in the forced labor and sex industries. Treatment of prisoners here is often cruel as well, with mistreatment including beatings, abuse, torture, unsubstantiated imprisonment, and unexplained deaths. In an attempt to reduce these human rights violations, President Obiang banned abuse and torture in Equatorial Guinea and funded a remodeling project for the Black Beach prison in an attempt to modernize the facilities in 2007. However, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have continued to report human rights violations despite these changes. 8. Fewer than one million people live there. Equatorial Guinea is 1 of 10 African countries with a population of less than one million, based on projected estimates. The 2015 projected population for this country is listed at only 845,060, however, 2015 census results claim over 1.2 million individuals live here. This conflicting information is common in countries with unstable governments. 7. Right now, they are building a new capital expected to be completed in 2020. The current capital of Equatorial Guinea is Malabo, which is located in the Bioko Norte province on the island of Bioko, just 25 miles from the coast of Cameroon. This city has a population of over 187,000. The economy here is based on public administration and the fishing industry. The government of this country is planning a new capital city, however. This city is known as Oyala and is located in the Wele-Nzas province of the mainland region. This site was chosen for its central location, which is near the Mengoyemen airport and between the cities of Bata and Mongomo. Oyala will become the new headquarters location for the police, military, president, administration, government, and Congress. It is expected to cover an area of 20,139 acres that will include several presidential villas and a new Congress building. Estimates suggest it will have a population of around 200,000 once complete. 6. It is one of the only nations in the world to not has its capital on the mainland. Its current capital, Malabo, is one of the only capitals in the world that is not located within the continental region of a country. Portuguese colonists were the first to land here and unsuccessfully attempted to organize a sugarcane industry. Control was later given to the Spanish, although colonization attempts were largely unsuccessful. Control of this city was then given to the British, who used the area to fight the continued African slave trade. Its population grew as a result of British efforts to free slaves. Many of the descendants of these freed slaves have stayed on the island. The city went on to become the capital of the Spanish colony, which was established here in 1855. It retained its importance as a capital center after Equatorial Guinea gained independence. 5. It is one of the richest countries in Africa. Equatorial Guinea is one of the largest oil producers in Africa. It has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $31.769 billion (adjusted for purchasing power parity), which makes it one of the richest countries in Africa. When compared to the population size, this country has a GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity, of $38,699. 4. However, the vast majority of its residents live in poverty. The wealth in this country is not distributed among the population. In fact, the majority of its residents live in poverty and live without access to clean drinking water. Approximately 20% of its children die before reaching the age of 5 and only 25% of newborns are immunized against polio and measles (one of the lowest rates in the world). Only 50% of children complete primary school and less than 25% of them go on to secondary school. According to the UN Human Development Index, Equatorial Guinea ranks number 144. Researchers offer an explanation for this uneven wealth distribution: government officials have benefitted most from the wealth of oil production. The government has a high level of corruption and investigation into fraudulent money handling has pointed to local construction projects. 3. The president of Equatorial Guinea has been serving since 1979. Teodoro Obiang is the current President of Equatorial Guinea and has served since August of 1979. As President, he holds a significant amount of powers and serves as both Head of State and Head of Government. His son holds the position of Vice President. Since Obiang has held presidential power, at least 12 attempts have been made to overthrow the government. Human Rights Watch considers his presidency to be equal to a dictatorship and several organizations claim that the elections held here are fraudulent. Obiang has been at the center of a number of investigations, including those managed by the government of France. He has been accused of using public funds to purchase luxury homes and vehicles in France. 2. It is the third largest oil exporter in Sub-Saharan Africa. As one of the largest oil producers in Africa, Equatorial Guinea relies on this product to keep its economy moving. Crude petroleum makes up 69% of its total exports at a value of $4.1 billion. This is followed by petroleum gas, which makes up 23% of total exports at a value of $1.39 billion. These exports help the country maintain a positive trade balance of $4.28 billion with $5.92 billion in exports and $1.64 billion in imports. 1. It is the only country in Africa to have Spanish as an official language. Equatorial Guinea was a Spanish colony on 2 separate occasions: between 1778 and 1810 and from 1844 to 1968. Because of its long influence over the country, Spanish has remained an important language. In fact, Equatorial Guinea is the only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language. Approximately 67.6% of the population can speak it. Spanish is the language used for public administration and education. By Press Trust of India: By Anisur Rahman Dhaka, Jun 13 (PTI) A series of landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 87 people, including several army officers, in Bangladesh with the majority of the deaths reported from a remote hill district close to the Indian border, officials said today. The worst affected Rangamati hill district alone has witnessed 58 deaths, including four military personnel, who were on duty to remove the rubble to clear a major highway. advertisement According to local media reports, the death toll has touched as high as 87. The death toll could rise as many people remain buried under tonnes of rubble. "We could so far confirm 51 deaths . . . the toll could be higher with confirmation of more deaths," Disaster Management Ministry secretary M Shah Kamal told PTI referring to the landslide casualties in southeastern Chittagong, Rangamati and Bandarban. The reports said that over 100 people were injured, many of them critically, while searches were underway for more bodies even as many remote areas were difficult to reach due to inclement weather. "Most of the casualties were caused by landslides, but some died of electrocution, drowning and collapse of walls," said an official at the southeastern port city of Chittagong. While 18 people were killed in Rangunia and Chandanaish upazilas of Chittagong, in Bandarban, six people were killed and five others injured due to landslides, officials were quoted as saying in the local media. A military spokesman in Dhaka said an army major and a captain were among four of their dead personnel who were called out to remove landslide rubble from a highway linking port city of Chittagong with Rangamati. "A fresh landslide at the scene buried the detachment killing the four while one soldier is still missing . . . ten personnel were wounded in the (fresh) landslide," he said. Many of the victims belong to the ethnic minority or tribal groups in Rangamati and Bandarban who live in makeshift structures along the hills, officials said. The officials said many people were asleep when the landslides hit, causing more casualties, especially among children. "The rescue campaign is underway. We can get a clearer picture of the casualties later," a spokesman at the Disaster Management Ministry said, adding that the casualty figures could rise as many remain missing. The landslides triggered by the monsoon rains came two weeks after Cyclone Mora hit Bangladesh, leaving eight people dead and damaging hundreds of homes. AR/NSA MRJ MRJ --- ENDS --- advertisement In some nations, legislative actions and legal proceedings have given public recognition to same-sex marriage. Although not legally recognized, there was an increase in cases of same-sex marriages in the 20th century. The first law enactment that provided for same-sex marriage took place in the Netherlands in 2001. Despite the question of same-sex marriage being a widely debated topic, some countries have passed laws accepting it. The countries leading in legalizing same-sex marriage are western countries and countries of the Americas including the United Kingdom and the United States among others. Some countries have stood firm in opposing the same-sex marriage citing it as unreligious, uncultured, and unacceptable. Leading in rejection of the practice are African and Asian countries. Below is a look at some of the countries that are least accepting of same-sex marriage. Countries Opposing Same-sex Marriage Armenia - 96% Armenia does not have any legal or social legislations that govern same-sex marriages. Despite the legalization of homosexuality in 2003, not much has changed. Due to discrimination from family and friends, many gay people have been isolated. Many parts of Armenia recognize same-sex marriage as taboo and different studies have shown that Armenians find same-sex lovers strange. However, there is no legal protection for people in same-sex relationships despite their right's constantly being violated. Armenia is ranked 47 out of the 49 European countries for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights. Georgia - 95% Georgia is among the few nations in the former Soviet Union that has criminalized discrimination against LGBT individuals. Despite this protection, locals consider same-sex marriage as being against Christian values. Gay people are constant targets of abuse and even physical violence. According to a social attitude questionnaire in the country, homosexuals are the most disliked people in society. The same study showed that 91.5% of people from Georgia think that same-sex marriage is unacceptable. According to research by Pew Research Center, 95% of Georgians are opposed to gay marriage. Moldova - 92% The Constitution of Moldova bans same-sex marriage or civil unions. The Orthodox Christian Church which dominates the country influences this prohibition by law. However, homosexuality between consenting adults has been legal in Moldova since 1995. The society in Moldova has remained homophobic as evident by statements by politicians that discriminate against LGBT individuals. According to research by Pew Research Center, 92% of the people of Moldova do not accept same-sex marriage as they say it undermines Christian values. Conclusion Despite laws prohibiting discrimination of individuals who have same-sex relationships, the practice to legalize same-sex marriage has not been widely accepted by most people in our society. Some factors have led to discrimination by friends and families including cultural and religious beliefs. To some, same-sex relationships are unacceptable. Many nations are still debating the subject of same-sex marriage but there seems to be a long way to go before marriage is accepted and legalized. Gay marriage remains a controversial matter in some regions of the world. The Netherlands was the first nation to institute a law recognizing the marriage between same-sex couples. Other countries followed suit, most of which are in Europe. Polls show that support for the legal recognition of gay marriage is increasing in Europe, the Americas, and Australia. Taiwan recently made history as the first Asian country to recognize gay marriage. Different opinion polls rank the following countries as the most accepting of gay marriages: Countries Most Accepting of Gay Marriage Europe Numerous countries in Europe have legalized gay marriage. 90% of Sweden's population supports gay marriage. Sweden became the seventh state to provide legally for same-sex marriage on May 1, 2009. About 87% of both the population in Denmark and Iceland is for gay marriage. Since 1989 in Denmark, same-sex couples could get a registered partnership. The nation adopted gay marriage laws on June 7, 2012. Germany recognized registered same-sex partnerships on August 1, 2001, but all marriage rights are yet to be granted to gay couples. Norway has 78% of its population in support of gay marriage. Norway was the sixth nation to legalize gay marriage on January 1, 2009. Belgium made history as the second nation to legalize gay marriage on June 1, 2003, and 77% of its population is for same-sex marriage. On May 15, 2015, Luxembourg became the first of the EU member states to have a prime minister in a gay marriage. 75% of Luxembourg's population supports same-sex marriage. 69% of Switzerland's population supports gay marriages. The Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland has been at the forefront to oppose gay marriage in the country. France has 67% of its population for gay marriage. Other European countries with significant population supporting gay marriage are Finland (66); Czech Republic (65); Malta (65); Netherlands (64); Ireland (64); Spain (64); Italy (56); UK (56); Austria (55); Portugal (53). Americas In Uruguay, gay marriage is supported by 70.6% of the population. Same-sex couples acquired marriage rights in a law passed by the President of Uruguay on May 3, 2013. The 2005 Civil Marriage Act of Canada recognized same-sex marriages. 70% of the Canadian population supports gay marriage. Same-sex marriage in Mexico is supported by 69% of the nation's population. However, not all states in the country recognize gay marriages. In the US, 64% of the population is in favor of gay marriages. Same-sex marriage is legally carried out in all of the US States, and in Washington D.C. 64% of the population of Chile supports gay marriage. A bill approved by the Argentine Senate on July 15, 2010, granted marriage rights to gay couples. Gay marriage has the support of 59% of Argentina's population. Australia and New Zealand Although 69% of the Australian population supports gay marriage, it is yet to be legally recognized on a federal level. Gay couples can, however, acquire registered domestic partnerships or Civil Unions in different territories. Gay marriage has been legal in New Zealand since August 19, 2013. The law is only enforceable in New Zealand proper as well as the Ross Dependency in Antarctica. The rest of New Zealand's territories including Tokelau and Cook Islands do not recognize same-sex marriages. Asia Opening up to gay unions Thailand has 59% of its population in favor of same-sex marriage. While gay couples cannot legally wed in Thailand, they are largely and publicly tolerated particularly in urban metropolises. 54% of the Taiwanese population supports gay marriage. Two gay marriage bills were tabled before the Legislative Yuan in October 2016 which triggered a wave of protests both in opposition and those in support. The Constitutional Court of Taiwan granted marriage rights to gay couples on May 24, 2017. 49% of Israel's population support gay marriage. While same-sex marriage is illegal in the country, the state has registered gay marriages performed abroad starting in 2006. Bangladesh, as the name suggests, speaks Bengali or Bangla. It is the de facto national language of the country. Bengali is also the official language of Bangladesh and serves as the nations lingua franca. The country also has several indigenous languages that are spoken by the different indigenous groups living in the country. English is often regarded as the de facto co-official language of the country. The Official Language Of Bangladesh Bengali is both the official and the national language of Bangladesh. Bengali is the worlds seventh most spoken native language. The language belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family but its vocabulary is also influenced by languages of the Austroasiatic, the Dravidian, and the Tibeto-Burman language families. Bengali acts as a binding force between the two separated Bengali communities living in Bangladesh and India. The national anthems of both Bangladesh and India were composed in Bengali. Bengali literature and folk heritage are well known across the world for their rich quality. In Bangladesh, 98% of Bangladeshis speak Standard Bengali or one of the many Bengali dialects fluently as their first language. The Aryan Languages Spoken In Bangladesh The Aryan languages are spoken mainly in the lowlands of Bangladesh. The Bengali language is also an Aryan language and the most widely spoken language of this class in the country. There are several other Eastern Indic languages spoken here which might be treated as dialects of Bengali or as separate languages themselves. These are: Bishnupriya The Aryan language is spoken in some parts of northeastern India, Burma, and Bangladesh. It is spoken in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Bishnupriya is written with the Bengali alphabet. Chakma The Chakma language is spoken by Chakma and the Daingnet people. About 310,000 Bangladeshis living near Chittagong City of southeastern Bangladesh and 300,000 people living in northeastern India speak this language. The languages use the Chakma script for writing. Chittagonian The Chittagonian language is spoken widely in the southeast of Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Although the Bengali and Chittagonian are not mutually intelligible, the latter is often treated as a nonstandard dialect of the former. Chittagonian is spoken by about 13 million people in Bangladesh. Hajong The Hajong language is spoken in parts of northeastern India and in the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh. The language is written in the Latin and the Assamese script. Rohingya Rohingya is the dominant language spoken in the Arakan State of Burma but is also spoken by refugees from Burma in Bangladesh. It is regarded as one of the main immigrant languages of Bangladesh. Sylheti Sylheti is spoken by the Sylheti people inhabiting Bangladeshs Sylhet Division. This language is also spoken in parts of northeastern India. Some consider the language to be a dialect of Bengali while others treat it as a distinct language since they lack mutual intelligibility. However, the languages share about 80% vocabulary. Most Sylhetis can also speak Bengali. Tangchangya Closely related to Bengali, this language is spoken by the countrys Tanchangya people. Rangpuri The Rangpuri language is spoken by about 10 million Rajbongshi people in Bangladesh. Many of these people are bilingual and also speak either Bengali or Assamese. Others Assamese, Oraon Sadri, and Bihari are some other Aryan languages spoken in Bangladesh. Bihari is spoken in Bangladesh mainly by the Muslim refugees from Indias Bihar state. The Non-Aryan Languages Spoken In Bangladesh Austroasiatic Languages Of Bangladesh Smaller languages of the Austroasiatic family of languages are spoken in Bangladesh and some parts of India. Here is a list of these languages: Khasi Khasi is the major language of Indias Meghalaya state and is spoken by the Khasi people living here. It is also spoken by a significant number of people in Assam and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, it is spoken near the border areas of the country with India. Koda Koda is an endangered language spoken in some parts of Bangladesh and India. As of 2005, there were 1,300 speakers of the Koda language in Bangladeshs Rajshahi Division. Mundari A Munda language, Mundari is spoken by people in parts of eastern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, it is spoken by the Munda tribal people. Pnar Pnar is another language of the Austroasiatic family that is spoken in parts of India and Bangladesh. Santali The language is spoken by about 6.2 million people in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. War-Jaintia This language is spoken by about 26,000 Indians and 16,000 people living in Bangladesh. Dravidian Languages Spoken In Bangladesh Indigenous communities living in the western parts of Bangladesh speak two Dravidian languages, Kurukh and Sauria Paharia. Kurukh Nearly 50,000 people in northern Bangladesh speak the Kurukh language. The language is also spoken in parts of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The UNESCO's list of endangered languages classifies the language as endangered. Paharia/Malto Malto, a Northern Dravidian language that is spoken in East India is also spoken by small pockets of population in Bangladesh. Tibeto-Burman Languages Spoken In Bangladesh The communities speaking the Tibeto-Burman Languages live in the eastern, northern, and southeastern parts of the country. Some of these languages include the Chak, A'Tong, Koch, Garo, Megam, Pangkhua, Tripuri languages, Chin languages, Rakhine/Marma, Mru, etc. Immigrant Languages Spoken In Bangladesh Bihari, Burmese, and Rohingya are treated as the main immigrant languages spoken in Bangladesh. Bihari is spoken mostly by the Muslim refugee community from Indias Bihar state. Burmese and Rohingya are spoken by the refugees from neighboring Burma. Foreign Languages Spoken In Bangladesh Even though English has no official status in Bangladesh, the language is frequently used in government administration, educational institutions, courts, business, and media of the country. There is high demand for English education in the country as knowledge in the language is considered to broaden the scope of employment opportunities available to the youth of the nation. Djibouti is a small country located in the horn of Africa and gained independence from France in 1977. The system of government practiced in Djibouti is based on a semi-presidential system where the President is the head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of government. Legislative authority is vested on the Executive as well as the National Assembly. Constitution Of Djibouti The Constitution of Djibouti is the supreme law in the country. The current constitution was ratified in 1992 and was amended in 2010. The Constitution of Djibouti is made up of 13 titles and 97 articles. Title 1 of The Constitution of Djibouti dictates the sovereignty of Djibouti and ordains Islam as the official state religion. Title 1 of the Constitution also dictates French and Arabic as the official languages in Djibouti. Article 2 of The Constitution recognizes Djiboutis national flag and also establishes the nations capital city as Djibouti City. The rights and freedoms of Djibouti residents are also outlined in Title 2 which defines the citizens as sacred. The Executive Branch Of The Government Of Djibouti The powers, privileges, and composition of the Executive are set out in Title 3 of the Constitution. The President of Djibouti is the head of state and is elected during democratic elections through popular adult suffrage to serve a six-year term. The President is also the Commander in Chief of Djibouti Armed Forces and has the power to issue a pardon to convicts. The President is responsible for the appointment of principal government officials including the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the head of the government and has the mandate to appoint members of the cabinet (also known as the Council of Ministers). The Cabinet is tasked to conduct government operations and to implement government policies. The Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Djibouti Title 4 of the Constitution indicates the powers, composition, and privileges of the Legislature. According to the Constitution, Djibouti has a unicameral (single-chamber) parliament which, in conjunction with the executive, wields legislative authority. The National Assembly of Djibouti is made up of 65 members who are all democratically elected during general elections through a popular vote to serve five-year terms. 35 members of the National Assembly are Somali while 30 members are Afar. The President of the National Assembly is the leader of Parliament and is mandated to moderate parliamentary proceedings. The members of the national assembly are also known as Deputies, and all enjoy legal immunity. The Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Djibouti The Judiciary is the arm of government in Djibouti responsible for the administration of justice. The judicial system is based on French codified law, the local customary law as well as Islamic Sharia law. The lowest judicial levels in Djiboutis judicial system are the courts of the first instance which are spread all across the country. There are also five customary courts, one for each of the five administrative districts in the country. The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court followed by the high court of appeal. The Constitution also recognizes the Constitutional Council which is mandated to check the constitutionality of existing laws. The Superior Council of the Magistrature is a judicial body mandated to offer legal advice to the President. The Judiciary of Djibouti is entirely independent of the executive with the President presiding over the Superior Council of the Magistrature. Gambia is a small west-African country that it is a presidential republic where the president of the country is the head of government as well as head of state. The country exercises democratic elections every five years. The executive wields both executive authority and legislative authority. The country has had several periods in its history where military coups imposed the dictatorial governments. Constitution In Gambia, the Constitution is the supreme law, and other laws are subordinate to the constitution. The sovereignty of the country is enshrined in the Constitution of Gambia as well as the rights and freedoms of the citizens. The first Constitution of the Republic was promulgated after the country gained independence from Britain in 1965. However, a 1994-military coup led to the suspension of the Constitution. When the military regime ended in 1997, a revised Constitution was adopted. The ousting of former President Yahya Jammeh in 2016 who initially refused to vacate the office caused a tremendous constitutional crisis until he was forcefully ejected by ECOWAS-led forces. The Constitution indicates that the government is comprised of three branches the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. The Executive The Executive is the arm of government empowered to look into government interests both locally and internationally. According to the Constitution of Gambia, the president is the head of the Executive and wields executive authority. The president is elected through democratic elections using a popular vote to serve a five-year term with no restriction on the number of terms he can serve. Other members of the Executive include the vice-president, the attorney general, and cabinet ministers. All cabinet ministers are appointed by the president and cannot be members of the Legislature. The role of the cabinet ministers is to advise the president as well as to supervise the activities of their respective ministries. The Legislature The Legislature of Gambia is the branch of government mandated to create new laws and amend existing laws. Also known as the National Assembly, the legislature is comprised of 53 elected members as well as five members who are appointed by the president. Gambia has a unicameral parliamentary system with only one chamber of parliament that is the National Assembly. The speaker is the leader of the National Assembly and is mandated to moderate the proceeding of parliament as well as presiding over voting by members of parliament during the passing of bills. The speaker and his deputy are selected from the appointed members of parliament and not the elected members. Elected members of Parliament are elected through democratic process to serve a five-year term. The Judiciary The Judiciary is the arm of government whose mandate is the administration of justice where such administration is supposed to be impartial and fair. The chief justice is the head of the judiciary and is appointed by the president after consultations with the Judicial Service Commission. The highest office in the judiciary is the supreme court, and its judges (who include the chief justice) are all appointed by the president. Nigeria is a country in West Africa. The nation's first president was Nnamdi Azikiwe, a former governor general who rose to power with the declaration of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in October 1963. A Coup in 1966 established military rule in Nigeria and triggered the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). The Nigerian Second Republic was established with a new constitution in 1979 after which a presidential system modeled in American style was implemented. A subsequent constitution was adopted in 1993 establishing the Third Nigerian Republic, but the military coup took power until 1999 when another constitution was passed and is still in use today. Executive The Nigerian president serves as both the chief of state as well as the head of government. Nigerians go to the polls after every four years to elect the president. The president undertakes all required duties as the commander-in-chief of the nation's armed forces. The Nigerian president assents to and signs bills and can return a bill to Parliament for reconsideration or can refer it to the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of the bill. Other duties of the president include appointing commissions of inquiry, summoning the Parliament to hold sessions on extraordinary business, calling a referendum, pardoning offenders, conferring honors, receiving foreign dignitaries, and appointing ambassadors, consular, and diplomatic representatives. The Nigerian president appoints the ministers who are confirmed by the senate. Ministries have permanent secretaries and also oversee various parastatal organizations. Legislature Both the House of Representatives and the senate undertake legislative duties in Nigeria. A total of 360 members currently sit in the House of Representatives representing single-member constituencies. These legislators are elected every four years using the simple majority. Sessions of the House are presided over by the speaker who is indirectly elected in the chamber. 109 senators sit in the upper chamber. Three senatorial districts in every state elect one senator while the Federal Capital Territory is represented by only one senator. Sessions of the Senate are guided by the President of the Senate assisted by a deputy. Judiciary The Judiciary system of Nigeria is headed by the National Judicial Council, an independent executive institution. The Chief Justice chairs Nigeria's Supreme Court with the help of thirteen associate judges. These judges receive their appointments from Nigeria's President, acting on the advice of the National Judicial Council and are further approved by the Senate. Courts of the first instance in Nigeria include district or magistrate courts, customary courts, and Sharia courts. Sharia and customary courts only have jurisdiction if the defendant and the plaintiff agree although they are often chosen due to delays and legal costs in the regular courts. Nigeria also has High Courts as well as Courts of Appeal. Administration There are a total of 36 states and one territory (Federal Capital Territory) in Nigeria. Some of the nation's states include Abia, Kano, Yobe, Benue, Kebbi, Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Enugu, Anambra, Adamawa, and Lagos. Each Nigerian state is further subdivided into Local Government Areas or LGAs. As it stands, Nigeria has 774 LGAs. The most LGAs found in one state are in Kano at 55. Six LGAs exist in the Federal Capital Territory. After Tamil Nadu government officials were attacked by around 50 to 60 cow vigilantes late on Sunday night in Rajasthan's Barmer, cops have arrested 8 people in connection with the case. By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: After Tamil Nadu government officials were attacked by around 50 to 60 cow vigilantes late on Sunday night in Rajasthan's Barmer district, police have arrested 8 people in connection with the case. The officials of the Animal Husbandry department of Tamil Nadu have also written a letter to their state government seeking protection. They have cited risk to life and property from cow vigilantes in the letter. advertisement In the attack on Sunday night, the officials - which included five assistants and a veterinarian - were carrying cattle in five different trucks. The miscreants stopped the vehicles, attacked the staff members and set one of the trucks on fire. The officials were believed to be carrying valid with them. OFFICIALS TAKING CATTLE AS PART OF GOVERNMENT PROJECT Officials of the animal husbandry department of the Tamil Nadu Government were taking the cattle of a special variety - namely the Tharparkar variety - which is usually found in Rajasthan. The officials were doing so in accordance with a special project of the Tamil Nadu Government, called the National Cow Breeding Programme. Taking cognisance of the matter, Barmer Superintendent of Police Gagan Deep Singla sent seven cops, including a Station House Officer (SHO), a sub inspector, two head constables and two constables to the Police Lines after they were accused of dereliction of duty. An inquiry has been ordered into their conduct. A case in the matter has also been registered against 50 people for creating ruckus. Also read | Delhi BJP leaders debating on farmer protests, cow slaughter face central leadership's ire Also read | Beef ban: Plea challenges Centre order in SC, says it would lead to increase in cow vigilantism --- ENDS --- Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter Currently, nearly 39 million people live in apartments, and the apartment industry is quickly exceeding capacity; In the past five years, an average of one million new renter households were formed every year, which is a record amount; and, It will take building an average of at least 325,000 new apartment homes every year to meet demand; yet, on average, just 244,000 apartments were delivered from 2012 through 2016. Delayed house purchases. Life events such as marriage and children are the biggest drivers of home ownership. In 1960, 44 percent of all households in the U.S. were married couples with children. Today, it's less than one in five (19 percent), and this trend is expected to continue. The aging population. People ages 65-plus will account for a large part of population growth going forward across all states. The research shows older renters are helping to drive future apartment demand, particularly in the northeast, where renters ages 55-plus will account for more than 30 percent of rental households. Immigration. International immigration is assumed to account for approximately half (51 percent) of all new population growth in the U.S., with higher growth expected in the nation's border states. This population increase will contribute to the rising demand for apartments. Research has shown that immigrants have a higher propensity to rent and typically rent for longer periods of time. Demand is expected to be especially significant in Raleigh, N.C., with a 69.1 percent increase in new apartment units between now and 2030, Orlando, Fla. (56.7 percent), and Austin, Texas (48.7 percent). Also notable, the demand in the New York City metro area will call for an additional 278,634 apartment units, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas (266,296 new units), and Houston, Texas (214,176 new units). Propensity to rent is higher in high-growth and high-cost states. Hundreds of thousands of new rental units will be needed by 2030 in states such as California, Georgia, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. Real Estate Listings Showcase According to a new study commissioned by the National Multifamily Housing Council and the National Apartment Association, delayed marriages, an aging population and international immigration are increasing a pressing need for new apartments in the U.S., to the tune of 4.6 million by 2030. It's important to note that:Based on research conducted by Hoyt Advisory Services and commissioned by NAA and NMHC, the data includes an estimate of the future demand for apartments in the United States, the 50 states and 50 metro areas, including the District of Columbia. For the purposes of this study, apartments are defined as rental apartments in buildings with five or more units."We're experiencing fundamental shifts in our housing dynamics, as more people are moving away from buying houses and choosing apartments instead. More than 75 million people between 18 and 34 years old are entering the housing market, primarily as renters," said Dr. Norm Miller, Principle at Hoyt Advisory Services and Professor of Real Estate at the University of San Diego. "But renting is not just for the younger generations anymore. Increasingly, Baby Boomers and other empty nesters are trading single-family houses for the convenience of rental apartments. In fact, more than half of the net increase in renter households over the past decade came from the 45-plus demographic.""Apartment rentals are on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue at least through 2030, which means we'll need millions of new apartments in the U.S. to meet the increased demand. The western U.S. as well as states such as Texas, Florida and North Carolina are expected to have the greatest need for new apartment housing through 2030, although all states will need more apartment housing moving forward," said NAA Chair Cindy Clare, CPM. "The need is for all types of apartments and at all price points."There will also be a growing need for renovations and improvements on existing apartment buildings, which will provide a boost in jobs (and the economy) nationwide. Hoyt's research found that 51 percent of the apartment stock was built before 1980, which translates into 11.7 million units that could need upgrading by 2030. The older stock is highly concentrated in the northeast."The growing demand for apartments - combined with the need to renovate thousands of apartment buildings across the country - will make a significant and positive impact on our nation's economy for years to come," explained NMHC Chair Bob DeWitt. "For frame of reference, apartments and their 39 million residents contribute $1.3 trillion to the national economy. As the industry continues to grow, so will this tremendous economic contribution." Thalaivar Rajinikanth will not be seen romancing Huma Qureshi in his upcoming film Kaala Karikaalan. Huma Qureshi will be seen in Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala Karikaalan By India Today Web Desk: Huma Qureshi, who is making her Tamil cinema debut with upcoming gangster drama Kaala Karikaalan, will not be seen playing superstar Rajinikanth's heroine in the film, an informed source said. "Huma is not playing Rajini sir's love interest in the film. Actress Easwari Rao plays his pair, while Huma will be seen in a pivotal role," the source from the film's unit told IANS. advertisement In the Pa Ranjith-directed film, Huma plays a character called Zareena. "Huma helps Rajinikanth take on Nana Patekar, who plays a ruthless politician. Contrary to rumours, she doesn't play his pair," the source added. In Kaala Karikaalan, Rajinikanth plays a slum lord-turned-gangster and it's his second successive collaboration with director Ranjith after last year's Kabali. Earlier, there was speculation that Anjali Patil was playing Rajinikanth's daughter in the film, but in an exclusive interview to IndiaToday.in, the actor refuted the rumours. The film, which is being produced by Dhanush, also stars Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi and Samuthirakani. Santhosh Narayanan is composing the tunes. ALSO READ: Not playing Rajinikanth's daughter in Kaala Karikaalan, says Anjali Patil ALSO READ: Huma Qureshi plays Zareena in Rajinikanth's Kaala Karikaalan PHOTOS: Rajinikanth spotted shooting for Kaala Karikaalan in Mumbai ALSO WATCH: Thalaivar Rajinikanth speaks to India Today about fan meet-and-greet, politics --- ENDS --- 91% of GP Training Places in Wales Filled 100% Of Places In Wrexham This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 13th, 2017 91% of GP training places in Wales have been filled following a highly successful campaign to promote Wales to doctors with a 100% fill rate in Wrexham. The This is Wales: Train, Work, Live campaign, was launched by the Welsh Government and NHS Wales in October 2016 in a bid to promote Wales as an excellent place for doctors, including GPs, and their families, to train, work and live. In April 2017, the Health Secretary Vaughan Gething announced the fill rate for GP training places at the end of round one was 84%, which compared to 68% at the same stage in 2016. Today the Health Secretary announced that following the round one re-advert, the fill rate has increased to 91% for 2017 (124 out of 136 posts filled) across Wales. This compares to a 75% fill rate in 2016. The new financial incentive scheme in targeted areas of Wales has resulted in 100% fill rates in the following GP training schemes: Ceredigion North Wales West Pembrokeshire North Wales East On the last bulletpoint we are also told that there has been 100% fill rate for Wrexham specifically and Flintshire. Trainees will begin their training in August 2017. Round two, which aims to recruit GP trainees to take up post in February 2018, will open in August 2017. Vaughan Gething said that improving access to GP and other local health services remains one of his top priorities. He said: Ensuring we have the right staff in place in the right places is crucial. So Im really pleased our This is Wales: Train, Work, Live campaign has resulted in a significant increase in the number of trainee GPs coming to Wales with 91% of training places filled already after round one. Im particularly pleased our financial incentives have resulted in all training places being filled in some of the areas that have traditionally found it difficult to recruit. The Health Secretary added: Were continuing to reform our primary care services with GPs working with pharmacists, nurses, therapists and other professionals as part of a wider team to ensure people receive the right care, at the right time, by the right person, as locally as possible. We are committed to working with our staff to develop the local healthcare team for the future. Peoples access to these services will increasingly improve as we recruit more GPs and other healthcare professionals to fill roles across Wales. Last month, the Welsh Government and NHS Wales launched the second phase of the This is Wales: Train, Work, Live campaign, targeted at nurses in primary care, secondary care and the care home sector. Future phases of the campaign will target pharmacists and allied health professionals. Wales To Get Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru In Assembly Name Change This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 13th, 2017 The Assembly Commission has agreed to legislate to rename the National Assembly for Wales as the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru before the end of this Assembly. Last year Wrexham.com sat down with the First Minister Carwyn Jones and he spoke about a possible name change, I am very much in favour of calling our Assembly a Parliament, which is what it is. Scotland is a Parliament, there is a UK Parliament, in reality it is a Parliament and I think it is important as people understand what a Parliament does but dont quite know what an Assembly does. Today the intention to get that aim into a reality has taken a step forward with the Assembly Commission stating it will now highly likely become a reality by 2021. In theory in the next Assembly election, people will be electing Welsh Parliament Members, WPMs. The Commission agreed to consult with the people of Wales on the issue following a unanimous Assembly vote in July 2016 in favour of a name which reflects the institutions constitutional status as a national parliament. The Assembly Commission is has published a summary of the consultation responses. In total, 2,821 survey responses were received from people of all ages and from all across Wales. 61 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Assembly should change its name and that the name that best described the institutions role and responsibility was: Welsh Parliament/Senedd Cymru (73 per cent). 60 per cent of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that the role of the Assembly is well understood. The preferred title for elected representatives wasnt as clear cut. On balance, the most popular choice was Members of the Welsh Parliament. However, the Commission agreed to put forward a proposal to call them Welsh Parliament Members, in keeping with the current title of Assembly Members. The change will be taken forward as part of a wider programme of reforms being considered following the transfer of the relevant powers by the Wales Act 2017. The Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales, Elin Jones AM, said: The change will I hope play a part in ensuring that more people more fully understand the powers of the Assembly and the role it plays in their lives. Our role today is as a full parliamentary body, with the power to pass laws and agree taxes, and we must continue to work hard to inspire the confidence, trust and pride in the people we serve. A change of name alone will not do that, but it is part of a wider package of reforms that I believe will play an important role in improving understanding of our national democratic legislature. The Commission intends to publish the legislation to give effect to those reforms next year Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for budget and governance, Suzy Davies AM said: We recognise that some people who responded to the consultation were concerned about the potential costs that any name change may cause. I want to reassure them that we do not intend to rebrand completely or waste resources by rushing to make the change. We will legislate in the near future but, until then, the institution will continue to be known officially by its current statutory name, the National Assembly for Wales, in order to avoid confusion and to minimise cost and disruption. Top pic: The Assembly, soon to be Parliament, at work today Four years after the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Savar, Bangladesh in April 2013, none of the fundamental issues that led to the disaster has been resolved. More than 1,135 workers were killed and almost 2,600 injured, many seriously, when the eight-storey building, which housed a number of apparel factories, caved-in, trapping hundreds under tonnes of concrete and rubble. Rana Plaza survivors face a desperate situation. A recent survey by ActionAid revealed that 42 percent of the survivors remain jobless and 30 percent are too traumatised to work. About 48 percent are physically weak and 33 percent are psychologically weak. Shilpi Begum, who lost an arm in the tragedy, said she and her chronically ill husband had to stop the education of their three daughters because of financial problems. Factories, she said, were reluctant to hire physically disabled workers. Begum, who wants to return to work and send her kids to school, asked: How can I ensure that? Most of the compensation the family received for the disaster was eaten up by medical costs. While the government has feigned concern about the Rana Plaza disaster, its real attitude is indicated by its response to a peaceful protest by about 500 people at the site on the anniversary of the collapse. The government deployed police, armed with a water cannon, to prevent the rally occurring. According to protest organisers, the police prevented those in attendance laying floral wreaths. Anwara Hossain, the mother of a deceased Rana Plaza worker, said she was forcefully pushed away by the police. She shouted at police: If you had a son, you would know my misery. On this day when my son was taken away from me, you keep me away from the one place I can come to remember him This day might be just another day of duty for you, but for me this is a day when I cannot bring food to my mouth. Savars Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahbubur Rahman justified the police operation, declaring that his officers only asked people to not create any chaos. He claimed that the presence of the water cannon was part of a regular deployment. The governments callous indifference to the plight of the Rana Plaza victims is reflected in the long-delayed legal actions against those responsible for the disaster. Charges were not filed against the building owner, Sonel Rana, and 40 others, including local government officials, for three years. Three of these cases are still pending in court, due to so-called legal errors and a series of reinvestigations. While Rana, a regional leader of the ruling Awami League, is still in custody, 16 others are on bail and 24 defendants have fled. There are close connections between the political establishment and the apparel industry. The main concern of the Bangladeshi ruling elite and international retailers is to ensure that the sector continues to expand. The countrys garment industry produces low-cost items and massive profits for a range of international brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Gap. The industry employs about 4.5 million workers, 80 percent of whom are young girls from rural areas. In fact, one in every eight Bangladeshi directly or indirectly depend on the textile industry. Bangladeshs garment workers are the lowest paid in the world, receiving just 5,300 takas ($68) per month. While hazardous roads and chronic power shortages are a serious problem for the garment industry, international retailers and investors are attracted by the countrys poverty-level wages. Despite many promises from employers, wages have not improved in the past four years. A recent report from dw.com cited the example of a married couple. Ashik and his wife Rahinur, who worked in a factory producing clothes for international retailers such as H&M and Zara, were sacked for joining demonstrations demanding increased wages last December. They worked 14 hours a day but earned only $193 a month between them. Ashik told dw.com their wages were just enough to cover food and rent but not health care. Having lost their jobs, they could now only afford rice and some dried fish. The Awami League government and garment industry employers are determined to keep the countrys cheap labour competitive internationally. In 2014-15, clothing provided almost 82 percent of Bangladesh $31 billion export earnings. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Siddiqur Rahman said the government raised wages in 2013 and another pay increase was not possible for at least five years, if ever. Promises by the international retail sector to improve safety conditions in Bangladeshs apparel sector are a fraud. Many retailers are unwilling to sign even the limited Apparel and Footwear Supply Chain Transparency Pledge, which was drafted and endorsed last year by a nine-member coalition that included Human Rights Watch (HRW), the International Labor Rights Forum and the International Trade Union Confederation. The pledge, which has no enforcement mechanisms, requires its signatories to disclose details twice a year about the manufacture of their products, including addresses, types of products made and number of workers at each site. According to HRW, only 17 of out 72 companies contacted have agreed to implement these toothless demands by the end of this year. Walmart refused to sign the pledge, claiming it had its own initiatives to improve transparency in its supply chain. Health and safety in Bangladeshi workplaces have not improved, and this is not only in the apparel factories. A comment in Dhakas Daily Star newspaper reported on May 1 that 294 workers were killed while 101 workers were grievously injured in the first three months of 2017. The newspaper noted that 1,240 people were killed and 544 injured in workplace accidents in 2016 and 951 died in 2015. It also revealed that the Bangladesh Occupational Safety Health and Environment Foundation discovered that 33 workers from the 101-strong workforce at one shipbuilding company had acute asbestos poisoning. The special election taking place in Georgias Sixth Congressional District has now become the single most expensive congressional race in history, with more than $40 million poured into the campaigns of Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican Karen Handel. Ossoff, 30, is a first-time candidate who is a former congressional aide and documentary filmmaker, while Handel, 55, was secretary of state of Georgia after two unsuccessful races for statewide office. After placing first and second in a primary election April 18, the two candidates are on the ballot for the June 20 runoff vote to fill the seat of Republican Tom Price, Trumps choice as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Ossoff fell just short of winning the seat outright in the primary, where he gained 48 percent of the vote. Handels share was only 20 percent, but the most among the nine Republicans who combined for 51 percent of the vote. Polls show the runoff is closely contested, with perhaps a slight lead for the Democrat. Ossoff alone has raised $23 million, the bulk of it from small online contributions from around the country by supporters who saw the race as an opportunity to show opposition to the Trump administration, although the candidate himself rarely mentions Trump and is running a thoroughly conservative campaign. The national Democratic Party has pumped in about $6.7 million. Handel has raised only $4.2 million since the primary, but the national Republican Party has poured more than $12 million into her campaign in an effort to save the seat, in an upscale suburban area, which has been held by Republicans for 38 years, half of that time by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The combined total in spending, now well over $40 million, eclipses the previous record for a congressional seat, the $30 million spent for a Florida race in 2012. If that figure were projected over the 2018 campaign as a whole, when 435 House seats are contested, total spending just on the House of Representatives would total more than $17 billion. The Georgia race is the highest profile contest in a series of special elections occasioned by Trumps selection of four House Republicans for cabinet positionsCIA Director Mike Pompeo, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, in addition to Price. Republicans won narrow victories to succeed Pompeo in Kansas and Zinke in Montana, in contests that were much closer than previous races, but showed little effort by the national Democratic Party to appeal to the growing popular opposition to the Trump administration. The contest to succeed Mulvaney in South Carolina takes place on June 20, the same day as the Georgia runoff, with just as little attention from the national Democrats. The Georgia special election, by contrast, has become the occasion for a considerable effort by the national Democratic Party apparatus, including newly elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tom Perez, for money and manpower. The Ossoff campaign fits the profile desired by the DNC and the congressional Democratic leadership. Unlike the Democratic candidates in the special elections in Kansas and Montana, who were more aligned with the Bernie Sanders wing of the party, Ossoff has disavowed any association with supposedly progressive politics, claiming to advocate fiscal responsibility and what he called sense over nonsense. Sanders, in return, has given Ossoff only tepid endorsement and has not campaigned with him. A long report on his campaign in Mondays New York Times included the following description of Ossoffs essentially anti-ideological political views: Bucking the left, Mr. Ossoff said in an interview that he would not support raising income taxes, even for the wealthy, and opposed any move toward a single-payer health care system. Attacked by Republicans for his ties to national liberals, Mr. Ossoff said he had not yet given an ounce of thought to whether he would vote for Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, in a future ballot for speaker. He told the Times, Theres a coalition of folks here in Georgia who want representation thats focused on local economic development and on accountability and not on the partisan circus in Washington. Ossoff has largely avoided mentioning Trumps name, which did not deter Trump from mentioning Ossoff in a tweet posted in April, when he wrote that 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. Vice President Mike Pence declared that Karen Handel will partner with President Donald Trump to make America safe and prosperous again. Handel has embraced the full range of ultra-right positions advocated both by Trump and the congressional Republican leadership. At a debate last week, she declared her opposition to raising the state or national minimum wage, saying at one point, I do not support a livable wage. She also declined to say whether she believes human activity is a cause of climate change, saying, I am not a scientist. Ossoff has supported the anti-Russian campaign mounted by the congressional Democrats, which aligns the Democratic Party with the military-intelligence apparatus in unsupported charges that the Russian government intervened in the US presidential election to support Trump. Ossoff has said that there should be a firm response and a transparent, independent investigation into the Russian role in the presidential election, but added that were still not there yet on the question of whether Trump should be impeached. This is nearly word for word the position of Democratic Minority Leader Pelosi. Greeces parliament passed further austerity measures last Friday prior to the Eurogroup meeting of finance ministers on June 15. These come on top of a series of savage measures that were enacted last month, including additional cuts to pensions of between 9 and 18 percent, the reduction of the tax-free allowance from 8,636 to 5,681 as well as cuts in heating allowance, unemployment insurance and other benefits. The bill included measures designed to facilitate mass sackings as well as further sell-offs of public assets. Fridays measures were added to a draft bill on fishing regulations in an attempt to fast-track them through parliament. They included an amendment to last months legislation, which will see freezes on pension increases extended by one year until the end of 2022. This amounts to a cut of 250 million on pensions on top of the 500 million cut voted in last month. Another amendment specified that collective bargaining will not be automatically resumed after the European Unions (EU) current 86 billion austerity for loans programme ends in 2018. All these measures140 in totalare demanded by Greeces creditors as a precondition for the release of a 7 billion tranche it needs in order to pay off liabilities due in July. Greeces overall debt burden remains at around 300 billion or 180 percent of GDP. Additional measures demanded by the EU, such as the lifting of administrative restrictions on the privatisation of Hellenikon, the site of the former Athens international airport, will be enacted through a series of government decrees. Passing the measures Syriza Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos justified their fast-tracking, declaring the government needed to counter the danger that some of our opponents are deliberately trying to turn the Eurogroup meeting into a discussion about the prerequisite measures rather than a discussion about the debt. This is a reference to the ongoing stalemate between the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the second assessment of the current austerity programme, which should have been finalised last November. This has brought the prospect of a Greek debt default to the fore again, especially after talks over debt relief, which the German government opposes, broke down at the last Eurogroup meeting. The IMF has not joined the current loans programme, maintaining that Greeces debt is not sustainable in the long run and that a haircut is necessary in return for even more draconian cuts. In fact, the bulk of the measures enacted last month and on Friday are based on demands by the IMF that it says are a precondition for it joining the programme. According to the minutes from the Eurogroup meeting that were leaked to Greek news site Euro2day, the head of the IMF in Europe, Poul Thomsen, insisted: [We] would need something considerably more specific [on debt relief] or you will not be able to get us to agree to this. German Federal Minister Wolfgang Schaubles reply was: I dont have a mandate [to agree debt relief measures]. If this is the way, then good luck. We will not find a solution. While Schauble considers the formal participation of the IMF politically necessary for austerity to continue, he considers debt relief as especially detrimental to the German elite, which is Greeces chief creditor within the EU. By the start of last week, the IMF had softened its stance with IMF Director Christine Lagarde telling German financial journal Handelsblatt: If the creditors are not yet at that stage where they can agree on and respect our assumptions, if it takes them more time to get there, we can acknowledge that and give them a bit more time. At the same time, she maintained that disbursement will only take place once debt relief is clearly articulated by the creditors. According to reports, Lagarde will be attending this weeks Eurogroup meeting, which has been taken as a sign that an agreement will be reached. The rush to reach a compromise underscores the nervousness in ruling circles that the prospect of a Greek default could trigger mass protests and strikes by the working class in Greece, as expressed by the wide participation in last months 24-hour general strike. Called by the trade union bureaucracy to coincide with the passage of last months measures, it brought the country to a standstill. While there are differences between the IMF and the EU on the handling of the Greek debt crisis, expressing the increasing divergence between Washington and Berlins geopolitical interests, on the question of stepping up the offensive against the working class there is full agreement. The compromise was initially proposed by Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who appealed to the IMF to take a big step and take the programme to the [IMF] board even if it cannot disburse before the debt question is resolved. In response, the IMFs Thomsen declared, this is an interesting proposal which we can consider. In response Tsakalotos balked that such a compromise is the worst of all worlds for [Greece], adding that we have negotiated a tough programme with the IMF on the proviso that it comes with a plan saying that the debt is not sustainable so we can turn a page. The IMFs participation must be based on its stating that the debt is sustainable. All the same Tsakalotos assured that his government remains as reliable as ever in implementing the EU and IMF diktats stating that you have my personal commitment that the work to complete the prior actions will continue. This is just the latest evidence of Syrizas role as a tool of the financial elite. It was swept into power in January 2015 winning mass support on an anti-austerity ticket. Just a few months later, the pseudo-left party fully capitulated to Greeces creditors by signing a new bailout package, thus betraying the overwhelming rejection of Greek workers and youth of austerity in the July 2015 referendum. Like its social democratic and conservative government predecessors, Syriza relies on undemocratic means to fast-track the austerity measures demanded by the EU/IMF within parliament and on riot police units to put down opposition by workers and youth outside. Syriza is now widely despised, polling around 16.5 percent according to a recent survey. Some 40 percent of Greeks believe that the measures voted in last month are the most brutal since the first bailout package was signed in 2010. Greeces private sector and public sector trade union federations, GSEE and ADEDY, issued statements condemning the latest measures. Referring to the way the measures were passed, ADEDY stated, last minute amendments have been used in the past by all pro-austerity governments in order to avoid a social backlash. This did not however contribute to their longevity, nor to the lessening of a backlash and of popular anger. Such bluster seeks to conceal the trade union bureaucracys own complicity in facilitating the passage of the measures. Countless 24-hour general strikes have been called since 2010, the sole purpose of which has been to allow workers to let off steam while the measures are enacted unopposed. GSEE also verbally condemned the latest measures and vowed to militantly continue the struggle through our unions. Nonetheless, it had no qualms about inviting Finance Minister Tsakalotos and Bank of Greece Governor and former Finance Minister Yiannis Stournaras to speak at an upcoming event organised by its Labour Institute. Both are directly responsible for implementing measures that have pauperised and impoverished the Greek working class. In a series of raids Sunday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested as many as 100 Iraqi immigrants in the Detroit metro area, including Muslims and many Chaldean Catholics, some of whom were reportedly captured while leaving church services. Family members of the arrestees told the World Socialist Web Site that the detainees were sent to a for-profit prison four hours away near Youngstown, Ohio, from where they face immediate risk of deportation to Iraq. Protesters held a demonstration at the Mother of God Catholic Church in Southfield yesterday, where friends and family of the arrestees wept and screamed denunciations of Trump and immigration officials. Relatives say that deportation will be a death sentence due to the ongoing war and sectarian strife that has enveloped Iraq since the US invasion of 2003. While ICE claims they are only deporting dangerous criminals, relatives say some of the arrestees were convicted for crimes as minor as marijuana possession and that many of the convictions are decades old. The decision by the Trump administration to deport refugees to Iraq explodes the claims that the US wars in Iraq and Syria are humanitarian interventions aimed at protecting the population. In violation of international law, the US government is sending the arrestees into an active warzone in a region that it continues to bomb. Iraq has been laid to waste by 25 years of permanent US-led war. The death toll is in the millions. As the ICE raids were taking place Sunday, the Department of Defense issued a press release announcing that the US military launched seven air strikes in Iraq, hitting Bayji, Kisik, Mosul, and Tal Afar in recent days. Family members were informed that their relatives could be sent to the Iraqi city of Erbil, located less than two hours by car from Mosul, a city under active siege where the US has killed thousands of civilians and where the US-backed invasion force has been accused of using the chemical white phosphorous against the population. Mosul, which has been largely demolished by the US siege, is the seat of a leading Chaldean Catholic Church diocese and the home of ethnic Chaldeans, an Assyrian population whose roots in Iraq date back over 5,500 years. Although the Chaldean minority in Iraq was not targeted by the secular regime of Saddam Hussein, persecution grew after the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91 as the US stoked sectarian conflict in the countrys northern Kurdish region in an effort to destabilize the Baathist government. Conditions drastically worsened after the US invasion, which fueled sectarian warfare as the US military mobilized Shiite forces against insurgents in the majority Sunni areas, and both Islamic factions persecuted religious minorities like Yazidis and Chaldeans. Over 80 Chaldean churches have been bombed since the US occupation began. Since the 2003 US invasion, Iraqs total Christian population has fallen from 1.5 million to 400,000 due to death and emigration. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Christians fled to Syria after the US invasion, only to now find themselves trapped in the conflict raging there. In order to stoke civil war and force the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in neighboring Syria, the US has backed an opposition dominated by Syrias Al Qaeda affiliate, the Al Nusra Front, which has also carried out atrocities against Chaldeans in both Syria and Iraq. Al Qaeda is believed to be responsible for the 2008 assassination of Mosuls Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahno. In the last three years, ISIS has routinely destroyed Chaldean churches, killed religious officials, and desecrated ancient ruins. The Islamist group developed in Iraq and emerged in Syria under conditions where the USs deliberate policy was to fuel violent religious conflict. In Iraq, the purpose is to keep the population divided and more easily dominated by Washington. In Syria, the aim is to bring down Assad. Sundays round-up is the product of a deal made in March by the Trump administration with the Iraqi government that removed the country from the administrations revised executive order barring travel from seven predominantly-Muslim nations. Under the terms of the deal, Iraq agreed to take deportees from the US, something the country has not done for years. Many Chaldeans at Mondays demonstration told the WSWS they voted for Trump because he claimed he would protect Christians in Iraq and Syria. An older Chaldean man whose brother was arrested said, I voted for Trump, its not fair. This is our home, where are we to go in Iraq? We have no country, thats why we came to America! Steve, another Chaldean protester whose brother was arrested, said, Trump lied, he said he would go after people without legal papers, but everyone they arrested had papers. My brother went in for a regular check-up with immigration authorities, and he got picked up at home one week later. If they took your brother, father, sister, or mother, how would you feel? What would you do? Scenes like the one that played out in a church parking lot in Michigan on Monday afternoon are becoming increasingly common in the US. In the first three months following his inauguration, Trumps administration arrested over 40,000 immigrants, an escalation from the already high numbers deported under Barack Obama. Across the country, parents of all backgrounds are being torn from their children and from one another. Many, including those from the Middle East, Central America and Southeast Asia, will be sent back to impoverished disaster zones suffering from the impact of US imperialist intervention. The number of lives shattered by these policies is in the tens of millions, and yet there is near total silence from the Democratic Party on Trumps mass deportation program. Instead, the Democratic Party is throwing its entire political energy behind advancing unsubstantiated neo-McCarthyite claims that Trump is an agent of Russia, amplified by highly publicized Senate hearings. But the Democrats attempt to whip up public hysteria over foreign meddling may exacerbate xenophobic confusion, further poisoning the political climate and creating conditions in which foreigners and immigrants may find themselves the victims of physical attacks. The Democrats anti-Russian campaign is providing right-wing paramilitary groups and the Bannon-Miller faction of the Trump White House with a springboard to direct social anger against immigrants. If public hearings were held on Trumps deportation program, facts would emerge that would shock tens of millions and educate them on the horrific conditions immigrants face. For example, the government is setting up a network of camps to house hundreds of thousands of immigrants, including those who have committed no crimes. The government has considered mobilizing 100,000 National Guard troops across 11 western and southwestern states to incarcerate millions of immigrants. ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are filled with thousands of fascistic officers who describe beating and arresting immigrants as fun. Violations of immigrants due process rights are so routine they are treated as par for the course by immigration attorneys and judges. The Democrats have not and will not demand hearings to investigate these widespread violations of democratic rights, in part because Barack Obamas administration carried out similar crimes and deported 2.7 million immigrants. The task of bringing the Trump administration to justice for the attacks on immigrants therefore falls to the working class. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) Nobel Peace laureate Kailash Satyarthi today lauded the government for ratifying two fundamental global conventions on combating child labour, saying the move would help the country end forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking. India today ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour and Convention 138 on the minimum age of employment at the United Nations. advertisement "This remarkable moment provides with an opportunity for the country to make renewed commitment for ending forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking. Let this be the last generation that has been exploited in the name of illiteracy, poverty or helplessness," Satyarthi said. The child rights activist said India is an emerging world leader and therefore in order to achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030, children must be put at the centre of the agenda. Satyarthi, who at present is in Brazil for his upcoming mega campaign 100 million for 100 million, is the honourary president of Global March against Child Labour, which has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the need for India ratifying the ILO conventions since 1998. With 180 countries having already done so, it has also become the fastest ratified convention in the history of ILO. The involvement of these countries in the Convention clearly shows that support for the movement against child labour is gaining momentum worldwide, he said. "Now after nearly two decades, I am overjoyed that India has also decided to ratify the Convention. I congratulate our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The decision to ratify Convention 182 and Convention 138 was overdue in providing justice to our children. After the total prohibition of child labour, this is an important step in protecting all our children from exploitation and abuse," he said in a statement. "It is now the collective responsibility of everyone to ensure its implementation," he added. Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said ratification of the two ILO conventions reaffirmed Indias "commitment to a child labour-free society," according to an ILO statement. ILO Director-General Guy Ryder welcomed India among the member states party to the two fundamental conventions. "We all recognise the great progress India has made against child labour in recent years and the major role played by its convergence model of coherence between public policies and services, which was strongly supported by the ILO," he said. India, the second most populous country in the world, is the 181st member state to ratify Convention No 182, which calls for the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, forced labour and trafficking, the use of children in armed conflict, the use of a child for prostitution,pornography and in illicit activities (such as drug trafficking), andhazardous work. advertisement India is the 170th ILO member state to ratify Convention No 138, which requires states party to set a minimum age under which no one shall be admitted to employment or work in any occupation, except for light work and artistic performances. PTI KIS KUN --- ENDS --- On June 7, US Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta announced the withdrawal of joint employment independent contractor informal guidance, effectively removing what are called administrator interpretations implemented under the Obama administration designed to create employer liability. The decision will serve to further empower the major corporations while reducing their accountability and restricting the rights of workers. The decision of the Obama administration to implement the regulation in 2016 grew out of legal problems over the question of employee and employer definitions in the context of the growth of third-party labor providers, gig-economy platforms, and franchise relationships. The new legal interpretation was designed to provide some form of basic representation to workers employed by companies that refuse to recognize themselves as employers while still maintaining the level of control over the worker that an employer would have. Following the 2007-2008 economic crisis and the subsequent recovery under the Obama administration, such forms of employment have been on the rise. Since the recession, small businesses have accounted for 67 percent of net new jobsmost of them low-wage, temp or contract work. From 2012 to 2016, franchises accounted for 10.9 percent of new private sector jobs. Franchises now account directly and indirectly for over 13 million jobs in the United States. For example, drivers for car hailing services such as Uber and Lyft have been declared contractors and not employees. In the fast food industry, workers frequently have to report to a franchise operation rather than the corporation itself. Some workers also may be removed from employment at a large firm and told they now work for a third party. A particular concern raised by the union bureaucracy is over their right to unionization and collective bargaining in this section of the economy, which they see as a growing and potentially lucrative pool of dues money. If workers such as these are not considered full employees, they have no legal basis for any form of representation. Furthermore self-employed individuals are not allowed to organize or be involved in collective bargaining of any sort. In fact, for such employees to work together on pricing and conditions would be considered illegal price fixing. In cases where issues concerning labor law compliance have arisen, companies often attempt to shift liability onto another business and vice versa. Under Obama, the Department of Labor at times used an interpretation that major corporations could be effectively considered to be joint employers who are therefore legally responsible for their employees. The Trump administration has put an end to this. In a press release, Acosta stated: Removal of the administrator interpretations does not change the legal responsibilities of employers under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, as reflected in the departments long-standing regulations and case law. The department will continue to fully and fairly enforce all laws within its jurisdiction, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. This means that the Department of Labor will not establish any new interpretations of regulations, regardless of changes within the economy. Furthermore, this in effect represents a change in how employer legal responsibility is defined. The rolling back of the joint employer provision means that major corporations which profit off of the labor of contract or third party employees will no longer be liable. Companies that do not directly employ the workers argue that questions regarding labor law compliance and working conditions are not applicable because they are self-employed contractors or their concerns are a matter for the smaller third-party employer. Workers under third party employers likewise face many problems. Employees of third party employers may not be entitled to file a class action lawsuit against the central company through which the third party is employed. Fast food workers, for example, may not be able to sue the chain itself because they are technically employees of the local franchise only. The decision to redefine labor law by the Trump administration is made all the more significant when taken in the context of a series of legal disputes in which workers have been fighting to be recognized as employees. Uber drivers have filed class-action lawsuits seeking to be entitled to benefits, gas reimbursement and other expenses. Three drivers in the Amazon Flex program have sued Amazon on identical grounds, arguing they are owed back benefits, overtime pay and money for gas and vehicle maintenance. In 2014, McDonalds franchise workers sued the company over wage theft. The National Labor Relations Board ruled that the workers should be considered full-time employees of McDonalds. For the ongoing lawsuits, the decision by the Department of Labor to reverse this will undercut the legal standing of workers claims, paving the way for further cuts to living standards and working conditions on the part of the companies. Furthermore, it will provide a legal precedent further normalizing wage theft and lack of oversight of working conditions. The rise of contract, subcontract, third party or otherwise gig labor points to the overall destruction of the living standards of the working class and the inability of capitalism to provide any relief to the growing social crisis. It is clear the Obama administrations guideline did not drastically change conditions for workers that fall into this category. However, with its reversal, the Trump administration has made clear that it is committed to a renewed and ruthless onslaught to destroy any of the meager legal protections left for workers that may stand in the way of the insatiable drive for profit by the large corporations and big banks. This declaration by the Kronstadt Soviet was written by Trotsky after he met with the Kronstadt sailors in June to discuss how to respond to the many attacks by the Provisional Government and the bourgeois press against the naval base. It was originally published in Pravda, No. 69, June 13 (May 31) 1917. [1] Citizens, comrades, brothers! The name Kronstadt, borne on the glorious pages of the history of the Russian revolution, is now vilified and defamed on the pages of all bourgeois newspapers. The malicious pens of counterrevolutionary slanderers write as if we, Kronstadters, invite the people to despotism, lynch law, and anarchy, as if we carry out the torture of the tyrants and servants of Tsarism arrested by us, and finally, as if we have refused to acknowledge the authority of the Provisional Government, seceded from Russia, and established the independent Kronstadt Republic. What a senseless lie, such pitiful and disgraceful calumny! In Kronstadt we have not anarchy, but a sincere and firm revolutionary order. Our Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies has taken into its hands authority with regards to all local Kronstadt affairs. We are against lynch law, against all forms of unwarranted vengeance inflicted on the captive servants of Tsarism. But we are for honest, free, impartially-organized revolutionary judgment of the criminal enemies of the people. The officers, gendarmes, and policemen arrested by us in the days of the revolution themselves declared to representatives of the Government that they cannot object to their treatment at the hands of the prison system. It is true, the Kronstadt prison buildings are awful. But these are the very same prisons that were built by Tsarism for us. We have no others. And if we have detained enemies of the people in these prisons, then this is not out of revenge, but considerations of revolutionary self-preservation. We arrived at an agreement on a relatively swift and impartial trial of the Kronstadt prisoners with representatives of the Provisional Government, ministers Tsereteli and Skobelev. And this agreement remains in full force. To say that we do not acknowledge the authority of the Provisional Government is a pitiful fabrication! Thus far, while this government is acknowledged by the will of the organized revolutionary people, we, Kronstadters, are unable to not acknowledge the authority of the Provisional government in all general state affairs. We have stated this firmly and clearly in our resolutions, in articles in our leading publications, and, finally, in the agreement with the ministry representatives. This agreement, in which we achieved important concessions to principles of democracy, popular self-rule (the election of local representatives of the civic authority and control of military leaders) remains in full force to this day. Have we seceded from Russia? Here is the basest, most foul slander. Have not in the name of Russia, we Kronstadters, revolted against the old authority? Have not the Kronstadt fighters together with the fighters of Petrograd and all Russia spilled our blood in the name of the freedom and happiness of the entire Russian people? And now, when we have overthrown the power of the Tsar and embarked on the path of the overthrow of all oppression and all forms of violence, the brotherly tie of all peoples, of all the working masses of Russia, is dearer and nearer to the heart of the Kronstadters than it has ever been. We are for the unity of revolutionary Russia, for the unity of the working people in the struggle with its oppressors. We think, however, and this is a firm conviction of our revolutionary conscience, that the current Provisional Government, its majority made up of representatives of the landlords, factory owners, and bankers, does not want and cannot be a genuine representative of democracy, the authoritative will of the peoples revolution, and that if in the country expressions of anarchy are indeed observed, then the guilt for this lies in the bourgeois policy of the Provisional Government, which in questions of production, land, workers, diplomacy and war does not serve the genuine interests of the people, but the cause of the possessing and exploiting classes. We feel that the Petrograd and several other provincial Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies are making a mistake in supporting this government. We fight for this, our conviction, with the honest weapon of the revolutionary word. And the bourgeois cliques, feeling that the ground is more and more slipping from underneath their feet, foreseeing that power will have to pass from the hands of the landlords and capitalists into the hands of the peoplethese cliquescarry out dishonest counterrevolutionary agitation in the country, abusing, trampling on, and defaming all the leading forces of the revolution and, in particular, our red Kronstadt. For these cliquesour revolutionary scorn. We oppose their poisonous word with the word of truth. But we, at the same time, express our deepest regret that the minister-socialists, and together with them the majority of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies, have fallen under the influence of those slandering us and declared us, in their unjust and insulting resolution, to have broken with the Russian revolution. No, comrades, the Kronstadters have not betrayed and are not betraying the banners that wave on their forts and their courts. They accuse us of violating the agreement that we concluded with representatives of the Provisional Government. We can explain such a monstrous misunderstanding only as the product of an artificially created atmosphere of thick slander and malicious suspiciousness. We clarified in the press that the agreement we reached on May 24 was not for us a rejection of the principles of revolutionary self-rule, but, on the contrary, a decisive step along the path to securing their victory. But this clarification, from our standpoint, did not have anything to do with a renunciation of the obligations we took upon ourselves. Only trouble-makers, who would benefit from tearing up the agreement reached with the representatives of the central authority in order to destroy Kronstadt as a revolutionary seat and facilitate the work of the counterrevolution, can accuse us of treachery. Comrades and brothers, no one dares throw insulting accusations of dishonorable actions at the Kronstadters. We are not breaking our word. We, revolutionaries, are honorable people, and we are firmly convinced that our current appeal completely dispels the lies, slander, and suspicion, and reestablishes between us an indestructible bond of mutual trust. We, Kronstadters, remain at our post, on the left flank of the great army of the Russian revolution. We hope, we believe, we are convinced that every new day will ever more open the eyes of the most backward layers of the Russian people, the most shrouded in darkness, and that the hour is near, when the working masses are united, all power in the country will transfer into the hands of the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies. To you, brothers of the revolution in Petrograd and in all Russia, we extend our hand, we, sailors, soldiers, and workers of Kronstadt. Our bond is indissoluble. Our unity is indestructible. Our loyalty is unshakeable. Down with the slanderers and dividers of the revolutionary people! Long live the Russian revolution! Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies D. Lomanov. Secretary Priselkov. June 9 (May 27) 1917. Kronstadt Fortress Notes: [1] From the editors of Trotsky's Works in the 1920s: The fact that we attribute this declaration of the Kronstadt Soviet to comrade Trotsky is based on the following two indications: The Declaration of the Kronstadt Soviet about events in Kronstadt, in which is expressed confidence that the hour is near, when the working masses are united, all power in the country will transfer into the hands of the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies, is according to the newspapers (unfortunately, we were not able to find the corresponding place in the newspapers. Ed.), authored by L.D. Trotsky. (Maksakov and Nelidov, Chronicle of the Revolution. I, 1917., pg. 50.) In Sukhanovs Notes of the Revolution we read: This is an extraordinarily written, fiery and entirely worthy proclamation. I believe that it was written by Trotsky, who was closely involved in the Kronstadt affairs. It bears a very moderate style and expresses well the conception at that time of the Bolshevik groups around the Leninist periphery. (Notes on the Revolution, book 4, pg. 164). Guardian columnist Paul Mason has issued what he describes as [a] five-point plan to bring about a Labour victoryand soon. Written on the day after Labour under Jeremy Corbyn secured major advances that left Prime Minister Theresa Mays Conservatives as a minority government, Mason offers a programme for political betrayaland soon. No one would guess from reading the article that Mason was one of those who backed a Progressive Alliance in the election. This was a campaign for Labour to stand aside in certain areas to ensure a pro-European Union candidate won against pro-Brexit Tories. Mason is a former member of the Workers Power group. He campaigned for a Remain vote in last Junes referendum on British membership of the European Union (EU), along with Labours Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell. He is also a leading light in Another Europe in Possiblethe pro-EU grouping led by Yanis Varoufakis, the former finance minister in Greeces Syriza government. Mason has even adopted the posed louche style of his mentor Varoufakis, complete with leather jacket, musings on economics and contempt for the working class, Marxism and hostility to social revolution. His Progressive Alliance was to comprise Labour, the Scottish National Party, Liberal Democrats, Greens and others, predicated on support for the overturning of the Leave referendum voteeither through a second referendum or winning a deal for Britain remaining in the single market. He insisted that this Alliance should be based on the promotion of cultural values, specifically support for identity politics based on race, sex and sexuality. Aside from this, it must be a comfortable berth for those who support nuclear deterrent or want restrictions on free movement post Brexit. This encompassed the political right, with Mason insisting, [I]t is not enough for liberal Conservatives from the Cameron-Osborne generation [a reference to the former Conservative prime minister and chancellor] simply to move on to better jobs. They should now lend their votes to the progressive parties. Masons model, as with all supposedly progressive liberals and the pseudo-left, was Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain. His particular complaint with Corbyn and those backing him was the fact that on occasion they could resort to using the classic, old left rhetoric that parties like Podemos and Syriza represent a break from. Any attempt to pose as socialists and condemn capitalism in even the mildest terms would alienate the free market elite, who largely backed Remain and whose support was vital, Mason insists. Corbyn, who for years has been a columnist for the Stalinist Morning Star and whose leading advisers are Stalinists, also claimed Syriza as his model. But rather than one that would displace the Labour Party, he set out to construct a similarly broad social alliancetying the working class to capitalismwithin the framework of the Labour Party. In the process he has accepted all the demands placed on him by the partys right wingon retaining nuclear weapons, support for NATO, membership of the Single Market, implementing 7 billion in welfare cuts, more money for the police, army and secret services, etc. This has earned him both Masons gratitude and a series of helpful hints on how much further to the right Corbyn must now go in order to prepare for a government role. His Guardian column begins by hailing the coalition of voters won by Labour as uniquecomprising the young, former UK Independence Party (UKIP) supporters and Remainers. He argues that Labour is now confronted with a historic opportunity to solidifying that accidental coalition into a progressive majority. Mason cautions that, so far, Corbyn has only won voters because he told a story that was vague enough to allow a million Greens and possibly a million ex-Ukippers to believe they could be part of it, before warning, that wont cohere into a single story unless Corbyn and the Labour bureaucracy are prepared to make compromises. What are these compromises? Some of his suggestions are anodyne nonsensesuch as Concretise the anti-austerity programme, Understand the power of data and Learn how to campaign in a modern way. But he gets down to the real business at hand when he insists that the first condition for Labour to govern is to Neutralise the issues of defence and security that is, to reassure the ruling elite that Corbyn is serious in abandoning his pacifist squeamishness about Trident nuclear weapons and his newfound commitment to NATO and strengthening the armed forces. This means beginning a strategic defence and security review that takes particular account of Russian diplomatic brinkmanship. This cannot be entrusted to anyone vaguely left: Put both home affairs and defence in the hands of capable shadow ministers from the soft and centre left, and let technocrats handle the redesigns needed. In April last year, Mason was already making what he described as the left-wing case for nuclear weapons. His video demanded that Labour adopt a new NATO Strategic Concept, including threatening nuclear war to confront a newly aggressive and unpredictable Russia. Masons second imperative is that the pro- and anti-Corbyn groups within Labour should be rebuilt as an alliance. To this end, the pro-Corbyn Momentum must be affiliated to Labour alongside the Blairite think-tank Progress and Labour First, which declares its mission to be to ensure that the voices of moderate party members are heard while the party is kept safe from the organised hard left. Momentum, by posing as a supposedly grassroots network independent of the party machine, was able to build up significant support for Corbyn among youth in particular. Having fulfilled this mission, Mason urges that it is brought into Labours apparatus to help discipline any members who oppose Labours lurch to the right. Mason concludes by insisting, Corbyns compromise should be the one Nye Bevan made in the 1950s, and which Alexis Tsipras made in Greece in 2015: you do the radical economics firsteverything else you do cautiously. He warns, To attack the elite networks of the oldest imperial power in the world is to invite failure. Corbyn should find shadow ministers who will enthusiastically engage with modernising and equipping the police, intelligence and military, and leave the rest to experts. Dismantling the economic power of the UK elite will be hard enough, without trying to bust up their political power networks at the same time. To cite Bevan is to reinforce Masons pro-militarist message. Credited with the formation of the National Health Service under the 1945 Labour government, Bevan was the acknowledged leader of Labours left before 1957, when he abruptly reversed his long-standing support for unilateral nuclear disarmament, arguing, It would send a British Foreign Secretary naked into the conference-chamber. To cite Alexis Tsipras has the same significance for Corbyns anti-austerity rhetoric. Masons claim that you can somehow dismantle the economic power of the elite while leaving its political power unchallenged could only be made by a political scoundrel of the worst stripe. As he knows full well, Syriza did neither. Having won the election in January 2015, and an even larger anti-EU austerity mandate in the referendum it called in June that year, Syriza betrayed its supporters completely. That is what earns the fulsome praise of someone who believes attacking the elites is to invite failure and why Mason recommends Tsipras as a model for Corbyn and Labour to emulate. Paul Mason is a man with a highly developed sense of his own self-importance. But the truth is that nothing he says is very original. He is only one among many bourgeois media pundits and policy advisers who are presently directing Corbyn along the route he must travel to be acceptable to the powers-that-be as Britains future prime minister. And having begun his long march to respectability, Corbyn will need very little persuading to go the extra mile. Doubts surround the financing of Indian billionaire Gautam Adanis plan to construct Australias largest coal mine in central Queensland, despite both the state Labor government and the federal Liberal-National government anxiously promoting the project. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuks Labor government last week claimed that the $16.5 billion Carmichael mine in the Galilee Basin would go ahead after Labors cabinet provided Adanis company with a revamped royalty plan. In recent weeks, state cabinet members from Labors left faction made a show of opposing the subsidising of the mine because that would blatantly breach a 2015 election pledge not to do so. Moreover, it would mean handing hundreds of millions over to a billionaire, when Labor leaders, federal and state, are demagogically objecting to the federal governments proposed millionaires tax cuts for big business. Factional leaders were also nervous about too openly assisting a project, involving six open cut pits and five underground mines, that poses potentially serious environmental and economic problems. These include the impact on the tourism industry of coal being shipped through the offshore Great Barrier Reef. Nevertheless, the cabinet agreed to a lucrative handout, negotiated with Adani behind closed doors. It will reportedly allow Adani to pay just $5 million a year for five years before supposedly starting to pay back the deferred royalties, with interest. The Labor government has refused to confirm any details of the deal, hoping to keep the public in the dark. Opening the projects headquarters in Townsville last Tuesday, Palaszczuk said Adanis decision would deliver jobs right across the state. She claimed it was a vote of confidence in Queensland that would make it the investment choice state of the nation. Palaszczuks statement underscores the thoroughly pro-corporate character of her government, and of the Labor Party itself. Tax concessions are handed to some of the wealthiest people on earth, in order to attract globally-mobile investment, at the expense of social spending and working class conditions. According to Forbes rich list, Adani and his family are worth more than $8 billion. The Adani company and its boosters, notably the trade unions, claim that the project will directly and indirectly create 10,000 jobs, partly offsetting the wholesale destruction of mining jobs throughout central Queensland over the past few years. In reality, according to Adanis own expert witness when the Queensland Land Court granted environmental approval for the project, it would create only 1,460 jobs in net terms. Moreover, these jobs are certain to be lower-paid and on worse conditions than those eliminated. Speaking from India, Adani said his board had approved the financial investment decision on the project. This is the largest single investment by an Indian corporation in Australia, and I believe others will follow with investments and trade deals, he said. However, on the same day the Australian Financial Review reported that the Adani company still had a $3.3 billion funding shortfall for the $6.7 billion first stage of the project. Adani also said it would look at its options if it did not receive an almost $1 billion concessional loan from the federal governments $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) to build the mines proposed 388-kilometre railway to Adanis coal terminal on the coast at Abbot Point, near Bowen. No decision on that loan is due until December, despite the federal Liberal-National government backing the project. Resources and Northern Australia Minister Matthew Canavan admitted it was a potential risk that the Adani mine was relying on a government loan to proceed. There are conflicting interests over the mine. Freight hauler Aurizon has applied for NAIF funding for a rival rail link to the Galilee Basin, where other coal projects are mooted. Aurizon is reportedly seeking about $350 million for its line, which would join its existing network, allowing coal haulers to export via other coal terminals further south at Hay Point, near Mackay. Both Palaszczuk and Turnbull have travelled to India in recent months, and spent time with Gautam Adani to encourage his investment. The Australian Financial Review, however, has editorialised against subsidising Adani, and reported growing doubts about whether the project will ever get off the ground. The newspaper said commercial intelligence firm Wood Mackenzie estimated Adani would need global coal prices to rise substantially to make the 15 percent rate of return that financiers require. The Indian conglomerate is reputedly carrying a large debt burden and facing pressure to cut debt and divest assets, including the Abbot Point coal terminal. Adani recently told authorities its power station at Mundra, Gujaratwhich is meant to take 60 percent of the Carmichael mines coalmay not be commercially viable because of rising costs for imported coal. The trade unions are among the most vocal backers of the Adani project. Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) Queensland president Stephen Smyth said the union supports the mine because of the jobs it would create, provided the unions have coverage over the employees. Spouting the nationalist line of the unions, Smyth said: We dont want workers coming in who are foreign workers or the mine being set up with labour hire. Such nationalism only serves to divide the working class in the face of the global assault of the mining companies. While claiming to oppose cheap labour, the CFMEU and other unions have a decades-long history of enforcing the demands of the mining giants for cuts to conditions, including the imposition of 12-hour shifts, in order to bolster profits in the name of being internationally competitive. Scientists have expressed serious concerns about the Adani projects environmental impact, particularly on the Great Barrier Reef, because the seabed would be dredged in nearby waters to make way for coal ships and the expansion of the Abbot Point port. This dredging could be detrimental to the reef, which is already endangered by global warming. Adani currently faces possible fines for discharging coal sediment water eight times the official limit from its Abbot Point terminal, which is adjacent to the World Heritage-listed reef. In addition, Adanis environmental impact statements, approved by the state and federal governments, have revealed that the mine would require large amounts of water each year from local rivers and underground aquifers. The huge mine also raises the broader issue of the contribution of coal to global warming. What is urgently needed is a rational global plan for energy production and usage, including decisions on the future use of coal and other fossil fuels. This cannot be developed if social needs, including the jobs and livelihoods of mine workers, remain subordinated to the profit demands of giant energy conglomerates and financial institutions. The authors also recommend: Trump, the coal miners and the environment [6 June 2017] On Sunday, June 11, a non-binding referendum took place in Puerto Rico, polling Puerto Ricans on the political status of Washingtons Caribbean colony. Voters were asked to choose between three alternatives for the island: US statehood, independence (and an improved association with the US), or the current systema US territory with a measure of political control over its internal affairs since 1952 (an associated free state) but no representation in the US Congress. The polling was either ignored or repudiated by more than 2.1 million out of the 2.6 million eligible voters (nearly 80 percent). The overwhelming majority of those who did vote, 97.17 percent, or 466,000, chose statehood, the option favored by Governor Ricardo Rossello and his pro-statehood New Progressive Party (PNP). Some 7,600 voted for free association/independence; about 6,700 opted for the current territorial status. The total number of pro-statehood votes fell by 300,000 compared to a similar referendum that took place in 2012. PNP leaders attribute this drop to the mass exodus taking place from this financially crippled territory. A decade-long economic collapse is forcing the emigration of thousands of Puerto Ricans every month to Miami, Chicago and other cities on the US mainland. In a speech on Sunday evening, announcing the results, Rossello applauded the pro-statehood victory, ignored the mass abstention, and declared his intention of convincing the US Congress to initiate the transition to US statehood for Puerto Rico. Governor Rossello had organized the referendum and campaigned for statehood as a so-called alternative to colonial status, mostly as a distraction from Puerto Ricos economic debacle, with the island territorys debt reaching $120 billion, its poverty rate 46 percent and its schools, health care and pension systems in a state of collapse. For his part, Hector Ferrer, president of the second largest party, the pro-commonwealth Popular Democratic Party (PPD), which is more closely aligned with the Democrats in the US, declared that Rossello had been the big loser in the referendum, because of the record abstentionism, the largest since 1967. The PPD, together with the pro-independence PIP, had called on voters to boycott the election, as had the striking University of Puerto Rico student body. At the same time, neither the PPD nor the PIP organized any rallies or protests against the referendum, undoubtedly preferring that potential voters go to the beach, a phrase chosen by Ferrer. Undoubtedly none these forces, or for that matter, the Puerto Rican trade unions, well aware of the explosive conditions that are affecting Puerto Rican workers and youth, would risk mobilizations that could rapidly get out of control. There was one act of protest in San Juan. As the results started to come in about 500 independentistas rallied at the Electoral Commission in San Juan, rejecting statehood. The demonstrators waved Puerto Rican flags and burned those from the US, while chanting fire, fire; the Yanquis want fire! The demonstration included members of the pseudo-left such as Se Acabaron Las Promesas (No more promises), The Revolutionary Puerto Rican Workers Party Macheteros, the Feminist Collective, as well as groups that reject US financial supervision over Puerto Ricos budget. For all its bluster, the rally presented no alternative to resolve the crisis gripping Puerto Rican society. The historically low voter turnout did not just result from the boycott calls by the PPD and PIP; it follows a low voter turnout of 55 percent in November 2016, when Rossello was elected, down from turnouts of 70 or even 80 percent in the previous elections. This growing mass abstention reflects popular disgust with all of the capitalist political alternatives on offer and the prevailing view among Puerto Rican workers, students and the lower middle class that the real power is in the hands of the Financial Oversight Board that is managing Puerto Ricos bankruptcy and in those of the US Congress. Another issue affecting the low turnout is that many Puerto Ricans are critical of the $8 million cost of the election, at a time when schools, hospitals and pensions are under attack. Whether the formal status of the island is changed to that of a US state or sovereign nation, or it continues as a colonial free associated state, the brutal capitalist exploitation of Puerto Rican workers will continue as will Wall Streets demands for draconian austerity policies to meet payments to billionaire bondholders. In the past, the US Congress has shown little interest in changing Puerto Ricos status, while President Donald Trump has made clear his administrations opposition to a bailout. Given the likelihood that as a state Puerto Rico would send five more Democrats to the House and two to the Senate, there is no support within the Republican congressional leadership for acting on the dubious results of Sundays referendum. The Trump White House issued a statement Monday washing its hands of the matter: This referendum is nonbinding and only Congress can change Puerto Ricos status. Personal finance disclosure forms submitted by Bernie Sanders, and widely reported in the media, reveal that Sanders income was more than $1 million last year. This figure includes both his $174,000 annual salary as a senator and $858,750 from book royalties, including a nearly $800,000 advance for a book, Our Revolution, about his 2016 presidential primary campaign. The threshold for the wealthiest 1 percent by annual income in the United States is $389,436, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Sanders income would put him somewhere in the top one-fifth of one percent, according to US Census data. The wealth of the average US senator and representative has skyrocketed in recent years, earning Congress a reputation as a millionaires club. In 2014, the average personal wealth across both houses of Congress surpassed $1 million for the first time in history, with the median net worth of the Senate surging from $2.5 to $2.7 million. However, few members of Congress are able to amass as much wealth in a single year as Bernie Sanders did last year. Opensecrets.org shows that Sanders book royalties alone would have been the third-highest outside income in the Senate in 2014, the last year for which the site has figures. At $1.2 million, first place that year went to fellow progressive Democrat Elizabeth Warren, who parlayed her brief tenure as a rubber-stamp banking regulator during Obamas first term into a Senate seat. We at the World Socialist Web Site would like to tell Sanders: welcome to the millionaires club! Opensecrets.orgs records show that, for years, you have been forced to subsist on income levels at or around the threshold of the top 1 percent, in the low-to-mid six figures. This, no doubt, is what you had in mind during a primary debate last year when you described yourself as one of the poorer members of the United States Senate. But 2016 was a turning point in your career. The $1 million payday you received last year is payment for services rendered during your intervention in last years Democratic primaries. Your fraudulent claims to be leading a political revolution against the billionaire class were designed to corral popular anger and promote illusions in the Democratic Party, one of the two parties of the American corporate-financial aristocracy, as a party representing the interests of working people. And while you attracted considerable interest from left-leaning workers and young people with your false claims to be a socialist, you rejected basic socialist measures such as the nationalization of key industries, endorsed American imperialisms wars of conquest, and defended a truculent nationalism which pitted American workers against their brothers and sisters internationally. Your intervention was all the more crucial as the Democratic Party was preparing to nominate Hillary Clinton, who was widely and deservedly hated as a stooge of Wall Street and the military. You threw your support to her in the Democratic National Convention and presented her candidacy as a continuation of your so-called political revolution. You declared that electing Clinton was an urgent necessity to defeat Trump, in spite of the fact that her pro-war, anti-working class agenda was no less reactionary than Trumps. But your work was not yet done. When this produced a debacle for the Democrats in the November election, you were elevated to a more responsible position within the Democratic political hierarchy, working closely with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, whose election campaigns have received tens of millions of dollars in funding from Wall Street. You crossed the country stumping for Democrats with the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee, former Obama cabinet member Tom Perez. You have even emerged as a de facto leader of a wing of the Democratic Party concerned that the partys focus on the right-wing campaign over Russia against Trump at the expense of posturing over social issues could open the door to the emergence of a mass popular movement outside the control of the Democrats, a potential threat to capitalism. Nevertheless, you have supported the Democrats unsubstantiated accusations of Russian collusion with Trump, which are designed to force a confrontation with the worlds second largest nuclear power. In your campaign to corral social opposition behind the Democrats, you have received the crucial aid of the middle class, pseudo-left organizations which function as satellites of the Democratic Party. They all presented as good coin your calls for a political revolution and either endorsed your candidacy, as in the case of Socialist Alternative and the Democratic Socialists of America, or, like the International Socialist Organization, issued mildly worded tactical criticisms of your decision to run as a Democrat rather than continuing the charade of running statewide in Vermont as an independent. As with your own campaign, their goal was to prevent the emergence of a genuine socialist movement within the working class capable of challenging American capitalism. Many of them made the trek to Chicago this weekend to hear you speak at the Peoples Summit, an annual gathering of what passes for the Democratic Partys left. The pseudo-left is also being handsomely rewarded for their services to capitalism. Last year, the Ford Foundation announced that it was donating $100 million to Black Lives Matter; it has since cashed in through such investments as a black debit card and other projects promoting black capitalism. Last years million, you have reason to hope, will be the first of many. Given the explosive character of the political and economic conditions in the United States, and the broad hostility workers feel towards both the Trump administration and his Democratic opponents, the ruling class will very likely continue to value your political services. The US Senate working group drafting the chambers version of the bill repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) appears to be moving closer to a vote on the Senate floor. The Senate leadership hopes to bring it to a vote before the July 4 recess or shortly thereafter. House Republicans passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) early last month. That legislation guts Medicaid, the insurance program for the poor jointly administered by the federal government and the states that currently covers 74 million people. The AHCA would cut $834 billion from Medicaid over a decade. The bill would effectively end Medicaid as an open-ended entitled program, by shifting federal funding to per capita caps or block grants, resulting in people who qualify being denied enrollment or having their benefits slashed. The AHCA would also end the expansion of Medicaid under the program popularly known as Obamacare. The Congressing Budget Office (CBO) estimates that 14 million people would lose coverage under the AHCA by 2018; this figure would reach 23 million in 2026. It would slash taxes for the rich, disproportionately taking aim at health coverage for the poor, older Americans and those with preexisting conditions. Senate moderates, who originally signaled their opposition to ending the Medicaid expansion, are now indicating they could agree to phase out the program, but over a seven-year period. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has proposed three years. The bill will be sent to the CBO to score before the vote. In a major break with Senate protocol, Republicans say there will be no committee hearings or mark-ups for the bill, but it will be brought straight to the floor for a vote. Democrats argue this is a strategy for minimizing time for opposition to the bill to build. Senate conservatives are still concerned about the longer Medicaid expansion phase-out, as well as moves to dial back the waivers in the AHCA that would allow states to repeal various Obamacare regulations. The Senate bill is expected to allow states to seek exemptions from ACA rules on what insurance companies are required to cover, known as essential health benefits. These waivers would allow states to allow the sale of policies that dont include benefits such as maternity care, prescription drugs, emergency room visits, substance abuse treatment, and other vital health needs. As the Senate bill now stands, however, states would not be allowed to seek waivers preventing people with preexisting conditions to be charged more for coverage. There has to be a give and take, and right now it seems like conservatives are being told just to take it all and not get anything, Dan Holler, a spokesman for the conservative group Heritage Action for America, said on Thursday. Also on the table is retaining some of the ACA taxes on the wealthy in place at least for a while to reach the $133 billion savings goal that is required under Senate rules. As the Senate bill is shaping up, however, it will retain the majority of the AHCAs reactionary features. In a conveniently timed move, more health insurance plans across the country are beginning to exit the Obamacare marketplace, citing uncertainty around the ACAs future. This has prompted continual calls from the Trump administration and Republicans that Obamacare is exploding and collapsing and is in urgent need of repeal and replacement. According to Vox, in the past week the number of US counties with zero health insurers signed up to sell coverage in 2018 has doubled. There are now 38,000 Obamacare enrollees across 47 counties where no insurers want to participate in the ACA. Last week, Anthem announced that it would exit the Ohio marketplace, leaving 20 counties and 15,000 Obamacare enrollees with no 2018 plan options. If Anthem were to exit the rest of the states where it currently sells ACA plans, 300,000 Obamacare enrollees would be left without coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City quit the exchanges on May 24, citing the uncertain direction of the market. Andy Slavitt, who served as Medicare administrator in the Obamacare administration, spoke the truth when he told Vox, We elected to have a system that is completely market-based so companies get to make individual decisions. In other words, the ACA relies on the insurance companies to volunteer to sell their products on these public marketplaces. Just as they are virtually unhindered in the premiums they can charge, they are free to exit the marketplaces when it is not in their best profit interest. These insurance market conditions are making passage of the Senate bill, and its reconciliation with the House version, an easier process for Trump and the Republicans. While congressional Democrats have made a few protests, the repeal and replacement of Obamacare is for the most part flying under the radar. While they concentrate on Trump administration ties to Russia and whether or not the president has taped recordings of his conversation with fired FBI Director James Comey, the Democrats and mainstream media have had little to say about legislation, in whichever form it emerges, that will result in millions of Americans losing their health care coverage, or being plunged into poverty due to high premiums and out-of-pocket costs. This is because they agree in principle with the subordination of the health needs of the vast majority of the population to the profit requirements of the corporations that control the giant hospital chains, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical industries and the Wall Street banks that dominate the economy. Mass strikes and protests in Colombia Latin America Colombia:Tens of thousands of striking teachers march in Bogota, Colombia. On Tuesday, June 6, some 60,000 striking teachers marched through downtown Bogota. Joining them were thousands of students and workers, plus an organized contingent of rice farmers. The enormous number of demonstrators nearly paralyzed traffic in this city of 8 million inhabitants, nearly 9,000 feet above sea-level (2.6 thousand meters). Joining the teachers were rice farmers striking over collapsing prices. Though the teachers marched peacefully, police at several locations attacked them with tear gas spewing armored vehicles. The gigantic mobilization included thousands of educators from other Colombian cities. Three hundred thousand public school teachers have been on strike since May 11. At issue are wage increases and improvements in health benefits that were promised by President Santos during his election campaign. End of Buenaventura protests in Colombia Twenty-one days after they began, strikes and demonstrations ended in Buenaventura, the city that surrounds Colombias most important port, also a major South American port on the Pacific. The main issue of this civic protest and strike wave was that little of the revenues and profits generated by the port reaches the inhabitants of this city, one of the poorest in Latin America. Eighty percent of its population (350,000) lives in poverty and relies on informal and part time employment. To end the protests, the central government promised a series of concessions, including an investment in Buenaventura infrastructure projects of a paltry 500,000 US dollars and legislation that promises that a 20 percent of business taxes be spent locally. Pressuring the Santos administration into reaching a deal, the port remained closed for the duration of the strikes, causing a daily loss of three million US dollars in revenue. Through Buenaventura passes sixty percent of Colombian trade. Department store workers strike in Chile Employees at the H & M chain of department stores in Chile, voted 95 percent to 5 percent, on June 8 to reject a company offer and extend their strike, which began on May 30. The workers are demanding a wage hike of 193 percent. Management has offered 17 percent above whatever is negotiated across the industry. Workers are also demanding a wage scale based on employee seniority and better vacation pay. H & M,headquartered in Sweden, is a highly successful firm in Chile, with daily sales of between 140 and 180 million dollars. Educators walk out in Costa Rica Costa Rican teachers and education workers, members of the High School teachers union (APSE), announced a one-day protest strike for June 27, having been unable to reach agreement with the government. APSE represents 38,000 education workers. In addition to their one-day strike, the teachers plan to rally in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose. The educators demands include elimination of unpaid and irrational administrative duties, not related to teaching, improved pensions and higher wages. The United States Salinas, California wildcat strike erupts Workers at Taylor Farms processing plant in Salinas, California, returned to work June 7 after the company and a committee of striking workers and Teamsters officials held rapid negotiations to bring a wildcat strike by some 1,500 to 2,000 workers to an end. The new contract calls for an immediate $1.50 an hour wage increase with another $1.00 hike due on January 1, 2018. Many employees are satisfied with the agreement and others are not, admitted Eufronio Alba, a striking worker who sat in on negotiations. Workers are dissatisfied with working conditions, company discipline and health insurance. Last year, Taylor Farms increased health insurance costs for workers. Taylor Farms is the worlds largest supplier of cut vegetables and salad. Their products are sold by Safeway, Walmart, Costco, McDonalds, Chipotle, Subway and Starbucks. Company CEO Bruce Taylor is also chairman of Western Growers, the trade association which has amassed untold profits from the exploitation of migrant and immigrant workers over the decades. Canada Quebec brewery workers strike 80 workers employed by Japanese owned Sleeman-Unibroue in Chambly, Quebec, east of Montreal went on strike June 8 after they overwhelmingly rejected the final company offer presented to them by their Teamsters local bargaining team. With over 200 grievances currently outstanding the work environment has become increasingly acrimonious, but according to union negotiators the main issues in dispute are seniority rights and overtime pay, with the company demanding the right to replace full-time experienced workers with temporary workers. Facing what they characterized as unacceptable offers, the union asked for a mediator just prior to the expiration of the last contract but that was in November of last year. Tentative settlement ends Toronto zoo strike The four-week old strike by over 400 workers at the Toronto zoo was brought to a halt on June 8 after negotiators for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) elected to accept a contract offer. No details of the proposed deal are yet available but zoo management has called it a fair and reasonable offer. Non-union workers have been allowed to care for zoo animals during the strike but union leaders have expressed concerns that animal welfare may have been jeopardized as a result. I recently attended a showing of Wonder Woman exclusively for women and women-identifying viewers While there was a man in attendance who began to ruin the experience for me and those around me, the hurt feelings got lost once the movie started. We were in this together, and we all united over our shared excitement for this amazing female-led and -directed superhero movie that means so much to us for so many reasons (Carrie Wittmer, Business Insider). Wonder Woman offers what no other superhero can: an essentially female-power fantasy. Close your eyes and imagine an island with achingly gorgeous vistas in which a diverse group of intelligent, strong women have created an immensely more advanced society. No men. No sexism. No capitalist burden to perform that leaves women, especially women of color, vulnerable (Angelica Jade Bastien , Slate). These comments were presumably written by adults. Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, is a trite, often tedious, special effects-laden film based on a comic book. The story involves an Amazonian princess/demigoddess who makes her way, in the company of an American Allied spy, from her island paradise to Europe and the Western Front toward the end of the First World War. Appalled by German brutality, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) intervenes on the side of the Allies and prevents the dastardly Hunsand a fascistic Gen. Erich Ludendorff (Danny Houston) in particularfrom developing a new and devastating weapon. In the course of things, she also has to take on and defeat her half-brother, Ares, the god of war, who is bent on destroying the human race. Wonder Woman passes along a considerable amount of undigested American and British World War I disinformation. A portion of the film takes place in Belgium and it echoes the official Allied claims of the time about German aggression against poor little Belgium. Terrified survivors in a small town tell Diana and her American colleague, Capt. Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), that the Germans have enslaved their fellow villagers. Ludendorff and the German forces subsequently murder the remaining townspeople with a new, deadly poison gas. In short, the film is not antiwar, it is anti-German. The Americans and British, for the most part, are high-minded and peace loving, although they end up massacring more Germans than the latter do Americans and British. Capt. Trevor says he wants to stop the war, but, in fact, he wants to win it for his side. And his side is identified with normalcy and civilization. Wonder Womans supposed contributions to peace, including liberating the Belgian village by almost single-handedly wiping out a German battalion, are contributions entirely to the Allied cause. She says, I will fight, for those who can not fight for themselves, but, in fact, she fights on behalf of the British ruling elite and its interests. Piercing through a lot of the nonsense and bombast, this is pretty crude nationalist and pro-war propaganda. Does the sudden reemergence of Germany (and not the Nazi regime) as the bestial, sadistic enemy have an ideological significance in the given climate of increased tensions between the US and Europe? Only time will tell. The dialog and characterizations here are banal and perfunctory in the extreme. If they are less banal and perfunctory than the dialog and characterizations in other comic book films, and this is one of the chief arguments being made in Wonder Womans favor, that seems like faint praise. The relationship between Diana and Capt. Trevor is as lifelike and convincing as one might expect, given the circumstances: a mythological creature and a heroic, self-sacrificing American fighter taking on the forces of darkness in wartime Europe, in the peculiar company of a heavy-drinking Scottish former sharpshooter (Ewen Bremner), a French-Moroccan con artist (Said Taghmaoui) and a Native American smuggler (Eugene Brave Rock). This is the level of the dialog: Diana Prince: Youre a man... Steve Trevor: Yeah ... I mean ... do I not look like one? * * * * * Steve Trevor: Have you never met a man before? What about your father? Diana Prince: I had no father. My mother sculpted me from clay and I was brought to life by Zeus. Steve Trevor: Well thats neat. * * * * * Steve Trevor: [to Diana] I can save today. You can save the world. Diana sums up the films wisdom at the end: I used to want to save the world, to end war and bring peace to mankind. But then I glimpsed the darkness that lives within their light. I learnt that inside every one of them there will always be both. The choice each must make for themselvessomething no hero will ever defeat. And now I know... that only love can truly save the world. So now I stay, I fight and I givefor the world I know can be. This is my mission now, for ever. Insofar as one takes this last bit at all seriously, it is reactionary twaddle. The actors are not to blame, but there is nothing much to be said about them. But what is British actor David Thewlis, who has appeared in serious films such as Mike Leighs Naked (1993), doing here flying around in Ares giant-warrior armor? The comments cited at the top of this article are typical of the overheated praise for and excitement surrounding Wonder Woman. In certain (quite confined) quarters, the appearance of a female superhero film is one of the major cultural events of the year, or perhaps in recent years. The critics either share this excitement or are intimidated by the clamor. Richard Brody of the New Yorker writes that Wonder Woman is a superhero movie, and it fulfills the heroic and mythic demands of that genre, but its also an entry in the genre of wisdom literature that shares hard-won insights and long-pondered paradoxes of the past with a sincere intimacy. In the Guardian, Zoe Williams headlines her review, Why Wonder Woman is a masterpiece of subversive feminism. What lingers ... is the feeling of hope that the movie brings, that it someday might be possible for female rationality to defeat male brutality, comments Mick LaSalle in the San Francisco Chronicle . And A.O. Scott of the New York Times suggests that Wonder Woman briskly shakes off blockbuster branding imperatives and allows itself to be something relatively rare in the modern superhero cosmos. It feels less like yet another installment in an endless sequence of apocalyptic merchandising opportunities than like whats the word Im looking for? A movie. A pretty good one, too. The critical consensus, according to one review aggregator web site? Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadots charismatic performance, Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion. I wonder, when I read these comments, whether Ive seen the same film. This is not the occasion to go into the question at any length, but there must be a connection between how upper middle class layers have made large amounts of money in recent decades and the terrible intellectual laziness that prevails. The reliance on an apparently endless upward movement of stock prices and, in many cases, real estate values, the extreme parasitism of the economy, the almost automatic character of money-making in certain spheres, the relative ease with which, frankly, a great number of extremely limited human beings (in some cases, downright imbeciles) have made fortunes to all this correspond certain retrograde moods and sentiments. To many, it has seemed as though critical, painstaking thought no longer had any value. Identity politics plays its own role here too. The validity of ones positions is no longer determined by rational argumentation, by objective facts, but instead by biology or ethnicity, sexual orientation. I am a woman an African American a gay person, therefore what I have to say is a priori valid or true. Its an extremely harmful approach for all involved. Or take the anti-Russian hysteria that has seized not merely the American political establishment, but certain sections of the comfortable middle class. Settling on the Russian nemesis, which also involves sneering at the need for proof of Putins interference in the elections, absolves certain layers of the need to seriously take stock of the right-wing character of the Democratic Party, the advanced decay of the economic and political system, the wretched conditions under which tens of millions of people live in this country. The Russians did it! There are good reasons why these quite disparate phenomenathe identity politics mania, the excitement over Wonder Woman and other such cultural trivia, the anti-Russian frenzyexist on the same historical plane. It is not the same for the working class. Whatever the ideological difficulties, workers, like the residents in Flint, Michigan, have had to go on making continually more painful and difficult decisions. They do not have the luxury of the empty-headedness and self-indulgence of the upper middle class. They are objectively driven toward the truth about society. I attended a public screening of Wonder Woman. There was occasional amusement, some interest in the spectacle, some disappointment too that the film did not live up to the media buildup, but none of the thrilling and shared excitement that the official commentators report. The four-year-old Aam Aadmi Party is carrying out a number of changes in its organisation structure as part of the convenor Arvind Kejriwal's promise of course correction. The party is also looking to frame a more pronounced ideology. The changes were long pending but the party leadership chose not to disturb the system ahead of assembly polls in Punjab, Goa and Delhi civic polls By Mail Today: In what is expected to be a crucial metamorphosis of the Aam Aadmi Party, the four-year-old political outfit is silently ushering in a slew of changes in its organisational structure and agenda in a bid to give its national ambitions a new direction. Right from key positions in the national headquarters to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's political secretariat, a new team of leaders is replacing the old order as part of the 'course correction' that the party supremo had promised volunteers and leaders. advertisement In terms of the party's ideology, a group of leaders are working on framing 'a more pronounced' political ideology for the party that so far has ridden only the anti-corruption plank. Sources in the party told Mail Today that the organisational changes were long pending but faced with a series of elections the party leadership did not want to disturb the existing system ahead of the assembly polls in Punjab, Goa and Delhi municipal polls. Two young Turks of the party - Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bhardwaj - who were working mostly behind the scenes for the party, have now been appointed as the official spokespersons for the party in Delhi. Marlena had been working closely with deputy CM Manish Sisodia on revamping education under the Delhi government and also the party's ambitious mohalla sabha project. Even as Marlena will continue to steer the two projects in the government, her role in the media interface in the national Capital will be her prime responsibility. Bhardwaj, a sitting MLA from Greater Kailash, recently enthralled his audience at the Delhi legislative assembly with a demo of how an electronic voting machine can be hacked. Apart from his responsibilities as the sitting MLA and to keep up the party's protests against vulnerable EVMs, Bhardwaj will emerge as one of the prominent faces of the party in the Capital. RAGHAV CHADHA TO OVERSEE LITIGATION With an ever-increasing number of legal cases against the party and its leaders, former national treasurer Raghav Chadha has relinquished his position to oversee the litigation. Chadha, who is also a popular face defending the party on television debates on prime time, has made way for erstwhile national media coordinator Deepak Bajpai, who has been appointed new national treasurer. Kejriwal's political secretariat comprising advisors to the CM, too has been witnessing change. Political advisor and former Delhi prabhari Ashish Talwar is set to be moved out and given charge of Karnataka instead. Rakesh Sinha, former party Lokpal, has been assigned a key role in the party's national expansion. Even as structural changes are taking place, the party is also working on building a more 'well-defined' ideology. While all its elections so far have been fought only on an anti-corruption plank, the party is now posturing itself in a pro-poor, pro-farmer stance. advertisement The party has sought ground reports from all state units on the status of farmers and is set to launch a nationwide stir on farmers' issues. "When we were in Punjab contesting the elections, our footprint there was primarily rural. We were seen as a party strong in the rural belts. Even in Delhi, our support base lied in the JJ clusters, unauthorised colonies rather than the kothis and DDA flats. As we move forward, we are trying to reach out to farmers. While the BJP has never been viewed as a pro-poor party, these sections have traditionally voted for Congress. Now, with the AAP in that similar space, there will be an alternative," explained Bhardwaj. ALSO READ | MCD election results 2017: Here's why AAP lost Delhi civic polls so comprehensively ALSO READ | AAP gets that sinking feeling ALSO WATCH | Live test of AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj's EVM hacking claim --- ENDS --- MIDWAY, Fl. (WTXL) -- There is no active tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or Caribbean Sea. There is, however, an area southeast of the Yucatan Pensinsula in the Western Caribbean that may see some slow development. Currently, it has a 20% chance of developing within the next five days. This bears watching as model guidance hints that this disturbance will push into the Western Gulf of Mexico by this time next week. For more information on your local forecast, click here. You can catch the forecast on WTXL Sunrise starting at 5:00, as well as WTXL Midday at Noon. Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse has your forecast at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 this evening. Plus, you can get the Storm Team Forecast every 10 minutes on Channel 27.3 Weather NOW. Remember to follow the ABC 27 Storm Team on Social Media. Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/abc27stormteam/) Twitter (http://twitter.com/abc27stormteam) Ceasefire violations have dramatically risen compared to numbers from last year. Similarly, figures for the number of infiltration attempts too have seen a drastic increase. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Sources in the Indian Army have already predicted a long "bloody summer" in the Kashmir Valley. The figures have proved them just right. Cease Fire Violations (CFV's) and infiltration attempts, both have shown a drastic increase as snow melts in the high passes of Himalayas. In April 2016, there was one CFV reported, while in April 2017, there were 26 CFV. Similarly, in May 2016, there were 2 CFVs reported,while on the other hand, the number reached 73. advertisement In the latest provocation from Pakistan, forces started firing across the Line of Control in Krishna Ghati sector in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. This was the sixth violation in the last 72 hours. Minister of State for PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, told Mail Today, "The people of the country are indebted to the army and security forces. Pakistan's army gives cover fire to the terrorists attempting to infiltrate in India. I was there at the border with our forces, the morale of the forces is extremely high and they are giving a befitting response to Pakistan's Army." According to the army sources, 22 infiltration attempts have been foiled this year and 32 terrorists were killed near the Line of Control while 54 terrorists were gunned down in hinterland by the security forces. In the last three months, the army has successfully foiled one infiltration bid in April, four in May and four in June. Army said, the relentless operations have defeated desperate attempts from Pakistan to spread terror in the state during the holy month Ramzan. There is an increase in the number of attacks, gun snatching, bank loots indicating desperation by terror groups. Last month, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said there has been a 45 per cent fall in infiltration since surgical strikes were carried out by the army across the Line of Control in September last year. ALSO READ | Pakistan violates ceasefire in Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu, India hits back ALSO READ | Pakistan's ceasefire violations: Mass evacuation begins on border --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: By Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Jun 13 (PTI) The general strike called today by Rastriya Janata Party Nepal to press for the demands of citizenship and re-demarcation of the provincial boundary evoked mixed response in the countrys Madhesi-dominated Southern districts. Madhesi parties in Nepal are divided over participating in the second phase of local body polls be held on June 28, with one faction insisting on taking part in the process to foil the reactionary forces conspiracy against federalism while other announcing fresh protests to disrupt elections. advertisement Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) announced to boycott the second phase of local body elections yesterday. Life in Biratnagar and Birgunj municipalities came to a grinding halt due to the strike as public transport services, market places, educational institutions remained closed due to the shut down in the main city areas. However, in Morang and Parsa districts in Southern districts, the strike had a mixed response. The impact of the strike was less in other peripheral parts of the city with rickshaws and motorbikes plying freely on main roads. According to police, no untoward incidents was reported from anywhere. Despite the poll boycott call by RJPN, two other Madhesi parties Federal Socialist Party Nepal and Madhesi Peoples Rights Forum Democratic have decided to participate in the second phase of local level elections. President of Federal Socialist Party Nepal Upendra Mahato has said that the campaign launched by the RJPN to boycott the local election would deprive the Madhesi people of their rights. Federal Socialist Forum Nepal led by Upendra and Naya Shakti Party Nepal led by former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai issued a joint statement calling all Madhesi and ethnic parties, including the RJPN to participate in the elections. "It is necessary to participate in the local level polls to foil the conspiracy hatched by reactionary forces against federalism and to consolidate the rights gained through past movements," the joint statement said. The two parties also urged the government to honour the three point agreement reached between the Madhesi parties and the previous government led by CPN-Maoist Centre chief Prachanda to create a conducive environment for all to participate in the elections. Some Madhes-centric parties have opposed the elections until the Constitution is amended to accommodate their views: more representation in parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries. The Nepal government has tabled a new Constitution amendment bill in the Parliament to address the demands of the agitating Madhesi parties ahead of the local elections. Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a prolonged agitation between September 2015 and February last year against the implementation of the new Constitution which they felt marginalised the Terai community. PTI SBP MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- advertisement Gaza's militant Hamas rulers warned of renewed violence Monday if Israel acquiesces to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' wishes and reduces its electricity supply to the isolated territory. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Gaza's 2 million residents already get by with only four hours of electricity a day. In an effort to push his Hamas rivals out of power, Abbas says his West Bank government will stop paying Israel to provide electricity. Protests in Gaza over electricity supply X Gaza's Khan Yunis under darkness (Photo: Reuters) Residents of the Gazan city of Khan Unis during a power outtage (Photo: AP) That has put Israel in the tough spot of having to choose between siding with Hamas in the internal Palestinian struggle or risking a humanitarian crisis in the impoverished coastal strip. A Gazan woman washes dishes in the dark (Photo: Reuters) An Israeli official confirmed that Israel is preparing to reduce the amount of power it supplies to Gaza, at the request of the Palestinian Authority. The official estimated that the reduction would limit power in Gaza to three hours a day. The official said that Israel was searching for international donors to make up the difference, but that Israel would not itself pay for Gaza's power. It was not clear when the reductions would take effect. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter on the record and spoke on condition of anonymity. "This Israeli decision is dangerous and catastrophic," said Hamas spokesman Abdulatif al-Qanou. "This virtually speeds up the deterioration and explosion of the situation in the Gaza Strip." Gaza without power (Photo: Reuters) Most recently, he asked Israel to reduce Gaza electricity by 40 percent. The Israeli decision appears to be seeking a compromise. "Let's not forget, this is Abu Mazen's decision," Israel's Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told Army Radio Monday, referring to Abbas by his nickname. "Should Israeli citizens pay the electric bill of the residents of Gaza? Of course that doesn't make sense." Gazans have been trying to cope with the lengthy outages. The poor have been relying on battery-operated lights, the middle class on communal generators and the few wealthy families have turned to solar energy. Photo: Reuters But authorities warn of an impending crisis in health care and the environment. Each day, 120,000 cubic meter of untreated sewage are discharged into the sea. The Gaza electricity distribution company stated it has not yet been informed of the Israeli decision to slash electricity, but warned of "serious deterioration" if the cuts went into effect. "We barely provide four hours of electricity in Gaza, and in some neighborhoods they get three," said Mohammed Thabet, a spokesman for the company. "We can't predict how many hours people can get if the electricity is reduced." Gisha, an advocacy group pushing for increased movement of people and goods across Gaza's borders, sent a letter to Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, warning of a severe crisis if the cuts went through. It said reducing the supply to Gaza was a "red line that must not be crossed." Warsaw's city mayor and other officials will be summoned this month to testify before a special state commission investigating questionable restitution of private property that was seized under communism, the deputy justice minister said Monday. The committee may eventually decide that the mayor must return her home to the Jews it was taken from during WWII. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The commission was formed recently in response to growing outrage at the returns, which concern highly valuable plots and buildings, in Warsaw and some other cities, that were seized by the state from private ownersPoles, Jews and othersunder a 1945 communist-era decree. Warsaw Democratic Poland opened the possibility of the return of property, but in many cases the process has gone wrong, the rightful heirs have been tricked out of their rights and the tenants evicted by the new owners, sometimes with nowhere to go. The commission led by Deputy Justice Minister Patryk Jaki will review cases. It has the power to take wrong decisions to court to seek their reversal or compensation for the rightful inheritors. It is beginning with restitutions in Warsaw. Jaki said Monday that the first hearings will be June 28-30 and will concern a building in Twarda street from which a renowned high school was evicted. Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz refused to appear and had questioned the commission's authority. The panel wanted to know to what extent she was aware of the irregularities that had been described in the media. A house returned to her family was among those investigated. Some other city officials have been put under arrest on suspicion of helping in the irregular restitutions and will be brought before the panel. A collection of letters written by Albert Einstein is set to go to auction next week, offering a new glimpse at the Nobel-winning physicist's views on God, McCarthyism and what was then the newly established state of Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The five original letters, dated 1951 to 1954 and signed by Einstein, reveal a witty and sensitive side of the esteemed scientist. They were sent to quantum physicist David Bohm, a colleague who fled the United States for Brazil in 1951 after refusing to testify about his links to the Communist Party to the House Un-American Activities Committee. (Photo: Getty Images) Bohm's widow's estate put the documents on the block after she passed away last year. One of the yellowing pages, bearing Einstein's signature and embossed seal, and a handwritten general relativity equation, opens at $8,000 and is expected to sell for at least twice that. In all, the collection is expected to fetch over $20,000. Einstein and Bohm became friends when they both worked at Princeton University. Their letters touch on quantum physics, the nature of the divine and Bohm's miserable time in Brazil. "If God has created the world his primary worry was certainly not to make its understanding easy for us," Einstein assured Bohm in February 1954, a year before his death. In another letter from February 1953, Einstein compares "the present state of mind" of America gripped by McCarthyist anti-Communism to the paranoia in Germany in the early 20th century under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s led a hunt for alleged communist traitors he believed worked in the government and the army. Bohm, who left the United States in the midst of the so-called Red Scare, conveyed dismay and displeasure about living in Brazil, where he was working at the University of Sao Paulo. He said he had trouble adjusting to the local food. Einstein, then 75, offered sympathy to his younger colleague for the "instability of your belly, a matter where I have myself extended experience." He suggested getting a good cook. Einstein said the foreseeable future didn't portend a "more reasonable political attitude" in the United States, and that Bohm ought to hold out in Brazil until he gets citizenship before leaving for a more "intellectual atmosphere." One idea that came up was relocating to Israel, which had declared independence in 1948. But despite Einstein's ties to Israel's Hebrew University, he believed the country offered limited opportunities. Einstein himself declined an offer in 1952 to become Israel's president, though he served remotely on the Hebrew University's first Board of Governors and left his papers to the school in his will. "Israel is intellectually active and interesting but has very narrow possibilities," the Nobel laureate wrote. "And to go there with the intention to leave on the first occasion would be regrettable." (Photo: courtesy of the Albert Einstein Archive) Despite Einstein's counsel, Bohm, who was Jewish, left Brazil for Israel in 1955, where he taught at Haifa's Technion Institute of Technology for two years. There he met his wife, Sarah Woolfson. They married in 1956. A year later the couple moved to the United Kingdom, where Bohm taught at Bristol University until his death in 1992. Mrs. Bohm returned to Israel after her husband's death and resided in Jerusalem. She died in April 2016 and her estate put her husband's letters from Einstein up for sale at Winner's auction house in Jerusalem. Roni Grosz, curator of the Albert Einstein Archives at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, home to the world's largest collection of Einstein material, said copies of the Bohm letters were already in the archive and that there was "nothing extraordinary" about them. But he said anything connected to Einstein tends to generate interest. "There's today tremendous interest in all things Einstein. Einstein documents, letters, drafts are being on sale all the time," he said. "There's barely a month that passes with no Einstein documents in auction or in sale." The auction, which includes copies of other letters sent by Einstein and correspondence by fellow Nobel laureate Louis de Broglie, will be held on June 20, though early bids are being accepted online. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering closing down the Israeli offices of Qatari TV network Al Jazeera. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The prime minister held an initial discussion on the topic on Monday, and the Government Press Office (GPO), the Foreign Ministry, the Shin Bet and the rest of the security establishment have all begun studying the issue. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have already shut down Al Jazeera's offices as part of an Arab boycott against Qatar. Israel likely wants to take advantage of the situation to pull the plug on the Doha-based network's activity in the country. There have been numerous calls to close Al Jazeera's offices in the country over the last few years because of the network's negative coverage of Israel. However, concerns such a move would be a PR disaster for Israel along with the fact most of Al Jazeera's 34 employees are Israeli Arabs have so far stayed the government's hand on the matter. "Israel, along with the Arab states, sees Al Jazeera as a danger, a media body similar to those in Nazi Germany," Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Monday. Walid al-Omari, Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Jerusalem, defended the network, telling Ynet on Tuesday, "We don't incite against Israel or anyone else." "We convey the news. It's not our fault if the news is ugly," al-Omari added. "We convey everything that happens to our viewers and to our target audience. In Israel, we put on air people from the government and the opposition, the right and the left, and even settlers... Even the prime minister himself was on our channel when he was the head of the opposition in 2009." Al Jazeera's Jerusalem bureau chief Walid al-Omari He said the fact Israel is considering closing down the network's offices in the country is a form of incitement. "I don't know why Israel needs to be dragged after everything that happens in the Arab world... Al Jazeera is a media body that operates lawfully and legally in Israel and in other country in the world," al-Omari claimed. Al Jazeera is expected to petition the Supreme Court against such a move. "We've been in this type of situation many times, be it in Israel, in Arab countries, or in other places," he said. "The Israeli government can't force itself on the world... and behave like a dark dictatorship. This is unacceptable," al-Omari added. By Press Trust of India: Lucknow, Jun 13 (PTI) Road safety norms should be made a part of the syllabus, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath suggested today as he lamented that a large number of accidents were occurring due to traffic rule violations. He also directed the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and other departments to formulate plans to ensure safe travel. advertisement "It is a matter of concern that everyday we see that due to violation of traffic norms, accidents are taking place," Adityanath said. It should be seen as to "how road safety norms can be made a part of the syllabus", so that ordinary citizens can be made more aware, he said. "The accidents which are happening, are taking place due to lack of awareness about traffic rules. UPSRTC and other departments working in the field of road transport should formulate plans to ensure passengers enjoy safe journey," he said. He was speaking at the signing of an agreement between the transport departments of UP and Rajasthan here today. Adityanaths comments come in the backdrop of several major accidents taking place in UP in recent days. On June 5, 25 passengers were charred to death and many others were injured when a bus collided head-on with a truck and burst into flames on National Highway 24 in Bareilly. In another accident on June 11, ten people, including five women, of a family drowned after their car fell into a canal at Makera area in Mathura. Scores of other accidents have also taken place. Speaking at the event here, Adityanath said the agreement between the transport departments of UP and Rajasthan would help in strengthening the cultural roots. The agreement will improve the connectivity Delhi-Jaipur, Ajmer-Haridwar-Meerut, Bikaner, Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Aligarh, Firozabad, Kota, Bhilwara, Bareilly, Rupaidiah, Sawai Madhopur, Alwar and other places, he said. "This will strengthen the political and cultural roots of the country," he said. "Can there be any resident of Uttar Pradesh, who will not be interested in associating himself with the soil of Mewar. At the same time, can there be any resident of Rajasthan who will not be curious to come to the oldest city of the world Kashi (Varanasi) and Prayag (Allahabad) and also have a glimpse of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya and witness the leela of Lord Krishna in Mathura," Adityanath said. advertisement He said that whenever there is a strain in the inter- state ties, it is the people who are most affected. The job of the government is to work for the welfare of the public and not indulge in populist measures, he said. Referring to Aadi Shankaracharya, the chief minister said, "A saint from Kerala established a sanskritik peeth (cultural bench) in the four corners of the country. This is the strength of our country. Transportation provides strength to our cultural roots." Adityanath also mentioned that a part of the chaurasi kosi parikrama lies in Rajasthan. The chaurasi kosi parikrama refers to a circumambulatory trek across several religious places. Adityanath said that he had spoken to Union minister Nitin Gadkari about the comprehensive development of the Braj region of UP comprising seven districts -- Agra, Mathura, Firozabad, Aligarh, Etah, Hathras and Kasganj. "The state government will build a new circuit for development of the region," he said. PTI NAV ADS --- ENDS --- A man and a woman were found unconscious at a Tel Aviv hotel room on Tuesday morning. The man, in his 60s, was taken to the Ichilov Medical Center in the city in serious condition. The woman, also in her 60s, was declared dead on the scene. Police launched an investigation into the incident. The secretary-general of the Red Crescent Society of the United Arab Emirates accused Hamas on Monday of attempting to prevent the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to Secretary-General Mohamed Ateeq Al-Falahi, the Red Crescent's staff was stationed at a UAE field hospital in the strip during the 2014 Operation Protective Edge when Hamas fighters began provoking Israeli forces by firing rockets from that hospital. This led Israel to attack the hospital as the launch point for the rockets, thus sabotaging the distribution of the humanitarian aid. Hamas rockets (Photo: Reuters) "This shows (Hamas's) wicked intentions and how they scarified us," said Al-Falahi. "They always claim the enemy targets humanitarian envoys, but the betrayal came from them." When the Red Crescent team was leaving Gaza, Hamas "accused us of being spies, undercover foreign intelligences who were escaping." When they left the strip through Sinai, Al-Falahi said Hamas had apparently informed "extremist militias in Sinai... that there was a group making their way there, so prepare for jihad against them... as we stopped at a grocery store to buy something to eat, they started shooting at us." In addition, he said, the Red Crescent team learned those extremist militias had also planted landmines a few kilometers down the road. "What hurts is that the betrayal came from our own people," Al-Falahi lamented. "Muslims fighting Muslims, who were giving humanitarian aid to Muslims." RABAT - Morocco said it would send plane-loads of food to Qatar to boost supplies there after Gulf Arab states cut diplomatic and economic ties with Doha. Qatar, which imported 80 percent of its food from bigger Gulf Arab neighbours before the diplomatic shutdown, has also been talking to Iran and Turkey to secure food and water. "This decision was made in conformity with Islamic precepts that call for solidarity and mutual aid between Muslim people, notably during this holy month of Ramadan," the Moroccan foreign ministry statement said on Monday. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain accuse Qatar of supporting militants - an allegation dismissed by Doha. On Sunday, Morocco said it would remain neutral in the dispute, offering to mediate between the Gulf countries, which are all close allies to the North African kingdom. JAKARTA - Indonesia says it's looking to set up joint patrols with the Philippines and Malaysia to prevent Islamic militants who have laid siege to a city in the southern Philippines from entering its territorial waters. Indonesia's military chief, Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, said late Monday that he and Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu would meet next week with their counterparts from Malaysia and the Philippines on Indonesia's Tarakan island in northern Borneo, just across the border from Sabah, Malaysia. He said they'll discuss increasing security and signing an agreement to step up joint patrols. The conflict in the city of Marawi has raised fears that the Islamic State group's violent ideology is gaining a foothold in the Philippines' restive south, where Muslim separatists have fought for greater autonomy for decades. If what the New York Times reported Monday is trueUS President Donald Trump disclosed to the Russians that Israel had penetrated the Islamic State through a cyber attack and found out about the plan to bring down planes using sophisticated bombsthis is an intelligence catastrophe. Its neither a mishap nor a passing crisis involving the loss of information, but an across-the-board collapse of intelligence abilities that were acquired with a lot of hard work and at great risk. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the American newspaper, the president told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their meeting at the White House last month that about half a year ago, Israeli cyber experts (he attributed the information to an ally in the Middle East) had managed to penetrate a cell of bombmakers in Syria who were working on innovative explosives that could fool airport X-ray machines by looking exactly like batteries for laptop computers. The information led to a ban on large electronic devices in carry-on luggage on flights from Muslim countries to the United States. Ever since the revelation that Trump had shared information with Lavrov about an Israeli intelligence source in ISIS, the Washington Post and the New York Times have been competing who will shame the president more, while exposing Israels secrets in a bid to intensify his stupidity. At first, they talked about an agent Israel had recruited in Syria . That was enough to cause serious damage, as ISIS likely closed ranks and made it difficult to keep collecting information. Even if this agent managed to get out, regardless of whether he actually operated there or not, this report puts a lid on a rare source of information. Trump and Netanyahu. US papers have been competing over who will shame the president more, while exposing Israels secrets in a bid to intensify his stupidity (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) The New York Times leak, that the sensitive information was a result of a cyber attack, could create a different kind of intelligence-related damage and to a much larger extent. ISIS knows there is not a single intelligence agency in the world that isnt trying to infiltrate it, which is why it has likely ordered its members to use covert communication techniques. They avoid using computerized communication, and if they doits encrypted. According to past reports, the organization contacts its members through PlayStation or Xbox games. Penetrating ISIS, even by hacking into its computers, often involves mortal danger. Each penetration requires classic intelligence work, which includes setting goals, studying the system and locating its weak spots, and developing functions to hide the trojan horse that is inserted for the purpose of collecting secret intelligence. But then the New York Times comes along and informs ISIS it has been subject to an Israeli cyber attack. Now, all the organizations members have to do is to try to expose the system that penetrated their computers. And they are not alone: Countries that are interested in Israels abilities will also dig into ISIS' computers to seize that virus/trojan/worm or God knows what. As soon as the cyber tool is found, it is very likely that the weak spot that allowed it in will be exposed as well. And that weak spotwhich is most probably present in the computerized systems of other countries and organizations hostile to Israelwill be blocked. As a result, the attackerwho invested years in developing the tool and inserting it into different placeswill see his entire enterprise crumble. An intelligence organization inserting a malicious software into enemy computers disguises its activity by using servers around the world. This exposure, therefore, makes it easier for any intelligence service that has figured out the cyber tool to access the involved computers. And even worse, if the attacker is unaware he has been exposed, he can be loaded with false information and his logarithm might be used to attack other countries. There are huge advantages to waging a cyber war over conventional intelligence operations. It does, however, involve risks and possible long-term damages for the attacker. If there is even a grain of truth in the recent reports, it means someone is waging their war on Trump at Israels expense, intentionally causing serious damage to Americas allyverging on treason. Tzipi Shmilovich contributed to this article. Rabbi Yosef Elitzur, an extremist religious leader from the settlement of Yitzhar, was indicted on Tuesday for incitement to violence in opinion articles he wrote. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Elitzur co-authored a controversial book titled The King's Torah, which details the conditions in which Jews are allowed to kill non-Jews. An investigation against Elitzur over the book was closed in 2012 due to lack of sufficient evidence. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit decided to indict Elitzur for the allegedly inciting opinion articles he wrote in light of a petition filed by the Reform Movement and NGO Tag Meir to the High Court of Justice against the rabbi, accusing him of incitement to racism and violence. Rabbi Yosef Elitzur (Photo: Avi Mualem) Elitzur was charged with inciting to violence against Arabs in two opinion articles he published in May 2013 following the murder of Evyatar Borovsky in a terror attack at the Tapuach Junction in the West Bank. At the time, the rabbi was a senior teacher at the Od Yosef Chai yeshiva in the settlement of Yitzhar and was also teaching teenagers in other education institutions at the Samaria Regional Council. He was also writing a regular column on the Jewish Voice internet site. According to the indictment, on May 1, 2013, a day after Borovsky's murder, Elitzur published an op-ed titled "Don't despair, just grow," in which he wrote, among other things, "There is a growing and expanding phenomenon of actions taken by warm and caring Jews against the enemy. One can consider these the desperate actions of a public backed into a corner, but those who look closer would see these are the first signs of a growing public that takes responsibility over Jews' security." On May 28, 2013, as the 30-day mourning period over Borovsky was coming to a close, Elitzur published an op-ed titled "How to 'catch' price tag perpetrators," in which he wrote, "I'm not trying to diminish the talents of the anonymous price tag perpetrators and their operational abilities. And yet, I believe the reason for the security forces' resounding failure in catching those who carry out what they call 'price tag' attacks also has to doif not mostlywith the variety of statements speakers in the media and the political systems tend to add to discussions on the matter. For example: 'How is it possible security forces are unable to catch the handful of radicals carrying out these heinous acts?' "These acts, born of warm caring of Jews, are not the aim (even though one can definitely understand such acts in the current climate). At the end of the day, no one wants to live in anarchy. Even if there is a time in which we have to live by the rules of the jungle, we can show the wicked in the world's nations that Jews can play this game too." BUDAPEST -- Hungarian police say they have handed over to German authorities a neo-Nazi who fled Germany to avoid a prison sentence for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic incitement. Horst Mahler was detained in the western Hungarian city of Sopron on May 15 based on an international arrest warrant, and a Budapest court ordered his extradition to Germany last week. Police said Thursday that Mahler was transferred into German custody at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Airport. Mahler, 81, was a founding member of the left-wing Red Army Faction militant group. He later turned to the far right and has had numerous neo-Nazi-related convictions. Mahler fled Germany after being allowed to leave prison two year ago due to serious illness. He was serving a 10-year sentence. The most striking thing about the Haaretz Peace Conference, which was held Monday, and about the ethical code affair is that most people who oppose the Rights products in the name of freedom of speech find it difficult to watch and listen to anything that conflicts with their opinion. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter If they had read what Prof. Asa Kasher defined as an educational document, they would have sensibly argued whether it does any good or not, whether its necessary or not. If they were capable of arguing, they would also listen to the things Minister Naftali Bennetts political plan is based on. Instead, we received a batch of Pavlovian reactions with outcries about the end of democracy and dark times. A lovely professor, who I interviewed about the ethical code, argued that her lessons would now be controlled by committees. The police are on their way. This is North Korea. Because I deal with these rows on an almost daily basis, I have to ask myself who is enjoying this more: The one who trolls or the one who is being trolled? The perpetrator who pretends to be the victim, or the perpetrator who learns that he is a perpetrator from the reactions? Tel Aviv University. Dont silence people by using the silencing slogan (Photo: Yaron Brener) Lets start from the end of the ethical code row: The academia is not a sanctuary. There are real lecturers there, human beings who make mistakes, and there is a lot of politics as well. Unlike in the current debate, most of the politics has nothing to do with right or left; it has to do with friendships, cliques and schools of research. Ink-stained battles. The academics could use, however, an ethical code that will occasionally remind them where they come from and what they are they going to leave behind when they retire. They could also use a lesson in healthy common sense. For example, a thought exercise: What should be the fate of a factory worker who is working to make the factory lose money and shut down? Probably dismissal. And what about a lecturer who calls for a boycott on the institution that pays his salary? Is that okay, because there is academic freedom for foolishness? It wont hurt to set out some rules in the political area. As Asa Kasher asserted, an institution or a department cannot be affiliated with a party, otherwise well establish an academic institution for every party, and one cannot receive academic credit points for political activity. The objection to these and other rules and ideas, I believe, is simply the result of the fact that the opponents have failed to read the document. Having said that, there is one significant problem in the overall issue of the ethical code, regardless of whether the lecturer is left-wing or right-wing: The fear of controversial issues. Perhaps a mirror image of the ethical code initiated by an education minister from the Bayit Yehudi party. If the Pavlovian critics would only go to the trouble of separating the wheat from the chaff, they would say that section 3 of the what is political activity explanation is unclear and will therefore not be implemented. Several months ago, I discussed Breaking the Silences introduction into the state educational system. A Zionist educational system must encourage significant military service and contribution to the state, rather than encourage doubts and present different narratives and post-modernism. I wrote at the time that philosophizing about nationality and the narrative battle is reserved for higher education, and I still stand behind those comments today. Its impossible to prevent politics from being part of the academic world. When I used to lecture at a university, I would use controversial issues to illustrate the study material. Bar Kochbas digging system was compared to the Viet Cong and Hamas digging system, and the Romans victory was compared to the Israeli failure to defeat Hamas. It could have been seen as a right-wing attack. Some of my students accepted the equation, and those who didnt argued with me. During my time at the academia, I never met coward Israeli students. Are there radical left-wing professors who have turned the classroom into a reeducation arena? The answer is yes. There are a lot of complaints about one-sided preaching. But if I were a student, I would go there to listen and argue. If they discriminated against me, I would wage an all-out war against them. And if I didnt have the energy, I would simply choose a different course. There isnt a single answer in social sciences and humanities, and there is no studying and education with polemics. I find US professors political correctness method weary and harmful. They have a liberal thought police there, which produced Donald Trump and the Tea Party movement as a counterreaction. Asa Kasher did some serious work on a document for the purpose of recommendation and education, thats it. It can be discussed and it can be argued. Please read it, and suggest an ethical code dealing with the foolishness of boycotts and with a definition of politics that can be dealt with rather than imposed. Let us argue, and listen. Dont silence people by using the silencing slogan. The Israel Police arrested a 24-year-old illegal migrant from Guinea on suspicion of sexually assaulting his Israeli girlfriend and infecting her with the HIV virus. He is also suspected of forging Israeli work visas for other illegal migrants for money. He faces charges of posing as another individual, forgery, committing an act that could lead to the spread of a disease, and illegally staying in Israel. Labor leader Isaac Herzog's political rivals and other party officials assert he would attempt to bring the party into the government if he wins the upcoming primary election. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Party officials claimed Herzog, who has been trying unsuccessfully over the past two years to restore the party to its former glory, believes he could only do so by joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. "(Herzog) is trying to explain that the talks over the past year on joining the Netanyahu government have been genuine and out of a desire to promote a diplomatic move. With this, he's trying to prepare public opinion for a possible move to join the government if he wins the primary," said one of the other primary candidates. "If (Herzog) wins the primaries, we'll see him as Netanyahu's foreign minister in a matter of months." Labor leader Isaac Herzog Reports surfaced on Monday of a secret meeting between Netanyahu, Herzog and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in April 2016 to discuss the possibilities of a unity government in Israel and the resumption of the peace process with the Palestinians. One Labor primary candidate claimed Netanyahu hasn't taken the option of forming a unity government off the table, and that the prime minister was waiting for the results of the Labor primary election to see if he could form such a government with the winner. Labor officials said Herzog hasn't taken the option off the table either, and does not rule out joining the Netanyahu government and serving as the foreign minister. Herzog's rivals, meanwhile, rejected the possibility of forming a unity government with Netanyahu out of hand. "Netanyahu is a false messiah," said primary candidate MK Omer Bar-Lev. "His circle of lies grows and expands. In the latest round, he lied to al-Sisi and the king of Jordan, and he continues by lying to the Labor party." MK Omer Bar-Lev (Photo: Gil Yohanan) "That is why the answer is no, we will not join a government led by him," Bar-Lev added. "If there is a diplomatic effort, we would be willing to give our support from the opposition, but we will in no way take part in Netanyahu's policy of lies." MK Erel Margalit, also a candidate for the Labor leadership, asserted that "Anyone who pushes to join the Netanyahu government is giving him political capital that would go to waste. We must not give (Netanyahu) a safety net. We need to declare him bankrupt and take the reins from him." MK Erel Margalit (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Candidate Avi Gabay, formerly the environmental protection minister in the Netanyahu government, called on Herzog not to join the coalition, adding, "Since Netanyahu has been prime minister for eight years and has yet to go for a peace agreement, he's not going to. It's better to support the diplomatic process from the Knesset and not from the government." Avi Gabay (Photo: Shaul Golan) Herzog's office dismissed the other candidates' claims, saying in response, "As soon as the candidates realized Herzog was going to round two and winning, a smear campaign had begun by candidates like Avi Gabay and Omer Bar-Lev, who are trailing behind and have turned themselves into fortune tellers who know what would happen in the future. "As soon as he is reelected, Herzog will lead a move to disperse the Knesset in light of the investigations into Netanyahu and his many failures and work to go to elections and form a central Zionist bloc that already has the support of most members of the Labor party." By Press Trust of India: By Lalit K Jha Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and violent extremist organisations are the key challenges before America, Defence Secretary James Mattis has said insisting that the US military requires a balanced inventory of advanced capabilities to act decisively. "In todays strategic environment, five key challenges - Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and violent extremist organisations - most clearly represent the challenges facing the US military," Mattis told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing last night. advertisement "They serve as a benchmark for our global posture, the size of the force, capability development, and risk management," he said. Over the past several decades, each of these state actors have developed capabilities and operational approaches to counter US strategic and operational centres of gravity, he said. "For Russia and China, specifically, the lessons-learnt spurred dramatic tactical, operational, and strategic adaptations," he said. "Today, Russia continues to invest in a full-range of capabilities designed to limit our ability to project power into Europe and meet our alliance commitments to NATO,? said Mattis. Similarly, Mattis said, China has embarked on a significant programme to modernise and expand strategic and conventional military capabilities. "North Koreas nuclear weapons development, combined with efforts to develop a nuclear-capable ballistic missile capability, is specifically intended to threaten the security of the homeland and our Allies in the Pacific. Over the past year, North Korea conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests. Moreover, North Korea has demonstrated a willingness to use malicious cyber tools against governments and industry," he said. Observing that Iran seeks to assert itself as the dominant regional power in the Middle East, he said Tehran continue to support international terrorist organisations like Hezbollah, and support proxies in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen to assert influence and counter the influence of the US and its Allies. "Finally, violent extremist organisations such as ISIS and al Qaida remain a threat to the homeland, our Allies, and our way of life,? Mattis said. A review of these five challenges demonstrates that the US military requires a balanced inventory of advanced capabilities and sufficient capacity to act decisively across the range of military operations, Mattis said. PTI LKJ NSA --- ENDS --- What started with a picture of the prime minister's wife with her friend Nicol Raidman, turned into a scathing post by Noa Rothman in which she compared Sara Netanyahu to her grandmother, Leah Rabin. The comparison led to hundreds of reactionsincluding an array of profanities directed at the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and death threats for his granddaughter. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Almost 17 years ago, the wife of a prime minister died, a woman who did not gallop like the unpopular girl in school who finally got a little bit of attention. And when there were problems in the oncology departmentmuch less the pediatric oncologyshe gathered all her connections and skills to work out the crisis there or everywhere around the country. Sara Netanyahu with Nicol Raidman (Photo: Anat Mosberg) "And she did a lot of public relations but only for charity, and never had she taken a selfie with an age-defying Botox injector (see picture for illustration), but actually did something. For the people who elected her husband. And also for those who hadn't," Rothman wrote on her Facebook page. Rothman then continued: "And when an American president met her, she did not talk about the media, on the contrary, she boasted about our country and people, and God knows, she had quite a mouth on her, but she used it wisely, and she wasn't even a psychologist." Noa Rothman and her grandmother, Leah Rabin This post brought forth a slew of comments and shares. Many right-wing activists reacted angrily, reminding Rothman of her grandmother's Dollar Account affair and the soldiers sent by their commanders to look for the pin she had lost after the signing of the peace treaty with Jordan. Comments about the post contained a fair share of profanities and death threats for Rothman, but also more supportive reactions, with some identifying with her words. Rothman told Yedioth Ahronoth on Monday: "There's nothing to get excited about fake profiles on Facebook that spit out the same message. They shall pass, the problem is here to stay." The Netanyahu family refused to comment. Reserve soldiers under the command of Maj. (res.) Manny Eitan are requesting a unit transfer in protest of Eitan's dismissal by superiors for refusing an order that would have given his men fewer hours of sleep. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Three weeks ago, Eitan had refused to wake his soldiers up in the middle of the night for a unit exercise because he was worried that their lack of sleep would lead to injuries or traffic accidents on their way home. The IDF decided to remove Eitan from command as a result of his refusal. Reservist training (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) Rubi Hazoni, a platoon commander and officer in Eitan's company told Yedioth Ahronoth that "in previous exercises, at the end of 2016, we had a battalion exercise at night. Nobody worried that the men sleep six hours; we got three hours of sleep and two soldiers fell asleep behind the wheel on the way home. One of the men totaled their vehicle and the other woke up before ramming into the guard rail. As a result of that, there was a decision to put an emphasis on sleep before soldiers go home." Currently, more than ten soldiers have already requested a transfer from the unit and sources say another 20 are expected to make a similar request in the coming days. Asaf Azulay, a commander in the unit, said, "They don't feel safe with the decisions that the brigade commander is making. When you think about it, these are civilians who are leaving their regular lives and the minimum they expect is that someone will have their backs and take care of them at the moment of truth." Eitan, who lost his sister in a car accident and therefore places great importance on road safety, said, "Two years ago they wanted me to be a battalion commander, and now to dismiss me because I said something is not safe? How is that proportional? It's not a crisis about some kind of issue where the men are being spoiled. We are talking about managing safety." The IDF issued a statement in response, saying, "The decision to terminate the position of the company commander after he refused the order was taken seriously and from a moral and command perspective. There is no place in the IDF for refusing an order (such as the one refused)." Israel said on Tuesday its ambassador to New Zealand will return to his post, ending a six-month rift in relations over a United Nations resolution against Israeli settlements on territory which Palestinians seek for a state. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Israel recalled the ambassador in December after New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal sponsored a UN Security Council resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement activity . United Nations Security Council (Photo: AP) New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the two leaders spoke on the phone earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Michal Maayan said in a statement. "I regret the damage done to Israel-New Zealand relations as a result of New Zealand proposing Resolution 2334 at the Security Council," English wrote, according to the Foreign Ministry statement. The UN resolution passed in the 15-member Security Council because the United States, under the administration of former President Barack Obama, did not wield its veto power and instead abstained, breaking with its long-standing tradition of diplomatically shielding Israel at the international body. US abstaining during vote (Photo: EPA) Continued settlement building on land Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and which Palestinians hope will eventually form part of an independent state has drawn criticism from the United Nations and most of the international community. Palestinians cite it as a major obstacle in now-stalled peace talks. On June 4 Israel said it was returning its ambassador to Senegal, after recalling him over the UN Security Council resolution. Israel does not have diplomatic ties with Malaysia and Venezuela. Some 200 disabled people demonstrated Tuesday evening to raise the disability pension to the same level as minimum wage. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter During the demonstration, which was approved by the police, protestors blocked the exit to the Ayalon Highway from Arlozerov Street, as well as Namir Street in Tel Aviv. At one point, the demonstrators advanced towards the Ayalon freeways, but they were blocked from reaching the main road. (Photo: Itay Blumental) (Photo: Itay Blumental) MK Ilan Gilon (Meretz), who came to support demonstrators, said, "I call on you to be united and go all the way. This is the war of independence for all the disabled. Knesset members have to look here and understand that their chair depends on their support of the bill." The protesters even waved signs and had a mock coffin reading: "The government is burying us alive." (Photo: Yogev Atias) (Photo: Motti Kimchi) One of the demonstrators said, "As a son of two disabled parents, why does my father have to beg? Why do the disabled people have to beg in the State of Israel? We came here and we will go to the home of Finance Minister Kahlon and fight until we win. We demand social justice and not charity. My mother has epilepsy, my father is an amputee; the time has come for the people of Israel to wake up. It's not a struggle for the handicapped. Handicapped people can be both right-wingers and left-wingers. This is a struggle for the entire people of Israel." Another demonstrator said: "We don't want incentives, we want money to buy food." Another participant in the demonstration said, "It seems that someone is very comfortable leaving us in poverty, with the disability allowance that is not even enough for crumbs. People collect bottles and beg for handouts. The disabled people flock to the polls and on Election Day we will remember who put us in a deep freeze for 10 years, we will recall those who time after time blocked the law of Ilan Gilon." (Photo: Motti Kimchi) (Photo: Motti Kimchi) It appears that the Committee for the Examination of Disability Allowances, headed by Prof. Avi Simhon, will recommend increasing the allowances by hundreds of shekels only. It appears that the committee appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will recommend an increase in the allowances at a rate significantly lower than that recommended by the Zelekha Committee, which submitted its conclusions last month. Another recommendation will be that only people defined as 75% disabled and upwards, who are defined as poor will receive the increase in the pension. Netanyahu did not accept the recommendations of the Zelekha Committee, whose main recommendation was to increase disability allowances to NIS 4,000 in several stages, and appointed another team headed by Simhon. The heads of the disabled organizations expressed strong opposition to the recommendations of the committee and demanded, as stated, to equalize the disability benefits to the minimum wageNIS 5,000. MK Ilan Gilon (Photo: Yogev Atias) (Photo: Itay Blumental) According to Alex Friedman, the leader of the struggle said, "Unfortunately, and to my disappointment, the 'social' Minister Moshe Kahlon threw the disabled at the mercy of the prime minister who decided not to make a decision. The rumors about Simhon's recommendations are proof that in the eyes of the finance minister, the disabled are simply waste, otherwise he would intervene and not allow it to happen. I hope that the High Court of Justice supports our struggle to raise the allowances to the minimum wage, and we will continue to act with all our might until the disabled in Israel can live with dignity." MK Itzik Shmuli (the Zionist Camp) said in response: "Simhon's recommendations are a mockery to the poor and an insult to the disabled who have been demonstrating for months for the right to live in dignity. The prime minister is simply crowding the finance minister's decision, and instead of silence, I call upon Kahlon to struggle and if necessary, to rock the government on its foundations. The allowances must be raised to at least the minimum wage level, and we will fight for that." Two officers were dismissed and two others are expected to stand trial following the investigation into the death of reserve Cpt. Elhanan Brezner, who died during a military race three months ago. The deputy brigade commander was reprimanded by the OC Central Command. The commission of inquiry found that there was a gap in preparing the exercise files for the race and in the manner in which they were written, as some of them were written in retrospect and one of the officers lied about the date of their writing. At the same time, the findings of a Military Police investigation into the matter were handed over to the State Prosecutor's Office. When Shlomo Lipman, an IDF soldier who comes from an ultra-Orthodox family, went to buy books in Mea Shearim , he did not imagine that his life would be in danger, and that his rescuer would be none other than a Haredi who is a member of an anti-Zionist faction. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The following pictures illustrate what happens to soldiers in the ultra-Orthodox communities every day. What was once expressed by street blocking and demonstrations against the draft has recently become a general offensive against the soldiers themselves, who are perceived by extremists as "agents of change" recruited by the army to legitimize recruitment from within. The scenes documented are reminiscent of scenes from other places, Palestinian villages and lynch attempts on nationalistic grounds. This is what happened to Lipman, a soldier in the Golani Brigade who on Friday was the target of dozens of angry Haredim who wanted to take out their anger on him, broke into the store, threatened him, and attacked him with stones. On his escape from the store, a Haredi wearing a 'Zebra' uniformsignifying the extremist factionsnamed Shimon Dov Goldfarb, was waiting for him and offered to accompany him until he left the neighborhood. Later on, other Haredim escorted the soldier to safety. Former Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman, the father of the Golani soldier who was attacked, called Goldfarb "an angel." "This person saved my son," he said in an interview with Ynet. "I find it hard to look at these pictures. I look at them and get angry. But I do want to focus on people like that Haredi, who are the moderates and the majority, and the need to find a way to lower the influence of these extremists." Lipman said his son did not believe such a scenario was possible. "He thought he would be shouted at, and unfortunately this happens in Beit Shemesh too. He had not seen the videos of the last few months. He has no time for this, he serves in the IDF. " Goldfarb himself told associates that he is afraid of being exposed to fear of what will happen to him, "and this is also something that needs to be fought," Lipman said. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson revealed Tuesday that the Trump administration has demanded that Mahmoud Abbas stop transferring payments to families of suicide bombers. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In a hearing at the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Tillerson said he had received a report that the Palestinians "have changed that policy and their intent is to cease the payments to the families of those who have committed murder or violence against others. We have been very clear with them that this is simply not acceptable to us." Tillerson at the hearing (Photo: AP) Republican Senator Jim Risch raised the issue during the hearing. Tillerson responded by saying that the issue "was discussed directly with (Palestinian) President Abbas when he made his visit to Washington." "The president (Trump) raised it, and I had a bilateral meeting with (Abbas) later and I told himyou absolutely have to stop this," Tillerson said. I cant believe its summer already. Let me catch you up on some of the activities YCDC has been involved in. Over the last few years, weve collaborated with citizens to identify priorities for York County through our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) interviews, the Marketing Hometown America (MHA) Initiative, the labor study and the housing study. Its become very apparent that housing development, workforce development, workforce recruitment, the creation of high paying jobs, and the improvement of Liour quality of life are all priorities for our employers and residents alike. What does that mean for YCDC? In order to meet the needs identified by our research, we hired Bre Goben. As development coordinator, Bres goals are expanding the workforce and creating new housing initiatives. She is also involved in the YCDC BRE program and will lead the ongoing MHA Initiative. More information related to MHA can be found here: http://www.yorkdevco.com/york/life/marketing-york-county-people-recruitment. YCDCs newest addition is our partnership with the York Chamber and the University of Nebraskas Rural Futures Institute (RFI). RFI interns, Emily Coffey and Shelby Riggs, will assist the Chamber and YCDC for nine weeks. One of their responsibilities is to collaborate with Bre and the MHA steering committee and facilitators to finalize the MHA strategic plan and create marketing materials. Additionally, they will work with a joint YCDC/City of York committee to tailor an LB840 plan that meets Yorks needs. What is LB840? It is an economic development plan that can be used for both community and economic development activities. State legislation first approved LB840 in 1991. This created an opportunity for municipalities to develop a plan and select a funding source with which to fund the plan - an option that had not existed previously. According to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 68 communities in Nebraska have passed and are reaping the rewards of LB840. State legislation allows those communities to utilize the program revenue for many uses including but not limited to housing, workforce development, workforce recruitment, business development and facade improvements. Some communities utilize the funds to update or install infrastructure for housing. Other communities elect to create job training credits, matching businesses contributions for continuing education and employee training. Holdrege uses the LB840 funds to attract new people and former residents to the community, matching up to $2,500 for new employee bonuses. The City of Wayne uses a portion of its funds to incentivize downtown businesses to make greater facade and code improvements than wouldnt be possible without the funds. They also used the funds in a new housing subdivision to help with the infrastructure cost. To clarify, YCDC will not use these funds for current activities or operating funds. The beauty of LB840 is that the plan can be adapted to meet the needs of the community as it grows and changes. Theres a lot to this program, so over the next six to nine months we will be providing educational materials to ensure the plan is clear to all residents before it goes to a vote. A committee including myself, Tony North, Jim Ulrich, Mike Lucas, Amie Kopcho, Wally Byrne, Daryl Wilton, Orval Stahr, Joe Frei, Barry Redfern, Ron Mogul and Matt Spanjers are crafting a plan to meet Yorks needs. Weve been analyzing data from surveys and the MHA project. We still need to decide on the funding source, dollar amount and timeline. Once the plan is finalized, the York City Council must approve the plan before it can go to a public vote. Projects require an application and will be selected by the program administrator, loan committee and citizen advisory review committee; budgeted for and approved by the City Council; and overseen by the city attorney. The city council will also approve an annual budget throughout the year to allocate the resources generated by the program. As we continue to work on these strategies, please feel free to reach out to the YCDC office with comments and feedback. We would like to include your thoughts as we move forward, or address any concerns you might have. In the meantime, please enjoy your summer! The BJP's Yuva Morcha reached the former MP's residence in Central Delhi to deliver a "get well soon" card, and were stopped by the police. By Poulomi Saha: Two days after Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit called Army Chief General Bipin Rawat a 'sadak ka gunda', the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) was unwilling to let him get away with a minor rap on the knuckles from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. BJP's Yuva Morcha reached the former MP's residence in Central Delhi to deliver a "get well soon" card, and were stopped by the police. advertisement Sandeep Dikshit's remark had provoked widespread condemnation, not just from political opponents but from within the Congress party too, which officially distanced itself from his comments. Rahul Gandhi, too, distanced himself from his party member's comment. BJP DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM SONIA GANDHI But the BJP wasn't be satisfied. They demanded an apology from Congress President Sonia Gandhi herself, and strict action against Sandeep Dikshit. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "The Congress has developed a pattern of attacking the Army's credibility. It started with 'khoon ki dalali'. Now it is 'sadak ka gunda'." This is the latest personal attack against the Army Chief. Gen Bipin Rawat has come under fire from the Congress and the Left on a few recent occasions, after he referred to the volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir as a "dirty war", and sent a commendation certificate to Major Leetul Gogoi for demonstrating presence of mind in rescuing polling officials and ITBP personnel when they came under attack from stone-pelters in Budgam district during the Srinagar Lok Sabha bypolls. ALSO READ | Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit calls Army Chief Gen Rawat a 'sadak ka gunda,' apologises ALSO READ | In Army chief a 'goonda' row, Rahul's terse message to Dikshit: don't politicise army; BJP wants apology ALSO WATCH | I apologise and I withdraw my statement: Sandeep Dikshit to India Today on comment about Gen Rawat --- ENDS --- YORK York County Attorney Candace Bottorf has announced her intention to resign with a letter to the York County Commissioners. Bottorf will be leaving her position in order to pursue another career opportunity. Bottorf has been the York County Attorney since February, 2012. Prior to that, she was the deputy county attorney in York County for two years. Bottorf was born and raised in Sutton and was licensed to practice law in Arizona in 1999. She said she practiced there in domestic relation law until she moved to Las Vegas, Nev., being licensed there in 2005. She practiced in Nevada in the area of product liability and insurance defense. She relocated to Nebraska in 2006, became licensed in this state and opened her own firm in 2008. Bottorf became the Deputy York County Attorney in April, 2010, and was appointed as the county attorney less than two years later. She then ran unopposed for her position in the 2014 election cycle. Upon the pending vacancy, the county commissioners will be tasked with choosing an attorney to fulfill the county attorneys duties through this year and the next. That person will then have the option to run for election in the 2018 election cycle. The county commissioners will consider Bottorfs letter of resignation and discuss the process of appointing someone to the position, when they meet in regular session on Tuesday, June 20. Also on the commissioners agenda for next Tuesday: The board will consider an agreement between the county and York General Hospital regarding emergency protective custody situations. They will meet with representatives of Region V Services and Region V Systems who will make their annual report. Carrie Rodriguez, chief probation officer with District 5 Probation, will speak with the commissioners regarding the current office space the county provides. Aging Partners representatives will make their annual report and budget request. Tire disposal fees, for the county, at the landfill, will be revisited. Lisa Hurley, executive director of the York County Development Corporation, will make the agencys annual report and budget request. Carol Knieriem from CASA will present her fund request and annual report. In the afternoon, the board will begin to hold property valuation protest hearings, starting at 1 p.m. these are by appointments that have already been arranged. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, which will officially begin at 8:30 a.m., in the basement of the courthouse. This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun Zabka, Warszawa, 166 m2 Lokal znajduje sie w budynku apartamentowym Unimax Development w inwestycji Viva Vitolin, przy ul. Grochowskiej 87 w Warszawie. Bedzie dostepny w 4Q 2023 roku (podpisanie umow przeniesienia wasnosci). Munich police spokesman Michael Riehlein said that the incident occurred this morning when police were carrying out a check at the Unterfoehring subway station. An ambulance stands near a subway station in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) By AP: German police say shots have been fired at a subway station in a suburb of Munich. Munich police spokesman Michael Riehlein said that the incident occurred this morning when police were carrying out a check at the Unterfoehring subway station. He says during the check a weapon was fired but could not immediately say whether it was fired by police or by a suspect. Suburban train station #Unterfhring Several persons wounded by gunshots. Police woman seriously wounded. One person has been arrested.- Polizei Mnchen (@PolizeiMuenchen) June 13, 2017 advertisement He says he had no immediate reports of injuries but that ambulances were being sent to the scene. Some reports said a few people have been injured in the firing. Riehlein says there is no danger to the wider public. Situation on the spot secured by police forces. The area around the suburban train station #Unterfhring is being cordoned off.- Polizei Mnchen (@PolizeiMuenchen) June 13, 2017 More details awaited. ALSO READ: New York: Speeding car drives into people at Times Square; kills 1, injures 22 When terrorists drove van into pedestrians, stabbed revellers: All you need to know about the London attack WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- The incident came to light at around 3:45 pm when Choudhary's neighbours complained of foul smell emanating from her flat. By Press Trust of India: Small-time actress Kritika Choudhary (30) was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her residence in suburban Andheri today, police said. Police suspect it to be a case of murder, an investigating official said. The incident came to light at around 3:45 pm when Choudhary's neighbours complained of foul smell emanating from her flat and informed police. advertisement Choudhary was a resident of Bhairavnath Society in Char Bungalow area in Andheri West. After getting the information, Amboli police rushed to the spot and broke open the door which was locked from outside for the last three-four days, an official said. After entering her flat, police found a decomposed body of a woman, who was later identified as Choudhary, he said. Initially, Amboli police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), the official said, adding that it came to fore during the investigation that Choudhary was murdered by unidentified person(s). --- ENDS --- Washington: The Trump administration notified Congress last week that it soon plans to begin delivering precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia under a 2015 weapons deal, congressional officials said on Tuesday. The US Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on a resolution to block portions of a new, separate arms sale to Saudi Arabia, agreed during a visit there by President Donald Trump in May. Arms sales to Riyadh have become increasingly contentious in the US Congress, where some lawmakers object that American weapons have contributed to widespread civilian casualties in a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Republican Trump`s predecessor Barack Obama, a Democrat, suspended the planned sale of precision-guided munitions in December because of concerns over civilian casualties in Yemen, where the civil war pits Iran-allied Houthi rebels against the government backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition. Trump, however, has said he wants to encourage weapons sales as a way to create jobs in the United States. Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the administration had notified Congress about the start of deliveries on the 2015 sale. He said in a statement that Trump`s decision was another reason for the Senate to disapprove the new sale. "We need to send a message to both the Trump Administration and the Saudis to work much harder to avoid civilian casualties, expedite humanitarian relief, and push for a peaceful end to the war through a negotiated political settlement," Cardin said. Republicans control both chambers of Congress. A senior congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the notification was received last Thursday. The decision to move ahead with deliveries was first reported by Bloomberg. The 2015 sale included more than 8,000 Laser Guided Bombs for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The package also includes more than 10,000 general purpose bombs, and more than 5,000 tail kits used to inexpensively convert "dumb" bombs into laser or GPS-guided weapons. Some of the weapons systems included in the sale were made by Raytheon Co and Boeing Co. The arms deal announced in May was for $110 billion, with options running as high as $350 billion over 10 years. Tuesday`s Senate vote, which would block about $500 million of that sale, including precision-guided munitions and other offensive weapons, coincides with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other officials in Washington. Florida: Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli -- accused by his country of corruption and spying on political opponents -- was arrested at his residence near Miami late on Monday, local media reported. Martinelli, detained at his home in Coral Gables south of Miami, is being held in federal prison and faces extradition to Panama, the Miami Herald quoted the US Marshals Service as saying. Martinelli will appear in federal court Tuesday morning, the newspaper said. Panama`s Supreme Court ordered his arrest in 2015 over accusations that he used public funds to illegally spy on telephone calls and emails of more than 150 prominent opponents. Martinelli denies the accusations, saying they are politically motivated. A supermarket tycoon, he governed from 2009 to 2014. Panama made a request for his extradition last year. The international police agency Interpol issued a "red notice" on the government`s request last month. Panamanian authorities have opened some 200 investigations into Martinelli`s administration, according to Transparency International. Allegations include accusations that he helped embezzle USD 45 million from a government school-lunch program, as well as other cases of extortion, bribe-taking, misappropriation of public funds and abuse of power. Martinelli has lived in Miami since January 2015 after leaving Panama days before the Supreme Court launched a corruption investigation against him. Seoul: President Donald Trump will host his new South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-In at the White House late this month for talks on containing North Korea's nuclear programme, described by Washington as a "clear and present danger." "President Trump and President Moon will discuss ways to further strengthen the ironclad US-ROK (Republic of Korea) alliance" during the June 29-30 talks, a White House statement said on Tuesday. The leaders will seek to "advance cooperation on economic and global issues" and "will also coordinate on North Korea- related issues, including countering the growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats," it added. The center-left Korean leader, who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favors engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, rather than the hardline stance taken by the conservative government of his ousted predecessor Park Geun-Hye. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis warned US lawmakers Monday that North Korea poses the most urgent threat to international peace and security. In written testimony, Mattis said North Korea is increasing the pace and scope of a nuclear weapons program that leader Kim Jong-Un has stated will one day be capable of striking the United States. "The most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security is North Korea," Mattis said. Washington DC: The United States has announced sanctions on two Islamic State (IS) chemical weapons experts, in the first such effort to specifically target the terrorist group`s chemical weapons leadership. The new sanctions, which would bar access to any property or interests under the US jurisdiction, target Attallah Salman `Abd Kafi al-Jaburi and Marwan Ibrahim Hussayn Tah al-Azawi, two ISIS leaders involved in the development of chemical weapons, according to a State and Treasury Department`s statement on Monday. Al-Jaburi was a senior ISIS leader, who oversaw some of the terror group`s improvised explosive device factories while also being involved in the development of chemical weapons in Iraq, according to the statement. A member of the al-Qaeda since 2003, al-Jaburi received chemical weapons training in Syria before returning to Iraq in 2015, the statement said. It added that al-Azawi is involved in the ISIS` development of chemical weapons for use in the ongoing combat against the Iraqi security forces. "Today`s actions mark the first designations targetting individuals involved in the ISIS` chemical weapons development. Defeating the ISIS is a top priority of this administration, and today`s action highlights why this group must be defeated," the statement quoted Treasury Department`s Office of Foreign Assets Control`s director, John E. Smith, as saying. CNN reported that according to military officials, there have been more than 15 chemical weapons attacks since April 14 in or around West Mosul, a stronghold of the ISIS in Iraq. Military officials have downplayed the effectiveness of ISIS` chemical weapons, saying they have less battlefield effect than conventional explosives. Washington: The US Senate has approved new economic sanctions on Russia and placed restrictions on President Donald Trump`s ability to lift them without being assessed by the Congress. The deal, sealed on Monday night, imposes new sanctions on those carrying out "malicious cyber activities" on behalf of Moscow, those supplying arms to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, or people linked to Russian intelligence and defence, reports Efe news. The measure also gives Congress 30 days to review or potentially block Trump in case he decides to lift or ease the sanctions. Moreover, the deal also complicates the lifting of sanctions already imposed on Russia by the administration of former President Barack Obama, and allows the present administration to extend them to sectors of the Russian economy. The senators presented the deal as a separate Iran sanctions bill, under debate by the Legislature. Both proposals could be voted this week, a significant shift from last month, when the Republican leaders seemed reluctant to move forward on sanctions against Moscow. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the deal and urged the House of Representatives to pass it as soon as possible. "By codifying existing sanctions and requiring Congressional review of any decision to weaken or lift them, we are ensuring that the United States continues to punish President (Vladimir) Putin for his reckless and destabilising actions," Schumer said. "These additional sanctions will also send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia," he added. The Senate deal comes amid a crisis afflicting the Trump administration aver a possible attempt to obstruct justice in the investigation of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan enjoys a massive fan following which includes people of all age groups, especially children, all thanks to his on-screen stints as a superhero. The 43-year old actor is now most likely to take the silver screen by storm with 'Krrish 4' pretty soon. Even since the reports of 'Krrish 3' sequel went viral on the social media, it was being said that an A-lister will be roped in this time as a superheroine. Recently, Duggu opened up about the same and gave us a fair idea about the possibilities. I have liked the idea that my dad told me about. So lets see, a DNA report quoted Hrithik as saying. He will next be seen on the big screen in a cameo appearance in Vikram Phadnis' Marathi film 'Hrudayantar'. Sulabh International founder and chief has announced to name one Indian village after US President Donald Trump. The village is being developed in Rajasthan's Mewat region. US President Donald Trump dances with a sword as he arrives to a welcome ceremony by Saudi Arabia's King Salman at Al Murabba Palace in Saudi Arabia. (Photo :REUTERS) By Press Trust of India: A top Indian sociologist and social worker has announced to name one Indian village after US President Donald Trump, as part of his efforts to strengthen India-US relationship. "I announce to name one village in India as Trump Village," Sulabh International founder and chief, Bindeshwar Pathak, announced at a community event organized in the suburbs of Washington DC. advertisement The village is being developed in Mewat region of Rajasthan and is a part of Pathak's effort to enhance India-US relationship. Giving a presentation to local community and political leaders, Pathak said he is working to provide affordable sanitation and toilets to the masses and end the practice of manual scavenging. Also read: Donald Trump's White House date with Narendra Modi fixed for June 26 In his address, he urged the Indian-American community to help realize the goal of sanitation and cleanliness in India. The cost of one toilet ranges from USD 25 to USD 500, depending on nature of construction. Technology remains the same, he said. Republican leader from Virginia, Ed Gillespie, who is running for Virginia Governor, highlighted the role of Indian-American community in the US, adding "the US has a very strong relationship with India." Also read: Melania Trump finally moves in with husband Donald Trump at White House He and other local politicians also explored the option of adopting the technology of Sulabh international in Virginia and Maryland. "Rural areas of Virginia have a problem in building toilets and its maintenance cost is very high. Several officials from both Virginia and Maryland have expressed their interest in adopting it locally so as to bring the cost down," said Virginia Republican Puneet Ahluwalia. Also read: Saudi Arabia and Bahrain welcome Donald Trump's scolding of Qatar Welcome to Donald Trump Village where 120 toilets are being made in name of Trump --- ENDS --- New Delhi: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has a huge Twitter family of over 25 million followers. King Khan believes in keeping his handle quite active by often posting interesting stuff. Recently, Shah Rukh started off a chat session with #AskSRK on Twitter and gave some witty replies to his fans. Twitterati asked him various questions such as who is his favourite Hollywood actor besides Tom Cruise, to which he replied by sayin Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep https://t.co/enwhq0UPKE Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 13, 2017 Then came the most interesting stuff, one of the Twitter users asked SRK out for a movie and it happened to be Salman Khan's 'Tubelight'. The superstar gave an epic reply saying, Nahi uss din main Salman ke saath hoon. Nahi uss din main Salman ke saath hoon: https://t.co/KgSbA2cpwn Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 13, 2017 Hmm...looks like SRK and Salman will be watching 'Tubelight' together. Interestingly, King Khan also has a special cameo in the film which is releasing on June 23, 2017. Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday said it has provisionally attached around 50 kg of gold ingots/bars worth over Rs 13,96,88,246 crore of businessman J Sekhar Reddy and his associates in connection with new-for-old currency notes scam. The action has been taken under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the ED said. In a statement issued here, the ED said following demonetisation, the Income Tax Department searched various places belonging to Reddy, Managing Partner of SRS Mining, and seized about Rs 97 crore in old currency notes, Rs 34 crore in new currency notes and 177 kg of gold bars. Following that, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against Reddy and his associates for converting demonetised currencies into new currency notes in a fraudulent manner, the ED said, adding it had also initiated investigations under PMLA against Reddy and others. According to the ED statement, Rs 10 crore in old currency, Rs 34 crore in new currency, 6.5 kg of gold bullion, and 30 kg of gold seized in its raids has already been attached provisionally. During the searches, 49.480 kg of gold bars valued at Rs 13,96,88,246 were recovered and seized by the Income Tax offficials from a flat belonging to SRS Mining. Reddy has stated that cash seized by the Income Tax department belongs to his SRS mining Company and admitted that it was unaccounted money. "However, he has not divulged the actual source of new currencies other than stating that it is from the sand mining business," the ED said. According to ED, Reddy and his associates converted a part of such unaccounted monies into gold bars through M. Premkumar, who used to receive money from K.Srinivasulu, an associate of Reddy, for their purchase. Between November 20 to December 7, 2016, Premkumar purchased about 80 kg gold, using cash provided by various persons on behalf of Srinivasulu. The purchases were made without bills or vouchers. According to ED, Srinivasulu has stated that he used to receive money from SRS Mining and used to use a part of the same for converting into gold bars through Premakumar as per the instructions of Reddy. The ED said the two partners of SRS Mining - Ramachandran and Rethinam - had stated that they used to transport huge amounts of cash by road without any accompanying accounts and neither maintained any accounts against collections, expenses, etc. so as to conceal the illegal earnings from accounted income but had never sought to buy gold bars. "However they stated that they never instructed to purchase gold bars and this may be on the instructions of Sekhar Reddy only," the ED said. With the attachment of these gold bars, the total attachments in the case has gone up to about Rs 68.5 crore. New Delhi: For the first time, the NDA government is planning to conduct a study for assessing the impact of corporate social responsibility projects undertaken by various public sector firms. The study, to be carried out by the Department of Public Enterprises, will cover 134 central public sector enterprises including BHEL, BPCL, Coal India, ONGC and NTPC, among others. It will identify the lack of initiative and implementation gaps by CPSEs in the projects and the reasons for such acts, besides tracking the status of unspent CSR funds in a year. Based on the study's findings, a report will be prepared by the Department of Public Enterprises that will recommend measures to be taken by defaulting CPSEs for bridging the gaps. "Under the present government, such a study is being carried out for the first time," Secretary in the Department of Public Enterprises Seema Bahuguna told PTI. The report will assess the CSR practices being followed by few leading private sector companies in India and some leading overseas companies and conclude whether they can be emulated by state-run firms in India. "We are carrying out the study to assess the on-ground impact of CSR activities being undertaken by CPSEs and whether the funds earmarked by them for the purpose are being utilised in the right direction or not," a senior official said. Besides, the study will assess development of areas around CPSE projects, units, factories and other parts of the country, including the North East. It will also document the best CSR projects which are sustainable in the long run. Under the Companies Act, 2013, certain class of profitable entities are required to shell out at least two per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in a particular fiscal. In case of non-spending, the company concerned has to clarify for the same to the ministry. The norms came into effect from April 1, 2014. New Delhi: The government will soon clear the US retail giant Amazon's proposed USD 500 million investment in retail of food products in India, Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said today. "There was some delay due to abolition of FIPB. It (Amazon's proposal) will soon be cleared," Badal told reporters on the sidelines of an event here. With the abolition of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), the Amazon's proposal will now be vetted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Commerce Ministry. Badal said that more investment in food processing sector is the need of the hour to reduce the huge wastage during post harvesting and transportation. Despite India being the world's largest producer of vegetables and fruits, the processing level is very low at 10 per cent, she said, adding that foreign investment will bring new technologies, products, processes and markets. The government had received investment proposals from three companies - Amazon, Grofers and Big Basket - worth USD 695 million for retail of food products. While US-based retail giant Amazon is one of the major e-commerce players in India, Grofers and Big Basket are into online grocery space. Amazon has proposed to invest around USD 500 million in retail of food products. The government last year allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) through approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured and produced in India. In 2016-17 (April-December), the food processing sector in the country received FDI of USD 663.23 million. The Union Cabinet last month decided to wind up the 25- year-old FIPB, which had been vetting FDI proposals requiring government approval, to expedite the clearance process. Under the new mechanism, the proposals will be approved by the ministries concerned as per the standard operating procedure approved by the Union Cabinet. Delhi: Vijay Mallya, the embattled tycoon who is wanted in India on loan defaults to several banks, was granted bail by a UK court until December 4 on Tuesday. The court has set the next hearing on July 6, 2018. The 61-year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher airlines appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court here today for his extradition case hearing. Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot granted bail to Mallya. Earlier today, the hearing on the issue of embattled Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya's extradition from the UK was scheduled at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The beleaguered liquor baron while talking to the reporters, before entering the court premises, denied the allegations that he eluded the court. He also claimed that he holds enough evidence to prove his innocence and media can keep dreaming about billion pounds. Also Read: Vijay Mallya's extradition hearing to begin shortly in UK court; absconder liquor baron says he is not guilty Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) agued on behalf of the Indian authorities when the fugitive businessman's extradition case comes up for hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court today. The hearing was earlier scheduled for May 17. "I have not alluded any court...I have enough evidence to prove my case," Mallya told reporters outside the court. Also Read: Necessary steps taken to bring back Vijay Mallya: V K Singh Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot presided over what is referred to as a "case management hearing". Mallya's defence team was led by the firm Joseph Hague Aaronson LLP. They have instructed barrister Clare Montgomery, a specialist in criminal, regulatory and fraud law,to argue in court on their behalf. The CPS have instructed Mark Summers to act as barrister for the CPS Extradition Unit and the Government of India. Summers is a leading expert in extradition and international law matters. "There might be a few more hearings in this case in the coming months to deal with case management or any issues that arise, before the final hearing takes place, at which the full arguments from both sides in this case will be heard by the Judge, explained Jasvinder Nakhwal, partner at Peters and Peters Solicitors LLP and member of the UK's Extradition Lawyers Association. Also Read: Vijay Mallya could face further charges, UK court told The CPS had met a joint team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in London last month to thrash out details of the case. "Our aim is to build a strong, infallible case and these meetings will help resolve issues across the table. The CPS will be arguing based on documents provided by CBI and ED, therefore a joint team is here to address queries they may have," official sources had said after the meeting held in early May. With PTI Inputs New Delhi: A month after taking on the JNU Vice Chancellor with a rap that went viral, varsity student Rahul Rajkhowa is back with another angry number. This time, the subjects of his ire are rape jokes and fake nationalism. Angered by Internet trolls and "some 50-year-olds" who called him a "rape artist" after his first video came out, Rajkhowa, in his song, says it is "abysmal" that one can crack and laugh at rape jokes in this day and age. In the 3 minute 12 second number, he lists out the recent cases of horrific gang-rapes in Gurgaon, Rohtak and Meerut. He also takes a dig at the "intolerant right-wing", bringing up the rape threats allegedly made online to Kargil martyr's daughter Gurmerhar Kaur. On the imposition of nationalism, he says, "Just because you keep the Indian flag as your facebook and twitter display picture, does not show any real love for the country. Instead do something for the poor and the hungry." New Delhi: In a massive breach of Parliament's security, the authorities on Tuesday recovered a fake Rajya Sabha ID card from a close aide of controversial AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran. According to the Times Now, the fake ID card was recovered from a close aide of Dinakaran, who is under scanner in a connection with a bribery case relating to AIADMK's now frozen two leaves symbol. The identity of the man has not been revealed and the authorities are trying to ascertain how he obtained the ID cards for entering the highly secured Rajya Sabha. According to Delhi Police, the man has been charged under various sections of the IPC including Section 467 (forgery). Dinakaran, Tamil Nadu's ruling party AIADMKs controversial deputy general secretary and Sasikalas nephew, is accused of attempting to bribe Election Commission officials in a bid to win a bitter battle with the rival AIADMK faction led by O Panneerselvam over party's frozen election symbol. Dinakaran faces charges of using illegal means to obtain a favourable verdict from the poll panel so that the now frozen "two leaves" party symbol could be restored to Sasikala's faction of the AIADMK. He was arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for having tried to pay Rs 50 crore in bribes to the poll officials through middleman Chandrashekar to ensure the "two leaves" poll symbol was allotted to the AIADMK faction led by Sasikala. Dinakaran was lodged in Delhis Tihar Jail and recently released on bail. Jerusalem: Letters from Albert Einstein giving colleagues his thoughts on physics, God and Israel in the 1950s go under the hammer at a Jerusalem auction house on June 20. The website of Winners auction house describes five signed letters written in English between 1951 and 1954. The site gave current estimates of their combined value as between USD 31,000 and USD 46,000. In a 1951 letter to eminent physicist David Bohm, Einstein discusses Bohm's linkage between quantum theory and "relativistic field theory". "I must confess that I am not able to guess how such unification could be achieved," Einstein writes. The typed letter includes an equation added in neat handwriting and the writer's signature. Bohm, born in the United States to Jewish immigrant parents, had worked with Einstein at Princeton University before fleeing to Brazil after losing his post in Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist witch-hunts. In a 1954 letter to Bohm, who was living in Sao Paulo, Einstein empathises with his friend's struggles in his complex theoretical work. "If God has created the world his primary worry was certainly not to make its understanding easy for us. I feel it strongly since fifty years," he writes. Winners said the letters came from the estate of Bohm's late widow. Another 1954 letter refers to the possibility of Bohm moving to Israel, which had been founded in 1948. Einstein, who had turned down an offer to be the fledgling country's president, believed the time was not ripe for such a move. "Israel is intellectually alive and interesting but has very narrow possibilities and to go there with the intention to leave on the first occasion would be regretable," he wrote. Bohm did, in fact, take up a visiting professorship at Israel's renowned Technion technological institute in 1955. "Two years later, he moved to England where he worked in the Universities of London and Bristol," Winners' online catalogue said. Einstein had earlier served as a non-resident governor of Jerusalem's Hebrew University, and when he died in 1955, he left it his archives -- making it the world's most extensive collection of his documents. Frankfurt: The European Union's door remains open if Britain changes its decision to leave the 28- member bloc, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said today, while acknowledging such a move is unlikely. "If they wanted to change their decision, of course they would find open doors, but I think it's not very likely," Schaeuble told Bloomberg Television in his first public comments on last week's election in Britain which saw Prime Minister Theresa May lose her parliamentary majority. He noted a pro-European surge in France for President Emmanuel Macron and a youth vote in Britain that swung sharply to the left-wing Labour Party, in favour of closer post-Brexit ties, as proof of greater EU support among the young. Nevertheless, "Brexit is a decision we have to accept by the British voters," he said. "It would not be helpful if we started speculation. We take it as a matter of fact, it's a matter of respect." The British government has been in disarray since a snap election last Thursday, called by May in an effort to boost her majority but which resulted in a hung parliament. May is scrambling to strike a deal for the support of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) 10 lawmakers, but the clock is ticking on the two-year EU exit talks period she triggered in late March. "My preoccupation is that time is passing -- it's passing quicker than anyone believes... That's why we're ready to start very quickly. I can't negotiate with myself," Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, told European newspapers including The Financial Times. "Let's start the negotiation," Schaeuble told Bloomberg today. "We will minimise the potential damage and maximise the mutual benefit. At the end we will always come to reasonable decisions." London: A 21-year-old British man, who travelled to the Islamic State-controlled area of Syria in 2014, says that he has escaped from the clutches of the dreaded terror group and he now "hate them more than the Americans." Jack Letts from Oxford, dubbed "Jihadi Jack", is suspected of going to Syria to fight for so-called Islamic State. But he claims he is opposed to IS and has left their territory and is now being held by Kurdish forces fighting the group. Letts spoke to the BBC via text and voice messages. Speaking about leaving IS territory, Letts said: "I found a smuggler and walked behind him through minefields." He said he and the smuggler "eventually made it near a Kurdish point where we were shot at twice and slept in a field". He said he is now in solitary confinement in a jail in Kurdish-held north-east Syria. Letts converted to Islam while at Cherwell comprehensive school in Oxford. He travelled to Jordan, aged 18, in 2014, having dropped out of his A-levels. By the autumn of that year he was in IS- controlled territory in Syria. His family deny he went there to fight and instead say he was motivated by humanitarian reasons. He married in Iraq and now has a child. He said that he had been injured in an explosion and had gone to Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS in Syria, to recuperate. He claimed he became disillusioned with the group about a year ago after it killed its former supporters. "I hate them more than the Americans hate them," he said. "I realised they were not upon the truth so they put me in prison three times and threatened to kill me." He claimed he had escaped from low-security detention and had been in hiding when he managed to find a people smuggler to take him out. His parents have pleaded not guilty to charges of funding terrorism after being accused of sending cash to their son. John Letts and Sally Lane told the BBC that, having not heard from their son for several weeks, they suddenly received a message saying he was in a safe zone. "It was the news we've been waiting for for three years - ever since he went out there - and now we just want to get him home," said Lane. They believe their son is not being treated badly but are concerned about his mental health. Letts' parents are calling on the British authorities to do "whatever they can" to help him. The government had told them that they could only help if he left IS territory but now he is out "no-one wants to take responsibility", said Lane. Letts, an organic farmer, acknowledges that his son "will have to account for his actions" once he returns to Britain, but the family is not convinced "he has done anything at all", from what he has told them. The UK government advises against all travel to Syria and parts of Iraq and a number of people who returned from these areas have been prosecuted. Asked by the BBC why the UK government should help him, Jack said: "I don't want anyone to help me. "I'll just chill here in solitary confinement till someone decides it's easier to kill me," he added. Taiwan today slammed Panama after it established diplomatic relations with China and cut ties with Taipei, accusing Beijing of using "money diplomacy" to sway the island nation. By Indo-Asian News Service: Taiwan today slammed Panama after it established diplomatic relations with China and cut ties with Taipei, accusing Beijing of using "money diplomacy" to sway the island nation. Foreign Minister David Lee told the media that Taiwan expressed "anger and regret" over the Monday night move, and will sever diplomatic ties with Panama and terminate all cooperation projects, reports Efe news. advertisement Lee accused China of using "money diplomacy" to influence Panama in cutting ties with the island nation in favour of closer relations with Beijing, adding that the move amounted to an offence to the Taiwanese people. He also accused Panama of cheating Taiwan by not telling Taipei about its intention to open ties with Beijing, calling it "very unfriendly". The Presidential Office also held a news conference to denounce Panama and China. Joseph Wu, secretary-general to the President, said the development would force the Taiwan government to re-assess cross-Strait ties. "Taiwan is willing to help our allies in economic development, but we do not want to join in the race for money diplomacy," he said, hinting that China had paid huge sums of cash in an effort to distance Panama from Taiwan. Panama's termination of bilateral relations with Taiwan means there are only 20 countries that recognise Taiwan. ALSO READ: China backs India's tsunami warning system in South China Sea Miss your childhood sand castles? Head to this place in Taiwan --- ENDS --- Chisinau: Moldovan intelligence believes five Russian diplomats expelled from Moldova last month were spies who were recruiting fighters for the Moscow-backed insurgency in neighbouring Ukraine, a government source and two diplomatic sources told Reuters. Moldova, a former Soviet state that has long been the focus of a struggle for influence between Russia and the West, expelled the diplomats on May 29. It did not explain the decision, with Prime Minister Pavel Filip saying only that his government had "good reasons". According to the sources, who are familiar with the case, the five were ejected because of their alleged activities as undercover officers with the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU. They said Moldovan officials believed the Russians were recruiting fighters from Gagauzia, an autonomous southern region home to an ethnic Turkish population that is pro-Russian and opposes closer integration with the European Union. The Moldovan government source and Chisinau-based diplomatic sources all spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. They did not say how the Russians allegedly recruited the fighters, how many were recruited or the reason for their recruitment. Reuters could not independently verify the allegations about the activities of the five Russians. The Russian foreign ministry declined to comment. The Russian defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Asked by Reuters if the five Russians were GRU officers, a spokeswoman for the Moldovan foreign ministry said they were diplomats and declined to comment further. More than 10,000 people have died in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels since the conflict began in 2014 following Moscow`s annexation of the Crimean peninsula. While Moscow politically backs the insurgents, it has repeatedly denied Western accusations that it is arming them and sending fighters to aid them. Moldovan intelligence believes fighters recruited from Gagauzia were first sent to a paramilitary training camp in the Rostov region of southern Russia, according to the sources. The sources did not identify the camp. Russia has used at least two military camps in Rostov to train volunteers for fighting in eastern Ukraine, according to evidence collected by Reuters and the Russian media. A former member of a Russian army artillery unit told Reuters that he saw about 200 people in camouflage fatigues, not Russian military uniforms based in a camp near a Russian army position at the Kuzminsky firing range in Rostov in 2014, at the time of fierce battles in eastern Ukraine. This was corroborated by a member of a unit of the Cossacks - a Russian paramilitary group - who told Reuters in early 2015 that volunteers to fight in Ukraine were training alongside the Russian army in that area. According to Russian media outlet Gazeta.ru, fighters bound for eastern Ukraine were also training at the Kadamovsky firing range in Rostov. The three sources said some information about Gagauzians fighting in eastern Ukraine was brought to the attention of Moldovan authorities by Ukraine`s state security service, the SBU, which gathers intelligence on people fighting with the separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. With information from the SBU, the Moldovan authorities were able to track, arrest and interrogate Gagauzian fighters returning from the conflict, according to the sources. Some became informers, they added. The SBU did not respond to a request for comment. Relations between Moldova and Russia have been bumpy under a succession of pro-Western governments. Russia halted imports of Moldovan produce in retaliation for Chisinau signing a trade and political deal with the European Union in 2014. Moldova and Russia have also feuded over the treatment of Moldovan officials travelling to Russia. But Russia has forged direct ties to Gagauzia. Irina Vlah, elected the head of Gagauzia in March 2015 on pledges of closer ties with Russia, visited the Kremlin in January this year and attended a reception hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "The people of Gagauzia view Russia with affection," Vlah said at the reception. Bavaria: Several people were wounded when shots were fired at a commuter rail station near the southern Germany city of Munich on Tuesday and one person was detained, police said. "Several people were injured by shots. A female police officer was badly wounded," Munich police tweeted. Authorities reported that a handgun was fired during a police operation at an S-Bahn station in Unterfoehring, a northeastern suburb of the Bavarian city, and that the scene was now secured. Panaji: A day-long workshop was held here for Goa Assembly MLAs to train them on legislative proceedings besides maintaining discipline and decorum on the floor of the House. "Delhi-based private agency PRS legislators research held an orientation for Goa MLAs yesterday on their conduct in the legislative assembly. They were also trained about the proceedings in the House," a state government spokesman told PTI today. Out of total 40 legislators in the Goa Assembly, 27 participated in the day-long session yesterday which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "The program was held in the run up for the upcoming monsoon assembly session which would be held sometime next month," the spokesman said. The private agency interacted with MLAs on matters related to the State Legislature, Parliament and how to table or raise questions, bills and motions. The workshop, held in two sessions, highlighted the importance of legislator's activism to bring to fore issues pertaining to the people through right mechanism like calling attention, zero hour mention or seeking for special debate. The second session was a training programme to MLAs on E-assembly, a concept which was introduced by the Goa in 2014. Goa became the first Assembly to go paperless in the country during the tenure of Speaker Rajendra Arlekar. The state government is said to have saved Rs 10 crore since then, which would have been spent on papers. Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Tuesday notified rules for the new stringent prohibition law with provision of up to ten years jail for manufacturing, purchase, sale and transportation of liquor in the dry state. The Gujarat Prohibition (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by the state Assembly in February this year and subsequently became an Act in March after the state Governor OP Kohli gave his assent. As per the rules issued today for the Act, the state government would constitute a monitoring cell to enforce the liquor ban in the state, a government release said. Now, citizens can directly inform the state government about any liquor-related illegal activity by dialling the toll-free number- 14405. People can also inform the state monitoring cell on its mobile number- 9978934444, the release said adding that the identity of the caller would not be revealed. For the effective implementation of the Act, the government will use social media to spread awareness. People can also share details with the monitoring cell on its Facebook page 'SMC Gujarat', the release said. The Act provides for stringent action against bootleggers, tipplers as well as officials who help culprits to escape during raids on liquor dens. As per the Act, those found guilty of manufacturing, purchasing, selling or transporting liquor would face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 5 lakhs. In the previous Act, punishment for this illegal activity was just 3 years, said the release. Similarly, liquor den operators as well as those helping them would face imprisonment of up to 10 years. The Act says that people who create ruckus or harass others in an inebriated condition, will face a jail-term of up to three years, not less than one year. Police officials found guilty of helping bootleggers in escaping during the raids would attract a punishment of seven years in jail and Rs 1 lakh in fine. Ahmedabad: The authorities in Gujarat detained a man who threw bangles at Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani while she was addressing a function at Amreli town in Gujarat on Monday. The incident happened in the evening when the Union Textile Minister was addressing a gathering as part of the celebrations of the completion of three years of the Narendra Modi government. "As the minister was addressing the crowd, Ketan Kaswala, who was sitting far from the dais, suddenly got up and threw two or three bangles towards the stage and shouted 'Vande Mataram'. Due to the distance, the bangles did not reach the stage and the policemen quickly took him away," Amreli Superintendent of Police (SP) Jagdish Patel said. The man, in his mid-20s, was identified as Ketan Kaswala, a resident of Mota Bhandaria village in Amreli district, the police said. While the local Congress leaders claimed that Kaswala, by throwing the bangles, had actually raised the demand for a complete farm loan waiver in the state, the police denied it. "Kaswala is not associated with the Congress or any other organisation. While throwing the bangles, he had shouted 'Vande Mataram' and no other slogan," Patel said. He added that when the policemen were taking him away, Irani urged them to let Kaswala take part in the event. "The minister even told the policemen to let him throw the bangles which she would send them to his wife as a gift," said Patel. Now that elections are approaching fast, I was expecting such drama, Irani said. Ahead of the function, which was held at the Agriculture University hall, the police had briefly detained around 25 Congress workers for staging protests against the ruling BJP outside the venue. Local Congress MLA Paresh Dhanani claimed that Kaswala was a farmer who raised the demand for a complete farm loan waiver in Gujarat by throwing the bangles at Irani. This is the second such incident in the recent past in which a Union minister was targeted in Modi's home state. On May 28, a member of the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti had hurled a shoe at Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Bhavnagar district, alleging that the BJP government was not doing anything for the educated youth of the country. (With PTI Inputs) New Delhi: Nearly 30,000 paramilitary personnel besides the local police will be deployed to ensure proper security for the Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir beginning June 29. The security personnel will be deployed along the two routes during the pilgrimage to the high-altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. "Proper security arrangements will be put in place for the Amarnath yatra," a home ministry official said. Nearly 30,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed besides the local police, the official said. The pilgrimage will begin on June 29 and conclude on August 7. The shrine is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 12,756 feet and a distance of about 141 km from Srinagar. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which conducts the annual pilgrimage to the shrine, has issued advisories for the pilgrimage which involves a trek at an altitude of 14,000 feet. People who wish to trek to the shrine must furnish medical certificates, it said, adding those below 13 or above 75 years of age will not be allowed to join the pilgrimage. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi are likely to to pay obeisance at the shrine on the first day of the pilgrimage. New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday took a dig at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who announced on Twitter that he would be taking a break from politics to visit his grandmother abroad. "Will be travelling to meet my grandmother & family for a few days. Looking forward to spending some time with them," said Gandhi announced earlier today. He, however, did not mention how many days he will be out and where he was headed to. Taking a jab at the Congress leader, BJP's Vijayvargiya told news agency ANI said that when he was a child, he also used to visit his grandmother's place during summer vacations. He later tweeted: Rahul`s grandmother Paola Maino lives in Italy. Will be travelling to meet my grandmother & family for a few days. Looking forward to spending some time with them! Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 13, 2017 Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala defending Gandhi, said: "Rahul Gandhi is travelling abroad to meet his 93-year-old grandmother and family. To take care of the well-being of elders is part of our culture." "Rahul Gandhi will continue to lead and guide the ongoing farmers` agitation and every Congressman is committed to fight for the farmers rights," he added. Rahul Gandhi had in March visited the US, where his mother Sonia Gandhi had had gone for a health check-up. Earlier, during the New Year Celebrations, Gandhi had gone to London for a short break. His latest foreign visit comes in the midst of hectic politics over the coming Presidential Election and other developments like the farm crisis. (Wth Agency inputs) Mumbai: It was an emotional moment for Nilakshi Elizabeth Jorendal, the India-born Swedish national, as she met her ailing biological mother in Yavatmal. Nilakshi (44), who was adopted by a Swedish couple when she was three-year-old, had managed to trace her biological mother through Anjali Pawar of Pune-based NGO - Against Child Trafficking. "It was an emotional reunion on Saturday at the government hospital in Yavatmal. The mother-daughter duo broke into tears," Pawar told PTI. "Nilakshi, who was on a mission to trace her biological parents, had met her mother briefly earlier but this was a more elaborate, public reunion," she said. Nilakshi biological father, a farm labourer, had committed suicide in 1973, the year she was born at Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission's shelter-and-adoption home in Kedgaon near Pune. Nilakshi's mother had left her there and later remarried and has a son and daughter from the second marriage. They too were present at the hospital on Saturday, Pawar said. The centre gave Nilakshi in adoption to a Swedish couple in 1976. "Nilakshi had been visiting India since 1990 to trace her biological mother. She visited India six times for this," Pawar said. Both the mother and daughter suffer from thalassemia, she said, adding, "During the meeting on Saturday, she assured her biological mother's kin of all help in her treatment." New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the US later this month, a new book promises to unravel the "method" behind the apparent "madness" of President Donald Trump. "Indian Foreign Trade: Trumped up or Down" by veteran bureaucrat Amiya Chandra hopes to demystify the man and his business minded approach to the job of governing arguably the most powerful country in the world. "To predict Donald Trump actions you need to get into his psychology," said Chandra, joint director general of foreign trade, whose book was launched recently with President Pranab Mukherjee getting the first copy. As he sees it, Trump is putting his theory of "keep the balls in the air" to use. "According to him, politics is deal making, and that is why he says the principles he applies as a realtor he will apply to politics also. "He has this theory of being flexible. He says that every time he has over 100 balls in the air? he will catch at least one and if a few of them fall into his lap that's a bonus. So he says keep the ball in the air. And that's when he says he tries to rattle a nation by 30 options or 30 statements," Chandra said during the recent launch of the book at Nehru Memorial Library. Chandra, who has a doctorate from the School of International Studies, JNU, and has worked in several ministries, said everybody believes Trump is a bully and a person you cannot talk to. "But if you see him closely there is a method to his madness, and in this book I have tried to see that very method." Is the apostle of free trade turning protectionist, desperate for jobs to come back to America? Will America's foreign trade policy create ripples in International trade too? Is it time for India to hear the warning bells? As the questions circle the air, particularly as Modi heads to the US June 25 for his crucial meeting with Trump, Chandra said patience is the key. "My conclusion is that Donald Trump's basic strategy is to muddle the waters, then allow them to settle down. "You have to be patient in dealing with him, you have to be personal in dealing with him and you have to be clever in dealing with him...Where he must get this feeling that America is going to gain out of this deal as well... It should be a win-win game for both the countries." The business magnate and now president has co-authored a book called ?The Art of the Deal?, said Chandra. "His book that he says is 'next to Bible to him' allowed me to decode his psychology. And he is doing exactly what he said in his book." Chandra said "Indian Foreign Trade: Trumped up or Down?, published by the Pentagon Press, is "extremely topical" as it suggests what India should do to handle the phenomenon called Donald Trump. "I have recommended things by keeping his psychology in mind... Now two deal-makers of two biggest democracies will soon be meeting each other. Let us see what pans out." Mumbai: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday stated that the State Government on Tuesday decided to give Rs.10, 000 to farmers owning less than five acres of agricultural land for purchase of seeds. Former Rajasthan chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot earlier in the day accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to live up to the promises he made to the people of the nation. His statement comes when farmers from across the country have been protesting and demanding loan waivers. Bouyed by the spontaneous farmers strike, that started from Maharashtra and spread to Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, farmers across the country are trying to unite to address various farmer issues, with remunerative prices being the key demand.Meanwhile, Gujarat`s Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel was detained in Madhya Pradesh`s Neemuch district while en route to Mandsaur to meet the kin of farmers` killed in police firing during an agitation. Hardik led a violent movement in Gujarat last year over a demand for quotas for Patidars. Mandsaur has become the epicenter of a farmers` agitation over a demand for loan waivers and better prices for their produce. During the agitation, six farmers were gunned down by the police, thereby drawing criticism from political parties. The situation forced the district officials to impose Section 144, and restricted prominent personalities from visiting the violence-hit district. A number of political leaders, including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, and social activists tried to visit Mandsaur but the police didn`t let them enter the area. The curfew has been lifted from Mandsaur, but prohibitory orders remain.Meanwhile, the state government has issued a notification for the judicial probe of the Mandsaur violence. Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack on CRPF camp. By Shuja-ul-Haq , Ashraf Wani: In a spate of militant attacks in the Kashmir Valley, terrorists carried out at least eight attacks after which a red alert was sounded by the security forces. Two grenade attacks were reported from Pulwama district - on a police station and a CRPF camp. Militant attacks were also reported from Anchidora, Sarnal, Padgampora, Sopore, Pahalgam and Gopalpora. advertisement Intelligence inputs had suggested that after Iftaar there would be multiple attacks. Sources said Jammu and Kashmir Police had warned of attacks to CRPF and Army. "We had inputs about possibility of such an attack today in Ramzan and that is why we had alerted our installations," said Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid. In the last couple of weeks, the attempts of infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) have gone up. Last week, the Army claimed to have killed 14 infiltrators in north Kashmir and said that the situation was crucial. Ten Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were injured when militants hurled a hand grenade at their camp in Tral area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district, sources said. The grenade attack incident took place at Laryar area of the south Kashmir town in Pulwama district. The injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment and the area has been cordoned off to search the attackers, they said. Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack on CRPF camp. Terrorists fired upon Army camp of 22 Rashtriya Rifles at Pazalpora in north Kashmir and fled after retaliation by the Army. No injuries were reported in the attack. A grenade attack was reported on a police station also in Pulwama. In Pahalgam's Sarnal, terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF camp. Grenade attacks were also reported from Awantipora. In yet another incident, the house of a retired High Court judge in Anantnag was attacked. Weapons of two Jammu and Kashmir police personnel outside retired Judge Md Athar was snatched in Anantnag district's Anchidora. Both policemen are injured. Also read: Major terror attacks on Indian Army, CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir: A timeline Kupwara: 3 soldiers martyred, 2 terrorists killed in fidayeen attack on Army camp near LoC Also watch: Kashmir on high alert after militants carry out multiple back-to-back strikes --- ENDS --- New Delhi: The HRD Ministry will soon call a meeting of officials from CBSE and 32 other boards to discuss the way forward on scrapping of the moderation policy. Moderation policy refers to a practice in which students get extra marks in subjects regarded 'unusually difficult', or if there have been differences in the sets of question papers. CBSE and 32 other boards had developed a consensus on scrapping of the moderation policy in a meeting on April 24. However, the Delhi High Court had asked CBSE to not scrap the policy, saying it is not advisable to implement the change mid-way. CBSE was earlier believed to have been considering challenging the high court order but was advised against it by legal counsel that moving the Supreme Court may be counter- productive and could also delay results. "The court had directed that the decision should not be implemented in middle of an academic session so to implement it from next academic session a decision has to be taken and the modalities need to be finalised before November when registration for the board exams takes place," a senior official said. "Boards have been asked to disclose their moderation policies and the HRD Ministry will convene a meeting of CBSE and other boards to discuss the way forward," the official added. The Centre has also set up a panel to ensure uniform marking for students giving the Class XII exam in 2018 by asking schools boards across India to stop "inflating marks" under the "often abused practice" of moderation leading to unusually high scores. The panel -- Inter Board Working Group (IWBG) headed by CBSE chairperson Rakesh Chaturvedi with members from Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Manipur and ICSE boards -- will address issues arising from the decisions taken in the April 24 meeting. HRD minister Prakash Javadekar had recently said that the states had mutually agreed on the scrapping and the ministry will not interfere in its implementation. Neemuch: Gujarat`s Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel, who was detained by the police when he was heading to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh to meet family members of those killed in the police firing during a farmers` agitation, has been released. Talking to the media after his release, he said his work is to serve people and he is doing the same. "The farmers should get the appropriate value of their crops. My duty is to work for the society and I am doing that. To maintain law and order in the state is Shivraj Singh Chouhan`s work, and, if he is not able to do that, then he should leave the government. He should have faith in his police force. Make good arrangements and make people meet," he added. Patel was detained in Madhya Pradesh`s Neemuch district while en route to Mandsaur to meet the kin of farmers` killed in police firing during an agitation. Hardik led a violent movement in Gujarat last year over a demand for quotas for Patidars. Mandsaur has become the epicenter of a farmers` agitation over a demand for loan waivers and better prices for their produce. During the agitation, six farmers were gunned down by the police, thereby drawing criticism from political parties. The situation forced the district officials to impose Section 144, and restricted prominent personalities from visiting the violence-hit district. A number of political leaders, including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, and social activists tried to visit Mandsaur, but the police didn`t let them enter the area. The curfew has been lifted from Mandsaur, but prohibitory orders remain.Meanwhile, the state government has issued a notification for the judicial probe of the Mandsaur violence. Retired Justice J.K. Jain will head the one member judicial commission. The single member commission will probe under what circumstances the farmers were killed in the agitation.The commission will also probe the action taken by the administration and police to control the situation was appropriate or not. New Delhi: An NDMC delegation, led by Mayor Preety Agarwal, today met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and sought release of the "amount pending" to the cash-strapped civic body under the Fourth Delhi State Finance Commission, besides discussing the issue of desilting. "Since 2012-13, Rs 1,616 crore is due from the Delhi government, which needs to be released immediately as the corporation is facing a financial crunch," she said. "Even funds which is due to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) as per the Third Delhi Finance Commission, have not been fully released," Agarwal claimed. The other members of the delegation were deputy mayor Vijay Bhagat and coucillors Jayender Dabas, Jai Prakash and Tilak Raj Kataria. The mayor also discussed the issue of desilting with the chief minister and plans for combating vector-borne diseases, like dengue, chikungunya and malaria as the monsoon is approaching. She told the chief minister that the Delhi government should join hands with the NDMC in the interest of the citizens. Agarwal said the drains whose maintenance is the responsibility of the Public Works Department and, Irrigation and Flood Control Department "need to be desilted". She today inspected PWD drains at Britannia Chowk, Wazirpur Industrial area, Azadpur and Jahngirpuri areas. In a press conference at the Civic Centre, the mayor alleged that the situation of the drains was the same as last year because desilting work has not begun. "The PWD has still not completed desilting of its drains which may lead to waterlogging," she was quoted as saying in an NDMC release. The delegation apprised Kejriwal about steps being taken to tackle vector-borne diseases. Yesterday, an SDMC delegation led by Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat had called on Kejriwal and sought release of "amount pending" to it under the Third Delhi State Finance Commission, besides discussing desilting and vector-control issues. Lucknow: Keen to shed what it calls a "colonial tradition", the prestigious IIT Kanpur has directed its students to don ethnic attire like kurtas, pyjamas and churidaars during their convocation ceremony, in place of the ceremonial black robes and head gear. The convocation ceremony will be held on June 15 and 16 in which some 1,600 students of graduate and post graduate levels will receive their degrees from chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran. "For the first time, students will receive their degrees in the institute not in the British-time gowns and headgear but in kurta pyjamas (boys) and kurta-churidaars (girls) along with stoles in different colours to mark their specific courses," IIT-K Director, Professor Indranil Manna told PTI over the phone. He added that the students will be required to wear Indian clothes during all future convocations. Coinciding with the golden jubilee of the institute, the ceremony will also see professors donning golden coloured robes fully covering their suit. They will also not be needed to wear black leather shoes and will be free to go in for Indian footwear in leather, Manna said. New Delhi/Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to meet US President Donald Trump on June 26 at the White House. PM Modi will on June 26 hold talks with President Trump on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H1-B visa rules, in their first bilateral meeting after the new administration took over in the US. Press Secretary Sean Spicer confirmed the scheduled Modi-Trump meet. "The President looks forward to discussing ways to strengthen ties between the United States and India and to advance our common priorities: fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms, and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," Spicer said in a statement. The two leaders "will look to outline a common vision for the United States-India partnership that is worthy of their 1.6 billion citizens," he added. He said they are expected to set forth a vision that will expand the bilateral partnership "in an ambitious and worthy way of both countries' people." The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said on Monday that their meeting would provide a new direction for a deeper bilateral engagement "on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership." Modi's US visit would begin on June 25, it said. Modi`s visit will come while Trump is under political stress because of alleged Russian interference in US elections last year and contacts by member of his inner circle with Kremlin-connected figures. A special prosecutor is looking into the allegations and a Senate committee has been holding hearings. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in her annual press meet last week, however, said Modi would also raise the issues surrounding the US' plans to reduce the number of H-1B visa slots that are mainly used by Indian IT workers. Almost 1.8 million H-1B visas have been distributed in fiscal years 2001 through 2015, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of government data. From fiscal years 2001 to 2015, workers from India received the largest share (50.5 per cent) of all H-1B visas for first-time employment. Despite the recent hiccups over the issue, US-India trade has grown six-fold since 2000, from USD 19 billion to USD 115 billion in 2016, according to the White House. "US energy and technologies, including natural gas, are helping to build Prime Minister Modi's vision for a new India and creating thousands of US jobs in the process," Spicer said. Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties. US Defence Secretary James Mattis has already made it clear that his country recognises India as a major defence "partner partly out of respect" for New Delhi's "indispensable role" in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. The US was exploring "new ways" to address new challenges as well from maritime security to the growing threat posed by the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia, Mattis has said. Regional security situation including Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and other international issues are expected to figure prominently during the meeting of the two leaders. Modi's visit also comes in the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries. Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said. Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India said it signed the Paris deal not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect the environment. During his visit to France this month, Modi even said that India would "go above and beyond" the Paris deal to protect climate for the future generations. (With PTI/IANS inputs) New Delhi: On the backing of its numerical strength and widening political footprint, the BJP on Tuesday gave enough indications that it would pitch for its own choice for presidential candidate, though it said it would try to evolve a consensus among all political parties, including the Opposition. Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, speaking to reporters, appeared to indicate as much when he said, "It will be done in the true spirit of democracy going by the mandate of the people - and the mandate of people is for the government. I appeal to all to understand that spirit and try to cooperate. We will be discussing with them to try to find out what their suggestions are." His comments came after BJP President Amit Shah held discussions with him and senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley, who comprise the three-member team set up by Shah to evolve consensus with other parties on a presidential candidate, a day ahead of the Election Commission issuing notification on the issue. Party sources said the three-member team will evolve a consensus among NDA constituents so that the entire coalition could authorise Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a call on a candidate. This will be followed by attempts to evolve a consensus with the opposition. According to sources, a popular thinking is emerging among party members on why it should not have a candidate of its own choice because it has the numbers - unlike during the term of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when he headed a coalition. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the consensus candidate of the NDA and the opposition in 2002. Naidu said: "We have today (Tuesday) begun the process by discussing within. We had a discussion with party President Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. We also talked to (Home Minister) Rajnathji, who is in Mizoram. In the coming days, we will be talking among ourselves and then to other political parties. We will meet them and discuss with them and will try our best to garner their support," Naidu said. He said the government side will talk to all political parties and make all efforts to evolve a "broad consensus" on the candidate and sought the cooperation of the opposition parties in this regard. Naidu was replying to a question whether the government would reach out to opposition parties to evolve a consensus on the presidential candidate. "We have just started the process because we are the ruling party and we have the responsibility to take every one on board. So, we will make our efforts in the direction to evolve a broad consensus and then also try to seek support... that is what we are going to do," he said. The term of President Pranab Mukherjee gets over on July 24 and the process of electing a new President gets under way from Wednesday with the issue of notification in this regard. Though BJP veteran LK Advani's candidature appears to have fallen by the wayside, on Tuesday disgruntled party MP Shatrughan Singh tweeted extensively in his favour. "I sincerely hope, wish and pray that good sense prevails on one and all and the Pitamah of BJP (Advani) is bestowed upon with the honour. He is clearly the most suitable, learned, respectable, experienced, desirable and deserving candidate for the most prestigious post," Sinha tweeted. Gurugram: A 60-year-old quack was arrested by the district administration`s Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) team on charges of selling medicine to "guarantee" the birth of a male child, police said on Tuesday. Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Hardeep Singh said a team, headed by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), raided a clinic in Kherki Daula village on the Delhi-Gurugram expressway. The team, including Deputy CMO Saryu Sharma, Drug Control officer Amandeep Singh and Red Cross Secretary Shyam Sunder, sent a dummy customer to the clinic of Baldevraj Bhardwaj, who gave "guarantee" that a woman would give birth only to a male child after having his medicine. The dummy customer purchased the medicine for Rs 2,000. Sunder told IANS that Bhardwaj claimed he was a Registered Medical Practitioner practitioner but failed to show his certificate. Sharma said that a few ultrasound centres might be involved in Bhardwaj`s gang. An FIR was registered against the accused under Section 23 of the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act and Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC at Kherki Daula police station. The Deputy Commissioner said the PNDT team has conducted 22 successful such raids in the last two years and that 60 doctors and their agents besides others were arrested. Thiruvananthapuram: Congress in Kerala today accused the LDF government of creating 'a smokescreen' of graft over the Vizhinjam seaport project awarded to the Adani group and dared it to scrap the project if indeed there was corruption. The CPI-M led government was creating a 'smokescreen' of corruption only for 'political gains', Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President M M Hassan told reporters here after a Political Affairs Committee meeting of the KPCC. The Rs 7,525 crore Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport project, taken up by the state government, has come under a cloud after some adverse findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). In its report tabled in the state assembly recently, the CAG has observed that interests of Kerala were not protected in the agreement inked with Gujarat-based Adani Ports and SEZ Private Ltd for implementing the project. The LDF government has already ordered a probe by a retired judge of the Kerala high court in the light of the CAG findings but made it clear that it would go ahead with the project irrespective of the controversies. Raising questions over the stand, Hassan said: "While on the one hand the government has raised corruption allegations against the project, it was going ahead with it. This shows the government's double standards'" Hassan said. He also claimed that the CAG report was "not based on facts" and added former chief minister Oommen Chandy, during whose term the project agreement was signed, had already written to the CAG against the findings. The project should be scrapped if corruption was involved and a new project can be implemented. There were clauses in this regard in the agreement, Hassan pointed out. Vizhinjam was a dream project of the state which was implemented by the previous UDF government nearly 25 years after it was first mooted. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had recently made it clear that if there was any corruption it would be probed. Inaugurating the construction work of the Port's berth, he, however, had said the probe would in no way affect the project work and it would be completed on a war footing. Replying to a question, Hassan said Congress membership drive in the state had ended and the district units were in the process of preparing the initial list. New York: General Electric has announced a leadership shakeup as it faces scrutiny after a corporate makeover executed by outgoing chief Jeff Immelt in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis failed to ignite strong growth. Immelt, 61, will step down as chief executive on August 1, handing the reins to GE Healthcare president John Flannery, a 30-year veteran of the company whose previous roles included country chief in . During a conference call with analysts, Immelt said the transition was first discussed in 2013 and GE leadership had targeted summer 2017 to make the change. But the announcement also comes after activist investor Nelson Peltz, one of the most influential voices on Wall Street, invested in GE, which has been hit hard by the plunge in oil prices. Peltz has pushed GE to deepen cost cuts to boost profits. Questioned by analysts on the merits of GE's conglomerate model, Flannery, 55, pledged he would undertake "a comprehensive review of the portfolio," with an update in the fall. But he said he had seen firsthand the benefits of GE's diverse structure while leading the health care division, during which he "borrowed" from the company's technology and global supply chain. "I see the reality of this in a very tangible way all the time," Flannery said. The GE transition comes three weeks after Ford abruptly changed chief executives. Others, including Honeywell International and Caterpillar, also have announced new leaders over the last year as traditional industrial companies seek new chiefs to help them adapt to an increasingly digital economy. Immelt's 16-year tenure began shortly before the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and was also roiled by the 2008 financial crisis. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, he oversaw a spate of large divestments from GE Capital to unload what was effectively the fifth biggest US bank. Immelt, who succeeded the legendary Jack Welch, also led GE through the 2015 purchase of the power assets of French industrial giant Alstom, and a proposed merger with oil services company Baker Hughes engineered to better manage the effects of a two-year slide in oil prices that has dented GE's oil services earnings. Yesterday, US antitrust officials ordered GE to divest a unit that sells chemicals to oil refineries as a condition of winning regulatory approval. Immelt also has taken steps to beef up GE's technology businesses, including by investing in the 3D printing, which is seen as a growth area. Despite these efforts, analysts have a mixed views of Immelt's tenure. "We continue to believe that any new leader here needs a material reset," said JPMorgan Chase analyst C. Stephen Tusa, Jr. New Delhi: National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairman Gairul Hasan Rizvi on Tuesday favoured according the minority community status to Kashmiri Pandits and said he would take up the matter with the Centre. Rizvi said that it would enable governments to extend various benefits to Kashmiri Pandits, which is in minority in Jammu and Kashmir. The NCM does not have jurisdiction in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants it the status of special autonomous state. However, Kashmir Pandits can enjoy due benefits in the rest of the country if the community gets the minority status. At present, there are six notified minority communities in the country -- Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Parsi and Jain. "Kashmiri Pandits should get the minority community tag, mainly because they are in minority in their state, Jammu and Kashmir," Rizvi said. Rizvi said he would take up the matter with Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and stakeholders involved. The NCM chairman, however, said his view on the issue should be seen as personal. Community members welcomed Rizvi's comment on the matter, which they said had taken a back seat over the past five years. The members said they would take up the issue again with the authorities. Manoj Bhan, the general secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch, said the organisation and others would provide the authorities with whatever documents they would require in according the Pandits minority community status. "We had raised the issue with the authorities two-three times (during UPA-II regime), but nothing happened then...We deserve the status," Bhan said. According to Bhan, the population of Kashmir Pandits is between 4 lakh and 5 lakh in the country. Some of the key benefits the community members stand to gain if accorded the minority community tag: * Students whose family's annual income is below Rs 4.5 lakh are eligible for scholarships * Educational institutions managed by them will be recognised as minority institutions. At such institutions, up to 50 per cent of the seats will be reserved for community students Some key welfare schemes the Centre implements for minority communities: * Scholarship schemes (pre-matric, post-matric and merit-cum-means) * Padho Pardesh (scheme of interest subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies for community students) * Free coaching and allied schemes * Skill training such as learn and earn, Nai Manzil * Prime Minister's New 15-point programme which aims at ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities besides their educational empowerment. Travis Kalanick, the chief operating officer of troubled taxi hailing app Uber, will be taking a leave of absence. In a memo to employees, Kalanick accepted responsibility for the company's current state and said he needs to become a better leader. By AP: Uber CEO Travis Kalanick will take a leave of absence for an unspecified period and let his leadership team run the troubled ride-hailing company while he's gone. Kalanick told employees of his decision Tuesday in a memo, saying he needs time off to grieve for his mother, who died in a May boating accident. He also says he's responsible for the company's current situation and needs to become a better leader. advertisement The announcement comes as former US Attorney Eric Holder released a list of recommendations to improve Uber's toxic workplace culture, which condoned sexual harassment, bullying and retaliation against those who reported problems. Holder recommended that Kalanick be relieved of some leadership responsibilities, shifting them to a chief operating officer and other senior managers. The COO, yet to be hired, would be a partner with Kalanick. Uber should use performance reviews to hold senior managers accountable by setting metrics for improving diversity and responsiveness to employee complaints, the report says. ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT Holder's firm, Covington & Burling LLP, and a second firm, Perkins Coie, conducted separate examinations of Uber's workplace culture after a former engineer levelled charges of sexual harassment. Susan Fowler posted a blog in February that detailed harassment during the year she spent at Uber, writing that she was propositioned by her manager on her first day with an engineering team. She reported him to human resources, but was told he would get a lecture but no further punishment because he was a "high performer," she wrote. Holder's investigators conducted more than 200 interviews with current and former employees, including people who had knowledge of Fowler's allegations, according to the law firm's recommendations . Liane Hornsey, Uber's chief human resources officer, said implementing the recommendations "will improve our culture, promote fairness and accountability, and establish processes and systems to ensure the mistakes of the past will not be repeated." UBER NOT DOING ENOUGH The report makes it clear that Uber was not doing enough to protect workers from sexual harassment and retaliation, noting that company policies need to state directly that such conduct is prohibited. In addition, Uber must require that managers immediately report discrimination, harassment or retaliation, and ensure that codes of conduct apply to offsite events and conferences. Uber's board said it would review Kalanick's responsibilities and reassign some to others. The board will continue its search for a chief operating officer with a background in diversity and inclusion. The board also recommended adding independent directors and replacing its chairman, co-founder Garrett Camp, with an independent chairman. The board currently has eight voting members, three from within the company. The board also called for appointment of a senior executive to oversee implementation of Holder's recommendations. advertisement ISSUE OF DIVERSITY Holder recommends that Uber make sure its workforce becomes more diverse from the top down. Uber's diversity figures are similar to the rest of Silicon Valley, with low numbers for women and underrepresented minorities. In the US, less than a third of the company's workers are female. In addition, the report says that diversity and inclusiveness should be a key value for Uber that's included in management training. The word diversity appears 42 times in the 13-page recommendations document. While Uber released Holder's recommendations, his full report was kept private to protect the privacy of those filing complaints. The company's board unanimously adopted all of the recommendations Sunday. After Fowler posted her blog, Uber Technologies Inc. made changes in human resources and opened a 24-hour hotline for employees. Last week, the company fired 20 people including some managers at the recommendation of Perkins Coie, which probed specific complaints made to the company about sex harassment, bullying, and retaliation for reporting problems. That firm checked into 215 complaints, with 57 still under investigation. Under Kalanick, Uber has disrupted the taxi industry in hundreds of cities and turned the San Francisco-based company into the world's most valuable startup. Uber's valuation has climbed to nearly $70 billion. advertisement KALANICK: 'NEED TO GROW UP' But Kalanick has acknowledged his management style needs improvement. The 40-year-old CEO said earlier this year that he needed to "fundamentally change and grow up." Besides the sexual harassment complaints, in recent months Uber has been threatened by boycotts, sued and subject to a federal investigation over its use of a fake version of its app to thwart authorities looking into whether it is breaking local laws. Kalanick lost his temper earlier this year in an argument with an Uber driver who was complaining about pay, and Kalanick's profanity-laced comments were caught in video that went viral. The company has faced high turnover in its top ranks. Jeff Jones resigned as Uber's president after less than a year on the job. He said his "beliefs and approach to leadership" were "inconsistent" with those of the company. Experts interviewed this week by The Associated Press said Kalanick should step aside or at minimum change his behaviour for the company to make progress. ALSO READ | Uber doubted Delhi rape happened in its car, investigated rape victim before firing exec ALSO READ | Uber fires 20 employees over harassment issues, hires 1 Apple marketing executive --- ENDS --- advertisement Srinagar: Militants on Tuesday night carried out a series of attacks on security forces in South Kashmir. They also looted four service rifles of the security personnel. Pakistan-based militant groups Al-Umar Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad have claimed responsibility for the attacks, as per PTI. CRPF camp attacked: On the one hand, militants hurled a grenade at a CRPF camp in Pulwama district, injuring 10 personnel. The camp housed troops of the force's 180th battalion at Ladiyar village of Tral, 35 kms from here, a police official said. A senior CRPF official in Delhi said the grenade exploded in the area where the troops had gathered for a meal, causing splinter injures to 10 of them. They were rushed to the 92 base hospital, he said. The area around the camp was cordoned off to nab the unidentified militants, the police official said. In another attack, a CRPF camp at Padgampora in Pulwama was targeted, but no one was hurt in it as the grenade hurled by the militants exploded mid-air. The ultras also threw a grenade on Pulwama police station, resulting in minor injuries to a cop. Yesterday, two CRPF troopers were injured in a grenade attack by militants on their camp in Tral town yesterday. A sub- inspector of the force and three policemen were injured in a grenade attack on a security picket at Saraf Kadal in downtown Srinagar on Sunday. "We have told all our units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to remained extra vigilant against such attacks and continue to launch operations against militants," the CRPF official said. Army camp fired upon: On the other hand, terrorists fired upon Army camp of 22 Rashtriya Rifles at Pazalpora in North Kashmir. They fled after retaliation by the Army. Militants attack retired HC judge's house, decamp with rifles: In another incident, militants attacked the residence of a retired high court judge in Anantnag district of Kashmir tonight, injuring two cops and decamping with four rifles. The ultras opened fire on the police post guarding the residence of Justice (retd) Muzaffar Hussain Attar at Anchidora in Anantnag at around 8.30 pm, official sources said. The sources said two cops were injured in the firing. The militants managed to take away four service rifles of the policemen before escaping. (With PTI inputs) Ratlam/Neemuch: The Congress' Madhya Pradesh heavyweight Jyotiraditya Scindia and Gujarat's Patel quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel were on Tuesday turned back by the police before they could enter Mandsaur, the hub of the recent farmers' agitation. Three farmers, meanwhile, were reported to have ended their lives, allegedly due to indebtedness, in the last 24 hours, including one in Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's home district Sehore. As politicians continued to make a beeline for Mandsaur, dramatic scenes unfolded at Nayagaon-Jaora toll booth in Ratlam where Scindia, his party colleague Kantilal Bhuria and a large number of their supporters were detained. They were proceeding to neighbouring Mandsaur where prohibitory orders barring assembly of more than four people are still in force. Scindia, the suave and sophisticated face of the Congress party, was seen seated atop the anti-riot 'Vajra' vehicle, clenching his fist and chanting slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan". For some time, a large Congress flag fluttered atop the vehicle, with the lawmaker from Guna Lok Sabha seat frantically waving it. A convoy of vehicles followed the Vajra van as hundreds of Congress supporters ran to keep pace with the automobiles. "All rules are being torn to shreds. Dictatorship and Nazism (Hitlershahi) prevails in Madhya Pradesh," he told the media amid cries of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' by agitated Congress supporters. When told by a police officer that prohibitory orders were in place in Mandsaur, Scindia said he was prepared to go there alone. "Why are you not allowing me to go there alone?" he angrily asked the officer, before being detained. Earlier in the day, Hardik Patel was arrested from Nayagaon in Neemuch. The Patidar quota agitation leader, heading to Mandsaur to meet the kin of five farmers killed in police firing on June 6, was accompanied by Janata Dal (U) leader Akhilesh Katiyar, who was also placed under arrest. Patel was arrested to prevent "commission of cognisable offences", City Superintendent of Police Abhishek Diwan said. They were released on bail later and taken out of Madhya Pradesh in police vehicles. Lashing out at the authorities, Patel said, "I am not a terrorist. I have not come from Lahore. I am an Indian citizen and have the right to go anywhere in the country." Patel, who has been trying to carve out a political space for himself in Gujarat, also criticised the Narendra Modi government and claimed 50 crore farmers have come together against the BJP. Before Scindia and Patel, several opposition leaders including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, were denied permission to visit Mandsaur, the epicentre of a violent farmers agitation, where five cultivators were killed in police firing, causing the stir to spill over to some other districts of the state. Political leaders and social activists have continued to make futile attempts to visit Mandsaur despite peace having returned there. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who came under severe attack from the opposition following the agrarian unrest, had called off the indefinite fast on Sunday, 28 hours after its launch, claiming peace had been restored. Though the stir has ebbed away, three farmers have ended their lives in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the number of farmer suicides in the state in the past one week to five. While two allegedly debt-ridden farmers committed suicide in Sehore and Hoshangabad district, another such death was reported from Vidisha. In a related development, Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik was booked for allegedly inciting people to set ablaze a police station, amid violent protests by farmers last week. A video, which went viral, purportedly showed Khatik inciting people to set a police station ablaze. The video was shot on June 8 when Khatik, who represents Karera Assembly segment in Shivpuri district, was holding a protest at Karera Police Station against the killing of farmers in Mandsaur. Karera's Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Anurag Sujania said the FIR was registered against Khatik, block Congress president Venus Goyal and others early today. They were booked under the IPC sections pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, punishment for obscene acts or words in public and assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, he said. Ratlam/ Neemuch: Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was on Tuesday arrested along with some party leaders while on way to Mandsaur, the epicentre of the agrarian unrest in Madhya Pradesh, where prohibitory orders are in force. Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh said Scindia was arrested along with Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria and other party leaders at Dhodar checkpoint in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. Before their detention, the Congress leaders and their supporters staged a sit-in at the toll booth demanding that they be allowed to visit Mandsaur. "Section 144 has been imposed in Mandsaur and, therefore, this makes it absolutely clear there is no peace there. I want to go alone but still the police is not permitting me," Scindia told media prior to his arrest, as per IANS. The farmers' agitation in the state over loan waiver and remunerative prices for farm produce, which began on June 1, took a violent turn on June 6 when five protesters were killed in police firing at Mandsaur. Subsequently, there was a bandh and several incidents of arson and stone-pelting as the agitation spread to Neemuch, Dhar, Ratlam and Jhabua in western MP. Congress leader booked for inciting people: In a related development, Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik was booked for allegedly inciting people to set ablaze a police station. A video, which went viral, purportedly showed Khatik inciting people to set a police station ablaze. The video was shot on June 8 when Khatik, who represents Karera Assembly segment in Shivpuri district, was holding a protest at Karera Police Station against the killing of farmers in Mandsaur. Karera's Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Anurag Sujania said the FIR was registered against Khatik, block Congress president Venus Goyal and others early today. They were booked under the IPC sections pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, punishment for obscene acts or words in public and assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, he said. Meanwhile, MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a slew of measures to end farmers' woes in the state. Chouhan sat on an indefinite fast in Bhopal on Saturday with an appeal for peace. He ended his fast on Sunday, saying peace had returned, and assured people that those responsible for the death of farmers would be punished severely. A high-voltage political drama was also witnessed on June 8, when Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was detained on his way to Mandsaur to meet the family members of the farmers killed in police firing. (With Agency inputs) Bhopal: Hardik Patel, who had led the agitation for Gujarat's Patel community, and his supporters were detained in Madhya Pradeshs Neemuch district while on their way to Mandsaur, the epi-center of last weeks violent farmers agitation. They were released outside the state's border. Patel had announced his decision to visit Mandsaur with his supporters on Monday. "I will do my work and police and administration will do their job," he had told reporters. Patel has grown into an influential Patidar leader after he led a mass agitation seeking reservation for Patidars in Gujarat in 2015. And since then hes constantly built upon the anti-BJP sentiment among Patels or Patidars as theyre known in central and north-west part of the country. Hardik, who had spent six months in exile in Udaipur after a Gujarat High Court order, had returned to his hometown in January this year. He was staying at a former Congress MLA's house during this period. He was released from jail in Gujarat after nine months in confinement in July last year. The Mandsaur-Neemuch region, about 300 km from Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, became the nerve centre of the storm of farmer distress, as protests over low prices for crops and heavy farm debts started on June 1 and snowballed into a widespread agitation. As many as seven farmers were killed in two incidents of police firing during the protest on June 6. Five of them were Patidars. Meanwhile, state's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced that he will visit Mandsaur on Wednesday where he will met the kin of the deceased farmers. Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh authorities on Tuesday registered an FIR against Karera Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik who was caught on camera inciting a mob to set on fire a police station in protest against killing of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur. According to ANI, along with Khatik, one more person 'Venus Goyal' has also been booked by the Karera police station for inciting mob under various sections. Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga had on Friday posted a video which showed the Congress lawmaker urging her supporters to burn a local police station in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress MLA in question - Shakuntala Khatik - represents the Karera Constituency in the Shivpuri district. In the video, she is surrounded by her supporters and local residents and can be seen instigating them to burn the local police station. The MLA was leading a protest march during which his supporters burnt the effigy of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the recent killing of farmers in police firing in Mandsaur. In a bid to douse the fire, local police party poured water on the effigy during which the MLA was partially drenched. Irked with this, the lawmaker sat on a protest and clashed with the policemen. With the incident getting media attention, the Congress lawmaker later denied any wrongdoing and even blamed the police for misbehaving with her. Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Nitesh Bajpai said the incident shows the dirty politics of Congress in the state. Bagga, who had posted the brief video, also termed the incident as ''shameful''. This comes days after a controversial video surfaced showing Congress MLA Jeetu Patwari indulging in altercation with sub divisional magistrate Sandeep Soni in Indore. In the video, Soni was seen telling Patwari that he had promised him peaceful protest. Will you now take responsibility for the flared-up violence, Soni could be seen asking Patwari in the video. All this comes at a time when the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is desperately trying to restore peace in the aftermath of tragic killing of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur. Watch the 11-seconds-long video here. Latur: In a shocking incident, an 18-year-old-girl was beaten up and made to eat cow dung in Maharashtra`s Latur. The incident occurred in Dhangarwadi village, near Chakur in the district on June 6 and came to light after a villager lodged a complaint with the local police. The video of the proceedings has gone viral on a messaging app. Reports claim she was force fed by a `Mantrik' (quack) as a remedy for her sickness and to ward off evil spirit. IANS quoted sources as saying that the girl and two other women relatives were accused of being haunted by evil spirits as they regularly quarrelled with the menfolk in the household. Their relatives forcibly took them to a Mantrik who assured he could exorcise the evil spirits from the women. When the girl protested, the tantric became furious and ordered her to be tied down. Meanwhile, Vikas Naik, deputy superintendent of police, Chakur, told news agency PTI that an elderly woman is also an accused in the case. A case has been registered against six persons including the girl's father and the `Mantrik' at Chakur police station in Latur district. Police today arrested Prabhakar Kesale (35), Gangadhar Shewale (65), Pandit Kore (37) and Dagadu Shewale (40), while a team has been sent to Bidar district of Karnataka to nab the quack. The girl, a first year BA student, suffered from perennial stomach ache, DSP Naik said. Family members suspected that she was a victim of some black magic, and took her to a quack in Bidar district on June 04. Another woman from the same village, who suffered from from epilepsy, accompanied her. At Bidar, as a part of so-called treatment, both were beaten up mercilessly and forced to eat cow dung. One of the accused shot video of the proceedings on mobile phone. Police took action after some senior police officers received forwarded video on their phones. Latur police have registered a case under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman Evils and Aghori Practise and Black Magic Act, 2013. (With Agency inputs) Mumbai: The Maharashtra Board SSC Class 10th Examination Results 2017 were declared on Tuesday. LIVE updates: 11:57 am: Over all passing percentage 88.74%, (Girls: 91.46%, Boys 86.51%). 11:55 am: Girls outperformed boys in the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education class XII examinations. 11:52 am: Maharashtra board class X results declared 11:00 am: Students who fail to clear Maharashtra class 10th exams would be offered Skill Development courses. 10:40 am: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will release the Maharashtra Examination Results 2017, MHSBSHSE Board SSC Class 10th Result 2017. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education, conducts the HSC and SSC Examinations in the state of Maharashtra through its nine Divisional Boards located at Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nasik, Kolhapur, Amravati, Latur, Nagpur and Ratnagiri. 10:15 am: The Maharashtra SSC Result 2017, Maharashtra Class 10th Result 2017, MSBSHSE 10th Maharashtra Board Result 2017 will be available on mahresult.nic.in. 9:40 am: The Maharashtra Class 10 exams 2017 were held from from 7 March to 29 March, 2017. Maharashtra Class 10 Results 2017 update at 9:30 am: Around 17.66 lakh students are waiting for the Maharashtra Board Results 2017, Maharashtra SSC Result, SSC Maharashtra Board Result, Maharashtra Board SSC results 2017. 9:25 am: In order to check Maharashtra Board Results the candidates should have their roll number and other details ready. Maharashtra Class 12 Result 2017 Girls had outperformed boys in the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Class XII examinations, the results of which were declared on May 30, 2017. The results for all the nine divisions - Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Latur and Konkan - were simultaneously declared. New Delhi: Chinese smartphone-maker Huawei, under its Honor brand, will soon launch "Honor 8 Pro" in India which will come with 4th generation dual camera. "Our focus is to bridge innovation and technology, create an elite ecosystem of industry visionaries and offer products that significantly enhance the way people connect with one another," said Allen Wang Director, Product Center, Huawei India Consumer Business Group, in a statement on Monday. In the upcoming Honor 8 Pro, Huawei aims to bring together best-in-class hardware and software, from optical lenses to sensors, to image processing algorithms, empowering users to capture the highest-quality images, the company said. Here are the key specs of the Honor 8 Pro Two 12-megapixel sensors 4K video recording 5.7-inch QHD display Kirin 960 4 Cortex-A53 cores clocked clubbed with 1.8GHz 4 Cortex-A73 cores clubbed with 2.4GHz 6GB RAM 64GB inbuilt storage, expandable upto 256GB EMUI 5.1 OS based on Android 7.0 Nougat 8-megapixel front shooter with f/2.0 sensor Rear fingerprint sensor Bengaluru: A Special Lokayukta (Ombudsman) Court here on Tuesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Karnataka`s former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy in a mining case in which he is alleged to have taken bribe for favours. "I need not panic because my anticipatory bail plea has been rejected. I have to follow my advocate`s advice. My future course of action will be decided by my advocate," Kumaraswamy, a Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) lawmaker, told reporters here. The anti-graft watchdog court had granted a seven-day interim bail to Kumaraswamy on May 17 in the Janthakal mining case. The former Chief Minister is accused of misusing office, corruption and illegal grants of permission when he was the Chief Minister of the state`s first JD-S-BJP coalition government in 2006-07. "They are raking up an 11-year-old case. It is political vendetta," he said. Though state Revenue Principal Secretary Gangaram Baderia was arrested on May 15 in the same case, he secured bail on June 3. Meanwhile, former BJP Minister G Janardhana Reddy appeared before the anti-corruption watchdog (Lokayukta) SIT on Tuesday. The SIT had, in May, asked Reddy to furnish evidence to support the bribery allegations he levelled against Kumaraswamy in 2007. Reddy has alleged that Kumaraswamy and his family received Rs 150 crore in kickbacks from various mining companies. Kumaraswamy said: "The SIT has asked Janardhana Reddy to produce documents. How can Reddy produce documents on an alleged corruption deal which has not taken place at all? I will come out unscathed." But the SIT chief, K.S.R. Charan Reddy, on Tuesday said Janardhan Reddy`s statement was recorded but refused to disclose its nature. Kumaraswamy is alleged to have given permission to extend the lease to Janthakal Enterprise for extracting iron ore from the mineral-rich Ballari, Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts and export it. The license was extended for 40 years (1985-2025) on August 23, 2007. The company is owned by jailed mining baron Vinod Goel. The extension on license was granted by Baderia, who was former Mines and Geology Department Director, on the basis of two forged letters from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Chandigarh: Three wanted criminals from Punjab owing allegiance to notorious gangster Vicky Gonder allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday in Haryana after they were surrounded by police, officials said. The gangsters were identified as Kamaljit Singh alias Bunty Dhillon, Jaspeet Singh alias Jumpy and Nishan Singh. While Dhillon and Jumpy both category A gangsters died on the spot, Nishan died on his way to the hospital. Acting on a tip-off, Punjab`s Faridkot police along with its counterparts in Haryana surrounded a house in a village near Dabwali town in Sirsa district early in the morning and asked them to surrender. In retaliation, the gangsters fired at the police and there was crossfire. Superintendent of Police Satinder Gupta told reporters the gangsters committed suicide after being cornered by police. Police found Dhillon and Jumpy dead with bullet injuries in their heads while Nishan was alive with bullet injuries. Police recovered five weapons from the encounter spot. Gonder had escaped from Punjab`s high security Nabha jail in November last year. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) The Home Ministry is examining a mercy petition of realty baron Gopal Ansal, convicted in the Uphaar fire tragedy case, and has sought opinion of the ministries concerned before conveying its decision to the President. The mercy petition was submitted by senior advocate and Member of Parliament Ram Jethmalani to President Pranab Mukherjee, who forwarded it to the home ministry for its opinion. advertisement "The mercy petition was received about two weeks ago and the home ministry is examining it. We have also sought views of all ministries concerned," a home ministry spokesperson said. On February 9, the Supreme Court had refused to review its earlier order allowing another accused Sushil Ansal to avoid further imprisonment because of his ill-health. However, it had modified its similar order for Gopal Ansal and ordered him to undergo remaining part of the one- year imprisonment. Both Ansal brothers were also asked to pay Rs 30 crore each for setting up of a trauma centre in Delhi. As many as 59 cinema-goers died when a fire broke out at Upahaar cinema hall in South Delhi on June 13, 1997. PTI ACB SMN --- ENDS --- New Delhi: Global star Priyanka Chopra--- who has had a hectic week in Mumbai juggling between brand commitments, reading scripts and spending quality time with her family and friends--- now seems to be too tired to even smile for a picture. PeeCee, who is heading to Prague, recently shared a picture on Instagram and wrote alongside, "Sometimes you're too tired to smile. #Prague here I come" The 34-year-old, before leaving for her next destination, made sure to have a gala time with 'Team PC'. She took to social media to share a picture with her team and mother Madhu Chopra. "Team PC!! #india you are my heart! @madhuchopra @natashapal @mrinster @rohiniyer @chanchal_dsouza @parekhashni @stylebyami @anushreekirtikar #ChandMishra U were missed Vinita Chetna @hairbypriyanka," she captioned the snap. Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has reminisced about the times when he was working in Yash Chopra's "Kaala Patthar", says being on the late filmmaker's set was like a picnic. "Working with Yash-ji was always a picnic... Informal, relaxed and filed with humour and eating delicious food. He encouraged the families of artists to accompany them at the shoot destination... Whether it was Pune or Kashmir or Amsterdam or Delhi, it was always the same," Amitabh posted on his blog on Monday night. He recounted how evenings were spent at a common place where everyone chatted, played games and enjoyed each others' company. "Antakshari was the favourite, along with dumb charades... Haha... What wonderful moments shared," added the actor, who is currently in Malta to shoot "Thugs of Hindostan". Big B, 74, particularly mentioned how shootings in Kashmir, where he shot for Chopra's romantic drama "Silsila", were a delight. "After pack up, we would all migrate to the Dal Lake, where several dongas' - boat platforms - would be tied together to make one floating large boat and all of us would spend the evening, moving about in the lake, eating, singing... Music by local folk musicians, until the late hours. "Now all forgotten... And in memories... Sad. Time waits for no one... And neither must we," he added on an emotional note. Jaipur: Around 50 cow vigilantes targeted officials of the Tamil Nadu government transporting cows from Jaisalmer to their state, pelted stones at a truck and blocked National Highway 15 on suspicion of cattle smuggling in Rajasthan's Barmer district, police said on Monday. Four persons have been arrested and action against seven policemen including a police inspector has been taken for allegedly not taking the matter seriously and reaching the spot late, a senior police official said. The officials of the Animal Husbandry Department of Tamil Nadu government had purchased 50 cows and calves from Jaisalmer and were transporting them in five trucks with NOC and all required papers and permission from authorities and police when the cow vigilantes attacked them. "The accused tried to beat the officials.They also tried to set a truck on fire but police reached the spot and prevented them. The officials, drives and cleaners were rescued and taken to local police station. "In the meanwhile, several people gathered there and blocked National Highway 15, SP, Barmer, Gagandeep Singla told PTI. The officials had purchased the cows of a good quality breed from different places in Jaisalmer. They had NOC and permission from the SDM and local police station to transport the cows. "The accused pelted stones at trucks and damaged one truck. The cows were rescued and taken to a local cow shelter for the time being," he said. A case against 50 persons has been registered for voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from duty and for assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty and also under the National Highway Act. Chainaram, Kamlesh, Vikram and Jaswant have been arrested in the matter. "The officials informed the police station immediately and sought help but the policemen reached late. On this dereliction, the SHO of Sadar Police Station and six other policemen were shunted to police lines today," he said. SHO Jairam, Sub Inspector Dhruv Prasad, Assistant Sub Inspector Majid and two head constables and as many head constables were shunted to police lines, the SP said. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has flayed the BJP after the incident came to light, saying the ruling party's "divisive" politics is detrimental to the country's social fabric. "BJP's divisive politics, the environment of hate fostered by it and no governance, spells hell for our social fabric (sic)," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Twitter. New Delhi: A proper square meal is hard to come by and relish for astronauts who spend months of their time in space, aboard the International Space Station (ISS). While their dining experience is something that many of us would like to indulge in, it goes without saying that it is not even close to normal and is just a part of the numerous list of challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Come 2018, however, all that may just be about to change for the better. A German company has offered to serve baked bread to astronauts in space to help them satisfy their 'earthly' cravings. It may sound normal, but bread comes with crumbs, which may float around the space station, infiltrating the expensive and not to forget, crucial space equipment, which could be concerning. With Bake in Space an experiment that aims to create crumb-free bread for astronauts the German company hopes their unique recipe and oven will create a mess-free version of the goodness that everyone can enjoy without the fear of imminent death. The experiment will include ingredients and equipment for a German bread roll which astronaut Alexander Gerst, who's heading to the ISS in April 2018, will carry with him. In addition to providing an alternative to dehydrated astronaut food, Bake In Space hopes to provide our friends in space with a taste of home. "In order to improve astronauts' well being on long-duration missions such as on a Moon base or on Mars, food plays an essential key role," the company wrote on its website. "Besides a source for nutrition, the smell of fresh bread evokes memories of general happiness and is an important psychological factor," Gizmodo reported. "I feel like baking anything in space would be really awesome," New York-based baker Miranda Bucciero told Gizmodo. "I do mostly cake decorating so the concept of trying to frost a cake in space is really cool to think about (and would probably be really funny to watch) but brownies would probably work the best the dense fudgey/chewy type of brownie." According to the New Scientist, the first and last people to enjoy bread in space were the two astronauts on NASAs 1965 Gemini 3 mission, who shared a corned beef sandwich one of them had smuggled on board. The crumbs flew everywhere in the microgravity and could have got into their eyes or into the electrical panels, where they could have started a fire. Bread has been banned ever since tortilla wraps are the accepted alternative. Bake In Space will test various approaches on board the ISS during the European Space Agencys Horizon mission in April 2018. The team plans to control the entire baking process from the ground via video feeds from inside the oven that way the astronauts wont have to worry about burning their loaves on top of their other duties. To see how microgravity affects a finished loaf, initial batches will also use dough pre-baked on Earth. Bread could have a completely different structure, says Sebastian Marcu, founder of Bake In Space, the company behind the project, based in Bremen, Germany. New Delhi: Being the largest planet of the solar system, Jupiter has caught the fancy of scientists and astronomers compelling them to study the gas giant better by delving into its interiors. The Juno spacecraft was therefore developed to help scientists in this endeavour. However, a new study has made an incredible discovery that apart from establishing Jupiter as the largest planet, also shows it to be the oldest one! Yes, astronomers have finally found how old Jupiter is. The study suggests that the planet's core had already grown to be 20 times more massive than Earth just 1 million years after the sun formed. "Jupiter is the oldest planet of the solar system, and its solid core formed well before the solar nebula gas dissipated, consistent with the core-accretion model for giant planet formation," lead author Thomas Kruijer, of the University of Munster in Germany and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, said in a statement, Space.com reported. By looking through a telescope, you cannot precisely date something, says Kruijer. This is the first time we have been able to do this using an empirical approach. According to Popular Science, the researchers analyzed meteorites molybdenum content and found that their natural variation divided them into two discrete, pre-existing groups: carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous meteorites. The former were thought to originate from beyond Jupiter, while their non-carbonaceous peers formed from material closer to the sun. A different isotope tungsten was used to figure out the age of the two groups. With time, larger tungsten isotopes decay into smaller ones, so seeing more of the smaller isotope means that the meteorite has been around for a while. "The most plausible mechanism for this efficient separation is the formation of Jupiter, opening a gap in the disk and preventing the exchange of material between the two reservoirs," the researchers wrote in the new study, which was published online on June 12 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Space.com further reported that Jupiter's core would have to be about 20 times more massive than Earth to keep the two reservoirs from mixing, Kruijer and his team calculated. So, the results suggest the nascent gas giant was already that big within the first 1 million years of solar system history, the researchers said. Jupiter's growth rate slowed thereafter, they said. The gas giant didn't reach 50 Earth masses until a minimum of 3 million to 4 million years after the sun's formation, the researchers determined. (Jupiter is currently about 318 times more massive than Earth.) "Our measurements show that the growth of Jupiter can be dated using the distinct genetic heritage and formation times of meteorites," Kruijer said in the same statement. Knowing that Jupiter has been around since (almost) the very beginning of the solar system helps explain the way the rest of the solar system has developed. "Jupiter forming can change the distribution of rocky material throughout the entire Solar System... or, as discussed in this work, by serving as a roadblock for the migration of small material," Walsh says. This could even be the reason that there is only one, relatively small Earth. Kruijer acknowledges that this theory is somewhat speculative, but once Jupiter formed, it could have blocked more matter from getting within a habitable range of the sun, Popular Science concluded. New Delhi: NASA has scrapped the launch of a sounding rocket scheduled for June 12 from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia due to cloudy skies. The launch of a Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket is now scheduled for Tuesday night, June 13, with a launch window from 9:04 to 9:19 p.m. EDT. According to the US space agency, the June 12 attempt was the sixth for this mission, which will create glowing, artificial clouds in the night sky to track particle motions in space. Tuesday's launch was delayed due to clouds impacting the ability to test a new ampoule ejection system designed to support studies of the ionosphere and aurora. Several attempts have been scrubbed due to a variety of issues, such as high winds, clouds, and boats in the hazard area. The multi-canister ampoule ejection system flying on this mission will allow scientists to gather information over a much larger area than previously able. Canisters will deploy between 4 and 5.5 minutes after launch releasing blue-green and red vapor to form artificial clouds. These clouds, or vapor tracers, allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space. If skies are clear at the time of the launch, the clouds may be visible along the mid-Atlantic coastline from New York to North Carolina. Live coverage of the mission is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. on the NASA Wallops Ustream site. A Facebook live is also planned beginning at 8:50 p.m. on www.facebook.com/NASAWFF. Beer, fries, waffles, and chocolates are probably the first few things that spring to your mind when thinking about Flanders and yes, they are one-of-their-kind here! But did you know there is so much more you can add to your culinary platter here? 1. For the munchies on the go Fries are part of Belgian culinary and cultural heritage. Even though they are referred to as 'French Fries' there is nothing French about them! The name is alleged to have originated due to a linguistic misunderstanding, because in old English to French meant to cut into sticks. The other favorite are of course the waffles! In Belgium, most waffles are served warm by street vendors and dusted with confectioner's sugar though in tourist areas they might be topped with whipped cream, soft fruit or chocolate spread 2. For the food connoisseur On this modest patch of land, there are close to a ton of Michelin-starred restaurants. No region is the world can offer that density of top level restaurants if you follow the Michelin and Gault&Millau guides. The triple starred Hof van Cleve and Hertog Jan are surely the culinary spearheads, but the Belgian gourmet restaurants are there for everyone. In more alternative gourmet spots such as Publiek, L'epicerie du Cirque or la Paix one need not have to dress up a simple jeans and t-shirt also works. 3. For the vegetarians Ghent serves the largest number of vegetarian restaurants in the whole of Belgium. It is considered as the organic haven for vegetarians with dozens of unique little restaurants, shops and even an organic market at Groentenmarkt. In 2009, Ghent also introduced the concept of Thursday Veggie day, a campaign developed by EVA (Ethical Vegetarian Alternative). This campaign made Ghent the first city in the world to officially stimulate people to go vegetarian one day in a week. It is also the first city in the world to have an official veggie day. 4. Beer lovers Flanders is the home of the richest beer culture in the world. With over 1500 different original beers, the list is quite exhaustive to last more than a year. Hundreds of different beers, in numerous styles; Belgian ales, cherry beer, white beer, Flanders 'Old' red and brown, lambic, geuze, Abbey and of course the famous Trappist. Other countries have those as well, but nothing compares to the Belgian varieties. That long history turns this region into a beer Valhalla. The new generation of exciting craft breweries such as De Dochter van de Korenaar, De Ranke and Brasserie de la Senne is making sure it stays that way. 5. For the ones with the sweet tooth Did someone say Chocolate? Yes, the Belgians pretty much-invented chocolate or at least perfected it. Names such as Godiva, Leonidas and Neuhaus might ring a bell. Aside from those, there are more than 320 chocolatiers throughout the country, selling a historically great product. That product is the basis of innovation. Some fine examples are the Shock-o-latier Dominique Persoone from the renowned chocolate store - The Chocolate Line and the artist Marijn Coertjens, who stunned at the World Chocolate Masters. They form the front line of a new generation of cocoa craftsmen. Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath might not host an Iftar party at his official residence, 5 Kalidas Marg. Chief Minister Adityanath will be the second BJP chief minister after Ram Prakash Gupta to skip hosting an Iftar party. Earlier, top leaders of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajnath Singh and Kalyan Singh hosted Iftar parties at their official residences during Ramzan, but according to sources, this time the current chief minister is not going to do so. Earlier, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Uttar Pradesh`s former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav hosted the Iftar party at their official residences. During Mayawati`s tenure, once the event was held at Hotel Taj, in which only selected people were invited. However, the Muslim wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) - the Rashtriya Muslim Manch (RMM) - has announced Iftar parties all over the country, where those are in fast will break it with products made from cow milk. An Iftar is a meal which Muslims have to break after a day-long fast (Roza) in the month of Ramzan. Till now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also not hosted an Iftar party. New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday dispatched 600 paramilitary personnel to assist the West Bengal government in restoring normalcy in violence-hit Darjeeling hills which witnessed incidents of stone pelting on the second day of GJM-sponsored indefinite bandh. The Centre also sought a detailed report on the prevailing situation in the hill district from the state government. A Union Home Ministry spokesperson said that as many as 600 paramilitary personnel, including 200 women, were sent to Darjeeling. Around 400 personnel, already stationed in West Bengal, have also been deployed in the hill areas along with additional forces. The Home Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and was ready to offer all assistance to the state government to restore normalcy there. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat in Kolkata that the situation in the hill district was 'peaceful'. She, however, said that the Centre did not seek any report on the Darjeeling situation from the state government. As their indefinite shutdown entered its second day today, protesters demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland hurled stones at the police at Chowkbazar area in Darjeeling after they were stopped from enforcing their shutdown in many government offices. Senior police officers were seen leading large police contingents in various parts of the hills. Police pickets and barricades were put up in front of the government and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices and various entry and exit points of the hills, while Rapid Action Force (RAF) and a sizable number of women police personnel were also deployed. Shops downed shutters as the violence broke out. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership, however, accused the police unprovoked lathi-charge on its procession. "The police resorted to unprovoked lathi-charge on a peaceful rally. The more they use force against us, the more intense will be the struggle for a separate Gorkhaland state," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told PTI. Yesterday too, Gorkhaland supporters vandalised government offices as the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown forced tourists out of the picturesque hill station due to threat of violence. The GJM, which controls the GTA, has called a shutdown of all state and GTA offices to press its demand for creation of a separate state. Giri said that a meeting of six political parties, including GJM and Gorkha National Liberation Front during the day, decided to strengthen the movement for a seperate Gorkhaland. Their next meeting has been scheduled on June 20 to discuss the future course of action, he said. GJM chief Bimal Gurung said that he was in constant touch with the Centre and was hopeful that its ally the BJP would consider its demand for a separate state "compassionately". "I am constantly in touch with the central government and various ministers. I am very hopeful that they will understand our pain and struggle and will consider our demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland. "The government at the Centre is our ally and they will surely consider our demand compassionately," Gurung said. BJP, he said, has always been in favour of small states. The GJM chief slammed West Bengal chief minister for calling out the Army to control the situation in the hills and advised her to stay away as "the people of Darjeeling are well equipped to take care of themselves". "My advice to Mamata Banerjee is please stay away from the hills. We don't need your charity. The people of the hills will not accept TMC's hegemony," he said. Hitting out at the chief minister for calling the Army to control the situation in the hills, Gurung said, "Mamata Banerjee is just pursuing opportunist politics. "In December last year she had accused the Army of trying to attempt a military coup. She can do anything for the sake of cheap politics," he alleged. "We are not like her. We respect the Indian Army. Every year hundreds of youth from the hills join the Indian army," he said. Sameer Patel, who worked in a departmental store, was shot by unidentified men. The entire incident was captured on CCTV. By India Today Web Desk: An Indian-origin man was shot at in Atlanta, United States. The victim identified as Sameer Patel was shot in the head and his condition is stated to be critical. Patel was working in a department store. Two unidentified persons barged into the store and opened fire at Patel. After attacking Patel, the duo stole cash box and fled from the spot. advertisement The entire incident was caught on camera. Sameer's family has been sent a copy of the CCTV footage. Sameer is a native of Gujarat's Patan district. ALSO READ: Another Indian killed in US, businessman Harnish Patel shot dead near his home Third attack on an Indian in 10 days in US: All you need to know about 'climate of hate' WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he was not seeking an "escalation" in the Gaza Strip after his government moved to reduce electricity supplies to the Hamas-run enclave. Israel`s security cabinet decided on Sunday to reduce the daily amount of electricity supplied to Gaza by between 45 and 60 minutes, Israeli media reported. Gazans currently receive only three or four hours of electricity a day, delivered from the territory`s own power station and others in Israel and Egypt. Israeli authorities said the move was taken after funding cuts by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who has reportedly been seeking to further pressure his rivals in Islamist movement Hamas. It has raised fears of a new upsurge in violence, with Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza having fought three wars since 2008. "Israel has no interest in an escalation and anyone who says otherwise is mistaken," Netanyahu said at a public event on Tuesday. He said the issue was related to an "internal Palestinian dispute", adding that Abbas`s Palestinian Authority was refusing to pay for electricity provided to Gaza. Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said Monday that Abbas recently decided to "significantly reduce" payments. "It would be illogical for Israel to pay part of the bill," he said. Hamas also said the cut was made on Abbas`s orders and termed it "a catastrophe". "This decision aggravates the situation and risks an explosion in the Gaza Strip," it said in a statement on Monday. Hamas has run Gaza since 2007, when it seized the territory in a near civil war from Abbas`s Fatah in a dispute over parliamentary elections won by the Islamist movement. Abbas runs the Palestinian Authority (PA), the internationally recognised Palestinian leadership based in the occupied West Bank. Multiple attempts at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah have failed, but the PA had continued to pay Israel for some electricity delivered to Gaza. Hamas is considered to be a terrorist group by Israel, the European Union and the United States. The Gaza Strip is home to some two million people, more than three-quarters of whom depend on humanitarian aid. Doha: To meet the dairy products demand in his country, a Qatari business man has decided to airlift 4,000 cows from Australia and the US to the Gulf desert. The Qatar Airways will have to make 60 sorties to help chairman of Power International Holding Moutaz Al Khayyat's ambitious plan to become a reality, Bloomberg reported. Undeterred by the challenge, Khayyat' said, This is the time to work for Qatar. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain announced on May 5 they were cutting diplomatic ties and closing all connectivity links with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Libya, Yemen and the Maldives followed suit. The charge has been denied by Doha. A week ago Doha was importing fresh milk and dairy products for its 1 million population from Saudi Arabia. However, after Qatar was ostracised by the Gulf nations, the things have changed. However, Al Khayyat is convinced that his governmnet is doing enough to tackl ethe crisis and not a single citizen has been affected by the ban. US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Qatar of funding terrorism "at a very high level", urging the Gulf Arab country to stop the funding. The US President's remarks came amid a diplomatic row in the Middle East. Cairo: A controversial agreement for Cairo to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia passed an Egyptian parliamentary committee Tuesday, setting the stage for a vote in the house. Parliament`s legislative committee agreed the treaty after heated debate, with opponents even interrupting one session with chanting. The agreement passed with 35 lawmakers for and eight against, member of parliament told AFP. Parliament`s defence committee will also examine the accord before it goes to a general vote. Courts had struck down the agreement, signed in April 2016, but a year later another court upheld it. The accord had sparked rare protests in Egypt, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi accused of having bartered the islands of Tiran and Sanafir for Saudi largesse. The government has said the islands were Saudi to begin with, but were leased to Egypt in the 1950s. Opponents of the agreement insist that Tiran and Sanafir are Egyptian. Chittagong: Heavy monsoon rains and landslides have killed at least 134 people in southeast Bangladesh, burying many in their homes as they slept, authorities said Tuesday. Three young children from the same family were among those killed in the disaster, which comes just weeks after a cyclone battered the region and destroyed camps housing thousands of Rohingya refugees. Police warned the death toll would likely rise as emergency workers reached remote parts of the Chittagong Hills, where telephone and transport links had been cut. Manzurul Mannan, the government administrator of the worst-hit Rangamati district, said at least 98 people were killed in the hilly region alone. "The death toll might rise," Mannan told AFP. At least 30 people were killed in neighbouring Chittagong and another six in Bandarban, officials told AFP, adding about 15 people were missing, feared buried under chunks of mud. Many of the victims were from poor tribal communities in the remote hill district of Rangamati, close to the Indian border, where mudslides buried hundreds of homes. One woman described the ground sliding from beneath their family home in the dead of night, sending them fleeing to a house next door. "A few other families also took shelter there, but just after dawn a section of hill fell on the house. Six people are still missing," Khatiza Begum told local news website Bangla Tribune at Rangamati hospital. District police chief Sayed Tariqul Hasan said most of the landslides happened before dawn Tuesday. "Some of them were sleeping in their houses on hillsides when the landslides occurred," he said. Police and local authorities ordered the evacuation of thousands of people living in slums at the base of hills in the neighbouring district of Chittagong, where 30 people have been confirmed dead. At least 126 people were killed in that district when a massive landslide buried a village a decade ago. In the latest incident six people were killed in the nearby district of Bandarban, among them three children buried by a landslide as they slept in their home. Authorities have opened 18 shelters in the worst-hit hill districts, where 4,500 people have been evacuated, disaster management and relief minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya told reporters. Head of disaster management department Reaz Ahmed said disaster response teams had been deployed but had not yet been able to reach all the affected areas. "Once the rains are over, we`ll get a full picture of the damage and get the recovery work in full swing," he added. The monsoon rains came two weeks after Cyclone Mora smashed into Bangladesh`s southeast, killing at least eight people and damaging tens of thousands of homes. Rohingya leader Mohammad Anam said the latest rains had further worsened conditions in camps that were badly hit by the cyclone. "We`re living in constant fear of landslides," he told AFP. Around 300,000 Rohingya, a mainly Muslim stateless ethnic minority, are living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh after fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Heavy monsoon rains also pounded the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chittagong in the district of the same name, disrupting traffic for hours and flooding key roads and business districts. A ferry sank in the River Buriganga in Dhaka on Monday evening with an estimated 100 passengers aboard, police said, adding all the passengers had managed to swim ashore. Among the victims in Rangamati district were at least four soldiers who had been sent to clear roads after an earlier landslide. Thousands of troops are stationed in Rangamati, where a tribal insurgency raged for two decades, and which still suffers sporadic violence. "The soldiers were sent to clear roads hit by landslide in Manikchhari town when they were themselves buried by a second landslide," armed forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rashidul Hassan told AFP. "They fell 30 feet (nine metres) from the main road," he said, adding one soldier was missing and 10 injured, five critically. Oslo: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday said Saudi Arabia was supporting militants inside Iran, days after hardline Sunni group Islamic State claimed attacks in Tehran. Relations between the two neighbours are at their most tense in years. Last week Riyadh, along with other Arab governments, severed ties with Qatar, citing its support of Iran as one of the main reasons for the move. Two days later, the suicide bombings and shootings in Tehran killed 17 people. Iran repeated accusations that Saudi Arabia funds Islamic militants including Islamic State. Riyadh has denied involvement in the attacks. "We have intelligence that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in promoting terrorist groups on the eastern side of Iran, in Baluchistan," Zarif told a news conference held on the sidelines of a conference on peace mediation in Oslo. Baluchistan province is home to a Sunni population who form a minority in majority Shi`ite Iran. Iran and Saudi Arabia accuse each other of subverting regional security and support opposite sides in conflicts including those in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. "On the Western side, the same type of activity is being undertaken, again abusing the diplomatic hospitality of our other neighbour," he said, without elaborating. Iran also accuses the United States for Islamist militancy in the region. Beirut: A spokesman for the Islamic State group praised jihadist attacks in the Philippines and Iran, in an audio recording broadcast Tuesday. The recording broadcast by jihadist accounts on social networks was part of a general appeal to extremists around the world to continue their attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "Children of the caliphate in eastern Asia, we congratulate you for taking Marawi," IS spokesman Aboulhassan al-Mouhajer said, referring to the Philippine city seized by Islamist militants last month. Thousands of Philippine troops are battling hundreds of insurgents who overran the southern city on May 23, flying black IS flags and using up to 2,000 civilians as human shields. Fierce fighting in the city has left a total of 58 soldiers and police and more than 20 civilians dead, according to the military which estimates that almost 200 jihadists have been killed. The IS spokesman also congratulated the perpetrators of last week`s attacks in Iran. Seventeen people were killed and dozens wounded when armed men and suicide bombers attacked Tehran`s parliament complex and the shrine of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on June 7, the first strikes claimed by the group in Iran. The five attackers were killed. Mouhajer urged "caliphate soldiers" to continue their actions during Ramadan in Iraq and Syria. He also called for attacks in Europe, America, Australia, Russia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria. Jerusalem: Israel and New Zealand will restore ties after a row over Wellington`s backing of a UN resolution in December condemning Israeli settlement building, a statement said Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his New Zealand counterpart Bill English decided to end the dispute following a phone conversation, a statement from Netanyahu`s office said. Israel`s ambassador to New Zealand will return to Wellington, it said. The row came after New Zealand was among the countries calling for a vote at the UN Security Council in December on a resolution condemning Israeli settlement building. The measure passed after the United States refrained from using its veto, enabling the adoption of the first UN resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel over its settlement policy. After the resolution passed, Israel recalled its ambassadors to Senegal and New Zealand for consultations. It has no diplomatic relations with Venezuela or Malaysia, the other two countries that called for the vote. Israel and Senegal announced earlier this month they were normalising relations after the dispute. Washington: North Korea has released Otto Warmbier, a US university student who has been held captive there since January 2016, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported. Warmbier, a University of Virginia student from suburban Cincinnati, was on his way back to the United States after being released while serving a 15-year prison sentence with hard labor for alleged anti-state acts, the AP said, citing Tillerson. Beijing: In a diplomatic coup for China, Panama on Tuesday cut long-standing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with Beijing as the cash-rich Communist giant exerted its economic clout to wean away handful of allies of the self-ruled island. Regarded as big blow for Taiwan, China and Panama signed a joint communique here formally establishing full-fledged diplomatic relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice president and foreign minister, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. They signed the joint communique in which Panama has recognised One China, meaning that Taiwan is part of the Chinese mainland. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said on Monday that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China. "I'm convinced that this is the correct path for our country," Varela said. Taiwan expressed "anger and regret" over the "very unfriendly" diplomatic turn by Panama that "yielded to economic interests by the Beijing authorities". It accused Panama of "bullying" Taiwan while "ignoring the many years of friendship" between the two countries, and added it would "not compete with the Beijing authorities for money diplomacy". Last June Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen, a strong advocate of Taiwan's independence from China visited Panama, on her first overseas trip as President. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry condemned the move, alleging the island nation had demanded a huge amount of financial support. The move by Panama comes as China began construction of a container port with natural gas facilities in northern province of Colon last week. For long, Panama has maintained that it has commercial ties with China and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Taiwan, which broke away from China in 1949, is coming under immense pressure from China's push with huge funds of Belt and Road Initiative. Panama is the latest country to cut ties with Taiwan. In December last year, the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe made a similar move. Now only 20 countries have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taiwan has left with few allies, mostly small countries. They include Belize, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras and Saint Lucia In Africa: Burkina Faso and Swaziland, The Holy See, Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Panama did not give any reason for changing its diplomatic allegiance but there has been growing economic co- operation with China in recent years. China's Foreign Ministry also released a statement saying that "the Chinese government and its people highly appreciate and warmly welcome" the move by Panama. The United Nations in 1971 switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing's People's Republic of China (PRC) and most countries have since followed that lead in order not to antagonise the economic giant which is the world's second largest economy. Chinese companies are developing ports in Panama, and Chinese state firms are said to have expressed interest in developing the land around the Panama Canal once the country opens a tender for it later this year, media reports said. The Panama Canal is a vital shipping route. As China expands its global trade ambitions with its One Belt One Road infrastructure-building initiative, access to the eastern coasts of both South America and the US is expected to be of growing importance for Beijing, the report said. Riyadh: Saudi Arabia insisted on Tuesday that its neighbour Qatar was not under blockade as a Gulf diplomatic dispute escalated amid increasing international concern over its effects on ordinary people. The gas-rich emirate`s only land border is with the Saudi kingdom, and the closure of both it and Saudi, Bahraini and Emirati airspace to Qatar Airways flights has caused major disruption. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, in Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, insisted that moves to isolate Qatar were reasonable. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies accuse Qatar of supporting "terrorism" in the region, while Doha`s supporters have warned of a humanitarian crisis. "There is no blockade of Qatar. Qatar is free to go. The ports are open, the airports are open," Jubeir said alongside a silent Tillerson who had called last week for the embargo on Qatar to be "eased". "The limitation on the use of Saudi airspace is only limited to Qatari airways or Qatari-owned aircraft, not anybody else," Jubeir said. "The seaports of Qatar are open. There is no blockade on them. Qatar can move goods in and out whenever they want. They just cannot use our territorial waters." But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a Doha ally, denounced Qatar`s economic and political isolation. "Taking action to isolate a country in all areas is inhumane and un-Islamic," Erdogan said in televised comments Tuesday.In his strongest remarks yet on the crisis, Erdogan added that "a death sentence had in some way been pronounced" on Qatar. Turkey is in a delicate position as Ankara regards Qatar as its chief ally in the Gulf, but it is also keen to maintain its improving relations with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia. Ankara also is eager to maintain workable relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia`s foe with whom Doha`s critics say Qatar maintained excessively close ties. Erdogan was to hold three-way phone talks on the crisis later Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar`s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Doha`s ambassador to the European Union, Abdul Rahman Al Khulaifi, said Tuesday Qatar was "astonished and surprised when we hear voices who say we are supporting terrorism". "These accusations... it doesn`t have any base, any logic to it," he said. "You can disagree politically with your neighbours, but why do you get the people of the region involved in it?" the envoy asked. The Gulf states on June 5 ordered Qataris to leave within 14 days and also banned their own citizens from travelling to the emirate. The knock-on effects of the crisis are not confined to the Gulf. Al-Udeid, the largest US airbase in the Middle East, is in Qatar and is a key facility in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman discussed the crisis on Tuesday, with Putin warning that isolating Qatar would make finding a peaceful end to the war in Syria more difficult.Their talks "touched on the aggravated situation around Qatar, which unfortunately does not help consolidate joint efforts in resolving the conflict in Syria and fighting the terrorist threat," a Kremlin statement said. Saudi Arabia`s regional rival Iran called for a permanent mechanism in the Gulf to resolve issues such as the current crisis. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, speaking in Norway, said it was "absolutely imperative" to resolve the row through dialogue and to "establish a permanent mechanism for consultation, conversation and conflict resolution in our region." He said this could be along the lines of the 1975 Helsinki accords signed during the Cold War to reduce tensions between Western and Communist nations. As the crisis simmered, Washington`s envoy to Doha tweeted on Tuesday that she was leaving her post. Dana Shell Smith did not say why she was stepping down, but in Washington officials said she had made a personal decision to leave earlier this year after a normal three-year tour. Smith was appointed ambassador by US President Donald Trump`s predecessor Barack Obama in 2014. Last month in another tweet she appeared to express dissatisfaction with political events back home. After Trump`s dramatic sacking of FBI director James Comey, she wrote: "Increasingly difficult to wake up overseas to news from home, knowing I will spend today explaining our democracy and institutions." The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to make marriage registration mandatory for all in the state, an official said, today. By Indo-Asian News Service: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to make marriage registration mandatory for all in the state, an official said, today. A proposal has been drafted by the women's welfare department and is likely to be brought before the state cabinet in its next session. According to sources with the knowledge of the proposal, the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party government has decided to include everyone in the proposal, including the Muslims following the Supreme Court's order for compulsory registration of marriages. advertisement A committee of ministers was formed during former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's regime but its was protested by the Muslim community. The Samajwadi Party government had also decided to exclude the Muslims but the rule book was never released. The couples who are not registered will be deprived of benefits from government schemes, the sources added. Many states like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, Rajasthan have already made marriage registration mandatory. There are also penalties for not adhering to the rule. ALSO READ: 3 questions women ask on online marriage portals that are totally justified 'Arranged marriage': Man pushes aside elder brother, marries his bride at the last moment --- ENDS --- Seoul: A North Korean soldier escaped to South Korea Tuesday evening by walking across the Demilitarised Zone that bisects the peninsula, Seoul`s defence ministry said. The soldier, who has not been publicly identified, approached a South Korean border guard post and expressed a wish to defect, the ministry said in a statement. "We are holding him to investigate the motive and the process of his defection," it said without giving further details. There was no exchange of fire during the incident, Yonhap news agency cited a military official as saying. Over the decades since the peninsula was divided, dozens of North Korean soldiers have fled to the South through the zone which extends for two km either side of the actual border. The most recent such case was in September last year. Prior to that, a teenage North Korean soldier defected in June 2015. In 2012 a North Korean soldier walked unchecked through rows of electrified fencing and surveillance cameras, prompting Seoul to sack three field commanders for a security lapse. More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have fled their homeland but it is very rare for them to cross the closely guarded inter-Korean border, which is fortified with minefields and barbed wire. Most flee across the porous frontier with neighbouring China. Mosul: The bullets of jihadists rain down outside the Mosul kindergarten, where dozens of terrified Iraqi civilians are sheltering from fighting in their northern city. Confused, scared and exhausted, the civilians mostly women, including one in a wheelchair huddle in the pre-school after Iraqi forces brought them in for protection. The sounds of sniper fire, air strikes, and shelling echo all around them, as Iraqi forces fight to dislodge Islamic State group fighters from a nearby building. Iraqi forces are fighting to retake Mosul from IS, after the jihadist group overran the city in 2014, imposing its brutal rule on its inhabitants. Naja Abdallah, 70, says she didn`t dare leave her house until Iraqi forces arrived in her district of west Mosul, and even then fled with family members under heavy fire. "We had no more electricity, no water, no medicine -- nothing but God`s mercy," she says, as sniper and artillery fire continue unabated in the Al-Shifaa district outside. Iraqi forces have managed to retake most of Mosul since launching the battle for IS`s last major Iraqi stronghold seven months ago, but the advance has slowed in the last districts under jihadist control. IS`s grip on Mosul has been reduced to the Old City and several nearby areas, but the jihadists are putting up significant resistance and up to 200,000 civilians may be caught in the fighting. Iraqi fighters inside the pre-school have led women to one room, while they check the identities of the men young and old somewhere else. The anti-IS forces thoroughly screen fleeing civilians in a bid to make sure no jihadists escape among them.Omran, a 24-year-old who has grown his beard long like all men under IS rule, is one of those who is separated from his family for vetting. "We`ve lived through tough, terrifying days. We`ve really been through a lot," he says, just before he is whisked away. The fighting intensified around his home in recent days, he says, and his family escaped to their neighbour`s house after their own was hit in the fighting. "I hope to God it all gets better," Omran says. Women quietly break down into tears after the men are taken away, as an Iraqi commander shouts coordinates over the radio for warplanes and artillery gunmen to target the jihadists. Sniper fire intensifies around the building, where civilians are holed up with journalists and members of the interior ministry`s elite Rapid Response force fighting IS. Sniper fire hits and gravely wounds a reporter for a local television station, and Iraqi forces intervene to evacuate him to a medical point. "The sniper will either be killed or flee," says Rapid Response officer Hussein Ali. The jihadists are putting up a fight but it`s a weak one, he says, an assault rifle in his hands and another slung over his back. "They have nothing left but snipers and the mines they have been planting." "We won`t let the Dawaesh sleep," he adds, using an Arabic name for IS members. When the gunfire subsides after about three hours, the Iraqi forces hold up a curtain across the road to block off the view of any jihadist snipers and gradually lead the civilians out of the pre-school to a nearby building. Iraqi fighters accompany them from building to building all the way to the city`s medical school, where the soldiers rest for a few minutes before returning to the frontline. Islamabad: A drone attack in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region today killed a top commander of the dreaded Haqqani network, blamed for the attack in Afghanistan's capital Kabul that killed nearly 150 people. Two missiles fired by a pilotless aircraft targeted a house in Speen Tal, a semi-tribal area located on the border of Orakzai district and Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. A security official said militant leader Abubakar, who had links with the Haqqani network was killed in the strike. The house targeted by the drone was completely destroyed. The drone operation was yet to be officially confirmed. The drone attack comes days after Afghan officials blamed the Pakistan-based Haqqani network of carrying out the bombing in Kabul on May 31 in which 150 people died. The attackers detonated a tanker packed with explosives near the German embassy. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Fugitive former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, wanted by the Central American nation on charges of political espionage, was arrested by U.S. authorities on Monday near Miami, officials for the U.S. Marshals Service said, Reuters reports. Martinelli was taken into custody without incident as he emerged from a home outside Miami on Monday evening, according to Manny Puri, assistant chief of the agency's district office in Miami. The former Panamanian leader is accused of using public money to spy illegally on more than 150 political rivals during his 2009-2014 term as president. Martinelli was transported to a federal detention center in Miami and was due to appear in U.S. District Court on Tuesday to face an extradition hearing, Puri said. Interpol also issued a notice for Martinelli's arrest last month. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Estonia have great potential for development of cooperation in a number of fields, Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser said at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian in Yerevan on June 13, reports Armenpress. We have close and friendly bilateral relations. We have revealed a potential in terms of economic, trade cooperation which is still not utilized. There are some fields where we recorded significant achievements. Both sides give priority to information technologies field, especially in the context of public service provision. I must state with pride that Estonia has significant experience in this field. We can achieve great results by boosting the cooperation, the Estonian FM said, adding that Armenia and Estonia successfully cooperate in education and business spheres. He informed that in the second half of this year Estonia for the first time will assume the presidency of the EU Council in a six-month term. Estonia has ambitious presidency agenda, we aim to reach many things at very important fields, and one of our priority directions is the Eastern Partnership with the European Union, he said, expressing hope that the Armenia-EU new agreement will be signed at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels in November. We should have tangible, visible results in accordance with the expectations of Eastern Partnership countries, Sven Mikser said. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Ashot Manukyan, Armenias minister of energy infrastructures and natural resources participated June 9-10 in the informal ministerial conference of the energy community in Austria, the ministry told ARMENPRESS. A number of issues regarding the planned changes in the energy community agreement were discussed. The meeting also touched upon cooperation in the field. On the sidelines of the conference, minister Manukyan had several meetings, including with Johannes Hahn - European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner, and Janez Kopac director of the Energy Community. The minister and Janez Kopac discussed cooperation with the energy community and prospects of development of green energy in Armenia. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Sven Mikser, Foreign Minister of Estonia, wants to see facilitation process of movement of people between the European Union and Armenia, he said at a joint press conference with Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian on June 13, in response to a question whether it is expected that the visa liberalization process with Armenia will take place under Estonias this year presidency at the EU Council, reports Armenpress. I think free movement of people is a very important factor on making countries and peoples closer. It would be better that it takes place sooner than later. Estonia is interested to see the quick end of that process, but I cannot mention the dates of its completion. I hope we will give new impetus to it, he said. Sven Mikser visited Armenia on June 13 at the invitation of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. The FMs already held talks. In the morning of June 13 the Estonian FM visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial. He is also expected to meet with President Serzh Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan and Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Three people, including two children have been injured in a bus crash en route Moscow-Yerevan in Russias Voronezh Oblast, the Russian interior ministry reported. Russian authorities said the 35 year old driver of the Mercedes-Benz bus lost control while traveling on the M4 Don highways 717th km in the Verkhnemamonsk region in the morning of June 13, and as a result crashed into the roadside ditch. The bus was carrying 39 passengers en route Moscow-Yerevan. Three people have been injured. According to Russian authorities, two of the three injured are children one 7 year old boy from Krasnoyarsk, and a 10 year old girl from Kostroma. The injured have been hospitalized in the Bogucharski medical facility. Currently police are cooperating with the local government agencies for accommodating the passengers of the bus in a hotel until the next bus arrives and takes them to the point of destination, the interior ministry said. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on June 13 held a meeting with Estonias Foreign Minister Sven Mikser who arrived in Yerevan on official visit, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress. Firstly they held a private meeting which was followed by an extended format meeting with participation of delegations. Welcoming the guest in Armenia, FM Nalbandian said during the 25 years of diplomatic relations Armenia and Estonia have established productive cooperation at bilateral and multilateral formats, and there is a readiness to further deepen it through joint efforts. The two FMs attached importance to organization of high-level mutual visits, expansion of legal framework, holding regular consultations between the Ministries, as well as intensifying the mutual partnership in international structures. During the talks the Ministers highlighted the necessity to further develop the trade-economic relations, reveal new spheres for mutual partnership, strengthen business ties between both countries. A special emphasis was attached to opportunities to expand cooperation in IT sector. The Ministers also touched upon the mutual partnership in education, science and culture spheres. In the context of Estonias upcoming presidency at the European Union, FM Sven Mikser presented the priorities of Estonias presidency. During the meeting the sides also discussed Armenia-EU relations. Minister Nalbandian said it is expected to sign the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership agreement during the upcoming Brussels summit in November. FM Nalbandian presented to his Estonian counterpart the joint steps of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing states aimed at creating respective conditions to move forward the peaceful settlement process of the Karabakh conflict. Minister Nalbandian attached importance to Estonias balanced stance on the Karabakh issue and the unconditional support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group. The FMs also discussed international and regional urgent issues, such as the situation in the Middle East, in particular, in Syria and Iraq, as well as the fight against terrorism and migration flows. Edward Nalbandian and Sven Mikser signed the protocol between the Governments of Armenia and Estonia on the implementation of Agreement between Armenia and the European Union on readmission of persons residing without permission. The meeting was followed by a joint press conference. Mallya, the former boss of now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, was arrested by the Scotland Yard in April but was released on bail. Vijay Mallya was arrested by the Scotland Yard in April but was granted bail. (File Photo/PTI) By India Today Web Desk: The extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines boss Vijay Mallya will be heard in a London court today. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will argue the matter on behalf of the Indian government. A four-member joint CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) team visited London earlier this month to discuss Mallya case with British agencies. FROM INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE: The flight and fall of Vijay Mallya advertisement Mallya, the 61-year-old chief of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines who owes over Rs 9,000 crore to various Indian banks, has been living in self-imposed exile in Britain since March last year. He was arrested by Scotland Yard in April on fraud allegations, triggering an official extradition process in the British courts. Westminster Magistrates Court where Mallya extradition case is being heard. He attended a central London police station for his arrest and was released on conditional bail a few hours later after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds, assuring the court of abiding by all conditions associated with extradition proceedings, such as the surrender of his passport and a ban on him possessing any travel documents. ALSO READ: Exclusive: How Vijay Mallya splurged public money on IPL team Vijay Mallya booed during India-South Africa match, fans shout 'Mallya is a thief' Vijay Mallya arrested in London, gets bail; usual Indian media hype, he says WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani officials have a unique talent to focus on something and constantly repeat it by devaluing the meaning of what they said and doing the opposite, Armenias Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said during a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart Sven Mikser in Yerevan on June 13, commenting on the statement of Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov who said its time to change the status quo, Armenpress reports. In fact, Azerbaijan hinders and doesnt implement the agreements reached at the meetings which would enable to move forward the negotiation process and change the status quo. Azerbaijan speaks about human rights, freedom of speech, but it does the opposite. It seems Bakus brand is to say something and do the opposite, Edward Nalbandian said. He said it was Azerbaijan that didnt maintain the agreement to publish the content of press release agreed between the Foreign Ministers in Moscow with participation of the Co-Chairs. The different between the approaches of Armenia and Azerbaijan is that we speak with facts, but they with impressions based on imaginations, the Armenian FM said. Commenting on Bakus constant reference to UN Security Councils resolutions, which, according to the Azerbaijani side, serve basis for the conflict settlement, Nalbandian said they are 4, and it is Azerbaijan that always refused to implement the previously adopted resolutions. When the UN Security Councils resolutions were adopted, Azerbaijan after each resolution was refusing to implement the previous ones. Moreover, the talk was not about the negotiation process, they were directed towards ceasing military operations and establishing ceasefire, Nalbandian said. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Special Forces of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey are holding the joint military exercises entitled Eagle of Caucasus 2017. The Georgian defense ministry said the military personnel of the three countries have carried out medical extraction, hostage release and enemy neutralization drills in a base outside Tbilisi. Aviation equipment was used in the exercise. The joint drills have been launched on June 4 and are held for the third time. Earlier drills were held in Turkey. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. A man, identified only by his initials K.P., has been shot dead in Alaverdi, a town in the province of Lori, Armenia. Alaverdi police department is currently investigating the shooting. Law enforcement agencies told ARMENPRESS the shooting happened on Tumanyan Street in the city. The man died while being rushed to the hospital. An unidentified individual has gunned down 39 year old K.P. Police officers have apprehended the gunman, police said. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenias expert, academic and research community will provide assistance to the parliamentary diplomacy, reports Armenpress. On June 13 the first meeting of experts of Analytic Council working group formed by the initiative of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs was held in the Parliament. Armen Ashotyan, Chairmen of the Committee, said the goal of the working group is to provide assistance to parliamentary diplomacy by the expert, academic and research community. The main objective is to help the parliamentary bodies to receive relevant information from academic-expert sphere which can be applied in this or that platform of parliamentary diplomacy, Armen Ashotyan said. He informed that the Council will operate in two ways: ongoing and planned. The ongoing works suppose certain hearings, panel discussions, and the planned works suppose to discuss the existing diplomatic threats. The expert community in Armenia has quite great potential, they are known not only in Armenia, but also abroad, the expert analyses of many of them are being published abroad, all are guest lecturers abroad, they are taking part in different scientific, political conferences. Thus, I think this potential must not be ignored, and we need to serve it at best for our countrys development, Ashotyan said, adding that the Council will be formed for a 5-year term until the end of powers of 6th convocation parliament. In order to be included in the Council, the first meeting was attended by political scientists Richard Giragosian, Stepan Grigoryan, Alexander Iskandaryan, Gagik Harutyunyan, Manvel Sargsyan, Aram Safaryan, Alexander Markarov, former Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan, expert on Georgian studies Joni Melikyan, expert on Turkish studies Ruben Melkonyan, political analyst Davit Shahnazaryan, expert on Oriental studies Ruben Safrastyan, expert on Arabic studies Sargis Grigoryan, political analyst Stepan Safaryan, former Parliament Speaker Tigran Torosyan, expert on Iranian studies Vardan Voskanyan, former MP Tevan Poghosyan. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Ambassador to Bulgaria Armen Sargsyan on June 12 met with Bulgarias Deputy Prime Minister of Economic and Demographic Policies Valeri Simeonov, press service of the Armenian MFA told Armenpress. During the meeting the Armenian Ambassador congratulated Valeri Simeonov on assuming the post of the Deputy PM and wished success in his responsible position. Issues related to bilateral economic and scientific-technical cooperation were discussed. The Ambassador briefed the Bulgarian Deputy PM on the possible directions for developing Armenian-Bulgarian trade-economic ties, in particular, mentioning the fields of transport, energy, tourism, agricultural food processing. The Ambassador presented the free economic zones operating in Armenia, calling on the Bulgarian government to assist the companies that want to make investments in Armenia. The Deputy PM was provided with materials on Armenias business environment, free economic zones and numerous investment programs with the request to transfer them to interested structures and companies. Valeri Simeonov highlighted the need to deepen bilateral cooperation and utilize the existing great potential. He emphasized the necessity to establish Yerevan-Sofia direct air communication and intensify mutual partnership between the companies of both states aimed at boosting tourism. The Armenian Ambassador said several Armenian and Bulgarian cities and provinces have established friendly ties, however, its necessary to intensify the cooperation. Agreement was reached to contribute to activating the bilateral ties through local self-government bodies. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Vice-Speaker of Armenias Parliament Mr. Eduard Sharmazanov held a meeting on June 13 with H.E. George Saganelidze Ambassador of Georgia to Armenia. Sharmazanov was pleased to note the traditional friendship of the Armenian and Georgian peoples and attached importance to developing and enhancing the Armenian-Georgian ties even more in all possible directions. In this context the Vice-Speaker found it necessary to boost parliamentary ties between the two countries not only on the level of friendship groups but also committees. The Ambassador congratulated Mr. Sharmazanov on being re-elected to the post of Vice-Speaker of the Armenian Parliament. He expressed confidence that the Armenian-Georgian relations will be further strengthened and developed, with the parliaments being an important platform for it. The sides touched upon regional issues and the foreign policies of the two countries, highlighted cooperation and mutual understanding in various platforms. Speaking on the issues of the two countries, the sides emphasized the necessity of solving problems exclusively through a peaceful way, and importance of friendly relations with neighboring countries. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Estonia have low rate of trade turnover, but there is huge potential to increase it through joint efforts, Armenias Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart Sven Mikser in Yerevan on June 13, reports Armenpress. There is a good opportunity to continue the discussions on bilateral cooperation. The visit of Estonias Foreign Minister provides good chance to review the existing legal framework between the two countries. Today we added also one more agreement which is 14th and relates to readmission. 7 more documents are also expected to be signed. As for the commercial cooperation, the trade turnover volume between the two countries comprised 10 million last year which is quite low figure, however, there is potential to increase it, the Armenian FM said. He said during the meeting with Estonias FM they discussed issues related to fight against terrorism, refugee issues, as well as the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. The development process of Armenia-EU relations were also discussed at the meeting. We have repeatedly stated that we ended the talks on framework agreement and we plan to sign it in November on the sidelines of Eastern Partnership summit, he said. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian made opening remarks and answered the questions of reporters in a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Estonia Sven Mikser on June 13. Armenpress presents the full text of the remarks and answers of Minister Nalbandian. Ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to welcome in Yerevan my Estonian colleague Sven Mikser, who is in Armenia on an official visit. Our last meeting was in December, in Hamburg, within the framework of the OSCE Ministerial Council, and today it is a good opportunity to continue the exchange of views about expanding, developing and strengthening our cooperation both on bilateral and multilateral formats. Today, Foreign Minister of Estonia will be received by the President of the Republic of Armenia. Mr. Mikser will have meetings with the Chairman of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister. Estonian Foreign Minister started the visit by paying tribute to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. We have had an opportunity to exchange views on expanding the legal framework. There are 13 documents signed between the two countries, today we have added the 14th, on Readmission. Seven more documents are in the preparatory stage. We touched upon the development of inter-parliamentary relations, promotion of decentralised cooperation and expansion of trade and economic ties. Our trade turnover has not been high - about 10 million US dollars for the last year. It is a very low rate. I think our potential is much bigger. I am confident, that with joint efforts we can do much more. We also touched upon the cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education. We agreed to intensify our cooperation within international organisations, as well as to hold regular consultations between the two Foreign Ministries. We discussed a number of regional and international issues, such as the fight against terrorism, refugees, migration flows, which are being faced not only in Europe, but in other regions, too. We also touched upon the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. I have informed my colleague about the joint efforts of Armenia and Co-Chair countries towards the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is important, that Foreign Minister of Estonia visits Armenia on the eve of the Estonian EU Presidency. Estonia will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1st of July. During that period, Armenia expects to sign a new framework document with the European Union. It is known, that we have finished the negotiations and we are going to sign it in November, in the framework of the EU Eastern Partnership Summit. We also touched upon the issues of development of Armenia-EU cooperation in different areas. Foreign Minister Mikser presented the priorities of the Estonian EU Presidency. Now I have a pleasure to give the floor to my colleague, and after, we will answer to your questions. Please, Sven. Question: My question is addressed to Foreign Minister of Armenia. Minister, yesterday your Azerbaijani colleague presented his impressions from the recent meetings over the Nagorno-Karabakh issue by stating that the time has already come to change the status-quo and to start substantial negotiations based on the documents discussed in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. He also reiterated the thesis of Baku that the settlement should be based on the resolutions of the UN Security Council. What will you say in this regard? Edward Nalbandian: From the outset, I would say that it is a matter of imagination rather than an impression. First, in Moscow the Ministers of Foreign Affairs did not negotiate on any document. The only text discussed was the text of the press release, which was agreed between the Foreign Ministers in the presence of the Co-Chairs, and was afterwards released without changes by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Russia. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan published its own version of the press release, in which they did not mention that the Ministers emphasised the importance of implementation of the agreements reached in Vienna and Saint Petersburg, but instead stated that the Ministers negotiated over the Vienna and St. Petersburg negotiations. This nonsense was published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. As for the claims that some document was allegedly discussed in St.Petersburg, then the issues discussed at the St. Petersburg Summit were reflected in the joint statement of Presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, which included the details of what had been discussed. Following that summit Baku tried to come up with its interpretations. You know what was the reaction. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia qualified those interpretations as perverse. I think it is a very comprehensive assessment and I do not think that there is anything to add. This is the difference between the approaches of Armenia and Azerbaijan - we talk about facts, they talk about some impressions based on imagination. As for the status-quo, there is an impression that the Azerbaijani officials have a special talent to focus on something and continuously repeat it, thus devaluing the meaning of what was said, especially by doing the opposite. This is true also for the status-quo. Who impedes the implementation and fails to fulfill the agreements reached during the meetings between the Presidents, Foreign Ministers, the very agreements which would allow to advance the negotiation process and change the status-quo? It is Azerbaijan. Likewise Azerbaijan speaks about the freedom of speech, protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights, while does the very opposite. A new brand has been developed by Baku - to say something but to do totally the opposite. As for the UN Security Council resolutions. What was the rationale for the UN Security Council to adopt four resolutions? Since after each resolution adopted in 1993 Azerbaijan refused to implement them. The only aim for the adoption of those resolutions was the secession of armed hostilities. There was nothing regarding the essence of the negotiation process, those resolutions were aimed at establishing a ceasefire. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan impeded and it became impossible to do that. Later, Azerbaijan appeared in a situation when it began pleading to sign a ceasefire agreement. As you know, in 1994 two agreements were signed, followed by another agreement on the consolidation of ceasefire signed in February 1995. However, for years Azerbaijan has been questioning even those agreements, and recently, last April, when it unleashed aggression against Artsakh, the Azerbaijani side once again tried to question the validity of those agreements. The Co-Chairs had to remind Azerbaijan, even in the written form, that those agreements are valid, their terms do not expire and the sides should strictly adhere to and implement those agreements. This is the reality, and not what the Azerbaijani leadership tries to present to its public, based on their imagination or assumptions. Question: Mr. Minister, I have two questions. On Saturday, during the meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs you mentioned that it is time for the Co-Chair countries to undertake concrete steps to restrain Azerbaijan. Do you think that it is time for the international community, the Co-Chair countries to impose sanctions against Azerbaijan, for example, for the ceasefire violations? And my second question: does Armenia undertake any steps in that direction, so that in the end the international community impose sanctions against Azerbaijan, as I said, for example for the violation of ceasefire regime? Thank you. Edward Nalbandian: The Co-Chair countries have stated on numerous occasions and on the highest level, on the level of the Presidents, that the side which will use the force and violate the ceasefire, will be harshly condemned by the international community. And when such a statement comes from the Presidents of the Co-Chair countries, who are the permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, Russia, France, what does it mean? Is it merely a statement? I think not just. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan pretends that these calls have nothing to do with it, Azerbaijan pretends that it can ignore those statements and calls. Azerbaijan spares no efforts to impede the establishment of mechanism for investigation of ceasefire violations. Although it is clear to everyone who is the initiator of the violations even without the mechanism. Simply, the Co-Chair countries are mediators, and the mediator countries are doing their utmost to be balanced to enable the continuation of the negotiations. But even the Co-Chairs were already compelled to issue targeted statements, which was the case couple of days ago, when they stated that it is Azerbaijan who violated the ceasefire, and there was a retaliation from the Armenian side. It also happened when the Co-Chairs criticized Azerbaijan urging it to refrain from the attempts to shift the discussions on the settlement into other formats and to cease criticism directed against the Co-Chair countries and to agree to the establishment of mechanism for investigation of ceasefire violations, as was done by Armenia and Artsakh. Targeted statements have been issued on numerous occasions. But how many statements still should be issued so that it becomes clear that statements alone are not enough, and that the international community should undertake all the steps as implied by this notion of will be harshly condemned in order to curb Azerbaijans continuous attempts to destabilise the situation in the region with all its consequences not only for the region, but in a much broader context? I think the international community is finally coming to exactly this understanding that relevant steps should be undertaken towards the country which is against peace, always threatens to use force and to solve the issue through the military means. YEREVAN, 13 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 13 June, USD exchange rate is down by 0.06 drams to 482.56 drams. EUR exchange rate is down by 0.36 drams to 540.85 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is up by 0.03 drams to 8.48 drams. GBP exchange rate is up by 0.45 drams to 613.33 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price is down by 4.77 drams to 19647.77 drams. Silver price is down by 3.44 drams to 265.77 drams. Platinum price is up by 75.76 drams to 14645.84 drams. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan receives Foreign Minister of Estonia Sven Mikser on June 13,Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office. During the meeting the interlocutors mutually recorded with satisfaction that the relations between the two states based on deep-rooted friendship between the people of Armenia and Estonia and mutual trust and respect have developed during the 25 years of diplomatic relations between two states. President Sargsyan stressed that Armenia is ready to further activate and deepen political dialogue both on bilateral and multilateral formats, as well as develop cooperation on inter-parliamentary and inter-governmental levels in various spheres of mutual interest. Sharing the opinion that new impetus should be given to the partnership, since the expectations and potentials are rather promising, the Armenian President and Estonian FM also referred to the development prospects of Armenia-EU relations. Foreign Minister Sven Mikser hoped that in the sidelines of Estonias coming presidency of the Council of the EU, the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU will be signed. During the meeting Foreign Minister of Estonia Sven Mikser presented to President Sargsyan the priorities of Estonias presidency of the Council of the EU. The sides exchanged ideas over regional issues and challenges, including the settlement process of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The Foreign Minister of Estonia emphasized that Estonia fully supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs aimed at the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Posing this challenge to Nitish, he further said BJP too would get all the its 55 legislators and all MPs to resign and go for midterm polls. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Bihar BJP President Nityanand Rai has dared Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dissolve the Assembly by seeking resignation of all the 178 legislators of the "Mahagathbandhan" and go for fresh polls. Posing this challenge to Nitish, he further said the BJP too would get all the its 55 legislators and all MPs to resign and go for midterm polls. advertisement "I dare Nitish Kumar to get his legislators to resign and hold fresh elections. We will also take similar step and then we will find out which party is more popular today to win elections", said Nityanand Rai, Bihar BJP President. Rai's comments have come a day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar posed a similar challenge to the BJP to hold snap polls in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh together by dissolving the Assemblies in both states. "I am willing for elections tomorrow if BJP wants but then elections should simultaneously be held in Bihar as well as Uttar Pradesh", said Nitish Kumar. This politics of "resignation" was triggered just days ahead of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's maiden to Bihar when his deputy and Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya kicked off a row when he dared Nitish Kumar to dissolve the Bihar Assembly and seek fresh mandate if he was so confident of the good work his government was doing in the state. "If Nitish Kumar is so confident of good work then I challenge him to dissolve the Assembly and hold fresh elections in the state. I am confident that BJP will win this time", said Keshav Prasad Maurya, deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh during his visit to Patna on 11the June. Yogi Adityanath is schedule to visit Bihar for the first time on 15th June when he will address a rally in Darbhanga. --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. A number of international flights are conducted over Artsakhs airspace or very near to it and its not ruled out that airplanes from Turkey could also fly over Artsakhs airspace, spokesperson of Artsakhs President Davit Babayan told Armenpress, commenting on the information in social networks that according to Flightradar24.com website, Airbus A321-231 airplane belonging to the Turkish Airlines flying from Istanbul to Baku flew over the airspace of Artsakh on June 12. Its not ruled out that it is disinformation. But I would like to note that a number of international flights are conducted over Artsakhs airspace or very near to it and its not ruled out that there can be some flights from Istanbul as well. For example, flights from Yerevan to Lebanon, Paris, Germany or Austria are conducted through Turkish airspace. I think we should not speculate over this issue. In fact, even if a flight from Istanbul to Baku through Artsakhs airspace was conducted, we are not Azerbaijan to make terrorist actions. Its the style of Azerbaijan, Islamic State terrorist organization or Al-Qaeda. Even if such a flight is conducted, its no problem for us. This shows that Artsakh is a normal and civilized country, Babayan said. To the remark that Azerbaijan calls on the airlines of other countries to bypass the airspace of Artsakh for security reasons, Davit Babayan stressed that those are false and fabricated calls.If a Turkish airplane really flew over the airspace of Artsakh, this documents that the mentioned calls are false. They are used to saying something, but doing something else. If its dangerous to fly over Artsakh, why do they fly over Artsakh themselves? Artsakh Presidents spokesperson said. He added that the international community should pay attention to and condemn the threats of the political leadership of Azerbaijan, according to which Azerbaijan will down any airplane taking off from Stepanakerts airport. YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan receives on June 13 NATO Secretary Generals Special Representative for Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Serzh Sargsyan greeted the guest and stressed that similar visits are a good opportunity to discuss NATO-Armenia partnership agenda, as well as to exchange views on regional and international developments. President Sargsyan recalled with warmth his productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on February 27, 2017 at NATO Headquarters and asked the Special Representative to convey his warm greetings to the Secretary General and the reaffirmation of the invitation to visit Armenia. James Appathurai thanked the President of the Republic for the reception and conveyed the warm wishes of NATO Secretary General and his readiness to meet again. At the beginning of the meeting the Special Representative of the NATO Gen-Sec expressed gratitude to Armenia on behalf of the organization for its participation in ensuring peace in Afghanistan and Kosovo and the contribution of Armenia to peacekeeping missions, emphasizing that during these years Armenia-NATO relations developed in an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding. James Appathurai noted that he will leave Armenia with resolve to continue the productive cooperation. At the request of the guest President Sargsyan introduced the transition process to the new governance system following the Constitutional changes and the importance of the reforms, developments over Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement and the Presidents assessments to the situation. The sides also touched upon Armenia-Iran relations, regional issues and security challenges. New Defra chief Michael Gove has been told farmers need certainty that the Government will make Brexit a success for British food and farming. In an open letter to the secretary of state for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Farmers Union (NFU) offered Gove its sincere congratulations on his appointment and said it looked forward to working with him. Written by NFU president Meurig Raymond, the letter said the NFU is aiming to work with Defra to champion farming within the Government. Our shared aim is to ensure a productive, progressive and profitable future for British farmers and assurance to British consumers. With farming arguably the sector most impacted by Brexit, NFU members need certainty as soon as possible that this Government will make Brexit a success for British food and farming, the letter said. To achieve our potential, we need a future post-Brexit trade arrangement that delivers the best possible access to the vital EU market, as well as continued access to a competent and reliable workforce. With your experience in reforming policy environments we look forward to working with you to create a new wider policy framework that better delivers for British food and farming - and for our nation. In addition, the NFU suggested the following measures for the new Government to support British Farming: That the Governments 25-Year bovine TB Eradication strategy is implemented in full. Licensing and access to plant protection products. Regulation based on robust, scientific evidence to the reauthorisation of glyphosate. The impact of issues such as fly-tipping, theft and hare coursing for farms and rural communities. In May 2017, the NFU urged farmers to speak with MPs on neonicotinoids ban. Birds Bakery has raised 10,000 for the British Red Cross Manchester fund following the re-introduction of the salted caramel doughnut across its 58 stores. Priced at 1 each, ten thousand limited-edition doughnuts were sold between 6-10 June to raise funds for those affected in the Manchester Arena bombing last month. The mayor of Derby John Whitby also visited Birds Albert Street shop on Wednesday to support the fundraising. Everyone was really pleased to see the mayor coming down to support us and we are pleased how the four days have gone for this important fundraising initiative, Mike Holling, head of retail at Birds Bakery, told British Baker. All of our customers were very pleased that we were doing something to help. The popular doughnut was also used during National Doughnut Week in May to raise more than 9,000 for The Childrens Trust. Holling added that due to the popularity of the doughnut, it could be here to stay. On this occasion, we had a large amount of requests for the salted caramel doughnut, we are going to rest upon it for a couple of weeks and Im sure its going to come back. 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 so called "Democracy" does exists. Before Gov. Roy Cooper and his surrogates accuse the N.C. General Assembly ofthe governor might want to reflect on his own actions in connection with legislative electoral redistricting.The best place to start involves a question: What is the North Carolina governor's constitutional role in the redistricting process? The answer: None.Sure, Cooper has a right to comment on redistricting. He can criticize the General Assembly as much as he wants. With the bully pulpit of the state's top elected executive office, his comments and criticism are bound to attract attention.But, as governor, Cooper plays zero role in creating North Carolina's election maps for the General Assembly or Congress. Neither the constitution nor state law calls on him to draw maps, to order others to draw maps, or to review maps once they're completed. In fact, laws spelling out legislative and congressional election maps face a clear exemption from the governor's review. You can find that exemption in Article II , Section 22 of the state constitution.Unlike other recent disputes pitting the Democrat Cooper against the Republican-led legislature, disagreement about election districts has no direct impact on the governor's ability to exercise executive authority. Legislative districts help determine the composition of the legislative branch alone.So Cooper's decision last week to insert himself into the redistricting debate falls outside the governor's traditional role in the system of government set out within the N.C. Constitution.It's also worthwhile to examine the specifics of Cooper's actions.He is absolutely correct in asserting his constitutional authority under Article III , Section 5 to call an extra session of the General Assembly. But relying on that provision of the constitution, he must abide by its prescriptions.One of them limits the governor's extra sessions to those convened "by and with the advice of the Council of State." The word "consent" does not appear after "advice," so it's not clear that the state constitution requires a vote or even a meeting of the Council of State.One suspects, though, that those who crafted the constitutional language did not anticipate a governor would seek "advice" about an extra session in an email sent at 3:37 p.m. Wednesday, seven minutes after the scheduled starting time for his news conference announcing the session. In addition to that questionable timing, the governor's notification to Council of State members asked only that they acknowledge receipt of his email, not that they provide recommendations or other "advice."One might reasonably conclude that the governor and his team thumbed their noses at that constitutional provision.The constitution also limits the governor to calling extra sessions "on extraordinary occasions." Supporters argue that the U.S. Supreme Court's June 5 ruling throwing out 28 legislative districts as examples of illegal racial gerrymandering represents a clear case of an "extraordinary" occasion.While it's unclear whether courts would agree with that assessment, it's quite clear that legislators are meeting in a regular session. That session started in January and has no adjournment date. Nothing prevents lawmakers from addressing redistricting issues during their regular session. Nothing prevents Cooper from urging them to take action during that session.Also clear is language in the original court order throwing out disputed legislative districts because of racial gerrymandering. The order called on lawmakers to draw new districts in a regular session - not an extra session.Lawmakers cited all three concerns about Cooper's extra session - the questionable nature of the Council of State's "advice," the fact that lawmakers are meeting in a regular session, and the court order requiring redistricting revisions to be made during a regular session - in declaring Cooper's action neither valid nor constitutional.One can argue with their interpretation. But it's clear that rather than "thumbing its nose" at the state constitution, the General Assembly specifically relied on language within the constitution to reject Cooper's plan.Lawmakers didn't even address a clearly unconstitutional portion of Cooper's planned extra session. The governor set a two-week time limit for the session. He has no constitutional authority to place such a constraint on lawmakers.Once again, a reasonable observer might conclude that the governor and his team had thumbed their collective noses at the N.C. Constitution. Yet it was Cooper spokesman Ford Porter who used that analogy to describe legislators' actions. And Porter extended the accusation to the General Assembly's response to the U.S. Supreme Court.The facts paint a different picture.No one disputes that the U.S. Supreme Court, without comment or dissent, upheld the trial court ruling against North Carolina's legislative districts in. The single line, "The judgment is affirmed," appears at the top of a 12-page Supreme Court order list issued June 5.Perhaps Cooper's lawyers failed to read the rest of the document. If they had, they would have noticed that the last three pages of the order list offered more detail. Those three pages featured the Supreme Court's unanimous opinion that the trial court in Covington had failed to make a compelling case for holding special legislative elections in 2017.After chiding the trial court for the "most cursory fashion" in which it addressed arguments for and against special elections, the justices addedThe Supreme Court threw out the special elections and ordered the case sent back to the trial court for "further proceedings."This order arrived on a Monday. Cooper announced his extra legislative session in a news conference the following Wednesday. The Supreme Court had not yet returned the case officially to the trial court, nor had the trial court scheduled any hearings or submitted any orders based on the Supreme Court's ruling.Cooper made no reference to the Supreme Court's concerns about a special election. Nor did he mention the fact that any additional action from the trial court must withstand the scrutiny of a united Supreme Court.Instead Cooper and his team wanted the public to believe that the two days that had elapsed between the Supreme Court's order and his news conference represented an unreasonable delay in action on the part of state lawmakers.One could conclude just as easily from the same set of facts that lawmakers had been waiting to see how federal courts resolved all outstanding redistricting disputes before taking action on new election maps. That wait-and-see approach displays deference to the legal process, not defiance of it.Why did the governor step into the redistricting debate when he did? Calling a constitutionally dubious extra session of the General Assembly and ignoring the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous order spelling out concerns about the potential impact of special legislative elections in 2017?A federal trial court order issued Friday evening offers a clue. In it, the three-judge panel in Covington reveals that the challengers of North Carolina's legislative election districts, challengers who are also Cooper's ideological allies, filed new paperwork Thursday. Those challengers are asking the court to proceed with briefings and hearings that could pave the way for a special election in November.The court order says Cooper's allies argue that legislative leaders oppose the idea, that the N.C. State Board of Elections holds no position, andWhat evidence exists that the "State of North Carolina" wants a prompt decision about a special election? Official discussion of the Supreme Court's June 5 decision has been limited to Cooper's news conference calling for an extra legislative session. That news conference took place the day before Cooper's ideological allies filed their latest court documents.It's interesting timing, to say the least. Syndicated mortgage investors still out tens of thousands, say Ontario's new regulations won't help The mortgage agent who solicited nearly $9 million in syndicated mortgage investments from members of the Greater Toronto Area's Chinese community has had his licence suspended by the provincial regulator after becoming the target of more than a dozen complaints. Dominic Ha's mortgage agent licence was suspended on May 31 by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) as part of an ongoing investigation. In April, a CBC Toronto investigation revealed that more than 120 investors have likely lost nearly $9 million in syndicated mortgage investments solicited by Ha, who then loaned the money to a convicted fraudster. The loans went towards a number of syndicated mortgages, which are investments where a borrower finds more than one private lender to invest money in a property instead of going to the bank. In this case, the borrower was Black Bear Homes, a developer in Fort Erie, Ont., run by convicted fraudster Gary Fraser. Most of the projects involved renovating or building houses or townhomes in the Crystal Beach community on Lake Erie. Normally in a syndicated mortgage an investor would lend less than what the property is worth, so that their investment can be recouped from the sale of the property. But in the investments Ha solicited, investors were collectively lending much more. According to the contracts that investors signed, Ha received 10 per cent of the funds for each syndicated mortgage he solicited for "mortgage orientation, referral, management and consulting fees." That means that on a $300,000 syndicated mortgage, Ha would receive a $30,000 commission. All of the investors CBC Toronto spoke to filed complaints against Ha with FSCO, but back in April the regulator would neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation into the mortgage agent. Ha still selling syndicated mortgage investments: FSCO Now FSCO has ordered an interim suspension of his licence because it believes that in addition to these complaints, Ha is still selling syndicated mortgage investments "in his personal capacity as a mortgage agent." Story continues According to the enforcement order, FSCO received one complaint about Ha in October 2016 pertaining to the syndicated mortgage investments CBC Toronto has investigated. The complaint alleged that Ha "provided false or deceptive information in the course of selling syndicated mortgage investments," according to the regulator's enforcement order. In this first case, Ha provided information to FSCO relating to the complaint and denied any wrongdoing. Then, in February, the regulator received approximately 17 more complaints about Ha with the same allegations. In the enforcement order, FSCO says they have obtained "information that the complainants may have been misled about the investments and may have been provided with a guarantee about the return on investment." Several investors, like Kwanny Lam, told CBC Toronto that Ha told them syndicated mortgages were safe and secure. "Dominic said 'Don't worry about it,'" said Lam, who invested $50,000. "He said 100 per cent guarantee, don't worry about it, get the money back. That's what he promised me." Despite two summons for information from the regulator, Ha has failed to provide any documentation in response to the 17 complaints, according to FSCO's order. Nicole Brockbank can be reached at 416-205-6911 or at nicole.brockbank@cbc.ca Coding and Robotics Apple Swift Draws Support from Robotics, Drone Makers Alongside other companies that have picked up integration with Apple's Swift coding language, Lego Education has announced its own support for the iPad programming app for beginners. The company said it would be pairing Mindstorms Education EV3 with the Swift Playgrounds learning platform to allow students to program their Lego Mindstorms robots and other creations with motors and sensors. Mindstorms already comes with its own programming app, which is controlled by dragging and dropping icons into a line to form commands. Swift is a highly visual programming environment that allows the user to tap on assorted options for creation of runnable code. "Today we're combining efforts with Apple to provide even more students around the world with the opportunity to learn how to code," said Esben Strk Jrgensen, president of LEGO Education, in a press release. Other devices that respond to Swift programming include: Sphero SPRK+, a robotic ball that rolls, turns, accelerates and changes colors. Sensors provide feedback when Sphero hits an obstacle. Parrot's Mambo, Airborne and Rolling Spider drones, which can take flight, turn and perform aerial feats; UBTECH's Jimu Robot MeeBot Kit, which can walk, wave and dance based on coding; and Skoog, a tactile cube that lets students create and play music with Swift code. Swift Playgrounds 1.5 is available as a free download on the Apple App Store. It runs on all iPad Air and iPad Pro models and the iPad mini 2 and later running iOS 10 or later. C-Level View | Feature Hobsons' Predictive Analytics Integration: From the PAR Framework to Holistic Tools A Q&A with Ellen Wagner It's been a year and a half since Hobsons acquired the PAR Framework and began integrating PAR's predictive modeling into its product offerings. Is predictive analytics well-established now, in our common workflows and tools? Here, VP for Research Ellen Wagner talks about how Hobsons' integration of predictive analytics, including the PAR Framework, has provided the education sector with tools to approach a myriad of issues more holistically from college and career planning, to recruitment and student matching, to admissions, advising, and student success. "We'll see analytics as more of a standard tool in everyone's workflow a tool that ultimately produces more decision-making, and more action, at more levels. And so much will come from all that to benefit students." Ellen Wagner Mary Grush: I want to ask you about how we are starting to use predictive analytics today in higher education, but let's approach that using an example from your own work. Let's start with your current passion your interest in the holistic use of predictive analytics, in areas which you describe as spanning from recruitment, through enrollment management, and on through advising and ongoing student support. Could you explain a little about your own journey that brought you to your current fascination with areas such as admissions and enrollment management? Ellen Wagner: I've been thinking a lot about enrollment management since I joined Hobsons a year and a half ago. It's been an eye-opening experience for this former professor. You know, those of us on the academic side of the house typically didn't think much about where our students came from. We just knew they would be in our classes, and that we would be responsible for making sure they learned in our classes and programs. In my time at Hobsons, I have come to understand just how much effort goes into enrollment management, student support, and student affairs. Hobsons is well-known for its great work with college and career readiness, and the tremendous support provided to high school counselors, students, and their families. We are also tightly connected to the world of college recruitment, enrollment management, and admissions. We've known for years that helping students and their families develop college and career aspirations, along with the ability to research options deeply, isn't something that happens in the weeks before high school graduation. The earlier we start, the greater the probabilities of giving our young people opportunities for dreaming bigger and for seeing ways to realize their dreams. It's always striking when my higher ed colleagues speak of the moral imperative we have to support the students we admit into our higher education institutions. Given my new awareness of just how much work goes on before students ever cross the college threshold, I have been wondering: What if we considered connecting all the support those students get before they go to college with the support they get once they have arrived at college? We can do this by collaborating more actively with our K12 colleagues to build the pathways we know are essential to doing a better job of supporting students along their entire learning journey. Grush: Where in that storyline would you especially want to do a better job of supporting students? Wagner: There is a large ecosystem built around getting K12 students to think about colleges, including recruitment, college visits, admissions it's an entire enrollment management industry. In all my experience over the years in academic affairs, of course I knew what was going on there, but I don't think I actually realized just how much of a business engine enrollment management has to be for a college or a university, and what a large piece of institutional operations it is. STEM P-TECH 9-14 Schools to Blossom to 80 by Fall Six years after the launch of the first Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) school in Brooklyn, yet another cohort of students is graduating each walking away with a high school diploma, an associate's degree in a STEM field and related work experience. Most P-TECH participants have two things in common: They come from low-income families and they've completed their six-year programs in five years or less. Many have also gone on to take jobs within IBM, the corporate partner that helped launch the P-TECH idea. P-TECH began in 2011 when IBM collaborated with the New York City Department of Education, the City University of New York and the New York City College of Technology to open the first 9-14 school. A year later, five schools opened in Chicago backed by IBM, as well as Cisco, Microsoft, Motorola and Verizon. Schools in both cities will have graduated a combined 100 students since their founding. The model P-TECH follows is to impose lofty expectations on students and to help them see themselves on a career pathway from the time they enter ninth grade. Students participate in mentoring, workplace visits, job shadowing and internships. Corporate partners commit to making sure the young people gain sufficient experience in their given fields to be considered as "first in line" candidates for new jobs. As of September 2016, there were 60 schools, not just in New York and Illinois, but also in Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island and Australia. They'll number 80 by this fall, according to IBM, and have 300 different companies large and small signed on as industry partners. "Our graduates and young IBM hires show that American STEM talent can be grown, pointing the way to what is possible, with more black and Hispanic students completing high school and college without the need of remediation," said Rashid Davis, P-TECH's founding principal, in a prepared statement. "Providing equal opportunity to underserved youth in our community is what success looks like. Starting in Brooklyn, this new education paradigm has spread across the country, helping recharge economies. P-TECH's efforts from industry, post-secondary and secondary professionals show that together, we can continue to improve public education." Graduates have already joined IBM, working as front-end web developers, organizational developers, coders and analysts. Many are also continuing college in pursuit of bachelor's degrees. The P-TECH website offers case studies, tools and other resources to help school districts, colleges and universities and businesses begin the establishment of new schools that follow the same model. Arizona's death chamber PHOENIX (AP) Lawyers for a group of condemned prisoners who sued over how Arizona conducts executions told a federal judge Monday that they have reached a tentative settlement with the state. The agreement between the state and the prisoners contains a series of provisions to address the prisoners' arguments that the state's execution procedures violate their constitutional rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and have due process. The agreement limits the power of the Department of Corrections' director to change execution drugs at the last minute, requires that drugs be tested before use and bars the state from using expired drugs. It also increases transparency in the execution process. The Department of Corrections officially published the new execution rules late last month, and the settlement would make those provisions binding. The agreement still needs approval by the prisoners. But one of their attorneys, Josh Anderson, told U.S. District Judge Neil Wake he expects that to happen as soon as next week. If the settlement falls through for some reason, Wake has set a bench trial for September. "That trial will not move - there is no place to move it," Wake told the attorneys. "I'm inclined to hold my breath for 10 days." Arizona to cut paralytic drugs in execution overhaul: lawyer (Reuters) - Arizona has agreed to scrap paralytic drugs from its lethal injection mix and allow witnesses to see more of the execution procedure under an overhaul of the state's death penalty practices, a lawyer for death row inmates said on Monday. The changes are part of a settlement announced on Monday in federal court in Phoenix in a 2014 lawsuit brought by seven death row inmates who argued Arizona's lethal injection practices were experimental, secretive and caused inmates prolonged suffering. Dale Baich, a lawyer for the litigants in the case, said the settlement agreement must be approved by a federal judge. Representatives for Arizona's attorney general and the state Department of Corrections could not be reached to comment. Baich said the agreement, if approved, would mark the first time a U.S. state had agreed to such major changes in its drug protocol and execution procedures because of prisoners' complaints. "The state is taking appropriate steps to decrease the risk that prisoners will be tortured to death," he said. Under the settlement, Arizona agreed not to use paralytic drugs, which lawyers for the inmates argued hid signs of consciousness and suffering during executions. The state also agreed to limit the authority of the director of the department of corrections to change execution drugs, and allow a prisoner time to challenge any drug changes, Baich said. States have been scrambling to find chemicals for lethal injection mixes after U.S. and European pharmaceutical makers placed a sales ban in recent years on drugs for executions because of ethical concerns. In December, Arizona agreed in the same case to stop using the valium-like sedative midazolam, or related products, as a part of a drug protocol for lethal injections. Midazolam has been used in troubled executions in Arizona, Alabama, Ohio and Oklahoma. In some instances, witnesses said convicted murderers twisted on gurneys before dying. It was also used along with a narcotic in Arizona's last execution, which was for convicted murderer Joseph Wood in 2014. Wood was seen gasping for air during a nearly two-hour procedure where he received 15 rounds of drug injections. Lethal injections typically result in death in a matter of minutes. Arizona also agreed under the settlement to allow greater transparency by letting witnesses view more of the execution process, including the moment the executioner administers the drugs intravenously, Baich said. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! : Associated Press, June 12, 2017: Reuters, June 12, 2017 Kuwait court overturns death sentence for father and mother who tortured their child to death Manama | Kuwaits Court of Appeals has overturned the death sentence for father and a mother who tortured their four-year-old daughter to death and kept her body in a freezer. The court in its new ruling sentenced the father to 10 years in jail and acquitted the mother. The reasons that made the appeals court abolish on Monday the verdicts pronounced by a lower court were not reported. According to the case documents, the 26-year-old father in May last year beat his daughter Isra with an electrical wire and poured hot water on her in front of her mother, 23, and three younger siblings. Security sources said that the investigation department received a tip about a suspicious murder in a flat in the Salmiya area in the capital Kuwait City. Investigators searched the flat and found a bag in the freezer in which they found the frozen body of a young girl, the sources said Forensic doctors reported that the body had burns on the shoulders and feet and traces of torture. During his questioning, the father, reportedly a drug addict, said that his daughter took one of his pills and died. However, he later admitted that he tortured her with hot water and beat her up with an electrical wire for her negligence in the flat. He added that when he saw her condition, he went down to a pharmacy and bought her medicines, but she passed away. The father then went to the market and bought a freezer and placed Isra's body inside it. His wife, a foreigner, refused to stay in the flat where the body was hidden, and he was forced to take her and their three children to another location. However, they complained that the place was unbearably hot and that they could not stay there. He took them to the flat of his mother and asked her to accommodate them for a few days, the sources added. The father told his mother that the eldest daughter had been hospitalized and that he would stay with her at the hospital. Upon hearing the details, investigators headed to the flat where they arrested Isra's mother for her complicity in the murder of her daughter. Further investigations revealed that the father and mother consumed drugs and that the father had been fired from work for showing up in an abnormal state. The parents were also found to be extremely negligent in the upbringing of their children and that their flat was disorganized and dirty. In its statement, the interior ministry said the parents were on drugs at the time of the murder. The investigations indicated that the father bought the freezer on the same day he killed his daughter and that he was the one to put her in a bag. The statement confirmed that the girl's body had traces of torture. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Cities today face a myriad of challenges, from crises of inequality to inadequate funds and services. But that doesnt faze Sidewalk Labs CEO Daniel Doctoroff. His aim: To transform urban environments through technologies that can drive efficiency, raise accountability, and foster a deeper sense of community. To Daniel L. Doctoroff, chairman and CEO of Sidewalk Labs, cities are more than just aggregations of people and buildings. Theyre opportunities for innovations that can improve the quality of urban life for everyonecitizens, governments, and businesses alike. Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Alphabet, combines technology, data, policy, and capital to develop products to address big urban problems around the world. Its an ambitious goal, but Dan is no stranger to tackling big-city issues: Prior to founding Sidewalk Labs, he was president and CEO of Bloomberg LP and served as deputy mayor for economic development and rebuilding for the City of New York in the Bloomberg administration. I caught up with Dan as Sidewalk Labs was in the midst of relocating its headquarters to Hudson Yards, a longtime industrial area of New York City, which is being transformed into one of Americas largest mixed-use developments. Its a place where cutting-edge construction sits atop century-old railyards. Dan conceived of the project as deputy mayor, and fittingly, our conversation covered cities history and their future, and how technology could be poised to remake urban life. Scott Corwin: From your perspective, where are cities today? Dan Doctoroff: On one hand, if you look at cities today, you see the extraordinary challenges that most face. In the most successful cities, there are massive supply and demand imbalances that are producing crises of affordability and inequality, and, at the same time, many cities are wrestling with deep financial problems. In the less successful cities, youre seeing depopulation and a massive reduction in services, which are leading to crises like what happened in Flint, Michigan. So you can look at cities today and say, for the best cities, its tough, and for cities that are suffering, its worse. This is cause for real concern. On the other hand, I believe there is a very powerful case to be made for optimismI think that were actually on the threshold of a rare era of technological innovation in cities that has the potential to fundamentally alter quality of life across almost every dimension. I believe there is a very powerful case to be made for optimismI think that were actually on the threshold of a rare era of technological innovation in cities that has the potential to fundamentally alter quality of life across almost every dimension. SC: Can you put this era of technological innovation in historical context? DD: Well, when you look back over the past 200 years and you think about the formation of the modern city, there have been three previous periods where weve seen the kind of impact that we may be beginning to experience now. The first was the invention of the steam engine, which brought people and goods to cities across long distances, enabled them to become industrialized on a scale that was not possible before. The steam engine also made modern sanitation possible. This all occurred in the early 1800s and played out over the course of a couple of generations. Second, in the late 1880s, the electric grid was rolled out. That made it possible to light up cities 24 hours a day, and to get around more easily on streetcars and subways. It also verticalized cities with the elevator, and ultimately enabled modern communications. The third, which really began in the early part of the 20th century, was the automobile. That forced cities to completely reconceive space. They had to accommodate a separation of roadways, provide for parking, and, obviously, the automobile made it easier to flee cities, which, in many cases, hollowed out the urban core. In each case, there were positives and negatives, but each invention fundamentally altered city life. If you look at the city in 1880, when the fastest vehicle was pulled by a horse and the best lighting was produced with kerosene, and compare it with 1940, by which time the automobile was fully integrated into urban life, the two would be almost unrecognizable. Now the interesting thing is that if you compare 1940 with today, its clear that we really havent had a revolution in cities since. The way we move around, where we get our energy and water, even the way we live in apartments (other than TV and the Internet)none of it has fundamentally changed. So the question is, what happens now? I think were on the verge of a fourth technological revolution, which will be the result of a combination of digital networked technologies. SC: What are these technologies, and have they already started coalescing to produce change? DD: The first is ubiquitous connectivity, which we are rapidly approaching. The second is sensingand by sensing, I mean things like location services, specialty sensors, cameraswhich gives us the capacity to measure whats going on in real time. The third is social networks. The reason social networks are important is that they increase our capacity to trust wider and wider circles of people, places, and things, not just because we can get information about them, but also because people are rating them. The next one is computing power, which helps the average person understand the implications of data and gives them the ability to understand it in new ways through artificial intelligence and machine learning. And the fifth is a set of technologies, like 3D printing and robotics, which will enable us to rethink the design and fabrication of buildings and spaces. So we believe that the combination of those five technologies will make the city of today unrecognizable when we look back from the vantage point of 2050 or 2060. You begin to see the combinational power of four of these technologies in Uber. Think about what makes Uber possible. Ubiquitous connectivity allows everyone to connect to vehicles through the Uber app on her smartphone. Through sensing, the driver knows where you are, and you know where the driver is, which creates a sense of confidence in the service. Social networks also give you the confidence to get into a car with a driver you dont know, because you see the drivers rating. And its the same for the driver. If you have a bad rating, you are less likely to get picked up, so you have an incentive to actually behave better. The last is computing power: Uber is continually learning about passengers to improve the customer experience. It is the combination of these technologies that has fundamentally disrupted a monopoly that we thought to be impregnable as recently as five years ago. But I would argue that what Uber has not done is fundamentally produce meaningful growth. Uber, for the most part, is a substitution play. The real opportunity will come when these technologies get integrated into the physical environment. Thats when we will begin to see real growth in productivity and meaningful change in quality of life. However, full integration is hard. It took 30 to 50 years for each of the three previous technology revolutions to be integrated into the urban environment. Those were also simpler eras where regulation was not nearly as complex as it is today. SC: So youre arguing that once you integrate this set of foundational technologies, you would be able to provide the same quality of life at a lower overall system costfreeing up capital dollars for reinvestment and, in turn, leading to greater productivity and quality of life. Is that right? DD: Yes, I believe the integration of these core technologies will have five core impacts on urban environments. The first is greater efficiency from sharing assets: space, infrastructure, but also less tangible ones such as knowledge and time. The second is a more personalized world: Our environment will learn about us, and we will learn about it in many different ways. The third is a greater sense of community: As we pool and share community resources, the feeling of belonging to a community grows stronger. The fourth is using real-time monitoring to get a better sense of whats happening and to hold people accountable, so that we can potentially understand the real cost of externalities. Last, more adaptability: Cities can become more flexible and adapt to the needs of their residents. Let me give you an example of adaptability in zoning laws. Why do we have zoning laws? Because there are uses of buildings that are incompatible with other uses of buildings. We dont typically put factories next to schools, and, for the most part, we dont put residences next to commercial buildings. There is little transparency about what is going on inside these buildings, so we classify them crudely. We do the same thing with building codes: We over-engineer buildings because we cant actually monitor them over time. Now imagine the digital networked age where technologies such as sensors and social networks help us better understand whats going on. Cities can say, You can do whatever you want in that building as long as your decibel level doesnt go above X, and well be monitoring it. The ability to change uses and space quickly becomes possible, enabling the emergence of a whole set of new industries around flexible buildings that can be monitored, lowering cost and creating economic growth. The biggest change in the digital networked age is likely to be centered on mobility. Deloitte has done some of the best research on the economics of shared autonomous vehicles (AV).1 An average vehicle is used 3 percent or 4 percent of the time, and it is the second-highest expense for an average American family making $55,000 a year. Now imagine a place that has only autonomous vehicles. At Sidewalk Labs, weve actually modeled an all-autonomous environment, and we expect that an average family would spend about half as much money on transportation as it does today. And putting $5,000 back into the pocket of a family could be the difference between struggling to get by and being able to afford things that seem out of reach today. However, it isnt just about money. AV-only environments will be safer, meaning the time-starved parent can feel confident allowing her child to get home from school safely, potentially saving precious time. We will also be able to save on space. Parking and separated roadways take up 30 percent of a citys available land, but we think we can dramatically reduce that, creating more open space and, ultimately, improving health outcomes. In just these two examples, it is pretty clear how profoundly we can change urban life. SC: How do you see all of these foundational technologies and impacts converging over time? What is the catalyst for change for this new era? It obviously wont be the same in every single city. DD: I think we are going to seeand this is the approach that we are taking at Sidewalk Labsthat initially you dont need an idea to be successful in every city. Instead, you need to make something a success in one city. Once it is proven to be successful there, other cities are far more likely to adopt the idea. I saw this happen with the High Line when I was deputy mayor of New York. We opened the High Line in early 2009, and, within a year, there were 36 high lines under development around the world.2 Bike-sharing started in Paris in 2007, and today I believe its in more than 800 cities worldwide. You dont need to get something adopted everywhere; a good idea will follow its own path to adoption. Whats important is that we have cities, entrepreneurs, and others who are willing to try an idea. For example, in New York we created PlaNYC, our sustainability plan that featured 127 initiatives looking to answer two questions: How can we accommodate growth of 1 million more people in New York over the next 25 to 30 years? And how can we dramatically reduce carbon emissions generated by the city at the same time? The 127 separate initiatives looked at transportation, land use, energy, water quality, air quality, water reliability, brownfields, parks, housingessentially every aspect of the physical environment. Out of the 127, only a handful of the ideas were original. Mostly, we simply chose what was working in other cities around the world. The key point is that city leaders and citizens are trying very hard to improve the quality of life in their cities, and they are willing to look anywhere for good ideas. If cities experiment enough, in partnership with the private sector, youre going to see innovation flower and spread around the world. SC: What are the hallmarks of success looking ahead 50 years from now? How will we measure progress? DD: One of the questions Sidewalk Labs has spent a lot of time thinking about is, How can we accelerate progress? We conducted a detailed thought experiment in which we asked what would happen if you built a new city or district from the Internet up. We looked at innovation around mobility, infrastructure, governance, and even social and community policy. And we explored what those innovations on an integrated basis would produce. In reality, cities are not a set of separate subsystems but an integrated set of activities where everything has an impact on everything else. You learn that when you pull one strand, theyre all interrelated in some form. Ultimately, it is important to remember that the benefits are not about technology but, rather, better quality of life. The technology is an enabler. Increasingly, we have come to the view that there can be great value in attempting to create a place that makes possible the integration of innovation in all of these realms on an accelerated basis, perhaps in the form of a new district at scale, as a way of pulling the future forward. Ultimately, it is important to remember that the benefits are not about technology but, rather, better quality of life. SC: Given the thought exercise weve just run through, what is Sidewalk Labs doing now? DD: In a nutshell, our mission is to embrace the power of ubiquitous connectivity to improve urban life. We plan to do that by developing a whole set of products and services that can improve the quality of life in cities, and its important for us to really understand what the benefits and issues are with ubiquitous connectivity. Two projects were involved with, LinkNYC and Flow, are our initial experiments in this space. Believe it or not, there are still 7,000 payphones in New York City, 4,000 of them in Manhattan below 96th Street. The idea of LinkNYC is to replace all of them, in all five boroughs, with super-fast, free Wi-Fi hubs. The service, which is expensive to roll out, will be paid for through digital advertising on the large hub displays. We saw this as an interesting business proposition that would allow New York City to provide an incredible public service and reduce the citys digital divide. The second company, Flow, is a data and analytics platform we created to improve mobility. Congestion in every city is a massive problem and, in general, is getting worse. Increasingly, we see that the poorest people in our communities are getting pushed further out and having less access to opportunity because of their lack of mobility. Flow will ingest all sorts of data (from Google Maps, cameras, sensors, and the citys own data) to give us as complete a picture of real-time traffic conditions on the streets as possible, on which we can build applications that we hope will meaningfully increase mobility. Our objective is always to improve quality of lifein this case, by helping people get where they want to go less expensively and in less time. At Sidewalk Labs, we have taken great pains to build a team that crosses what I would call the urbanist-technologist divide. When I talk about the future of cities, the people I talk to fall crudely into two categories, the technologists and the urbanists. Overwhelmingly, they do not speak the same language. The technologists are generally insensitive to the complexities of cities, and the urbanists generally dont understand technology. As more cities hire chief digital and technology officers, the situation is getting better, but the number of people who really combine both sets of skills are low. Sidewalk Labs has tried to bring in people who speak both languages. SC: So how do you see that friction playing out between urbanists, preserving some vision of what life in cities is supposed to be like, and technologists, looking at what the technology can do? Where do they run into each other? DD: The greatest danger to preventing the transformation of cities is the issue of data and privacy. Ubiquitous connectivity is at the center of this opportunity, because how you harvest that datawhile protecting peoples privacyis ultimately the key to the system, right? Currently, we do not have a set of agreed-upon principles or protocols to manage this issue. We all recognize that in our private lives, we are giving out lots of data in exchange for services. Sometimes we do it knowingly, sometimes we do it tacitly. Some places make it easier, some places make it harder, but we really havent begun to confront the issue of data privacy in public spaces. So this integration of physical and digital resting on a foundation of data will create a debate, and thats a good thing. Weve got to be able to have those conversations as a society.3 SC: Your optimistic view of the future of cities depends upon integrating technologies to create the digital network era. Can you really see that coming to pass? DD: Yes, I am truly optimistic about the future of cities. When I think about a fully connected city with integrated data, I start thinking about the implications on health care, education, public safety, and many other parts of urban life. I think were going to see transformative change because cities will be able to better understand whats happening around them and then apply those insights to better anticipate and prevent problems than we cant even see today. June marks the 70th anniversary of the European Recovery Program, better known as the Marshall Plan. It was one of the most successful U.S. foreign policy initiatives of the 20th century, praised by Winston Churchill as the most unselfish act by any great power in history. In the late 1940s, recovery from the devastation of the Second World War proved to be extraordinarily difficult for the economically devastated countries of Europe. Two years after the war ended, Europe still had a long way to go just to catch up to pre-war agricultural and industrial output. Unemployment was high and food shortages persisted, further slowing down the recovery. In an effort to stabilize Europe and restore its industrial and agricultural production, the United States initiated the Marshall Plan, named after then-Secretary of State George Marshall. Between April 1948 and December 1951, the United States poured $13 billion in direct investment into 17 Western European countries, including former foes Germany and Italy. In todays money, thats around $130 billion. East European countries were also offered aid but had to decline it on orders of the Soviet Union. The investment jump-started Western Europe's heavy-industry base, provided jobs for millions of people, stabilized the economic and political systems and raised the Gross National Product of the Marshall Plan countries by 15 to 25 percent. By 1951, it was clear that the initiative had met its objective of restoring the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their own countries and of Europe as a whole, and Western Europe was well on the way to a bright future. The Marshall Plan not only helped Europe recover and spurred rapid economic growth; it laid the foundation for the long-term peace and prosperity that both the United States and Europe have enjoyed for nearly three-quarters of a century, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Perhaps more importantly, the Marshall Plan laid the foundation for the transatlantic bond and partnership that has helped Europe remain whole, free, at peace, and prosperous. Today, as we face new threats to our security, unity, and prosperity, the Marshall Plan reminds us of what is possible when the United States and Europe work together. On June 6th, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and their Syrian Arab Coalition partners launched an all-out assault on the ISIS-occupied Syrian city of Raqqa. The importance of Raqqa cannot be overstated. ISIS captured the city in 2013, and a year later declared Raqqa to be its capital in Syria. The assault on the city begins just as Iraqi forces, with support from the U.S.-led, anti-ISIS combined joint task force, make the final push of a six-month long campaign to clear the last ISIS forces out of Mosul, the groups Iraqi capital. The loss of either city would be a hard blow to the terrorists. Now they are faced with the probability of losing both. Indeed, the Syrian Democratic Forces and the U.S.-led anti-ISIS combined joint task force have been preparing the ground for the assault on Raqqa for many months, ensuring the best possible conditions for the attacking forces. With the support of countless bombing raids by the joint task force, the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syrian Arab Coalition have seized control of the terrain north of the Euphrates River and the strategically important town of Tabqa. In the meantime, in anticipation of the attack on Raqqa, the anti-ISIS combined joined task force has been conducting air raids on ISIS targets within and around the town. On the day before the assault began, 24 air strikes hit over a dozen groups of fighters, destroying equipment, booby traps such as houses rigged with explosives, and a weapons storage facility. The fight for Raqqa will be long and difficult, and it will not be the last. But the offensive will deliver a decisive blow to the idea of ISIS as a physical caliphate, said commander of the U.S.-led coalition battling ISIS, General Steve Townsend. The International Coalition and our partner forces are steadily dismantling the physical caliphate of ISIS.Once ISIS is defeated in both Mosul and Raqqa, there will still be a lot of hard fighting ahead, but this Coalition is strong and committed to the complete annihilation of ISIS in both Iraq and Syria. In an address to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Nikki Haley said the United States is looking carefully at the Council and U.S. participation in it. Ambassador Haley made clear that the U.S. considers the protection and promotion of human rights crucially important. Respect for human rights, she said, is deeply intertwined with peace and security, andhuman rights violationsoften serve as triggers for instability and conflict. Strong resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Haley stressed, can give hope to people who are fighting for justice, democracy, and human rights, and they can pave the way for accountability. In a speech later in the day to the Graduate Institute of Geneva, Ambassador Haley pointed out that when the Council fails to act properly or fails to act at all-- it undermines its own credibility and the cause of human rights. The United States does not seek to leave the Council; but, Ambassador Haley said, critically necessary reforms must be enacted to reestablish its legitimacy. The first is the UN must take steps to keep the worst rights abusers from sitting on the Council. To do this, election procedures must be changed. Now, regional blocs nominate slates of pre-determined candidates that never face any competition for votes, Ambassador Haley observed. We must change the elections so countries are forced to make the case for membership based on their records, not on their promises. Secondly, the Councils biased Agenda Item Seven, singling out Israel for automatic criticism, must be removed. This relentless pathological campaign against a country that actually has a strong human rights record makes a mockery not of Israel, but of the Council itself, said Ambassador Haley. These changes are the minimum necessary to resuscitate the Council as a respected advocate of universal human rights. Ambassador Haley urged all like-minded countries to join in making the Human Rights Council reach its intended purpose. She emphasized that the United States will never give up the cause of universal human rights in the Council or anywhere. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt recently severed relations with Qatar over allegations of tolerating or supporting extremist groups, including al-Qaida's Syria branch. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, said, [the situation] is troubling to the United States, the region, and to many people who are directly affected." "As we combine efforts to defeat the military, financial, and ideological support of terrorists," said Mr. Tillerson, "we expect to see progress in the Arab world toward greater political expression." The Gulf Cooperation Council offers member states the opportunity to engage in open dialogue. There should be "no further escalation by the parties in the region," said Secretary Tillerson. "We call on Qatar to be responsive to the concerns of its neighbors. Qatar has a history of supporting groups that have spanned the spectrum of political expression, from activism to violence. The emir of Qatar has made progress in halting financial support and expelling terrorist elements from his country, but he must do more and he must do it more quickly." The U.S. calls on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt to ease the blockade against Qatar. There are already food shortages that can and should be addressed immediately. The blockade is also impairing U.S. and other international business activities in the region and has created a hardship on the people of Qatar and the people whose livelihoods depend on commerce with Qatar. The U.S. supports the emir of Kuwaits efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to this agreement and progress toward eliminating all forms of support for terrorism military, financial, moral, or ideological. The Gulf Cooperation Council must emerge united and stronger to show the world its resolve in the fight against violence and terrorism. "Our expectation," said Secretary Tillerson, "is that these countries will immediately take steps to de-escalate the situation and put forth a good-faith effort to resolve their grievances they have with each other." KYODO NEWS - Jun 13, 2017 - 14:56 | World, All Panama said Tuesday it has established diplomatic relations with China, breaking off its long-standing official contact with Taiwan, as Beijing increasingly attempts to isolate the democratic self-ruled island from the rest of the world. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed appreciation for Panama's decision to sever its diplomatic ties with Taiwan and for its recognition that "there is only one China in the world." "This is a historical moment," Wang said when he met with his Panamanian counterpart Isabel de Saint Malo, who also serves as vice president of the country, in Beijing to sign a joint communique on the establishment of new diplomatic ties. The communique said that China and Panama will form friendly ties on the principles of "mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual nonaggression, nonintervention in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence." The agreement confirmed that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China's territory" and Panama pledged that it will not have any more official relations or exchanges with the island, which now has only 20 diplomatic allies. The switch is a major victory for China which has been trying to marginalize Taiwan on the international stage after Tsai Ing-wen of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party became the island's president about a year ago. China also suspended official contact with Taipei after Tsai took office. Taiwan's government, meanwhile, reacted sharply to Panama's change in position. In a hastily-arranged press conference in Taipei, Foreign Minister David Lee said he believes Panama "gave in to Beijing" for economic benefits while voicing strong anger and disappointment over the decision. On the back of China's growing economic and political clout, small countries in Latin America, Africa and the Pacific with years of diplomatic ties with Taiwan have started moving toward the Asian power. China is the world's No. 2 client of the Panama Canal. On his Twitter account, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela wrote that he made a "strategic decision," in the best interest of the country that will bring more economic, political and social benefits. Late last year, after cutting off official contact with Taiwan, the tiny African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe re-established diplomatic relations with China. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since they split amid a civil war in 1949. The two sides have since then gone their separate ways, politically. However, Beijing still regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be reunited with China, by force if necessary. A video of a blindfolded man picking out his wife from a line-up of women has gone viral. When you fall in love with someone, the both of you share a deep physical, mental and spiritual connection that is very powerful. READ ALSO: Love Nwantinti: This lovely couple met at a wedding 7 years ago and you will adore their magical love story (photos) In a recent viral video of a blindfolded man searching for his wife, the man is only allowed to hold each person's hand and tell if the person is his wife. Watch love work its magic in the video: READ ALSO: Top actress flaunts her new boyfriend on social media (photo) The man went through a line-up of women to find his wife. Women of different ages and sizes took part in the little game. The man walked round patiently, touching each lady's hand. Once he reached his wife, he lingered on her hands and eventually pulled her into a loving embrace, to the pleasure of the crowd. The man eventually found his wife and pulled her in a loving embrace. WANT MORE? Download Legit.ng Wedding app for android to get the latest posts The power of love is a great one and here it brought the man straight to his love even though he could not see her. Watch the video below of Nigerians telling Legit.ng who lies most between men and women: Source: Legit.ng A beautiful young Nigerian couple named Barinua Violet and Onengiyeofori Fyneface, promoted their beautiful Ijaw culture in newly released pre-wedding photos. The Ijaw foundation website reports that Ijaw people are indigenous to the Niger Delta such as Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states in Nigeria. It also says the culture is The cultural heritage is kept alive by passing it down through children. READ ALSO: Love Nwantinti: This lovely couple met at a wedding 7 years ago and you will adore their magical love story (photos) The tradition was passed down well in the case of this young Ijaw couple, Barinua Violet and Onengiyeofori Fyneface, who are about to get married. They had a range of themes to choose from for their pre-wedding photos but they decided to stick to their roots. Violet and her husband-to-be Onengiyeofori promoting their Ijaw culture in their pre-wedding photos. READ ALSO: Man poses with huge python he saved from being crushed by cars (photo) The couple dressed in Ogoni/Ijaw cultural wear and told their love story though their pictures. It is no wonder that their photos went viral and have been receiving so much love online. READ ALSO: Top actress flaunts her new boyfriend on social media (photo) WANT MORE? Download Legit.ng Wedding app for android to get the latest posts The couple will be getting married later in the year. Will you stick to your tradition for your pre-wedding photos? Watch the video below of Nigerians telling Legit.ng if they can marry outside their tribe:s Source: Legit.ng - Billionaire Mike Adenuga's son Paddy has revealed that he isn't leaving bachelorhood anytime soon - According to the ambitious man, his current active relationship is with his work - Paddy subtly informed ladies to step aside as he is not looking to settle down in the next 10 to 12 years Paddy Adenuga exercised his power of freewill recently when he opened up about his current relationship status and what he intends to do about it. In a statement, the son of billionaire, Mike Adenuga informed ladies who might be admiring him, he isn't ready to settle down or see anyone. READ ALSO: 11 HOT aso ebi styles from last weekend Paddy is a wealthy man by birth and earnings. His lifestyle is built on luxury and independence and it comes as no surprise that his view of life and marriage is different from many average Nigerians. Legit.ng earlier reported how Paddy looked handsome when he was much younger. Paddy Adenuga READ ALSO: Actress Maryam Charles shows off her new man Paddy shared the notice on his social media page informing ladies that he is single and frankly not searching. He said: " I am married to my job, my mistress is the hustle, my girlfriend is my ambition. No wife or kids for the next 10 to 12 years...#truths #facts" PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Watch Legit.ng video on who tells more lies between men and women: Source: Legit.ng Popular night club owner and boss of Aquila records, Shina Peller, recently went to the holy city of Medina and shared the photo on his Instagram. Medina (in Saudi Arabia) is the second holy city of Islam, after Mecca, and it is an important religious site for Muslims. READ ALSO: Top actress flaunts her new boyfriend on social media (photo) Philanthropist and Quilox club owner Shina Peller shared the the photo of his visit there on his Instagram and said: "Allihamdulilah to the uncreated creator of all creatures." Shina Peller at the holy city of Medina. PAY ATTENTION! Never miss a single gist! Download Legit.ng news app for android "As I arrived at the holy city of Medinah and as we approach the night of majesty may God's blessing be on you all!" Watch the video below of Legit.ng giving you the hottest gist on THE SCOOP: Source: Legit.ng Couples who are undergoing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in order to avoid transmission of inherited diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis, should also have their embryos screened for abnormal numbers of chromosomes at the same time, say Italian researchers. By doing this, only embryos that are free not only of the genetic disease, but also of chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy), would be transferred to a woman's womb, giving her the best chance of achieving a successful pregnancy, and avoiding the risk of implantation failure, miscarriage, or even live births that could be affected by conditions such as Down syndrome (in which there is an extra chromosome) or Turner syndrome (in which a girl has only one x chromosome rather than the normal two). In a study reporting on the world's largest series of double genetic tests, which is published today (Tuesday) in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world's leading reproductive medicine journals, the researchers carried out simultaneous PGD and pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) on cells taken in a single biopsy. They took between five and ten cells from the outer layer of 1122 blastocysts (the early collection of cells that begin to form about five days after an egg has been inseminated with sperm and which go on to develop into an embryo) and, after PGD and PGS, 218 blastocysts were transferred to the women's wombs, resulting in 99 pregnancies and the birth of 70 healthy babies by January 2017, when the paper was written. This is a pregnancy rate of 49%, which is higher than the average clinical pregnancy rate of between 22-32% reported in the general population of couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). At the time of writing the paper, 13 further pregnancies were ongoing and now 12 have resulted in the birth of healthy babies, while one miscarried. This gives a delivery rate of 38.6%. A total of 91 healthy blastocysts remain frozen awaiting transfer. Dr Maria Giulia Minasi, laboratory director at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Rome, Italy, and first author of the study, said: "Importantly, we found that while 55.7% of the biopsied blastocysts did not carry a genetic disease or changes in the structures of chromosomes, only 27.5% of them also had the right number of chromosomes. Without performing pre-implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy, 316 blastocysts, which appeared to be healthy but had abnormal numbers of chromosomes, could have been transferred, leading to implantation failures, miscarriages or sometimes live births of babies affected by aneuploidy. For the couples involved, and particularly the women, these outcomes can be emotionally devastating." As a result of their findings, Dr Minasi and her colleagues believe that when couples undergo PGD, they should also have PGS. Co-author, Dr Ermanno Greco, director of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, said: "Patients who have the risk of transmitting genetically inheritable diseases to their offspring need to have preimplantation genetic diagnosis and therefore a biopsy of the blastocyst has to be performed. We strongly believe that in these cases it should be mandatory to analyse also the chromosomal status of the blastocyst, because it is possible to perform both analyses on the same biopsy sample, without performing other dangerous and invasive procedures on the embryo, or, indeed, on the growing foetus in the womb." Both PGD and PGS are techniques that are carried out in fertility centres already, and so it would be possible for clinics to implement the researchers' recommendations now. However, Dr Minasi said that couples should be counselled carefully so that they understand that by screening for both genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, there will be more occasions when it is not possible to transfer an embryo. "We found a higher than expected rate of cycle cancellation, with 40% of cycles not having transferable blastocysts available. This can happen when there is a poor fertilisation rate or poor embryo development, and also when there are no healthy blastocysts available for transfer after PGD and PGS," she said. This cancellation rate compares with a rate of 12.2% in 2016 when the combination of PGD and PGS was not performed. Performing PGD and PGS is not technically difficult. The woman's egg is inseminated with sperm via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and then cultured in the laboratory. When the blastocyst has started to form and the inner cell mass, which eventually develops into the foetus, has become clearly identifiable, the fertility specialists extract 5-10 cells from the outer layer (the trophectoderm). This procedure does not impair the implantation potential of the developing blastocyst, unlike more invasive biopsies. In this study, the researchers sent the cells from the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, where they were treating the women, to the GENOMA Molecular Genetics Laboratory in Rome for the genetic analysis. "Performing the analyses on cells taken from only one biopsy avoids the need for a second biopsy that can be potentially dangerous to the blastocyst and could influence the embryo's developmental and implantation potential," explained co-author, Dr Francesco Fiorentino, who is director of the GENOMA laboratory. Dr Minasi concluded: "The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology PGD Consortium has reported that only 28% of embryos transferred after PGD lead to pregnancy. Our study demonstrates that PGD/PGS-based IVF is able to increase the embryo implantation rate up to nearly 48% and in this study we obtained an overall clinical pregnancy rate of 49% per embryo transfer." ### [1] "Genetic diseases and aneuploidies can be detected with a single blastocyst biopsy: a successful clinical approach," by Maria Giulia Minasi et al. Human Reproduction journal. doi:10.1093/humrep/dex215. Using mathematics in a novel way in neuroscience, the Blue Brain Project demonstrates that the brain operates on many dimensions, not just the 3 dimensions that we are accustomed to For most people, it is a stretch of the imagination to understand the world in four dimensions but a new study has discovered structures in the brain with up to eleven dimensions - ground-breaking work that is beginning to reveal the brain's deepest architectural secrets. Using algebraic topology in a way that it has never been used before in neuroscience, a team from the Blue Brain Project has uncovered a universe of multi-dimensional geometrical structures and spaces within the networks of the brain. The research, published today in Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, shows that these structures arise when a group of neurons forms a clique: each neuron connects to every other neuron in the group in a very specific way that generates a precise geometric object. The more neurons there are in a clique, the higher the dimension of the geometric object. "We found a world that we had never imagined," says neuroscientist Henry Markram, director of Blue Brain Project and professor at the EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, "there are tens of millions of these objects even in a small speck of the brain, up through seven dimensions. In some networks, we even found structures with up to eleven dimensions." Markram suggests this may explain why it has been so hard to understand the brain. "The mathematics usually applied to study networks cannot detect the high-dimensional structures and spaces that we now see clearly." If 4D worlds stretch our imagination, worlds with 5, 6 or more dimensions are too complex for most of us to comprehend. This is where algebraic topology comes in: a branch of mathematics that can describe systems with any number of dimensions. The mathematicians who brought algebraic topology to the study of brain networks in the Blue Brain Project were Kathryn Hess from EPFL and Ran Levi from Aberdeen University. "Algebraic topology is like a telescope and microscope at the same time. It can zoom into networks to find hidden structures - the trees in the forest - and see the empty spaces - the clearings - all at the same time," explains Hess. In 2015, Blue Brain published the first digital copy of a piece of the neocortex - the most evolved part of the brain and the seat of our sensations, actions, and consciousness. In this latest research, using algebraic topology, multiple tests were performed on the virtual brain tissue to show that the multi-dimensional brain structures discovered could never be produced by chance. Experiments were then performed on real brain tissue in the Blue Brain's wet lab in Lausanne confirming that the earlier discoveries in the virtual tissue are biologically relevant and also suggesting that the brain constantly rewires during development to build a network with as many high-dimensional structures as possible. When the researchers presented the virtual brain tissue with a stimulus, cliques of progressively higher dimensions assembled momentarily to enclose high-dimensional holes, that the researchers refer to as cavities. "The appearance of high-dimensional cavities when the brain is processing information means that the neurons in the network react to stimuli in an extremely organized manner," says Levi. "It is as if the brain reacts to a stimulus by building then razing a tower of multi-dimensional blocks, starting with rods (1D), then planks (2D), then cubes (3D), and then more complex geometries with 4D, 5D, etc. The progression of activity through the brain resembles a multi-dimensional sandcastle that materializes out of the sand and then disintegrates." The big question these researchers are asking now is whether the intricacy of tasks we can perform depends on the complexity of the multi-dimensional "sandcastles" the brain can build. Neuroscience has also been struggling to find where the brain stores its memories. "They may be 'hiding' in high-dimensional cavities," Markram speculates. ### Full, open-access research article: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fncom.2017.00048/abstract Other references: http://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(15)01191-5?_returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867415011915%3Fshowall%3Dtrue About Blue Brain The aim of the Blue Brain Project, a Swiss brain initiative founded and directed by Professor Henry Markram, is to build accurate, biologically detailed digital reconstructions and simulations of the rodent brain, and ultimately, the human brain. The supercomputer-based reconstructions and simulations built by Blue Brain offer a radically new approach for understanding the multilevel structure and function of the brain. http://bluebrain.epfl.ch About Frontiers Frontiers is a leading community-driven open-access publisher. By taking publishing entirely online, we drive innovation with new technologies to make peer review more efficient and transparent. We provide impact metrics for articles and researchers, and merge open access publishing with a research network platform - Loop - to catalyse research dissemination, and popularize research to the public, including children. Our goal is to increase the reach and impact of research articles and their authors. Frontiers has received the ALPSP Gold Award for Innovation in Publishing in 2014. http://www.frontiersin.org. NEW YORK (AP) Delta Air Lines and Bank of America have announced that they are pulling their sponsorship of a Manhattan-based theater company's portrayal of Julius Caesar as a Donald Trump look-alike in a business suit who gets knifed to death on stage. Atlanta-based Delta released a statement on Sunday saying it was pulling its sponsorship from The Public Theater "effective immediately." "No matter what your political stance may be, the graphic staging of Julius Caesar at this summer's Free Shakespeare in the Park does not reflect Delta Air Lines' values," the statement said. "Their artistic and creative direction crossed the line on the standards of good taste." Later Sunday night, Charlotte, North Carolina-based Bank of America said it was withdrawing its funding for the production. "The Public Theater chose to present Julius Caesar in such a way that was intended to provoke and offend," the bank said in a tweet. "Had this intention been made known to us, we would have decided not to sponsor it." Performances at Central Park's Delacorte Theater began in late May, just days before comedian Kathy Griffin was widely condemned for posing for a photograph in which she gripped a bloodied rendering of Trump's head. Oskar Eustis, the Public Theater's artistic director who also directed the play, said earlier in a statement that "anyone seeing our production of 'Julius Caesar' will realize it in no way advocates violence towards anyone." Messages seeking comment from The Public Theater weren't immediately returned. Earlier Sunday, Donald Trump Jr. retweeted a Fox News story about the play and wrote, "I wonder how much of this 'art' is funded by taxpayers? Serious question, when does 'art' become political speech & does that change things?" "Julius Caesar" tells a fictionalized story of a powerful, popular Roman leader who is assassinated by senators who fear he is becoming a tyrant. It is set in ancient Rome, but many productions have costumed the characters in modern dress to give it a present-day connection. Story continues The production runs through June 18. Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. Sale totals for Sears have been declining for years -- and a former executive is pointing a finger at both the corporations strategy and current CEO Eddie Lampert. During a recent interview with TheStreet, former Sears Canada CEO Mark A. Cohen said the retailer has no viability on a forward basis following disappointing first quarter sales and swirling conjecture of a future bankruptcy. Cohen doesnt believe the retailer can be saved at this point, adding that they have sold off almost all of their best stores, they have no cash flow, they have ruined their market share. Cohen, who was fired from Sears in 2004 and is now director of retail studies at Columbia Business School, also gave a scathing assessment of Lampert, who he doesnt believe has a strategy to make the company profitable. Sears is like an ATM machine for Lampert; he has his hands on it. Eddie Lambert is either dishonest, delusional and disingenuous or some combination of the three, Cohen said. The overall state of affairs at Sears is like a capsizing ship, where managers are barely keeping afloat by throwing everything that will burn above the waterline into the boiler, Cohen said. In the end, he predicts the ship will sink. MORE: Sears Sales Plunge Yet Again A Sears spokesperson declined to comment to TheStreet in response to the interview, but pointed out that Cohen had been fired before Lampert became CEO. See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com Kristin Charlton, a manufacturing salesperson in Eau Claire, Wis., hears from recruiters all the time, about jobs all over the countryusually with deep skepticism. I hear about these labor shortages, and I think, thats a crock, she says. When I compare salaries to what they were 10 years ago, theyre not significantly higher. Its not enough for me to move across the country. The US economy is in a peculiar phase in which millions of Americans remain out of work, even as employers report the most job openings in at least 16 years. Some companies are losing business because they cant find enough workers. Businesses complain about job applicants who cant pass a drug test or dont want to work hard, along with new hires who turn out to be unreliable. Data shows Americans are far less willing to move for a job than they were in the past. And President Trumps vow to bring back lost American jobs resonated so strongly among voters last year that it helped him get elected. But theres another important factor contributing to labor shortages: workers distrust of companies, driven by punishing trends in the labor market for more than a decade. In a recent online poll, Yahoo Finance asked more than 9,000 people whether they trust American businesses. More than 54% said no. Of those, 69% said employers care more about profits than anything else. Those findings reflect a long-term erosion of trust in American institutions, including business. According to Gallup, for instance, the portion of Americans saying they have confidence in big business has dropped from 30% in the late 1990s to 18% today. Below are some of the findings from the Yahoo Finance poll, which we conducted on SurveyMonkey from June 9-12. (Full results are available here.) Its not news that American workers have become jaded after years of offshoring, outsourcing, stagnant wages and doing more with less. Globalization, digital technology and other factors have given employers more tools than ever for moving work to lowest-cost locales and streamlining operations. Since employers can control labor costs more easily than commodity prices or other factors they must contend with, its no surprise theyve squeezed workers. Story continues But the distrust that behavior has engendered may now be limiting some companies ability to get workers, amid a relatively strong economy and tight labor markets in some areas. Companies dont value skills, says Art Wheaton of the Worker Institute at Cornell University. They post jobs with unrealistic expectations. They require 5 years experience but wont pay a reasonable rate. There are a lot of incentives for them to be less than honorable. Many workers think that if they move for a better job, theyre likely to end up laid off or discarded anywayafter bearing the cost and hassle of a move. Yahoo Finance conducted a separate poll in May, asking respondents why theyre not willing to move for a job, among other questions. Heres a roundup of answers: The jobs Ive moved for dont last long enough to have made the move worthwhile. I have seen that you can move and still be laid off. A new job offers no stable career, just a temporary paycheck until the next layoff. No security in jobs. Makes it a constant-move mentality. Why move when the job you move for may disappear as quickly as it appeared? Why should I move just so you can lay me off whenever you want? If a job is secure for at least 5 years, I definitely will move. Companies treat you like a throwaway. When things slow down you are gone! No confidence the job will last There are other reasons people wont move for a jobthey cant afford it, dont want to leave family or refuse to uproot their kids from school, for instance. About 2.4% of respondents in our poll said they dont need to move for work because they draw enough money from government benefits (which is probably lower than some critics of welfare might have expected). In general, however, distrust of employers and worries about job security are among the top reasons workers arent willing to go where the work is. One 56-year-old pharmaceutical worker in the Northeast told Yahoo Finance hed love to relocate to the South, and has received job offers there. But hes turned them all down because he doubts the work will last. He said one of his friends moved recently for a pharmaceutical project that was shut down within a year. And pharmaceutical firms are increasingly moving work to India, Turkey and other places where costs are lower and regulation looser. Id relocate if somebody gave me a firm offer with a company I thought was stable, says the worker, who asked that his name not be used, to protect his job prospects. I dont have confidence it will last. They offer you contract work for 6 months, maybe with benefits, maybe without. Theyre addicted to cheap labor. Some workers, such as Kristin Charlton, doubt there are labor shortages, because they dont see pay shooting up. But sometimes pay goes up and theres still nobody to take the job. Nicholas Parks owns a Ford/Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealership in Jasper, Ala., that he says has perpetual openings for salespeople and mechanics. Hes running ads guaranteeing $10,000 per month in pay for salespeople who can sell 20 cars per month, a target most of his salespeople hit. No takers. And he has enough work for 5 diesel technicianswho can earn $70,000 per year, or morebut can only find 2. So hes losing sales each month and referring mechanical work to other shops. Nobody is showing up from anywhere else, he says. I think the labor exists. But unfortunately, theres not a good education program that helps people understand you can have a labor job that pays well. Trumps plan to bring back jobs lost during the last several decades focuses on lower-paid manufacturing work displaced by new technology and cheaper factories overseas. Economists think theres little chance the jobs of the past will return. But if Trump could bring back trust between workers and employers, he might not have to worry about that, because the jobs are there, and both sides need each other more than they may realize. Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com Read more: Trumps grade on the economy rises to B+ Americans who need jobs arent going where the jobs are The message from Trumps budget: Get a job! If Obamacare fails, itll be bad news for Trump Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman kim jong un Experts have long suggested that North Korea intends to develop a thermonuclear bomb that can reach hold targets in the US mainland at risk as a deterrent, for possible diplomatic concessions, and now to prove wrong a tweet from President Donald Trump. A statement from North Korean state media on Monday directly addressed a Trump tweet from January that said an intercontinental ballistic missile launch from North Korea "won't happen!" "The DPRK is about 10,400 km far away from New York. But this is just not a long distance for its strike today," the statement said, referring to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the country's official name, and hinting it has ICBM capability. "Trump blustered early this year that the DPRK's final access to a nuclear weapon that can reach the US mainland will never happen," the statement continued. "But the strategic weapons tests conducted by the DPRK clearly proved that the time of its ICBM test is not a long way off at all." North Korean media often spreads propaganda and inflated claims about North Korea's weapons' capabilities. However, several experts who spoke to Business Insider have said the country could test an ICBM by the end of the year. The US in May successfully tested a ballistic-missile defense system meant to intercept a nuclear attack from North Korea, but it did so in conditions short of an actual combat situation. Meanwhile, the US and the international community haven't succeeded in curtailing Kim Jong Un's regime, which now conducts tests on a nearly weekly basis. The intermediate-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2's launch test. KCNA/via REUTERS Under increased pressure from the US and China, North Korea made a sole concession in the past year by hesitating to test another nuclear device. After North Korean military provocations, Trump has increasingly looked to Beijing, as China is responsible for 90% of North Korea's outside trade and could collapse its economy in a matter of days. Story continues For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. NOW WATCH: Here's why the American flag is reversed on military uniforms More From Business Insider * Half a dozen firms specialise in dismantling reactors * Turning to robots, new tech to tackle perilous task * This trend is transforming engineering in the industry * Also helping companies cut time and costs in tough market * Nuclear power in graphics: http://tmsnrt.rs/2n69ZIr By Christoph Steitz and Tom Kackenhoff MUELHEIM-KAERLICH, Germany, June 12 (Reuters) - As head of the Muelheim-Kaerlich nuclear reactor, Thomas Volmar spends his days plotting how to tear down his workplace. The best way to do that, he says, is to cut out humans. About 200 nuclear reactors around the world will be shut down over the next quarter century, mostly in Europe, according to the International Energy Agency. That means a lot of work for the half a dozen companies that specialise in the massively complex and dangerous job of dismantling plants. Those firms including Areva, Rosatom's Nukem Technologies Engineering Services, and Toshiba's Westinghouse are increasingly turning away from humans to do this work and instead deploying robots and other new technologies. That is transforming an industry that until now has mainly relied on electric saws, with the most rapid advances being made in the highly technical area of dismantling a reactor's core the super-radioactive heart of the plant where the nuclear reactions take place. The transformation of the sector is an engineering one, but companies are also looking to the new technology to cut time and costs in a competitive sector with slim margins. Dismantling a nuclear power plant can take decades and cost up to 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion), depending on its size and age. The cost of taking apart the plant in Muelheim-Kaerlich will be about 800 million euros, according to sources familiar with the station's economics. Some inroads have already been made: a programmable robot arm developed by Areva has reduced the time it takes to dismantle some of the most contaminated components of a plant by 20-30 percent compared with conventional cutting techniques. Story continues For Areva and rival Westinghouse, reactor dismantling is unlikely to make an impact on the dire financial straits they are mired in at present as it represents just a small part of their businesses, which are dominated by plant-building. But it nonetheless represents a rare area of revenue growth; the global market for decommissioning services is expected to nearly double to $8.6 billion by 2021, from $4.8 billion last year, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets. Such growth could prove important for the two companies should they weather their current difficulties. "We're not talking about the kind of margins Apple is making on its iPhone," said Thomas Eichhorn, head of Areva's German dismantling activities. "But it's a business with a long-term perspective." When reactors were built in the 1970s, they were designed to keep radiation contained inside at all costs, with little thought given to those who might be tearing them down more than 40 years later. First, engineers need to remove the spent nuclear fuel rods stored in reactor buildings but only after they've cooled off. At Muelheim-Kaerlich this took about two years in total. Then peripheral equipment such as turbines need to be removed, a stage Muelheim-Kaerlich has begun and which can take several years. Finally, the reactor itself needs to be taken apart and the buildings demolished, which takes about a decade. Some of the most highly contaminated components are cocooned in concrete and placed in iron containers that will be buried deep underground at some point. ROBOTS UNDER WATER While the more mundane tasks, including bringing down the plants' outer walls, are left to construction groups such as Hochtief, it's the dismantling of the reactor's core where more advanced skills matter and where the use of technology has advanced most in recent years. Enter companies such as Areva, Westinghouse, Nukem Technologies, GE Hitachi as well as GNS, owned by Germany's four nuclear plant operators. They have all begun using robots and software to navigate their way into the reactor core, or pressure vessel. "The most difficult task is the dismantling of the reactor pressure vessel, where the remaining radioactivity is highest," said Volmar, who took charge of the RWE-owned Muelheim-Kaerlich plant two years ago. "We leave this to a specialised expert firm." The vessel which can be as high as 13 metres and weigh up to 700 tonnes is hidden deep inside the containment building that is shaped like a sphere to ensure its 30-centimetre thick steel wall is evenly strained in case of an explosion. The 2011 Fukushima disaster and the Chernobyl accident of 1986 are imprinted in the world's consciousness as examples of the catastrophic consequences of the leakage of radioactive material. France's Areva recently won the contract to dismantle the pressure vessel internals at Vattenfall's 806 megawatt (MW) Brunsbuettel nuclear plant in Germany, which includes an option for the Swedish utility's 1,402 MW Kruemmel site. There, the group will for the first time use its new AZURo programmable robot arm. It hopes this will help it outstrip rivals in what is the world's largest dismantling market following Germany's decision to close all its last nuclear plants by 2022, in response to the Fukushima disaster. AZURo operates under water because the liquid absorbs radiation from the vessel components reducing the risk of leakage and contamination of the surrounding area. The chamber is flooded before its work begins. Areva's German unit invests about 5 percent of its annual sales, or about 40 million euros, in research and development, including in-house innovation such as AZURo. By comparison, the world's 1,000 largest corporate R&D spenders, on average, spent 4.2 percent last year, according to PwC. The robot arm technology helped Areva beat Westinghouse by winning tenders to dismantle pressure vessel internals at EnBW's Philippsburg 2 and Gundremmingen 2 blocks, industry sources familiar with the matter said. Areva and EnBW both declined to comment. Westinghouse whose U.S. business filed for bankruptcy in March did not respond to repeated requests for comment. TIME AND MONEY Britain's OC Robotics has built the LaserSnake2, a flexible 4.5-metre snake arm, which can operate in difficult spaces and uses a laser to increase cutting speeds thus reducing the risk of atmospheric contamination. It was tested at the Sellafield nuclear site in west Cumbria last year. This followed France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), whose laser-based dismantling technology generates fewer radioactive aerosols a key problem during cutting than other technologies. The complexity of the dismantling process is also giving rise to modelling software that maps out the different levels of radiation on plant parts, making it easier to calculate the most efficient sequence of dismantling the more contaminated parts are typically dealt with first and gives clarity over what safety containers will be needed to store various components. GNS, which is jointly owned by E.ON, RWE, EnBW and Vattenfall, is currently helping to dismantle the German Neckarwestheim 1 and Philippsburg 1 reactors, using its software to plan the demolition. The company also hopes to supply its software services for the dismantling of PreussenElektra's Isar 1 reactor, which is being tendered, and aims to expand to other European countries. "Two things matter: time and money," said Joerg Viermann, head of sales of waste management activities at GNS. "The less I have to cut, the sooner I will be done and the less I will spend." ($1 = 0.8921 euros) (Additional reporting Emma Thomasson in Berlin; Editing by Simon Robinson and Pravin Char) Here are four stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, March 9th: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC): This major chicken company in the U.S. has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 2.5% over the last 60 days. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Price and Consensus Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Price and Consensus | Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Quote Pilgrim's Prides has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 10.09, compared with 13.80 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation PE Ratio (TTM) Pilgrim's Pride Corporation PE Ratio (TTM) | Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Quote Unilever PLC (UL): This manufacturer of branded and packaged consumer goods has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings advancing 3.2% over the last 60 days. Unilever PLC Price and Consensus Unilever PLC Price and Consensus | Unilever PLC Quote Unilevers has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 21.11, compared with 23.60 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A. Unilever PLC PE Ratio (TTM) Unilever PLC PE Ratio (TTM) | Unilever PLC Quote Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (UEPS): This transaction processing services and payment solutions provider has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4.2% over the last 60 days. Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. Price and Consensus Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. Price and Consensus | Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. Quote Net 1 UEPSs has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.61, compared with 10.50 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A. Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. PE Ratio (TTM) Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. PE Ratio (TTM) | Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. Quote Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. (SHG): This major Korean financial services companyhas a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings advancing 16.7% over the last 60 days. Story continues Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd Price and Consensus Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd Price and Consensus | Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd Quote Shinhan Financial Groups has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.53, compared with 13.10 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A. Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd PE Ratio (TTM) Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd PE Ratio (TTM) | Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd Quote See the full list of top ranked stocks here Learn more about the Value score and how it is calculated here Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2017? Who wouldn't? Last year's market-beating Top 10 portfolio produced 5 double-digit winners. For example, oil and natural gas giant Pioneer Natural Resources and First Republic Bank racked up stellar gains of +44.9% and +44.3% respectively. Now a brand-new list for 2017 has been hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank.See the 2017 Top 10 right now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Unilever PLC (UL): Free Stock Analysis Report Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (UEPS): Free Stock Analysis Report Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd (SHG): Free Stock Analysis Report Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. US Syria missile strike President Barack Obama's options in Syria were limited by his efforts to negotiate the Iran nuclear deal. US President Donald Trump doesn't have those limitations and is free to strike Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime and Iranian-backed groups. Trump has called Iran's bluff but risks Iranian-backed militias striking US forces. As US President Donald Trump enjoyed chocolate cake with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in April, he ordered the military to do something his predecessor hadn't dared: directly strike Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime. Trump, a political neophyte then inside his first 100 days in office, attacked an ally of Russia and Iran after intelligence services concluded that Assad's forces had used chemical weapons on Syrian civilians, many of them children. But Syria never fired back. Neither did Russia. And so far, Iran hasn't either. The salvo of 59 cruise missiles that took out a handful of Assad's warplanes went virtually unpunished. The incident typifies the difference in Trump's and President Barack Obama's Syria policy, in which Trump seems to have successfully called Iran's bluff. Obama was pressed by a similar situation in 2013, after evidence surfaced that Assad violated Obama's "red line" by using chemical weapons. Instead of following through on his threat to hit Assad in response, Obama agreed to let Russia step in and deal with the chemical-weapons stockpile. Toward the end of Obama's term, it became clear why he had shied away from striking Assad: He was focused on the Iran nuclear deal. "When the president announced his plans to attack [the Assad regime] and then pulled back, it was exactly the period in time when American negotiators were meeting with Iranian negotiators secretly in Oman to get the nuclear agreement," Wall Street Journal reporter Jay Solomon told MSNBC last year. Story continues "US and Iranian officials have both told me that they were basically communicating that if the US starts hitting President Assad's forces, Iran's closest Arab ally ... these talks cannot conclude," Solomon continued. Iran nuclear deal But Trump has patently different ideas about Iran. He vocally opposed the Iran deal and campaigned on tearing it up. While Trump hasn't followed through, his administration has moved to put additional sanctions on Tehran, as the deal has freed up over $100 billion of Iran's funds. And importantly, Trump has shown he'll hit Assad if needed and even hand over power to battlefield commanders to hit Iranian-backed forces if they threaten US troops. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. Obama's refusal to enforce his red line or punish Assad militarily for a host of war crimes Assad has been accused of committing under his watch "was never about fear of World War III," said Jonathan Schanzer, an expert on the Middle East from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "The fear for Obama was upsetting the nuclear deal. That was what they were protecting. It wasn't about sparking some wider confrontation," said Schanzer, alluding to Russia's 2015 entrance into the conflict on Assad's behalf. Revolutionary Guard IRGC Basij So while Obama walked on eggshells with Iran to preserve his deal, apparently believing Iran would exit if he acted against it, Trump has had the benefit of entering office post-deal. Every review of Iran's nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency since Trump took office has shown that Iran is complying with the deal's terms. To outside observers, Iran appears in line with the letter of the deal, even after the US's April 7 strike on Assad's airfield. But the tension between the US and Iran hasn't resolved it has shifted. Nick Heras, an expert on Syria with the Center for a New American Security, told Business Insider that Iran's attention had settled on eastern Syria, where a US-led coalition is getting ready to dislodge ISIS. "In eastern Syria, Iran is trying to box the US out," Heras said. "The Iranians don't want the US to open up shop in eastern Syria. Iranians have sent columns of militias to try to force out the US in eastern Syria. The Iranians assess that there's a threat that the Trump administration would build up a presence to try to stabilize eastern Syria." Syria map june 2017 Iran has not taken kindly to the idea of increased US influence or presence in Syria. Since May, the US-led coalition has responded three times to what it perceived as attempts by pro-Assad, Iranian-backed forces to attack it. And each time, US air power has devastated Iran's proxies. "I believe that Trump's instincts on the Middle East are not bad," Schanzer said. "He understands that he needs to project strength to these actors, and he is. That's giving us more leverage with actors that in the past Obama was fearful of challenging, and that's positive." But while the US is no longer being coerced into walking an Iranian-approved path in Syria, clashes with Iran could put the about 500 US troops in Syria at risk, as the US closes in on ISIS's final strongholds and the fight for the future of Syria shapes up. NOW WATCH: Watch a US Navy assault ship fire at an inflatable 'killer tomato' More From Business Insider FILE PHOTO: Workers stock shelves in a newly built Walmart Super Center prior to its opening in Compton, California, U.S., January 10, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake Jet.com is ending its two-year relationship with Costco. The ecommerce company, which was acquired by Costco rival Walmart last year, is dropping hundreds of Costco products sold under the Kirkland Signature brand from its website, Bloomberg reports. The move could be a setback for both Jet and Costco. Jet was the third biggest seller of Costco products online in the first half of 2016, according to Bloomberg. But it also makes sense for Walmart, which is trying to drive business to its own warehouse chain, Sam's Club, and its private-label brand, Member's Mark. Sam's Club says it recently "reinvented" its Member's Mark brand by consolidating a number of other private-label brands under that name and adding 300 new products to the label. "At one point, we had 21 private labels," Chandra Holt, vice president of private brands at Sam's Club, said in a news release from April. "So the first thing I set out to do was to simplify for our members." NOW WATCH: 7 colors that might get you sued More From Business Insider OTTAWA, June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. (Cornerstone or the Company) (TSX-V:CGP) (Frankfurt:GWN) (Berlin:GWN) (OTC:CTNXF) announces the following project update for the Cascabel copper-gold porphyry joint venture exploration project in northern Ecuador. Figures referred to in this news release can be seen in PDF format by accessing the version of this release on the Companys website (www.cornerstoneresources.com) or by clicking on the link below: http://www.cornerstoneresources.com/i/pdf/NR17-16Figures.pdf. HIGHLIGHTS: Rig 4 commences testing of extensions at Alpala Northwest. Rig 5 and 6, scheduled to arrive on site in late July 2017, to expand the growing resource potential at Hematite Hill and Alpala Southeast. Rig 7 scheduled for mobilization in August for drill testing of the Aguinaga porphyry copper-gold prospect. Cascabel fleet expanding to 8 drilling rigs by year-end, which will also see drill testing of the Tandayama-America prospect. Recent drilling at Alpala Southeast in Hole 24 and Hematite Hill in Hole 25 discovered previously unknown mineralization, extending the mineralized corridor at Alpala to approximately 1300m from Hole 13 in the northwest to Hole 24 in the southeast. Hole 23R (Rig 1) assay results imminent. This hole intersected high grade copper sulphide mineralization over 853.9m, leaving a large portion of the high-grade core of the Alpala deposit open to the east. Hole 24 (Rig 3) at Alpala Southeast was completed at 1665.7m depth on May 12, 2017, and intersected the upper portion of previously unknown mineralization. Assay results are imminent. Hole 25 (Rig 2) at Hematite Hill, was completed at 1681.6m depth on 12th May 2017. Assay results are imminent. FURTHER INFORMATION: The Cascabel Project is located within the gold-rich northern section of the Andean Copper belt (Figure 1). The project area hosts mineralization of Eocene age, the same age as numerous Tier 1 deposits along the Andean Copper Belt in Chile and Peru to the south. The project base is located at Rocafuerte, in northwestern Ecuador just west of the City of Ibarra, approximately 3 hours drive north of Quito and close to water, power supply and Pacific Ports (Figure 2). The arrival of Rig 4 in May 2017 commenced testing of Alpala Northwest strike and depth extensions to mineralization initially located in Holes 11 and 13 which returned 672.2m grading 0.57 % copper and 0.39 g/t gold, and 430.0m grading 0.49 % copper and 0.21 g/t gold, respectively. The arrival of Rig 5 and Rig 6, scheduled for late July 2017, will see increasing productivity from the Alpala Central, Hematite Hill, and Alpala Southeast areas, where drilling continues to expand on the growing resource potential along the Alpala trend. Rig 7 is scheduled for mobilization in August 2017 for drill testing of the exciting Aguinaga porphyry copper gold prospect, some 2km to the northeast of Alpala, where classic porphyry style B-type quartz-magnetite-chalcopyrite stockwork veining occurs within potassic altered porphyritic quartz diorite. The outcropping mineralization at Aguinaga returned rock-saw channel sampling results over the exposed outcrop of 9.0m @ 1.01 % Cu, and 0.79 g/t Au, which remains open to the north where creek sediments and jungle limit further surface exposure (Figure 3). The drilling program at Cascabel is planned to expand to 8 drilling rigs by year-end, which will see Rig 8 drill testing of the Tandayama-America prospect. Hole 23R (Rig 1) results from Alpala Central are imminent Hole 23R was completed at 1560.3m depth on 23rd May 2017 and intersected 853.9m of high grade copper sulphide mineralization from 859.m to 1417.6m), leaving a large portion of the high grade core of the Alpala deposit open to the east. Hole 23R-D1 (Rig 1) started on 1st June 2017, and is currently undergoing cementation prior to deviation from the parent hole (Hole 23R) at 710m depth with a planned depth of 1500m. This hole is the first of several daughter holes planned to test the eastern extensions to the high-grade core at Alpala Central. Hole 24 (Rig 3) at Alpala Southeast was completed at 1665.7m depth on 12th May 2017, and intersected the upper portion of previously unknown mineralization. Hole 24-D1 started on 21st May 2017, and is at a current depth of 774.2m. Hole 24-D1 is a daughter hole leaving the parent (Hole 24) at 768m depth with a planned depth of 1600m, testing for deeper extensions to the mineralization discovered in Hole 24. Hole 25 (Rig 2) at Hematite Hill, was completed at 1681.6m depth on 12th May 2017. Assay results are imminent. Hole 26 (Rig 4) started on 24th May 2017, testing Alpala Northwest strike and depth extensions. Hole 26 continues at a current depth of 451.1m, within hydrothermal breccia containing trace chalcopyrite, towards a planned depth of 1800m. Hole 27 (Rig 2) started on 24th May 2017, from the same location as Hole 25, and is at a current depth of 511.61m, testing approximately 250m southeast of intersections achieved in Holes 16, 19 and 22. The recent drilling at Alpala Southeast in Hole 24 and Hematite Hill in Hole 25 discovered previously unknown mineralization, extending the mineralized corridor at Alpala to approximately 1300 from Hole 13 in the northwest to Hole 24 in the southeast (Figure 4) SolGold now believes that several targets clustered within the Alpala area may coalesce. Recent composite interpretation of detailed cross-sections and level plans through the Alpala deposit show a series of quartz diorite intrusions that have contributed to form large volumes of high-grade mineralization (Exploration Target 250Mt >1.5% CuEq). These early intrusions and their related zones of multi-directional quartz vein stockworks generated extensive mineralization that is inferred to coalesce into a larger Exploration Target of approximately 2Bt > 0.7% CuEq along the greater Alpala system (Figure 5). The bounds of the greater Alpala system (or the Trivino - Alpala Southeast Trend) remain untested and SolGold expects to rapidly grow the size of the copper-gold orebody at Alpala, as well as the copper-gold mineralization at Aguinaga, through subsequent drilling. This planned drill program will be expedited by the use of Devico Directional Core Drilling Technology, which allows for steerable drill hole paths, increased drilling accuracy and faster acquisition of results through drilling multiple holes from each parent hole, achieving more drill metres within the orebody. Upgrade and expansion of site facilities include a new 300m2 site office and core logging facilities at Rocafuerte, as well as kitchen and dormitory facilities completed at Alpala base camp (Figure 6). An increasing understanding of the deposit is now leading to much larger step-outs in drilling as SolGold directs its program towards the copper and gold at a predicted large and rich heart of the Alpala system. The presence of magnetite with chalcopyrite and bornite with potassic alteration endorses the predictive nature of the 3D Magnetic model at Cascabel. The magnetic bodies at Alpala, Moran and Aguinaga envelope approximately 15 billion tonnes of untested magnetic rock. SolGold is encouraged by the strong correlation between magnetic signatures and copper mineralization in this system. About Cascabel: Exploraciones Novomining S.A. (ENSA), an Ecuadorean company owned by SolGold Plc and Cornerstone, holds 100% of the Cascabel concession. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including SolGolds fully funding the project through to feasibility, SolGold Plc will own 85% of the equity of ENSA and Cornerstone will own the remaining 15% of ENSA. SolGold Plc is funding 100% of the exploration at Cascabel and is the operator of the project. Cascabel is in northwestern Ecuador in an under-explored northern section of the Andean Copper Belt, 60 km northeast of the undeveloped inferred resource of 982 million tons at 0.89% Cu Llurimaga (formerly Junin) copper project (0.4% Cu cut-off grade; Micon International Co. Ltd. Technical Report for Ascendant Exploration SA, August 20, 2004, pages 28 & 29). Mineralization identified at the Llurimaga copper project is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Cascabel Property. Qualified Person: Yvan Crepeau, MBA, P.Geo., Cornerstones Vice President, Exploration and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Cascabel project for Cornerstone and has reviewed and approved the information contained in this news release. Logging, sampling, assaying and reporting Holes referred to in this release were or are being drilled using HTW, NTW, NQ and BQ core sizes (respectively 7.1, 5.6, 4.8 and 3.7 cm diameter). Geotechnical measurements such as core recovery, fracturing, rock quality designations (RQDs), specific density and photographic logging are performed systematically prior to assaying. The core is logged, magnetic susceptibility measured and key alteration minerals identified using an on-site portable spectrometer. Core is then sawed in half at the ENSA core logging facility, and half of the core is delivered by ENSA employees for preparation at ALS Minerals Laboratories (ALS) sample preparation facility in Quito. Core samples are prepared crushing to 70% passing 2 mm (10 mesh), splitting 250 g and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns (200 mesh) (ALS code CRU-31, SPL21 and PUL-32). Prepared samples are then shipped to ALS in Lima, Peru where samples are assayed for a multi-element suite (ALS code ME-MSP61, 1g split, 4-acid digestion, ICP-MS finish). Over limit results for Ag (> 100 g/t) and Cu, (> 1%) are systematically re-assayed (ALS code Ag-AA62, 4-acid digestion, AAS finish). Gold is assayed using a 30 g split, Fire Assay (FA) and AA finish (ALS code Au-AA23). Drill hole intercepts are calculated using a data aggregation method, defined by copper equivalent cut-off grades and reported with up to 10m internal dilution, excluding bridging to a single sample. Copper equivalent grades are calculated using a gold conversion factor of 0.63, determined using an updated copper price of USD3.00/pound and an updated gold price of USD1300/ounce. Copper equivalent calculation assumes 100% recoveries of copper and gold. All reported drill core intervals from the Cascabel Property are core lengths, unless otherwise indicated. At present the true thicknesses of all the holes has not been calculated by SolGold. True width of down hole intersections is estimated by SolGold to be approximately 25-50% of the core length. Quality assurance / Quality control (QA/QC) The ALS Laboratory is a qualified assayer that performs and makes available internal assaying controls. Duplicates, certified blanks and standards are systematically used (1 control sample every 15-20 samples). Rejects, a 100 g pulp for each core sample and the remaining half-core are stored for future use and controls. About Cornerstone: Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. is a well-funded mineral exploration company with a diversified portfolio of projects in Ecuador and Chile, and a proven ability to identify, acquire and advance properties of merit. The companys business model is based on generating exploration projects whose subsequent development is funded primarily through partnerships. Further information is available on Cornerstones website: www.cornerstoneresources.com and on Twitter. For investor, corporate or media inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations: Mario Drolet; Email: Mario@mi3.ca; Tel. (514) 904-1333 Due to anti-spam laws, many shareholders and others who were previously signed up to receive email updates and who are no longer receiving them may need to re-subscribe at http://www.cornerstoneresources.com/s/InformationRequest.asp Cautionary Notice: This news release may contain Forward-Looking Statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of Cornerstones plans, objectives, strategies, intentions and expectations. The words potential, anticipate, forecast, believe, estimate, expect, may, project, plan, and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes that its expectations reflected in these Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, such statements may involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed in our regulatory filings, viewed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets, predicting natural geological phenomena and from numerous other matters of national, regional, and global scale, including those of an environmental, climatic, natural, political, economic, business, competitive, or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes the facts and information contained in this news release to be as correct and current as possible, Cornerstone does not warrant or make any representation as to the accuracy, validity or completeness of any facts or information contained herein and these statements should not be relied upon as representing its views after the date of this news release. While Cornerstone anticipates that subsequent events may cause its views to change, it expressly disclaims any obligation to update the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein except where outcomes have varied materially from the original statements. On Behalf of the Board, Brooke Macdonald President and CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Washington, D.C., June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five national business groups representing diverse renewable energy technologies, developers, financiers and Fortune 500 buyers released a letter today requesting that Congress fund programs that have helped support job creation, economic growth and our countrys dominant technological position in electric power and renewable energy research and development. The letter conveys support for energy programs at the Department of Energy (DOE)s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Advanced Research Programs Agency Energy (ARPA-E). The proposed cuts would seriously jeopardize Americas leadership position in cutting-edge research on clean energy technologies and harm the United States overall competitiveness in a rapidly growing global industry that presents a multi-trillion-dollar business opportunity, said Gregory Wetstone, president and CEO of the American Council On Renewable Energy. The work done by EERE, NRE, and ARPA-E fills a critical gap in research and development programs. These cuts would put our country at risk of falling behind other countries that are investing in this area, such as China. Modern American wind turbines are among the most productive in the world thanks to research efforts housed in the DOEs Office of EERE and National Labs, as well as manufacturing innovation, said Tom Kiernan, AWEA CEO. Our industry will invest $85 billion and create 8,000 manufacturing jobs in the U.S. by 2020. Maintaining these vital research programs at current levels will help America stay at the leading edge of innovation, accelerating investment and job creation into our nations future. The dramatic funding reduction in geothermal research, from $71 million to $12 million, will have significant, negative impacts on technology development for the U.S. geothermal industry, dramatically reducing the ability to achieve the economic benefits of tapping the vast geothermal resource base of the United States, said Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association. Additionally, if the budget cuts are adopted then valuable benefits for the U.S. economy will be lost. For example, rather than developing domestic production of critical minerals from geothermal resource for high-tech applications, imports from China will continue. "Working closely with NREL, academia and industry, EERE is fostering innovation and accelerating the development of hydropower, pumped storage, marine energy and conduit technologies, Linda Church Ciocci, executive director of the National Hydropower Association. The proposed funding cuts would put the Energy Departments waterpower research programs in jeopardy; stifling advancements such as new turbines and the deployment of wave and tidal technologies. "At a time when the United States must innovate in order to hold onto its competitive advantage, now is not the right time to stop funding key research and development programs," said Abigail Ross Hopper, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "The SunShot initiative is one example of an Energy Department program that has helped bring American technologies straight to market, paying off on the government's investment many times over." See full letters regarding DOE funding to House and Senate appropriators, available here. ### ABOUT THE GROUPS: American Council On Renewable Energy at www.acore.org American Wind Energy Association at www.windworksforamerica.awea.org Geothermal Energy Association at www.geo-energy.org National Hydropower Association atwww.hydro.org Solar Energy Industries Association atwww.seia.org MEDIA CONTACTS: ACORE, Anna Hahnemann, hahnemann@acore.org, 202-777-7548 AWEA, Evan Vaughan, evaughan@awea.org, 202-431-4640 GEA, Karl Gawell, karl@geo-energy.org, 202-454-5264 NHA, LeRoy Coleman, LeRoy@hydro.org, 202-750-8405 SEIA, Alexandra Hobson, ahobson@seia.org, 202-556-2886 Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba8764d1-03f0-4030-a7ae-84f1416ff97a MONTREAL, June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Honorable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, made the announcement at the tenth session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP) thats being held at the United Nations, in New York, today. This statement was prepared in coordination with her colleague, the Honorable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c3b6ebe-038f-42d0-acc1-9a66783dc3e8 The Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action was developed for the World Humanitarian Summit held in Istanbul on the 23th and the 24th of May 2016. Handicap International organized and co-hosted a special session on disability. By endorsing the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, stakeholders commit to: Non-discrimination and respect of the diversity of people with disabilities; The participation of people with disabilities in the design of humanitarian programs; The provision of inclusive services; The implementation of inclusive global policies; The cooperation and coordination among humanitarian actors to improve the inclusion of people with disabilities. A delegation from Handicap International, a worldwide NGO, co-owner of de 1997 Nobel peace prize, is present to participate in the workshops surrounding the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP). Jerome Bobin, Executive Director of Handicap International Canada, said: "Today, Canada has transformed words into reality by endorsing the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, which aims to ensure that the most vulnerable people are no longer forgotten and invisible in the midst of the crises that are shaking the planet. With this charter and the various commitments made in recent months, Canada is clearly positioning itself as the champion of the inclusion of people with disabilities in Canada and around the world and invites the rest of the international community to double their efforts in this matter". About Handicap International Handicap International is an independent international aid organisation. It has been working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster for 30 years. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions, and promoting respect for their dignity and basic rights. Handicap International has set up development programmes in more than 60 countries and intervenes in numerous emergency situations. The network of eight national associations works constantly to mobilise resources, jointly manage projects and to increase the impact of the organisations principles and actions. More information : www.handicap-international.ca I did my undergrads in Monash and I can assure you what bb said is really true.It is not impossible to get jobs in Australia as a non PR/citizen, but the odds getting jobs with good career prospects is another different matter. Out of 20 non PR graduates that I know, who some of them did Masters as well (2014 Batch), 18 has returned to their own respective due to either being unable to secure jobs/the jobs that they obtained have almost 0 career progressions. The other two gets a career in Crown as an accountant, but they obtained this job without any involvement of Monash, and apparently they obtained it through social connections.Another important thing that you might want to look at is the quality of the students in Australian university in general. With the amount of tuition fees that these Australian unis charged (apparently rivals those of top US B schools) coupled with how difficult it is to obtain jobs as non PR/citizen makes you wonder what kind of international student wants to go there since the ROI will not be good if these students return to their home country or SG for work (SG entry level job salary is much lower than Aussie's entry level job salary). Apparently a lot of these people (Asian in general) are either misinformed about the situations there or are rich kids that who do not have to care about securing a job after graduation. You should notice that education sector is the third on Australia's exports, and I have seen enough to conclude that the quality majority of international students in Australia is sub-par in terms of motivation and communication skills (their English is a big issue here).I heard UNSW is the most reputable university in Aussie that has the least of the issues I have mentioned, but of course I have no credibility as I have never attended the university myself.Regarding how employers perceive MBA there, what bb said is completely true as they generally value WE more, and what makes things worse is a degree from Australia is not very well received by MNCs in general ,even in Asia. Companies tend to prefer the likes of NUS, HKUST and NTU as these companies are well aware of the quality of the students and how easy to enter Australian unis (even UoM).My suggestion is not to go Aussie at all for MBA if your goal is to secure a decent job post-MBA, their universities are too commercialized at the moment.Sent from my SM-G935F using GMAT Club Forum mobile app - A picture has emerged showing the chair provided for visitors at the Magistrate Court in Wuse II - The chair which is in a terrible state is a reflection of the court itself A Facebook user identified as Sunday Akoji has shared a photo on his social media page showing the kind of seat provided for visitors to sit on at the Magistrate Court in Wuse II, Abuja. One would expect that a prestigious court like the Magistrate Court would be furnished with beautiful furniture and accessories that will put the visitors at ease and remind them of their environment. Instead, the seat prepared for the visitors is an old, tattered piece of furniture that ought to have been repaired a long time ago or carted off as a waste. The tattered seat left for visitors to sit on at the Magistrate Court in Wuse II. Most offices in Abuja are expected to be classy as the city itself is the seat of power. However, seeing the tattered old seats left for visitors to sit on at the Magistrate Court in Wuse II is bemusing. READ ALSO: Meet Kenyan female mortuary attendant who cannot stay away from the dead Check the initial post made by Sunday Akoji below: PAY ATTENTION: Install the latest android app to get updates from Nigeria's number one online news platform Perhaps, not finding a seat in the office may have been permissible but finding one in a sorry state is indeed a true reflection of the state of our union according to the poster. It does seem like the government is not paying attention to the things that should be taken care of immediately. Rather, mundane things have become a focal point of attention. What are your thoughts on this? Talk to us in the comment section. Watch the Legit.ng TV video below to see how Nigerians are lamenting over the state of things. According to these set of people, there is no hope for the nation: Source: Legit.ng 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 ... Credit: University of Nottingham Potential new ways of understanding the cause of cognitive impairments, such as problems with memory and attention, in brain disorders including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's are under the spotlight in a new research review. The review has just been published in a special 'Pharmacology of Cognition' issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology. In the paper, Tobias Bast, Stephanie McGarrity and Marie Pezze from the School of Psychology at The University of Nottingham highlight recent evidence, which suggests that too much uncontrolled activity in specific brain areas may lead to the cognitive impairments characterizing these conditions. Neurons in the brain interact by sending each other chemical messages, so-called neurotransmitters. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter, which is important to restrain neural activity, preventing neurons from getting too trigger-happy and from firing too much or responding to irrelevant stimuli. In the extreme, impaired inhibitory GABA transmission can cause epileptic seizures. In addition, as highlighted in the review, more subtle impairments in inhibitory GABA transmission, which are below the threshold to cause seizures, have recently been linked to a range of brain disorders characterised by cognitive impairments, including schizophrenia, age-related cognitive decline and early stages of Alzheimer's. However, until recently it was not clear if and how such subtle impairments in inhibitory GABA function affect important cognitive functions, such as memory and attention. Two recent studies by Dr Bast and his colleagues have combined experimental reductions in inhibitory GABA transmission in specific brain regions with behavioural tests of memory and attention in rats.These studies focused on two brain regions that have long been known to be important for memory and attention, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus (a brain region in the temporal lobe). The studies found that faulty inhibitory neurotransmission and abnormally increased activity in the prefrontal cortex or hippocampus impairs memory and attention. Dr Bast said: "Traditionally, memory and attentional impairments in conditions like ageing, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia have mainly been thought to be caused by reduced neural activity or damage in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex or hippocampus. However, more recent evidence shows that actually too much activity can be just as detrimental for memory and attention. We reviewed recent studies in animal models, including our own research, which show that some important cognitive functions, including memory and attention, can be impaired if neural activity in brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, is not under sufficient inhibitory control, which is normally mediated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. A key finding is that increased activity of a brain region, due to faulty inhibitory neurotransmission, can be more detrimental to cognitive function than reduced activity or a lesion. Insufficiently restrained activity within a brain region can disrupt not only the function of the region itself, but also the function of other regions to which it is connected. For example, our studies revealed that faulty inhibitory neurotransmission in the hippocampus does not only disrupt aspects of memory typically supported by this brain region, but also impaired attentional function, which is highly dependent on the prefrontal cortex, a region that is strongly connected to the hippocampus. We hope that our findings and a deeper understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying impairments in memory and attention will help to develop new treatments for these debilitating problems. Our review highlights potential pharmacological treatments to re-balance aberrant neural activity and restore memory and attention, which we aim to test in future research." The review is part of a special issue concerned with the Pharmacology of Cognition, on the British journal of Pharmcology which is co-edited by Dr Paula Moran, Associate Professor and Reader in Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham. She explains the significance of this issue for understanding cognitive conditions: "We urgently need new strategies to treat cognitive problems.These problems occur not only in Alzhiemer's disease and ageing, but also in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. It is often overlooked, but the functional outcomes of these disorders can depend on how well people can learn, remember and concentrate. New treatments are most likely to come from deeper understanding of brain circuitries that are involved. This special issue adresses new approaches to improving cognition from rebalancing abnormal neural activity to cannabinoids to exercise. It also highlights the importance of not only using information from animal models to translate to human studies but also taking that information back to animal models to improve their accuracy to to predict new treatments." More information: Tobias Bast et al. Cognitive deficits caused by prefrontal cortical and hippocampal neural disinhibition, British Journal of Pharmacology (2017). Journal information: British Journal of Pharmacology Tobias Bast et al. Cognitive deficits caused by prefrontal cortical and hippocampal neural disinhibition,(2017). DOI: 10.1111/bph.13850 Credit: CC0 Public Domain The first patients in a clinical trial at Roswell Park Cancer Institute have begun receiving monthly doses of CIMAvax-EGF, a Cuban lung cancer vaccine that U.S. researchers say shows promise in preventing the recurrence of lung cancer - the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The Roswell trial, which was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last fall, is the first time that a Cuban-made therapy has been tested on U.S. patients. CIMAvax has already undergone extensive clinical trials in Cuba and around the world and is an approved therapy for treatment of lung cancer not only on the island but also in Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The unique partnership between Roswell Park researchers and Havana's Center of Molecular Immunology began in 2011, well before the Obama administration's rapprochement with Cuba, and had its genesis in a cold call from Gisela Gonzalez, a Cuban researcher who was visiting her family in Pittsburgh. She offered to give a talk about the Havana center's work to researchers at Roswell, an internationally recognized cancer treatment and research center. "It really came out of the blue, and we, like many others, thought Cuba was stuck back in the 'I Love Lucy' days and their technology was probably on par with their 1950s cars," recalled Dr. Kelvin Lee, chairman of Roswell's Department of Immunology. "She comes up and gives this really great talk," said Lee, who previously worked at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. "I recognized something really exciting, but I didn't appreciate the magnitude of it until several months later." Gonzalez invited Roswell researchers to an international immunology convention in Havana. Lee said he came away impressed. "We saw this remarkable amount of innovative scientists and remarkable research they were doing," he said. When he returned to Roswell, Lee said he told the institute's senior leadership: "If there's a 20 percent chance that what (Cuban scientists) are seeing in lung cancer patients is actually true, then we need to get in on the ground floor." What makes the Cuban lung cancer vaccine so exciting to researchers is that instead of attacking cancer cells themselves, as most immunotherapies do, it generates an immune response against EGF, a growth factor circulating in the blood that cancer cells need to grow and thrive. "By generating that immune response, it neutralizes the circulating (epidermal growth factor or EGF), starves the cancer and the cancer stops growing," Lee said. Because of the way it appears to work, the vaccine could potentially be effective against other cancers such as colon and head and neck cancers that also rely on EGF to grow. "There's a hint, a hope here that we might be able to develop a vaccine for these other cancers," said Dr. Igor Puzanov, director of the clinical trial program and Roswell's chief of melanoma. Unlike other cancer therapies, which may cause serious side effects, patients treated with CIMAvax tolerate the vaccine well. "Side effects for Cuban patients on the vaccine have been very minimal," said Dr. Grace Dy, chief of thoracic oncology and the chief investigator in the CIMAvax trial. The vaccine, which has been administered to more than 5,000 patients worldwide, is also cost-effective. On the island, where 1,000 Cubans have received the vaccine, the therapy is free. Foreigners who go to Cuba in search of the vaccine can see a doctor and get a year's supply for around $12,000, Lee said. That compares to the cost of treatment with Opdivo, an immunotherapy in use in the United States, that costs $12,000 to $15,000 per month. Americans not accepted for the U.S. study who might want to go to Cuba to get the drug need to check U.S. travel regulations. Medical treatment does not fall into 12 categories of Cuba travel that the U.S. government permits without prior approval. Roswell also points out U.S. health insurance is very unlikely to cover CIMAvax acquired in a foreign country. The Phase I trial is qualifying patients on a rolling basis. The goal is to enroll 60 to 90 patients for the trial, which is expected to be completed in three years. The first group of qualified patients, all of whom have previously been treated for lung cancer, began receiving the vaccine in January. It's being administered in combination with Opdivo, a second-line therapy that's been shown to be comparatively effective in treating lung cancer recurrence. To be eligible for the clinical trial, patients must have advanced lung cancer that was treated initially with chemotherapy. Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients who were given Opdivo (also known as nivolumab) as their first line of treatment aren't eligible for the study. There's plenty of data on the CIMAvax vaccine alone, said Puzanov, but the Roswell trial is the first time the two therapies have been tested in combination. The goal is to assess whether two immunotherapies given together are more effective. Initially patients enrolled in the study get the combined therapies every two weeks for four courses and then once a month. Roswell researchers will gradually increase the dosage of CIMAvax and Opdivo, trying to achieve the optimal combination and studying overall response and survival rates. The most recent trial conducted in Cuba showed that patients treated with CIMAvax had significantly improved quality of life and overall survival rates, according to Roswell researchers. "We want to tease out the information about why patients respond. It's part of the mosaic of the comprehensive approach of attacking cancer here," said Puzanov. Potentially, the vaccine might even be administered to patients such as chronic smokers who are at high risk of developing lung cancer, according to Roswell researchers. "This Phase I trial really feels like throwing a stone in a pool to see what type of ripples happen," Lee said. But his hope is that the trial shows the FDA enough that it will fast-track the sale of CIMAvax and other Cuban biologics - medications that rely on biotechnology for their manufacture - in the United States. While in Cuba recently, Lee met a female lung cancer survivor who had been on the vaccine for 12 years. "Lung cancer doesn't get the attention it deserves," Dy said. "The No. 1 cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States is lung cancer. Actual deaths from lung cancer are more than prostate, breast and colon cancers combined." Since Roswell and Cuban researchers began collaborating, four Cuban doctorate students have spent six-month stints at Roswell, and Cuban scientists have visited Buffalo to plan the pre-clinical and clinical trials. "This is a day we have been working toward for many years," Dr. Agustin Lage, director of CIM - the Havana center's Spanish acronym - said last October when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the FDA authorization of the clinical trial. "Our partnership with Roswell Park will allow us to learn things about our vaccine faster than what we could achieve working on our own, and we believe it is the best and quickest path for helping a great number of people both in Cuba and the U.S." Roswell first obtained a license from Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control to pursue research, development and potentially manufacture and marketing of biotech products in 2013, and it was renewed in 2015. The December 2014 rapprochement with Cuba and Cuomo's 2015 trade mission to the island helped fast-track FDA approval, said Lee. "Before, it was just two institutions trying to do something important for our own patients, but we weren't on anybody's front burner," he said. "The state's involvement really pushed us over the finish line." Asked why a small country with limited resources was on the cutting edge of biotech research, Dy responded: "They were forced to become innovative; they were separated from the rest of the world in a sense. People in Cuba also are very well educated and there are lots of scientists and doctors." Lee said the emphasis on universal healthcare and trying to come up with very cost-effective treatments also has contributed to Cuban breakthroughs. "The really exciting thing about CIMAvax is the possibility that it might be used to prevent lung cancer," said Lee. The Havana center also has a portfolio of other interesting biologics, he said, and "there are about seven we are working on to see if we can move them into clinical trials." 2017 Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (HealthDay)Medical students frequently do not achieve mastery of the skills necessary for accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. Michael K. Rakotz, M.D., from the American Medical Association in Chicago, and colleagues assessed 159 medical students from medical schools in 37 states on an 11-element skillset on BP measurement. The students were attending the American Medical Association's House of Delegates Meeting in June 2015. The researchers found that only one of the students showed proficiency in all 11 skills. There was a mean of 4.1 elements that were properly performed. "The findings suggest that changes in medical school curriculum emphasizing BP measurement are needed for medical students to become, and remain, proficient in BP measurement," the authors write. "Measuring BP correctly should be taught and reinforced throughout medical school, residency, and the entire career of clinicians." One author disclosed financial ties to Cordex. Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)A host of new medications that appear to prevent migraine headaches are in the final stages of testing and approval in the United States, according to a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society, held from June 8 to 11 in Boston. The new injectable drugs work by targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). One, erenumab, works by blocking the receptor CGRP acts on, while other drugs (fremanezumab by Teva; eptinezumab from Alder Biopharmaceuticals; and galcanezumab from Eli Lilly and Co.) work by blocking CGRP itself. In one phase 3 trial funded by Amgen, nearly 1,000 patients with episodic migraine were randomly assigned to one of two doses of erenumab or placebo for six months. Half the patients receiving monthly injections of the higher dose of erenumab experienced a 50 percent reduction in number of migraines, Peter Goadsby, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of neurology at King's College London and the University of California, San Francisco, told HealthDay. In separate phase 2 trials testing erenumab's safety in chronic migraine patients, the medication was also tied to fewer attacks. For the other three medications, researchers reported results of phase 2 trials that tested the drugs' safety. In each case, patients reported more headache-free days. Side effects, such as changes in blood pressure or potential liver damage, were found not to be a problem, researchers said. In addition, the drugs started working the first week of treatment. In some cases, patients were also able to cut back their other medications. Funding from drug manufacturers was disclosed. Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Private health insurance allows you to choose which hospital to go to for treatment. But are some safer than others? Credit: www.shutterstock.com The recent jailing of British breast surgeon Ian Paterson after performing multiple unnecessary operations has highlighted the issue of hospital safety. Paterson's unnecessary surgeries included some performed in private hospitals, which prompted UK doctors to call for private hospitals to report similar patient safety data as public hospitals, including unexpected deaths and serious injuries. This example shows how little we know about patient safety and quality in our private hospitals, not only in the UK, but also in Australia. What do we know about hospital safety and quality? In Australia, one of the best places to look for information on hospital safety and quality is the MyHospitals website, a commonwealth department site run by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is provided with data about every patient treated in an Australian hospital, both public and private. Using that data, you can look up measures of safety and quality, as well as emergency department performances. You can compare public hospitals on all the performance measures, but private hospitals are excluded from the performance reports. Another good source is the New South Wales Bureau of Health Information, which allows you to compare information about the safety and quality of public hospitals in NSW. Private hospitals are not included. Private hospitals are not all the same Private health insurance allows you to choose your treating doctor and the hospital at which you're treated. But how do you choose the right hospital, or the safest one? As our research shows, not all private hospitals in Australia are equal. In 2009, the Australian Health Insurance Association (now called Private Healthcare Australia) asked me and my colleagues to look at the outcomes of care in private hospitals. We looked at death rates and the numbers of people who died during their stay in hospital, and a range of other safety and quality outcomes. We were given access to three years of detailed data from a national sample of patients treated in 58 private hospitals. We did not know the names of the hospitals, nor patients' names. Many kinds of hospital outcomes, such as the likelihood of dying in hospital, or contracting a serious infection, are influenced by factors such as a patient's age, and the range of conditions that brought them to hospital. We tried to take those factors into account and published our findings on the Private Healthcare Australia website. We found a group of hospitals that, each year, seemed to have much lower death rates than average for all the private hospitals. Those, or other hospitals, also had lower than average rates of a variety of non-fatal incidents. There was also a group of hospitals that each year had higher than average death and adverse event rates. The greater than average death rate group included hospitals where death rates were consistently up to 90% higher than average. If you are choosing a hospital, you'd want to know which hospital was which. But that information is not publicly available. You'd also want to know if there were more recent statistics, but there is no reported follow-up study. Without better public access to such facts and figures, we're still in the dark. What do other countries do? Other countries do things differently. In the US, several groups provide extensive and detailed information on a range of hospital safety and quality outcomes for almost all US hospitals, including private hospitals. The groups, which do not always agree, include commercial (Healthgrades) and not-for-profit organisations (The Leapfrog Group), and public and government bodies (such as Medicare Hospital Compare). And in England, it is easy to look up the Care Quality Commission's detailed reports about public and private hospitals. The reports provide an easy to read, "blow-by-blow" account of their inspections of all types of hospitals, and make a variety of judgements on what they find. They are backed up by detailed statistical reports, but only for public hospitals. Why don't we do this in Australia? A representative from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner tells me that, provided individuals are not identified, there would be no breach of privacy if private hospital safety and quality data was made public. And no-one from a state health department has yet been able to say whether such a publication would be against any law. Private Healthcare Australia, the peak body for health insurers, says it represents over 12.9 million Australians who choose better quality health care services and to put their health care needs first. Private hospitals and private health insurers are in competition with each other for the 12 million or more Australians covered by some form of health insurance. So, it is in their commercial interests to avoid bad publicity. Surely it is the role of both state and commonwealth governments to balance these commercial interests against the public's right to know which hospital is providing safe, high-quality care. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Countries accounting for around 85 per cent of the worlds population are largely overlooked. Credit: University of Queensland Lack of diversity in psychological research is a serious problem that needs to be addressed, according to an Australian academic. A study led by Associate Professor Mark Nielsen from The University of Queensland School of Psychology found an overwhelming sampling bias in developmental psychology towards research conducted in Western cultures. "Over the last decade there has been an increasing call for psychological studies to move away from what we call a WEIRD-centric approach that is, using research participants from a Western, educated, industrial, rich, and democratic background," he said. To investigate the extent of this problem, Professor Nielsen and colleagues, Daniel Haun (University of Leipzig), Joscha Kartner (University of Munster) and Cristine Legare (The University of Texas at Austin) surveyed articles published between 2006 and 2010. They focused on the journals Child Development, Developmental Psychology, and Developmental Science, and analysed the geographical region of the participants, where data were collected, and the affiliation of researchers. "What we documented was alarming 90 per cent of papers published relied on data drawn only from WEIRD participants," Dr Nielsen said. "Countries in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Israel contain around 85 per cent of the world's population, yet contributed less than three per cent of participants. "This is a real problem, as quite often researchers will draw conclusions about their results stating 'This study shows that children of X age will' without clarifying that their findings might not apply to all children or indeed anything more than a minority of the world's children. "Taking data collected only among children from privileged WEIRD backgrounds and assuming it represents the psychology of children growing up in any environment would be like a biologist studying a domesticated tabby cat and suggesting it tells them everything about a wild lion it may reveal some things, but a lot will be missing. "It is important to ensure that findings are replicated with participants of different cultures in order to explore whether results can be generalised, as these outcomes are not just used by scientists, but by parents, educators, and policy makers too." The research team analysed developmental psychology journals, but Professor Nielsen suspected that biased sampling would be found in other sub-disciplines of psychology. "The onus is now on other sub-disciplines to demonstrate that they are different in their sampling strategies or to acknowledge that their conclusions and theories must be treated as tenuous until tested among less homogenous and globally unrepresentative participants," he said. Professor Nielsen said that although there is widespread acknowledgment of this problem within the psychological research community, there is little evidence of procedural change being implemented. "Psychology, as a field, has in recent years become rightfully self-critical with crises of replication and statistical inadequacy. "To continue ignoring the possible impact of environment and culture is both neglectful and bad science, and should be seen as great as these other crises which the profession is taking efforts to combat." The research is published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. The body language of pride. Credit: vectorfusionart/Shutterstock The Greek philosopher Aristotle described pride as the "crown of the virtues". It's after all an emotion we experience when we've achieved something great, or when someone close to us has. It usually has a recognisable physical expression a slight smile, the head tilted back, the chest expanded, with arms raised or akimbo. Think Superman after he's defeated a villain. Yet pride often gets a bad rep. While it can help us feel dignified and aware of our self-worth ensuring that others do not walk all over us it can seemingly interfere with empathy and make us come across as arrogant and egocentric. Pride comes before a fall, goes the saying. It is also one of the seven deadly sins, sitting alongside terrible traits such as envy, greed and arrogance. So would it be better if we didn't feel pride at all? Let's take a look at what modern psychologists think. Beware of hubris Much of the research in this area has focused on determining whether pride is good or bad for us. A solution has been to split it into two emotions: hubristic pride and authentic pride. Some researchers argue that hubristic pride is what leads to states of arrogance and smugness, while authentic pride is what promotes confidence and fulfilment. However, others say that this splitting of prides may be too simplistic. In fact, some argue that hubristic pride doesn't really qualify as an emotion at all. It's not that arrogant people are feeling a different emotion than non-arrogant people. The emotion of pride is present in both cases. Hubris is mainly about how someone communicates their pride to others. This is when pride might become problematic. According to this research, people who express their pride in a hubristic or arrogant manner are those who tend to score high on narcissism, and who are less conscientious about how they present themselves socially. Consider US president, Donald Trump, who is often accused of narcissism. Many people thought he came across as hubristic when hitting back against reports that his inauguration drew significantly fewer people than his predecessor Barack Obama's. Meanwhile, when Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the British Labour Party, said he was "very proud" of his party's 2017 general election results it seemed more understandable. Corbyn dramatically outperformed expectations, overcoming seemingly insurmountable hurdles. But to many people he comes across as a more humble individual. However there is no reason to assume he is experiencing pride to any less degree than Trump. Moral emotion? When you look at the causes and consequences of pride, it emerges that pride may be a core moral emotion. Moral emotions encourage pro-social behaviour and group harmony. But how could pride an emotion that seems so self-focused be considered a moral emotion? In a forthcoming review of the literature, Jared Piazza and I found that pride is often elicited by actions that are considered socially praiseworthy. That is, we often feel proud about actions we think others will admire. For example, adults don't tend to feel pride when they lace up their shoes in the morning, but a young child might if they think their parents will praise them for it. Pride therefore is quite socially oriented. A study conducted outside of the lab by Jeanne Nakamura obtained experiences of people feeling pride at work and at home. This research found that most situations that elicited high levels of pride were "social" in nature. That is, pride was experienced most strongly when others were around, such as family members or work clients. Another study demonstrated the social aspect of pride beautifully. Participants were told that they had performed exceptionally well on a difficult task. Some of the participants were also praised for their performance ("great job!"). The participants that received this additional praise reported feeling more pride and tended to persevere longer in subsequent similar tasks. The study demonstrates that pride can motivate behaviours that are likely to bring us social praise. That pride is experienced in response to achievements associated with social or moral value might encourage people to "stand their ground" to a greater extent than people who don't experience pride about a topic. Of course, in such instances, such pride accompanied by the increased self-esteem and confidence associated with pride might simply come across as stubbornness. From an evolutionary perspective, the tendency to experience pride likely benefited our ancestors in a number of ways. First, by motivating people to achieve socially approved goals, pride can motivate us to contribute to society. By doing so, it can enhance the social status of the achiever granting them greater influence over group resources and decision making. This can be especially effective depending on how we communicate that pride to others. For instance, raising one's hands in the air after winning a sporting event might be considered appropriate, but raising one's hands in the air after winning an argument with a romantic partner might be deemed as slightly less appropriate. While pride can certainly lead to arrogant displays, this may be more about personality than the emotion of pride itself. Pride as an emotion seems to be quite functional and exist to encourage people to engage in socially valued behaviours more likely to bind people together than to separate and divide. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Boeing 737-700 jet airliner. Credit: Wikipedia/Arcturu Long term exposure to aircraft noise, particularly during the night, is linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and possibly heart flutter and stroke as well, suggests research published online in Occupational & Environmental Medicine. The research team drew on data from 420 people living near Athens International Airport in Greece, where up to 600 planes take off and land every day. They formed one of six groups of people living near six large European airports who had taken part in the HYENA study, which assessed the potential health impacts of aircraft noise in 2004-6. The aircraft and road traffic noise exposure levels estimated for their postcodes at that timeless than 50 decibels to more than 60 dBwere used for the current study in 2013. Daytime aircraft noise was defined as that occurring between 0700 and 2300 hours, and that occurring between 2300 and 0700 hours was defined as night-time aircraft noise. Around half of the participants (just under 49%) were exposed to more than 55 dB of daytime aircraft noise, while around one in four (just over 27%) were exposed to more than 45 dB of night-time aircraft noise. Only around one in 10 (11%) were exposed to significant road traffic noise of more than 55 dB. Between 2004-6 and 2013, 71 people were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure and 44 were diagnosed with heart flutter (cardiac arrhythmia). A further 18 had a heart attack. Exposure to aircraft noise, particularly at night, was associated with all cases of high blood pressure, and with new cases. When all cases of high blood pressure were included, every additional 10 dB of night-time aircraft noise was associated with a 69% heightened risk of the condition. When only new cases were included, every additional 10 dB was associated with a more than doubling in risk. Exposure to night-time aircraft noise was also associated with a doubling in risk of heart flutter diagnosed by a doctor, but this only reached statistical significance when all cases, not just new ones, were included in the calculations. A heightened risk of stroke was similarly linked to increasing aircraft noise exposure, but this was not statistically significant, possibly because of the small number of cases involved, suggest the researchers. The associations between road traffic noise and ill health were much weaker and less consistent, the findings showed. This is one of the first long term follow-up studies of aircraft noise so it's not possible to draw conclusions about cause and effect at this stage until more evidence/studies become available, say the researchers. They point out that they were unable to look at specific causes of death among the 78 people who died between 2004-6 and 2013. The numbers studied were also relatively small, and it wasn't possible to account for the potential effects of air pollution. Nevertheless, a growing body of evidence links noise exposure to ill health, they emphasise. More information: Is aircraft noise exposure associated with cardiovascular disease and hypertension? Results from a cohort study in Athens, Greece, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-104180 Is aircraft noise exposure associated with cardiovascular disease and hypertension? Results from a cohort study in Athens, Greece, Digital subtraction angiography images show partial UFE. (a) Catheter is placed into right internal iliac artery with catheter tip in initial part of uterine artery (arrow); hypervascularization of fibroid is shown (arrowheads). (b) After partial UFE, uterine artery (arrow) is patent and there is some reduction of fibroid vessels, although some vessels are still shown (arrowheads). (c) Catheter is placed into left internal iliac artery with catheter tip in initial part of uterine artery (arrow); hypervascularization of fibroid is shown (arrowheads). (d) After partial UFE, uterine artery (arrow) is patent and there is some reduction of small fibroid vessels, although some vessels are still shown (arrowheads). Credit: Radiological Society of North America A minimally invasive treatment can help restore fertility in women with uterine fibroids, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology. Uterine fibroids, abnormal masses of fiber and muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus, are considered one of the most common causes of infertility and complications related to pregnancy. Previous research has found that one out of every four women with fibroids has problems related to fertility. The standard treatment option for such women is myomectomy, or surgical removal of the fibroids. However, myomectomy is not always possible or effective and can result in major complications including hysterectomy, according to study co-author Joao Martins Pisco, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Interventional Radiology at Saint Louis Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive option that involves injection of an embolic agent, typically made up of very small beads, into the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to the uterus and fibroids. As the fibroids die and begin to shrink, the uterus fully recovers. UFE can be performed in patients with a prior myomectomy or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite its less invasive nature, UFE has yet to be fully embraced in the medical community as a fertility-preserving treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids due to concerns that the procedure may cause inadequate blood flow to the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, and the ovaries. For the new study, Dr. Pisco and colleagues assessed pregnancy rates in 359 women with uterine fibroids who were unable to conceive and who underwent either conventional or partial UFE. In conventional UFE, all uterine artery branches are embolized. However, the partial procedure requires treatment of only the small vessels to the fibroids, leaving the corresponding larger vessels unaffected. Partial UFE may help reduce the risks of infertility associated with conventional UFE. Graph shows cumulative probabilities of spontaneous pregnancy (solid line) and of live birth after spontaneous pregnancy (dotted line) after partial UFE in patients who wish to conceive. Credit: Radiological Society of North America After an average follow-up of almost six years, 149 of the 359 women, or 41.5 percent, had become pregnant one or more times, and 131 gave birth to a total of 150 babies. It was the first pregnancy for more than 85 percent of the women who gave birth. The procedures had a clinical success rate of approximately 79 percent for fibroid-related symptoms. Complication rates were 14.6 percent for partial UFE and 23.1 percent for conventional UFE. The procedure was repeated in 28 patients whose fibroids had not been fully treated, as shown by MRI, and 11 of those patients subsequently got pregnant. "Our findings show that UFE is a fertility-restoring procedure in women with uterine fibroids who wish to conceive, and pregnancy following UFE appears to be safe with low morbidity," Dr. Pisco said. "Women who had been unable to conceive had normal pregnancies after UFE and similar complication rates as the general population in spite of being in a high-risk group." Dr. Pisco suggested that UFE may become the first-line treatment for women with fibroids who wish to conceive, particularly for those with numerous or very large fibroids. Such patients have a fibroid recurrence rate of more than 60 percent after myomectomy, making UFE an important option. The researchers are continuing the treatments and compiling data. Since the time of writing, there were 12 additional pregnancies. "In our study there are now almost 200 newborns following UFE," Dr. Pisco said. "Our next step will be a randomized study comparing the results of partial and conventional UFE." More information: "Spontaneous Pregnancy with a Live Birth after Conventional and Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization." Radiology (2017). Journal information: Radiology "Spontaneous Pregnancy with a Live Birth after Conventional and Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization."(2017). If Sanral fails as a result of the e-toll boycott, the countrys economy will be in a worse position. This is according to Vusi Mona, general manager of communications at Sanral. He said it is concerning that organisations like Outa appear to relish in the current situation that Sanral finds itself in. Despite Outas efforts, the courts have found that the e-toll project was implemented legally, said Mona. Sanral is confident that the current matters before the courts will find this to be the case. Road users follow Outas advice at their peril. Mona said the road infrastructure maintained by Sanral carries the bulk of freight traffic in the country, and services its citizens. If Sanral fails, the economy will become worse. Highway improvements reduced traffic The expansion and improvement of the highways in Gauteng provided several benefits, said Mona: For individuals lower fuel costs, accident rates, and time wasted. Savings in tyre, suspension, and steering repair costs. For business more turnarounds per day, resulting in higher turnover, productivity, and appointments met. For the last four years, commuters in Gauteng have reaped the benefits of the project, said Mona. While we may continue to disagree on many things surrounding the project, I think we can all agree that it has already helped to improve the lives of Gauteng citizens. Mona warned most of the upgraded freeways will reach their capacity within the next 3 to 5 years, and that more phases of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project must be executed. With insufficient funding, phases two and three are unlikely to be implemented. The National Department of Health has warned against unscrupulous companies and individuals who are defrauding unsuspecting businesses, disguised as representatives of the Department. The scam involves fraudsters using departmental letterheads to send fake tenders to companies and request them to supply equipment and goods. The companies targeted are asked to supply specific products to the department. When you search for the products online, there is usually only a single company listed in South Africa which offers them. While the company providing the products may look legitimate, it is part of the scam and it is here where the victim loses their money. The victim purchases and pays for the goods, and they are then told by the fake company that the products have been delivered to the Department of Health. This is a con the tender, the company selling the products, and the departmental officials listed in the tender documents are all fake. The department said it has alerted law enforcement to the scam to protect legitimate businesses as well as its name. How to spot a fake tender The department and Carte Blanche have provided guidelines on how to spot a fake tender: The contact persons name and telephone number on the letter is not the same as the departments listed official contact people. When searching on the Internet for the address of the company that has sent the fake tender document, the address does not exist. The banking details are in a private name and not a company name. Government will never ask you to deposit funds for any business transaction. Check the email address of the sender. If the address contains a .org it is not from the government government emails end in .gov.za. Look out for impersonation addresses, such as: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] Check the contact number provided on the tender letter. Government warns that although the numbers look valid, they are often not connected to a property. Call the number to check. Look for the purchase or order number. Government will never send an email asking you to supply equipment and goods without a purchase or order number. Now read: Beware of Post Office customs parcel delivery scam YEREVAN. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on Saturday met with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Georgia, Dimitry Kumsishvili. They discussed Armenian-Georgian relations, especially economic cooperation, the press office of the government of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Karapetyan and Kumsishvili reflected on the ongoing joint projects, gave a positive assessment to their process, and conferred on future steps. Also, the interlocutors recorded that the Armenia-Georgia trade is growing steadily in recent months, and consistent work is needed to increase this pace. In addition, they reaffirmed their mutual readiness to continue collaboration in promoting ties between the business circles, attracting investments, cooperating within the framework of free economic zones and tourism industry, strengthening of intercultural ties, and in several other domains between Armenia and Georgia. YEREVAN. On June 9 and10, during the 10th anniversary DigiTech Business Forum, Armenian Ucom and PicsArt companies initiated a roundtable discussion, entitled The Development of Artificial Intelligence in Armenia and the Use Thereof in Business. During the discussion the participants spoke of the top trending topic worldwide, stating that the development of artificial intelligence in Armenia is still in its embryonic stage. Ideas were expressed that along with machine learning, provided by higher education institutions preparing specialists of the sector, it is also necessary to invite professionals, who are capable of not only providing theoretical knowledge, but also boosting the development of practical skills among students. PicsArt together with Ucom shared its experience, noted Michael Vardanyan, Technical and General Director at PicsArt Armenian headquarters. PicsArt has acquired great experience in the artificial intelligence field and machine learning. Within the framework of this meeting weve discussed the ways of developing Armenia and making it competitive in this area, the staffing, the delivery of trainings and educational events. Presently this education gap is filled by each company individually. Ucom and PicsArt together have initiated courses with total duration of five months. Thirty participants selected from 600 applicants are mainly winners of international Olympiads, doctors of science, who happened to be taught by specialists having studied abroad. Among such specialists are alumni of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), those having worked at Google, engineers working at leading IT companies in Russia, etc. Three months are left for completion of the mentioned intensive courses. Still many years ago we understood that for advancement of modern technologies and development of innovative products, we need to have specialists, who still in their school years have been taught to think and analyze, develop and create and not just consume, said Hayk Yesayan, Director General at Ucom. Having this in mind, we greatly support the education process of students in Armath engineering laboratories starting from 5th grade. Its the children with engineering mindset, who will be capable of understanding the challenges of digital era, and as a result of persistent learning will become specialists that Armenian companies like Ucom and PicsArt are strongly in need of these days. At the end of discussion, the participants were still exchanging ideas about potential business projects aimed at developing the sector. Amazon becomes world's first public company to lose $1 trillion in market value EU's odd couple: Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel can't stand each other US, China set first benchmarks ahead of presidents' meeting Iranian MFA summons Azerbaijani ambassador to carpet in connection with anti-Iranian propaganda Washington to resist any attempt by new Israeli government to annex West Bank Biden thinks Elon Musk's relations with other countries are worthy of being looked at Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister tells Polish senator about consequences of Azerbaijani aggression Armenian deputy in Vilnius talks about goals of Azerbaijan's aggressive policy Taliban bans women from gyms U.S. to send Ukraine another $400 million in military aid Ursula von der Leyen announces EUR 250 million support package for Moldova Biden and Jinping meet on sidelines of G20 summit in Bali to be held on November 14 Riches of world get poorer suddenly State Duma deputy: Interparliamentary format Yerevan-Baku-Moscow will be included soon to solve issues IMF sees growing risk of economic fragmentation Armen Gevorgyan to visit Strasbourg, Brussels and Paris State Duma deputy: Upper Lars border crossing capacity has increased fivefold UK government freezes over 18 billion pounds worth of Russian assets State Duma deputy on Zatulin's ban on entering Armenia: These issues must be resolved Borrell calls for retooling EU infrastructure for rapid transport of military equipment to East European Parliament clears way for Croatia's admission to Schengen Area European Council President Michel calls on EU member states to jointly purchase gas to reduce fuel prices Alen Simonyan congratulates scientists on their professional holiday Armenian President meets with leaders of several countries in Egypt Greece accuses Turkey of profiting from the suffering of other countries under sanctions USAID official says she personally saw how democracy, economic development are progressing in Armenia (VIDEO) Spain court sentences civilian to prison for spreading fakes Armenian Embassy in Russia issues statement on Azerbaijan's actions Indian company to supply 155mm self-propelled artillery guns worth $155mln to Armenia Japanese minister caught in scandal for talking about death penalty France changes its ambassador to Azerbaijan UN General Assembly draft resolution requires Russia to pay reparations to Ukraine Belarusian State Border Committee: Poland creates tense situation on border Joint meeting of Armenian National Assembly and Russian State Duma Committee takes place Iranian President says attempt to destabilize country fails Deputy: Russian side is informed about importance of withdrawal of Azerbaijani units from the territory of Armenia State Duma deputy: We can't imagine Russia without Armenia Georgian PM and Armenian Ambassador discuss cooperation issues Bali is short of armored limousines for G20 summit participants FLYONE ARMENIA to start flights between Yerevan, Dubai Kyodo: Emperor of Japan revealed to have prostate hyperplasia Iranian intelligence urges Saudi Arabia not to test Tehran's strategic patience Kazakhstan intends to ship 1.5 mln tons of oil via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline Former Ombudsman: 2,700 ha of Kapan community of Armenia's Syunik Province are under occupation by Baku Armenia to ratify cooperation agreement with China Japan and the US begin major joint exercise Armenia soldier sustains gunshot wound from Azerbaijan shooting Armenia legislature speaker receives deputy chair of Russia State Duma Committee for CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration PM: If anyone thinks peace agenda is peaceful annihilation of Armenia or Karabakh Armenians, they are sorely mistaken Armenia Premier: We have 16 missing persons since September 13 military aggression by Azerbaijan Bitcoin is trading just above $16,000 Armenias Pashinyan: Spreading of fake news by Azerbaijan becomes prelude to new aggression Armenia PM: Azerbaijan, with its practices, reminds of Al Qaeda and Islamic State, which discredit Islam PM: Armenia, Karabakh propose Azerbaijan to create demilitarized zone Pashinyan: There is no Armenia army in Karabakh All 10 fallen soldiers transferred on October 27 by Azerbaijan to Armenia are identified, buried Pashinyan: Armenia is going to present new proposal to Azerbaijan $25M allocated to Armenia MOD Biden says he will discuss Ukraine conflict at G20 summit Pashinyan: Armenia has no obligation to construct new roads Pashinyan: Aliyev not only threatens but is already preparing genocide of Karabakh Armenians Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan president is attempting to create invented grounds for closing Lachin Corridor Erdogan tells what relations between Turkey and Armenia depend on Iran says it has developed first hypersonic ballistic missile Armenias Pashinyan: Russia peacekeepers are deployed in Karabakh indefinitely FM Lavrov to head Russia delegation at G20 summit Erdogan: Ankara continues mediation efforts to resolve Ukrainian crisis Armenia to get 100mn loan to fund budget deficit IAEA head: Talks on Iran's nuclear program ended inconclusively Armenia PM: Aliyev grossly violated tripartite written agreement of Sochi This year 320 people seek asylum in Armenia, 213 are from Ukraine Erdogan speaks on trusting relationship with Putin Gold prices remain stable Ombudsperson in Brussels, reflects on top Azerbaijan leaderships policy of Armenophobia Indonesian authorities: Putin won't come to G20 summit in Bali World oil prices falling Washington demands part of Israeli Arrow 3 for sale to Germany, be produced in the U.S. Armenia Security Council chief meets with Lithuania officials Armenia FM heading for Paris Egypt launches Tax Free system for foreign tourists Washington, Brussels don't approve German plan to resume transatlantic trade talks Newspaper: Armenias Mirzoyan makes it clear to Blinken that wording Artsakh should be included Newspaper: Armenia parliamentary opposition decides to return to legislative body Polar and brown bear hybrids may appear in Yakutia due to climate change Volkswagen releases office chair with electric motor and klaxon Israel reveals Pulcinella secret, admitting that it used drones not only for surveillance Chinese woman makes dresses for her daughter out of trash bags Poland and Slovakia will increase defense spending Audi presents new crossovers Q8 e-tron Benny Gantz: Israel has an opportunity to strike Iran's nuclear facilities France National Assembly speaker reaffirms solidarity with Armenia, Armenians Samvel Babayan: Russia will withdraw peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh Hungarian government sets price ceiling on eggs and potatoes Benny Gantz: Israel does not have the production capacity to supply Ukraine with air defense systems Germany must adopt energy-saving measures in face of skyrocketing inflation Beglaryan: Azerbaijan continues and will continue its policy of genocide and hatred against the Armenian people Kiev believes it is too early to talk about withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson Raisi: Relations between Tehran and Moscow have a bright future Taliban virtue representative kills minor for refusing to marry Meeting held at Ministry of Defense YEREVAN. Armenia-Estonia bilateral relations are close and friendly. Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser, who is in Yerevan on an official visit, on Tuesday stated the above-said at a joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. Mikser noted that they have discovered unused potential, especially in the economic sector. He added that there are accomplishments and that the parties give priority to the development of the information technology (IT) sector. Also, the Estonian FM stated that his country has s significant track-record which it stands ready to exchange with Armenia, and added that some respective steps already have been made. To note, Estonia will become the President of the Council of the European Union (EU) for six months. As per the Estonian, they have an ambitious presidency agenda, including regarding the Eastern Partnership program of the EU. Mikser said the summit will take place in November in Brussels, and they hope that the talks on an agreement between Armenia and the EU will be completed with success. When asked about Armenia-EU visa liberalization, the Estonian FM noted that his country was interested in the progress of this process; but he refrained from noting the possible dates for the completion of this process. In his words, this depends on Armenias ability to meet with the corresponding requirements and standards. YEREVAN. Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries have repeatedly said that the party to Karabakh conflict that will aggravate the situation will be condemned by the international community, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said. However, Azerbaijan pretends not to hear the calls, refuses to introduce mechanisms, although it is clear to everyone who violates the ceasefire, Nalbandian said during his joint pressers with Estonian counterpart Sven Mikser. The mediators are trying to react in a balanced manner, not to specify the party. But they are forced to make targeted statements, which happened recently. How many more calls should be made to make it clear that they are not enough and more effective measures are needed to curb Azerbaijans attempts to destabilize the situation. I think the international community is coming to a conclusion that appropriate steps are necessary towards a party that is constantly threatening to use force, the minister said. Answering a question about Baku's interpretation of the meeting in Moscow, the Armenian minister stressed that the meeting did not discuss any other document besides the text of the message for the media, which was discussed by the ministers in the presence of the mediators. Moreover, the Armenian and Russian Foreign Ministries published the agreed version, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan maintained that the ministers discussed not the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg, but discussed the talks in Vienna and St. Petersburg, which is absurd. As for the content of the meeting in St. Petersburg, a joint statement was made, detailing the content of the meeting. After that, Nalbandian noted, Baku tried to make comments, which the Russian Foreign Ministry called distorted. Commenting on the statements from Baku that the status quo is unacceptable, Foreign Minister noted that Azerbaijani officials are focused on some points and repeat them all the time, thus devaluating the meaning, but at the same time they act in an opposite way. They talk about the status quo, but who is behind ceasefire violations? Who hinders creating an atmosphere for the advancement of talks? They talk about freedom of speech and do exactly the opposite. They say one thing, they do something else. As for the UN resolutions - there are four of them because after each of the documents was adopted, Azerbaijan refused to fulfill them. The purpose of the resolutions was to stop the military actions, Nalbandian said, adding that last April Baku tried to call into question the ceasefire agreement, and the mediators had to remind Azerbaijan that the agreement was unlimited and it must be implemented. Materials of the criminal case initiated against blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Azerbaijan, were sent to court, Trend reported quoting a source in Azerbaijans law enforcement. The materials were submitted to judge of the Baku Court on Grave Crimes Alovsat Abbasov for consideration. After his visits to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2011 and 2012, blogger and journalist Alexander Lapshinwho is a citizen of Russia, Israel, and several other countrieswas blacklisted by Azerbaijan. In June 2016, however, he paid a visit to Azerbaijan--but with a Ukrainian passport--and, subsequently, he published several articles criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities. Afterward, Azerbaijan issued an international search for this famous blogger. On December 15, 2016, Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk, and based on this search. On January 26 of the current year, the Minsk city court dismissed the blogger's appeal of the Belarusian General Prosecutor's Office decision to extradite him to Azerbaijan. On February 7, the Supreme Court of Belarus dismissed the appeals that were filed into this case, and upheld the aforesaid decision by the General Prosecutors Office. And on the evening of the same day, Belarus extradited Alexander Lapshin to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody. Even if NATO is not involved in the Karabakh conflict settlement process, the conflict will have negative consequences on the countries, which are very far from the region, also influencing the Alliance. NATO Secretary Generals Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, James Appathurai, told the aforementioned to Armenian News NEWS.am on Tuesday. In his words, like everyone, the NATO allies see that the level of violence in the conflict zone has risen. Appathurai noted that the April events indeed took them by surprise, being also unexpected for many Armenians. But the violence level rose after this as well, which is a serious reason to worry about, he added. According to the official, the political process aimed at the settlement of the conflict seems not to manage to reduce the level of violence or achieve a specific solution to the issue despite the regular high-level meetings between the parties. Although NATO doesnt wish to interfere in the process of the Karabakh conflict settlement within the OSCE Minsk Group framework, it supports the peaceful process and the co-chairs, Appathurai noted, stressing that there is a serious concern about the high level of violence. He also noted that saying who is responsible for what is outside the scope of his authorities, this being within the scope of the Minsk Group authorities. NATO doesnt have observers in the zone of conflict but the situation arouses concerns, he concluded. A small cableway, one of many, leads from the lively, densely populated plain, bisected by the Yangtze River, high up into the realm of the wind. It carries passengers over plunging gorges and dark, thickly wooded cliffs that look like Chinese paintings of light and darkness against the backlit sky. The gondola ferries hikers and day tourists up to an elevation of thirteen hundred meters, a bit closer to the dazzling sunlight with each passing second. Its the most comfortable connection between the valley and the summitand the guarantor that no visitor is obliged to stay any longer than desired in the realm of the spirits. Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is a natural setting of timeless beauty but has also been the domain of spirits for thousands of years. Such is the legend, in any case. The tourists wouldnt have it any other way. A bit of harmless fright adds an extra touch of excitement. Driving the Huangshan mountains with the Macan An ice-cold wind floods into the opening door of the cable car, whipping the jackets and hair of the passengers. The mountain-top air is wonderfully clear, gentle and always in motion. In its dance between the peaks, it whistles striking songs. The inhabitants of the valley attribute the sounds to the spirits of their dead ancestors. Down on the Yangtze River, everyone knows that the ghosts of the past seek the freedom of the summit. On the summit, however, visitors quickly gather that the pine, spruce, and ginkgo trees, as well as bizarre rock formations, are the instruments on which the wind orchestrates its melodies. The sounds are not always harmonious: a shrill yelp suddenly changes to a soft whisper. The rhythmic swelling and ebbing of the underlying soundscape is drowned out by a whistling solo on a rock outcropping. Just a few steps away, a low-frequency hum dominates the sounds of the Yellow Mountains. Contemplative mystics find spiritual explanations for each of these natural phenomena. Yet even for agnostics, this auditory encounter with nature is overwhelming. A winding road parallel to the highway The Huangshan scenic landscape is a nature reserve in the southeastern province of Anhui. The range encompasses more than seventy peaks at more than one thousand meters. The highest point in the range, Lianhua Peak, is precisely 1,864 meters high. UNESCO has named Mount Huangshan a World Heritage Site. The range, which covers nearly 154 square kilometers, is just five and a half hours from Shanghai. Given the Chinese excursion culture, its subtropical allure makes the nature reserve a popular destination for city dwellers escaping the hustle and bustle of the metropolis for a few days. The route to the Huangshan range goes through the Shanghai district of Songjiang before joining westbound traffic on the modern highway. Those seeking a more idyllic and dynamic route can opt for the twisting and turning rural road that runs parallel to the highway. The small city of Tangkou is the starting point for hikes through the national park. Buses leave for Mount Huangshan almost every minute, their destination being the valley station of the cableway. Visitors wishing to avoid the gondolas stomach-churning heights can also scale the mountain by foot. On paths that can get quite steep, the march to the top takes roughly as long as the drive from Shanghaiabout six hours. Sixty thousand steps in the mountainside Once at the top, visitors are treated to a picturesque mixture of pristine natural beauty and a colorful festival atmosphere. Solitude is not the idea herecommunity is the operative concept. Amid the sounds of the winds, which are amplified by the alleged mystical forces of the spirits, visitors are all too happy to view the spectacle in larger groups. All of the paths are well paved and well-worn. The oft-invoked existence of related souls confers upon locals and visitors in equal measure a responsibility to make their world accessible to all, particularly to the generations to come. In Buddhism, belief in reincarnation plays an extremely important role. Karma, too, is an important conceptgood deeds bring rewards. This positive mindset is an expression of the harmony between humanity and nature. So its no surprise that there are many paths in these mountains, including amazingly adventurous passages cut into the walls of the cliffsnot to mention a multitude of bridges and tunnels and more than sixty thousand stairs. The oldest of the mountain paths is said to have been built over fifteen hundred years ago. Popular with children and the elderly as well, Mount Huangshan attracts some fifteen million visitors every year. Many guests stay the night, sleeping in simple mountain hotels. As the cableway is reserved for transporting visitors, the hotels are supplied by traditional means. Day after day, porters trudge up and down the mountain trails, carrying food, construction materials, and luggage. At times, they even carry exhausted tourists up the mountain in chairs affixed to carrying bars. Word has it that farmers from the valley earn a bit of extra cash this way. The rhythmic clacking of the shoes of dozens of porters all around mingle with the songs of the wind on the ascent. The Huangshan mountain range is among the most important tourist destinations in China Atop the mountain, beneath the wide-open sky, the light creates ever-changing color patterns on the sea of leaves and rough surfaces of the oddly shaped rocks. The never-ending sequence of new, breathtaking views is nothing short of spectacular. Most impressive, perhaps, is the mountain panorama at sunrise or dusk, and of course when dramatic cloud formations bring forebodings of stormy weather. At such moments, one is reminded of James Camerons Avatar and its Hallelujah Mountains, which were modeled on Mount Huangshan. You dont have to be a mystic to hear the beating wings of the ikran in the howling windthe flying mountain banshees that carried Camerons heroine, the blue-hued warrior Neytiri, through the film with the deftest of mid-air maneuvers. Indeed, Mount Huangshan is said to have directly inspired Camerons vision of the floating mountains of Pandora. A sign at a viewing platform named Where the monkey chases the sun points out the similarity between the actual mountains and Camerons rendering. The peaks seem to float above the clouds as if above a sea with no beaches. Harmony with nature Since ancient times, the power and beauty of Yishan, as the mountainous region was known until the year 747, have inspired the imaginations of artists. Chroniclers tell us of Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, who is said to have lived here more than four thousand years ago. Huangdi is revered for his contributions to Chinese medicine. Ever since Mount Huangshan took on his moniker, its said that the good spirits have made the peaks their own. The scenery serves as inspiration for Chinese artists, who still paint their pictures in the fine brushstrokes of their forebears in the line of traditional Chinese landscape paintingtheir depictions focused on the panoramic view of the Yellow Mountains. Scenes from the Huangshan mountains are increasingly popular in the new and very fast-paced life of contemporary China, says Yang Songyuan. The brush maker is renowned among local painters for the quality of his brushes, which are made of goat or rabbit hair. The animal hairs are attached to the bamboo shafts by hand using traditional methods. Ten brushes per day. And we even have customers abroad, he reveals. Artist Li Zhigung explains that animal motifs, and particularly horses in the style of the Tang dynasty painters, are frequently commissioned nowadays by car brands. Landscapes, by contrast, are very popular among private customers, he says, returning the conversation to the souvenir images of Mount Huangshan laid out before him. That popularity points to the fact that consumers, although they increasingly store their everyday lives in smartphones, still live with a deep sense of connection to nature. And that is why, even today, the realm of the winds above the sea without beaches is the center of the world for many Chinese. An inscription at the cableways valley station states: He who has seen Mount Huangshan need not see another mountain. Huangshan mountain The Huangshan mountain range is among the most important tourist destinations in China, particularly for Chinese visitors. In 1990, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is listed under the name Mount Huangshan. The most popular time to visit is from April to October; in April, flowers and herbs are in bloom. More details can be found at: www.chinahighlights.com On Easter Sunday, Milwaukee musician Matthew Thomas Gonzales aka "Matty Gonzales" or just "Matty G" passed through Abu Dhabi to board a Royal Caribbean ship because he works for Waveguide Communications and was planning to provide cabling and wiring services on the cruise ships. Gonzales was detained in the Abu Dhabi airport for having a prescription medication called Tramadol. He had the pharmaceutical due to chronic back and shoulder pain, but did not have the prescription with him, nor did he register the medicine prior to entering the country which is a requirement. He was unaware of this requirement, but Gonzales was sent to prison in the desert of Abu Dhabi. Although he was able to provide a prescription and a doctors letter as well as an endorsement from a court-ordered doctor in Abu Dhabi he was declared innocent for possession and usage. However, Gonzales was still sentenced to two years in prison. Gonzales appeal date in July 30, but it is believed he could be released on or before June 25, which is the last day of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holiday that judges will take a month-long break afterwards. Because Donald Trump welcomed Mohamed Bin Zayes Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince, it is believed he or someone from his staff could make a phone call to request his deportation. Contact senators, state representatives and the US embassy in Abu Dhabi to request they litigate on Gonzales behalf. Contact here, and use the hashtag #freematty Radio color image of an area of the COSMOS field containing several large radio galaxies.An image of the VLA is overlaid. Credit: Astronomy & Astrophysics (VLA image courtesy of NRAO/AUI) Astronomy & Astrophysics is publishing a series of six articles presenting the results of the VLA-COSMOS 3 GHz Large Project. Led by researchers at the University of Zagreb, the team used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) telescope to observe a two square degree patch of sky called the COSMOS field, for a duration of 384 hours. The astronomers obtained one of the clearest (highest angular resolution) and deepest (most sensitive) radio images ever produced over such a large region of the sky. In the radio ''skymap'', the team detected nearly 11000 galaxies. The new radio data have been combined with optical, infrared, and X-ray observations from worldwide leading telescopes. Radio light is not blocked by the large clouds of interstellar dust that often resides in galaxies. This means that radio waves can be used to detect newborn stars within galaxies, as these stars are hidden at other wavelengths. The astronomers used the new survey to examine how the amount of radio light coming from a galaxy relates to the rate at which the galaxy is forming new stars. They also studied how this rate has changed over the history of the Universe. They found that galaxies produced the most stars when the Universe was about 2.5 billion years old, a fifth of its current age. During this period, about a quarter of all newborn stars were being created in massive galaxies. The astronomers also found that 15-20% more star formation was occurring in galaxies in the early Universe than was previously thought. This means that dust clouds are indeed likely to be hiding many newborn stars. The new radio survey has also provided a unique insight into galaxies containing actively growing supermassive black holes in their centers. These galaxies are called active galactic nuclei (AGN). Matter orbiting around and falling into the black hole can release huge amounts of energy. Using the new radio data, the astronomers discovered more than 1000 AGN that appear to be "normal" galaxies at every other wavelength. Only their radio emission signatures betray their hidden black hole activity. These radio-detected AGN are particularly interesting as they may represent a population of AGN that can influence the eventual fate of their host galaxies. Physical processes associated with the feeding supermassive black hole may heat the gas in and around the galaxy, preventing the formation of new stars and halting the runaway growth of galaxies. The astronomers compared the AGN heating process assumed in cosmological simulations to what they detected in the new radio data. They found a strong similarity between the two. The quality of the new data allowed this test to be conducted out to a cosmic time at which the Universe was only about 2.5 billion years old. The scientific findings of this new radio survey are important because they give more information about how and why galaxies have evolved since they were formed after the big bang up to the present day. This survey will also serve as the basis for large-scale, next-generation radio surveys, including the upcoming VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) and the planned surveys that will use the international Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope. Enlarged images from the VLA-COSMOS 3 GHz Large Project. The mosaic contains images of large radio galaxies (top nine panels) and of compact radio objects (bottom panel). Credit: Astronomy & Astrophysics Provided by Astronomy & Astrophysics New research from the University of Auckland has shown that pupils in kura kaupapa Maori-language immersion schools who have English introduced to their lessons gain a better grasp of both languages. The research was conducted by Dr Sophie Tauwehe Tamati of the Te Puna Wananga School of Maori and Indigenous Education at the Faculty of Education and Social Work. Dr Tamati's research was conducted for her PhD thesis, Transacquisition Pedagogy for Billingual Education: A Study in Kura Kaupapa Maori. She says the thesis has cleared the way for teachers and kura kaupapa Maori to use a type of pedagogy which she created called "Transacquisition". Under her theory, instead of kura kaupapa Maori students having English introduced at secondary school level, it should start when the pupils are aged 11 and 12. "The introduction of English is better placed when the children are in years 7 and 8," she says. "This could stop the current pattern of many parents pulling their children out of kura kaupapa Maori schools at year 8 and sending them to mainstream high schools to start learning in English." Dr Tamati carried out her research in two kura kaupapa Maori and used her Transacquisition teaching approach with 24 year 7 and 8 students over an 8-week intervention programme. For one and a half hours in weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7 the students read story books written in te reo Maori to retell using their own reo Maori. Then they would revoice their reo Maori story in English. Some even managed to rewrite the original reo Maori story in English. In weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 the students did the opposite. They read English story books to retell in English. Then they revoiced their English stories in te reo Maori to then rewrite in Maori. After the 8-week programme, the kura students had improved their English literacy at a rate that was 5.87 times faster than a similarly abled group in a decile 10 English-medium school. "Ms Tamati's dissertation has the potential to radically re-align pedagogical approaches currently in place in the education of emergent bilingual students," says Professor Jim Cummins who is a one of the world's leading authorities on bilingual education. Despite the positive results Dr Tamati's research has met with some resistance from Maori. "At first, my PhD topic was very, very unpopular. It challenged the need for the Maori language to be used exclusively in kura kaupapa Maori in order to revitalise the language. It addressed the reality of kura children who don't live in an exclusively Maori world. Most kura children go home to English and Transacquisition helped them to lift their academic achievement in both their languages. "It stands out internationally because it proves that bilingualism and biliteracy development can be accelerated," says Dr Tamati. She is now in the process of publishing her thesis as a book for teachers here in New Zealand and overseas to use Transacquisition to raise the academic achievement of bilingual children in their classes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was criticized by the energy sector this year for suggesting a need to "phase out" oil sands production in January, which is Canada's top single fastest-growing source of CO2 Oil companies said Tuesday they planned to ramp up their output in Canada, throwing a wrench in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to slash greenhouse gas emissions. Currently the world's sixth largest oil producer, Canada expects to hike production by 32 percent to 5.1 million barrels per day by 2030, according to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. The additional output will come entirely from the Alberta oil sands. Trudeau was criticized by the energy sector this year for suggesting a need to "phase out" oil sands production, which is Canada's top single source of CO2 and its fasting growing. "We need to manage the transition off of our dependence on fossil fuels," he said in January, two months after approving two new pipelines to the United States and to Pacific tidewater. Environmental activists have been unrelenting in their dislike of the oil sands and calls to shut down extraction of heavy crude and bitumen, which is harder, more polluting and more expensive to extract than typical light crude. But Trudeau instead gave a boost to the sector by approving the refurbishment of two existing Canadian pipelines to increase capacity. US President Donald Trump's approval of the Keystone XL pipeline connecting the oil sands to Gulf Coast refineries was also welcomed by the industry. More, bigger, better pipelines Still the current pipeline capacity to transport about four million barrels per day is insufficient, said the CAPP, which pointed to an "urgent need for pipelines heading east, west and south." The CAPP represents about 240 oil, gas and affiliated companies and estimates the industry will need to boost pipeline capacity to more than 5.5 million barrels per day to meet rising demand. But increased oil output would undermine Trudeau's commitment to slash Canada's CO2 emissions by 30 percent compared with 2005 levels, by 2030. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna on Monday welcomed her G7 counterparts' appreciation of Canada's newfound "leadership and concrete actions to implement the Paris Agreement." But it remains to be seen if measures such as a national carbon pricing scheme and a patchwork of regional cap and trade and other measures will be enough to meet that commitment. A Senate report released in March concluded that Canada required a "Herculean shift" to meet its target, for example, the removal of "all the cars, trucks, planes, trains and ships" from the country, or a complete shutdown of its oil and gas sector. The Trudeau government's proposed Can$10 carbon price rising to a maximum of Can$50 per tonne in 2022 will not be enough. If the oil and gas sector ramps up as predicted, the increased pollution would outpace any reductions from his climate policies. The CAPP has noted that despite the approval of the three pipelines in the last few months, more are "still needed to further connect Canada's growing supplies to diverse markets." Next year, Canada will take over the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations. In a statement Greenpeace Canada said: "New pipelines have no place in a just, green Canada and are an obvious misfit in a G7 presidency agenda focused on climate action and clean growth among its top priorities." 2017 AFP German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, left, for a meeting at the chancellery as part of the 'G20 Africa Partnership Investing in a Common Future' conference in Berlin, Germany, Monday, June 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) Egyptian authorities have intensified their blocking of critical websites and expanded their focus to so-called VPN sites that help users bypass such restrictions, a watchdog said. Five additional sites were blocked late Monday, bringing the total number of obstructed sites to 62 since a censorship campaign began in late May, The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression said in a statement. "We noticed the beginning of blocking websites that provide VPN services," it said, referring to virtual private networks that can be used to access blocked content by routing connections through servers outside the country. "Such practice points to the intent of the government to continue blocking and filtering the content that Egyptian users could access." On May 24, Egypt's official news agency reported that the government ordered internet service providers to block access to 21 news websites, alleging they supported terrorism or reported "false news." Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has presided over a widespread crackdown on dissent since leading the military overthrow of his predecessor, the Islamist Mohammed Morsi, in 2013. Among the blocked sites were those of Qatar-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera. Egypt has joined Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations in seeking to isolate Qatar over allegations it supports terrorist groups, charges Qatar denies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, left, for a meeting at the chancellery as part of the 'G20 Africa Partnership Investing in a Common Future' conference in Berlin, Germany, Monday, June 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) Egyptian authorities also blocked sites linked to Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood group, now outlawed as a terror organization, and those linked to the Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, most of the blocked addresses are news websites, including prominent investigative platform Mada Masr and other publications such as Daily News Egypt. VPN service Tunnelbear, which describes itself as providing "really simple computer and mobile apps for private browsing and to experience the internet as if you are in another country," has also been blocked. El-Sissi was in Germany on Monday and Tuesday to attend a conference on partnership between the G20 group of major economies and African countries, and to drum up trade and investment. He took part in a panel discussion but did not take any questions. After meeting with el-Sissi, German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said Berlin wants to strengthen its economic relations with Egypt, its most important trading partner in North Africa, but that adherence to the rule of law is essential, as "companies need reliable conditions for investment decisions." El-Sissi did not respond to the comment. 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This ceramics workshop on the Greek island of Paros was preserved beneath a modern residence. Credit: Eleni Hasaki In ancient Greece, people relied on their friendly neighborhood ceramics workshop for everything from dishes to perfume bottles to roofing materials. A new project, led by University of Arizona associate professor Eleni Hasaki, aims to map these critical centers of ceramics production across nearly 5,000 years of Greek history in a first-of-its-kind online database, designed to support archaeologists working in Greece today. The Web Atlas of Ceramic Kilns in Ancient Greece includes information on 600 Greek kiln locations, dating between 3000 B.C. and A.D. 1820. Each uncovered kiln represents the location of a ceramics workshop. The idea for the database grew from Hasaki's dissertation on ceramic kilnsthe ovens used to fire potteryin ancient Greece. As part of her work, Hasaki sifted through stacks of hard-copy archaeological reports in Greek, which were not available online, and traveled to Greece to collect information about kiln excavations that had not yet been formally published. The resulting lengthy list of 450 kilns made Hasaki think there should be an easier way for archaeologists and scholars like herself to access information about these sites, and so the idea for a searchable database was born. "My major hope for the online database is that it will help archaeologists on the ground who uncover kiln sites to quickly find similar cases in the same region or of the same period or of the same type, without having to wait for the final publication of a kiln site, often several years after its discovery," said Hasaki, a UA associate professor of anthropology and classics. "Then they can complete their own reports much faster," said Hasaki, who also co-directs the UA's Laboratory for Traditional Technology, which focuses on the study of traditional technologies such as ceramics. The Web Atlas of Ceramic Kilns in Ancient Greece maps 600 kiln locations. Credit: University of Arizona Hasaki teamed up with Greek archaeologist Konstantinos T. Raptis, an expert on Roman and Byzantine kilns, to compile information on the 600 kiln locations mapped in the database. They created the site with technical support from UA classics alumna Lauren Alberti, UA professor of geography and regional development Gary Christopherson, and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences tech employees Tawny Lochner and Lizeth Mora. Archaeologists can now search the database, narrowing results by criteria such as geographical area, time period, kiln type and size. Each record contains additional information about the kiln site, as well as bibliographical references. The hope, Hasaki said, is that archaeologists will use the online submission form to update the database with new discoveries of kilns sites, making the information available to colleagues faster. "I hope the database will be a two-way street," said Hasaki, a Mediterranean archaeologist and native of Greece. "I have put out what I have collected so far, but there are also sites I don't know about, and so I have a separate area in the database where the archaeologists themselves can make a submission to help themselves and others." Kilns Help Answer Bigger Questions Ceramic production in Greece was a labor intensive, male-dominated family business, with fathers typically handing workshops down to their sons or sons-in-law. Each workshop typically had one or two kilns, and although they came in different shapes and sizes, the most common type across all time periods and regions was the round, clay variety, measuring 1 to 1 1/2 meters in diameter, Hasaki said. Greek potters conducted business with low-risk investment strategies and no long-term stockpiling; the kiln capacity was optimally designed both to bring profit from successful firings and to help the workshop recover quickly from unsuccessful ones, Hasaki said. For archaeologists, kilns can provide information about the local production, in terms of clay recipes, shapes, styles of decoration and scale of operation. The ceramics found in association with a kiln can help date the kiln, but in other cases, Hasaki said, an empty kiln can be sampled and dated through archaeomagnetism, a method for dating burnt archaeological materials. Hasaki uses an experimental replica of an ancient Greek kiln, housed at Tucson's St. Augustine High School, to test hypotheses of kiln design and operation. Credit: Eleni Hasaki In her own research, Hasaki has published articles on kilns that fired utilitarian wares, on archaeomagnetic dating of ancient kilns and on preservation of kiln sites under modern residences. She also has built and fired an experimental replica of a Greek kiln in Tucson, testing hypotheses of kiln design and operation. Her work highlights the richness of kiln studies and the critical importance of ceramics in Greek communities. "Every household would need utensils and containers, and almost all of them would be out of clay. Whether you had to store your olive oil to cook your food or needed a place to put your perfumes or wanted to decorate with something pretty, you would have to go to a workshop," Hasaki said. "If you had to go to a sanctuary to thank the gods for something, or to ask for help, you would bring a ceramic item. If you wanted to put a roof over your head, you would need roof tiles. For civic projects to do sewers, they would need terracotta pipes, so everyone relied on ceramic works. You couldn't have a city, town or village without some kind of local potter." Many of the kilns on the database's mapwhich was created using Google Mapswere uncovered during residential or road construction and have been lost to development, making it even more important to have an easily accessible record of their existence, Hasaki said. She said the database serves as a jumping-off point for researchers to answer larger questions about ceramics production in Greece across five millennia. "It's more than just a map with spots," she said. "If you keep going through more complex questions, people who study craft production in an area have the exact locations of kilns, and they can ask questions about craft production and even about scale of economy or scale of trade. It starts as a little dot but then goes very quickly to the bigger picture." Tunisia on Tuesday launched a special "green police" unit aimed at dealing with the proliferation of waste, a scourge that has worsened dramatically since the 2011 revolution. "May God help youit's a very difficult mission," Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said at the launch of the unit, with their new uniforms and GPS-equipped pick-ups. The North African country's rubbish woes have worsened because municipalities are not dealing with the problem in advance of local elections slated for December. There is also a lack of equipment, treatment centres and landfills, Environment Minister Riadh Mouakher said. "Even municipalities themselves sometimes dump their waste in public spaces," he told reporters. But he also pinpointed a lack of awareness among the general public. For a month, the environment police will be responsible for raising that awareness, Mouakher said. After that, from mid-July, throwing trash outside dumpsters or burning waste will incur fines of between 40 and 60 dinars (14.5 and 21 euros). And if an offence is deemed to be damaging to the public health, a prison term can be or higher fines of between 300 and 1,000 dinars can be imposed. Initially, the new force will deploy 163 officers in 34 municipalities across greater Tunis. In mid-July, an additional 136 officers will patrol another 40 municipalities across the country. The "green police" will come under the authority of municipalitiesbut will also be monitored by the environment ministry. In another measure taken in March this year aimed at ending "visual pollution", Tunisia banned plastic bags from supermarkets. 2017 AFP This memorial was erected in Berlin in 2008 to honor homosexuals persecuted under Nazism. Credit: Samuel Clowes Huneke Lesbians may have enjoyed limited toleration during the Nazi regime in Germany, according to new Stanford research. Samuel Clowes Huneke, a doctoral candidate in history, examined police investigation files from the 1940s involving alleged violations of same-sex relations laws. His findings and analysis were recently published in the Journal of Contemporary History. "These files add a new level of nuance to existing scholarship," Huneke said. "They hint at a more normal existence that was the daily experience of some lesbians in the Third Reich." Moreover, Huneke said, "the experiences of lesbians in Nazi Germany can help shed light not only on how gender operates in multivalent ways, but also the complex negotiation of both repression and toleration on which authoritarian regimes depend." Lack of evidence The systematic persecution of gay men under the Nazi regime has been well documented by historians. The regime's laws explicitly criminalized homosexual acts between men. About 50,000 men were convicted for being homosexuals and between 5,000 and 15,000 were imprisoned in concentration camps, where up to 60 percent of them died, according to scholars. But how lesbians fared is less clear. Females were excluded from the law that made homosexual acts illegal. Aside from a few cases that have been uncovered by a handful of scholars in the United States and Germany, little documentation exists describing how the Nazis treated lesbians. This lack of evidence has led historians to debate whether lesbians had it easier than gay men during the Nazi period. Some scholars argue that the Nazi government did not persecute lesbians to the same degree because women in general were not seen as sexual beings or as threatening to the regime's policy of pronatalism, which encouraged reproduction. Huneke, while agreeing with those views, also argues that Nazi officials believed lesbians posed less of a political threat to the regime because women were barred from most spheres of politics and public life. "In light of both the fearsome persecution of homosexual men and scholarship that places it in the context of National Socialist pronatalism, the regime's seeming lack of interest in female homosexuality is startling, for in other respects the government placed considerable burdens on women," wrote Huneke, who is working on a dissertation about the history of homosexuality in postwar Germany. Expanding scholarship The German criminal police, also known as the Kriminalpolizei, or Kripo, investigated eight women as part of four separate cases that Huneke examined. The files, which Huneke discovered in 2015 at the Landesarchiv Berlin, or Berlin state archive, included signed statements from witnesses and the accused women. In each case, the women were denounced for allegedly violating the laws against same-sex relations by someone they knew - a neighbor, coworker or parent. "That these eight women were denounced to the Berlin criminal police in the early 1940s is striking on its own, given the archival silence when it comes to female homosexuality," Huneke wrote. In each case, the police, a judge or a state's attorney determined that the women could not be prosecuted for same-sex relations under the criminal code. There is no evidence that any of the eight women investigated were punished as a result of the denunciations, Huneke said. "To scholars accustomed to seeing in the Nazi state a jungle of overlapping jurisdictions, personal initiative and law based solely on the Fuhrer's wish, this is a curious portrait of the Nazi justice system, one marked by an unexpected concern for the strict interpretation of statute," Huneke wrote. The case of Margot Liu nee Holzmann, whose lesbian relationship was also documented in a recent German monograph, struck Huneke as particularly strange. Holzmann was a Jewish lesbian who lived in Nazi Berlin. In 1941, she married a Chinese waiter and received Chinese citizenship, which the police insisted shielded her from deportation to a concentration camp. Once Holzmann's husband became aware of her lesbian relationship, he filed for divorce and contacted the police. Yet, as in the other three cases, the police opted not to intervene. "It is frankly bizarre that the criminal police would insist, in multiple documents, on the protections conferred a German Jewish lesbian by virtue of her de jure Chinese citizenship," Huneke wrote. Huneke emphasized that his analysis is limited in scope. For example, the same detective was responsible for the findings in all four cases, and Huneke said that particular officer could have just been less zealous than other officers. "But the fact that they were so persnickety in following every detail of the law in these cases - it suggests a level of toleration," Huneke said. Tolerance for some lesbians Huneke said the police files he examined are evidence that there was a limited degree of tolerance for lesbians in Nazi Germany. In addition to each woman eluding punishment, the files showed that many of them led fairly open lesbian lives, sometimes for years, before finally being denounced to the police. "The files ironically show that there was a significant ability on the part of ordinary Germans to witness lesbianism and not go ahead and denounce the person," Huneke said. But Huneke added that this apathy toward lesbianism may have come about because of the Nazi regime's non-threatening view of women. "Gender is perhaps why lesbians weren't persecuted in the same ways," Huneke said. "But simply because there was a tolerance for female homosexuality doesn't mean that these women led enviable lives." In his article, he wrote that "these files throw into sharper relief the duplicity of tolerance that has characterized societies' views of female sexuality for centuries." Huneke said his work demonstrates that dictatorships often rely not only on overt oppression but also on limited tolerance of certain groups. "It is a divide-and-conquer approach," Huneke said. "One of the most important takeaways from this research, to my mind, is to break the popular idea that authoritarian governments maintain their power only through repression." Rif1 is shepherding DNA ends. Crystal structure of the conserved N-terminal domain of Rif1 reveals an extraordinarily elongated shape resembling a shepherds crook. Within the hook, Rif1 contains a DNA binding domain forming a protective sheath. This activity of Rif1 underpins telomere homeostasis, checkpoint suppression at chromosome ends, and DNA double-strand break repair, a function now identified as conserved in eukaryotes. The molecular gating of DNA ends offers a unified mechanism for the diverse genome stability functions of Rif1. Credit: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research All cells are confronted with DNA damage, for example by exposure of the skin to UV rays, chemical byproducts of nerve cells consuming sugar, or immune cells destroying bacteria. If these DNA lesions are not - or badly - repaired, they may initiate tumor formation. Thankfully, cells have evolved an elaborate control system to correct these DNA anomalies. Uli Rass and Nico Thoma at the FMI, together with colleagues at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), have now discovered the key role of a protein called Rif1 in the protection, stabilization and repair of damaged DNA. This study, published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, uncovers a DNA maintenance function likely to be present in all eukaryotes because the region of Rif1 that enables the formation of a protective sheath around DNA lesions is similar in humans and yeast. A multi-faceted protein Cells have developed a complex control system to repair the DNA breaks that occur every day. This system includes patrolling proteins, molecules that set off an alarm, as well as damage-repairing enzymes. The teams of Nicolas Thoma and Ulrich Rass at the FMI and the group of David Shore at UNIGE are interested in a protein called Rif1. Rif1 is involved in many processes, some of which are related to DNA replication and repair. Certain activities of Rif1, a protein present in both humans and yeast, vary from one type of organism to another, while others remain similar. It was not clear why that was the case. The scientists thus examined the molecular structure of Rif1. "This protein is made of divergent functional elements depending on the species studied, which may explain the diversity of its activities. But there is also a common part whose function was hitherto unknown", says Stefano Mattarocci, co-first author of the study and member of the Geneva group. A ubiquitous repair module By studying the 3-D structure of this common region, the biologists have discovered that it is intimately involved in the protection and the repair of deteriorated DNA. "This region of Rif1 binds to the damaged strands and then recruits more Rif1 proteins that assemble to form a protective sheath around the weakened segment", notes Julia Reinert, co-first author and member of the Basel team. This molecular plaster gates access of repair enzymes to the protected strands, while restricting access of enzymes responsible for degrading the ends of damaged DNA. All eukaryotes, that is to say organisms whose cells have a nucleus, appear to benefit from the sheath formed by Rif1, since the protective region of this protein is similar in humans and yeast. This study has revealed the molecular mechanism allowing Rif1 to preserve the integrity of the genome. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how cells avoid the accumulation of DNA lesions, which would otherwise lead to senescence, cell death, or cancer. More information: Stefano Mattarocci et al. Rif1 maintains telomeres and mediates DNA repair by encasing DNA ends, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3420 Journal information: Nature Structural & Molecular Biology This composite image shows a dead female Anopheles gambiae mosquito covered in the mosquito-killing fungus Metarhizium pingshaense, which has been engineered to produce spider and scorpion toxins. The fungus is also engineered to express a green fluorescent protein for easy identification of the toxin-producing fungal structures. Credit: Brian Lovett Malaria kills nearly half a million people every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In some of the hardest-hit areas in sub-Saharan Africa, the mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite have become resistant to traditional chemical insecticides, complicating efforts to fight the disease. A new study from the University of Maryland and colleagues from Burkina Faso, China and Australia suggests that a mosquito-killing fungus genetically engineered to produce spider and scorpion toxins could serve as a highly effective biological control mechanism to fight malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The fungus is specific to mosquitoes and does not pose a risk to humans. Further, the study results suggest that the fungus is also safe for honey bees and other insects. The study was published online in the journal Scientific Reports on June 13, 2017. "In this paper, we report that our most potent fungal strains, engineered to express multiple toxins, are able to kill mosquitoes with a single spore," said Brian Lovett, a graduate student in the UMD Department of Entomology and a co-author of the paper. "We also report that our transgenic fungi stop mosquitoes from blood feeding. Together, this means that our fungal strains are capable of preventing transmission of disease by more than 90 percent of mosquitoes after just five days." The researchers used the fungus Metarhizium pingshaensei, which is a natural killer of mosquitoes. The fungus was originally isolated from a mosquito and previous evidence suggests that the fungus is specific to disease-carrying mosquito species, including Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti. When spores of the fungus come into contact with a mosquito's body, the spores germinate and penetrate the insect's exoskeleton, eventually killing the insect host from the inside out. On its own, however, the fungus requires fairly high doses of spores and a large amount of time to have lethal effects. To boost the fungus' deadly power, the researchers engineered the fungus with several genes that express neurotoxins from spider and scorpion venomboth alone and in combination with other toxins. The toxins act by blocking the calcium, potassium and/or sodium channels required for the transmission of nerve impulses. The researchers then tested the engineered fungal strains on wild-caught, insecticide-resistant mosquitoes in Burkina Faso. Each engineered strain killed mosquitoes more quickly and efficiently than the unaltered fungus. But the most effective strain used a combination of two toxins, one derived from the North African desert scorpion Androctonus australis and another derived from the Australian Blue Mountains funnel-web spider Hadronyche versuta. The scorpion toxin blocks sodium channels, while the spider toxin blocks both potassium and calcium channels. Both of these toxins have already been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for insecticidal use. "The WHO has identified insecticide resistance as the major threat to effective mosquito control, which is relevant not only to malaria but to a number of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, viral encephalitis and filariasis," said Raymond St. Leger, a Distinguished University Professor in the UMD Department of Entomology and senior author of the study. "Unlike chemical insecticides that target only sodium channels, many spider and scorpion toxins hit the nervous system's calcium and potassium ion channels, so insects have no pre-existing resistance." When Lovett, St. Leger and their colleagues inserted the toxin genes into the Metarhizium fungus, they included an additional failsafe: a highly specific promoter sequence, or genetic "switch," which ensures that the toxin genes can only be activated in the blood of insects. As a result, the fungus will not release the toxin into the environment. To further ensure the safety of non-target insect species, the researchers also tested the engineered fungal strains on honey bees. Working in Burkina Faso, the team deliberately infected local bees using both passive methods (exposing the bees to spore-coated fabric) and direct methods (spraying the bees with spores suspended in liquid). After two weeks, no bees had died as a result of the toxin-boosted fungus. "The toxins we're using are potent, but totally specific to insects. They are only expressed by the fungus when in an insect. Additionally, the fungus does nothing at all to bees and other beneficial species," St. Leger said. "So we have several different layers of biosecurity at work." Encouraged by the results of the current study, the researchers plan to expand their on-the-ground testing regimen in Burkina Faso. Currently, the team is testing the spores on mosquitoes contained in a custom-built enclosure that resembles a greenhouse, with walls made of netting instead of glass. The researchers are also testing the fungus on insect species that are closely related to mosquitoes, such as midges and gnats, to ensure that the fungus is completely safe for non-target insects. Eventually, the team hopes to deploy the spores in the field, on wild mosquito populations. "This is our first in-depth study of the effects toxin-expressing fungi have on mosquitoes, beyond their ability to kill faster. This is also our broadest characterization of our arsenal of insect-killing spider and scorpion toxins," Lovett said. "Our results directly extend our understanding of how these technologies may be used in the field against mosquito pests." More information: "Improved efficacy of an arthropod toxin expressing fungus against insecticide-resistant malaria-vector mosquitoes," Etienne Bilgo, Brian Lovett, Weiguo Fang, Niraj Bende, Glenn King, Abdoulaye Diabate and Raymond St. Leger, Scientific Reports, June 13, 2017. Journal information: Scientific Reports Glacier front subject to calving, Lake Palcacocha. Credit: Jeff Kargel In the last week, calving events at Lake Palcacocha in the Peruvian Andes released masses of ice from a glacier on Mount Pucaranra. The ice fell into the lake, sending waves across the lake that destroyed infrastructure designed to prevent dangerous outburst floods. Fortunately, the waves were not high enough to overtop the moraine dam and send floodwaters downstream, where they could have taken many lives and damaged urban infrastructure. A glacial lake outburst flood from Palcacocha devastated Huaraz, the largest city in the region, in 1941, killing about 5,000 people. Other, more recent, glacier floods in the region have also been very destructive. Marco Zapata, the director of glacier research at INAIGEM, the Peruvian National Institute of Research on Glaciers and Mountain Ecosystems, spoke about the events recently in a press conference reported in the Peruvian daily El Comercio. A Spanish-language video of the full press conference is available online. Zapata indicated that the calving event occurred around 8 p.m. on May 31. The resulting waves, three meters in height, were strong enough to move and damage ten large pipes, rendering them inoperable. These pipes, known locally as "syphons," are designed to draw water from the lake at times when its level is high; in this way, they were thought to reduce flood risk significantly. They had been a point of local pride, seen as a successful application of modern technology to protect against the dangers to which the region has long been subject. Zapata mentioned that the waves also destroyed several gauges and a sensor which measures lake levels. And the event was not an isolated one, at least according to a regional newspaper, which reported a second calving event at 5:40 a.m. on June 2. Representatives of INAIGEM and two other organizations, the National Water Authority and the local municipality of Independencia, visited the lake a few days later. They found that the workers on Pucarthe site had restored two of the drainage pipes. These officials anticipated that the other eight will soon be functional. Zapata and the other authorities called for increased investment in infrastructure at the lake to reduce the risks of a flood. They estimated that an expenditure of US $6 million would prevent about $2.5 billion in potential damages, including a hydroelectric plant and irrigation facilities on Peru's desert coast; it would also protect the lives of the 50,000 people who live in the potential flood zone. Pucaranra Glacier, Lake Palcacocha, and syphons at the moraine. Credit: INDECI The Causes of the Calving Events These events were not entirely unexpected. Marcelo Somos Valenzuela, a postdoctoral fellow at the Northeast Climate Science Center at the University of Massachusetts, is the lead author of a study, published last year in the journal Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, which concluded "there is consensus among local authorities, scientists and specialists that Lake Palcacocha represents a glacier lake outburst flood hazard with potentially high destructive impact on Huaraz." This paper also stated that a "small avalanche" like the ones that recently occurred are "the highest likelihood event" and that they would "produce significantly less inundation." Somos Valenzuela wrote to GlacierHub, "There are empirical models and hydrodynamic models which provide estimates of the height of the wave in the lake In this case, it seems that the ice-fall was small, and 3 meters is a reasonable estimate of the wave height." Moreover, several sources indicated high risks at this time of year. Noah Walker-Crawford, an anthropologist at the University of Manchester, spoke recently with the workers at the drainage site at the lake. He wrote to GlacierHub, "According to the people who work at the lake, the icefalls were likely due to unusually strong fluctuations between cold nights and warm days." He mentioned that they said "there is a block of ice that is ready to fall, but we hope that that won't happen." Jeff Kargel, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona, told GlacierHub that both calving events and avalanches at Palcacocha "dump energy into the lake, and if they are large and sudden enough, a big wave can form. As with other more classical tsunamis, the shoaling in Palcacocha toward the south end of the lake where the syphons are can cause a relatively small displacement wave to build up to a much larger size when it nears the shore. Avalanches and calving events are frequent occurrences at this lake, and both should be especially active in the late May-July period, which tends to be the dry season, hence mainly sunny, thus allowing high solar radiation. The air temperature doesn't vary much throughout the year, this being deep into the tropics, so variations in sunny versus cloudy days are the main seasons." The weather data indicate some warm days in May at Palcacocha. The data also demonstrate that May had less rain than usual, particularly toward the end of the month. Such dry weather is typically associated with less cloud cover, supporting Kargel's suggestion and a report in a regional newspaper, Ancash Noticias, which stated that "intense solar radiation" in recent weeks had been the cause of the calving events. The data also support the observations of the local residents about the temperature fluctuations between day and night, since cloudless nights in this region are colder than ones with overcast skies. Weather data at Palcacocha, May 2017. Credit: INAIGEM Responses to the Calving Events What can be done to protect Huaraz and neighboring communities from floods, now that the syphons are damaged? Mark Carey gave a long-term view to this question. "Palcacocha has its history of death, destruction, and near misses," he wrote to GlacierHub. "The issue is partially one of climate change and ever-shrinking glaciers that have caused the lake to expand and fill with more water, creating a hazard waiting to morph into a disaster if Palcacocha's dam ruptures. Avalanches provide the trigger to help destroy dams." Referring to Peruvian activities, starting in the 1940s, to lower the lake level and to reinforce the moraine, he added, "The story is also one of engineering and technology. Since the 1990s, funds and political support for actual glacial lake engineering projects have been extremely limited. Now we have regular declarations of states of emergency at Palcacocha, but no engineering projects to provide a more long-term solution." He also pointed to the need for "an early warning system, and educational programs to train the population how to respond in the event of an outburst flood or alarm system." It might be thought that the damage to the syphons would generate support for such solutions. However, obstacles still limit effective responses. Barbara Frazer, a journalist based in Peru for many years, offered a note of concern, linking these events with other disasters in Peru. She told GlacierHub, "Peru's response to natural disasters is improving, but the country still clearly lags in prevention. The most recent flooding on the coast was an extreme reminder, but every year, there are also landslides on the Central Highway, and children die of pneumonia during the cold snaps high in the Andes. And every year, there's an emergency response, but little or no long-range planning. Part of that is due to the way responsibilities and budgets are divided among the various levels of government, part to turnover of government staff, and part simply to a lack of a culture of prevention and planning." A recent online exchange in Huaraz shows awareness in the region of these issues raised by Carey and Frazer. Most discussants call for greater investment in infrastructure to protect the areas below Palcacocha. However, others suggest that self-interested government agencies play up the risk in order to increase their budgets, which they will divert to personal ends. A scientist, Sonfia Gonzalez, commented that the regional government lacks the skills needed to manage risks. Others expressed a concern that publicizing the risks would harm the region by reducing tourism. These disagreements point to a lack of confidence, at least on the part of some local residents, in the agencies whose task it is to protect them from natural hazards. The calving events confirmed scientific research in the area. They also showed the weakness of the existing infrastructure, designed to protect the region from floods. And the discussions in Huaraz show a second, equally serious deficit: the limits of the trust between society, experts, and public agencies, even in ones of the areas of the world most familiar with glacier risks. More information: Marcelo A. Somos-Valenzuela et al. Modeling a glacial lake outburst flood process chain: the case of Lake Palcacocha and Huaraz, Peru, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (2016). DOI: 10.5194/hess-20-2519-2016 Provided by State of the Planet This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University: blogs.ei.columbia.edu . ARS scientists found that pigs preferred to be in pens with mirrors and rubber mats. Credit: Shelly Deboer Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are looking for ways to improve housing for farm animals, including pigs. Enhancing the animals' environment can help reduce stress, which in turn can improve growth and efficiency and decrease disease susceptibility. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, animal diseases cause losses of at least 20 percent in livestock production globally. That represents more than 60 million tons of meat and more than 150 million tons of milkvalued at around $300 billion per year. At the ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit in West Lafayette, Indiana, scientists study animal behavior, stress, immunity, and other factors related to animal well-being and productivity. To find ways to improve pigs' well-being and productivity, animal scientist Jeremy Marchant-Forde, former Purdue University graduate student Shelly DeBoer, and their colleagues examined the types of pens in which the animals spent most of their time. In the study, pigs had access to a standard rectangular pen with a metal floor and solid sides (the "control" pen, used for comparison), a pen with a rubber mat on the floor, another with a mirror on the wall, and a fourth that had a barred gate with a view of another pig across a passageway. "Pigs preferred to spend about 40 percent of their time in the pen where they could see the other pig," Marchant-Forde says. "They spent about 10 percent of their time in the control pen and 20 and 30 percent, respectively, in pens with the mirror and the mat." In a second analysis, each pen was categorized as "social" or "nonsocial." The pens with the mirror and view of the other pig were in the social category, and the control and rubber-mat enclosures were in the nonsocial category. The scientists examined which of these pens the pigs preferred when a person was present or absent. "When undisturbed, pigs only slightly preferred the social over the nonsocial pens, and the pen across from the other pig was clearly used more than the pen with the mirror," Marchant-Forde says. "When a person was present, pigs spent nearly 90 percent of their time in one of the social pens, and the mirror was as popular as the companion." The pig's own reflection in the mirror may be perceived as a companion pig, offering support at stressful times. The mirrored pen may also be useful in improving a pig's ability to cope with stress when housed alone, he adds, but more research is needed for confirmation. In commercial farming, using a mirror becomes less important because pigs are kept in groups, Marchant-Forde says. However, rubber mats could help improve the pigs' environment, which may help reduce stress and thereby enhance production efficiency. Lake Kanas. Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0 (Phys.org)An international team of researchers has found that levels of phosphorous found in Chinese lakes have fallen on average over the past nine years. In their paper published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the group describes how they examined data from government sources and what they found by doing so. Jessica Corman with the University of Wisconsin offers a News & Views article covering work done by the group in the same issue giving some opinions regarding what she believes still needs to be done. Phosphorous can cause increases in algae blooms in lakes, which in turn can cause reductions in oxygen levels, making it difficult for fish and plants to survive. The whole process is known as eutrophication. As phosphorous levels rise, the problem becomes worse. Officials in China recognized the problem in lakes throughout the country, and several years ago, adopted measures to reduce levels by improving sanitation efforts. In practice, this meant building waste treatment plants that cleaned water before pumping it into lakes or streams. This effort, the researchers report, has led to a reduction in the average amount of phosphorous in China's lakes. After studying 850 datasets collected over the years 2006 to 2014 the researchers found a decline in phosphorous levels in approximately 60 percent of those listedmedian concentrations declined from 80 g l1 to 51 g l1. The researchers noted that the highest level they found was 200 g l1. They also noted that the biggest declines occurred in the lakes with the highest concentrations during the early years of the cleanup effort. The declines in many of the lakes studied were enough to stop eutrophication from occurring. But, as Corman notes, the problem of phosphorous buildup in Chinese lakes is not solved. There are still other sources that need to be reduced, most notably runoff from agriculture. The researchers also found that phosphorous levels were actually higher in some sparsely populated areas, which they suggest could be due to increased rainfall and erosion of soil due to global warming. More information: Yindong Tong et al. Decline in Chinese lake phosphorus concentration accompanied by shift in sources since 2006, Nature Geoscience (2017). DOI: 10.1038/ngeo2967 Abstract Domestic wastewater and agricultural activities are important sources of nutrient pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Upon reaching freshwater, these nutrients can lead to extensive growth of harmful algae, which results in eutrophication. Many Chinese lakes are subject to such eutrophication, especially in highly polluted areas, and as such, understanding nutrient fluxes to these lakes offers insights into the varying processes governing pollutant fluxes as well as lake water quality. Here we analyse water quality data, recorded between 2006 and 2014 in 862 freshwater lakes in four geographical regions of China, to assess the input of phosphorus from human activity. We find that improvements in sanitation of both rural and urban domestic wastewater have resulted in large-scale declines in lake phosphorus concentrations in the most populated parts of China. In more sparsely populated regions, diffuse sources such as aquaculture and livestock farming offset this decline. Anthropogenic deforestation and soil erosion may also offset decreases in point sources of pollution. In the light of these regional differences, we suggest that a spatially flexible set of policies for water quality control would be beneficial for the future health of Chinese lakes. Journal information: Nature Geoscience 2017 Phys.org Wild animals, such as elephants, have long been used in circuses in Romania, but will now be banned Tigers, lions, bears and other wild animals will be banned from circuses in Romania after the country's parliament passed a bill on Tuesday in a move welcomed by animal rights groups. Any animal "born in captivity or captured in the wild", regardless of how tame they are, will not be allowed to be used in public shows, the bill states. Circuses will have 18 months to comply with the law and transfer animals to reserves or zoos. "No tiger, lion, bear or elephant will suffer any more in Romania for the amusement of people," Magor Csibi, director of WWF Romania, said in a statement. "Our society is evolving." President Klaus Iohannis must sign the bill into law before it comes into effect. Circus owners could face criminal chargesand a one year prison sentenceif they fail to comply with the new rules. Circuses will still be authorised to use some animals though, such as dolphins and exotic birds, in certain situations. The decision in parliament comes after 11 animals, including two tigers, were killed in a fire in January at a building housing animals for Romania's Globus Circus in Bucharest. Following the incident, a public campaign to ban the use of trained animals in circuseswhich garnered more than 60,000 signaturesalso put pressure on the authorities to act. Six EU countries have already implemented bans on circuses that use wild animals, while about 15 other countries have partial restrictions. 2017 AFP Credit: Zoriah New research suggests that firms with a good reputation for ethical sourcing in the fashion industry are judged more harshly than their peers when child labour is discovered in their supply chain. Meggan Caddey, a final year PhD student, and Johanne Grosvold and Stephen Pavelin, all from the Centre for Business, Organisations and Society at the University of Bath, explain their findings. Child labour remains a major societal challenge. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 168 million children are involved in child labour today, which the United Nations (UN) defines as "work for which the child is either too young work done below the required minimum age or work which, because of its detrimental nature or conditions, is altogether considered unacceptable for children and is prohibited". Many of these children work in the garment and fashion apparel industry. The drive for child labour According to the organisation Stop Child Labour, fast fashion has resulted in high demand for children who are willing to work for very low pay and in dangerous conditions. Some have suggested that their employment is tantamount to modern day slavery. Some of our best known high street brands including Adidas, H&M and Nike have relied on manufacturers who have subsequently been exposed as using children to work in unsafe conditions. Increasingly, global firms are recognising that failure to address the challenge of child labour can seriously impact on their corporate reputation. However fashion supply chains are complex, relying on numerous suppliers, sub suppliers and manufacturers. According to H&M's Head of Sustainability Helena Helmersson, these supply chain networks are so complex that "it is impossible to be in full control". Corporate responsibility and corporate reputation Prior research indicates that, by going above and beyond the basic requirements for fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities, proactive firms can engender goodwill that acts as an insurance against potential damage to their reputation. The theory goes that if news of wrongdoing emerges from the supply chain of such a proactive firm, its reputation will suffer less because people will give it the benefit of the doubt - 'surely, this good firm must not be to blame'. Other firms that have no such record of exemplary behaviour would be more readily blamed and, as a result, their reputations would suffer more. According to this theory, H&M would suffer less of a reputational impact if child labour was uncovered in its supply chain, as it is now working strategically to become the most ethical fashion chain on the high street. We set out to test this theory in relation to supply chains in the apparel industry. Research findings Our study used an experimental vignette method. This involved presenting study participants with carefully constructed, lifelike scenarios, to evaluate their attitudes, opinions and views of a firm's actions regarding child labour in the fashion supply chain. Over 800 participants took part in our study, and our initial results are surprising. We found that a firm that had taken steps to address child labour and unsafe working conditions in its supply chain enjoyed a better reputation than a firm that had not. However, when something went wrong, people judged these firms more harshly than they did the firms that had previously behaved less responsibly. So, while firms that are more socially responsible tend to benefit from an improved reputation, such goodwill is accompanied by greater reputational risks - specifically, such a firm experiences greater harm to its reputation if unsafe labour practices are subsequently discovered in its supply chain. Our findings imply that it is in firms' interests to address unsafe practices in their supply chains, as doing so results in a better corporate reputation. However, our results also suggest that steps taken to stamp out child labour and poor working conditions tend to strengthen the imperative for a firm to maintain a consistent commitment to responsible sourcing. If they don't, they risk particularly stringent reputational punishment. In effect, this can create something of a virtuous cycle, which gives momentum to firm's steps towards stamping out child labour and unsafe working conditions. Careful reputation management implies that firms setting high standards must continue to live up to them. The business case for doing good There is an increased policy emphasis from both governments and NGOs to reduce the use of child labour and unsafe working conditions in the supply chain. There is also evidence that firms are increasingly taking the problem of child labour seriously, with some estimates suggesting that reliance on child labour was reduced by 30% from 2002-2012. As our research shows, tackling this issue can bring benefits for both children and firms. We provide distinctive new evidence that guides us towards a more detailed understanding of the business case for being good and doing good. By illustrating the reputational benefits of sustainable supply chain practices, our research findings can help motivate firms not already on board, and inspire those who have already taken action to sustain and expand their efforts. This may in turn encourage them to sign up to independent initiatives such as GoodWeave, which awards companies the right to carry the GoodWeave label if they can show that no child labour or bonded labour was used in the production of their goods. With 11% of the world's children still sacrificing school in order to work, this is no time for business to be complacent. More information: Herman Aguinis et al. Best Practice Recommendations for Designing and Implementing Experimental Vignette Methodology Studies, Organizational Research Methods (2014). DOI: 10.1177/1094428114547952 Two of the sky's more famous residents share the stage with a lesser-known neighbour in this enormous three gigapixel image from ESO's VLT Survey Telescope (VST). On the right lies the faint, glowing cloud of gas called Sharpless 2-54, the iconic Eagle Nebula (Messier 16) is in the centre, and the Omega Nebula (Messier 17) to the left. This cosmic trio makes up just a portion of a vast complex of gas and dust within which new stars are springing to life and illuminating their surroundings. Credit: ESO Two of the sky's more famous residents share the stage with a lesser-known neighbour in this enormous new three gigapixel image from ESO's VLT Survey Telescope (VST). On the right lies Sharpless 2-54, the iconic Eagle Nebula is in the centre, and the Omega Nebula to the left. This cosmic trio makes up just a portion of a vast complex of gas and dust within which new stars are springing to life and illuminating their surroundings. Sharpless 2-54 and the Eagle and Omega Nebula e are located roughly 7000 light-years awaythe first two fall within the constellation of Serpens , while the latter lies within Sagittarius. This region of the Milky Way houses a huge cloud of star-making material. The three [nebulae] - indicate where regions of this cloud have clumped together and collapsed to form new stars; the energetic light from these stellar newborns has caused ambient gas to emit light of its own, which takes on the pinkish hue characteristic of areas rich in hydrogen. Two of the objects in this image were discovered in a similar way. Astronomers first spotted bright star clusters in both Sharpless 2-54 and the Eagle Nebula, later identifying the vast, comparatively faint gas clouds swaddling the clusters. In the case of Sharpless 2-54, British astronomer William Herschel initially noticed its beaming star cluster in 1784. That cluster, catalogued as NGC 6604, appears in this image on the object's left side. The associated very dim gas cloud remained unknown until the 1950s, when American astronomer Stewart Sharpless spotted it on photographs from the National Geographic-Palomar Sky Atlas. The Eagle Nebula did not have to wait so long for its full glory to be appreciated. Swiss astronomer Philippe Loys de Cheseaux first discovered its bright star cluster, NGC 6611, in 1745 or 1746. A couple of decades later, French astronomer Charles Messier observed this patch of sky and also documented the nebulosity present there, recording the object as Messier 16 in his influential catalogue. As for the Omega Nebula, de Cheseaux did manage to observe its more prominent glow and duly noted it as a nebula in 1745. However, because the Swiss astronomer's catalogue never achieved wider renown, Messier's re-discovery of the Omega Nebula in 1764 led to its becoming Messier 17, the seventeenth object in the Frenchman's popular compendium. The observations from which this image was created were taken with ESO's VLT Survey Telescope (VST), located at ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile. The huge final colour image was created by mosaicing dozens of pictureseach of 256 megapixelsfrom the telescope's large-format OmegaCAM camera. The final result, which needed lengthy processing, totals 3.3 gigapixels, one of the largest images ever released by ESO. Provided by ESO Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether Read more Its not just US families who look to the citys highly rated, and free, public schools Barack Obama gave a speech at Benjamin Banneker high school when he was US president By Caroline Thorpe With its many embassies and global institutions, there is certainly a market for international schools in Washington DC. But could students, especially US nationals, be better off attending one of the citys highly rated and free public schools? Look for a strong principal if going down this route, advises the Good Schools Guide International (GSGI). It adds that it is not just US families who consider this option, given the education and savings on offer. However DC-based Edward Smallwood, of Quintessentially Education, the consultancy, favours international schools that follow the international baccalaureate syllabus. Compared with their American-educated counterparts, IB students arguably graduate with a depth and breadth of knowledge and an ability to think critically and logically that surpasses even [US curriculum] Advanced Placement coursework, he says. Students from schools such as the Washington International School or the British School of Washington also find that their transition abroad is much easier. Some public schools are getting in on the IB act, as our selection for something different, below, shows. International Baccalaureate Learn The GSGI calls Washington International School one of the few truly bilingual schools. From pre-school through to graduation, its 900-odd students learn to understand, speak, read and write in English plus either French or Spanish. Class sizes average 10 students, and in 2016 the average IB score was 34.1/45 (compared with the 30.2 global average). Pay* $43,320 Live A short walk from the WIS high-school campus in north-west DC, a six-bedroom, detached house has views of Washington National Cathedral. Available through TTR Sothebys International Realty, $6.5m British (national curriculum of England) Learn The British International School of Washington is run by Nord Anglia, a company that operates 44 schools in 15 countries. British is slightly misleading: the schools youngest pupils study the international primary curriculum, 11-14 year olds the international middle years curriculum and final-year students take the IB. Only its 14 to 16-year-olds, who take international GCSEs, are rooted in the UK system. Last year, 78 per cent of the schools IB candidates scored at least 30/45 in their diploma exams. A few students graduate to the Ivy League and Oxbridge, which generally require IB scores of more than 40. Pay $33,540 Live A five-bedroom Victorian townhouse in Georgetown is a 10-minute walk from the school. Available through Christies International Real Estate, $2.6m Lycee Francais Learn At Rochambeau, students are immersed in the French national curriculum from age two, when they begin with the maternelle early-years programme. Eleventh graders take the US high school diploma, followed by the French baccalaureate with an optional international course in 12th grade. Its 1,000 students come mainly from France, the US and Canada and are spread across three campuses in Maryland. Shuttle transportation from DC costs up to $2,215 a year. Pay $23,000 Live Splurge on a six-bedroom, 11,000 sq ft house in Bethesda (about eight miles north-west of central DC). With Rochambeaus senior campus just 2.5 miles away, you will save on the school bus. Available through Zillow, just under $10m Something different Located about three miles north-west of Capitol Hill, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School has made a name for itself. It consistently ranks as one of Washington DCs top-three high schools, its head is currently DC principal of the year and President Obama visited it twice during his tenure. It is also authorised to offer the IB. Admission is selective, tuition is free. *Fees typically increase as the child moves up the school. The figure given is the average annual cost of tuition for final year students, and does not include additional payments such as registration fees. Photographs: Brooks Kraft/Corbis/Getty Images; Dreamstime Uche's real journey had yet to begin but he had already spent four days in the northern Nigerian city of Kano after travelling on public buses and potholed roads from Imo state in the southeast. He planned to go to Agadez, a transit town on the southern edge of the Sahara desert in central Niger, take a truck to Sebha, in southwestern Libya, and from there to the capital Tripoli, and then to Italy or Spain. But his contact, who was supposed to drive him and three women across Nigeria's northern border, was arrested on suspicion of people smuggling. "His house had been under surveillance," explains the 38-year-old electrician in Kano's bustling Sabon Gari district. "The movement of the three women in and out of the house heightened the suspicion of the security agents who raided the house." Uche, a stocky man in faded jeans, white sneakers and a white and blue striped T-shirt, appears unfazed by the setback. "I'll hang around in Kano until I find another facilitator who can link me up with a contact in Agadez," he says. - Little deterrent - With its market, blocks of overcrowded flats, beer parlours and brothels, Sabon Gari is a chaotic place that is becoming a frequent target for raids against smugglers who transport human cargo to the Mediterranean Sea that laps Africa's northern shores. Europe, though, is pushing back against undocumented economic migrants from west Africa like Uche, or the young women trafficked to sell sex in its major cities. Numbers are down on 2015, when more than a million irregular migrants and refugees, most of them fleeing Syria's brutal civil war, risked their lives at sea to reach Europe. From January 1 to May 24 last year, 193,333 people crossed to Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain in rickety fishing boats and overloaded inflatable dinghies, the International Organization for Migration says. This year, only 60,521 have made the journey in the same period. But the central Mediterranean smuggling route from Libya is now the busiest after a 2016 deal with Turkey to tackle the Aegean route. A total of 50,267 have made it to Italy, up from 36,184 last year, the IOM says. The route has also become more deadly: 1,442 people have been lost at sea so far compared with 982 in the same period in 2016. "There's no longer a 'migration season'," says Fathi al-Far, who runs a reception centre in the Libyan coastal town of Zawiya. "People are now leaving at any time, even in winter." - Speaking out - Africa has long viewed irregular migration as Europe's problem and acceptable as long as remittances flowed. But Africa's leaders are increasingly speaking out, as Europe's diplomats and politicians try to stop the boats from coming. There has been talk of deals with the nomadic tribes policing Libya's lawless desert frontiers and plans to build holding centres for Africans sent back after reaching Europe. Nigeria has announced a crackdown on illegal immigration and people smuggling; Niger has threatened smugglers with 30 years in jail and raided "connection houses" in Agadez. Some see a link with a European Union offer of 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) in economic development funding for countries that show they are tackling irregular migration. For Richard Danziger, the IOM's regional director for west and central Africa, the "large shift in attitude and policies" among African governments has been significant. "Now there's a real realisation that the human cost is not something that's acceptable, whether it's drowning in the Mediterranean or dying in the desert," he says. - Security threat - Last year, 37,724 undocumented migrants registered in Italy and Greece were Nigerian, nearly three times more than the next biggest group from Guinea. Uche's profile is typical: he wants a better life, away from an economy deep in recession and where decades of oil profits and corruption have benefited few. The flow of migrants, undeterred by the arduous journey and risks involved, is unlikely to stop unless conflict, poverty and other root causes such as population pressures are addressed. Many of those who end up in Agadez in Niger, either bound for Libya and dangerous sea crossings, or after aborted attempts to reach Europe, are physically exhausted, sick from malaria and hunger, and suffering psychological problems. Law enforcement agencies see irregular migration and people smuggling as a security threat because of the increasing involvement of criminal networks, and the money at stake. The EU law enforcement agency Europol has said criminal networks made between 3 and 6 billion euros from migrant smuggling in 2015. But revenue dropped by nearly 2 billion euros in 2016 because of the drop in numbers of irregular migrants arriving in the EU and a fall in fees paid to smugglers. The head of the EU's border and coastguard agency Frontex, Fabrice Leggeri, believes communication is key to debunking the myths that smugglers tell migrants about a new life in Europe. "Either you die in the Mediterranean or you arrive in Europe under extremely deplorable conditions," he tells AFP. "It's not the El Dorado that the smugglers describe." But despite the increased efforts, from border police to maritime patrols, there is concern that not enough is being done. The sea crossing is now even seen as the least risky part of the journey given the number of EU vessels on patrol, which pick up migrants and take them to Europe to be processed. Migrants are being sent back to their home countries from Libya as part of a more regular, assisted-return programme but officials concede many of them will try again. At the same time, there is recognition that where it exists, there is poor enforcement of anti-trafficking legislation and little deterrent in source countries. Conviction rates are low and agencies such as Nigeria's National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons are under-funded and under-staffed. Africa's priorities are often elsewhere. - 'Delivery men' - Ahmad used to drive migrants in his truck in the searing heat across the dunes from Agadez to Sebha twice every month. The 30 passengers each paid him 50,000 naira (about 150 euros). "I have made good money from the business. I own a house and other possessions. But in recent times things have changed. The authorities have come down hard," he says. Drivers now risk being spotted by aerial patrols, having their vehicle impounded and going to jail, he says. But he maintains he has not done anything wrong. "We are just delivery men paid for our service," he says. Others involved in smuggling along this route do it out of necessity in a desperately poor, remote region where there is little or no alternative employment. The bribes paid to the military escorts of the convoys that leave Agadez, as well as to police and army checkpoints through the desert, boost meagre or non-existent salaries. In Libya, where law and order has broken down since dictator Moamer Khadafi was toppled in 2011, former policemen have skippered migrant boats. - Gritty determination - Security analysts who study the Sahel say people are just another commodity for those who have long been involved in smuggling drugs, weapons and other goods. But while there is no clear evidence that extends to any of the violent extremists, there are fears about what may happen if peoples' only source of income is taken away. Poverty is a major factor in radicalisation and Islamist groups operating in the region, such as Boko Haram or Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, willingly accept the disaffected. Above all, the biggest fight is against the determination of desperate people with nothing to lose. "Maybe I'll die but it's better to try to cross (the desert) than to stay in the Gambia," says Ibrahim Kamara, recovering in Agadez after breaking his leg in a road accident on a previous attempt. "I've got no job there and no wife because I've got no money," the 37-year- old adds. For Uche, in Kano, the rewards are worth the risk. "People keep saying it (the route) is dangerous but I'm ready to try my luck," he says. burs-phz/txw An Australian nurse denied running an illegal surrogacy service in Cambodia when her trial began Tuesday, the first case of its kind in the country that recently banned the practice. Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, was arrested in late November with two Cambodians and accused of recruiting foreign couples and Cambodian surrogate mothers to a clinic in the capital Phnom Penh. The detentions came just two weeks after Cambodia moved to outlaw the surrogacy industry, which critics say exploits poor women, after a similar ban in neighbouring Thailand pushed the business across its borders. The trio were also charged with faking documents to obtain birth certificates for the newborns. In court on Tuesday Davis-Charles said she played no part in arranging surrogacies. Instead she said her role was limited to providing medical care to a total of 23 surrogate mothers who carried babies for 18 Australian and five American couples. "They find the clinic" by themselves, she said of the would-be foreign parents, adding that she was also not involved in the recruitment of Cambodian surrogates. The nurse said she received $8,000 from each couple while surrogates received around $10,000. All of the infants were born and moved out of Cambodia before her arrest, she added. Davis-Charles, who is from Melbourne, told the court she left Thailand more than a year ago after Bangkok outlawed commercial surrogacy and moved to Cambodia, which at the time lacked regulations on the industry. Two surrogate mothers testified in court on Tuesday to receiving $10,000 from Tammy. Surrogate mother Hor Vanday said she gave birth to a baby girl who was whisked away for a foreign couple. "I did not see the face of the baby, but I know her father took her away," she recalled. She added that she did not miss the child as she knew it was never hers. Thailand for years hosted Southeast Asia's most thriving unregulated surrogacy industry that was particularly popular with same-sex couples. But several scandals in 2014 -- including tussles over custody -- spurred the government to bar foreigners from using Thai surrogates. Surrogacy consultants say Laos, a poor and opaque communist country to the north, has since emerged as the next frontier for the "rent a womb" business in the wake of the recent bans by Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal and India. A number of Laos-linked surrogacy agencies and IVF clinics have cropped up in recent months, according to consultancy group Families Through Surrogacy. A Thai man was recently arrested for smuggling frozen sperm between the two countries. Some offer to carry out the embryo transfer in Laos and then provide pregnancy care for the surrogate in Thailand, a wealthier country with vastly superior medical facilities. At Yemen's Sabaeen Hospital, code black is an understatement: patients sleep three to a bed, on the bare floor or outside in tents as cholera brings a country torn by war to its knees. Six weeks into the second outbreak of the deadly disease in less than a year, at least one patient checks in at Sabaeen every 60 seconds, leaving staff unable to cope. "Over the past two weeks, we've been receiving patients at a rate of one or two, sometimes even three, per minute," said Ismail Mansuri, a doctor treating cholera patients at Sabaeen. The situation is nearly indescribable in Yemen, where a long-running conflict escalated in 2015 as regional powers joined the fight for control over the country, the poorest in the Arab world. Two years later, less than half of Yemen's medical facilities are functional as the war has killed 8,000 people, displaced millions and seen port blockades push the country to the brink of famine. - 'Beyond troubling' - Cholera re-appeared on April 27 after an initial outbreak in October 2016, and the United Nations says it is now spreading at an "unprecedented rate". British charity Oxfam estimates the waterborne disease now kills at least one person per hour in Yemen. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, with cholera cases putting emergency rooms in constant code black -- when a hospital is unable to cope with the number of patients. Official figures show more than 920 people have died and 124,000 have been taken ill with cholera since late April, with the rebel-held capital Sanaa hit the hardest. Few areas remain untouched, with the disease affecting 20 of the country's 22 provinces. Experts project at least a quarter of a million people will contract cholera in the next six months. "The hike in contraction is beyond troubling," said Maher al-Hada of Yemen's Center to Fight Cholera. "We have a good 300 patients come through our doors every day". Like other medics, Hada struggles to secure access to electricity, clean water and basic medical supplies as Yemen's Saudi-backed government remains locked in a war with Huthi rebels allied with Iran. Damage to sewage systems, the electricity grid and piping have left Yemen's main water supplies contaminated with the bacteria, and the crisis is only expected to escalate as the rain season approaches. - 'Die on the spot' - In the southern province of Aden, where the Yemeni government is based, foul-smelling stagnant water has turned black, attracting mosquitos and insects that experts warn are a potent means of transmitting contagious diseases. Majid al-Daari, head of the cholera treatment centre at the Al-Sadaqa Hospital in Aden, said his facility has seen more than 200 cases this week alone. Umm Hisham Munir, the superintendant at a school in Aden, rushed her two sons to hospital when they began to show symptoms of cholera, a bacterial infection which can be deadly if not treated immediately. "We're terrified that the disease will just keep spreading. People are poor here. They can't afford medical care. They can't afford to move," Munir told AFP in Aden. Ammar Abdelmalek, a resident in the rebel-held central Ibb province, said the streets were "flooded" with garbage and sewage. "This is why we have cholera," said Abdelmalek. In the northern province of Lahj, Mazen al-Sayed said the privilege of having a car saved his mother's life. "Honestly it's because I have a car that my mother is still alive. Others die on the spot," said Sayed. The message from aid agencies is unequivocal: more aid is needed to stem the disease from turning into an all-out epidemic. The World Health Organization and International Committee of the Red Cross are two of the groups leading the fight against cholera, but even they face an uphill battle. "WHO is working to access remoted areas heavily affected to reach as many patients as possible," said Omar Saleh, a member of the WHO mission to Yemen. "The humanitarian situation is alarming," Saleh told AFP. "We are looking at a real disaster. The disease has nothing to do with political affiliations". burs-tm/ny/dv The EU launched legal action Tuesday against Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic for refusing to take in their share of refugees under a controversial solidarity plan. The move shows the frustration in Brussels over the slow response to the scheme, which aimed to relocate 160,000 migrants from frontline migrant crisis states Italy and Greece but which has so far seen only 20,000 moved. "I regret to say that despite our repeated calls, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have not yet taken the necessary action," EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told a news conference. "For this reason the (European) Commission has decided to launch infringement procedures against these three member states," he said at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Brussels last month set a June deadline for Warsaw and Budapest to start accepting migrants under the plan to ease the burden on Italy and Greece, or risk sanctions. Prague also came under pressure after effectively dropping out. - 'Illegal decision' - The three eastern European states all reacted defiantly to the decision after having led resistance to the plan since its outset in 2015 at the height of the migration crisis, when more than one million refugees landed on Europe's shores. Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said his government had been active on the crisis but tweeted: "Quotas are not working." Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski hit out at the "illegal decision", insisting that most of those being relocated were migrants who should be sent home and not refugees needing international protection. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said his government would "not give in to blackmail". Brussels is already at odds with Budapest over rights issues, including a crackdown on foreign-backed civil society groups approved by the Hungarian parliament on Tuesday. Avramopoulos, who is Greece's European commissioner, insisted those selected for the relocation scheme had all been carefully screened and identified as needing international protection. He also criticised the three countries for expecting the benefits of EU membership while not taking on responsibilities. "Europe is not only about requesting funds or ensuring security," Avramopoulos said. "Europe is also about sharing difficult moments and challenges and common dramas." UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi expressed "disappointment" that the lion's share of protecting refugees on such a wealthy continent should fall on so few countries, such as Italy, Greece, Germany and Sweden. Amnesty International hailed the EU decision, with the rights group's European head Iverna McGowan saying it "makes it clear that countries will not be allowed to get away with dragging their feet to avoid accepting refugees." - Stiff penalties - Under "infringement" proceedings the European Commission, the 28-nation EU's executive arm, sends a letter to national governments demanding legal explanations over certain issues, before possibly referring them to the European Court of Justice. EU states can eventually face stiff financial penalties if they fail to comply. Avramopoulos said Hungary and Poland were targeted because they had failed to admit one single person under the plan to redistribute among other member states 160,000 mainly Syrian, Eritrean and Iraq asylum seekers from Greece and Italy by September. He said the Czech Republic was targeted for having relocated nobody in the past year and failed to issue any new pledges to admit asylum seekers. Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania opposed the scheme two years ago but were overruled by a majority vote that is legally binding. Poland reluctantly agreed to the plan but took an even harder line when a new right-wing government assumed power weeks later. Hungary and Slovakia have since taken their case to the EU's top court. In the latest EU figures, just over 20,000 people have been relocated under the plan, which was in response to Europe's biggest ever migration crisis. European sources have blamed the delays on a series of factors: governments trying to screen jihadists in the wake of terror attacks, a lack of housing and education for asylum seekers, and logistical problems. They said some countries were setting unacceptable conditions by refusing Muslims, black people or large families, with Eastern European states the worst for discriminating on religious or racial grounds. Singapore Supreme Court building (Photo: Yahoo Singapore) Barely a few hours after meeting an online pal from Malaysia for the first time in Singapore, he raped the woman and sexually assaulted her. The attacks in 2013 left the then 20-year-old woman from Sabah, whose identity cannot be revealed due to a gag order, deeply traumatised. Her attacker also threatened to kill her during the incidents. The rapist, Yap Jun Cheng, 26, was sentenced on Tuesday (13 June) to 14 years in jail and given 22 strokes of the cane after he pleaded guilty to one count of rape, and one count each of using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman and sexual assault by penetration. Yap, who is currently unemployed, had 11 other charges against him taken into consideration for sentencing. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) David Khoo told Judicial Commissioner Pang Khang Chau in the High Court that Yap had befriended the woman on Facebook some time in 2011. The two corresponded intermittently via Facebook. Victim came to Singapore to look for a job Some time in February 2013, the woman decided to look for a job in Singapore and rent a flat. As she was unfamiliar with Singapore, she contacted Yap through Facebook to seek his help to show her around. Yap agreed and they exchanged telephone numbers. The woman arrived in Singapore at about 9.30 am on 4 March and promptly met up with Yap at Paya Lebar MRT Station. The woman had previously told Yap that she needed to view a flat at about 10.30am. At the train station, Yap, who was then serving his National Service with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, told the woman that he wanted to go home to change his clothes before the flat-viewing appointment. The woman agreed and they headed to Yaps flat at Tampines. Yap, who was staying in the flat with his parents and grandmother, told the woman to wait as he took a shower after they arrived at the flat. Yaps grandmother was at home and the woman greeted her and waited for Yap in the living room. The woman was surprised to see Yap wearing his home clothes after his shower. Story continues After telling the woman that he wanted to show her his room, Yap pulled her in and locked the door. He told the girl to leave her current boyfriend and that he could support her financially. Yap also professed that he liked the woman and hugged her. The woman rejected Yap and pushed him away lightly. Broken door knob Yap unbuttoned her shirt and pulled her back forcefully. The woman managed to reach the doorknob and tried to open the door. She was unable to do so as the knob was broken. The woman then called out to Yaps grandmother but did not get a reply. Yap then covered the victims mouth and told her to stop being noisy. Yap proceeded to touch the womans breasts before raping her. He also threatened to kill and rape the woman again, and forced her to perform oral sex on him. The woman then told Yap that she needed to go for her flat-viewing appointment. Yap tried to open the bedroom door but was unable to do so at first but eventually was able to do so using a cloth hanger. At this point, Yaps grandmother came to the door but did not see the woman, who dared not call out for help as she was afraid of Yap. Yap then used his mobile phone to take a photo of the two of them sitting on the bed. The woman then asked for permission to go to the toilet. Yap insisted that she leave the room unclad from the waist down. While the woman was in the toilet, she realised that there was no one in the house. Yap then insisted that the woman cook for him. Out of fear, the woman agreed and cooked some dishes while still not wearing her shorts and panties. But Yap allowed her to wear them after she was nearly scalded by oil while cooking. Second rape in the living room Shortly after, the woman distracted Yap by asking him to sit in the living room. While they were in the living room, Yap raped her for a second time but stopped after a while when the woman said that she needed to go to the toilet. When the woman returned, she lied to Yap that she was having her period in an attempt to deter him from raping her again. Yap laughed and said it was like he had struck lottery. The two then went to a food centre in Bedok to eat before taking a train to Boon Lay where they parted ways. The woman decided not to go for her flat-viewing appointment, which was rearranged, and returned to Malaysia. The woman arranged for a cousin-in-law to pick her up in Malaysia. The cousin-in-law realised that the woman was pale and shaken, and asked her about what had happened to her. The woman told her cousin-in-law about the rape incidents. She returned to Singapore with her cousin-in-law on the same day and lodged a police report. Pressing for a jail term of 16 years, DPP Khoo pointed out that Yap had raped his victim twice and threatened to kill her. The episode had left her scarred and is affecting her current relationship with her boyfriend. Yaps lawyer, Ramesh Tiwary, argued that the incidents were not pre-meditated and that Yap was overcome with temptation. Tiwary pointed out that Yap was remorseful for his actions and had pleaded guilty from the onset. Venezuela's attorney general on Monday said intelligence officials had threatened and harassed her family after she openly challenged President Nicolas Maduro over the country's political crisis. A staunch figure of the ruling party, Attorney General Luisa Ortega has been branded a traitor for becoming the highest public official to break ranks with Maduro. She has accused him and his allies of acting unconstitutionally in their standoff against the opposition in recent months of deadly anti-government protests. Last week, she filed a challenge against his effort to rewrite the constitution, branding it undemocratic. The court dismissed the appeal on Monday. Ortega said members of her family had received threatening telephone calls and had been harassed and pursued. "I hold the executive responsible for any injury or attack that my family might suffer," she said in an interview with Union Radio. "This is a matter that must be resolved with me, not with my family," she said. "They are being pursued by patrols that appear to be from SEBIN," she added about the state intelligence service. "They are sending them messages directly from SEBIN, which answers to the government." Although Ortega, 59, said she herself had not received threats, some government officials have said on television that she should be imprisoned. - Constitutional struggle - Maduro is accused of controlling the Supreme Court, which has fended off numerous legal and legislative moves against him over the past year and a half. Clashes at daily protests by demonstrators calling for Maduro to quit have left 67 people dead since April 1, prosecutors say. The latest casualty was a 49-year-old man who died Monday night in the Caribbean city of La Guaira, prosecutors said, without clarifying the circumstances. The opposition deputy Jose Manuel Olivares said he died after being suffocated by tear gas. Violent riots also occurred in the afternoon in Caracas, where hooded protesters partially set off an administrative building of the TSJ. Protesters blame Maduro for an economic crisis that has caused desperate shortages of food and medicine in the oil-rich country. Maduro says the crisis is a US-backed conspiracy. He has launched moves to set up an elected assembly to reform the constitution in response to the protests, but his opponents say that is a ploy to cling to power. A survey by pollster Datanalisis indicated that 85 percent of Venezuelans opposed that plan. The president retains the public backing of the military. - Legal battles - Analysts said last week that Ortega's suit could build bridges between the opposition and disgruntled officials and widen divisions in Maduro's camp, making it harder for him to stay in power. But the court on Monday rejected her appeal as "incompetent." That ruling "removes any doubt about the absence of judicial remedies" for the political crisis, said constitutional law expert Jose Ignacio Hernandez. "It is a clear attempt to discredit the attorney general." Ortega responded to the ruling by upping the ante -- and the political tension. She presented a further legal challenge aiming to fire 13 of the court's judges, who she argued were named without her approval. Her motion challenges a controversial decision in 2015 to name the judges, whom the opposition says are biased in favor of Maduro. A dozen countries expressed "deep concern" about Ortega's "harassment," prosecutors said, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Portugal and Paraguay. - Scuffles outside court - The president is resisting calls for elections to replace him, vowing to continue the "socialist revolution" of his late predecessor Hugo Chavez. Opponents of Maduro had gone to the court earlier to try to add their names to the list of plaintiffs in Ortega's lawsuit, but were kept away by military police. Anti- and pro-government activists exchanged blows outside the court in the latest in more than two months of street unrest. Parliament is set to discuss procedures for appointing new judges to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, while opposition leaders are calling for a return to the streets on Wednesday. "They do not want the people to demonstrate against the constitutional assembly. Look at how many people reject it," said one young demonstrator, Maria Rodriguez. "Get away, the streets belong to the people, not to the bourgeoisie," yelled a rival supporter dressed in the traditional red of Chavez supporters and holding a copy of the constitution in his hand. "What there is here is revolution." Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. The results of the November 2016 election have inspired many Americans to take a stand either for or against the Trump administrations policies. From Hobby Lobby CEO David Green who has outspokenly supported the president to Nike President and CEO Mark Parker who emailed employees expressing opposition, many corporations are taking a stand, too. Should your small business take a political stand? Should You Mix Business and Politics? While coming out in support of political issues may be trendy, a new study by the 4As suggests its not necessarily a smart move. Although more than half of consumers in the survey (51 percent) believe the current administrations policies have made businesses more vocal about their political opinions, taking a stand is riskier than business owners may think. Companies that mix business and politics in a negative way are likely to face consumer backlash, the report says, while businesses that take a positive tack generally dont see much of a lift in sales as a result. A couple of caveats: Being blatantly racist or homophobic will definitely hurt you. Seventy-two percent of consumers in the survey say they are not at all likely to purchase from a brand they consider racist, while 50 percent of consumers say they are not at all likely to buy from a brand they consider anti-LGBTQ. However, taking the opposite stance doesnt have an equally positive impact on purchase intent. For example, just 21 percent say they are very likely to buy from a business that brands itself as inclusive. The majority of consumers (28 percent) say it wouldnt make a difference to them. Consumers are even clearer about their preferences for brands taking a stand in a Sprout Social survey that asked what they want (and dont want) to see from businesses on social media. More than seven in 10 (71 percent) consumers dislike it when brands talk about politics on social media. They also find it annoying when businesses are snarky, try too hard to be cool, make fun of their competition, or make fun of their customers. What do consumers want from your business? Theyre not asking for much, really. Some 86 percent of respondents want businesses to be honest on social media; 83 percent want businesses to be friendly and 78 percent want them to be helpful. They like it when businesses use social media to respond to their questions and join conversations. In other words, they want you to be nice. But what should you do if you feel passionately about a political cause so passionately you just cant keep quiet about it? Here are a few things to consider. Can you afford to lose customers over the issue? While big corporations may be able to alienate some customers without much ill effect, small businesses are likely not to have the same wiggle room. How does your customer base feel about the issue? If 90 percent of your target market shares your views, taking a stand could be a no-brainer. Do you walk the walk? When you criticize political or social actions, people will start to examine what you do in your own business more closely. Make sure you can withstand the scrutiny. With politics so prevalent in American life right now, it seems consumers prefer brands that provide a break from the conflict. Being helpful, friendly and nice may not be trendy, but it is a better recipe for business success than mixing business and politics. Fundbox, the platform providing small businesses credit of up to $100,000 dollars, has announced Direct Draw. This new offering allows small businesses to apply without using personal credit using just a business bank account. The new advance is possible because of the companys investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and its Small Business Graph incorporating 12.8 million enterprises. Small Business Trends spoke with Prashant Fuloria, CPO at Fundbox, about the new product. A company press release states there are 18 million U.S. small and medium sized businesses underserved by existing funding options. These businesses rely on personal credit, often the credit of the business owner. The AI developed by Fundbox feeds the companys Small Business Graph, a collection of data used to calculate credit worthiness. Circumventing Personal Credit This is a big deal, Fuloria said. The new product not only circumvents personal credit, it bypasses the accounting software which had been necessary before to get one of these loans. Any other financial institution that extends credit to a small business relies in some way, shape or form on personal credit. Personal credit scores like FICO are often good benchmarks for how you handle credit as a consumer. However they arent always the best way to judge a businesses health. Besides, many business owners prefer to keep the two separate or have already leveraged personal credit for non business uses. According to Fuloria, theres quite often a disconnect between the two. Fundbox Direct Draw Means No FICO Score Needed Their FICO scores can be less than stellar while their business is actually very robust, he says. Fundbox clients using Direct Draw only need their business bank account to get started. Company algorithms look at the numbers there to make a decision. In Fundboxs case, multiple data sources are used to collect information which in turn goes into the Small Business Graph. These latest innovations allow Fundbox to reach a much wider swath of small businesses looking for credit. A press release from the firm states they currently work with over 50,000 small businesses but can see the activities of 12.8 million on the Small Business Graph. Underwriting Replaced by Data at Fundbox We dont have a traditional underwriting team, Fuloria says. There are no traditional underwriters at Fundbox. In their place, the company has the combination of data scientists and credit analysts. These analysts look at the credit models the company has put together and how well it is performing. They then go back to the data scientists to tweak their machine learning (AI) models. No Business is an Island We look at each business in the context of the work they operate in, Fuloria says. For example, Fundbox would look at how a construction company invoices all its clients and at its interactions with vendors and suppliers. Its a macro approach highlighting trends in important areas like frequency of payments. Financial transactions with associates like accountants and suppliers also play a big role. The result is a proprietary data asset. In the same way the Facebook graph connects you and your friends, the Fundbox Small Business Graph reflects an understanding of our customers and how they work with the businesses around them, he says. What Is Fundbox? Fundbox was founded in San Francisco in 2013. The technology company uses predictive modeling, big data analytics and engineering to offer small businesses financial advances to solve cash flow issues. The companys website says small businesses can get money as quickly as the next business day. A charge of 4.6 percent is divided over a 12 week period. But businesses can repay these advances over a 12- or 24-week period through a series of auto debits and the remainder of the charges are waived. Residents of Puerto Rico voted to become the 51st state in the Union Sunday. That doesnt necessarily mean it will come to pass. But if it does, it could lead to some interesting opportunities for businesses large and small. In the referendum, 97 percent of voters supported statehood. But only 23 percent of Puerto Ricans actually participated in the vote. And since it was a non-binding referendum, Congress is not under any obligation to actually act on the results. Another vote is needed later in the year, after which Congress will ultimately decide if the status of the U.S. commonwealth is going to change. But theres been momentum building for Puerto Rico to become an official state for decades. And a struggling economy seems to have jump started that desire for many on the island. So at some point, it seems possible that the results of this weekends vote could make an impact. For businesses, this could present some unique opportunities. While the Puerto Rican economy is currently struggling, the tourism industry does bring in roughly $4 billion annually. And there are currently some tax breaks available for non-residents who do business on the island, as well as tax exemptions for residents though this last part will likely change. Potential Small Business Opportunities in Puerto Rico Statehood for Puerto Rico could lead to more federal dollars headed to the island to help the economy stabilize. It could also potentially lead to even more incentives for businesses to relocate or open new operations there. So while its certainly no guarantee that the status of Puerto Rico will change overnight, it could be worth monitoring small business opportunities in Puerto Rico if youre interested in relocating or expanding operations. International Relations, War/Peace June 13, 2017 Marty Hart-Landsberg USA-North Korean relations remain very tense, although the threat of a new Korean War has thankfully receded. Still the U.S. government remains determined to tighten economic sanctions on North Korea and continues to plan for a military strike aimed at destroying the countrys nuclear infrastructure. And the North for its part has made it clear that it would respond to any attack with its own strikes against U.S. bases in the region and even the U.S. itself. This is not good, but it is important to realize that what is happening is not new. The U.S. began conducting war games with South Korean forces in 1976 and it was not long before those included simulated nuclear attacks against the North, and that was before North Korea had nuclear weapons. In 1994, President Bill Clinton was close to launching a military attack on North Korea with the aim of destroying its nuclear facilities. In 2002, President Bush talked about seizing North Korean ships as part of a blockade of the country, which is an act of war. In 2013, the U.S. conducted war games which involved planning for preemptive attacks on North Korean military targets and decapitation of the North Korean leadership and even a first strike nuclear attack. I dont think we are on the verge of a new Korean war, but the cycle of belligerency and threat making on both sides is intensifying. And it is always possible that a miscalculation could in fact trigger a new war, with devastating consequences. The threat of war, perhaps a nuclear war, is nothing to play around with. But and this is important even if a new war is averted, the ongoing embargo against North Korea and continual threats of war are themselves costly: they promote/legitimatize greater military spending and militarization more generally, at the expense of needed social programs, in Japan, China, the U.S., and the two Koreas. They also create a situation that compromises democratic possibilities in both South and North Korea and worsen already difficult economic conditions in North Korea. There is a Choice for Peace We dont have to go down this road we have another option but it is one that the U.S. government is unwilling to consider, much less discuss. That option is for the U.S. to accept North Korean offers of direct negotiations between the two countries, with all issues on the table. The U.S. government and media dismiss this option as out of hand we are told that (1) the North is a hermit kingdom and seeks only isolation, (2) the country is ruled by crazy people hell bent on war, and (3) the North Korean leadership cannot be trusted to follow through on its promises. But none of this is true. First: if being a hermit kingdom means never wanting to negotiate, then North Korea is not a hermit kingdom. North Korea has been asking for direct talks with the United States since the early 1990s. The reason is simple: this is when the USSR ended and Russia and the former Soviet bloc countries in central Europe moved to adopt capitalism. The North was dependent on trade with these countries and their reorientation left the North Korean economy isolated and in crisis. The North Korean leadership decided that they had to break out of this isolation and connect the North Korean economy to the global economy, and this required normalization of relations with the United States. Since then, they have repeatedly asked for unconditional direct talks with the U.S. in hopes of securing an end to the Korean War and a peace treaty as a first step toward their desired normalization of relations, but have been repeatedly rebuffed. The U.S. has always put preconditions on those talks, preconditions that always change whenever the North has taken steps to meet them. The North has also tried to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB), but the U.S. and Japan have blocked their membership. The North has also tried to set up free trade zones to attract foreign investment, but the U.S. and Japan have worked to block that investment. So, it is not the North that is refusing to talk or broaden its engagement with the global economy; it is the U.S. that seeks to keep North Korea isolated. Out of Control Militarism Second: the media portray North Korea as pursuing an out of control militarism that is the main cause of the current dangerous situation. But it is important to recognize that South Korea has outspent North Korea on military spending every year since 1976. International agencies currently estimate that North Korean annual military spending is $4-billion while South Korean annual military spending is $40-billion. And then we have to add the U.S. military build-up. North Korea does spend a high percentage of its budget on the military, but that is because it has no reliable military ally and a weak economy. However, it has largely responded to South Korean and U.S. militarism and threats, not driven them. As for the development of a nuclear weapons program: it was the U.S. that brought nuclear weapons to the Korean peninsula. It did so in 1958 in violation of the Korean War armistice and threatened North Korea with nuclear attack years before the North even sought to develop nuclear weapons. Third: North Korea has been a more reliable negotiating partner than the USA. Here we have to take up the nuclear issue more directly. The North has tested a nuclear weapon 5 times: 2006, 2009, 2013, and twice in 2016. Critically, North Korean tests have largely been conducted in an effort to pull the U.S. into negotiations or fulfill past promises. And the country has made numerous offers to halt its testing and even freeze its nuclear weapons program if only the U.S. would agree to talks. North Korea was first accused of developing nuclear weapons in early 1990s. Its leadership refused to confirm or deny that the country had succeeded in manufacturing nuclear weapons but said that it would open up its facilities for inspection if the U.S. would enter talks to normalize relations. As noted above, the North was desperate, in the wake of the collapse of the USSR, to draw the U.S. into negotiations. In other words, it was ready to end the hostilities between the two countries. The U.S. government refused talks and began to mobilize for a strike on North Korean nuclear facilities. A war was averted only because Jimmy Carter, against the wishes of the Clinton administration, went to the North, met Kim Il Sung, and negotiated an agreement that froze the North Korean nuclear program. The North Korean government agreed to end their countrys nuclear weapons program in exchange for aid and normalization. And from 1994 to 2002 the North froze its plutonium program and had all nuclear fuel observed by international inspectors to assure the U.S. that it was not engaged in making any nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the U.S. did not live up to its side of the bargain; it did not deliver the aid it promised or take meaningful steps toward normalization. In 2001 President Bush declared North Korea to be part of the axis of evil and the following year unilaterally canceled the agreement. In response, the North restarted its nuclear program. In 2003, the Chinese government, worried about growing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea, convened multiparty talks to bring the two countries back to negotiations. Finally, in 2005, under Chinese pressure, the U.S. agreed to a new agreement, in which each North Korean step toward ending its weapons program would be matched by a new U.S. step toward ending the embargo and normalizing relations. But exactly one day after signing the agreement, the U.S. asserted, without evidence, that North Korea was engaged in a program of counterfeiting U.S. dollars and tightened its sanctions policy against North Korea. The North Korean response was to test its first nuclear bomb in 2006. And shortly afterward, the U.S. agreed to drop its counterfeiting charge and comply with the agreement it had previously signed. In 2007 North Korea shut down its nuclear program and even began dismantling its nuclear facilities but the U.S. again didnt follow through on the terms of the agreement, falling behind on its promised aid and sanction reductions. In fact, the U.S. kept escalating its demands on North Korea, calling for an end to North Koreas missile program and improvement in human rights in addition to the agreed upon steps to end North Koreas nuclear weapons program. And so, frustrated, North Korea tested another nuclear weapon in 2009. And the U.S. responded by tightening sanctions. In 2012 the North launched two satellites. The first failed, the second succeeded. Before each launch the U.S. threatened to go to the UN and secure new sanctions on North Korea. But the North asserted its right to launch satellites and went ahead. After the December 2012 launch, the UN agreed to further sanctions and the North responded with its third nuclear test in 2013. This period marks a major change in North Korean policy. The North now changed its public stance: it declared itself a nuclear state and announced that it was no longer willing to give up its nuclear weapons. However, the North Korean government made clear that it would freeze its nuclear weapons program if the U.S. would cancel its future war games. The U.S. refused and its March 2013 war games included practice runs of nuclear equipped bombers and planning for occupying North Korea. The North has therefore continued to test and develop its nuclear weapons capability. Here is the point: whenever the U.S. shows willingness to negotiate, the North responds. And when agreements are signed, it is the U.S. that has abandoned them. The North has pushed forward with its nuclear weapons program largely in an attempt to force the U.S. to seriously engage with the North because it believes that this program is its only bargaining chip. And it is desperate to end the U.S. embargo on its economy. We lost the opportunity to negotiate with a non-nuclear North Korea when we cut off negotiations in 2001, before the country had a nuclear arsenal. Things have changed. Now, the most we can reasonably expect is an agreement that freezes that arsenal. However, if relations between the two countries truly improve it may well be possible to achieve a non-nuclear Korean Peninsula, an outcome both countries profess to seek. New Possibilities and Our Responsibilities So, why does the U.S. refuse direct negotiations and risk war? The most logical reason is that there are powerful forces opposing them. Sadly, the tension is useful to the U.S. military industrial complex, which needs enemies to support the ongoing build-up of the military budget. The tension also allows the U.S. military to maintain troops on the Asian mainland and forces in Japan. It also helps to isolate China and boost right-wing political tendencies in Japan and South Korea. And now, after decades of demonizing North Korea, it is difficult for the U.S. political establishment to change course. However, the outcome of the recent presidential election in South Korea might open possibilities to force a change in U.S. policy. Moon Jae-in, the winner, has repudiated the hard-line policies of his impeached predecessor Park Guen-Hye, and declared his commitment to re-engage with the North. The U.S. government was not happy about his victory, but it cannot easily ignore Moons call for a change in South Korean policy toward North Korea, especially since U.S. actions against the North are usually presented as necessary to protect South Korea. Thus, if Moon follows through on his promises, the U.S. may well be forced to moderate its own policy toward the North. What is clear is that we in the U.S. have a responsibility to become better educated about U.S. policy toward both Koreas, to support popular movements in South Korea that seek peaceful relations with North Korea and progress toward reunification, and to work for a U.S. policy that promotes the demilitarization and normalization of U.S.-North Korean relations. I discuss this history of U.S.-North Korean relations and current developments in South Korea in a May 8 interview on KBOO radio. To keep up on developments I encourage you to visit the following two websites: Korea Policy Institute and ZoominKorea. The USA and Slovakia face similar challenges, and when they tackle them together they can be more effective. Font size: A - | A + On my recent trip to the United States I met with people across the country, from New York to Pittsburgh to San Francisco, who care passionately about Slovakia. I met descendants of 19th century immigrants, Czechoslovaks who left in the 1960s, Slovaks recently arrived in Silicon Valley, and Americans long committed to strong partnerships with Slovaks. In their own way, each embodies the multi-faceted relationship between the United States and Slovakia as friends, partners, and allies. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Our citizens share a long history tracing back to the American Revolutionary War when a Slovak Major, Jan Ladislav Polerecky, fought alongside George Washington to win Americas independence. Then in the 19th century, hundreds of thousands of Slovaks immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities. I spoke in Pittsburgh to a large group of their ancestors, including university students who are studying Slovak today. It was an honor to be in the city where Czech and Slovak immigrants signed the 1918 Pittsburgh Agreement that paved the way for the first Czecho-Slovak state. I was impressed by the strength of Slovak-Americans continuing ties to Slovakia, even after several generations. The first-generation immigrants in America are likewise giving back, even after half a century. In New York, the preeminent biomedical researcher Dr. Jan Vilcek told me about his philanthropic foundations, which seek to raise awareness of the contributions of immigrants to American society and to support medical research. For their part, younger Slovaks in New York and Silicon Valley are partnering with Americans to realize innovative new technologies. Juraj Holub and Kristina Kralikova, who represent the Slovak firm Sli.do in New York, told me how their companys technology allows audience members to interact at meetings and events in real-time. I also met with Slovak entrepreneurs working for many of the best-known firms (e.g., Amazon, Facebook, Google) and on startups in Silicon Valley. I also stopped in Indianapolis to visit the Indiana National Guard, which has cooperated with our allies in the Slovak military for over 20 years through the State Partnership Program. I explored ways that we can leverage this partnership to build even stronger ties between the United States and Slovakia, including in civilian areas such as education. Our countries face similar challenges, and when we tackle them together we can be more effective. In Indiana, I visited two universities to discuss ways that the United States experts could support Slovakias education reform efforts. This could take the shape of establishing faculty exchanges or assisting Slovak universities in tailoring their recruitment and programs to better align with the needs of the Slovak job market. Reform of the U.S. educational system remains a passionately debated work in progress. But our experience grappling with education reform could prove useful in preparing workers for a knowledge-based economy. It might also better prepare citizens to reject extremism and rally behind the liberal values that underlie successful democratic societies. Now that Ive had a chance to learn more about the experiences of Slovaks in my own country, Im eager to develop the new ideas I heard and the connections I made. Adam Sterling is US Ambassador to Slovakia The financial group has submitted altogether 10 lawsuits against the daily. Font size: A - | A + The Dennik N daily officially won its first legal dispute with the financial group Penta. The Bratislava Regional Court confirmed that the daily did not have to acknowledge to the financial group the right of reply in connection with the story describing its dispute with the Hospodarske Noviny daily. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement It is the first victory for Dennik N, while there are another nine lawsuits against the paper submitted by the financial group, the daily reported on its website. We are very glad that the courts, whose work positively surprised us, accepted our claims and that this dispute, which was absurd since the very beginning, has been definitively closed, said the dailys publisher Lukas Fila, as quoted by Dennik N. He believes that the courts will issue similar verdicts also in another nine cases, and that it will be confirmed that journalists can write about Pentas scandals, and that journalists and entrepreneurs will see there is no reason to be afraid of the financial group. Lawsuit for the story published elsewhere The story in question concerned the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters, and the financial group was offered a space to comment. The statement on which Penta complained was not a factual claim, but rather an evaluation, the judges claimed. Moreover, they said that the story mentions financial group Penta, which is not the official name of the corporate entity, so the complainant, Penta Investments Group Limited, in fact was not mentioned in the story. Moreover, since it was the name of the financial group which is not a corporate entity and thus does not have a legal personality, the statement could not damage its reputation, Dennik N wrote. The dispute between Penta and the daily was a bit strange since it concerned the story about the text originally published in Hospodarske Noviny, according to Dennik N. Penta asked for publishing the reply to the story published in June 2015, in which reporter Monika Todova described the ongoing legal dispute between the financial group and the other daily, which had been sued for the story about the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters. Read also: Read also: Dennik N wins its third court dispute with Penta Read more Penta did not like the sentence that stated that the Defence Ministry has not said yet who will service the helicopters, and it is not ruled out that after some time it will also be Aero Vodochody, owned by Penta. The court however claimed this cannot be considered a factual statement as it is not possible to prove its veracity, Dennik N wrote. Moreover, both the district and the regional courts dismissed the lawsuit because Penta had not explained why the statement damages their reputation. They claimed that the legal representative of the financial group could comment on the case in the story and disproved all claims concerning the service of the helicopters. The right of reply should secure that the second party will be given space to comment on the issue, which had already happened in the published story, Dennik N wrote. Disclaimer: Penta financial group has a 45-percent share in Petit Press, the co-owner of The Slovak Spectator. The flights will begin on June 25. Font size: A - | A + The Kosice regional council approved a subsidy of 60,000 to introduce flights between Kosice and Cologne, Germany as of June 25. The subsidy will support the development of tourism by increasing the number of visitors to Kosice Region and boosting the regions accessibility to other tourist, business and economic centres in Europe, reads the document approved by the regional council, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Read also: Read also: Untapped potential of regional airports Read more The connection will be operated by low-cost airline Wizz Air twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays for the summer schedule, and on Mondays and Fridays for the winter schedule. In the summer, departures from Kosice are scheduled for 6:00, with planes returning from Cologne at 8:30, TASR wrote. Wizz Air, which has a hub in Kosice, is due to launch a regular connection to Tel Aviv beginning June 23. Slovenska Posta tries to secure its premises and operations after bomb warning. Font size: A - | A + The customer service of the main postal service operator Slovenska Posta received an anonymous warning of a bomb placement at its premises on June 12, in the evening hours. We subsequently contacted the police, who decided to search the premises of Slovenska Posta in Banska Bystrica and later also across Slovakia, spokesperson Martina Mackova confirmed to the TASR newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The inspections are being carried out gradually, Mackova added, asking people for patience. We are trying not to disrupt the operation of the post offices, she said, as quoted by TASR. Astronomical data is designed specifically for the geographical location of Stara Bystrica. Font size: A - | A + More information about travelling in Slovakia Please see our Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide The Slovak astronomical clock located in the village Stara Bystrica near Cadca in the north of Slovakia is the biggest wooden sculpture in Slovakia, according to village information. It originated in 2009 with Slovak sculptor Viliam Loviska, Dobre Noviny wrote. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The composition represents a sitting Madonna, Our Lady of Sorrows. The skeleton of the clock is made of 80 wooden arms. In its niches are six bronze statues Prince Pribina, King Svatopluk, Anton Bernolak, Ludovit Stur, Milan Rastislav Stefanik and Andrej Hlinka, Dobre Noviny reported video //www.youtube.com/embed/t6etdvg6iLE Statues of saints are also on the clock, made by Peter Kunik from Tvrdosin. However, the heart of the astronomical clock is an astrolabe, an instrument used since antiquity to measure angles of bodies in the sky. Astronomical data is designed specifically for the geographical location of Stara Bystrica, Dobre Noviny stated. Moreover, the village claims that this astronomical clock is the only clock in the world with accurate sun time. The vote for the top post at the public-service broadcaster is scheduled for June 15. Font size: A - | A + While the ruling coalition managed to reach agreements on the nominees for ministerial posts (though some were opposed to the current Interior Minister Robert Kalinak) and even the scandal over energy prices, the parties have failed to agree on a single candidate before the vote for the new head of the public-service broadcaster RTVS scheduled for June 15. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement As a result, relations between the parties may worsen, the Sme daily reported. MPs for the Most-Hid party are ready to support either the former head of the private broadcaster TV Markiza, Zuzana Tapakova, or Michal Ruttkay, known from the advertising sector. The other two coalition parties, Smer and the Slovak National Party (SNS), want Jaroslav Reznik, current head of the state-run news agency TASR, to lead the broadcaster. Read also: Read also: Vote coming soon on RTVS director Read more Two most professional presentations were prepared by current RTVS head Vaclav Mika and TASR director Jaroslav Reznik, said Culture Minister Marek Madaric (Smer), as quoted by Sme. There is, however, only a small chance that Mika will successfully defend his post, Madaric admitted. It will be the first time that we have voted without agreement, Bela Bugar, chair of Most-Hid, told Sme. A few weeks ago, he claimed that his party would do everything to select one coalition candidate, as the disagreement might impact the relations between the coalition partners in the future. Smer also fails to agree on one candidate Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer), some of the partys deputies, and the Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko (SNS) have been criticising Mika for some time. Fico even claimed that he would give his MPs orders to support a change in the RTVS top post. He dislikes, among other things, the critical questions of RTVS journalists concerning Smer. Since Smer disagrees with Mika, Most-Hid decided to accept its reservations. Bugar however said they would not support anybody they disagree with. This is also the case with Reznik, whom the party criticises for closing the deal between TASR and the pro-Kremlin news agency Sputnik, which spread conspiracy news and for the plans to stop the broadcast of minority radio Patria, Sme wrote. Reznik is supported mostly by the SNS, which has been frequently featured in TASR stories at the times it was outside parliament, according to the daily. The deputies of Smer are also inconsistent in their opinions on the new RTVS head. While some support Reznik, the others told Sme they would rather support Mika, Ruttkay or Tapakova. The members of the parliamentary media and culture committee however will vote unanimously. It is a political election and a green card for MPs would only complicate the situation, said chair of the committee, Dusan Jarjabek, as quoted by Sme. He however failed to say whom they will support. To elect the future RTVS head, the candidate must receive an absolute majority of the votes of MPs present. If no candidate receives enough votes, the two with the highest number of votes will advance to a second round, which will take plane on June 22. He will be honoured for his fight against extremist forces in society. Font size: A - | A + Blogger, Jan Bencik, will become one of 50 laureates of the European Citizens Prize 2017, granted by the European Parliament to people who help their environment. Bencik is a pensioner, civic activist and blogger from Ruzomberok. For his courage in opposing extremists despite various threats he has already been granted the White Crow award for whistleblowers. He has been monitoring and revealing the behaviour of Slovak neo-Nazis, extremists, conspirators and mercenaries fighting in the Ukraine for several years, the EP informed in a press release. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Read also: Read also: White Crow awards vie against hatred Read more Bencik deserves the award for his persistent actions to reveal the extremist forces in society at times when the will to verify the sources of information is missing, said Slovak MEP Ivan Stefanec, who submitted a proposal to award the blogger. The EP reward on an annual basis, individuals or groups who have particularly distinguished themselves in strengthening European integration by the expression of European cooperation, openness to others and practical involvement in the development of mutual understanding. The public ceremony will be organised by the EP Information Office in Slovakia, while the laureate can also attend the main event held on October 11 and 12 in Brussels. Among the Slovak laureates, who received the award in previous years, are the community Theatre from the Passage, photographer Symon Kliman, head of the League against Cancer association Eva Siracka and the Csemadok Hungarian association . The plan is to reduce the volume of existing liquid radioactive waste and costs linked to its storage. Font size: A - | A + The Mochovce nuclear power plant is to become more eco-friendly as its operator, Slovenske Elektrarne (SE) plans to install a device to purify and process existing liquid radioactive waste. We want the limits for releasing the radionuclides into the environment to meet the requirements of the legislative change that is currently being prepared based on the rules of IAEA Safety Standard, GSR, reads the SEs statement, as quoted by the SITA newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Read also: Read also: Price tag for the new nuclear power plant will be higher Read more The planned investment is expected to result in a significant reduction of the volume of existing liquid radioactive waste to about 8 percent of the original volume. Moreover, the environmental risks resulting from storing the waste, as well as the operational costs should be lower. About 65 percent of the operational costs linked to treatment and storage of the radioactive waste should be saved, SE added, as quoted by SITA. The company will use the technologies developed by US company Advantech. It will enable them to process the radioactive liquid concentrates in a way that will separate the radioactive nuclides from the dissolved salts in the concentrate. The purified concentrate will then be dried and the product (a granulate) will be released into the environment, SITA reported. Gaulieder was unlawfully expelled from parliament for his firm stance on the Meciar amnesties and was recently killed by a train after receiving death-threats. Font size: A - | A + A suspicious substance was found during the autopsy of Frantisek Gaulieder, Jan Foltan the lawyer for the Gaulieder family, told the TASR newswire on June 13, citing an unofficial and preliminary result of the forensic post mortem. The final PM report should be ready within a few days, he added. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Now the question is how, when and in what amount the substance got into the body, Foltan said. He refused to specify the substance, as the investigation is still ongoing. He did not exclude narcotics. The lawyer only said that the substance was found in in the urine and not in the blood. Read also: Read also: Former MP Frantisek Gaulieder killed by train Read more It is ever clearer and clearer that Frantisek Gaulieder did not decide on his own to end his life under a train. I unambiguously say it was not a suicide, Foltan said, adding that it was not a frontal crash but rather, Gaulieder was hit by the steps which lead up to the engine. The lawyer also stated that the police still do not know Gaulieders whereabouts on the day of the tragedy. He was last seen at 1400 when CCTV cameras recorded him on the street. He was hit by the train at 0200 the following morning. Gaulieders wife Zuzana said she was shocked by the police who now want to order a post-mortem psychological profile to shed light on whether or not he could have committed suicide. She considers suicide impossible. I think now, after his death, which police are not able to investigate, they also want to trample on his human dignity," Foltan read from the statement of Zuzana Gauliederova. Gaulieder died after being hit by a cargo train on March 25, between Trnovec nad Vahom and Sala. Gaulieder became an MP in 1994 for the HZDS party of Vladimir Meciar. In 1996, he was stripped of his mandate, which violated his rights, according to the Constitutional Court. Since 2014, he was a Galanta town councillor. In 2012 and also in 2015, he found a gun cartridge in his post box. Shortly before he died, he received death-threats, his lawyer told TASR. Free College Boston and Massachusetts Go All In with Free College Program for Pell Students The city of Boston and the state of Massachusetts have expanded their respective free college programs and teamed up to encourage eligible students to take advantage of the "bridge" they want to build between high school and college completion. Mayor Martin Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker announced the new pilot program, the "Boston Bridge," which will be open to all 2017 high school graduates who live in Boston, including those who attended public schools, charters and parochial schools. The new initiative builds on the city's "Tuition Free Community College" project, which launched a year ago. In the program, low-income public school graduates could attend one of three local community colleges and pay no tuition. Since launching its tuition-free community college program, 50 Boston students have participated by attending community colleges, and 94 percent are on track to finish the first year. The state's "Commonwealth Commitment" offered deeply discounted tuition and fees to state residents who earned an associate's degree at one of Massachusetts' two-year schools and then went directly into any public four-year institution while maintaining a 3.0 grade point average throughout. Under the newest program, students from Boston who qualify to participate in the Commonwealth Commitment will be able to earn their bachelor's degrees without having to pay any tuition or mandatory fees after considering Pell grants and discounts and credits from the state program. Eligible students need to meet federal Pell grant income standards and need to enroll as full-timers in one of the three community colleges that participated in the earlier program: Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College or Massachusetts Bay Community College. To be eligible to continue to a four-year school, they must complete their associate's degree within 30 months, maintain that same 3.0 GPA, move directly into any one of the state's public universities and agree to pursue one of 16 degree programs (with a few variations) that articulate with transfer pathways developed by the community colleges: biology business chemistry communications & media studies computer science criminal justice early childhood education economics English history liberal arts mathematics political science psychology sociology STEM natural/physical sciences Graduation must take place two years after they've transferred to the four-year school. Participants will also receive a financial contribution equal to 10 percent of the school's tuition and mandatory fees, to help with school-related expenses each semester. "College affordability too often serves as a barrier for students in the Commonwealth seeking to complete a degree, and this program is intended to provide more opportunities for a quality education," said Governor Charlie Baker in a prepared statement. "We built the Boston Bridge to take students all the way from high school to college commencement," added Commissioner of Higher Education, Carlos Santiago. "Our message to students is clear. If you commit the time and do the work, we'll be beside you every step of the way to help you complete your college journey while avoiding burdensome debt." Statistics Data: Education Isn't Free Everywhere Children at the village school in the Buikwe region of Uganda. Image courtesy of Shutterstock. While the United States is taking a divided stance regarding the use of public funds for private education, families in many countries in the rest of the world that lack ready access to public education struggle to come up with the fees for their children's education, so the kids may not go to school. In Uganda and Nepal, households provide a half of the education funding (57 percent and 49 percent, respectively); in Cote d'Ivoire the coverage is a third (33 percent); and in Vietnam it's 24 percent. These figures come out of a database recently made available by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, which has committed to increasing the amount of information it makes available. Data users can download more than 3,785 indicators and data from 1970 and onwards. The new UIS Data Centre covers global education statistics related to entry, participation, progression, completion, literacy, financial resources and other subsets of data. The overall goal is to allow people to track UNESCO's progress toward its "Sustainable Development Goals" in numerous areas, including education (goal No. 4). The institute is the official source of international education data, which surfaces in references by the World Bank as well as UNICEF's The State of the World's Children, UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report and other official publications. The latest data dump covers expenditure per student by level of education and source of funding (government and households), which exposes the extent to which families shoulder the expenses of education including tuition, textbooks, uniforms and other costs. Out-of-pocket expenses for families remain high even at the primary level in many countries. In Ghana, households spend about $87 per child in primary education each year; in Cote d'Ivoire it's $151; and in El Salvador it's $680. The concern, according to the institute's researchers, is that such costs can prevent children in the poorest families from going to school. The data suggests that the education expense rises when students head into secondary grade levels. Family spending per student at those levels in Ghana is $228 per year and $637 in Cote d'Ivoire. Households in Africa's Benin spend more per secondary student ($402) than the government ($259). According to the UES, families in many developing countries spend a much higher proportion of their income on education than those in developed countries. Whereas households in almost every "rich" country spend no more than five percent, secondary education amounts to 20 to 25 percent on average in Benin, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and Niger. The database is updated twice yearly. To access the latest statistics, visit the data center here. From there, click on "Data by theme," choose "Education," select the data table for viewing and choose "Customise" to specify indicator, country and year. Accessibility and Disability New Department of Ed IDEA Site Live and Generating Heat The newly redesigned IDEA website. Feedback is trickling in on the U.S. Department of Education's new website dedicated to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This was the same website that drew such concern for its disappearance shortly after Betsy DeVos, head of the department, took charge. Special education advocates were especially troubled about DeVos' possible attitude towards students with special needs after she fumbled questions related to the topic during her confirmation hearing. The department was quick to assure the public that the previous site had gone down due to server glitches. Since February, the site has been undergoing a redesign, based at least in part on comments from 130 people who provided feedback during the design process. The new site went live June 1. Among the changes, according to the department: improved navigation, more "robust" content and better search. For example, feedback from users encouraged the department to keep statute and regulation search capabilities, but also to include a policy document search. The search was kept but also updated to highlight the most recent statute and regulations. The search also includes policy documents, such as "Dear Colleague" letters, memos and frequently asked questions. New resource pages are targeted to specific audiences, including families, educators and service providers and grantees. "The launch of this new and improved site is a big win for children with disabilities, their families and the entire IDEA community," Secretary DeVos said in a prepared statement. "It is incumbent upon the government to provide accessible and accurate information to our citizens. That's why one of my first actions as secretary was to order the department to fix and revitalize its woefully outdated IDEA site so that parents, educators and service providers could readily access the resources they need. DeVos added that the department would continue "to improve upon the new site by seeking and incorporating feedback from IDEA stakeholders in the coming months." Those comments have been solicited through an article on the agency's blog site. While several current messages from users note slow downloads for certain pages and documents and at least one respondent said the site wasn't accessible enough, others are using the comment area to take DeVos to task for her focus on private school vouchers. The new IDEA site is located on the department's website here. Until the site has been finalized, the previous website is still live as well. This site focuses on Republican politicians and conservatives that rip off their constituency. We have the Tea Party, fundamentalist churches, the corruption of ALEC and other special interests groups. But the site also supports progressive Democrats and the local Democratic Socialist of America. We must have ideas on how to replace regressive and corrupt politicians with something better. For comments steveotto2001@yahoo.com or ottozero2001@yahoo.com. Click farms where low-paid workers are paid to spend their days clicking on content have become a problem across the globe. Sometimes these farms manifest as rooms with hundreds if not thousands of phones, all at the ready for when a company pays for traffic. SEE ALSO: How to protect yourself when social media is harming your self-esteem Click farms are very adaptable. Companies can use them for everything from acquiring LinkedIn connections to make themselves look better on the job market to influencing record labels on SoundCloud to simple web traffic. And they make millions doing so. Motherboard reports a gigantic click farm in Thailand is latest to be caught. The click farm had over 500 cell phones and 350,000 SIM cards. The setup also included nine computers and 21 SIM card readers. click farm rigs are so wild lookinghttps://t.co/Q00fl5UCiN Louise Matsakis (@lmatsakis) June 12, 2017 Three Chinese workers were arrested at the rented Thailand house for working without a permit. According to the Bangkok Post, a Chinese company gave the men 150,000 baht ($4,403) along with the phones to pull off the operation for a month. The men told the police they were operating to boost engagement for Chinese products sold in Thailand because of the low mobile phone fees. They were generating "fake" page views, likes, and shares through the social media app WeChat. The men are probably going to be deported back to China, rather than facing any time behind bars, according to one of the police officers involved, the Nigerian newspaper The Nation reported. This isn't the first IRL click farm to be busted. Just last month, a massive click farm with over 10,000 phones was discovered in China. And in today's online-driven world, it almost certainly won't be the last. Just remember where the online popularity might be coming from next time you're checking out companies and products online. A blast at a British base on the southeast coast of Cyprus has injured a police officer. The explosion struck the Dhekelia garrison before dawn on Tuesday. The Cyprus Mail reported a grenade had been thrown by a man on a motorbike. Police spokesperson Kristian Gray said investigations were ongoing and authorities are viewing the explosion as a criminal case. "The building suffered no structural damage, just a broken window," he added. A source told the AFP news agency that the attack could be related to the involvement of the base's police in a crackdown on illegal bird trapping. It reported it came after bird trappers had been handed a "heavy fine" by a court. More than two million migratory birds are slaughtered each year on the island. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence told Sky News that Sovereign Base Areas Police were investigating an explosive incident which took place in the early hours of the morning at the Dhekelia base. "At this stage the Police are treating this as a criminal investigation. Until the initial investigation has concluded we will not be in a position to make any further comment," they said. Cyprus became an independent republic, free from British colonial rule, in 1960, but the UK retains two bases which remain British sovereign territory and house military headquarters. The sites, at Dhekelia and Akrotiri, cover some 98 square miles of territory and allow the UK to conduct military and humanitarian missions from the eastern Mediterranean. Layla Moran is one of a number of MPs from ethnic minority backgrounds The 2017 General Election has result in the most diverse parliament ever with a rise in the number of women, LGBT and ethnic minority MPs elected. Among those taking a seat in Westminster include Layla Moran, Britains first ever MP of Palestinian descent. Moran gained Oxford West and Abingdon from Nicola Blackwood following a swing of almost 15 points away from the Conservatives. The former physics and maths teacher also became the first female Liberal Democrat MP from a minority background. She said: Politics was always at the dinner table, it primed me to engage. De facto, I will be a representative of our community in parliament, and it will be a great honour, which I take humbly. GENERAL ELECTION RESULT 17: MORE POLITICAL ANALYSIS FROM YAHOO UK Preet Gill became the first female Sikh MP after winning Birmingham Edgbaston for Labour, while Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi became Britains first turbaned Sikh MP after being elected to Slough for Labour. Labours Afzal Khan is also Manchesters first Muslim MP. There are now 45 MPs who openly define themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) a 40 per cent increase on 2015. There are 52 MPs from ethnic minority backgrounds, according to think tank British Future (32 Labour; 19 Conservatives; one Lib Dem). Steve Ballinger, director of communications for British Future, said: Its got to be good for politics that gradually Parliament is getting closer to looking a bit more like the electorate that it serves. Story continues He added: I know there are calls within the Conservative Party to do better in that respect. The new intake also includes five disabled MPs, an increase of three on the last term. Labours Marsha de Cordova, who in Battersea, is registered blind, and Jared OMara, who has cerebral palsy, won Sheffield Hallam from Nick Clegg. Robert Halfon, who has cerebal palsy and osteoarthritis, and Paul Maynard, who also has cerebal palsy, were reelected for the Conservatives. Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd, who is deaf, has returned to parliament after losing his seat in 2015. There are also a record number of female MPs in the House of Commons after 208 women were elected. Throughout the summer, each of the five University of North Georgia campuses host orientation events for incoming freshman and transfer students to better prepare them for college life. Orientation gives these students (and their parents) the opportunity to learn more about UNG and all it has to offer. A typical daylong schedule features a dizzying array of events: meet-and-greets with professors, administrators and college staff, as well as tours of the campus. Orientation leaders are an integral part of freshman and transfer orientation. They understand what these students are going through, as attendance at orientation for incoming freshmen and transfer students is mandatory, and they want to ease the transition for their peers. On an unseasonably cool June morning, about 275 incoming freshman students and 175 family members streamed into the Hugh Mills Physical Education Center on the Gainesville Campus. Ready to welcome them was a small army of Orientation Leaders, each with a memory about their own orientation experience. Orientation leader Chandler Alligood, a 21-year-old senior majoring in business management, remembers attending freshman orientation on the Dahlonega Campus with more than a bit of apprehension. She was from the small north Georgia town of Toccoa and not used to large crowds of people. Although Alligood tagged along with her two older sisters when they went to their college freshman orientations, she attended hers alone. "It was hard for me, because Im on the introverted side," she said. "Fortunately, the [orientation] leaders brought me out of my shell. They were very encouraging because they were students themselves and wanted all of us to succeed at UNG. I stayed in touch with a number of them even after orientation." Alligood says she enjoys being a mentorthis is her third year as an orientation leader--and advises the incoming students not to "sit in your dorm room studying day after day." She tells them UNG does a great job at offering different events where students can mingle and get to know each other. "Get involved, take advantage of as many of the opportunities to socialize and learn new things outside of the classroom, invest some of your time in the lives of your fellow students," is Alligoods advice. As the first member of her family to attend college, another orientation leader, Andrea Zarate, didnt have the advice of siblings or her parents as to what to expect the first time she set foot on the Gainesville Campus for her freshman orientation. "It was all very intimidating because it was all on me to find out everything about college," said Zarate, a 21-year-old senior from Alpharetta. "I was extremely nervous because I didnt have that point of reference, of knowing what to expect." Zarate said the student orientation leaders were very welcoming, patiently answering her many questions about college life at UNG. In the end, she was so impressed with the way the orientation leaders conducted themselves that she became one as a sophomore. Zarate tells incoming students in her groups to get involved in college life. "The Gainesville Campus is a commuter school and I know its easy for students to just come to class and then just go home or do their own thing," Zarate said. "I tell them to attend as many on-campus events as they can, to join clubs, or at the very least have conversations either before or after classes with their fellow students." A listing of orientation events on all of the UNG campuses can be found on the Orientation and Transition Programs webpage. One of the problems with having alike Donald Trump as President of the United States is that he gets played like a harmonica every time he tries to engage in foreign policy.No, Vlad Putin isn't the only virtuoso. Nor is China's Xi Jinping . We have just seen a performance which demonstrates beyond question that Saudi Arabia also is somewhat accomplished. That nation is the seat of the fanatical Wahabi sect of Islam responsible for so much of Islamic extremism. It doesn't like the fact that Qatar serves as a kind of regional counterbalance to it, a rival for leadership in the region. So when Mr. Trump tweeted a call upon the nations in the region to stop funding "radical ideology," the Saudis agreed that yes, Qatar is really terrible. So terrible, in fact, that shortly thereafter they broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar because of its encouragement of Islamic terrorism.To be fair, Qatar is the home of al-Jazeera, which might be thought of as the Fox News of radical Islam and is profoundly unfriendly to the Saudis as well as to the United States. It also has ties to Hamas- ties which it has used in the past to influence that organization to moderate its position on a theoretical two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and its neighbors. For economic and geopolitical reasons, its relations with Iran are considerably warmer than one might expect from an American ally. None of these make Qatar quite the devils the Saudis would like to pretend. And a case can be made that none of them implicate Qatar in Islamic extremism not nearly as deeply as Saudi Arabia itself is implicated, despite its generally friendly attitude toward the United States. Both nations are among America's closest allies in the region, Qatar, you may recall, was the base from which Operation Desert Storm was launched. Its cooperation with the United States in the war against terror has on the whole been exemplary enough that Mr. Trump himself recently singled it out for special praise.Clearly, the smart move for the United States would be to pour oil on troubled waters and to try to ease relations between two such close American allies. Instead, as Secretary of State Tillerson worked to do precisely that, President Trump took to Twitter again to side with the Saudis and attack Qatar!The easiest way to fix the mess Mr. Trump's impulsive ignorance created would be for him to apologize. That, of course, is not going to happen, because by the president's own admission he never does anything he needs to apologize for.So it's left to the grownups who are more or less his caretakers to try to sort the mess out, for the Saudis to join the Russians in laughing at our president behind his back, and for the rest of us to wistfully remember the days when the President of the United States had some clue of what the hell he was doing. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018. * IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014. * Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013. * Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011. 2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100. * Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010. * Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010. * Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010. * Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll. Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008. Ill never lie to you. Jimmy Carter, 1976 presidential campaign All politicians lie, because they are human and all humans lie. The question before us is this: If President Trump lied to FBI Director James Comey, should that lie, lead to impeachment? Did he obstruct justice when he allegedly hoped that Comey would not pursue an investigation of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn? Many Democrats think so. Most Republicans do not. Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that President Trump lied about him after his dismissal. The assertion was based on what the president said of him (a real nut job) and on his belief that Comey misled the public about the alleged lack of support among Comeys FBI colleagues. Trumps newly hired attorney, Marc Kasowitz, returned fire. Speaking at the National Press Club, Kasowitz effectively accused Comey of lying about his recollection of a private dinner at which, according to Comey, Trump said, I need loyalty. Kasowitz accused Comey of leaking privileged communications to the media, which Comey admitted he did for the purpose of obtaining a special counsel to investigate Russian influence in the 2016 election. Recordings of the Comey-Trump meetings would clear this up. The president has suggested they may exist and Comey said he would be happy to have them released. They should be, but even if they corroborate Comeys recollections, House Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes said recently that he still believes there is no credible evidence that there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government. Everyone seems to agree that the Russians attempted to interfere, but no one claims that attempted interference affected the outcome. Hillary Clinton lost and so did Democrats at all levels across the country. They need to get over it and figure out why. The word hypocrisy was invented for such moments. The left is suddenly aghast about lying, but was fine with Barack Obamas numerous lies, from If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor, to Benghazi, Fast and Furious, the red line in Syria and the list goes on. Lets not even get started with the Clintons. Theyre serial liars. Media reaction swiftly followed Comeys testimony. The New York Times and Washington Post seemed to favor Comey. A Wall Street Journal editorial even said that Comey should have resigned if he believes what he now says. Charles Hurt, editorial page editor of the conservative Washington Times, summarized his view of Comeys testimony: The only verified leaker exposed: Jim Comey. The only person we know is not and never was under investigation for ties to Russia: Donald Trump. The only person exposed for trying to influence an election: (Obama attorney general) Loretta Lynch. The only paper accused of publishing fake news: The New York Times. The only person who attempted to obstruct justice: Loretta Lynch and probably Bill Clinton. Even the reliably liberal Chris Matthews of MSNBC said: The assumption of the critics of the president, of his pursuers, you might say, is that somewhere along the line in the last year the president had something to do with colluding with the Russians to affect the election in some way. And yet what came apart this morning was that theory. Do I wish the president would conform just a little to the traditions most Americans expect of a White House occupant? I do. But for me and many other conservatives, policy overcomes deportment. Last week the president nominated 11 solid conservatives to federal benches. His policies on border security, repealing and replacing Obamacare, cutting taxes and reforming the tax code, strengthening the military, among others, are why he was elected. Democrats have nothing, other than more of the same failed policies, which have contributed to their recent election losses. They are banking on undermining the president by accusation and insinuation. The major media which Trump regards as the mother of all liars are in bed with his Democratic critics, while dismissing the lies of Democrats past and present. And thats no lie. WASHINGTON There will be much for special counsel Robert Mueller to unpack after last weeks momentous testimony of James Comey: Did President Trumps actions amount to obstruction of justice? Did Attorney General Jeff Sessions violate his recusal from the Russia probe? Should Comey have acted sooner? But such legal considerations, though important, miss the real significance of Comeys testimony heard round the world. In the three hours I sat transfixed in Room 216 of the Hart Building, 15 feet behind the fired FBI director, the line that chilled me more than any other was Comeys account of why he wrote extensive, real-time notes of his conversations with Trump. The nature of the person, Comey explained in part. I was honestly concerned that he might lie about the nature of our meeting, and so I thought it really important to document. The nature of the person. This was the essence of Comeys testimony: that the president of the United States is, at his core, a dishonest and untrustworthy man. It was a judgment on character, not a legal opinion, and even Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee made no real attempt to dispel it. By itself, its neither a high crime nor a misdemeanor for a president to be dishonorable. But its a stain on the country, and it defines this moment. This is why Trump cant get legislation through Congress or get allies to cooperate, and why so many worry he will disregard constitutional restraints. The president is not to be trusted. The founders did not anticipate this, a defect not just of private misconduct (which weve seen before) but of public character. The process of election affords a moral certainty, Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 68, that the office of president will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications. Talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity, may alone suffice to elevate a man to the first honors in a single state; but it will require other talents, and a different kind of merit, to establish him in the esteem and confidence of the whole Union, or of so considerable a portion of it as would be necessary to make him a successful candidate for the distinguished office of president of the United States. It will not be too strong to say, that there will be a constant probability of seeing the station filled by characters pre-eminent for ability and virtue. But the moral certainty of the Enlightenment broke down with the election of something more medieval. When Sen. Angus King, the Maine independent, asked Comey whether he took as a directive Trumps expressed hope that Comey drop the FBIs probe of ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn, Comey reached back to the words of 12th-century autocrat Henry II that led to the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket. Yes, Comey said, it rings in my ear as kind of, Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?' The former FBI chief and top official in the George W. Bush Justice Department was unsparing in his challenge to Trumps character, saying that Trumps administration chose to defame me and the FBI with lies plain and simple. Comey noted that he never felt the need to document his conversations with Presidents Bush or Barack Obama, telling Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, that he got a gut feeling about Trump and the nature of the person that I was interacting with. Republicans on and off the panel largely accept Comeys assessment of Trumps character. House Speaker Paul Ryan suggested that the presidents new at this and probably wasnt steeped in the long-running protocols. But, he added, Im not saying its an acceptable excuse. Republicans on the committee defended Trump on some technical points but not on matters of integrity. Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, called Comeys testimony as good as it gets for legal writing and accepted that we know exactly what happened between him and Trump. Collins said Trump never should have cleared the room, and he never should have asked you, as you reported, to let it go to let the investigation go. Trump is growing lonely in his protestations of his own probity. Friday morning, he inexplicably claimed total and complete vindication. Trumps spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders vouched that the president is not a liar. I think its frankly insulting that that question would be asked. No, whats insulting to America is that the question doesnt need to be asked. Comey, until last month the nations top lawman, confirmed what we already knew. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group Dominique Perez, one of two Albuquerque police officers who stood trial for the controversial shooting death of homeless camper James Boyd in March 2014, has survived a three-year ordeal you wouldnt wish on your worst enemy. After being charged with murder, fired from APD, enduring a 15-week trial that ended in a hung jury and nearly going bankrupt, the decorated Iraq war veteran fought tenaciously to get his job back. That finally happened on May 30. As it should have. During the October 2016 trial, it became clear that Perez who arrived at the hourslong standoff with Boyd in the Sandia foothills just three minutes before the fatal shots were fired was far less culpable than fellow officer Keith Sandy, who fired the first shot and stood trial with Perez. Testimony showed that Perez was following orders, employing his SWAT training and protecting fellow officers after Boyd, who had a history of diagnosed mental illness, pulled out two knives as he was being attacked by a police dog. Still, APD protocol led to Perezs firing when charges were filed. Sandy, whom prosecutors claimed escalated the situation, retired within months of the shooting and receives a $37,000 annual pension. Perez isnt getting a free walk back into APD. Hes on administrative assignment and will not respond to calls with the tactical unit or provide any type of patrol services for one year. During that time, he must complete all of APDs new training, which has been revamped under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Justice Department spurred in part by the Boyd shooting; undergo state-required training; and pass a psychological exam. Perez will receive $143,159 in back wages and benefits. The controversy of the Boyd shooting and subsequent trial were inconsistent with Perezs history of public service. The Albuquerque native and Del Norte High School graduate joined the Marine Corps in 2000 and served two tours in Iraq. He was injured in 2003 when a convoy he was leading was hit by an improvised explosive device, and he was awarded a Purple Heart. He joined APD in 2006. Time will tell whether Perez and APD which paid Boyds family a $5 million settlement, and continues to implement training and policy reforms after the DOJ found a pattern and practice of excessive force and a culture of aggression can successfully move forward from the Boyd shooting. But both deserve that chance. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. SANTA FE The state Republican Party had some sad news to share Monday: W. Tucker Keene, the partys communications director, has died. Keene, 25, was an enthusiastic advocate on the partys behalf, and he had a great sense of humor. He was a brilliant writer, tenacious promoter of our cause, keen political communicator and, most importantly, a wonderful person, said Ryan Cangiolosi, chairman of the state Republican Party. Tucker approached his work with great passion, enthusiasm and with a witty sense of humor. Keene was a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas and he worked on the 2014 campaign of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Keene started working at the state Republican Party as its top spokesman in January 2016. Tucker will be greatly missed by everyone at the Republican Party of New Mexico and by all those he touched in our state and beyond, Cangiolosi said in a written statement. Albuquerque police were called to check on Keene over the weekend. Officers didnt report any obvious signs of foul play and medical investigators were trying to determine the cause of death. LT. GOV. RACE: Rick Miera a Democrat who served for 24 years in the state House, representing an Albuquerque-based district is running for lieutenant governor. He announced his campaign Monday, joining Jeff Carr, a former member of the Public Education Commission, in the race for the Democratic nomination. Theres still plenty of time for other candidates to emerge. The primary election is next June. Whoever wins will serve on a ticket with the Democratic nominee for governor. In other words, it isnt like a presidential race in which the top candidate picks a vice president to work with. Miera is a former House majority leader and former chairman of the House Education Committee. He has worked as a therapist and drug counselor. I will fight for policies that support our families, our communities and hardworking individuals, and will put facts ahead of political party or ideology, Miera said in a written statement. I know that I can bring these solutions to state government and help make it more responsive to the needs of everyday New Mexicans. Dan McKay: dmckay@abqjournal.com WASHINGTON U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recommended Monday that the White House scale back the size of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, the first in what could be a series of such suggestions for monuments across the U.S., including in New Mexico. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Zinke to review national monuments of more than 100,000 acres designated since 1996, saying some of them amounted to a massive federal land grab. In early May, Zinke produced a list of 27 monuments for possible alteration, including the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, in southern New Mexico, and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, in the northern part of the state. The Bears Ears decision announced Monday prompted fierce protests from environmental groups and some Democrats in Congress, including Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico, who questioned the White Houses authority to alter an established national monument. The Interior Secretary is expected to announce proposals for other monuments on his list, including the two in New Mexico, by August. It is possible he wont recommend any action for some of those monuments. But he said Monday that the 1.3 million-acre Bears Ears National Monument is too sprawling and should be right-sized. Zinke said Congress should craft legislation to determine how parts of the reduced monument would be managed. I spent a lot of time on the ground in Utah, talking with people and understanding the natural and cultural significance of the area, Zinke told reporters on a conference call Monday. There is no doubt that it is drop-dead gorgeous country and that it merits some degree of protection, but designating a monument that including state land encompasses almost 1.5 million acres where multiple-use management is hindered or prohibited is not the best use of the land and is not in accordance with the intention of the Antiquities Act. The Antiquities Act allows for monument designations by presidents but also says that the monuments should contain the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the sites. Zinke said the Bears Ears site, considered sacred by Indian tribes, should be designated for conservation or recreation, categories that are less restrictive than monuments. He did not specify any pending recommendations for monuments in New Mexico or elsewhere. Opponents of the decision said presidents can designate monuments under law but not shrink them or rescind their status. A national monument designation under the Antiquities Act of 1906 has never been rescinded. If the administration moves forward with that plan, this decision will be challenged in court, Udall told reporters Monday, referring to Zinkes decision on Bears Ears. And if they put this plan before Congress, I will fight him every step of the way. Rep. Steve Pearce, the only Republican in New Mexicos congressional delegation, said, We must do everything we can to preserve the natural beauty of New Mexico for our children and grandchildren. The Presidents review of monuments is just that a review. I am not asking for the designation of our Organ Mountains, or any national monument in New Mexico, to be rescinded. I do believe, however, the Department of the Interior can do more to protect our national treasures for future generations, while also protecting local economies and the rights of local communities. Mindy Tapia spends her days teaching second-grade students in Las Cruces Public Schools, but her nights and weekends are devoted to studying accounting, data analysis, fiscal planning and other graduate-level business classes. Tapia, 43, and 38 other teachers and school administrators enrolled a year ago in a Master of Business Administration degree program intended to teach skills needed by public education leaders in New Mexico. Its like learning a new language, Tapia said Monday of her business classes at New Mexico State University. This is like nothing you are going to get in a college of education. The program, developed by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, funded by a $2 million-a-year state appropriation, provides students with a classic MBA education with a focus on the needs of public school administrators. Called the Woodrow Wilson New Mexico MBA Fellowship, the degree program was launched in 2015 in partnership with NMSU, the University of New Mexico and the state Public Education Department. State and university officials discussed the fellowship program Monday at UNM Anderson School of Management at an event that recognized students and graduates of the program. We know what the research shows; we need strong, effective leaders to drive school achievement, said Arthur Levine, president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, told students and school officials. The foundation has created similar MBA educational leadership programs in Indiana and Wisconsin, and more programs are planned, he said. We have some of the leading universities in the United States that are eager to follow in your footsteps, Levine said. I want to thank you for creating a pioneering program. It is a model we will see all over America. The first class of 25 students was admitted in 2015 and completed their MBAs this year. An additional 39 students were enrolled last year and will complete their degrees in summer 2018. The most recent class of 46 students were admitted earlier this year. Admission to the program is a competitive process that begins when students are nominated by their school districts. Applicants must apply for a fellowship with the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation for admission into the expense-paid program. Andrea Fletcher, assistant dean of NMSUs College of Business, said the program fills a vital need in public education for administrators who are trained as business leaders. Leadership matters, said Fletcher, who served 18 years with the Las Cruces Public Schools before joining NMSU. An MBA is about leadership. Three Albuquerque Police Department officers on Monday received the Bill Daniels True Blue Award for individual acts of compassion that went above and beyond the scope of their normal duties. Receiving the award during a ceremony at the Albuquerque Police Training Academy on North Second Street were Thomas Nadas, Paul Haugh and Ladio Canales. Detective Nadas has been with APD for four years. He was providing security at a South Valley homeless shelter as part of a chiefs overtime arrangement when the shelters electricity went out, leaving 20 hungry people missing out on a meal. Nadas went to a nearby McDonalds restaurant and bought food for the entire group. Haugh, with APD for 10 years, was on patrol in Southeast Albuquerque when he came upon two young boys who were upset because their locked bicycles had been stolen from outside an area Walmart. Haugh, who was familiar with the two children, said he knew it would be a long summer without their bicycles. He had the boys accompany him inside the store, where he let them pick out two new bikes, which he paid for with his own money. Canales, a 12-year APD veteran, was working graveyard shift when he encountered a woman panhandling near Coors and Quail NW. The single mother of two young children said she was hungry and trying to feed her family. Canales had the woman and her family meet him at a local restaurant, where he bought them a meal and sat with them long enough to learn their circumstances and what the woman needed to get back on her feet. He subsequently bought and delivered groceries and other necessities to the family and guided the woman about where to go to apply for social services, including Medicaid. The True Blue Award is sponsored by the Daniels Fund, which was founded 17 years ago and has since provided $800 million in educational scholarships and grants to nonprofits in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The first True Blue Awards were presented last year in Denver. The Albuquerque officers received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate good at a number of area restaurants. The fund was established and named for Bill Daniels, a decorated naval pilot of World War II and Korea, and a cable television pioneer. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com. WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions heatedly denied on Tuesday having an undisclosed meeting with Russias ambassador to the U.S. and declared it was a detestable and appalling lie to suggest he was aware of or took part in any collusion between Russia and the election campaign that sent Donald Trump to the White House. Testifying at a packed Senate hearing, Sessions, who was a close Trump adviser during the battle for the presidency, also rejected any idea of misconduct in the ouster of FBI Director James Comey and vowed to defend his honor against scurrilous and false allegations. In his dramatic appearance before former colleagues, Sessions contradicted a contention made by Comey at a hearing before the same panel last week. Comey told the intelligence committee that, after an encounter with President Trump in which he said Trump pressured him to back off an investigation into the former national security adviser, Comey implored Sessions to make sure he was never left alone with the president again but Sessions didnt respond. He didnt recall this, but I responded to his comment by agreeing that the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policy regarding appropriate contacts with the White House, Sessions said. The former Alabama senator also defended himself against accusations that he misrepresented himself during his confirmation hearing when he said he hadnt met with Russian officials during the campaign. Sessions argued that in the context of that hearing, my answer was a fair and correct response to the charge as I understood it. The attorney general stepped aside from the Justice Department probe into Russian meddling in the campaign on March 2, the day after The Washington Post reported on two previously undisclosed meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Days after that, Sessions also corrected his confirmation hearing testimony to inform the committee about his two meetings with Kislyak. Ahead of the hearing there had been suggestions that Sessions might have had a third, unreported encounter with Kislyak in April 2016, at Washingtons Mayflower Hotel, where candidate Trump was giving his first major foreign policy speech. Sessions was adamant that he did not have a private meeting with Kislyak at that event. He did allow for the possibility that he encountered him in a reception that he said was attended by a couple dozen people, though he said he had no specific recollection of that. Democratic senators have seized on the possibility of a third meeting to suggest that Sessions has not been forthcoming about the extent of his communications with the ambassador. Sens. Al Franken of Minnesota and Patrick Leahy of Vermont have sought an FBI investigation. Sessions testified Tuesday that he recused himself from the current Russia investigation only because of a regulation that required it because of his involvement in the Trump campaign. Many have suggested that my recusal is because I felt I was a subject of the investigation myself, that I may have done something wrong, Sessions added. That was not so, he said. And while he had recused himself from the Russia probe, Sessions insisted, I did not recuse myself from defending my honor against scurrilous and false allegations. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon aggressively asked Sessions about suggestions arising from Comeys testimony last week that there was something problematic about his recusal. Wyden asked Sessions what problematic issues existed. Why dont you tell me? There are none, Sen. Wyden, there are none, Sessions insisted, his voice rising. This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me, and I dont appreciate it. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters later that Trump thought Sessions did a very good job and was especially strong on denying any collusion between Trumps campaign and Russia. During the hearing, Sessions lent his support to the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is now in charge of the Trump campaign-Russia investigation. I have confidence in Mr. Mueller, he said. At a separate hearing Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein declared hed seen no basis for dismissing Mueller, the former FBI director he appointed as special counsel after Sessions recusal. A friend of the president suggested a day earlier that Trump was considering such an ouster. Rosenstein said he would agree to dismiss Mueller only if there were a legitimate basis to do so, and an order from the president would not necessarily qualify. Mueller also won votes of support Tuesday from the top two Republicans in Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, both of whom said they have confidence in him. As for Comeys firing, Sessions told senators that his recommendation had nothing to do with the Russia probe, that he and his second-in-command, Rosenstein, had a clear view that we had problems there, and it was my best judgment that a fresh start at the FBI was the appropriate thing to do. And when asked I said that to the president. Sessions criticized Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, which the White House had initially cited as the ostensible reason for his firing. Comeys decision to announce last year that Clinton would not be prosecuted over her emails was a usurpation of the Justice Departments authority, Sessions said. Asked about Trumps own contention that the president fired Comey with the Russia probe in mind, and regardless of any recommendation from anyone else, Sessions said: I guess Ill just have to let his words speak for themselves. Im not sure what was in his mind specifically. Sessions refused to say whether he had ever discussed the Russia investigation with Trump, arguing that he could not disclose private communications with the president. Democratic senators pressed him on the legal rationale for his refusal to discuss those private conversations, as Sessions acknowledged that Trump had not asserted executive privilege around the hearing. He asserted that I am protecting the right of the president to assert if it he chooses and there may be other privileges that may apply. Sessions maintained that he had not been briefed on the Russia investigation between the time of his February swearing-in and his March 2 recusal. As such, he said, I have no knowledge about this investigation, as it is ongoing today, beyond what has been publicly reported. I dont even read that carefully. And I have taken no action whatsoever with regard to any such investigation. On another hot-button issue, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., asked Sessions whether Trump records his conversations in the White House. Trump has suggested there might be tapes of his encounters with Comey; Comey said last week that lordy he hopes there are. I do not, Sessions said when asked whether he knows whether the president records his conversations. Would any such tapes have to be preserved? I dont know, Sen. Rubio, probably so, Sessions replied. ___ Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann, Sadie Gurman and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed. LONDON The European Union moved Tuesday to tighten its oversight of a key financial market based in London, threatening tens of thousands of jobs in Britain once the country exits the bloc. Draft regulations published by the EU executive Commission would force any clearinghouse considered important to the EU financial system to accept direct oversight from the bloc and, if requested, relocate to inside the EU. Clearinghouses act as intermediaries to reduce the risk of default by ensuring funds are delivered to the seller a way of undergirding the financial system. Even though Britain is not part of the euro, it is the home to the vast majority of clearing of euro-denominated financial contracts, which amount to almost $1 trillion every day. One report suggests that losing the market could cost the country 83,000 jobs, mostly in London, one of the worlds top finance hubs. Experts say it may not be so simple because there are legal hurdles to requiring the businesses to relocate, and that the Commissions move is mainly an effort to gain an edge in the upcoming Brexit talks. The Commission says the proposals are part of the EUs drive to strengthen regulation of the financial industry after risky practices fueled the global financial crisis that began in 2008. Clearing firms are systemically important, it says. So while current EU rules allow the Bank of England to regulate Britains financial markets, the countrys departure from the bloc raises the possibility of new scrutiny from EU authorities. The continued safety and stability of our financial system remains a key priority, Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said. As we face the departure of the largest EU financial center, we need to make certain adjustments to our rules to ensure that our efforts remain on track. While European authorities say they want euro-clearing to be handled inside the EU to ensure proper oversight, financial services firms around the continent would also benefit by prying the business away from London. Representatives of Britains financial industry immediately cried foul, arguing the EU was playing politics with a critical part of the international financial infrastructure. This kind of currency nationalism is likely to lead to less competition, higher costs and market fragmentation, said Miles Celic, chief executive of TheCityUK, an industry lobby group. These are dangers that the U.S. watchdogs and international bodies have also underlined, and they should not be ignored. Simeon Djankov, director of the Financial Markets Group at the London School of Economics, said the commission is making the same argument it used in 2014 when it last attempted to pull euro-clearing away from London. In that case, the U.K. successfully argued that the rules should be rejected by the European Court of Justice. If the court were to rule that euro-clearing must take place in a eurozone state following Brexit, then those rules would also apply to transactions in the U.S. New York has the second-biggest market for euro-clearing after London, with some $200 billion a day in business. And if these rules were applied to the United States, the U.S. government could take tit-for-tat action against the EU, arguing that dollar-denominated trading cannot take place in Europe. Normally that would not be likely, but under the current administration, it is very likely, Djankov said. Simon Gleeson, regulatory partner at the law firm Clifford Chance, said that none of the proposed legislation would come into force until after the U.K. has left the EU. I think what is really going on here is the EU trying to create a bargaining chip that it can employ to get a more substantial say in the way that London clearing is regulated post-Brexit, he said. CRAIG, Colo. One of two large wildfires burning in northwestern Colorado has grown to more than 17,000 acres (6,879 hectares) but firefighters have managed to contain 10 percent of the fire. Wind gusts of over 70 mph (113 kph) on Monday fueled the growth of the Dead Dog Fire 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Rangely. The Craig Daily Press reported (http://bit.ly/2rtvVL4 ) that about 50 workers at an underground coal mine were evacuated Monday night, but officials announced Tuesday evening that the mine would re-open Wednesday. Officials also announced Tuesday that the fire was human-caused and is under investigation. Fire lines helped keep the 1,000-acre (405-hectare) Hunter Fire near Meeker from spreading despite the strong winds. The fire, which was started by lightning, is 70 percent contained. ___ Information from: Craig Daily Press, http://www.craigdailypress.com However, this is not the case. During Rouhanis first term in office, he presided over more than three thousand executions. He deceived world leaders and the people of his own country. He presided over numerous test-firings of ballistic missiles. He advocated cruel and inhumane punishments for petty crimes. He ordered crackdowns on dissent. He allowed the suppression of the people. Now that he is president for another term, he is on a path of no hope when it comes to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During the nuclear deal negotiations, Rouhani made several concessions that will not be forgiven or forgotten by the IRGC. And neither will the fact that the IRGC does not want any transparency in the economy as suggested by Rouhani. For the people of Iran, Rouhani completely failed during the first four years in office. The people are still living in poverty and social conditions have not improved. Young people are still faced with high levels of unemployment. Getting increasingly fed up, the Iranian people are making their dissent heard more than ever, and the Iranian regime, the IRGC, Rouhani and the Supreme Leader, despite their differences and the internal disputes, have this one huge fear in common. Rouhani, even though he is president, has very little control when it comes to foreign policy matters. This is determined by the Supreme Leader who uses the IRGC to realise his goals. Because the IRGC receive orders from the Supreme leader himself, it will never hesitate to challenge Rouhani. In fact, the IRGC has already vowed to ignore Rouhanis wishes to improve relations with the West. So Rouhani who was up against Raisi in the elections is now up against the IRGC. And this is another situation where nether could be described as the lesser of two evils. They are both, quite simply, evil. Neither have the interests of the people in mind. PCM, a California-based IT services provider that celebrated its first year in Rio Rancho Tuesday has hired 201 employees, well ahead of its hiring target. PCM had anticipating creating 75 jobs in its first year and now says it will meet its 2020 hiring target with 224 jobs by the end of this year, according to a news release from Gov. Susana Martinez office. The company so far has hired 37 veterans. PCM announced it was opening a sales center in the Hewlett-Packard building last year. PCM has been awarded $1,665,696.67 in Job Training Incentive funds to help train new employees. The state is also providing $700,000 in Local Economic Development Act funds for infrastructure improvements to accommodate PCMs expansion. PCM provides IT products, services and solutions to businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. WASHINGTON Senators sharply criticized Pentagon leaders Tuesday for not completing a new strategy for the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan, as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis acknowledged that the enemy is surging right now. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., demanded that Mattis wrap up the plan now, threatening that, unless we get a strategy from you, youre going to get a strategy from us. He said he had expected the plan in the first 30 to 60 days of the new administration and snapped, we want a strategy. I dont think thats a helluva lot to ask. Mattis, in response, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he will provide details on the new strategy for the war in mid-July. Were putting it together now and there are going to be there are actions being taken to make certain that we dont pay a price for the delay, he said. But we recognize the need for urgency and your criticism is fair, sir. Mattis did not say what those steps are. The U.S. has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has told Congress that he could use an infusion of U.S. and allied troops to bolster support for the Afghan army. Earlier this year, the Pentagon was considering a request for roughly 3,000 more troops, mainly for training and advising. That decision, however, has been stalled by the broader administration review of Afghan policy and a push for NATO to contribute more troops. Mattis, when pressed again about the plan, said getting a government-wide strategy cant be done quickly, and that there are ongoing efforts to ensure NATO participation so that its not all on the backs of American taxpayers. He added: We are not winning in Afghanistan right now. And we will correct this as soon as possible. The Talibans resurgence has been coupled with a growing threat from Islamic State militants trying to establish a foothold in the country. The increased fight has led to a recent string of American deaths. Three U.S. soldiers were killed and another wounded on Saturday when they were attacked by an Afghan soldiers, who was then killed. And two U.S. Army Rangers died in a April 27 raid on an IS compound in eastern Afghanistan. Officials were investigating whether they were killed by friendly fire in the opening minutes of the three-hour battle. Their deaths came just days after a U.S. Army special forces soldier was also killed in the region. The Afghanistan war has been dragging on since October 2001, and the U.S.-led coalition ended their combat mission against the Taliban in 2014 but they are increasingly involved in backing up Afghan forces on the battlefield. Asked what he hoped the situation in Afghanistan would look like a year from now, Mattis said violence would be down, government corruption would be reduced and the Taliban would be rolled back, with less freedom of movement on the battlefield. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, added that he hoped Afghan troop casualties would be lower a year from now. And he said a key to that will be the need for the U.S. to assist the Afghans in planning operations and providing aviation support while Kabul works to increase its combat air power. McCain, however, listed the names of the three 101st Airborne Division soldiers who were killed Saturday and said, Lets not ask these families to sacrifice any further without a strategy which we can then take and implement and help you. Im fighting as hard as I can to increase defense spending. Its hard when we have no strategy to pursue. On separate issues, Mattis and Dunford were asked about the Mideast diplomatic rift and alleged Russian meddling in last years U.S. presidential election. On Russia, Mattis said: This sort of misbehavior has got to face consequences, and not just by the United States but more broadly. He added that the Trump administration is working on a comprehensive cyber defense strategy, but in the meantime the U.S. has enough understanding of Russias cyber actions to defend against them. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, asked Dunford whether the diplomatic rift between Qatar and several of its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, is impeding U.S. military operations, given that the U.S. uses Qatars al-Udeid air base as a critical air operations center for the wars. It is not, Dunford said. The attorney for 6th Judicial District Attorney Francesca Martinez-Estevez in southern New Mexico says the dangerous driving and ethics charges against his client are a political attack and payback for publicly talking about irregularities found in a regional drug task force evidence storage. Martinez-Estevez, who serves Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties, was the subject of an investigation after a traffic stop in June 2016 in which she was suspected of being drunk while driving, but was not given a sobriety test and instead released from the scene without charges. The state Attorney Generals Office last week filed reckless driving, ethics and misuse of office charges against her, saying she misused her state vehicle for private business the day she was stopped and that she then harassed the officers investigating the incident. All the charges are misdemeanors or petty misdemeanors. Her attorney, Jim Foy of Silver City, released a statement Tuesday saying Martinez-Estevez was targeted for publicly discussing the drug task force irregularities just months before the stop. The irregularities were reported in an audit of the Region VII Drug Task Force and Estevez said publicly the finding could jeopardize many cases she was prosecuting. This is a shameful political attack against Ms. Estevez when it is undisputed that she cooperated with all requests of every officer and did not ask for any special treatment, Foy said in his statement. Charges were never filed by the Silver City Police Department, Grant County Sheriffs Office or the New Mexico State Police. That sparked outcry from police agencies and from politicians in the state who asked Attorney General Hector Balderas office to investigate. The AGs Offices charging documents list Francesca Martinez-Estevez as just Francesca Estevez. Police have identified the man found dead in a southeast Albuquerque apartment two weeks ago as 31-year-old Leon Wauneka. Fred Duran, a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department, said on May 31 police found Wauneka dead in an apartment on the 6000 block of Anderson SE, near Wilson Middle School. Waunekas death is being investigated as a homicide, Duran wrote in an email. He did not respond to questions about how Wauneka died, why detectives believe he may have been killed, or if other residents in the area are in danger. Tips: Police ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 843-STOP. Albert Einstein himself believed it couldnt be done. A few decades after he published his theory of general relativity, a colleague asked the famous physicist whether the concept could be used to calculate the weight of a star. Theoretically, yes, was his reply. If one star passed in front of another, the closer stars mass would distort the light of the star behind it. A savvy scientist could then figure out how much the forward star weighed by measuring the degree of that distortion. But good luck actually trying to do this experiment. There is no hope of observing this phenomenon directly, Einstein wrote in a December 1936 issue of the journal Science. He doubted that two stars would ever line up so perfectly. And even if they did, it was beyond the capability of the eras best telescopes to bring such an event into focus. That may have been true 80 years ago. But Einstein had no way of knowing that people would one day build a telescope so powerful it can see galaxies in the making 10 billion light-years away, or that we would launch this instrument into space. With the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers had a hope of proving Einstein right about light bending but wrong about our inability to see it. The stars finally aligned in March 2014, when Stein 2051B, a white dwarf about 18 light-years from Earth, passed in front of a more distant background star. White dwarfs are the cooling remnants of dead stars extremely dense spheres of matter that form when a star has run out of fuel for nuclear fusion and collapses. As predicted by Einsteins theory, the gravity of a massive object like Stein 2051B makes the star act like a lens, bending the light that passes by it. This effect, called gravitational lensing, is minuscule. Stein 2051B appears 400 times as bright as the background star (which is 5,000 light-years from Earth), so measuring the deflected light is as difficult as detecting a firefly hovering near a lightbulb from 1,500 miles away. But Hubble was up to the challenge. When Stein 2051B eclipsed the background star, gravitational lensing made the background star appear to move by milliarcseconds (the unit used to measure distance in space). The researchers used this tiny deflection to calculate that the mass of Stein 2051B is about 68 percent the mass of our sun or 1.4 octillion tons (thats 14 followed by 26 zeros). Their results were published in Fridays issue of the journal Science, (81 years after Einstein wrote in the same journal that such a feat was impossible) and presented at an American Astronomical Society meeting last week. Poetically, it was this same phenomenon gravitational lensing that first demonstrated the validity of general relativity almost 100 years ago. In 1919, just two years after Einstein published his theory, astronomers used the apparent movement of stars around the sun during a total solar eclipse to determine that massive bodies like the sun do warp space-time, causing light to bend. A century later, even the most outlandish-seeming aspects of Einsteins theory are still being proved right: the expansion of the universe and gravitational waves. Aside from offering a rare opportunity to contradict Einstein, the study of Stein 2051B offered important insight into the physics of white dwarf stars. They are the fossils of the universe, astrophysicist Terry Oswalt wrote for Science, and like fossils, they offer important insight into the evolution of stellar generations past. In 1935, Nobel Prize-winning astronomer Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar predicted that the mass of a star as it died would determine whether it collapsed into a white dwarf or evolved into a different kind of stellar remnant a neutron star or black hole. Previously, the mass of a white dwarf could only be measured if it orbited close to another star, allowing scientists to gauge the celestial bodies gravitational influence on one another. Calculating the effects of gravitational lensing lets astronomers measure the mass of any white dwarf they can find. &pictures - Naye India Ka Blockbuster Movie Channel partners with Eros International and Next Gen Films to bring to you Main Hoon Michael a unique, nationwide contest just ahead of the theatrical release of Eros and Viki Rajanis upcoming dance-action film, Munna Michael. One of the most influential artists of all time, Michael Jacksons career spanned over five decades of music, and he was continually at the top of showbiz world with hits like Beat It, Billie Jean and Thriller. His groundbreaking music changed the music landscape and inspired countless artists across the globe. &pictures and Eros International have collaborated to present a unique Main Hoon Michael dance bonanza to celebrate dance in all its glory. B-towns latest dancing sensation and one of MJs biggest fans, Tiger Shroff will travel to different cities across India to identify the biggest dancing fans of the legendary Michael Jackson. Tiger Shroff and the leading lady of Munna Michael, Nidhhi Agerwal will visit Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Indore between the 18th to 25th June to participate in the auditions for the biggest dance enthusiasts of the country. The actor will shortlist participants from each city who will travel to Mumbai in July for the Grand Finale which will be the biggest dance concert of the year. To participate in 'Main Hoon Michael', whatsapp your dance video on 7506706904. The final dance extravaganza in Mumbai will have Tiger Shroff showcase his stunning dance moves along with Nidhi Aggarwal. Joining them would be the supremely talented participants of Dance Indian Dance along with the winners of Main Hoon Michael talent hunt. To ensure that the audience do not miss out on the fun, the exclusively curated mega finale and the talent hunt will soon telecast on &pictures and &picturesHD. Speaking on the dance face-off,said When it comes to Michael Jackson, I like to call myself his biggest fan. Andis an opportunity for me to meet people who share the same passion for MJ as I do. I appreciate &pictures and Eros International for initiating this one-of-a-kind opportunity for talented dancers in India and wish all the best to the dancers for the auditions. It will be great to witness so much talent and shortlist nine lucky winners who will travel to Mumbai for the final face-off. Produced by Eros International and Viki Rajanis Next Gen Films, directed by Sabbir Khan, Munna starring Tiger Shroff, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and debutante Nidhi Aggarwal will release on July 21. ~To particpate in 'Main Hoon Michael', whatsapp your dance video on 7506706904~ ~Put on your dancing shoes and get set for Main Hoon Michael presented by &pictures and Eros International~ INDIANAPOLIS, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WGU Indiana, the state's online, nonprofit university, celebrates its seventh anniversary this week, having helped more than 4,700 Hoosiers achieve their dream of completing a college degree. Another 5,000 students are currently enrolled. "The past seven years of WGU Indiana's history prove that a college education can be affordable, convenient and accessible to Hoosier adults," said WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Barber. WGU Indiana works closely with business and academic leaders to develop course offerings and degrees that address current and future workforce needs for a rapidly changing economy. According to Lumina Foundation, more than 750,000 Hoosiers have attended college, but have no degree. "Advanced education is a key factor in meeting Indiana's pressing need for an expanded, qualified workforce," Barber said. "We're eliminating unnecessary barriers for Hoosier adults who want to further their education and we are committed to offering innovative solutions to the workforce development challenges our state faces." For many WGU Indiana graduates, degree completion has opened up new professional opportunities. Dawn Hanson, a registered nurse from Greenfield, was among the university's first seven graduates in 2010. As a WGU Indiana student, she worked tirelessly on her coursework while she was employed at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Soon after earning her bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), she noticed a job posting for a corporation nurse position in her local school district. A BSN was one of the stated job requirements. She applied for the position, interviewed and accepted an offer of employment. "Had I not earned my BSN, I would not have been an eligible candidate," Hanson said. "I have just completed my fifth year at Greenfield-Central as the corporation nurse. I love my job. I love working in my own community." WGU Indiana has responded to Indiana's focus on STEM-based education and tech sector employment growth over the past seven years by developing new degrees; from a B.S. in health information management to bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity and information assurance and data analytics. The university's online software development degree was recently named the best in the nation by College Choice. For information about WGU Indiana's degree programs and scholarships, visit indiana.wgu.edu. About WGU Indiana WGU Indiana offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs in business, education, information technology and healthcare, including nursing. The non-profit university's competency-based model allows students to accelerate through coursework at their own pace. In 2012, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education recognized WGU Indiana for its contributions to the Commission's "Reaching Higher, Achieving More" agenda for excellence in academic quality. The university was also recognized as one of Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2013. In 2014, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) ranked WGU's secondary teacher preparation program first for quality, among 2,400 schools. According to a 2014 Gallup study, WGU graduates are more likely than graduates from other U.S. universities to have the jobs they want, feel engaged at work and have an emotional attachment to their alma mater. Media Contact: Lisa Abbott Lisa.abbott@wgu.edu 317-532-7891 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-seven-years-wgu-indiana-touts-growth-offers-workforce-solutions-300472643.html SOURCE WGU Indiana LAS VEGAS, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds gathered Saturday, June 10, at the Asian Culture Center for Nevada's Immigrant Heritage Month Dedication Ceremony + Cultural Showcase to celebrate the fourth annual Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM), a nationwide effort to gather and share the inspirational stories of immigrants in America. Attendees were also encouraged to give back to the community by volunteering to help local immigrant-serving organizations. The evening included performances by Latin musicians, the Comparsa Fiesta Morelense dance troupe of Las Vegas and Korean and Polynesian dance groups. U.S. Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada's 4th congressional district was the event's keynote speaker and spoke of his family's journey to the U.S. and his pledge to stand with immigrants. "My family came here in pursuit of the American dream," Kihuen said. "And the simple fact that a former undocumented immigrant is serving in Congress is a testament of the greatness of this country." "We are overwhelmed by the turnout and support that was displayed on behalf of Immigrant Heritage Month," said FileRight.com Founder and CEO Cesare Alessandrini. "So many great folks came out to help celebrate their immigrant heritage and take part in an event that celebrated cultural diversity. We were delighted to partner with IAmAnImmigrant.com and the team at FWD.us to help put together and sponsor such an incredible event. Additionally, we are excited to see support for IHM coming from more than 250 companies and nonprofit partners, including Facebook, Verizon, Snapchat, Refinery29, MTV, HBO and Airbnb." For more information about the event and Immigrant Heritage Month, please visit fileright.com/IHM or facebook.com/fileright. About FileRight.com FileRight.com is an online software company dedicated to setting immigrants on the path of success by focusing on one thing: getting immigration paperwork filed right. FileRight.com's software (available in English or Spanish) guides applicants through the process step-by-step and checks for errors or problematic entries along the way. Popular application filing packages also include an immigration lawyer consultation and a review of applications prior to filing. FileRight.com offers 24/7 support and a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Learn more at www.FileRight.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/filerightcom-and-community-organizations-stand-with-immigrants-at-nevadas-immigrant-heritage-month-event-300472713.html SOURCE FileRight.com MIAMI, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- GBS International Inc. has made a name for itself in the travel industry, becoming a trusted name for people to depend on when they want to experience the vacations of their dreams. GBS International has become a shining company in the industry for many reasons, but one of the most prominent reasons that it stands out is its commitment to excellent customer service, which GBS International offers its members through its unique personalized concierge services. Through GBS International, jet setters can access a vacation ownership program that allows them to enjoy stunning resorts in destinations across the globe, with concierge services that make vacation planning easy and fun. The secret behind GBS International Inc.'s excellent customer service is its highly trained customer service representatives. This skillful team of employees operates from the company's official call center office in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and the team has seen great success at this location. This success has encouraged GBS International to expand its proficient customer service team and to take an exciting new step. Now, GBS International Inc. is excited to announce that the company will be soon opening a second call center location in the Dominican Republic. This second call center location will be opening in the city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and the largest city in the country. This new location will soon open with an initial crew of 20 new employees, and GBS International Inc. hopes to expand the team from there, creating new jobs in the city and expanding the valuable customer service team at GBS International. With this expansion the company will be able to better assist its members and customers, and even further improve the exceptional experiences that GBS International members enjoy when they choose to vacation with the company. The new office and the expanded staff will make it easier for GBS International to quickly and efficiently serve its members and ensure that they are enjoying carefree travel to their favorite destinations. With the help of GBS International Inc. and its ever expanding team of excellent customer service representatives, having the vacation of a lifetime is easier than ever. GBS International's concierge service will ensure that guests are helped with every aspect of their vacation planning, from the moment they choose a destination, until they return home. In the meantime, guests will enjoy memorable trips to worldwide accommodations and will be able to benefit from a number of membership perks including a flexible vacation ownership experience. With continuing efforts and expansions from GBS International on the horizon, members are sure to have the vacations that they have so long been dreaming of. GBS International is excited to be starting this new chapter for the company, and looks forward to continuing to expand the business. To learn more visit www.gbsinternationalinc.com. Media Contact: GBS International Inc, GBS International Inc, (786) 441-2146, info@gbsinternationalinc.com News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com SOURCE GBS International Inc. TUCSON, Ariz., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to North Korean missile tests and threats to Hawaii, state officials are looking at nuclear preparedness plans that have not been updated since 1985, according to the British newspaper Express. The plans include "reviewing existing procedures for mass casualty and fatality management," in addition to "conducting in-service training for key staff regarding weapons effects." A strike on Honolulu, which is now within reach of North Korean missiles, could kill around 40,000 people. Los Angeles is also within range. Additionally, the whole U.S. could be affected by the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a high-altitude explosion of a single nuclear warhead. The electrical grid could be destroyed, crippling the entire nation and resulting in massive deaths. Replacing critical large transformers could take decades. "Congress and the Administration need to take immediate action to harden the grid against EMP," states Physicians for Civil Defense president Jane M. Orient, M.D. U.S. nuclear preparedness is not simply outdated, she adds. "The rudimentary program we had in the 1950s is virtually gone." Radiation monitors suitable for measuring the high doses that could result from a nuclear detonation were destroyed or given away and not replaced. A few are still available on the private market, along with superior technology that the federal government has ignored. "We also lack a nation-wide fallout-monitoring net." Much could be done at minimal cost, as demonstrated in a project that trained and equipped rural Arizona fire stations. But today, American civil defense is "self-help." Physicians for Civil Defense distributes information to help to save lives in the event of war or other disaster. Contact: Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, janeorientmd@gmail.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hawaii-responds-to-north-korean-threat-others-must-also-states-physicians-for-civil-defense-300473143.html SOURCE Physicians for Civil Defense The holy month of Ramadan is mostly associated with fasting, prayer and piety but those living under the Iranian Regime mostly associate it with brutal crackdowns under the guise of religion. So far, the Regime has arrested 590 people in Fars Province, 90 in Qazvin, and 50 in Urimia for breaking their fast or breaking cultural norms. It is worth noting that the Regime also considers it to be a crime to eat (or pretend to eat) in public during Ramadan, even if you are on or in private property (such as your vehicle) but can be seen by others. A brigadier from the Iranian Regimes personal terror squad, the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Taqi Mohri, said: Inside the car is not considered as a private place; therefore any attempt for breaking fasting inside the car is considered a crime, and the police will arrest and then hand them over to the judicial authorities. The Regime has also made clear that any woman not veiled properly will also be subject to arrest, although it was strange of them to bring it up considering that this is how the Regime conducts itself all the time, not just during Ramadan. Taghi Mehri, the head of the regimes traffic police force said: Mall-veiling and unveiling is a crime too, and against the religious norms. [members of the]police force, in the case of observing such things will transfer those people, who committed such crimes to judiciary. It is more likely that following the sham elections, which the majority of Iranians boycotted, the Regime leaders are looking to prevent a full-scale uprising by suppressing the people and making them scared to defy the mullahs. If anything, it proves that the Iranian Regime is scared of the people and their organised, democratic, resistance forces, who seek to provide Regime change in Iran. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, spoke against the enforcement of religion at the Interfaith Solidarity Against Extremism conference on June 3. She said: The spirit of Islam abhors all forms of compulsion, coercion and forcible prohibition, ranging from imposing the compulsory veil to the forced observance of fasting and prayers by flogging and terror, to preventing the construction of Sunni mosques, and especially to imposing the rule of a government under the name of God and Islam. The Company adds a fifth building in California to expand R&D capabilities Irvine Scientific, a world leader in the development and manufacture of cell culture media, today announced the expansion of its Orange County, California offices and laboratories, with the addition of a 40,000 square foot purpose-built R&D center at 17112 Armstrong Ave, Irvine, California. The growth of the company is in response to increased customer demand for Irvine Scientifics cell culture and media reagents, and follows the significant expansion of its R&D facilities less than 5 years ago. The new building will also contain other departments that currently reside within its southern California based headquarters enabling the Company to expand other capabilities, such as media customization for customers, conducted at its headquarters in Santa Ana. Along with the other facilities in Santa Ana, CA this increases the total space occupied by Irvine Scientific in Orange County to over 140,000 square feet. This addition allows us to continue our expansion of R&D, which supports our longer-term strategy of maintaining a leadership position of innovation in cell culture media and reagents said Tim Mullane, Chief Operating Officer. Additional capacity will allow us to expand our space and staff dedicated to advancing cell culture technology important to our customers. Along with this growth we will continue to advance our analytical capabilities and services to our customers. Customers producing biologicals, vaccines, and cell-based therapies often require expert assistance from the Companys scientists and experts to modify and optimize the cell culture conditions during various stages of a programs development. With the opening of the new facility, Irvine Scientific plans to expand the laboratories and staff located in its main Headquarters that are dedicated to providing these services to customers. Tim Mullane added, While the R&D capability expands, the space dedicated to our Express Media Services within our corporate HQ location will expand. This group currently supports our biopharmaceutical and cell therapy customers and has experienced dramatic growth in the last several years. As the Company continues to grow, it intends to continue to expand its offering products and services to biopharmaceutical, stem and immune cell therapy companies and medical devices for the IVF laboratories worldwide. For more information please visit www.irvinesci.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613006272/en/ Irvine Scientific Lori Serles 949-261-7800 x145 lserles@irvinesci.com or Lorna Cuddon +44-(0)7811996942 lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com BOCA RATON, Fla., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Israel Bonds National Campaign Advisory Council has appointed Matthew Maschler of Boca Raton, Florida as the newest Council member. Israel Bonds underwrite securities issued by the State of Israel in the United States and ranks among Israel's most valued economic and strategic resources with a record of proven success spanning sixty-six years. The Advisory Council was developed several years ago to focus on guiding campaigns, national events, and leadership delegation, and to provide vital contacts to the business and Jewish community to introduce new leaders and purchasers to the organization. IBNCAC members meet quarterly and includes a group of officers with specific portfolios, the chair of each local council throughout the United States, and additional persons who each serve a 3-year term on the Council. It is a diverse group of nationally recognized leaders representing different demographics, industry sectors and geographic regions to provide a balanced viewpoint on all issues. Each member is nominated and appointed after demonstrating experience in the areas of entrepreneurship, moral leadership, and support of the Jewish community. "It is an honor to be asked to serve on the National Campaign Advisory," said Matthew Maschler. "Sales of the Israel Bonds have helped Israel evolve as a leader in technology and other sectors, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. I am dedicated to continuing the success and support of the global Jewish community." Matthew Maschler is a real estate investor living in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife and two children. He is passionate about the State of Israel and the Jewish people. His support of these causes brought him to the attention of Israel Bonds national leadership at a dinner hosted by Warren Buffett last fall. To learn more about the Israel Bonds National Campaign Advisory Council please visit http://israelbonds.com/. For more information on Matthew Maschler, please call 561-289-1000 or visit http://realestatefinder.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/matthew-maschler-appointed-to-israel-bonds-national-campaign-advisory-council-300473271.html SOURCE Matthew H. Maschler The Xiaomi Mi 6 had been announced back in April, and it seems like the sales have been better than expected, as a China-based analyst is predicting that Xiaomi will cross the 80-million sales mark this year. Just to be clear, the company is not expected to sell 80 million Xiaomi Mi 6 units, but 80 million smartphones in general, and the Xiaomi Mi 6 will definitely help them get there, as its in high demand at the moment, and chances are it will stay that way for the foreseeable future. This information comes from a China-based industry analyst, Sun Chungxu. He claims that H1 shipments are actually a problem for most OEMs, but Xiaomi seems to be doing great in that department. Not only is the Mi 6 doing really well, but Xiaomi apparently managed to attract interesting from really good investors. Mr. Changxu also mentions Yuri Milner, who is one of Xiaomis top investors, and Xiaomis valuation is currently over $80 million. Now, on top of really good Xiaomi Mi 6 sales, Xiaomi had already introduced some Redmi-branded devices and is expected to introduce more by the end of the year. Not only that, but the Xiaomi Mi 6 Plus, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 and the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 are all expected to arrive, and the company is expecting really good sales for all of those devices, not to mention that the Mi 5 is still selling well for them in some areas. Having said that, its worth noting that Xiaomi sold around 58 million smartphones in 2016, at least according to predictions, as the company never confirmed that info. Needless to say, 2016 was not a great year for the company, but it seems like Xiaomi is back. For comparisons sake, Xiaomi managed to sell 61 million smartphones in 2014, while they moved around 70 million units in 2015, and thanks to that, Xiaomi was the first-placed OEM in China at the end of that year. Xiaomi is facing really tough opponents in China at the moment as Huawei, OPPO and Vivo are doing great, and have enjoyed brilliant 2016, so it remains to be seen if Xiaomi will be able to counter them this year. Advertisement Buy the Xiaomi Mi 6 Google poached a top mobile system-on-chip (SoC) architect from Apple and intends to manufacture in-house chipsets for its future Pixel devices, industry sources said on Tuesday. The Alphabet-owned tech giant reportedly hired one Manu Gulati, Apples micro-architect thats been working for the Cupertino, California-based consumer electronics manufacturer for almost eight years, having originally joined the firm in the summer of 2009. Gulati was hired by Google in recent weeks, industry sources said, with the architects LinkedIn profile seemingly confirming as much, listing him as being employed by Google since April. Gulati is now the leading SoC Architect at the Mountain View company and will reportedly be joined by a number of other industry experts that Google is planning to hire in the near future. Apart from Gulatis update to his LinkedIn profile, none of the involved parties have commented on the matter in any official capacity as of this writing. Gulati is personally listed as an inventor of 15 SoC patents held by Apple and is said to have played a large role in the development of the companys custom chips powering numerous iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV lineups. The fact that Apples devices rely on its own chips allows the firm to join its mobile hardware and software efforts to a degree that wouldnt be possible if it used a third-party SoC supplier like most other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Google do. The original Pixel and Pixel XL were powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 821 and their successors are said to feature the Snapdragon 835, neither of which can be used by other phone makers as efficiently as Apple uses its in-house chips. With Google being well-aware of that fact, the Mountain View, California-based tech giant is now seemingly adamant to follow in Apples footsteps and start designing its own SoCs in the future. Even if the Alphabet-owned firm is currently ramping up its efforts to manufacture in-house mobile chips, that technology is unlikely to be commercialized next year in time for the Pixel 3-series devices, with Google still having no other option in the short term but to make the most out of Qualcomms silicon for the Pixel 2, Pixel XL 2, and its other upcoming handsets. An update on the firms hardware endeavors is expected to follow in the coming months. Google has opened up a branch of the Google Digital Academy in central London, where Googlers with experience in a wide variety of industries will be on hand to help teach a broad range of topics pertaining to the digital world to customers. This academy does not center on the technical aspects of whats being taught, such as how to program or implement a search engine, but on how those technologies can be used in marketing, communications, logistics, and other outside ventures. Essentially, the aim is to make professionals whose jobs regularly put them into contact with technology and the web more tech-savvy and creative in their approach to the integration of modern technology with their duties. The Academy offers master classes on topics like mobile, search, brand solutions, and even more specific things like a special Squared program that grooms industry veterans of eight to 12 years into all-around digital gurus. Google staff and industry experts in markets like communications, marketing, and creative fields teach classes that are specifically tailored to individuals or groups, and some, such as the Squared program, are even restricted to those who are invited. Classes can take many forms, from part-time programs stretching across months, to intense workshops akin to the ones featured annually at Google I/O events, where eager learners can pack in as much of the Academy staff members knowledge as possible within a short time. All of the full-time academy staff are Googlers from various backgrounds with experience in fields relevant to the academys material. Google did not say exactly who else may be on hand to teach its classes. The Academys various programs have varying availability throughout the UK and Germany, with two central campuses that offer the full spectrum of available programs; one in Hamburg, Germany, and the new one in London. Classes are taught exclusively in person, and learners cannot just show up to an in-session class. Anybody who wants to join a class has to get in touch with a local Google sales representative to make the necessary arrangements. Google has not announced the costs of its various programs and classes, nor has it announced if or when more campuses could pop up. HTC is gearing up for the launch of the HTC U11 in India, as the electronics company recently started sending invites for the handsets unveiling event scheduled to take place on Friday, June 16, at 11:30 AM local time. Pricing details for the Indian market have not yet been revealed, however, the smartphone launched in the United States, Canada, and the UK for the equivalent price of roughly $650 to $700, meaning that the HTC U11 in India should cost between 42,000 and 45,000 rupees. The HTC U11 was officially announced in May and released in China later the same month. It also launched in the US market last week where the flagship phone seems to have attracted enough buyers to reach an out of stock status in just a couple of days of market availability. The handset is now officially heading towards India where it will be introduced later this week; however, whether or not the smartphone will become available for purchase on the same date remains to be seen. Its also possible that the company might offer the HTC U11 on pre-order terms for a while before actually releasing it in the following days or weeks. As for what the HTC U11 has to offer, this is the companys first flagship to promote the new Squeeze for the Brilliant U tagline, which is supposed to reflect the pressure-sensitive technology employed by its chassis. The technology adds an extra layer of gesture control, allowing users to squeeze the edges of their smartphone in order to issue certain commands. Another characteristic specific to the HTC U11 is the inclusion of USonic active noise-cancelling earbuds that are bundled with the phone. As for its hardware internals, assuming that the HTC U11 in India will share the same characteristics with the variant launched in the US and other regions, the smartphone should make use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip (SoC) manufactured using Samsungs 10nm FinFET LPE process nodes, housing eight Kryo 280 CPU cores and the Adreno 540 graphics chip. However, unlike the HTC U11 launched in the United States, the flagship in India is expected to be released in two main variants, housing 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM or 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. More details about pricing and availability of the different variants of the HTC U11 should follow shortly. HTC has officially released the full kernel source for its new U11 flagship, meaning that community development for the device promises to be active so long as it proves popular, since HTC will presumably keep up its tradition of offering an official bootloader unlock for its devices with the U11. The kernel source is available for the unlocked variant, as well as versions of the phone from T-Mobile, O2, Vodafone, EE, and Voda-Hutch. Only the European models had their source codes released so far, but more will presumably come as the device sees wider release worldwide. The kernel sources are available from HTCs website as ZIP files, making it easy for developers to pull them apart and modify them. Custom ROM enthusiasts will certainly be giving the device a hard look because of this move, but releasing a full kernel source has development implications far beyond just keeping the device alive and updated beyond its shelf life, or installing LineageOS the day you buy the phone. Giving developers full access to the phones kernel source means it will be easy for them to optimize apps for the HTC U11, or even build exclusive apps for it by creating them from the ground up with the U11s hardware and software core in mind. This goes double for apps like VR experiences and machine learning solutions, and any other types of software that harnesses the full power of the device and has to integrate closely with its hardware and software in order to run at its very best. HTC has been unlocking bootloaders of its devices and occasionally releasing kernel sources since all the way back in 2011, giving its phones some of the strongest development communities of all the major global OEMs. This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the way that Samsung and some other phone makers run things. While Samsungs devices are more popular, there exists a large community for which an unlockable bootloader and a fully open kernel source are key features, and can be a strong selling point. HTCs current standing in the global smartphone market is less than ideal, but the firm remains one of the most recognizable OEMs out there thanks to things that make its devices different from the competition, including this very policy. Motorola is holding an event on June 27th as it seems to have begun sending out invites telling people to save the date and that they should wait for an update. While the invite doesnt mention anything specific about what the event is for, there are a few pieces of information to be grabbed from the invite. For starters, beyond the date, the time is listed as 19:00, and the wait for update likely refers to people waiting for more information on the event and perhaps what will be unveiled. The invite also states that Motorola is back, and perhaps this is a reference to the old Motorola that customers knew and loved before the Lenovo buyout. While Lenovo will still be the owners of Motorola, it seems this might be signifying a return to Motorola branding of devices and such. The last piece of information that can be picked up is the phone being held in the persons hand that appears in the image. While its not exactly clear which phone is being pictured here, the device does have a dual rear camera, which means its not the Moto Z2 Play, and is likely the Moto Z2 or Moto Z2 Force. Its not likely that the phone is the Moto X4, as that device showed up in a leaked video back in the beginning of May, and in that video you can see the phone shown off in slides, where the dual rear cameras are present, but the LED flash is above the sensors, where the LED flash in the image below is clearly below the camera sensors. This suggests that the Moto Z2 and Moto Z2 Force are likely the device in question. Another interesting detail is that this event is also a week after the Motorola event thats to be held in Brazil on June 21st. Though it isnt known what the June 21st event is about either, each event probably has its own agenda as it wouldnt make sense for Motorola to unveil the same set of deices for two separate events a week apart from each other. That being said, Motorola has kept things under wraps, but perhaps more information will leak out leading up to these two event dates. An official, speaking anonymously to Al Arabiya, said that five Iranians had been arrested after they were found with incriminating equipment near the area where the blast happened. He said: After the explosion and during the investigation and inspection on Friday night, the Iraqi intelligence forces arrested five Iranians who had explosives and remote control devices at the area near the blast site, in the eastern Abbasid. He added that the arrestees were taken away for interrogation, but the intelligence headquarters were surrounded by Iran-backed militia groups. He said: The security forces transferred the Iranian detainees to the Karbala intelligence headquarters for interrogation. But minutes later dozens of Brigade Ali Akbar and Badr Organization militias supported by Iran surrounded the headquarters of the intelligence of Karbala. According to the source, members of the militia groups ordered that the five Iranian people who were arrested were released immediately. However, the head of intelligence refused their demand and said that he would return the men to authorities in Baghdad, emphasising that this was not going to be negotiated. Faced with this news, the militias then proceeded to force their way into the intelligence buildings and took the 5 men that were being held. They also forcefully took the head of the intelligence department that refused to release the detainees. Although they released the head of intelligence in the early hours of Saturday morning, it is still unknown what has happened to the five Iranian men. For this reason, many have suspicions about Irans involvement in the bombing in the city. Irans media was very keen to emphasise that Iranian nationals were nowhere near where the blast happened, but apart from this there has been a general media blackout with regards to the attack. Suspicions have also been raised with regards to the timing of the bombing that look place in Tehran last week. On Wednesday, the shrine to the founder of the Islamic Republic Khomeini and also the citys parliament building came under attack. Many believe that the attacks were orchestrated by Iran so it could portray itself as a victim of terrorism. In international news, numerous Arab powers have severed ties with Qatar which has been a big supporter of terrorism. It has sent huge sums of money to the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces an umbrella organisation of militias. Nokias chief technology officer, Hossein Moiin, has stated that carriers and network vendors in Europe may be a bit behind their counterparts in other markets, especially Asia and the US, but local elements Orange and Vodafone, among others, do not seem to share that sentiment. While Moiin feels that investment and development in 5G could use a boost in Europe, some local carriers are insistent that the opposite is true; other places need to slow down on their 5G rollouts, since the standard has not even been made official by the 3GPP yet. According to Moiin, European authorities could help to move 5G investment along by essentially letting operators conduct mergers and acquisitions as they please. Even if the European Commission went through with this plan, however, a number of key players may not be willing to play along. Orange, one of the biggest carriers in Europe, specifically said that it would have no intention of participating in efforts of such a nature, should they come to be. On a similar note, the European Commission reportedly received word earlier in the year from some larger carriers essentially saying that the 5G plan it had laid out was not feasible. That plan called for major investment, and acceleration of development and rollout in a manner not unlike what the United States has done. In the US, most wireless carriers are promising to roll out 5G solutions as quickly as possible, with T-Mobile promising to get full 5G coverage across their network by the end of 2020. The American wireless scene at large, with few exceptions, is pushing for the 3GPP to complete the standard ahead of schedule to allow for earlier development and rollouts. Nokia, for its part, has been working diligently at rolling out 5G services alongside partners worldwide, as well as 4.9G designed to serve as an incremental rollout, and provide fallback coverage so that customers who wander out of 5G coverage areas still have higher speeds and better signal than todays typical LTE networks provide. It has been testing 5G solutions in Europe that use unusual frequency bands, among other strategies. The company has even partnered up with Chinese chipmaker MediaTek, whose products are used by the majority of OEMs worldwide in at least some of their products, to help roll out 5G on a global scale faster. Introduction As Sonys latest offering, the Xperia XZ Premium, goes on sale officially in the U.S., we compare it against the reigning king of the premium smartphone segment this year, Samsungs all-conquering Galaxy S8, to see if the new Sony handset has what it takes to displace the popular Samsung device from the top. Can Sony finally take the fight to its Asian rival after years of trying unsuccessfully? After all, the Xperia XZ Premium is the device that won the title of the Best New Smartphone at MWC 2017 at the GSM Alliance Awards earlier this year, so it is certainly something to watch out for, but can it really convince iPhone and Galaxy users to switch allegiance? Is the Japanese consumer electronics giant offering enough bang for the buck with the $799 price-tag on its all-new handset, especially considering that flagship devices from not just Samsung, but also other tier-1 vendors like LG and HTC cost significantly lower? Theres only one way to find out. Specifications Sony Xperia XZ Premium Advertisement The Xperia XZ Premium is unquestionably one of the best-looking smartphones in the market today, and thats saying something in a year when most manufacturers have stepped up their game considerably in terms of their design. The device also boasts of really some impressive hardware, on par with the very best on offer right now. It features an IPS LCD Triluminous display with 4K pixel resolution (3840 x 2160). That gives the 5.46-inch panel a massive pixel density of 807dpi, which is higher than any mainstream smartphone in the market today. Thankfully, the display is also scratch resistant, seeing as it is protected by Cornings Gorilla Glass 5. The rest of the hardware spec-sheet of the Xperia XZ Premium is also equally impressive, including the Snapdragon 835 chip that powers the device. The chip comes with eight custom Kryo 280 cores, four of which are clocked at 2.45GHz while the other four run at a maximum frequency of 2.19GHz. An integrated Adreno 540 GPU takes care of all the graphics processing needs. The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded by a microSD card of up to 256GB in capacity. Like most Sony flagships before it, the Xperia XZ Premium is also fully waterproof and dust resistant, and comes with an IP68 certification, meaning, it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes at a stretch. In terms of optics, the Xperia XZ Premium bucks the dual rear-camera trend, and comes with a single 19-megapixel sensor with 5-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS), PDAF and laser autofocus along with the customary LED flash on the back. The camera has an f/2.0 aperture, a 25mm focal length and a 1/2.3 sensor size, with software features that include geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR and panorama. The camera can record 4K videos at 30fps and 720p videos at an astonishing 960fps, although only for very short bursts (just about 0.15 seconds). The front facing camera is a 13-megapixel sensor that can record 1080p videos at 30fps and, comes with an f/2.0 aperture, a 22mm focal length, a 1/3-inch sensor size and 1.12m pixel size. Advertisement As is to be expected from top-end smartphones, the Xperia XZ Premium also ships with a whole host of sensors including, an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, barometer, magnetometer (e-compass) and color spectrum sensor. The device carries a non-removable 3,230mAh Li-ion battery with support for Qualcomms Quick Charge 3.0, while cellular connectivity includes support for 4G LTE, 3G HSPA and 2G GSM standards. The Xperia XZ Premium features USB Type-C connectivity, but also includes a 3.5mm audio port, something thats going the way of the dinosaurs in modern-day smartphones. In terms of software, the device comes with pre-installed Android 7.1 Nougat and will very likely receive the Android O update going forward. While all of that sounds well and good, theres one very important point that simply needs to be noted if youre thinking of buying the device in the U.S. Sony hasnt been including fingerprint scanners in its newer devices in the country because of reasons the company is yet to explain fully, and this particular device isnt an exception either. So in spite of a rather hefty price-tag of $799, the device doesnt come with a standard biometric sensor thats become de rigueur in most smartphones around the $100 price-point and above these days. Whether that becomes an obstacle towards the Xperia XZ Premium becoming a success remains to be seen, but the Japanese giant will do well to sort out this mess as soon as possible if it truly wants to give Samsung a run for their money going forward. Samsung Galaxy S8 Advertisement The Galaxy S8 has proven to be runaway hit globally for Samsung this year. The South Korean consumer electronics giant would have been hoping for some good news after the controversies and scandals that rocked the company in 2016, but it couldnt possibly have hoped for the overwhelming response its latest smartphone received from the media and the public alike. The device is, quite simply, one of the most stunning looking gadgets ever, but it also offers some of the very best hardware money can buy right now. Theres really very little to say about the device that hasnt already been said by somebody somewhere, and with over five million units of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus sold in just the first month after their launch, chances are, they will become two of the best-selling smartphones of all time, although not if the likes of Apple, Sony, HTC and LG can have their say. The Galaxy S8 comes with some really impressive hardware, but the first thing that strikes you when you take a look at it is how futuristic it looks compared to all its rivals in the market today. Thats because it is completely devoid of bezels on its sides, and even the top and bottom bezels have been trimmed down to a minimum. The trademark physical Home button has been done away with and the fingerprint scanner shunted to the back, right next to the camera housing. The capacitive hardware navigation buttons have also given way to on-screen software navigation keys, much like Googles Pixel and Pixel XL. The only hardware that remain on the front are the earpiece, the front-facing camera, the notification LED and the proximity sensor, all of which lie on the ultra-thin top bezel, while the bottom bezel is devoid of any clutter whatsoever. The Galaxy S8 features a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display that comes with an aspect ratio of 18.5:9 and a pixel resolution of 2960 x 1440. Samsung also makes use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to protect the glass panels on the front and the back. While that remains constant for all Galaxy S8 units sold around the world, the device actually comes in two different variants in terms of what lies under its hood. While the U.S.-spec Galaxy S8 is powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC from Qualcomm, the model sold in most regions around the world is powered by an Exynos 8895 SoC thats designed and developed in-house by Samsung. The Qualcomm chip is exactly the same one used by Sony in the Xperia XZ Premium, although, the CPU cores are clocked slightly lower in this device with four of them running at 2.35Ghz and four others at 2.19 GHz. As for the Exynos chip, it comes with an integrated octa-core CPU with four cores clocked at 1.7GHz and four cores at 2.3GHz. The SoC also has a Mali-G71 MP20 GPU that takes care of all the graphics processing needs. Advertisement The Galaxy S8 packs 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and has 64GB of built-in UFS 2.1 storage that can be expanded by a microSD card. Imaging options on the Galaxy S8 include a rear-facing Dual Pixel 12-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, phase detection auto focus (PDAF), LED flash, auto HDR and optical image stabilization (OIS). On the front, theres an 8-megapixel auto-focus sensor with a wide-angle lens that also employs the same f/1.7 aperture. The battery on the Galaxy S8 is a 3,000mAh unit with support for Quick Charge 3.0. Like the Xperia XZ Premium, the Galaxy S8 also comes with IP68 certification, denoting its resistance to water and dust. The device measures 148.9mm in length, 68.1mm in width and 8mm in thickness, while weighing in at 155 grams. In terms of software, the Galaxy S8 comes with Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box. The device is expected to receive Android O going forward, although, going by Samsungs record, that might not happen this year. The South Korean tech giant also introduced its own AI personal assistant called Bixby on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus in a bid to take on Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Bixby can not only answer simple search queries, but you can actually use it to get detailed information about architectural landmarks just by pointing the phones camera at buildings and monuments in many cities around the world. The device also comes with the Samsung Connect software that allows users to hook it up to other, connected Samsung devices. And The Winner Is Advertisement The Final Word The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is an excellent all-round smartphone with a build quality thats second to none. It packs the latest hardware, offers comprehensive protection from the elements and, comes with a striking, yet elegant design thats unmistakably Sony. On paper, its got pretty much everything youd want from a modern-day smartphone, so this should really be an interesting tussle between these two, at least in theory. However, in reality, it was difficult to ignore a couple of key issues while deciding the winner in this contest. First and foremost, theres the curious case of the missing fingerprint scanner that admittedly, is an annoyance only for U.S. residents, but it still doesnt auger well for Sony when its claiming to be the very best. Especially so in a critical market like the U.S. where other brands are including the fingerprint scanner in their handsets. Secondly, theres the question of price. At $799 unlocked, the Xperia XZ Premium takes its name way too seriously for its own good, and with a price thats higher than pretty much everything else in the market today, the device would be a hard sell, with or without its full complement of biometric sensors. Make no mistake, the Xperia XZ premium is an extremely good smartphone in its own right and will certainly provide a good ownership experience. However, several other devices from tier-1 brands currently offer similar features at lower price-tags, which makes it somewhat difficult to recommend it right now. A $200 price correction and a reintroduced fingerprint scanner will go a long way towards the Sony Xperia XZ Premium becoming a recommended buy, but right now, all things considered, there are better options available in the market. A new report claims Samsung is preparing to release the Galaxy Note FE next month with the Bixby virtual assistant on board. Its been known for some time now that Samsung has been preparing a relaunch of the Galaxy Note 7 under a different name in order to reuse some of the old devices that were recalled. Original rumors pointed towards a launch towards the end of this month but, according to todays report, the company has pushed the release back to July 7th in order to offer a higher number of units. The report claims that Samsungs initial offering was going to be 300,000 units, but has now decided to increase this by 150,000, therefore taking the total set to be on offer up to 450,000 which are said to be shipped to three carriers in South Korea. Now, other than the name and the size of the battery, the rest of the internals of the new Galaxy Note FE are set to be identical to the original Galaxy Note7. The report does claim, though, that Samsung is set to bring the device in line with the newer Galaxy S8 line. Its set to do this by releasing the device with the Bixby virtual assistant on board, due to the fact that the exterior of the device is that of the Galaxy Note 7s, though, this model will not offer a dedicated Bixby button, which may even please a few customers due to the fact that many dislike the dedicated button on the Galaxy S8 line. Now, considering the model is a refurbished device, Samsung will be offering the phablet at a cheaper price than the original, with this report claiming it will be somewhere between $650 and $670, compared to the originals $875 at launch. Considering the relatively high price for the model, as well as the negative views surrounding the original model, its likely that demand for the model wont be too high, but considering the Galaxy Note 7 was considered to be one of the best devices on the market at the time of release, its likely the company will have no problem shifting the 450,000 units that its set to make. For the time being, Samsung has still not made a statement regarding the model, but considering the reported launch is less than a month away, it wouldnt be surprising to see an announcement within the next couple of weeks. In case anybody outside of South Korea is interested in the Galaxy Note FE, unfortunately, it appears that Samsung has no plans to launch the device elsewhere, with the existence of the model simply being a way of reducing the amount of waste produced as well as the losses incurred because of the Galaxy Note 7. Samsungs upcoming Galaxy S8 Active made a visit to Geekbench, with its latest listing seemingly confirming a number of details about the device. Its been rumored for some time now that Samsung has been preparing a Galaxy S8 Active for an exclusive release on AT&T. The South Koreans Active line goes all the way back to 2013 with the Galaxy S4 Active and, since then, an annual model to match its flagship device has been announced as an exclusive on AT&T and this year appears to be no difference. Looking at todays Geekbench numbers, it appears that the Galaxy S8 Active will be no different to the regular Galaxy S8 as it will sport the Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM, in addition to running Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Regarding the rest of the specs, the majority are expected to remain largely the same, meaning 64GB of internal storage, a rear 12-megapixel camera along and an 8-megapixel selfie sensor. The model will also feature large 5.8-inch Infinity Display with a 1440 x 2960 resolution, just like the regular Galaxy S8, though its not identical. Due to the model being a more rugged device overall, Samsung has opted to remove the curved edges in favor of a completely flat screen, which should improve the smartphones resistance to mechanical damage. As is usual with Samsungs Galaxy Active models, the device will feature water and dust resistance, just like the original model. Finally, the battery present inside the device has been increased to 4,000mAh and is significantly bigger than the 3,000mAh one powering the regular Galaxy S8. Its currently unknown when exactly the Galaxy S8 Active will be announced, though AT&T is expected to unveil it later this month, with the device expected to go on sale in July. Last years Galaxy S7 Active and 2015s Galaxy S6 Active saw their announcements take place in June, so its likely Samsung and AT&T will stick with this release schedule. While the South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) never talked about specific sales of the Galaxy Active lineup, these models are likely relatively popular given how a new model is introduced on a yearly basis. Verizon announced today that its acquisition of Yahoo has finally completed. This comes after Verizon announced that it was buying Yahoo in July 2016. The company then attempted to go back and lower its price, or even get out of the deal, due to the various security hacks that Yahoo had made public. But now, Verizon is the proud owner of about 50 brands, thanks to Yahoo. Verizon is combining Yahoo and AOL into a new company called OATH, which will house many different publications and brands, including Yahoo Sports, The Huffington Post, Engadget, TechCrunch, Tumblr, Flickr and more. Combined, these brands and publications engage with over a billion people around the world. Yahoos CEO, Marissa Mayer has also decided to resign from her role at Yahoo following the acquisition. This is likely due to the number of hacks that were made public after Verizon announced the acquisition last year. In Verizons press release, the company announced that Mayer had chosen to resign and that it wishes her well in her future endeavors. Theres no word on where Mayer may appear next, but itll likely be another tech company, after all, she has been an executive at many of the bigger names in Silicon Valley, including Google, and HP. Verizon bought AOL and then Yahoo so it could use the ad services from both companies for its Go90 service. Verizon offers up Go90 for free, but its ad-supported. And Verizon also wants to compete with Google, who is still king in the ad space. Surprisingly, AOL and Yahoo were Googles only true competitors, as they did hold a decent market share, although pretty small comparatively. Of course, the amount of content that both companies have under their umbrella is definitely good for Verizon, especially with Go90 and their future streaming TV service, which the company has said that it wants to use exclusive content to differentiate its service from other services on the market. And since it is already a pretty competitive market with Sling TV, PlayStation VUE, and YouTube TV thats a pretty good idea. Although many would love to get a true cable TV package without a cable box. Waymo has made a post on Medium officially announcing the retirement of its cute, podlike self-driving Firefly prototype cars. The point of the vehicles was never mass production, according to the post; rather, the Firefly units were meant to help Waymo to get over many of the more subtle humps of self-driving development right from the start by having them design self-driving hardware from the ground up. According to the post, Waymo will be applying what its learned from building the Firefly units in working with Chrysler to mass produce self-driving Pacifica minivans, building on a partnership that was minted last year. The design started out as a simple piece of paper art, as seen in this articles featured image. It evolved over time to accommodate the changing technology that eventually became Waymos current implementation, and formed into the Smartcar-esque pod seen today. That pod may now be in the process of being supplanted by the Pacifica units, but it did manage to deliver Waymos first iconic ride on public roads, granted to Steve Mahan, an unassuming non-Googler who just happened to be legally blind. The ride took place in October of 2015, and its second anniversary will see a Firefly unit heading to Austin, Texas, where the ride took place, to be displayed at The Thinkery. The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix will be visited by a Firefly in August. A few units will take up permanent residence at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, and the Design Museum in London. The Pacifica units that will be taking up the Fireflys mantle will have a few perks besides being mass-produced and potentially being the first commercial self-driving vehicles. They will also have Waymos latest tech on board, integrated top to bottom, and will be able to reach full highway speeds, compared to the 25 mile per hour limit imposed on the Firefly units. The interior will also be outfitted with most of the same accouterments and comforts that the stock Pacifica has. The plan is to build 600 of them in an initial run, and use them for a public early rider program, an open beta of sorts that those interested can apply to through the source link, so long as they happen to be in the Phoenix area. Specifically, Waymo is looking for riders in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert for now. As the UK braces for Brexit, a London-headquartered international firm has announced plans to open an office in Dublin and has scored three partners from other firms to lead the new outpost. Pinsent Masons will establish an office in Dublin, which will initially focus on the financial services and technology sectors. The outpost will be fourth international office the firm opens in less than 18 months.The firm said that it has already identified a 50-strong batch from its top 250 clients who have business in Ireland as the initial clients of the new office. The new office will bring the firms headcount in Ireland to 12 partners and more than fifty lawyers.The firm has appointed partners Gayle Bowen, Andreas Carney, and Dennis Agnew to establish the office. Bowen specialises in investment funds with a particular focus on cross-border mergers. He joins from Walkers and heads the legal and regulatory committee of Irish Funds.Carney, who joins the firm from Matheson, specialises in outsourcing, data protection, and IT. A fluent German speaker, he has particular expertise in IT infrastructure projects.Agney, who is a corporate law expert, joins the firm from Byrne Wallace, where he established the firms New York office. He is recognised in the industry for his work advising domestic and international clients on inward investment matters.We have operated in Ireland for some time on a range of matters and Dublin has long been in our thinking as a key global hub for the financial services and technology industries. That status has only become even more significant in the context of Brexit, said Richard Foley, Pinsent Masons senior partner. The feedback we've had from our clients as we developed our Ireland strategy was that they would welcome a disruptor coming into the market.The news comes after Pinsent Masons recently acquired Brook Graham , a diversity and inclusion consulting company, expanding the firms efforts beyond the traditional business of law. In April, the firm also announced the launch of its office in Madrid. The four-ringed brand has decided to place several models in selected parts of the upcomingMarvel blockbuster. Audis new A8 will be shown in the long-wheelbase version, referred to as the A8 L, and it will be driven in the film by Happy Hogan, played by Jon Favreau.Peter Parker, the main character of the franchise, will be played by Tom Holland, and he will be chauffeured in the A8 L at a point in the movie.Spectators will get to see the front and side of the flagship from Ingolstadt, but a different scene will also show the car driving with the Audi AI traffic jam pilot.Peter Parker will also drive an Audi in the film, in the form of the TTS Roadster, but its big brother, the R8 V10 Spyder, will also be shown as the car driven by Tony Stark. The latters role will be played by Robert Downey Jr., who will be the mentor of the young superhero.Los Angeles was selected as the city to host the premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming, which is scheduled to be first played in a theater on June 28, 2017.The director of the movie is Jon Watts, while the screenplay is made by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers.Audi has already explained that the new A8 will be publicly revealed during the Audi Forum Event, which will be organized in Barcelona (Spain) on July 11.The latest flick from the Spider-Man franchise will be in theaters across the world. The new flagship from the four-ringed brand will be available in dealerships soon after its world premiere, and the first deliveries should take place before the end of this year. SUV NVH FWD AWD The 2018 B-segment model will be placed in the same segment as the Nissan Juke, Toyota CH-R, Ford EcoSport, and Honda HR-V, among others.Hyundais latest product comes with new technologies for the South Korean brand, which include a revamped infotainment unit, along with a new head-up display.The companys home market will be the first to get the Kona , followed by the USA, and it will then reach Europe. Except for Portuga l, all markets will use the Kona name, while the country will get a different name because of its meaning in Portuguese slang.Just like other recent models from the brand, Kona is meant to take the company as close as possible to its goal of becoming Europes number one Asian automotive brand, which is an ambitious objective.Named after a coastal region in Hawaii, the newfrom Hyundai will share its platform with the Kia Stonic. While it is a global model, it will receive minor adjustments for each market, which range from suspension settings, engine options, and other changes in feel and handling.These modifications are routine, and they happen to most cars sold in a global form, even though they may not be observed at a glance. Some markets will get a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, while others get a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Atkinson motor.A 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected unit seems to be universal, and selected markets will also get a diesel of the same displacement.You may have already observed that the new B-segment crossover from South Korea comes with an unusual design, which blends the trapezoidal grille of the company with thin and sharp headlights that look like they come from Citroen.Just like the Juke, the front of the car has three sets of lighting elements. The fog lights are located in the lowest position on the bumper, as it is normal, the DRLs are at the highest position, the dipped beam and high beam sits in the middle.The side does not bring any surprises, and it can be easily mixed digitally with almost any model from this class without anyone noticing. The rear looks like it belongs on a car from this brand, as its lighting signature is visible and stands out of the off-road inspired ornaments.Hyundai claims it will have best-in-class tire trace for enhanced comfort and reduced. The front suspension is a McPherson strut configuration, while the rear depends on the drive system that is chosen.models will get a torsion beam, whileKonas get a dual-arm multi-link setup. Three driving modes are available, and Hyundai has fitted this product with its latest driver assistance technologies.Customers will benefit from an infotainment unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the diagonal of the display ranges from five to eight inches, depending on markets and optional equipment. Some countries will get 4G telematics, DAB digital radio, rear view camera display, smartphone wireless charging (a segment first), and much more. EV kWh The first electric vehicle built by Hyundai was the Soul, which, as the name suggests, was based on the hard-to-classify model that was controversial enough with the added alternative powertrain. It had a decent range at the time compared to offerings from other traditional carmakers, but ultimately it fell short of the market's needs.The second and more recent one is the Ioniq EV, a $29,500 base price d sedan that made its name by becoming the most efficient electric vehicle sold in the US. Sadly, while that might make the headlines, it's no substitute for the lousy 124-mile maximum range obtained thanks to a 28battery pack.But just as the Ioniq EV was announced, a Hyundai official said that "124 is not enough, and we have a plan to extend that to more than 200 by 2018." Well, it seems like the Koreans are on schedule as rumors claim that the recently introduced Kona crossover will spawn an electric version with a range of over 200 miles.242 to be exact (according to AutoGuide ), which would be enough to place it above the Chevrolet Bolt, the current leader in the reasonably-priced EV sector. The all-electric Kona should enter production sometime next year, and given its attractive design and Hyundai's great leaps in build quality over the past decade, there's no reason why it shouldn't be a hit.Those who prefer a more liquid fuel for their zero emissions vehicles should get the option for a fuel cell model as well, even though there isn't any official confirmation yet.If the rumors turn out to be true, it would mean Hyundai was true to its word and delivered the promised range in the specified timeframe. In today's times, that's a very rare feat. SUV The prototypes being driven over in Denmark feature the uber-heavy camouflage we've seen in the previous spy material, but there's one cladding detail that caught our eye.Zoom in on the quarter panel on the right side of the XC40 and you'll notice a fuel filler port, while the fender on the left side of the vehicle might just accomodate a charging port.Whether this is just a camo trick or an actual clue towards the gas-electric powertrain of the crossover, we can be almost certain that the XC40 lineup will involve a plug-in hybrid version ( Volvo enjoys calling such gas-electric setup "Twin Engine"), while all-electric versions are also rumored.Nevertheless, the XC40 will be launched with an engine lineup consisting of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo and a four-cylinder diesel.The fresh CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform developed by the Swedish automaker has been designed to accommodate green motoring solutions.With the compactmarket being on the rise, the Swedes are making sustained efforts to fight the German premium rivals, while brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Infiniti and Lexus are also among the competitors.When it comes to the cabin of the small SUV, we're expecting this to replicate the atmosphere we found on the XC90 , since the flagship SUV of the company has proven to be a hit. Speaking of which, we added a previous series of spyshots to the image gallery, with this involving interior shots of the high-riding model.Once the 2019 Volvo XC40 makes its debut, the automaker will use the said platform to introduce a new V40 hatchback, while an S40 sedan could also be a possibility. Boeing plans to start flight tests next year of an artificial-intelligence system that would be capable of flying a commercial jet, Mike Sinnett, vice president of product development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said at a recent press briefing. Sinnett said his team will fly a simulator later this year with the AI system making some of the piloting decisions, and they will test-fly it next year on a real airplane. Theres going to be a transition from the requirement to have a skilled aviator operate the airplane to having a system that operates the vehicle autonomously, if we can do that with the same level of safety, Sinnett said, according to the Seattle Times. Thats a really big if, he added. The standards that airplanes must meet are much higher than for cars, where fatality rates are high. Autonomous cars can easily improve on the accident rate compared to human drivers. Yet U.S. airlines have not had a fatal accident since 2009. That means the accident rate of autonomous airplanes will need to be as good as zero, Sinnett said. Sinnett said Boeings interest in autonomous flight is driven by a concern that the supply of qualified pilots may not be adequate to meet the needs of airlines. In the next two decades, Boeing forecasts sales of about 40,000 new commercial jets. Where will the experienced pilots come from? Sinnett asked. Sinnett plans to talk more about the autonomy project next week at the Paris Air Show, according to the Times. Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein told senators Tuesday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has "full independence" to investigate the ongoing Russia probe, although he can be fired at any time. Rosenstein said there was "no basis" for firing Mueller, and he would only dismiss him if there was "good cause" even if Trump ordered him to do so. Rosenstein later confirmed he is the only person who could fire Mueller, but noted there was "no secret plan" to remove him, or at least, "no secret plan that involves me." The quote: "I appointed him. I stand by that decision... I am going to defend the integrity of that investigation." Live updates from the hearing: 13 June 2017 14:02 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Dreams of the Armenian government of a bright future of the national economy are continuously fading out, as the real facts and statistics show the true economic situation. Armenian media outlets, economists and experts, who can soberly assess the seriousness of the situation, have long ago stated that the future of Armenia is at high risk. Judging by the state debt of Armenia, which is steadily increasing, it is clear that the economic program presented by the government is crumbling, and there is no reason to hope that the situation will change for the better. The latest data by the National Statistical Service of Armenia show that the state debt of Armenia, by late May 2017, amounts to $6.095 billion. A month earlier, this figure was 6.039 billion, that is, the debt has increased by 56.3 million in just a month. Economists keep warning that the default is not far off, but the government continues to deceive the population by telling fairy tales about Karabakh and about how well Armenians will live in near future. Because of it aggression policy and the long-standing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia has no economic relations and transport links with Azerbaijan and Turkey. There are also difficulties in relations with Georgia that separates Armenia from its main economic partner Russia. The withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani lands would be a real step towards a peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the improvement of Armenias economic situation. However, the longer Armenian government refuses to do so, the more Armenian society will split, while the socio-economic stagnation, and a sharp decline in living standards of the country will continue. Famous Russian expert Dmitry Verkhoturov has commented on the current economic situation in Armenia in his recent interview with Day.az. It was predetermined that Armenia would start 2017 with many unresolved problems, because the Armenian economy was just one step away from recession in recent years, and it was clear that a significant slowdown in the economy would be inevitable, Verkhoturov said. The expert stressed that the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and consequently the isolation of the Armenian economy from numerous regional projects, are the core of economic problems of the country. Short-sighted policy of the ruling elites of the Armenian leadership has brought the country to the red line, to poverty and inevitable default. I believe that economic stagnation is likely to continue, as well as the outflow of population from the country, Verkhoturov said. Thus, the Armenian economy will continue to move into a hopeless abyss as long as the Armenian government pursues its desperate policy in the country and refuses to free the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 12:33 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The European Union will help Azerbaijan to strengthen the accreditation system in the country, said Sabig Abdullayev. The head of the Accreditation Center at the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patent of Azerbaijan told Trend that the EU-funded twinning project called "Strengthening the accreditation system in Azerbaijan" has been launched this month. "The German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) will carry out the project," Abdullayev said, noting that the project aims to contribute to the development of the Azerbaijani economy and expand access of local exporters to the world markets by creating an accreditation system that meets the European requirements. Accreditation plays an important role in increasing competitiveness of the Azerbaijani national economy, as well as in promoting exports, he said. Abdullayev emphasized that currently Azerbaijan Accreditation Center has a number of tasks within the framework of the project. "The main task is to analyze the legislative framework, which governs the activities of the Center, and bring it in line with the requirements of international organizations, or create a new draft law," said Abdullayev. "In addition, it is necessary to improve the knowledge of the Centers staff, as well as external evaluators and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Center." President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on additional measures to improve management in the areas of metrology, accreditation and protection of patent rights on February 11, 2017. Under the decree, Azerbaijan Accreditation Center was established, aiming to ensure compliance with the principles and rules of accreditation, accredit structures for conformity assessment (confirmation), and carry out representation in international structures in this field. The Center will become an associate member of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) soon, and an appropriate decision will be made during the next meeting of the EA General Assembly, which will be held in Berlin in November. The Center further plans to become a full member of EA, which is an association of national accreditation bodies in Europe that are officially recognized by their national Governments to assess and verifyagainst international standardsorganizations that carry out evaluation services such as certification, verification, inspection, testing and calibration. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 17:28 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is interested in financing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project, said Ihsan Ugur Delikanli. The BSTDB President made the remarks at an event dedicated to presentation of the banks opportunities for business and banking sector of Azerbaijan on June 13. I hope that the Azerbaijani government and other partners will consider our participation in the SGC project and a positive decision will be made, said Delikanli. The SGC, worth about $40 billion, envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian Sea 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 project. 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 (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Delikanli further stressed that the BSTDB is interested in funding projects in Azerbaijan in manats. Such funding can be implemented through the issuance of manat bonds by the bank, according to Delikanli. We are already carrying out similar work in three countries. We are currently working on this issue jointly with Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Body. The bond issuance volume will depend on the demand. I think we will proceed straight to the issuance right after completing the preparatory work, he said. He also noted that BSTDB offers medium- and short-term project funding, corporate loans, participation in companies capital and various guarantees. Our main proposals are aimed at supporting the development of non-oil sector of Azerbaijan. In addition, we intend to support small and medium enterprises in the country through cooperation with local banks. It is a priority for us, Delikanli said. In turn, Finance Minister Samir Sharifov noted that the BSTDB since the start of its operation has allocated loans worth 360 million to Azerbaijans private sector Azerbaijan's share in the bank's loan portfolio is 8.3 percent, according to Sharifov. Azerbaijan also participates in the bank's share capital, where the share of our participation is 5 percent. We are the seventh largest shareholder of the bank, he noted. The minister went on to say that in total, the BSTDB has allocated loans worth $4.3 billion for projects in the countries of presence since the start of its activities. Deputy Economy Minister Sahib Mammadov, for his part, stated that Azerbaijan demonstrates resilience to external shocks and adverse processes thanks to the implemented reforms. Diversification of the economy and development of the non-oil sector and entrepreneurship are among the basic constituents of the economic policy, pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. In this context, it is very important to cooperate with international financial organizations, he said. Mammadov reminded that Azerbaijan has recently adopted strategic decisions aimed at improving the business environment in the country. The BSTDB is a multilateral development bank serving 11 countries (Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Armenia, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia) that are members of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). It supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing trade and project financing, guarantees, and equity for development projects. The Bank supports both public and private enterprises in its member countries and does not attach political conditionality to its financing. The BSTDB commenced its operational activities in June 1999. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 12:43 (UTC+04:00) Azercell Telecom LLC has provided its next support to NETTY 2017. Thus, the company acted as the chief partner of the 13th NETTY Award, Azerbaijans first professional award in the field of information technologies, which was established to promote the national segment of the World Wide Web and the IT market as a whole. The award ceremony was attended by representatives of major IT companies in the country, NETTY award nominees, media representatives and numerous guests. The winners of NETTY Academy comprising of the representatives of IT field in the country were selected among 117 projects and resources. The contest announced the best sites in Azerbaijan in the following nominations: "Azerbaijan", "The state website", "Education and science", "Art and culture", "Society", "Information and news", "Service website", "Corporate website", "The best website in the field of e-commerce", "Sports", "Personal website", "Virtual Jurys choice", and awarded presents under honorary nominations ("Program of the Year", "Enrichment of development of national information technologies" and "IT Event of the Year"). Green Baku project, the resident of Barama Center of Azercell Telecom LLC, was one of the winners of National Internet Award NETTY 2017. Thus, www.greenbaku.az site presented by Green Baku, a start-up offering green office materials, was the best project in the nomination Society. The nomination "IT Manager of the Year" was included in this years contest in order to identify the best managers of IT departments in the country. The list of the winners of Azerbaijan National Internet Award NETTY 2017 includes http://prospectacademy.az/ in the nomination "Education and science", http://sputnik.az/ in the nomination "Information and news", http://www.ferdiders.az/ in the nomination "Virtual Jury's Choice", and Baku Airport in the nomination "Mobile Device Program of the Year". The project "Public Internet" launched by Baktelekom at the initiative of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies was announced a winner in the nomination "IT Event of the Year". Information Manager of ADA University Rahid Alekberli received an honorary award in the nomination "Enrichment of development of national information technologies". Azercell constantly supports Azerbaijani youth in improvement of their knowledge in the field of IT and ICT, as well as the projects which help them become world-recognized professionals. The company also contributes to all endeavors aimed for the development of content in Azerbaijani language. For more information, please contact [email protected] The leader of the mobile communication industry of Azerbaijan and the biggest investor in the non-oil sector Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48% share of Azerbaijans mobile market Azercells network covers 80% of the territory and 99,8% of population of the country. Currently, 4,5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, 24/7 Customer Care, online customer services, GPRS/EDGE, M2M, MobilBank, one-stop- shop service offices Azercell Express, mobile e-service ASAN signature, etc. Azercell deployed first 4G LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality surveys of Global Wireless Solutions company and international systems specialized in wireless coverage mapping such as Opensignal and Testmy.net, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 14:51 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The situation with approval of voluntary restructuring plan of foreign obligations of the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA) by foreign creditors will be clarified by mid-July, Azerbaijans Finance Minister Samir Sharifov said on June 13. We have already informed the public about the negotiation process. The situation should clear up by the middle of next month," the minister said. Among the major foreign creditors of the IBA are the American company Cargill, Citibank, Rubrika Finance Company Limited, Credit Suisse AG. The total debt to foreign creditors amounts to $3.3 billion. The bank appealed to the New York court for support in the process of their restructuring. Foreign creditors will not be able to make claims against IBA assets in the process of voluntary restructuring of the bank's foreign obligations, according to the court decision adopted on May 12, 2017. The London court also took a positive decision on the IBA to prevent lawsuits in the UK from foreign creditors regarding the bank's assets. The restructuring plan contemplates a restructuring process to be effected through an exchange of IBAs senior and junior foreign currency obligations for direct sovereign obligations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Pending the implementation of the planned restructuring process, and to ensure equal treatment of all affected creditors, IBA has suspended payments of principal and interest with respect to all obligations to be included in the operation (other than interest under trade finance facilities). In July 2015, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the measures for rehabilitation related to the preparations for privatizing the state-owned shares of the IBA. IBA has been operating since 1992 and is one of the country's two state banks. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 16:52 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) under the Economy Ministry of Azerbaijan started receiving investment projects on priority development areas of Goygol region. Following the business forum in Goygol, the NFES has started accepting entrepreneurs' proposals for financing investment projects on creation of livestock, vine and beekeeping farms, milk and fruit processing enterprises and a hotel. Some 150 million manats ($88 million) will be issued for granting preferential loans to entrepreneurs in 2017. The Fund was created in 1992 and grants loans to entrepreneurs through authorized banks and non-bank lenders, the total number of which is 59. The main goal of the Fund is to provide preferential loans from the state budget for small and medium business, in order to develop entrepreneurship in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Allocation of funds by NFES is aimed at the mitigating of the impact of global economic crisis to the national economy and minimization of its dependence on the oil sector. The country takes steps in its bid to diversify the national economy and provide for the development of entrepreneurship in the country. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 17:10 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition entitled "Glorious samples of Azerbaijani folk art" will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 14. The event to be co-organized by the Azerbaijani embassy in Bulgaria is timed to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Report.az reported. During the exhibition, rich and colorful samples of Azerbaijans traditional handicrafts, such as carpet weaving, jewelry, embroidery, textiles, ceramics and copper will be presented to art lovers. The exhibition will showcase the models of leading carpet weaving centers in Azerbaijan - Guba, Shirvan, Karabakh, various utensils made of copper from the 19th - early 20th centuries from a private collection, as well as a variety of silk scarves - "kyalagai". Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have developed friendly relations after Bulgaria recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in January 1992. The embassy of Bulgaria in Azerbaijan was opened in December 1999. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria over the past five years amounted to about $1 billion. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 13:28 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Materials of the criminal case initiated against blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Azerbaijan, were sent to court, a source in Azerbaijans law enforcement agencies told Trend on June 13. The materials were submitted to judge of the Baku Court on Grave Crimes Alovsat Abbasov for consideration. The time of the preparatory trial will be known in the coming days. Lapshin illegally visited Azerbaijan`s Armenia-occupied lands and now is charged under the articles 281.2 (appeals directed against state) and 318.2 (illegal border crossing) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. He violated Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012. Helped by his accomplices in the occupied territories, Lapshin paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity on April 6 and June 29, 2016. The blogger was arrested in Minsk in late 2016 and transferred to Baku in February 2017. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 17:25 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry has called on foreign states to take measures to prevent the participation of their citizens in an event planned to be held in the countrys occupied territories. Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Hikmat Hajiyev said that Armenia plans to hold an event on September 14-17 with the participation of experts in the occupied Azerbaijani territories allegedly to discuss the problems and prospects of recognizing the illegal regime created on the occupied Azerbaijani lands. Usually, Armenian citizens and representatives of Armenian origin from other countries take part in such events, Hajiyev noted. He went on to add that the real goal of the Armenian side is political provocation, propaganda of the illegal regime created in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, and the use of the invited persons as a tool for political propaganda. Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry urged foreign nationals invited to the event not to succumb to such a lie, not to become a tool for Armenian propaganda and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan,. Hajiyev reminded that illegal visiting of the occupied Azerbaijani lands entails legal responsibility. 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". 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. 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. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 16:00 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The State Housing Construction Agency (MIDA) under the President of Azerbaijan plans to attract investors, who have the potential to build three dwelling-houses in the territory of the housing complex in the Yasamal district of Baku. The Competition Commission reported that selection will be conducted on a competitive basis. The cost of participation in the contest is 300 manats ($176.2), which can be paid by 5:00 p.m, June 17. Proposals from potential investors will be accepted until 5:00 p.m on June 29, reads the report published in the official press on June 13. For the construction of this residential complex, a land plot of 11.6 hectares was allocated last year. The complex is planned to be completed in mid-2018. The town will consist of 29 multi-apartment residential buildings: 17 of them will be two-block and nine-storey and 12 - one-block and 12-storey. Some 301 of 1854 apartments in these buildings will be one-room, 1110 - two-room, 443 - three-room. The area of one-room apartments will be from 31 to 33 m2, two-room apartments - from 50 to 58 m2, three-room apartments - about 70 m2. The MIDA has already started registration of persons wishing to purchase subsidized housing from. The monthly payment for the purchase of a three-room apartment in a mortgage will not exceed 300 manats ($176.2) and for a one-room apartment it will amount to 130-150 manats ($76.4-$88.1). The second project on construction of social houses will also be implemented in the capital city. Within the second project, houses are planned to be constructed in Surakhani district, near Hovsan settlement and cover an area of some 20 hectares. The State Agency for Housing Construction under the President of Azerbaijan was established on April 11, 2016 by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev. The main essence of preferential terms is that the cost of apartments will be lower than the average market value. In addition, citizens will be able to monthly pay the cost of the apartment through a soft mortgage loan of the Azerbaijan Mortgage Fund for a period of 3 to 30 years. The apartments will be completely renovated and equipped with kitchen furniture. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 12:05 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser met with Azerbaijani top-officials within the framework of his visit to Baku. During the meeting with Prime Minister Artur Rasizade on June 12, the sides noted that cooperation on joint projects in non-oil, agricultural, transport, IT, trade, tourism and humanitarian spheres, as well as collaboration within the EU is in the best interests of the two countries. Rasizade said that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to mutually fruitful cooperation with Estonia, Azertac reported. The two countries have political will and necessary legal base for strengthening friendship and expanding economic and cultural relations, he said. During discussion of international and regional problems, Rasizade also touched upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He spoke about the efforts of the republic's leadership to resolve the conflict, as well as the double standards shown by some countries in this matter. He once again reminded that the solution of the issue is possible only within the framework of legal norms, based on the principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Azerbaijan. 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. Earlier on this day, Estonian FM held a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov, where the sides said the two countries enjoy great potential to deepen relations. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 12:37 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Prosecutor General of the Republic of Bulgaria Sotir Tsatsarov in Baku on June 13, Azertac reported. Sotir Tsatsarov extended Bulgarian President Rumen Radev`s greetings to the head of state. The Bulgarian Prosecutor General commended the Azerbaijani people for their work under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Sotir Tsatsarov said he was deeply impressed with the ongoing development processes in Azerbaijan. He hailed successful cooperation between prosecution bodies of the two countries, adding that this cooperation was carried out at a highly professional level and in a friendly atmosphere. Sotir Tsatsarov described his Baku trip as a continuation of the current ties. President Ilham Aliyev praised a very good level of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria relations, saying they are successfully developing in political, economic, energy, cultural and other fields. President Ilham Aliyev recalled his visit to Bulgaria as well as the Bulgarian Prime Minister`s trip to Azerbaijan, and stressed the importance of these visits in terms of strengthening ties between the two countries. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the significance of elevating Azerbaijan-Bulgaria ties in all fields to the level of current cooperation and mutual support between the leaderships of the two countries. The head of state said good cooperation between the prosecution bodies contributes to the expansion of bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev noted that this visit created a good opportunity for discussing the issues relating to prospects of relations. The head of state thanked for Rumen Radev`s greetings and asked the Prosecutor General to extend his greetings to the Bulgarian President. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 17:02 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Some political parties and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) use the funding received from abroad for other purposes. Siyavush Novruzov, Deputy Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party and Chairman of the committee on public associations and religious organizations, made the remark while addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Parliament on June 13. The meeting participants were discussing the Law "On the Legalization of Monetary Funds or Other Property Acquired by Criminal Means and the Fight against the Financing of Terrorism." Novruzov noted that the issues of funding of political parties, as well as NGOs should be reviewed. Some non-governmental organizations and political parties do not submit reports on financial revenues to the relevant structures. We have improved the legislation on political parties and NGOs funding. A number of European institutions, local organizations tried to direct it to a different point, but time has shown that we took the right step, he said. Novruzov also reminded that NGOs should submit reports to the Ministry of Justice and political parties to the Central Election Commission. "Recently, a deputy of one of the political parties visited the foreign country 41 times within a year and brought to the country funds in various currencies. This can not serve a healthy purpose. If this party is doing the right job, then why is it not financed in Azerbaijan? We need to reconsider this issue. If some structure violates the charter and the received finances serve other purposes then we must take action. For us, the safety of citizens is above all. We need to toughen this issue. In its financial report, the party shows a poor activity, but in the asset it has cars, bodyguards and personnel. The financial source of this organization should be found and presented to the public, "Novruzov said. Over 40 political parties operate in Azerbaijan. In order to get registered, a party needs at least the membership of 1,000 citizens of Azerbaijan. Currently, there are more than 3,000 NGOs registered in the country, and an estimated 300 unregistered groups carrying out activities. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 16:09 (UTC+04:00) President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the tomb of late Energy Minister, Honored Engineer, holder of Shohrat Order Natig Aliyev on June 13, Azertac reported. President Aliyev put flowers at the grave of Natig Aliyev in the Alley of Honors. The President once again offered his condolences to Natig Aliyev's son Farhad Aliyev. Farhad Aliyev thanked the head of state for paying tribute to his father. Natig Aliyev died on June 9, several days after being transferred to the Florence Nightingale Clinic in Istanbul for treatment of a heart complaint. The 69-year-old veteran executive in the energy sector of Azerbaijan served as president of the state energy company SOCAR and chaired the company's board of directors in 1993-2005. He was the Minister of Industry and Energy in 2005-2013, and became the Energy Minister afterwards. He represented Azerbaijan in its negotiations with foreign companies over major energy contracts and took part in talks with OPEC members on global oil production cuts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Kony Announces New Chief Revenue Officer Kony, Inc., the leading enterprise mobility company, today announced the appointment of Bruce Dahlgren to the newly created position of EVP and chief revenue officer. In this role, Dahlgren will focus on helping Kony achieve its growth agenda by further expanding its global presence and market leadership. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006042/en/ Former HP and NCR Executive Bruce Dahlgren Joins Kony as Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Global Growth Strategy (Photo: Business Wire) Dahlgren brings over 30 years of experience in the IT industry to Kony, leading both emerging businesses and large-scale multi-billion-dollar enterprise teams. His background includes significant global business management experience, leading teams in every key function and region. Dahlgren joins Kony after a long successful career at HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) where he most recently served as senior vice president, Enterprise Services and managing director of the Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) region. In this role, Dahlgren was responsible for driving a unified vision and team serving the customers in the APJ region. He was also responsible for accelerating market expansion and driving revenue and profitable growth across one of the industry's broadest IT services portfolio. Prior to this role, Dahlgren served as the senior vice president of the Enterprise Sales and Managed Services global business unit within the HP Printing and Personal Systems Group (PPS). Under his leadership, PPS Managed Services grew to become a recognized industry leader in Managed Print Services by notable analyst firms such as IDC (News - Alert) and Gartner. Prior to joining HP in 2006, Dahlgren served in key executive roles at high tech companies Lexmark International, AT&T and NCR. He has held senior management positions in finance, planning, operations, marketing, sales and services. "Bruce Dahlgren is an outstanding executive with a proven track record of success and results," said Thomas E. Hogan, chairman and chief executive officer, Kony, Inc. "Bruce brings a range of high-impact and relevant skills to Kony; deep international experience, specific depth in financial services with his NCR background, 30+ years in technology with responsibility for software and managed services, and a reputation for the highest levels of integrity and leadership. I am thrilled to partner with Bruce and know he will be a fantastic addition to Kony's leadership team." "As the digital trend continues to gain momentum with mainstream adoption across all major industries, Kony is well-poised to capture the growing market opportunity and demand," said Dahlgren. "Kony has all of the key ingredients necessary to drive exponential growth, with its unmatched portfolio of industry-leading enterprise mobility and application solutions, commitment to innovation excellence, and successful track record of delivering customer value. I am very excited to join Tom and the Kony leadership team to drive this growth agenda." Kony is recognized as a Leader for the fourth consecutive year in the Gartner June 2016 Magic Quadrant for Mobile App Development Platforms (MADP) report. In addition, Kony was named a "Leader" and earned the highest score in the current offering category by independent research firm Forrester (News - Alert) Research, Inc. in the following reports: The Forrester Wave: Mobile Infrastructure Services, Q3 2015 report, The Forrester Wave: Mobile Development Platforms, Q4 2016 report, and The Forrester Wave: Mobile Low-Code Development Platforms, Q1 2017 report. Kony has also been named a "Leader" in the IDC MarketScape: 2017 North American Mobile Banking and Payments report, with the highest rating for Mobile Banking capabilities. About Kony, Inc. Kony is the fastest growing, cloud-based enterprise application and mobility solutions company, and a recognized industry leader among mobile application development platform (MADP) providers. Kony helps organizations of all sizes drive business ingenuity by rapidly transforming ideas into innovative and secure omni-channel applications. Built on the industry's leading digital platform, Kony provides the most innovative and secure omni-channel applications, with exceptional user experience and app design. Kony's cross-platform, low-code solution also empowers organizations to develop and manage their own apps to better engage with their customers, partners and employees. By seamlessly leveraging and connecting apps to all types of data sources and information, Kony also enables organizations to transform their business processes and gain valuable insight. Kony was named the first place winner in CTIA's (News - Alert) MobITs Awards in the Mobile Applications, Development & Platforms category and included on the Inc. 500|5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America. For more information, please visit www.kony.com. Connect with Kony on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006042/en/ 13 June 2017 17:47 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Mexico's Ambassador to Baku Rodrigo Labardini and Chief Executive of Naftalan City Natig Aslanov discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the countries during a meeting in Naftalan. Aslanov briefed the ambassador about the features of Naftalan and talked about citys great potential in the field of medical tourism, the Mexican Embassy in Baku reported on June 13. The chief executive also noted that the health resorts of Naftalan attract many foreign tourists. Labardini, in turn, spoke about the development of tourism in Mexico, which is one of the nine most visited countries in the world. The ambassador noted that Mexican cities and regions are popular destinations for a romantic, luxury, health tourism and ecotourism. Both sides expressed interest in developing cooperation in tourism and exchange of experience, which will contribute to the development of the tourism sector of both Azerbaijan and Mexico. Today tourism is developing with high speed in Azerbaijan, with a contribution of 4.5 percent to the national GDP. There are more than 500 hotels in Azerbaijan, while the capital hosts the worlds leading hotel chains. Last year, 35 hotels were built in the country, while 25 are under construction. In 2016, the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan amounted to 2,242 million people and this is 11.7 percent more than in 2015. The majority of tourists came from Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Iran making up 33 percent, 22.5 percent, 13.9 percent and 10.9 percent, accordingly. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 09:42 (UTC+04:00) By Trend A magnitude 6.3 earthquake off the western coast of Turkey and between the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios shook buildings from the Aegean Turkish province of Izmir to Greece's capital of Athens on Monday, Reuters reported. The epicentre of the quake was about 84 km (52 miles) northwest of the Turkish coastal city of Izmir, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said on its website. There were no immediate reports of injuries in either Turkey or Greece, according to preliminary information from local authorities, although the quake was felt as far away as the Greek capital of Athens. Greek television stations reported some structural damage in the town of Plomari on Lesbos. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 11:48 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva U.S. senators will consider a bill stipulating the expansion of sanctions against Russia this week. The exact substance of the Russia sanctions senators hope to attach to the Iran bill is not yet clear, but according to senior Senate aides, talks have focused on the substance offered by a set of bills already on offer, addressing everything from Russias aggressive activities in Ukraine and Syria to allegations that Russian hackers tried to swing an American election, the Washington Post reported A group of leading senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is negotiating a way to pass more stringent sanctions against Russia in the coming week, according to the report. In general, supporters of tightening of the measures directed against Russia divide them into three large blocs, TASS reported. First, issuing funds for development of "civil institutions", "independent media" and non-governmental organizations in European countries, among other reasons to fight against Russian influence. Second, introducing new mandatory sanctions, legislatively consolidate those already in force. Third, banning the US administration to withdraw any sanctions against Russia without the approval of the Congress. "This will be a very comprehensive bill, it addresses all issues," the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican, Robert Corker said. When asked whether the White House supports the measure, Corker hesitated, noting that I have to believe that the administration has to at least strongly consider supporting this. The question of new Russian sanctions has been raised by a number of senators in both parties after the intelligence community announced in January its conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election on behalf of President Donald Trump. The White House has been silent on the proposal and administration officials have been unclear on what the official position is. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in April that the current Russian sanctions would remain until the country gives up control of the Crimean peninsula. Earlier, Trump has indicated he is skeptical about additional sanctions and has been dismissive about the role of Russian interference in the U.S. elections. The American sanctions specifically target Russias energy sector, which makes up more than half of the countrys Gross Domestic Product. No U.S. oil company can do business with Russia, nor can any companies sell drilling technology needed to access oil and gas reserves. U.S. banks cannot issue long-term loans to Russian businesses for energy-focused projects. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 12:57 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Two Arab countries softened the air blockade of Qatar, which was accused of supporting terrorism and extremism. The UAE authorities have allowed airlines from third countries to use their airspace and airports for flights to and from Qatar, RIA Novosti reported citing the WAM news agency. Earlier, a number of Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, closed their airspace to all international flights to and from Qatar. The ban "does not apply to airlines and aircraft not registered in the UAE and Qatar and wanting to cross the country's airspace, heading to and from Qatar," the agency said on June 13. Private and charter flights, except those that are made by Qatari aviation, can enter the airspace of the UAE en route to and from Qatar, subject to prior authorization not less than 24 hours in advance, according to the changes. A similar decision was made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia. The decision by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE to suspend ties with Qatar hit Qatar Airways, the state-owned carrier that has risen to be considered among the best airlines in the world. Yemen, Libya and the Maldives have also joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in entirely banning Qatar Airways from their airspace. Bahrain has permitted just one route through its airspace, according to aviation tracking website Flightradar24. Meanwhile, the World Association of Muslim Scientists has called for a dialogue with Qatar and the prompt lifting of sanctions against this country. The Association sharply criticized the decision of several Arab countries to include a number of well-known theologians and charitable organizations in the list of terrorists. Previously, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt formed a single list of terrorist organizations, which included well-known charitable foundations of Qatar and Shiite groups. The list included 59 people and 12 organizations for financing terrorism and receiving support from Qatar. The Arab countries announced that the list of people and organizations supporting terrorism will be updated. Doha denied allegations over its support to terrorism and extremism adding that the diplomatic rift was based on "baseless fabricated claims." Qatar announced that it will not take any counter-measures and expressed its readiness for a dialogue to solve the crisis. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 13:52 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva The United States will sooner or later have to recognize the need to comply with the terms of the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a joint news conference with Norway's Foreign Minister Brge Brande in Oslo, TASS reported. "The actions of the new Washington administration do not seem promising yet, but we are convinced that in the end they will recognize the need to comply with the terms of the nuke deal. We are also confident that the international community, as it has already done, will clearly indicate to them [the U.S.] that the nuclear deal should be regarded as a multilateral agreement, not a bilateral one, between the United States and Iran," Zarif said. Touching upon the situation in Syria, the Iranian minister said that the Astana process is currently the only effective format for peace talks. The Astana process is still the only one that brings results. This must be taken into account, due to the tragic situation in the region, where conflicts and bloodshed continue, the minister said adding that we are confident that Iran, Russia and Turkey should continue their work in order to strengthen the Astana process by contributing to international efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability to Syria and putting all parties at the negotiating table. Thanks to the Astana process, much has already been done to stabilize and improve the situation in Syria, according to Zarif. These results should be consolidated by creating conditions for the work of observers, humanitarian assistance, as well as participating in the political process, Zarif added. Brande, in turn, noted that the main topic of the talks held on June 12 with the Iranian Foreign Minister was the situation in the Middle East region, including Syria, Iraq and the Gulf countries. Russia, Turkey and Iran are the main sponsors of the talks on Syria in Kazakhstans capital. The civil war in Syria between government and opposition with various terrorist groups involved, including Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL), began back in March 2011. Syrian President Bashar Assad managed to turn the tide of war in his favor after Russia started an air campaign in September 2015, while Iran is an uncompromising supporter of the Syrian leader. According to a report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the countrys pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 16:30 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The delegation of Uzbekistan held a meeting with Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Guy Ryder in Geneva, the Uzbek Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations reported on June 13. Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Tanzila Narbaeva and the countrys Labor and Employment Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov informed Ryder about the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan in the sphere of social and economic development and ensuring decent employment of the countrys population, the report said. Ryder thanked the Uzbek authorities for ratifying the ILOs Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention (No. 87). He expressed hope that work on studying the issue of other ILO conventions compliance with the Uzbek national legislation will continue. Ryder stressed the need to expand cooperation between the ILO and Uzbekistan by including the issues of further improvement of the legal framework, ensuring employment, including among women, as well as labor and social protection of the population in the agenda, and called on the Uzbek side to further develop the cooperation. It was reported that in early 2017, Uzbekistan and the ILO signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the Decent Work Country Program (DWCP) in 2017-2020. Measures to improve the Uzbek national labor legislation, raising public awareness on labor rights were successfully implemented within the DWCP in 2014-2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 17:14 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva While the United States accuses Qatar of supporting terrorism, Washington itself provides military support to terrorists from the YPG (Kurdish People's Protection Unit) and PYD (Democratic Union), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Ankara, addressing members of Turkeys ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Erdogan noted that if the United States considers Turkey its ally in NATO, then why do they fight against ISIS terrorists with the help of YPG and PYD. The head of state noted that a teleconference with participation of the French President and Emir of Qatar will be held today to solve the Qatari crisis. Seven Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain broke off diplomatic relations with one of the richest and most influential states of the world, accusing it of supporting ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorists. They cut air, sea and land links and ordered Qatari officials and nationals stationed in their countries to return home. Qatar denied allegations over its support to terrorism and extremism adding that the diplomatic rift was based on "baseless fabricated claims." The country expressed its readiness for a dialogue to solve the crisis that has recently occurred in Qatars relations with a number of Arab states. Turkey has declared its full support to Qatar by offering food supplies and deploying its military troops in Qatar. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 18:19 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who arrived on a working visit to Ashgabat within the framework of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistans membership in the United Nations, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary news agency reported. Berdimuhamedov underlined that the full-scale, long-term cooperation with the UN stood as an invariable strategic choice of the country. We are willing to continue cooperating with the UN on the energy security and sustainable energy issues, he said. Guterres, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan for helping refugees and stateless persons. "In difficult times, there was a very large number of refugees and stateless persons in the country, and Turkmenistan successfully integrated these people into society, positively solving their problems," he added. The Law on Refugees in Turkmenistan was adopted in 1997. In April 2011, Turkmenistan was admitted to the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) program. Over the past ten years, Turkmenistan, together with UN specialized agencies, has implemented more than 260 projects in various spheres in accordance with the previously adopted framework programs. A number of specialized UN organizations and institutions, including the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN International Childrens Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) among others successfully operate in Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was elected to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the period of 2017-2020, the UN Commission on Population and Development for the period of 2016-2020 and the UN Commission on Social Development for the period of 2017-2021. Turkmenistan cooperates with the UN in such spheres as security, sustainable development, energy, transport, environment, development and the establishment of democratic institutions. This year, Turkmenistan is a chairing country in the Energy Charter Conference. In the end of May, Ashgabat held representative Forum of International Energy Charter on the subject Toward the Bilateral Framework Agreement of Transit of Energy Carriers. The Central Asian Nation has put forward a number of international initiatives on the issue of ensuring reliable energy supplies to world markets, saying that the legal mechanism could allow taking into account the interests of producers, buyers and transit countries. Following the meeting, the two sides also plan to sign a set of documents aimed at further boosting mutually beneficial partnership between the UN and Turkmenistan. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 16:23 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova This year, the Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve marks the 50th anniversary of its establishment and 10th anniversary of its inclusion into the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Roughly 100,000 people visited the Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve, a home to the worlds most important petroglyphs stone and iron-age figures carved thousands of years ago, in 2016. Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev said that the number of tourists visiting Gobustan, which has already turned into the interesting touristy spot, has increased significantly compared to previous periods. "The paleolithic rock carvings are rarely found in the world. A network of such places exists in the world. Azerbaijan through Gobustan joined this network, showing the world that the country is home to one of the earliest human settlements in the world," said the minister at an event on June 13. Garayev further stated that the Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve has been included into the list of best European Museums. Gobustan is home to one of the world's largest ancient petroglyphs collections. Settled since the 8th millennium BC, the area contains more than 600,000 distinct paintings, going as far back as 20,000 years to as recent as 5,000 years ago. The pictures dating back to 8 millenniums reflect different hunting scenes, ceremonial and ritual processes of the habitants of these places. Gobustan petroglyphs were repeatedly investigated by the famous Norwegian explorer and adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, who recognized local boats petroglyphs as the oldest known images of pirogue in the world. Most of the rock engravings depict primitive men, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars. The Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, meeting modern requirements, applies innovative methods to make a visit to Gobustan more interesting as well as works out new projects. In this way stage adaptation and games for tourists and visitors are organized. Beginning since ancient times up to middle ages, the way of life, economy, occupations of ancient peoples, as well as landscape, climate, variability of environment, flora and fauna of that epoch found their reflection in the halls Natural environment, Archaeology of Gobustan, Time-scale table, Ancient epoch , Primitive art, Petroglyphs of centuries and others of the modern museum created here. Rock images of Gobustan are the pride of Gobustan residents. Since ancient times, people that have lived in neighboring territories considered mountains with rock images holy. On the territory of Gobustan there still exist worship places and sanctuaries of local residents (Sofi Khamid, Sofi Novruz, Garaatli and so on). Gobustan, as a part of rich heritage of the World Rock Art, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 June 2017 18:05 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan recorded the highest growth among the CIS countries in terms of the number of Russian tourist trips in the first quarter of 2017. Azerbaijan left Georgia behind in this ranking, according to the analytical agency TurStat, which analyzed the statistics of Russias outbound tourism for the first three months of 2017. Up to 6.7 million tourists have traveled from Russia in the first three months of 2017, and this is 24 percent more in the first quarter of last year, when the figure was than 5.4 million trips. Azerbaijan and Georgia remain as the most popular destinations for Russian tourists. The number of trips to Azerbaijan was 139,000 an increase of 31 percent compared to the first three months of 2016 and to Georgia 135,000, an increase of 27 percent. Dominican Republic, Cuba, Turkey, Vietnam, the UAE and Thailand became the most popular beach destinations among Russians in the first quarter of 2017. Popular sightseeing destinations such as Czech Republic, Italy, Spain and France also showed a high growth in visit this year. Unique culture and history, delicious food and wine and plenty of adventures are awaiting travelers in Azerbaijan. The capital Baku is on the Caspian Sea, but also home to oil drilling derricks and futuristic skyscrapers. The Caucasus Mountains are as earthy as you can get, peppered with traditional elevated villages such as Lahic, where subsistence farming and traditional art forms still alive. And then there is fire everywhere. From the permanently alight natural gas flaming mountain of Yanardag to fire worshippers temple Ateshgah, both on the Absheron Peninsula. And as for air, just head to the omnipresent mountains, ideal for visiting any time of year, whether summer or winter. But beyond its nature, which is key reason for the tourism, the people of Azerbaijan are wonderfully welcoming and hospitable. Neighboring Russians choose Azerbaijan as their travel destination for many reasons. First of all the Land of Fire does not require visa for Russian tourists to enjoy the country. Azerbaijan is also a perfect destination for Russian tourists, because of its peoples very friendly attitude towards Russia. Here Russian-speaking tourists have no problem with communication, as Azerbaijanis speak Russian well enough to help with any difficulties. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz [June 12, 2017] ProfNet Experts Available on Facebook's Anti-Terrorism Pledge, Artificial Intelligence NEW YORK, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area. You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/queryform EXPERT ALERTS Facebook's Anti-Terrorism Pledge Invites a Slippery Slope Not All Robots Are out for Your Job MEDIA JOBS Reporter Debtwire Middle Market Technology Reporter Dow Jones Reporter - Private Equity / Restructuring The Wall Street Journal OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES How to Create the Ultimate Style Guide for Your Blog Everyone's talking about the Paris climate agreement. Here are 11 environmental news sites to watch now. climate agreement. Here are 11 environmental news sites to watch now. Are Your Messages Safe? The Basics of Encryption and How Your Favorite Apps Measure Up ------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPERT ALERTS: Facebook's Anti-Terrorism Pledge Invites a Slippery Slope Wendy Moe Professor of Marketing University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business [In response to a Facebook executive saying, "We want Facebook to be a hostile environment for terrorists," following the June 3, 2017 London terrorist attacks] "Self-regulation puts social media platforms in a tricky ethical position. On the one hand, they are aiding in the fight against terrorism. On the other hand, they are censoring. When they censor content that promotes terrorism or other criminal activity, this contributes to public welfare. But where do they draw the line? This could easily lead to a slippery slope where these organizations start censoring content that tries to influence the political climate if they believeit is in the best interest of public welfare. The decision of what to censor and what not to is important and has far-reaching implications. It should not be made by a small number of executives at a given company." Bio: https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/directory/wendy-w-moe PR Contact: Greg Muraski , [email protected] Not All Robots Are out for Your Job Ron Selewach CEO and Founder HRMC (Human Resource Management Center) Artificial Intelligence (AI) summons dystopian visions of a labor force crowded out by machines that work 24/7, don't take breaks, or demand a competitive benefits package. But intelligent automation is an essential new co-worker for the digital age. However, HR (human resources) may be among the last holdouts, which is understandable -- no one knows better than HR the threat machines pose, to the jobs of the people they manage and to the core of what they do, which is use their judgment and expertise to engage, evaluate and hire the best talent. Says Selewach: "The challenge is not overcoming/mastering the technology, but in overcoming HR's concerns and perceptions, and coming to understand the ways in which this technology can augment and elevate their role in the organization. It brings more objectivity, science and rigor to the selection process, significantly shortens time-to-fill, and allows HR to select the great from the good in making the final hiring decision." Selewach is a widely acknowledged pioneer in applying AI to candidate selection. He has been published and quoted in and a wide range of HR and business publications on topics related to candidate assessment and screening. Website: http://www.hrmc.com Contact: Charles Epstein, [email protected] **************** MEDIA JOBS: Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board:https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/ Reporter Debtwire Middle Market Technology Reporter Dow Jones Reporter - Private Equity / Restructuring The Wall Street Journal ***************** OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES: Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at [email protected] How to Create the Ultimate Style Guide for Your Blog. If you want to take your blog to the next level, it's time to make decisions about your style and stick with them. Here's a handy guide to create your blog's style guidelines once and for all. http://prn.to/2sXgfkj Everyone's talking about the Paris climate agreement. Here are 11 environmental news sites to watch now. In this golden age of climate change denial, here are 11 more environmental news sites we're watching. http://bit.ly/2rst5r3 climate agreement. Here are 11 environmental news sites to watch now. In this golden age of climate change denial, here are 11 more environmental news sites we're watching. http://bit.ly/2rst5r3 Are Your Messages Safe? The Basics of Encryption and How Your Favorite Apps Measure Up. With data breaches and other scams on the rise, you've probably asked yourself this question whether you're protecting sensitive information from a confidential source, or just keeping a close eye on your personal account. And, with so many new messaging apps and platforms available, it's easy to fall into the assumption of privacy. Here are some things to keep in mind. http://bit.ly/2rlzLdB **************** PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/profnet-experts-available-on-facebooks-anti-terrorism-pledge-artificial-intelligence-300472505.html SOURCE ProfNet [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 12, 2017] Artificial Medical Intelligence Introduces Hierarchical Condition Category Abstraction Using EMscribe Artificial Intelligence Technology EATONTOWN, N.J., June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial Medical Intelligence (AMI) today announced the release of its full version of HCC Coding as part of the EMscribe suite of tools in support of medical records processing and abstraction. The new completed HCC Coding Solution is built on the automatic generation of ICD10 codes and supporting demographic data for reimbursement which includes V22 HCC, the latest version from CMS. HCC is a payment model mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 1997. Implemented in 2003, this model identifies individuals with serious or chronic illness and assigns a risk factor score to the person. At present, there are more than 9000 ICD-10 codes that map to 79 HCC codes in the Risk Adjustment model. AMI's unique HCC module is offered as an integrated and automated component of its EMscribe coding and clinical abstraction suite which is able to support the requirement of HCC code submission. EMscribe automatically generates the individual's health conditions using ICD10 diagnoses and demographic data directly extracted from the medical record and assigns the riskadjustment attributes to the case based upon a combination of the individual's health conditions and demographic details. An HCC score is then generated by the EMscribe system and is either displayed in AMI's Graphical User Interface or provided through an AMI's Application Protocol Interface. "AMI continues to lead with its innovative technology designed to mitigate the constant stream of new and more difficult administrative pressures and requirements on the healthcare system", stated Stuart Covit, Chief Operating Officer. "We are focusing on providing Artificial Intelligence to abstract information from the medical record, so when new mandates like MACRA come up we can adjust our technologies to address the required data elements." AMI will showcase this at Booth # 1940 at the upcoming HFMA (Healthcare Finance management Association) ANI conference, taking place from June 25th June 28th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida. About AMI AMI is a leading software developer of health technology solutions since its incorporation in 2002. Initially targeting medical coding with its proprietary Natural Language Processing solution, EMscribe, AMI has continued to evolve to meet changing market needs with innovative AI data abstractions. For more information, please contact: Kerry Fagan Artificial Medical Intelligence Tel: (908) 902-1825 Email: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artificial-medical-intelligence-introduces-hierarchical-condition-category-abstraction-using-emscribe-artificial-intelligence-technology-300472519.html SOURCE Artificial Medical Intelligence [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Fast application processing, enhanced customer service now available for companies June 12, 2017Toronto, ON When companies in Canada can thrive and grow, they create more jobs. The Government of Canadas new Global Skills Strategy will give employers a faster and more predictable process for attracting top talent and new skills to Canada, creating economic growth and more middle-class jobs for Canadians. Today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Ahmed Hussen, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains and Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that employers and highly-skilled workers can now benefit from the Global Skills Strategy. As part of the Strategy, which includes four pillars, high-skilled workers coming to Canada on a temporary basis are now able to benefit from two-week processing of applications for work permits and, when necessary, temporary resident visas. Open work permits for spouses and study permits for dependants will also be processed in two weeks when applicable. Employers can now benefit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canadas new dedicated service channel and the new Global Talent Stream. This will help them access temporary, high-skilled, global talent, scale up or expand their knowledge of specialized skills so that they can be more innovative and build their expertise. Two new work permit exemptions have also taken effect today. Highly-skilled workers who need to come to Canada for a very short-term assignment and researchers taking part in short-duration research projects being conducted in Canada will not require a work permit. First announced in November 2016, the Global Skills Strategy helps promote global investment in Canada and supports the Government of Canadas Innovation and Skills Plan. It recognizes that by facilitating the faster entry of top talent with specialized skill sets and global experience to Canada, we can help innovative companies grow, flourish and create jobs for Canadians. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org In Nairobi, Don Bisson, don.bisson@cartercenter.org or +254 (0) 741 768 354 ATLANTA Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and former Prime Minister of Senegal Aminata Toure will co-lead the Carter Centers election observation mission in Kenya. The mission will deploy more than 50 observers throughout the country on election day. Each and every time Ive visited Kenya, Ive been reminded of its remarkable culture, strengthened by diversity and dedicated to democratic principles, Kerry said. Kenya matters to Africa, and it matters to the international community. I look forward to returning later this summer to observe an important election. Kenya has come a long way since the elections of 2007. It is now up to leaders on all sides to ensure that the violence that followed that election isn't repeated, and those of us who will be on the ground observing the elections also have a responsibility to help every citizen feel confident that the process is fair and just. I urge all political parties and candidates to support a fair, orderly, credible, and nonviolent electoral process; respect the electoral code of conduct; and keep faith with the Kenyan people. Toure said that she is honored to co-lead the mission: It is my hope that the election will be peaceful and reflect the spirit of democracy that persists in Kenya. To that end I join Secretary Kerry in urging all election stakeholders to act responsibly and call on their supporters to do the same. I believe that Kenyas democracy can emerge from this process stronger than ever and serve as an inspiration to the rest of the continent. The Carter Center has had a core team and group of long-term observers in Kenya since April. Kerry, Toure, and the Carter Center leadership team will arrive in the days leading up to the election to meet with key stakeholders including political party candidates, civil society organizations, government officials, domestic citizen observers, and other international election observer missions, before observing polling and tabulation on Aug. 8. The Carter Center is observing Kenyas general election at the invitation of Kenyas Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. ### "Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope." A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Coeur Mining, Inc. explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It holds 100% interests in the Palmarejo gold and silver mine covering an area of approximately 67,296 net acres located in the State of Chihuahua in Northern Mexico; the Rochester silver and gold mine that covers an area of approximately 43,441net acres situated in northwestern Nevada; the Kensington gold mine comprising 3,972 net acres located to the north of Juneau, Alaska; the Wharf gold mine covering an area of approximately 3,243 net acres situated in the northern Black Hills of western South Dakota; and the Silvertip silver-zinc-lead mine comprising 97,298 net acres located in northern British Columbia, Canada. In addition, the company owns interests in the Crown and Sterling projects located in southern Nevada; and the La Preciosa project located in Mexico. Further, it markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc. in May 2013.Coeur Mining, Inc. was incorporated in 1928 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Harris Corporation provides technology-based solutions that solve government and commercial customers' mission-critical challenges in the United States and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Communication Systems, Electronic Systems, and Space and Intelligence Systems. It designs, develops, and manufactures radio communications products and systems, including single channel ground and airborne radio systems, multiband manpack and handheld radios, multi-channel manpack and airborne radios, and single-channel airborne radios, as well as wideband rifleman team, ground, and high frequency manpack radios. The company also offers vision-enhancing products; wireless communications systems; and Internet protocol based voice and data communications systems, as well as single-band land mobile radio terminals and multiband radios comprising a handheld radio and a full-spectrum mobile radio for vehicles. In addition, it provides electronic warfare, avionics, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions for defense and classified customers; and mission-critical communication systems for civil and military aviation and other customers. Further, the company offers intelligence, space protection, geospatial, earth observation, exploration, positioning, navigation and timing, and environmental solutions using advanced sensors, antennas, and payloads, as well as ground processing and information analytics for national security, defense, civil and commercial customers. Harris Corporation was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Florida. HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. It operates in Treasury, Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Other Banking Business, and Unallocated segments. The company accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and Demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, overdrafts against fixed deposits, and sweep-in facilities. It also provides personal, home, car, two wheeler, business, educational, gold, consumer, and rural loans; loans against properties, securities, rental receivables, and assets; loans for professionals; government sponsored programs; and loans on credit card, as well as working capital and commercial/construction equipment finance, healthcare/medical equipment and commercial vehicle finance, dealer finance, and term and professional loans. The company offers credit, debit, prepaid, and forex cards; payment and collection, export, import, remittance, bank guarantee, letter of credit, trade, hedging, and merchant and cash management services; insurance and investment products. It provides short term finance, bill discounting, structured finance, export credit, loan syndication, and documents collection services; online and wholesale, mobile, and phone banking services; unified payment interface, immediate payment, national electronic funds transfer, and real time gross settlement services; and channel financing, vendor financing, reimbursement account, money market, derivatives, employee trusts, cash surplus corporates, tax payment, and bankers to rights/public issue services, as well as financial solutions for supply chain partners and agricultural customers. The company operates 6,378 branches and 18,620 automated teller machines in 3,203 cities/towns. As of March 31, 2022, it had 21,683 banking outlets. The company was incorporated in 1994 and is based in Mumbai, India. As persecution continues, the families of Egypt's martyred Christians endure as a 'living Bible' Two years have passed since 21 Egyptian Christians were beheaded by ISIS on a beach in Libya. As persecution in Egypt continues, the families of those martyred in 2015 have continued in faith and hope. The news comes from the Christian group Focus on the Family, whose Middle East team have been supporting the families of those murdered by ISIS since the February 2015 atrocities took place. Even at the time, staff reported that: 'We saw a living Bible in how these precious men and women responded to their pain, loss, and adversity.' In a more recent update via email, the team wrote: 'The great news about the families of the martyrs of Libya is that even after more than two years they still live in the condolences of the Holy Spirit and they stick to their faith that their martyrs showed to the whole world; how the real Christian should live and die for the glory of Christ. 'While we have been visiting the families regularly we met with some of the wives of the martyrs and asked them about their kids and how they live right now, a common answer was, "Our kids in their new nice private school have been so proud of their fathers among their friends and they have worked hard to match with studying the new curriculums to stay up to that new level of education."' The legacy of those killed in Libya lives on; the team said, 'Most of these families hang in their homes a banner with all the martyrs' photos', in which each martyr has a crown over their head. The past six months have seen four major terror attacks against Coptic Christians in Egypt: a December bombing of a church in Cairo, two Palm Sunday bombings of Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria, and a mass shooting of Christian pilgrims on a bus in Elminia last month. Egypt's Coptic Christian community represents about ten per cent of the majority Muslim country. The report said that the Christians grieved in 2015 have shared their pain with those killed in more recent attacks. It said: 'One of the great impressive signs of faith we witnessed very recently in the lives of those families, after the several attacks on Christians in Cairo, Tanta, Alexandria, and the most recent bus in Elminia, is that some of the families' members went to give condolences to the new victims and share a real example of how God has been faithful to and strengthened them in such tough painful experience.' The report concluded: 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.' Church allowed to keep modern chairs described by heritage society as 'crude' and 'dumpy' A church in Norfolk has won a battle to keep its new, modern chairs despite the objections of a leading heritage group that says they are 'cheap' and 'dumpy'. St Nicholas Church in Fundenhall illegally spent 3,053 last September on 50 chairs which are made of brown faux leather with brushed gold-coloured frames. The chairs were described as 'crude' by the Victorian Society. The church council had previously been allowed to remove the church's pews as part of a refurbishment, but it did not have permission to buy the chairs. Now it has been allowed to keep them for ten years, after a church court found that it would take too long to fund-raise for replacements. The Victorian Society criticised the decision, saying that the court had enabled 'unjustified harm to historic churches'. Thesociety said that the chairs were similar to those used as a 'banqueting chair in marquees'. It added: 'The design of the frame is crude, with the extruded aluminium sections lacking any elegance, and the simple large radius curves of the design having a child-like quality. The thick upholstered seat pads, and the way in which they curve down at the front of the seat, make the chairs appear very dumpy. The matt-'gold effect' finish is a cheap one in a church with a palette of high-quality natural materials.' The Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, Ruth Arlow, said that she had learned of the church's decision to buy the chairs with 'concern and disappointment'. However, she added that parishioners 'like their appearance and the comfort that they afford' and had made an effort to choose chairs of 'high durability and wipe-clean finish of an appropriate shade'. She also praised the work of the council in repairing the church and said that it badly needed the refurbishment. Following the ruling, the Victorian Society said it would have appealed the result except for the 'excellent work' done by the parish in rescuing the church. The society's director, Christopher Costelloe told Telegraph, 'This is not the first occasion in we have intervened in a case in which the parish has ignored court rules, and the response of the church court has been to allow them to get away with it. The legal reasoning in the judgment for accepting the parish's damaging choice of chair seems gossamer-thin.' Semiconductor Memory IP Market - Global Forecast and Opportunity Assessment by Technavio According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global semiconductor memory IP market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 11%. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006108/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global semiconductor memory IP market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) This research report, titled "Global Semiconductor Memory IP Market 2017-2021," provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This market research report also includes up-to-date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions. The demand for memory IP is rising because of digitization. The growing use of electronic devices in homes, industries, and schools for exchanging information in digital format is driving the development of high-speed, high-performance, and low power consumption SoCs. The increasing automation across industries is resulting in a larger number of electronic devices being connected with each other. This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. Technavio's analysts categorize the global semiconductor memory IP market into five major segments by the application. They are: Networking Industrial automation Automotive Consumer electronic devices Mobile computing devices The top three segments based on the application for the global semiconductor memory IP market are discussed below: Global semiconductor memory IP market for moile computing devices The mobile computing devices segment dominated the global semiconductor memory IP market in 2016, accounting for a revenue share of 60%. The growth in this segment is expected to be driven by the proliferation of mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Chinese manufacturers such as OnePlus, Huawei, and Xiaomi are providing mobile computing devices with upgraded technologies at competitive prices. According to Raghu Raj Singh (News - Alert), a lead semiconductor equipment research analyst from Technavio, "IoT is an ecosystem of connected physical objects that are accessible through the Internet. It is a multiplatform architecture that supports multiple applications that run at the same time. Vendors are integrating several wireless technologies in their devices to support IoT architecture." Global semiconductor memory IP market for consumer electronic devices The consumer electronic devices segment was the second-largest contributor to the global semiconductor memory IP market in 2016. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% during the forecast period. Consumer electronic devices include DVD players; cameras; gaming consoles; and home automation devices such as dishwashers, smart thermostats, and smart TVs. "The growing adoption of IoT and connected devices will create a considerable demand for memory IPs. This is because connected devices require memory chips that can store large amounts of data generated through M2M communications," says Raghu. Global semiconductor memory IP market for automotive Automotive OEMs are adding more safety features to their vehicles because of the increasing demand for safety features in vehicles. Automotive OEMs are providing connectivity solutions in their vehicles by incorporating communication technologies to create an automatic system. There is an increasing demand for connected cars with incorporated augmented navigation, including heads-up displays, intuitive and multimodal user interfaces, multimedia support, and a new generation of automotive cloud services. The top vendors highlighted by Technavio's research analysts in this report are: ARM (News - Alert) Rambus Cadence Design Systems Synopsys Browse Related Reports: Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like embedded systems, computing devices, and displays. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading-edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006108/en/ Controversial article likens child sex abuse in the Church to 'terrorism' and 'Catholic extremism' A leading Australian writer and former politician has likened child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church to 'terrorism' and extremism, arguing that it is responsible for many deaths, mainly by suicide. Kristina Keneally, a former Australian Labor party leader and premier of New South Wales, wrote in the Guardian that the label 'institutional sexual abuse' was inadequate and 'too bland to confront us with the terror and deadly impact on the victims'. She added: 'It allows abusers individually or as a class to continue hiding behind the institution.' Instead, Keneally wrote: 'The end result of this flawed theology and ecclesiology is the nauseating, terrifying, grotesque, ritualised and repeated violent assaults and rapes of children by Catholic clergy and religious. 'Should we label this "Catholic terrorism"? The Australian victims of sexual abuse have been terrorised by the Catholic church, no doubt. Is it "radical Catholic ideology" or "extremist Catholic belief" to cover up the sin of sexual abuse for "the greater good"? It's hard to deny it. As a Catholic, I shudder at the thought. But I know that such labels would be truthful. ' The former politician is known as a staunch critic of the Catholic Church, though she herself is a practising Catholic. Her husband is the nephew of the prolific Australian writer Thomas Keneally, best known for his work about the Holocaust, Schindler's Ark, which was adapted by Stephen Spielberg into the Academy Award film Schindler's List. 'The current royal commission into institutional sexual abuse has heard thousands of submissions from victims and their families. Too many victims' stories include suicide,' she wrote for 'comment is free' in the Guardian. 'In Ballarat, one police officer compiled a dossier of 43 deaths suicides, overdoses and others attributable to sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests and brothers in that diocese alone... "Institutional sexual abuse" is a phrase that describes where the abuse occurs rather than who perpetrated the abuse and who the victims are. But the label "institutional sexual abuse" is too bland to confront us with the terror and deadly impact on the victims. It allows abusers individually or as a class to continue hiding behind the institution.' More than 4,000 cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic church were reported to the royal commission in Australia. 'These reports showed wilful ignorance by church leaders, systematic shielding of abusers and a continual preference for the perpetrator and the institution over the victim,' Keneally wrote in the controversial article entitled, 'Let's call child sexual abuse in the church what it is: Catholic extremism'. Abuse, she wrote, comes from 'a warped, extreme and deeply flawed interpretation of the Catholic faith...And we should not comfort ourselves that this distorted theology and these crimes are necessarily a thing of the past. If anything, seminaries are becoming more orthodox and traditional. Little has changed in structure or governance of the Catholic church.' Responding to the article, Jack Valero, the co-ordinator of Catholic Voices, told Christian Today: 'Kristina Keneally is right to be very angry at the extent of child abuse in Catholic institutions and by Catholic priests uncovered by the royal commission. All Catholics are very angry. She is also right to point out that we need to establish where it came from, so we can achieve the three things we all want: for the abuse never to happen again, for the victims to be properly recompensed and helped and for the perpetrators to be punished. 'However, it seems to me misguided to link orthodoxy and evangelical fervour with abuse. If anything the contrary is true: the closer one follows Christ and his teachings, the less chance that institutional abuse will be able to occur. The word "extremism" sounds frightening enough, but it doesn't get us any closer to the source of the problem, which lies in clericalism, abuse of power and loose sexual mores.' Holy See condemns detention of migrant children as a 'grave error' The Vatican has called on the international community to protect the rights of unaccompanied migrant children and condemned their detention as a 'grave error'. The Holy See's Permanent Observer to the UN in Geneva, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, made the remarks to the Human Rights Council panel discussion on the rights of unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents, Vatican Radio reported. 'The grave error of the detention model is that it considers the children as sole, isolated subjects responsible for the situations in which they find themselves and over which they have little, if any, control. This model wrongly absolves the international community at large from responsibilities that it regularly fails to fulfill,' the Archbishop said. He also appealed for the international community 'to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of every person and to implement, without reserve, humanitarian law, principles and policies in response to people on the move, especially unaccompanied children: they must be considered children first and foremost, and their best interest must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them.' Archbishop Jurkovic went on to denounce the concept of detaining migrant children. 'Children should not be criminalized or subject to punitive measures because of their own migration status or that of their parents,' he said. 'The practice of detaining migrant children should not be an option, and the best interests of the child should always prevail.' Instead, he said: 'The possibility of authentic integral human development should be guaranteed for all children.' John Hagee Ministries cancels two London conferences following UK terror attacks Two London conferences led by the pro-Israel, evangelical megachurch pastor John Hagee and due later this month have been cancelled following the recent terrorist attacks in the UK. Hagee, 77, is the controversial senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, and also founded Christians United for Israel. He is well-known for his frequent interventions in public affairs, especially his unwavering support of the Israeli government and, more recently, his support for Donald Trump. Now, the John Hagee Ministeries website announced that its 'Night to Honour Israel' on 22 June and the John Hagee Ministries London Conference on 23-24 June in Westminster, London, have both been 'postponed'. 'The safety of our supporters is paramount at all our events and we always ensure that security is taken very seriously. Following recent attacks in central London and Manchester, a number of foiled attacks in recent weeks and the on-going terror threat, we had already increased planned security to a much higher level than usual,' the website said. 'However, having assessed the current situation and received independent advice we have taken the difficult decision to postpone these events. Islamic extremists have called for the specific targeting of Christians and Jews during the month of Ramadan, during which our events were set to take place. Although no specific threat has been received, we have been advised that our events could be targets. 'It is with wisdom and not fear that the leadership takes this responsibility for the protection of those that would attend, bearing in mind the Night to Honour Israel would be the largest pro-Israel event of the year with both Christians and Jews meeting at a location just a short distance from the two recent London attacks. More than a thousand people had already booked for these events, and we were expecting hundreds more to register in the next few weeks, making them two of our largest events. We are sure this will disappoint those planning to attend, as it has disappointed us, but after much prayer and consideration we feel this is the right decision.' The cancellations came after it emerged that Vice President Mike Pence will address Christians United for Israel (CUFI) the largest pro-Israel group in the US at its annual conference in July. Chaired and founded by Hagee, CUFI has more than 3.5million members and is expecting thousands to gather for its annual summit in Washington. In 2008, John McCain was forced to reject Hagee's endorsement of him as Republican presidential candidate after a recording emerged of Hagee saying Hitler was fulfilling God's will be quickening the Jews' return to Israel. The Texas-based pastor has also described the Catholic Church as the 'Antichrist', a 'false cult system', and 'The Great Whore'. Pence is due to speak at the CUFI annual conference which runs from July 17-18 in Washington. The John Hagee Ministries website added: 'Our commitment to spreading the Gospel is as strong as ever and we will continue to boldly proclaim Biblical truth in this nation. Only the love of Christ can conquer the darkness that drives these terrorist acts. 'The root of the threat currently facing this nation is the same that Israel has faced for years. And our standing with Israel against radical Islam is crucial at this time, as is standing with our country as it comes to terms with its impact. 'The relevance of our work is crucial during the days in which we are living. Although we are not meeting in June, let us continue to show the love of Christ to Britain and stand with Israel and our Jewish brethren. 'Let us stand for truth and righteousness at a time when our nation is in need of both clarity and hope.' Pope Francis' smackdown: Obey me or lose your jobs An extraordinary row has culminated in Pope Francis laying out a harsh ultimatum: obey me or lose your jobs. A group of Catholic priests from the Ahiara diocese in Nigeria have refused to accept their bishop since he was appointed in 2012 by then Pope Benedict XVI. There was no hint of diplomacy or conciliatory tone as the pontiff met with them last Thursday and laid out the options. Seeking to crush their disobedience the Pope them he was 'very sad' at their behaviour that has blocked Bishop Peter Okpaleke from taking up his post in the area. He said those blocking Bishop Okpaleke taking up his office 'want to destroy the church, which is not permitted', he said, adding 'the Pope can't be indifferent' in this case. The 'people of God are scandalised' by the rebellion, Francis told them in an unusually harsh rebuke. He has given them until July 9 to formally write to the Vatican, repent and 'clearly manifest total obedience to the Pope'. If they do not each priest will 'lose his current office' and be suspended from the priesthood, Francis warned. It isn't clear how many will comply. The row centres around a tribal dispute with the priests coming from a different clan of the Igbo ethnic group to the bishop. The Ahiara diocese is dominated by the Mbaise ethnicitywho are the most Catholic of Nigeria's different people groups amounting to 77 per cent of the area's 670,000 population. But Bishop Okpaleke is an outsider from the nearby diocese of Awka in the Anamra State. Before the appointment in 2012 the clergy held protests and organised petitiions, calling for a bishop to be chosen from their own area. They claim a coordinated campaign is being run against them by their opponents but Pope Francis was uncompromising in his meeting with them last week. Africa is the continent with the fastest church growth and Pope Francis move to crush the disobedience shows how dangerous he sees any action against his authority. The Americans with Disabilities Act, which President George H. W. Bush signed into law in 1990, was noble in intention. Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down, Bush declared, invoking the rhetoric of civil rights to describe Americas disabled as victims of segregation and discrimination. Bush dismissed opponents fears that the ADA is too vague or too costly and will lead to an explosion of litigation; the statute, he assured, was carefully crafted to provide clear guidance to the business community. Hindsight reckons otherwise. The ADAs laudable objectives were to ban employment discrimination against the disabled and eliminate unnecessary physical barriers to access in commercial and government buildings. But in the ensuing quarter-century, the measure has spawned countless unintended consequencesmutating definitions of what constitutes a physical or mental disability, senseless mandates, abusive litigation, and astronomical compliance costs. Having vanquished common sense in the workplace and unleashed greedy trial lawyers to sue unsuspecting firms for accessibility violations, the ADAs nextand potentially most destructivecampaign is fixing e-commerce, which few people think is broken. Bushs estimate of the number of disabled Americans43 million, or 16 percent of the U.S. population in 1990was absurdly high. The actual number of traditionally disabledthe blind, the deaf, and wheelchair userstotaled fewer than 3 million two and a half decades ago. The presidents comparison of the ADA with 1960s-era civil rights legislation was wide of the mark, too. Businesses never posted signs saying, No Wheelchairs Allowed; the disabled never found themselves shunted off to separate lunch counters or denied employment opportunities because of a general unwillingness to associate with them; our society has never demonstrated animus toward the disabled per se. After all, Founding Father Gouverneur Morris was an amputee. Lake Powell is named after John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Civil War veteran who explored the Grand Canyon. Thomas Edison was deaf. Senator Bob Dole, a disabled World War II veteran, served as Senate minority leader and was the GOP nominee for vice president (1976) and president (1996). Helen Keller was revered as a role model for overcoming her multiple challenges. Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Jose Feliciano, and Ronnie Milsapall have had enormously successful careers as blind musicians in different genres. Charles Krauthammer, a paraplegic, is a respected television commentator, columnist, and best-selling author. Previous discrimination bans sought to eliminate artificial distinctions between people of equal ability due solely to their race or sex; the ADA tried to overcome clear disadvantages imposed by nature. Radical proponents of rights for the handicapped contend that disabled people arent oppressed by their physical limitations so much as by societys unwillingness to cater to those limits. The ADA sought to right this perceived wrong by mandating that employers, businesses, and governmental entities make the adjustments needed to ameliorate the physical limitations of the disabled. Disability activists, such as University of California at Berkeley law professor Linda Hamilton Krieger, concede that the ADA, unlike earlier civil rights statutes, requires that disabled individuals be treated differently, arguably better [than the nondisabled], to achieve an equal effect. The ADA has produced tangible benefits to our society, such as curb cuts on public sidewalks and wheelchair ramps at government buildings, which improve accessibility for the relatively small number of wheelchair users. But at whatand whoseexpense? As it happens, the ADAs mandates are largely oblivious to costoblivious even to the notion of cost-effectiveness. Employers and businesses must pick up the tab for the required accommodations. That bill has grown larger every year. Yet with few legislators willing to appear insensitive, the statute has thus far remained impervious to reform efforts. The notion that the ADA would not lead endlessly to litigation was also wrong. (See The ADA Shakedown Racket, Winter 2004.) ADA claims against employers filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), now numbering more than 26,000 per year, have become as common as sex-discrimination claims. And the volume keeps rising, as does the number of ADA lawsuits against employers filed in federal court yearly. Indeed, one of the ADAs primary flaws is its reliance on private litigation, rather than agency action, as an enforcement mechanism. Litigation under the ADA was not only inevitable; it was intended. (Investigative journalist James Bovard jokingly suggests that the acronym ADA really stands for Attorneys Dreams Answered.) Worse, the ADA (like most other civil rights statutes) allows plaintiffs to recover their attorneys fees if they prevail in litigation but denies the reciprocal right to prevailing defendants, a perverse incentive to the filing of meritless lawsuits. Attention has often focused on the growing volume of employment and workplace claims under Title I of the ADA, which has become an employers nightmare. The malleable definition of disability requiring accommodation by employers has swollen to include obesity, depression, mood disorders (and other mental illnesses), alcoholism, gambling addictions, asthma, back problems, narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD, allergies, sleep apnea, phobias, and similar common ailmentseven correctable impairments of hearing and vision familiar to many middle-aged workers. Almost any physical or mental condition can invoke ADA coverage. Though forbidden to inquire about disabilities in job interviews, or to demand preemployment physicals before a job offer is made (once a matter-of-fact requirement), employers must reasonably accommodate their workers for any disabilities they manifest after theyve been hired, even if theres a host of them. Accommodation sounds innocuous, but it can beand often isa costly, disruptive, and time-consuming undertaking. Employers are expected, generally at their own expense, to equalize the workplace, so that a disabled employee can perform as if he werent disabled. This can mean restructuring job duties, granting leaves, providing technological support, hiring assistants, granting reassignments, making individualized determinations, and entering into interactive dialogues, all while ignoring discriminatory customer preferences and, of course, traditional stereotypes. The ADAs nebulous provisions get exploited by underperforming employees invoking a torrent of excuses. Under Title I, employers must ignore the economic burdens imposed by disability accommodations unless they constitute an undue hardship, an amorphous standard that most medium-size to large firms will rarely be able to satisfy. To comply with the ADA, or to avoid the risk of litigation, employers often must make personnel decisions that diminish efficiency, and sometimes go so far as to jeopardize public safety. As Title I leads employers to relax hiring and performance standards, examples abound of one-armed public-safety officers, alcoholic pilots and truck drivers, deaf lifeguards, one-eyed and one-legged firefighters, and un-fireable drug-addicted employees. Accommodation trumps merit. The exact price tag of employers compliance with the ADAs accommodation requirementsin terms of out-of-pocket expenditures and lost productivityis unknown but undeniably substantial. More visible is the degree to which the ADAs nebulous provisions get exploited by underperforming employees invoking a torrent of excuses, a subject that Walter Olson explored in his late 1990s book The Excuse Factory. Alas, most performance deficienciessleeping on the job, tardiness, absenteeism, customer complaints, conflicts with coworkers, lack of productivity, and inattention to detailcan easily be blamed on an ADA-protected condition. Disciplining and terminating employees for doing unsatisfactory work has become a form of legal roulette, in which the employer may routinely find its business judgment second-guessed in a costly lawsuit, governed by unpredictable rules and the one-sided recovery of attorneys fees. An employer who guesses wrong and inadvertently violates the ADA can be liable to the employee for back pay, lost future earnings (so-called front pay), emotional-distress damages, punitive damages, and two sets of attorneys fees. In many cases, the ADAs Title I has short-circuited common sense and, in the process, become the ultimate refuge of mediocre employees and predatory litigants. Thankfully, Title I covers only those firms with 15 or more workers; small businesses are exempt. Moreover, employers generally face exposure under the ADA only if an employee has made an accommodation request and been refused. Even then, before bringing a lawsuit under Title Is enforcement scheme, employment claimants must first file an administrative charge with the EEOC, which investigates and tries informally to resolve the situation. These matters, numbering more than 400,000 to date, currently account for about 30 percent of the EEOCs overall administrative caseload. Most employment claims get resolved administratively and dont result in litigation. In about 60 percent of all ADA claims filed with the EEOC, the agency determines that theres no reasonable cause to believe that discrimination occurred, and another 15 percent to 18 percent wind up closed administratively for reasons such as the charging partys failure to cooperate. Despite this winnowing of approximately 75 percent of EEOC charges under the ADA, an overwhelming percentage of Title I lawsuits are unsuccessful. For example, an American Bar Association study found that employers prevailed in a staggering 92 percent of Title I cases filed in court. While this strongly suggests that most ADA lawsuits are unmeritorious, many Title I cases are nonetheless settled out of court by employers wishing to avoid the considerable expense (often exceeding $100,000) and disruption of litigation, the risk of an unpredictable damage award, and the fear of being ordered to pay the plaintiffs attorneys fees. The accessibility provisions of ADAs Title III encourage even greater abuse than does Title I. Title III deals with physical accessibility to the disabled in public accommodations and commercial facilitieswhich covers virtually every business and public entity in America, including hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, museums, auditoriums, and exercise facilities. And Title III doesnt have a 15-employee coverage threshold. By some estimates, 6 million privately owned businesses are subject to Title III, many times the number of employers subject to Title I. Several factors are responsible for the greater extent of predatory litigation under Title III. First, Title III requires no advance review of claims by the EEOC, so plaintiffs can proceed directly to court. Second, Title III requires no prior warning to, or interactive dialogue with, the business to trigger a violationplaintiffs can simply ambush an unsuspecting business with a lawsuit. Finally, in contrast to Title I, which limits claims to actual employees and applicants for employment, courts have held that any member of the public can bring Title III claims, including testers who arent even patrons of the allegedly noncompliant businesses. Title III does have one thing in common with Title I: it, too, awards attorneys fees to prevailing plaintiffs but not to prevailing defendants, incentivizing litigation and settlements. Unsurprisingly, thousands of Title III lawsuits get filed each year, and countless more are threatened in pre-litigation demand letters from ADA lawyers. Tom Scott, executive director for the California office of the National Federation of Independent Business, an advocate for small business, estimates that pre-litigation threats result in several times as many settlements as those resulting from filed lawsuits. The technical requirements for Title III, set forth in voluminous federal regulations, resemble a labyrinthine building code, specifying in overwhelming detail every aspect of how facilities and infrastructure must conform: the size and location of handicapped parking spaces, width of doorways, placement of elevator buttons, height of paper-towel dispensers and mirrors, layout of restrooms, and so on. The U.S. Department of Justice, a federal agency not generally known for its expertise in architecture or engineering, promulgates these regulations. Critics have charged that the DOJs Technical Assistance Manual, intended to guide businesses, is confusing and filled with conflicting provisions. Few small businesses are even aware of these arcane rules, and fewer still fully comply. A Phoenix plaintiffs lawyer quoted in The Economist estimated that only 5 percent of Arizona businesses were in full compliance with the DOJs overwhelming accessibility requirements, leaving the other 95 percent fair game for lawsuits. Violations require no intent, good faith is no defense, and no prior notice of violation is required before someone can sue. No grace period exists; fixing a defect after a lawsuit is filed is not a defense for the violation. Accordingly, suing businesses for not having the correct size, number, and location of handicapped parking places; improperly configured restrooms; inexactly located (or missing) signage; poorly designed (or missing) wheelchair ramps; and similar technical violations have all become a cottage industry for lawyers specializing in ADA claims. Finding violators is like shooting fish in a barrel. ADA plaintiffs and their lawyers often troll for noncompliant businesses by driving around and noting violations (such as misplaced handicapped parking spaces) visible from their car at strip malls, gas stations, convenience stores, nail salons, and similar mom-and-pop retail establishments. Some claims, such as for missing grab rails and insufficiently capacious stalls in restrooms, do require a personal visit, but no actual harmor even demonstrated lack of accessto a disabled person is required. Businesses that have never had a disabled customer can be sued under the ADA if their facilities dont conform perfectly to the latest technical standards. Money damages arent available under Title III for accessibility claims, but plaintiffs can recover their costs and reasonable attorneys fees if they prevail (and merely proving technical noncompliance is sufficient to win). A noncompliant business, if sued, will be liable for the plaintiffs attorneys fees, even if it quickly remedies the violation. Perversely, defending the case only increases the amount of the plaintiffs legal fees, so a strong incentive exists for the business to capitulate promptly. Unlike the medium-size and large employers subject to Title I, which are well capitalized and accustomed to litigation, the small businesses that Title III targets tend to be unsophisticated, averse to litigation, and unable to afford a lawyer, in any event. A disproportionate number of small retail firms are owned by ethnic minorities, who can feel intimidated by an unfamiliar legal system. Facing a federal court lawsuit, or the threat of one, they typically settle out of court. Exploiting this dynamic, ADA lawyers often bring cookie-cutter lawsuits against small businesses, which frequently will pay a few thousand dollars to make the suits go away. While a few thousand dollars in a settlement may seem inconsequential, its not a bad payday for serial litigants filing a template complaint with boilerplate allegations. Lawsuit mills handling these cases depend on volume, filing hundreds of ADA lawsuits each year, or even more. The rewards are sufficient to generate a growing docket of ADA claims. Some statesnotably, California, Florida, and New Yorkhave enacted laws piggybacking on the ADA that do allow the recovery of money damages for Title III violations. For example, Californias Unruh Act provides for a recovery of at least $4,000 (reduced to $1,000 in certain circumstances, due to 2012 reform legislation). Because of the increased potential liability, the settlement value of ADA claims is increased for California businessesup to $20,000 per case instead of a norm elsewhere of $3,500 to $7,500. The volume of ADA litigation is predictably higher in California than in any other state, accounting, by some estimates, for 42 percent of all such lawsuits nationwide. A handful of lawyers (some representing themselves as clients) file most of the Title III lawsuits. The most active frequent filers account for thousands of cases each. When laws create a rent-seeking racket, unsavory elements are invariably attracted. One serial ADA litigant from California, Dan Allen Jones, was shot while attempting a robbery, rendering him paraplegic. Prolific ADA litigants rarely face sanctions for unleashing a blizzard of lawsuits, and even when they are punished, enterprising lawyers will just find another disabled client to represent. California attorney Thomas Franko- vich netted an estimated $10 million from hundreds of ADA cases he filed on behalf of Jarek Molski, before courts curbed his litigious client. Similar patterns of ADA abuse are now emerging in New York. The mass filing of Title III lawsuitswidely reported by local news outlets as well as major national (and even international) mediahas become a dreary spectacle, generating substantial negative public reaction and a judicial backlash. Frustrated federal judges have disparagingly characterized mass-produced ADA lawsuits as a sham and an ongoing scheme to bilk attorneys fees from the defendant. ADA reform activist David Warren Peters, a San Diego attorney, thinks that were the laughingstock of the world. Other countries dont use lawsuits to get businesses to comply. Advocates for the disabled shrug away the horror stories by noting that businesses should just complythen the problem goes away. Not everyone is so sanguine, however. Widespread criticism of Title III litigation has prompted even liberal stalwarts such as Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to demand reforms of state law to prevent shakedown tactics threatening the viability of small businesses. Sadly, these litigation abuses, though widely condemned, have not led to any reforms of the ADA. Critics of shakedown accessibility suits have long advocated a notification requirement, or grace period, prior to suing under Title III, but influential disability groups oppose such reforms. When Congress has amended the ADA, it has made the statute even worse, as it did in 2008 when it overrode sensible Supreme Court decisions that declined to recognize as disabilities impairments (such as poor eyesight) correctable through medication or technology. Politicians of both partiesunwilling to incur the wrath of advocates for the disabledrefuse to challenge the assumptions and structure of the ADA. The most troubling wave of ADA litigation is just beginning to crest. The ADAs next frontierand next target of litigationis the most innovative segment of the domestic economy: e-commerce. The latest trend in ADA litigation is suing commercial websites that arent sufficiently accessible to the disabledbecause, for instance, they lack assistive technologies for the blind or hearing-impaired. Even though the ADA was enacted before websites became ubiquitous, many courts have interpreted the term public accommodation in Title III to encompass the Internet, and will entertain suits applying to it. In 2008, Target paid $6 million to settle a class-action suit brought by the National Federation of the Blind charging that the retailers website was allegedly insufficiently accessible to blind customers. Target also paid nearly $4 million in costs and attorneys fees to the plaintiffs. Why would Target pay $10 million to settle a case when the law is unsettled and its culpability far from certain? Class-action lawsuits are particularly expensive to defend, and because the potential liability is aggregated to reflect the entire class (all blind consumers, in this example), the financial exposure for a firm if it loses in court presents an unacceptable risk to most corporate defendants. In fact, upon their certification, virtually all class actions are settled, for a sum approximating the defendants anticipated defense costs and the risk-adjusted amount of its potential exposuretypically tens of millions of dollars. Plus, an image-conscious national retailer like Target presumably wanted to avoid the unfavorable publicity of getting sued by disabled customers. The plaintiffs bar understands this dynamicand exploits it. Bank of America signed the first web-accessibility settlement agreement in 2000. Prior to Target, other large firms entering into web-access settlements included Safeway and Charles Schwab. The courts are divided about whether all commercial websites are subject to the ADA, or just those associated with a brick-and-mortar business. The Department of Justice under President Obama took the broader position, but it didnt issue any actual regulations providing specific guidance to businessesthose are slated for 2018. Meantime, millions of businesses with websites have the worst of both worlds: mandates without directions. As one law firm explained, with conflicting appellate precedents, statutory silence, and no DOJ regulations, businesses with websites are left to try and figure out how to avoid the onslaught of future DOJ enforcement litigation and private-sector litigation in this quickly evolving area. Walter Olson, a leading observer of the legal system, calls the DOJs rudderless campaign against websites the single most underreported and alarming regulation that I know of in the federal pipeline. Frustrated federal judges have disparagingly characterized mass-produced ADA lawsuits as a sham. Similar accessibility litigation has also been brought against universities providing free online courses on the grounds that the content isnt captioned for deaf users, and against ride-sharing services because their smartphone apps lack text-to-speech capability for blind users. To be considered accessible, at least according to the demands of disabled users, websites must, among other things, use fewer pictures, employ text in a format compatible with text-reading software, and utilize designs that allow for simpler navigation. Determining the correct solution to demands for accessibility generates Hobsons choices among technical alternatives, each bound to be objectionable to someone. Designing features to aid certain disabled groups, in other words, may make a website more difficult or less efficient for other users. Consider bank websites. They often use timers that will shut down an online session for security reasons if a particular time period is exceeded. Such timeouts could present problems for some disabled users. But eliminating them in the interest of accessibility could impair security for all. Some businesses, fearing litigation, may suspend their websites entirely, inconveniencing everyone. Questions proliferate. Do color combinations on websites violate the ADA because they confound the colorblind? Are certain layouts inaccessible if theyre confusing to users with a limited field of vision? Do the accessibility requirements apply only to the websites themselves, or also to web content, such as advertising on a third partys website? Will website hosts be responsible for compliance by third-party sites that are linked? Will the accessibility rules apply prospectively, or must archived web content be revised to comply? What standards represent a safe harbor? Are mobile apps covered? Are temporary technical bugs in an otherwise compliant website a violation of the ADA? Will the same rules apply to all websites, regardless of size? Will U.S. users be blocked from accessing offshore websites that dont meet ADA standards? What physical and mental conditions will require accommodation? So far, the litigated cases have focused on vision and hearing impairments, but future cases could include dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy, cognitive impairments, paralysis, and many other conditions. Will all this be determined on a case-by-case basis? Further, guidelines that make sense for a Fortune 500 company arent necessarily appropriate for a small or medium-size business. Reconfiguringor even auditinga website using a knowledgeable consultant could be prohibitively expensive for many small businesses. Merely reviewing a websites coding and metadata to determine its compatibility with a blind users screen-reading software can cost $50,000. Applying Title III to websites (and online content generally) is obviously highly problematic. Unlike individualized workplace modifications or structural requirements for the millions of individual business premises throughout the United States, websites constitute the universal portal to the global economy. An employer accommodation generally affects just the disabled employee and possibly a discrete group of coworkers. Accessibility requirements for buildings do not generally alter the functionality for nondisabled customers, as they easily could with websites. Regulating the format and content of websites to ensure that certain categories of disabled consumerssay, the visually impaired and deafcan use them, if it is to happen, is also a technologically sophisticated mission, better suited to enforcement by a specialized agency, following formal rule-making, in which affected stakeholders receive advance notice and have an opportunity to comment. It is essential that any regulations be specific, reasonable, prospective in application, and cost-effective. The private-litigation model that has developed under Title III of the ADA is a proven disaster and one that should not be inflicted on the burgeoning digital economy. Unhindered by government regulation, technology has shown a nearly miraculous capacity for innovation, aiding all of society, including the disabled. Stephen Hawking extols the benefits of technology, which permit him to synthesize speech, deliver talks, and write books and papers (including the best-selling physics book of all time)all without the dictates of the ADA. The prospect of inhibiting further technological advance through litigation and regulation should be preposterous in a free society. Does anyone seriously believe that the federal governmentor our legal systemcan micromanage the Internet to produce better outcomes than the free market would deliver? More than 26 years after its passage, critics of the ADAand there are manymust resign themselves to the fact that the law is here to stay. In addition to requiring the now-ubiquitous curb cuts, wheelchair ramps, and designated parking places, the ADA has undeniably increased societal awareness of the challenges that many Americans struggle to overcome every day. But good intentions dont guarantee sound public policy. Sympathy for the less fortunate is no substitute for common sense, and society cannot ameliorate every disadvantage. The ADAs beneficent legacy is being threatened by the sleazy, quasi-extortionate model of private litigation that it has given rise to. Lawmakers and regulators need to recognize that predatory litigation under Title III of the ADA accomplishes nothing except the enrichment of a small number of opportunist plaintiffs lawyers and their serial clients. Title III should be amended to provide for administrative enforcement instead of relying on mercenary private litigation; or, at a minimum, accessibility claimants should be required to provide notice of alleged violations and give businesses a reasonable opportunity to comply, prior to bringing a lawsuit. Advocates for the disabled will oppose such reforms, but responsible legislators must not cower before vocal special-interest groups when the public good is at stake. The issue of online accessibility calls for bolder action. Congress should act, either to exempt websites and related content from the requirements of the ADA entirely, or to enact detailed guidelines regarding the precise accommodations that the law requires. If Congress wont act, the DOJ (or another federal agency) should promulgate reasonable regulations for accessibility. In the interim, courts should hold in abeyance all lawsuits under the ADA based on allegedly noncompliant websites. Exposing businesses to potentially ruinous litigation in the absence of specific rules is an affront to the rule of law. And regardless of who develops the rules, or what those rules (if any) turn out to be, enforcement should be administrative in nature. If a quarter-centurys worth of experience under the ADA teaches us anything, it is that Title IIIs private-litigation model is an abject failure. The well-intentioned Americans with Disabilities Act has produced endless litigation, at astronomical cost. The record of lawsuit abuse under the ADA is indisputable. And we cannot allow our most innovative form of technologye-commerceto be sacrificed on the same altar of wishful thinking. The statute could use some accommodation of its own. Photo: President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, opening a Pandoras box of unintended consequences. (BARRY THUMMA/AP PHOTO) The Charity Commission has warned the RSPCA to bring its governance up to the standard that the public would expect in the wake of the departure of the charity's latest chief executive. Yesterday it emerged that the charitys chief executive had left with immediate effect shortly before publication of a review of the charitys governance, which was started last March on the recommendation of the regulator. A Commission spokeswoman said that the regulator has been working with the charity. We have been engaging with the charity, both about this review and more generally about its administration and management, the spokeswoman said. The RSPCA is a significant institution and it is important that its governance is brought up to the standard that the public would expect." An RSPCA spokeswoman said yesterday that the results of the review would be published soon. Troubled charity Jeremy Cooper is the second chief executive to have left the RSPCA in recent years. In 2014 its chief executive, Gavin Grant quit, citing health reasons, and was followed within months by his deputy, John Grounds. It then took two years to find a new chief executive. At least three trustees have resigned in protest. RSPCA has been criticised by national media titles over its prosecution activity and has been the subject of scrutiny from a Commons committee. It was also fined by the Information Commissioner's Office for breaching the Data Protection Act. It received the largest fine of any charity. However its latest accounts for the year ending December 2016, recently published on its website, show the charitys income rising by 20m to 144m, largely down to an increase in legacy income. Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 20 September 2017. For more information, and to book, click here Credit union professionals from across the country are gathering today to kick off the NAFCUs 50th Annual Conference and Solutions Expo in Honolulu. The conference is NAFCUs largest annual event and it runs through Friday, June 16. We are excited to be celebrating NAFCUs 50th anniversary and the associations accomplishments in Honolulu, said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. NAFCUs Annual Conference and Solutions Expo brings credit union leaders together to learn the latest on important industry issues and trends. This years program is designed to help credit unions strengthen their operations and grow their bottom line. Today, Berger will lead a member-only Private Conversation with other NAFCU senior staff. Also slated are the Defense Credit Union Summit, sponsored by Allied Solutions, where attendees will learn about the impact of the Military Lending Act and network with other credit union leaders invested in defense issues; and the popular pre-conference workshop, where credit union board and supervisory committee members learn the ins and outs of the credit union industry and earn the NAFCU Certified Volunteer Expert certification. Talking Points: Most Asian markets scored gains, with only the Nikkei down among the majors It didnt slip far however, losing just 0.05% Investors are increasingly fixated on the US Federal Reserve and its June policy conclave Give your Asian market trading strategy a tune-up with the DailyFX trading guide Most Asian stock markets managed small gains Tuesday despite ongoing pressure on US tech stocks in the previous session. Caution still appears to reign, however, as well it might with a two-day US Federal Reserve monetary-policy meeting kicking off later. It's expected to result in another, quarter-percentage-point interest-rate rise. The Nikkei 225 ended down by a whisker, losing just 0.01%. Australias ASX 200 added 1.2% as markets there reopened after Mondays holiday break. Other regional markets were up, by about 0.5% apiece. The US Dollar was broadly steady against Asian currencies. However it rose once more against a British Pound still dealing with election fallout. The Canadian Dollar meanwhile managed its highest level against its US cousin for nearly two months on Tuesday, lifted by hawkish commentary from the Bank of Canada on Monday. Local economic numbers didnt have much currency impact. Sentiment at large Japanese businesses hit lows not seen for a year according to official figures. Australian confidence slipped back too but it remains at comparatively high levels and surveyors at National Australia Bank said business overall was still upbeat. Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Wilkins said that first-quarter growth had been pretty impressive and that the central bank would in consequence consider whether current low rates are still needed. Gold prices went nowhere through the Asian session, gaining a little less than 0.1% per ounce. Crude oil added about 12 cents/barrel on news that Saudi Arabia was making significant supply cuts to major consumers. However still-rising US output levels are ensuring the endurance of high overall supply levels. The rest of the global session offers plentiful economic data. From the UK will come consumer-price and retail-sales numbers. Therell also be Germanys ZEW sentiment survey and US producer prices. --- Written by David Cottle, DailyFX Research Contact and follow David on Twitter: @DavidCottleFX [June 12, 2017] Internet of Things to drive the digital transformation of businesses and organizations in ASEAN SINGAPORE, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia IoT Business Platform series will be returning to Southeast Asia for the fourth consecutive year. The programs, which are organized by Industry Platform Pte. Ltd, will take place in major cities across the region, including in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Jakarta, in July and August. The programs will continue to facilitate the digital transformation of enterprises and organizations in Southeast Asia. It will also have an additional focus on addressing challenges and issues that organizations face in adopting and implementing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The prestigious programs will involve Government officials, senior business leaders in the IoT and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) sectors, as well as local enterprises that are looking to explore business growth and improved business efficiency with IoT. "We are excited to return to major cities in ASEAN this year, after many successful editions in the past couple of years. Since 2014, we have seen business partnerships among stakeholders being forged to drive the IoT adoption growth in the region. IoT developments are also apparent, especially in the different smart city initiatives, and the different IoT projects implemented by local enterprises. We are glad to witness these promising developments," Irza Suprapto, Director at Asia IoT Business Platform, said. The rapid technological developments in Southeast Asia have led to great demands for IoT technologies. A recent survey conducted by Asia IoT Business Platform on local enterprises shows that more than 70 per cent of local enterprises and organizations are currently in the process of exploring or finding possible IoT solutions to be deployed or implemented. However, only 7 per cent of them report benefitting from any IoT implementation. These enterprises and organizations cite cost, legacy systems, and complexity as the top three concerns in adopting IoT. Following the great interest in IoT technologies but low benefits from implemntation, Irza noted that it is now important to understand the challenges that enterprises face in trying to deploy IoT in their businesses. "The challenges that enterprises face in implementing IoT will determine how they view the benefits of IoT implementation and in turn, affects the demand for IoT technologies. Therefore, this year, we are inviting IT leaders of local enterprises and organizations to share more about their IoT projects or their digital transformation vision, as well as the challenges that they face in deploying IoT. This is to ensure that their concerns and challenges will be addressed and IoT adoption rates in the region will continue to grow, instead of being stunted," Irza added. The Asia IoT Business Platform series across ASEAN will feature a line-up of esteemed speakers comprising IT leaders from local enterprises such as Sampoerna Strategic (Indonesia), Garuda Indonesia, Bank of Thailand, Charoen Pokphand (Thailand), Petronas (Malaysia), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (Malaysia), Philippine Ports Authority, Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (Philippines), and many more. The programs include keynote address and panel discussions covering a wide spectrum of topics including industry trends and outlook, industrial IoT, transport and logistics, public services, smart city, banking, finance and retail, and next generation technologies. The programs are supported by the Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF), Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Fujitsu, Dassault Systemes, PCCW Solutions, Atilze, Nosairis, Maxis, AST Group, Axiros, Adlink, S3 Innovate, Halodata, Indosat Ooredoo, Robustel, Advantech, NTT Communications, Eluon, Nable Communications, Parasoft, DRVR, Hitachi, Cytech, Aerial Communications, and Accrete. For details regarding the programs, tickets, and registration, visit http://bit.ly/2rlQwAP. About Asia IoT Business Platform With a focus on local government agencies and enterprises across different industry sectors, the Asia IoT Business Platform is a premier business program crafted by the industry for the industry, with the aim of addressing key issues facing the adoption of IoT technologies in ASEAN. The program drives enterprises to understand and learn about the adoption of IoT technologies for their business. Since its inception in 2013, the event has secured strong support from local governments and telecommunication companies. The 2017 series will focus on engaging IoT solution providers and enterprises to address pain points and key challenges in implementing IoT in businesses. 13th edition Asia IoT Business Platform Bangkok, Thailand; 24 25 July 2017 14th edition Asia IoT Business Platform Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 27 28 July 2017 15th edition Asia IoT Business Platform Manila, Philippines; 1 2 August 2017 16th edition Asia IoT Business Platform Jakarta, Indonesia; 7 8 August 2017 About Industry Platform Pte Ltd Industry Platform Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore incorporated firm focused on the global telecommunications sector. We are Southeast Asia's leading organizer of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) conferences and exhibitions. We work with local and global businesses, as well as public sector bodies and associations who are looking to expand their reach in Asian markets. We provide the best platforms for industry professionals to network and shape developments. For further details, please contact: Abdullah Zaidani Marketing and PR Tel: +65 6733 1107 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Industry Platform [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Cantel Medical Corp. provides infection prevention and control products and services for the healthcare market. The company's Medical segment offers automated endoscope reprocessing systems; disinfectants and sterilants; detergents; leak testing and manual cleaning products; storage cabinets and transport systems; manual cleaning products; endoscope process tracking products; other consumables, accessories, and supplies for use in disinfect rigid endoscopes, flexible endoscopes, and other instrumentation; and technical maintenance services. Its Life Sciences segment provides dialysis water purification and bicarbonate mixing systems; hollow fiber filters, and other filtration and separation products; liquid disinfectants and cold sterilization products; dry fog products; room temperature sterilization equipment and services; and clean-room certification and decontamination services for the dialysis and other healthcare, research laboratories, food and beverage, and commercial industrial customers, as well as microbiological testing services. The company's Dental segment offers hand and powered dental instruments, instrument reprocessing and sterility assurance products, towels, bibs, tray liners, sponges, nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation equipment and related single-use disposable nasal masks, face masks, and shields. It also provides hand sanitizers, germicidal wipes, disinfectants, surface disinfectants, waterline treatment products, saliva ejectors, evacuator tips, plastic cups, prophy angles, and prophy paste. The company's Dialysis segment provides hemodialysis concentrates and other ancillary supplies; medical device reprocessing systems; and sterilants and disinfectants. The company sells its products through its direct distribution network in the United States; and directly or under various third-party distribution agreements internationally. Cantel Medical Corp. was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Little Falls, New Jersey. NovaSparks Voted Best Hardware Data Feed Handler NovaSparks, the leading field programmable gate array (FPGA) market data company, today announced that the Readership of Intelligent Trading Technology selected NovaTick as best high-performance hardware data feed handler at the Intelligent Trading Technology Awards 2017 Ceremony. The awards presented during this ceremony acknowledged excellence in trading technologies within capital markets, focusing on specialized suppliers of trading operation technologies. "We are pleased to offer our congratulations to NovaSparks on their prestigious Intelligent Trading Technology Award win. Our readership of 15,000 senior trading technology executives clearly voted NovaSparks as the leading provider of Best High Performance Data Feed Handler - Hardware," said Andrew Delaney, president of A-Team Group, which hosts the ITT (News - Alert) Awards. NovaTick's design is based on a pure FPGA architecture where all real-time market data processing functions are performed in hardware resulting in the lowest and most deterministic latency. This FPGA-centric architecture is augmented with tightly integrated Intel (News - Alert) processors to support non-latency sensitive tasks such as exchange recovery functions. About NovaSparks, Inc. NovaSparks is the leader in FPGA-based high performance and ultra-low latency market data solutions for the financial industry. NovaSparks unique FPGA centric approach delivers sub microsecond processing latency including book building, even during market peak periods. Available for over 50 feeds among the major Equity, Futures and Options venues across North America, Europe and Asia, the feed handlers are packaged in easy-to-deploy appliances offering an extensive fan-out capability for market data distribution. Founded in 2008 and backed by well-established investors, NovaSparks' offices are located in Paris, France and New York, USA. For more information, please contact Barbara Rizzatti at 971-998-9404 or [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert): @NovaSparksFPGA. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006364/en/ SPRINGFIELD -- To help revive the shrinking populations of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, the Illinois Department of Transportation is adjusting its mowing routine along state highways this spring and summer. The approach, part of IDOTs overall effort to encourage green and sustainable practices in all its programs and projects, will help to re-establish types of plants that are food sources for bees, butterflies and other insects that are native to Illinois. As one of the largest land owners in the state, IDOT appreciates its tremendous responsibility to act as stewards of the environment, said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. This simple change in our maintenance obligations will have little impact on the traveling public, but will give a big assist to Mother Nature at no cost to the state. Although their numbers are on the decline, pollinators play a vital role in agriculture and the states ecosystem by fertilizing and aiding in reproduction of flowers, fruits, vegetables and seeds. The official state insect of Illinois since 1975, the monarch butterfly is at risk of being declared endangered, with a population thats declined by 80 percent the last 10 years. Starting in May IDOT will only mow 15 feet of right of way beyond the edge of the roadway. Exceptions will be made in certain areas to preserve sightlines for motorists and to prevent the spread of invasive plant species. Prior to this initiative, mowing widths varied by location. By reducing the amount of land being mowed, IDOT hopes to encourage the growth of critical plant species, such as milkweed, the only food source for monarch caterpillars. In the coming months, IDOT will be monitoring roadsides to determine if the approach is working. In recent months, IDOT has taken other measures to restore native habitat along state highways, including a prairie restoration project on U.S. 45 near Champaign. URBANA -- In the primordial soup that was early Earth, life started small. Elements joined to form the simple carbon-based molecules that were the precursors of everything that was to come. But there is debate about the next step. One popular hypothesis suggests that ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules, which contain the genetic blueprints for proteins and can perform simple chemical reactions, kick-started life. Some scientists refute this idea, however, saying RNA is too large and complex a molecule to have started it all. That group says simpler molecules had to evolve the ability to perform metabolic functions before macromolecules such as RNA could be built. This idea is appropriately named metabolism-first, and new evidence out of the University of Illinois backs it up. All living organisms have a metabolism, a set of life-sustaining chemical transformations that provide the energy and matter needed for the functions of the cell. These metabolic transformations are assumed to have occurred very early in life, in primitive Earth. Organisms probably replaced chemical reactions already going on in the planet and internalized them into cells through development of enzymatic activities, says Gustavo Caetano-Anolles, bioinformatician and professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at U of I. Caetano-Anolles and Ibrahim Koc, a visiting scholar in the department, found evidence for the metabolism-first hypothesis by studying the evolution of molecular functions in organisms representing all realms of life. For 249 organisms, their genomes -- or complete set of genes -- were available in a searchable database. Whats unique about this particular resource, known as the Gene Ontology (GO) database, is the fact that for each gene product -- a protein or RNA molecule -- a set of terms describing its function goes with it. You can take an entire genome that represents an organism, like the human genome, and visualize it through the collection of functionalities of its genes. The study of these functionomes tells us what genes do, instead of focusing on their names and locations. For example, we can find out what kinds of catalytic, recognition, or binding activities a gene product has, which is much more intuitive, Caetano-Anolles notes. The best way to understand an organism is through its functions. According to Caetano-Anolles, the number of times a function appears in a genome provides historical information. So the team took the GO terms describing all of the molecular functions in each organism and counted them up. The idea was that an ancient function, such as the catalytic activity of metabolism, is likely shared by all organisms and will be found in large numbers. On the other hand, more recent functions are found in lower numbers and in smaller subsets of organisms. The team used the information and advanced computational methods to construct a tree that traced the most likely evolutionary path of molecular functions through time. At the base of the tree, close to its roots, were the most ancient functions. The most recent were close to the crown. At the base of the tree, corresponding to the origin of life on Earth, were functions related to metabolism and binding. It is logical that these two functions started very early because molecules first needed to generate energy through metabolism and had to interact with other molecules through binding, Caetano-Anolles explains. The next major advancements were functions that made the rise of macromolecules possible, which is when RNA might have entered the picture. Next came the machinery that integrated molecules into cells, followed by the rise of functions allowing communication between cells and their environments. Finally, as you move toward the crown of the tree, you start seeing functions related to highly sophisticated processes involving things like muscle, skin, or the nervous system, Caetano-Anolles says. The research doesnt just shed light on the past. Knowing the progression of these molecular functions through time can help predict where life on Earth is headed. People think of evolution as looking backwards, Caetano-Anolles says. But we could use our chronologies and methodologies to ask what novel molecular functions will be generated in the future. The work has applications for bioengineering, an emerging field that uses biological information and computation to produce novel molecules. Engineered molecules could combat disease and improve the quality of everyday life, according to Caetano-Anolles. The best way to reengineer biological molecules with novel and useful molecular functions is to learn principles from clues left behind in their past, he says. The article, The natural history of molecular functions inferred from an extensive phylogenomic analysis of gene ontology data, is published in PLoS One. Atlantic margin-focussed oil and gas exploration company Chariot Oil & Gas was set to hold its annual general meeting in London on Tuesday, with chief executive Larry Bottomley preparing to provide a brief portfolio and strategy update to the assembled punters. Bottomley said that, while the challenging business environment in 2016 resulted in subdued industry activity, Chariot used that as an opportunity to mature and de-risk its portfolio by shooting seismic surveys at favourable rates. It participated in extensive 3D seismic campaigns in Namibia and Brazil, with additional 2D and 3D seismic acquired in early 2017 in Morocco. The processing and interpretation of those data sets was allowing the Company to develop, de-risk and mature its drilling inventory. Chariot continues to focus on partnering for risk management, Bottomley said. The approval of the Rabat Deep Offshore farm-out to Eni is demonstrative of that strategy in action and will lead to the drilling of the RD-1 well, expected Q1 2018, targeting the JP-1 prospect which is estimated to hold 768 mmbbls gross mean prospective resources. Partnering processes are underway in Namibia and Morocco, and will start in Brazil on completion of the interpretation of the data from the 2016 3D seismic campaign. In Morocco, Bottomley said Chariot had continued to expand its portfolio, securing first the Mohammedia Offshore Permits and then, in early 2017, the Kenitra Permit, leveraging existing knowledge and understanding of the petroleum systems in Morocco. Those permits captured material prospectivity that had the potential to be significantly de-risked by the drilling of the RD-1 well. Chariot has continued to illustrate its strategy in the management of risk and the allocation of capital by its election in June 2016 not to enter into the next phase for the C-19 licence in Mauritania. In Namibia, the company has continued to mature its portfolio with the evaluation of the 2016 3D seismic data in the Central Blocks delineating five structural prospects ranging from 283 - 459 mmbbls gross mean prospective resources as described in the Competent Person's Report undertaken by Netherland Sewell and Associates. A partnering process has been initiated in the Central Blocks with the aim to undertake drilling in H2 2018, for which preparations are underway, [and] farm-out discussions are also proceeding in the Southern Blocks. Seismic interpretation was continuing in Brazil, according to Bottomley, with encouraging early results. Upon completion, the dataroom on those licences would open in H2 2017. Chariot maintained focus on financial discipline, ending 2016 with $25m in cash, well in excess of its commitments. In H1 2017 the completion of the seismic programme in Morocco and the partnering with Eni in Rabat Deep, delivering a capped carry on the RD-1 well expected Q1 2018, means there are now no unfunded work commitments throughout the portfolio. Overhead costs remained tightly controlled, whilst the management has been successful in leveraging the overall industry downturn to negotiate favourable seismic rates, thus allowing for counter-cyclical investment in the portfolio. The focus for H2 2017 was to continue building and maturing the portfolio to deliver further funded drilling inventory, the board said, whilst continuing to screen the market for potential value-accretive opportunities. US President Donald Trump will face a lawsuit from the attorney generals of Maryland and Washington, who claim that he has not done enough to separate his business interests from his role in the White House. The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Maryland on Monday, with the states top legal official Brian Frosh and DCs Karl Racine alleging that Trump has committed unprecedented constitutional violations in the continuation of his private empire. According to the US constitution's emoluments clauses, a president may not benefit financially from holding the Oval Office. Trump is still the owner of his vast business empire, despite having taken over as President in January of this year. While retaining ownership, he gave control of his businesses to sons Eric and Donald Jnr. The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Maryland on Monday Frosh told reporters on Monday that Trump must face the consequences of such actions. The emoluments clauses are a firewall against presidential corruption, Frosh said in Washington. And the one thing we know about the president is he understands the value of walls. This is one he cant climb over and its one he cant dig underneath. It is unprecedented that the American people must question day after day whether decisions are made and actions are taken to benefit the United States or to benefit Donald Trump, he added. The presidents conflicts of interest threaten our democracy. Trumps presidency has been plagued by several ongoing scandals in the first five months, including allegations of links between his campaign and the Kremlin, while doubts still surround his private empire. Markets bounced back at the start of the session, with investors apparently recovering their calm following Monday's sharp drop in technology stocks and ahead of the US central bank's policy announcement due the next day. "The quiet start to the week in terms of news flow and economic data combined with the UK election result didnt provide much reason for optimism on Monday, although it was the sell-off in tech that appeared to be the greatest drag. Whether this is a temporary correction in a sector that has performed extraordinarily this year or something more is yet to be seen but nothing suggests to me that the latter is the case," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda. As of 0817 BST, the benchmark Stoxx 600 was higher by 0.36% to 388.0, alongside a rise of 0.35% to 12,735.67 for Germany's Dax and a gain of 0.20% to 5,251.23 in Paris's Cac-40. Movements in the other main asset classes were largely muted early on Monday morning, with front month Brent crude oil futures edging higher by 0.23% to $48.40 a barrel on the ICE, while the euro was up by 0.06% to 1.1208. On the political front, in an interview with the FT Europe's lead Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned the UK not to "waste" more time. Next week would mark three months since Article 50 was triggered and no negotiations had yet taken place, he said. Acting as a backdrop, investors were looking out to the US Federal Reserve's policy announcement on Wednesday, with rate-setters in Washington DC widely expected to hike their main policy rate by 25 basis points to a range of between 1.0% and 1.25%. As expected, Spain's national statistics office confirmed a preliminary estimate that consumer prices in the Mediterranean country were unchanged last month, having risen by 2.0% year-on-year during the previous month. French non-farm payrolls grew by 0.4% or 89,700 quarter-on-quarter during the first three months of 2017, according to INSEE. Still on the economic calendar for Tuesday, Germany's ZEW institute was set to publish its economic confidence index for the month of June. Meanwhile, Germany's Fraport indicated that airport passenger numbers grew by 5.7% year-on-year in May, as cargo increased 5.1%. In parallel, Air France reported a 6.1% increase in its May traffic. France's Engie announced its intention to sell its 10% stake in India's Petronet LNG for a value of 410.0m. The world faces the prospect of more tension with China over trade, security and human rights after Xi Jinping awarded himself another five-year term as leader of the ruling Communist Party and called for self-reliance in technology, a stronger military and protection of core interests abroad. At a party congress, Xi gave no sign of plans to change the "zero-COVID strategy that has frustrated Chinas public and disrupted business and trade. He called for faster military development and announced no change in policies that strain relations with Washington and Asian neighbors. Xi is tightening control at home and trying to use Chinas economic heft to increase its influence abroad. Fashion retailer Ted Baker reported a 14.2% rise in revenue for the 19 weeks to 10 June as it presses ahead with its global expansion, with openings in Los Angeles, Paris, and Shanghai. Total retail sales for the period were up 8.4% at constant currency, while wholesale sales for the period increased 8.9%, reflecting good performances from both its UK and North America business. The group said its e-commerce business has continued to perform well, with sales up 32.3% thanks to good growth across the e-commerce sites and the strength of its retail proposition. In addition, Ted Baker continues to expect to achieve high single-digit growth at constant currency in the wholesale business for the full year. It said the company was positioned to meet the board's expectations for the full year "despite the current uncertain macro environment". Found and chief executive Ray Kelvin said: "This continued good performance across all of our distribution channels is a reflection of the strength and appeal of Ted Baker as a global lifestyle brand. The continued expansion of the brand remains underpinned by an unwavering focus on quality and attention to detail as well as the passion, skill and Tedication of our team. "We are very pleased with the customer response during the period and, despite an uncertain macro environment, we remain positioned to deliver further progress and our expectations for the full year." The global credit impulse has fallen as dramatically over recent months as it did during the onset of the Lehman crisis, signalling serious headwinds for the world economy and asset prices just as the US Federal Reserve tightens monetary policy. A key UBS tracking indicator shows that the impulse has plummeted by 6pc of GDP since peaking last year, driven by powerful swings in China and the US. - Telegraph The start of formal Brexit talks has been delayed in the wake of the political uncertainty caused by Theresa Mays disastrous election result. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, yesterday met Oliver Robbins, the most senior civil servant in David Davis's Brexit department, but the two men failed to reach an agreement on a start date for talks. - Telegraph Senior Cabinet ministers are engaged in secret talks with Labour MPs to secure cross-party backing for a soft Brexit, it has emerged. Some of the most senior members of Theresa May's team have been discussing how to force the Prime Minister to make concessions on immigration, the customs union and the single market. - Telegraph Theresa May is poised to bring to a close seven years of austerity after Tory MPs warned that they would refuse to vote for further cuts. The prime minister spent the day apologising to her cabinet and backbenchers, saying that she took full responsibility for losing the partys Commons majority and running a poor campaign. - The Times Employers in Britain are planning to take on new workers over coming months despite looming Brexit negotiations and slower economic growth, according to a survey. A poll of 2,109 employers by recruitment agency ManpowerGroup found that a net balance of 5% were planning to increase staff levels rather than cut them over the July-to-September quarter. - Guardian Allied Irish Banks is set to join the FTSE 100 as one of its biggest listings in two decades with a valuation of about 12 billion. The lender, which had to be rescued by Irish taxpayers during the financial crisis, will be priced at between 3.90 and 4.90 a share with conditional dealing due to start on June 23 with expected admission to the London and Irish Stock Exchanges around June 27. - The Times Donald Trump has committed unprecedented constitutional violations by failing to appropriately disentangle his public responsibilities as president with his private interests as a businessman, according to a lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of Maryland and Washington on Monday. The lawsuit, filed by DC attorney general Karl Racine and Maryland attorney general Brian Frosh in a Maryland federal court, alleges that Trump has violated the emoluments clause of the US constitution by failing to relinquish ownership of his vast business holdings. - Guardian The National Trust is facing a legal challenge after forcing a fracking company to divert around its land when surveying for shale gas. Ineos Shale is beginning seismic testing for gas this week across 250 square km of the east Midlands. - The Times Ineos has set out a plan to spend about 2 billion bumping up its chemical processing capacity across Europe. The privately owned petrochemicals business run by the billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has earmarked half the cash for a propane dehydrogenation unit that is expected to be built on the Continent. - The Times The Competition and Markets Authority is continuing its probe into the takeover of Amec Foster Wheeler by rival Wood Group. The 2.2 billion deal has raised concerns about competition in the North Sea, as the group has a combined share of around 60 per cent of the market. - Mail Oil and gas companies are ploughing on with job cuts but many now feel more confident that the worst of the downturn in the UK is over, according to an industry survey published today. The research found that 52 per cent of contractors and operators believe the bottom of the cycle has been reached. - The Times Motoring giant Ford is building an innovation centre for driverless cars to take advantage of Britains world-class digital talent and academic institutions. The hub, due to open later this year, will house about 40 specialists in the Here East campus on the Olympic Park in east London. - Mail Technology companies that fail to remove extremist content from the internet would face hefty fines under laws proposed by Britain and France. Theresa May and President Macron of France plan international sanctions to force internet companies to take action over jihadist propaganda and attack guides for would-be terrorists. - Telegraph Cut-price supermarket chain Aldi is seeking to conquer the US market building on its unprecedented success in Britain. The German firm already has 1,600 American stores but plans to expand this to 2,500 which would make it the third-largest US retailer. - Mail Firefighters are investigating whether a severe blaze at one of Rick Stein's flagship Cornish restaurants was started deliberately. A major investigation was underway on Monday after the celebrity chef's upmarket eatery in the tiny port of Porthleven came within minutes of being completely destroyed. - Telegraph The former chairman of Just Eat has died after a short illness. Takeaway industry pioneer John Hughes, 65, took a leave of absence less than two months ago to undergo medical treatment. - Mail Is this what Donald Trump meant when he campaigned on being the greatest jobs president that God ever created? The president celebrated the 70 whole jobs created by the Acosta mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the nations newest coal mine. When I ended the war on coal, I said I would put our incredible minersand thats what you are, incredibleback to work, Trump said after the mine opened last Thursday, likely forgetting that his budget slashes 40 percent, or about $1 billion, from federal job training programs. Corsa Coal Company CEO George Dethlefsen said 400 people applied for the 70 positions available at the new mine. Dethlefsen said the mine will help the areas struggling economy but as Quartz pointed out thats significantly fewer than the 92 jobs created by the opening of one American supermarket on average. Most of the coal isnt even staying in the country. According to PennLive, as for where the coal ultimately ends up, as much as 85 percent could be exported overseas to make steel in countries such as South Korea, Turkey, Egypt and Brazil, Corsa officials say. Even though Dethlefsen praised Trump for easing regulations and encouraging fossil fuel exploration, FactCheck.org reported that the administration had nothing to do with the Acosta mine opening as development began in September, or before the 2016 election. The opening of the Acosta mine has nothing to do with U.S. federal policy, Trevor Houser, a partner with the economic research company Rhodium Group, told FactCheck. Thats because the mine produces metallurgical coal, which is used for iron and steel-making, whereas thermal coal is used for energy generation. As FactCheck explained, about 90 percent of U.S. coal production is thermal coal and it has not been doing well at all in recent years, with coal consumption down nearly 18 percent between 2012 and 2016. And while Trump has added about 1,000 total coal jobs since taking office, the current number of coal mining jobs, 51,000, is 43 percent lower than in January 2012. Meanwhile, Americas clean energy jobs have soared, with solar employment expanding 17 times faster than the overall economy and wind turbine technicians are expected to be the fastest-growing occupation over the next 10 years. However, its unclear how long this growth might last with Trumps proposal to cut about 70 percent from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys budget. By Anna Bachmann The 16 tall puppet Enki, Iraqs Sumerian God of Water, was forced to stand in for Iraqs Upper Tigris Waterkeeper, Nabil Musa at the Waterkeeper Alliance conference in Utah last week. Musa, who was born and currently lives in Northern Iraq also carries a British passport and has attended several Waterkeeper conferences in the past under a U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program permits citizens of 38 countries (including the UK) to travel to the U.S. without a visa. Nabil was denied the visa waiver to attend the 2017 conference after the Department of Homeland Security changed the rules with the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. This act states that nationals of VWP countries who have been present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, at any time on or after March 1, 2011 will be denied the visa waiver. As a result Nabil, who works to protect rivers in Iraq, missed an important opportunity to connect with this vital network of water advocates from around the world. Anna Bachmann is the founder of Waterkeepers Iraq. By Molly Taft, Laura A. Shepard and Monika Sharma Alongside Highway 401 in northern North Carolina is a 21st-century twist on a classic rural scene. A few miles outside of Roxboro, sheep graze among 5,000 panels at the Person County Solar Park, keeping the grass tidy on the rural installation. Fields like these arent just scenic settings for roadtripping tourists to snap photos. Solar has been some of the only economic development to happen in rural North Carolina in the last 30 years, explained Richard Harkrader, CEO of a local solar company. For companies like Harkraders Carolina Solar Energy, the Tar Heel State is a great place to do business. Abundant sunshine, ample support for clean energy and smart public policy have spurred the rapid growth of solar. Today, North Carolina boasts more solar capacity than every state except California. In the first quarter of 2017, North Carolina added more solar than any other state, and its solar industry employs more people than Wake Forest University. North Carolina solar jobs by county. Solar Foundation But, despiteor perhaps because ofits success, solar is facing a battle in the state. North Carolina solar companies owe much of their success to an obscure federal law passed in the wake of the 1973 OPEC oil crisis, when shortages produced lines around the block at gas stations and tipped the U.S. economy into recession. At that time, Americans got about one-sixth of their electrical power from burning petroleum, much of it imported from the Middle East. In a bid for greater energy independence, lawmakers approved The Public Utility Regulatory Policy of 1978, known as PURPA. Among other things, PURPA required utilities to buy renewable power from independent producers if it cost no more than electricity from the conventional power plants owned by the utility. The aim was to source more power from small renewable facilities, like the Person County Solar Park, easing demand for electricity from coal, gas andin particularpetroleum-fired power plants. In the 1970s, PURPA didnt do much for renewables. In the era of bellbottoms and disco, cheap solar power was a distant dream, and the fledgling solar industry was peddling clunky technology at sky-high prices. But solar has taken off over the past decade, and PURPA has become far more importantespecially in North Carolina. Some 92 percent of the states solar projects have been supported by the decades-old law. https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/872567612072394754 shouldnt have to pay for power from existing solar installations under PURPA, said Chris Carmody, executive director of North Carolina Clean Energy Business Alliance. But theyll turn around and establish a 10-year contract to buy natural gas, which is volatile and has heavy fluctuation. Utility-scale solar has no fluctuationonce the project is built, thats it. Duke also claims that solar farms are flooding the grid with power on sunny days. This forces the utility to ramp down and then ramp up coal- and gas-fired power plants, which is less efficient than letting generators run at a constant rate. Complicating matters, developers are mostly building solar farms in the rural, eastern part of the state, far from hydroelectric storage systems that could bank surplus solar power. But renewable-energy advocates say this isnt a problem with solar. Its a problem with the aging power gridsome places havent seen an update in more than 50 years. North Carolina, they contend, needs better transmission lines and more energy storage. Solar companies are hopeful they can reach an agreement with utilities. Steve Levitas, a lawyer for Cypress Creek, said Dukes proposed changes would certainly make it harder to develop projects in North Carolina. He noted that the solar industry has been trying to work toward consensus with Duke, and is open to new policies that allow solar to continue its impressive growth. Cyprus Creek does not support Dukes current proposal. Last week, the state House passed a sweeping, bipartisan, Duke-backed energy bill that would curtail PURPA while creating new incentives for solar. The bill would shorten contracts for solar installations, cap the volume of renewable energy that utilities are required to buy from third parties and create a competitive bidding process for new solar projects. At the same time, the bill allows ratepayers to buy power directly from community solar arrays, and it would establish a rebate program for rooftop solar, among other changes. On balance, the bill appears to favor the utility. Solar firms have largely kept quiet on the measure. Solar companies say they are accustomed to the sweeping changes in public policy. Harkrader said that, for small firms, new challenges and new markets are a normal part of the equation. We call it the solar coaster. Reposted with permission of our media associate Nexus Media. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt may have skipped the G7 climate meeting more than a day early, but he has certainly kept busy staffing his agency. POLITICO reported that Pruitt has named energy industry attorney Patrick Traylor as a deputy in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. The office, which the Trump administration reportedly tried to cut, enforces key anti-pollution laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act to protect the environment and vulnerable communities. Traylor, whose LinkedIn profile indicates he started the job in June, was a longtime partner of the international law firm Hogan Lovells and has represented companies owned by the Koch brothers and other energy industry giants. Per POLITICO, clients include utility Southern California Edison; Venture Global LNG, a natural gas exporter; Flint Hills Resources, a Koch subsidiary refiner; Koch Nitrogen, maker of synthetic fertilizer; and several wind companies seeking Endangered Species Act permits. Traylor has also defended Dominion Energy and TransCanada, as New York Times reporter Eric Lipton tweeted. Dominion is behind the highly contested Atlantic Coast Pipeline and TransCanadas is responsible for the Keystone XL. Pruitt names lawyer who defended Koch Industries, Dominion Energy & TransCanada,etc., as a top EPA enforcement boss. Welcome to the new EPA. pic.twitter.com/xYL8aLyB54 Eric Lipton (@EricLiptonNYT) June 12, 2017 Clients have turned to Traylor to support tens of billions of dollars worth of projects at refineries, petrochemical and fertilizer plants, LNG export terminals, coal- and gas-fired power plants, coal mines, and bulk materials terminals, according to Hogan Lovells website. For almost 20 years, clients have relied on Patrick to conduct some of their most sensitive internal compliance investigations and represent them in Clean Air Act enforcement cases, the site adds. This site uses cookies to deliver our services and to show you relevant ads and job listings. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy , Privacy Policy , and our Terms of Service . Your use of the Related Sites, including DSPRelated.com, FPGARelated.com, EmbeddedRelated.com and Electronics-Related.com, is subject to these policies and terms. A couple of blog posts ago, I wrote that the decision to go to ESC Boston ended up being a great one for many different reasons. I came back from the conference energized and really happy that I went. These feelings were amplified a few days after my return when I received an email from Rolf Segger, the founder of SEGGER Microcontroller (check out their very new website), asking if I would be interested in visiting their headquarters in Germany to produce a few videos for them. Needless to say that I said yes with enthusiasm, which means that I am going back to Germany (Dusseldorf this time) for the second time this year (and second time in my life!). The seed for this opportunity was planted at ESC Boston when I had a short conversation with Shane Titus, Managing Director of SEGGER in the U.S.. I told Shane about my new passion for producing tradeshows / corporate videos and he mentioned that he would introduce me to the managing team in Germany as he had overheard that they were looking at making more videos and the timing might work out well. To Shane's credit, he followed-through and less than a month after ESC Boston, I had my plane tickets booked for this new adventure (thank you Shane!). My first impression of the people at SEGGER is very positive and I am very much looking forward to meeting the team in person. It so happens that I will be there the week that SEGGER will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and I believe all (or most) worldwide employees will be converging to the main office to celebrate the milestone. If they allow me, I will try to capture with my camera some clips of the celebration to be shared with the EmbeddedRelated community. I will try to blog from Germany about my experience while I am there for those of you who might be following my mid-life videographing crisis. If you've been to Dusseldorf and would like to recommend any attraction and/or restaurant not to be missed, please do so! I will try to find a few hours to enjoy the area. (Not so much interested in the so-called 'tourists-traps' but more what the locals enjoy most in the city) And if you are a customer of SEGGER and would like me to transmit for you and in person any question / concern / comment that you may have, I will be happy to do so (please use the comments space down bellow). Thanks for reading! BEER-SHEVA, Israel...June 13, 2017 -- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) will construct and operate an advanced dark matter detector. The initiative is partly funded by a joint grant from the American National Science Foundation and the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Dark matter is hypothesized to be one of the basic components of the universe, and five times more abundant than ordinary matter. It has yet to be detected, although several astronomical measurements have corroborated its existence, leading to an international effort to observe it directly. The detector will be based on the theory that some types of dark matter produce a signal imitating a magnetic field and may therefore be detectable by extremely sensitive magnetic sensors. The project will bring together experts in the fields of atomic spectroscopy, magnetic sensors, lasers and optics, atomic clocks, and advanced electronics. BGU Prof. Ron Folman, the Ruth Flinkman-Marandy and Ben Marandy Chair in Quantum Physics and Nanotechnology, will lead the project in collaboration with Prof. Derek Jackson Kimball of California State University East Bay in Heyward. "Astronomical observations have brought the scientific community to the conclusion that a very large portion of the mass in the universe does not emit light and is therefore invisible to our telescopes," says Prof. Folman. "This has led to the dark matter paradigm. The essence of this project is to find new methods to detect this material." Prof. Folman also heads BGU's Atom Chip Lab. Among the BGU researchers involved in the project are Prof. Reuben Shuker, head of the quantum magnetometry group; Dr. David Levron; Dr. Andrei Ben-Amar Baranga; Dr. Asaf Gross; as well as Dr. David Groswasser and Dr. Meni Givon from the Atom Chip Lab. ### About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org Polycomb group (PcG) proteins comprise the Polycomb complexes PRC1 and PRC2 that regulate gene expression levels through histone modification. Although PRC1 and PRC2 are emerging as having important roles in cancer stem cells, their functions in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are largely unknown. In a recent study published in Stem Cell Reports, a team led by Drs. LIU Changmei and TENG Zhaoqian from the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, found a novel epigenetic signaling axis (composed of PRC1, microRNA, and PRC2) that regulates self-renewal and proliferation of NSPCs. The researchers generated an Ezh2 (a key PRC2 component) conditional knockout mouse model, and found that Ezh2 loss of function results in decreased self-renewal and proliferation ability in NSPCs. They then discovered that Ezh2 represses the expression of miR-203, which negatively regulates self-renewal and proliferation of NSPCs, but promotes their neuronal differentiation capacity. In addition, they demonstrated that Bmi1 (a PRC1 component) is a direct downstream target of miR-203, and ectopic overexpression of BMI1 can rescue the self-renewal and proliferation deficiency exhibited by miR-203 overexpression in NSPCs. As PcG proteins and microRNAs are usually co-expressed, these findings might have significant implications for other cell types or cancer tissues. ### This work was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation of China, National Science and Technology Major Projects, the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, and the Hundred Talents Program of CAS. A Dartmouth study finds that "Big Food" companies are striving to make food more sustainable from farm to factory but have less power than you might think. In fact, most Big Food companies have little knowledge about or control over the farmers who supply their raw materials. The study's findings were published in the Annals of the American Association of Geographers. (A pdf is available upon request). As Big Food companies have grown increasingly concerned about climate change and other forms of environmental degradation, many have set ambitious goals to reduce emissions, energy and water use across their supply chains. Reducing on-farm impacts is an especially high priority, because these generally account for a larger share of food's environmental footprint than transport or processing. But most Big Food companies know little about the sustainability of the farms supplying their corn, wheat and soy, because they procure these staple ingredients not directly from farmers but rather from commodity trading companies such as Cargill or Archer Daniels Midlands. As the Dartmouth study shows, the commodity traders also know remarkably little about the farms they buy from, despite their unparalleled access to other forms of market intelligence. Many major food companies are pursuing agricultural sustainability as members of multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the Walmart-backed Sustainability Consortium and Field to Market. Alongside nongovernmental organizations such as WWF and The Nature Conservancy, they have developed a variety of tools for collecting data about on-farm emissions, energy and natural resource use. The challenge is getting farmers to cooperate. Few companies offer to pay farmers for this information, despite the time required to compile it. Guarantees of confidentiality have also not reassured farmers about how companies might use their data. Conflicting priorities inside Big Food companies can also slow progress toward more sustainable supply chains. "A lot of the people who work on sustainability for these companies are really committed to changing things for the better," says study author, Susanne Freidberg, a professor of geography at Dartmouth, "but they don't always have the resources and buy-in that they need to push the industry as far and as fast as it needs to go." ### Freidberg's two-year long study was funded by the National Science Foundation. It draws on in-depth interviews inside some of the world's biggest food companies, as well as attendance at industry conferences and meetings. Susanne Freidberg is available for comment at: susanne.e.freidberg@dartmouth.edu. MATTOON -- Lake Land College is set to establish a Dr. William L. and Margaret Podesta Park in an area between the campus pond and Podesta Drive. The Board of Trustees voted on Monday to name and create this park, which will include a memorial to veterans who attended the college. Trustee Robert Luther said the Lake Land Foundation has received $193,000 in donated funds designated for creating the park. He said approximately $110,000 will pay for landscape architecture, about $50,000 will pay for a paved walking path, and the rest will help with the veterans memorial. "I think it's a very worthwhile project and a very generous donation," Luther said. In addition, he said the park will enhance the appearance of Lake Land to prospective students. Jacqueline Joines, executive director for college advancement, has reported that much of the funding was given by Willie Podesta Young in memory of her parents. Dr. William Podesta, who operated a dental practice in Mattoon for many years, served in the Army Dental Corps during World War II and retired from the Army Reserves in 1976 as a lieutenant colonel. Mrs. Margaret Podesta served in various supporting roles during World War II, including working with first aid units and the USO. The Podestas promoted the establishment of Lake Land. The college was developed on land previously owned by the Podesta family. Dr. Podesta served on the Lake Land board in 1970-76 and 1978-81. He was responsible for the establishment of the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs at the college. "I think (the park) is a great way to honor the veterans and it's also a great way to honor the Podestas," said trustee Doris Reynolds. In other matters, the board approved entering into a one-year contract with the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide post-secondary vocational educational services at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center. The contract is valued at $262,033 for Lake Land. Jim Hull, vice president for workforce solutions and community education, said the contract provides for the offering of commercial custodial maintenance and restaurant management programs. He said a horticulture program could be added to Lake Land's services at Kewanee in 2018-19. Hull said Kewanee could then be added to Lake Land's existing contract to provide educational services at 18 Department of Corrections sites and two Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice sites. Other actions taken by the board included: -- Placing a Resource Allocation Management Program funding request on file with the Illinois Community College Board. The request identifies needs for renovations at the Kluthe Center, Luther Student Center, Northwest Building, Field House, Neal Hall, and Child Care Lab. -- Renewing Lake Lands lease of space at the Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. East, to the Local Workforce Investment Board and the CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.; and renewing the colleges lease of property in Marshall for the Pathways Program. -- Accepting the donation of 100 New Holland service factory manuals, valued at a total of $10,000, from Birkeys Farm Store Inc. for Lake Lands agriculture power technology program. Sharpless 2-54 and the Eagle and Omega Nebula e are located roughly 7000 light-years away -- the first two fall within the constellation of Serpens , while the latter lies within Sagittarius. This region of the Milky Way houses a huge cloud of star-making material. The three [nebulae] - indicate where regions of this cloud have clumped together and collapsed to form new stars; the energetic light from these stellar newborns has caused ambient gas to emit light of its own, which takes on the pinkish hue characteristic of areas rich in hydrogen. Two of the objects in this image were discovered in a similar way. Astronomers first spotted bright star clusters in both Sharpless 2-54 and the Eagle Nebula, later identifying the vast, comparatively faint gas clouds swaddling the clusters. In the case of Sharpless 2-54, British astronomer William Herschel initially noticed its beaming star cluster in 1784. That cluster, catalogued as NGC 6604 (eso1218), appears in this image on the object's left side. The associated very dim gas cloud remained unknown until the 1950s, when American astronomer Stewart Sharpless spotted it on photographs from the National Geographic-Palomar Sky Atlas. The Eagle Nebula did not have to wait so long for its full glory to be appreciated. Swiss astronomer Philippe Loys de Cheseaux first discovered its bright star cluster, NGC 6611, in 1745 or 1746 (eso0142. A couple of decades later, French astronomer Charles Messier observed this patch of sky and also documented the nebulosity present there, recording the object as Messier 16 in his influential catalogue (eso0926). As for the Omega Nebula, de Cheseaux did manage to observe its more prominent glow and duly noted it as a nebula in 1745. However, because the Swiss astronomer's catalogue never achieved wider renown, Messier's re-discovery of the Omega Nebula in 1764 led to its becoming Messier 17, the seventeenth object in the Frenchman's popular compendium (eso0925. The observations from which this image was created were taken with ESO's VLT Survey Telescope (VST, located at ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile. The huge final colour image was created by mosaicing dozens of pictures -- each of 256 megapixels -- from the telescope's large-format OmegaCAM camera. The final result, which needed lengthy processing, totals 3.3 gigapixels, one of the largest images ever released by ESO. ### More information ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It is supported by 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". Links Photos of the VST - http://www.eso.org/public/images/archive/search/?adv=&subject_name=VLT%20Survey%20Telescope Contacts Richard Hook ESO Public Information Officer Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6655 Cell: +49 151 1537 3591 Email: rhook@eso.org The news story made a big splash: in January 2016 ETH researchers Professor Raffaele Mezzenga and his senior researcher Sreenath Bolisetty published a study in the journal Nature Nanotechnology about an innovative type of membrane developed in their laboratory. They showed that this membrane could effectively filter out heavy metals, radioactive waste, other toxic substances, and bacteria from polluted water. The filter can also trap ions of gold, platinum and palladium, allowing the recovery of precious metals. What's more, the composition of the membrane is extremely simple: a mixture of denatured whey proteins and activated charcoal applied to a filter paper as a substrate. Inundated with enquiries The story was taken up by the global media and soon the researchers were inundated with queries: from a housewife in Hong Kong worried about her family's health to mining companies searching for a solution to treat polluted wastewater from mines, the researchers still find themselves slightly overwhelmed by the number and variety of the enquiries they receive. In May 2016, Mezzenga and Bolisetty therefore founded the ETH spin-off BluAct Technologies GmbH, with the financial backing of the investor Keith Boonstra. Bolisetty is both CEO and Chief Technical Officer for the new company. Mezzenga has more of a background role as shareholder and scientific advisor. BluAct itself has just produced its first batch of prototype membranes at the industrial scale. The spin-off has used the start-up capital to nationalize patents for the membrane in 90 different countries. "That was very complicated and expensive, as it's not possible at the nationalization step to simply have one legal protection covering all these countries," Mezzenga explains. But because the technology is relatively simple, they had to protect it from copycat products. Licensees produce the membrane For the time being, the production of the membrane is outsourced to external partners. Here BluAct ensures that the quality of the product meets the relevant specifications. As Chief Technical Officer, Bolisetty will monitor and screen the producers on site. "It looks like I'll be travelling a lot in future," he grins. BluAct is able to supply all the necessary equipment to bring this technology to the real world. The plan is to fit the membrane into already existing filter press systems to replace the current filters. The ETH entrepreneurs have already notched up their first success, by signing a contract with the ISL Group, for the distribution of bottles for drinking water that exploit the technology developed by BluAct. Through NGOs and state authorities, these bottles will be distributed in Asia, Africa and Latin America to people without access to clean drinking water. "This is purely a humanitarian project that is very close to our hearts.," stresses Professor Mezzenga. To make sure the hybrid filter also reaches the poorest people, BluAct is working with the local authorities at any levels. In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, for example, land has already been made available to build a production facility. The two young entrepreneurs aim to earn money from the much bigger interested parties, such as mining or industrial companies, as there are virtually no limits on the potential uses of this membrane for water treatment. The prototype membrane is only 3 mm thick, but in principle can be made to any size, from the size of a large coin for household filters up to a square meter for industrial applications. In addition, several membranes can be placed on top of each other or arranged in series for processing large volumes of water. In this way, it should be possible to build a filtration plant capable of treating 100,000 litres of water per hour. Many potential uses The BluAct founders are currently in contact with mining companies that have noted an interest in acquiring the revolutionary technology to capture heavy metals. The membrane is currently being tested by an operator for decontamination of European nuclear plants, as the filter can trap not only heavy metals, but also radioactive uranium. It could therefore be used to decontaminate radioactive water as well. Other lines of business being targeted by BluAct include heavy metals and electroplating industry (for recovering valuable metals), agriculture and, last but not least, water treatment for private households. In their latest study, Bolisetty and Mezzenga have demonstrated that the membrane is also extremely efficient at removing arsenic from water. The ground-breaking filter is therefore a low-cost option for many parties in areas where this toxic substance is a threat to human health. To develop and expand their new enterprise, Bolisetty and Mezzenga need more investors. Neither Bolisetty nor Mezzenga are prepared to make a guess about the potential for BluAct in general. "Clean drinking water is immensely important worldwide, but we can't tell at the moment just how big our company will grow," Bolisetty says. " I'm currently focusing my best efforts on BluAct, as we work very hard to bring the technology in all possible water sectors". Arsenic removal In a new study just published in the journal Chemical Communications, Bolisetty and Mezzenga show that the hybrid filter they have developed is able to trap both arsenite and arsenate efficiently and remove virtually all traces of it from water. Furthermore, the membrane can be reused over several filtration cycles without losing efficiency. The ETH researchers were able to prove the efficacy of their method by testing real contaminated drinking water taken from the area around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. This region is characterised by volcanic rock, and the groundwater naturally contains high levels of arsenic and mercury. Samples of the local drinking water may contain up to 80 micrograms of arsenic per litre. This is eight times the threshold of 10 micrograms of arsenic per litre recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The next steps include adapting this new technology to domestic filters in Guatemala, through a collaborative project between Prof. Mezzenga's laboratory and the Center for Atitlan Studies at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), headed by Dr. Monica Orozco. Providing a relatively low-cost solution for these families will considerably reduce the risks associated with chronic exposure to Arsenic. ### References Bolisetty S, Reinhold N, Zeder C, Orozco MN, Mezzenga R. Efficient purification of arsenic-contaminated water using amyloid-carbon hybrid membranes. Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 5714-5717. DOI: 10.1039/C7CC00406K Boulder, Colo., USA: One of the main types of fossil used to understand the first flowering plants (angiosperms) are charred flowers. These charcoals were produced in ancient wildfires, and they provide some evidence for the types of plants that grew millions of years ago. However, when fires burn they not only produce charcoal, but they also destroy it. This has led scientists to consider whether some types of flowers in Earth's past were more likely to be destroyed during fires, rather than preserved as fossil charcoals in rocks. In their study published this week in Geology, Victoria Hudspith and Claire Belcher show that different types of plants caused fires to burn differently (some hotter and some cooler) and that the different shapes and forms of certain flowers made them more likely to be entirely burned away by fire and turned to ash, whereas other types were more likely to remain as charcoal. This is important because if scientists are trying to use charred flowers to understand the diversity of the earliest angiosperms then they also need to consider that some flowers may have been turned to ash in these ancient fires and not preserved as charcoal at all. In other words, paleontologists must now consider that the charcoal fossil record of flowers is unlikely to preserve all types of flower equally, and as a result, they may be missing information about the early evolutionary history of angiosperms. ### FEATURED ARTICLE Fire alone creates a bias in the production of charred flowers: Implications for the Cretaceous fossil record Victoria A. Hudspith and Claire M. Belcher, wildFIRE lab, Hatherly Laboratories, Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4PS, Devon, UK. Contact: Victoria Anne Hudspith, v.a.hudspith@exeter.ac.uk. Article link: http://geology.gsapubs.org/content/early/2017/06/09/G39093.1.abstract. GEOLOGY articles are online http://geology.gsapubs.org/. Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary articles by contacting Kea Giles at the e-mail address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to GEOLOGY in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org. http://www.geosociety.org/ WASHINGTON (May 15, 2017) -- Male mice have much greater brain distress in the week following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) than female mice, including skyrocketing inflammation and nerve cell death, say researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center. The study, published in GLIA, is the first to specifically examine how sex alters the time-course of inflammation in the brain after TBI, and their findings suggest that sex is an important factor to consider when designing and testing new drugs to treat TBI. Previous research has shown that male animals have worse outcome after TBI than female animals, and recent clinical trials have studied female sex hormones as a therapy for TBI. Sex differences are understudied in preclinical research, and the National Institutes of Health has recently issued guidelines to ensure that sex and other biological variables are included in research design. "It is really important to include both sexes in preclinical research in order to design better human clinical trials," says Mark Burns, Ph.D., associate professor of neuroscience at GUMC and senior author of the study. "When we looked to see if female mice had been included in TBI studies, we were surprised at what a blank slate we found," Burns says. "Up to now, most preclinical studies of drugs to treat TBI have been conducted with young male mice -- with variables such as age and sex being overlooked. You can't develop a future of personalized medicine if you don't include females in your research," he adds. The researchers focused on how sex alters key neuroinflammatory responses that follow TBI. They specifically looked at microglial cells, which are the resident immune cells of the brain, and movement of macrophages from the blood into the injured brain. Macrophages, which are also immune cells, offer the first line of defense against infection. They found that the sex response was "completely divergent" up to a week after injury -- there was a rapid activation of immune cells, along with robust neuron cell death, in males, but female mice experienced a markedly reduced response. "It appears that female mice have more protection against brain trauma in the first week after TBI, and if that is true in humans it provides us with a much larger time-period to treat female patients following TBI. It will also help us design new treatments for TBI in males," says Burns. Burns also says that although the female mice have less of the negative effects of neuroinflammation such as neuron cell death, there are also positive aspects to neuroinflammation that are missing in female mice such as waste removal and wound healing. Understanding how to minimize the negative effects while maximizing the positive effects of inflammation is an important goal in TBI research. "It is clear that further research is needed on sex differences in response to TBI -- and now we have interesting leads to follow," Burns says. In addition to Burns, other authors include Sonia Villapol, PhD, assistant professor of neuroscience at GUMC and an expert on brain injury and neurodegeneration, and David Loane, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Maryland and an expert on neuroinflammation after brain injury. ### The authors report having no personal financial interests related to the study. This work was supported by NIH grants (R01NS067417, R01NS082308 and R03NS095038). The Georgetown University chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma also donated funds to support brain injury research. About Georgetown University Medical Center Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through MedStar Health). GUMC's mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis -- or "care of the whole person." The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing & Health Studies, both nationally ranked; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute; and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization, which accounts for the majority of externally funded research at GUMC including a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. Connect with GUMC on Facebook (Facebook.com/GUMCUpdate), Twitter (@gumedcenter) and Instagram (@gumedcenter). Associate degree students from Bergen Community College (BCC) will be able to seamlessly transfer into appropriate and/or corresponding bachelor's degree programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), beginning fall 2017. According to a joint agreement signed by both institutions June 8, 2017, BCC students who are admitted into the Joint Admissions Program will be guaranteed admission into NJIT upon completion of their BCC degree. They must meet the criteria set forth in their admission letter to maintain their offer from NJIT. "Today is a reaffirmation of our intent to work even closer with Bergen Community College," remarked Dr. Fadi P. Deek, NJIT provost and senior executive vice president, at the signing ceremony. "This partnership is tremendously important to NJIT, and we are fully committed to building pathways that facilitate the transfer of BCC students to our university." "We are extremely excited about partnering with NJIT to increase academic opportunities for our 'shared students,'" added BCC President Dr. B. Kaye Walter. "We want our students to have a place to go after earning their associate degree at Bergen Community College that is high level and that will engage them and help them to grow. NJIT is that place." Students can apply for joint admission to BCC and NJIT through BCC's admission application. They will be able to apply to the program at any time from their date of enrollment at BCC to completion of 30 college credits. Students wishing to apply beyond their first 30 credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis by NJIT, which will review all applications in accordance with its customary freshman admission standards. High school students are strongly encouraged to apply to the Joint Admissions Program during their college application process, as the program offers an affordable alternative to obtaining a four-year college degree. ### About NJIT One of the nation's leading public technological universities, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a top-tier research university that prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT's multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. With an enrollment of 11,400 graduate and undergraduate students, NJIT offers small-campus intimacy with the resources of a major public research university. NJIT is a global leader in such fields as solar research, nanotechnology, resilient design, tissue engineering and cybersecurity, in addition to others. NJIT is among the top U.S. polytechnic public universities in research expenditures, exceeding $130 million, and is among the top 1 percent of public colleges and universities in return on educational investment, according to PayScale.com. NJIT has a $1.74 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey. (njit.edu) About BCC Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College, a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls 15,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The college offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state. (bergen.edu) In each life a little rain must fall, but in space, one of the biggest risks to astronauts' health is radiation "rain". NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) is simulating space radiation on Earth following upgrades to the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory. These upgrades help researchers on Earth learn more about the effects of ionizing space radiation to help keep astronauts safe on a journey to Mars. Radiation is one of the most dangerous risks to humans in space, and one of the most challenging to simulate here on Earth. The risk to human health significantly increases when astronauts travel beyond Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) outside the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere shields Earth from solar particle events (SPEs) and radiation caused by the sun and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) produced by supernova fragments. Radiation particles like ions can be dangerous to humans because they can pass through skin, depositing energy and damaging cells or DNA along the way. This damage can increase the risk for diseases later in life or cause radiation sickness during the mission. Radiation may cause damage to the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and circulatory system of astronauts. There is evidence that humans exposed to large doses of radiation from radiotherapy experience cognitive and behavioral changes, and recent studies suggest these risks may occur at lower doses for GCR creating a possible risk for operating a space vehicle. Space environment variables (Ex. microgravity, CO2, lack of sleep, etc.) which produce stress could interact with radiation in a synergistic fashion exacerbating the impacts. With the recent upgrades to the NSRL, NASA is improving its ability to understand the effects of radiation on the body. The most notable upgrades were made to the GCR simulator, which was recently highlighted in ScienceDirect. "There is ample research on acute effects of radiation exposure but very little on latent effects, and the latter more closely resembles the health effects expected from long duration space flight," Lisa Carnell, Ph.D., Medical Countermeasure Lead for NASA Space Radiation said. "Imagine ion trajectories to be similar to rain; sometimes there is a downpour (solar particle event) and sometimes there a light drizzle or heavy, sparse droplets (similar to galactic cosmic radiation). With the upgrades we can simulate different types of ion rain with multiple types of ions sequentially versus only one type of ion at a time." The GCR upgrades enable researchers to rapidly switch ion types and energy intensities. To support these improvements, software controls were added to permit smooth movement from target to target. The cooling system in one of the Electron Beam Ion Source, or EBIS magnets was upgraded to handle higher energy currents. In addition, new probes were installed in two of the beamline's magnets to speed up setting changes. Before these upgrades, switching radiation beams was not an easy or efficient process in the NSRL. The lab was originally designed to harness ions from Brookhaven's Booster accelerator, which produces all species of ions within a range of energies. Now switching ion species and energies can be done in minutes. More realistic studies and radiation countermeasure tests are conducted because investigators can better simulate the space environment. The improvements in beam energy enable coverage of a greater part of the GCR spectrum. The larger beam makes it possible to radiate numerous samples at once and increase throughput and efficiency. Precision control also increases the accuracy for dose delivery. Uniformity of the radiation field intensity also reduces uncertainties in dose deliveries. This results in a more accurate testing environment for NASA researchers who are developing various types of shielding materials to protect astronauts from radiation. HRP investigators can use the technology to test tissue samples leading to health countermeasures to protect against molecular damage. Cancer researchers also can explore various heavy ion therapies to eradicate tumors. The NSRL is one of the few labs in the United States capable of contributing to heavy ion radiotherapy research. Users from NASA, national laboratories, and more than 50 institutions and universities in the U.S., Europe, and Japan test medical, biological, and physical samples using the NSRL ion beam line. As NASA prepares for sending humans farther and longer than ever before, space radiation research continues to advance our understanding of the risks to the human body. It takes innovative research on the Earth to support innovative research in space. And if the rainy day does come, NASA will be prepared. NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) is dedicated to discovering the best methods and technologies to support safe, productive human space travel. HRP enables space exploration by reducing the risks to human health and performance using ground research facilities, the International Space Station, and analog environments. This leads to the development and delivery of a program focused on: human health, performance, and habitability standards; countermeasures and risk mitigation solutions; and advanced habitability and medical support technologies. HRP supports innovative, scientific human research by funding more than 300 research grants to respected universities, hospitals and NASA centers to over 200 researchers in more than 30 states. ### Amy Blanchett Laurie Abadie NASA Human Research Engagement & Communications https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtp9zjvNWw8 https://www.nasa.gov/feature/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-radiation-nasa-studies-simulated-radiation COLUMBUS, Ohio - New research has uncovered details about subcellular-level changes in the brain after concussion that could one day lead to improved treatment. Researchers at The Ohio State University examined the effects of laboratory-induced mild traumatic brain injury on rodent brain tissue and found rapid microscopic swelling along the axons - the long and slender part of the nerve cell that sends vital messages to other parts of the brain. Similar swellings are seen in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. "We think based on our study in an animal model and in the lab that it's highly likely that when a person has a concussion some of the neurons swell within a few seconds, much more rapidly than we expected," said study author Chen Gu, an associate professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology. The good news: These swollen spots along the axons are reversible, Gu and his collaborators found. Their study appears in the Journal of Cell Biology. "When we stop the mechanical stress, the swelling actually disappears within minutes and the axon can recover. This is critical, because the axon is where important signals happen - for our senses, motor skills, cognition, emotion and all kinds of neurophysiological functions," he said. "This is probably highly relevant to mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, and corresponds to what is seen in the clinic - that most people recover fully with time." The researchers also discovered a likely mechanism for the swelling, which could be important information for those looking to prevent, treat and better understand concussions in people. The stress applied to brain tissue in the lab was designed to mimic a blow to the head. The researchers hit the tissue with blasts of liquid delivered through a pipette - a method they called "puffing." And that stress activated a protein called TRPV4, which causes a chain reaction that prompts a pause in content exchange along the axon. "It's like having a highway with a lot of cargo running in both directions. After the concussion, the highway closes and there's a major traffic jam," Gu said. "If the stress to the brain stops, the highway opens back up and the cargo slowly starts to move again." When Gu and his colleagues suppressed TRPV4 in the lab, swelling did not happen. It remains unclear how exactly this plays out in humans, and the degree to which people may respond differently to blows to the head and other neurological problems, Gu said. "In some cases, for example Alzheimer's disease, there may be irreversible changes - where the axon is broken," he said. "We are trying to better understand the difference between reversible damage and irreversible damage and if we can gain a better understanding of this, it could help with development of new treatment strategies." ### The National Institutes of Health supported the study. Other Ohio State researchers involved in the work were Yuanzheng Gu, Peter Jukkola, Qian Wang and Yi Zhao. CONTACT: Chen Gu, 614-292-0349; Gu.49@osu.edu Written by Misti Crane, 614-292-5220; Crane.11@osu.edu ODON, Ind., CRANE, Ind. and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - WestGate Authority, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation will combine strengths to advance educational, research and development, and technology commercialization across Indiana and elsewhere, officials announced Monday (June 13). The agreement will provide educational opportunities from Purdue's Krannert School of Management and Purdue Polytechnic Institute; startup creation assistance from Purdue Foundry; increased tech transfer support from Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization; and company incubation space and amenities from WestGate@Crane Technology Park and Purdue Research Park. A dedication to launch the partnership is slated for July 24. "The collaboration with WestGate establishes a valuable asset adjacent to the world-renowned Crane facility from which many Indiana residents can benefit," Purdue University President Mitch Daniels said. "Combining the vast strengths of WestGate, Crane and other outstanding economic entities in Southern Indiana with Purdue's educational, tech transfer and startup creation programs will provide many immediate and long-term educational and economic opportunities for people in the entire region." Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation have a history of partnering with NSWC Crane in technology commercialization including a technology transfer showcase in 2014, technology transfer collaboration in 2015, and a 2016 award for its technology transfer partnership. As part of the agreement, Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation will provide: Staffing, including a program manager and programming, at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park. Intellectual property support and a WestGate Express License to expedite Purdue and NSWC Crane IP commercialization. Entrepreneurs-in-residence to assist with startup creation. FireStarter program to guide entrepreneurs through the "Ideation" and startup development process. Support amenities offered to Purdue Foundry clients and Purdue Research Park tenants. Krannert School of Management NSF Midwest I-Corps Node. Purdue Polytechnic Institute educational services and classes in the business and technology sectors. The Purdue Foundry will bring its successful entrepreneurial programs to encourage startup creation from Purdue and NSWC Crane innovations. "Our footprint at this site is already strong, but bringing the full compendium of what we do in West Lafayette will do much to increase commercialization and startup creation," said Greg Deason, senior vice president of Purdue Research Foundation and director of innovation and commercialization for the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship in Purdue University's Discovery Park. "In addition to the programming we plan to provide, we will establish popular networking events like our Foundry Grounds and Spirited Entrepreneur to the area. We believe the collaboration between Purdue and WestGate can move the economic development needle for the whole region." Expanded collaborations are in the works as well. "Recognizing that many other fine Indiana universities are offering complementary initiatives, we encourage them to participate in this non-exclusive partnership," said Dan Hasler, Purdue Research Foundation chief entrepreneurial officer. "Our hope is that the site will become a collaboration space for our other state university partners who wish to work from WestGate on an extended basis." Purdue is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with Indiana University at WestGate. "Indiana University will be pleased to partner with our Purdue colleagues at WestGate, as we both recognize the importance of our state's two public research universities working together to support education, research, economic development and related technology commercialization efforts in the region," said Bill Stephan, IU's vice president for engagement. "Moreover, we look forward to establishing an Indiana University office at WestGate to more effectively and regularly engage with our colleagues and partners." WestGate Authority President John Mensch said the collaboration is far reaching. "This agreement enhances our outreach opportunities to a much higher level and enables us to offer a fully embedded ecosystem of technology education, innovation and commercialization for WestGate@Crane," he said. "We are very excited to have Purdue take a bigger role at WestGate and look forward to collaborating with them while continuing to offer the great amenities and opportunities to our community and other partners." WestGate Authority covers the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, a certified tri-county technology park located in Greene, Daviess, and Martin counties; which includes the Battery Innovation Center. WestGate Authority already works closely with NSWC Crane Division, I-69 Innovation Corridor, Indiana Office of Defense Development, WorkOne and other local and state economic development entities. WestGate is the only multi-county tech park in Indiana. Purdue Research Foundation already has ongoing collaborations with NSWC Crane. "We have worked in partnership with the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization for the past three years with strong success in our technology commercialization areas," said Capt. JT Elder, Commanding Officer of NSWC Crane. "Having Purdue establish a physical presence in our area will increase our collaborations in these activities and across the broader innovation eco-system." The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization will increase commercialization and startup programs already established at NSWC Crane. "We plan to offer a 'WestGate Express License," which is something modeled after a license we have offered to Purdue entrepreneurs with great success since 2013," said Brooke Beier, executive director of the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization. "The WestGate Express License reduces the time and process of obtaining a license for Purdue intellectual property as a template license with favorable terms and will be available for those companies that are basing their business out of WestGate." Educational opportunities through Purdue Polytechnic Institute and Purdue Krannert School of Management include classes for degree or continuing education. "We currently have satellite locations across Indiana. Adding new offerings at WestGate will provide a valuable ongoing opportunity for professionals in the area," said Gary Bertoline, dean of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. "We plan to provide various courses, seminars and workshops as part of this collaboration." Purdue Krannert School of Management will launch an NSF Midwest I-Corps Node program at WestGate in the fall of 2017. "We will focus the program on startups that are translating defense technologies and applications to commercial application," said Matthew Lynall, Purdue associate professor of management and director of Deliberate Innovation for Faculty. "The program will be based on the existing I-Corps program offered at the Purdue Foundry and at other university entrepreneurship centers across the Midwest." Other partners with WestGate include the University of Southern Indiana's SwISTEM Resource Center, an equipment lending service located in the technology park, and Radius Indiana, a regional partnership encompassing eight counties in South Central Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Washington. "The agreement between Purdue, WestGate and Crane is really an agreement for all those involved in tech transfer, startup creation and economic development in Southern Indiana," said Becky Skillman, chairman of the board for Radius. "Posting Purdue at the front door of Crane is a significant step for the region." "The timing is right," added Hasler. "The WestGate Authority has done a super job getting WestGate to this point. Purdue is honored to add one more shoulder to the effort." ### About WestGate Many professionals, elected officials, business leaders, and civic figures have worked for the development of a technology park adjacent to NSWC Crane Division. WestGate@Crane Technology Park partners with a variety of organizations and businesses such as local and state economic development corporations, NSWC Crane Division, I-69 Innovation Corridor, Indiana Office of Defense Development, and WorkOne. WestGate@Crane Tech Park is the ideal location for business to grow and thrive. About NSWC Crane NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with focus areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's warfighter. The Warfare Center's research and development efforts support the Warfighter by providing capabilities and resources to advance technologies for the military. The mission of NSWC Crane is to provide acquisition engineering, in-service engineering and technical support for sensors, electronics, electronic warfare and special warfare weapons. About Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2014 Incubator Network of the Year by the National Business Incubation Association for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at innovation@prf.org About Purdue Foundry The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization hub in Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups. Managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, the Purdue Foundry received the 2014 Incubator Network of the Year by the National Business Incubation Association for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. Purdue Research Foundation contact: Cynthia Sequin, 765-588-3340, casequin@prf.org NSWC Crane contact: Pamela Ingram, 812-854-3239, pamela.ingram@navy.mil RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - With funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RTI International is responding to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ebola, a severe, often fatal illness in humans, was first discovered in DRC (formerly Zaire) in 1976. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. The average Ebola case fatality rate is around 50 percent. There have been 11 confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States, originating from outbreaks in Africa. This is the eighth outbreak in DRC since the disease was discovered. On May 11, 2017, The Ministry of Health declared an Ebola outbreak in the Bas-Uele Province of Northern DRC, based on one laboratory-confirmed case and a cluster of patients with Ebola-like symptoms. The latest World Health Organization update reports two confirmed cases, three probable cases, and 14 suspected cases of Ebola, with another 101 contacts under daily monitoring. As the leading surveillance partner for CDC's Global Health Security Agenda activities in DRC, RTI rapidly mobilized to support the Ministry of Health's Ebola response activities. As one of the first responders to the outbreak epicenter, RTI is part of the Surveillance Coordination Committee, working with epidemiologist and lab specialists from the Ministry of Health, WHO, Medecins Sans Frontieres, and other partners to strengthen local capacity to detect, report, and manage information about suspected Ebola cases and their contacts. "Strengthening a country's ability to prevent and respond to epidemics like Ebola is essential not just for the affected country, but for everyone around the globe," said Pia MacDonald, Ph.D., senior epidemiologist at RTI. "We saw in 2014 just how fast an Ebola outbreak can spread worldwide. It's essential that we work together to stop this threat as quickly as possible." RTI is supporting the outbreak response and continuing its longer-term work to strengthen the Democratic Republic of the Congo's health surveillance system to more quickly identify and respond to public health threats. RTI researchers will use the experience and knowledge gained from supporting efforts in 2015-2016 to halt the spread of Ebola in Guinea, one of the hardest-hit countries, to stop the spread of Ebola in the DRC. Learn more about RTI's work in global health security. ### OAK BROOK, Ill. - A minimally invasive treatment can help restore fertility in women with uterine fibroids, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology. Uterine fibroids, abnormal masses of fiber and muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus, are considered one of the most common causes of infertility and complications related to pregnancy. Previous research has found that one out of every four women with fibroids has problems related to fertility. The standard treatment option for such women is myomectomy, or surgical removal of the fibroids. However, myomectomy is not always possible or effective and can result in major complications including hysterectomy, according to study co-author Joao Martins Pisco, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Interventional Radiology at Saint Louis Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive option that involves injection of an embolic agent, typically made up of very small beads, into the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to the uterus and fibroids. As the fibroids die and begin to shrink, the uterus fully recovers. UFE can be performed in patients with a prior myomectomy or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite its less invasive nature, UFE has yet to be fully embraced in the medical community as a fertility-preserving treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids due to concerns that the procedure may cause inadequate blood flow to the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, and the ovaries. For the new study, Dr. Pisco and colleagues assessed pregnancy rates in 359 women with uterine fibroids who were unable to conceive and who underwent either conventional or partial UFE. In conventional UFE, all uterine artery branches are embolized. However, the partial procedure requires treatment of only the small vessels to the fibroids, leaving the corresponding larger vessels unaffected. Partial UFE may help reduce the risks of infertility associated with conventional UFE. After an average follow-up of almost six years, 149 of the 359 women, or 41.5 percent, had become pregnant one or more times, and 131 gave birth to a total of 150 babies. It was the first pregnancy for more than 85 percent of the women who gave birth. The procedures had a clinical success rate of approximately 79 percent for fibroid-related symptoms. Complication rates were 14.6 percent for partial UFE and 23.1 percent for conventional UFE. The procedure was repeated in 28 patients whose fibroids had not been fully treated, as shown by MRI, and 11 of those patients subsequently got pregnant. "Our findings show that UFE is a fertility-restoring procedure in women with uterine fibroids who wish to conceive, and pregnancy following UFE appears to be safe with low morbidity," Dr. Pisco said. "Women who had been unable to conceive had normal pregnancies after UFE and similar complication rates as the general population in spite of being in a high-risk group." Dr. Pisco suggested that UFE may become the first-line treatment for women with fibroids who wish to conceive, particularly for those with numerous or very large fibroids. Such patients have a fibroid recurrence rate of more than 60 percent after myomectomy, making UFE an important option. The researchers are continuing the treatments and compiling data. Since the time of writing, there were 12 additional pregnancies. "In our study there are now almost 200 newborns following UFE," Dr. Pisco said. "Our next step will be a randomized study comparing the results of partial and conventional UFE." ### "Spontaneous Pregnancy with a Live Birth after Conventional and Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization." Collaborating with Dr. Pisco were Marisa Duarte, M.D., Tiago Bilhim, M.D., Ph.D., Jorge Branco, M.D., Ph.D., Fernando Cirurgiao, M.D., Marcela Forjaz, M.D., Lucia Fernandes, M.D., Jose Pereira, M.D., Nuno Costa, M.D., Joana B. M. Pisco, M.D., and Antonio G. Oliveira, M.D., Ph.D. Radiology is edited by Herbert Y. Kressel, M.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (http://pubs.rsna.org/journal/radiology) RSNA is an association of over 54,600 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org) For patient-friendly information on uterine fibroid embolization visit RadiologyInfo.org. MATTOON (JG-TC) -- A merger between two special education programs housed within the Mattoon school district might be in the cards for the 2018-19 school year. Armstrong Special Education Program based out of Hawthorne School and Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education Developmentally Disabled Center Program based out of Franklin School serve some of the same functions and people in the region, and the consideration of a merger between the two is making its way to the Mattoon School Board today. Mattoon Superintendent Larry Lilly is scheduled to speak on the potential merger between the special education programs at the school board meeting at 7 p.m. today in the Mattoon schools administrative building, 1701 Charleston Ave. Lilly said the merger would combine the best of what each program does currently. We think we can serve them better together, Lilly said. The new program would serve the 120 3- to 21-year-old students covered under these programs. With the merger, educators would build upon services in these programs like the community-based activities, Lilly said. The curriculum would also be expanded in the combined program, he said. The board will not vote on the measure until sometime in the fall. Also on the docket this evening, the board will vote on whether to approve a resolution with the Regional Office of Education that would give some access to sales tax money to the regional office for facilitation. The board approved an almost identical measure in February in Coles County. This time around, the board will vote on two measures covering Cumberland and Shelby counties in the same way. Lilly said the agreement essentially allows the regional office to keep the interest collected from the Cumberland and Shelby counties facilities tax money coming down from the state for the short period it is in the regional office's "bank account." Cumberland and Shelby partly fall under the Mattoon school district. Lilly explained that the state collects the tax money and that money is sent to the regional office to be sent to the school districts. For the short period of time that the regional office has the money, interest grows on it. The agreement would allow them to retain that interest. Lilly said it will essentially offset facilitation costs for the regional office. The board will also vote on a two-year contract Tim Condron starting July 1, 2018, to take over as the Assistant Superintendent for Business. Tom Sherman is in the position now and is expected to retire a year from now. DENVER, Colo. - Pancreatic cancer is associated with bleak five-year survival rates and limited treatment options, but new research is offering hope. A first-in-human study presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) demonstrates the feasibility and safety of the novel human monoclonal antibody HuMab-5B1 with highly specific targeting for the cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, which is expressed on pancreatic tumors and a variety of other malignancies, including small cell lung cancer and tumors of the gastrointestinal system. It holds the promise of better identifying tumors and directing treatment. "This new agent is intensely accumulated in pancreatic cancer and finds very small metastases with PET/CT imaging," explained Christian Lohrmann, MD, lead author of the study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY. "There are promising data that HuMab-5B1 could become a theranostic drug used in both targeted imaging and therapy, which could eventually improve the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients." The researchers evaluated the antibody with and without radiolabeling with zirconium-89 (89Zr-DFO-HuMab-5B1). With further validation, 89Zr-DFO-HuMab-5B1 could lead to a host of improvements in pancreatic cancer management--more accurate staging of tumors, better surgical guidance, restaging of metastases and potential drug selection for CA 19-9 targeted therapies. The high uptake of the antibody alone suggests that it could be used by itself, or radiolabeled, or coupled with another molecular compound to treat high-risk pancreatic tumors that are inoperable or metastatic. For this study, nine patients with CA 19-9-positive metastatic malignancies underwent a series of four whole-body PET/CT scans--one the first day of injection with the imaging agent, then again on day two and around days four and seven. Subjects also received a diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis within the four weeks leading up to baseline PET/CT. Results of the CT scan were used to verify the results of 89Zr-DFO-HuMab-5B PET/CT imaging. Maximum standard uptake values normalized for body weight were analyzed for agent uptake in tumors. The agent was well tolerated and led to no serious side effects. Significant uptake was detected in local tumor recurrences as well as in metastases (for example in the lymph nodes, lungs, bone and peritoneum lining of the abdominal cavity). Uptake was analyzed for a total of 52 lesions. Highest uptake was shown on day seven in the lymph nodes. Results of the study showed that PET/CT imaging with the monoclonal antibody led to the detection of tiny tumors in the peritoneum and mesenteric lymph nodes that were not found by CT alone. ### Scientific Paper 385: "First-in-Human Study of 89Zr-DFO-HuMab-5B1 (MVT-2163) PET/CT imaging with and without HuMab-5B1 (MVT-5873) in patients with pancreatic cancer and other CA 19-9 positive malignancies," Christian Lohrmann, Eileen O'Reilly, Joseph A. ODonoghue, Kenneth H. Yu, Neeta Pandit-Taskar, Serge Lyashchenko, Shutian Ruan, Jiong Wu, Phillip DeNoble, Jorge A. Carrasquillo, Charles R. Schmidtlein, Rebecca Teng, Maeve A. Lowery, Anna Varghese, Hayley Estrella, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, N.Y.; Wolfgang W. Scholz, Paul Maffuid, Jason S. Lewis, Wolfgang A. Weber, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, N.Y., MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc, San Diego, Calif., SNMMI's 64th Annual Meeting, June 10-14, 2017, Denver, Colo. LINK TO ABSTRACT Please visit the SNMMI Media Center (http://www.snmmi.org/Media.aspx) for more information about molecular imaging and personalized medicine. To schedule an interview with the researchers, please contact Laurie Callahan at (703) 652-6773 or lcallahan@snmmi.org. Current and past issues of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine can be found online at http://jnm.snmjournals.org. About the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated and helping provide patients with the best health care possible. SNMMI's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit http://www.snmmi.org. In a study involving simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, drones carrying an automated external defibrillator arrived in less time than emergency medical services, with a reduction in response time of about 16 minutes, according to a study published by JAMA. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the United States has low survival (8-10 percent), with reducing time to defibrillation as the most important factor for increasing survival. Drones can be activated by a dispatcher and sent to an address provided by a 911 caller and may carry an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the location so that a bystander can use it. Whether drones reduce response times in a real-life situation is unknown. Andreas Claesson, R.N., Ph.D., of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and colleagues compared the time to delivery of an AED using fully autonomous drones for simulated OHCAs vs emergency medical services (EMS). A drone was developed and certified by the Swedish Transportation Agency and was equipped with an AED (weight, 1.7 lbs.) and placed at a fire station in a municipality north of Stockholm. The drone was equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) and a high-definition camera and integrated with an autopilot software system. It was dispatched for out-of-sight flights in October 2016 to locations where OHCAs within a 6.2 mile radius from the fire station had occurred between 2006 and 2014. Eighteen remotely operated flights were performed with a median flight distance of about two miles. The median time from call to dispatch of EMS was 3:00 minutes. The median time from dispatch to drone launch was 3 seconds. The median time from dispatch to arrival of the drone was 5:21 minutes vs 22:00 minutes for EMS. The drone arrived more quickly than EMS in all cases with a median reduction in response time of 16:39 minutes. "Saving 16 minutes is likely to be clinically important. Nonetheless, further test flights, technological development, and evaluation of integration with dispatch centers and aviation administrators are needed," the authors write. "The outcomes of OHCA using the drone-delivered AED by bystanders vs resuscitation by EMS should be studied." Limitations of the study include the small number of flights over short distances in good weather. ### For more details and to read the full study, please visit the For The Media website. (doi:10.1001/jama.2017.3957) Editor's Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc. Related material: Also available at the For The Media website, images of a drone with an AED, and a video of a drone delivering an AED. To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2017.3957 Many neurological diseases are malfunctions of synapses, or the points of contact between neurons that allow senses and other information to pass from finger to brain. In the brain, there is a careful balance between the excitatory synapses that allow messages to pass, and the inhibitory synapses that dampen the signal. When that balance is off, the brain becomes unable to process information normally, leading to conditions like epilepsy. Now researchers at Jefferson have discovered a molecule that may play a role in helping maintain the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. The results were published in the journal eLife, a project of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Wellcome Trust and the Max Planck Institute. Timothy Mosca, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience of Thomas Jefferson University, discovered that a molecule called LRP4, was important in creating excitatory synapses -- the ones that keep a message passing from one neuron to the next. When the researchers knocked out the LRP4 gene in fruit flies, they saw a 40 percent loss of excitatory synaptic connections in the brain, but no such loss of inhibitory synapses, suggesting that the molecule was specific to one kind of synapse. The researchers used a new technology called expansion microscopy to get a better view of the fruit fly neurons. In most cases, if you want to see very small things with better resolution, you get a better microscope, says Mosca. The other option is to make the small things bigger. By infusing the neurons they were studying with the chemical in diapers that swells as it absorbs water, they were able to make the neurons and their synapses enlarged enough to see them more clearly. Most molecules involved in synapse biology are vital to both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, says Mosca. The idea that we now have a molecule that appears to be specific to excitatory synapses suggests there is probably a parallel molecule that exists that helps form inhibitory ones, that we just havent found yet. A better understanding of the unique biology of excitatory and inhibitory synapses may go a long way in helping researchers untangle the many diseases that are thought to be related to synapse dysfunction such as epilepsy, but also autism and schizophrenia. ### Article reference: T.J. Mosca et al., Presynaptic LRP4 Promotes Synapse Number and Function of Excitatory CNS Neurons, eLife, 6:e27347, 2017. This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, NIH K99/R00-DC013059 and R01 DC-005982. Author Liqun Luo is an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. About Jefferson Jefferson, through its academic and clinical entities of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, including Abington Health and Aria Health, is reimagining health care for the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson has 23,000 people dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, educating the health professionals of tomorrow, and discovering new treatments and therapies to define the future of care. With a university and hospital that date back to 1824, today Jefferson is comprised of six colleges, nine hospitals, 35 outpatient and urgent care locations, and a multitude of physician practices throughout the region, serving more than 100,000 inpatients, 373,000 emergency patients and 2.2 million outpatients annually. Research conducted over more than a decade indicates that loneliness increases self-centeredness and, to a lesser extent, self-centeredness also increases loneliness. The findings by researchers at the University of Chicago show such effects create a positive feedback loop between the two traits: As increased loneliness heightens self-centeredness, the latter then contributes further to enhanced loneliness. "If you get more self-centered, you run the risk of staying locked in to feeling socially isolated," said John Cacioppo, the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor in Psychology and director of the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience. Cacioppo and co-authors Stephanie Cacioppo, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the UChicago's Pritzker School of Medicine, and Hsi Yuan Chen, a researcher at the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, published their findings in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin on June 13. The researchers wrote that "targeting self-centeredness as part of an intervention to lessen loneliness may help break a positive feedback loop that maintains or worsens loneliness over time." Their study is the first to test a prediction from the Cacioppos' evolutionary theory that loneliness increases self-centeredness. Such research is important because, as many studies have shown, lonely people are more susceptible to a variety of physical and mental health problems as well as higher mortality rates than their non-lonely counterparts. The outcome that loneliness increases self-centeredness was expected, but the data showing that self-centeredness also affected loneliness was a surprise, Stephanie Cacioppo said. In previous research, the Cacioppos reviewed the rates of loneliness in young to older adults across the globe. Five to 10 percent of this population complained of feeling lonely constantly, frequently or all the time. Another 30 to 40 percent complained of feeling lonely constantly. Their latest findings are based on 11 years of data taken from 2002 to 2013 as part of the Chicago Health, Aging and Social Relations Study of middle-aged and older Hispanics, African-Americans and Caucasian men and women. The study's random sample consisted of 229 individuals who ranged from 50 to 68 years of age at the start of the study. They were a diverse sample of randomly selected individuals drawn from the general population who varied in age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Early psychological research treated loneliness as an anomalous or temporary feeling of distress that had no redeeming value or adaptive purpose. "None of that could be further from the truth," Stephanie Cacioppo said. The evolutionary perspective is why. In 2006, John Cacioppo and colleagues proposed an evolutionary interpretation of loneliness based on a neuroscientific or biological approach. In this view, evolution has shaped the brain to incline humans toward certain emotions, thoughts and behavior. "A variety of biological mechanisms have evolved that capitalize on aversive signals to motivate us to act in ways that are essential for our reproduction or survival," the UChicago co-authors wrote. From that perspective, loneliness serves as the psychological counterpart of physical pain. "Physical pain is an aversive signal that alerts us of potential tissue damange and motivates us to take care of our physical body," the UChicago researchers wrote. Loneliness, meanwhile, is part of a warning system that motivates people to repair or replace their deficient social relationships. The finding that loneliness tends to increase self-centeredness fits the evolutionary interpretation of loneliness. From an evolutionary-biological viewpoint, people have to be concerned with their own interests. The pressures of modern society, however, are significantly different from those that prevailed when loneliness evolved in the human species, researchers found. "Humans evolved to become such a powerful species in large part due to mutual aid and protection and the changes in the brain that proved adaptive in social interactions," John Cacioppo said. "When we don't have mutual aid and protection, we are more likely to become focused on our own interests and welfare. That is, we become more self-centered." In modern society, becoming more self-centered protects lonely people in the short term but not the long term. That's because the harmful effects of loneliness accrue over time to reduce a person's health and well-being. "This evolutionarily adaptive response may have helped people survive in ancient times, but in contemporary society may well make it harder for people to get out of feelings of loneliness," John Cacioppo said. When humans are at their best, they provide mutual aid and protection, Stephanie Cacioppo added. "It isn't that one individual is sacrificial to the other. It's that together they do more than the sum of the parts. Loneliness undercuts that focus and really makes you focus on only your interests at the expense of others." The Cacioppos have multiple loneliness studies in progress that address its social, behavioral, neural, hormonal, genetic, cellular and molecular aspects, as well as interventions. "Now that we know loneliness is damaging and contributing to the misery and health care costs of America, how do we reduce it?" John Cacioppo asked. That is the next big question to answer. ### Developing a superconducting computer that would perform computations at high speed without heat dissipation has been the goal of several research and development initiatives since the 1950s. Such a computer would require a fraction of the energy current supercomputers consume, and would be many times faster and more powerful. Despite promising advances in this direction over the last 65 years, substantial obstacles remain, including in developing miniaturized low-dissipation memory. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new nanoscale memory cell that holds tremendous promise for successful integration with superconducting processors. The new technology, created by Professor of Physics Alexey Bezryadin and graduate student Andrew Murphy, in collaboration with Dmitri Averin, a professor of theoretical physics at State University of New York at Stony Brook, provides stable memory at a smaller size than other proposed memory devices. The device comprises two superconducting nanowires, attached to two unevenly spaced electrodes that were "written" using electron-beam lithography. The nanowires and electrodes form an asymmetric, closed superconducting loop, called a nanowire 'SQUID' (superconducting quantum interference device). The direction of current flowing through the loop, either clockwise or counterclockwise, equates to the "0" or "1" of binary code. The memory state is written by applying an oscillating current of a particular magnitude, at a specific magnetic field. To read the memory state the scientists ramp up the current and detect the current value at which superconductivity gets destroyed. It turns out that such destruction or critical current is different for the two memory states, "0" or "1". The scientists tested memory stability, delaying reading of the state, and found no instances of memory loss. The team performed these experiments on two nanowire SQUIDS, made of the superconductor Mo75Ge25, using a method called molecular templating. The results are published in the June 13, 2017 New Journal of Physics (v.19, p.063015). Bezryadin comments, "This is very exciting. Such superconducting memory cells can be scaled down in size to the range of few tens of nanometers, and are not subject to the same performance issues as other proposed solutions." Murphy adds, "Other efforts to create a scaled-down superconducting memory cell weren't able to reach the scale we have. A superconducting memory device needs to be cheaper to manufacture than standard memory now, and it needs to be dense, small, and fast." Up to now, the most promising supercomputing memory devices, called 'single-flux quanta' devices, rely on manipulating circuits composed of Josephson junctions and inductive elements. These are in the micrometer range, and miniaturization of these devices is limited by the size of the Josephson junctions and their geometric inductances. Some of these also require ferromagnetic barriers to encode information, where Bezryadin and Murphy's device does not require any ferromagnetic components and eliminates magnetic-field cross-talk. "Because the kinetic inductance increases with decreasing cross-sectional dimensions of the wire, nanowire SQUID memory elements could be reduced further, into the range of tens of nanometers," Bezryadin continues. The researchers argue that this device can operate with a very low dissipation of energy, if the energies of two binary states are equal or near equal. The theoretical model for such operations was developed in collaboration with Averin. The switching between the states of equal energy will be achieved either by quantum tunneling or by adiabatic processes composed of multiple jumps between the states. In future work, Bezryadin plans to address the measurements of the switching time and to study larger arrays of the nanowire squids functioning as arrays of memory elements. They will also test superconductors with higher critical temperatures, with the goal of a memory circuit that would operate at 4 Kelvin. Rapid operations will be achieved by utilizing microwave pulses. ### This research is supported by the National Science Foundation, Division of Materials Research. In a new study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Center for Health Outcome and Policy Research and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia examined the factors influencing the likelihood of missed nursing care in a pediatric setting. Their findings indicate that pediatric nurses with poor work environments and higher patient loads are more likely to miss required care. "It's a complex and provocative subject when we talk about a health-care professional to be unable to give the care that's needed," said Eileen T. Lake, the Jessie M. Scott Endowed Term Associate Professor of Nursing and Health Policy at Penn Nursing. "There has been a lot of research on this topic but very little in pediatrics. Given that children are a particularly vulnerable population, our question was, To what extent do nurses in pediatrics miss care and how does it relate to levels of staffing and their work environment?" Lake was first author on the paper, published this week in the journal Hospital Pediatrics, an official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She collaborated with Penn Nursing's Linda H. Aiken, the Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor in Nursing and the senior author on the paper, and Chief Nurse Paula D. Agosto and researchers Kathryn E. Roberts and Beth Ely at CHOP, as well as several colleagues now at other institutions. To address their questions, the researchers relied on a survey data collected from 2,187 pediatric registered nurses in 223 hospitals between 2006 and 2008. Among other questions, nurses were asked whether they had omitted any required or necessary care activities due to a lack of time. They were also asked which activities were missed. More than half of the nurses, which included staff from neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care and general pediatrics units, reported having missed at least one care activity. As has been found in other settings, care such as planning, comforting, teaching and counseling were missed most frequently, while pain management, treatments and procedures were missed rarely. Notably, the fraction of nurses who said they failed to complete at least one activity varied considerably from hospital to hospital. "Seeing that, we say, Okay then, there are some places where nurses can complete required care and others where they don't; that's a fundamental finding," said Lake, "The next question is, How does this relate to the nurses' work environment?" The quality of the environment was determined from survey responses regarding nurses' relationships with physicians, whether they had a capable and supportive nurse manager, whether a nursing philosophy formed the basis of their care, whether their resources and staffing were adequate and the extent to which nurses participated in decision making at the hospital. Categorizing hospitals into poor, mixed and better work environments, Lake and colleagues found that, while 61 percent of nurses in poor environments missed care, only 46 percent of those in better environments reported a missed care activity. Nurses in better environments also missed fewer care activities: 1.2 compared to 1.9 in poor environments. Work load made a difference as well. For every additional patient, nurses were 70 percent more likely to miss care. "The implications are that quality of care differs pretty significantly across institutions and that if we can either provide better staffing or better work environments or both that nurses can get their care completed," Lake said. She noted that not only would ensuring that nurses have supportive work environments and manageable workloads improve care quality, but it could also improve care efficiency for hospitals. "Completing tasks like providing education and discharge instructions helps parents have what they need to leave the hospital and feel comfortable doing so," Lake said. Such attention to quality care is particularly significant in pediatric nursing, where patients have specific vulnerabilities. "They're vulnerable developmentally, cognitively and in terms of their ability to express their symptoms and advocate for themselves," Lake said. "One of nursing's roles is an advocacy role, so offering quality care is especially key in this population." ### In addition to Lake, Aiken, Agosto, Ely and Roberts, coauthors included Pamela B. de Cordova of Rutgers University, Sharon Barton of the University of Louisville and Penn Nursing doctoral fellow Shweta Singh. The work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NR007104 and NR014855) and from CHOP. Clusters of a sticky protein -- amyloid plaque -- found in the brain signal mental decline years before symptoms appear, a new study finds Older adults with elevated levels of brain-clogging plaques -- but otherwise normal cognition -- experience faster mental decline suggestive of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC that looked at 10 years of data. Just about all researchers see amyloid plaques as a risk factor for Alzheimer's. However, this study presents the toxic, sticky protein as part of the disease -- the earliest precursor before symptoms arise. "To have the greatest impact on the disease, we need to intervene against amyloid, the basic molecular cause, as early as possible," said Paul Aisen, senior author of the study and director of the USC Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) at the Keck School of Medicine. "This study is a significant step toward the idea that elevated amyloid levels are an early stage of Alzheimer's, an appropriate stage for anti-amyloid therapy." Notably, the incubation period with elevated amyloid plaques -- the asymptomatic stage -- can last longer than the dementia stage. "This study is trying to support the concept that the disease starts before symptoms, which lays the groundwork for conducting early interventions," said Michael Donohue, lead author of the study and an associate professor of neurology at USC ATRI. The researchers likened amyloid plaque in the brain to cholesterol in the blood. Both are warning signs with few outward manifestations until a catastrophic event occurs. Treating the symptoms can fend off the resulting malady -- Alzheimer's or a heart attack -- the effects of which may be irreversible and too late to treat. "We've learned that intervening before the heart attack is a much more powerful approach to treating the problem," Donohue said. Aisen, Donohue and others hope that removing amyloid at the preclinical stage will slow the onset of Alzheimer's or even stop it. The amyloid problem One in three people over 65 have elevated amyloid in the brain, Aisen noted, and the study indicates that most people with elevated amyloid will progress to symptomatic Alzheimer's within 10 years. If Alzheimer's prevalence estimates were to include this "preclinical stage" before symptoms arise, the number of those affected would more than double from the current estimate of 5.4 million Americans, the study stated. Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association on June 13, the study uses 10 years of data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, an exploration of the biomarkers that presage Alzheimer's. USC ATRI is the coordinating center of this North American investigation. Aisen co-directs its clinical core. USC plays a leading role in the only two anti-amyloid studies focused on the early, preclinical stage of sporadic Alzheimer's: The Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's study (the A4 Study) and the EARLY Trial, Aisen said. "We need more studies looking at people before they have Alzheimer's symptoms," Aisen said. "The reason many promising drug treatments have failed to date is because they intervened at the end-stage of the disease when it's too late. The time to intervene is when the brain is still functioning well -- when people are asymptomatic." Although elevated amyloid is associated with subsequent cognitive decline, the study did not prove a causal relationship. For years, researchers have acknowledged age is the biggest risk factor when it comes to Alzheimer's. For more than 90 percent of people with Alzheimer's, symptoms do not appear until after age 60, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2014, about 46 million adults living in the United States -- 15 percent of the population -- were 65 or older. By 2050, that number is expected to expand to 88 million or 22 percent of the population. The tipping point Researchers measured amyloid levels in 445 cognitively normal people in the United States and Canada via cerebrospinal fluid taps or positron emission tomography (PET) scans: 242 had normal amyloid levels and 202 had elevated amyloid levels. Cognitive tests were performed on the participants, who had an average age of 74. Although the observation period lasted 10 years, each participant, on average, was observed for three years. The maximum follow-up was 10 years. The elevated amyloid group was older and less educated. Additionally, a larger proportion of this group carried at least one copy of the ApoE4 gene, which increases the odds that someone will develop Alzheimer's. Based on global cognition scores, at the four-year mark, 32 percent of people with elevated amyloid had developed symptoms consistent with the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. In comparison, only 15 percent of participants with normal amyloid showed a substantial decline in cognition. Analyzing a smaller sample size at year 10, researchers noted that 88 percent of people with elevated amyloid were projected to show significant mental decline based on global cognitive tests. Comparatively, just 29 percent of people with normal amyloid showed cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease research worldwide Alzheimer's was recently a disease that could be diagnosed only after death with an autopsy. Aisen and the researchers at USC ATRI have developed ways to identify early signs of Alzheimer's by creating a set of cognitive tests called the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite. This battery of tests and variations of it are widely used to detect Alzheimer's before dementia symptoms emerge, Aisen said. "Our outcome measures are becoming the standard for early Alzheimer's disease intervention studies," Aisen said. "Drug companies will not invest in early intervention studies without a regulatory pathway forward. ATRI and USC are building a framework for drug development in Alzheimer's disease." As a research institution devoted to promoting health across the life span, USC has more than 70 researchers dedicated to the prevention, treatment and potential cure of Alzheimer's disease. ### Reisa Sperling at Harvard Medical School, Ronald Petersen at the Mayo Clinic, Chung-Kai Sun at USC ATRI and Michael Weiner at the University of California, San Francisco also contributed to this study. ABOUT THE USC ALZHEIMER'S THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE The USC Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute of the Keck School of Medicine of USC is an academic institute committed to advancing the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease through innovative clinical trials. USC ATRI's mission to accelerate the field of AD therapeutics aligns with USC's mission to prevent, treat and find a potential cure for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders. Located in San Diego, the institute is a leading hub of translational and clinical research in neuroscience. ATRI works with public and private partners, including the National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer's Association, Department of Defense, pharmaceutical partners and advocacy groups to develop novel methods and to conduct innovative Alzheimer's therapeutic trials. Since 1991, ATRI faculty and staff have worked on more than 50 Alzheimer's clinical trials and are currently involved in 14 studies, six of which are currently enrolling worldwide. Alzheimer's disease affects 1 in 3 seniors and costs $236 billion a year in health care services. ABOUT THE KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF USC Founded in 1885, the Keck School of Medicine of USC is among the nation's leaders in innovative patient care, scientific discovery, education, and community service. It is part of Keck Medicine of USC, the University of Southern California's medical enterprise, one of only two university-owned academic medical centers in the Los Angeles area. This includes the Keck Medical Center of USC, composed of the Keck Hospital of USC and the USC Norris Cancer Hospital. The two world-class, USC-owned hospitals are staffed by more than 500 physicians who are faculty at the Keck School. The school today has approximately 1,650 full-time faculty members and voluntary faculty of more than 2,400 physicians. These faculty direct the education of approximately 700 medical students and 1,000 students pursuing graduate and post-graduate degrees. The school trains more than 900 resident physicians in more than 50 specialty or subspecialty programs and is the largest educator of physicians practicing in Southern California. Together, the school's faculty and residents serve more than 1.5 million patients each year at Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital, as well as USC-affiliated hospitals Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. Keck School faculty also conduct research and teach at several research centers and institutes, including the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at USC, the USC Cardiovascular Thoracic Institute, the USC Roski Eye Institute and the USC Institute of Urology. In 2016, U.S. News & World Report ranked Keck School of Medicine among the Top 40 medical schools in the country. For more information, go to keck.usc.edu. FUNDING The study was supported by a Biomarkers Across Neurodegenerative Disease (BAND-14-338179) grant from the Alzheimer's Association, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Weston Brain Institute, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), National Institutes of Health (U01 AG024904), U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-12-2-0012), National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, AbbVie, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, Araclon Biotech, BioClinica, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CereSpir, Eisai, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, EuroImmun, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Genentech, Fujirebio, GE Healthcare, IXICO, Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Lumosity, Lundbeck, Merck, Meso Scale Diagnostics, NeuroRx Research, Neurotrack Technologies, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Piramal Imaging, Servier, Takeda, Transition Therapeutics, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The study used data from ADNI, which is 100 percent NIH-funded at $56 million. Donohue is the principal investigator for two grants to develop data analysis methods for Alzheimer's, which is related to this work. One grant is Biomarkers Across Neurodegenerative Disease, which is supported by the Alzheimer's Association, Michael J Fox Foundation and Weston Brain Institute (0 percent NIH at $149,872). The second is a NIH R01 grant (100 percent NIH at $1,620,934). The 3-D crystal model of a muscle-slowing disease shows how it attacks and destroys proteins in a neuromuscular receptor that is in charge of physical movement As a molecular biologist, Kaori Noridomi gets an up-close view of the targets of her investigations. But when she began studying the molecular structures of a rarely diagnosed autoimmune disorder, myasthenia gravis, she decided to step out of the lab for a better view. Noridomi said she thought she needed to know more than what she saw on a microscope and decided she should meet patients who have myasthenia gravis. She went so far as to attend a fundraising walk that supported research of the disease. "Patients are just waiting for breakthroughs in research and better treatment," said Noridomi, a researcher in Professor Lin Chen's Molecular and Computational Biology lab at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. "They may also, because the disease attacks their immune system, end up with other diseases. I met one patient who had myasthenia gravis and had also dealt with four different types of cancer." Motivated by the patients' stories, Noridomi and a team of scientists, including Chen, developed a 3-D, crystal structure of the disease's molecular interactions to fully view its molecular interactions with a neural receptor that is the regular target of the disease. It is the first, high-resolution visual display of the molecular interactions. The development of the crystal structure gives scientists a clear view of how exactly the disease behaves and interferes with brain-to-muscle signals. The ability to see these interactions will likely accelerate research of the disease and could possibly lead to new disease-targeting therapies, said Lin Chen, the study's corresponding author and a USC Dornsife College professor of biological sciences and chemistry. "Because of this finding, we may also find a better quantitative way to identify patients," Chen said. An estimated 36,000 to 60,000 Americans (around 20 per every 100,000) are affected by myasthenia gravis each year. At least, that is the estimated number of patients who receive the diagnosis. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America believes far more have the disease but they are not diagnosed. Diagnosed patients may end up on therapies that treat one or some of the symptoms - but not the disease itself, said Noridomi, a Ph.D. candidate. The symptoms may range from weakness in the facial muscles and eyes to slurred speech. Chen, Noridomi and their team of researchers noted in the study that myasthenia gravis is "the first, and so far, only autoimmune disease with a well-defined autoantigen target," alluding to the "nicotinic acetylcholine receptors" that the disease's malfunctioning antibodies attack. These are the same kind of receptors that respond to drugs such as nicotine. In the muscles, though, these receptors have a specific job: receive and transmit the brain's orders to contract muscles. The brain sends those orders in the form of a chemical neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, directing it to the receptors on the skeletal muscles. In a healthy body, once the acetylcholine reaches the receptors on the destined muscle or muscles, it binds with them and causes them to contract. In a patient with myasthenia gravis, though, the disease's antibodies jam this process, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The antibodies attack the receptor and try to destroy a protein within it, according to the study. Myasthenia gravis is most frequently diagnosed by detection of those distinct, rogue antibodies. Scientists first identified myasthenia gravis as a condition in 1877. The USC scientists noted that the disease's pathology wasn't understood until the 1970s when researchers realized that disease's antibodies were, for the most part, attacking a specific receptor in the muscles. With the crystal model, the scientists were able to see the disease's interactions with the receptor as if it were frozen as a moment in time. They also saw that it had cross-linked with several receptors to accelerate the degradation of their proteins. "Our studies suggest it is possible to develop drug molecules to inhibit the binding of a large fraction of MG antibodies" to the receptor," the scientists wrote. However, scientists remain unsure why some patients experience more severe or widespread symptoms than others. "It's a little bit of disease and a little bit of heredity that cause this," Noridomi said. "In some people, the level of symptoms may be so slight and varied that they may not even go to the trouble of finding out if they have a disease. By that, I mean, maybe they just don't feel good one day, like they don't feel like going to work. They don't know that ultimately they are suffering an attack." Noridomi said she believes the team's findings will lead to greater scientific understanding and may give patients long-awaited hope. "It has been very touching to hear their difficulties," Noridomi said. "Since there is no good treatment right now, they are really waiting for more research to come." ### The study co-authors were Go Watanabe of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of Keck Medicine of USC, as well as Melissa N. Hansen and Gye Won Han, both from the USC Dornsife College. The study was funded by two National Institutes of Health grants awarded to Lin Chen. The Chen lab at the USC Dornsife College is funded by NIH grant R01GM064642 (50 percent). The five-year, $1.5 million grant was awarded in 2011. The remaining 50 percent was funded by NIH grant R01AI113009. The five-year, $2.1 million grant was awarded to the Chen lab in 2014. A piece of research by the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country has concluded that designating Urdaibai as a protected area has improved the life quality of the citizens, despite placing certain restrictions on them Initially, protected areas had a single, major aim which was to protect the biodiversity; today, by contrast, the promotion of people's well-being is also one of their aims. The relationship between the conservation of an environment and its socioeconomic and cultural development has been fiercely debated in society. In actual fact, since Urdaibai was designated a Biosphere Reserve and the Use and Management Steering Plan was approved (1993), various activities have been banned and various types of exploitation have been restricted, and that has been hotly debated among the inhabitants. Many Urdaibai inhabitants do not agree with the restrictions imposed, whereas others feel that the measures imposed do not go far enough to guarantee conservation. To shed light on this debate, Nekane Castillo, a researcher in the UPV/EHU's Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, has conducted research into the socioeconomic evolution of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. "To find out whether the designation of Biosphere Reserve has been an advantage or disadvantage for the Urdaibai population," she explained. In her research she analysed and compared the evolution that has taken place in several variables in Busturialde and Uribe Kosta ever since the Steering Plan was approved, "because these two districts are close to each other and because they share similar features". Specifically, three types of variables have been tackled: variables relating to land use (agricultural land, urban land, pine plantations, eucalyptus plantations, autochthonous forest, etc.), socioeconomic variables (employment and unemployment, GDP, population, etc.) and cultural ones (use of the Basque language, level of education, etc.). In addition, an environmental sustainability index was calculated on the basis of the water consumed, the waste materials produced, etc. The socioeconomic and cultural variables of the two districts are the same After making a statistical examination of all these variables, the researchers concluded that the two districts have seen a similar trend. "Firstly, traditional agricultural activities have been abandoned and the pine plantations that are so detrimental to the environment have diminished, and in their place, urban lands and local species have expanded," explained Nekane Castillo. Secondly, the researchers have noticed that the tertiary sector linked to tourism has grown and so have well-being (income, gross domestic product, further education and employment) and sustainability. However, the researcher pointed out that "on the whole, despite the fact that half of the surface area of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve consists of pine plantations, it offers better conditions for conservation and better rural area conditions than Uribe Kosta, while the socioeconomic and cultural variables remain similar". In Castillo's view, "that means that the designation of Biosphere Reserve has not been detrimental for the citizens, it guarantees the conservation of the district and that may have boosted the socioeconomic and cultural development of it. Even though some changes need to be made to replace the pine forests by autochthonous ones and to encourage agricultural activity, the designation of protected area has achieved the aims in terms of sustainability, and we can say that the life quality of the population in the district is increasing". ### Additional information This research is part of the PhD thesis by Nekane Castillo (Bilbao, 1988). She is a graduate in Environmental Sciences, and is doing her PhD in the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology of the UPV/EHU's Faculty of Science and Technology. Her supervisor was the UPV/EHU professor Miren Onaindia. The thesis is part of the project to Assess the Ecosystem Services in the Basque Autonomous Community and has funding through a Basque Government grant. Bibliographical reference. Castillo-Eguskitza, N., Rescia, A. J., Onaindia, M. 2017. "Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (Biscay, Spain): Conservation against development?". Science of the Total Environment 592, 124-133. People whose minds tend to wander are less likely to stick to their long-term goals, according to new research led by the University of Waterloo. The research found that those who could sustain focus in day-to-day life were more likely to report maintaining perseverance and passion in their long-term objectives. "Those who often can't keep their minds on their tasks -- such as thinking about weekend plans instead of listening to the lecturer in class -- tend to have more fleeting aspirations," said Brandon Ralph, the study's lead author and a PhD candidate in psychology at Waterloo. "We've shown that maintaining concentration over hours and days predicts passion over longer periods." The researchers' findings resulted from three separate studies. In the first two studies, surveys measured the mind wandering, inattention and grittiness of 280 participants. In the third study, 105 post-secondary students were asked to report on their mind-wandering habits during class and then fill out questionnaires to measure their grittiness. Grit is a personality trait involving sustained interest and effort toward long-term goals and is purported to predict success in careers and education independent of other traits, including intelligence. Next steps in the research involve determining if people who would like to mitigate the impacts of mind wandering can do so with mindfulness training exercises, such as meditation. "It's clear that mind wandering is related to the ability to focus in the moment as well as on long-term goals," said Ralph. "As we move forward in this work, we'd like to see if practices such as meditation can assist people in achieving their goals." The study, done in cooperation with researchers at Sheridan College, appears in the Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology. ### MATTOON (JG-TC) -- The Mattoon Police Department arrested a local man Saturday afternoon on a Shelby County warrant. A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Jon A. Fitt, 36, of Mattoon was arrested at 1:55 p.m. Saturday in the 1400 block of Broadway Avenue. Fitt was wanted on a Shelby County warrant of arrest for disorderly conduct. He was subsequently charged with resisting a peace officer after struggling with the arresting officer. Fitt was taken to the Coles County jail. In other matters, Russell W. Foerster, 25, of Edwardsville was arrested at 1:27 a.m. Sunday at Illinois Route 16 and the Lerna Road. Foerster was charged with possession of a controlled substance. The charge alleges that Foerster was found to be in possession of prescription medications without a prescription for said controlled substances. Foerster was taken to the jail. DALLAS June 12, 2017 A new strategy for treating brain tumors may extend or save the lives of patients diagnosed with one of the deadliest forms of cancer, according to a study from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The research demonstrates in mice that a combination of medications traditionally used separately to treat lung cancer and arthritis can destroy glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain tumor that is lethal to most patients in little more than a year. Brain Cancer Extras The combination of these medications disables two proteins responsible for helping the cancer cells survive, providing a therapy that UT Southwestern is working to fast-track for clinical use. This could be a groundbreaking treatment. If it works in patients, then it will be an important advance, said Dr. Amyn Habib, a member of UT Southwesterns Peter ODonnell Jr. Brain Institute and the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. The research published in Nature Neuroscience answers a decades-old question of why a treatment that disables a protein common in various cancers has been effective in some forms of lung and colon cancer but not in glioblastoma. The protein, known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), resides in the tumor cells membrane and has been a traditional target for fighting malignant tumors. Dr. Habibs team found that when doctors use a medication to disable the receptor, a second protein is produced in the brain that takes over the receptors function to keep the cancer cell alive. The study shows that blocking both the receptor and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) destroys the glioma tumors. The medications used to disable these proteins are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including TNF inhibitors used to treat arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions. Dr. Habib said this could speed the effort at UT Southwestern to organize a clinical trial to test the treatment on lung cancer and glioblastoma patients. This is a terrific example of research that can be relatively quickly carried into the clinic, said Dr. Habib, Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics. Glioblastoma is the most lethal and common type of brain cancer, accounting for 17 percent of malignant brain tumors. The disease aggressively spreads through the brain and can prove fatal within months, though surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments can often help patients survive more than a year. UT Southwestern is testing an array of other approaches to improve the prognosis for patients, from protein-inhibiting medications to immunotherapy that uses the bodys immune system to fight the cancer. Dennis Kothmann, a retired math teacher with glioblastoma, hopes one of these approaches will work for him. While Dr. Habibs treatment strategy is still being prepared for clinical use, Mr. Kothmann is participating in an immunotherapy clinical trial at UT Southwestern. Chemo hasnt worked very well for other people with this disease, he explained as a nurse prepared to deliver his latest infusion through his arm. Why not try something different, give yourself a chance? The 71-year-old Fort Worth native was diagnosed with glioblastoma in November after seeking medical treatment for his headaches and vision problems. Mr. Kothmann tells his story with an inspiring air of positivity, his jovial smile belying the grim prospects for beating such a disease. Theres no sense in getting down, Mr. Kothmann said, his wife Candace nodding in agreement next to him. Thats not going to make me better. Dr. Habib is encouraged by the initial success of his protein-disabling strategy. But he acknowledges a cure may not be imminent because cancers tend to adapt to treatments and find other pathways to thrive if one is blocked. For example, disabling the EGFR protein initially showed success in lung cancer patients, but over time the cells develop resistance to the medication. But if we can provide a remission or slowing of the disease and extend survival, thats a big advance in fighting this devastating disease, said Dr. Habib, also a staff physician at the North Texas VA Medical Center. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Medical Research, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Other pcollaborators at UT Southwestern include Dr. Gao Guo, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Habibs laboratory, and Dr. Edward Pan, Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics, Neurological Surgery, Dr. Sandeep Burma, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Kimmo Hatanpaa, Associate Professor of Pathology, Dr. Bruce Mickey, Vice Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery, and Dr. David Wang, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine. The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas and one of just 47 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation. Simmons Cancer Center includes 13 major cancer care programs. In addition, the Centers education and training programs support and develop the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians. Simmons Cancer Center is among only 30 U.S. cancer research centers to be designated by the NCI as a National Clinical Trials Network Lead Academic Participating Site. About UT Southwestern Medical Center UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institutions faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 22 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 18 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 14 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The faculty of more than 2,700 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide care in about 80 specialties to more than 100,000 hospitalized patients, 600,000 emergency room cases, and oversee approximately 2.2 million outpatient visits a year. ### This news release is available on our website at www.utsouthwestern.edu/news. To automatically receive news releases from UT Southwestern via email, subscribe at www.utsouthwestern.edu/receivenews. A Melbourne study is set to improve treatment options for patients with the second most common type of lung cancer, lung squamous cell carcinoma, a disease for which new anti-cancer drugs are urgently needed A Melbourne study is set to improve treatment options for patients with the second most common type of lung cancer, lung squamous cell carcinoma, a disease for which new anti-cancer drugs are urgently needed. The researchers demonstrated a better way to recruit the right participants for promising new anti-cancer drugs called FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor) inhibitors, which are being investigated for treating lung squamous cell carcinoma. Using a research tool that mimics the complexity of human tumours, the researchers identified a 'biomarker' that would better categorise the patients who would respond to the treatment. They also showed that combining the 'targeted' FGFR inhibitors with chemotherapy had the potential to improve treatment outcomes. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers Dr Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat, Dr Clare Weeden and Dr Aliaksei Holik worked closely with medical oncologist Professor Ben Solomon and Richard Young from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre on the study, published today in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. Dr Asselin-Labat said the teams discovered a better biomarker for identifying those lung cancer patients who were most likely to respond to FGFR inhibitors. "We found that high levels of the anti-cancer drug's target - FGFR1 - in a patient's tumour RNA were a better predictor of their potential response to the drug than the current tests that are used," Dr Asselin-Labat said. Professor Solomon said the finding could improve the design of future clinical trials by selecting the right patients to participate. "Fewer than 10 per cent of new cancer drugs make it past phase 1 clinical trials. In many cases this isn't because of the drug itself, but because of a limitation in clinical trial design," he said. "Understanding which patients are most likely to respond to certain drugs in clinical trials is crucial both for patients to receive the best treatment, and for new drugs to make it to the clinic. "Hopefully these data will help to improve trial outcomes by recruiting patients who otherwise might not have been matched to the right trial for them," Professor Solomon said. In addition to identifying which patients would respond to the targeted therapy, the study found that FGFR inhibitors could be 'turbo-charged' when combined with chemotherapy, Dr Weeden said. "FGFR inhibitors stop cancer cells from growing and adding in chemotherapy kills the cancer," she said. "Our research shows combining FGFR inhibitors with chemotherapy should be looked at in future clinical trials". Dr Weeden said lung cancer tissue samples donated to the Victorian Cancer Biobank by patients were key to the research. "Our laboratory models - known as patient-derived xenografts (PDX) - are the most accurate representation of real patient tumours that can be used for testing," Dr Weeden said. "These models, using samples donated to the biobank by people with lung cancer, were crucial to define which tumours responded best to FGFR inhibitors." The researchers hope to apply their findings to other forms of non-small cell lung cancer, which together account for 85 per cent of people with lung cancer, Dr Asselin-Labat said. "This research is a great example of the benefits of collaboration between basic scientists and clinical specialists," she said. ### The research team was comprised of researchers and clinicians from The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital - all partners in the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), an alliance of 10 of Melbourne's leading institutions working together to accelerate the control and cure of cancer. The research was funded by the Viertel Foundation, the Cancer Therapeutics CRC, the Victorian Cancer Agency, the Harry Secomb Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, the Victorian State Government Operational Infrastructure Support and Australian Government NHMRC IRIISS. Our society is in need of ammonia more than ever. Chemical fertilizers, plastic, fibers, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants in heat pumps, and even explosives all use ammonia as raw material. Moreover, ammonia has been suggested as a hydrogen carrier recently because of its high hydrogen content. In the Haber-Bosch process, which is the main method of ammonia synthesis, nitrogen reacts with hydrogen using a metal catalyst to produce ammonia. However, this industrial process is conducted at 200 atm and high reaction temperatures of nearly 500C. Additionally, ammonia production requires using much natural gas, so scientists have been looking for alternative methods to sustainably synthesize ammonia at low temperature. In a recent study, researchers from Waseda University and Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. achieved a highly efficient ammonia synthesis at low temperature, with the highest yield ever reported. "By applying an electric field to the catalyst used in our experiment, we accomplished an efficient, small-scale process for ammonia synthesis under very mild conditions," says Professor Yasushi Sekine of Waseda University. "Using this new method, we can collect highly pure ammonia as compressed liquid and open doors to developing on-demand ammonia production plants that run on renewable energy." This research was published in Chemical Science. In 1972, ruthenium (Ru) catalyst with alkali metals was found to decrease the reaction temperatures and pressures necessary for Haber-Bosch processing, and different methods have been suggested since this discovery. Unfortunately, the ammonia synthesis rate was hindered by kinetic limitations. "We applied direct current electric field to the Ru-Cs catalyst for our ammonia synthesis and obtained remarkably high ammonia field of approximately 30 mmol gcat-1h-1 with high production energy efficiency. Not to mention, this was done at low reaction temperatures and pressures from atmospheric to 9 atm, which is kinetically controllable. The energy consumption to produce ammonia was very low as well." The researchers were able to obtain such results by a mechanism called surface proton hopping, a unique surface conduction triggered by an electric field. "Our experimental investigations, including electron microscope observation, infrared spectroscopy measurements, and isotopic exchange tests using nitrogen gas, prove that proton hopping plays an important role in the reaction, as it activates nitrogen gas even at low temperatures and moderates the harsh condition requirements," explains Professor Sekine. The new technique also addresses obstacles in conventional ammonia synthesis, such as hydrogen poisoning of Ru catalysts and delay in nitrogen dissociation. Furthermore, the research results suggest that smaller-scale, more dispersed ammonia production could be realized, and building highly-efficient ammonia plants that run on renewable energy will become possible. Such ammonia plants will be expected to produce 10 to 100 tons of ammonia per day. Professor Sekine believes that their findings will be important for future energy and material sources. ### Reference Published in Chemical Science Title: Electrocatalytic synthesis of ammonia by surface proton hopping Authors: Authors: R. Manabe, H. Nakatsubo, A. Gondo, K. Murakami, S. Ogo, H. Tsuneki, M. Ikeda, A. Ishikawa, H. Nakai, and Y. Sekine Link to this study in the Waseda University News About Waseda University Waseda University is a leading private, non-profit institution of higher education based in central Tokyo, with over 50,000 students in 13 undergraduate and 20 graduate schools. Founded in 1882, Waseda cherishes three guiding principles: academic independence, practical innovation and the education of enlightened citizens. Established to mold future leaders, Waseda continues to fulfill this mission, counting among its alumni seven prime ministers and countless other politicians, business leaders, journalists, diplomats, scholars, scientists, actors, writers, athletes and artists. Waseda is number one in Japan in international activities, including number of incoming and outgoing study abroad students, with the broadest range of degree programs taught fully in English, and exchange partnerships with over 600 top institutions in 84 countries. BROOKLYN, New York - The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $500,000 to New York University's Tandon School of Engineering to attract, instruct, and mentor student entrepreneurs -- particularly women -- in ways to use STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The first cohort of students from across NYU has already been identified, and they will spend the summer enhancing the efficiency of fuel cells for electric cars; creating a fully functional, self-supporting polymer 3D printer; exploring ways to lessen food waste; analyzing urban geography through big data; and more. More than half the student teams in the first cohort will be led by women -- a departure from national STEM trends. The most recent U.S. Census data revealed that although women make up nearly half of the working population, they represent only 26 percent of STEM workers. The percentage of those in computer careers - one of the fastest-growing segments -- actually declined since the 1990s. "We know that STEM entrepreneurship holds great appeal to all of our students but that misconceptions and apprehensions sometimes discourage women from participating," said Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Jin Kim Montclare, who directs the new NSF I-Corps Site. "We believe that the chance to engage in STEM-based entrepreneurship and drive sustainable change through their ideas and inventions will attract aspiring female entrepreneurs, thereby helping to redress the gender imbalance we regularly see in STEM." The five-year grant comes from the NSF I-Corps National Innovation Sites Program, which nurtures a national innovation ecosystem that builds upon research and moves scientific discoveries closer to the actual output of technologies, products, and processes that benefit society. The grant recipient is NYU Tandon's Convergence of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Institute, which will work with the NSF I-Corps New York City Regional Innovation Node (NYCRIN), a multi-university collaboration that helps scientists and engineers expand their focus beyond the laboratory. NYCRIN helps researchers turn their discoveries into economically viable products and startup ventures, educates academic inventors, and connects them with entrepreneurial and business partners. The NYU Tandon CIE's multidisciplinary faculty and staff members, too, have track records of translating research into commercial products. They will aid up to 30 student teams per year from across NYU in doing the same. Teams will undertake a summer program based on Lean LaunchPad methodologies and will then begin prototyping their products and services. Class for the first cohort will begin July 17. Among the CIE's goals is to support diversity in STEM entrepreneurship, and to that end, teams with a desire to connect meaningful social change to innovation were encouraged to apply. "We are excited by the opportunity to nurture our students' enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and help meet the demand for inclusive education that will increase the number of female STEM entrepreneurs," said Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Kurt H. Becker. "We feel particularly honored to have Chandrika Tandon, whose name our school bears, as a member of our leadership team. She is a stellar role model for any student determined to use their skills and talents to better the world." The new NSF I-Corps Site is part of a holistic approach to diversity that dramatically increased the proportion of women at NYU Tandon; last year, a record 37 percent of freshmen were female, well above the national undergraduate average of 20 percent. ### Becker and Montclare are joined by other of NYU Tandon's most entrepreneurial faculty members as part of the new program: Associate Professor of Technology Management and Innovation Anne-Laure Fayard; Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Nikhil Gupta; Industry Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Michael Knox; and Technology, Culture and Society Lecturer Christopher Leslie. About the New York University Tandon School of Engineering The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly). A January 2014 merger created a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences, rooted in a tradition of invention and entrepreneurship and dedicated to furthering technology in service to society. In addition to its main location in Brooklyn, NYU Tandon collaborates with other schools within NYU, the country's largest private research university, and is closely connected to engineering programs at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. It operates Future Labs focused on start-up businesses in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn and an award-winning online graduate program. For more information, visit http://engineering.nyu.edu. Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire Monday, June 12, 2017 The respected writers organization SouthWest Writers recently posted an interview with Gail Rubin about her latest book, KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die. Here is a portion of the Q&A related to KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: Whats your elevator pitch for Kicking the Bucket List? Kicking the Bucket List is two-thirds about downsizing and one-third about organizing for end-of-life issues. Were more inclined to deal with our material goods than our mortality, and this book helps get the conversation started. What unique challenges did this work pose for you? At first, it seemed like coming up with 100 items for this particular Bucket List was going to be a stretch. It turned out I had to pare down and combine items to make everything fit. Each item needed a photo or other artwork. I found a great resource for free Creative Commons images at Pixabay.com, and I took my own photos around the house of my own junk and my cats. How did the book come together? Barbe Awalt and Paul Rhetts, the publishers at Rio Grande Books, have published a series of Bucket List books since 2015. It started with Barbes The Basic New Mexico Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in New Mexico Before You Die. Each bucket list item has one page, with a paragraph or two of description, a link to a website for more information, and a color photograph. By the time Barbe approached me about doing a book for the series, other titles in the pipeline focused on hot air ballooning, cowboy life, space buff activities, and other New Mexico topics. This was the first of the books to focus on a practical issue everyone will eventually face. We met to discuss the book in August of 2015, and signed a contract in September. I first focused on doing an outline of tips that went from why downsize to how to downsize to creative ways to downsize to organizing for end-of life issues. Once I started the writing, found appropriate website links and gathered photos, it came together within three months. Paul said the editor commented this was the most polished manuscript shed ever seen, so the editing process didnt take long. I thank my critique group for helping make it so polished. And we have SWW member Steve Brewer to thank for the title. I believe alcohol was involved. What was the most rewarding aspect of writing Kicking the Bucket List? As a professional speaker, the book has given me a new way to speak about mortality issues. I now have a PowerPoint presentation with photos from the book that I can customize to focus more on downsizing or on end-of-life issues, depending on the emphasis desired by the organization having me speak. The talks have been very well received, and Ive sold a number of books after these presentations. Do you have a favorite quote from the book youd like to share? I love the promotional blurb provided by Caitlin Doughty, YouTube Ask a Mortician star and author of New York Times bestseller Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons From the Crematory: The connection between downsizing and death acceptance has never been more obvious. Clear your mind and conscience by sucking it up and doing the things Gail suggests. How many of the 100 items from the list have you checked off? You would think The Doyenne of Death would have completed all of the items, but no, Ive still got drawers, closets, shelves and rooms that have excess goods that need to go. I have done a number of the end-of-life organizing items, though. Any Oh, wow! moments while doing research for this book? Oh, wowI still have a lot of stuff to get rid of. The interview continues: how Gail became The Doyenne of Death, her top marketing tips, and why authors need to be good speakers. Read the entire interview at SouthWest Writers website. Share this: Place Your Advert Register or sign in to advertise your job Around 29,000 people have signed up to a Facebook event which encourages trespassing through fields of wheat in Norfolk. Ever since Theresa May's confession that she used to run through fields of wheat as a child, many anti-Conservative protestors have used this as ammunition against her and Conservative policies. May, for ITVs Tonight programme, was asked to reveal the naughtiest thing she had ever done. The Facebook event, hosted by Whats On? Norwich, is scheduled to take place between midday 23 June and 24 June at 3pm. The event says: "Feeling naughty? Been selling arms to Saudi Arabia? Privatised the NHS recently? Come join us for a cheeky frolic through fields of wheat, the farmers will love it xoxo" A further 59,000 people have expressed interest in going to the event. The page has already attracted hundreds of comments, with some posting footage of people tresspassing on farmland and fields of wheat. 'Defend the wheat fields' Facebook user Ruth Chohan has decided to counter the event with what she has called "Defend the wheat fields". She told FarmingUK: "You don't have to go anywhere, just post any suspicious activity, so that farmers and the police have a heads up that this is happening in their local area. "The reason I set this up was to allow farmers an easy way to communicate that this vandalism is occurring." "At the protests, they are running through the wheat fields, damaging crops and dropping their rubbish. I have actually had one person admit they left their tobacco packet behind. "These protests are happening in Cambridge, Lancaster and Norwich, and have been occurring since the 9th of June and will end on the 23rd, some of these have also stated any wheat field. Ruth said the impact for farmers would be a rise in prices for wheat: "It would deliver a damaging blow for arable farmers whose livelihood will be affected. "It would also cause a rise in feed prices if they damage enough wheat fields, so this will also hit livestock farms too." A Qatari businessman will airlift 4,000 Holstein cows on 60 flights to create a local dairy industry. It is part of efforts to maintain milk supplies during the blockade by Qatars Gulf Arab neighbours, who have cut diplomatic ties with the small, but rich, Gulf state. The cows will come from Australia and the US to the farm, which is north of Doha, the country's capital city. Before, Qatar had imported most of its dairy products from neighbouring countries including Saudi Arabia. Qatar's isolation has disrupted trade, and forced Qatar to open new routes to import food, building materials and equipment. On Sunday, Iran had sent five planes of vegetables to Qatar So far five planes carrying... vegetables have been sent to Qatar, each carrying around 90 tonnes of cargo, while another plane will be sent on Sunday, Iran Air spokesman Shahrokh Noushabadi had told AFP. The UK has pushed its exports towards Gulf states recently, as the potential market for British produce is huge. The Gulf is the UKs third largest export market worth more than 1.5 billion and is already home to more than 5,000 UK companies and 4,000 British brands. New figures show the potentially devastating impact of a ban on glyphosate to the British economy and the agricultural sector, warning that it would lead to a reduction in farm output of 940m. The figures also show tax revenues from agriculture and its supply chain could fall by 193m. The stats, released by leading economic research house Oxford Economics and agriculture specialists The Andersons Centre, in partnership with the Crop Protection Association, also predicts wheat production would fall by 20%. Ian Mulheirn, Director of Consulting, Oxford Economics, commented: Our reports findings are very clear, a glyphosate ban will negatively impact UK GDP and agriculture, at a time of real uncertainty for British farmers. If glyphosate was not approved for use in the UK but remained available in the rest of the world, this would place domestic production at a considerable disadvantage. An EU-wide ban could even push up food prices for consumers. Glyphosate is an active substance in the production of herbicides, and has been used by the majority of British farmers for weed control over the past 40 years. The glyphosate row However, it is embroiled in a bitter row over health and safety aspects. The European Commission will propose extending by 10 years its approval of glyphosate. A transatlantic row over possible risks to human health has prompted investigations by congressional committees in the U.S. and in Europe has forced a delay to a re-licensing decision for Monsantos big-selling Roundup herbicide. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans. UK farming unions have also been active on the issue, and have said they will continue to work to ensure the facts about glyphosates safety and its importance are 'fully understood' in the run up to the European Commission confirming its decision on the licence. 'Ghost-writing research' Among those who have criticised glyphosate is the Green Party. They have backed calls for the EU to ban glyphosate, and accuses Monsanto of ghost-writing research. A Green MEP, Molly Scott Cato, has thrown her weight behind a European Citizens Initiative (ECI) calling for a ban on glyphosate. Dr Scott Cato has called for EU regulatory approval of pesticides and herbicides to be based on studies commissioned by public authorities rather than the pesticide industry. Molly Scott Cato said: The Monsanto papers highlight the undue influence agri-chemical corporations have on assessments of toxic chemicals like glyphosate. It also shows the urgent need for assessments of harmful substances to be based on fully independent and public studies so that they are fully impartial, transparent and open to proper scrutiny. But many farmers are hopeful for a lengthy approval. FarmingUK spoke to an arable farmer from South Yorkshire about the looming decision on glypgosate. He said that if glyphosate was not re-authorised it would totally change our farming system. Recently, the Canadian government re-evaluated glyphosate to be safe and confirmed the product's importance to Canadian farms. Tuesday, June 13, 2017 Welcome To The Stolen Car Capital Of America; Why Is The City Still Asleep At The Wheel? Plus: Martinez Ship Jumping Gets Underway Berry and Eden Forget about the economy. Forget about that sick leave ordinance. Forget about ART. There is one and only one issue in the 2017 race for mayor of Albuquerque--the lawlessness that has beset the city and the continuing destruction of its police force. The crime wave here is jarring, relentless and long ago scotched any hopes for major economic development in the foreseeable future. The More than 27 vehicles a day. More than 10,000 for the year. Thats how many vehicles were reported stolen from Albuquerque and neighboring counties in 2016, according to a recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bureau reported the Albuquerque area had the highest per-capita rate of auto thefts in the country. Worst The soaring murder rate, the auto theft epidemic, the freeways run amok, the constant break-ins at area businesses and homes and the widespread vandalism have given this city a damnable reputation. The blame is everywhere but still there is no accountability for: ---The mayoral administration of Richard Berry and Chief Administrative Officer Rob Perry presiding over the mayhem while evading responsibility for the disintegration of law and order. --The police department led by an ineffectual Gorden Eden and cordoned off by an upper command staff at war with its own citizenry and stifling accountability to the bitter end. --The flaccid, fearful and forlorn nine member city council which has not a member on it that has stepped forward to lead the way out of this jungle, even as the mayor has abdicated. --The see-no-evil business community represented by the Economic Forum, the ABQ Chamber of Commerce, NAIOP and the like which join with the agenda driven newspaper to prop up the Republican mayor at all costs--no matter the cost to the welfare of this once on-the-go metropolis. Newsman Dan Rather In about 90 days early voting will get underway in the ABQ mayoral election. It will be our last, best chance to turn this city around, but only if the candidates are subjected to the accountability that we have so maddeningly allowed to elude those currently in power. WHERE THEY GOING? In the wake of the news that we are the stolen car capital of the USA, a comment from James Uberman on Facebook scolding the media stood out: This is reporting?? Where are all these cars going. This is not a few individuals, this is an industrial operation. Are the Mexican Cartels involved? Notice the #2 city is just up I-25. There is a major organized crime ring behind this but no reporting on that. Good question, James. Maybe the media, along with the district attorney, mayor and police chief might want to start asking the same? The relationship between APD and the various oversight panels watching over the troubled agency continues to plumb new lows with police stonewalling the order of the day. And APD's war room mentality now extends to the media. Take An important editor's note: Ordinarily, KOB would reach out to APD for comment on this sort of story prior to a newscast, or prior to publishing on KOB.com. However, in recent months, that courtesy has resulted in KOB content being distributed to other news outlets by the Albuquerque Police Department. To maintain the integrity of our content, our management has decided to reach out to APD for comment at the first opportunity on Saturday. We will share the department's response with you then. What in the name of Harry Kinney is going on in this town? If any of the eight mayoral candidates refuses to pledge to oust the current chief and all of the APD upper command staff, they ought to be taken over to Old Town Plaza where spectators could throw leftover enchiladas at them. SHIP JUMPING Sanchez Watch for the splashes from the ship jumpers to get even bigger. NM Education Secretary Hanna Skandera, who lost out recently on a high level job in the federal education department, announces that Skandera will be remembered as contentious, abrasive, bullying and an ideologue. The same goes for Sanchez but worse. He debased the communications office and the political dialogue by calling legislators "disgusting" and other such niceties as he refused to talk to news organizations critical of the Governor. At least Skandera took public policy seriously. For Sanchez, the campaign never ended as Jay created an attack dog with only one switch: attack and vilify. Sanchez says he's moving out of state but the media did not report where. Yeah, spread that joy around. THAT WAS HANNA Skandera is getting some credit for increasing graduation rates in the state but the weight of the evidence goes against her, asserts reader Phil Parker: Skandera prioritized (politically useful) data over kids' basic needs, and told teachers who asked for her help that they were wrong about their own students. When teachers told her about problems they faced in their classrooms - kids who were hungry, or pregnant, or on drugs, or skipping school because they felt degraded for many different reasons - her responses were always pure weaselspeak. She never gave a straight answer in public, and I think that's because she was prioritizing the interests of private education companies. There was always something to hide, some issue her department wouldn't comment on. She was a pure ice-cold politician, and possibly a profiteer, and her kind is taking over everything. THE BOTTOM LINES Former ABQ State Rep, Rick Miera makes it official and becomes a candidate for the '18 Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. More on his campaign The NM Republican Party was jolted Monday when it learned of the death of party spokesman--25 year old He was a brilliant writer, tenacious promoter of our cause, keen political communicator and most importantly, a wonderful person. Tucker approached his work with great passion, enthusiasm and with a witty sense of humor. Keene, a Massachusetts native, was found dead in his ABQ apartment. The cause is being determined by the medical examiner. This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. ( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2017 Forget about the economy. Forget about that sick leave ordinance. Forget about ART.There is one and only one issue in the 2017 race for mayor of Albuquerque--the lawlessness that has beset the city and the continuing destruction of its police force. The crime wave here is jarring, relentless and long ago scotched any hopes for major economic development in the foreseeable future. The latest Worst in the nation for auto theft and the city in second place isn't even close! The shock is that the citizenry is still not yelling from their rooftops over the colossal failure and incompetence of the city's leadership to reign in the thieves, murderers, drag racers and meth heads that have made the city something akin to a dusty border town with a corrupt police department and a puppet mayor and city council.The soaring murder rate, the auto theft epidemic, the freeways run amok, the constant break-ins at area businesses and homes and the widespread vandalism have given this city a damnable reputation.The blame is everywhere but still there is no accountability for:---presiding over the mayhem while evading responsibility for the disintegration of law and order.--and cordoned off by an upper command staff at war with its own citizenry and stifling accountability to the bitter end.--which has not a member on it that has stepped forward to lead the way out of this jungle, even as the mayor has abdicated.--represented by the Economic Forum, the ABQ Chamber of Commerce, NAIOP and the like which join with the agenda driven newspaper to prop up the Republican mayor at all costs--no matter the cost to the welfare of this once on-the-go metropolis.Newsman Dan Rather opined over the bizarre politics in DC: "We are failing to be outraged by the outrageous." That could be the bumper sticker for the current state of politics in our state's largest city. It's as if everyone is overdosing on Xanax.In about 90 days early voting will get underway in the ABQ mayoral election. It will be our last, best chance to turn this city around, but only if the candidates are subjected to the accountability that we have so maddeningly allowed to elude those currently in power.In the wake of the news that we are the stolen car capital of the USA, a comment from James Uberman on Facebook scolding the media stood out:Good question, James. Maybe the media, along with the district attorney, mayor and police chief might want to start asking the same?The relationship between APD and the various oversight panels watching over the troubled agency continues to plumb new lows with police stonewalling the order of the day. And APD's war room mentality now extends to the media. Take a look What in the name of Harry Kinney is going on in this town? If any of the eight mayoral candidates refuses to pledge to oust the current chief and all of the APD upper command staff, they ought to be taken over to Old Town Plaza where spectators could throw leftover enchiladas at them.Watch for the splashes from the ship jumpers to get even bigger. NM Education Secretary Hanna Skandera, who lost out recently on a high level job in the federal education department, announces that she's resigning from the Martinez administration this month. She's joined by the Governor's press aide Chris Sanchez . Martinez's term doesn't conclude until the end of next year but with the news ahead looking bleak, the ship jumping seems to be starting earlier than usual.Skandera will be remembered as contentious, abrasive, bullying and an ideologue. The same goes for Sanchez but worse. He debased the communications office and the political dialogue by calling legislators "disgusting" and other such niceties as he refused to talk to news organizations critical of the Governor. At least Skandera took public policy seriously. For Sanchez, the campaign never ended as Jay created an attack dog with only one switch: attack and vilify. Sanchez says he's moving out of state but the media did not report where. Yeah, spread that joy around.Skandera is getting some credit for increasing graduation rates in the state but the weight of the evidence goes against her, asserts reader Phil Parker:Former ABQ State Rep, Rick Miera makes it official and becomes a candidate for the '18 Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. More on his campaign here . Taos educator Jeff Carr is the other announced lt. gov. candidate. ABQ State Senator Michael Padilla is also expected to run. There are no announced GOP lt. governor hopefuls. . .The NM Republican Party was jolted Monday when it learned of the death of party spokesman--25 year old W. Tucker Keene . Said GOP Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi:Keene, a Massachusetts native, was found dead in his ABQ apartment. The cause is being determined by the medical examiner.This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Links HOME E-MAIL ME About Joe Google News Real Clear Politics Huffington Post Drudge Report The Politico New Mexico newspapers NM TV stations Gov. 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It comes as news that his previous comments and views on trade have alarmed some farmers' leaders. Mr Gove was asked by the BBC about concerns farmers have raised surrounding Brexit, including EU subsidies and migrant labour. He also reiterated the Conservative manifesto commitment to keep subsidy levels for farmers until the end of least 2022. Mr Gove was then asked if there would be a future visa scheme for unskilled migrants. "It's early days. One thing the Prime Minister wanted was as we bring migration down to sustainable levels we will do so in consultation with industry and one of our most important industries is agriculture," he said. "We need to make sure the workforce is there and the support is there." High quality food When pressed on what kind of visa system would be in place to support seasonal labour such as fruit pickers he said he will talk to farming groups later today (13 June). Labour and skills shortages are starting to bite in UK sectors "In the past we've had a variety of schemes to ensure the agricultural workforce is in place to ensure the farmers produce high quality food. "Of course I've given this issue some consideration. I want to make sure I can listen to the farming secretary, the NFU later today and others because I think the right approach to take in a new department is to listen and to learn and be clear about overall principles. Mine are to enhance the environment and continue to produce high quality food in this country. "But the means by which we do so is for me to exercise appropriate humility, and listen and learn." Starting to bite Labour and skills shortages are starting to bite in UK sectors which employ a high number of migrants, according to research. A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that despite a near record number of vacancies, 748,000 according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, UK employers are struggling to fill roles. As many as one in four employers have seen evidence to suggest that non-UK nationals from the EU were considering leaving their organisation in 2017. Non-UK nationals from the European Union almost halved from an average of more than 60,000 per quarter in the nine months to June 2016 to just 30,000 in the three months to September 2016. 'Significant experience' Numerous farming and rural organisations have given their thoughts on Gove's appointment. Rural organisation the CLA, which represents landowners and farmers, said Gove will bring 'significant' experience. CLA President Ross Murray said: He brings significant experience, a reputation for robust challenge of the status quo and a reformers zeal. These are all qualities that will serve the land based sector well. Defra has a major role to play in both the negotiations and in preparing for life after the UK exits the EU. The National Farmers Union president Meurig Raymond has written an open letter to Gove, giving him the wants and needs of the farming industry ahead of uncertain times. The Tenant Farmers' Association has also written to Gove, welcoming him into his new position and to seek an early meeting to discuss the priorities for agriculture and its tenanted sector in the context of Brexit. "The Prime Minister has placed a political heavyweight and prominent Brexiter in DEFRA and we look forward to working with Michael Gove in the weeks and months ahead," the TFA said. Michael Gove has been named the new environment secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in Theresa May's post-election reshuffle. Andrea Leadsom, who was appointed environment secretary on 14 July 2016, has now been appointed as leader of the House of Commons. Theresa May continues to build her new Government after a slew of key appointments today (11 June). The weakened Prime Minister has reshuffled her cabinet in an attempt to stay in power following Thursdays disastrous election result for the Conservative party. Former Chancellor George Osborne called her a dead woman walking while other former ministers said her position was untenable and she would never lead the party into another General Election. For Michael Gove, DEFRA faces some of the toughest challenges of any Government department as Brexit looms. The EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which many farmers rely on, will have to be replaced with a UK-focused system. 'Significant experience' Rural organisation the CLA, which represents landowners and farmers, said Gove will bring 'significant' experience. CLA President Ross Murray said: I am pleased to welcome Michael Gove to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs brief. He brings significant experience, a reputation for robust challenge of the status quo and a reformers zeal. These are all qualities that will serve the land based sector well. Defra has a major role to play in both the negotiations and in preparing for life after the UK exits the EU. I look forward to working with him and his team and we are eager to get on with addressing the big challenges ahead. No previous experience Michael Gove has no agricultural, farming or environmental experience in any of his previous political offices. As education secretary, Gove was criticised for trying to remove climate change from the national geography curriculum. He has previously voted in favour of badger culling. Born in Edinburgh, Gove was raised in Aberdeen and attended Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, where he took a BA in English, graduating with a 2:1, after which he began his career as a journalist. Michael Gove was Secretary of State for Education from 2010-14 and Secretary of State for Justice from 2015-16. He has been the Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath since 2005. In 2016, Gove played a major role in the UK's referendum on EU membership as the co-convenor of Vote Leave and along with Boris Johnson, became a key figurehead of the campaign. Following Theresa May's appointment as Prime Minister in 2016, May did not appoint him to the Cabinet. This page will continue to be updated The National Farmers Union president Meurig Raymond has written an open letter to new Environment Secretary Michael Gove to give him the wants and needs of the farming industry ahead of uncertain times. Michael Gove has been named the new environment secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in Theresa May's post-election reshuffle. The NFU's open letter congratulated Mr Gove and said farming is of enormous value to the economy. Mr Raymond said: On behalf of the 55,000 members of the NFU, may I offer you my sincere congratulations on your appointment as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. British farms grow the raw ingredients for the UK food and drink manufacturing sector, the UKs largest manufacturing sector, worth 109 billion and providing 3.8 million jobs. Farming is of enormous value to the economy - for every 1 invested, farming delivers around 7 back to this country. British farmers are proud to provide over 60% of the nations food and manage 70% of UK landscape. We do this all while focusing on producing safe, nutritious and high-quality food for people at home and abroad. And we can and want to deliver more. We are looking to Defra; to work with us and our members, to champion farming within the Government and to work closely with the devolved governments across the UK. Our shared aim is to ensure a productive, progressive and profitable future for British farmers and assurance to British consumers. 'Best possible a access' Mr Raymond described how farming will be the most impacted industry by Brexit, and how farmers need certainty to move forward. He continued: To achieve our potential, we need a future post-Brexit trade arrangement that delivers the best possible access to the vital EU market, as well as continued access to a competent and reliable workforce. With your experience in reforming policy environments we look forward to working with you to create a new wider policy framework that better delivers for British food and farming - and for our nation. We are also calling on the new Government to support British farming through a number of other measures; Bovine TB continues to blight the UKs livestock sector which is why it is so important that the Governments 25-Year TB Eradication strategy is implemented in full. 'Robust, scientific evidence' The NFU President then talks about how licensing and access to plan protection products in another concern for farmers. The NFU has consistently advocated for regulation to be based on robust, scientific evidence and consequently I very much hope you will be able to give your support to the reauthorisation of glyphosate which is a very important product for British farmers to have access to. Later this summer, the NFU will launch its Rural Crime Manifesto where we highlight the very serious impact of issues like fly-tipping, theft and hare coursing for farms and rural communities. I look forward to tackling these challenges and meeting you at the earliest possible opportunity. International Business Machines (IBM 2.79%) fell well short of revenue expectations when it reported its first-quarter results, prompting the stock to tumble. The culprit behind the disappointing numbers was a delay in signing a few major deals. A few services deals that were originally expected to close during the first quarter got pushed back, hurting the company's results. At least one of those deals has now closed. IBM announced on June 8 that it had signed a 10-year cloud services agreement with Lloyds Banking Group (LYG 6.32%) in the United Kingdom, a financial institution with over $1 trillion of assets. IBM will provide dedicated cloud offerings hosted in both Lloyds and IBM data centers, and it will manage the application migration process to the new cloud. The total value of the deal is about $1.65 billion. This news comes soon after reports emerged that IBM lost a major public cloud customer. Facebook is moving its WhatsApp service from IBM's cloud to its own data centers. WhatsApp uses 7,000 high-performance bare-metal servers provided by IBM's SoftLayer infrastructure-as-a-service business, and Facebook reportedly spent as much as $2 million each month with IBM. The Lloyds deal dwarfs the WhatsApp loss, and as I argued in a previous article, the social titan would have moved WhatsApp to its own data centers regardless of what cloud it was running on. The public cloud is a part of IBM's cloud strategy, but deals like the agreement with Lloyds are the core. How IBM will grow its cloud business The Lloyds deal is exactly the kind of deal IBM is well positioned to win. Lloyds is a large enterprise, with a market cap of $64 billion and annual revenue of around $50 billion. It's an existing IBM customer, with the two companies having a long-standing relationship. And it's looking to embrace cloud computing. Transitioning to the cloud is not trivial, especially for a large enterprise, and doubly so for one in a highly regulated industry like banking. While the ongoing shift to cloud computing has forced IBM to adapt, signing deals with less hardware and more cloud services, the need for such deals hasn't diminished. As IBM CFO Martin Schroeter said during a recent earnings conference call, IBM is shifting from being a systems integrator to a services integrator. The Lloyds deal is a reflection of that shift. One important thing about this deal, especially for those worried that lucrative hardware deals are being replaced with lower-value cloud deals, is that this agreement represents a new revenue stream for IBM. It's an expansion of the relationship, with IBM set to play a greater role. Large organizations comprise IBM's core customer base. As those organizations begin thinking about shifting to the cloud, IBM is the logical choice to manage that transition. The value of IBM's existing customer relationships should not be underestimated. Hot start-ups may be unlikely to choose IBM's public cloud offerings over AWS or Azure, but IBM has an advantage when it comes to large organizations with complex IT infrastructures. IBM's cloud business generated $14.6 billion of revenue over the past year, with cloud delivered as-a-service currently at an $8.6 billion annual revenue run rate. The latter number grew by 59% year over year during the first quarter. The Lloyds deal, and other similar deals in the future, will help keep the cloud business growing. When this cloud growth, and growth in IBM's other "strategic imperatives," will ultimately drive revenue growth for the company as a whole is still unclear. Parts of IBM are growing quickly, but other parts are shrinking, and the net result has been five years of declining revenue. IBM expects per-share adjusted earnings to grow this year, but a return to revenue growth has yet to materialize. Traditionally, the gold sector is not where investors rush when looking for dividend-paying stocks. Gold mining is capital intensive, and companies must continually reinvest in their businesses to ensure they remain profitable amid volatile gold prices. Consequently, many companies are uninterested in returning cash to shareholders. Gold streaming and royalty companies such as Royal Gold and Franco-Nevada offer some of the higher yields among gold stocks, but for now, we'll limit ourselves to only those companies pulling the yellow stuff out of the ground. So let's dig in and look at some of the best opportunities. Come for the yield; stay for the longevity Investors may initially be drawn to Agnico Eagle's stock because it offers one of the higher yields, but the more compelling factor should be its long commitment -- 35 consecutive years -- of returning cash to shareholders in the form of dividends. Payouts can rise and fall; in fact, they may disappear altogether in challenging times. Kinross Gold, for example, suspended its dividend in 2013 and has yet to reinstitute it. For investors, Agnico Eagle's history of returning cash to shareholders is worth its weight in gold. Based on management's outlook, Agnico seems well positioned to extend its streak of consecutive years paying a dividend. Targeting fiscal 2017 gold production of 1.55 million ounces, management expects production to rise to 2 million ounces in 2020. Moreover, it forecasts all-in sustaining costs (AISC) from $850 to $900 per gold ounce in fiscal 2017 (declining even further as production grows through 2020), providing an adequate margin to grow its cash position. Company Market Cap Fiscal 2016 Revenue Dividend Yield Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. AEM 7.83% ) $11.1 billion $2.14 billion 0.83% Barrick Gold GOLD 7.04% ) $19.0 billion $8.56 billion 0.61% Goldcorp GG) $11.5 billion $3.51 billion 0.60% Newmont Mining Corp. NEM 7.11% ) $18.3 billion $6.71 billion 0.51% Yamana Gold AUY 4.86% ) $2.5 billion $1.79 billion 0.76% The industry's big dog The largest gold miner by market cap, Barrick Gold is a formidable force in the sector. Operating some of the largest gold-producing mines in the world, Barrick excels at keeping its expenses low. In fiscal 2016, Barrick -- the best performer in this peer group -- reported AISC of $730 per gold ounce. For context, the closest to Barrick here is Agnico, which reported AISC on a by-product basis of $824 per gold ounce in fiscal 2016. Excelling at keeping costs low, Barrick is able to generate significant cash. In fact, Barrick's free cash flow breakeven was below $1,000 per ounce in 2016 -- even if gold fell to $1,000 per ounce last year, Barrick would have still been churning out cash. In fiscal 2017, Barrick forecasts AISC between $720 and $770 per gold ounce and maintains a free cash flow breakeven of $1,000 per gold ounce. Barrick's debt-reduction achievement further suggests it's well positioned to continue dividend distributions since it will save money on interest payments. In fiscal 2016, the company, simultaneously, reduced its debt by $2 billion and increased its dividend 50%. It plans to reduce its debt even further -- about $1.45 billion -- in fiscal 2017, maintaining a goal of bringing its total debt down to $5 billion by the end of fiscal 2018. Digging into Goldcorp Announcing an ambitious three-pronged, five-year plan last year, Goldcorp aims to grow gold production 20%, to grow gold reserves 20%, and to reduce AISC 20% by 2020. In addition to expansionary activities at Penasquito, Musselwhite, and Red Lake, Goldcorp foresees new operations at Coffee, Cerro Casale, and Caspiche as playing prominent roles in helping the company achieve its targets. Controlling expenses, in any business, is important; however, it's critical for gold miners. Consequently, companies that excel at keeping costs low should be prime candidates for dividend investors, as they can grow cash flow and return it to shareholders. In Q1 2016, Goldcorp announced a $250 million target in "sustainable annual mine site and corporate efficiencies" that it sought to achieve by 2018. With more than 100% of that target identified, management is looking to identify even more efficiencies in 2019 and beyond. Cranking out cash Although its yield is nothing to write home about, Newmont Mining Corp. is a name that should be on one's watchlist. For what it lacks in a large yield, Newmont makes up for with cash flow. For example, it reported it has more than doubled its free cash flow over the past three years -- from $383 million in fiscal 2014 to $784 million in fiscal 2016. In fact, Newmont is the most adept among these peers at turning gold to green. According to Morningstar, the company converted 24.63% of its revenue to free cash flow in fiscal 2016. For context, Barrick is second best at 17.69%, while Goldcorp trails the group at only 3.11%. Investors may also be attracted to Newmont's circumspect approach to its payout, for it maintains a dividend policy linked to the London Bullion Market Association's price of gold. When gold rises, so does the dividend. This affords great clarity and suggests that management has a good read on how much it can safely return to shareholders. A gold stock for those with iron stomachs Although Yamana Gold disappointed the Street last February when it announced its intent to forgo acquisitions in favor of organic growth, investors shouldn't disqualify it from consideration. According to a recent investor presentation, construction of Yamana's next cornerstone mine, Cerro Moro, is slightly ahead of schedule and remains on budget. Expected to commence operations in early 2018, Cerro Moro is forecast to produce 80,000 and 130,000 gold ounces in fiscal 2018 and 2019, respectively, averaging AISC below $600 per gold ounce. Growing operational cash flow 26% from fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2016, Yamana is poised to increase it even further as Cerro Moro and expansionary projects at Chapada and Canadian Malartic come online. Trading less than 1.4 times sales and 4.2 times cash from operations per share, Yamana Gold -- thanks to the current bearish sentiment -- now provides an excellent entry point for long-term investors who are willing to withstand some volatility. Two stocks. One price. Any buys? Currently, shares of Apache Corporation (APA 3.18%) and Anadarko Petroleum (APC) are both sitting just below $47/share. Earlier this year, though, Apache's per-share price was above $60, and Anadarko's was above $70! Let's look at which one of these beaten-down energy industry stocks is likely to have better performance for investors. Performance Apache and Anadarko each released their first-quarter 2017 earnings report in early May. Both companies performed better than the prior year, which is hardly surprising considering how much oil prices have increased since then. The companies' biggest rival ConocoPhillips (COP 3.35%), for example, saw a billion-dollar year-over-year improvement in earnings in Q1. Despite these improvements, all three companies' stock prices have suffered since. Anadarko saw impressive sales volume growth during the quarter -- up a divestiture-adjusted 20% year over year. It was also able to enhance its product mix to 61% liquids versus 53% in the year-ago quarter. Because liquids command higher prices, this improved the company's overall margins. In spite of that, though, the company still didn't manage to turn a profit during the quarter, posting an adjusted $330 million loss. Apache, on the other hand, posted a small profit, but on lower volumes than in the year-ago quarter. (although that wasn't unexpected). Revenue and cash flow were both up, and the company is seeing better-than-expected results from its Alpine High play (more on that later). Nevertheless, the market had hoped for more, sending shares downward after the announcement. Both companies are clearly benefiting from an improved oil market, although there's still a long way to go. However, a profit beats a loss, so this one goes to Apache. Winner: Apache Dividend Especially in the current environment, when stocks across the industry are down and with no clear recovery on the horizon, a dividend can be a godsend for investors. The regular payout a dividend provides can reward investors for their patience as they wait for share prices to recover. Both Anadarko and Apache pay a dividend, although Apache's is much more robust. In early 2014, both companies increased their dividend payouts. Anadarko upped its dividend to $0.27/share, while Apache raised its to an even $0.25/share. Of course, shortly thereafter, the bottom fell out of the oil market, and the entire industry started to suffer. Anadarko held its dividend at that level for nearly two years, but eventually, Anadarko's management -- wisely, in my opinion -- bit the bullet and slashed its dividend to just $0.05/share, where it remains today. Apache, on the other hand, has been able to keep its dividend steady at $0.25/share and doesn't seem likely to cut it -- or, for that matter, raise it -- anytime soon. That gives Apache an attractive current yield of about 2.1%. Which is close to best-in-class ConocoPhillips' 2.4% yield. Of course, some of the integrated majors, like ExxonMobil or Royal Dutch Shell yield far more or have a longer history of increases, but 2.1% is not bad, especially compared to Anadarko's tiny 0.4% yield. Winner: Apache Outlook The importance of past earnings and current dividend yield, though, pale in importance to a company's future prospects and performance. And both Apache and Anadarko are undergoing some changes that could have a big impact on their upcoming operations. For Anadarko, the changes stem from an April explosion at a home in Colorado, which killed two people. Investigators discovered that an abandoned return flowline connected to a nearby Anadarko-owned well hadn't been properly capped. Gas from a cut in the pipeline seeped into the home, causing the blast. As a result, Anadarko -- Colorado's largest gas producer -- was ordered to inspect all of its wells located within 1,000 feet of buildings. Anadarko wrapped up those inspections in early June and submitted a report to the state, but it's still unclear what further actions -- if any -- Anadarko might have to take. And of course, there are almost certain to be legal ramifications. Apache, on the other hand, is busily developing the infrastructure at its monster Alpine High find in the Delaware Basin of Texas. The area around the find had been ignored by the industry until recently, so Apache is basically starting from scratch, but it's currently ahead of schedule and under budget. The company estimates production won't be able to start in earnest until the second half of 2017, and it won't really take off until 2018. In the meantime, the infrastructure development coupled with some scheduled maintenance downtime in the company's North Sea operations is going to make for lackluster performance. The near-term outlook is uncertain for both companies -- particularly with oil prices dropping again. However, there's still a lot we don't know about Anadarko's Colorado operations and how the company will be affected overall. Apache's position -- sitting on a huge oil and gas find and just needing to build out some infrastructure -- seems much more secure. Winner: Apache And the winner is Apache may not have had the best performance so far this year, but it pays a nice dividend and has excellent prospects for growth once its Alpine High find comes online. In fact, these factors convinced me to put my own money into the stock in May. However, if things in Colorado can be resolved quickly for Anadarko, and if it can start turning a profit from its record production, it could still be worth a look. Today, though, Apache is the clear winner. Haiti - Economy : First direct flight between Havana and Port-au-Prince Although direct flights between Haiti and Cuba have been operating since last February https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20202-haiti-economy-inaugural-flight-of-sunrise-airways-pap-havana.html , Friday 9 June the Haitian company Sunrise Airways officially opened the new direct line between Havana and Port-au-Prince, bringing the number of direct weekly flights to Cuba to 6. Philippe Bayard, President of Sunrise Airways, said the flights will increase according to demand and will be managed by the tour operator Explore Caribbean. Pescale B. Hilaire, the co-owner of Explore Caribbean, said the new roads will allow to "show this other image of Haiti little known, the beauty of its beaches and its mountains, the uniqueness of its cuisine and its culture and its hotel infrastructures [...] We have come to reaffirm the love and the respect for Haitians for Cuba, who have extended their hand to us in difficult times and we are happy that the Cuban tourists travel to Port-au-Prince [...] The intention is to unite the multi-destinations, to work for the complementarity of services and products, without any rivalry in what differentiates each Nation, its traditions and customs, it is an incentive for the visitor and we will work together." About Sunrise Airways : The first and only Haitian-owned airline to be awarded a Part 129 Foreign Air Carrier Certificate from the Dominican Republic, Sunrise Airways (IATA: S6, ICAO: KSZ) is rising to meet the progressively expanding demand for safe, reliable, and affordable air travel throughout the Western Caribbean. From its hub in Port-au-Prince, the Haitian-owned carrier operates daily scheduled passenger service connecting key gateways across the region with the world. Sunrise Airways currently serves Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ and JBQ); Havana (HAV), Camaguey (CMW) and Santiago de Cuba (SCU) in Cuba; and Cap Haitien (CAP). New flights to/from Kingston, Jamaica (KIN); Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI); Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (PLS); and Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS) are planned for 2017-2018, pending government approval. In line with the expansion of its route network, Sunrise Airways has initiated service aboard a 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Headquartered in Port-au-Prince, Sunrise Airways is a privately owned corporation with registered offices in Haiti. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20202-haiti-economy-inaugural-flight-of-sunrise-airways-pap-havana.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Guyana expels some Haitians Several Haitians, who arrived in Guyana several weeks ago, were asked to leave the country because investigators suspect they have come for another destination, the immigration authorities said on Monday. Winston Felix, the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, said that already 8 adults and 6 children were sent back to Haiti last Thursday after upgrading their return tickets. He said efforts were being made to return 8 others, including some children, who have no money to pay for their plane tickets, explaining "The rationale for having them depart is based on a police investigation and the advice given by the Police Legal Adviser," while refusing to give details of the evidence "We were advised that they should be sent back, based on the investigation, and that is the rationale," stating that no anomalies had been found with their documents, but "a collection of circumstances" did that it was decided that they should be removed. Asked whether trafficking in persons was suspected, he said that "trafficking has not been fully established but it might be lurking somewhere on the horizon." For his part the Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said the investigation revealed that "some of the Haitians are entering Guyana for other destinations and that its organised." He stated that all suspected smugglers are on bail pending further investigations by the Guyana Police Forces Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Recalling "After Suriname last year introduced visas for Haitians who were transiting that country to neighbouring French Guiana https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18549-haiti-flash-suriname-visa-mandatory-for-haitian.html , they then opted to land here and move on to their final destination." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18549-haiti-flash-suriname-visa-mandatory-for-haitian.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Diplomacy : Chancellor of Venezuela met Jovenel Moise Monday, the Chancellor of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodrigue arrived in Haiti to meet with President Jovenel Moise. This meeting is part of the celebration of 153 years of bilateral diplomatic relations initiated at the time of independence, when Alexandre Petion bring his support to Simon Bolivar for the expedition of Keys in 1816, which allowed him to enter Venezuela and contribute to the victory of the Republicans on Margarita Island and other parts of the East. Following her meeting with President Moise, Chancellor Rodriguez, declared "I met President Jovenel Moise this morning. We had a very good meeting, we talked about cooperation. He was very specific, he knows all the projects very well and he knows very well what he wants to do. He wants to move forward on the modernization of agricultural infrastructures. He also wants to work on water projects, on asphalt and many other projects." "I am completely satisfied with the cooperation with Haiti. We are going to improve it and we will keep the path of cooperation [...] We have always been together and we will stay together and continue to walk along the same path of dignity and independence [...] With the new Government of Haiti, we have extraordinary relations because it can not be otherwise between Venezuela and Haiti." Relationships that continue today through such mechanisms as PetroCaribe and the training of Haitian medical students in Venezuela. SL/ HaitiLibre The Islamic State group has called for more terror attacks during the holy month of Ramadan by sending an audio message through secretive messaging app Telegram. In the audio message circulated on Monday, Islamic State official spokesman Abi al-Hassan al-Muhajer praised the attack in the Iranian capital last week when suicide bombers and gunmen left 17 people dead, after targeting the parliament building and a mausoleum in Tehran. He said the country is weaker than a spiders web, and called for more assaults. O lions of Mosul, Raqqa, and Tal Afar, God bless those pure arms and bright faces, charge against the rejectionists and the apostates, and fight them with the strength of one man, al-Muhajer was quoted as saying. Al-Muhajer also called for attacks in other parts of the world, saying heaven is reached under the shadow of swords. To the brethren of faith and belief in Europe, America, Russia, Australia, and others, your brothers in your land have done well so take them as role models and do as they have done, he said. In 2017, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for attacks in Britain, Egypt, Iran and the Philippines that killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds. Telegram Messenger has become a favoured tool of terrorists to disseminate propaganda due to its impenetrable security. Source : Firstpost Pestana Hotel Group publicly presented a new Pousada de Portugal located in the historic centre of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, in the most eastern area of the region (Sotavento), thus continuing its investment in the Algarve. This investment will provide the historic heritage building with 57 rooms, 114 beds and create 30 new jobs. The official opening is scheduled for the beginning of next year"s Summer. At ceremony, where the agreement was signed with the local authorities, Luis Castanheira Lopes, highlighted the historic nature of the new Pousada. "The Pestana Hotel Group will restore the buildings in full harmony with its architectural relevance allowing visitors to experience its very rich cultural legacy, a core characteristic at the heart of the Pousadas de Portugal brand DNA that celebrate 75 years in 2017". According to Jose Theotonio, "The Pestana Hotel Group is highly committed with its national expansion alongside its international growth. This new Pousada is a good example of our long term persistent commitment in the Algarve with a qualified investment that will generate growth in travel inflows, contributing to put Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the map of world tourism, generating more economy for the local communities". The unique Southern location of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, on the border with Spain, makes it one of the most secluded regions with some of the best beaches, with warm weather and tepid waters in the Algarve. The new hotel is due to open in the Summer of 2018 but reservations will open in the beginning of the year. This will the be the fourth Pousada de Portugal in the Algarve and the 17th Pestana unit in the region. There are currently 16 Pestana units in the Algarve, 13 Pestana Hotels & Resorts and 3 Pousadas de Portugal (Palacio de Estoi in Faro, Fortaleza de Sagres and Convento de Tavira). Hotel website Manhattan's Marriott Marquis once again welcomed the most prominent leaders in the hospitality industry for the 2017 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, held June 5 and 6. Over the two-day event, industry experts gathered to share their opinions on a wide variety of ownership, management, branding, lending, and economic topics. Despite uncertainties in today's global political and economic climates, the overall tone remains one of cautious optimism. Key Takeaways: 2017 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference | By Chris Fernandes Photo by HVS A Call to Action No time was wasted skirting around discussion of the current White House administration, with conference chairman Jonathan M. Tisch's keynote discussion addressing the industry's primary concerns head on. Mr. Tisch initiated a call to action for industry participants to become actively engaged in the current political discourse, citing the threat of "A Second Lost Decade." Leading contributors to this threat include the United States' lagging infrastructure and outdated airports, compared to other leading nations, as well as foreign policy issues such as the widely publicized travel ban. Although travel statistics usually lag several months, Mr. Tisch cited anecdotal evidence that the perceived travel ban has already had an impact on foreign travel counts, and pointed to the fact that the United States ranks outside the top 20 in nations with the highest perceived "openness to travel." The largest contributor to this threat, however, is the Trump administration's proposed budget, which would eliminate all funding of Brand USA. Brand USA is the United States' travel marketing organization, with an estimated total economic impact of $8.9 billion per year and a $1.2-billion tax revenue contribution annually. Sentiments that the current policy propositions of Washington stand to hurt the travel industry were reverberated throughout morning sessions of day one. Katherine Lugar of AH&LA and Katie B. Fallon of Hilton also took strong positions on the importance of maintaining Brand USA's funding, while industry CEOs also spoke to the importance of infrastructure improvements going forward and the importance of maintaining that America is "open for business." Ms. Fallon, a former White House Director of Legislative Affairs and head of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs under President Obama, remained optimistic that Brand USA stands to regain its stake in the White House budget, citing it as a bipartisan issue with undisputed ROI in the face of the numerous partisan issues that presently challenge Washington. The State of the Current Cycle Amanda W. Hite, President and CEO of STR, presented the latest available year-to-date data on the U.S. lodging industry, highlighting that the nation has experienced 86 consecutive months of positive RevPAR growth. In the trailing-twelve-month period through April 2017, nationwide RevPAR increased 3.1%. Demand growth outpaced supply increases only modestly through this period, however. Following up Ms. Hite's presentation was HVS's own President and CEO, Stephen Rushmore, Jr. Mr. Rushmore spoke to expectations in value trends, citing that no significant market-influenced appreciation in value is expected for several years. Thus, owners that are looking for the market to give them significant value appreciation will need a holding period of another eight to ten years. Rushmore noted "It's too risky to assume the market is going to give you upside, so owners need to think about ways to create value at the asset level." He also spoke on HVS's updated Hotel Valuation Index. Overall, U.S. hotel values are forecast to remain relatively flat in the three-year period from 2017 through 2019. Cities anticipated to register above-average value increases are largely the tertiary markets like Wilmington, DE, and Cleveland, OH, where supply growth has been restrained. Below-market performers are affected by oversupply, and that includes Portland, Seattle, and Denver. HVS forecasts overall U.S. RevPAR growth of 2.5% in both 2017 and 2018, followed by an increase of 2.8% in 2019. Following a U.S. overview, Mr. Rushmore reflected on the market climate in New York City, specifically, which is expected to register the largest increase in supply for the U.S. over the next few years. Although demand levels in New York City continue to grow in line with supply increases, average rates have declined in recent years given operators' response to increased competition. HVS predicts RevPAR recovery for the New York City market in late 2020. While supply continues to grow at record levels in select top-25 markets, such as New York, many secondary markets are poised for continued strengthening and RevPAR growth given solid demand fundamentals and a lack of similar supply increases. Throughout the conference, hotel operators were tasked to provide their prediction on the remaining length of the upcycle, but challenged that we may continue to experience a state of prolonged, modest recovery for many months to come. It remains difficult to point to any one indicator for industry performance, whether it be CPI, GDP, number of travelers, or the likes, though a consensus existed among many panelists that corporate profits maintain the strongest correlation to the performance of the hotel industry. The transaction market continues to be strong, and the select-service product remains at the forefront of investor interest. Although challenges exist in the current market for construction financing, debt remains available in large quantities and at competitive prices for existing assets, with lenders readily available to leverage stable, positive cash-flow hotels. Industry experts anticipate a return in select-service portfolio sales for 2017 and 2018, as these products continue to deliver high margins with relatively low volatility for investors. REITs are also expected to return to the buying market over the next 12 to 18 months, after a largely dormant period in 2016. Continued Brand Expansion As has become customary in recent years, NYU served as a platform for several new brand reveals. The continued expansion of brands is largely viewed by leaders as a mitigation strategy for the next down-cycle, which brands seeing the benefit of scale in diversifying risk. After its reveal of a new four-star brand (Scion) at last year's conference, Trump Hotels announced the addition of a three-star hotel chain, American Idea, to its portfolio. The brand is expected to fall into STR's midscale or upper-midscale chain segment, and is anticipated to target flag conversions for existing midscale hotels. Trump Hotels also announced Cleveland, Mississippi, as the first location of its Scion brand, with plans to announce four additional locations in the following months. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) also teased at the upcoming reveal of a new midscale brand, which will be formally announced at the company's upcoming IHG Americas Conference, to be held in Las Vegas June 1921. The brand is expected to fill a void in the company's transient portfolio down the chain scale from the Holiday Inn Express, serving as a counterpart to the extended-stay Candlewood Suites. Wyndham Hotel Group and Hard Rock Hotels also announced brand expansions. Wyndham will launch a soft brand, Trademark Hotel Collection, following the success of other hotel companies in recent years, such as Marriott and Hilton. Hard Rock's brand, known as Reverb, will operate on a select-service platform. The brand is anticipated to play off the company's existing music-centric-themed properties. Conclusion The tone of the event can be summed as comforting with modest, steady growth projected to continue. Although the growing supply pipeline remains at the forefront of concerns for front-line operators, industry leaders reiterated the importance of other more macro-oriented factors that could affect the health of the long-term landscape, particularly surrounding the current domestic and international political environments. Overall, however, the long-term industry outlook remains healthy. View source Kalahari Resorts and Conventions announces plans to expand convention facilities at the companys Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin Dells locations. The $65 million investment will double the convention space at both properties and allow for enhanced meeting facilities that are on-par with Kalahari Resorts Sandusky location, which currently offers 215,000 square feet of meeting space. For nearly two decades, the Kalahari Resorts convention teams nationwide have leveraged more than 400 years of combined meeting experience to host more than 22,000 groups, resulting in more than 1.4 million group rooms booked. When we first opened Kalahari, we definitely had our work cut out for us to encourage adoption of the idea that a convention center and indoor waterpark could exist in the same business model, said Todd Nelson, owner, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. We were steadfast in our vision, and its been incredible to see the demand grow exponentially for an unparalleled group experience paired with award-winning amenities and attractions. The expansion of our convention centers nationwide will help meet this demand. Coming Soon to the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania Located 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains area is a scenic location away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In late 2019, Kalahari Resorts newest location will open an additional 134,000-sq. ft. of space, bringing the total size of the convention facility to 234,000-sq. ft. The expansion will feature 21 new meeting rooms resulting in 39 total meeting spaces. The resort will also be adding a 38,000-sq. ft. ballroom and an additional 9,000-sq.ft. junior ballroom to the existing 25,000-sq. ft. ballroom and 9,000-sq. ft. junior ballroom. New amenities will include an exclusive executive conference center for up to 400 guests, giant, sun-drenched, prefunction spaces, enhanced load-in and load-out capabilities, and substantial registration and client office areas. The Pocono Mountains resort recently opened phase two of the property bringing the on-site accommodations to nearly 1,000 rooms of various styles and two additional restaurants Kalaharis signature steakhouse experience, Double Cut Charcoal Grill, and Sortinos Italian Kitchen. Advertisement A short drive from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago, the Wisconsin Dells is a popular and highly regarded destination for groups of all sizes. In September 2019, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells will expand an additional 130,000-sq. ft., bringing the total available meeting space to 230,000-sq. ft. The space will include a new 56,000-sq. ft. ballroom, which will join the facilitys existing 20,560-sq. ft. and 17,200-sq. ft. ballrooms. The resort does not plan to expand its current 756 rooms a decision that will provide an additional boost for other lodging options in the area. The Midwests Largest Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio, boasts 215,000-sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space. The facility features 38,232-sq. ft. and 17,200-sq. ft. ballrooms, breakout rooms, junior ballrooms, prefunction space and executive centers. On-site accommodations include 890 guest rooms in various styles. Coming Soon Round Rock, Texas Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has announced plans to expand the companys beyond-expectations experience to the Southwest, with its fourth property to be located in Round Rock, Texas. Slated to open in 2020, the Texas offering will include 990 guest rooms and a 200,000-sq. ft. convention center. Hosting an event at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions includes top-of-the-line meeting experiences, delicious dining options and an ability to personalize meetings to suit the needs of any group. Guests can access Kalaharis award-winning amenities such as Spa Kalahari and Salon, Kalahari Fitness Centers, Americas Largest Indoor Waterparks, outdoor waterparks and more. European aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus (NASDAQOTH: EADSY) got off to a very slow start in 2017. During the first 11 months of the year, it booked just 333 net firm orders -- roughly half the order intake of archrival Boeing (NYSE: BA). That left Airbus in danger of posting its worst full-year order total since 2009. Ellucian Opens New Global Headquarters in the Dulles Technology Corridor Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 06-13-2017 3:04 am Currently 0.0/5 Stars. 1 2 3 4 5 0.0 from 0 votes Higher education technology provider creates collaborative workspace in Reston, Virginia June 8, 2017 RESTON, Va. Ellucian, the leading global provider of higher education software and services, today announced the official opening of its new global headquarters in Reston, Virginia. Ellucians new office positions the company alongside other technology and business leaders in the growing Dulles Technology Corridor. Occupying three floors and approximately 98,000 square feet, the open-office was designed with the goal of facilitating collaborative thinking amongst employees while also providing the flexibility to accommodate meetings and personal working space. Ellucian develops technology that is purpose-built for higher education, and our new home is purpose-built for that all-important mission, Ellucian President and CEO Jeff Ray said. This state-of-the-art space creates an atmosphere just like that of the campuses we serve, where enabling student success is a unifying ... Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web. If you need any help, call .877.472.6648 and ask for our Member Experience Co-ordinator. Hi Please check your email for an activation link. If you do not receive your activation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or call our Help Desk at 1.877.472.6648 For faster assistance, dial extension 4. Thank you! Continue Hi Verification error - Please enter the correct code above. Verified Wow! You have successfully verified the account Continue Hi your HR.com account is ready Your Profile completion: 30% Complete your profile Indiana Bill Stopping Ban-the-Box Ordinances May Dramatically Alter Employment Screening Laws; Opines CriminalBackgroundRecords.com Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 06-13-2017 7:14 am Currently 0.0/5 Stars. 1 2 3 4 5 0.0 from 0 votes The State of Indiana became the first in the nation to prohibit all local ban-the-box laws (1); an action that could significantly alter laws governing pre-employment background screening and the subsequent use of criminal records. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com states: The Indiana law greatly alters how ban-the-box laws are enacted insomuch as the law bans local municipalities from enacting their own local law, subsequently reminding hiring managers to work closely with a pre-employment background screening agency.A recent law in Indiana, Senate Bill 312, outlaws city and county legal entities from enacting localized ban-the-box legislation in order to unify ban-the-box legislation at the statewide level. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com offers an opinion: The new law in Indiana will create an easier legal environment for businesses to operate regarding governance of pre-employment background screening and the... Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web. If you need any help, call .877.472.6648 and ask for our Member Experience Co-ordinator. Hi Please check your email for an activation link. If you do not receive your activation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or call our Help Desk at 1.877.472.6648 For faster assistance, dial extension 4. Thank you! Continue Hi Verification error - Please enter the correct code above. Verified Wow! You have successfully verified the account Continue Hi your HR.com account is ready Your Profile completion: 30% Complete your profile More Than 200,000 Americans Rank the U.S.'s Top Employers Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 06-13-2017 3:28 am Currently 0.0/5 Stars. 1 2 3 4 5 0.0 from 0 votes Morning Consult's Most Admired Employers Gives an Unprecedented Look Into the Companies Americans Would Most Be Proud to Work For Plus: How Men & Women Differ;Baby Boomers vs.Millennials;The Political Divide (June 12, 2017) - Morning Consult, a media and technology company, today unveiled the Most Admired Employers in America. The rankings use more than 220,000 survey responses to provide an unprecedented look at which companies Americans would be most proud to work for. SEE THE FULL RANKINGS HERE Highlights from Morning Consult's Most Admired Employers: Top 10: 1) Google 2) Walt Disney 3) Amazon 4) Apple 5) Microsoft 6) Harley-Davidson 7) Tesla Motors 8) BMW 9) UPS 10) Hershey | Plus: Here's the top 30 State of the Workplace Poll: In a special State of the Workplace Poll (methodology below), Morning Consult asked Americans to reveal their thoughts on finding jobs, leaving jobs and what's most important to them when looking for... Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web. If you need any help, call .877.472.6648 and ask for our Member Experience Co-ordinator. Hi Please check your email for an activation link. If you do not receive your activation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or call our Help Desk at 1.877.472.6648 For faster assistance, dial extension 4. Thank you! Continue Hi Verification error - Please enter the correct code above. Verified Wow! You have successfully verified the account Continue Hi your HR.com account is ready Your Profile completion: 30% Complete your profile The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation and The Council of State Governments Offer Educational Programming on Autonomous Vehicles Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 06-13-2017 2:01 am Currently 0.0/5 Stars. 1 2 3 4 5 0.0 from 0 votes The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation is collaborating with The Council of State Governments, or CSG, to provide policymakers with non-advocative, nonpartisan educational programming that examines insurance issues surrounding autonomous vehicles, including the potential shift in liability from drivers to auto and tech companies, which is just one of the issues that policymakers may face as self-driving car technology evolves.The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation is collaborating with The Council of State Governments, or CSG, to provide policymakers with non-advocative, nonpartisan educational programming that examines insurance issues surrounding autonomous vehicles, including the potential shift in liability from drivers to auto and tech companies, which is just one of the issues that policymakers may face as self-driving car technology evolves.On June 13, a select group of the nations transportation policymakers will attend two sessions organized by... Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web. If you need any help, call .877.472.6648 and ask for our Member Experience Co-ordinator. Hi Please check your email for an activation link. If you do not receive your activation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or call our Help Desk at 1.877.472.6648 For faster assistance, dial extension 4. Thank you! Continue Hi Verification error - Please enter the correct code above. Verified Wow! You have successfully verified the account Continue Hi your HR.com account is ready Your Profile completion: 30% Complete your profile The Canadian citizen began the job in January 2014 and was the first woman to take up the role. She previously worked as resident and humanitarian coordinator in Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China. Lok-Dessallien faced criticism in November last year for forbidding journalists from recording a press conference held after the UN and foreign ambassadors visited Rakhine State amid accusations of human rights abuses by government security forces. Internal UN documents prepared for the new UN Secretary General described the Myanmar office as glaringly dysfunctional with strong tensions between different parts of the UN system, BBC News reported on Tuesday. She will be ending the role a year and a half before the usual term of five years, had been criticized for not doing enough regarding human rights abuses in Myanmar. The position has been advertised, information officer U Aye Win told The Irrawaddy, though he refused to comment on the reason behind Lok-Dessalliens departure. YANGON The UN confirmed on Tuesday that its top official in Myanmar, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien, would be leaving the post. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien at a Yangon press conference in Nov. 2016. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien at a Yangon press conference in Nov. 2016. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy Mandalay Journalists Join Armband Campaign to Oppose Use of 66(d) Against the Media Does The Issue of Kachin States Displaced People Only Matter to Ethnic Kachin? Why Was Bail Denied to Journalists Charged Under Article 66(d)? Burmas Gender Gap: Only Four Women Ministers in Nearly a Century Military Will Cooperate With Chinese Manufacturer to Investigate Cause of Crashed Plane Three Years On, Kin Maung Yins Work is Still Alive and Vivid Displaced to Tanai by Fighting, Kachin IDPs Are Told to Leave Once Again Too Much Has Been Lost: Kachin Women Reflect on Six Years of Conflict Police: No New Leads in Locating Fugitive in U Ko Ni Murder Investigation Dateline Irrawaddy: Those in Power Have Given the Wrong Message by Using This Law FBR Medic: It Was a Great Privilege to Be Able to Help Ten Things to do in Yangon This Week (June 12 June 18) We do not encourage viewing this site in this width. Please increase the size of your window. Commentary Calling Media Crows is Insulting Illustration by Kyaw Thuyein. YANGON Last week was a time of mixed feelings for local journalists. They were saddened by the news of a military plane crash with 122 people on board, and both insulted and bemused by comments made by members of the countrys ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Lets start with the comedy. During a Q&A session at a three-hour press conference at the Yangon Division government office, Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein lectured reporters and took credit for freedom of the press as it stands today (doubtful!) instead of answering questions about reforms his government has undertaken in the city. To the amusement of the reporters, he said: You journalists should not project your anger. We are the ones who went prison to make way for the strong press you enjoy today. At that time, no paper dared to write about politics. We paid a big price for the current situation, referring to his 14 years as a political prisoner. As far as I know, the chief minister is the first person, among the hundreds of political prisoners across the country, who publicly took credit for his sacrifice. Even the late veteran journalist Hanthawaddy U Win Tin, who spent 19 years in prison for his political activism, never uttered a word about his jail time contributing to media freedom in the country. I wonder what Uncle Win Tins reaction would have been if he were alive today. Nobody can deny the fact that the changes seen in Myanmar today are a result of collective popular movements since 1988. But those involved in the activities have not come out to say: We did this. It was a labor of love and the participants had no need for self-praise. Even Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she felt embarrassed to say that she had sacrificed [for the country] when choosing what she wanted to do. What journalists found even more entertaining was that U Phyo Min Theins comments came while the controversial Article 66(d) of the countrys Telecommunications Law threatens Myanmars media. Ironically, as the chief minister praised his sacrifices, the editor and a contributor to The Voice Daily were both in detention after the military filed a lawsuit against them for a satirical piece it claimed was defamatory. On the same day, Myanmars media industry was insulted by the NLDs spokesperson. NLD spokesman U Win Htein called journalists crows when asked for why the party refused to allow a party lawmaker to question the government over Article 66(d) in Parliament last week. This issue is not big enough to damage the country. Dont have a crow mentality, the partys spokesperson said, seemingly teasing the reporters about flocking to campaign against 66(d) now that the law had affected journalists. But this wasnt a joke. It was the third attempt by U Win Htein to verbally abuse journalists in two consecutive years. The first and second attacks were toward individuals, while this one was directed at the entire media industry. Since the arrest of The Voice Dailys editor and columnist, journalists across the country have embarked on a campaign condemning the government and military for using Article 66(d) to sue the media when they are not happy with its reports. The journalists went to U Win Htein to do their job to ask questions which the party blocked. But the solidarity of the journalists seems to upset U Win Htein. In his eyes, they are crows, campaigning against 66(d) because their colleagues are in distress. He lectured reporters about the failings of this mentality without commenting on the rise of politically motivated cases filed under 66(d). It was an insult to call local journalists crows. It was the local media that followed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the then-NLD leader, throughout her campaigns in the 2012 by-election and the 2015 general election. They stood by the NLD to the extent that onlookers wondered whether they would have the guts to criticize the party when it came to power. It is okay that U Win Htein does not acknowledge the journalists long-standing party support. But he does not have the right to call them crows, comparing them to animals. Even the former junta did not insult journalists in this way. It is shameful for the NLD and its government that the partys spokesperson fails to respect the media and in turn, the democratic norms that the party champions. At the same time, it is also disappointing to see Myanmars ruling party spokesperson behave like a man on the street. Last month, he recklessly commented that some military organizations might be behind spreading rumors of President U Htin Kyaws resignation. When the military condemned this, he retreated by saying it was just a slip of tongue. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should either temper him or replace him for the sake of the partys reputation. Either action could save her from future embarrassment. Over the past year, legacy carrier United Continental (NYSE: UAL) has become a giant thorn in Spirit Airlines' (NASDAQ: SAVE) side. Under the leadership of its new president, Scott Kirby, United has set out to regain share in its hub markets. Among other things, this strategy has involved an aggressive campaign to match the fares of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Reddit Email 104 Shares By Golnaz Esfandiari. | ( RFE/RL) | Judging women by the degree to which they respect the compulsory hijab is nothing new in Iran. In the past, hard-liners have accused so-called badly veiled women of being responsible for everything from social ills to natural disasters. But recent comments by the Friday Prayer leader of the central Iranian city of Saveh, who likened women who dont fully respect the Islamic head scarf to prostitutes, appear to mark a new low. Hojatoleslam Seyed Ebrahim Hosseini reportedly made the comments during his Friday Prayers sermon on June 2. He criticized those who are against compulsory veiling while defending it as one of Islams most-pressing issues. The white veil, like those green and purple wristbands they all smell of sedition. Theyre all like flags that prostitutes would hang over their roofs in the [Dark Ages], Hosseini said, according to an audio recording of his comments posted online. Hosseini appeared to be referring to a campaign called White Wednesdays, in which some women have been wearing white veils in public for one day each week. They have also recorded antihijab messages and posted them on social-media platforms such as Instagram. The movement was launched by exiled Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, who has been campaigning against the compulsory hijab from outside the country. Hosseinis reference to green and purple wristbands appeared to target both supporters of Iranian President Hassan Rohani, who chose purple as his campaign color, as well as backers of Irans opposition Green Movement, which was formed to protest alleged fraud in the 2009 presidential vote and which was violently suppressed by authorities. At some of Rohanis campaign events held before the May 19 presidential vote, loosely veiled women were seen holding signs criticizing the hijab and the morality police who enforce the law. Many Rohani supporters also wore purple and green wristbands and other items. The hijab became compulsory following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the creation of the Islamic republic. For nearly four decades, tens of thousands of women have been harassed because of their appearance. Those who fail to fully observe the hijab are fined, detained, and publicly harassed by the countrys dreaded morality police, which launches regular crackdowns, especially in summer. Hosseinis comments have been condemned by several lawmakers and activists, who have accused him of insulting Iranian women and of being overly sensitive about their political activism. Lawmaker Hojatoleslam Abdollah Mazani blasted Hosseini in a post on the popular Telegram app used by millions of Iranians. Those who wore green and purple wristbands were 24 million Iranians who voted for Rohani, he wrote, adding that if Hosseini was worried about women wearing the hijab, he should guide them while also respecting Islamic ethics and manners. Based on what religious, moral, and legal right do you allow yourself to accuse millions of Iranians of depravity from the sacred tribune of Friday Prayers? he asked. Lawmaker Parvanhe Salahshouri was also critical of Hosseinis comments. I dont understand why some are so concerned about womens political participation. And such concerns aside, why the insults? she was quoted as saying by the reformist Sharq daily. She said Hosseini should apologize to women to preserve the dignity of Friday Prayer leaders. Womens rights activist Minou Mortazi Langaroudi said relevant authorities should interfere and prevent a repetition of such insults. Sharq journalist Ameneh Shirafkan wrote on Twitter that several different womens rights groups are considering launching a formal complaint against Hosseini. Hosseini has not publicly commented on the controversy sparked by his comments. Friday Prayer leaders are said to receive their talking points from the office of Irans highest authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Friday Prayers are often used as a platform to sends messages to Irans enemies, usually the United States, and critics of the establishment. The physical appearance of Iranian women, and their hijab habits, have been a recurring theme at Friday Prayers. In an episode that made international headlines in 2010, Tehrans temporary Friday Prayer leader, Ayatollah Kazem Sediqi, suggested that women who dont respect hijab rules fully and who wear revealing clothing instead increase the risk of earthquakes. Golnaz Esfandiari is a senior correspondent with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She can be reached at EsfandiariG@rferl.org Via RFE/RL Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. Related video added by Juan Cole: The National: Iranian women add fashion to hijab The Economist | (Video report) | Donald Trump is pulling America out of the Paris climate agreement. But if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, cities such as New York and Mumbai will have to defend themselves from flooding by the end of the century as sea levels rise. Reddit Email 26 Shares TeleSur | The rate of refugee resettlement has also seen a sharp decline. Despite federal courts halting Trumps restrictive and discriminatory travel ban executive order on six-Muslim majority countries for the third time on Monday, the number of visas issued to travelers from these six predominantly Muslim countries has plummeted, U.S. State Department data revealed. According to Roll Call, the drop in numbers is partly attributed to the denial of visas in cases where they were processed without issues earlier. The discrimination against the travelers from these Muslim countries seems to be taking place without a travel ban in place. As a result, the travelers from the six majority-Muslim nations targeted by the executive order appears to be slowing down dramatically. There were 2,551 non-immigrant visas issued to nationals from these countries in March while in April, there were only 2,013 visas issued to travelers from these countries. The six Muslim-majority countries targeted by the Trump administrations executive order are: Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. During the same time in 2016, the number of visas issued on an average was 4,454 visas per month for foreign nationals from the six countries. Its not just the banned predominantly Muslim nations that have seen a decline in the number of visas issued, Pakistan saw a staggering decline too. According to Times of India, Pakistanis were only issued 3,973 visas in March and 3,925 in April, which is 40 percent less compared to the Obama administrations monthly average of 6,553 visas issued to people from Pakistan. David Lapan, the Department of Homeland Security press secretary, said the DHS has implemented some new vetting procedures in accordance with a section of the March 6 order that was not affected by the courts, Roll Call reported. Section 5 allows us to continue to work on uniform vetting and screening procedures for all countries, including the six named in the second EO, he told Roll Call, in reference to the revised executive order. We have made some changes under that section of the order and weve identified other possible improvements. The changes have not been made public, Lapan added. The rate of refugee resettlement has also seen a sharp decline. According to the State Department figures, U.S. has admitted 46,607 refugees in fiscal 2017 as of June 5, out of which an estimated two-thirds arrived before Trump signed the first travel ban on Jan 27. An estimated 6,225 Syrians were expected to come into the United States since Oct. 1, but only 1,341 have entered ever since Trump took to the office. The New York Times reported that part of the reason was due to budgetary constraints but the quota has been lifted since May this year. As part of Trumps extreme vetting measures for the visa applicants, starting May 25 a new State Department rule has given officials authority to seek five years worth of social media profiles and 15 years worth of biographical information as an additional scrutiny measure during the visa screening process for all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas applicants who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities, according to ABC news. It is not known that whether the additional scrutiny caveats will be based on nation of origin or religion, but the department will not use social media profiles to discriminate based on nationality, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation or political views, ABC reported. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: CAIR-Florida Responds to Trumps Latest Muslim Ban Twitter Storm OAKVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 13, 2017) - Giyani Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE:WDG) (FRANKFURT:KT9) ("Giyani" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that our initial surface sampling program conducted at the historic Kgwakgwe Hill Manganese Mine located in the Kanye Basin, Southeastern Botswana confirms high grade mineralized shale grading 58-61% MnO. A complete table of all sample results is included in Appendix A. Highlights of all sample results: Sample No Description MnO% Fe2O3% K2O% SiO2% KAN/01/20017 Overlying mineralized Shale 58.4 13.2 3.14 4.12 KAN/02/20017 Overlying mineralized Shale 58.2 13.3 3.04 4.21 KAN/03/20017 Overlying mineralized Shale 60.7 10.3 3.88 3.47 KAN/04/20017 Overlying mineralized Shale 60.9 10.5 3.92 3.53 KAN/05/20017 Hanging wall 2.28 1.84 0.61 90.5 KAN/06/20017 Hanging wall 2.34 1.84 0.63 90.9 KAN/07/20017 Overlying mineralized Shale 57.8 13.0 3.25 3.74 KAN/08/20017 Overlying mineralized Shale 57.6 13.3 3.24 3.92 Wajd Boubou states, "These results prove the effectiveness of our due diligence process that focuses on identifying and researching properties with a strong probability of containing high grade manganese deposits. Our strategy of selecting undervalued high potential assets is working well as the results of this first phase of sampling confirm." Giyani's geological team collected eight chip channel samples, considered to be representative, from surface outcrops along the northern face of Kgwakgwe Hill. Samples KAN/01/2017 and KAN/02/2017 were collected from a surface outcrop in an unexploited mineralized zone to the north west of the Kgwakgwe open pit called the "Quarry Zone". Samples KAN/03/2017 and KAN/04/2017 were collected from a mineralized outcrop 120 m to the south west of the Quarry Zone called the "Crushing Pad". Samples KAN/07/2017 and KAN/08/2017 were collected from a mineralized section in the west wall of an old quarry to the south east of Kgwakgwe Hill Open Pit. Samples KAN/05/2017 and KAN/06/2017 taken from the hanging wall in the pit. Photos of these sample areas and the associated maps can be seen on Giyani's website by following this link: http://giyanigold.com/2017/06/12/giyani-confirms-high-grade-manganaese-at-kgwakgwe-hill/ The phase I sample results exceeded our initial expectation as they graded well above those found in other manganese projects currently being investigated by the Company. The low percentage of deleterious elements is an indicator that the manganese found in this deposit could be ideal for use in the battery industry. Giyani is also pleased to announce the commencement of phase II regional sampling and mapping of our extensive property in an initial attempt to estimate the potential size of this high-grade manganese deposit. Our geological team started phase II on June 9th and is currently sampling and mapping an area that stretches 74 Km diagonally from Kgwakgwe Hill to the north east The Kgwakgwe Hill high-grade manganese project, is an ideal asset that continues to expand the Company's high quality pipeline of manganese projects in Botswana and Zambia. In addition, this project continues to advance Giyani's strategy of acquiring high grade mineral assets that are targeted for the growing battery industry. All samples were packed in plastic sample bags, labelled and securely stored prior to shipping to SGS laboratories in Randfontein South Africa. Samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for manganese and 13 other major elements (see table below). Roger Moss, Ph.D., P.Geo, is the qualified person, as that term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, on behalf of the Company and has approved the scientific and technical content contained in this press release. Additional information and corporate documents may be found on www.sedar.com and on the Giyani website: www.giyanigold.com. Appendix A: Major element analysis by borate fusion, XRF. Full table VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 13, 2017) - Ascot Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:AOT) - The Premier property covers more than one hundred square kilometres near the town of Stewart in northwest BC, and includes the old Premier Mine, a past producer of 2.1 MOz Au and 44.9 MOz Ag. Highlights of Release: In this second set of results for 2017, many of the drill highlights are coming from a new portion of the Northern Lights Main zone. A number of results in this release are from this new zone and include P17-1269 with 1135.00 g/t Au over 0.50 meters within a wider interval grading 36.31 g/t Au (uncut) over 16.15 meters. Another hole in this target area, P17-1271, returned 84.2 g/t Au over 1.50 meters within a broader zone of 4.45 g/t Au (uncut) over 32.00 meters. Present drilling shows this gently northwest dipping zone to have continuous higher grade mineralization over a present strike length of 450+ meters with a typical dip length of 200+ meters. This zone remains open in all directions and several visible gold intersections have been obtained, presently three Ascot drill rigs are testing and expanding this central area. Recent drilling has extended the Northern Lights Main zone updip into an area covered by old waste dumps. Drilling to date has been encountering more complex sulphide rich quartz breccias in a more focused structural setting. These early holes have extended this mineralization a further 200 meters updip and the new extension remains open on strike. Assays for this area are pending. Good results are also coming from the unexplored down dip extension of the 602 zone. An example in this release is hole P17-1278 which returned 17.60 g/t Au over 2.00 meters within a broader zone of 3.68 g/t Au over 12.00 meters. Recent in-house modelling indicates much of the Premier area drilled to date would be amenable to a large scale open pit operation. Although this would result in a lower overall grade it would contain a significantly higher gold/silver resource compared to just selectively mining the higher grade underground targets. This new modelling demonstrates the flexibility of the Premier system as either a high grade underground target or as an open pit target or a combination of both. Further studies will be needed to determine the optimum approach moving forward. New drill highlights include: Hole # Zone From m's To m's Width m's Au (g/t) Au Cut* (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn % P17-1269 NL Main 270.20 341.25 71.05 8.54 0.79* 6.8 0.19 incl. 312.40 328.55 16.15 36.31 2.23* 20.6 0.23 incl. 312.40 312.90 0.50 1135.00 34.29* 577.0 0.10 P17-1271 NL Main 331.00 398.00 67.00 2.27 1.15* 4.8 0.15 also 341.00 373.00 32.00 4.45 2.11* 5.4 0.15 also 341.00 342.50 1.50 84.20 34.29* 59.6 0.13 P17-1274 609 & 602 124.05 158.00 33.95 1.34 1.34 6.7 0.98 incl. 127.50 151.00 23.50 1.73 1.73 7.7 1.32 incl. 127.50 132.50 5.00 2.85 2.85 7.0 0.47 also 304.30 344.40 40.10 0.72 0.72 3.4 0.33 incl. 324.50 339.50 15.00 1.21 1.21 6.5 0.24 incl. 336.50 339.50 3.00 2.20 2.20 13.7 1.00 P17-1275 NL Main 179.86 268.50 88.64 1.88 1.88 6.1 0.26 incl. 179.86 216.00 36.14 2.33 2.33 7.1 0.30 incl. 179.86 190.00 12.14 4.02 4.02 8.9 0.48 incl. 184.00 186.00 2.00 12.35 12.35 21.8 0.96 also 240.50 262.60 22.10 3.06 3.06 8.6 0.40 incl. 245.00 254.00 9.00 5.98 5.98 13.7 0.76 incl. 246.50 248.00 1.50 19.65 19.65 33.9 1.31 P17-1278 609 & 602 125.30 167.30 42.00 1.25 1.25 3.0 0.29 incl. 153.30 165.30 12.00 3.68 3.68 3.8 0.22 incl. 163.30 165.30 2.00 17.60 17.60 10.9 0.18 also 175.80 180.25 4.45 4.81 4.81 7.5 0.32 incl. 177.00 178.25 1.25 12.90 12.90 8.9 0.17 also 305.30 322.50 17.20 0.73 0.73 2.4 0.18 also 357.35 367.00 9.65 0.71 0.71 2.1 0.20 P17-1282 Premier Main 158.30 204.5 45.19 0.67 0.67 23.7 0.04 incl. 162.00 174.00 12.00 1.91 1.91 19.9 0.04 incl. 162.00 163.68 1.68 8.85 8.85 15.6 0.02 also 224.36 258.00 33.64 1.01 1.01 21.0 0.67 incl. 243.00 247.20 3.60 7.37 7.37 124.6 5.45 incl. 246.06 247.20 1.14 10.85 10.85 104.0 4.18 P17-1283 Premier Main 130.15 163.68 33.53 1.17 1.17 47.6 0.03 incl. 151.00 163.68 12.68 2.13 2.13 86.2 0.04 incl. 161.00 163.68 2.68 6.00 6.00 227.7 0.08 P17-1285 NL Main 310.50 343.50 33.00 1.05 1.05 3.7 0.20 incl. 327.70 338.60 10.90 1.75 1.75 3.9 0.25 incl. 334.40 335.80 1.40 6.86 6.86 8.4 0.23 P17-1287 609 & 602 96.50 113.90 17.40 2.05 2.05 3.8 0.11 incl. 101.05 104.9 3.85 8.58 8.58 11.3 0.16 incl. 104.00 104.90 0.90 12.65 12.65 13.2 0.46 also 162.90 183.50 20.60 1.28 1.28 6.5 0.26 incl. 173.50 179.50 6.00 3.24 3.24 5.2 0.41 also 265.65 281.00 19.70 1.52 1.52 7.8 0.65 incl. 270.25 273.80 3.55 4.30 4.30 9.0 0.41 P17-1290 NL Main 266.00 355.40 89.40 1.31 1.31 4.5 0.24 incl. 291.60 345.00 53.40 2.00 2.00 5.1 0.33 incl. 291.60 311.70 20.10 3.96 3.96 9.9 0.60 incl. 297.50 298.50 1.00 12.00 12.00 12.4 0.34 incl. 309.45 310.65 1.20 28.70 28.70 84.6 6.21 True widths are believed to be 70-90% of intersected widths in the Premier area. (*) samples cut to 1opt or 34.29 g/t Au. This release is the second for the 2017 season reporting 22 holes P17-1268-25-1290 (excluding P17-1273 in the 1st release). At present, six Ascot owned drill rigs are operating on the property. To date 112 holes have been completed in 34,893 meters of drilling. 46 drill holes are presently pending results and results will be released as they become available. Detailed results table, locations and figures can be viewed at the following Ascot link: www.ascotgold.com Graeme Evans, P. Geo and Lawrence Tsang, P. Geo provide the field management for the Premier exploration program. Graeme Evans, designated as the Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has prepared the technical information in this news release. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Analytical work is being carried out by ALS Lab Group. Quality assurance and quality control programs include the use of analytical blanks and standards and duplicates in addition to the labs own internal quality assurance program. All samples were analyzed using multi-digestion with ICP finish and fire assay with AA finish for gold. Samples over 100 ppm silver were reanalyzed using four acid digestion with an ore grade AA finish. Samples over 1,500 ppm silver were fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Samples with over 10 ppm gold were fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Identified or suspected metallic gold or silver are subjected to "metallics" assays. Also for extreme high gold grades a concentrate analysis is performed with a fire assay and gravimetric finish accurate up to 999985 ppm Au limit (ALS Au-CON01) method. Sampling and storage are at the company's secure facility in Stewart with bi-weekly sample shipments made to ALS Labs Terrace prep site. TORONTO, June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:ELO) (FSE:P2Q) (Eloro) is pleased to announce that the ongoing reconnaissance geological mapping and sampling program has outlined a major new mineralized trend in the Victoria South area of the La Victoria Gold-Silver Project, Ancash Department, in the North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru. This mineralized area appears to be closely associated with the Puca Fault, a major northeast-southwest striking regional fault that is a likely feeder structure for multiple stages of epithermal gold-silver mineralization on the property (Figures 1, 2 and 3). Geologically the style of mineralization is similar to that of Rufina located approximately 1.7 kilometres to the southwest (Figures 1 and 3) and is the likely northern continuation. Assays from an initial twenty-two rock chip samples returned encouraging results (Figure 2; Table 1): 33.02 grams gold per tonne (g Au/t) over 0.30 metres across a quartz vein with arsenopyrite and pyrite, in intrusive diorite; 8.02 g Au/t over 0.20 metres, in the intersection of a series of low-angle structures; 5.46 g Au/t Au gold across a 0.30-metre-wide quartz vein in altered diorite, with disseminated arsenopyrite and pyrite. In addition to the higher-grade bonanza-style gold mineralization, significant results were also returned from limited sampling of the host breccia zones including 13.66 g Au/t over 1.10 metres, 2.73 g Au/t over 0.20 metres and 1.10 g Au/t over 0.60 metres. Much of the mineralized breccia is not well exposed and has been heavily oxidized hence trenching will be required to more accurately assess its potential. The new mineralized zone at Victoria South is approximately 170 metres wide and strikes northwest-southeast extending for at least 1 kilometre along strike (Figure 2). It appears likely (see Figure 1 and 3) that this zone is the southern continuation of the mineralized zone at San Markito which is marked by strong induced polarization anomalies that also trend northwest-southeast. This would suggest the potential strike length may be more than 3 kilometres. A second target at Victoria South, the breccia zone, that trends northeast-southwest for approximately 850 metres, is up to 200 metres wide and is a potential target for bulk tonnage mineralization. Trenching is required to better expose this zone for sampling. Tom Larsen, President & CEO of Eloro commented: We are very encouraged by the results of the geological work which continues to expand our known mineralized zones and outline additional targets for diamond drilling. Our Peruvian-based team lead by Vice President, Exploration Luc Pigeon, P.Geo., is working on completing the final details for permitting of the planned diamond drilling program. In addition, a new DIA will be filed for proposed drilling in the Victoria South and Ccori Orrco target areas based on the new promising results. Dr. Bill Pearson, P.Geo., Chief Technical Advisor to Eloro commented: Our geological work continues to show that there is an extensive multi-phase epithermal gold-silver mineralizing system on La Victoria property centred around the Puca Fault and environs (Figures 1 and 3). Gold mineralization occurs in a variety of structural settings both parallel to the northeast trending Puca Fault as well as perpendicular along likely tear faults related to this structure. Mineralization has been identified vertically over 1 kilometre from elevation 3100 metres at Rufina to elevation 4200m at San Markito as well as along strike on different structures for up to 3+ kilometres. We are continuing to focus our work on outlining the best targets for diamond drilling. Table 1: Results of Reconnaissance Chip Sampling, Victoria South Sample ID Easting Northing Elev(m) Width(m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Description C001520 173835 9081780 3757 0.40 0.036 <0.2 Silicified microdiorite dyke C001521 173831 9081769 3779 0.60 1.10 2 Hydrothermal breccia C001522 173829 9081756 3775 0.12 2.59 4.3 Quartz vein C001523 173826 9081754 3774 0.40 0.016 2.7 Hydrothermal breccia C001524 173825 9081750 3773 0.30 0.16 1 Hydrothermal breccia C001525 173820 9081742 3770 0.30 0.41 1.7 Quartz vein C001526 173819 9081736 3769 1.00 0.03 0.5 Stockwork in altered diorite C001527 173816 9081732 3766 0.12 2.84 22.2 Quartz vein C001528 173816 9081731 3766 0.30 5.46 5.4 Quartz vein C001529 173806 9081719 3758 0.50 0.38 1.6 Hydrothermal breccia C001530 173805 9081718 3759 0.25 0.75 2.1 Hydrothermal breccia C001531 173802 9081715 3757 0.10 2.42 3.7 Quartz vein C001532 173800 9081708 3755 0.10 0.26 3.5 Quartz vein C001533 173777 9081687 3747 0.30 33.02 28 Massive arsenopyrite vein C001534 173769 9081679 3744 0.25 0.14 2.3 Vein stockwork C001535 173728 9081660 3730 2.00 0.082 1.6 Altered diorite dyke C001536 173726 9081661 3730 2.40 0.30 1.6 Altered diorite dyke C001537 173724 9081662 3730 2.40 0.20 1.9 Altered diorite dyke C001538 173302 9082070 3912 0.10 0.006 <0.2 Quartz vein C001539 173555 9081788 3874 0.20 8.02 5.4 Stockwork C001540 173324 9081411 3608 0.20 2.73 33.9 Hydrothermal breccia C001541 173554 9081786 3847 1.10 13.66 7.9 Hydrothermal breccia For all samples, width equals true width; m = metres; g/t = grams per tonne; Au = gold; Ag = Silver Samples were analysed for Au and Ag by fire assay and 31 element ICP analysis at SGS del Peru S.A.C. In Lima, Peru. In addition to the standard laboratory QA/QC procedures Eloro employs a system of external blanks and standards. About Eloro Resources Ltd. Eloro is an exploration and mine development company which holds a 100% undivided interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver Project, located in the prolific North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru. The La Victoria Gold/Silver Project covers 80.4 square kilometres and is within 50 km of several large, low-cost producing gold mines, with three producers visible from the property. Infrastructure in the area is good with access to road, water, and electricity and is located at an altitude that ranges from 3,100m to 4,200m above sea level. Eloro also holds a portfolio of gold and base-metal properties in northern and western Quebec. For additional technical information on the La Victoria Project, the reader is referred to the NI 43-101 Technical Report on the La Victoria Au-Ag Property, Ancash, Peru filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Jim Steel MBA, P.Geo., a Qualified Person in the context of NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 13, 2017) - Cordoba Minerals Corp. ("Cordoba" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:CDB) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") with High Power Exploration Inc. ("HPX"), whereby Cordoba will acquire (the "Transaction") HPX's 51% interest in the San Matias Joint Venture ("San Matias") through the acquisition of HPX Colombia Ventures Ltd. ("Ventures"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HPX, for consideration of 92,681,290 Cordoba common shares (the "Consideration"). In connection with the Transaction, Cordoba has entered into an agreement with BMO Capital Markets, acting as bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase for resale, on a bought deal private placement basis, 12,346,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of Cordoba at a price of C$0.81 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds to Cordoba of approximately C$10 million (the "Concurrent Financing"). The net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used to fund exploration expenditures at San Matias, to repay up to C$1.5 million of HPX expenditures that are not being converted into Units, and for general corporate purposes. Transaction and Concurrent Financing Rationale Cordoba to become the operator and 100% owner of the highly prospective San Matias copper-gold project in Colombia; Transaction allows Cordoba and HPX to simplify the current investment and shareholding structure to unlock value; Transaction is neutral for HPX from the perspective of its current San Matias ownership - HPX will exchange its current ~69% controlling economic interest in San Matias (consisting of a 51% direct stake in San Matias and a 36% ownership interest in Cordoba) for a ~69% ownership interest in Cordoba (pre-financing); Concurrent Financing will broaden Cordoba's shareholder investor base, fund Cordoba's work program for the next 12 months, and result in a pro forma ownership interest of approximately 67% for HPX; Increased market capitalization and improved capital markets profile is expected to enhance Cordoba's trading activity and liquidity; and Cordoba to benefit from the continued support of Robert Friedland, and from HPX as the controlling shareholder. Mario Stifano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba stated, "The consolidation of San Matias is a unique opportunity for Cordoba shareholders as it positions the Company favorably to continue advancing the highly prospective San Matias district as the 100% owner of the project, rather than as a minority joint-venture partner. We believe this transaction has the potential to unlock significant value for shareholders both in the near-term and longer term." Robert Friedland, Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer of HPX, added, "We are delighted to strengthen our ongoing partnership with Cordoba as the company embarks on realizing the promise of the San Matias Copper Gold Project for all stakeholders. We see tremendous mineral potential in Colombia, and Cordoba now is better positioned to explore its extensive land package and to acquire additional prospective projects in Colombia in keeping with its goal of becoming the leading copper-gold exploration company in the country." Transaction Overview The Consideration will be paid to HPX on closing of the Transaction and will consist of the issuance by Cordoba of 92,681,290 Cordoba common shares, such that HPX will convert its existing 51% direct economic interest in San Matias to a 51% direct economic interest in Cordoba. Combined with HPX's existing 36% ownership interest in Cordoba, HPX will hold a combined 69% ownership interest in Cordoba prior to the Concurrent Financing. In addition, Cordoba will issue 12,364,623 Units (as defined below) to HPX at a deemed price of C$0.81 per Unit, that being the same price as the Concurrent Financing, to compensate HPX for approximately C$10 million of HPX joint venture expenditures incurred by HPX in connection with the San Matias property since November 10, 2016, when HPX earned a 51% interest in San Matias. Cordoba's board of directors (the "Board"), with certain interested directors abstaining, has unanimously approved the Transaction and recommends that Cordoba shareholders vote in favor of the Transaction. All of the directors and officers of Cordoba who are not interested in the Transaction or related to HPX, who own approximately 2.1% of Cordoba's issued and outstanding shares, have agreed, among other things, to support the Transaction and vote their Cordoba shares in favor of the Transaction. As required by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, Cordoba will seek minority shareholder approval of the Transaction, including the issuance of the Cordoba common shares and Units in connection with the Transaction. Further information regarding the Transaction will be contained in a management information circular that Cordoba will prepare and file in due course in connection with an annual and special meeting of Cordoba shareholders, which is expected to be held in July, 2017. Closing of the Transaction is expected to occur shortly thereafter. The Board, with interested directors abstaining, based in part on the recommendation of the Special Committee (as defined below), has unanimously determined that the proposed Transaction is fair and in the best interests of the Company and will recommend that disinterested shareholders vote in favor of resolutions supporting the Transaction. Copies of the Agreement, which includes the form of Investment Agreement (as defined below), and the form of support agreement, and certain related documents will be filed with securities regulators and will be available under Cordoba's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Investment Agreement Upon closing of the Transaction, subject to certain conditions set out in an investment agreement (the "Investment Agreement") to be entered into between Cordoba and HPX, HPX will have certain Cordoba board nomination rights (described below) and the right to participate in any future equity offerings completed by Cordoba in order to maintain its pro rata ownership in Cordoba. Following completion of the Transaction, the Board is to be comprised of seven directors with HPX being entitled to nominate four of those directors, with at least one of such nominees being independent. The Investment Agreement provides for HPX's nominees to the Board to be reduced to less than a majority of the directors if HPX's ownership interest in Cordoba is diluted to below 50%, with further proportional reductions thereafter. HPX has also agreed to not sell or transfer any of the Consideration or the securities comprising its Units for a period of at least 180 days following the closing of the Transaction. HPX's entitlements under the Investment Agreement will remain in place as long as HPX's ownership interest in Cordoba remains at or above 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Cordoba. Concurrent Financing In connection with the Transaction, Cordoba has entered into an agreement with BMO Capital Markets, acting as bookrunner on behalf of the Underwriters, to complete the Concurrent Financing. The gross proceeds from the Concurrent Financing, less the expenses of the Underwriters, will be deposited and held in escrow and shall be released immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction upon the satisfaction of certain conditions (the "Release Conditions") or upon the termination of the Agreement. Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive one unit (a "Unit"), with each Unit consisting of one Cordoba common share and one-half of one Cordoba common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant") for no additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder thereof upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Cordoba common share at an exercise price of C$1.08 for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Concurrent Financing. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied prior to September 29, 2017, or the Agreement is terminated pursuant to its terms, the escrow agent will return to the holders of the Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate purchase price paid for the Subscription Receipts held by them, together with a pro rata portion of interest earned on the escrowed proceeds and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and be of no further force or effect. The Subscription Receipts will be distributed by way of a private placement in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and may also be sold in the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions. The Company has also granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable until 48 hours prior to the closing date of the Concurrent Financing, to purchase at the offering price up to an additional C$3 million of the Subscription Receipts purchased in the Concurrent Financing. Closing of the Concurrent Financing into escrow is expected to occur on or about July 11, 2017 and is subject to certain conditions, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including approval of the TSX-V. Conference Call Cordoba will host a conference call on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm EDT to discuss the details of the Transaction. The telephone numbers for the conference are toll-free 1-800-319-7310 and 416-915-3227 and the Guest Code is 25381#. Advisors The Board appointed a committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") to review and assess the Transaction. Haywood Securities Inc. ("Haywood") is acting as a financial advisor to the Special Committee. Haywood has provided the Special Committee with an opinion, subject to the assumptions and limitations contained therein, that the consideration to be paid by Cordoba pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to Cordoba. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP was retained as legal advisor to the Company and the Special Committee. Stikeman Elliott LLP acts for HPX. About High Power Exploration (HPX): HPX is a privately owned, metals-focused exploration company deploying proprietary in-house geophysical technologies to rapidly evaluate buried geophysical targets. The HPX technology cluster comprises geological and geophysical systems for targeting, modelling, survey optimization, acquisition, processing and interpretation. HPX has a highly experienced board and management team led by Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Friedland, President Eric Finlayson, a former head of exploration at Rio Tinto, and co-chaired by Ian Cockerill, a former Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields Ltd. For further information, please visit www.hpxploration.com. Unfair contracts and practices are posing a grave threat to the livelihood of cultural artists operating in Seoul, a survey conducted by the metropolitan government said Monday. In the poll of 315 cartoonists and webtoon writers and 519 illustrators from last December to February this year, four of five illustrators, or 79 percent, and 37 percent of cartoonists and webtoon writers said they were forced to sign unfair contracts. Among the unfair contracts signed by illustrators, demand for excessive modification accounted for 23.6 percent of complaints, followed by non-payment of draft work at 20.2 percent and copyright transfer agreement at 15.2 percent, the survey found. The poll also said that among cartoonists and webtoon writers who were forced into unfair contracts, 31.4 percent cited facing a copyright transfer agreement, with another 31.4 percent pointing their fingers at unfair profit distribution. The amount of financial damage caused by unfair profit distribution averaged 7.66 million won ($6,800) for cartoonists and webtoon writers and 3.4 million won for illustrators. About 55 percent of illustrators and 36 percent of cartoonists and webtoon writers said they received an unreasonable notice of contract cancellation. According to the Seoul government, one webtoon writer was paid merely 4 million won though his work became a huge hit and generated sales of 100 million won a month. As the writer attempted to terminate his contract, his company filed a lawsuit for damages of 400 million won. An unidentified illustrator also complained of being once asked to modify a textbook illustration 20 times but was not paid for the additional labor. The survey also found that human rights violations are another serious problem in the cultural art sector, with around a third of cartoonists, webtoon artists and illustrators subject to such violations. By type of human rights violations, 22 percent of cartoonists and webtoon writers cited insults and abuse, followed by private work instructions at 16 percent and sexual harassment at 9.5 percent. The Seoul government said it will ask the relevant authorities to investigate all companies suspected of legal violations and other wrongdoings based on the results of the latest poll. "The local pop culture business could be dealt a blow if the unfair business practices persist amid the poor creative conditions. We'll expand the investigation to the fields of movies, broadcasting and art and design," said Seo Dong-rok, director of the Economic Promotion Department of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. (Yonhap) The United States and China have agreed on final details of a deal to allow beef imports for the first time in 14 years, and Nebraska is not wasting any time getting things started. The Agriculture Department said Monday that rules had been finalized for sending U.S. beef to China. The agreement is one part of a bilateral agreement reached following President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. The USDA said that China is requiring that any beef imported from the U.S. must have been born, raised and slaughtered in the United States or imported from Canada or Mexico and raised and slaughtered here. It could also be imported from Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the U.S. The beef also has to be derived from cattle less than 30 months old and traceable to the U.S. birth farm or first place of residence or port of entry. All of the precautions lessen the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. At a Wednesday news conference, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach and Gov. Pete Ricketts are expected to join officials from the Greater Omaha Packing Company to load the first shipment of the company's beef destined for China. China imposed a ban on American beef in 2003 after a case of mad-cow disease, a ban that remained in place despite extensive efforts by the Bush and Obama administrations to get it removed. Before the ban, the United States was China's largest supplier of imported beef. In exchange for China opening its borders to U.S. beef, the U.S. will allow the sale of cooked Chinese poultry. In a statement, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer called the finalization of the deal "welcome news for families across our state who can now compete in a new market that is estimated at $2.6 billion." By Michael Breen The decision by President Moon Jae-in to reconsider the deployment by the U.S. forces Korea of a THAAD battery has prompted commentary in some quarters about how South Korea should re-position itself in relation to the two superpowers. But the link between the specifics of this missile defense issue to broad strategic questions is fraught with distractions. The THAAD matter involves three moving parts, each with its own logic. The first concerns the tactical ability, or lack thereof, of the defense system to protect us folk in South Korea against North Korean missiles. Second is how to respond to the strong objection of China. Given how close we are to Chinese airspace, the Korea-based THAAD tracking system will be able to spot Chinese missiles as well. It is possible that full deployment what we have now is just the beginning might do this so well as to remove China's first strike capability, thereby neutralizing its nuclear deterrent. Indeed, China sees this as the main U.S. intent. As a measure of its determination to persuade its South Korean friends not to go along with it, Beijing has retaliated economically. This is the diplomatic equivalent of punching below the belt Third, South Korea is a close military ally of the United States. If the two countries' strategic planners say THAAD is a necessary shield here, civilian leaders in Seoul have to take note. They must also not forget that, as the system is operated by U.S. troops (and is also for their own protection), South Koreans get protected free of charge. With such tactical and strategic elements, how may we approach this issue without getting into Fox TV-style yelling matches? How to consider what is truly in South Korea's national self-interest? Many people, it seems to me, think that this country's interest lies in a kind of la-la land where stronger powers are happy. By that, I mean the discussion often consists of strategizing about how to respond to superpower anger and maintain harmony. If that's your thing, the solution is easy. It's to do what China wants. If China is happy, trade will pick up again, and the U.S. will just swallow its annoyance and say, "The alliance is stronger than ever." Job done, or as we say in England, "Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt." (Don't ask, I've no idea). This is a common approach in Korea. It explains that odd feature of Korean diplomacy bad faith towards allies and obsequiousness towards strong non-allies. To be fair to them, though, a lot of South Koreans sincerely believe that China is its natural and desired ally over both Japan and the U.S., because it is less culturally foreign and geographically distant. They see the U.S. alliance as historically temporary. Many of these people consider themselves to be progressive. But actually, their position is conservative to the point of being behind-the-times. The way to figure out who are and are not your friends is to look at core values. What are South Korea's core values? Filial piety, harmony, nationalism, race? If you pick those, or even two of them, the chances are you are living in the past. That is because South Korea's values have changed. Now that it is a democracy, its core values are now those of a democracy freedom, justice, fairness, equality. Korea's natural allies do not depend on history. They are those that share the same values, regardless of race, history, religion and physical appearance or proximity. From this perspective, guess who is the best natural ally of South Korea in this part of the world? Yes, it's Japan. And, guess what? It wasn't in 1941, but in 2017, Japan actually is South Korea's closest ally in East Asia. The anti-Japanism of the handful of protestors who turn out every Wednesday in front of the Japanese embassy and the bile that spews into editorials in this and other newspapers from time to time is just froth on the waves. Underneath is an ocean of common interest. That is not the case with China. It is a good economic partner for Korea but not a friend. It is like Korea under Chun Doo-hwan. I am convinced it will have its democracy moment as Korea did, but it hasn't had it yet and for this reason is not yet qualified to be best friends. So, now that we've cleared that up, how to address THAAD? Actually, I don't know. But switching friends over it, as I have seen people suggest online, is not in keeping with South Korean national interest as an ally of the world's democracies. That doesn't mean Seoul has to accept THAAD. President Moon may decide that the military benefit to South Korea does not merit the animosity generated with China. Provided he remains committed to Korea's real allies, he has every right to reach that decision. Michael Breen is the CEO of Insight Communications Consultants, a public relations company, and author of "The Koreans" and "Kim Jong-il: North Korea's Dear Leader." Lydia Loveless grew up on a farm in Indiana and shell be playing at one Friday when she headlines the Nebraska Folk & Roots Festival. And soon she'll be making a home at one. Im about to be a farm girl again, she said in a phone interview from Minneapolis. In August, Im moving to a little homestead in North Carolina. I'm like, Oh my God, do I have the constitution for this? Getting out of the city, Loveless said, is a move prompted by lifestyle changes, including a divorce. Some of those changes, she said, sent her spiraling into depression when last years non-stop touring came to an abrupt halt. As a musician, youre touring all the time and not always paying attention to whats going on with you, she said. Then you get into the real world and it hits you. I think thats what happened to me. I had so much time off this year, I went into a huge depression. It took a few months for Loveless to pull out of her depression and start writing songs again. When that finally lifted, I've been able to write, she said. Its hard to be creative, at least for me, when youre depressed. Its not what people think. They think the songs come out of the depression. They dont. ... Im definitely writing more now. Pretty much everything can go wrong and if Im creative, I'm OK. Ive got like three new ones that are kind of typically schizophrenic. So will the new songs be like those on Real, the album she released last August that added Replacements rock n roll and Britney Spears pop to her Richard Hell-meets-Hank Williams country-punk mix? Who knows? she said. Its more about what kind of mood youre in when you get into the studio. I know one thing, Im trying to get out of the old, white man, Americana scene. I probably just alienated 800 people. But Ive got to shake things up. I'd always rather be seen for what I am, for what the songs are rather than how country is something, she said. How many country points do I get? I don't care. It's a really rough scene to be in, especially as a lady. Real started her Americana rejection. It resulted in a younger audience and far more women attending her shows. But Loveless had never intended to get pigeonholed into a genre, even one as amorphous as Americana, and never wanted to keep her music the same from year to year or album to album. All the artists I admire are chameleons, she said. Thats why we've all been so sad about Prince and (David) Bowie. They changed and explored and took chances. For me, it was 'Indestructible Machine.' ... Lets make 'Indestructible Machine 2.'" Indestructible Machine from 2011 was Lovelesss first album on Bloodshot Records. But she started making music years before that. Growing up on an Ohio farm in a musical family, Loveless began playing piano at 8, became the bassist in her sisters band at 13, started writing songs and singing at 15. She began writing songs for The Only Man, her 2010, independently released album when she was 17. Thats led her to reflect on the perils of being a direct, brutally honest songwriter at a young age. Every day I do that, Loveless said. When you have the concrete proof of what you were going through at 17, its like, Really, did that have to be preserved? That said, Loveless has no regrets about what she's said in song, be it brash or vulgar. She has points to make and a direct way of making them. I think the thing I despise most about society is the amount of lying that goes on, she said. I can come across as the harsh, judgmental jerk. But I have to be brutal. That said, dont expect Loveless to bring that raw brashness to everyday conversation, be it after a show or in an interview. Offstage, Im really kind of shy, she said. Im a really private person I would say. Music, it gives me a chance to get stuff out there. People expect me to be the same way. No. Thats why I made a record. A mother and daughter from Phoenix, two brothers and a third man in Omaha face federal charges in connection with the 35 pounds of meth found in a traffic stop near Lincoln last week. Blanca Avila De Vega and Melissa Vega, Alejandro Buendia-Ramirez, Carlos Alberto Valquier and Alfredo Valquier appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday on criminal complaints accusing them each of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. In an affidavit for their arrests, Andrew Vincik, a special agent with Homeland Security, said based on his training and experience he believes they were all members of a significant meth-trafficking and money-laundering organization based in Mexico. "Based on the large quantities involved, I conclude that this organization has done this many times before, as most drug-trafficking organizations increase volume only when comfortable with their couriers and distributors," he said. Vincik said the scheme also showed a level of sophistication. It started with a Lancaster County Sheriff's deputy stopping a rented SUV on Interstate 80 on the morning of June 7. Avila De Vega, 43, and her 18-year-old daughter, Melissa Vega, ended up arrested after a search turned up 35 one-pound bags of crystal meth hidden in suitcases in the cargo area. The drugs have a street value of $1.5 million. Investigators came to believe 15 pounds of the meth was headed for Omaha, and that Avila De Vega had transported meth from Phoenix to Omaha several times since the spring of 2016, according to court records. Vincik said Avila De Vega and Vega agreed to continue on to Omaha as scheduled in an attempt to do a controlled delivery with drug investigators watching. He said Buendia-Ramirez was arrested leaving a hotel room along L Street in Omaha after exchanging $92,500 for what he thought was 15 pounds of meth, but was mostly sham. Vincik said officials also arrested Carlos Alberto Valquier, who had been paid $500 to drive Buendia-Ramirez there, as well as his brother, Alfredo Valquier, at a rental house in Omaha near Interstate 80 used to stash drugs and drug money. A search of the house turned up $19,000. The rest of the meth was to be taken to Minneapolis, according to court records. The regenerative power of flatworms which can regrow into complete individuals after they've been cut into pieces is well-known among scientists. But a group of flatworms that recently visited the International Space Station (ISS) had a few surprises to share when they returned to Earth. Scientists sent the worms into space to observe how microgravity and fluctuations in the geomagnetic field might affect the worms' unusual ability to regenerate. This was done to better understand how living in space could affect cell activity. Compared with a group of flatworms that never left Earth, the spacefaring worms showed some unexpected effects from their time off the planet: most notably, the rare sprouting of a second head in an amputated piece of a worm, the researchers documented in a new study. [In Photos: Worm Grows Heads and Brains of Other Species] Planarian flatworms (Dugesia japonica) are very flat and tiny, measuring about 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 centimeter) in length, study co-author Michael Levin, a professor of biology at Tufts University in Massachusetts, told Live Science in an email. (Levin is also the director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts and the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology.) One flatworm could result in multitudes, under the right conditions. Individuals can perform fission dividing to form two distinct individuals and severed flatworms can grow new heads or tails, depending on where the body was cut. To find out how factors such as gravity and Earth's magnetic field affect the worms' ability to regrow themselves, scientists sent sets of whole worms and amputated worms to the ISS for five weeks, the study authors wrote. Researchers sealed the worms inside tubes with varying ratios of air and water, and then observed the animals when they came back, the authors wrote. Return of the regenerating space worms After the worms returned, the researchers tracked changes in the animals' bodies and in their microbes, comparing the test worms with flatworms that had never left Earth. And the researchers continued observing the worms over 20 months, to see whether any changes were long-lasting. The scientists found several significant differences between the flatworms that went to space and the Earth-bound worms. For instance, during the first hour of immersion in containers of fresh spring water, the spacefaring worms appeared to experience "water shock"; they curled up and were "somewhat paralyzed and immobile," the researchers wrote, suggesting that the worms underwent metabolic changes while in space. The space-y flatworms exhibited normal behavior after about 2 hours, but further analysis revealed that their microbial communities had changed, hinting at metabolic shifts caused by the unusual conditions the worms encountered on the ISS, the study authors wrote. Worms returning from five weeks in space curled up and were immobile when transferred to petri dishes containing fresh spring water. By contrast, stay-at-home control worms moved rapidly and fully extended themselves. (Image credit: Junji Morokuma/Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University) Spacefaring worms also demonstrated a change in behavior. When both groups were introduced to illuminated "arenas" in petri dishes, the worms that went to space were less inclined to seek out the dish's darker portion, the scientists found. But the most dramatic difference was a type of regeneration observed in one of the 15 worm fragments sent to the ISS. That worm returned to the scientists with two heads (one on each end of its body), a type of regeneration so rare as to be practically unheard of "normal flatworms in water never do this," Levin told Live Science. When the researchers snipped both heads off back on Earth, the middle portion regenerated into a two-headed worm again. "And these differences persist well over a year after return to Earth!" Levin said. "Those could have been caused by loss of the geomagnetic field, loss of gravity, and the stress of takeoff and landing all components of any space-travel experience for living systems going to space in the future," he said. At first glance, these tiny regenerating worms may not appear to share much in common with the human astronauts currently on board the ISS. But the worms offer valuable insights into how living in space can affect cells and microbial communities in organisms, which could help scientists understand the impacts of space travel on human bodies, Levin explained. "Scientists know a lot about biochemical signals that allow cells to cooperate to build and repair a complex body. However, the physical forces involved in this process are not well-understood," he said. Studying flatworms could offer insights into how biological systems in living creatures interact with gravity and the geomagnetic field, "which in turn will not only help us optimize future space travel, but will [also] shed light on basic mechanisms that will have implications for regenerative medicine therapies on Earth and in space," Levin added. The findings were published online today (June 13) in the journal Regeneration. Original article on Live Science. A newly discovered treasure trove of more than 10,000 colorful glass beads, as well as evidence of glassmaking tools, suggests that an ancient city in southwestern Nigeria was one of the first places in West Africa to master the complex art of glassmaking, scientists reported. The finding shows that people who lived in the ancient city of Ile-Ife learned how to make their own glass using local materials and fashion it into colorful beads, said study lead researcher Abidemi Babalola, a fellow at Harvard University's Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. "Now we know that, at least from the 11th to 15th centuries [A.D.], there was primary glass production in sub-Saharan Africa," said Babalola, who specializes in African archaeology. [The 25 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds on Earth] Ancient city of IIe-Ife The ancient city of Ile-Ife was the ancestral home of the Yoruba, an ethnic group of people who live in Africa today. The Yoruba people view Ile-Ife as the mythic birthplace of several of their deities, Babalola and his colleagues wrote in the study. Ile-Ife is also widely known for its copper alloy and terracotta heads and figurines that were made between the 12th and 15th centuries A.D., the researchers said. Some of the figurines are decorated with glass beads on their headdresses, crowns, necklaces, armlets and anklets, the researchers said. Moreover, archaeologists have found glass beads at Ile-Ife's ancient shrines and within unearthed crucibles ceramic containers that were used to melt glass. Where did these glass beads come from? Most researchers speculated that the beads arrived from afar through trade, possibly from the Mediterranean area or the Middle East, and that artisans in Ile-Ife used crucibles to melt and refashion some of them into new beads, Babalola told Live Science. But Babalola and a handful of other researchers suspected that the answer was closer to home. To find out, Babalola traveled to Igbo-Olokun, an archaeological site within Ile-Ife, and excavated several places from 2011 to 2012, searching for evidence of local glass production, he said. Ile-Ife is in southwestern Nigeria. (Image credit: Antiquity Publications Ltd.) Crystal clear Babalola discovered a treasure trove during the excavation, finding almost 13,000 beads, 812 crucible fragments, 403 fragments of ceramic cylinders (rods that were possibly used to handle the crucible lids), almost 7 lbs. (3 kilograms) of glass waste and about 14,000 potsherds, the researchers wrote in the study. Babalola didn't find any furnaces that would have helped artisans heat the crucibles, but "the abundance of glass-production debris and the presence of vitrified clay fragments [clay with melted glass on it] indicate, however, that these areas were in, or very near, a zone of glass workshops," the researchers wrote in the study. The majority of the beads are less than 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) across, and are colored blue, green, red, yellow or multicolored, Babalola said. [How 8 Colors Got Their Symbolic Meanings] Ancient beads found at Ile-Ife. (Image credit: Babalola, A.B.) The researchers found that many of the beads, primarily the blue ones, were made "almost exclusively" from materials that are found near Igbo-Olokun, they wrote in the study. For instance, these beads had a high aluminum-oxide (also known as alumina) content, and previous researchers have pointed out that there are high-alumina sand deposits near Ile-Ife, Babalola said. What's more, artisans might have used local ingredients, such as feldspar, to lower the heating temperature needed to melt glass in the crucibles, he said. Glass world The beads Babalola and his colleagues studied are called drawn beads, meaning artisans used a special technique that included using an air bubble to make the beads' holes. Craftspeople in India were making drawn glass beads as early as the fourth century B.C., but given the distance between India and modern-day Nigeria, Babalola and his colleagues propose that the West Africans developed the technique independently, he said. However, more research is needed to support this claim, Babalola noted. Photos showing (a) crucible fragments; (b) vitrified clay; (c) ceramic cylinders; and (d) glass bead production debris. The blue likely came from cobalt. (Image credit: Babalola, A.B.) After the West African people made these beads, they traded them far and wide. Beads with the same components have been found in the upper Senegal region, including in Mali, and along the Niger River, the researchers wrote in the study. The findings also show that West Africans were more technologically advanced than previously thought, Babalola said. "We are talking about very sophisticated crafts," he said. "It takes someone who knows what he is doing and someone who has a very good understanding of science and technology to make this glass." The study was published in the June issue of the journal Antiquity. Original article on Live Science. Apple has spent years working on a car project that has been kept shrouded in secrecy until now. During an interview with Bloomberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the auto industry is experiencing disruption from three avenues: electric cars, ride-sharing companies and self-driving technology. And driverless cars, Cook revealed, is something that Apple has been focusing on. Cook said the artificial intelligence (AI) behind autonomous systems is an important "core technology" for the company moving forward. "We're focusing on autonomous systems, and clearly one purpose of autonomous systems isself-driving cars [but] there are others," Cook told Bloomberg. "And we sort of see it as the mother of all AI projects it's probably one of the most difficult AI projects actually to work on." [Photos: The Robotic Evolution of Self-Driving Cars] Though Cook did not say what will come from the AI project in terms of future products, he noted that autonomy in general is "incredibly exciting" for Apple. Many companies in Silicon Valley and beyond are refining autonomous vehicle technologies, ranging from Tesla's auto-pilot mode to the robotic car challenge put on by the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). One recently announced self-driving system comes in the form of a portable robot chauffer. The IVO (short for intelligent vehicle operator) uses cameras, motion sensors and a few mechanical devices to depress the brakes and turn the steering wheel. Original article on Live Science. Investigators believe a man who shot into a car on Interstate 80 near Lincoln Sunday thought the vehicle was following him, according to a court document filed Tuesday. Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Habacuc Quintero-Chairez, 48, of Bellevue, with four assault and weapons offenses. Just after 12:30 p.m., a driver in a Toyota Rav4 fired multiple shots at a car while both were driving west on I-80 near the U.S. 77 south exit, the Nebraska State Patrol said. Neither occupant of the victims' car, a father and son from Nebraska, was injured, said State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas. The victim found two bullet holes in the passenger side of the car after pulling off the interstate at a gas station, an investigator wrote in an affidavit. Troopers searching the interstate found a Rav4 matching the description two miles from the reported incident and pulled over the SUV. The driver, identified as Quintero-Chairez, displayed a handgun out the driver's window, the affidavit said. He complied with commands from troopers, who seized a silver handgun and took him to jail, the investigator said. Thomas said Quintero-Chairez didn't know the victims. Quintero-Chairez faces charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, discharge of a firearm near a vehicle, attempted first-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 13 years in prison on the weapons charges. He appeared in Lancaster County Court Tuesday afternoon, and a judge set his bond at $1 million. State Patrol investigators said Quintero-Chairez is a convicted felon who has been deported three times. by Jess Nelson , June 13, 2017 Huffington Post partnered with Campaign Monitor to develop a targeted email newsletter campaign around Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, garnering open rates averaging between 30% and 60%. Alexandra Sanders, newsletter editor at Huffington Post, describes the email campaign as one newsletter project with five newsletters. Huffington Post structured its email campaign by focusing on five communities that were most impacted by Trumps rhetoric and suggested proposals: Women, LGBTQ+, African-Americans, Immigrants, and Muslims. Users could opt-in to one, some, or all of the community-based newsletters. We made it hyper-niche to really serve the people in those communities and enrich the conversation, says Sanders. It highlighted how you can tie yourself into these conversations, as well as how you can join these communities as an ally and talk about whats going on in more informed ways. advertisement advertisement Huffington Post took a multi-pronged approach to advertising its Trump First 100 Days newsletters. Beginning prior to inauguration Day, the publication advertised the upcoming newsletter across social media, on-site, and within related email newsletters, such as the politics or morning news digest emails. The publication acquired 100,000 email subscribers in fewer than 100 days, with consistently high open rates throughout the entire campaign. Sanders asserts that open rates ran between 30% and 60%, an average email open rate that even on the lower side, far outranks industry averages. A big part of this was not just the push aspect of email, but pull, says Sanders. Were allowing users to take action and join conversations. The newsletter always had a set timeline, but Huffington Post then gave subscribers a pathway into alternative email newsletters at the end. It was almost an onboarding step, says Sanders, explaining how 46% of subscribers became long-term Huffington Post readers, with many signing up for the publications politics and In(formation) newsletters. Huffington Post currently offers 16 standard newsletters in the United States, varying from a daily news digest to more lifestyle-oriented subscriptions. Sanders says Campaign Monitor was key in building out the creative email campaign, particularly with internal links. Campaign Monitor made it easier for Huffington Post readers to subscribe to any of the publications community-based newsletters. As opposed to being directed to multiple landing pages for each newsletter, subscribers could instead opt-in to multiple communities with a click of a button. Sanders says that Huffington Post plans to continue working with Campaign Monitor, with the overall goal of creating a more focused journey for our email readers. by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, June 13, 2017 In just her third week on the air, Megyn Kelly has accomplished something that was so avoidable, you wouldnt think it was even possible. But Kelly, the new face of NBC News, achieved it anyway. She managed to anger the parents of small children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Connecticut in 2012. To accomplish this feat, Kelly interviewed a man named Alex Jones, who is apparently a loony radio personality and conspiracy theorist who bloviates about 9/11 and other terrible events -- providing alternative scenarios to describe what he says really happened. On the subject of 9/11, he believes the American government was involved in the plot to crash airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This point of view is reportedly held by a number of other people too. advertisement advertisement Where the unimaginable Sandy Hook massacre is concerned, Jones has reportedly put forth his theory that the entire thing was staged with actors. Until I read about this point of view this week, I had never heard of it before. For all I know, Jones is the only person on Earth who believes this. Well, thats his story and hes sticking to it. Naturally, this upsets parents and relatives of the children and educators who were shot to death on that terrible day. However, Kelly and her handlers have chosen Jones to be a high-profile interview subject for this Sundays edition of her new NBC magazine show called Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly. The show premiered two Sundays ago (on June 4) on NBC with Kellys pointless interview with Vladimir Putin. This week, with the Jones interview scheduled to air this weekend, and NBC already putting out teaser videos to promote it, the expressions of anger have been fast and furious, particularly on Twitter. Among the ways this anger is being expressed: Tweets with photos of the Sandy Hook victims displayed and accompanied by words such as 26 reasons NOT to watch Megyn Kellys interview on NBC w/Sandy Hook denier & liar Alex Jones (this one had a montage of all 26 massacre victims). Among the problems with this interview is its timing. Kelly was scheduled to host a fundraiser in Washington tomorrow night being put on by a group called Sandy Hook Promises, described as an anti-gun-violence group founded by Sandy Hook parents. The fundraiser is a gala that will give out awards to people who have been active in the fight against gun violence. The group has now dropped Kelly as host. It really makes you wonder whos making the decisions at NBC News this month. Its possible someone thought Kelly would actually be applauded by the Sandy Hook group for shining a light on this conspiracy theorist, and possibly debunking him. Kelly herself put out a tweet on Monday in which she defended the interview for doing just that. Many dont know him, she said of Jones. Our job is 2 shine a light. Even with the relatively small audience Kelly will draw early on a Sunday evening in June, many more people will know Alex Jones than knew him before by the time the interview and all the pre-show promo spots air this week. To apply a metaphor here: Shining a light on cockroaches might make them scurry for the baseboards, but theyre still cockroaches. In addition to this hosting gig being canceled, at least one major advertiser has apparently pulled itself out of Sundays Kelly show -- JP Morgan Chase. Since this is only Tuesday, more will likely follow this week. Then the decision has to be made at NBC about whether to air the interview at all. I realize the month of June is high vacation season for network TVs top brass, but surely there must be some grownups still on the job at NBC News this month who can step in and make the mature and necessary decision to yank this interview. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 13, 2017 About half of consumers surveyed for a study released Tuesday said they would think twice before purchasing products or even boycott a brand's products and services if they learned their ads ran near offensive content. Some 37% of the 2,000 adult consumers surveyed in the United States, Canada and the UK said objectionable content or fake news sites would change the way they think about a brand when making a decision to make purchases, according to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council. The study confirms that when consumers find the content to be objectionable, 11% said they would not do business with that brand, and 9% would become vocal critics of the brand. Using Pollfish's platform to conduct the study, the CMO study found that 48% of consumers will even abandon brands they love if their ads run alongside offensive online content. Dave Murray, VP with the CMO Council, said serving ads next to objectionable content make consumers lose respect for the brand. Marketers also have concerns about their content serving up next to content that doesnt align with their "brand values." advertisement advertisement Murray also said consumers are concerned about offensive political rhetoric or showing a bias toward one point of view or another. "What's objectionable for one viewer is not objectionable to another," he said. "In a world in which there is so much political separation, it's a difficult terrain to negotiate." The report also found that content on social media platforms is still not trusted. Although they listed social media as the source of the second-highest volume of ad messages they receive behind television consumers ranked social media last among their five most trusted channels. Some 63% of consumers respond more positively to the same ads when they find them on established media channels. In fact, they ranked friends, TV, search engines and newspapers as more trusted sources. About 60% of consumers participating in the study said offensive context had already caused them to find more content from trusted, well-known news sources and established media channels. Marc Pritchard, P&G CMO, notes that recently the industry has seen "more crappy advertising accompanied by even crappier viewing experiences." Respondents said they either already had or planned to install some form of ad-blocking software to their mobile devices or PC browsers. Slightly more than 40% have already installed ad-blocking software on their devices, while another 13.7% said they planned to add these features. Meanwhile, 86% of consumers are either extremely concerned, very concerned or moderately worried about how easily they are directed or redirected to hateful or offensive content. Some 22% said the most annoying digital advertising formats were intrusive pop-up ads, and 17% pointed to auto-playing video ads. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 13, 2017 Effie Worldwide has appointed Traci Alford President and CEO. The group is best known for presenting the marketing effectiveness awards, The Effies. She will officially join the organization at its New York headquarters and will report to the Effie Worldwide Board of Directors. Alford succeeds Neal Davies, who indicated he would be stepping down earlier this year. He is returning to his native UK and was recently appointed chief executive at Irish International BBDO. Alford has spent her career in marketing around the world, from her native Australia to the US, France, UK and, most recently, Singapore as the VP External Relations, Asia Pacific at Shell International. Prior to joining Shell in 2013, she spent 13 years at Cadbury Schweppes in a variety of marketing and business roles, lastly as Global Business Development Director for the company. advertisement advertisement In the early 1990s, she spent three years at Walmart in a senior national sales role for Dr. Pepper and 7Up. Traci has an impressive global marketing track record and will bring a strong client-side perspective to her role and the organization, stated Daryl Lee, Global CEO, Universal McCann and Chairman of the Effie Worldwide Board of Directors. Shes inheriting a powerful brand and a dedicated team. As president/CEO, Alford will oversee Effie Worldwides 48 Effie Awards programs and strategic partnerships and will develop and evolve the nonprofits education initiatives, including the Effie Index, and a voluminous case study database. MediaLink handled the search for Davies successor at Effie Worldwide. by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, June 13, 2017 So, heres the question: Could Sears -- the retail giant that has become the poster child for the death of mall-based retail shopping -- have saved itself? This is an important question, because I dont think Sears' downward trend is an isolated incident. In 2006, historian Richard Longstreth explored the rise and fall of Sears. The rise is well chronicled. From the store's beginnings in 1886, the team of Richard Sears and Alvah Roebuck grew to dominate the catalog mail order landscape. They prospered by creating a new way of shopping that catered specifically to the rural market of America, a rapidly expanding opportunity created by the Homestead Act of 1862. advertisement advertisement The spread of railroads across the continent through the 1860s and '70s allowed Sears to distribute physical goods across the nation. This, combined with its quality guarantee and free return policy, allowed the retailer to grow to rapidly to a position of dominance. In the 1920s and '30s, Robert E. Wood, the fourth president of Sears, took the company in a new direction. He reimagined the concept of a physical retail store, convincing the reluctant company to expand from its very lucrative catalog business. This move was directly driven by Sears foundation as a mail-order business. In essence, Woods was hedging his bet. He built his stores far from downtown business centers, where land was cheap. And, if they failed as retail destinations, they could always be repurposed as mail-order distribution and fulfillment centers. But Wood got lucky. Just about the time he made this call, America fell in love with the automobile. They didnt mind driving a little bit to get to a store where they could save some money. This was followed by the suburbanization of America. When America moved to the suburbs, Sears was already there. So, you could say Sears was amazingly smart with its strategy, presciently predicting two massive disruptions in the history of consumerism in America. Or you could also say that Sears got lucky and the market happened to reward it -- twice. In the language of evolution, two fortuitous mutations of Sears led to it being naturally selected by the marketplace. But, as Longstreth showed, the company's luck ran out on the third disruption: the move to online shopping. A recent article looking back at Longstreths paper is titled Could Sears Have Avoided Becoming Obsolete?" I believe the answer is no. The article points to one critical strategic flaw as the reason for Sears non-relevance: doubling down on its mall anchor strategy as the world stopped going to malls. In hindsight, this seems correct, but the fact is, it was no longer in Sears' DNA to pivot into new retail opportunities. it couldnt have jumped on the ecommerce bandwagon, just as a whale cant learn how to fly. Its easy for historians to cast a gaze backwards and find reasons for organizational failure, just as its easy to ascribe past business success to a brilliant strategy or a visionary CEO. But the fact is, as business academic Phil Rosenzweig shows in his masterful book "The Halo Effect," were just trying to jam history into a satisfying narrative. And narratives crave cause and effect. We look for mistakes that lead to obsolescence. This gives us the illusion that we could avoid the same fate we're smarter. It's not that simple, though There are bigger forces at play here. And they can be found at the Edge of Chaos. Edge of Chaos Theory In his book, "Complexity: Life at the Edge of Chaos," Roger Lewin chronicles the growth of the Santa Fe Institute, an academic think tank dedicated to exploring complexity for the last 33 years. But the big idea in Lewins book is the Edge of Chaos Theory, a term coined by mathematician Doyne Farmer to describe a discovery by computer scientist Christopher Langton. The theory, in its simplest form, is this: On one side you have chaos, where there is just too much dynamic activity and instability for anything sustainable to emerge. On the other side you have order, where rules and processes are locked in and things become frozen solid. These are two very different states that can apply to biology, sociology, chemistry, physics, economics -- pretty much any field you can think of. To go from one state -- in either direction -- is a phase transition. Everything changes when you move from one to the other. On one side, turmoil crushes survivability. On the other, inertia smothers change. But in between is a razor-thin interface, balanced precipitously on the edge of chaos. Theorists believe that its in this delicate interface where life forms, where creativity happens and where new orders are born. For any single player, its almost impossible to maintain this delicate balance. As organizations grow, I think they naturally move from chaos to order, at some point moving through this exceptional interface where the magic happens. Some companies manage to move through this space a few times. Apple is such a company. Sears probably moved through the space twice, once in setting its mail-order business up and once with its move to suburban retail. But sooner or later, organizations go through their typical life cycle and inevitably choose order over chaos. At this point, their DNA solidifies to the point where they can no longer rediscover the delicate interface between the two. Its at the market level where we truly see the Edge of Chaos theory play out. The theory contests that adaptive systems in which there is feedback continually adapt to the Edge of Chaos. But, as in any balancing act, its a very dynamic process. In the case of sociological evolution, its often a force (or convergence of forces) of technology that catalyzes the phase transition from order back to chaos. This is especially true when we look at markets. But this is an oscillation between order and chaos, with the market switching from phases of consolidation and verticalization to phases of chaos and sweeping horizontal activation. Markets will swing back and forth but will constantly be rewarding winners that live closest to the edge between the two states. We all love to believe that immortality can be captured in our corporate form, whether it be our company or our own body. But history shows that we all have a natural life cycle. We may be lucky enough to extend our duration in that interface on the edge of chaos, but sooner or later our time there will end. Just as it did with Sears. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 13, 2017 Dentsu Aegis Network US CEO Rob Horler is stepping down after a 17-year run with the group to pursue new opportunities, the company confirmed today. Nigel Morris, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network Americas, will assume the role of Interim CEO of DAN USA in addition to his Americas responsibilities as the network searches for a permanent replacement. Horler joined the group through Carat Interactive in 2000 as Managing Partner and was promoted to Managing Director in 2002. In 2004, he founded Diffiniti, which became one of the largest standalone online planning and buying companies in the UK. In 2009, Diffiniti became part of the iProspect network. In January 2011, Horler was named CEO for Aegis Media UK, and then CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Northern Europe in 2013. He was appointed to his current post in January 2015. advertisement advertisement Under Horlers leadership, the networks U.S. unit grew significantly through a combination of new business and M&A. In 2016, Dentsu Aegis US acquired seven US-based companies, including Cardinal Path, Accordant, gyro, C2C Outdoor, and Gravity Media. Throughout his career with the group, Rob has been a key driver of our success and a hands-on, operational leader, stated Morris. Added Horler: I joined the U.S. team in 2015 with the goal of doubling the size of our business, and we have done that, with a particular focus on scaling our data capabilities. as well as specialized services, including B2B and multicultural marketing. "With the U.S. business in the hands of great people and strong talent, we are well set up for future, and after 17 years, this felt like the right time to step back and do something different. It has been an incredible journey. Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving metals market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. Lincoln police have arrested three people on suspicion of robbing the Pinnacle Bank branch near 70th and A streets last month. Kiana Stabler, 20; Kaylene Stabler, 22; and Julian Huffman, 22, were all arrested Monday at Huffman's apartment in the 5000 block of Vine Street, Officer Angela Sands said. According to records, Huffman is also wanted in Missouri. Prosecutors charged Huffman on June 8 with robbery and accessory to a felony. According to a warrant for his arrest, the plates seen on the getaway car were stolen about 10 days before the robbery. Investigators were able to tie the plates and vehicle seen at the bank to the group, the document says. Officers searched the car and found a BB handgun, similar to the one used in the robbery, the document says. He's being held on $100,000 bond. Both Stabler sisters were charged Wednesday with robbery and were given $200,000 bond. Two women entered the branch at 1776 S. 70th St. just before May 26, according to court documents. One had a gun and another had pepper spray, but neither weapon was used and no employees or customers were injured. The alleged robbers left with cash and fled northbound in a silver car, which police believe was driven by Huffman, documents say. The same bank branch was robbed on March 16, but police say the robbery in May might be related to an armed robbery of Great Western Bank, 6424 Havelock Ave., on April 13. Scheinost said in April that a man showed a gun, demanded cash and used pepper spray, injuring two Great Western Bank employees. No shots were fired. The employees were treated on the scene. Police didn't say what the three suspects' involvements were in the Pinnacle Bank robbery, or specifically who was inside the branch. The investigation is ongoing, Sands said. 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. Read More Actor Burt Ward, who played Robin alongside Adam West's Batman in the hit 1960s TV series, has paid tribute to his co-star who has died aged 88. Ward, 71, told the BBC that the two had enjoyed "an amazing friendship", describing the actor as "a lot of fun". He said they had played the Dynamic Duo "on multiple levels" to please the show's varied audience. West died in Los Angeles on Friday after a short battle with leukaemia, his family said. The TV series, with its kitsch costumes, comic book fight scenes and corny one-liners, drew a cult following. Tributes to West have flooded in from the acting world and also from thousands of fans. "This is a wonderful man who I've spent 75% of the time on this earth working with, who has been a pleasure, just amazing talent, a great father, a great family man, a wonderful human being, just a lot of fun and I'm going to miss him incredibly. In fact it's very difficult to really believe that the end has come," Ward told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Adam and I have had the most amazing friendship, just for whatever reason we instantly got along. "We share a similar type of humour, we had the best time on Batman and it really showed through." Batman stars Burt Ward, Adam West, and Julie Newmar appeared together on stage in 2014 Ward said he and West knew the show was being enjoyed by all age groups. "We were playing it on multiple levels, we were playing with our audience, we used to say that we put on our tights to 'put on' the world." He added: "For the kids it was serious hero worship, for the adults it's the nostalgia, the comic book, and for that very difficult audience at that time to capture - the teenagers and the college kids - it was the insinuations, the double entendres, all the things that nobody had ever done with an audience." Fellow actor Julie Newmar, who played the Caped Crusader's arch enemy Catwoman, described West as "stellar, exemplary, he was a king to the end". "He was bright, witty and fun to work with. And I'll miss him in the physical world and savour him always in the world of imagination and creativity," she told the BBC World Service. "Adam West was the best Batman of all time. I don't think there'll be one to compare with him. He was, of course, the original, but still all in all the best, not only for that time but for all time." Flowers were left on Adam's West's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame On Saturday, actor Val Kilmer, who played Batman in a later movie, tweeted: "Ah dear Adam West. He was always so kind when we met. A real gent. Once when I was a kid we found ourselves in front the Batmobile. I got in." After the TV series and a Batman movie in which he also starred, West struggled to find big acting roles. However, he won a new generation of fans in more recent times after joining the cast of the animated comedy series Family Guy. He voiced Quahog's eccentric Mayor Adam West, described by series creator Seth MacFarlane as an "alternate universe", satirised version of the actor. MacFarlane paid tribute to the star on Twitter, saying he had "lost a friend" and described West as "irreplaceable". 13.06.2017 LISTEN How will it feel when a mechanic snatches the wife of a wealthy man? What happens if the mechanic who is married succeeds in getting the wealthy mans wife pregnant? Again what happens when the rich man catches his wife red handed cheating on him with the mechanic? All these answers will be known when Gyapson Films premieres its latest movie Ultimate Betrayal on Saturday June 24 at the Silverbird Cinemas. Directed by Solomon Frimpong, Ultimate Betrayal features some of the nations finest actors Nana Ama McBrown, Bill Asamoah, Bernard Bishop Nyarko and Bridget Adusei Ampofo. In the movie, Bill Asamoah (Nana) plays the mechanic, who snatches Tilly played by Nana Ama (Tilly) from the rich man, Bernard Bishop Nyarko. Speaking in an interview, Bill Asamoah, said Ultimate Betrayal is one of the challenging movies he has featured in. According to him, there was no way he could cheat on his wife with another married woman in real life. I was actually contemplating whether or not to do the movie because people judge you by what they see on the screen. However, I accepted to play so that married people who cheat on their partners would learn how such actions have negative impact on their unions he said. He asked Ghanaians especially married couples to come in their numbers to see the movie. There are lessons in the movie and anyone who makes it to the premiere will not regret it he added. The Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry (GAPI), the umbrella executive producers association in the country, will on Wednesday, June 14 organise a one-day forum for its members and all the industry players from the southern sector of the country. The forum which will be held at the GNAT Hall in Accra is being organised by GAPI under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts, with funding support from the Ghana Cultural Forum. The forum will feature renowned professionals in the music industry who understand the importance of music as an art form and the incredible force it carries globally. According to the national executives of GAPI, the forum will provide music publishers and other stakeholders with insight and knowledge about how music is created, effective leadership and decision-making process, copyright law, among others. It will also deliberate on development in the music industry and help chart a collective way forward. GAPI has been a founding member of the Ghana Culture Forum. In an interview, the chairman of GAPI, Seth Amponsah, told BEATWAVES that his outfit, in collaboration with Copyright Office and the Ghana Music Right Organisation (GHAMRO), will soon embark on a massive anti-piracy exercise to arrest all those involved in music piracy. He pointed out that most Ghanaians do not understand copyright issues and there is the need to educate and sensitise them in a more sustainable manner to enable them to appreciate the effects of piracy and solicit their support to reduce the canker in the Ghanaian society. Seth Amponsah disclosed that the anti-piracy project which is expected to take off soon would educate and sensitise the public on the adverse effects of piracy on intellectual properties and musical works, and create the necessary awareness in order to help reduce it to the barest minimum. He added that by the end of the project, patronage of original music works and other intellectual properties would increase to about 70 percent from its present level of about 10 percent. By George Clifford Owusu 12.06.2017 LISTEN The eight suspected killers of Major Maxwell Mahama who were arraigned last Friday included the snail seller who allegedly gave a false alarm that led to the lynching of the army officer. The snail seller, whose name was given as Akosua Takyiwaa, aka Maame Bono, is said to have raised the false alarm by calling the Assembly Member for the Denkyira Obuasi, who mobilized people to allegedly kill the soldier. The arrest of the eight has brought the number of suspects picked up by the police in connection with the gruesome murder to 52 They have all been remanded in prison custody. Captain Mahama had reportedly stopped to buy snails, and when he took money from his pocket to pay for the snails, the trader saw the pistol and reportedly informed the assemblyman of Denkyira Obuasi that the young military officer was an armed robber. This was made known two weeks ago at a joint press conference by the Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana Police at the Police Headquarters in Accra. According to the police, without verifying the identity of Captain Mahama, the assemblyman and armed townsfolk accosted the military officers, gave him a chase, shot at him, and eventually pounced on him using cement blocks, clubs, among others, until he died around 10am on Monday, two hours after he had started the jogging. Nairobi (AFP) - Fraud in the mining sector since 1998 has cost Tanzania 75 billion euros ($84 billion), an investigating commission said Monday, blaming foreign companies failing to declare revenues. The conclusions of the study, conducted by Tanzanian economists and legal experts and seen by AFP, were approved by President John Magufuli. The report attributed much of the loss to foreign companies, including mining giant Acacia Mining, also accused of operating for several years in the country without being registered. The London-listed company immediately rejected the claims. Magufuli, referring to Acacia Mining, said: "If they admit that they were stealing from us and if they reimburse what they stole, only then can negotiations over registration begin". "Even the devil is making fun of us. God gave us these ores, these many natural riches and we remain poor while others enrich themselves at our expense. We cannot continue like this," he added, after receiving the report in a ceremony broadcast live. Last month Magufuli dismissed the country's mines minister after receiving a report from geologists that said mining companies had underestimated their mineral exports in order to pay lower taxes. The report had said that poor management of the sector meant officials were not able to tell how much or what kind of ores were being exported. On Monday, Magufuli ordered a revamping of the laws governing mining contracts, telling the justice department to question and if necessary prosecute officials responsible for attributing operating contracts in recent years. Acacia Mining Monday said in response to the report that the accusations were unfounded and that it has operated in Tanzania in full accordance with the law. Tanzania is rich in minerals including gold, ranking fourth among gold producers on the continent. Gold is the country's leading mineral export and one of its primary sources of revenue. Tanzania also exports copper, nickel, silver, diamonds and other precious stones such as tanzanite. In March, Tanzania said it was banning exports of non-processed ore in a bid to promote the development of the mineral processing sector, create new jobs locally and increase revenues generated by the sector. 12.06.2017 LISTEN Accra, June 12, GNA - The downstream Oil Marketing sector picks up gradually in second quarter of the year after marginal turbulence in the first quarter, Mr Gyemfi Amanquah, Chief Operating Officer of GOENERGY Company Limited stated on Monday. Mr Amanquah told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that trading in the second quarter had started with marginal hinge up due mainly to international market price of the product, which was on the decline as well as the positive trend of the local currency against other currencies. The GOENERGY Chief Operating Officer explained that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Bulk Distributing Companies (BDCs) were at their wit's end during the first quarter as transaction was bad and attributed it to the volatility of local currency, economic shake-up of the new government and international trading pattern. He said GOENERGY which is a subsidiary of the Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), the nation's foremost indigenous OMC, is now the country's major supplier of Gasoline, Gasoil, Marine Gasoil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Domestic Kerosine, and Aviation Turbine Kerosine (JET-A1). 'We will continue to ensure stability in the supply of products'. Mr Amanquah said development in the second indicated that business in the quarter would bounce back as there were signs of prices and cedi stabilisation as well as effort by stakeholders to combat Black Market Petroleum Dealers, which endangered the market. Mr Amentor Aziakor, Goenergy Operations and Marketing Manager also noted that GOENERGY would continue to undertake prudent ventures to attract investment in order to expand the capacity of existing storage infrastructure and increase the number of depots and storage infrastructure at strategic locations across the country. He explained that GOENERGY seeks to dominate the sector to protect the national economy from being manipulated by foreign multinationals. Analysing the BDC sector, Mr Aziakor said the increased mining activities coupled with a vast influx of vehicles and machinery into the country, had improved the demand for petroleum products. He said the oil field especially the Tano Basin had also boosted exploration activities along the coast of Ghana thereby resulting in increased consumption of marine gasoil, 'Ghana therefore needs an indigenous BDC with capacity to meet demands and eliminate the potential shortage of any products. 'As shortage of any petroleum product at this point in the nation's development agenda will derail the marginal gains and set us backward. In the midst of energy volatility, Ghana cannot add shortage of petroleum products'. GOENERGY was established in February 2014 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GOIL as a BDC to source for and secure the petroleum products requirement for the company. GOENERGY started operations in September 2014 by securing and supplying petroleum products for the sole use of GOIL and in May 2015 it extended supplying of products to other OMCs. GOENERGY therefore seeks to establish an active supply infrastructure network and channels that lead to competitive lower cost and ensure product availability as well as improvement of quality throughout the supply chain. GNA By Francis Ameyibor, GNA Accra, June 12, GNA - The Civil Society Coalition on Youth Development (CSCYD) has commended the new Management of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for taking bold steps to rid the agency of corruption. According to a statement issued by the Coalition, which was copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday, the revelations made by the internal audit were stunning, given the background of the agency. 'It is sad that after what happened to GYEEDA in 2014, we still wake up to such stories," said Ms Theodora W. Anti, CSCYD Coordinator. "It is particularly heartbreaking that 9,442 beneficiaries were above the age requirement despite the teeming numbers of unemployed youth in the country." The Coalition urged the Management of YEA and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to ensure that all those implicated in those acts were prosecuted and justice served for the youth of Ghana. "We are also calling on the new management to be more transparent and avoid politicising recruitment of beneficiaries. Let us ensure that all Ghanaian youth have an equal opportunity to benefit from the modules no matter their political affiliation," it said. According to the Coalition, some studies indicate strongly that politicisation of some of these government led initiatives was the root cause of such corrupt acts. "We hope that the current management would be vigilant enough to avoid some of these mistakes." The statement said the Coalition was also calling on the YEA Management to establish the District Committees as stipulated by the Act. "This will improve transparency at all levels and public confidence in the Agency. "It is also very important that the Agency publishes the criteria for selection of beneficiaries. That will also help the youth and minimise corruption," it added. GNA By Iddi Yire, GNA 12.06.2017 LISTEN A GNA Feature by Cecilia Diesob , GNA Accra, June 12, GNA - It was the early part of May, a period when many farmers in the three northern regions go about with joy as the planting season has began and the dusty north-eastern trade winds are at rest together with the less hostile sun. This was the period two years ago when I first visited Kormo, Duu and Bawisibelle as a data collection official for a United Nations sponsored project for the rural poor. As a pillion rider with a colleague social worker, we journeyed through the rugged and fairly motorable path on a three hour journey from Tumu to the south- eastern hinterlands of the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region. It was the rainy season and the rains though intermittent, was continuous so we had to seek shelter at a certain stage of the journey in a farm hut. And with this respite, the only thought on my mind was the extent of the poor road network in many parts of the Sissala East District. At various stages of the journey, my colleague and i had no option than to take our shoes off and wade through extensive ponds. It was a scary experience as snakes abound in such areas but with some luck, we journeyed on through other valleys and waterways till we arrived at Kormo, my study destination. Naa Bening Juan, the chief of Kormo No.1, on our arrival, explained to us that the heavy rains often cuts off their community from the rest of the region. 'Only strong young men who can swim brave the deep waters of these valleys' he said adding that in the past, there were two bridges on the Funsi route which have been washed away by the usual heavy rains and flooding. The poor nature of the roads in the Sissala East District, it seems, has become a huge obstacle to development and agriculture, the main occupation of the indigenes, has been hindered. Currently only two major routes lead to Kormo; and this is either on a motorbike from Tumu or by using the less rugged but equally hazardous route through some parts of the Northern Region through Funsi. Mr Amidu Channia Issahaku, the Deputy Minister of the Upper West Region in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said communities in the Sissala East District from have been ignored for far too long. 'Members of these communities lack access to basic amenities and the poor road network was not helping the situation'. The administration of Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, he said, has the right policies to help rural communities to improve livelihoods. Access to health care and malnutrition On my second visit to the area again in May this year as a journalist with the Ghana News Agency, the situation it seems has worsened for inhabitants of Kormo and its surrounding communities including Duu and Bawisibelle. And though the road network is a major concern, in a community like Kormo with a population of about 1100 inhabitants, there is no a health facility and residents have to trek for over an hour and a half to Bawisibelle, the nearest village with a Community based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound. A report by the World Bank (2015), states that growing inequality in household consumption, regional disparities in welfare and a deteriorating macroeconomic environment are some of the challenges hindering the progress of Ghana. The report said by 2012, poverty had become intense in rural areas and the northern parts, with one out of three poor people living in rural areas. For the week i lived in Duu, a village which also relies on Bawisibelle for access to health care, i witnessed an incident where the wife of a mechanic went into labour one dawn and was quickly rushed to the CHPS compound only to meet an empty facility. While we combed through the village looking for any of the three nurses of that facility to no avail, we came back to meet his wife holding the first twin on the veranda of the health facility. And it took the intervention of other elderly women to get the second twin delivered and this saved the life of the mother. Madam Jemila, an indigene of Kormo and a mother of seven grown children, said all her children were delivered at home with the help of experienced elderly mothers in the community. She said much as she has seven children the experiences of many expectant mothers in the community are very difficult to bear. Madam Sherifa, another mother of three, recounted how she lost one of her twin babies a few months prior to my visit. 'I was able to deliver one baby but the second one would not come out so we had to call on the services of a tricycle to send me to Bawissibelle. On arrival it was too late. I was told that the baby had died in my womb. I went through so much pain but I still lost my baby,' she said. Another report by UNICEF (2013), said malnutrition is a significant indirect cause of child mortality, contributing to one-third of all childhood deaths in the country. It said although levels of malnutrition in Ghana have dropped, 23 per cent of children are stunted and 57 per cent are anaemic. The report said nutrition is particularly poor in the northern parts of the country, where almost two in every five children are stunted and more than 80 per cent of cause of mortality for children under five is due to malnutrition. Kormo, Duu and Bawisibelle are typical communities where malnourished children are evident. The malnourishment of many of these children can be attributed to high levels of poverty as many families rely solely on subsistence farming as their source of livelihood. Farming, the major source of livelihood in these communities is a preserve for men. Women are not allowed to own land. They help on the farms of their husband and can only use portions of land given by their husbands to grow vegetables. During the dry season however, women pick Shea nuts, which are then processed into Shea butter and sold in nearby markets for extra income. Women in the Shea butter business often move to nearby towns to get the nuts processed for the butter. Education A three unit classroom block was found close to the Kormo River, a tributary of the Volta Lake which divides the community into two halves. Naa Basugle Amoa Abubakari, chief of Kormo No.2, explained that the three unit classroom block serves about 300 school pupils from pre-school to the JHS level. Forms 1-3 have classes in the main block whilst the lower primary and pre-school children have theirs in a neighbouring wooden shelter. Classes five and six study under two mango trees on the compound and a small hut on the same compound served as the kitchen and canteen for the school until its eventual collapse. Many girls in the three communities are out of school and many also marry young. Some girls interviewed by the GNA expressed regret for dropping out of school early and a few other expectant students with some conviction said they would return to school after delivery. Seibatu Bukari, a former student, said she dropped out of school in class six and has three children at the age of 21. She said going back to school was no longer a possibility owing to the overwhelming tasks of being a mother of three children. 'I help my mother-in-law prepare Shea butter for sale on Tumu market days. I have always thought of learning a trade and when I raise enough money to fund my training, I intend to learn soap making,' she added. Way forward Mr Issahaku lauded the 'one village, one dam' initiative saying it would greatly help improve the lives of many in the northern parts of the country. In this regard, he said, the existing cotton factory, located at Tumu, would be revived to encourage the youth to venture into cotton production and help create more jobs in the area. The Deputy Regional Minister said the construction of a poultry feed factory should be located at vantage point to absorb farm produce, encourage livestock production and thereby help improve the lot of many in the various communities. The concerns of the Sissala East District are numerous. But just like other improved communities in many parts of the country, i believe the situation in Sissala East is also surmountable. GNA Those who were playing the Trump Twitter drinking game -- take a drink every time President Donald Trump tweets -- during James Comey's Senate committee testimony came away surprisingly sober. For two days, the president maintained Twitter silence, causing surprised followers like me to wonder if he had dozed off, or worse. But at 6:10 a.m. on the morning after former FBI Director Comey appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Trump reappeared in the Twittersphere with this: "Despite so many false statement and lies, total and complete vindication ... and WOW, Comey is a leaker!" Oh, really? As often happens with Trump's tweets, this one fiddles with facts. That's not an extraordinary development for our serial-exaggerator president, who has never backed off his ludicrous claim to the biggest inauguration crowd ever. In similar fashion, Comey's testimony raised more questions than vindication, except for those who -- like Trump -- dismiss inconvenient facts as "fake news." He cannot shrug off ongoing investigations by the Senate committee and special counsel Robert Mueller of ties between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. Mueller's investigation followed what, so far, is the most pivotal tweet of Trump's presidency. On May 12, he typed: "James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" That was the tweet, according to Comey's account to the Senate Intelligence Committee, that spurred him as a private citizen to make a special request to a friend, Columbia law professor Daniel Richman. Comey asked Richman to tell the New York Times about the memos he had written to describe his interactions in private meetings with President Trump. The memos described why Comey thought the president had asked him, as FBI director, to drop the FBI's criminal investigation into Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. The Times story appeared seven days after Comey was fired. Was that a "leak," as Trump calls it? Comey was passing his own memos, not classified documents, to the Times. As he told the Senate, he hoped the disclosure would lead to the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russia's involvement in the 2016 election and possible collusion with associates of the president's campaign. It did. On May 17, the day after the Times piece ran, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein named former FBI Director Mueller, a longtime friend of Comey, to the post. Trump was apparently declaring victory because Comey wouldn't say whether he believed the president obstructed justice by saying he wished Comey would "let" the Flynn investigation "go." Comey told the senators that he was confident that Mueller would make that determination. Indeed, if Trump should be angry at anyone, it is himself. By needlessly firing Comey and tweeting recklessly about it, Trump single-handedly turned his Russia problem -- a "cloud" over his administration, he reportedly told Comey -- into a much bigger problem. Now it's an investigation into possible obstruction of justice charges, the same charge that forced Richard M. Nixon to resign his presidency for cover-ups during the Watergate scandal. Yes, here comes the old Watergate era line once again: It's not the crime; it's the cover-up that counts. Were it not for the rising investigation into a possible cover-up, Trump would have reason to celebrate Comey's debunking of a February New York Times article as "in the main ... not true," although he didn't say in the open hearing what specifically wasn't true. So, as the story about Team Trump's possible collusion with Russians took a hit, suspicions about a possible Trump cover-up got a big boost from Comey's testimony. No, this investigation is only beginning. For those who appreciate history, it's important to note that the Watergate investigations went on for more than two years. Bill Clinton's Whitewater scandal lasted for seven of his eight years in office. But the big question on everyone's minds -- Will Trump be impeached? -- depends largely on the partisan makeup of the House and Senate. Legal scholars argue about it, but impeachment is a political process more than a legal one. It all comes down to how many votes the president has in Congress, which Trump's Republican Party currently controls. Still, there are danger signs on the horizon. A Politico/Morning Consult poll at the end of May found 43 percent of voters want impeachment proceedings to begin. Most of those cite political reasons, not criminal offenses. Still, that's up from 38 percent the previous week. Vindication is just one of Trump's challenges. Power distributor, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has blamed Monday evening's blackout that hit parts of the country on technical challenges at the national grid. In a short announcement on its Facebook page, the power distributor said the Ghana Grid Company Limited )GRIDCo) was, however, working to restore the power. No further details were given about the nature of the said technical challenges. The abrupt incident on Monday at approximately 8pm plunged many parts of the country, Accra especially, into darkness, with many on social media fearing the situation could signal the beginning of another era of load shedding -- a situation that has come to be known as 'dumsor'. Photo: ECG blamed the power outage on technical challenges at GRIDCo. Although power has been restored in some parts of the country as at 10:30 pm, Joy News, social media monitoring suggests that many parts of the capital, especially, remain in darkness. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected] Warsaw (AFP) - The migrants pouring into Europe have changed routes: the crossing between Turkey and Greece is practically closed, but ever greater numbers are risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean between Libya and Italy. A criminal industry has flourished, while the European Union has beefed up its border agency Frontex to try to check the mass migration. Frontex is at once both good cop and bad cop, rescuing migrants from sinking boats but also dropping them off at welcome centres where they risk being sent back home. Frontex head Fabrice Leggeri summed up the situation in an interview with AFP. Who are the migrants? On the shores of Greece there are now "80 or 100 people who arrive every day, whereas we had 2,500 a day" before the agreement with Turkey, said Leggeri. Among those who arrive from Africa via the central Mediterranean and Libya, whose number is up by more than 40 percent, most come from west Africa. They are Senegalese, Guineans, Nigerians. In 2016 they totalled 180,000. They are mainly economic migrants and include many young men but also families and young women. Nigerian women are often exploited as prostitutes in Europe. "It's not the poorest who leave, because they have to be able to pay the smugglers," said Leggeri. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), of the more than one million people who made it to Europe in 2015, 850,000 crossed into Greece via the Aegean Sea. More than half came from Syria and most of the rest from Afghanistan and Iraq. Following a landmark EU-Turkey accord in March 2016, the total number arriving in Europe by sea fell that year to around 363,000, IOM figures show. But as the number of arrivals in Greece dropped, the figures arriving from north Africa started to grow. By mid-April 2017, "some 36,000 migrants had arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year, or an increase of 43 percent over the same period last year," according to Frontex. Who are the smugglers? A criminal industry has flourished as hundreds of thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are smuggled between Libya and Italy. At the beginning of the most dangerous leg of the trip across the Sahara, the migrants are transported by Tuareg or Tebu nomads, for whom it is a traditional commercial activity, Leggeri said. The Mediterranean crossing however is run by criminal networks, both big and small, as well as lone smugglers. At the bottom of the ladder there are petty crooks, sometimes migrants themselves, who become the skippers of the small overloaded boats to pay for their own crossing, according to Leggeri. Then there are the middlemen who collect the money and organise the trip but who do not board. Their bosses are the network chiefs who "likely include people who previously worked in the police force" in Libya, Leggeri said. How much money is involved? Coming up with an estimate is not easy but according to a recent report by the EU's law enforcement agency Europol, gangs smuggling migrants to or within Europe raked in 4.7 billion-5.7 billion euros ($5.1 billion-$6.1 billion) in 2015. But those profits dropped by nearly two billion euros last year. The major traffickers use money earned smuggling migrants to undertake other criminal activities that require an initial investment, "be it drug trafficking, arms trafficking, or even terrorism financing -- we can't exclude it," Leggeri said. The funds are sometimes moved openly through money transfer service Western Union, especially in west Africa. In east Africa, traffickers more often use "hawala", an informal system of payment based on trust that is far more difficult to trace than bank transfers. What are the main routes? Migrants from west Africa begin by taking the bus, Leggeri said. The territory of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is somewhat similar to the visa-free Schengen zone, as individuals can travel freely within it for a modest fee of around 20 euros. Once the migrants arrive in Niamey, capital of Niger, the illegal activity begins and they must fork out up to 150 euros each to reach the north of the country and the Libyan border. Then comes the crossing which can cost up to 1,000 euros, depending on the boat. Individuals can, for example, pay 300 euros for a place on an inflatable boat, but those journeys are particularly risky. The east Africa route -- which originates from the Horn of Africa and is taken by Eritreans, Somalians and Ethiopians -- is more expensive. The journey is organised by national criminal gangs that work together, so a Sudanese network, for example, will hand over its clients to a Libyan network at the border. "There, the fee can run to 3,000 euros, from the Horn of Africa all the way to Italy," Leggeri said. How is the problem being tackled? The turning point came in 2015, when the migrant crisis hit Greece, leading Europe to reinforce Frontex. Sea rescues paradoxically encourage migration and benefit smugglers who load up rickety boats and abandon them once in international waters. "In early 2015, we were able to deploy around 300 to 350 border guards at any given moment. Today, we're able to have 1,300 to 1,400 border guards deployed at once across several fields of operation," Leggeri said. In 2016, Europe established a rapid reaction pool of 1,500 border guards who can be deployed within five working days if necessary. At the same time, Frontex is looking to work upstream to stop the migration influx before it reaches the Mediterranean. The agency recently opened an office in Niamey to reinforce its collaboration with authorities in Niger. Paradoxically, the sea rescues encourage migration and benefit the smugglers who load up their rickety boats with more and more people while assuring the migrants that once they leave Libyan waters they will be taken care of. "There have never been as many boats patrolling the Mediterranean as in 2016... and unfortunately there have never been as many deaths, 4,000 deaths most probably according to the IOM," Leggeri said. He has a message for any country with potential migrants to Europe: the paradise expected "is a lie". "Either you die in the Mediterranean, or you arrive in Europe under extremely deplorable conditions. It's not the El Dorado that the smugglers describe," Leggeri said. "And on top of that the EU is reinforcing a return policy, a repatriation policy, so what risks happening is that the migrants lose their savings to pay the smugglers and at the end of their journey there's a plane that takes them back to their country of origin." Long-term outlook? Even if the great crisis that hit the Greek islands appears to be over, migratory pressure at Europe's borders shows no signs of evaporating. Frontex rescues migrants from sinking boats but also deposits them at centres where they risk being sent home. Geopolitical instability, like the conflict in Syria or the chaos in Libya and Iraq, will continue to lead asylum seekers to Europe. Others will come because of poverty or for demographic reasons. As long as the countries of origin are unable to offer their residents a suitable quality of life and suitable prospects, "men and women will move, as they always have in human history," Leggeri said. The Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on Muslim community in Sunyani to pray hard and support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for him to work assiduously to fulfill all the promises pledged. Being President is not easy, the work you have given to Nana Akufo-Addo is a great task, and you should help him to execute that task, As a president all your vision is to give your people more development. You can have the vision but without Gods strength and guard you cant do it, thats why am pleading to you to continuing praying and support to help the government deliver for us to be free and happy he added. Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on a nationwide Ramadan Tour speaking at the Sunyani Central Mosque last Sunday to break fasting and pray with Muslims recalled that he was in the region and mosque last year to ask for their support in the run up to the elections and it is only proper that he comes in person again to thank them for helping the NPP win. Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said " we came here to thank you our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers who helped us so much to vote for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as president of Ghana, we are also extending the same thanks to all Ghanaians of all religions especially Brong Ahafo region people for massive votes during 2016 elections ". According to Dr. Bawumia, "I know Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and worked with him from 2008, 2012 and now 2017, Nana is a man of his words. He is a man who keeps his promises. He is a man who has sympathy for the suffering of the Ghanaian masses. He said that if given the opportunity he would establish the Zongo Development Fund to help the people in the Zongos, he has done exactly that. He has allocated Ghs 219 million for the Zongo development fund and the passage of the Zongo Development Fund law this year will make sure that every year funds are allocated from the budget for this fund and we will see a lot of development in the Zongos. He said the fund is the first time in the history of Ghana a government has instituted in the interest of Zongo development. " Free Senior High School education, restoration of Teaching and Nursing Training allowances, One Village-One-Dam, and One District One Dam,I( Bawumia) assure you that the President is a man of his word he will fulfill every pledge". Speaking on 2017 Hajj package for prospective pilgrims, vice Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said some innovations had been introduced to reduce the burden and stress of pilgrims both in Ghana and Saudi Arabia including identifiable accommodation tags, transport service , feeding on arrival at Madina and feeding before departure in Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia. "We have put everything in place for your well safety and health conditions in this year Hajj pilgrims, that makes 2017 Hajj special" he added Vice President, Dr Bawumia visited similar facilities in Kintampo, Techiman and ended at Sunyani Central Mosque. Sheikh Umar Abdul Kadiri, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chief Imam,expressed his profound gratitude to Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his visit and assured him that they( Muslims) will continue praying for Nana Addo and him for them to fulfill all the promises he made to Ghanaians. He pleaded to Nana Addo and Bawumia to help the only Islamic training college school in Ghana which is located in Wenchi to stand on its feet well,by providing them with learning materials and others needed things for training college. Vice President, Dr Bawumia was accompanied by senior party executives and government officials including Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Lawyer Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh, Sunyani East MP Hon. Akwasi Ameyaw - Cheremeh ,Minister for Business Development, Kamal-Dean Abdulai, National Nasara Coordinator, Regional Director of Youth Employment Agency, Mr. Micheal Boateng and some MCEs and DCEs in the region. As the rate of animal poaching continues to rise, conservationists have begun calling for stronger laws and deterrents to wildlife crimes. African governments and non-governmental organizations are starting to take wildlife crimes as seriously as other transnational crimes such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. In recent years countries have strengthened anti-poaching laws and stepped up prosecutions. Conservation groups have begun backing new ways to deter poachers. The newly created Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), for example, gathers evidence to disrupt and help dismantle transnational, organized wildlife crime. The WJC is based in The Hague, The Netherlands, near the International Criminal Court and several UN tribunals that try genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Commissions intelligence unit has since 2015 been gathering information to create tactical, operational and strategic intelligence assessments in support of current investigations, as well as disseminating information to law enforcement agencies and other non-governmental organizations on wildlife criminals. The WJC team of experts in law, criminology and wildlife conducts field investigations worldwide to identify the people behind the poaching, trafficking and trading of wildlife products. In what they call Maps of Factsconsisting of hundreds of pagesthey list the names and whereabouts of high-profile perpetrators. They publish this information on social media, along with audio and video evidence and incisive intelligence analysis. Because it was not set up by an international treaty, the WJC cannot enforce laws itself or hand down binding verdicts. After an investigation, the commission starts a period of dialogue and diplomacy to increase awareness, put the topic on the political agenda and push for prosecutions. However, if national authorities are taking no action, the commission can hold public hearings before an accountability panel. I firmly believe that law enforcement can change the behaviour of people, says Olivia Swaak-Goldman, the commissions executive director. Poaching is rampant because the probability of being caught is extremely low, Ms. Swaak-Goldman told Africa Renewal in an interview at her office in The Hague. The WJC aims to encourage the prosecution of these crimes, increase risks for perpetrators and, in the long run, generate a deterrent effect. Arrests and the disruption of wildlife smuggling networks in various African countries have resulted from this approach. However, challenges still remain. In recent years, the number of animals killed reached historic heightsa development with far-reaching consequences. For example, nearly 1,400 African rhinos were poached in 2015. In 2010 the number was about 400. Poaching and illegal trade not only present real environmental dangers, but ultimately undermine the rule of law by potentially fueling conflict, reports the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in its first World Wildlife Crime Report, published in May 2016. Poaching has damaged the wildlife population in Kenya, with fears that some species could be pushed into extinction, Julius Kamau, executive director of the East African Wildlife Society, told Africa Renewal. Historically, Kenya has treated poaching as a petty offence, but a law introduced in 2013 requires high minimum penalties for wildlife crimes, including imprisonment for the killing of endangered species. Penalties for wildlife crimes in Kenya are now the harshest in the world and even include life imprisonment in some cases, explains Paula Kahumbu of the Kenyan conservationist action group, WildlifeDirect. Since then the number of elephant deaths from poaching in the country has decreased by 80% and the number of rhino deaths from poaching by 90%. The decline can in part be attributed to the strengthening of the laws, Ms. Kahumbu wrote in an article for the Guardian, a British daily. In its report, UNODC notes that gaps in legal enforcement are facilitating wildlife crimes. Illegal trade could be reduced if each country were to prohibit, under national law, the possession of wildlife that was illegally harvested in, or illegally traded from, anywhere else in the world, UNODC writes. States and the international community are both increasingly recognizing the need for better laws and law enforcement. The United Nations General Assembly in July 2015 adopted a resolution (69/314) intended to tackle illicit trafficking in wildlife. It urged member states to take decisive steps at the national level to prevent, combat and eradicate the illegal trade in wildlife. Several African countries have already adopted new laws or increased penalties. Mozambique enacted a new conservation law in June 2014 that makes wildlife poaching a serious crime. In Tanzania, the National and Transnational Serious Crimes Investigation Unit (NTSCIU), an elite task force, is increasingly called in to prosecute wildlife crimes. One of NTSCIUs major successes was the arrest in August 2015 of a Chinese woman known as the Ivory Queen, one of Africas most notorious smugglers of ivory to Asia. She is said to have led a smuggling ring that killed animals in Africa and sold several millions of dollars worth of tusks to East Asia. Conservationists say they cant underscore enough the necessity of law. Swifter prosecution with heavy penalties could play a significant role in helping deter wildlife criminalsespecially if those near or at the top of the criminal hierarchy are caught, says Richard Thomas of the wildlife trade monitoring network, TRAFFIC, a global non-governmental organization based in the UK. And African countries are enacting and enforcing such laws. In March 2016, a Tanzanian court sentenced two Chinese men to 35 years in prison for smuggling ivory. A few months earlier it had sentenced two men to 20 years in jail for smuggling rhino horn. In South Africa, 414 poachers were arrested between January and September 2016. This marked an increase in arrests from 317 for the whole of 2015, according to Edna Molewa, the minister of water and environmental affairs. Heavier penalties arent a cure-all, though. One of the major challenges of deterring poaching activities via convictions is weak evidence gathering, which has resulted in weak prosecution and lack of evidence or proof, says Mr. Kamau, the Kenyan conservationist. This means that many offenders have gone unpunished. In a move to address this issue, Kenya and South Africa have set up laboratories that collect DNA information in a database that links stolen ivory and game meat to specific animals. The DNA information can be used in court as watertight evidence. It can prove the link to a suspect, for example, through hairs at the crime scene or a knife with blood. Moreover, most animals appear to have been killed in few specific hotspots in Africa. Sometimes suspects are never caught, their cases fail to come to trial or they receive penalties that are far too weak. This can be due to corruption, weak investigations or a lack of judicial appreciation of the seriousness of wildlife crime, according to Mr. Thomas of TRAFFIC. There are cross-cultural challenges as well. If Asians are arrested, African investigators frequently struggle with interrogation due to language barriers. Mr. Thomas prescribes better collaboration between Asian and African authorities. For example, Asian countries could strategically station law enforcement personnel and let investigators call them in to support interrogators and get information from seized documents, laptops and cell phones. Another possibility is for more countries to adopt an equivalent of the American Lacey Act, enabling them to prosecute their own citizens for wildlife crimes regardless of where the crimes were committed. If arrested, nationals could be extradited and prosecuted in their home countrythat would certainly be a game changer, says Mr. Thomas. 13.06.2017 LISTEN When disaster strikes in Africa, humanitarian aid can take months to reach people on the ground. By then a lot of damage may have been done. During a drought, for example, small-scale farmers facing a sequence of harsh dry seasons may sell their cattle and pull their children out of school. A quicker response could minimize the long-term effects of such a crisis. To address the problem of slow response to disasters, international development practitioners are advocating for resilience building, a term that refers to efforts to help communities brace for extreme events before they happen. The goal is to move away from disaster response and shift the conversation to one that is more proactive, says Dolika Banda, a Zambian economist who was recently named chief executive officer of African Risk Capacity, Limited (ARC Ltd). The continent needs to move from an ex post humanitarian response to ex ante preparation and disaster management plans, says Ms. Banda. ARC Ltd is the private-sector arm of the ARC Agency, established as a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) to help Member States improve their capacities to plan for and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters, therefore protecting the food security of their vulnerable populations, according to their website. It was launched by a 2012 treaty with 32 signatories and joins a small but growing group of risk pooling initiatives around the world (others are the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility and the Pacific Risk Pool). ARCs plan works like orthodox insurance; think of homeowners who must install smoke detectors to get fire coverage. If the detectors prove insufficient and everything goes up in flames, a system is in place for prompt payouts. As a technician, my message is that we cannot depend on nature, said Hastings Ngoma, the government coordinator for ARC Malawi. We need risk management. ARC promotes the value of insurance coverage to national leaders, advising countries to develop contingency plans before they purchase coverage. This encourages preparedness and makes sure countries know what to expect as they pay for the premiums. ARC uses a straightforward, novel system called parametric insurance to determine payouts. Under the parametric insurance policies, payouts are made when a predetermined threshold is reachedfor instance, if rainfall falls below a certain level. Customized policies You need to reach the trigger, says Ms. Banda. ARC and countries have to jointly develop customized policies that assure a payout when one is needed, she added. The organizations original capital infusion was a loan. Opening shop in 2014 with drought coverage, ARC marked its inaugural period with $26 million in payouts to Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. More recently, Malawi has qualified for $8 million in cash. The ARC brain trust has calculated that a dollar in premiums translates into at least five dollars worth of traditional responsewith quicker delivery. ARC aims to cut down its current payout response time of six weeks, but even six weeks outpaces the United Nations response in providing relief supplies for the Sahel. Eight countries, including Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe, have taken drought insurance in ARCs first three years in operation. Total coverage in the second year for seven nations was $178 million. Six countries (Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Senegal) are currently on board for the annual period that runs through mid-2017. ARC emerged partly in response to concerns about the often delayed and high cost of response of the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) and donor countries when providing humanitarian relief. The German development bank KfW and a UK aid agency, the Department for International Development, laid down a $200 million interest-free, 20-year loan as seed capital. Donor and WFP support for ARC is expected to continue. During the COP21 climate summit in December 2015, ARC announced more than $150 million in new pledges from countries including Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States. Last year the WFP announced collaboration with ARC to extend disaster insurance coverage to more African countries, partly thanks to European donors. The WFPs replica insurance programme will match outlays for countries that consistently invest in insurance premiums via ARC. The UN agency hopes that by 2030 insurance will finance half its natural disaster aid expenditures in Africa and Asia. WFP is transforming the way we assist vulnerable communities to cope with natural disasters, from disaster response to risk management, said WFP executive director Ertharin Cousin during the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul last year. Countries themselves need to own and manage their disaster risk, first and foremost. To make sure that it can make good on any and all claims, ARC has its own insurance, spreading its risk among many of the world`s top reinsurance companies, including such big names as Munich Re. Reinsurance companies The number of reinsurers that back ARCs portfolio stands at 24, twice the number that signed on at the beginning in 2014. They needed us more than we needed them, says Simon Young, former head of ARC, Ms. Bandas predecessor. Mr. Young remains in an advisory capacity. Big insurers have been trying to tap the African market for years, without much success. ARC is a really nice vehicle for them to get a lot of risk in a nicely packaged way, says Mr. Young. Using this leverage, ARC Ltd. can negotiate favorable prices, Mr. Young noted. The appetite among reinsurers is sufficient to cover ARC Ltd.s needs many times over, observes an insurance industry insider who preferred to remain anonymous. ARC Ltd. hopes to provide up to $1.5 billion of coverage for 150 million people against drought, floods and cyclones in 30 countries by 2020. Sixteen countries have signed memorandums of understanding, a key step toward obtaining coverage. Cyclone and flood programmes are in the research and development phase, a process that includes number crunching to make sure that necessary parameters and triggers are fairly calculated and correctly measured. Indian Ocean countries such as Madagascar have expressed interest in cyclone coverage, notes Ms. Banda. It is due to be rolled out later this year. Several donors appear ready to help launch the flood scheme. To ensure that payouts are used for disaster-mitigation purposes, ARC Ltd. plans to establish parameters for aid distribution and a monitoring system. We need a foolproof methodology for the traceability of payouts, says Ms. Banda, adding that one of her goals is to have African governments feel that the programme is theirs. Beyond its current drought coverage, ARC Ltd could be well placed for expansion. But in an era of ever-tightening public budgets, national leaders also need to be convinced to shell out cash for premiums. We need to work with host countries in terms of financial trade-offs with respect to premium affordability, said Ms. Banda. The lack of deeply-rooted insurance markets also seems to present a barrier to many African countries. Of all premiums in sub-Saharan Africa, 80% are concentrated in South Africa. Insurance is a relatively new sector, observes Mr. Ngoma. We dont have a culture of insurance. However, South Africas dominance is set to be challenged by a number of promising countries. Nigeria tops the list, with Kenya and Ethiopia showing significant growth in insurance markets on the continent. This is something [leaders] never considered paying for before, according to Mr. Young. Malawi was among the first countries to sign on, partly due to its experience with a World Bank pilot programme for drought insurance in 20082011, noted Mr. Ngoma. Our current minister of finance is an economist. He understands the advantages. To prime the pump for those not yet convinced, international donors and institutions such as the African Development Bank may be willing to subsidize premiums for a while, Ms. Banda notes, while cautioning the need to gradually reduce the role of outsiders. The original concept behind ARC was that over time it would be mutually owned by the sovereigns of Africa. As the results of The Gambias presidential election trickled in last December, incumbent President YahyaJammeh realised his power was slipping away. Indeed, final results showed that a newcomer, 51-year-old businessman Adama Barrow, had garnered 45.5% of total votes, while Mr. Jammeh received 36.6%. Mr. Jammeh unexpectedly conceded defeat and informed Mr. Barrow in a congratulatory telephone call that the Gambian people have spoken and I have no reason to contest the will of the mighty Allah. He promised guidance on your transition and when selecting a government, and signalled the beginning of the end of his 22-year rule. To the surprise of many, a president who once boasted he would rule for a billion years if Allah decrees it was presiding over a peaceful election and transition. The Gambias election indicated that African democracy and obedience to the law was coming of age, analysts said. Regional bodies, the Africa Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) jointly congratulated the people of The Gambia for peaceful, free, fair and transparent presidential elections. In a joint statement, ECOWAS, AU and the UN also commended President Jammeh for gracefully conceding defeat, and also congratulated Mr. Barrow for winning the presidential election. Nic Cheeseman, a professor of democracy at the University of Birmingham, UK, and the author of Democracy in Africa: Successes, Failures and the Struggle for Political Reform, summed it up: The news out of The Gambia is a boost for African democracy. It reinforces important principles about leaders standing down after losing power. But excitement soon evaporated, as days later, on 9 December, Mr. Jammeh cited irregularities in the election and called for its annulment. Fear of unrest, intimidation and arrest forced citizens to flee to neighbouring Senegal. One of those who fled was Mr. Barrow, the president-elect. Human Rights Watch, a US-based nongovernmental organization that promotes human rights globally, accused Jammeh of human rights abuses and urged the international community to stand by Mr. Barrow. Why Jammeh capitulated There were fears that the already muddled political and security situation could deteriorate further after Mr. Barrow was sworn in at a hastily arranged ceremony without the usual fanfare in the Gambian embassy in Dakar. This is a day no Gambian will ever forget in a lifetime, Mr. Barrow said in a speech immediately after being sworn in. Violent change is banished forever from the political life of our country. All Gambians are therefore winners. Intense international pressure from ECOWAS that threatened military force to bring stability to the countryfrom key national institutions, from Jammehs own armed forces and from citizens who insisted on a peaceful transfer of powerprompted Jammeh to agree to vacate office. He left the country on 22 January for Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. Experts are still debating the factors that influenced Jammehs capitulation, and what lessons, if any, can be learned. Despite security problems in many African countries, from the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Sudan, the peaceful transfer of power can be seen in a few exceptional casesa development that may have inspired Gambians to hold the line, experts say. Some examples: In 2015, Nigerias Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat after voters chose opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential poll. In December 2016, Ghanaian opposition politician Nana Akufo-Addo prevailed over incumbent President John Mahama, and a peaceful handover transpired. Peaceful elections took place in Tanzania in November 2015 when President JakayaKikwete handed over power to John Magufuli. In Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, a former prime minister, defeated sitting president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and assumed the presidency, following two rounds of voting in the capital citys heavily fortified airport. The country doesnt have universal suffrage, so the president was picked by the countrys 329 lawmakers. In The Gambia, citizens had begun mobilizing against the 55-year-old Jammeh, who seized power in 1994 in a bloodless coup. His government censored the media and was intolerant of the opposition. Journalists who dared criticise the president were jailed, while others fled into exile. International journalists were rarely given permission to enter the country. Mr. Jammeh did not see that his repressive practices had gradually generated a mass of popular anger, anguish, discontent and defiance, writes Baba GallehJallow, a Gambian journalist, who escaped to the US. The ex-president, a homophobe, once threatened to slit the throats of gays and lesbians, and later promoted a law that dictated a life sentence for homosexuals. He referred to himself as a miracle worker with powers to cure AIDS, and left some 21,000 HIV-infected Gambians without lifesaving antiretroviral drugs. In the three previous presidential elections, in which he managed to whip the opposition, Jammeh was accused by the opposition of widespread rigging and voter intimidation. Regional economic and political groupings, particularly ECOWAS and the AU, as well as international organisations such as the United Nations, helped force Mr. Jammeh to relinquish power, analysts believe. The UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative and head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, stressed that for Mr. Jammeh, the end is here and under no circumstances can he continue to be president. Of greatest concern was the threat by ex-president Jammeh to withdraw Gambia from the International Criminal Court. However, after his victory at the polls, Mr. Barrow took a different tack, announcing that the country would remain in the ICC and hinting that criminal charges could soon be pressed against Mr. Jammeh himself. Lessons learned A last-minute agreement brokered by ECOWAS suggests Mr. Jammeh may have been concerned about his post-presidency life. The final agreement guarantees the dignity, respect, security and rights of former President Jammeh. In an interview with Africa Renewal, Professor Cheeseman listed three lessons that countries can learn from The Gambia. The first lesson is that opposition unity is critical to opposition success. As the elections approached, two parties, the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress and the Gambia Moral Congress, combined to form the Peoples Alliance, led by Mr. Barrow. This allowed the coalition to successfully wrestle power from Mr. Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction Party. The second lesson is that fashionable biometric election technology is not required to remove an authoritarian government from power. Gambians voted with marbles, yet Jammeh lost. But Mr. Jammeh had anticipated victory, and his rejection of biometric voting, which uses biometric identifiers such as fingerprints to minimize election fraud, could have been a ploy to avoid a free and fair process. The third lesson, continued Professor Cheeseman, is that it is very dangerous to start talking about prosecuting leaders before they have actually left power, alluding to Mr. Barrows publicized threat to bring charges against Mr. Jammeh before the ICC. Mr. Barrow himself rode to power on a wave of populist messages: he has vowed to respect human rights, media freedom, civil societys right to free expression, and judicial independence. Last February he was spotted wearing a T-shirt reading, Free Press for a New Gambia. Some interpreted this as a symbolic show of support for a free press and, perhaps, a dig at his predecessor. Hopes brighten for the future It may take time before Gambians begin to enjoy the economic dividends expected in a functioning democracy. Because Mr. Jammeh strained The Gambias relations with the EU, the country lost millions in precious aid money. As a result he looked to the Middle East and obtained a financial bailout. In 2015 he renamed the country the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, a move that Gambians saw as an attempt to curry favour with his new allies. The Gambia ranks 172 out of 186 countries in human development, according to the UNs Human Development Index report of 2016. The Index rates countries based on their progress in education, health and the environment, among other areas. The Gambias current administration has accused Mr. Jammeh of emptying state coffers and siphoning $11.4 million of state funds just before fleeing the country. In light of the countrys precarious financial situation, donors seem ready to respond positively. The EU recently pledged about $238 million towards a rescue package for the country. Even before donor funds flow in, Gambians are grateful that an electoral crisis that appeared poised to degenerate into civil strife was averted. The second International Conference on the Emergence of Africa (ICEA) was held in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, in March 2017. Since the first conference in 2015at a time of robust economic growth on the continenthopes for economic progress have dimmed because of a crash in the price of commodities, volatile global financial markets and a slowdown in global growth. Before departing New York to attend the second ICEA conference, jointly organized by the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and head of UNDPs Regional Bureau for Africa Abdoulaye Mar Dieye sat down for an interview with Africa RenewalsKingsley Ighobor to talk about Africas economic development opportunities and challenges. Africa Renewal: Why have you organized the International Conference on the Emergence of Africa? Mr. Dieye: In 2015, when the first conference took place in Abidjan, Africas GDP was growing at around 5% since 2000. The Economist in 2000 had called Africa the hopeless continent. Ten years later it apologetically referred to Africa as the rising continent. Then the [economic indicators] were changing in terms of growth rate, poverty reduction and human development. I had a discussion with President AlassaneOuattara of Cote dIvoire, and we agreed to capitalize on the emerging new spirit and organize a conference to study the reality of the narrative. How do we consolidate and sustain that emerging trajectory? That was the rationale behind the conference. Given current economic headwinds, triggered mainly by the crash in commodity prices, can you still say Africa is emerging? Yes. The analysis shows that one-third of the 5% growth was triggered by the emerging middle class and one-third by better economic and political governance. Only one-third is explained by the rise in commodity prices. The average growth rate from 2000 to 2015 was 5% in real GDP terms. Now it is between 2% and 3%. Dont be fooled by the tyranny of the average. Some countries are still growing at more than 5%, for example Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Cote dIvoire and Uganda. Some have been badly affected by the commo-dity prices, especially those producing oil, for example Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Angola. Those are the ones whose growth rates have decelerated substantially, particularly Equatorial Guinea. Countries in conflict such as South Sudan and the Central African Republic also contributed to the continental economic growth downturn. But some countries are continuing on the path of emergence. Cote dIvoire is almost growing at double digits. Rwanda and Senegal are growing at more than 6%. Therefore, the narrative is still right, but you have different situations in the growth path. How do you achieve the equilibrium when countries with varying growth rates sit to discuss common economic issues? They have some commonalities. Even countries like Ethiopia, Cote dIvoire and Senegal that have high growth rates still see areas for more investment to sustain growth. Such as? Such as structural economic transformations. For instance, the cocoa value chain has an average of 15% retained in the continent, while 85% is outside the continent. You cant sustain development on that path. So how do you improve transformation of raw materials in the country before export? And you cannot do structural transformation without an increase in productivity. Many conferences take place on the continent. Critics call them talk shops. How is this one different? In Abidjan [in 2015] we wanted to test the model that we offered: a developmental state that helps change the pattern of production and consumption but also impacts human development. We have done some calculations on elasticity. The Abidjan OneI call it the Abidjan One modelseeks to enforce a developmental state through a wider fiscal space to drive development and to rely on internal resources, instead of ODA [official development assistance]. You cannot sustain a development path if you dont consume what you produce locally, if you do not expand the value you retain internally, and if growth is not impacting human development. You need regional cooperation because our economies are extremely narrow in size. In the longer term you need to have inclusive dialogue. In Africa, whenever you have a change in leadership, theres a change in plan. These are the main messages sought to pass across to top-level policymakers in Africa, in addition to bringing experts from all over the world to share experiences on how to consolidate and sustain emergence. Do you believe in what some experts refer to as sophisticated protectionism, which is basically formulating policies that protect local industries? I dont think so. Protectionism is in the past. I believe in economic patriotism, which is completely different. How do you ensure economic patriotism, which I presume is patronizing locally produced goods and services, if the local population prefers imported items? The government should start economic patriotism. I am mystified that some ministries in Africa import furniture from Germany, France or the UK. We have to use our local enterprises. Where has economic patriotism worked? Nigeria and Kenya have local content policies, both in the procurement of goods and in giving preference to local entrepreneurship. How can there be enhanced levels of regional cooperation when intra-Africa trade is only about 11%? Some regions are doing better, like ECOWAS [the Economic Community of West African States]. SADC [the Southern African Development Community] is getting better lately. There are barriers you have to deal with, including in infrastructure. The market is booming between Ghana and Togo in West Africa, although the facilitation is not there. The people are yearning for integration but the states and governments are lagging behind. Where we have a better climate of peace and security, the people trade and cooperate with one another more than in situations where you have insecurity, like in the central African region. Does Africa have enough domestic resources to mobilise for development? If so, which ones? Absolutely! Most of Africas developing economies were funded in the past by ODA. Today even the remittances are trumping ODA. ODA in Africa is below $60 billion per year and remittances are up from $62 billion to $65 billion. We have a study by former South African President Thabo Mbekis group [the African Unions High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa] that shows that the continent is losing yearly between $50 billion and $60 billion due to illicit financial flows. That is 3% of GDP lost. Now, if we enhance good governance, stronger control of corruption, we will retain that amount. What is the impact of climate change on African economies? There is a huge impact. Africa is the least polluting region, but we are bearing the pollution burden. Africa deserves more resources for adaptation. Im glad that African countries have identified their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). UNDP is supporting countries to implement INDCs and plans for adaptation that came out after the Paris Agreement. Most African countries are also candidates for the green climate fund. How do you convince a government dealing with acute poverty to spend money on climate change? Climate change is a global public good. It means everyone has to foot the bill. And the greatest polluters have to spend more, including the US, China and others. A lack of financial inclusion disproportionately affects African women, experts say. Whats the solution? Our latest Africa Human Development Report shows that by not including women in the development process, Africa lost an annual average of $95 billion, peaking at $104 billion in 2014. Thats 6% of GDP. The paradox is that our banks have money. We are not using it. UNDP and the AfDB are advocating for countries to invest in women to cure this syndrome of exclusion, which is also bad economics. Investments in women easily double GDP growth rates and improve the wellbeing of the society at large. There is a sociocultural subtext, including barriers associated with patriarchy. How do you break such barriers? Economic policy can only work when you get the political economy right. And youre correct to say that in Africa we have some cultural norms that are barriers to womens development. In some countries, women cannot access or possess land to use as collateral for loans. So we need to work with community leaders, civil society and others to break these cultural barriers. Is there a country where womens empowerment has led to economic development? Seychelles, Rwanda and Senegal are some examples. In these countries you see improving economic development. How is UNDP supporting Africas development? Africa is the heart of opportunity and home to about 60% of our investments [UNDP invests about $5 billion a year in Africa] and my greatest pride is that when we were preparing for Agenda 2030, [the UNs development framework], UNDP supported the African Union Commission in formulating the African Common Position. Africas Agenda 2063 [the AUs regional development blueprint] is 90% in congruence with the Agenda 2030. I would recognize a modest credit to UNDP for supporting the African Common Position. Whats your vision for the African economy? The centre of global economic gravity is tilting slowly but surely towards Africa. Countries like China, India and Turkey and others sense that Africa is the future of the world, where you can get the highest returns on investment. I bet that if we manage to deal with insecurity in the Sahel, in the Great Lakes, in the Horn of Africa, Africa will be the new El Dorado. Zenith University College (ZUC), is set to introduce the Ghana Bachelor of Laws programme in the 2017/18 academic year in line with the colleges philosophy. Hitherto, the college had been offering only the University of London Diploma in Law and Bachelor of Laws programmes. The Rector of ZUC, Professor Stephen Takyi-Asiedu said the affiliation process with the University of Cape Coast has been completed and awaiting the final report from the National Accreditation Board. He told the Daily Express on the sideline of the universitys first Congregation ceremony for this year in Accra. The university had decided to hold two separate congregation every year. The ceremony saw a total of 222 students graduating with honours in Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) and the figure is made up of 121 females and 101 males. Out of the figure, 14 students represented 6.3 per cent obtained First Class with honours; 96 representing 43.2 per cent had Second Class Upper; while 105 representing 47.7 per cent obtained Second Class Lower Division. Seven students, representing 3.2 per cent obtained Third Class. The next congregation is scheduled for December, this year. Professor Takyi-Asiedu also announced that the university has begun the Diploma in Business Administration in February this year and the programme intends to offer opportunity to students, who do not have all the requisite passes to enrol in the BBA programme, to use the Diploma in Business Administration pathway as an entry qualification into the BBA programme. He indicated that the university has collaborated with Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport so as to introduce certificate, diploma and advanced diploma in Chartered Institute of Logistic and Transports International Qualification in Logistics and Transport. He said application for accreditation has provisionally been approved pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. Commenting on staff development, he said the university has given scholarship awards to members of staff to pursue BBA programme at the College and Master in Business Administration and Master in Philosophy at the University of Ghana Business School. Professor Takyi-Asiedu challenged the graduands to be reputable ambassadors for the college wherever they find themselves in the society. The next set of students are expected to graduate in December this year. The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe Constituency who doubles as Deputy of Health, Hon. Tina Naa Ayeley Mensah has donated 195 pieces of quality dual desks to Oblogo M/A 2&3 Primary Schools with a pupil population of 682. The dual desks which cost over Ghc 50,000 are the best so far supplied to schools in the Municipality. This kind gesture, demonstrated today Monday, June 12, 2017. was greeted with joy by pupils and teachers of the schools as a sign of relief. The donation was received on behalf of the school by Mrs. Felicia Agyeibea Okai, the Municipal Director of Education in charge of schools in the Ga South Municipality. The Education Director expressed her appreciation to the MP who doubles as Deputy Minister of Health for her short response and commended the sense of urgency she attached to the need to assist the schools with desks. She remarked, " I thought the MP will supply the desks in September, but has supplied it so early". She added that, the MP has agreed to supply 400 dual desks in total, hence she is hopeful she will supply the rest. The two schools which are among nine other schools in Weija Circuit have had serious challenge with desks. The situation which has persisted for over a year, has attracted several media houses to put the situation in the public domain for a solution which did not materialise until the timely intervention by the Honourable Member. On 26th February, 2016, Hon. Jerry Akwei Thompson, the former Municipal Chief Executive under the estwhile NDC administration handed over the Oblogo M/A 2&3 primary school structure to the Education Directorate for use without furnishing the six-unit classroom block with desks. The unavailability of desks have affected teaching and learning. In an interview with the Honourable Member, she stated among other things that, she has to supply the dual desks urgently because the desks situation at the schools was very abhorring and therefore need serious attention. She concluded by saying that, she will do everything within her powers to assist all schools in her constituency. Admittedly, communication especially good communication is an agent of development. When Ghana's airwaves became characterised and saturated with a legion of radio stations, the general view has been that the oportunities being created for discourses and information sharing can advance the course of the communities in particular In the various regions of the country , the local radio stations filled in the void created by the then radio Ghana in terms of the lack of adequately providing space in meeting the needs of local people in their participation in the discussions of matters of local interest Programmes and news items are delivered in the specific local languages, which address the concerns or what matters to the local people ,as the indegenous local languages are used to drive the agenda Indeed there are more than one local radio or FM stations in all the other regions but for the volta region, which can only account for the Volta Star FM Initialy, Star radio provided programmes in the local Ewe language and was reflecting the cultural richness of the language of the people ,their music ,traditions and way of life Undoubtedly, Ewes living in the diapora have had something to listen to ,eespecially in their own Ewe language , providing them with the missing link far away from home Star radio was a good source of local news ,music ,culture and programmes which was educative ,entertaining and informative ,just as those many others in the various regions aimed specifically at their people The station like those in the other regions , provided the space in promoting the language and culture of its target audience- its people Sadly though ,the important opportunity Star radio had offered our brothers and sisters living in the other regions and in particular the dispora, who had found solace in identifying with their mother tongue has shamelessly got lost if not buried For clearly, the Ewe language and programmes have been thrown into the dust bin of history , much to the detriment of the values ,relevance and importance of such a rich language which is widely spoken in the international arena The worrying trend and development concern ,,presents a tacit silent grand agenda to undermine the Ewe language and its culture so as to achieve its extinction and hegemonise another Ghanaian language. May be the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education should be in the position to explain why only so little or nothing is done to promote the teaching of Ewe language in the Basic level of teaching and learning at the expense of other local languages within the region. Clearly the story is far different in some other regions, where people from other regions are assimilated into the learning and speaking of the language of their hosts. For now, most Ewes living outside their regions and especially the diasporians who treasure listening to local news and programmes in their indegenious language have been short changed given the betrayal of Star radio ,the one and only FM station that hitherto made it possible for them to identify with their language, music ,culture and heritage. The proprietor(s) and management of Star radio owe us a duty of explanation to the secret and coy agenda of a betrayal and subjudication of our Ewe language The writer lives in the diaspora. Some Nebraska prison staff members say to combat the problems of drugs in prisons, they'd like to see stricter visiting policies, more drug dogs, and more and better searches of anyone coming and going at the state's prisons. Inspector General for Corrections Doug Koebernick sent out a survey Thursday to staff members asking their opinions on how to decrease the flow of illegal drugs into Nebraska's prisons. The survey came after inmate Daelan Lamere, 22, was found unresponsive in his cell and later died at Bryan West Campus in Lincoln. He tested positive for methamphetamine and ecstasy. Koebernick, who will investigate Lamere's death, as will the Nebraska State Patrol, sent out 500 emails Thursday asking staff what additional steps should be considered to decrease the flow of illegal drugs into Nebraska's prisons and decrease the amount of liquor or "hooch" that is made in prisons. He got at least 100 responses in the first several days. He shared the answers with policymakers and the department, he said. Senators on the Legislature's Judiciary Committee and a Corrections oversight committee (LR127) received a report on the survey from Koebernick. Anonymous responses to the inspector general's questionnaire suggested the department move toward having no-contact visits, in which visitors and inmates are separated by glass and use a phone to talk to each other. They also had these suggestions: * Purchase more drug dogs and use them to a greater degree; * Conduct more searches of staff when they enter the prisons. One staff member responded he or she had been working with the department three years and had never been searched; * Increase prosecution or discipline for those that were caught bringing in illegal drugs or other contraband. Staff members said searches of inmates and cells should be more thorough, and discipline for inmates found with homemade alcohol should be increased. A substantial amount of it was found recently in a unit in Tecumseh. Sen. Laura Ebke, chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee, said a heightened state of vigilance is probably called for on the drug and alcohol issue. Friends and family members who work in the prisons have told her more thorough staff searches should be conducted. "The safety and the potential for something getting out of hand is what a lot of staff members are worried about," Ebke said. There are numerous ways for contraband, such as drugs, to enter a prison, Koebernick said. They are mailed in, brought in by visitors and staff, thrown over fences and brought in by prisoners returning from work release. Some states have seen the use of drones flying over prison walls and dropping off drugs. Someone has even shot arrows with drugs attached over the wall of an Omaha prison, he said. "Every single person that enters a correctional facility is considered a potential source of contraband," he said. On Friday, Corrections Corporal Sarah Murillo was suspended without pay from Tecumseh State Correctional Institution following an arrest by the Nebraska State Patrol for unauthorized communication with a prisoner. Details are not known, but in a press release announcing Murillo's arrest, Corrections Director Scott Frakes said the introduction of contraband can lead to a variety of security breaches and would not be tolerated. Department officials have said they are diligent in their efforts to keep drugs from entering the prisons. They search visitors, staff and mail, and they strip-search inmates coming to and from visits. They use drug dogs, do cell searches and conduct prison area searches. Staff members said their ability to carry out their duties is impacted by staff shortages. A recent vacancy report for the department showed 148 unfilled positions, and money was appropriated in the 2017-19 budget to help solve some of the staff shortages. When there's not enough staff, or many are inexperienced, it's hard to keep eyes on everything going on, and to do the quality and quantity of searches that are needed, staff members said. The newly formed Nebraska justice system oversight committee will visit all the prisons in the months over the interim, Ebke said, and talk to staff and inmates to tease out more ideas on the contraband issues. The department needs to listen to what the men and women on the front line are saying, she said. "Ultimately, the administration makes the decision, but it ought to be an informed decision," she said. Frakes said he appreciated the staff's perspectives and would bear them in mind as the department reviews security measures and day-to-day practices. The introduction and detection of contraband is a priority issue and is taken seriously. The Ghana-Turkey Corporation and Development Association (TUDEC) on Thursday 8th June, 2017 honored six gallant Ghanaians for their role in championing peace in the country at a Dinner held in Accra. The annual dinner themed, Peace and Dialogue If tar, is organized during the month of Ramadan to bring members of all religious affiliations together to discuss matters of peace in the country in particular and the world in general, whilst observing the fast breaking. The Managing Director of TUDEC, Mr. Yusuf Temizkan in his welcoming address, congratulated those present on the advent of the Holy month of Ramadan which is a time of spiritual renewal and a reminder of ones duty to his fellowman to serve one another and lift up the less fortunate. He went on to say that the most basic doctrines of all religious beliefs are values bestowed upon us by God such as equality, freedom, dignity, peace and justice and that by honoring these values, we affirm that whatever our faith, we are all really just one family. He explained that the peace award is meant to encourage individuals to use dialogue as means of achieving peaceful co-existence. He added that we need a constant reminder that together we can overcome ignorance and prejudice, conflict and injustice, not just by words but with deeds. He congratulated all the awardees for the hard work and expressed the need for their commitment to peace to continue. He described he awardees as individuals in the community who have the courage to reject discriminations and overcome adverse environments even though they are often tested by external circumstances. He went on to say that the awardees remain steadfast in their spirit and remain committed to the greater good. The awardees for this year were the Most. Rev. Palmer Buckle, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic-Accra, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu who is the National Chief Imam and Major General Obed Boamah Akwa-Chief of Defense Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces. Others were Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye-Chairman National Hajj Board, Mr. Francis Azuimah-Executive Secretary at the National Peace Council and Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso- Director/Dean of Academic Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College (GAFCSC). The award recipients thanked management for acknowledging their contribution and promised to continue with the hard work in promoting peace and unity. They emphasized the need for love and tolerance among all people of the world, and were happy that TUDEC is committed to creating platforms for dialogue on peace, love and tolerance. On his part, the Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle praised TUDEC for organizing such an event and stated such events must be organized to emphasize the relationship between Christians, Muslims and all other religious affiliations. The dinner drew various people from all walks of life including current and former Members of Parliament and Ministers, clerics, educators, businessmen and a host of others. It was indeed a beautiful atmosphere as people gathered went round shaking hands and exchanging messages of peace and love. 13.06.2017 LISTEN Yendi (NR) June 12, GNA - The Yendi office of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has ended its 2017 Citizenship Week Celebration after covering 35 Primary and 25 Junior High Schools in the Yendi Municipality of Northern Region. Their target of 6,872 school children comprising of 3,621 males and 3,056 females were directly contacted. Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan Iddi, the Yendi Municipal Director of the Commission said during the Citizenship Week Celebration in some schools, it was discovered during discussions at the schools that most parents do not take care of the basic needs of girls. Alhaji Sulemana said the issues were uncovered when the girls were advised to stay off child prostitution and pre-marital sex to avoid teenage pregnancies. He said a large percentage of the girls complained that their sex partners provided all their basic needs including; school uniforms and other educational materials. He said the situation had resulted in high level of child marriages, teenage pregnancies, child mothers as well as high female school drop-out rates in the area. Touching on high level of delinquency and patronage of night life among children in basic schools, Alhaji Sulemana said during the discussions it also came out that most children loitered about in town at night other than staying at home to study and sleep. He said most of the children mentioned some popular areas of the Municipality that hosted their night activities. He added that the children also patronised activities organised during weddings and naming ceremonies where internet fraudsters broadcast bank money for the children to scrumble to pick. Alhaji Sulemana stated that the activities did not only keep the children out of school, but also introduced them to internet fraud popularly known as 'Scamming or sakawa.' He said the sub-theme for the celebration 'Restoring Our Ghanaian Values, The Role of the Child' was appropriate adding that some of the schools visited included; Yendi Municipal Assembly (YMA) Junior High School, Na-Yakubu JHS, Yendi M.A. clusters of primary schools in the Yendi Municipality with the aim of inculcating in the children the values of good citizenship. A Resource Person Gumpali-Lana, Naa Shei Sumani Sadick a retired educationist and Chief of Gumpali Division in Tatale/Sanguli District on his part advised the pupils to be honest, humble and aspire for excellence. He urged them to be decent and use decorous language when speaking to their teachers, parents, and elders in the society. He urged them to be disciplined in both their private and public life. Speaking at Yendi Presbyterian JHS, the Yendi Municipal Police Commander DSP Patrick Kwampong advised the pupils against indulging in acts that would place them in conflict with the law. Mr Kwapong advised them to respect the laws and school rules and study in school. The Yendi Municipal Director of Health Service, Hajia Hajara Harunah advised the pupils to put the interest of Ghana first in all their dealings and respect national symbols such as the National flag, Coat of Arms and National Colours. Hajia Hajara urged them to protect and safeguard the environment by properly disposing off plastics and other wastes, desist from setting bush fires and constantly clean their school compounds GNA Accra June 12, GNA - The United Nations (UN) on Monday articulated its willingness to support the Ministry of Interior and the Small Arms Commission in Ghana to tackle the increased circulation of small arms and light weapons. Madam Christine Evans-Klock, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, speaking in Accra to mark the end of the observation of the 'Global Week of Action against Gun Violence', said the proliferation of illicit small arms and lights weapon was a global phenomenon. The campaign, launched in 2003 by International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), the official coordinator of civil society for the UN small arms process, addresses the issue of armed violence. This year's observation spanned from June 5-June 12, and was on the theme 'The Road to Development and Peace Begins with Silencing the Guns'. Madam Evans-Klock noted that a survey in 2015 by the Small Arms Commission of Ghana estimated that there had been an increase in the circulation of unregistered arms in the country of 850 per cent from 2004. Quoting a record from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service, she said 'these illicit arms are the main weapons used in conflicts over chieftaincy and land rights and that 'there is a new concern about their use in the politically-related vigilantism that we have seen in Ghana since the December election.' Madam Evans-Klock said if the country was determined to maintain the push towards creating a resilient and robust economy to propel national development, there was the need to deal with the menace of small arms as well as light weapons to curb potential violent conflicts in communities. She said the connection between peace and development was spelt out clearly in the Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which called on all countries to strengthen effective, accountable and inclusive institutions as a foundation for development. Madam Evans-Klock identified youth unemployment as one of the key factors of insecurity across the West Africa region with failed expectations of good jobs and opportunities for starting businesses, which make them vulnerable to political exploiters. On his part, Mr Henry Quartey, the Deputy Minister of Interior said Ghana was committed to the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty and the Sustainable Development Goals in addition to other arms control instruments such as the UN programme of Action, International Tracing Instrument and the Firearms Protocol. Mr Quartey said: 'These instruments will help deal with gun violence issues. Proliferation of small arms and light weapons put all of us at risk and the time act is now.' The Deputy Minister, who demonstrated distastefulness to mob action, said the ministry would ensure that acts of mob justice was thoroughly and impartially investigated and the perpetrators would be arrested and put before the court. He said the Ministry would also improve police coverage and effectiveness in responding to crime in areas where mob justice was more prevalent especially in the rural areas. Mr Quartey said: 'The Government is very much committed to equipping the Police Service with the tools needed to effectively deal with this menace'. Mr Baffour Dokyi Amoa, the Chairman of the International Advisory Council of IANSA said there were approximately one billion small arms in circulation worldwide today, and thousands of manufacturers around the world produced approximately eight billion more annually. Mr Jones Borteye Applerh, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons said the destabilising impact of violence and insecurity on development had severely degraded people's access to basic services and human rights. Mr Applerh said the impact of gun violence on the health and safety of Ghanaians especially women was a great concern to the Commission. He said: 'while we acknowledge that gun violence in Ghana cannot be fully prevented through gun safety measures alone, we believe that increasing the number of guns in the hands of civilians presents an increased risk to our communities.' GNA By Kwamina Tandoh/Julius K. Satsi, GNA Johannesburg (AFP) - Credit ratings agency Moody's on Tuesday said it had downgraded a slew of top South African banks, insurers and local authorities prompted by fears over the country's worsening financial position. It slashed the creditworthiness of the five largest banks -- FirstRand, Standard, Nedbank, Investec and Absa -- to just one notch above junk status, all with a negative outlook. "The primary driver for today's rating downgrades is the challenging operating environment in South Africa, characterized by a pronounced economic slowdown, and weakening institutional strength," Moody's said in a statement. Insurers Old Mutual, MMI Group, Guardrisk and Standard Insurance were all downgraded one notch to either Baa2 or Baa3 -- the lowest investment-grade level. "Recent political developments suggest a weakening of the country's institutional strength which casts doubt over the strength and sustainability of the recovery in growth," said the statement. Moody's was likely referring to President Jacob Zuma's shock purge of critical ministers in March, including respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan. The move prompted Fitch and Standard and Poor's, the other two main global ratings agencies, to downgrade South Africa's sovereign debt to junk status. It also led to outrage amongst the opposition and part of Zuma's own ruling African National Congress (ANC), with tens of thousands taking to the streets to demand the president's resignation. Moody's currently has South African government debt rated at Baa3 -- one notch above junk status -- with a negative outlook. On Tuesday Moody's also announced that it had downgraded the creditworthiness of 10 South African regional governments and local authorities by one notch -- including the cities of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town. "While (the cities) have comparatively rich economic bases, sound financials and good governance practices, Moody's expects that reduced growth prospects in the medium-term will put pressure on their overall financial performances," it said. Moody's announcements will pile pressure on Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba who is facing criticism after the economy entered recession -- its first since 2009 -- with an unexpected 0.7 percent contraction in the first quarter. He has also been dogged bv corruption accusations in the media in recent days. South Africa has had sluggish growth for years, with record unemployment of more than 27 percent. The Ghana Police Service has placed 12 principal actors on its wanted list over the heinous murder of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central region. Fifty-two persons are currently on remand for their alleged roles in lynching the 32-year-old military commander who was allegedly mistaken as an armed robber in late May, 2017. According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the 12 suspects on the run were spotted wielding guns as well as firing at the young military officer while being pursued by the marauding mob. The Director General of the CID, DCOP Bright Oduro, said some were also seen in the video evidence rushing to buy petrol and subsequently setting the body of the soldier ablaze. Their names were given as Yaw Amankwa, alias Bulla; Akwesi Asante; Nana Kwadjo, alias Nana Edjo; John Boakye, Unit Committee Member, and a trader whose name was given only as Sarah, married to Kwaku Brefo, a motorbike rider in the town. The others, according to the State-owned Daily Graphic, are Kwaku Diesel, Kaya Rasta and the rest whose names were given only as Daddy, Boadu, Ahinkra, Tikwa and Attipar. DCOP Oduro said apart from the fractures on the head of Major Mahama, there were bullet wounds on his body, giving a clear indication that the suspects fired shots at the deceased before setting his body ablaze. The police is entreating the suspects at large to turn themselves in at the CID Headquarters or the nearest police station. Major Mahama was given a state burial on Friday, June 9, 2017. Nigeria, Abuja, 12 June 2017 The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed agreements for a corporate loan to finance the expansion of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The expansion plan consists of construction of new facilities - including a 400-bed teaching hospital, an industrial research park, a post-graduate school, student hostels, a central library, and a small scale hydro power installation. The signing ceremony was held at AfDB premises in Abuja with representatives of the University and other lending partners (WEMA Bank, Sterling Bank, UBA, Union Bank and legal partners Templars) in attendance. The Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Micheal Oluwafemi Ajisafe explained that the expansion will improve access to high quality education to over 10,000 students, create 250 new staff positions as well as about 1000 temporary jobs across the construction, supplies and consulting in the value chain. In addition, full/partial scholarships and other forms of substantial financial aid will be provided to over 500 student beneficiaries. With emphasis on life skills, leadership skills and entrepreneurial skills, the University will generate over 12,000 high quality and employable graduates by the end of the loan life, in addition to over 2,400 trained farmers who will benefit from the Universitys farmers training and entrepreneurial programs. The industrial research park is expected to galvanize the interest of industrialists and investors to establish SME industries in Ekiti State, and improve the States revenues by over NGN 50 million annually. In his closing remarks, the AfDB Nigeria Senior Director, Ebrima Faal commended the design of the project which he said thoroughly fits into the Banks High5 priorities by contributing to improve the quality of life for the people of Africa through high-quality tertiary education, job creation and health service provision; fostering industrialization through its industrial research park, powering Africa through its off-grid renewable Small Hydro Power (SHP) scheme and feeding Africa through its support to local farming businesses. Faal also highlighted the alignment of the project with two core focus areas of the Banks Ten Year Strategy, namely skills & technology and private sector development. Pastor Modupe Babalola, the Universitys Bursar assured AfDB and other lenders of the Universitys commitment that the project funds will be administered with honesty, transparency and accountability. These, he said, were amongst the core values of the University. The loan will be repaid within eight years after a three-year grace period. 13.06.2017 LISTEN For me, most of our leaders in Africa only realize power resides in the people only when they lose political power or when its time to go place ballot boxes in polling stations. Certain political actors in the erstwhile administration triggered the change Ghanaians anticipated, supported by your thoughtful and fine policies projected during the political campaigns. Barely six months into government, you seem to be repeating similar mistakes which triggered the changetreating the public sector worker with no respect! Sitting in the comfort zones of your air-conditioned offices at Accra [a place most Ghanaians misconstrue as Ghana] to delete the names of public sector employees, relying solely on data of a third-party, was needless, lazy, harsh and something else I wouldnt want to put out here. I have always referred to this recent move and approach to cleaning the payroll as easy approach to problem solving. You dont solve a problem by scratching the surface; you deal with it from the root! If you care to know, the real ghosts you intended taking out of the payroll are out there, conniving with Directors and other Heads of government institutions robbing this country of unearned salaries, at the expense of poor diligent workers. Recently, the Youth Employment Agency [YEA], upon suspecting that their payroll might have been bloated, came down to Districts and sub districts, conducted headcounts and had real ghosts deleted from their payroll. It makes a lot of sense! What stops government from taking similar step? What happened to the Controller and Accountant Generals Biometric data collected on public sector employees some time ago? To Whom It May Concern, you may have to vacate your air-conditioned office and come to the ground to see how some District Directors and so called IPPD/CAGD coordinators in various Districts are taking advantage of the mess you caused. You have no clue how some of these officials at the district level are taking undue advantage of the situation to engage in corrupt practicescharging unapproved fees from poor employees, all in an attempt to get their names reinstated on government payroll. Quoting from one District IPPD/CAGD coordinator: ..if you dont pay the GHC 50, your document will lie here and get rotten.if you are not willing to pay, take your document to Accra. In an attempt to take refuge in the District Director, he said: yes, we are charging those monies to enable the IPPD/CAGD coordinator take the documents to Accra, because GOG does not come. Rot!! We have always perceived the politician as being corrupt [which in most cases are true], but I can tell you that most heads of institutions and small offices in the public sector are more corrupt. The level of confidence they exhibit in their open corrupt acts beats my imagination. Its fast becoming normal and institutionalized, such that when you are different and question these corrupt acts, you are victimized, labeled and suffer all kinds of abuse. As for the position of the various labour unions on this matter, the least said about them the better. Im wondering if whoever thought of cleaning the payroll using data from a third-party is aware of some of these corrupt practices on the ground. Thousands of existing public sector workers are still battling to get their names reinstated. These are employees who have families and several mouths to take care of. Has it now become a crime to serve your country in return for something to sustain you and your family? You dont treat your employee like a trash and expect something else in return. Until we stop the lazy and comfort zone approach to solving problems, trust me, we are mere jokers in a business of developing this country. Author: Gbolu Samson Email: [email protected] Nairobi (AFP) - At least four people were missing after the collapse of a seven-storey building in the Kenyan capital Nairobi overnight, the Red Cross said on Tuesday. The incident occurred in a very poor neighbourhood near Nairobi's international airport southeast of the capital, Red Cross spokeswoman Noellah Musundi told AFP. "The information is still scanty (about) the exact number of missing people, but at this stage, a mother and her three children are missing," she said. Police and local residents said the authorities had been alerted on Monday evening after cracks appeared in the building, prompting an urgent evacuation before it collapsed two hours later, at around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT). "The collapse was not completely unexpected, which allowed us to evacuate most of the people," said Musundi of the incident which occurred in the Kware area of Mukuru Kwa Reuben, one of the biggest slums in Nairobi. According to Pius Masai, a spokesman for the National Disaster Management Unit, 128 tenants had been rescued and accounted for by midday. "Most families cooperated and (were) evacuated safely. However, it is believed that some people may have been trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing," he said. He said the rescue operation was difficult since space was limited and the adjacent seven-storey building also appeared unstable. "It is a very delicate operation but we hope to finish it safely," he said. Tenants in the adjacent building were asked to evacuate. No planning permission Images posted on Twitter by the Kenyan Red Cross showed work to clear the rubble with the help of an excavator, with parts of the building's red roof clearly visible. A fire engine was also on site as well as a number of soldiers. The seven-storey building which collapsed in Nairobi was reportedly built in 2007 without planning permission or approval Masai also appealed for anyone with cutters or drilling equipment to join the search and rescue operation. Quoting City Hall, The Star newspaper said the structure was built in 2007 without planning permission or approval. "Kware area was unplanned. No developments are allowed there. But you find that most of these developers were brought by politicians," Nairobi Lands executive Christopher Khaemba told the paper. Police are reportedly looking for the owner of the building. Several buildings have collapsed in recent years in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities, where a property boom has seen buildings shoot up at speed, often with little regard for regulations. Such incidents have raised questions about the quality of building materials and construction standards in a country where rampant corruption has seen unscrupulous developers using bribes to avoid regulations. In April 2016, 49 people died when a six-storey building collapsed in a poor neighbourhood northeast of the capital following days of heavy rain which caused floods and landslides. The building, constructed two years earlier, had been slated for demolition after being declared structurally unsound. Although around 150 families were living there in tightly-packed conditions, an order to evacuate the building and demolish it was ignored. The Young Peoples Guild (YPG) of the Kotobai Presbyterian Church in Accra has organised an evangelism float as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebrations of the YPG. The guilders used the float to trumpet key salvation messages and highlight the need for Ghanaians to repent from their wrongdoings. Clad in their anniversary T-shirts, members paraded some principal streets in Accra, dancing and displaying placards. Some of the placards inscriptions read: Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, Life has two choices: Heaven and Hell, choose one, The cross of Jesus Christ is the supreme evidence of Gods love, Will Christ be proud of your life? and Its all about Jesus Christ. The YPG officially launched their 25th anniversary celebrations on May 28, 2017 to outline a series of activities to commemorate the occasion. A purported self-styled doctor, Daniel Dankwah, 34, is currently in the grips of the Suhum police assisting in investigations, for allegedly defrauding his girlfriend, Mabel Ofosua, an amount of GH63,000.00. The suspect, who claimed he is a gynaecologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, was busted at a funeral in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, Sunday afternoon. The Suhum police commander, Supt Joseph K. Owusu, briefing DAILY GUIDE, said the suspect in February this year, proposed to Mabel Ofosua, 34, and told her he is a medical doctor by profession and had been invited by a client in the United Kingdom for an urgent business. Supt. J K Owusu narrated that Daniel Dankwah asked his girlfriend to lend him money to the tune of GH63,000.00 to process his visa and ticket to embark on the trip. The lady, as gathered, went to the Suhum Agricultural Development Bank to borrow the money with an interest of 32% and gave it to her boyfriend who promised to pay back the money when he returned from the business trip in three weeks' time. After taking the money the suspect reportedly went into hiding and informed the girlfriend that he had gone to the United Kingdom, using a Burkina Faso number to call her (girlfriend). According to Supt. Owusu, in three weeks' time, the suspect came back from his hideout and told the girlfriend that he was going to Barcelona. After the so-called trips, the suspect failed to pay the money and allegedly started playing hide-and-seek with the girlfriend. The victim, upon a tip-off, gathered that the suspect was a fraudster who had duped a lot of girls and had been declared wanted. Mabel Ofosua reportedly went to Thank U FM at Suhum to announce the fraudulent deals of Daniel Dankwah. But the radio station managers directed her to the police where she launched a complaint, leading to the arrest of Dankwah at a funeral at Koforidua Old Estates. Supt. J K Owusu said upon a search in the suspects room at Brother Emma, a suburb of Suhum, his outfit found some medical equipment, doctors' gowns and ID cards. FROM Daniel Bampoe, Suhum President Akufo-Addo wants the African continent to chart a new course devoid of overdependence on aid. He stated that the demands of global stability and equity require the urgent, rapid development of the African continent. There are many constraints to this possibility domestic and external which we need to deal with, including the vast amounts of illicit flow of capital out of the continent. He also prescribed some solutions to ending Africa's overdependence on foreign aid. Making a case at the G20 Africa Partnership Summit, which was opened yesterday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, under the theme, 'Investing in a common future,' President Akufo-Addo said, Of the three themes for Germany's presidency of the G-20, i.e., Building Resilience, Improving Sustainability and Assuming Responsibility, I believe one, above all, resonates most strongly with Africa's current status. Belief According to him, If we, Africans, are to transform our stagnant, jobless economies, built on the export of raw materials and unrefined goods, to value-added economies that provide jobs, to build strong middle-class societies and lift the mass of our people out of dire poverty, then we must take our destinies into our own hands and assume responsibility for this. Assuming responsibility means that we must, firstly, facilitate the building of a new, sustainable African civilization, where there is accountable governance, where there is respect for the rule of law, individual liberties and human rights, where the principles of democratic accountability are guaranteed, and where we mobilise the immeasurable, vast resources of Africa to resolve Africa's problems of poverty and development, and free ourselves from a mindset of aid, dependency, charity and handouts. Solutions Apart from that, he emphasized, We must initiate and implement policies that will encourage and empower the private sector to grow our respective economies within frameworks of macroeconomic stability. His justification was, When the private sector flourishes and when our enterprises become competitive, not just on the continent, but also in the global marketplace, then can we create the thousands and thousands of jobs our teeming masses of unemployed youth crave for. He averred, We can no longer remain producers and exporters of raw materials. We must add value to our commodities and create wealth for our peoples. Our dependence on raw materials has, in fact, increased in the past century; it is this dependence that feeds our dependence on foreign aid. Way Forward President Akufo-Addo, therefore, told his colleague African leaders who had gathered at the summit that We cannot be doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. We have the resources and means, material and human, with our women and youth in the forefront, to transform the structures of our economies and be part of the international division of labour at the high end of the value chain. The Ghanaian leader insisted, This process of economic and industrial transformation has to go along with ensuring that the most basic elements of social justice are met making quality basic education and healthcare accessible to all, to promote a culture of incentives and opportunities. He was confident that the premise on which the conference was held would make room for a new era of cooperation between the respective various economies, and inspire investing in a common future. Nana Akufo-Addo said, The reforms being that Ghana is currently undertaking the management of our economy and in our governance structure, and these should entitle Ghana to be a suitable candidate for inclusion in the investment compacts that are to be the substantive outcomes of this conference. This will enable us to maximise our possibilities of economic growth to deal with the huge problem of unemployment, the major social issue of our times in Africa, insisting that Young people, busy with their lives and earning a living, would hardly be tools for wrecking havoc on society. Considering the fact that the youth are willing to risk everything to earn a decent living, President Akufo-Addo indicated, We have seen and continue to see in recent times the high numbers of young people taking harrowing risks around the Mediterranean, trying to reach a better life. Charge For him, What this means is that, if we provide them the right environment in Africa, which enables them to enhance their skills, receive appropriate vocational training and have access to digital technology, they will make our continent great. If these youth are allowed to realise their full potential, Africa could see huge economic gains in the shortest possible time. He therefore charged his colleague presidents, Let this serve as the impetus for re-shaping our countries and charting a new path of growth and development in freedom, which will lift the long suffering African masses out of poverty into the realms of prosperity and dignity. We can make life meaningful and worth living for our own people, like others have done. By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Berlin, Germany Two workers of Pioneer Food Cannery (PFC) in Tema, Greater Accra Region, reportedly burnt to death following an explosion which occurred at the premises of the company. Five other workers of Ghana's largest processor and exporter of tuna products sustained various degrees of injury and are currently battling for their lives at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. The Sunday incident was said to have occurred when a steam boiler of the company exploded. Though the cause of the explosion is yet to be established, maintenance workers say they heard an explosion at the steam boiler the major machine that provides steam for almost all the machines leading to the fire. Immediately the incident occurred, workers on night shift were asked to go home; and some of the workers feared being laid off as a result of the incident. Divisional Officer (DO) Osafo Effum, Tema Deputy Regional Fire Service Commander, explained that his outfit received a distress call from the company at about 1:30 pm about a fire incident. According to him, fire personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene, adding that the fire was brought under control after some few minutes. He said after the fire was put off, two charred bodies were found at the scene and handed over to the police. According to him, four other injured persons were rushed to the Tema General Hospital before being referred to another health facility. However, management of the company was tight-lipped over the incident. According to a management member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, they were waiting for police report before they would come out with any information. From Vincent Kubi, Tema Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia has said that government is reviewing the Hajj policy to put in measures that will help ease problems Ghanaian Muslims go through both in Ghana and in Saudi Arabia, regarding the pilgrimage. Dr. Bawumia revealed this on Sunday at the Sunyani Central Mosque when he joined the chiefs and people of the Zongo communities to break the day's fast and asked Allah to see them through the long month of Ramadan being the holy month. He was accompanied by the National Nasara Coordinator of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other dignitaries, including the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwaku Asomah Cheremey. Speaking to the congregation, the vice president said his decision to worship with them was to thank them for voting Nana Akufo-Ado and the NPP party into power and for that matter, giving him the opportunity to become the vice president. Touching on what Nana Addo's government is doing to alleviate poverty in the Zongos, the vice president said government had allocated GH219 million to the Zongo Development Fund as promised by the now president during the 2016 electioneering campaign. He asked the Zongos to identify their priority areas in terms of needs and access the fund for development. Dr Bawumia said among the measures is the use of information technology (computer) at the hajj village to process pilgrims' information to determine who qualifies to embark on the pilgrimage so that people don't go and waste time at the place and at the end don't go at all. By this, those who qualify to go will be communicated to beforehand as to what day and time to catch a flight to Madina. He also said a lot of Muslims face the problem of lack of food when going on the pilgrimage. As a result, government is planning to give free meals to pilgrims both here and in Saudi Arabia, especially the elderly, to reduce the stress of getting food. In addition, government will provide free transport to Ghanaian pilgrims from Madina to Mecca where the actual ritual of hajj is performed. This is because according to Bawumia, the long walk embarked upon by pilgrims make them tired and so needs to support them with free transport to reduce the stress. He asked the Muslim community to pray to Allah to give strength and wisdom to the president to lead the country into prosperity. FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Sunyani [email protected] The Accra Regional Police Command has begun investigation into the gruesome murder of a development chief of Ardeyman in the Ga West municipality of Accra. Nii Tettey Sarbah was discovered dead in his room last Friday at dawn with gunshot and machete wounds. There were spent pump action and AK 47 cartridges scattered in his room when the body was first seen by the family members, according to the police. It is alleged that the development chief was murdered as a result of land dispute. The body has since been sent to the Police Hospital for autopsy. No arrest has been made yet by the police. Family sources said the day before Nii Tettey Sarbah's death, he was among other custodians of the area who conducted some purification rituals in the town for the celebration of the Homowo festival. That Friday, some family members said, they heard some gunshots at about 1:00 am in the area but did not suspect it was being pointed at their house. The following morning they said they went to the chief's room only to find him lying in a pool of blood dead. The deceased was reportedly lying supine on a mat, arms up and with a deep and wide cut on his forehead while two cuts were said to have been curved out on his stomach and with blood all over the room. There were pellets of ammunition scattered in the room and so they immediately locked the place and reported the matter to the police. The Amasaman police visited the place to pick the body to the morgue. Confirming the story to DAILY GUIDE, ASP Efia Tenge, Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, said the police received the information that Friday morning. She said preliminary investigation indicated that the assassins shot the victim before butchering him in addition. She said the police believed the shooting was done sporadically and aimed at the victim as some bullets pierced though the concrete walls of the room. She confirmed that no arrest had been made but investigation was ongoing and appealed to residents to help the police with information that would lead to the arrest of the culprits. This is the second time a chief has been killed in the Ga West municipality. Sometime in February 2011, some people reportedly shot and killed the chief of Achiaman, Nii Kwartey Ajan, but more than five years down the line, no arrest has been made. By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey ([email protected]) Luanda (AFP) - Angola's ruling party has bowed to public criticism of a proposed law banning all abortions and instead accepted a revised bill allowing terminations in cases of rape or maternal health risk. The about-turn follows a rare rally in March when roughly 200 demonstrators protested against the proposed bill under heavy police surveillance in the capital Luanda. "We have decided to listen to the pressure from society," the president of the ruling MPLA party's parliamentary caucus, Virgilio de Fontes Pereira, told reporters on Monday. The initial draft penal code brought before parliament in February would have punished anyone who had an abortion or performed one with up to 10 years in jail -- with exceptions in cases of rape or risk to the mother's health. But the draft code was strengthened after lobbying by church leaders led to the removal of the limited exemptions, triggering a fierce public debate. Ninety percent of Angolans are Christian. The harshest version of the law was sharply criticised by President Jose Eduardo dos Santos' daughter Isabel, reported to be the richest woman in Africa. Isabel dos Santos used her Instagram social media account to denounce the "criminalisation of women". Angola, which has been ruled by Dos Santos since 1979, is updating a penal code which dates back to 1886 -- the Portuguese colonial era. "When the life of the mother is at stake... when there is a rape, we can imagine lifting the law's ban," said De Fontes Pereira. Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's main opposition party Tuesday removed former leader Helen Zille from all party leadership roles after a disciplinary hearing over a controversial tweet in which she praised aspects of colonialism. Zille also apologised 'unreservedly" Tuesday for the tweet, which she posted in March. Mmusi Maimane, the current leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party, said Zille "has agreed that it is in the best interests of the party for her to vacate her position on all decision-making structures of the party," Zille told a news conference that she was "genuinely sorry" and that she realised that her comment was insensitive to South Africans who suffered under colonial oppression. She said she "apologise unreservedly to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent explanation of it." On March 16, Zille wrote: "For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water." The tweet was followed by a series of comments justifying her stand, including the comparison between South Africa and Singapore which she said had managed to build a strong state after coming out of colonial rule. The party then suspended her pending a disciplinary hearing and said Zille's action had damaged DA, which is still battling to shake off its image as a "white" organisation. The colonialism comment had threatened to divide the party. Mmusi told journalists that he had been "personally angered by the tweet" and that the party had no room for those who seek to sow divisions. Zille, 66, is credited with growing support for the DA among black people, whose votes helped it take control of key cities, including the capital Pretoria and Johannesburg, from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after local government elections last year. Maimane said the party risked a protracted legal battle with Zille if the matter was not settled before the 2019 election. Zille, who has a large twitter following, is no stranger to controversial tweets. She will remain premier of the Western Cape province. Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI (left) hands over cement allocation letter to representatives of a beneficiary institution GHACEM Limited has donated a total of 15,000 bags of cement to selected health and educational institutions in deprived communities in the Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern and Volta Regions. The donation, valued at GH480,000, would support institutions which are currently undertaking various infrastructural projects. Managing Director of GHACEM, Morten Gade, attributed the challenging times to unfair trade practices which have affected this year's donation. The company, he said, was unable to meet the huge volumes of applications. Manufacturing companies play a huge role in supporting government's developmental agenda through the payment of duties and taxes as such needs to be protected by frowning on players, who do only imports, he said, disclosing that GHACEM alone in 2016 paid GH250 million in duties and taxes. Chairman of the Foundation, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, disclosed that for 15 years running, the Foundation has donated over 500,000 bags of cement valued at GH16 million to health and educational infrastructure in about 4,451 communities, a demonstration of the company's pledge towards supporting development in Ghana. He urged the beneficiaries to use the cement for the intended purpose, noting that any institution found to have abused the noble objective shall forever be blacklisted by GHACEM. The company said although FOB value on international market stood at $34 per tonne, the valuation by Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) stood at $44 per tonne. That, he said, had increased the company's cost of production. From left to right: Ike Ofuani, GR Manager WA, Tolu Habib, GPS Manager WA, First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Mehdi Squalli, MD P&G Ghana, Mosala Phillips, Director Marketing and Tope Iluyemi Management of P&G Ghana, led by Mehdi Squalli, recently met some key members in government to introduce the company and reinforce P&G's position as a strategic partner with long-term plans for Ghana. The delegation also met the First Lady to discuss P&G's brands and the projects of the First Lady. P&G, in a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, used the opportunity to convey its long-term investment plans for Ghana. The team also highlighted strategic partnership opportunities with key stakeholders to further reflect the company's desire to build a Better Ghana with the consumers as its focus. P&G Ghana Trading Limited (P&G Ghana) started commercial operations in Ghana on February 1, 2016. P&G Group expects that the establishment of a dedicated and focused team in Ghana will improve its ability to distribute P&G branded products to 26 million Ghanaians. Ethiopian Airlines has announced it will inaugurate its state-of-the-art Cargo Terminal-II during the Second ICAO Global Air Cargo Development Forum, which it's hosting from 27-29 June, 2017. Covering a total area of 150,000 meters square area of land, the new Cargo Terminal includes facilities such as Dry Cargo Terminal warehouse; Perishable Cargo Terminal with cool Chain Storage; fully automated with latest technology ETV (Elevating Transport Vehicle); G+2 office building, apron area which accommodates 5 additional big freighter aircraft; sufficient truck parking apron, as well as employees canteen and wash rooms. The new Cargo Terminal is also fitted with different climate chambers for storage and handling of temperature sensitive products such as fresh agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and life science products, among others. Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked: Infrastructure development being one of the four pillars of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategic roadmap, Vision 2025, we have been making massive investments in infrastructure projects to modernize and expand our cargo facilities at a total cost of USD 150 million. The new Cargo Terminal-II, combined with our existing Terminal-I, will give us a total tonnage capacity of around 1 million per annum, which is the largest in the continent of Africa. The CEO stated that upon completion of the second phase, which adds 600,000 tones annual uplift capacity, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services will have one of the world's largest cargo terminals, a capability equivalent to cargo terminals in Amsterdam Schippol, Singapore Changi or Hong Kong. This investment and the resulting massive cargo facilities along with the 6 modern B-777F fleet and 2 B-757F will create adequate air cargo transporting capacity for the fast growing export and import demand of the continent, which is critically essential in the socio-economic development of African countries. Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services operates eight dedicated freighters to 39 global freighter destinations in Africa, Gulf, the Middle East, Asia and Europe with an average daily uplift of 650 tons on top of the belly hold capacity, 150 tons, to over 95 destinations globally. Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services recently won 'Cargo Airline Award for Network Development in Brussels, 'African Cargo Airline of the Year' and many more. Karim Zakaria spokesperson for residents of the Savelugu- Nantong municipality protesting against the nomination and confirmation of Hajia Ayishetu Seidu and an executive of the NPP in the area has provided an insight into how Hajia Ayishetu in connivance with some top NPP executives paid thousands of Ghana cedis as bribes to assemblymen to endorse Hajia Ayishetu as MCE for the municipality. According to the spokesperson, an amount of Ghc 75,000 was paid to some fifty (50) out of the 54 assemblymen in the municipality with each receiving 1,500ghc. Speaking on an Accra Radio Station ( Accra FM), Mr Zakaria told the host that when the group petitioned the Regional Chairman of NPP Mr Bugri Naabu to intervene, he told them the people of Savelugu behave like cockroaches so will not waste his time on what he described as "useless petition". The Spokesperson ,Mr Zakaria, claimed that Hajia is unknown to the municipality and never participated in any party activity ahead of the 2016 polls to warrant the position. Mr Zakaria told the host that corruption which they campaigned on against and used as the main campaign message against the NDC is gradually becoming an accepted practice in the NPP. He warned that the NPP risk losing the two constituencies ( savelugu/Nantong) and other constituencies in the country if the emerging bribery and other corrupt practices in the party are allowed to thrive. Mr Sulley Salifu the Regional Secretary of the party who responded to allegations levelled against the party by Mr Zakaria appealed to the later to stop talking to the media to save the image of the party. He did not refute the allegations levelled against the party's regional and national executives. Highlights: 33% higher conversion rate 50% lower bounce rate 12X more users versus native apps (Android & IOS) 5X less data used 2X less data to complete first transaction 25X less device storage required Jumia Travel in collaboration with Google has released a case study on the adoption of the Progressive Web App (PWA) as compared to the use of native apps (android & IOS). The Jumia team has rebuilt its mobile website using PWA technologies and this research showcases new achievements attained in key areas pertaining to storage space, battery life, and data consumption. The integration of the PWA on Jumia mobile ecosystem has resulted to better user experience, growth of conversion rate and notably, lower bounce rate on the ecosystem. CEO of Jumia Travel Paul Midy said, We operate in a market highly characterized by a "mobile-first" adoption, thus aims at bringing the latest technology customized to accommodate all markets even where internet speed is still limited. He further expressed the Groups focus on leveraging on technology and continuously investing resources to enrich the user experience, Africa is a mobile-intensive market, we are just getting started, and believe that creating more conducive and friendly ways to experience mobile is a great stride in meeting customer needs. Giovanni Clavarino, Chief Product Manager at Jumia Travel, highlights that, About 95% & 80% of our mobile users are using the browser to check our website in Nigeria and Kenya respectively. This is why we have come up with the PWA technology to give our customers the same fast and content rich experience on browsers as they have on Android and IOS apps, but at a fraction (5 times less) of data usage. Following the optimization on all the elements of the PWA experience, the company revealed a remarkable 33% increase in conversion rates compared to the previous mobile website. It is also notable that traffic to PWA has eclipsed that of the native app by more than twelve times and is still growing, while the bounce rate has gone down by half. A report by IDC (International Data Center) indicates that Africa has steadily recorded an increased shipment of smartphones in every quarter, and the market is expected to double in volume, accounting for a third of all handset shipments by end of 2017. This will further bolster the number of customers preferring to make their purchases via the device, again reiterating on the need for ecommerce players to adapt a mobile first strategy into their operations. Jumia Travels PWA uses 80% less data than the native app to complete the first transaction. The PWA consumes 25 times less storage, and is much easier to keep up-to-date. The ability to work offline-first also makes a lot of sense given the erratic mobile-network service experienced by users. Considering that Jumias main market in the Sub-Saharan Africa majorly consists of mobile-originating customers at 75%, it was imperative to adapt a highly engaging ecosystem. PWA combines high-converting features of native apps with the wide-reach abilities of the web, hence overcoming the issue of 2G networks most common in SAA (Sub-Saharan Africa), intermittent connectivity and data limitations. Jumia showcased part of their 2016 mobile strategy in Progressive Web App (PWA) journey , illustrating increased conversions through push notifications, which as Jeremy Doutte, the Group CEO explained is a more personal way to communicate with customers and get closer to the customers. About Jumia Travel Jumia Travel ( travel.jumia.com ) is the N1 Pan African Online Travel Agency, which simplifies the travel booking experience by allowing users to compare prices and amenities in a fast and secure manner. With more than 30,000 hotels in Africa (+300,000 hotels around the world) and more than a hundred flight companies as partners, Jumia Travel aims to democratize travel by reducing travelling cost, providing the largest inventory of properties and granting local & high-quality services to become the one stop travel shop in the continent. Jumia Travel is active in over 40 countries in Africa, with 10 local offices, and more than 400 travel specialists constantly in touch with our customers. Our main hubs are in Lagos (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Algiers (Algeria), Douala (Cameroon), Kampala (Uganda), Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Before June 2016, Jumia Travel was known as Jovago. It was founded in 2013 by Jumia and is backed by MTN, Millicom, Rocket Internet, Orange, Axa and other financial partners. Plans are underway by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by Nana Akufo-Addo to construct airstrip for the people of Central Region. In view of that, the Minister of Aviation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, on Tuesday, paid a working visit to the proposed site in the company of officials from the ministry and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The 3,000-acre land earmarked for the proposed Cape Coast Airstrip at Ataabadze in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality has been encroached upon by developers who have started undertaking their projects. Madam Dapaah expressed concern about the level of encroachment, adding that the project would be compromised if adequate measures are not adopted to halt encroachment on the land. The minister could not give a definite time for the commencement of project, but she revealed that the airstrip, after its completion, would accommodate light aircraft in the country. Ms Dapaah noted that the current administration had focused on the aviation sector in order to open up the country for investment from the international community and develop the economic and tourism potentials of the nation. The project is dear to the heart of the NPP government, and efforts are being made to ensure the execution of the project, she said She reiterated the need for the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for KEEA, Nana Appiah Korang, to work hard to retrieve the land from encroachers to make government's vision a reality. Email:[email protected] From Joseph Annan, Atabaadze The victim of the alleged $1.3 million gold scam that led to the interdiction of the Legon Police Commander is accusing the police administration of cover up. Director of Green Global Resources Ltd. the company at the center of the scandal, James Barbieri says three months after the interdiction, police investigation has stalled. He also says the company has not been able to recover the cash nor the gold in question. Addressing a media briefing in Accra, Tuesday, Mr Barbeiri is calling on the police administration to appoint a new investigator since he can no longer trust Inspector Lohdonu who is currently presiding over the case. He said the seeming corrupt posturing by the security services is driving away investors from the country. Background In March, 2017, the commander-in-charge of the East Legon Police Station, DSP Emmanuel Basintale, and six other junior police officers were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for their alleged involvement in a gold fraud. The seven police officers, according to police reports, connived with seven civilians to defraud some gold buyers to the tune of GH1,666,000. The other suspects are RSM John Sovor, Corporal Baleto Buafuor, Lance Corporal Ignatius Asamoah Mensah, Detective Lance Corporal Cyrus Conduah, Detective Corporal John Maloni Juaba all stationed at the East Legon Police Station and Detective Sergeant Charles Owusu Boateng of the Achimota School Police Station. Their civilian counterparts are suspects Anthony Yaw Osei aka Wofa Osei, George Yeboah, Frederick Kofi AppIah aka Nana Adjei and William Hanson. The rest are Nana Kofi Mensah, Joseph Boakye and Nana Adjei. Four others, including a supposed queen mother of Tarkwa, are said to be at large and on the wanted list of the police. The then Director of Police Public Affairs, Superintendent Cephas Arthur, confirmed the arrest saying the police personnel and their civilian counterparts were arrested for their involvement in two separate gold fraud cases being investigated by the CID. Three months after the arrest and interdiction of the suspects, the victim said nothing has been done in terms of prosecution. In a statement read during the briefing, James Barbieri said attempts by his lawyer to get the previous IGP to get to the bottom of the matter failed. "A lot of top senior officers and some other junior ranks including some BNI officers are alleged to be protecting the scammers and Mr Courage is allegedly bragging about his immunity from the whole police service and the courts, the statement said. He does not understand why the police service is still holding on to the gold. How come the gold which was tested before buying as real gold then in the hands of DSP Basintale turned to be fake when DSP. Basintale sent them for testing without Green Golden Resources Ltd. representatives at the Police Headquarters after weeks in his possession? Why did they only arrest the buyers of the gold and leave the sellers? If according to the police, the gold were stolen, why was the money not returned to the buyers, (Golden Resources)? Why were the buyers processed for court the next day, Monday and charged for buying stolen gold but the sellers were not arrested? he demanded explanations. He pleaded with the president and the new IGP to intervene in the matter. We are also pleading with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of CID to change the Investigator handling the case, Inspector Lohdonu, for a new Investigator to take over because we have lost trust in the way he is handling it when we last met with him and the CID Boss a fortnight ago at the CID Headquarters, Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com This past Thursday, the High Atlas Foundation, a Moroccan organization dedicated to sustainable development, and the Mimouna Association, a Moroccan organization aspiring to preserve the history of the Moroccan ancient Jewish community, joined together to find lasting project solutions for the Mellah community. Over a traditional Iftor meal, HAF and Mimouna brought together community members throughout the Mellah at the Salat Lazama Synagogue to collectively discuss the communitys needs and their hopes for the future. What we are talking about are not luxuries, they are simple human rights. We want to have access to water to drink, we want a school for our kids to attend, we want a hospital that we can go to when we are sick, and we want police in our neighborhood that ensure our security. I do not think that this is asking for too much, all other neighborhoods in Marrakesh have these things; why dont we? asked one community member. Community members highlighted that while there was once no difference between the Jews and the Muslims who lived here, the community now struggles with a significant lack of resources. Fatiha, a local mother said: The kids here dont have many choices; the schools are nonexistent, and they do not trust the local authorities. There are no jobs and they are in the streets all day, they all are turning to drugs and alcohol to forget their struggles. I do not know what we can do. In order to attempt to mitigate some of these significant problems, Amina, a facilitator with the High Atlas Foundation, led a series of community activities aimed at mapping what the community looks like now, how it once was, and what it requires to improve for the future. Community members presented their plans to the rest of the group, focusing around the lack of renovation and the need for social services. In particular, community members emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements: We have a hospital, but there are no beds in it, and further they emphasized, our houses are full of mold and they are falling apart. Without this infrastructural renovation, the Mellah is suffering. Moreover, community members also highlighted that, every other neighborhood in Marrakesh has a police force, they stop drugs from being given out, and they also arrest thieves. Here both of those things run wild. As the Mellah has become more marginalized in Moroccan society, it has lacked the most basic resources to provide for its citizens. Conclusively, these conversations continued to lead back to the need for the most basic infrastructure amelioration. With little access to running water, the discussions continued to return to the notion that they must first and foremost increase access to water and establish standards that ensure the hygiene of water. Yet, this prioritization just touches at the surface of the Mellahs needs. While they hope to establish a system of clean water, they are also adamant that the community needs renovations that can bring it back to the center of vitality that it once was. The High Atlas Foundation is moved and inspired by the conversations occurring at the Mellah and hopes to truly help increase the living standards with the people living in the Mellah. Moreover, HAF ensures that any help it offers to human development occurs through the participatory approach, empowering the community members of the Mellah to implement their solutions to their problems, rather than offering a top-down approach. In order to continue this participatory approach to mitigate the pressing problems facing the Mellah, HAF will carry out three more workshops in the Mellah this holy month of Ramadan. Richard Bone is student of International Relations who currently works with the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco. He has extensive international experience, particularly in Africa and Latin America. Staff of Mobile Telecommunications giant, MTN in the Brong-Ahafo region, have donated reading and text books to the St Francis Of Assisi Junior High School at Kootokrom in the Sunyani Municipality. The event is an annual staff volunteer programme that runs across the MTN group from 1st to 21st June with the aim of giving mandate to their staff to brighten lives through volunteering works. It was instituted 10 years ago and has grown to become one of the key activities on the MTN calendar and for the past five years has focused on "Investing in Education For All" as their theme. The Brong-Ahafo Regional Manager of MTN Ghana, Akwasi Kwarteng, speaking at the presentation ceremony, said an aspect of their theme is focused on education driven by technology. He noted that infusing technology into the educational system can help bridge the development gap and extend educational opportunities to students in underserved communities. Mr Kwarteng said one other motivating factor for the project is empowering learners to read, write and draw to tell stories that affect their lives The Sunyani Branch Head of MTN, Mrs Irene Abiila, pointed out that development and diffusion of ICT, increasing demand for new educational approaches that transform learning and reorientation of educational curricula to address sustainable development (SD) are critical areas that stakeholders must urgently address. The Head Teacher of the St Francis of Assisi JHS, Mr Ballu Philip, commended staff of MTN for the gesture adding that the future of the country depends on the quality of education we give to our children now. The Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Sunyani Municipal Education Directorate, Peter Yaw Boakye, appreciated the volunteerism efforts by staff of MTN to promote education and called on stakeholders to assist in raising standards of education in the country. Residents in low income communities in the Greater Accra region are set to benefit from a grant which will make it possible for them to construct toilet facilities in their homes, for half the price. The Sanitation and water project, which is being funded by the World Bank with a grant of $150 million will be used to support households who depend on public toilets. The project is being facilitated by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and funded by the World Bank through the International Development Agency. Since its inception in 2014, the project has seen to the construction of some 1,000 toilets for households across the country. Ghana has been ranked the second in Africa in open defecation with 19 percent of the countrys population resorting to this unhealthy practice. Governance and Accountability Specialist for the Accra Metropolitan Area, Frederick Danquah says the project is ready to support thousands of households in the Region. He said the project is dubbed Toilet at Half Price. The strategy was to sensitise the community to appreciate the need to have a toilet in their homes because not having it is against the by-laws of the assembly. So any toilet you want to build in your home, we will pay 50 percent, he added. He, however, bemoaned the low patronage the project has been plagued with since its inception and urged residents in low-income communities to take advantage of the project. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com The Assin South District Directorate of Ghana Education Service is annoyed about media reports of a teacher who was compelled to improvise the use of stones for a mouse, at an Information Communication Technology class (ICT) due to unavailability of a computer. The District Director, Shirley Coleman says she is unaware the Assin Asamankese D/A Primary School in the Central Region, lacked computers. Her reaction followed a Joy News report by Richard Kwadwo Nyarko which highlighted the struggles 191 students of the school face to learn ICT. Taught by Augustine Kusi, pupils in the ICT class make do with stones because the only computer in the school broke down about four years ago. The teacher who has a laptop and a mouse explained, he draws a computer mouse on the board to help students visualise the device which costs about 30 cedis. But the Assin South District Director Of Education is unhappy about the disgrace brought to the district through the Joy News report. She revealed the school was the best in the district during the last Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and expressed concern this reputation has been battered by the report. She told Richard Kwadwo Nyarko, the school authorities should have at least written a letter to draw the attention of the district. Alternatively, the teacher could have bought a few more computer mice to help the pupils learn better, Kwadwo Nyarko reported the Director of Education's comments. Shirley Coleman said the District has run out of stock of mini-laptops distributed by government years ago. The lack of basic school items and teaching materials is an open secret in Ghana's education system. It has taken news reports to get philanthropic attention for supplies sometimes as basic as chalk. In July 2015, the Kukurantumi Presby Primary School received national media attention after its headmistress requested the Second Lady for chalk. Photo: Second Lady (2015) Matilda Amissah-Arthur speaking to Julie Oppong (left) Then Second Lady, Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur who had gone to present five computers to the school was shocked basic chalk was in short supply. Even before Head of the School, Madam Juliet Oppong could resume her seat, the Second Lady hit back: I wont give you the chalk; I wont give you the chalk today or tomorrow. Your teachers and PTA should go and buy it". Mrs. Amissah Arthurs controversial response to a request sparked an unusual show of public philanthropy. In March 2016, the Kperisi M.A. Primary School in the Upper West Region made the news after Joy News' Rafiq Salam reported an acute lack of furniture. The pupils had to lie on the bare classroom floor to write. Photo: Vice-President Dr. Bawumia, then running mate for the NPP ahead of the December elections visited the school. In the heat of the political campaign season, NPP Vice-presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, rushed to present 250 dual desks for 500 pupils at the Kperisi primary school. A fear of victimisation often discourages school heads from publicly complaining about resources. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwe has banned the import of corn after enjoying a bumper crop that authorities hope will be enough to feed the nation and stimulate home-grown production, state-owned media reported Tuesday. Zimbabwe was once known as the "breadbasket" of Africa for its fertile land and modern farming practices. But a programme of seizing farms from white owners begun in 2000 seriously damaged productivity, causing the country to become heavily dependent on food imports. "Government stopped issuing grain import permits about four months ago and no maize imports are allowed at our borders," Davis Marapira, the deputy agriculture minister, told the state controlled Herald newspaper. The paper said Zimbabwe is expecting to produce two million tonnes of corn in 2017 -- enough to meet domestic demand. The southern African country has set aside $200 million (180 million euros) from the Treasury and private coffers to purchase the crop from farmers at the increased price of $390 per tonne in a bid to encourage domestic production, the paper added. The Herald raised fears that corn from Zimbabwe's neighbours sold closer to the market rate -- around $160 per tonne -- could be smuggled in illicitly by criminals to cash-in on the agricultural stimulus. Last year the country declared a state of disaster after a regional drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon ravaged crops, left tens of thousands of cattle dead and reservoirs dry. Cairo (AFP) - A controversial agreement for Cairo to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia passed an Egyptian parliamentary committee Tuesday, setting the stage for a vote in the house. Parliament's legislative committee agreed the treaty after heated debate, with opponents even interrupting one session with chanting. The agreement passed with 35 lawmakers for and eight against, member of parliament Mostafa Bakry told AFP. Parliament's defence committee will also examine the accord before it goes to a general vote. Courts had struck down the agreement, signed in April 2016, but a year later another court upheld it. The accord had sparked rare protests in Egypt, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi accused of having bartered the islands of Tiran and Sanafir for Saudi largesse. The government has said the islands were Saudi to begin with, but were leased to Egypt in the 1950s. Opponents of the agreement insist that Tiran and Sanafir are Egyptian. Over the weekend, the outgoing United Kingdom High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, underscored the need for teachers and parents to encourage children to engage in reading because it is a fundamental skill set which contributes to the success of individuals. The British diplomat, who volunteered to read with children drawn from the Ablekuma South constituency as part of Raising Readers initiative by Tigo Shelter for Education programme and Raising Readers Foundation at his residence in Accra, noted that reading is vital for childrens development. Any subject you study in school or later work on professionally is based on reading and acquiring information so it is absolutely fundamental that right at a young age, we give children the opportunity to hone this skill set, he remarked. Commenting on the initiative, he noted that he was impressed by the work done so far and hoped it grows from strength to strength with the needed support from stakeholders in the educational sector. Im incredibly impressed by the reading skills of the children who came today, including a few of them who were extremely young, but read a whole book very well, clearly and made no mistakes. A voluntary project like this needs volunteers people who are motivated, willing to give up their time and maybe a little bit of money to make it happen. It is also important that in the state sector the schools are funded to provide basic education because there is nothing basic than being able to read well, he said. Speaking at the session also was the Honourable Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South constituency, who expressed profound thanks to the organisers for extending the initiative to his constituency. I would like to thank the team, the volunteers and everyone behind it for providing an opportunity for our children to develop the habit of reading. This is a wonderful initiative. If our children would be successful in school, they will need to read since reading is a tool for success in education, he noted. The community reading sessions will continue this Saturday at Kojo Ababio Millennium City School in Mamprobi. RACINE COUNTY A man who believed he was meeting a 15-year-old girl for sex was arrested in Waterford as part of a sting operation, authorities say. Scott A. Nesbitt, 48, of Monroe, was charged Monday with attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and possession of child pornography. According to a release from the Racine County Sheriffs Office: Nesbitt allegedly traveled from Monroe with the intent to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex. Arrangements were made for Nesbitt to meet the girl on Saturday morning at the McDonalds in Waterford. He reportedly made plans to pick the girl and drive to an undisclosed location. Authorities say Nesbitt had been chatting online with a Racine County Sheriffs investigator, who was posing as a 15-year-old girl, since April. During their conversations, Nesbitt allegedly said: I cant stop thinking about how much I want to corrupt your innocence, according to a criminal complaint file in Racine County Circuit Court. Nesbitt, whose screen name was MoxyMan, further described his attraction to young girls, allegedly saying age of consent laws are arbitrary, according to the complaint. He also allegedly made multiple statements relating to wanting ownership over the girl. With enough aggressive training and psychological games, I will fashion you into a perfect little slave, according to the criminal complaint. He eventually disclosed his name was Scott and that he was married. Evidence collected After he was taken into custody at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nesbitt allegedly admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conversations, making arrangements to meet a girl and having child pornography videos and photos on his cellphone and laptop, the complaint states. Reportedly, hundreds of photos of suspected child pornography were later found on Nesbitts computer. The Sheriffs Office said that before moving to Wisconsin, Nesbitt lived in Dubuque, Iowa, where he had been employed at several area churches. Although challenging and labor-intensive, the arrest of this pedophile is a shining example of our ongoing effort to keep the children of Racine County safe, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said. The incident remains still under investigation by the Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Bureau. A cash bond of $50,000 was set at Nesbitts initial court appearance Monday, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 22. He remained in custody as of Monday night at the County Jail. The charges carry a combined maximum sentence of 65 years in prison. London (AFP) - The Islamic State group is launching fewer chemical weapons attacks in Syria as their Iraqi stronghold in Mosul, where the arms are made, comes under pressure, according to a report out Tuesday. IS has allegedly used chemical weapons in one attack in Syria this year, on January 8 in Aleppo province, according to global market intelligence firm IHS Markit. The figure marks a significant fall in such attacks in Syria, where there were 17 allegations of chemical weapons being used by IS in 2016. By comparison, so far this year the jihadists have carried out 10 chemical weapon attacks in Iraq, of which nine were in Mosul, on a par with the 21 attacks in the country last year. The focus of 2017 attacks in Mosul suggests that IS has not yet established chemical weapons production sites outside of the city, IHS Markit said. "Although it is likely that some specialists were evacuated to Syria and retain the expertise," said the firm's analyst Columb Strack. Iraqi forces launched the battle to retake Mosul in October last year and are now on the cusp of success. Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced by fighting since IS overran the city in June 2014. The jihadists' chemical weapons manufacturing was centred in Mosul and production has been dented by Iraqi forces' campaign to drive IS out of the city, IHS Markit said. "Nevertheless, the Islamic State probably retains the capability to produce small batches of low quality chlorine and sulphur mustard agents elsewhere," the report said. Since July 2014, IHS Markit has recorded 41 allegations of IS using chemical weapons Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's competition commission said Tuesday it had launched investigations into pharmaceutical giants Roche, Pfizer and Aspen for suspected overpricing of cancer drugs. The commission said it had initiated probes into US firms Roche and Pfizer for suspected "excessive pricing" of breast and lung cancer medication, respectively. "The commission has reason to believe that Roche and its USA-based biotechnology company, Genentech Inc. (Genentech) have and continue to engage in excessive pricing, price discrimination ... in the provision of breast cancer medicine in South Africa," it said in a statement. It said it had information to reasonably suspect that Roche may be engaging in unfair competition conduct, prolonging its "hold on breast cancer drugs". Roche is also accused of charging different rates to private and public sector patients, which may be in contravention of the country's competition laws. "We have also initiated an investigation against pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer Inc, for suspected excessive pricing of lung cancer medication in South Africa," the statement added. The commission is also investigating South Africa's Aspen for overcharging three drugs used in the treatment of various strains of cancers including leukaemias, myeloma and ovarian cancer. The commission suspects Aspen of "abuse of dominance by charging excessive prices in the provision of lifesaving cancer medicines in South Africa." Aspen is already under investigation in the European Union over suspicions that it abused its dominant market position in breach of EU antitrust rules. The EU probe was announced last month. 13.06.2017 LISTEN Accra, June 12, GNA - Dr Sheikh Amen Bonsu, National Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission, (GMM) has called on Ghanaians especially Muslims to desist from taking the law into their owns hands and engaging in mob justice. He said justice was only to be administered by the law enforcement agencies and not individuals, condemning the act, especially when the Holy Quran preached against taking the lives of other human beings. He said Islam was a religion of peace and the Holy Quran enjoined Muslims to be law abiding people and should live in peace with everyone, wherever they found themselves. Dr Bonsu made this observation at one of the Ramadan tefsir series organised for members of the GMM in the Greater Accra Region over the weekend. He said Ramadan was a period where Muslims were to submit totally to Allah, through continuous prayers as well as supplications, recitation of the Holy Quran and dig righteous deeds. He said Allah when he created man breath into him his spirit which later became the human soul, and as such every Muslim must ensure that the God given soul in him or her was in a pure state. Dr Bonsu said 'let us ensure that our hearts are always pure, in order to always be close to our maker. Let us worship Allah in all we do, and be mindful of our deeds wherever we are, having in mind that we would be accountable for our deeds one day.' Fasting in the month of Ramadan as part of the five pillars of Islam also seeks to boost the immune system since science has also proven that keeping fast also helps reduce toxic substances in the body. Dr Bonsu encouraged members to try and keep fast to help their immune system. He encouraged them to ensure to keep and apply the good morals that Ramadan brings, and abstain from all acts of evil even after the month of fasting was over. He also urged Muslims to keep on praying for the nation, in this holy month. GNA By Hafsa Obeng, GNA Accra, June 13, GNA - The Revival Restoration Centre (RRC) Assemblies of God has presented six motorbikes to some churches it planted during its 2017 Missions Outreach. The beneficiary churches are located in Apradan, Aweregya, Pra River and Dadieso all in the Kwahu West District of the Eastern Region. The others are located in Salaga in the Northern Region and the other in the Volta region. A statement signed by Mr Richard Kwasi Adjei Agyapong, the Media Relations Officer of the Church and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said a colourful ceremony was held on Sunday, June 11, to officially handover the motorbikes to the beneficiary pastors. Lead Pastor of the RRC assembly, Apostle Dr Alex Kweku Nkrumah, noted that the church started embarking on missions outreach some 25 years ago and had given out 16 motorbikes so far. He said the decision to donate the motorbikes to the churches was as a result of the very bad nature of roads in those areas coupled with distance between the residence of the pastors and the churches. 'Some of the pastors travel several kilometres culminating into hours before reaching the church. This makes life difficult for them and their families. Only the strong-willed will stay to continue the kingdom work,' he said. Dr Kwabena Duffuor, the Chairman of the Welfare Committee of the RRC Assembly, said giving to support God's work had immeasurable rewards. He charged Christians to give towards God's work irrespective of their income levels citing Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna who were ardent supporters of Jesus' ministry and the widow who supported Elijah's ministry. 'You don't have to have enough in order to give towards God's work or support society. No matter what you have, it is enough for something somewhere,' he said. Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of the pastors, Rev. Peter Abenneh, the General Secretary of Assemblies of God Church in the Eastern Region, expressed the gratitude of the pastors and the members for their benevolence and assured that the motorbikes would be used for the intended purposes as well as serviced regularly to ensure that they lasted. He prayed God's blessings on the entire congregation for their support for the missions. Some 5, 240 people benefitted from RRC Assemblies of God 2017 Missions Outreach held in the Kwahu West District of the Eastern Region. Of this number, 2,462 were saved. GNA Kumasi, June 13, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, has expressed concern about poor supervision of government projects resulting in shoddy job by contractors. He has therefore asked the Architectural Engineering Services Limited (AESL), the agency responsible for the supervision of government projects, to sit up and make sure that there was value for money. Addressing the staff of AESL in Kumasi, he warned of their readiness to crack the whip on engineers who failed to live up to expectation and allowed the state to be short changed. The visit was part of his tour of government institutions in the region to familiarize himself with their operations and the challenges. Mr. Osei-Mensah underlined the need to see to it that contract specifications were met and the right materials and quantities used. 'I am not enthused about what has been going on with contractors, especially the materials that they use, the doors and fittings which are of poor quality and the cost is also high, we are not getting value for money.' 'Our colonial buildings have been in existence for over 100 years but most of them are still very strong and their structural integrity intact. This cannot be said to buildings that were constructed two years ago. I do not think we can continue with this, we need to solve this problem once and for all', he added. The Minister indicated that he would only sign the certificate for contractors to receive payment for job done after projects had been properly inspected and found to be of the required standard. The Regional Consultant of AESL, Mr. Joseph Kwadwo Boamah, said they had taken note of the concerns raised and gave the assurance that the engineers would be doing due diligence. He appealed the government to increase the volume of consultancy work for the company to make it more viable to stay in competition. GNA By Kwabia Owusu-Mensah GNA Luanda (AFP) - Five Angolan Muslims who have been in detention since December for spreading radical views online and allegedly planning an attack, have denied swearing loyalty to the Islamic State group, their lawyer said Tuesday. "The accusation that these young Muslims have sworn allegiance and obedience to the Islamic State is based on assumptions," lawyer Sebastiao Assurreira told AFP. Arrested in December, they were charged in April with creating a radical movement as well as pledging loyalty to IS. Two women arrested at the same time were later bailed. Prosecutors say the men were preparing an attack and using face-to-face meetings and social media to radicalise others. But one of the defendants denied they were seeking to inspire violence. "Our goal was to preach and spread the Islamic faith without inciting violence. We had a Facebook group of 1,500 members to discuss Islam," Ahmed Nladu Jose told AFP from his prison cell. Angola, where 90 percent of people identify as Christian, is not thought to have suffered a jihadist attack. Seen by AFP, the charge sheet claims that information obtained from the suspects' computers, phones and books suggested "radical tendencies". Under Angolan law, they could face between five and 15 years behind bars if convicted of creating a "terrorist organisation" -- and between three and 12 years for belonging to a terrorist organisation. Assurreira said it was not unusual for people to discuss their faith on social media. "It is quite normal that they talk about Islam on social networks, they have no weapons and have never been in Syria or Iraq," he said. "They read and sold books on Islam. I have the right to read Machiavelli and not to apply his principles." No date has been set for their trial. Owners of the land on which the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)has been built in Ho in the Volta Region, have picketed at the entrance of the campus demanding their compensations from the government. Owners of the 702-acre land have made known their intention to picket at the entrance of the university every day until their compensations are fully paid. According to them, several attempts to get the government to pay their compensations have yielded no positive results though the "Solicitor General at the Attorney Generals Department in Accra confirmed to them that $29.3 million was set aside for payment of their compensations" before the 2016 general elections. Speaking to Joy News, the consultant for the land owners, William Dafeamekpor explained documents covering payment of the compensations were processed at the Lands Commission and forwarded to the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry for clearance for the claims to be paid. "The documents have been lying there for over two months now, today it is at stage two, the next time we check it goes back to stage one. We have made several attempts to see the Minister but we never met him, even if he was in the office, we would be told he is not around", he narrated. Mr Dafeamekpor added that "the landowners are in the process of seeking an injunction on the school and if this happens, it is an embarrassment to the government and the country." Secretary for the land owners, Dr Winfred Kwame Narccor-Tse, emphasised they would continue to picket on the campus until their compensations are paid because the government has failed to honour its promises. "About 10 of our colleagues have died and we don't want all to die to leave this thing behind. We were the ones who suffered and want to spend the money ourselves", he said. Patricia Dogbey, lamented life has been difficult after the government took away her 15-acre family land which they used to farm on to support the education of their wards and the family. "I'm here to ask the government to pay me my money, my husband and I are now retired and providing for the family has been challenging. Why won't they [government] pay us our compensations? The first batch of students have graduated and still our money has not been paid", she narrated. The government, through an Executive Instrument (EI), compulsorily acquired the lands for the first public university in the Volta Region, which was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Lusaka (AFP) - Zambia's parliament on Tuesday suspended 48 opposition lawmakers who boycotted President Edgar Lungu's address to legislators in March to protest his contested electoral victory. The lawmakers from the United Party for National Development (UPND) avoided Lungu's address claiming he was not the legitimate winner of the contested August 11 elections. Parliament Speaker Patrick Matibini said they should quit if they did not accept Lungu as the head of state. "I challenge you to resign on moral grounds if you do not recognise that there is a legitimately elected government," said Matibini. "I have, in exercise of my powers, decided to suspend the 48 members of parliament from service for a period of 30 days with effect from today." Matibini said that the lawmakers would not be paid or have access to the parliament building or lodgings during their suspension. Tuesday's decision is the latest in a long-running battle between Zambia's government and the principal opposition. The UPND's leader Hakainde Hichilema has been in custody since April accused of treason over allegedly putting the president's life in danger when his motorcade failed to make way for the head of state's limousine during a high-speed incident. Hichilema has claimed that he was assaulted by police during his arrest and has suffered mistreatment in detention. The alleged motorcade incident, which occurred on the weekend of April 8-9 as they were both travelling to the Western province for a traditional ceremony. The Hague (AFP) - Bosco Ntaganda will give a full account of his role as a Congolese rebel commander in 2002-03 when he takes the stand at the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, his lawyer has said. Almost two years after his trial opened, the man once dubbed "The Terminator" will take the stand to recall events in 2002 and 2003, when his rebel forces rampaged through the vast central African country's gold-rich Ituri province, murdering and raping civilians and plundering their possessions. "Mr Ntaganda will describe everything he did in the conflict. Step-by-step and day-by-day and give a full description," his lawyer Stephane Bourgon said. "What Mr Ntaganda wishes to establish by testifying is to explain exactly who he is and to ensure that people perceive him as a human being. He wants to speak personally with the judges," Bourgon told AFP in an interview on Monday. Ntaganda, 43, has denied 13 charges of war crimes and five counts of crimes against humanity committed by his Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FPLC), a militia drawn from the Hema ethnic group which prosecutors say targeted the Lendu and other non-Hema groups. Fighting in Ituri has left some 60,000 dead since 1999 according to rights groups, in a conflict exacerbated by the wealth of regional resources including gold and other minerals used in electronic products. Ntaganda has been charged with ordering hundreds of deaths through savage ethnic attacks by the FPLC, which was then the armed wing of the Union of Congolese Patriots. Harrowing witness testimony During the prosecution's case, which took 64 days to complete, a witness told the tribunal in The Hague of seeing "tied-up bodies" left in their underwear, "their heads crushed." Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda, seen here at the opening of his trial in 2015, was once known as 'The Terminator' Ntaganda "was one of the most important commanders" involved in the savage ethnic attacks carried out by the FPLC, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said at the opening of the trial in September 2015. The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been mired for two decades in ethnically-charged wars, as rebels battle for control of mineral resources. The unrest spiralled to encompass armies from at least six African nations, claiming an estimated three million lives in one of the world's most deadly recent conflicts. At the start of his trial Ntaganda, known for his trademark pencil moustache, and his penchant for cowboy hats and fine dining, told the judges he rejected being called "The Terminator". The ICC issued two arrest warrants against Ntaganda who evaded capture until unexpectedly walking into the US embassy in Kigali in 2013 and turning himself in. 13.06.2017 LISTEN The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Prosper Akambong, yesterday refused to hand over office to a newly-appointed replacement, Dr. David Zawumya Kobila. The handing over ceremony, which was getting to the climax, was abruptly aborted after Dr. Akambong had allegedly received a call from an unknown source. The supposed outgoing CEO insisted that he could not hand over office to the new CEO, because he was yet to receive any formal letter from the Ministry of Health, suggesting he had either been dismissed or transferred to a different facility. But his action stirred up the anger of some foot soldiers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who had come in their numbers to witness the ceremony and to usher the new CEO into office. They insisted that Dr. Prosper Akambong should hand over immediately or incur their wrath. But for the timely intervention of the incoming CEO, and the Special Aide to the Northern Regional Minister, Shani Bawumia, a different story would have been told. Dr. Akambong, who turned down an interview with The Chronicle, quickly left the scene to apparently avoid any confrontation with the angry NPP youth. Dr. David Kobila also declined to comment but rather charged the youth to restrain themselves. Dr. Prosper Akambong, who assumed office in 2013, has come under intense pressure and attacks in recent times. There were allegations of prescription of expired drugs, looting of essential drugs by some senior doctors to stock their private hospitals, and frequent shortage of oxygen, among others. No official report has implicated the embattled Chief Executive Officer in any of the allegations. The development, however, resulted in a series of attacks, demonstrations, and criticisms, especially, from some vigilante groups of the NPP, who, at some point, barricaded his office and handed over the keys to the Northern Regional Police Command. It took the intervention of the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed, and some chiefs in Tamale, to get Dr. Akambong back to office. In ensuring efficiency, proper management and transparency at the TTH, the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has now appointed a new CEO, Dr. David Kobila, to take over from Dr. Prosper Akambong, but not without some controversies. The Chronicle gathered the NPP 'Kandahar Boys' stormed the Kaladan Park in Tamale to foil a planned demonstration by some perceived supporters of the outgoing CEO against the incoming CEO. From Edmond Gyebi, Tamale 13.06.2017 LISTEN The Brong-Ahafo Regional Hospital in Sunyani, the only major referral health facility in the region, is plagued with problems, including the use of obsolete machines and equipment, which is impeding the smooth administration of the facility. The multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art health facility is gradually losing its adorable status, with many stakeholders admitting that the facility is in serious crisis. This compelled the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, to visit the hospital to assess the situation. It emerged, after taking the Minister round the facility, that the incinerator, which is used to burn clinical and other waste, has, for over some years now, been shut down due to the breakdown of its chimney. The development has compelled the workers to burn waste in an open pit, resulting in smoke being released into the atmosphere, which raises another health concern to people living around. The Waste Treatment Plant (WTP), which is supposed to treat liquid waste and pump it back to the facility to be used for laundry and other services, is also not working satisfactorily, due to a minor fault. At the laundry department, only one out of the five washing machines was working. One out of the three dryers was also working. As a result of this, the hospital has to carry dirty clothes to the Goaso Government Hospital for washing. The autoclave machine for the sterilisation of medical equipment takes two hours, instead of thirty minutes to sterilise medical equipment. This, according to managers of the facility, is thwarting effective and rapid healthcare delivery, particularly, during an operation at the theatre. But the Regional Minister indicated that all hope was not lost, and that the government had the intention to upgrade the facility to the status of a Teaching Hospital, which idea had already been mooted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). He said his working visit to the hospital was to acquaint himself with the challenges of the place, saying: It is urgently prudent for some of the equipment which are obsolete to be replaced. Mr. Asomah-Cheremeh disclosed that a group in France was prepared to assist the hospital, while Ghanaians based in Chicago-USA have also promised their readiness to assist. He said the information gathered would also be passed to the Health Ministry, for them to act adequately on it. The Hospital Administrator, Mr. Asare-Bediako, on his part, explained that before the introduction of the Health Insurance Scheme, the government was supporting the repairs and maintenance of some of the equipment, but the support had now stopped. According to him, the money from the health insurance is for recurrent expenditure, and not to be used for capital investment, such as repairs and maintenance of laundry machines, dryers, autoclave machines and incinerators among others. He said if the health insurance money was used for repairs and maintenance of such capital investment activities, then there would be regular shortages of drugs and other clinical consumables. From Michael Boateng, Sunyani Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's competition commission said Tuesday it had launched investigations into pharmaceutical giants Roche, Pfizer and Aspen for suspected overpricing of cancer drugs. Swiss firm Roche and US company Pfizer are being probed over "excessive pricing" for breast and lung cancer medications respectively, while South Africa's Aspen is being investigated for overcharging over three different drugs. "The commission has reason to believe that Roche and its USA-based biotechnology company, Genentech, have and continue to engage in excessive pricing, price discrimination... in the provision of breast cancer medicine in South Africa," it said in a statement. It said it suspected Roche of engaging in anti-competitive conduct, prolonging its "hold on breast cancer drugs" and preventing cheaper generic alternatives from reaching the market. Roche is also accused of charging different rates to private and public sector patients, possibly in breach of local competition laws. The Swiss giant said it had not yet been notified of the investigation. If notified, "we will be cooperating with the authorities and will provide all required information while responding to the potential allegation," said Roche. The South African commission said it had "also initiated an investigation against pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, for suspected excessive pricing of lung cancer medication in South Africa". The commission is also investigating South Africa's Aspen for overcharging for three drugs used in the treatment of various strains of cancer including leukaemia, myeloma and ovarian cancer. It suspects Aspen of "abuse of dominance by charging excessive prices in the provision of lifesaving cancer medicines in South Africa". Aspen denied the allegations saying that pharmaceutical prices in the country are approved by the health ministry which establishes a universal fixed price for each drug. "Aspen has not increased pricing of its products outside of this regulatory framework and has clearly demonstrated its commitment to providing quality medicines affordably over many years," it said in a statement. "The supply of the oncology products in question is no exception." Aspen is already under investigation in the European Union over suspicions that it abused its dominant market position in breach of EU antitrust rules. The EU probe was announced last month. Bamako (AFP) - Mali's anti-corruption office launched a crackdown on tens of thousands of civil servants Tuesday, setting them an end of August deadline to prove they earned their income honestly. Those who fail to do so will be sacked and could face fines and even jail terms, Moumouni Guindo, head of the Central Office against Illicit Enrichment (OCLCEI) told AFP. Top government officials have until the end of August to declare their assets, as have another 55,000 civil servants across the country, including contract workers, he added. "Any civil servant who fails to declare his assets before the end of August 2017 will be relieved of his functions...," said Guindo. They would be banned from public sector work for five years, he added. "Investigations for illicit enrichment will be launched against any civil servant under suspicion," he added. The onus was on the officials to prove their assets had been honestly acquired, he said, and anyone trying to hide their assets "will be in for a surprise." The 12-strong OCLCEI was set up in 2014. It has the power to take officials suspected of corruption to court. Anyone found guilty of corruption risked up to five years in jail if the sum concerned was sufficiently large, said Guindo. Pressure groups and campaigners in Mali regularly denounce corruption and poor governance in the country. Mali has since 2002 been struggling against a jihadist insurgence, which in 2013 led to a French-led military operation to drive them out of strongholds in the north of the country. The ICT tutor of Assin Asamankese D/A Primary School in the Assin South District of the Central Region, Augustine Kusi has incurred the wrath of the District Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Mrs Sally Nelly Colman who claimed his conduct has disgraced the school and the district as a whole. A viral video making the rounds on various social media platforms shows students in of school in a classroom improvising a computer mouse by using stones. The video shows the students clicking and double-clicking the stones on instructions by their teacher. But Mrs Sally Nelly Colman disclosed that the teacher could have applied to her office for the devices if he required them for teaching and learning of ICT which is part of the curricular for basic education. According to her, improvising stones as mouse for that purpose has made the district a subject of ridicule worldwide and indicate that she may institute sanctions against him in view of the fact that there are some in stock at the GES office which he could have applied and received for the purpose. Meanwhile Augustine Kusi, says for years the school has had no access to a single computer system after the only desktop given to them became faulty. Since I came here those who were in class two are now in class six and we havent had anything like a computer that we can use to teach, he said in the interview. The teacher says he tries his best to bring the theoretical aspect of the subject (ICT) to the students. This he does to help the students in writing the exams especially the BECE. He directs students on how to use the computer mouse by using stones and teaches them how to right click and left click in the video that went viral on social media. Though the children appear happy to learn with the stones, they appeal to the government to get the school some ICT tools for much easier learning.In the interview Mr. Augustine says that they have been pleading for learning materials for long but they fall on deaf ears. It was however uncovered that lack of basic learning tools aids is not peculiar to the Asamankese D/A as many schools in the rural areas in the district are faced with similar problems. Barbara Mahama, widow of the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama could be interrogated as part ongoing investigations by the Criminal and Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to unravel the true killer of her husband. ASP Olivia Turkson, on Accra-based Asempa Fm, said it is part of steps to give investigators leads that help police apprehend the main culprits behind the dastardly act. She disclosed that Barbara disclosed she interacted with the deceased via text at 9am on the day he died after they spoken on phone at 6am stating that it could be part of an important ingredient of investigations. She also denied claims that some of the suspects have been granted bail insisting that all 52 are in prison custody and scheduled to appear in court on June 21, 2017. Police investigators have revealed that the man who shot the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama severally leading to his death has still not been apprehended. Yaw Amankwa, alias Bulla, is said to be the one who fired severally at soldier and when he fell down residents descended on him with life-threatening objects including the cement block that was used to hit his head by thirty-Six (36) year old Kwame Tufour. Police also reveal that other suspects currently on the run include; Akwesi Asante; Nana Kwadjo, alias Nana Edjo; John Boakye, Unit Committee Member, and a trader whose name was given only as Sarah, married to Kwaku Brefo, a motorbike rider in the town. The others are Kwaku Diesel, Kaya Rasta and the rest whose names were given only as Daddy, Boadu, Ahinkra, Tikwa and Attipar. Meanwhile postmortem report on the late Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama who was buried on June 9, 2017 has been released revealing that the slain soldier sustained several gunshots moments before his death Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Bright Oduro according to a graphic.com.gh report revealed that several bullets were removed from his body which confirms that he was shot by the suspects before his body was set on fire. Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was the Commander of a military detachment stationed at Denkyira-Boase in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, was lynched by residents after they suspected he was a robber. 52 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident with the latest being 7 who were on Friday remanded by an Accra Central District Court including; Akwasi Baah, Solomon Sackey, Kwame Agyei, Joseph Appiah Kubi (aka Kum Dede), Akosua Takyiwaa (aka Maabono), Esther Dauda (aka Asha) and Michael Kumah (aka Kojo Anim) to reappear on June 21, 2017 All suspects have been provisionally charged with two counts of murder contrary to section 46 of the criminal code and other offences act of 1960, Act 29 as well as conspiracy to commit crime to wit murder: contrary to section 23(1) and 46 of the criminal and other offences act 1960 (Act 29). The Tumu Kuoro and Member of Council of State, Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton has disclosed that residents of Denkyira-Boase in the Upper Debkyira West District of the Central Region, should count themselves lucky times have changed. He disclosed that if it was in the olden days, they would have tasted the wrath of Sissla warriors after gruesomely murdering their kinsman they claimed was an armed robber. The way he was killed, if we had our own power or we were in the olden days, we would have gone there to show them who we are. Let them know that the slain soldier ( Major Maxwell Adam Mahama) is a son of men, but now that we are in a democracy.You cannot do that ,you cannot apply instant justice as government is working on and arresting all involved, so lets have hope in the security services the Tumu kuoro advised on Tumu-based Radford Fm. Ahead of the arrival of the funeral Major Maxwell Mahama to his paternal hometown, the chief asked all and sundry particularly his kinsmen not to seek revenge over the killing but allow the laws of Ghana to deal with the perpetrators. I am sure some of the members of the community where the incident took place may be here in Tumu or some of our communities. Dont harass or attempt to do anything in the form of revenge to them as such acts will not be accepted by the laws of the country and you will be made to face the law that alone, he cautioned. He called on all the Sissala paramouncies to come help him organise the final funeral rite in Tumu next Saturday but reiterated the need for all to be law abiding during the occasion to show to the world they are not violent as many perceive. The University of Education Winneba is appealing to students not to be disheartened by a High court decision ordering the shutdown of the school. PRO for the University, Steve Van Kamasa told Evans Mensah on Joy FMs Top Story Tuesday the injunction ordering the closure is temporary and will expire on Friday. The University is battling a court case brought against it by a former Assemblyman of Donkoryiem, Supi Kofi Kwayera over the continuous stay of the schools Council. Related Article: High court shuts down University of Education The Councils mandatory four year term expired in 2013, but the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government directed it to act until a substantive one is appointed. The then Education Minister, Professor Naana Opoku Agyemang in her justification cited the protracted election petition in 2013 and some challenges facing the education sector for the central governments decision. We were all aware of a number of challenges that were going on legally regarding the electionsso the directive came that all councils whose terms were going to expire should hold on, she told Parliament on June 23, 2016. Related Article: Former Assemblyman drags UEW to court over expired Governing Council But displeased by the development, the businessman in a suit filed at a Winneba High Court wants all the decisions taken by the Council to be declared null and void. Mr Kwayera is also seeking the declaration that the extension of the mandate of the Governing Council by the University and Education Ministry was in breach of Section 8 of Act 972. At a hearing at Winneba, the presiding judge, Justice Ato Graves Mills granted an injunction request by the former Assemblyman for the closure of the school. He also asked for the current Vice Chancellor of the school and other senior members to be restrained from exercising their duties. The news has been received with mixed feelings especially by students who are expected to graduate in 2017. The injunction affects over 46,000 students in all the four satellite campuses of the university located in Kumasi, Mampong, Winneba and Ajumako. A would-be graduate who spoke to Joy News on condition of anonymity said he will organise his colleagues to petition the government to intervene for their graduation to be held. "We are devastated by the news [because] the fact is that we were due for graduation in April and we did everything possible [but] we later heard the case has been sent to court," he said. "We have realised that the only thing the government understands is the choo boi method and we will do that." But Mr Van Kamasa explained the graduation did not take place as scheduled because government is yet to appoint its four representatives to constitute the new University Council. "We are waiting for the government to bring us those four names," he said, adding the university has been communicating with the Ministry to submit the names. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers 13.06.2017 LISTEN General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has stated that politics is not about pretty looks as many would want it appear like. He said if it had been so, Former President John Dramani Mahama would have easily won the 2016 general elections because he appeared more handsome than the other contenders on the ballot. In 2016, the most handsome of the race did not winpeople claimed he was more handsome than Nana Addo but still, Nana Addo wonask yourself why people didnt even vote massively for John Mahama though he is a handsome man, it should tell you that they didnt vote per physical features, he revealed. Responding to comments from former President Jerry John Rawlings at the partys 25th Anniversary Rally held at Ashaiman Mandela park in Accra to the effect he was ugly and light he was naturally born ugly and cannot do anything about it. It is a pity he (Asiedu Nketia) is uglyIf he were handsome, we would put him on a horse to go and help. Considering how light he is like air, the horse will run faster,the NDC founder joked. But in response Asiedu Nketia affectionately called General Mosquito said God gave everyone what fits them and thats why Im proud of myself. God gave me those features and I cannot be held accountable for that, I did not beg for those features he said. According to him, the former president might have made those comments because he arrived at the events grounds late. I was very late for the event because of heavy traffic on the Tema road but when I got there and saw all the big men on the stage, I quickly apologized. But I realized that when I got there, the crowd were all over me and thats why JJ decided to make fun of me saying Im even popular than Mahama but for my weight and handsomeness, I could qualify as flagbearer of the party he said on Okay fm. Rawlings knows what I have done and what I can do for my party and thats why he wanted to give me that huge position he stressed. At least five police officers with the Legon Police in Accra are on interdiction for allowing 11 kilos worth of gold valued at GHS1.3million to, somehow, turn into fake gold. In a story similar to the cocaine turned baking soda scandal which twice hit the police administration, the five men are undergoing internal service enquiry. Deputy Director of Police Public Relations, DSP Shiela Packman told Joy News Evans Mensah the officers were clearly in breach of police procedures. According to her, the East Legon police officers seized the gold from officials of Global Resources Ltd (victims of gold scam) after arresting them in a hotel trying to buy the gold. The gold was initially tested and confirmed it was real gold but somehow when it was later tested by officials of the police head quarters, the gold had suddenly become fake. Five officers of the Legon Police face possible trial, she said, adding, a duplicate case docket has been sent to the AG to find out whether the AG will prosecute the matter or the police should go ahead, DSP Packman said. The cash amount of GHS1.3 million which officials of Global Resources Ltd paid for the original gold cannot also be traced, DSP Packman admitted, explaining that two other persons are on the police wanted list for bolting with the money. Background On 12th November 2016, officials of Global Resources Ltd, met Mr. Courage Gegepe Kobby, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Union Investment Agencies, a supposed gold dealer to transact business. Mr Gegepe had in his possession 13 kilos of gold which was tested by the buyers and found to be real gold. The buyers being officials of Global Resources Ltd paid for the gold but before they could seal the transaction police officers from Legon raided the hotel and arrested them for buying stolen gold. They were sent to the Legon Police station put in police custody with the 13 kilos of gold taken away from them by the East Legon Police Commander, DSP Mr. Emmanuel Basintale. The gold was supposed to be exhibit. DSP Basintale The victims were later sent to court and charged with buying stolen gold. They were later released. Whilst in custody, the victims claimed to have witnesses who saw the police commander return to his office at 4:00 am ostensibly to take away the gold. Later on the same commander was reported to have brought the gold for testing but this time it was fake. Director of Strategic & Business Development at Global Resources has described as ludicrous claims by the police that the gold paid for by his company was fake. James Barbieri, at a press conference in Accra Tuesday said in all, the buyers paid for eleven kilos of gold but were in possession of thirteen (13) kilos which they paid for since the quality of two (2) were tested and found to be below their standard. They used their own technical gold testing equipment and were very convinced of the quality before the payment was made. In a subsequent interview with Joy News, Barbeiri said he does not understand how real gold will turn fake in the hands of the police. He is also accusing top police officers of trying to cover up but the Deputy Police PRO insists nothing will be put under wraps. DSP Shiela Packman said the police administration is vigorously investigating the matter and have only recently published pictures of some of the suspects. The police will not hide anything, she assured, adding all the officers found culpable will be dealt with. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah 13.06.2017 LISTEN Hohoe, June 13, GNA - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport projects financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2016 would have a positive impact on the living conditions of close to 20 million Africans over the next few years. The AfDB made this forecast in the Annual Report of the Infrastructure, Cities and Sustainable Development Department of the AfDB, published on June 9, 2017, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency. The report cites US$ 1.6 billion as the total amount of loans and grants provided by the Bank in transport and ICT in 2016. This amount is allocated to 15 countries to finance a wide range of projects such as international roads systems, railway lines, urban infrastructure and projects related to new ICTs. It said with these new projects, the global portfolio of transport and ICT projects under implementation rose to 118 in 47 countries, cumulatively valued at US$ 11.8 billion. Mr Amadou Oumarou, the Director of the Bank's Infrastructure, Cities and Sustainable Development Department, said: "Transport and ICT play a pivotal role in the pursuit of the Bank's five operational priorities, particularly in supporting industrialisation, regional integration, agricultural modernisation and the overall improvement of the living conditions of Africans." The report features the various projects using infographics and maps to help explain how each project is integrated into its specific geographic and economic context. He said, for example, that the Trans-Saharan fibre optic backbone will connect Chad and Niger with their neighbours, strengthening internet access in remote areas. This year, the approved projects will finance the paving of 1,120 km of roads and laying 2,060 km of fibre optic cable. The document also describes the Bank's holistic approach to financing each infrastructure project and measures designed to stimulate economic activity and improve the wellbeing of the people in the project areas. The report, for instance, said: 'A road project connecting Rwanda and Uganda includes launching a training programme for 1,600 women who make their living through cross-border trade, the construction of two markets near the border crossing and support to seven local associations. 'Also of note are projects to provide better access to isolated areas of Cameroon and southern Ethiopia, accompanied by strong support for agricultural development and construction of health and education infrastructure. 'The Bank's role in 2016 has evolved in such a way as to emphasise urban mobility and the development of sustainable cities.' The report cites the creation of a "Cities and Urban Development" division which would assist the Bank in tackling challenges posed by Africa's rapid urbanisation. The past year was marked by significant infrastructure projects in Accra, Abidjan, and Kampala amounting to over 500 million dollars, an unprecedented bank investment in the urban transport sector. The projects reflect how the Bank accompanies its partners and clients, especially in capacity building. The 2016 operations include the training of 250 local staff and administrative managers. It said in the long-term the Bank was committed to financing the elaboration of local, national and multinational infrastructure development strategies including the establishment of an urban development plan for Accra and the creation of an agency dedicated to coastal protection in Togo. Others are to design a development plan for Lake Victoria involving three neighbouring countries and coordinating preliminary studies for the construction of a highway corridor between Abidjan and Lagos to connect the five countries. In doing so, the Bank would strengthen the level of expertise and coordination of its member states' administration thereby opening the way for future development projects. GNA By Maxwell Awumah, GNA The Racine area's population is not growing, and construction costs are rising. Those factors are guiding how the Racine Unified School District is planning to spend the funding from its 30-year, $1 billion referendum. The district's long-term plans have been somewhat changed in the past two years. Here's where they sit now (and yes, inflation plays a big factor)... Accra, June 13, GNA - The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, on Tuesday organised a press briefing on the commemoration of the Day of the African Child (DAC), an event observed on June 16 each year. The 2017 celebrations highlight the need for accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity for children in Africa by 2030. Ms Gifty Twum-Ampofo, the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the day presented an opportunity for all stakeholders working with and on behalf of children, including government, non-governmental and international entities, to reflect on issues affecting children in the sub-region. She said the DAC was also an opportune moment to take stock of the progress made and the outstanding challenges towards the full realisation of the rights of children on the African Continent. Ms Twum-Ampofu, who gave a little background to the occasion, said it was initiated by the then Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, and had been commemorated since 1991 to, among other things, honour the memory of the gallant children who were killed by security forces in Soweto, South Africa for protesting to demand for their rights to quality education in 1976. She said the African Committee decided to highlight and give attention to the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, hence the theme: 'The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for Children in Africa: Accelerating Protection, Empowerment, and Equal Opportunity'. Ghana, she said, had achieved a lot in terms of accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity for children and cited interventions including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and investments in physical and social infrastructure which played a considerable role in ensuring a reduction in poverty and achieving better human development outcomes especially for children. Ms Twum-Ampofu said fortunately, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had evolved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and any unfinished business could be addressed within the new context. Ghana, in line with the MDGs and other international protocols, had strengthened the child protection arena with the formulation of the Child and Family Welfare, as well as the Justice for Children Policies. It has also started the processes to review its domestic child laws in the light of the SDGs and the African Charter to ensure child rights-based policies, practices and programmes, that did not in any way undermine the equality of children, particularly the girl-child and other vulnerable groups. She said gender equality was also crucial for achieving all other SDGs including eradicating hunger and poverty. Ms Twum-Ampofu said as a treaty body the African Committee was also seeking to draw attention to the fact that the so called 'priority SDG targets and indicators for children' should be brought closer to the African Charter reporting cycle. She said ensuring empowerment and equal opportunity required targeting all socio-economic groups in order to ensure that no child was left behind with particular focus on prioritising the rights and needs of the poorest and most marginalised. Ms Twum-Ampofu said in line with this interventions programmes such as the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education, the Free Senior Secondary Education, School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant, as well as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty interventions were being pursued by government. She said although a lot was being done, there was still more to be achieved and called on stakeholders to join hands to make the continent a fitting place for all children to live. Mrs Emilia Allan, a Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, said there was more that could be done for children and pledged UNICEF's commitment to work with governments and civil society organisations on accelerating their protection, empowerment and ensuring their equal opportunities. GNA By Christabel Addo, GNA Accra, June 13, GNA - The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama, has urged all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to comply with the 'Fee Fixing Guidelines' document in their revenue mobilisation. She said the 'Guidelines' comprehensively describe local revenue items to enable the MMDAs properly define them for comparison and analysis across districts. She said MMDAs were not supposed to exceed the upper limits of the fees in the guidelines unless approval has been sought from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. Hajia Mahama made these remarks on Tuesday at a one-day Validation Workshop on the 'Draft Fee Fixing Guidelines' in Accra. The final draft 'Fee Fixing Guidelines' has been developed by the Ministry in collaboration with the Fiscal Decentralisation Unit of the Ministry of Finance and some selected MMDAs The revised guidelines for charging of Fees for the provision of services and facilities and granting of licences and permit by MMDAs are contained in a 77-page document. The United Kingdom through the Department for International Development (DFID) provided funding for the review of the 'Fee Fixing Guidelines' as well as the validation of the document at the regional and the national levels. Hajia Mahama said the local revenue items embedded in the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System were also currently being reviewed, in line with the items in the 'Guidelines', to enable Assemblies easily identify these items in the Chart Accounts. She said the importance of local revenue generation could not be overemphasised, if MMDAs were to effectively carry out their major function of service delivery to citizens; devoid of over-reliance on Central Government transfers. 'In order to increase local revenue generation, there is also the need for an increase in the sources of Internally Generated Funds apart from the current ones being explored by the assemblies; namely licences, fees, fines, investment, rate, land and rent. 'In this vein, the MMDAs are being encouraged to identify new revenue sources that would enhance local revenue generation to meet the needs and aspirations of the citizens,' she said. She said fines to be charged by the MMDAs include building offences such as development without permit, occupying newly completed houses without Occupancy (Habitation) Certificate, unauthorised placements and refusal to obtain permit. She said to enable the MMDAs generate revenue within the areas of their jurisdiction, the Local Government Act 2016, Act 936 empowers them to charge fees/rates for the provision of services, facilities and businesses in the districts. However, the Act also empowers the Ministry to regulate the fees charged in order to ensure uniformity in the rates and also discharge the issuance of outrageous fees. She said the MLRD was therefore, mandated by law under Sections 150, 137 and 141 of the Local Governance Act (Act 936), to issue Guidelines on fee-fixing and rate impose, with proposed ranges, to serve as the basis on which MMDAs were to pass their Fee-Fixing Resolutions from time to time. The Minister said a Mathematical formula had also been prescribed within the draft document for use by all MMDAs for the annual review of their fees. She lauded the DFID for the support to the Ministry in the implementation of the Business Enabling Environment Project, an intervention which seeks to reduce the time and cost of doing business at the district level with regards to the issuance of building/construction permits in four MMDAs. Ms Nathalie Bouchez, Component Manager, Internally Generated Fund, GIZ, said the 'Fee Fixing Guidelines' document was a very crucial and would serve as a key cornerstone in the process of revenue mobilisation at the local levels. Mr Isaac Kojo Hagan, DFID, said the Department was working with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on improving tax payer services particularly for small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs). He said as part of this effort, the GRA was developing a self-help software for taxpayers; which provides a convenient, simple and accurate means for taxpayers, especially SMEs, to compute their tax returns and liability, before filing taxes. GNA By Iddi Yire/Amadu Kamil Sanah, GNA Accra, June 13, GNA - Child Right International (CRI), a child centred civil society organization, says the inhumane incident that claimed the life of Major Mahama has exposed children to a high degree of violence which may become traumatic for some in the future. According to the Executive Director of CRI, Mr Bright Appiah, investigations conducted by CRI indicated that women and children were camped, and such act could affect them emotionally and psychologically, therefore the need for a rehabilitation programme. The Executive Director was addressing the media in Accra on the need to protect children during conflict and violence situations. The Late Major Maxwell Mahama, buried on June 9th 2017 was on May 29, a Monday morning lynched by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi while he was on his early morning jogging. He was allegedly stoned and burnt by the youth of the area who mistook him for an armed robber. Mr Bright Appiah, the Executive Director of CRI, said in accordance with section 2 (2) of the Children's Act 1998, all actions must be taken in the best interest of the children and therefore pleaded that the citizenry desisted from sharing the deceased children's and other children's images as it may have some repercussions on their future development. Mr Appiah said: 'Exposing these children in relation to the incident may affect their social interaction and access to their rights in future.' Commenting on the 12 year-old boy who allegedly took part in the lynching of the late Major Mahama, Mr Appiah called on the Juvenile Justice System to take charge of the trial. 'In spite of the painful nature of this incident, justice must be served in accordance with the Juvenile Justice System where the rights of the child are respected, services provided and dignity upheld,' he said. Mr Appiah noted that, this was important as such situations make children more vulnerable and expose them to all forms of abuse. He, however, commended President Nana Addo for setting up a fund for the care of the family and expressed appreciation to him for supporting the family with GHE50,000.00, adding that 'We also appreciate the former President Mahama for his commitment to support the family,' he said. Mr Appiah also called on the stakeholders to protect the interest of children while he charged appropriate institutions to block any further interaction with children in the media. GNA By Elsie Appiah-Osei/Samira Larbie, GNA Cape Coast, June 13, GNA - Osabarima Kwasi Atta II, the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, has called for the support of Ghanaians, particularly the media, to promote the ideals of the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and 'Emancipation Day'. This, he indicated, was essential to preserve the nation's cultural heritage and project Africa's unique cultural values and norms to attract the desired investment to stimulate economic growth. The festival was mooted in the mid-1980s as a cultural vehicle to bring Africans both home and abroad to work together to overcome barriers that sought to impede the growth of the continent and its people. Similarly, the commemoration of the Emancipation Day was introduced in Ghana in 1998 and celebrated on August 1, every year, to mark the abolishment of the chattel slavery in the Caribbean. Speaking at a stakeholder's forum in Cape Coast on Tuesday, Osabarimah Atta said series of exciting activities earmarked to climax the twin celebrations included international and local arts and craft exhibitions, food bazaar, cultural dances and procession by Asafo groups. In addition, there would be a re-enactment of the crossing of River Prah and a grand durbar of the chiefs and people of Assin Manso, the acclaimed site of the 'Ndokonsuo' (Slave River) where the slaves transported from the Northern part of the country were bathed before they were taken to the Cape Coast Castle. Osabarima Atta, who doubles as the co-Chairman of the PANAFEST Foundation, said this year's celebration would go beyond ceremonial events to put in place systems and structures that would bond all people of black descents. He said it was imperative for all to be forward-thinking to identify 'modern slavery' that included racial and economic exploitation by pooling resources together to help build a better future for the continent. 'As Africans it is important that we work together as one people who have been traumatized by slavery and suffered discrimination because of racial differences. 'We should not easily forget our common bond of brotherhood and tragically tear each other apart in the name of differences in political ideologies, ethnicity, colour or race.' Nana Amba Eyiaba I, Krontihemaa of Oguaa Traditional Area, said the Emancipation Day ceremony was in honour of the departed leaders and ancestors whose toil, sacrifice and struggles paved the way for the emancipation of the black man from the shackles of slavery. The commemoration, according to her, was truly significant to rekindle the flame of unity among black people everywhere and heighten the inter-connected nature of their struggles on the continent, Europe and America. She said people who did not know their history to appreciate and understand the events that had forged their present realities, risk having a bleak future adding; "we cannot hide from the harsh truth of our history.' Nana Eyiaba charged Ghanaians to rise to the challenges of the time, saying 'our destinies are inextricably linked and the strength of our unity is necessary to overcome the tremendous odds and challenges we have to confront.' GNA By Isaac Arkoh/Grace Darko, GNA - Osita Chidoka one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain has dumped the former ruling party - The former minister is one of the aspirants for the November 2017 Anambra governorship election - Chidoka in a statement said he would join the United Progressive Party (UPP) on Wednesday, June 14 Former minister of aviation Osita Chidoka, is the latest chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to dump the former ruling party. Chidoka in a statement signed by Bright Nebedum, who is the Director General of his campaign organisation on Monday, June 12, said he would join the United Progressive Party (UPP) on Wednesday. READ ALSO: 21 things Acting President Osinbajo said after signing 2017 budget Legit.ng gathered that the former Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is one of the aspirants for the November 2017 Anambra governorship election. The former minister further said that the move is to enable him to realise his governorship aspiration in Anambra state and restore its lost political and economic glory. Chidoka would register in his hometown, Obosi, Idemili North local government area of Anambra state. It was gathered that Chidoka already commanded overwhelming support from various segments of Anambra citizenry. The governorship in Anambra has been fixed for November. 18 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ugbene community, Awka North local government area of Anambra state, welcomed into its fold, 3000 persons defecting from other parties. Legit.ng gathered that the defectors were from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The defectors, led by the national chairman of Ugbene Great Ambassadors Club, Chief Aaron Onwelukwue, disclosed that their defection was informed by Governor Willie Obianos sterling performance in office which they crave its continuity. Below is a Legit.ng video in which an APC official speaks on the possibilities of having the ruling party ousted in 2019. Source: Legit.ng RACINE Music is something that comes naturally to Horlick High School junior Emily Seeger and Walden High School junior Chandler Nennig, and the two of them brought home major recognition from the Wisconsin State Music Association. Seeger won gold in solos with flute, alto flute and bass flute, and silver in piccolo. Nennig won silver for his B-flat contra bass clarinet solo. The students competed in the state competition in May on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus. For both of them, a love of music started at a young age. I decided to teach myself (flute) before we were allowed to start playing in band, Seeger said. I like being able to make people happy or give them emotion just by playing an instrument. Seeger said she was nervous when playing her bass flute at the competition because one key wasnt closing all the way. We had to change a little of my solo because I had written it myself, Seeger said. I was absolutely terrified. The change we made brought my instrument to an upper octave I didnt expect the score I got. Horlick music teacher Josh Sherman taught Seeger from the time she was in middle school and said shes a leader in his class. Its been great to see her grow and grow into an exceptional musician, Sherman said. You can tell (music) means a lot to her. Seeger said music helps calm her nerves when she feels stressed out. Any time Im struggling with a class I come down here (to the band room) and play, Seeger said. Although she plays only classical music, her personal music tastes are varied. I listen to country and heavy metal, Seeger said. I grew up listening to country and I was introduced to some friends freshman year who got me into a lot of heavy metal and rock. Since picking up the flute, Seeger has tried her hand at clarinet, guitar and piano. She hopes to play music professionally when shes adult. Best forced decision For Nennig, his mother played the oboe and really pushed him in to music in the beginning. In fourth grade my mom made me, Nennig says with a laugh. And it turned out to be one of the best forced decisions she made upon me. His father, Christopher Nennig, said Chandler showed an affinity right off the bat. Nennig said he chose the clarinet because it was the only instrument I could make a sound with. After that I realized I was good and that I actually enjoyed it, Nennig said. During state, Nennig said he was nervous because only played the B-flat clarinet for basically six months and was pleasantly surprised on how well he did. In the future Nennig said he would consider teaching music or being involved with music in some way, but he is still finding his way. Id like for music to be an option, Nennig said. Are you interested in the Peace Corps of Nigeria ranks structure? Do you want to be a member of something very significant? Its an important life experience! Join the Peace Corps! Peace Corps of Nigeria Peace Corps (English Peace Corps) is an irrespective federal organization of the US government. It was formed on March 1, 1961. The US Congress approved the institution on September 22, 1961, by the adoption of the Peace Corps Act. It is an humanitarian agency. Peace Corps dispatches volunteers to poverty-stricken countries to provide assistance. What is Peace Corps? According to the principal law, the purpose of the Peace Corps is the following: The world peace and friendship must be promoted with the help of the Peace Corps. It should send men and women from the USA. They must be qualified to serve abroad and will have to minister if it is needed, in difficult circumstances to assist people of the countries and regions to fulfill their need for trained personnel. John Kennedy is the founder of Peace Corps The program of the Corps officially has three tasks: to assist people of interested countries and regions in satisfaction of their need for trained staff; to help in the promoting a better comprehension of Americans among the nations being rendered the services (Peace Corps); to assist in development of a better comprehension of other nations about Americans. The Peace Corps guides the volunteers to various worlds countries, in more than seventy countries, to cooperate with the government institutions, schools, non-profit institutions, non-governmental agencies and entrepreneurs in the fields of education, business, technologies of information, agriculture and the environment. Originally, the Peace Corps declares its accessibility to other governments. The governments designate the territories in which the Corps can operate. The Corps then verify the assigned tasks with its human resources and guides volunteers with the necessary skills to the other countries that previously sent requests. Volunteers of Peace Corps The Volunteer Service improves the lives of people in communities all over the world. The volunteers get practical benefit, study new languages, receive guidance and international development experience, and work with host countries as partners and friends. Data: The total number of volunteers and trainees to date is more than 215,000. The total number of serviced countries is 139. The current number of volunteers and trainees is 7209. Among them are 63% of women and 37% of men. The Marital status is 93% single, 7% married. The average age is 28.7 years old. The volunteers older than 50 years are 8%. Peace Corps Logo The current number of countries served is 65 countries. Volunteers in working area: Education: 40% Health: 22% Environment: 12% Economic development of local communities: 11% Young people in development: 7% Agriculture: 5% Other: 3% The Acting Director of Peace Corps is Carrie Hessler-Radelet. How to join the Peace Corps? If you decided to join the Peace Corps, you have made an important decision. The volunteers from Peace Corps live, study and work abroad for 27 months of their lives. Volunteers are directed to developing countries where they have to live without any of the comfort they have been used to. Nevertheless, it is an invaluable experience, and you will never forget it. You can make the world a little better, change someone's life and make your resume more attractive to employers. The application process takes about six months. If you are patient, it may be the best decision in your life. You should go to college. If you want to increase your chances of participating in this program, you should get a higher education. In fact, 90% of the positions require an education. In most cases, the degree of junior specialist may be sufficient if you have the necessary work experience. If possible, get knowledge in the field of agriculture, forestry or ecology. Having work experience in these areas can make you a worthy candidate. It should be noted that the above industries are not sufficiently staffed, so you have great chances. Get a volunteer experience. The Peace Corps is looking for people who like to help others. If you have experience working as a volunteer in a hospital, in a canteen, or in the field of education, this is only a plus. The work experience will show that you are a worthy candidate for the position proposed to you. It does not matter what it is! Do activities that help you acquire the necessary skills to participate in the Peace Corps program! Whatever you do, remember that you must help others. It is the meaning of the volunteer work. You should look for opportunities to show leadership. If your achievement list has a couple of completed works, where you showed yourself as a leader, you would only increase your chances of being selected for participation in the program. Be sure to include a mention of experience in your application when you have shown yourself as a leader. Perhaps you organized a women's club or some other society or were the head of a school orchestra. Do a job in which you can show your independence. The Peace Corps appreciates two qualities in its volunteers: the first is independence; the second is the ability to take care of a person. READ ALSO: Peace corps will bolster Nigerias current security capabilities - Dogara Nigerian Peace Corps Now a few words about Nigeria Peace Corps: - The founder of the Nigerian Peace Corps is Dr. Dickson A.O. Akoh - The Nigerian Peace Corps has the same aim as the head office to Promote Social and Economic Development. For this purpose, the Members and Volunteers must be involved in the scheme of cooperation with Government, Schools, Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organizations, and so on. The Nigerian youths should be interested in this activity. - The membership of The Nigerian Peace Corps ultimately consists of Nigerians. It is open to all young people, men, and women, within the ages from eighteen to thirty-five years old in particular. The youth must be involved independently of their political and social status, ethnic group, and state of origin as well as religion. There are three branches of The Nigerian Peace Corps membership. Peace Corps' members Constant Staff Officers One of the main tasks of The Nigerian Peace Corps is to take assist the youths with the help of the Alternative Employment Scheme for those without any job. The aim is to prevent young people from taking part in some kind of crime and anti-social activities. The Corps organizes the services of the youths with a low academic qualification of Secondary School Certificate Examination. These young men and women, after the special initial training and orientation, receive the status of Staff Officers. They can get monthly stipend paid to the direct recipients of their services. Volunteers of Peace Corps The Nigerian Peace Corps also provides specialists to be employed in a variety of fields. They are eager to serve as Volunteers of Peace Corps. They do not get a salary, but they receive an identity card, uniform, kits, T-shirts, and fez-caps. When the Volunteers are involved as resource persons in programs and events, they get the honorarium. The Peace Corps Volunteer Cadre also receives a Form from the National Headquarters or any other of the State Commands, as well as the FCT. Volunteers of Peace Corps should serve as Ambassadors of Peace in their different fields professional activities. They work as mediators between warring parties when it is required according to the Multi-Track Disciplinary Approach to Resolution of Conflict. Student Membership According to the PCN laws, membership is voluntary. The Nigerian Peace Corps is open to all students of Educational Institutions. As a rule, you need to fill the application form to confirm the membership in any of the branches. The form is checked and verified by PCN. The Nigerian Peace Corps has its specific rank scale The Peace Corps of Nigeria ranks structure Commandant General Deputy Commandant General Assistant Commandant General Commandant Deputy Commandant Assistant Commandant Chief Superintendent Superintendent Deputy Superintendent Assistant Superintendent 1 Assistant Superintendent 2 Inspector 1 Inspector 2 Inspector 3 Corper Assistant 1 Corper Assistant 2 Corper Assistant 3 Private Corper As you see, being a member of Peace Corps is an outstanding experience for youths. It is an opportunity to be useful for your country and to help people, as well as a great ability to visit other countries and promote world peace and friendship. READ ALSO: Nigeria Police arraigns Peace Corps boss in Abuja court Source: Legit.ng - Femi Falana has opened up on how Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, blocked late Pope John Paul, from convincing Abacha to release MKO Abiola - Falana called Al-Mustapha a liar for claiming that he had tapes of how the late MKO Abiola was murdered - Al-Mustapha claims that some Yoruba leaders know who really killed late Moshood Abiola Femi Falana has opened up on how former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late head of state, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, blocked late Pope John Paul, from convincing the ex-military head of state from releasing MKO Abiola. Legit.ng gathered that the Human rights lawyer on Monday, June 12, also called Al-Mustapha a pathological liar for claiming that he had tapes of how the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, was murdered. READ ALSO: Osinbajo visits Anambra state, blame federal government for ethnic agitation (Photos) Falana at the June 12 anniversary organised by the Ondo state government said the former CSO was trying to act as if he was nice to Abiola even when he made sure the latter was kept in detention. When the Pope Paul, visited Nigeria, he had almost persuaded Abacha to free Abiola and other prisoners, Al-Mustapha who was watching the meeting through a CCTV, entered the room and said oga yakari, enough, and that was the end of the meeting. Secondly, Dr. Falomo, Abiolas personal physician, was allowed by the government to visit Abiola. When Al-Mustapha learned that he was waiting to see Abiola, he got him arrested. He was already taken to Kaduna prison, it took the intervention of Abacha to free Dr. Falomo. Three, Chief Abiola fell down in the bathroom in one occasion, his legs were swollen and Arch Bishop Tutu confirmed this when he visited, Al-Mustapha did not allow him to have any medical treatment. If the fellow now comes around saying he was the best friend of the late Chief MKO Abiola, he is a liar, he is now talking because the witness is no longer alive, he said. Reacting to claims by Al-Mustapha that he had tapes on how Abiola was killed, Falana said the former CSO's claims were not true. Falana added that Al-Mustapha was feeling guilty conscience over the death of the wife of MKO, Kudirat Abiola following the confessions of Sergeant Jabila Rogers at the Oputa Panel that he was ordered by Mr. Al-Mustapha to kill her. In a previous report by Legit.ng, Al-Mustapha, revealed that some Yoruba leaders know who really killed late Moshood Abiola. Al-Mustapha, who was only released from detention some months ago over allegation of being behind the death of Kudirat, the wife of Abiola, categorically said some Yoruba leaders, led by Chief Ayo Opadokun, knew what killed the alleged winner of the election. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Speaking in Kaduna on Monday, June 12 shortly after he met with stakeholders from the north and the south-easter, Al-Mustapha said the Yoruba leaders received bribe in dollars from killers of MKO Abiola. Watch as former President Olusegun Obasanjo speaks about Nigeria: Source: Legit.ng RACINE A home on Athens Avenue incurred $3,500 in damage in a fire Monday afternoon, according to a release from the Racine Fire Department. At about 3:30 p.m., fire crews were called to 5413 Athens Ave. after reports of smoke coming from the homes basement electrical panel. Upon firefighters arrival, all members of the home were accounted for as fire crews searched for and confirmed that fire had not spread beyond the immediate area, according to the release. No one was injured in the blaze, according to the release. Due to the heavy smoke damage and loss of power, the family will be working with Red Cross for accommodations, fire officials said. Athens Avenue is located east of Highway 31, south of Washington Avenue and north of 16th Street. The fires cause remains under investigation remained under investigation as of Monday afternoon. If youre tired of the simple mundane clothing you wear every day, its time to change your style to something different, something brighter and more colorful. Ankara tops are just the right choice for this change, as there is a variety of them, and you can always choose one that suits you and your style. If youre not sure, which style of ankara fabric top to choose, here are a few of the most popular of them that you should definitely try. Find Ankara clothes for the best price on Jiji! Shop for clothes easily in a matter of minutes with the Jiji app! Ankara tops differ not only in types of fabric and ornaments, but also in the way theyre cut. Look at these tops and decide, which one suits best for your outfit: 1. Ankara blouses Blouse is a loosely-fit shirt that looks especially great with different types of skirts. Ankara works great with blouses, you can safely wear it with medium-short and short skirts for a more casual look and with long Ankara fabric skirts for any big event. This combination is a great alternative to buying an expensive dress it looks as elegant and beautiful, yet you dont have to pay as much and you will be able to wear it for every day too. 2. Ankara crop tops These short tops are definitely a hit of this season. They look playful, colorful, light and fun. Crop tops are an ultimate summer clothes, so you should pair them with mini skirt or short shorts to amplify this lighthearted feeling. Nevertheless, they work with jeans too, so choose whichever outfit you like. 3. Off-shoulder tops Another playful version of Ankara fabric tops. These tops are great for a night out. Off-shoulder Ankara blouses look great with anything, from jeans and pants to skirts and gowns. With right pairing, they can be made into an evening dress with open shoulders, which is a very elegant, yet flirty outfit. 4. Sleeveless tops Being sleeveless doesnt really define these tops styles there are still different variations of them. They can be casual and formal, loose and fitted, but all of them are comfortable and beautiful. They look the best when paired with jeans or pants, but shorts work well with them too. 5. Ankara peplum tops Peplum tops have confidently occupied their rightful place in Nigerian fashion. Ankara fabric peplum tops are gorgeous, they work great with anything, especially with tube skirts, and you can wear them to both formal events and as a casual outfit you will still impress everyone around you. If you want to try one of the Ankara fabric tops, but dont know where to find them, visit an online marketplace. For example, on Jiji, you will find a great selection of both new and used Ankara fabric clothing for the best price. Visit Jiji to find the clothes of your dreams! Install the Jiji app to follow all the updates and be first to get the most fashionable clothes for the best price! Source: Legit.ng UNION GROVE Area residents packed into the Union Grove Village Board chambers Monday night and clashed over a a call for a pit bull ban. Jeff Borchardt of East Troy in Walworth County, whose 14-month-old son, Daxton, was mauled to death by his babysitters pit bulls in 2013, made an impassioned plea to the Village Boards Administrative Committee to ban pit bulls in Union Grove. No motion was made Monday regarding drafting such an ordinance. Village Trustee Alan Jelinek said if there is an ordinance up for consideration in the future, there would be a public hearing beforehand. No other breed needs political action committees, Borchardt said in reference to organizations such as the American Pit Bull Foundation and BADRAP, which seek to change the negative stigma surrounding pit bulls. Since his sons death, Borchardt started Daxtons Friends for Canine Education & Awareness, an organization to serve the public by providing education about various canine breeds, proper canine safety, as well as by providing emotional support and counseling to victims of canine related incidents, according to its website. Pit bulls have historically been a topic of debate, with some cities and countries around the globe passing breed-specific legislation, placing restrictions on pit bulls and other breeds dubbed dangerous in an attempt to stop attacks. Dog supporters out in force On Monday, however, the village chambers literally overflowed with pit bull supporters some had to stand in the doorway and out into the hallway. Protesters and advocates held up No ban for Union Grove signs and spoke in support, including Corey Bloemers.. Union Grove has always been an accepting place, said Jill Davidson, assistant director of Woof Gang Rescue, a volunteer dog rescue organization. If the village decides to ban one breed, where does that stop? Breed-specific legislation has been found to be largely ineffective by the National Canine Research Council. The NCRC cites countries such as Italy, Netherlands and Spain, all of which have had breed-specific legislation repealed or dubbed unsuccessful. Still, other cities and countries have continued to pass pit bull bans. Last December, Montreal controversially banned pit bulls to much online backlash. Megan Starr, a volunteer with Woof Gang Rescue who brought her own pit bull and stood outside the village office passing out no ban signs, said she would fight (the ordinance) tooth and nail should it be considered. Id move over getting rid of my dogs in a heartbeat, Starr said. Borchardt said he advocated for current pit bulls being grandfathered in to a possible village ban. The proposed ban, he said, would only restrict future owners. Borchardt also admitted he used to like pit bulls before his son was killed. I wouldve been with you guys holding those signs in 2013, Borchardt said to the pit bull advocates. Union Grove already has ordinances in place to regulate vicious animals, so that should be enough, Davidson said. Any breed can bite, Davidson said. Any breed can attack at any time. No breed as a whole should be punished for what one animal could do. - President Donald Trump's administration has said that it will reveal Boko Haram plan - Trump's administration decision to unveil its Boko Haram plan was contained in a notification letter - The notification was said to be addressed to the congresswoman by the U.S. Department of State The Donald Trump administration is expected to reveal to lawmakers its five-year plan to address the Boko Haram rebellion in North-east Nigeria and the Lake Chad region. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, June 13, this is pursuant to a law signed by former U.S. President Barack Obama last December. The law arose from a bill proposed by Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson. Indication that the Trump administration will unveil its Boko Haram plan that was contained in a notification letter addressed to the congresswoman by the U.S. Department of State. Trump administration set to release Boko Haram plan READ ALSO: Fashola asks federal government to extend whistle blowing policy to power sector, gives reasons Last month, U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Wilson led a bipartisan group of 50 members of Congress in writing to the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defence James Mattis, and Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, requesting an update on their efforts to counter Boko Haram. In December 2016, legislation introduced by Collins and Wilson was signed into law requiring the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive plan to help the Nigerian government and its partners combat Boko Haram and address the legitimate concerns of affected, vulnerable populations. Collins and Wilsons legislation, which responded to the terrorist organisations kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria in 2014, directs the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defence, and the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a five-year anti-Boko Haram strategy by June 12, 2017. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app While we were encouraged by the release of 82 of the Chibok schoolgirls, it is imperative that we remember that many of the girls remain in captivity along with untold hundreds of other women, men, and children who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram, Collins and Wilson wrote to members of the administration. We look forward to receiving an update on your efforts to develop an anti-Boko Haram strategy and beginning the process of dismantling Boko Haram and reuniting all of the Chibok schoolgirls with their families. Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the chief of the Air Staff (CAS) together with the Branch Chiefs at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday June 13, toured to operational facilities at the Nigerian Air Force Bases in Makurdi and Kainji. The importance of the visit was to monitor the state of the facilities, most of which are critical to the maintenance of the fighter aircraft being employed in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations against the Boko Haram insurgents and other subversive elements in Nigeria. Air Marshal Abubakar was said to have found most of the equipment to be in a good condition and commended the personnel for their dedication to duty. Watch this Legit.ng TV Video of the United States worshiping on the order of President Donald Trump: Source: Legit.ng - Legislative aides of federal lawmakers protest over the death of their colleague which they attribute to his inability to pay his hospital bill - The aides blame the death of their colleagues on the irregular payment of salaries and allowances by the National Assembly Management - A representative of the Senate president tells the workers that Bukola Saraki will look into the issues raised A protest by leaders of over three thousand legislative aides of federal lawmakers over the non-payment of salaries and allowances has forced the Senate president, Bukola Sarki to call a meeting with the management of the National Assembly. READ ALSO: Police chase accomplices of notorious richest kidnapper The protest by the aides was triggered by the death of their colleague which they attributed to his inability to pay his hospital bill. The deceased, until his death was an aide to deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yusuf Lasun. Their protest was triggered by the death of one of their colleague He reportedly died after he could not raise the sum of N165,000 to pay for his appendicitis operation. He was scheduled to undergo surgery on June 5, 2017, his colleagues said. But Abiodun reportedly died from ruptured appendicitis on June 9 after been unable to raise the funds for the surgery. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The aides blamed the death of their colleagues on the irregular payment of salaries and allowances by the National Assembly management. They took their protest to the entrance of the Senate chamber where they accosted Senate president, Bukola Saraki. The Senate president later mandated his deputy chief of staff, Gbenga Makanjuola to listen to them. The aggrieved aides where later assured by the representative of the Senate president that the issue would be resolved by Saraki. See some photos of the protest below: The aides complained over the irregular payment of salaries and allowances by the National Assembly management The aides took their protest to the entrance of the Senate chamber Abiodun reportedly died from ruptured appendicitis on June 9 The aides were assured that their grievances would be attended to In other news, Senator Dino Melaye has called on the Nigerian Senate to declare a state of emergency in Kogi state following the violence that has occurred in parts of the state. Legit.ng learnt that Senator Melaye made the call during plenary on Tuesday, June 13, in Abuja. The senator who represents Kogi west alleged that there was a satanic and wicked manifestation by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state and his cronies against him. The Melaye said the breakdown of public order in Kogi needed extraordinary effort as a state of emergency, noting that security in Kogi had deteriorated since Bello became governor. In the video below Charles Oputa popularly called Area Fada led a group of Nigerians to stage a protest on the streets of Lagos against the government. Source: Legit.ng - The Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council called for an Igbo presidency in 2019 - The group said Igbos would leave Nigeria in 2020 if their wishes are not granted - They insisted they cannot continue to play second fiddle in the country The Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council has called for an Igbo presidency in 2019 which it describes as the one condition to support One Nigeria and discard the Biafra agitation. The Punch reports that the youth wing of the apex Igbo group gave this condition in a statement on Tuesday, June 13. READ ALSO: Police chase accomplices of notorious richest kidnapper The group spoke after a meeting in Enugu where it insisted that if an Igbo person is not allowed to be president in 2019, the Igbos would leave the country by 2020. It said its position was informed by the quit notice issued to Igbos in the north insisting that it will not continue to play second fiddle in Nigeria. The group said: A situation where no Igbo has been allowed close to the seat of power for decades is sheer injustice and hatred, whereas other geopolitical zones have been taking turns either as military or civilian presidents. More annoying is the fact that the North, a major beneficiary in this direction, has bluntly refused to heed the call for restructuring, which has been identified as the panacea to the many socio-political problems plaguing the nation. Besides, they (North) have also not only continued to express disdain over the demand for Biafra by IPOB and MASSOB but have also ordered Ndigbo out of the North based on these agitations. Remember that former President Olusegun Obasanjo have urged Nigerians to beg the Biafra agitators only a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction will appease Igbos. Otherwise, Biafra agitation will be inevitable. If there is any conspiracy against Igbo presidency, it will bring Biafra into existence. One now wonders why Ndigbo will continue to be treated in this manner. Two days ago, the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, re-echoed the fact that Nigeria is in a marriage. He was quoted as saying Our nation has been in marriage for a while now. Sometimes there are quarrels within that marriage. Sometimes there is disagreement. What is important is that you must remain together. You must remain united. It does appear from the above that Ndigbo has perpetually remained the sacrificial lamb to keep this forced marriage together. They have remained victims of an abusive marriage, often beaten and cheated by the husband. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app We have resolved today that this grave injustice cannot continue. It is Igbo Presidency in 2019 with a Vice President from the North or nothing. We are not ready to be treated with levity and disdain in this country any longer, and for that we are calling on all Igbo sons and daughters, both at home and in the Diaspora, to key into this project. Legit.ng earlier reported that the Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN) lashed out at the Ohaneze Ndigbo for asking Igbos in the north to defend themselves from attack. The apex Igbo group had called on Igbos in the north to be vigilant and ready to defend themselves following an ultimatum issued by Arewa youths to them to vacate the region. PMNN said if Igbos could not defend themselves in their states from killer herdsmen, how would they do it in the north. Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Nnamdi Kanu speaking about his release and plans for Biafra. Source: Legit.ng Synthesizing life at the genetic level has reached new heights, where companies can send DNA sequences to a third party to create organisms from scratch. These organisms can then be fermented and duplicated, and added to products, such as supplements, fragrances and flavors. And, according to Jim Thomas, program director, Etc. Group, companies are using this technology and labeling their products as natural, even though these ingredients were not made in nature. In this podcast, Thomas and Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief of INSIDER, discuss synthetic biology, a.k.a., GMOs 2.0, as it applies to the supplement industry. They cover: How synthetic biology works, and why its easier than ever before to obtain synthetic DNA. Why, according to Thomas, companies who use this technology feel justified in using natural on their labels. The implications this technology could have on farmers and ecosystem in the natural product supply chain. Check out the GMOs 2.0 Ingredients Database (Beta Version) at database.synbiowatch.org. This podcast was recorded in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as part of the annual United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) member retreat. Hear Almendarezs wrap up of the event in the Healthy INSIDER Podcast 74: Supplement Ruminations in Santa Fe. And hear a podcast with UNPA member retreat speaker Peter Reinecke, principal, Reinecke Strategy Solutions in the Healthy INSIDER Podcast 80: Expectations in the New U.S. Political Climate. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. PEWAUKEE President Donald Trump announced Tuesday during a visit to Wisconsin that he and Gov. Scott Walker were negotiating to bring a major, incredible manufacturer to the state. Trumps second visit to the state this year was to promote apprenticeships and attend a $1,000-per-ticket fundraiser that Walker billed as one of the biggest events weve ever had for a statewide elected official. During a panel discussion with Walker, cabinet secretaries, students and CEOs, Trump mentioned that he and Walker were negotiating with the manufacturer behind the scenes. We have a lot of companies moving into the United States and we are negotiating with a lot of companies, Trump said. I think theyre going to give the governor a very happy surprise very soon. It wasnt immediately clear to which company Trump was referring, but Walker recently traveled to Japan for a trade mission. Trump said the company made phones, computers and televisions. A Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. spokesman said the agency doesnt comment on pending opportunities. Walker thanked the president for putting a focus on workforce issues, something the governor raised as the top issue in Wisconsin during a meeting earlier this year with all governors from across the country. He noted Wisconsins unemployment is at its lowest level in 17 years. We have jobs, Walker said. We need to find more people to fill those jobs. Just after disembarking from Air Force One, Trump met with four Wisconsin residents Michael and Tammy Kushman, of Marinette, and Robert and Sarah Stoll, of Burlington whom he described as victims of Obamacare. Obamacare is one of the greatest catastrophes that our country has signed into law, Trump said. We will come up with a solution, and a really good one to health care. Trumps health care replacement plan has passed the House and is moving quietly toward Senate passage, though details of changes to the House bill have not been made public. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, who is considering a run for governor, said the Affordable Care Act has dramatically reduced the ranks of Americans without insurance, established key protections for those with pre-existing health conditions, reduced uncompensated care costs for hospitals and expanded access to preventative health care services. He said most people want both parties to work together to improve the law, not destroy it. What the vast majority of us want is to start with the existing Affordable Care Act and make it better, and address what needs improvement, Soglin said. Tour of Waukesha Tech Trump toured Waukesha County Technical College with an entourage of White House staff. Trump toured several training classrooms, including an integrated manufacturing center classroom, with Walker, U.S. Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and daughter Ivanka Trump. Other participants in the panel discussion included White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, of Kenosha, White House senior adviser Stephen Miller, Wisconsin Secretary of Workforce Development Ray Allen, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Mark Hogan, Mike Shiels, dean of the WCTC School of Applied Technologies, WCTC board chairwoman Mary Wehrheim, Waukesha School District Superintendent Todd Gray, three students, and the CEOs of Rockwell Manufacturing, Oshkosh Corp., Briggs & Stratton, Mercury Marine and Quad Graphics. Wisconsin has been at the forefront of creating apprenticeship programs to help workers prepare for technical fields. Its registered apprenticeship model began in 1911 and became a model for the nation. Last year, the program had more than 2,400 participating employers and more than 11,000 participants, a 6 percent increase over 2015, according to the Department of Workforce Development. Walker has made workforce development a priority since failing by nearly half to make good on his pledge to help create 250,000 jobs in the state during his first term. There are nearly 100,000 job openings in the state. Walkers signature program has been Wisconsin Fast Forward, which has provided more than $19 million in grants to local businesses supporting more than 18,000 workers. It also has provided $35.4 million to school districts and technical colleges to reduce wait lists in high demand fields, as well as offer employment skills training for persons with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Mike Rosen, president of the American Federation of Teachers Local 212, called Trumps visit a photo op show and real hypocrisy. Trumps budget proposal cuts workforce training programs by 40 percent, including a $1.5 million cut to Wisconsins $20 million in federal career and technical education grants. Rosen also criticized Walkers support for eliminating the prevailing wage for public construction projects and project labor agreements, in which local governments require companies bidding on projects to be unionized. If we want to attract people into the field, the last thing you should be doing when theres a shortage is reducing wages, Rosen said. When there are shortages, the way you address shortages if you use a market mechanism is to raise the price, not to lower them. Theyre moving us in the wrong direction. Walkers fundraiser After the tour, Trump attended an early evening fundraiser for Walkers campaign at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Milwaukee where tickets were $1,000 apiece and photos with the president cost an extra $10,000. Walker told a national conservative talk radio host Monday that he advised Priebus recently that people in Wisconsin and around the country still support Trump, despite polls showing his approval rating sinking into the mid-30s. People outside of Washington still like his policies, still very much want him to move this country in the right direction, Walker said. Democrats sought to tie Walker and Trump together, saying Walkers policies of tax cuts and austerity government have benefited the wealthy at the expense of workers. The one thing President Trump got right about a year ago is when he said Wisconsin is a disaster under Gov. Walker, said Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, referring to the GOP primary campaign. Though Walker and Trump clashed during the primary, Trump previously supported Walker during his recall campaign and Walker has been a Trump defender during his tumultuous first four months in office. The visit to Wisconsin is Trumps second since his inauguration. In April, he signed executive orders aimed at helping U.S. workers compete in the global marketplace at Snap-On Tools Inc. in Kenosha. He also visited the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis in December for a victory tour rally. State Journal reporter Mark Sommerhauser contributed to this report. Another Kansas Professor Resigns Over Campus Carry Law By Erika Haas. June 8th, 2017 After much "soul-searching," a professor at Wichita State University has decided to resign because of a state law that will soon allow concealed weapons on campus. In her resignation letter, Deborah Ballard-Reisch, a tenured professor in WSU's Elliott School of Communication, wrote that she has personally experienced gun violence -- she was robbed at gun point in a her own home three years ago -- and does "not feel safe with guns in the classroom." She added that permitting concealed carry weapons will "dampen open, frank conversation, so necessary for promoting intellectual growth and an informed citizenry" and "put the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff at risk." ....... We reported on the first case last month. So, this professor ''has experienced'' gun violence but seemingly has not seen the potential benefits of being armed, and presumably also favors a gun-free-zone. She further considers guns in the classroom as "putting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff at risk" - presumably much more so than the potential ''health'' effects from an armed attack on an unarmed classrooom! "You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side." 2017 JPFO All rights reserved. jpfo@jpfo.org 1-800-869-1884 Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA "America's most aggressive defender of civil rights" We make the NRA look like moderates Join JPFO Back to Top In the latest legal setback for the Trump administration, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Monday (June 12) upheld an earlier decision by a federal judge in Hawaii to block President Donald Trump's executive order known as Muslim Ban 2.0. Today's unanimous ruling noted, "The President's authority is subject to certain statutory and constitutional restraints," but that Trump's revised executive order "exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress." The ruling also states: "A reasonable, objective observer - enlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements and specific sequence of events leading to its issuance - would conclude that the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." The three judges ruled unanimously that the president's overhauled travel ban "exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress" under federal immigration law, because the executive order did not contain "a sufficient justification to suspend the entry of more than 180 million people on the basis of nationality." According to the ABC News, at the heart of the 9th Circuit opinion Monday is the panel's determination that the president failed to show in his executive order that there were specific national security justifications for excluding nationals of the six designated Muslim countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen). The circuit court also held that Trump failed in the executive order to "reveal any threat or harm to warrant suspension of [refugee admissions] for 120 days and does not support the conclusion that the entry of refugees in the interim time period would be harmful." As in previous rulings, the appeals panel cited remarks by Trump that seemed to contradict his administration's attorneys, who had argued that the order, despite the president's rhetoric, was narrow in scope and not discriminatory in nature. They went on to cite the president's most recent tweet on the ban, from June 5: "That's right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that won't help us protect our people!" Interestingly, in a filing with the Supreme Court Monday, the plaintiffs in the Maryland case argued that the controversy is about to become moot because the entry ban was meant to last for only 90 days and that period ends two days from now. White House remains defiant In the face of yet another courtroom defeat, the White House remained defiant. Press secretary Sean Spicer dismissed the ruling, and said the White House remained confident it would be vindicated by the Supreme Court. "Frankly, I think any lawyer worth their salt 100 percent agrees that the president is fully within his rights and his responsibilities to do what is necessary to protect the country," Spicer told reporters at the White House. "I think we can all attest that these are very dangerous times and we need every available tool at our disposal to prevent terrorists from entering the United States." Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed to press the Supreme Court to take up the issue. He also denied that the travel ban has any relation to religion. "President Trump's Executive Order is well within his lawful authority to keep the Nation safe. We disagree with the Ninth Circuit's decision to block that authority," Sessions said in a statement Monday evening. "The President was clear in his landmark speech in Saudi Arabia: this is not about religion; it is about national security ... Unfortunately, this injunction prevents the President from fully carrying out his Article II duties and has a chilling effect on security operations overall." 4th Circuit Court It may be recalled, on May 25, a federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, refused to lift a nationwide injunction that halted a key provision of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban on six Muslim nations. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). When Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, the only real surprise to me was the question of why didn't they do it sooner? It seemed long overdue, but that was my anti-Establishment bias in me at work, so I was grateful and appreciative of this distinction. It didn't surprise me (well, maybe a little?) when he declined to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony. This lecture makes amends for not flying to Stockholm, and it was released only 8 days ago with little fanfare. I am honored to be the first to present it on OpEdNews. He begins the lecture with a long and reverential reference to Buddy Holley, whose music he heard live a few days before his plane went down: I wanted to learn this music and meet the people who played it. Eventually, I did leave, and I did learn to play those songs. They were different than the radio songs that I'd been listening to all along. They were more vibrant and truthful to life. With radio songs, a performer might get a hit with a roll of the dice or a fall of the cards, but that didn't matter in the folk world. Everything was a hit. All you had to do was be well versed and be able to play the melody. Some of these songs were easy, some not. I had a natural feeling for the ancient ballads and country blues, but everything else I had to learn from scratch. I was playing for small crowds, sometimes no more than four or five people in a room or on a street corner. You had to have a wide repertoire, and you had to know what to play and when. Some songs were intimate, some you had to shout to be heard. As his thoughts drifted on to folk music and its impact: You know what it's all about. Takin' the pistol out and puttin' it back in your pocket. Whippin' your way through traffic, talkin' in the dark. You know that Stagger Lee was a bad man and that Frankie was a good girl. You know that Washington is a bourgeois town and you've heard the deep-pitched voice of John the Revelator and you saw the Titanic sink in a boggy creek. And you're pals with the wild Irish rover and the wild colonial boy. You heard the muffled drums and the fifes that played lowly. You've seen the lusty Lord Donald stick a knife in his wife, and a lot of your comrades have been wrapped in white linen. I had all the vernacular down. I knew the rhetoric. None of it went over my head -- the devices, the techniques, the secrets, the mysteries -- and I knew all the deserted roads that it traveled on, too. I could make it all connect and move with the current of the day. When I started writing my own songs, the folk lingo was the only vocabulary that I knew, and I used it. He has a comparatively long soliloquy on Moby Dick, which would appear to be the most important of his literary references. He then moves on to All Quiet on the Western Front and his rhapsodic pacifist extrapolations are quite moving: Once upon a time you were an innocent youth with big dreams about being a concert pianist. Once you loved life and the world, and now you're shooting it to pieces.Day after day, the hornets bite you and worms lap your blood. You're a cornered animal. You don't fit anywhere. The falling rain is monotonous. There are endless assaults, poison gas, nerve gas, morphine, burning streams of gasoline, scavenging and scabbing for food, influenza, typhus, dysentery. Life is breaking down all around you, and the shells are whistling. This is the lower region of hell. Mud, barbed wire, rat-filled trenches, rats eating the intestines of dead men, trenches filled with filth and excrement. Someone shouts, "Hey, you there. Stand and fight." Who knows how long this mess will go on? Warfare has no limits. You're being annihilated, and that leg of yours is bleeding too much. You killed a man yesterday, and you spoke to his corpse. You told him after this is over, you'll spend the rest of your life looking after his family. Who's profiting here? The leaders and the generals gain fame, and many others profit financially. But you're doing the dirty work. One of your comrades says, "Wait a minute, where are you going?" And you say, "Leave me alone, I'll be back in a minute." Then you walk out into the woods of death hunting for a piece of sausage. You can't see how anybody in civilian life has any kind of purpose at all. All their worries, all their desires -- you can't comprehend it. More machine guns rattle, more parts of bodies hanging from wires, more pieces of arms and legs and skulls where butterflies perch on teeth, more hideous wounds, pus coming out of every pore, lung wounds, wounds too big for the body, gas-blowing cadavers, and dead bodies making retching noises. Death is everywhere. Nothing else is possible. Someone will kill you and use your dead body for target practice. Boots, too. They're your prized possession. But soon they'll be on somebody else's feet. He ends with a stirring homage to Homer and to the Odyssey: When Odysseus in The Odyssey visits the famed warrior Achilles in the underworld -- Achilles, who traded a long life full of peace and contentment for a short one full of honor and glory -- tells Odysseus it was all a mistake. "I just died, that's all." There was no honor. No immortality. And that if he could, he would choose to go back and be a lowly slave to a tenant farmer on Earth rather than be what he is -- a king in the land of the dead -- that whatever his struggles of life were, they were preferable to being here in this dead place. That's what songs are too. Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. They're meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeare's plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page. And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, "Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story." The lecture ends, and the might words of Robert Zimmerman go on and on, unlike T.S. Eliot's Mermaids on the Beach: They never stop singing to me! Special thanks to the Nobel Prize Committee and the Nobel Foundation for publishing Dylan's immortal lecture and for the Prize itself. >>>>> Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "We are in the midst of a profound change of paradigms: from seeing the world as a machine to understanding it as a network. Rob Kall has interviewed many of the leaders, both thinkers and activists, of this global cultural transformation. In this eminently readable book, he weaves their statements, values, and ideas into a coherent and inspiring whole. Bottom-Up is a joy to read!" Fritjof Capra, author of The Web of Life and The Hidden Connections, coauthor of The Systems View of Life I watched this entire uber-historic meeting of Donald Trump's Presidential Cabinet. A truly amazing meeting. First of all-- get it out of the way-- I must disagree with comparisons to Kim Jong-Un, who is a bloodthirsty killer. HIS cabinet and military all know he might give orders to have them liquidated any time, for any thing. Trump isn't even THAT crazy, though quite as amoral. And he doesn't begin to have a killer's brass cojones. Never killed anybody in any more intimate way than ordering a cruise missile strike. Trump would have been eaten by the Gambinos if he hadn't played along with them in New York when he was a builder there. By the way, if you didn't see it, the Mafia has warned ISIS to stay away from New York, or they'll have to fight the Mob. The Mafia spokesman(!), a distant relative of Carlo Cambino and son of John Gambino, says they can guard New York better than the government because they have the "human intelligence" on the ground. So far, General Mattis is going to emerge from this with his reputation intact. Maybe none of the rest of these sycophants will. Well, I don't want hawks running my foreign policy, and Mattis is a hawk. I don't know that Russia and China want to talk with a hawk, should he suddenly be playing even a larger role in leading America than he presently is. But I got to say, if there is another US government and Presidential Administration after this one (after all, democracy is truly at risk in the US), I want Mattis to be part of that Administration. Might as well have an honest man I don't agree with than a yes-man or yes-woman (Betsy DeVos practically bought her Cabinet seat) who'll promise me something that will not be delivered. In fact, it is time for General Colin Powell to come out of retirement. Powell for President in 2020, unless Bernie or someone like him (Kamala Harris?) is running. Powell will ask for help, and understand it when it is offered, unlike Trump, who doesn't begin to have the requisite experience for being President, who has never run anything but a private, family-held corporation. COLIN POWELL. Enough time has elapsed since he was fooled, partly by his own patriotism, partly by a pack of misinformation told by liars, into first declining to run for President and then taking the top Cabinet job for a far, far lesser man, and then being on the wrong side of the decision to invade Iraq, that he will be able to explain it to the American people. He would be the most credible candidate the Republican Party has run since George H.W. Bush, please pardon me Robert Dole, and that's a long, long time. Running as a moderate conservative-- or, just a moderate, I think he can avoid getting caught up in the "more-conservative-than-thou" ideological factionalism in both People and Congress-- he might expect to be at least a match for a bright and economic-third-path climate-and renewable-energy-oriented, democratic socialist of any age. Bernie really isn't THAT far to the left, but he's at least on the left side of the political spectrum, and that spectrum has been wholesale shifting to the right ever since the Reagan Administration and the first major moves toward deregulation; hence, he stands out. But Powell must be acknowledged to be the only Republican of real gravitas who has remained completely above the Trump fray. I'm hard put to think of anyone not totally in the grip of The Race For What's Left* (of the complete expenditure for profit of all planetary non-renewable resources) with that gravitas. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. No Master No Slave (Image by open) Details DMCA Warning! Before proceeding to even review further, you are about to be exposed to information that the majority of the gaggle you know may not be ready for. If you are fidgety like a chicken or sheepish like most any institutionalized group, move along. Now here is the death sentence, a sentence the likes of which has gotten people killed for millennia than any other: there is no God as monotheistic systems dictate. Apparently, most people are killed right about when they say 'there is no God"' and they do not finish the sentence and so most people only hear the half. There is the potential that any monotheistic interpretation of God is correct, but there is not only that potential, for God is limitless. Limitlessness is not limited to just one interpretation. The idea of monotheism is actually entirely silly if you examine monotheistic religious constructs as an idea for a moment. God is limitless, monotheism limits God to a certain quantity with specific qualities. The idea that monotheism is spiritual is also ridiculous, though hardly funny, for monotheism breaks the Spiritual Golden Rule. Your own path is your own path, only. Dictating how others proceed breaks the spiritual golden rule. The Golden Rule is essentially do no harm to others and treat others mutually respectfully and compassionately. The Spiritual Golden Rule extends the same understanding to allowing others to pursue spirituality however they see fit. The Spiritual Golden Rule implies we have to openly distribute spiritual information of humanity to all humanity. Spiritual Golden Rule: Do no spiritual harm. You shall not force spirituality, religion, or dogma on others. Treat all pathways to the peak with kindness, so long as it is a practice embracing The Golden Rule. We ought to teach people spirituality and not enforce religion, and dogma. And at the very least we need to allow others to explore spirituality and individuation openly. Monotheism breaks the Spiritual Golden Rule. We all can climb to the mountaintop using our own route. Dictating otherwise is wrong, is harsh, and causes harshness. There is no outside intelligent being watching over the entirety of creation. God is creation, creation is God. God is the intelligence inside of creation. God is an intelligence emanating from all creation, not an overlooking entity beyond creation, but creation itself, here and beyond. The intelligence imbued in all of creation is God. God is everywhere. The intelligence of God is energy. Everything is energy, the most outstanding loving energy coursing through everything and all of us, uniting everything. There is no detectable God, but there is godliness, and this godliness, this holy wholeness, is expansive both inwardly and outwardly. God is energy both cosmic and atomic, here and now, but there is no God as monotheism most ardently puts forth, there is no outside intelligence in charge, there is rather intelligence/godliness everywhere charged. God is the underlying, unifying, unspeakable intelligence that connects you to everything. God is not an outside entity, but holiness, wholeness, the purity of entirety. God is energy, the energy of expansion, the energy of all knowing and all loving intelligence. What most call God is godliness, knowingness, lovingness and expansion. While most religions and monotheism bases itself on one God, they are wrong completely there is no one God, but there is one infinite god, there is infinity God. God is infinite energy. If you believe that you know God, you really do not, if you seek to know you God, you really might. Of course, I could be totally wrong about this. There very well might be the exact figure you believe in as God. God is limitless and timeless and beyond our understanding, like energy. So indeed I don't know. I do know limiting God to one form, limiting God to one interpretation, ensures that the interpretation will be wrong and potentiates that the interpretation will be used for wrong. God is infinite, not finite. Simply put, God is capable of being in infinite forms in a singular moment, thus every speck of dust in the universe has a God as the Hindu traditions sometimes celebrate. American Indian traditions and cultures elsewhere also celebrate the idea that the center of the universe can be in your heart and the mountaintop. This does not negate supreme creator God consciousness, but more importantly does not rule out that some systems which claim God are very much not operating in line with godliness, and walking in the dark rather than the light, in stagnation of godliness and disconnection, instead of amplification of godliness and connection. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). UK-based Carl Barat & the Jackals have just released a music video for "Sister", a track off their upcoming EP Harder They Fall. This marks the band's most recent material since 2015 debut Let It Reign, that brought us favorites like "Glory Days" and "March of the Idle." It was an album that received generally favorable reviews but sorely missed it's due, as we consider it one of the best solo works to come from a Libertine. Barat is harsh around the edges whereas co-frontman Pete Doherty is much softer, using words to pierce his listeners instead of battling guitars. The Libertines frontman had prior taken a break from fronting the Jackals to focus on the Libertines reunion and subsequent shows in 2015. However, with Doherty gearing up to release another solo album and bassist John Hassall prepares to release his first album with new band The April Rainers, it seems Carl Barat & the Jackals have reunited for the time being. Is there any hope for a new Libertines record, then, you ask? "We're looking to bed in together," Barat told NME. "We want to get our own place, which is a bit of a long and convoluted project. There's a lot of planning and maybes which I can't say too much about, but we're looking at getting our own factory." Speaking of the Jackals' sound, Barat told NME: ""With The Jackals, I can get a lot heavier stuff under the radar than with The Libertines. I look for that, to do something different. There's no point having the same band twice with one of them little and one of them massive like a penny farthing. There's a different chemistry and the boys are from a heavier music background so it's great to let rip a little. We've toyed with different directions but we want to keep it organic and free." The video for "Sister" shows Barat and the band star alongside a cast that includes the Skinner Brothers, who hail from Barat's hometown in Hampshire, UK. The song is a guitar-driven descent into organized chaos, with Barat yelling the chorus ("Everybody's wasted") into the mic over and over. Barat recently spoke about the concept behind the video as well: "We [The Jackals] grew up in small British rural towns and all felt alienated with no sense of belonging. The videos for 'Sister' and 'Burning Cars' [which will be released on May 26] allude to that feeling of being isolated, lonely and trapped and for a lot of people its an accepted norm to feel that way." Find Carl Barat & the Jackals on Twitter, Facebook or official website. Harder They Fall is out May 26 - pre-order it here. When you think of a dinner party, you don't usually think of hard guitar. The guys of Vast Robot Armies are here to tell you otherwise. After premiering boisterous hard-rock banger "Dinner Music" on IMPOSE, the Toronto rockerslead vocalists and multi-instrumentalists Jason Thomson and John Agee, guitarist/bassist Joseph Wells, and percussionist Chris Metcalfare getting set to take on the world, as their name might very well suggest. If any band can save us from the coming robot invention, it's probably these rockers from the Great White North. We caught up with the band to talk about "Dinner Music," dinner parties with dead heroes, and their very torrid origin story. How did the premiere with IMPOSE come about? Did they reach out to you? The IMPOSE premiere came about by ways of our Publicist Adam Bentley at Auteur Research. Adam has been working with us for over 4 years now. I first met him when I released our Debut record "Goodnight Myopia" in 2013. Adam deserves the credit for making the connection with IMPOSE who were kind enough to show enthusiasm with our record and premiere the first single "Dinner Music". When I think of a dinner party, the music is relatively relaxed; how do you reconcile the very hard rock sound in "Dinner Music" with that image? Well, that's the thing with the song and it's title. I was a party/dinner party when one of my friends uttered the phrase. I was in a ironic setting, and for some reason it really just stuck with me in that moment. When I listen and think about some of the theme's on this record there is a bit of a thread or at least themes of aging and certain check points in life. When my friend made that comment I kind of drifted off right there at the table and started thinking about how people really had music as a big part of their family dinner/gatherings and then the memories of being much younger and out with my friends in my suburban neighborhood, doing whatever, and that was cool. So long as I was home by "dinner time". The phrase my friend said kind of took me far away, for like 2 mins. So I excused myself. Grabbed a guitar and hammered out the bones to the song with those thoughts running through my head. The groove of the verses gave it playful base I thought at the time, and the chorus pay-off (which really wasn't fully realized until John Agee put his vocals to the song) sat really well as a juxtaposition. So the song title *(which in theory was a "working" title really felt at home with the music in an ironic way. How did the band form? The band initially started with me as a one man band. In Feb 2013 I went to Chicago to work with Allen Epley & Eric Abert at their studio Electronical, on the record "Goodnight Myopia". I had 10 songs demoed and wanted to try and record them in a proper setting with me playing all the instruments. Aside from me realizing I'm not great bass player (Eric Abert played bass on half the record). After that record was done. I realized, that though a solid record, it really missed the organic and natural life that came from a band recording a record together. As luck and fate would have it. Shortly after the release of my record, a guy named John Agee made a quick acknowledgement of it on social media. Which was funny, because I had just become a big fan of John's Missouri based band "Sundiver". At the time i was sitting on 4-5 demos for the next record (Little Creatures) and I thought "Fuck it. I'm going to reach out to this dood and see if he's into collaborating on stuff." It turns out he was as big of a fan of what i was doing, as i was of what he was doing. So the conversation quickly evolved from collaborating, to him asking his other guitarist in Sundiver, Joseph Wells, if he was into working on this next record. Joe was in as well. So over the next 6-7 months I would send demos of song and they would put their spins and vocals on them until we had 10 solid tunes. They came up to Toronto for a 5 day "meet and rehearse" session, in which all kinds of hell broke loose. But that was great as it made us become a band that much faster. When it came time to record "Little Creatures" in 2015, I decided I was done with being the drummer in bands (that's my background) and thought the record would be far better served with a better drummer. That's when our Producer Allen suggested we enlist his drummer from The Life and Times, Chris Metcalf to play drums. Chris was into it. So we all met in Chicago. Rehearsed (basically learned the songs together) for 2 days, and then made that record over the next 8. With that blueprint established, it made it easier for this last record to follow a similar working structure. It also makes it really interesting and challenging as we are so spread out, that once we are all together we get to focus solely on the task at hand. Have you started work on any new projects since "Dinner Music?" During the course of demoing "Dinner Music" I scored a feature film called Elsewhere NY which was an amazing experience as I grew up as a fan of cool movie scores. I'm also almost halfway through demoing the follow up to "Dinner Music." [rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F17553767_1266725596775634_66005289509405498_n.jpg%3Foh%3De2ac6e300ed3e01766a5cd25a41496e6%26oe%3D599C280F&ho=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net&s=217&h=dd41abf2b9b5867817df45c2deaa402fecfb9f2824c9dcb90df5687378ef96cc&size=980x&c=156330884 image-library="0" caption="" pin_description="" crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Fv%252Ft1.0-9%252F17553767_1266725596775634_66005289509405498_n.jpg%253Foh%253De2ac6e300ed3e01766a5cd25a41496e6%2526oe%253D599C280F%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fscontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net%26s%3D217%26h%3Ddd41abf2b9b5867817df45c2deaa402fecfb9f2824c9dcb90df5687378ef96cc%26size%3D980x%26c%3D156330884%22%7D" expand=1 photo_credit="via Facebook"] via Facebook Your following is still relatively small; how does the current musical landscape look for a small rock band still starting out? The thing about our following is it's incredibly loyal and informed, and it's comprised with some of our peers (guys like Jordon Zadorozny from Blinker The Star and Allen from The Life and Times). Sure I'd love a scenario that sees us with 10K plus fans on Facebook or what have you, but I feel really fortunate to have the base we do, in that I talk to almost all of them and they turn me onto great music. The fact we don't tour definitely cuts into out numbers and makes spreading the word a bit more of a challenge. But I feel the fact we have the fans do speak volumes about the opportunity technology has provided us and the quality of our music. Tell me about the Toronto rock scene as you've experienced it. The Toronto rock scene, as I've witnessed it is very vibrant and full of talented bands. I do feel there is sometimes a bit of Canadian nonplussed attitude at live shows sometimes. But the music, and musicians are inspired. As you continue to grow, where do you want to take Vast Robot Armies? As we grow, i just want to create more music and deeper footprint with our catalogue. I am figuring out ways to add performing/touring into the mix. it s tough as the band is based in 2 countries and 3 cities (Chris in Chicago), me (in Toronto) and John and Joe (in Kansas City, Missouri) And why the name? It's very....idiosyncratic. The name came by way of the show Futurerama. There was a line that referenced Vast Robot Armies. It was one of those moments where you hear something in the distance and your mind goes and extrapolates counterpoint or relatable analogies. The concept of how automated our everyday lives are becoming makes an analogy with the band name, in that our everydays lives are impacted by vast robot armies. Whether they be big manufacturing warehouses or the tiny computer boards running your phone or car. Name five people, living or dead, that you would invite to a dinner party and why. Paul McCartney, because I'd like to hear his stories, especially the ones where it started going to shit with The Beatles and he was about to branch off on his own. My deceased Grandfathers, as i never got a chance to talk with them in any capacity and would have loved to. Especially as an adult. Christopher Walken. Just to hear him order food. John Bonham. For THAT evening out, and to talk drums. My band. Because I don't see them nearly enough. Follow Vast Robot Armies on Facebook and Twitter. E.R. Pulgar is a music writer, poet, image-maker, and once cried reading Virginia Woolf. Follow him on Twitter. READ MORE ABOUT MUSIC... Watch | Joel Taylor's soulful "Two Sides" music video, directed by Courteney Cox Interview | TOMBOI are the queer pop trio we need right now Watch | Carl Barat & the Jackals release music video for "Sister" June may be the best month of the year - temperatures soar above 90, the city's energy is palpable, and Netflix brings back some of their best shows. Sounds like a win/win all around, right? So for those of us who like to stay in along with our AC these days, we've compiled a list of all of the films and TV coming to the streaming service this month. Orange is the New Black fans will be pleased to find out season 5 is now available, continuing the storylines that shocked us all last time around. Scandal, Arrow, and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are just some of the few series making their highly anticipated return to Netflix. Some other not-so-new but always oh-so-good gems include 13 Going On 30 - I can safely say I've already binge-watched it twice - and the critically acclaimed The Stanford Prison Experiment. Here are some of this month's highlights, including what you'll be streaming all summer long: 13 Going On 30 (June 1) Some consider this the best rom-com of the past decade. They're not wrong. The 2004 Gary Winick-directed film brought us one of Jennifer Garner's most genuine performances, as she's suddenly faced with being thirty, flirty and thriving way before she anticipated it. Not only is it one of the most comforting, feel-good films to hang out to, the soundtrack is equal parts amazingly curated and executed in all it's glory (Michael Jackson, Pat Benatar and Madonna are just some of the highlights). Bonus: Mark Ruffalo. Always. Orange Is the New Black: Season 5 (June 9) The last season of Orange is the New Black shocked us all into caps-lock tweeting about it for months. Now, the story continues, picking up right where it left off with an unexpected character death and the aftermath that remains. Beloved stars Uzo Aduba, Laura Prepon, and Dascha Polanco make their on-screen return. TV Guide has already written a shockpiece indicating we're not ready for this season whatsoever. Scandal: Season 6 (June 16) Scandal captured our hearts since it's premiere, and now it's time to come to terms with the fact that it's story is almost over. The president of ABC confirmed that Shonda Rimes' political drama will come to an end next year with it's seventh season. "Shonda has decided the series needs to come to a close, and while this is definitely a bittersweet moment for all of us gladiators, I have no doubt what she has in store for the final season will be as powerful as what's come before, and we will be sure to honor that every step of the way," Dungey said. However, it's sixth season has so far delivered all the juiciness we regularly tune in for. The Stanford Prison Experiment (June 16) This Kyle Patrick Alvarez-directed film made headlines for it's depiction of the controversial psychological experiment that took place at Stanford University in 1971. Students played the role of prisoners or security guards under the supervision of psychology professor Philip Zimbardo before things quickly get out of hand. It features strong performances from Jack Kilmer, Ezra Miller and Billy Crudup. Not an easy watch, but a good one. June 1 1 Night (2016) 13 Going on 30 (2004) Amor.com (Love.com) Arrow: Season 5 (2016) Burlesque (2017) Catfight (2016) Catwoman (2004) Chingo Bling: They Can't Deport Us All Days of Grace (2011) Devil's Bride (2016) Full Metal Jacket (1987) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Intersection: Season 2 (2016) Kardashian: The Man Who Saved OJ Simpson (2016) Little Boxes (2016) Mutant Busters: Season 2 (2016) My Left Foot (1989) Off Camera with Sam Jones: Series 3 (2015) Playing It Cool (2014) Rounders (1998) Spring (Primavera) (2016) The 100: Season 4 (2016) The Ant Bully (2006) The Bucket List (2007) The Queen (2006) The Sixth Sense (1999) Vice (2015) West Coast Customs: Season 3 (2013) Yarn (2016) Young Frankenstein (1974) Zodiac (2007) June 2 Comedy Bang! Bang!: Season 5, Part 2 (2016) Flaked: Season 2 Netflix Original Inspector Gadget: Season 3 Netflix Original Los Ultimos de Filipinas (2016) Lucid Dream Netflix Original Film Saving Banksy (2014) The Homecoming: Collection (2015) June 3 Acapulco La vida va (2017) Blue Gold: American Jeans (2017) Headshot (2016) Three (2016) Tunnel (2016) War on Everyone (2016) June 4 Turn Washington's Spies: Season 3 (2016) June 5 Suite Francaise (2014) June 7 Disturbing the Peace (2016) Dreamworks' Trolls (2016) June 9 My Only Love Song: Season 1 Netflix Original Orange Is the New Black: Season 5 Netflix Original Shimmer Lake Netflix Original Film June 10 Black Snow (Nieve Negra) (2017) Daughters of the Dust (1991) Havenhurst (2017) Sword Master (2016) June 13 Oh, Hello On Broadway Netflix Original June 14 Quantico: Season 2 (2016) June 15 Marco Luque: Tamo Junto Netflix Original Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 4 (2016) Mr. Gaga: A True Story of Love and Dance (2015) June 16 Aquarius: Season 2 (2016) Counterpunch Netflix Original El Chapo: Season 1 (2017) The Ranch: Part 3 Netflix Original World of Winx: Season 2 Netflix Original June 16 Grey's Anatomy: Season 13 (2016) Scandal: Season 6 (2016) The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015) June 18 Shooter: Season 1 (2016) June 20 Amar Akbar & Tony (2015) Disney's Moana (2016) Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up For The First Time Netflix Original June 21 Baby Daddy: Season 6 (2017) Young & Hungry: Season 5 (2017) June 23 American Anarchist (2016) Free Rein: Season 1 Netflix Original GLOW: Season 1 Netflix Original Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press Netflix Original You Get Me Netflix Original Film June 26 No Escape (2015) June 27 Chris D'Elia: Man on Fire Netflix Original June 28 Okja Netflix Original Film June 30 [Note: the following opinion is entirely the editor's own. Read at your own discretion.] Last Friday, the world awoke to news that Taylor Swift's entire discography had returned to streaming services in celebration of 10 million global sales of 1989. Swift had pulled her music from streaming in 2014, starting a war with Spotify with disputes and claims that the platform did not pay it's artists enough. "I'm not willing to contribute my life's work to an experiment that I don't feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists and creators of this music," she said in an interview with Yahoo at the time. (This statement is surely questionable, as Swift herself has been accused of making it impossible for freelance photographers to make a living with a harsh photo policy that prevents them from using images taken of her more than once, but I digress.) [rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Fimage%2Fthumb%2FMusic5%2Fv4%2F15%2F04%2Fbe%2F1504befe-8ec2-69c6-f6d0-e22dc6ec3909%2Fsource%2F1200x630bb.jpg&ho=https%3A%2F%2Fis4-ssl.mzstatic.com&s=986&h=767086d2b9dc5747d0d3f662117a4f52bbe4993e0a6859c920a0c2ffc990cd22&size=980x&c=2635733833 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Fimage%252Fthumb%252FMusic5%252Fv4%252F15%252F04%252Fbe%252F1504befe-8ec2-69c6-f6d0-e22dc6ec3909%252Fsource%252F1200x630bb.jpg%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fis4-ssl.mzstatic.com%26s%3D986%26h%3D767086d2b9dc5747d0d3f662117a4f52bbe4993e0a6859c920a0c2ffc990cd22%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2635733833%22%7D" caption="" pin_description="" image-library="0" expand=1 photo_credit=""] Now, every Swift album from her 2006 self-titled to 2014's 1989 is available via Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. It was hailed as a revolutionary move - Swift had reentered herself into the world of pop culture without saying as much as a word. Forbes called it "her most brilliant move yet." In the midst of the 2016 election, more celebrities than ever got involved in the conversation taking place. Beyonce and Jay-Z joined Hillary Clinton in Cleveland. Katy Perry worked hard to generate interest in voting with her millennial audience by joining in Clinton campaign rallies. George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Madonna are only a few names of a long list of celebrities that endorsed the presidential candidate most obviously fit for this country. So why did Swift keep quiet? Her one and only acknowledgement of the election was this vague Instagram of her hitting the voting polls: This isn't to say that a celebrity's place is in the political sphere - hell, if I had it my way, we wouldn't have a celebrity best known for firing people on a reality TV series as our president at all. There is no obligation whatsoever that comes with having your name in headlines that requires you to voice your political beliefs. However, it is the nature of Swift's silence that is most disturbing - for someone who profits off "feminism" (while still publicly feuding with another successful woman, Katy Perry) and all that entails, why keep quiet about an election that affects the entire world in and of itself? It's surprising that someone who advocates equal rights for women as much as Swift does had nothing to say about 45's public "grabbing" comments, or the allegations of sexual abuse. "Who is Taylor Swift voting for?" was one of the highest searched queries of the 2016 campaign season, according to the Daily Beast. Why does it matter so much? Well, to be honest, it doesn't. Now that we know what we know (we had no chance of a non-biased, sans-voter-fraud election anyway), it wouldn't have made the slightest bit of difference whether or not Swift spoke out to her millions upon millions of fans. But the indisputable fact that she didn't still keeps me, a Latinx immigrant woman, incapable of listening to Swift's music without being reminded of everything she did not say. The platform Swift stands on is her biggest asset as well as her biggest downfall. It's an asset because she has the power to influence change - she already did so, with her public letter to Apple Music that made them re-evaluate their artist payments. It's her biggest downfall because she does not use it. With the ability to reach a significant number of the world's population at her disposal, it's disconcerting that the only thing Swift is interested in is self-promo - and that is something we will not forget. Taylor, we will not forget your silence because it proves that you didn't find it important or beneficial enough to yourself to say anything at all. We will not forget your silence because, believe it or not, a big majority of your fanbase includes immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQ+ kids who look up to you for your voice, who were bulled into that same silence without choice by the many, many offensive remarks made by 45 against their communities. We will not forget your silence because while the world burned, you pretended like it wasn't. Priority: Well-being While the whole world is celebrating World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, which is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin alo Read moreIntegrate diabetes education into workplaces and schools PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-13 15:39:40 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 850 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 17 HK-listed corporates together with Capital Market Elites gathered at the event;For business opportunities and Leaping into Investment Golden AgeHONG KONG, June 13, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Bo Cai Jing, the Investor Relations brand under Greater-China professional Financial Communications and Investor Relations Consultancy LBS Communications Consulting Limited ("LBS Communications") partnered China leading media, CNFOL Limited ("CNFOL"), and cooperated with Gelonghui, Sina Finance, and Yuediaoyan successfully organized its second "Good Fortune" series Investor Summit in Shenzhen Jinmao Shenzhen JW Marriott Hotel on June 1, 2017, followed by the Roadshow Week. The Summit and Roadshow Week enabled investors to explore opportunities for leaping into the new investment era.A number of important guests were invited to make speeches at the event. Senior Vice President of China Customer Relations and Marketing Department of Hong Kong Stock Exchange Mr. Joe Zhou presented an In-depth analysis of the interconnection between the two places how they gradually integrate into the "common market". Vice President of Gelonghui Mr Ren Min shared thoughts on three hot topics in the capital markets, including the impact of overseas investors on the market, the significance of Southbound Investment and shortselling. Investment Director of Dongxing Securities (Hong Kong) Asset Management Co., Ltd. Mr. Aaron Yeung, Managing Director of WanHai Securities Mr. Howard Zheng, and Investment Manager and writer Mr. He Min analyzed trends, updates and experiences related to capital markets.17 benchmark companies from the Hong Kong capital market including Anta Sports(02020.hk), Lifetech Scientific (01302.hk), First Cap GP (01269.hk), Kingdee Int'l (00268.hk), Huiyuan Juice (01886.hk), Q Tech (01478.hk), HMV Digit China (08078.hk), Modern Dental (03600.hk), BJ Properties (00925.hk), Anton Oilfield (03337.hk), Perfect Group (03326.hk), New Ray Medic (06108.hk), Silver Base (00886.hk), ShenzhenExpress (00548.hk), Tsaker Chem (01986.hk) and Wai Chi Hold (01305.hk) were invited to join Bo Cai Jing Roadshow Week. Participating firms shared great times together and Sina Finance was responsible for on-site live broadcasting.Ms. Joanne Chan, Managing Director of LBS Communications Consultants Limited, commented in an interview, "Our Shenzhen Investor Summit 2016 received high recognition from the market and our event returned with pride in 2017. We up-scaled our event by inviting a larger group of capital market experts and more Hong Kong stocks listed companies to participate. Just as Mr. Charles Li, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, commented earlier, China's global allocation of assets will be the future trend, Hong Kong is committed to becoming the next phase of the common market linking China and the world. Upon the general trend of interconnection between China and Hong Kong, we are glad seeing our clients and outstanding listed companies actively interacting with China and Hong Kong investment elites. We also hope that the investment values of quality listed companies will be explored, to create two-way communication, and to achieve win-win situation! "As the sponsor of the LBS Investor Summit, the recognition received by guests and media was well reflected through the successful completion of the event. By leveraging the rich public communications and investor relations experience accumulated over the past years serving Hong Kong and overseas companies, LBS Communications has established a huge investor database covering Hong Kong, China and many other regions to effectively promote the information exchange. Hong Kong stock market has entered the prospering age, global investors all eyed on Greater China, in addition to the concept of the new economy, the key to success is to grasp long-term investment values from a basket of shares. LBS Communications will make good use of its global network for value exploration." For event highlights, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/y9azr8ym About LBS Communications Consulting LimitedLBS Communications is a professional financial communications and investor relations consultancy firm, and is the Hong Kong representative for one of the world's four major public relations association PRGN. LBS' investor network covers Hong Kong, China, Singapore and many other regions across the world.LBS Communications is committed to serving Hong Kong and overseas listed companies and large financial enterprises by providing a full range of investor relations and financial and public relations services, covering broad categories including environmental protection energy, health care, science and telecoms, retails and consumers, new materials and chemicals, education and tourism etc. LBS Communications was awarded the "Excellence of the Year for Leadership and Communication Advisory, Hong Kong" in 2016 and 2017 by International Alternative Investment Review Award (IAIR) in terms of its global network and local wisdom.About Bo Cai JingBo Cai Jing is the Investor Relations brand name under LBS Communications used in Greater China, and is dedicated in doing investors matching and roadshow activities for mainland-listed and corporates looking for financing opportunities in China. Bo Cai Jing currently has business network in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Taiwan etc.For more information, please visit: www.lbs-comm.com For inquiries, please contact:Ms. Joanne ChanManaging DirectorTel: (852) 3679 3671Email: info@ lbs-comm.com Topic: Press release summarySectors: Daily NewsFrom the Asia Corporate News NetworkCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network. Compact Power Equipment Rental Market PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-13 08:49:16 Press Information Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com email Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 560 Words 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Compact power equipment includes all tools required for lighter construction jobs. The equipment is small in size and used in developing products with more ease and convenience. These compact power tools are of several types, such as engine-driven power tools, electric power tools and pneumatic power tools. They are used for various operations, such as drilling, polishing, woodwork routing and screw driving.Compact tools are primarily used for construction related jobs. These tools are used at construction sites for activities like drilling, hammering, cutting, grinding, washing and blowing of the equipments. Compact power tools are light-weighted, small in size, easy to handle and transport. However, they are more complex to handle than the commonly used hand tools, requires skilled labour, and regular maintenance to avoid tool wear.Global compact power tools rental market is expected to grow at a steady rate, as the demand for power tools are on the rise in developing countries. Drivers responsible for the growth of power tools rental market include an increasing demand for fast accomplishment of projects and increasing infrastructural development activities at developing regions like Asia, where construction companies rent the tools from power tool companies as they cannot afford to invest in power equipment. The challenges ahead include continuous maintenance and high cost of equipment. Many a time, clients who borrow equipment from companies, damage the tools, which is also a major concern for the power tool rental market.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-116 Segmentation of compact power tools market is done on the basis of types and geography. Compact tools are of various types like electric power tools, engine-driven power tools and pneumatic power tools. Wherein electric power tool includes cordless tools, drilling & demolition, screw-fastening tools, direct fastening tools, cutting/sawing/grinding tools, dust extractors, glue and heat guns, high pressure washers and blowers . Key geographic segments for compact power tools market include North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East & Africa) region. Asia-Pacific is the most prominent region for compact power tools companies owing to increasing construction and infrastructural development activities in countries like India, Japan and China.Key trends in compact power tools market are an increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers as Chinese vendors are penetrating this market with their tools with competitive prices as compared to other vendors.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-116 Of the many players in the compact power tools market, Makita Corporation, Bosch, Stanley Black & Decker and Techtronic Industries are the dominant leaders. Other important players include Hilti Group, Panasonic Corporation, Emerson Electric Company, Snap-on Inc., etc. Mergers & acquisitions of key players provide opportunity to expand their product portfolio. In North America, Bosch acquired SPX Corporations Service Solution business which manufactures, develops and sells service equipment and repairs workshop accessories. In Europe, Techtronic Industries acquired Ryobis power tools business and Royal Appliance Manufacturing Company, a market leader in North America which develops, markets and assembles cleaning appliances such as vacuum cleaners for domestic as well as commercial use. Emerson Electronics decided to focus on acquisitions and divestitures in order to increase investment in technology and also have a strong focus to acquire the market in developing countries. This is also because of decreasing demands of their products in Europe and market saturation in the U.S. and China. PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-13 08:39:01 Amsterdam, 13 June 2017 - HEINEKEN N.V. (EURONEXT: HEIA; OTCQX: HEINY) notes today's decision by the Competition and Markets Authority (the 'CMA') to refer the proposed acquisition by Heineken UK Limited ('HEINEKEN') of Punch Securitisation A ('Punch A') for a Phase 2 investigation unless HEINEKEN offers acceptable undertakings to address points raised by the CMA. HEINEKEN intends to offer acceptable undertakings and is confident that these will enable the transaction to be approved by the CMA without a Phase 2 referral. David Forde, Managing Director for HEINEKEN UK said: "We welcome this positive step towards completing our acquisition of Punch A. This decision by the CMA acknowledges that there are only a small number of local areas where competition may be diminished due to our acquisition of the pubs in Punch A. We are confident we can offer the CMA suitable undertakings to satisfy their concerns." ENDS Press enquiries John-Paul Schuirink E-mail: pressoffice@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-355 Michael Fuchs E-mail: pressoffice@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-355 Investor and analyst enquiries Sonya Ghobrial E-mail: investors@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-590 Chris MacDonald E-mail: investors@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-590 Note to editors: Further information is available in a section 2.7 Announcement which is available http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/other/13068712.html Information relating to HEINEKEN UK and HEINEKEN N.V. HEINEKEN UK HEINEKEN UK is one of the UK's leading cider and beer producers and the company behind brands such as Strongbow, Bulmers, Heineken, Foster's, John Smith's and Desperados. HEINEKEN UK is the HEINEKEN Group's main operating entity in the UK and employs around 2,000 people across seven sites in the UK with offices, breweries and cider production facilities in Edinburgh, Tadcaster, Manchester, London, Hereford and Ledbury. HEINEKEN UK operates the Star Pubs & Bars business with a UK-wide estate of 1,049 pubs which has delivered an attractive profit margin and cash return to HEINEKEN UK. HEINEKEN UK is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of HEINEKEN N.V. HEINEKEN N.V. HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a powerful portfolio of more than 250 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 73,500 employees and operate more than 165 breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us on Twitter via @HEINEKENCorp. Information relating to Patron Capital and Vine Acquisitions Vine Acquisitions Limited is a newly incorporated company formed at the direction of Patron Capital. Established in 1999, Patron Capital has invested approximately 2.4 billion of capital across several funds and related co-investments, investing in property, corporate operating entities, credit-related businesses and debt-related instruments whose value is primarily supported by property assets. The investors in the Patron funds represent a variety of prominent universities, major institutions, private foundations and high net worth individuals located throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Since inception, the Patron funds have made more than 69 investments in 17 countries and together with its partners have owned and controlled over 10bn in gross assets. Patron is based in London with associated offices in Barcelona, Milan and Luxembourg and a team of over 75 people, with over 42 investment professionals. Patron aims to combine an institutional approach to fund management and reporting, while continuing to embrace an entrepreneurial culture. Patron favours the backing of management teams and co-investing with its pan-European network of local partners who are familiar with the local market through joint venture structures. Many of Patron's private equity investments have backed existing management teams and achieved significant growth of the investee businesses and their employee bases. This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Heineken NV via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-13 01:44:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 387 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Organto Foods Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, B.C. (FSCWire) - Organto Foods Inc. (TSX Venture:OGO). has issued a press release with the following headline:Organto Closes Convertible Debenture FinancingTo 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 Organto Foods 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/Organto Foods Inc.Source: Organto Foods Inc. (TSX Venture: OGO, OTC Pink: OGOFF)Date: June 12, 2017Time: 7:44 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Organto Foods 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.) Bikini killer Sobhraj undergoes heart surgery Yes! He has a heart and I just fixed valves inside. Recovering normally. #Charles #Sobhraj. PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-13 13:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 393 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 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 Presents Dosimetry Planning at International World CongressTo 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, ISIN: CA88337V1004, WKN: A0DLB7, OTCQX: TLTFF)Date: June 13, 2017Time: 7:00 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.) PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-13 07:32:01 's-Hertogenbosch, 13 June 2017 In the period from 7 June 2017 until 12 June 2017 Van Lanschot Kempen has repurchased 4,000 of its own shares. The shares were repurchased at an average price of 25.14 per share for a total amount of 100,563. These repurchases are part of the share buy-back programme for at most 150,000 of own shares, which was announced on 7 June 2017. The total number of shares repurchased to date is 4,000. More information, including a detailed overview of the repurchase transactions under this programme, is available on corporate.vanlanschot.nl/sharebuyback. Media Relations: +31 20 354 45 85; mediarelations@vanlanschot.com Investor Relations: +31 20 354 45 90; investorrelations@vanlanschot.com About Van Lanschot Kempen Van Lanschot Kempen, a wealth manager operating under the Van Lanschot, Kempen and Evi van Lanschot brand names, is active in Private Banking, Asset Management and Merchant Banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth for its clients. Van Lanschot, listed on Euronext Amsterdam, is the oldest independent bank in the Netherlands with a history dating back to 1737. Disclaimer This document does not constitute an offer or solicitation for the sale, purchase or acquisition in any other way of or subscription to any financial instrument and is not an opinion or a recommendation to perform or refrain from performing any action. This document is a translation of the Dutch original and is provided as a courtesy only. In the event of any disparities, the Dutch version will prevail. This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Van Lanschot via Globenewswire 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. Business Oxygen gets $7.3m from IFC Business Oxygen (BO2), Nepals first private equity fund, is receiving another $7.3 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Candidate selection delayed in Province 2 Major political parties, which had claimed that they would finalise their candidates for the local level elections before the Election Commissions nomination date, are struggling to pick the party representatives in Province 2 even as the task has been over in the other three provinces. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Chandan Kumar Mandal is the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife. Stores to close in California and Singapore; expanded bookstores coming to Baltimore and Chicago; an Ohio bookstore reopens; and more. California Genre Bookstore is Closing: Dark Carnival, a science fiction and fantasy bookstore in Berkeley, is shutting its doors after 41 years in business. Singapore's Booktique to Shutter: The bookstore that began as a pop-up is going out of business next week. Baltimore Art College Store Moves: The bookstore at the Maryland Institute College of Art is moving three blocks west of its current location into a larger, 4,500 sq.-ft. space. Chicago Library Expands Bookstore: The Newberry Library in enhancing its bookstore as part of an $11 million renovation. Ohio Store to Reopen After Fire: Browse Awhile Books in Tipp City, Ohio, will reopen this weekend after a year of repairs. Arkansas Bookstore Has New Owners: Little Rock's 35-year old Wordsworth Books & Co. was bought by two customers. Swedish Novel Snapped Up in Pre-empts The womens fiction novel The Red Address Book has sold in a succession of preempts to Goldmann (Germany), Cappelen Damm (Norway), Calmann-Levy (France) and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (in the U.S.). The book, written by Sofia Lundberg and represented by the Salomonsson Agency, will be published by Forum in Sweden in the fall. The novel follows a 96-year-old woman named Doris, who lives alone in Stockholm, and finds her greatest joy Skyping with her grandniece, Jenny. With Jenny in mind, Doris decides to write down her memories of the people she has loved throughout her life. German's Debut Moves to U.K., and Beyond The Spirit of Montgomery by Daniela Tully, represented by the Pontas Agency, has just sold to Legend Press for U.K. and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada). Deals have also been made with Thomas Dunne/St. Martins Press (U.S.), Fayard (France), and Garzanti (Italy). The novel, which the agency compared to the work of Kate Morton (The House at Riverton and The Lake House), is Tully's debut. (Tully, who works in the film industry and has an American husband, wrote the book in English.) In the novel, a German woman whose grandmother disappeared decades ago is pulled back into the mystery surrounding the disappearance when her grandmother's body is discovered in New York. The book has not yet sold in Germany. South African 'Spy' Novel Draws Bids In another deal for the Pontas Agency, the South African novel A Spy in Time, was acquired by Indian publisher Speaking Tiger (for the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia). Random House South Africa, the originating publisher, will be releasing the book in 2018. A literary time-travel-dystopian novel, Pontas said the work depicts a world in which fair-skinned people are a rarity." In this future world, the fair-skinned work "as acrobats and jugglers, or apply skin-darkening creams to conceal their condition. Spanish Book on Refugees Sells in Poland We Are Not Refugees by Agus Morales has just sold to Polish publisher Wydawnictwo Poznanskie. The book is represented by Ella Sher of the Ella Sher Literary Agency and was originally published in Spain in March by Circulo de Tiza. The agency said the book is a work of personal reportage about the new world of exodus. The author traveled to Syria, Afghanistan and other places marked by violence to create portraits of displaced people and their plight. A locally produced version of Viacoms kids brand Nickelodeon will premiere this month on Turkish pay-TV platform Digiturk. The Hey Nickelodeon format, produced by FSAP Creative Content Services, is aimed at preschool children, educating and entertaining them with an onscreen host and English-Turkish lessons. The slot will comprise four two-hour long segments, integrating host Aybike Turans live adventures with four episodes of Dora the Explorer in Turkish.In this local production, Aybike Turan plays Bora, an explorer who travels the world in a hot-air balloon sharing her experiences with kids on the show. She will explore child-friendly themes including birthdays, dinosaurs, vehicles, treasure, games, animals, dancing and music, in line with the accompanying Dora the Explora episodes.Producing glocal formats that combine Nickelodeons internationally recognised programming expertise with localised shows that appeal specifically to regional audiences is a cornerstone of our content production strategy, said Raffaele Annecchino, president & MD, Viacom International Media Networks in Southern & Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We are excited to announce the first Nickelodeon formats for Turkey and we look forward to creating more great local content for Turkish audiences.This is the first local production by Nickelodeon for Digiturk. A second show is scheduled to follow later this summer onto the beIN Media-owned TV platform, which has around 3.5 million subscribers. South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice has welcomed the Constitutional Courts order to stop the encryption of five million Government-subsidised set-top boxes (STBs) to enable digital TV reception. Last year a judgement by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in favour of encrypted decoders.We trust this will pave the way for the long-awaited migration to digital terrestrial television (DTT), said MultiChoice, after the court upheld an appeal by former communications minister Faith Muthambi against the SCA ruling.The STBs will be manufactured locally and distributed to low-income households that cannot afford the converter needed to receive a digital TV signal.MultiChoice said Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoengs statement on the case allays any fears about the implications of the non-encryption policy. None of the broadcasters, including free-to-air (FTA) broadcasters, would be required to do any more than they have previously been required to do.This outcome is good news for consumers and it will serve as a stimulus for the growth of the electronics manufacturing sector and the broadcasting industry, said MultiChoice in a statement.The policy of non-encryption will ensure poor households benefit from and are included in the migration from analogue to digital terrestrial television and that taxpayers are spared millions of rands in unnecessary costs associated with encryption, it added.The applications for leave to appeal by Muthambi, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), and MultiChoice-owned M-Net were opposed by e.tv, SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa.South Africas new Minister of Communications Ayanada Dlodlo said she is pleased the department can now proceed with the implementation of the DTT programme, bringing SA a step closer to meeting its December 2018 switch-off deadline. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have banned tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants from airing channels from Qatars Al Jazeera TV network, as the regional dispute continues. Those found violating the decree could face hefty fines of up to SR100,000 (US$26,665) a revocation of tourism licences and even imprisonment. Individual Saudi subjects now face fines of up to $2,700 if caught watching Al Jazeera.All channels from the Al Jazeera Media Network must be removed and replaced with official Saudi television ones, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage said in a statement.The decree follows one from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) that was circulated to all tourism establishments in the Kingdom.The BTEA mandates that all television receivers available to tourism facilities must be reprogrammed to remove all channels related to Al Jazeera Network.The violation of this circular is punishable by law either by imprisonment, fine or both. Facilities who fail to comply with the circular will face closure and their tourism licence will be revoked immediately, it said.The opposition to Al Jazeera follows the severing of diplomatic relations, trade and transport links on 5 June by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain to Qatar, over alleged support of Islamist militants and the Iranian regime.As a result, Jordan last week revoked Al Jazeeras licence and Saudi Arabia closed the Qatari broadcasters bureau in Riyadh. Amman said it is downgrading, though not severing, its diplomatic ties with Qatar after examining the reasons behind the crisis. MINSK -- Valery Vakulchyk, the head of the Belarusian KGB, says Belarusian authorities have arrested eight suspected terrorists since the beginning of 2017. Vakulchyk told reporters in Minsk on June 13 that preliminary investigations have uncovered evidence suggesting one of the suspects was involved in plotting a terrorist attack in a Western European country. He did not specify the country where the attack had been planned or whether the attack had been carried out. Vakulchyk said that, in 2016, 17 people suspected of being involved in terrorist activities had been detained in Belarus. He said 21 alleged terrorists were apprehended in 2015. "Those were individuals involved in terrorist and extremist activities and are on international wanted lists for their activities in Syria," Vakulchyk said. The Daily Vertical is a video primer for Russia-watchers that appears Monday through Friday. Viewers can suggest topics via Twitter @PowerVertical or on the Power Vertical Facebook page. A transcript of today's Daily Vertical can be found here. NOTE TO VIEWERS: The Daily Vertical will not appear on June 14-15 because I will be speaking at a conference in Sibiu, Romania. Ask a Russian official what is a terrorist, and you are likely to get a very interesting -- and a very revealing -- answer. In a recent televised interview, Russia's Ambassador to Israel Aleksandr Shein said that Moscow does not consider Hamas and Hizballah to be terrorist organizations. Why not? Well, this is where it gets really interesting. According to Shein, Hamas and Hizballah aren't terrorists because they aren't attacking Russia. Yeah, you heard that right. I'm not making this up. He actually said that. It's pretty remarkable when officials get caught telling the truth. It's pretty amazing when a regime's double standards are exposed live on the air. And the double standard is not restricted to terrorists. Take one of the Kremlin's favorite words: the ubiquitous "fascist" slur. Judging from the rhetoric coming out of Moscow, anybody who opposes Vladimir Putin's regime risks being labeled a fascist. It could be Aleksei Navalny. Or it could be Ukraine's pro-Western government. But what about violent right-wing extremists who would normally qualify for the fascist label, but who are pro-Kremlin? Well, those aren't fascists, you see. Those are patriots. Likewise, anybody who opposes Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea is a separatist. But those who actually separated Crimea from Ukraine -- they're freedom fighters, or "polite people." Welcome to the dizzying world of the Kremlin spin machine. Welcome to a world in which language has absolutely no meaning. Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. EC cant accept third-phase elections Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has ruled out the possibility of holding the local elections in the plains in a third phase. BRUSSELS -- The European Commission launched a legal action on June 13 against the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland for refusing to take in their share of refugees under an EU-wide solidarity plan. The bloc in 2015 agreed to relocate 160,000 refugees, mainly from Italy and Greece, across its member states -- a legally-binding decision that was met with resistance by several countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland and Hungary have not yet taken in a single refugee while the Czech Republic accepted 12 refugees last year but announced earlier this month that it would withdraw from the scheme, citing security concerns. The relocation scheme remains widely unpopular among the public in all three countries. "I regret to say that despite our repeated calls, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have not yet taken the necessary action," EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told a news briefing in Strasbourg. "For this reason the (European) Commission has decided to launch infringement procedures against these three member states," Avramopoulos said. The infringement procedures are likely to pave the way for several months of legal disputes before any possible monetary sanctions are imposed. Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka immediately rejected the Commission's move. "The European Commission blindly insists on pushing ahead with disfunctional quotas which decreased citizens' trust in EU abilities and pushed back working on conceptual solutions to the migration crisis," Sobotka said in an emailed statement. Separately, both Hungary and Slovakia have challenged the relocation mechanism in the EU's top court where a first opinion on the matter will be presented next month. Ukrainian forces have liberated 41 settlements in the south of the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on November 10 but noted the "brutal struggle" and the "lives given for freedom for Ukrainians." In his nightly address Zelenskiy said: "Today we have good news from the south. The number of Ukrainian flags returning to their rightful place within the framework of the ongoing defense operation is already dozens," he said, adding that 41 settlements have been liberated. But he stressed that even as Ukrainians rejoice, they must remember that "every step by our defense forces represents...lives given for the freedom of Ukrainians. Everything that is happening now has been achieved by months of brutal struggle. It was achieved through courage, pain, and losses." Zelenskiy spoke a day after the Russian defense minister announced the withdrawal of Russian troops from the west bank of the Dnieper River, the latest in a number of setbacks for Moscow on battlefields in Ukraine's east and southeast. Zelenskiy did not specify the number of Ukrainian troops killed in the effort to reclaim the settlements, where he said stabilization measures have begun. He noted the Russian troops left behind thousands of land mines and ammunition as they retreated from Kherson. Presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said the land mines turned Kherson into a "city of death" and predicted they would shell it from occupied areas across the Dnieper River. Vitaliy Kim, the regional military administration chief in the Mykolayiv region, said Ukrainian soldiers had already entered the outer suburbs of Kherson. He declined to give further details to avoid revealing the military's plans. Russia said it began withdrawing troops on November 10 from Kherson city. The Ukrainian military's General Staff said the withdrawal was taking place slowly to allow the Russian forces to reinforce positions on the other bank of the Dnieper River. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said it will take Russia at least a week to withdraw from the city of Kherson. He told Reuters Russia had 40,000 troops in Kherson region and it still had forces in the city, around the city, and on the west bank of the Dnieper River. "It's not that easy to withdraw these troops from Kherson in one day or two days. As a minimum, [it will take] one week," he said. Ukrainian Army chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy said earlier that Kyiv could not yet confirm whether Russia was indeed pulling out from the southern Kherson region but said Ukrainian forces were continuing their advance. "We continue to conduct the offensive operation in line with our plan," he wrote in a post on Telegram. Ukrainian officials said Moscow's forces had no choice but to flee Kherson, yet they remained cautious, fearing an ambush. "The enemy had no other choice but to resort to fleeing," armed forces chief Zaluzhniy said, because Kyiv's army destroyed supply systems and disrupted Russia's local military command. Kherson is strategically important, as it controls both the only land route to Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and the mouth of the Dnieper, which bisects Ukraine. Recapturing the city could provide Ukraine a launching pad for supplies and troops to try to win back other lost territory in the south, including Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in late September celebrated the annexation of Kherson and three other Ukrainian regions and vowed to defend them by any means, has not commented on the withdrawal. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa Over the past five years, Iranian officials and state media have touted the "indigenous" ingenuity in the Islamic republic's mass-produced Mohajer-6 combat drone, which Russia has deployed in its war against Ukraine. But a new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, has found that electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 are far from homegrown. The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of such technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes dual-use technology. The presence of these components in the Mohajer-6 does not mean their producers are in violation of U.S. or EU sanctions, and RFE/RL does not have evidence that this is the case. The investigation also found Mohajer-6 components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm that said it was "very sorry" that its products were being used in war. At least one major foreign-produced component of the Mohajer-6 has previously been identified by reporters in a Mohajer-6 recovered from the battlefield by the Ukrainian military: an engine made by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products. But Ukrainian intelligence assesses that the Iranian combat drone contains components from nearly three dozen different technology companies based in North America, the EU, Japan, and Taiwan, the Schemes investigation has found. A majority of these companies are based in the United States. A Schemes reporter who personally inspected the foreign-made drone parts identified components produced by at least 15 of these manufacturers. These include parts made by the U.S. technology firm Texas Instruments, which said in a statement that it does not sell into Russia or Iran and complies with applicable laws and regulations. To identify these components, Schemes reporters examined parts of the Mohajer-6 drone that the Ukrainian military shot down over the Black Sea near the Mykolayiv region coastal town of Ochakiv. They also reviewed Ukrainian intelligence records on the sources of these components. The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China. Both Western officials and experts on illicit technology transfers say Iran has built a broad, global procurement network using front companies and other proxies in third countries to obtain dual-use technology from the United States and the EU. "Exporters will look at the request coming from the [United Arab Emirates] or another third country, and they'll think that they're selling to an end user based there, when really the end user is in Iran," Daniel Salisbury, a senior research fellow with the Department of War Studies at King's College London, told RFE/RL. In September, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions specifically targeting Iranian companies that Washington links to the production and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for deployment in its war on Ukraine. Fighting rages with no sign of an end more than eight months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion on February 24. "Non-Iranian, non-Russian entities should also exercise great caution to avoid supporting either the development of Iranian UAVs or their transfer, or sale of any military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine," U.S. Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement announcing the sanctions. Chinese Cameras, California Chips Development of the Mohajer-6, the latest model in a series of drones Tehran has used since the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, began in 2017, while mass production began the following year. During a ceremony commemorating the Islamic Revolution, then-Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the new tactical drone could perform surveillance, reconnaissance, as well as help destroy targets. Hatami extolled what he described as the drones domestic design, a portrayal echoed in later reports by Iranian media. "The homegrown drone was made through cooperation among the army, Defense Ministry, and Quds Aviation Industries," the English-language Tehran Times quoted an Iranian military official as saying in July 2019. The dismantling of the Mohajer-6 drone recovered by the Ukrainian military shows that the UAV is packed with foreign components. One of these parts is a bright-orange real-time mini-camera produced by the Hong Kong-based company RunCam Technology. Documents seen by Schemes show that Ukrainian intelligence has also identified RunCam as the producer of the camera, which likely assists in remote guidance of the drone. Founded in 2013, RunCam is involved in the development and production of so-called "first-person-view" real-time cameras. "Our users are our friends," the company's website states. The site says that RunCam has two authorized Iranian dealers. Reached by Schemes for comment about the use of its camera in the Iranian drone deployed by Russia in its war on Ukraine, RunCam said in an e-mailed response: "We are very sorry to know that RunCam's products were used in warfare. RunCam is specialized in producing products for model aircraft hobby. We never contact any customer related to military." The provenance of the Mohajer-6 drone-s thermal-imaging camera is more difficult to determine. A Ukrainian intelligence assessment reviewed by Schemes indicates it could be the Ventus Hot model produced by Sierra-Olympic Technologies, based in the U.S. state of Oregon, but that it also resembles a cheaper analog available for sale by the Chinese company Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology. Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology said in an e-mailed statement that the company did not "have any business with Iran," because "it will affect our business." The company said it specializes in marine services and is not involved in manufacturing. It also said that it did not have a single successful order for its online advertisement of the thermal-imaging camera resembling the one recovered from the Iranian drone. Sierra-Olympic Technologies did not respond to a request for comment on the possible use of its thermal-imaging cameras in Iranian combat drones in time for publication. Microchips recovered from the drone also featured the logos of the California-based company Linear Technology Corporation and its parent company, the Massachusetts-based semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI). ADI did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment on the possible use of its technology in the Iranian combat drone. Schemes reporters also observed among the components of the Iranian drone a voltage step-down converter produced by Texas Instruments. The company said in an e-mailed statement that it "does not sell into Russia, Belarus, or Iran." "TI complies with applicable laws and regulations in the countries where we operate, and does not support or condone the use of our products in applications they weren't designed for," Texas Instruments said. Schemes reporters also saw several components produced by the California-based technology manufacturer Xilinx, whose parent company is the multinational semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), also based in California. According to Ukrainian intelligence, one of these Xilinx components was integrated into a video data-link module located in the wing of the Mohajer-6 that helped carry out attack missions. "This module transmits information from the board to the missile head. That is, guidance for the missile. With the help of this module, it was possible to guide the missile to the target," a Ukrainian military intelligence representative told Schemes. AMD did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. 'No Authorization' Previous media reports about the components of the Mohajer-6 drone, including by CNN, have shown evidence that its engine was produced by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, whose parent company is the Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). The Canadian company responded to the reports on October 21, saying in a statement that it "has not authorized and has not given any authorization to its distributors to supply military UAV manufacturers in Iran or Russia." "As soon as we were made aware of this situation, we started an investigation to determine the source of the engines," BRP said. . But Schemes reporters found that the authorized Rotax distributor listed on the Austrian manufacturer's website advertised itself as a Rotax aircraft engines distributor for Iran as recently as December 2020. The distributor, the Italian company Luciano Sorlini S.p.a., has posted multiple magazine advertisements on its websites in which it describes itself as a Rotax distributor for numerous countries. Prior to January 2021, Iran was listed among these countries. The Rotax website also lists a Tehran-based company -- MahtaWing -- as an official service center for its engines. The company, known in Persian as Mahtabal, conducts repairs of Rotax engines, including the Rotax 912 iS, the engine that was found in the Mohajer-6 combat drone recovered in Ukraine. BRP said in an e-mailed statement on November 4 that while Luciano Sorlini S.p.a. is the appointed distributor of Rotax aircraft engines in Iran, "since 2019, no Rotax engines have been sold in Iran, and we will not sell any engines to Iran moving forward." The Canadian company said it had "internal controls" that "significantly" restrict the sale of its products for military purposes. "For example, the sale of any BRP product to operators with any military activity in Iran, Turkey, and Russia is strictly prohibited," BRP said. "We conduct our business in compliance with all EU, Canadian, and U.S. applicable regulations." BRP described the Iranian company MahtaWing as a "local service center" that "offers maintenance services for previously sold aircraft engines." Shahriar Siami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says Kosovo's snap parliamentary elections were held in an "orderly" manner and took place "without major irregularities or incidents." The Vienna-based organization, whose teams provided technical assistance and support to the conduct of the June 11 elections in the northern Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities, made the assessment in a statement issued late on June 12. It noted irregularities related to the "nonacceptance of Serbian IDs for some voters and instances of double and multiple voting," but added that these issues were later resolved. Preliminary results suggest the ruling center-right Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) won the most votes in the election, but it appeared unlikely to have won enough seats to govern even with its planned coalition partners. The vote also confirmed the strong rise of the nationalist Self-Determination Movement (VV) party, which nearly doubled its support since the last election and looked set to finish second in the overall vote. With 99 percent of the ballots cast on June 11 counted, the coalition headed by the PDK of President Hashim Thaci had 34 percent, according to the Central Election Commission. The PDK coalition includes former prime minister and rebel leader Ramush Haradinaj's Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK). The nationalist VV had 27 percent, just ahead of a coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Isa Mustafa's Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), which had 26 percent. Turnout was put at 41.5 percent in Kosovo's third elections since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The country is recognized by 114 other countries but not by Serbia and Russia. The preliminary results mean no single group will be able to govern alone, and Kosovo could be heading toward lengthy talks on forming a coalition government. "The outcome is definitely one which is not creating immediately a clear majority for a government, and I hope that it doesn't take again up to nine months as it was the case last time [in 2014], because it is so important for this country to stay committed to reform," EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on June 12. "For us it is crucial that the country and its representatives are committed to the European perspective," Hahn said, adding that "better living conditions [are] only achievable embedded into the European Union." Kosovo's next government will have to tackle unemployment running around one-third of the workforce despite solid economic expansion of about 4 percent annually in one of the poorest countries in Europe. Other key priorities include establishing better control over privatization and creating a functioning war crimes court and prosecution office, which would start the process of sidelining wartime leaders from political and public life. Yet the biggest issues surrounding the vote are a pair of agreements signed in 2015 -- one setting the border with Montenegro and another with Serbia that increases powers held by ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. Those issues have helped stalled reforms in the legislature and angered the electorate in a country where about one-third of the population is under the age of 15. With reporting by Reuters The United States is "not winning" in Afghanistan as the Taliban surges there and a new strategy to change the situation will be presented by mid-July, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress on June 13. The Pentagon came under fire from lawmakers for not completing a new strategy for the 16-year-old war, to which Mattis responded in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that "we recognize the need for urgency," and criticism over the lack of a new plan was "fair." "We are not winning in Afghanistan right now. And we will correct this as soon as possible," he said, adding that the Pentagon was likely to seek a 3-5 percent increase in its budget from 2019 to 2023. The U.S. has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan and army officials have told Congress that they could use an infusion of forces to bolster support for the Afghan Army. 'Regional Approach' On June 12, Mattis said a new U.S. strategy would take a "regional approach" rather than addressing the country's long-running war in isolation. U.S. media have reported that the Defense Secretary will recommend sending another 3,000-5,000 U.S. troops to break what he has called a "stalemate" between U.S.-backed government forces and the Taliban. Earlier this year, the Pentagon was considering a request for roughly 3,000 more troops, mainly for noncombat duties such as training and advising. That decision, however, has been stalled by the broader review by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump of Afghan policy and a push for NATO to contribute more troops. Mattis, when pressed again about the plan, said getting a government-wide strategy can't be done quickly and that there are ongoing efforts to ensure NATO participation so that it's "not all on the backs of American taxpayers." Growing IS Threat A resurgence by the Taliban has come amid a growing threat from Islamic State militants trying to establish a foothold in the country and the upturn in violence has led recently to the deaths of several Americans. The war in Afghanistan has dragged on since October 2001. A U.S.-led coalition ended its combat mission against the Taliban in 2014, but they have become increasingly involved in backing up Afghan forces on the battlefield. Mattis said in his June 13 testimony that recent strikes against pro-Syrian forces were in self-defense as the United States takes all necessary measures to protect its soldiers on the ground. Last week the United States shot down a pro-Syrian government drone that fired toward U.S.-led coalition forces in Syria, but "hit dirt" and caused no injuries. On the same day, the U.S. hit two pro-Syrian government pickup trucks near the southern town of At Tanf. Russia said on May 10 that it had told the United States it was unacceptable for Washington to strike pro-government forces in Syria. With reporting by CNN, AP, and Reuters Russias liberal opposition has long been plagued by infighting. And fresh fissures have emerged over chief Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny's decision to move an anticorruption protest in Moscow to the city center, where hundreds were detained by police on June 12. Kremlin critics have accused the opposition leader of deflating the momentum of antigovernment forces by altering the site of this week's protest less than 24 hours before the event. Authorities made good on their warning that they would intervene in any "unsanctioned" protest on the central Moscow thoroughfare where Navalny had urged his supporters to gather rather than at a site just outside the center that City Hall had authorized. Police detained more than 800 people, including scores of young people, drawing censure from Washington and Brussels. Navalny was detained at his apartment building ahead of the protest and later sentenced to 30 days in jail after being found guilty of violating laws on public gatherings and resisting police. The last-minute change of plan left a weakened turnout at the original site, where a few thousand people ultimately gathered for the rally, which state TV covered as a subdued, lightly attended, and disorganized affair. I will say just a few words: Navalny has weakened the protest movement, veteran human rights activist Lev Ponomaryov, a harsh critic of President Vladimir Putin, told the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper at the authorized rally on June 12. Andrei Zubov, a prominent historian once fired as a professor at an elite Moscow university for his criticism of Russian expansionism in Ukraine, echoed that sentiment on June 13, saying both the originally planned rally and the protest on Moscows central Tverskaya Street "failed." Compared to substantial protests in other Russian cities, "Muscovites turned out to be disconnected, disoriented, and demoralized," Zubov wrote on Facebook. "And city authorities are not responsible for this, alas, but rather the organizers of the rally." Jail Time 'At Best' Navalny is seeking to run in the 2018 presidential election, which is expected to hand Russian President Vladimir Putin a fourth term. The June 12 protests in more than 100 cities were aimed at further galvanizing Navalny's base after nationwide anticorruption rallies in March that rattled Russia's ruling elite. Both Navalny and his key associates said they were pleased with ample turnouts in major cities across the country on June 12 that included many young people who have grown up knowing no other government than Putin's. "I rate todays actions very well," Navalny told reporters just before midnight on June 12 in a Moscow courtroom, shortly before he was handed his jail sentence. "We had an excellent geographic reach. A lot of people came out...There were rallies in cities where theyd never happened before." But the focus of the protests was undoubtedly Moscow, where Navalny said on the eve of the event that organizers were unable to secure sound and stage equipment for the original rally at Prospekt Sakharov due to alleged pressure on contractors by city authorities. Such official pressure on private firms doing business with opposition groups is not unusual in Russia, and Navalny cited organizers' inability to rent the equipment as the reason for changing the rally site. He insisted the law was on the side of the protesters, noting that Russias constitution guarantees citizens' rights to gather peacefully. Several Kremlin opponents, however, accused Navalny of goading his followers into a guaranteed confrontation with police. "Navalny drummed up some more PR for himself, and those who hit the streets for him will earn some jail time at best," Roman Roslovtsev, an activist who has been repeatedly jailed for one-man protests in which he wears a Putin mask, wrote on Facebook. Other prominent anti-Kremlin activists, meanwhile, said they backed Navalny's decision. Ilya Yashin, a veteran opposition politician detained during the protest, said, "You cant just allow authorities to treat protesters like sheep and herd them into a pen." "You cant play these games with authorities forever," Yashin told RFE/RL in an interview following his detention. "At some point, you have to stand firm and show that we have rights, that we know our rights and are ready to defend them." Mystery Stage In the end, a stage and a sound system were set up for the rally at the original rally site, where attendees largely vented their anger over a Kremlin-backed plan by city authorities to raze Soviet-era housing. Navalny's top deputy, Leonid Volkov, said on the opposition leader's YouTube channel on June 13 that he and his associates have no idea where the equipment came from or who procured it. He suggested authorities secretly brought it in to discredit Navalnys justification for moving the protest. Moscow authorities and the Kremlin accused Navalny of a "provocation" in moving the rally site, while state-controlled media and Kremlin loyalists suggested the presence of the stage and sound system proved that Navalny and his fellow organizers had lied. Sergei Sharov-Delaunay, a rights activist and head of the nongovernmental advocacy group Russia Behind Bars, told Current Time TV that Navalny, like any politician, makes mistakes but that "his overall approach is correct." "His goal is to become the exclusive opposition leader and the only possible opposition presidential candidate in the next political cycle," Sharov-Delaunay told the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "And he is working toward this goal consistently and rather successfully." The unsanctioned protests, Sharov-Delaunay added, show Navalny as "a decisive leader who is not prepared to cave to authorities." Andrei Loshak, a prominent opposition-minded journalist, said that, while he did not completely understand Navalny's decision to move the rally, he was deeply impressed by young protesters who flooded to Tverskaya Street -- a demographic Navalny has courted with his irreverence and new-media savvy. Loshak wrote on Facebook that he heard one young woman tell her boyfriend after witnessing riot police wrench protesters from the site: "Thanks for dragging me here. I learned a lot today." "There will be more and more like her -- and thats a very bad sign for authorities, and a very good sign for the rest," Loshak wrote. A suspected U.S. drone strike in northwestern Pakistan has killed a commander of the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, local officials say. A security official said on June 13 that the commander, identified as Abubakar, died in an overnight strike in the Speen Tal area of the Hangu district. A resident of Dewal village, Behram Khan, said three more people were injured in the strike, including a boy. Khan said Abubakar was from Afghanistan's Khost Province and that his original name was Omar. He added that the slain commander moved to Dewal from Pakistans North Waziristan tribal district after the Pakistani military launched a counterterrorist operation there in 2014. The drone strike comes after a May 31 truck bombing in Kabul killed more than 150 people in the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since the ouster of the Taliban following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. Afghan officials blamed the Pakistan-based Haqqani network for the blast. However, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Afghan Taliban's second-in-command and head of the Haqqani network, denied any involvement in an audio message distributed to the media late on June 11. A journalist has just fled Kyrgyzstan to avoid being arrested, and the Moscow-based website for which he works, which has been posting articles about Central Asia for nearly two decades, has been ordered blocked by a Kyrgyz court. Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS) is charging Fergananews journalist Ulughbek Babakulov with inciting ethnic hatred for one of his articles, which the website posted on May 23. Babakulov and Fergana say they were doing the country's security services a favor by revealing material that was being posted on Facebook that did constitute inciting ethnic hatred. In his article, Babakulov notes there was a fight, involving knives, in the Nooken district of Kyrgyzstan's southern Jalal-Abat Province on May 18. Several people were injured. "It became clear," Babakulov wrote, that "those who were hurt were representatives of the Kyrgyz [people], and the suspects in this were Uzbeks." Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations in southern Kyrgyzstan are a sensitive issue. A very sensitive issue. Interethnic Violence The interethnic violence between the two peoples in 2010 is rarely discussed publicly, but it is never far from the minds of the Kyrgyz and Uzbeks of southern Kyrgyzstan. Babakulov, himself Kyrgyz, translated Kyrgyz-language posts on Facebook from Kyrgyz in the Jalal-Abat area after the May 18 fight. As translated by Babakulov, these posts calling for violence against Uzbeks would indeed seem to qualify as inciting ethnic hatred. Posts suggest "exterminating" Uzbeks; "burning them alive," a particularly troublesome call since many people were beaten and set on fire during the 2010 violence; and calls for expelling all ethnic Uzbeks from Kyrgyzstan. Babakulov said in the article that his purpose for writing it was to alert Kyrgyzstan's law-enforcement agencies to these posts. Others did not see it that way. On June 1, deputy Muradyl Mademinov addressed parliament saying, "I consider this journalist's [Babakulov's] article to be a provocation." Mademinov called on law enforcement to investigate the article and the author and said those who stoke interethnic conflict should be stripped of their citizenship. RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Azattyk, interviewed Babakulov on June 2 and the journalist said: "I just exposed the problem, I didn't create it." Six People Detained The SCNS did investigate the offensive posts on Facebook and by June 6 said it had identified several of the people responsible for the offensive posts. It also clarified that the May 18 incident was between people from the same village -- one person had cut four others with a knife and fled, and was later apprehended near the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. There was no mention of ethnicity. On June 9, the SCNS press service said it had detained six people on charges of inciting ethnic hatred but provided only the initials of those held. Five of the six sets of initials match names in Babakulov's May 23 article and most appear to be women. On June 9, the SCNS filed a criminal case against Babakulov and the Oktyabr Court in Bishkek ordered that the Fergana website be blocked. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a statement that same day. CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nine Ognianova said: "Lawmakers and pro-government media have tried to smear Babakulov as a traitor and a villain for warning about the dangers of nationalism." Ognianova added that "we call on Kyrgyzstan to cease harassing the journalist immediately and to restore access to his outlet, the website Fergana." Fergana released a statement on June 11, complaining that the website had not been informed about a court hearing to block the site. 'Enemies Of The People' The statement also said in recent weeks that in "the pages of print media in Kyrgyzstan and on main television channels there were many articles and reports in which our correspondent and our agency were named as 'enemies of the Kyrgyz people.'" By June 12 it was clear Babakulov was out of Kyrgyzstan. Babakulov posted a message on his Facebook account saying that he had ceased working for Fergana of his own volition. Babakulov said in the May 23 article that he was seeking to bring the social-network posts to the attention of the authorities. However, comments in the article -- particularly those suggesting that security services were occupied with "following political opponents of the president" and that "when people criticize the president on the Internet" security services seem to act quickly to find and detain the culprits while they ignore nationalist comments on the same social networks -- might have more to do with the problems Babakulov faces than his translations of hate posts on the Internet. Kyrgyz authorities have not reacted well to criticism from the media in recent months and several media outlets and their journalists are facing charges that some call politically motivated. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL Relatives of a Chechen man convicted of organizing the 2006 murder of Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya say he has died in prison. Lom-Ali Gaitukayev's relatives told the Caucasian Knot website on June 13 that they thought he most likely died as a result of being beaten at a maximum-security penal colony in Russia's western region of Vologda. Gaitukayev's nephew, Temirlan Gaitukayev, said his uncle always had bruises on his face when he would visit him in the penal colony. Gaitukayev's lawyer, Yelena Kharionovskaya, said she tried to file a lawsuit against the prison for the alleged beating of her client in 2015. But she said the authorities refused to accept the lawsuit on the grounds that the beatings had not been proven. In November 2015, Gaitukayev was placed in a prison hospital with a severe liver condition. Kharionovskaya said Gaitukayev's body will be delivered to his relatives on June 13. In 2014, Gaitukayev and Rustam Makhmudov, also from Chechnya, were sentenced to life in prison over the 2006 shooting death of Politkovskaya in front of her Moscow apartment. Three other defendants in the case -- former police officer Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, and brothers Ibragim and Dzhabrail Makhmudov from Chechnya -- were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 12 to 20 years. With reporting by Caucasian Knot The United States, the European Union, and human rights groups have condemned the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters across Russia. An estimated 1,560 supporters of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny were detained during the June 12 anticorruption demonstrations in cities and towns nationwide, including 866 detained in Moscow and 548 detained in St. Petersburg. OVD-Info, a Moscow-based nongovernmental organization that monitors police actions at protests, said most of the detainees had been released by early on June 13. However, France's AFP news agency reported that "many people still awaited processing while others were shuttled to court for hearings" on June 13. "We've left the station. They are taking us to Tverskoy district court," tweeted opposition politician Ilya Yashin, who was among those detained in Moscow. Russia's Investigative Committee said one protester "sprayed tear gas into the eyes of a riot-police officer" and would be charged. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on June 13 criticized the actions of the demonstrators as "dangerous for the public" and defended police action against them. "Their actions were dangerous for the public and the police take adequate measures against such individuals," Peskov told journalists in Moscow. Navalny himself was detained before the unauthorized demonstration in the capital started, and sentenced to 30 days in prison for staging unsanctioned rallies. Speaking to journalists in the Moscow courtroom where he was sentenced late on June 12, Navalny said the protests had been "good" and that "very many people came out" across a "wide geographic area." "We have seen amazing things: in Saratov, 6,000 people came out, there was a huge rally in Penza," Navalny said. "There have been rallies in cities that haven't seen them for ages. For example, the previous protests in Norilsk happened [in the 1950s], when there was a prison uprising. So the geographical reach of the these protests is unmatched, and that was our primary goal. So we think it was a successful event." The White House on June 12 called on Russia to release all of the demonstrators, saying their detention was "an affront to core democratic values." But Peskov said Moscow would not listen to the calls from Washington to release detained protesters. EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said the detention of peaceful demonstrators "threatens the fundamental freedoms of expression," while rights watchdog Amnesty International said the crackdown "demonstrates the authorities' utter contempt for fundamental human rights." Meanwhile, Russia's presidential Council for Human Rights said on June 12 that police in Moscow acted "calmly" and in a "correct" way "despite attempts of teenage protesters to provoke them to violence." However, witnesses and media reports said that police violently dispersed the protesters and in some cases detained activists were severely beaten in police vehicles. Navalny called for the nationwide rallies to protest what he alleges is a system of corruption and cronyism presided over by President Vladimir Putin. The opposition leader was hoping to build on momentum gained by a national anticorruption protest on March 26, which ended with more than 1,000 people detained in Moscow alone. Navalny was detained amid those demonstrations -- the biggest antigovernment rallies since a wave of protests that he helped lead in 2011-12 -- and served 15 days of administrative detention in jail. With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Current Time TV, and AFP Its all a ruse: Landless peoples take on polls The election candidates of Kamal Village Council-5 in Jhapa have promised food, shelter and clothes to the landless people in exchange for their votes. Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny said the nationwide anticorruption protests which he called for were successful. Speaking at a hearing on June 12, where he was sentenced to 30 days in prison for staging unsanctioned rallies, Navalny said he was particularly pleased that protesters in several cities outside of Moscow took part. Navalny was detained before the unauthorized demonstration in the center of the capital, along with more than 1,500 protesters across the country. The first two questions in the impromptu interview came from RFE/RL's Russian Service. The retrial of two former Serbian state security officials accused of crimes committed during the 1990s Balkan wars has begun at a United Nations court in The Hague. Prosecutor Douglas Stringer told the three-judge panel at the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals on June 13 that Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic played key roles in facilitating atrocities by Serb paramilitaries in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Stringer said Stanisic, 66, and his deputy Simatovic, 67, "made these crimes happen through their direction and unflagging support to the Serb forces used to commit them." The two were acquitted in 2013 of war crimes by judges who ruled that there was insufficient evidence linking them to the crimes. But appeal judges quashed that verdict in 2015, saying several legal errors had been made in the trial. Stanisic and Simatovic were ordered to be retried on four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of war crimes committed by Serbian death squads in Bosnia and Croatia after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in 1991. Based on reporting by AP The Power Vertical is a blog written especially for Russia wonks and obsessive Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It offers Brian's personal take on emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today. Check out The Power Vertical Facebook page or Follow @PowerVertical WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said ties between Washington and Moscow were continuing to deteriorate, telling senators that the U.S. administration was still trying to stabilize the relationship. Tillerson's June 13 comments to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee came one day after Congress moved closer to cementing existing sanctions on Moscow, and imposing new ones for Russia's alleged interference in last year's election, among other issues. At a hearing on the State Department's new 2018 budget, senators grilled Tillerson on the department's priorities, not only Russia, but also China, North Korea, Syria, and other places. Tillerson told senators that bilateral relations with Russia were at an all-time low. But he also ducked questions about whether he, or the White House, would support the new sanctions, or if the White House might try to veto it. "We would like the flexibility to turn the heat up on Russia," he said. "We have some channels where we're starting to talk, but what I wouldn't want to do is close the channels off." Russia Threatens Retaliatory Measures President Donald Trump has voiced support for a more conciliatory approach to Russia, and immediately following his election, the Kremlin sent messages that suggested it was hoping for some sort of sanctions relief. In recent weeks, however, as it became clear that the White House was not moving to lift existing ones, and as Congress moved to impose new ones, Moscow's tone has sharpened. Last week, Russian officials threatened retaliatory measures, including seizing a U.S. Embassy property in western Moscow. That appeared targeted at the U.S. seizure of two Russian compounds in Maryland and New York, which U.S. law enforcement said had been used for intelligence gathering purposes. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 13 that Moscow is "closely following" the new sanctions legislation. Asked about the bipartisan initiative, Peskov said the Kremlin's impression was "negative." The new measures targeting Russia, agreed to by Republican and Democratic senators on June 12, were contained in an amendment to be attached to a pending Iran sanctions bill. A vote is expected before the end of the week. The measures would cement into law existing sanctions over Moscow's aggression in Ukraine, which were imposed by Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama. That would make it harder for Trump to lift them unilaterally. They would hit Russians accused of human rights abuses, supplying weapons to Syria's government, and conducting cyberattacks on behalf of Russia's government. They would also sanction Russian mining, metals, shipping, and railway companies, going beyond the energy and financial firms previously targeted. "The amendment to the underlying Iran sanctions bill maintains and substantially expands sanctions against the government of Russia in response to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and Crimea, its brazen cyberattacks and interference in elections, and its continuing aggression in Syria," a group of Republican and Democratic senators backing the amendment said in a statement released on June 12. Tillerson's comments echoed earlier comments by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who told House lawmakers on June 12 that Russian President Vladimir Putin didn't appear to want an improvement of relations with Washington. "At this time I do not see any indication that Putin would want a positive relationship with us," Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee. "Thats not to say we cant get there as we look for common ground. But at this point, he has chosen to be competitive, a strategic competitor with us, and well have to deal with that as we see it." More Questioning Tillersons testimony also comes as other administration officials faced more questioning from lawmakers on the issue of ties between associates of Trump and Russian officials, an issue that has dogged the White House since before Trump's inauguration. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who heads the Justice Department and nominally oversees the FBI, was set to testify publicly before the Senate Intelligence Committee later on June 13, about his interactions with Russia's ambassador to the United States. Along with committees in the House and Senate, the FBI has been conducting a criminal investigation. Trump fired FBI Director James Comey on May 9, and bragged to Russian officials a day later about it, according to a document of the meeting read to the media by a U.S. official. During his June 8 Senate testimony, Comey suggested possible conflicts of interest or even obstruction of justice. Sessions, meanwhile, had recused himself from oversight of the FBI's Russian probes, owing to his meetings with Russia's ambassador to the United States. However, he ultimately co-signed the letter recommending Comey's firing, something Comey suggested was unusual. Another former FBI director, Robert Mueller, was then appointed by the Justice Department to conduct the Russian investigation. That probe continues. 13 Russian police officers detain a participant at an opposition rally on Tverskaya Street in central Moscow on June 12. Opposition leader and anticorruption blogger Aleksei Navalny called on his supporters to hold a protest on Tverskaya Street, which leads to the Kremlin, instead of the site authorized by Moscow officials. Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 1,150 protesters were detained. (epa/Yuri Kochetkov) Ukraine's Kazakh Embassy has lodged a protest over maps near an international energy exposition in Astana that show Ukraine's occupied Crimean Peninsula as part of Russia. The maps are part of decorative statues on Nurzhol Boulevard outside of Expo 2017, a three-month exposition that began on June 10 with Russian President Vladimir Putin in attendance. One statue is holding a map of Ukraine that does not include the territory of Crimea. Another holds a map of Russia that includes Crimea. The Ukrainian Embassy wrote on Facebook on June 12 that the map of Ukraine was shown "with elements in violation of the country's territorial integrity," and the map of Russia was shown "with elements that violate Ukraine's territorial integrity." The Ukrainian Embassy said it expected explanations from Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry. Russia seized control of Crimea in 2014 after sending in troops and staging a referendum considered illegitimate by Ukraine and more than 100 other countries in the United Nations. A United Nations report says hostilities have been escalating in eastern Ukraine in recent months because parties to the armed conflict there have "repeatedly failed to implement cease-fire agreements." The report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on June 13 says cease-fire violations on both Ukrainian armed forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine have allowed "hostilities to escalate and claim more lives as the conflict moved into its fourth year." The report says that since the conflict began in mid-April of 2014, at least 10,090 people have been killed -- included 2,777 civilians. It said at least 23,966 people have been injured and more than 1.6 million people displaced by the fighting. The report says the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded 36 conflict-related civilian deaths and 157 injuries from February 16 to May 15 -- a 48 percent increase on the previous three months. It also says people continue to be abducted, unlawfully deprived of freedom, and held incommunicado -- particularly in districts controlled by Russia-backed separatists. It also says torture has persisted, with new incidents recorded on both sides of the contact line. The OHCHR also expresses concern that, after three years, none of the senior officials responsible for deaths during antigovernment protests in Kyiv and violence in Odesa have been brought to account. U.S. senators have announced a bipartisan agreement on legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia over human rights abuses, for arming Syria, and for allegedly meddling in the U.S. presidential election. Democrats and Republicans on the Foreign Relations and Banking Committees late on June 12 agreed to an amendment, to be attached to a pending Iran sanctions bill, that would also cement into law existing sanctions over Moscow's aggression in Ukraine, which were imposed by executive order. It would also give Congress the power to review, and potentially block, any effort by the White House to ease existing sanctions. The new sanctions would be imposed on Russians found to be guilty of human rights abuses, supplying weapons to Syria's government, and conducting cyberattacks on behalf of Russia's government, among others. The measure would also allow new sanctions on Russian mining, metals, shipping, and railways, going beyond the energy and financial firms previously targeted by sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for a more conciliatory approach to Russia, and immediately following his election, the Kremlin sent messages that suggested it was hoping for some sort of sanctions relief. In recent weeks, however, as it became clear that the White House was not moving to lift existing ones, and as Congress moved to impose new ones, Moscow's tone has sharpened. Last week, Russian officials threatened retaliatory measures, including seizing a U.S. Embassy property in western Moscow. And Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 13 that Moscow is "closely following" the situation. Asked about the bipartisan initiative, Peskov said the Kremlin's impression was "negative." The measure is expected to be voted on as an amendment to the Iran sanctions bill in coming days. It is backed by both Republicans and Democrats, and is expected to easily pass the Senate. To become law, the legislation would have to pass the House of Representatives and be signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump. If Trump objected because the bill would tie his hands on Russian sanctions, some of the legislation's backers said they expected enough congressional support to override a veto. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said he discussed the bill with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and while he thinks a veto is unlikely, he would be "stunned" if the agreement didn't get enough support to override any veto. "I've got to believe that the administration has to at least strongly consider supporting this," he said. "By codifying existing sanctions and requiring Congressional review of any decision to weaken or lift them, we are ensuring that the United States continues to punish President [Vladimir] Putin for his reckless and destabilizing actions," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said. Schumer added that the new sanctions would "also send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia and any other country who might try to interfere in our elections that they will be punished." Former President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia's intelligence agencies during his final month in office, citing their attempts to interfere in the election. Those sanctions, imposed by executive order, would be codified under the legislation. The legislation also authorizes "robust assistance" to strengthen democratic institutions and counter disinformation in European countries that might be targeted by what the legislation's sponsors described as Russian aggression With reporting by AP, The Hill, Politico, and Reuters U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has said he will present options on Afghanistan to President Donald Trump "very soon," and the new U.S. strategy will take a "regional approach" rather than addressing the country's long-running war in isolation. "We are taking a regional approach to this.... We will take that forward to the president for a decision very soon," Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee on June 12. Media have reported that Mattis will recommend sending another 3,000 to 5,000 U.S. troops to break what he has called a "stalemate" between U.S.-backed government forces and the Taliban. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's hope of improving U.S. relations with Russia, Mattis told the committee he didn't see any indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a more positive relationship with the United States. "Mr. Putin has chosen to be a strategic competitor," he said, although he added that ties could improve "as we look for common ground." Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, who is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also told the committee the relationship between Russia and the United States was "adversarial." Based on reporting by AP and Reuters A few months ago, a strange case had been reported. ABullet rider in Goas Ponda district had a brush with the law for not wearing a seatbelt while riding a Bullet. He was challaned by the Goa Police and the accompanying challan is proof of this error. Bullet rider Satish S Naik was on his Bullet GA 05 K 2432, opposite Agarim Police Station on 7th June 2017 at 17.55 hrs when he was stopped by a traffic constable. He was charged with not wearing a helmet and was fined INR 100 for the crime but challan issued to him listed the offence under section 129 of Motor Vehicle Act as Riding without Seatbelt. See the copy of the challan below. Now, another similar incident has come to light. This time from Rajasthan. India Today reports that Vishnu Sharma was driving his Maruti van from Agra to Bharatpur. He was stopped by a local cop near Chikasna Police station. He was issued a challan by the cop, for not wearing a helmet. Yes. Below is a copy of the receipt. Vishnu was made to pay Rs 200 for not wearing helmet while driving a car. And now, whenever Vishnu is driving a car, he makes sure that he wears a helmet. I wear the helmet while I drive so that Im not issued any more challans, Sharma said. A senior Bharatpur police official claimed he was not aware of the incident. No such thing has come to my knowledge so far. If it does, then we will investigate, Suresh Kumar Khinchi, additional Superintendent of Police, Bharatpur. Both these challans have happened by mistake and nothing more. The traffic cop on duty meant riding without helmet (as bikes do not have seat belts) in the first case, whereas in the second case, the cop probably meant do not drive without seatbelt. Limit ministries at central level to 16 Chief Secretary Som Lal Subedi has called for limiting the number of ministries at the central level to 16, stating initiatives taken so far to empower local bodies will not yield desired results unless the big network of governments administrative organisations is dismantled. Ladakh Bikers Cooperative Limited (LBCL) Leh and Ladakh has issued a circular to all its members that in future no Leh registered bikes should enter Manali. Conversely, no HP registered bikes will be allowed to enter the Ladakh region for any commercial activities. This circular and action there from was prompted when Manali Bikers Association captured and held around 40 bikers from Ladakh captive on June 3rd and 5th 2017. These hostages were forced to load their bikes onto trucks and were sent back to Leh without any explanations given or questions asked. These bikers were subjected to immense mental torture and it was only after the intervention of LBCL and the local government headed by Shri Dr. Sonam Dawa that the issue was finally resolved. A circular to this effect, No LBCL/02/2017 dated 9th June 2017 has issued. In future no bikes registered in Leh Ladakh will enter Manali while conversely no HP registered bikes will be permitted inside the Ladakh region for conducting any commercial activities. This new ruling will affect thousands of bikers who head to Leh every year. These tourists rent bikes from Manali, Himachal Pradesh and then head north towards Leh, Pangong, Khardung, Nubra, etc. It was a flourishing business for those who were renting bikes to such tourists. But with this new ruling now into effect, hundreds of such businesses will go dry this season. Those who are planning on riding to Leh this season, make sure you are not riding there on a motorcycle registered in Himachal Pradesh. This new ruling only applies to commercial (rented) motorcycles of HP. Maruti Suzuki houses its Research and Development (R&D) wing at Rohtak. Car manufcaturing is undertaken at the Gurgaon and Manesar plants. With 16 vehicles across segments offered in over 1000 variants, production is at an all time high at both plants to cater to Marutis market share dominance in the Indian automobile industry. Both Maruti plants are working at 98% utilization level over two shifts. Facts: 7 process shops. 5 assembly lines. 1,700+ robots. 3 stage inspection. Maruti Suzuki is able to roll out a car every 12 seconds. Working within the structured Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement and feedback, and One Operator, and One Step Reduction, Maruti Suzuki saves on scarp reduction, timely brainstorming, green practices, and overall cost reduction, which isnt always quantifiable to the penny. The 600-acre Manesar plant tour presented a visual delight with an endless line of new Dzires in a range of trims and colour being rolled out in continuity. The Manesar assembly line is also responsible for Swift and Ciaz production. The Dzire, Swift and Ciaz roll out from the same line as is fed into the system. Work begins at the press shop, moving to the weld shop, and then paint shop before being brought to the assembly line. A strategic work pattern between 1,100 robots and 7,000 workers results in a whopping 3,100 cars being manufactured each day. The smaller Gurgaon plant rolls out 2700 cars. Collectively, MSIL manufactures 5,800 cars over two shifts (16 hours) every day. Plant workers put in two eight hour shifts. Maintenance work at both plants is carried out through two planned shutdowns spanning a week each, twice in a year (every six months). On a daily basis, 2,500 vendors supply components, and more than 3,000 trucks enter the facility. Production logistics is fixed five days in advance. This ensures vendor supplies are in accordance to scheduled vehicle-build-sequence. Maruti Suzuki focuses manufacturing around safety, quality, ergonomics and flexibility. Safety parameters vary across shop floors. Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes Kevlar gloves, and arm covers, helmets, and safety goggles. Safety sensors detect human presence in automated work stations. Zero defects is prioritized by building perfection before inspection. Manual inspections check for faulty manufacturing. The assembly shop pika pika process is designed to prevent errors by alerting the technician if an incorrect component is handled. The production line is topped upon signalling. Tablets at stations automate inspection as per information process thats fed in the system. Rapid entire body assessment (REBA) stidies the shop floor assistants body dimension so the machine adjusts as per operators height to reduce fatigue. To reduce walking around to fetch appropriate components and to lift heavy objects, synchronised trolleys, turn tables, and power-assisted lifters assist workers. Flexible robotics facilitates working on different car models on the same production line in quick time. While robotics assistance is paramount, fitment of features is a manual process at the plant. Maruti Suzuki exports made in India cars to 110 countries. Export volumes account for about a tenth of overall production in Haryana. To match increased demand, MSIL has set its production target for 2017 at 17 lakh cars, and then moving to 20 lakh units by 2020. In 2016, production was pegged at upwards of 15 lakh units, of which more than 1.20 lakh cars were exported. Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) Hansalpur plants first assembly line is contributing to production. Work is ongoing on the second assembly line, with plans for a third line as per need. Production for 2017 is planned for about 1.5 lakh units, especially the Baleno to mitigate high demand, and correspondingly, high waiting period. Combined capacity at the newest plant can be scaled up to 7.5 lakh units pa. (Disclosure: My visit to the Maruti Suzuki Manesar plant was sponsored by MSIL) Imagine if a dense thicket didn't obstruct your path but instead picked you up and shuttled you through the forest. That's what tightly packed DNA might be doing with important life molecules to get them where they're needed on time. New simulations of DNA as a transport conduit could shatter the way scientists have thought about how large molecules called transcription factors diffuse on their way to carry out genetic missions, according to a study by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The simulations add important brush strokes to our picture of elusive inner mechanics of cells. The simulations strongly support the hypothesis that, in a live cell, DNA is in constant motion, making it the dominant mover of transcription factors, to their target sites on DNA. There, the factors regulate the transcription of genetic code into life-sustaining action. DNA gorilla cage How transcription factors travel through DNA has been a mystery, because the protein molecules are so large, and natural DNA is so tightly tangled. Spaces inside the windings are usually much smaller than the transcription factors that need to pass through them. "If the thicket is so thick, and on top of that doesn't move, then it should be impenetrable. So, how do you get stuff through to the right site?" asked Jeffrey Skolnick, a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Biological Sciences. advertisement If DNA were indeed immobile, the protein molecule would appear jammed into the DNA thicket like a gorilla into a dog cage. DNA watch springs But Skolnick and collaborator Edmond Chow, a computer scientist specializing in algorithms that tackle very large scientific questions, believe the widely held assumption that naturally occurring DNA is rigid like bars is false. Their simulations turn the bars into wires, tense like watch springs, that flex and rattle around with snake-like motions. "The DNA motion is far and away the dominant force moving molecules through its thicket," Skolnick said. "DNA is a bully." Skolnick, who directs Georgia Tech's Center for the Study of Systems Biology, and Chow, an associate professor at Georgia Tech's School of Computational Science and Engineering, published a paper on their simulations on June 6 in Biophysical Journal. advertisement Chow and Skolnick modeled the simulation on a transcription factor called LacI moving through the DNA of an Escherichia coli bacterial cell. LacI is an inhibitory molecule that depends on lactose, but that function played no role in the study. The well-known transcription factor is a mainstay in many experimental studies on transcription factor movement. Slide, hop, and hopscotch In the simulations, DNA strands flex out of LacI's path and also juggle the large molecule forward into the next pocket in the thicket, and so on. Hypotheses based on rigid DNA would leave transcription factors moving more slowly than they actually appear to. But Chow and Skolnick's wiggly simulations square with rates of diffusion established in lab experiments and explain why they're so fast. Transcription factors have been known to slide along DNA strands, like magnets down slippery wires, until they click into a specific groove where they fit perfectly, which is where they do their work. And they've been known to hop off the DNA strand and then reattach. "But the sliding and hopping combined still don't account for the speed of diffusion," Chow said. Reattaching after a hop can actually reduce the transcription factor's speed through the DNA, by putting it back on a place on the strand where it's been before. The simulated wobble of the DNA thicket flicks transcribers to make them hopscotch more and farther, increasing their speed of diffusion. Herculean computations The simulations will aid other researchers' understanding of important cell processes and potentially help boost speed and accuracy in biological and medical research. The computation behind the simulated dynamics was herculean. "These simulations are unique to this problem because of their enormity and the advanced computing techniques used. Very efficient algorithms ran in parallel on powerful computers, and, still, it took three weeks for the simulations to complete," Chow said. Parallel computing chops a problem into pieces that can be run simultaneously, or in parallel, instead of in one long, time-consuming process. This allows programs to exploit many processors at the same time, multiplying the speed of computation. Even with that power, to make the simulation computable at all, the researchers had to slim down the model of the DNA and LacI to reveal motion dynamics without dressing up all the details of cellular DNA. "You have to choose which parts you ignore and which parts you put in," Skolnick said. "If you put everything in, you can't do it, even with the fastest codes." Cellular toy land The researchers want to take on much tougher challenges that could, years from now, lead to a toy-like, simplified model of a complete cell. "The ultimate goal is to put a whole cell on a computer. Let it live. Let it divide, and understand the processes," Skolnick said. "Maybe even let the cell mutate and evolve." The computer science behind that would be aspirational. "When the size of a problem grows, the computing costs to solve it can grow disproportionately," Chow said. "You have to build algorithms that can run efficiently even when you scale up the problem size." Anyone following forecasting polls leading up to the 2016 election likely believed Hillary Clinton would become the 45th president of the United States. Although this opinion was the consensus among most political-opinion leaders and media, something clearly went wrong with these prediction tools. Though it may never be known for certain the reasons for the discrepancy between public perception and the electoral reality, new findings from the University of Pennsylvania's Damon Centola may offer a clue: the wisdom of a crowd is in the network. The classic "wisdom of crowds" theory goes like this: If we ask a group of people to guess an outcome, the group's guess will be better than any individual expert. Thus, when a group tries to make a decision, in this case, predicting the outcome of an election, the group does a better job than experts. For market predictions, geopolitical forecasting and crowdsourcing product ideas, the wisdom of crowds has been shown to even outperform industry experts. That is true -- as long as people don't talk to each other. When people start sharing their opinions, their conversations can lead to social influences that produce "groupthink" and destroy the wisdom of the crowd. So says the classic theory. But Centola, an associate professor in Penn's Annenberg School for Communication and School of Engineering and Applied Science and director of the Network Dynamics Group, discovered the opposite. When people talk to each other, the crowd can get smarter. Centola, along with Ph.D. candidate Joshua Becker and recent Ph.D. graduate Devon Brackbill, published the findings in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "The classic theory says that if you let people talk to each other groups go astray. But," said Centola, "we find that even if people are not particularly accurate, when they talk to each other, they help to make each other smarter. Whether things get better or worse depends on the networks. advertisement "In egalitarian networks," he said, "where everyone has equal influence, we find a strong social-learning effect, which improves the quality of everyone's judgements. When people exchange ideas, everyone gets smarter. But this can all go haywire if there are opinion leaders in the group." An influential opinion leader can hijack the process, leading the entire group astray. While opinion leaders may be knowledgeable on some topics, Centola found that, when the conversation moved away from their expertise, they still remained just as influential. As a result, they ruined the group's judgment. "On average," he said, "opinion leaders were more likely to lead the group astray than to improve it." The online study included more than 1,300 participants, who were placed into one of three experimental conditions. Some were placed into one of the "egalitarian" networks, where everyone had an equal number of contacts and everyone had equal influence. Others were placed into one of the "centralized" networks, in which a single opinion leader was connected to everyone, giving that person much more influence in the group. Each of the networks contained 40 participants. Finally, Centola had several hundred subjects participate in a "control" group, without any social networks. In the study, all of the participants were given a series of estimation challenges, such as guessing the number of calories in a plate of food. They were given three tries to get the right answer. Everyone first gave a gut response. advertisement Then, participants who were in social networks could see the guesses made by their social contacts and could use that information to revise an answer. They could then see their contacts' revisions and revise their answers again. But this time it was their final answer. Participants were awarded as much as $10 based on the accuracy of their final guess. In the control group, participants did the same thing, but they were not given any social information between each revision. "Everyone's goal was to make a good guess. They weren't paid for showing up," Centola said, "only for being accurate." Patterns began to emerge. The control groups initially showed the classic wisdom of the crowd but did not improve as people revised their answers. Indeed, if anything, they got slightly worse. By contrast, the egalitarian networks also showed the classic wisdom of the crowd but then saw a dramatic increase in accuracy. Across the board, in network after network, the final answers in these groups were consistently far more accurate than the initial "wisdom of the crowd." "In a situation where everyone is equally influential," Centola said, "people can help to correct each other's mistakes. This makes each person a little more accurate than they were initially. Overall, this creates a striking improvement in the intelligence of the group. The result is even better than the traditional wisdom of the crowd! But, as soon as you have opinion leaders, social influence becomes really dangerous." In the centralized networks, Centola found that, when the opinion leaders were very accurate, they could improve the performance of the group. But even the most accurate opinion leaders were consistently wrong some of the time. "Thus," Centola said, "while opinion leaders can sometimes improve things, they were statistically more likely to make the group worse off than to help it. "The egalitarian network was reliable because the people who were more accurate tended to make smaller revisions, while people who were less accurate revised their answers more. The result is that the entire crowd moved toward the more accurate people, while, at the same time, the more accurate people also made small adjustments that improved their score." These findings on the wisdom of crowds have startling real-world implications in areas such as climate-change science, financial forecasting, medical decision-making and organizational design. For example, while engineers have been trying to design ways to keep people from talking to each other when making important decisions in an attempt to avoid groupthink, Centola's findings suggest that what matters most is the network. A group of equally influential scientists talking to one another will likely lead to smarter judgments than might arise from keeping them independent. He is currently working on implementing these findings to improve physicians' decision-making. By designing a social network technology for use in hospital settings, it may be possible to reduce implicit bias in physicians' clinical judgments and to improve the quality of care that they can offer. Whether new technologies are needed to improve the way the groups talk to each other, or whether we just need to be cautious about the danger of opinion leaders, Centola said it's time to rethink the idea of the wisdom of crowds. "It's much better to have people talk to each other and argue for their points of view than to have opinion leaders rule the crowd," he said. "By designing informational systems where everyone's voices can be heard, we can improve the judgment of the entire group. It's as important for science as it is for democracy." A new study offers a beacon of hope for a cease-fire in the Golden State's persistent water wars. "Floodplain Farm Fields Provide Novel Rearing Habitat for Chinook Salmon," published in the journal PLoS ONE, is based on the work by scientists from nonprofit group California Trout, UC Davis, and the California Department of Water Resources. The study provides further evidence that Central Valley farm fields that remain in active agricultural production can have environmental benefits for the state's salmon populations. This surprising synergy runs counter to the usual California narrative where conflict over management of water and endangered species is the norm. This is particularly true in the State's Central Valley, where more than 95 percent of former wetlands -- critical habitat for native fish populations -- have been leveed, drained and developed, primarily for farmland. Food for Fish and People "This study demonstrates that the farm fields that now occupy the floodplain can not only grow food for people during summer, but can also produce food resources and habitat for native fish like salmon in winter," said lead author Jacob Katz of California Trout. "Our work suggests that California does not always need to choose between its farms or its fish. Both can prosper if these new practices are put into effect, mimicking natural patterns on managed lands." Approximately 10,000 small, hatchery-reared salmon, averaging less than 2 inches and weighing about a gram, were transplanted to a 5-acre field for several weeks between the fall rice harvest and spring planting. A subsample of the fish were tagged uniquely with electronic tags (similar to chips used to ID pets) to allow tracking of individual growth rates, which were among the highest ever recorded in freshwater in California. "By reconnecting rivers to floodplainlike habitat in strategic places around the Central Valley, we have the potential to help recover endangered salmon and other imperiled fish populations to self-sustaining levels," said Ted Sommer, lead scientist for the California Department of Water Resources and a co-author on the study. Rice Fields as Floodplains Since 2012, a team of scientists has been examining how juvenile salmon use off-channel habitats, including off-season rice fields. The experiments provide evidence that rice fields managed as floodplains during winter can create "surrogate" wetland habitat for native fish. The team suggests that shallowly flooded fields function in similar ways to natural floods that once spread across the floodplain, supplying extremely dense concentrations of zooplankton -- an important food for juvenile salmon. Foraging on these abundant and nutritious invertebrates, the young salmon grow extremely quickly, improving their chances of surviving their migration to sea and returning in three to five years as the large, adult fish. Since this original study, the team has continued to investigate how rice fields and other managed habitats could be improved to support salmon rearing. "This study shows that we can start focusing on solutions that support fish and people, instead of one or the other," added Carson Jeffres of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, the second author on the report. "It's a huge win-win." When understanding a country's climate -- especially vast countries like the United States or China -- to protect food security, biodiversity and human health, the devil is in the details. Scientists at Michigan State University (MSU) show that examining the daily minutia of climate, not just temperature, but also sunshine, precipitation and soil moisture simultaneously all over a country gives a better understanding of how variable a land's climate can be. That information is crucial when countries are setting policies aimed at growing food, protecting water supplies and the environment and stemming disease outbreaks. The findings were reported in this week's Scientific Reports. "There is much talk about how climate is changing and what should be done about it, but in reality, it is the variabilities -- those many changes above and below the norm -- that can have a great impact on coupled human and natural systems," said Jianguo "Jack" Liu, MSU's Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability and director of the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability. "A holistic view of our world gives us the most useful information." The team examined the daily variability of four climatic factors simultaneously with data from 1960 to 2013 across China. From this they learned that the climate in the northern regions of China, including the province that grows much of the crops that feed big cities in the south, has the more dramatic swings. Yet that's also an area in which farmers are shifting crops to corn over soybeans, even though corn is dependent on a long growing season. "Our study shows that it's not enough to say 'a nation is experiencing climate change' because the reality is that climate is made up of several daily factors," said Zhenci Xu, the PhD student who is the study's lead author. "It is variability that indicates the degree of fluctuation and uncertainty of the climate change process." It's the chaos of climate change that can wreak havoc with growing plants or the survival rates of bacteria and viruses. Climate variability also weighs heavily on agriculture and economic development. This study is the first time the variability and trends of four climactic factors have been analyzed. Northern China's monthly and seasonal variability of the climate systems is generally larger than that of south China. The report also singles out more subtle differences in climate events across the country. Xu also said countries should consider more meteorological stations in areas known to have more complex climate dynamics along with human interests that are sensitive to the vagaries of weather. And Liu said countries would be wise to examine how local climate events can have a global impact through telecoupling processes, as a monsoon in one corner of the world can blanket another country with moist air and heat. "Climate can't see borders, but people can and we must learn to look at the big picture with a very small lens," Liu said. Research conducted over more than a decade indicates that loneliness increases self-centeredness and, to a lesser extent, self-centeredness also increases loneliness. The findings by researchers at the University of Chicago show such effects create a positive feedback loop between the two traits: As increased loneliness heightens self-centeredness, the latter then contributes further to enhanced loneliness. "If you get more self-centered, you run the risk of staying locked in to feeling socially isolated," said John Cacioppo, the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor in Psychology and director of the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience. Cacioppo and co-authors Stephanie Cacioppo, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the UChicago's Pritzker School of Medicine, and Hsi Yuan Chen, a researcher at the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, published their findings in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin on June 13. The researchers wrote that "targeting self-centeredness as part of an intervention to lessen loneliness may help break a positive feedback loop that maintains or worsens loneliness over time." Their study is the first to test a prediction from the Cacioppos' evolutionary theory that loneliness increases self-centeredness. Such research is important because, as many studies have shown, lonely people are more susceptible to a variety of physical and mental health problems as well as higher mortality rates than their non-lonely counterparts. The outcome that loneliness increases self-centeredness was expected, but the data showing that self-centeredness also affected loneliness was a surprise, Stephanie Cacioppo said. advertisement In previous research, the Cacioppos reviewed the rates of loneliness in young to older adults across the globe. Five to 10 percent of this population complained of feeling lonely constantly, frequently or all the time. Another 30 to 40 percent complained of feeling lonely constantly. Their latest findings are based on 11 years of data taken from 2002 to 2013 as part of the Chicago Health, Aging and Social Relations Study of middle-aged and older Hispanics, African-Americans and Caucasian men and women. The study's random sample consisted of 229 individuals who ranged from 50 to 68 years of age at the start of the study. They were a diverse sample of randomly selected individuals drawn from the general population who varied in age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Early psychological research treated loneliness as an anomalous or temporary feeling of distress that had no redeeming value or adaptive purpose. "None of that could be further from the truth," Stephanie Cacioppo said. The evolutionary perspective is why. In 2006, John Cacioppo and colleagues proposed an evolutionary interpretation of loneliness based on a neuroscientific or biological approach. In this view, evolution has shaped the brain to incline humans toward certain emotions, thoughts and behavior. "A variety of biological mechanisms have evolved that capitalize on aversive signals to motivate us to act in ways that are essential for our reproduction or survival," the UChicago co-authors wrote. From that perspective, loneliness serves as the psychological counterpart of physical pain. advertisement "Physical pain is an aversive signal that alerts us of potential tissue damange and motivates us to take care of our physical body," the UChicago researchers wrote. Loneliness, meanwhile, is part of a warning system that motivates people to repair or replace their deficient social relationships. The finding that loneliness tends to increase self-centeredness fits the evolutionary interpretation of loneliness. From an evolutionary-biological viewpoint, people have to be concerned with their own interests. The pressures of modern society, however, are significantly different from those that prevailed when loneliness evolved in the human species, researchers found. "Humans evolved to become such a powerful species in large part due to mutual aid and protection and the changes in the brain that proved adaptive in social interactions," John Cacioppo said. "When we don't have mutual aid and protection, we are more likely to become focused on our own interests and welfare. That is, we become more self-centered." In modern society, becoming more self-centered protects lonely people in the short term but not the long term. That's because the harmful effects of loneliness accrue over time to reduce a person's health and well-being. "This evolutionarily adaptive response may have helped people survive in ancient times, but in contemporary society may well make it harder for people to get out of feelings of loneliness," John Cacioppo said. When humans are at their best, they provide mutual aid and protection, Stephanie Cacioppo added. "It isn't that one individual is sacrificial to the other. It's that together they do more than the sum of the parts. Loneliness undercuts that focus and really makes you focus on only your interests at the expense of others." The Cacioppos have multiple loneliness studies in progress that address its social, behavioral, neural, hormonal, genetic, cellular and molecular aspects, as well as interventions. "Now that we know loneliness is damaging and contributing to the misery and health care costs of America, how do we reduce it?" John Cacioppo asked. That is the next big question to answer. A minimally invasive treatment can help restore fertility in women with uterine fibroids, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology. Uterine fibroids, abnormal masses of fiber and muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus, are considered one of the most common causes of infertility and complications related to pregnancy. Previous research has found that one out of every four women with fibroids has problems related to fertility. The standard treatment option for such women is myomectomy, or surgical removal of the fibroids. However, myomectomy is not always possible or effective and can result in major complications including hysterectomy, according to study co-author Joao Martins Pisco, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Interventional Radiology at Saint Louis Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive option that involves injection of an embolic agent, typically made up of very small beads, into the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to the uterus and fibroids. As the fibroids die and begin to shrink, the uterus fully recovers. UFE can be performed in patients with a prior myomectomy or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite its less invasive nature, UFE has yet to be fully embraced in the medical community as a fertility-preserving treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids due to concerns that the procedure may cause inadequate blood flow to the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, and the ovaries. For the new study, Dr. Pisco and colleagues assessed pregnancy rates in 359 women with uterine fibroids who were unable to conceive and who underwent either conventional or partial UFE. In conventional UFE, all uterine artery branches are embolized. However, the partial procedure requires treatment of only the small vessels to the fibroids, leaving the corresponding larger vessels unaffected. Partial UFE may help reduce the risks of infertility associated with conventional UFE. After an average follow-up of almost six years, 149 of the 359 women, or 41.5 percent, had become pregnant one or more times, and 131 gave birth to a total of 150 babies. It was the first pregnancy for more than 85 percent of the women who gave birth. The procedures had a clinical success rate of approximately 79 percent for fibroid-related symptoms. Complication rates were 14.6 percent for partial UFE and 23.1 percent for conventional UFE. The procedure was repeated in 28 patients whose fibroids had not been fully treated, as shown by MRI, and 11 of those patients subsequently got pregnant. "Our findings show that UFE is a fertility-restoring procedure in women with uterine fibroids who wish to conceive, and pregnancy following UFE appears to be safe with low morbidity," Dr. Pisco said. "Women who had been unable to conceive had normal pregnancies after UFE and similar complication rates as the general population in spite of being in a high-risk group." Dr. Pisco suggested that UFE may become the first-line treatment for women with fibroids who wish to conceive, particularly for those with numerous or very large fibroids. Such patients have a fibroid recurrence rate of more than 60 percent after myomectomy, making UFE an important option. The researchers are continuing the treatments and compiling data. Since the time of writing, there were 12 additional pregnancies. "In our study there are now almost 200 newborns following UFE," Dr. Pisco said. "Our next step will be a randomized study comparing the results of partial and conventional UFE." Most business and leisure travelers in the United States can't identify a bed bug, and yet the tiny pest evokes a stronger response in hotel guests than any other potential room deficiency -- putting the hospitality industry in a difficult spot. In a survey of U.S. travelers conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky, 60 percent said they would switch hotels if they found evidence of bed bugs in a guest room. Meanwhile, no more than a quarter said they would switch hotels for factors such as signs of smoking or dirty towels or linens. In the same survey, however, just 35 percent of business travelers and 28 percent of leisure travelers correctly identified a bed bug in a lineup of other common insects. The results of the research are soon to be published in American Entomologist, the quarterly magazine of the Entomological Society of America. "Considering all the media attention paid to bed bugs in recent years, the fact that most travelers still have a poor understanding of them is troubling," says Michael Potter, Ph.D., extension professor in UK's Department of Entomology and co-author of the study. It is particularly problematic given the central role that online reviews play in travelers' selection of where to stay. More than half of survey respondents said they would be very unlikely to choose a hotel with a single online report of bed bugs. "From a hotel industry perspective, it's worrisome that a single online report of bed bugs would cause the majority of travelers to book different accommodations, irrespective of whether the report is accurate. Furthermore, the incident could have involved only one or a few rooms, which the hotel previously eradicated," says Jerrod M. Penn, Ph.D., postdoctoral scholar in UK's Department of Agricultural Economics and lead author of the study. Other findings in the survey include: Despite a highly negative impression of bed bugs, more than half (56 percent) of respondents said they either never considered the threat of bed bugs while traveling or considered it but were not worried. If a hotel were to proactively provide information on the steps it takes to prevent bed bug infestations, 46 percent of respondents said they would stay at the hotel and would appreciate knowing about those measures. The second most common response, however, was "do it, but don't tell me" (24 percent). An overwhelming majority (80 percent) of respondents said hotels should be required to tell guests if their room has had a prior problem with bed bugs. Among those who wanted such a disclosure, 38 percent of business travelers and 51 percent of leisure travelers said they would want to know of prior infestations going back a least one year or more. Responses to bed bug concerns were generally consistent across various demographic cross-sections in the survey. Potter notes that the public's lack of understanding of bed bugs "contributes to their spread throughout society as a whole." But the hospitality industry must deal with both the pest itself and consumers' strong, if ill-informed, attitudes about bed bugs. "Hotels and others in the hospitality sector should develop a reputation management plan to prudently respond to online reports of bed bugs in their facility. Hotels should also train their housekeeping and engineering staffs to recognize and report bed bugs in the earliest possible stages, when infestations are more manageable. Similarly important is training front desk and customer service employees to respond promptly and empathetically when incidents arise within the hotel," says Wuyang Hu, Ph.D., professor in UK's Department of Agricultural Economics and senior author of the study. Sharpless 2-54 and the Eagle and Omega Nebula e are located roughly 7000 light-years away -- the first two fall within the constellation of Serpens , while the latter lies within Sagittarius. This region of the Milky Way houses a huge cloud of star-making material. The three [nebulae] -- indicate where regions of this cloud have clumped together and collapsed to form new stars; the energetic light from these stellar newborns has caused ambient gas to emit light of its own, which takes on the pinkish hue characteristic of areas rich in hydrogen. Two of the objects in this image were discovered in a similar way. Astronomers first spotted bright star clusters in both Sharpless 2-54 and the Eagle Nebula, later identifying the vast, comparatively faint gas clouds swaddling the clusters. In the case of Sharpless 2-54, British astronomer William Herschel initially noticed its beaming star cluster in 1784. That cluster, catalogued as NGC 6604 (eso1218), appears in this image on the object's left side. The associated very dim gas cloud remained unknown until the 1950s, when American astronomer Stewart Sharpless spotted it on photographs from the National Geographic-Palomar Sky Atlas. The Eagle Nebula did not have to wait so long for its full glory to be appreciated. Swiss astronomer Philippe Loys de Cheseaux first discovered its bright star cluster, NGC 6611, in 1745 or 1746 (eso0142. A couple of decades later, French astronomer Charles Messier observed this patch of sky and also documented the nebulosity present there, recording the object as Messier 16 in his influential catalogue (eso0926). As for the Omega Nebula, de Cheseaux did manage to observe its more prominent glow and duly noted it as a nebula in 1745. However, because the Swiss astronomer's catalogue never achieved wider renown, Messier's re-discovery of the Omega Nebula in 1764 led to its becoming Messier 17, the seventeenth object in the Frenchman's popular compendium (eso0925. The observations from which this image was created were taken with ESO's VLT Survey Telescope (VST, located at ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile. The huge final colour image was created by mosaicing dozens of pictures -- each of 256 megapixels -- from the telescope's large-format OmegaCAM camera. The final result, which needed lengthy processing, totals 3.3 gigapixels, one of the largest images ever released by ESO. Natta hosts sales mission in China The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Natta) hosted the Nepal-China Sales Mission 2017 in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Friday. Page Content Nevada first included sex as a protected category in 1967. That year, the legislature passed A.B. No. 7, which included for the first time sex discrimination as an unlawful employment practice. Twenty-one years later, in 1989, Nevada passed legislation that required employers to provide pregnant employees the same benefits provided to other employees due to sickness or disability related to a medical condition. Fast forward another 28 years. On June 2, 2017, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed into law S.B. 253, which greatly expands the legal protections for pregnant employees. The new law, the Nevada Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act, is actually much broader than the name implies. The act makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to refuse to provide a reasonable accommodation to a female employee or applicant for a condition relating to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition. It is also an unlawful employment practice to take adverse action against or deny an employment opportunity to an otherwise qualified female employee or applicant due to a request for or the use of a reasonable accommodation. An employer, however, may take action in relation to the employee or applicant based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Condition Relating to Pregnancy The terms "condition relating to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition" are defined to include a "physical or mental condition intrinsic to pregnancy or childbirth." This specifically includes lactation and the need to express milk for a nursing child. As such, it arguably provides broader protections for lactating employees and imposes potentially greater requirements on the employer than the Affordable Care Act's amendments to section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act. "Related medical condition" is also defined to mean "any medically recognized physical or mental condition related to the pregnancy, childbirth or recovery" from the same. The act states that this includes: mastitis or other lactation-related medical condition, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and post-partum depression. It also includes the loss or end of pregnancy and the subsequent recovery. This list is not all-inclusive. Interactive Process Similar to requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 6 of the Nevada Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act requires the employer and employee to engage in a "good faith and interactive process" to determine an effective and reasonable accommodation. This process is triggered when a female employee or applicant "requests an accommodation" for a protected condition. The employer is permitted to require a statement from the employee's physician concerning the specific accommodation recommended. Section 6 gives examples of some possible reasonable accommodations: modifying equipment, revising break schedules and providing space other than restrooms for the expressing of milk. It also provides examples of job modifications that may be reasonable, such as assistance with manual labor (if manual labor is incidental to the employee's primary work duties), light duty and temporary transfer to less strenuous or hazardous positions. Other reasonable accommodation examples include restructuring the position and providing a modified work schedule. The act clarifies that, in accommodating the employee, the employer is not required to create a new position or discharge or transfer any employee with more seniority unless the employer has or would take similar action to accommodate other classes of employees. In addition, an employer may not require a female employee or applicant affected by a condition relating to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition to accept an accommodation that she did not request or choose. While the employer clearly cannot force an unwanted accommodation on the employee, both have a duty under the act to engage in "good faith" in the interactive process. Exactly what this means is unclear and will probably be the subject of future litigation. Reasonable Accommodation In addition, the accommodation must be reasonable. Section 7 of the act creates a burden-shifting test. If the employee or applicant makes a prima facie showing that she requested a reasonable accommodation, the burden shifts to the employer to prove undue hardship. The bottom line is if the accommodation requested by the employee or applicant is reasonable, the employer will have to accept it. Employers are also prohibited from requiring female employees who are affected by a condition relating to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition to take leave from employment if there is a reasonable accommodation that would allow the employee to continue to work. That said, it is clear the act contemplates leave as a reasonable accommodation. In fact, Section 5 of the act includes in its definition of adverse employment action "refusing to reinstate the employee to the same or equivalent position upon return to work." Covered Employers The Nevada Pregnant Worker's Fairness Act applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Employers who are contractors licensed under Chapter 624 of the Nevada Revised Statutes have a partial exemption from the act's requirements. Such employers are not required to provide a place other than a restroom to express milk if the employee is performing work at a construction job site that is located more than three miles from its regular place of business. Contractors are also exempt from the prohibitions against requiring an employee whose work duties include manual labor to accept an accommodation or take leave from employment. Notice Requirements Employers subject to the act are required to provide employees three distinct written or electronic notices. The notices must inform employees that they have the right to be free from discriminatory or unlawful employment practices pursuant to the NRS 613.335 and Sections 2-8 of the act. The notice must also include a statement that a female employee has the right to a reasonable accommodation for a condition relating to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition. The first notice must be provided to new employees on commencement of employment. The employer must provide a second notice within 10 days after the employee notifies her immediate supervisor that she is pregnant. Finally, the employer is required to post notice of these rights in a conspicuous place at its place of business and in an area accessible to employees. The notice provisions of the act are effective on June 2. The act is effective Oct. 1, for all other purposes. Rick Roskelley is an attorney with Littler in Las Vegas. Littler. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission. Page Content West Virginia employers that may have hesitated in the past to implement and enforce robust drug and alcohol testing policies may now do so without fear of running afoul of prior state court decisions limiting employers' flexibility to test thanks to the newly enacted West Virginia Safer Workplace Act. Through the act, which will go into effect on July 7, the state legislature has trimmed expansive privacy rights and cleared the way for certain employer actions relating to drug and alcohol testing. Liability Under the Act While it does not mandate that employers implement a drug and alcohol testing policy and/or program, the act does establish the legality of testing prospective and current employees and provides attractive liability protections and limitations for employers that conduct testing in compliance with the act's provisions. For example, employers that establish a policy and testing program that complies with the act's accuracy and fairness safeguards will be protected from claims arising from: Actions the employer takes based on the results of a confirmed positive drug or alcohol test or an individual's refusal to submit to a test. Failure to test for drugs or alcohol or for a specific drug or other controlled substance. Failure to test for (or if tested, for failure to detect) any specific drug or other substance; any medical condition; or any mental, emotional or psychological disorder or condition. The termination or suspension of any substance abuse prevention or testing program or policy. In addition, establishing and adhering to a policy in compliance with the act limits defamation, libel, slander and damage to reputation causes of action against employers; bars liability for actions taken as a result of false negative tests (e.g., negligent retention claims); and limits liability for actions taken in reliance on a false positive tests in circumstances in which the claimant could show that the employer had actual knowledge that the result was false and ignored the true test result in disregard for the truth and/or with the willful intent to deceive or be deceived. Other benefits of implementing a compliant drug and alcohol testing program include limitations on unemployment insurance and workers' compensation claims where the employer's written policy puts employees on notice that it is a condition of employment for an employee to refrain from reporting to work or working with the presence of drugs or alcohol in his or her body. In order to qualify for the limitations on unemployment and workers' compensation liability, the written policy must also state that if an injured employee refuses to submit to a test, the employee forfeits eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits, and if injured, for indemnity benefits under the state's workers' compensation laws. Written Policy To be compliant with the act, an employer must have a written policy that is distributed to every current employee and made available to prospective employees to review. The act sets forth a broad array of permissible purposes for drug and alcohol testing current and prospective employees, defines safety sensitive employees, and provides for a number of legally permissible disciplinary and rehabilitative actions that may be taken as a result of a confirmed positive test or a refusal to submit to a test. Employers may want to address these matters in their written policies. The act contains no requirement to provide counseling, employee assistance programs, rehabilitation or any other drug abuse treatment programs. Employers that do so, however, must provide employees with information regarding those programs as requested or otherwise appropriate. As a best practice, this information can also be included in the employer's written policy. Testing Requirements To ensure fairness and reliability, the act sets forth various requirements for testing procedures and the treatment of drug testing samples. Employers are required, among other things, to pay for testing (which must be done during, right before or directly following a regular work period) and to compensate employees for time spent submitting to tests. If testing is done away from the worksite, the act requires employers to transport or pay for reasonable transportation to and from the testing site. Individuals also have certain rights under the testing procedures outlined in the act. For example, all positive tests must be confirmed by a second test. In addition, current and prospective employees have the right to voluntarily provide information relevant to the test, like the use of prescription drugs, which can be accomplished by setting up procedures for review of the test by a qualified medical professional. Finally, individuals who want to challenge the results of an initial sample test have the right, at their own expense, to have a split sample tested by another lab. Other Drug and Alcohol Laws Employers are still obligated to adhere to additional requirements under other state and federal drug testing statutes to which they are subject. For example, an employer that has employees subject to federal Department of Transportation's drug and alcohol testing requirements must still adhere to those requirements. Confidentiality Protections Finally, employers must treat communications concerning drug and alcohol test results as confidential. Such information is expressly prohibited from being used or received in evidence, subject to discovery processes in litigation, or disclosed in any public or private proceeding, with the exception of actions against the employer under the act itself. On balance, the act provides West Virginia employers an important tool in advancing safety and ensuring quality in the workplace. Employers may want to carefully review the requirements of the act in crafting a written policy and implementing testing procedures so as to ensure receipt of the maximum protections provided under the new law. Karen L. Vossler is an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Washington D.C. Ogletree Deakins. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission. Motions of stars in the Milky Way galaxy in the next 400 thousands years based on data from the European Gaia mission. The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy around 13.6 billion years old with large pivoting arms stretching out across the cosmos. Milky Way quick facts: Galaxy type: Barred spiral Age: 13.6 billion years (and counting) Size: 100,000 light-years across Number of stars: about 200 billion Rotation time: 250 million years Our home galaxy's disk is about 100,000 light-years in diameter and just 1000 light-years thick, according to Las Cumbres Observatory (opens in new tab). Just as Earth orbits the sun, the solar system orbits the center of the Milky Way. Despite hurtling through space at speeds of around 515,000mph (828,000kmph) our solar system takes approximately 250 million years to complete a single revolution, according to Interesting Engineering (opens in new tab). The last time our planet was in this position, dinosaurs were just emerging and mammals were yet to evolve. If the center of the Milky Way were a city, we would be living in suburbia, about 25,000 to 30,000 light-years from the city center. Life in the outskirts is good; we find ourselves nestled in one of the smaller neighborhoods, the Orion-Cygnus Arm, sandwiched between larger Perseus and Carina-Sagittarius arms. If we were to travel inwards towards the city center, we would find the Scutum-Centaurus and Norma arms. Related: How to photograph the Milky Way: A guide for beginners and enthusiasts On a clear night, void of light pollution, we can catch a glimpse of the bright lights of the galactic city streaking across the night sky. Our window into the universe, this milky white band of stars, dust and gas is where our galaxy gets its name. Lying at the very heart of the Milky Way is a supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A*. About 4 million times the mass of the sun, this beast consumes anything that strays too close, gorging on an ample supply of stellar material enabling it to grow into a giant. In 2022, we imaged this glutton at the core of our galaxy for the very first time , through an innovative technique allowing us to view the shadow of the black hole. Why is our galaxy called the Milky Way? According to the American Museum of Natural History (opens in new tab) (AMNH), our galactic home is called the Milky Way after its apparent milky white appearance as it stretches across the night sky. In Greek mythology, this milky band appeared because the goddess Hera sprayed milk across the sky. Around the world, the Milky Way is known by different names. For example in China it is called "Silver River" and in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa it's called the "Backbone of Night". Milky Way galaxy type and the great debate of 1920 The Andromeda Galaxy is on a collision course with the Milky Way. (Image credit: Yang Hanwen and Zhou Zezhen ) (opens in new tab) We are constantly building on our wealth of knowledge of the Milky Way, though up until relatively recently astronomers believed that all the stars in the sky belonged to our galaxy. "The Great Debate" in 1920 saw astronomers Herber Curtis and Harlow Shapley argue the scale of the universe and the prospect of "island universes" (galaxies), according to the National Academy of Sciences (opens in new tab). On one side of the debate, Shapley believed the Milky Way was much larger than previous estimates and that we weren't at the center. He also claimed that "spiral nebulae" such as Andromeda were a part of the Milky Way. On the other side of the debate, Curtis did not dispute Shapley's claims of a far larger Milky Way, he did however argue that there were large island universes (galaxies) such as Andromeda, that lay beyond the boundaries of the Milky Way. The dispute was resolved when Edwin Hubble's measurements of Cepheid variable stars proved Andromeda was located far outside the Milky Way. Modern estimates suggest the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest galaxy neighbor is 2.5 million light-years away. More recently, astronomers have been trying to figure out what type of galaxy the Milky Way is. Our best estimates these days suggest that it is a barred spiral, meaning that there is a bar structure across the center. Astronomers can estimate the shape of the Milky Way by looking at its population of stars, as well as their movements across the sky. A future collision of galactic proportions Studying other galactic collisions provides insight into the future Andromeda and Milky Way merger. (Image credit: NASA Hyperwall) (opens in new tab) We now know that the Milky Way resides within the Local Group of galaxies, made up of over 30 galaxies including Andromeda, Triangulum and Leo I to name but a few. It turns out that it's pretty good to know who your neighbors are, as they may be closer than you think. The Milky Way is currently hurtling towards Andromeda at 250,000mph (400,000 km/h). Though there is no need to worry just yet, this crash of cosmic proportions is not due for another 4 billion years. NASA and other space entities have been observing distant galaxy collisions for decades now to get a sense of what we might be facing when Andromeda and the Milky Way collide. The short story is there is little to worry about; the longer tale is the process is an interesting one as it shows how galaxies may evolve. For example, observations of a three-way galactic collision in 2022 using the famed Hubble Space Telescope gave some intriguing insights. The largest of the group, as it got into a tight orbit with the other two, snagged some material with its relatively stronger gravity. This created an intriguing streak of gas, dust and other materials flowing into the larger galaxy, visible even from Earth. While the arms of the Milky Way will surely be ripped up by this process, individual stars are relatively safe as the spaces between them are quite large. In other words, don't look for star collisions, as they will be practically non-existent. Starbirth, however, will accelerate due to the amount of gas being pumped into our galaxy, causing our galaxy to brighten and for its population to expand in the coming millions of years following the collision. Our own solar system, therefore, should be relatively safe due to the low risk of star collision. That said, we may find ourselves thrown into a completely different path around the new galactic center as the merger pushes through. One practical effect is that the constellations we observe from Earth may change as star orbits alter or new stars are added into the mix; that said, the collision is happening so far in the future that the constellations we see today may be altered in any case, due to natural starbirth and star death outside of the collision. This Milky Way timelapse shows how the night sky will shift over time. The Milky Way: Size, structure and mass The Milky Way's mesmerizing glowing band has had humankind star-struck for eons. (Image credit: Photo by Kendall Hoopes from Pexels) (opens in new tab) Studying the Milky Way used to be notoriously difficult. Astronomers sometimes compare the effort to attempting to describe the size and structure of a forest while being lost in the middle of it. From our position on Earth, we simply lack an overview. But two ground-breaking space telescopes launched since the 1990s have helped usher in the golden age of Milky Way research. Major strides have been made, especially since the 2013 launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Gaia mission. Telescopes enabled astronomers to distinguish the basic shape and structure of some of the closest galaxies before they knew they were looking at galaxies. But reconstructing the shape and structure of our own galactic home was slow and tedious. The process involved building catalogs of stars, charting their positions in the sky and determining how far from Earth they are. Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, sometimes dubbed the master of the galactic system, was the first to realize that the Milky Way isn't motionless but rotates, and he calculated speeds at which stars at various distances orbit around the galactic center. It also was Oort who determined the position of our sun in the vast galaxy. (The Oort Cloud, a repository of trillions of comets far from the sun, was named after him.) The structure of the Milky Way galaxy as seen from above the galactic disk. (Image credit: NASA/Adler/U. Chicago/Wesleyan/JPL-Caltech) (opens in new tab) Gradually, a complex picture emerged of a spiral galaxy that appears quite ordinary. At the center of the Milky Way sits a supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A*. With a mass equal to that of four million suns, the black hole, discovered in 1974, can be observed in the sky with radio telescopes close to the constellation Sagittarius. Everything else in the galaxy revolves around this powerful gateway to nothingness. In its immediate surroundings is a tightly packed region of dust, gas and stars called the galactic bulge. In the case of the Milky Way, this bulge is peanut-shaped, measuring 10,000 light-years across, according to ESA. It harbors 10 billion stars (out of the Milky Way's total of about 200 billion), mostly old red giants, which formed in the early stages of the galaxy's evolution. Related: 'Weird signal' hails from the Milky Way. What's causing it? Beyond the bulge extends the galactic disk. This feature is 100,000 light-years across and 1,000 light-years thick, and it's home to the majority of the galaxy's stars, including our sun. Stars in the disk are dispersed in clouds of stellar dust and gas. When we look up to the sky at night, it's the edge-on view of this disk extending toward the galactic center that takes our breath away. Stars in the disk orbit around the galactic center, forming swirling streams that appear to emanate like arms from the galactic bulge. Research into the mechanisms that drive the creation of spiral arms is still in its infancy, but the latest studies suggest that these arms form and disperse within relatively short periods of up to 100 million years (out of the galaxy's 13 billion years of evolution). Inside those arms, stars, dust and gas are more tightly packed than in the more loosely filled areas of the galactic disk, and this increased density triggers more intense star formation. As a result, stars in the galactic disk tend to be much younger than those in the bulge. "Spiral arms are like traffic jams in that the gas and stars crowd together and move more slowly in the arms. As material passes through the dense spiral arms, it is compressed and this triggers more star formation," Denilso Camargo, of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, said in a statement (opens in new tab). The Milky Way currently has four spiral arms, according to the National Science Foundation (opens in new tab) (NSF). There are two main arms Perseus and Scutum-Centaurus and the Sagittarius and Local Arm, which are less pronounced. Scientists still discuss the exact position and shape of these arms using Gaia data. The Milky Way disk is not flat but warped (opens in new tab), according to ESA. As it rotates, it precesses like a wobbling spinning top. This wobble, essentially a giant ripple, circles the galactic center much more slowly than the stars in the disk, completing a full rotation in about 600 to 700 million years. Astronomers think this ripple may be a result of a past collision with another galaxy. The structure of the Milky Way with its rotating warped galactic disc. (Image credit: Stefan Payne-Wardenaar; Inset: NASA/JPL-Caltech; Layout: ESA) (opens in new tab) Sprinkled around the disk and the bulge are globular clusters, collections of ancient stars, as well as approximately 40 dwarf galaxies that are either orbiting or colliding with the larger Milky Way according to a statement from ESA (opens in new tab). All of that is surrounded by a spherical halo of dust and gas, which is twice as wide as the disk. Astronomers believe that the entire galaxy is embedded in an even larger halo of invisible dark matter. Since dark matter doesn't emit any light, its presence can only be inferred indirectly by its gravitational effects on the motions of stars in the galaxy. Calculations suggest that this puzzling stuff makes up to 90% of the galaxy's mass. The mass of the Milky Way, dark matter included, equals 1.5 trillion solar masses, according to recent NASA estimates (opens in new tab). The galaxy's visible matter is distributed between its 200 billion stars, their planets and the massive clouds of dust and gas that fill the interstellar space. Astronomers aren't quite sure how many planets are in the Milky Way, given we have only found a few thousand all told, but one NASA estimate suggests it's more than 100 billion planets . How many solar systems there are in the Milky Way is also a mystery, as we are still looking for the planets. Where is the sun in the Milky Way? The sun is one of 200 billion stars making up the Milky Way galaxy. (Image credit: NASA/GSFC/SDO) (opens in new tab) The sun orbits about 26,000 light-years from the black hole Sagittarius A*, roughly in the middle of the galactic disk. Traveling at the speed of 515,000 mph (828,000 kph), the sun takes 230 million years to complete a full orbit around the galactic center. The sun sits near the edge of the Local Arm of the Milky Way, one of the two smaller spiral arms of the galaxy. In 2019, using data from the Gaia mission, astronomers found that the sun is essentially surfing a wave of interstellar gas that's 9,000 light-years long, 400 light-years wide and undulates 500 light-years above and below the galactic disk according to ESA. Planets of the solar system do not orbit in the plane of the galaxy but are tipped by about 63 degrees. "It's almost like we're sailing through the galaxy sideways," Merav Opher, an astrophysicist at George Mason University in Virginia, told Space.com. What is the black hole in the Milky Way? Sagittarius A*, taken by NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. (Image credit: NASA/CXC/Caltech/M.Muno et al.) (opens in new tab) The black hole in the Milky Way is called Sagittarius A* . The black hole is mostly dormant, which makes it very challenging to observe. Sagittarius A* has a mass 4.3 million times that of the sun, astronomers Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez discovered it in 2008. The approximate diameter is 14.6 million miles (23.5 million kilometers) . By comparison, the Milky Way itself is roughly 100,000 light-years wide and 1,000 light-years thick. A huge disk of gas around Sagittarius A* billows out as far as 5 to 30 light-years from the supermassive black hole. It is this huge, but tenuous, area of gas that gives a bit of material for Sagittarius A* activity. The region is known to emit X-rays due to feeding on the gas, or because of friction within the disk as temperatures soar to as much as 18 million degrees Fahrenheit (10 million degrees Celsius). Scientists would love to have more information about this supermassive black hole to figure out more about how it was formed and the conditions that made its growth possible. A couple of possibilities include smaller black holes getting quite large as they eat up dust and gas in the environment nearby; alternatively, smaller black holes may merge together and create something more monstrous. An image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth dubbed Sagittarius A*, revealed by the Event Horizon Telescope on May 12, 2022. (Image credit: Event Horizon Telescope collaboration) (opens in new tab) Generally, scientists do have improving models for stellar-mass black holes and intermediate-mass black holes. These objects form when huge stars, many times the mass of our sun, collapse after stopping nuclear fusion. Since they are no longer able to stop the gravitational collapse, they shrink to a gravitationally powerful object that can warp time and space around it so much that light no longer can escape. We're gradually learning more about Sagittarius A* through efforts such as the first-ever image of the black hole , which was obtained on May 12, 2022. The image captured faint amounts of light caused by heated matter moving super-fast towards the center of the black hole; the image is a high-definition shadow. This imaging required a big set of observatories around the world, approximately the size of Earth which was possible through the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). Related: Here's How Scientists Turned the World Into a Telescope (to See a Black Hole) Mapping the Milky Way's history The evolution of the Milky Way began when clouds of gas and dust started collapsing, pushed together by gravity . First stars sprung up from the collapsed clouds, those that we see today in the globular clusters. The spherical halo emerged soon after, followed by the flat galactic disk. The galaxy started small and grew as the inescapable force of gravity pulled everything together. The Milky Way is approximately 13.6 billion years old. (Image credit: Future) (opens in new tab) The galaxy's evolution is, however, still shrouded in mystery. A discipline called galactic archaeology is slowly unraveling some of the puzzles of the Milky Way's life thanks to the Gaia mission, which released its first catalog of data (opens in new tab)in 2018. Gaia measures (opens in new tab) the exact positions and distances of more than 1 billion stars, as well as their light spectra, which enables scientists to understand the stars' composition and age, according to ESA. The position data allow astronomers to determine the speeds and directions in which the stars move in space. As things in space follow predictable trajectories, astronomers can reconstruct the paths of the stars billions of years into the past and future. Combining these reconstructed trajectories into one stellar movie captures the evolution of the galaxy over eons. There is also evidence (opens in new tab) that the Milky Way collided with several smaller galaxies during its evolution. In 2018, a team of Dutch astronomers found a group of 30,000 stars (opens in new tab) moving in sync through the sun's neighborhood in the opposite direction to the rest of the stars in the data set. The motion pattern matched what scientists had previously seen in computer simulations of galactic collisions. These stars also differed in color and brightness, which suggested they came from a different galaxy. Contrary to expectations, dwarf galaxies in the vicinity of the Milky Way have only just arrived. (Image credit: ESA) (opens in new tab) Remnants of another, slightly younger, collision were spotted a year later. The Milky Way continues devouring smaller galaxies to this day. A galaxy called Sagittarius (not to be mistaken with the black hole) currently orbits close to the Milky Way and has likely smashed through its disk several times (opens in new tab) in the past 7 billion years. Using Gaia data, scientists found that these collisions triggered periods of intense star formation in the Milky Way and may even have something to do with the galaxy's trademark spiral shape. The study suggests that our sun was born during one of those periods some 4.6 billion years ago. Photographing the Milky Way Photographing the Milky Way requires a dark sky. (Image credit: Getty) (opens in new tab) Photographing the Milky Way requires a dark sky, a good "season" (generally between February and October), some distance from light pollution, and the ability to use photographic equipment to catch its faint light. Luckily, the Milky Way is visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres and it is possible to capture it using standard amateur photography items. If you can, get to your site in the daytime as you will likely want to scout the area for the best angles. Good Milky Way images tend to make use of the landscape in creative ways, so look for interesting and prominent natural features like mountains, boulders or rock shapes. Next comes the photo shoot. Generally speaking, use a tripod, set your equipment for a timelapse mode and be prepared to experiment with different focuses and different lenses. For beginners, we also have a full guide on how to photograph the Milky Way (opens in new tab). The future of the Milky Way research Since the beginning of its operations, the Gaia mission has provided three updates to its massive stellar catalog. Astronomers from all over the world continue analyzing the data in search of new patterns and revelations. Gaia data currently generates more research papers than even the famous Hubble Space Telescope. Gaia will continue charting the galaxy until at least 2025, as long as the spacecraft remains in good health, and the catalog it has compiled will keep astronomers busy for decades to come. Before Gaia, the largest dataset about positions and distances of stars in the Milky Way came from a mission called Hipparcos, after an ancient Greek astronomer who began charting the night sky 150 years before Christ. Hipparcos only saw about 100,000 of the brightest stars in the sun's neighborhood, compared to Gaia's one billion. The data was also less precise. Even though Gaia sees less than 1% of stars in the galaxy, astronomers can expand their findings and model the behavior of the entire Milky Way. Additional resources Discover more about the Milky Way and other galaxies with this free learning material from the Open University (opens in new tab). Explore the Milky Way in virtual reality (opens in new tab) with ESA's Gaia mission. Tour the Milky Way with Gaia Sky (opens in new tab), a real-time, 3D, astronomy visualization software that uses ESA's Gaia mission data. Learn why it was so difficult to study the Milky Way before Gaia in this article from ESA (opens in new tab). Bibliography Xiang, M., Rix, HW. "A time-resolved picture of our Milky Way's early formation history (opens in new tab)". Nature 603, 599603 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04496-5 Robin, Annie C., et al. "A synthetic view on structure and evolution of the Milky Way. (opens in new tab)" Astronomy & Astrophysics 409.2 (2003): 523-540. Dehnen, Walter, and James Binney. "Mass models of the Milky Way. (opens in new tab)" Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 294.3 (1998): 429-438. Helmi, Amina. "Streams, substructures, and the early history of the Milky Way. (opens in new tab)" Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics 58 (2020): 205-256. Artist's illustration of colonists on Mars. Scientists don't yet know how babies would develop and grow away from Earth, and this lack of knowledge poses a possible hurdle to establishing sustainable space settlements, experts say. If humanity is serious about colonizing Mars, we need to get busy studying how to get busy in space. We just don't know enough about how human reproduction and development work in the final frontier to confidently plan out permanent, sustainable settlements on the Red Planet or anywhere else away from Earth, said Kris Lehnhardt, an assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "This is something that we, frankly, have never studied dramatically, because it's not been relevant to date," Lehnhardt said May 16 during a panel discussion at "On the Launchpad: Return to Deep Space," a webcast event in Washington, D.C., organized by The Atlantic magazine. [The Human Body in Space: 6 Weird Facts] "But if we want to become a spacefaring species and we want to live in space permanently, this is a crucial issue that we have to address that just has not been fully studied yet," he added. Off-Earth reproduction isn't a completely ignored topic, of course. Just last month, for example, a group of researchers in Japan announced that freeze-dried mouse sperm that was stored on the International Space Station for nine months gave rise to healthy pups. Those results suggest that the relatively high levels of radiation experienced in space don't pose an insurmountable barrier to reproduction. But the mouse sperm was brought back to Earth to produce embryos, which grew here on terra firma. How a human embryo would fare when away from Earth in the microgravity environment of orbit or deep space, or on Mars, whose surface gravity is just 38 percent as strong as that of our planet remains a mystery, Lehnhardt said. "We have no idea how they're going to develop," he said. "Will they develop bones the way that we do? Will they ever be capable of coming to Earth and actually standing up?" And there's a lot to think about beyond the nuts-and-bolts developmental issues. For example, people who are born and grow up on Mars, or in huge Earth-orbiting space habitats, "are going to be vastly different from what we are," Lehnhardt added. "And that may be kind of a turning point in human history." The panel discussion also featured former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria; Sheyna Gifford, a member of the HI-SEAS IV simulated Mars mission in Hawaii; and journalist Alison Stewart. You can watch the entire discussion on the AtlanticLIVE YouTube channel. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. An astronomer thinks he's pinpointed the source of a mysterious radio signal from space: a passing comet that nobody knew about. But his colleagues said they're still skeptical of the explanation, noting that comets don't emit radio waves in the right way. Antonio Paris, an astronomer at St. Petersburg College in Florida, recently published a paper in the Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences saying the mysterious "Wow! signal," a truly bizarre radio signal detected almost 40 years ago, seems to match up with the location of a comet called 266P/Christensen that hadn't been cataloged at the time. (The comet was discovered more recently, in 2006. Originally, Paris' hypothesis was that a second comet might also be the culprit, one called P/2008 Y Gibbs.) Explanations for the Wow! signal have ranged from intermittent natural phenomena, to secret spy satellites, to, yes, aliens. Others aren't so sure. "We do not believe the two-comets theory can explain the Wow! signal," Jerry Ehman, the astronomer who discovered the Wow! signal in 1977, told Live Science. [5 Times We Thought We Found Aliens] Wow! signal The Wow! signal's name comes from just how striking and strange it was. The radio signal appeared on the night of Aug. 15, 1977, when it was picked up by the Big Ear radio telescope at The Ohio State University. It lasted 72 seconds. It was "loud" more intense than anything in the background sky that night. It was also a narrow-bandwidth signal; the range of frequencies it covered was small, similar to those of artificial signals. AM radio, for example, has channels that are only 10,000 cycles above or below the designated frequency on the dial. Further, the signal was at a frequency of about 1,420 megahertz (MHz), also called the 21-centimter line. That's the same frequency as radio waves emitted by neutral hydrogen gas in space. It's a region that is relatively free of noise from other objects, and one researchers involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence have been interested in for a long time because it could be used for interstellar transmissions. The signal did not repeat, and subsequent attempts to find it proved fruitless. Ehman marked "Wow!" in red pen on a printout that shows the numbers representing the signal. Back in 1977, the now-dismantled Big Ear telescope was looking for alien signals, in an early iteration of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, or SETI. But no one expected to see anything like the Wow! signal, and the Big Ear telescope heard nothing like it again. Without a repeat signal, it was impossible to tell what it was; even getting a precise location wasn't easy because the signal was short-lived. Ehman, now retired, told Live Science that, beyond a certain distance, it's hard to tell how far away a radio signal is coming from. Comet signature In his paper, Paris wrote that comets will, under certain conditions, emit radio waves from the gases that surround them as they zoom closer to the sun. According to the study, Comet 266P/Christensen was in about the right position on the right day in 1977. Paris first floated the idea in early 2016, and proposed a program of using radio telescopes to listen for the emission of such radio waves. [Face on a Comet: Ghostly Faces in Space] The comet project had three phases. "The first phase was the hypothesis, which led to the second phase: Do comets emit 1,420 [MHz signals]? It appears yes, they do," Paris told Live Science. In the third phase, set for 2018, Paris plans to explore the mechanisms of the emissions why comets should generate radio waves at that particular wavelength. Paris said little research has been done on the topic. "There have been a handful of studies, but I suspect we are the first to specifically build a 10-meter radio telescope to specifically look at this type of solar system body," he said. To see if a signal could have come from comets, Paris first used a radio telescope to look at the sky in the region of the Wow! signal. With this step, he wanted to see what the background looked like at the relevant frequency. He also checked two other comets to be sure that they did, in fact, emit radio signals at the 1,420-MHz frequency, and found that they did. Then, in January, Paris directed the radio telescope to point at Comet 266P/Christensen as it passed through the region of the sky where the Wow! signal was seen. (Comet 266P/Christensen has an orbital period of about 6.65 years, and its apparent location in the sky will vary depending on where Earth is in its own orbit around the sun. The comet passed near, but not exactly, where the Wow! signal was about 2 degrees north of the Wow! signal location. Skepticism abounds Yet several astronomers, including Ehman, think Paris is wrong about the comet. Ehman looked at Paris' study with Robert Dixon, who directs the radio observatory at The Ohio State University (Big Ear was destroyed in 1997). Two big issues are that the signal didn't repeat, and it appeared for such a short time. Ehman noted that the Big Ear telescope had two "feed horns," each of which provides a slightly different field of view for a radio telescope. [5 Huge Misconceptions about Aliens] "We should have seen the source come through twice in about 3 minutes: one response lasting 72 seconds and a second response for 72 seconds following within about a minute and a half," Ehman told Live Science. "We didn't see the second one." The only way that can happen, he said, is if the signal was cut off abruptly. A comet wouldn't produce that kind of signal, because the gases that surround them cover large, diffuse areas. Nor would the comet have escaped from the radio telescope's field of view that fast. But Ehman isn't convinced it's aliens, either. There are many phenomena that show sudden appearances and disappearances of radio signals, including fast radio bursts (FRBs), which are mysterious radio bursts with hotly-debated astrophysical origins that generate irregular signals that last only milliseconds. If the the Big Ear picked up only the tail end of such an emission, the data could look similar to the Wow! signal, Ehman speculated. "The issue with the feed horns is something no one can explain, including me," Paris said. "There is some data out there to suggest the issue is at the telescope end and not the phenomenon itself." So it's possible that the signal could have been caused by a glitch in the Big Ear telescope. The other issue is the frequency of transmission. Paris said he has shown that comets can emit in that range, but Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, is skeptical. Shostak used to study emissions from neutral hydrogen in the 1,420-MHz range, and is less sure the emission would look right. Comets may not generate enough hydrogen to make a bright enough signal like Wow!. "I don't think anyone ever found such emission from comets," Shostak told Live Science. Originally published on Live Science. Nustar NASA/JPL-Caltech Today marks the five-year anniversary of NASA's NuSTAR mission. To celebrate the occasion, the project's principal investor selected her five favorite images from the probe's history. NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array) is the first satellite mission to explore the universe in high-energy X-rays. This range of light reveals energetic phenomena like supernovas, or exploding stars; neutron stars, or nuggets of material left after a stellar explosion that contains the densest form of regular matter in the universe; and regions of fast-moving matter, swirling around the periphery of massive black holes. A buried black hole NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC) Harrison's first choice is an artist's concept of a spinning black hole that has created a whirlpool of matter around itself. The piece was created to illustrate an early discovery made by the NuSTAR team that wouldn't have been clearly resolved in an image from the satellite's data. Black holes are difficult to study largely because they don't reflect or emit light. Astrophysicists think a monster black hole lies at the center of most galaxies, but these beasts are typically obscured by clouds and dust, which creates another barrier to studying them. But X-rays radiated by material swirling around those monster black holes can penetrate gas and dust. NuSTAR made the first definitive measurement of a black hole's spin. This finding confirmed some theories about black holes, and helped scientists better understand these mysterious cosmic monsters. "NuSTAR's high-energy X-ray vision allowed us to distinguish between models that explain what produces black holes' X-ray emissions, and this information led us to conclude that the observed black hole is rapidly spinning," Harrison said. A radioactive explosion NASA/JPL-Caltech/CXC/SAO This colorful image shows Cassiopia A, a star that exploded as a supernova 350 years ago, as seen from Earth. The blue indicates regions of radioactive material, imaged by NuSTAR. While other telescopes could detect signs of radioactivity coming from Cassiopia A, they lacked the ability to pinpoint the source of those signals and create a map of how the material was distributed in the supernova remnant. "This is a beautiful image, and one of the things we built NuSTAR to do to make the first-ever map of emission from radioactivity in the remnant of an exploded star," Harrison said. "We spent years developing specialized detectors to have the capability to make this image. From the image, we were able to determine the mechanism that caused the star to explode." The distribution of radioactive material imaged by NuSTAR (as well as nonradioactive material imaged by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory) "supports a theory referred to as 'mild asymmetries' [in which] material sloshes about at the heart of the supernova, reinvigorating a shock wave and allowing it to blow out the star's outer layers," according to NASA. A bright pulse NASA/JPL-Caltech/SAO/NOAO "This result was one of the biggest surprises from NuSTAR," Harrison said of the magenta object in this image of Messier 82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy. "We detected pulsing from an object in a galaxy that everybody had assumed was a black hole, thereby showing it was actually a stellar remnant called a pulsar," Harrison said. "At the time, it was by far the brightest pulsar known. At first nobody believed it, but the signal was so strong and clear." Pulsars are a type of neutron star that, while spinning rapidly, radiate bright beams of light, like a lighthouse. If those beams sweep across the field of view of astronomers on Earth, the pulsar appears as if it is pulsing on and off. This pulsar was bright enough to earn the title of ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX). "Previously, all ULXs were suspected to be massive black holes up to a few hundred times the mass of the sun," according to another statement from NASA. The discovery of the ULX pulsar in Messier 82 changed things, and two other ULX pulsars have been found since. The sun in color NASA/JPL-Caltech This sensational snapshot of the sun was created using data from three missions: NuSTAR's high-energy X-rays are in blue, showing regions where "microflares" erupted; low-energy X-rays from the Japanese Space Agency's Hinode spacecraft are in green; and extreme ultraviolet light from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is yellow and red, according to NASA. "With NuSTAR, we see flaring, active regions of the sun where high-energy particles are being created. NuSTAR was built as an astrophysics mission, not to study the sun," Harrison said. "People thought we were crazy at first to study the sun. But now, by studying the sun with much greater sensitivity in high-energy X-rays, we are contributing to the field of solar physics." Buried treasure NASA/JPL-Caltech/Carnegie-Irvine Galaxy Survey "This image illustrates another job NuSTAR was designed to do to find hidden black holes buried by dust and gas," Harrison said. The image shows galaxy NGC 1448 captured in optical light by the Carnegie-Irvine Galaxy Survey at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. The X-ray light coming from the center of the galaxy was captured by NuSTAR, and revealed the presence of a monster black hole, hidden by thick clouds of gas and dust. The material close to the black hole radiates X-rays that can penetrate the clouds even though many other wavelengths of light cannot. Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. NC mayoral candidate vehicle vandalised in Nepalgunj A vehicle belonging to the Nepali Congress (NC) mayoral candidate was vandalised in Nepalgunj on Tuesday. On Nov. 10, 2013, Europe's GOCE satellite fell to Earth. GOCE is short for Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer. Its mission was to map Earth's gravitational field. GOCE did this for four years. Then it ran out of fuel. Controllers weren't sure where GOCE would fall back to Earth or linger in orbit. Some people worried that it might crash into a populated area. However, the small spacecraft broke up in the atmosphere and didn't cause any property damage. This photo of the GOCE satellite reentering the atmosphere was taken from the Falkland Islands on Nov. 11, 2013 by Bill Chater. (Image credit: Bill Chater) It disintegrated about 50 miles above the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The European Space Agency called the mission a success. GOCE lasted far longer than expected. It showed small variations in Earth's gravity, mapped the structure of Earth's crust and mantle, and tracked ocean currents. On This Day in Space Archive! Still not enough space? Don't forget to check out our Space Image of the Day, and on the weekends our Best Space Photos and Top Space News Stories of the week. Follow us @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Update for June 16: NASA's next attempt to launch a small sounding rocket to create glowing clouds in the night sky will occur no earlier than Sunday night (June 18). Liftoff from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility from Wallops Island, Virginia is scheduled for some time between 9:05 p.m. EDT and 9:20 p.m. EDT (0105-0120 GMT). Original story: A small NASA rocket is once again poised to launch tonight (June 13) on a mission to spawn artificial glowing clouds over the U.S. East Coast after a series of frustrating delays due to cloudy weather and stray boats. The booster, a Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket, is scheduled to launch between 9:04 p.m. EDT and 9:19 p.m. EDT (0104 to 0119 GMT Wednesday) from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia. The launch, however, is extremely dependent on weather conditions. You can watch the launch live here, courtesy of NASA TV, beginning at 8:30 p.m. EDT (0030 GMT). It will be streamed live by NASA Wallops on Ustream here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops. At 8:50 p.m. EDT (0050 GMT), NASA will also offer a Facebook Live video feed at the NASA Wallops Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF. This NASA map shows the range of visibility for a sounding rocket launch from the agency's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia on June 13, 2017. Vapor trails from the launch may be visible from New York to North Carolina, NASA officials said. (Image credit: NASA) If all goes as planned, the rocket will create brilliant red and blue glowing clouds when it releases gas-filled canisters high above Earth that may be visible from New York to North Carolina, and as far inland as Charlottesville, Virginia, NASA officials have said. The mission is a technology demonstration flight to test a new ejection system for the canisters, which will aid future studies of Earth's ionosphere and auroras, they added. But NASA has been trying to launch this potentially dazzling mission all month, only to be foiled by unacceptable weather and other details. The launch window opened on June 1 and closes on June 18. Several attempts to launch the rocket between June 1 and June 4 were called off due to high winds, cloudy weather or boats in the offshore hazard area where parts of the rocket will fall back to Earth. A new round of attempts began Sunday (June 11), when stray boats again prevented launch. Then came last night's try, where clouds at two ground-based camera sites one at the Wallops center and the other in Duck, North Carolina forced mission scientists to stand down for the night. To observe the glowing clouds created by the rocket launch, clear skies are required at both camera sites, NASA officials said. And while those many delays may be frustrating (especially for the science team), they're sometimes necessary. "When conducting rocket science missions, delays are to be expected because of the often stringent requirements for the flight to occur," Wallops News Chief Keith Koehler told Space.com via email. "While delays due to weather or marine traffic is frustrating, the launch team will maintain its focus to conduct a safe launch." The Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket to launch June 13 undergoes tests ahead of launch. Its canister-deploying doors are seen open here. (Image credit: Berit Bland/NASA) During tonight's launch try, the sounding rocket launch will last about 8 minutes before splashing down 90 miles (145 kilometers) offshore from Wallops Island. The mission will create glowing clouds by releasing vapor tracers of barium, strontium and cupric oxide at altitudes of between 96 and 124 miles (155 to 200 km) above Earth, NASA officials said, adding that the vapor tracers pose no hazard to the public. "Canisters will deploy between 4 and 5.5 minutes after launch, releasing blue-green and red vapor to form artificial clouds," NASA officials wrote in a status update late Monday. "These clouds, or vapor tracers, allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space. The clouds may be visible along the mid-Atlantic coastline from New York to North Carolina." If you live near the Wallops Island area, you can visit NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center to watch the launch. The center will open to the public at 8 p.m. EDT for launch viewing. Smartphone users can also download the "What's Up at Wallops" app to learn when and where to look to see the launch from their location. Leading up to the launch, Wallops officials will also post updates on Twitter and Facebook. Editor's note: If you capture an amazing image of the sounding rocket launch or the colorful artificial clouds that you would like to share with Space.com and its news partners for a story or photo gallery, send photos and comments to: spacephotos@space.com. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Last week, I was privileged to spend an entire day at CIO Perspectives Virginia, a one-day single-stream seminar series hosted by CIO.com. In this two-part blog series, Ill recap the common themes that arose as speakers explored digital transformation and technology innovation. Transformation is Not Optional CIO advisor and author, Peter High, started the day off by warning that ignoring disruption and transformation is not an option. With the average tenure on the S&P 500 shrinking from 61 years in 1958 to just 16 years today, High showed how the decline of once-iconic brands like Circuit City, Blockbuster and Borders were emblematic of the consequences of ignoring transformative forces. CarMax CIO Shamim Mohammad took up this theme in his presentation, warning that in todays environment, every company is a digital company and every business is a technology business. "If you don't disrupt your market," he said, "someone else will." Make Change a Core Competency As High pointed out, innovation requires technology leaders to make change a core competency. Mohammad similarly explained how the "I" in CIO should stand not only for "Information," but also idea, instigation, innovation, integration and improvement. Mohammad went even further, explaining that "business strategy is technology strategy"innovation must be a company-wide imperative. Disrupt Yourself Radically or Incrementally In one of several fireside chats, General Dynamics CIO Kristie Grinnell noted that IT leaders should embrace and celebrate "rogue innovation," like skunkworks. "Elevating experimentation and learning," Grinnell explained, "helps to develop an entrepreneurial mindset," noting that "this is where innovation really happens." Ferguson Enterprises CIO Kevin Barnes, however, cautioned that it is also important to demystify innovation. "While innovation can sometimes be radical and transformational," he said, "it doesnt have be." "Hitting singles, doubles and triples is okay," Barnes said. "You don't need everything to be a home run." The closing panel (CIOs and CISOs from Wolseley, USDA, ARC and First Guaranty Mortgage) echoed this, advising IT execs to speak in business terms while noting that business people must learn to speak in technology terms too. Download your complimentary copy of "Digital Transformation Trailblazing: A Data-Driven Approach" to learn more about the top drivers for digital business transformation, and get additional key takeaways and themes from the event in part two of this blog series. *Fair disclosure Splunk was a sponsor of CIO Perspectives ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks! Andi Mann A taco restaurant at the epicentre of the London Bridge attack has said staff are "emerging from a tough time as a stronger family" as they prepare to go back to work while Borough Market businesses prepared to "reclaim" it from terror. Staff at El Pastor in Borough Market were hailed as heroes for hurling objects at the terrorists when they burst into the Stoney Street restuarant brandishing 12-inch (30cm) ceramic knives, shortly after ploughing into pedestrians in a white van. Customers were forced to take cover during the horrific attack while staff - said now to have been brought closer by the atrocity - bravely fought to protect them. In an Instagram post, owners of the restaurant - a stone's throw from where police shot dead the three attackers - wrote alongside a picture of smiling staff giving thumbs-ups that they would open tomorrow with even greater determination to serve their community. It said: "We are proud to announce that El Pastor will reopen from tomorrow lunchtime. Heroes of London Bridge attack - in pictures 1 /9 Heroes of London Bridge attack - in pictures Dr Malcolm Tunnicliff, clinical director and consultant in emergency medicine at Kings Malcolm Tunnicliff featured in TV programme 24 Hours in A&E Ex-police officer Darren Jaundrill Matt Writtle Joe Palermo, a bouncer from Italy Joe Palermo helped people to shelter in Bill's Matt Writtle Baker Florin Morariu Journalist Geoff Ho was stabbed in the neck while trying to help others Twitter "We are emerging from a tough time as a stronger family, a tighter Borough community and more committed than ever to serving those who value the pleasures of eating and drinking and coming together." "The kindness and bravery shown by individuals and groups on the the night of 3rd June and afterwards has been awe-inspiring. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families for the senseless loss of life," the post added. "We hope to see you for tacos and mezcal at El Pastor and myriad other delights at our friends' places in Borough Market soon, as we all get back to business," it said. Supporters praised staff in comments on social media, with one writing: "You'll return better than ever. Good food and good people triumphing over evil - what could be better?" "Inspiring, strong & full respect to everyone. Will be down to support you," wrote another. Other businesses in Borough Market were also back to work as usual after the nightmarish scenes of the attack, posting to social media with hashtags such as "loveborough" and "businessasusual" as they prepared to "reclaim" the market from terror. The reopening of the market comes as inquests into the deaths of the eight victims of the attack are held at Southwark Coroner's Court over two days. Eight people were murdered during the rampage when three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge using a white Renault van before stabbing diners and revellers in Borough Market on Saturday, June 3. All of the victims have since been named by authorities, including Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, who died in her fiance's arms after being struck by the speeding van. London Bridge terror attack: All murder victims named Xavier Thomas, 45, who was knocked into the River Thames, was one of three Frenchmen who died, along with Sebastien Belanger, 36, and restaurant worker Alexandre Pigeard. James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, and Spanish banker Ignacio Echeverria, 39 and Australians Kristy Boden, 28, and Sara Zelenek were also killed in the attack. It was revealed on Friday by the Standard that every victim of the attack who made it to hospital has survived their injuries. Staff of the businesses around London Bridge, including bars and restaurants caught up in the horror, have been widely praised for acts of heroism from throwing objects at the terrorists to locking down premises and simple acts of kindness at a time they were personally at risk themselves. A nother election is likely to be held in the autumn, Jeremy Corbyn has told people while tending his vegetables on his allotment. The Labour leader spent a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon on his East Finchley allotment, near his home in north London, after his party pulled off a surprise result in the general election. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, he told other allotment holders that he expected an election in September or October, according to one source. Mr Corbyn was not keen to discuss his allotment when approached by the Evening Standard. It is a very private place, he explained. I do enjoy working on my allotment and growing things, he added. It is a good way to relax. The MP for Islington North has grown maize, beans and pumpkins as well as fruit to make jam on his allotment. 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To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. To report a broken link or other problems with the website, please include the URL. Thank you for visiting state.gov. In early 2017 the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) announced that it has ordered two more Type 218SG submarines from a German firm. The first two were ordered in 2013 and will be delivered in 2021 and 2022. The two additional boats are expected to be in service by 2025. The growing threat from China is a major reason for ordering two more of these subs. The Type 218SG is a variant of the Type 216 that the manufacturer proposed in 2012. A Type 218SG is 70 meters (230 feet) long, displaces 1,800 tons on the surface, has AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) and a lot of electronics built in Singapore and customized for local conditions. These boats are highly automated and thus require a crew of only 28. There are also modifications to improve maneuverability in the shallow waters common in areas adjacent to Singapore. AIP (underwater) endurance is up to 25-30 days and total endurance as much as 80 days. Other modifications make the subs easier to maintain and upgrade. Armament consists of eight forward firing 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tubes and 18 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles. Mines can also be carried. These boats will cost at least $900 million each and this includes training and tech support. One of the primary local features the RSN shares responsibility for is the Malacca Strait, the busiest shipping choke point on the planet. Most of the world's oil exports pass through the Strait of Malacca as well as much non-tanker cargo. Over 50,000 large ships moved through each year. Thats 120-150 a day. In addition its a vital to East Asian economies. The 800 kilometer long strait is between Malaysia and Indonesia and is 65 kilometers wide at its narrowest and depth are generally 27-37 meters (90-120 feet). The shallow and tricky waters in the strait forces the big ships to go slow (under 30 kilometers an hour) to avoid collisions that could easily block the waterway and reduce the flow of traffic. Singapore has the most effective armed forces in its neighborhood despite being one of the smallest nations in the world. It is a tiny (633 square kilometers) island city state. Defense spending is only about $12 billion a year for a population of 5.2 million. The armed forces consists of 71,000 active duty troops, of which 55 percent are conscripts. But on a per-capita basis, Singapore spends more on the military and has more people in uniform than the United States. The troops are highly trained, not easily replaced and the obvious solution is better weapons and equipment. Because of this policy the RSN has the most modern ships and the best trained crews in the neighborhood. Currently that fleet consists of four submarines, six frigates, six corvettes, 19 patrol boats, four amphibious ships, four mine warfare ships and one submarine rescue ship. Singapore builds the patrol boats locally and the major warship come from European builders. Singapore has long served as a major naval base, especially for the United States. Singapore constantly modernizes its warships and replaces them with new models regularly. The current submarine force consists of two recently (2011 and 2012) refurbished Vaastergotland class submarines and four older Challenger class boats, all from Sweden. The Vaastergotland refurb was really a rebuilding of these boats, as their size was increased by a third. The rebuilt boats were renamed the Archer class. The 1,400 ton Archers are 60.5 meters (198.5 feet) long, carry a crew of 28 and are armed with six 533mm and three 400mm (15.75 inch) torpedo tubes. The 400mm torpedo is for other subs, while the larger torpedo is for surface ships. These tubes can also carry mines. The two Swedish subs were sold to Singapore in 2005, and spent six years being rebuilt and upgraded. For example, the boats now have air conditioning and other mods useful for subs spending all their time in tropical waters. In addition to new electronic systems, the boats have AIP, which accounts for most of the added size. Surface speed is 15 kilometers an hour, while submerged speed is 28 kilometers an hour. These two boats replaced two of the older Challenger class subs. These were purchased in 1995 from Sweden where they were Sjobjornen Class subs that entered service in the late 1960s. For Singapore the Challenger class were refurbished for tropical conditions as well as weapons system and sensor upgrades. These submarines performed very well in exercises against American and Australian warships, proving that these old boats, when handled well in littoral conditions, are quiet and maneuverable subs that are able to give a pretty good account of themselves. NRNA assured environment for investment in KTM Kathmandu Metropolitan Citys newly-appointed Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya has assured a conducive environment for non-resident Nepalis willing to work for the prosperity of Kathmandu. China has a grand strategic plan and its no secret. For the last few years Chinese officials have been describing their economic and military expansion plan as Obor (One Belt, One Road). A new PR campaign for Obor describes it as a revival of the ancient Silk Road but thats not accurate as the ancient Silk Road was only partially run by the Chinese. Most of it was operated by other major powers (Iranian, Indian and Arabs) and was largely put out of business after the 16 th century by European innovations in ship building and management of sea routes that presented a safer and cheaper way to move goods worldwide. Moreover, until the late 20 th century Chinese leaders never encouraged (and often banned) foreign trade. For most of Chinese history the leaders believed China had all it needed (largely true) and considered all non-Chinese and their products as inferior. The big change now is that China needs international trade and Obor is the Chinese plan to control as much of it as possible. This is essential for a prosperous economy because without that the communists are in big trouble. Obor means China owning or otherwise controlling as many of the new roads, railways, ports, pipelines and sea routes as possible. China is investing nearly $200 billion in Obor construction. This includes land routes through Central Asia to Europe and the Middle East, another through the Himalaya Mountains to the Indian Ocean (soon to be under new management if China has its way) and new land connections into Southeast Asia. The key to Chinas new sea routes is asserting ownership of the South China Sea. Another feature of Obor is that it offers business relationships that are more acceptable (than Western ones) to most of the nations Obor is investing in. The Chinese can, as they like to put it, be more flexible and respectful of local customs. In other words the Chinese dont see bribes and corruption as a defect but an opportunity. This is great for the foreign political and business leaders but less so with most of the others and this is causing problems. Africans and Asians living near many Chinese foreign operations complain that China is the major investor in illegal extraction of raw materials and keeping local gangsters and corrupt politicians in business. The Chinese also violate local labor laws with impunity and often hire their own armed security personnel who will shoot to kill if threatened by angry workers or local residents. Keeping local tyrants in power serves Chinese interests when it comes to things like establishing new military bases or preventing other nations from doing so. Corrupt locals also make it easier to carry out espionage operations (locally or in nearby areas). Helping to keep unelected leaders in power also serves to maintain the legitimacy of the current Chinese government which is basically a communist police state and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) wants to keep it that way. All this is nothing new. For example once China got its seat in the UN back (from Taiwan) in 1971 it has been notorious for encouraging and using corrupt practices in the UN. Many nations play along and as China became wealthier they were willing and able to buy whatever they needed inside the UN. The latest example of this is how Chinese pressure has caused the UN to withdraw investigators (responding to local complaints of serious crimes) looking too closely at Chinese owned operations in Africa. China and Pakistan are heavily publicizing the revival of the Silk Road. In Pakistan the city of Peshawar, on the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, was a major gateway of the ancient Silk Road between China and the Middle East. But that version of the road went through the pass and into Afghanistan. The new Silk Road is not just Obor, in Pakistan it is officially called the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is a complex piece of work. In 2013 China agreed to spend $18 billion to build a road from Gwadar and into northwest China. This will require drilling long tunnels through the Himalayan Mountains on the border (in Pakistani controlled Kashmir.) The road and a natural gas pipeline are part of the $46 billion CPEC project. This will make it much easier and cheaper to move people, data (via fiber optic cables) and goods between China and Pakistan. China also gets a 40 year lease on much of the port facilities at Gwadar, which India fears will serve as a base for Chinese warships. This is how China would like all of Obor to be but the rest of the world does not always cooperate. Korea Ever since the North Korean economic collapse in the 1990s (and a famine that killed over five percent of the population) China has been trying to avoid a collapse of the North Korean government, something that suddenly became a possibility in the 1990s. It was between 1989 and 1991 that all the communist governments of East Europe suddenly (at least to believers in communism) collapsed, including the Soviet Union in 1991. That led to the disintegration of the Russian empire and an end to four decades of generous economic aid to North Korea (and Cuba). Both these long-time Soviet clients were never the same after 1991 but North Korea is a major concern for China. For over 500 years Koreans have tried to establish and sustain a united Korea. But with aggressive and powerful neighbors like China, Japan and, for the last few centuries Russia, it has been a struggle. There have been a few periods when all of modern Korea, and sometimes a bit more, were ruled by Korean aristocrats. The Koreans have proved to be tough and persistent despite their stronger and sort tempered neighbors constantly coming in and destroying Korean unity. The last unified Korea state lasted 13 years and disappeared in 1910 in the aftermath of a war between Japan and Russia which Japan won. Japanese rule was harsh and lasted until 1945 when Korea was again divided because Russia would not comply with a post-World War II agreement to remove the Japanese occupation forces and then leave. The United States did so but the Russians refused and created the current North Korean police state and equipped it lavishly with modern weapons with orders to invade and take over South Korea in 1950. The UN responded with uncharacteristic unity and resolve and authorized an international force to deal with the situation. Russia then persuaded the newly established communist government of China to invade and rescue the North Koreans from certain defeat three months after the initial invasion. Russia was technically not involved because Russia and the U.S. were the only ones with nuclear weapons and Russia knew it would come out second best in any nuclear war with the Americans because the Russian nuclear arsenal was more propaganda than reality. The secret deal Russia used to end the fighting involved assurances that they would continue financing a North Korean communist government and compensate communist China for its sacrifices in North Korea (where over half a million Chinese died). The Russian assurances ended with the Soviet Union dissolving in 1991. Russia (as the Soviet Union) faithfully kept promises to North Korea but China felt it had been played by Russia and the two countries almost went to war with each other in the 1970s. China still considers Russia a longer-term problem (China has ancient claims on most of what is now the Russian Far East) but sees another mess in Korea as a more immediate problem. If the North Korean government collapses China takes it as a given that they will have to go in and maintain North Korea in order to avoid another united Korea with democracy and powerful allies in the West. While this is something most Koreans would prefer it is something China is willing to go to war over to prevent, or at least make some serious moves in that direction. The new Korean threat to China goes beyond a united Korea. Even divided Korea has become a threat. The aggressive and heavily armed North Korea now openly threatens China. This is especially real if North Korea has nukes and ballistic missiles to deliver them. North Korea shows no signs of halting its efforts to develop a reliable nuclear weapon and a reliable ballistic missile to carry it. This, North Korea leaders believe, will solve their economic and political problems. So far in 2017 there have been eight ballistic missiles tests and preparations for another underground nuclear test. In 2016 there were 24 ballistic missiles tests and two nuclear tests. The first nuclear test occurred in 2013 and despite the fact that the test was not a complete success, the nuclear bomb program continued and the sixth nuclear test up there seems imminent. For China South Korea is also a military threat, given it has more modern armed forces and defense industries that are even more advanced than anything China has. South Korea also has Western allies and recently installed an American THAAD anti-missile system that is there to protect South Korea from North Korean attack but has also proven to be a threat to China because THAAD can diminish Chinese missile effectiveness as well and gives South Korea a powerful radar system that enables the South Koreans to more carefully monitor aerial activity in North Korea and adjacent areas. Chinese public opinion generally supports the government, especially when it comes to North Korea, which is seen as ungrateful for the Chinese sacrifices to keep it going. The Religious Threat In the northwest Xinjiang province the government announced more new laws intended to curb separatist attitudes among the Moslems who dominate this region. The new rules mandate that all Moslem children (those under age 16) have their names changed if local government officials determine that the name is too Moslem. That would include names like Islam, Quran, Mecca, Jihad, Imam, Saddam, Hajj, Medina or Arafat. Children receive their national ID cards at age 16 and must now have non-threatening name. The government is also collecting DNA samples from all non-Han residents of Xinjiang. The government has also been watching local (non-Han) members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and expelling those found to be Moslems. Technically, CCP members are not allowed to belong to any traditional religion (communism is not considered one despite the similarities) but enforcement is generally lax unless you belong to a group that is considered anti-Chinese. Islam qualifies although Christians are increasingly considered guilty of dangerous (to CCP rule) thoughts. There is a growing list of things (like Islam and the Internet) that disturbs the communist government in China. The scariest trend is the increasing number of Communist Party members who are secretly (or openly) becoming religious and believers in capitalism. That is a trend among Chinese in general. Even religions (like Islam, Christianity and Falun Gong) that are increasingly persecuted, continue to grow. Communist true believers are still recovering from the 2001 decision to allow businessmen to become Communist Party members. Now, to see party members attending religious services and celebrating alternatives to socialism is, if nothing else, bad for morale at the highest levels of the party. But the CCP adapts to survive and earlier in 2017 that meant prohibiting the use of Islamic veils (that conceal the face) in public as well as excessive beards and other items worn or carried by conservative Moslems. There was no definition of what excessive was. It was also illegal to refuse to watch state run TV or listen to radio. Many conservative Moslems have TVs and radios but only use them for religious material. Individual towns and cities in Xinjiang have already enacted bans like this but now it is province-wide. This new Xinjiang provincial law basically bans practices seen as purely Islamic. In early April police began searching the homes of some Moslems, looking for the now forbidden items. That now includes anything that points to a CCP member being a Moslem. The Taiwan Threat Despite the obvious improvement in Chinese military capabilities compared to Taiwan, the Taiwanese have become more determined to maintain their independence. Taiwanese understand what the Chinese are doing now because it is considered an ancient and proven Chinese strategy of wearing down a weaker opponent and avoiding a risky battle or war while still getting your way. Until about a decade ago many Taiwanese were willing to consider union with China but the more Taiwanese became familiar with what is really going on in China, and especially Hong Kong, the more Taiwanese backed away from union with China. Hong Kong rejoined China in 1999 and after a few good years it has been downhill ever since. As Taiwan became less receptive to reunification China made threats and showed its displeasure in other ways, like discouraging Chinese tourists from visiting Taiwan. So far in 2017 year Chinese tourism has been down 50 percent (to about 150,000 a month). Many Taiwanese are fine with this because lots of Chinese tourists meant a lot of ill-mannered Chinese treating Taiwanese like inferiors. Compared to other tourists from Asia the Chinese were cheap and hard to deal with. It was not supposed to work out like that. After 2008 China began making it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan and soon millions were doing so each year. Many Taiwanese saw this as another ploy to take over their island nation one way (economically) or another (militarily). In response to that Taiwan has been expanding and upgrading its armed forces. This annoys the Chinese leaders who are seen (by Chinese able to get around the Internet censors) as all talk and little more. To make matters worse Taiwan has publicly offered to assist China is moving to democracy. That is a popular idea with many Chinese, but the CCP leadership of China was not amused. The Philippines Reconsiders Chinese efforts to buy the cooperation of the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute have failed as Filipinos realized that there was little gain in the long run by giving in to Chinese demands. Although China became the largest trading partner with the Philippines this year most Filipinos did the math and realized the Chinese dictatorship could turn that around without warning. It now seemed that the Americans were a better long-term ally because the Americans have no old territorial claims in the neighborhood, are a democracy and have a long history of good behavior. All the other major Filipino trading partners (Singapore and South Korea) are also democracies. Moreover the Americans are the only Filipino treaty ally that is obliged to aid the Philippines if the islands are again attacked (as they were by the Japanese in 1941.) Meanwhile China is displeased with the increasingly frequent visits of American warships to the Philippines (for leave and maintenance) and the South China Seas (to challenge Chinese claims.) So far China has not been violent but with more and more Chinese warships, warplanes and troops showing up in the South China Sea there appears to be increased risk of someone opening fire. There are a growing number of offenders for the Chinese to shoot at. In addition to ships from the nearest countries (mainly Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan) there are the more powerful allies of these countries (mainly Japan and the United States). Now the Philippines is daring China to make an aggressive move at a time when China is busy with several similar situations from Africa to Korea and the Japanese islands. June 11, 2017: Anti-corruption investigators have found yet another province (Outer Mongolia) where there has been widespread falsification data provincial officials are supposed to collect and pass on to the national government. This makes the third such province where this practice has been documented. Earlier Jilin and Liaoning provinces were found to be issuing fake data. In January the governor of Liaoning province admitted, in the state controlled media, that provincial officials had falsified economic data between 2011 and 2014. This was not news, as anti-corruption officials had publicized this during a 2014 investigation. What this official statement did indicate was that it is now safer to discuss the problem of falsified data in public and on the Internet. Bad news like this coming out of heavily industrialized Liaoning province is a big deal because the province has a population of 44 million and a GDP of about half a trillion dollars a year. Liaoning has long been portrayed as one of the most corrupt provinces and the only one that officially suffered a decline in GDP in 2016. There is more, as Liaoning borders North Korea, an area where corruption and false data are the norm. Even more damaging are the very wealthy (billionaires) Chinese who are accused of corruption and flee the country. More of these exiled tycoons are going public with details of how they were forced to operate by corrupt CCP officials. These confessions are in part an effort to persuade the country they took refuge in to refuse Chinese demands that the corrupt businessmen be extradited to China for prosecution and punishment. This has slowed down the extradition process a great deal. June 8, 2017: In the South China Sea two American B-1B bombers (based in Guam) flew through air space over the South China Sea that China claimed was Chinese but that the rest of the world does not recognize. China complained to the United States and was ignored. Meanwhile satellite photos reveal to the world that China is building military installations on newly created (by dredging sand onto reefs) islands. In southwest Pakistan ISIL revealed that they had kidnapped the Chinese couple that was taken on May 24th. The two Chinese were then murdered for being non-Moslem. Pakistan later found that the two were actually Christian missionaries who entered Pakistan without revealing their intentions. The killers were actually from Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al-Alami, a Sunni Islamic terror group that had been around for a while and regularly carried out terror attacks against Pakistani Shia. Iran has been pressuring Pakistan to crack down on these groups. That crackdown was more of an emergency once it became apparent that that Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al-Alami recently joined ISIL, a group that has had a difficult time establishing itself in Pakistan (and an even harder time in India and Bangladesh). Pakistan had assured China that the thousands of Chinese coming to Pakistan to build roads, a new port and other improvements, would be protected. As embarrassing as this incident was, the two victims were not part of the construction effort and China did not make a lot of it. Pakistan tracked down the group responsible and appears to have killed or captured most of them. Pakistan also said it would work more closely with China to improve the visa process for Chinese wishing to enter Pakistan. June 4, 2017: In the southwest, on the Indian border, two Chinese army helicopters flew across the border into India (Uttarakhand State) and remained for about five minutes before flying back to China. India protested and China said it wasnt intentional and was no big deal. The Indians disagreed, largely because China has been sending troops across the border with increasing frequency. The border is actually called the LAC (Line of Actual Control). Also known as the MacCartney-MacDonald Line the LAC is the unofficial border between India and China. The LAC is 4,057 kilometers long and is found in the Indian States of Ladakh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal, and Arunachal. On the Chinese side it is mostly Tibet. China claims much territory that is now considered part of India. There have been hundreds of armed confrontations over the last few years as one side or the other accuses foreign troops of crossing the LAC. June 2, 2017: The UN approved new sanctions on North Korea which included sanctions against organizations and individuals connected with ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. China will apparently go along with these new sanctions. May 31, 2017: Wang Baoan, the head of the National Statistics Bureau was convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to life in prison. The prosecution was mainly about with crimes committed earlier (1994-2016), mostly before he became Bureau chief in 2015. Wang Baoan, a career bureaucrat, became a very wealthy man (over $22 million in all) by accepting bribes and other favors. Most worrisome was his last post, running the scandal plagued National Statistics Bureau, which is believed to knowingly distribute falsified economic data for decades. May 27, 2017: North Korea once more quietly annoyed China as they declared its locally developed KN-06 air defense system had passed its final test and was entering mass production. First displayed publicly in a 2010 parade KN-06 is believed to be an attempt to clone the Chinese FT-2000 (which is a clone of the Russian S300). China may have quietly provided some data on KN-06 recently along with other intel on the capabilities of North Korean air defenses. It appears that no one has actually seen any successful tests of the KN-06 system or if they have they are keeping quiet about it. In terms of technical and manufacturing resources it is highly unlikely that North Korea has successfully cloned the FT-2000 and even if they had all the tech given to them (along with equipment samples) North Korea has demonstrated no capability to manufacture it in any quantity. The recent North Korean KN-06 announcements are seen (by South Koreans and Chinese) as a response to recent South Korean comments describing and disparaging the capabilities of North Korean air defenses. This was a side effect of South Korea recently starting production of its new KM-SAM (Iron Hawk) surface-to-air missile systems. The first batteries will enter service in 2018. KM-SAM is what North Korea implied they had with KN-06 but KM-SAM is real, developed and manufactured in South Korea and has numerous successful tests to its credit. News like this spreads quickly to North Korea these days and North Korea will often respond with some bizarre (t0 knowledgeable outsiders) claim that is mainly intended for the shrinking number of North Koreans who support their government. May 26, 2017: Over the South China Sea an American P-3C maritime patrol aircraft encountered two Chinese J10 fighters. All this was in international air space but the Chinese fighters proceeded to fly dangerously close. The Chinese ignored the protest, as they did for a similar incident in the East China Sea last week where an American reconnaissance aircraft collecting air samples (to check radiation levels) was threatened. Chinese warplanes increasingly intercept aircraft like the P-3C and attempt to force the American aircraft to change course. May 25, 2017: Another American warship (the destroyer USS Dewey) carried out a FONOP (freedom of navigation operation) in the South China Sea and came closer than 22 kilometers to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. Chinese media reported it differently and insisted that two Chinese warships forced the USS Dewey to leave the areas. In reality China did what it usually does and did not oppose the American destroyer. These exercises are meant to affirm that many of the Chinese claims to the entire South China Sea are invalid and that the right to free passage through Chinas EEZ is assured. May 24, 2017: In southwest Pakistan a Chinese couple was kidnapped near Quetta, the provincial capital. The two were operating a Chinese cultural center and learning how to speak the local language (Urdu). Local Islamic terrorists saw the two as Christian missionaries operating in an area full of groups that go after non-Moslems or Moslems considered heretics (usually everyone who is not Sunni). It was later revealed that the two were there to do missionary work. May 20, 2017: President Duterte says China threatened war if the Philippines went ahead with plans to drill for oil in offshore areas that international law recognizes as Filipino but that China claims actually belongs to them. Duterte openly criticizes other nations for not confronting China. All the South China Sea nations facing territorial losses because of Chinese claims have backed down. He points out that even the United States is unwilling to go up against China. Meanwhile the Chinese are openly moving more weapons to bases in the South China Sea as well as their main naval base in southern China (Hainan Island). When pressed a few Chinese officials would admit that in recent talks between Duterte and Chinese leaders it was mentioned that war was a possibility if other nations sought to take possession of Chinese territory. In other words (that non-Chinese can understand). Back off or die. Duterte later said he may have exaggerated a bit. May 19, 2017: In the west (Qinghai province) a Tibetan Buddhist monk burned himself to death to protest the Chinese occupation of Tibet. This makes 150 such protest deaths since 2009, after China had suppressed widespread unrest in Tibet. There was a major uprising in 2008 which was quickly and brutally put down. Areas where Tibetan resistance is most active have since been flooded with additional police and the Chinese troops stand ready to crush anymore insurrections. The decades old Chinese plan for cultural assimilation of the Tibetans proceeds. This is how the Chinese empire has expanded for thousands of years, and all around the periphery of China there are unassimilated groups, most of them too small to bother with. The Tibetans are numerous enough to target for cultural assimilation. May 16, 2017: China has agreed to provide financing, special equipment, materials and skills to work with Pakistan to modernize 1,600 kilometers of the main Pakistani north-south rail line. May 15, 2017: the JF-17B, a two-seat version of the Sino-Pakistani JF-17, made its first flight. The B version is built to be either an advanced trainer or, when equipped with a few million dollars worth of additional sensors and upgraded fire control electronics, an advanced fighter-bomber. The B version is also an effort to generate more export sales, the lack of which threatens the entire program. Since the JF-17A entered service in 2007 Pakistan has been aggressively seeking customers for its new jet fighter. By 2017 there were only 90 JF-17s built, all of them for Pakistan. There are orders from Burma for 16 and Nigeria for three but these two sales are more about diplomacy (and bribes) than military necessity. May 13, 2017: Chinese government controlled mass media featured stories about new combat UAVs and ballistic missiles with an emphasis on being able to destroy large enemy warships and evade defenses. That means the main target is the U.S. Navy. This media effort included mention of a jet powered UAV similar to the American Sea Avenger and a DF-26 ballistic missile that can find and hit large warships over a thousand kilometers away. Neither of these systems is known to work, even though the carrier-killer ballistic missile has been under development for over a decade. This sort of media offensive is usually aimed at American efforts to dispute Chinese claims in the South China Sea. But this time its mainly about American naval forces headed for Korea and the implied threat to North Korea and its nuclear program. Its also about the South Korea anti-missile systems, which the new Chinese systems were described being able to defeat. China is sending a message to the new South Korean president who took power today. Since 2010 (when North Korea actually attacked South Korea but tried to deny it) South Korean leaders have been less willing to follow the Chinese lead on North Korea and demanded that North Korea back off on its nuclear and other military threats to South Korea. China prefers both Koreas do what China wants and for South Korea this means no anti-ballistic missile systems. The new South Korean leader is believed to be less hardline and has agreed to meet with Chinese leaders to discuss the North Korean threat, and whatever else China is concerned about. Three arrested for running clickfarm of 347200 SIM Cards and 474 iPhones Its common knowledge that a significant amount of internet traffic comes via bots. Artificial accounts and bots are used to boost up traffic artificially for services and inflate likes and view counts on numerous social media platforms. When the Thailand police raided a house situated close to its Cambodian border, the world got a little glimpse into the mysterious world. Chinese Connection The police unearthed a fake click racket that was being run by Wang Dong, Niu Bang, and Ni Wenjin this past sunday. The 3 individuals were arrested by the Thai police on charges of working without a permit and smuggling SIM cards into the country. The setup that they discovered included 500 smartphones, 350,00 SIM cards, 21 SIM card readers, and nine computers that were being used in the operation. Initially though, the police didnt suspect a fake click farm, rather, they suspected the operation to be a fraudulent call center a very common scam in the country. Later the trio spilled the beans that they were actually running a network of so-called sock puppet accounts on Chinas largest social network, WeChat. The men were reported paid around 150,000 baht ($4403) by a company based in China for the operation. The operation was said to be based in Thailand owing to the countrys smartphone usage charges being relatively lower. Another reason for the scam could be the increasing level of difficulty in gaining bulk of SIM cards in the Peoples Republic of China. The Chinese government have recently begun asking users to provide identification before registering a SIM card. Thailand also has similar requirement however, therefore, the source of the huge number of SIM cards will remain uncertain until the authorities reveal more information. The Zombie Fan Problem The setup though surprising to us, is much more common than one would think with reports of several such farms across the country of China. Talking about WeChat in particular, it is very hard to identify how much of a problem such fake clicks are since the company is very private in its dealings. Created in 2010, the platform is designed for small groups of people to message each other similar to WhatsApp and boats of 880 million monthly active users. The reason behind the fake clicks being a problem is less to do with the company and more with the design of the application. The chat groups in the app are visible only to individuals who have been invited to it, thus making it extremely hard for anyone to verify such zombie fans with credible evidence. That doesnt mean the problem is being blown out of proportion however. A 2015 investigation conducted by The Bejinger showed its startlingly easy and inexpensive to manipulate likes and views on the messaging platform. However,charges related to working in Thailand illegally can come with a sentence of up to five years in prison and the culprits are also expected to pay a fine before being deported to China . Neither WeChat nor its parent company Tencent have made any public statements regarding this story as of this moment. Source: MOTHERBOARD M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company that provides commercial and retail banking services. The company's Business Banking segment offers deposit, lending, cash management, and other financial services to small businesses and professionals. Its Commercial Banking segment provides deposit products, commercial lending and leasing, letters of credit, and cash management services for middle-market and large commercial customers. The company's Commercial Real Estate segment originates, sells, and services commercial real estate loans; and offers deposit services. Its Discretionary Portfolio segment provides deposits; securities, residential real estate loans, and other assets; and short and long term borrowed funds, as well as foreign exchange services. The company's Residential Mortgage Banking segment offers residential real estate loans for consumers and sells those loans in the secondary market; and purchases servicing rights to loans originated by other entities. Its Retail Banking segment offers demand, savings, and time accounts; consumer installment loans, automobile and recreational finance loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and credit cards; mutual funds and annuities; and other services. The company also provides trust and wealth management; fiduciary and custodial; insurance agency; institutional brokerage and securities; and investment management services. It offers its services through banking offices, business banking centers, telephone and internet banking, and automated teller machines. As of December 31, 2021, the company operates 688 domestic banking offices in New York State, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia; and a full-service commercial banking office in Ontario, Canada. M&T Bank Corporation was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. 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Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, ASPF II Management GmbH, ASPF III Scots L.P., ASSURANCE, AST Investment Services Inc., Adlerwerke CB Investment LLC, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat S.A., Administradora de Inversiones Previsionales SpA, Aoba Life Insurance Company, Aoba Life Insurance Company Ltd., Asia Property Fund III GP S.a.r.l., Assurance IQ LLC, Assurance Intelligence LLC, BSC CP LP, Braeloch Holdings Inc., Braeloch Successor Corporation, Brazilian Capital Fund GP Limited, Broad Street Global Advisors LLC, Broome Street Holdings LLC, CB German Retail LLC, CLIS Co. Ltd., COLICO INC., Capital Agricultural Property Services Inc., Chadwick Boulevard Investment Holdings Co. LLC, Cibecue LLC, Coconino LLC, Colico II Inc., Columbus Drive Partners L.P., Commerce Street Holdings LLC, Commerce Street Investments LLC, Coolidge LLC, Coral Reef GP, Coral Reef L.P., Coral Reef Unit Trust, Cottage Street Investments LLC, Cottage Street Orbit Acquisition LLC, DICKENS AVENUE HOLDINGS VI LLC, DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI Ireland L.P., DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI US L.P., Dale/P Minerals Limited Partnership, Don Cesar Investor LLC, Dryden Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Dryden Finance II LLC, EVP II GP S.a r.l., EVP II Horizon GP S.a r.l., EVP II Sprint GP S.a r.l., Edison Place Senior Note LLC, Essex LLC, EuroCore GP S.a r.l., European Value Partners GP S.a.r.l., Everbright PGIM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Flagstaff LLC, GA 1600 Commons LLC, GA 333 Hennepin Investor LLC, GA BV LLC, GA Bay Area GP LLC, GA Bay Area Investor LLC, GA Belden LLC, GA CLARENDON LLC, GA Cal Crossings LLC, GA Collins LLC, GA E. 22nd Street Apartments Holdings LLC, GA East 86 Street LLC, GA JHCII LLC, GA MENLO PARK INVESTOR LLC, GA Manor at Harbour Island LLC, GA Metro LLC, GA TRITON INVESTOR LLC, GA W Paces LLC, GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLC, GIBRALTAR BSN HOLDINGS SDN BHD, GIBRALTAR INDIA SOLUTIONS LLP, Gateway Holdings II LLC, Gateway Holdings LLC, German Retail Income CP LP, Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Gibraltar International Insurance Services Company Inc., Gibraltar International Service LLC, Gibraltar Reinsurance Company Ltd., Gibraltar Universal Life Reinsurance Company, Glenealy International Limited, Global Portfolio Strategies Inc., Gold GP Limited, Gold II L.P., Gold L.P., Graham Resources Inc., Graham Royalty Ltd., Green Harvest Asset Management LLC, Green Tree GP, Green Tree L.P., Greenlee LLC, Halsey Street Investments LLC, Hirakata LLC, IVP Fund GP LLC, Impact Investments Bridges UK S.a.r.l, Inter-Atlantic G Fund L.P., Inversiones Previsionales Chile SpA, Inversiones Previsionales Dos SpA, Ironbound Fund LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, Kyarra S.a r.l., Kyoei Annuity Home Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Kyouei Nenkin Home, LINEUP LLC, Lake Street Partners IV L.P., Lotus Reinsurance Company Ltd., MC GA COLLINS HOLDINGS LLC, MC GA COLLINS REALTY LLC, MC Insurance Agency Services LLC, Manor at Harbour Island LLC, Marble Canyon LLC, Maricopa LLC, Market Street Holdings IV LLC, Montana Capital Partners, Morenci LLC, Mulberry Street Holdings LLC, Mulberry Street Investment L.P., Mulberry Street Partners LLC, Mullin TBG Insurance Agency Services LLC, MullinTBG Insurance Agency Services, National Family Assurance Group LLC, New Savanna, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund A LP, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund II - A LP, Orchard Street Acres Inc., PAI Bay Farm LLC, PAI Bayrock Groves LLC, PAI Belvidere Farms LLC, PAI Big Cypress Farm LLC, PAI Corcoran 640 Ranch LLC, PAI DeKalb Farm LLC, PAI Delano 1500 Ranches LLC, PAI Desert Falcon Farms Manager LLC, PAI Flicker Orchard LLC, PAI Good Hope Farm LLC, PAI Hawk Creek Ranch LLC, PAI Hills Valley Ranches LLC, PAI Holly Hill Groves LLC, PAI Hunt Farm LLC, PAI Jackson Bayou Farm LLC, PAI Lake Placid Groves LLC, PAI River Bend Ranches LLC, PAI Wallula Gap Vineyard LLC, PCP V Cayman AIV GP L.P., PEREF II Co-Invest 1 GP S.a r.l., PEREF II GP S.a r.l., PFI EM-Tech Fund I LLC, PG Business Service Co. Ltd, PG Collection Service Co. Ltd., PG Friendly Partners Co. Ltd., PGA Asian Retail Limited, PGA European Limited, PGI Co. Ltd, PGIM AC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM AVP IV GP S.a r.l., PGIM Advisory Shanghai Co. Ltd., PGIM Agricultural Investments GP LLC, PGIM Australia Pty Ltd, PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Fund L.P., PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Partners LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Feeder VI LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Fund VI L.P., PGIM Custom Harvest LLC, PGIM DC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC JV GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC Solutions LLC, PGIM European Financing Limited, PGIM European Services Limited, PGIM Financial Limited, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund II L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives GP LLC, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives II GP LLC, PGIM Foreign Investments Inc., PGIM Holding Company LLC, PGIM Holdings Limited, PGIM Hong Kong Ltd., PGIM INDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM INDIA TRUSTEES PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM IRELAND LIMITED, PGIM Inc., PGIM International Financing Inc., PGIM Investments Ireland Limited, PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM Japan Co. Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management Shanghai Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital Ireland Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM QUANTITATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC, PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Global Master Fund GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles II S de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Japan Ltd., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. CORE Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate UK Limited, PGIM Scots Limited, PGIM Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Shanghai Company Ltd., PGIM Singapore Pte. Ltd., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM Taronga Investor GP LLC, PGIM U.S. Agriculture Fund LP, PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Wadhwani LLP, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings UK Limited, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP SCOTS FEEDER LLP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF Debt Fund Manager LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica Business Consulting Shanghai Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Pramerica Insurance Agency China Company Ltd., Pramerica Luxembourg CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate Scots LP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I Scotland Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Netherlands GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Scots CP GP LLP, Preco III Scotland Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Inc., Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd. Prudential Gibraltar Agency Kabushiki Kaisha, Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Select Strategies LLC, Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Tax Services LLC, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service, Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy US Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., VIP Australia Holding Company LLC, VIP Australia Trustee Pty Ltd, Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I Ireland L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I US L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC. Read More Over 100 nabbed over illegal network business The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested 102 people for their alleged involvement in illegal network business. WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates through two segments, Corrugated Packaging and Consumer Packaging. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers. It also provides structural and graphic design, engineering services and custom, and proprietary and standard automated packaging machines, as well as turn-key installation, automation, line integration, and packaging solutions; distributes corrugated packaging materials and other specialty packaging products, including stretch films, void fills, carton sealing tapes, and other specialty tapes; operates recycling facilities that collect, sort, grade, and bale recovered paper; and provides lithographic laminated packaging products, as well as contract packing services. The Consumer Packaging segment manufactures and sells folding cartons that are used to package food, paper, beverages, dairy products, tobacco, confectionery, health and beauty, other household consumer, and commercial and industrial products; and express mail packages for the overnight courier industry. It also offers inserts and labels, as well as rigid packaging and other printed packaging products, such as transaction cards, brochures, product literature, marketing materials, and grower tags and plant stakes for the horticultural market; and secondary packages and paperboard packaging for over-the-counter and prescription drugs. In addition, this segment manufactures and sells solid fiber and corrugated partitions, and die-cut paperboard components principally to glass container manufacturers and the automotive industry, as well as producers of beer, food, wine, spirits, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. WestRock Company is based in Atlanta, Georgia. The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: APM Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Cryo Intermediate Inc., Acme Cryogenics, Acme Cryogenics Inc., Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o., Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Audax ECII Blocker Inc., Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, AvaLAN Wireless Systems Incorporated, BELVAC CR spol s r.o., BSC Filters Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Blue Bite LLC, Blue Bite LLC, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CDS Visual Inc., CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., Cryogenic Experts LLC, DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dositec Sistemas SL, Dosmatic U.S.A. Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services Europe S.R.L., Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover Switzerland Participations GmbH, Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ECI - IGT Holdings LLC, ECI Holding Company LLC, ECI RegO S. de R.L. de C.V, ECI RegO Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., ECII (Mexico) LLC, EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty Ltd, Em-Tec, Engineered Controls International LLC, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, LIQAL B.V., Liquip, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Germany GmbH, Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Service (Taiwan) Ltd., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Macro Technologies LLC, Malema, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty. Ltd., Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn. Bhd., Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A., Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Midwest Cryogenics Inc., Mouvex, Northeast Services Inc., Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OK International Ltd., OPW Engineered Systems LLC, OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, Quantex Arc Limited, Quantex Patents Limited, RAV France, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, RegO (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., RegO Holding GmbH, RegO Products, RegO Valve (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Rego GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd., SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP France, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Shanghai RegO Flow Technology Company Ltd., Shine Bloom - ECI A Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI S Blocker Corp., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Soft-Pak, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana S.R.L., Superior Holding LLC, Superior Products LLC, Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Espy Corporation, The Heil Co., Tokheim, Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, WellMark, and em-tec GmbH. Read More Lets dispel with the fiction that Bill Cosbys defense didnt know what it was doing. Photo: Pool/Getty Images Bill Cosbys criminal trial began on Monday, June 5, with powerful opening statements from both Cosbys lawyer, Brian McMonagle, and prosecutor Kristen Feden. It continued for five days, during which the jury heard from Andrea Constand, the woman accusing Cosby of sexual assault, as well as 11 other witnesses, including Constands mother and another of Cosbys alleged victims. And on the sixth day, after calling just one witness, Cosbys defense team rested its case. The approach seemed to catch the media (including New York) off guard. Many news outlets expressed surprise that the defenses argument would focus solely on impugning Constands credibility rather than, say, attempting to bolster Cosbys by calling big-name character witnesses, or doing anything else to depict him as the harmless mentor figure his lawyer described on day one. Had the defense had simply given up? But among experts in criminal defense, the actions of Cosbys team have been much less controversial in fact, the consensus view is that his lawyers did more or less what was expected. The jury has yet to reach a decision in the case, but in the aftermath of the trial, we asked four legal experts to explain why Cosbys narrowly tailored defense strategy made more sense than the first wave of headlines may have suggested. Often, the defense decides less is more. I wasnt surprised that the trial ended when it did. If theres no one else present when the incident happens, youre not swimming in likely defense witnesses. Most people who practice criminal defense were not at all surprised that Bill Cosby didnt take the stand that wouldve been an extraordinarily difficult cross-examination to navigate. I dont have the sense that he is at the height of his faculties, which wouldve made it even more difficult, and there was the chance it couldve opened him up to questions about dozens of other women. The other powerful reason not to let him anywhere near the witness stand is his deposition that deposition was very harmful to him and very difficult for him to explain, and when that happens, you often decide that less is more. I think they didnt call character witnesses for the same reason: The prosecution would have been able to ask the character witness, Have you heard about the fact that 60 other women have accused him of essentially the same conduct? The jury may know that already because they, you know, live in the world, but its been kept from them as an evidentiary matter. And if I was a defense lawyer, I would not prefer that question to be asked. So you rule out character witnesses, you rule out eye witnesses, you rule out him, and you wind up with very little in the way of a defense case. This is a high-profile case, and I think a lot of people think, well what does the other side say? And the answer here is that what the other side had to say, they said in cross-examination. Paul Shechtman, former New York State Director of Criminal Justice Bill Cosbys testimony couldve been disastrous. Bill Cosbys testimony couldve been disastrous. The events happened a very long time ago, the deposition testimony happened a long time ago, and hes not a young man. If hed said anything on the stand that was inconsistent with even a minor detail of a prior statement, that wouldve been grist for cross-examination. Inconsistency couldve been taking the stand and flat-out denying that he had provided quaaludes to partners. But even minor things, like an account of how many times he believed hed spoken to the victim, or if he characterized their interaction differently, wouldve been grist for cross-examination. And eventually a witness can just start to look bad, even if theyre only being cross-examined about relatively minor aspects of their account. Whats more and I think this is something the public can sometimes miss sometimes the fact that the defendant has not called witnesses is made to suggest that there isnt a defense. And thats just a real misunderstanding of what the defenses burden is. The defense doesnt have a burden; its the prosecution that has to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. So equating no defense as a weak defense case misses the fact that a lot of the defenses work happens in cross-examination. In sexual-assault cases, its not uncommon for the states case to rest very heavily on the credibility of the alleged victim. And its something that prosecutors are very aware of when theyre deciding whether to bring a case. They know that the victims account is going to be at the center of the case, and its typically where the defense launches its attack. Jennifer Laurin, professor, University of Texas School of Law If the defense does not put a dent in the credibility of the accuser, theyre going to lose. Other than that, they have nothing to add. It would be very unusual to put the client or defendant on the stand. Defendants who take the stand tend to do very poorly; they tend to hurt themselves more than they help themselves. Thats because, first of all, its very hard for anyone to testify, period. And secondly, you dont know how people are going to react to someones personality and credibility. So if youre counting on putting the client on to make a good impression, thats a huge risk to take. And here you dont need that, because Bill Cosbys reputation precedes him. Right now, the jury only has Andrea Constands truthfulness to consider, and the prosecution needs to prove her truthfulness beyond a reasonable doubt a very high standard. The defense only needs reasonable doubts about her truthfulness they only need one person to have some questions about whether shes telling the truth or not. That makes sex crimes very difficult to prosecute precisely because of this type of strategy: The defense prefers to keep all the scrutiny on the complainant testifying. The only kind of evidence that wouldve been worth putting on for them wouldve been very blatant evidence that would undercut the complainants version. But its very rare to have evidence in a consent case thats a quote-on-quote slam dunk. Basically, all of the defenses work was done in the cross-examination of the complainant and the secondary witness. If the defense does not put a dent in the credibility of the accuser, theyre going to lose. Other than that, they have nothing to add. Shan Wu, former federal prosecutor specializing in sex crimes The question is whether she can be believed beyond a reasonable doubt. To me, the defense was entirely predictable. When defense lawyers see a risk that the defendant testifying will open the door to damaging evidence, they keep the defendant off the stand. And there was no way that Cosby could either testify or call a character witness without opening the door for the prosecution to bring in all the other women whove accused him. Instead, the question is whether [Andrea Constand] can be believed beyond a reasonable doubt thats Cosbys entire defense. And here it appears that his lawyer has a very good argument about the credibility of the complaining witness. Hes got her inconsistencies on the date, hes got her accompanying him to the casino after the event, hes got some discrepancies in her account to law-enforcement officers, so obviously hes resting his case entirely on that. In sexual-assault cases, this is probably more common than any other defense. In fact, in any one-witness case, the most common defense is to attack the credibility of the prosecution. These are difficult cases, and theyve taken certain precautions to try to protect the complaining witness. But theres really no way to have a criminal case where a persons freedom is at stake if you limit the ability of the defendant to challenge the truthfulness of the evidence against him. Bill Jeffress, trial attorney Parties rope in resourceful, tainted leaders to run for local election There is a growing tendency among leaders to switch from one party to another in the places where second phase of local level elections are due to be held on June 28. J.Crew is planning on closing some stores. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Under its recently named new CEO Jim Brett, J.Crew is making some changes. Cosmopolitan reports that on a conference call yesterday, the retailer said it plans to close about 20 stores. And its famous catalog the one you may well have thumbed through in college, making note of the creative color names is also changing. While its not going anywhere, the Style Guide, as they call it, will be reinvented, with fewer pages, and more money going to digital initiatives, according to Racked. Its one of several changes for the brand in recent months. Longtime CEO Mickey Drexler stepped down to become chairman last week, and Brett has taken over. In April, longtime chief design officer and de facto face of the brand Jenna Lyons announced that she would be stepping down from the position. (Though shes staying on through the end of the year in a creative advisor role.) Police in a federal model The Nepal Police is experiencing the most fundamental change to its structures, policies and practices in recent history. As the country moves ahead in adopting a federal political system, the police will also undergo a federalisation process in accord with the Constitution of Nepal. Police, villagers clash over gang rape incident Four police personnel and as many villagers were injured in a Sunday night clash in Aurahi, Mahottari, over a gang rape incident. Protest will snatch away Madhesis voting rights: Upendra Yadav Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav has said the protest launched by the Rastriya Janta Party Nepal (RJPN) against the second phase of local polls will snatch away the voting rights of Madhesi people. RJP-N strike disrupts life in Tarai, eastern hill districts Normal life has been hit hard in various districts in the Tarai and eastern hills on Tuesday due to the general strike called by Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N). WINNIPEGThe U.S. is setting the stage to heighten one of its most-contested trade battles with Canada this month as a decision over lumber duties nears. The U.S. Department of Commerce is scheduled to announce whether it will impose preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber by the end of June. The U.S. already escalated the row in April by slapping tariffs of up to 24.1 per cent on Canadian shipments. This months decision may bring the combined duties to more than 30 per cent, according to RBC Capital Markets. The fees would be levied against companies such as West Fraser Timber Co. and Canfor Corp. While the spat between the worlds two largest trading partners goes back decades, tensions have intensified amid U.S. President Donald Trumps tough talk on the North American Free Trade Agreement. The dispute over softwood lumber was reignited in November when the U.S. lumber industry filed a petition asking for duties. The group alleges Canadian wood is heavily subsidized and imports are harming U.S. mills and workers. Lumber futures in Chicago have surged amid concerns that the trade battle will disrupt supplies. I think its the consistent U.S. position and probably pumped up with Trump, to hit the Canadians hard off the bat, force them to the negotiation table by hurting them financially, said Paul Quinn, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets in Vancouver. Youre going to see less shipments out of Canada as a result of a 30-per-cent tax. Canada has pledged to fight the duties and announced it will assist lumber producers with a $867-million aid package. While talks with the U.S. are continuing, the two sides are still quite far apart, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in Montreal on Monday. Canada is the worlds largest softwood lumber exporter and the U.S. is its biggest market. The dispute has contributed to a more than 18-per-cent surge in wood prices from the end of January to mid-May as companies raised prices to compensate for potential duties, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence report. The most-recent deal between the countries expired in October 2015, and Canada was given one year to ship lumber tariff-free while both parties were negotiating a new accord. If we have no deal it will be years, years of litigation, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said Monday. We were ready to defend our workers and the softwood lumber industry before Mr. Trump was elected, and this is what we are doing as we speak. Read more: Hundreds of Quebec lumber workers among first to lose work after Trumps softwood tariffs United States softwood lumber duties to cost 2,200 jobs, report says Canada braces for tough times in U.S. lumber dispute Anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber may reach 10 per cent to 15 per cent as the U.S. tries to hurt producers financially, Quinn said. That rate would put combined duties in line with the 32-per-cent duties imposed during a previous softwood trade battle in 2001, CIBC analyst Hamir Patel said in an April 24 report. After a previous trade pact expired, anti-dumping duties reached as high as 12.6 per cent from 2001 to 2006, according to the report. The additional tariff will probably further lift lumber prices as Canadian companies raise quotes to offset the cost, said Kevin Mason, managing director of Vancouver-based ERA Forest Products Research. Read more about: SHARE: CARTAGENA, COLOMBIAYou cant go to Colombia without experiencing great coffee. We found a java philosopher in old Cartagenas Getsemani, as well exotic birds, ice-pop rainbows and an island escape. Cafe philosopher: Cafe del Mural, down a narrow Getsemani street, is where David Arzayus, 46, shares wisdom and knowledge toiling amid beakers and burners in his coffee laboratory, to craft the best coffee youve ever had. The former Bogota civil engineer and industrial designer sought a life change, coming here to roast, blend and create brews like the velvety, slightly sweet peasants coffee, served in a gourd cup. Open 3 p.m. til 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Tastings are available, including How can I do that? for about $28 (Canadian). Island time: White sand beaches and warm, turquoise water fulfil Caribbean fantasies on a trip to Islas del Rosario, about an hour by boat from Cartagena. We spent the day lounging on the beach at San Pedro de Majagua Hotel, an eco-stay and restaurant built on the site of the former home and studio of French painter Pierre Daguet. Youll need to take a dive boat to do any snorkeling, but returning swimmers said it was worth it; theyd seen plenty of marine life on the reef. Handy and crafty: Brilliantly coloured woven work by Wayuu Indigenous craftspeople of Northeast Colombia comes in a variety of designs, sizes and styles, including bucket-shaped bags and backpacks. Vibrant woollen pom-poms are on everything, from flip-flops to earrings. Intricately woven traditional black-and-white sombreros are great souvenirs, as are handbags made from the same materials. Buy from street hawkers or in shops. El Centro Artesano on Calle de la Universidad is more expensive but has excellent quality wooden pieces, pottery and woven decor items. Get refreshed: Indulge in a rainbow of delicious fresh fruit juices and blends, served icy cold to help manage the humidity and constant heat. Not-too-sweet coconut lemonade is a popular refresher and I fell hard for deep burgundy-coloured corozo, a sweet-tart palm tree fruit used in drinks and desserts. There are gelato shops all over the old city and I was a regular at La Paletteria, with its gorgeous selection of handcrafted ice-pops made from fruit, chocolate, caramel and other flavours blended with water, yogurt or cream. Take flight: The newly opened National Aviary is about an hour from Cartagena on Baru Island and home to more than 130 species, including the Andean Condor, Colombias national bird. Walk through seven hectares of created ecosystems some enclosed, others open, where birds fly free to see a stunning array of tropical species, including scarlet macaws, blue-winged mountain tanagers and toucans. Book a taxi or take a tour to get there and bring water, sunscreen and a hat. Linda Barnard was hosted by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, which did not review or approve this story. SHARE: A little-known federal rule has caused a Pride flag to be removed outside an Ontario high school. The flag at Wellington Heights Secondary School in Mount Forest was raised at the request of the schools social equity committee, Georgia Mills, 17, told The Star. She said the Pride message was felt to be particularly important in their small town, with a high school population of only 569 students. Shortly after it was raised, however, Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) received complaint from a community member, pointing to the federal governments rules on flying the national flag. The Pride flag was hung on the same flagpole as the Canadian one, they pointed out, meaning Wellington Heights was in violation of the Dignity of the Flag subsection. The cited rules arent governed by any legislation, but by established practice. The Canadian government webpage on the subject clearly cites that the rules applied by the federal government are not mandatory for individuals or organizations; they serve as guidelines. But the board still elected to remove the flag from Wellington Heights. The response to the flag coming down was crushing to some of the students and staff who have worked so hard to create an atmosphere of equality and acceptance, Mills told The Star. Other schools in the board have flown secondary flags on their poles, UGDSB Communications and Community Engagement Officer Heather Loney told The Star but theyve never received a complaint. Wellington teacher Jessica Rowden, who runs the student equity group, pointed out that the complaint wasnt originally based in policy; rather, it only came after several complaints about the flags political weight. After reading the federal rules, the board said they were faced with an uncharted question. Its not legislation, but it is there, Loney explained. Like most UGDSB schools, Wellington Heights only has a single flagpole and the board requires the Canadian flag to be flown outside daily. UGDSB did float the idea of purchasing secondary poles, but such a decision would require incorporation into their budgets. For now, the board has decided to look at their own policies in consultation with the federal government. No other schools have been directed to remove their secondary flags, while at Wellington Heights, the Pride flag has stayed indoors. Rowden says that for LGBT-identifying students, the incident has led to insecurity and tough conversations about their local community. In 2014, a similar incident raised ire in Fredericton, New Brunswick, when then-Premier David Alward barred Leo Hayes High School from raising a rainbow flag for Pride Week. At the time, Alward also argued that the question was one of protocol for government buildings as a whole, not the specific flag. While boards like Waterloo Region District have recently announced their decision to fly rainbow flags at all public schools throughout June, UGDSB doesnt currently have any board-wide directives beyond the Canadian flag. Mills noted that many students took the chain of events as indicative of how backwards our smaller community can be. However, she said she sees the flags removal as a perfect illustration of its importance. We cant be dismayed with our efforts as a committee and student body in terms of moving Wellington Heights and Mount Forest into the accepting world of 2017, she said. Our efforts in raising a Pride flag can not go unnoticed. SHARE: OTTAWACanadas top general says he was horrified by images revealed by the Star of an elite Iraqi squad torturing and in one case, executing a detainee. The actions of the Iraqi Emergency Response Division make it no better than Daesh and undermine efforts for lasting peace once extremists have been defeated in Iraq, Gen. Jonathan Vance told the Star in an interview. It doesnt even fall into the category of understandable. In fact, it mirrors what Daesh is doing, and you lose if you dont maintain the moral high ground in this kind of a war, said Vance, the chief of defence staff. Vance didnt mince words in his reaction to the disturbing images captured by photographer Ali Arkady during time he spent embedded with the unit. The veteran officer said he was horrified and sickened by the photos that show knives held to detainees heads, fingers pressed into eye sockets and beneath tongues with muscle-crushing force, detainees beaten while suspended from the ceiling by their arms. The abuse was meted out not by extremists but rather the ERD, a special forces branch that reports to the Interior Ministry. One shocking video clip, provided by the soldiers themselves to Arkady, shows an execution in which a barefoot suspect tries to flee, arms bound behind him, as two Iraqi officers shoot him in the back. It goes to show you we dealt with this, of course, in Afghanistan that some parts of the world have been lawless, ungoverned, ill-governed for so long that theyve got a long way to come back, Vance said. Read more: Bound. Tortured. Killed: The investigation into the murder and torture of Iraqi detainees Will Iraqi special forces get away with murder? Canada must help to stop torture: Editorial How the Star vetted hundreds of torture photos But Vance said such actions cost the Iraqi soldiers not just their moral authority but also the support of the local citizens. Its wrong, and its not going to work. It will not result in the kind of clean, pure celebrated victory that that country needs as it rids itself of this menace. It will just generate something else, he said. It makes me sick on a number of levels. But just my sense of professionalism and how I understand modern warfare, it doesnt work. It is not a valid way of conducting military operations. It is in fact counterproductive. Non-governmental organizations have expressed similar concerns that once Daesh is defeated in Iraq, the unifying force of fighting a common enemy will give way to internal retribution and score-settling that will set back efforts to bring lasting peace to the country. Canada deployed special operations forces soldiers to northern Iraq in 2014 as part of coalition efforts to assist Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers in their battle against Daesh. While the Canadian troops have more recently begun working with Iraqi security forces around Mosul, theyve had no direct involvement with the ERD unit implicated in abuse of detainees, according to the Defence Department. Yet Vance concedes that some people would see the abuse of the Iraqi unit as a reason that Canada should be not involved in the country at all. Other people, like me, would look at it and say, Theyre horrible. They need training, advice and assistance, he said. The fact is the mission has to succeed, the country has to succeed. They are not going to succeed. They are operationally going to be impeded by this type of thing. They wont be able to re-establish norms in their country and be a civilized state once all the bad guys are gone if ... they have treated people like this, Vance said. We dont want them to fail. We want Iraq to be stable. Thats why were there. Indeed, Vance said the laws of armed conflict and proper treatment of prisoners are among the lessons Canadian troops are trying to impart to Iraqi security forces as part of their advise-and-assist mission. Were very good at that. Its not corny stuff. Its not bringing a fuzzy set of imprecise Canadian values to bear. Those Canadian values are values which actually underpin the law of armed conflict, that underpin the Geneva Conventions, he said. That is one of the fundamentals of professionalism, the righteous, judicial application of force. We all have it in common, everyone in uniform thats a professional, he said. Those who are not, those who fall into the category of ragtag militia... theyre on your side, theyre armed, but theyre not professional. After the abuse was revealed, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canadian diplomats in Baghdad and Ottawa raised their concerns with senior Iraqi officials and sought assurances that the ERD unit would be investigated. The task force overseeing Operation Inherent Resolve the coalition effort against Daesh said it provided all information about the allegations to the Iraqi government. It said the Ministry of the Interior had struck a committee to lead the investigation impartially and, once complete, take legal actions in accordance with the law. But the coalition had no update last week on the status of the Iraqi investigation. With files from Mitch Potter and Michelle Shephard SHARE: EDMONTONPolice in Edmonton have a suspect in custody following a womans complaint that she was pulled over by a man who impersonated a peace officer and sexually assaulted her. The woman told police she was driving home early on June 4 when she was directed to pull over by a vehicle with flashing lights. She said a man, who was dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform, got out and told her he wouldnt proceed with criminal charges if she performed sexual acts on him. The woman alleged she was driven to another area and sexually assaulted before being driven home. Paul David Derksen, who is 50, has been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault, and is to appear in court on Wednesday. Police say Derksen was contracted by the city to supervise automated enforcement such as photo radar and wears a uniform as party of his job. Read more about: SHARE: A group of Cambridge, Ont., students are charged up after winning the chance to test their nuclear physics experiment in Switzerland. Pere-Rene-de-Galinee high schools Charging Cavaliers will visit CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, with their co-winners from Italy. The two sets of students will visit the nuclear research organizations Geneva headquarters in September to test CERNs high-tech accelerator beam. The group of 13 students won the Beamline for Schools competition after 180 teams from 43 countries submitted applications. They will search for elemental particles with fractional charges by observing their light emission current understanding of particles is incapable of measuring electrons and protons in fractions. We thought it was very innovative. Its a fun proposal, said Charlotte Warakaulle, the nuclear research organizations director of international relations. We dont know whether they will actually be able to prove what theyre setting out to prove but we like when people have ambition and they have ambition, she added. Theyre really taking on the big theories and trying to put them to the test and we love that level of ambition, the way that theyre trying to tackle the big questions in physics. The Charging Cavaliers are the first North American group to win the Beamline for Schools competition since its inception four years ago on CERNs 60th anniversary. Previous winners hailed from Italy, United Kingdom, South Africa, Netherlands, Greece and Poland. If the groups experiment is successful, it could be groundbreaking, according to Dr. James Pinfold, an internationally renowned particle physicist. Pinfold, 65, served as the groups advisor throughout the application process and worked at CERN with George McKarris, the father of one of the students. He credits the students for their energy and judgment. I presented a few ideas to them and they chose this one because theyre excited by the possibility of discovery and the possibility of getting involved in fundamental research, said Pinfold. Its blue sky stuff but whats exciting about it is its asking fundamental questions, its very well based in the theory and theres a possibility of course that some discovery may be made and if a discovery was made it would be a monumental discovery. There are currently 175 Canadians scientists working on experiments at CERN. Pinfold hopes the students trip to Geneva will inspire them to continue their nuclear physics research. I think thats one of the great challenges of big science is to involve the public and also the youngest possible students at the earliest age to make the greatest impact in the excitement and the importance of curiosity-driven basic research, he said. Grade 12 student Paul McKarris, who moved from Switzerland to Canada to pursue an application to the University of Waterloo, led the group after learning about Beamline for Schools while interning at CERN. Still, despite his early experience in the field, McKarris was shocked when he found out theyd won. No one believed that we won, he said. Its going to be huge for me. Physics (has been) my life since I was a kid, I love physics. Its a very big opportunity for me to run an experiment with a team and its very big for Canada too because were the first team out of North America who won. McKarris tried to get female students involved because he believes women are underrepresented in the physics community. The Charging Cavaliers are composed of six boys and seven girls. Beyond working with some of the top physicists in the world, Pinfold also hopes to arrange for the students to build a detector, like the one theyll work on at CERN, in Geneva. Jacques Denis, the students teacher at Pere-Rene-de-Galinee, says he hasnt seen anything quite like these students. Ive been teaching for almost 20 years now and the fun part about being a teacher is being around kids that are really focused and when the heart and the smarts and the gut and perseverance comes together you can do a lot of things and this is just an example, he said. We encourage them to come up with cutting edge proposals that go through the same scientific checks that other proposals do, which is really inspiring for them and its not just something we do just do it. Its really to give them that sense of scientific curiosity and for them to understand scientific method, added Warakaulle. For their win, Pere-Rene-de-Galinee high school will also receive a Cosmic-Pi detector, which allows for detection of cosmic-ray particles coming from outer space. Together, Denis thinks his 13 students can make a difference. When you believe, when you work together, when you persevere, anything can happen. Theyll become important leaders for our community. I have a very remarkable group of students with me, he said. SHARE: After surviving 11 years in a residential school with art as his only escape, 19-year-old Alex Janvier was ready for freedom. But in mid-1950s Canada, freedom still depended on the colour of ones skin. Janvier was offered a spot at what is now the Ontario College of Art and Design. But his destiny lay in the hands of the Indian agent from his home reserve in Alberta. The agent said no the man who would become one of Canadas most celebrated indigenous artists wasnt smart enough to go. A chance to study in the United Kingdom was similarly denied. Under Canadas pass system a vestige imposed during the failed Northwest Rebellion to prevent others from leaving reserves to join the uprising which lingered into the mid-20th century there was no appeal, no recourse. SHARE: Brampton taxpayers and councillors are demanding a police investigation into a secretive program authorized by senior staffers who paid non-union employees $1.25 million without councils knowledge or approval going back to 2009. The whole administration in Brampton has become a joke, said Regional Councillor John Sprovieri, as questions mount about who was behind and benefitted from the secretive fund revealed in a report delivered to the audit committee last week. The fund handed out discretionary salary increases to 167 non-union city employees including bonuses for favouritism between Jan. 1, 2009, and May 14, 2014, the report found. Council did not authorize these payments and staff took the money without proper approvals and that to me is no better than someone taking money out of the cash (register) when nobody is looking, Sprovieri said in an interview. The bombshell news last week led to a flood of calls and emails to the Brampton Guardian and social media posts by taxpayers demanding a police probe. Responding to the outcry, Sprovieri said, I think we should call in the cops to see if this was fraud and whoever was responsible for approving this should be brought to justice. Sprovieri said he will seek councils support for a police force other than Peels (to avoid any appearance of a conflict) to conduct the investigation. The audit report delivered to councillors June 7 focuses on a practice that became common among the citys non-union staff called Outside Policy Requests (OPR). Payments to individual staff ranged from as little as $123 to more than $95,000, the audit report said. A total of $316,000 was paid to just eight employees. Councillors will vote next week (June 21) on staffs recommendation to immediately abandon the OPR practice. Bramptons auditors said the bonuses were not authorized under relevant rules and that, over time, OPR requests were approved for reasons beyond its initial intention. They added that with no oversight or formalized processes the OPR practice became mismanaged. The report notes that favouritism was listed as one of the top 10 reasons to allow an OPR bonus in documents never shared publicly or with council. After the reports release, Mayor Linda Jeffrey stepped up her previous calls to have an outside set of eyes look further into the citys finances. She has even suggested a permanent, independent auditor general for Brampton, similar to the oversight of council and administrators in their stewardship over public funds that Torontos AG provides. This is at best serious negligence and at worst corruption, she said in an email last week. I will continue to explore any and all avenues available to us. With residents screaming for an investigation, Jeffrey said Monday she would support any third-party investigation ... residents are demanding that we get to the bottom of this and respect their tax dollars. Many taxpayers agree. Brampton taxpayers deserve answers, said resident George Startup, who attends most city council meetings and has been highly critical of staff mismanagement in the past. Asked who was responsible for initiating and approving the program and payments, and for the names of staffers that received the secret bonuses, Brampton spokesperson Natalie Stogdill said, The city will not be citing specific individuals. We are committed to the recommendations and action plans to strengthen our internal controls moving forward, read a statement provided by the city. Regional Councillor Elaine Moore, who chaired the audit committee for much of the period identified in the audit report, said she knew nothing of the practice and would throw her support behind a police investigation. Regional Councillor Gael Miles, who has been on council for three decades and is the former budget chair who directly oversaw city budgets during much of the secret OPR program, defended the practice last week, denying that the secretive payments amounted to a slush fund. Read more about: SHARE: WARNING: This column contains graphic content. How fortuitous indeed to have a friend when in blotto-faced need. Const. Sameer Kara, one of three Toronto cops charged with sexual assault against a female parking enforcement officer, was unquestionably booze-blitzed to the gills on the evening of Jan. 15, 2015. Serially up-chucking he was, spewing hither and yon as a group of 51 Division off-duty officers wound their way from bar to bar on Rookie Buy Night. So decent and arm-around was Officer Elias Tissawak that he volunteered to take Kara back to the hotel room reserved by a colleague earlier in the day, after helping the inebriate off his knees in the washroom, where Kara had been communing with a toilet bowl. I said, Ill take care of him, Tissawak told court Monday. I waited till he finished throwing up, then I helped him up. I helped him wash his face and hands. He couldnt keep his eyes open. Leaning heavily for assistance, the weight of Kara swayed me left and right, almost like dancing. READ MORE: Defence tells trial officer cant recall sex acts she willingly took part in Outside the Pravda Vodka Bar, taxis refused to stop for them. Finally, Tissawak propped Kara against a car and flagged down a cab. Arriving at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Tissawak had to race around to the other side of the vehicle to get Kara safely onto the sidewalk and through the revolving doors. Before they could make it through the lobby, Kara puked again on a counter. But Tissawak got his buddy into an elevator and up to the room. Unlaced Karas shoes and removed them. Pulled off his sweater. Tried to get him under the sheets. The minute I did that, he was on the pillow snoring. His task fulfilled, Tissawak returned to Pravda and shortly thereafter the gang tootled up to the Brass Rail. Tissawak recalled walking along with the parking enforcement officer, who complained about the heels on her high leather boots. She was able to walk on her own, Tissawak testified Monday. But asked to review the statement he gave to investigators with Professional Standards, Tissawak quoted himself thusly: It looks like she wasnt feeling too good. If theres a good guy in the sordid events which ensued, it was Tissawak, who was sipping Coke when the party got to the strip joint. Whether the sex assault complainant (her name protected by a publication ban) was, as shes testified, forced into having oral sex and intercourse later with three cops at the hotel, too drunk or perhaps drugged to fend them off; or, as the defence asserts, a consensual and eager participant in the menage a quatre, actually the maestro behind all those sex acts, it was either-way a sordid encounter. But Tissawak had gone home by then, he and another cop making their goodbyes at the Brass Rail as the complainant and two remaining cops got into a cab, headed for the Westin. Under cross-examination, Tissawak agreed that he never heard the complainant being invited back to the Westin. I didnt understand why she would jump in the cab. Constables Kara, Leslie Nyznik and Joshua Cabero have all pleaded not guilty to the single charge of sexual assault. If, as she has insisted, the complainant suddenly felt ill during that cab ride, her vision blurred, and once in the hotel room was so weirdly incapacitated beyond routine drunkenness that she couldnt halt the alleged assault or get herself out of there until some two and a half hours later then its a shame those present took less considerate care of the woman than Tissawak had earlier with Kara. One might expect such solicitude from friends and colleagues. The complainant testified last week that she went to the hotel intending to rouse Kara its unclear whose idea that had been so they could venture out again. Kara was the officer she knew best, her pal. Nobody from among the high-powered defence roster has yet claimed that any of the cops in that room Kara (after he woke up), Nyznik and Cabero, declined to have sex with the complainant. Although Patrick Ducharme, who represents Cabero, suggested the woman may have confused his client, mistaken his voice, for one of the other accused. From swabs taken at a hospital three days later, only Caberos DNA profile could be ruled out as a match with excretions found on the alleged victims body and clothing, the prosecution told court in their opening address. For Kara and Nyznik, the astronomical odds of not being the source of the semen varied ranged from 1 in 440 million to 1 in 68 trillion (Kara) to one in 490 quadrillion (Nyznik). Meanwhile, the complainants memory of the alleged assault ranged from firm (Nyznik placing his penis in her mouth) to sketchy, more of a sensation of being vaginally penetrated by someone (apparently Cabero). It was at that point, she testified, that an awakening Kara said: Guys, stop. Josh, stop. Come on, stop. And then Kara allegedly had intercourse with her as well. The defence has banged on about the unreliability of the complainants memory and inconsistencies in her testimony when compared with original statements made to investigators. Having elicited from the complainant that she was clearly wrong in some details they hadnt walked to the Brass Rail, for instance, theyd taken a cab Karas lawyer, Alan Gold, on Monday challenged the witness on the rest of her recollections. You voluntarily participated in an act that you simply do not remember, why is that not possible? Witness: Because the parts I do remember, I definitely was not consenting. Ducharme tilled the same furrows. How are we to tell your memories apart, some that are so detailed and some that are so inaccurate? The complainant finally got off the stand midday, after which Tissawak was sworn in. Under cross-examination by Nyzniks lawyer, Harry Black, Tissawak appeared taken aback had no recall of texts he exchanged with the complainant the following day. Hows the hangover?, Tissawak had asked. Pretty bad . . . I remember now why I dont do that more often. Tissawak: Hahah! I feel bad for you. You were all right yesterday. You looked buzzed but not drunk!! Complainant, after saying she had the cab pull over this when she left the hotel, around 3:40 a.m. because she was feeling sick: I must have had like 10 drinks in the first hour with you guys being that I was doing Sameers shots too. I have no idea what was even said last night. So no worries! Lol If hed had that many drinks, Tissawak replies, hed be flat on the floor. Complainant: Funny you say that. Thats exactly where I woke up!! . . . Passed out on my bathroom floor. Im classy like that. Hahaha The judge-alone trial continues. SHARE: Ruling parties firm on polls on June 28 A day after the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) announced fresh protests, the governing parties on Monday said that the second phase of local polls would take place on the scheduled date of June 28. The Ontario government is injecting almost $15 million into local efforts to fight the opioid crisis and reduce needless deaths from fentanyl and other drugs. Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins told reporters in Toronto on Monday the funding will be offered to local health units to hire frontline staff, as well as the distribution over the next year of an extra 80,000 kits for naloxone, an easily administered antidote that can save the lives of people overdosing. For Toronto Public Health, the funding will add five new health workers, four of them full-time, in education, planning and addiction outreach. All health units will all be able to hire up to four full-time staff. Hoskins called Ontarios multi-pronged effort the most forward-looking and advanced strategy to deal with the opioid crisis of any jurisdiction across the country. He made the announcement with Mayor John Tory, two city councillors involved in the fight against opioid abuse and Dr. Barbara Yaffe, the citys director of communicable disease control and associate medical officer of health. New data from the Public Health Agency of Canada found that an estimated 2,458 people died from opioid overdoses last year, a national death rate of 8.8 per 100,000 people. Ontario is expected by fall to have released provincial overdose figures for 2016 and part of this year. While saying one overdose death is too many, Hoskins added it appears Ontario has not been hit as hard as British Columbia and Alberta where fentanyl in particular has taken a horrific toll. I have confidence that by all of us working together that we may actually prevent that escalation from taking place, and then flatten the curve and bring it down, he said. Tory commended the Liberal government for its work with local governments fighting the crisis, saying the new funding could help save many lives. The mayor also lauded Torontos public health team and councillors Joe Cressy and Joe Mihevc for previously bringing him to The Works needle exchange, where the announcement was held, so he could personally hear from frontline public health workers and the people with lived experience saved by their efforts. The clinic, on Victoria St. beside Ryerson University, will host one of Torontos three safe-injection sites. Yaffe said overdose deaths are having a devastating impact on individuals, families and on communities but efforts including naloxone kits at least 640 of the 4,300 distributed by Toronto in recent years have been used are saving lives. At Queens Park, MPP Jeff Yurek, the Progressive Conservative health critic, accused the government of allowing opioid abuse to reach a crisis point over the past 14 years, with little action. The (Premier Kathleen) Wynne Liberals have failed to act swiftly, leaving our communities, frontline staff and service providers to address this challenge alone, said Yurek (Elgin-Middlesex-London). The Ontario PCs have called for immediate measures, including a ban of illegal pill presses that fuel Ontarios opioid crisis and for the creation of a public awareness campaign that informs Ontarians about the dangers of opioids. He called Monday's announcement a positive step but added the opioid crisis requires comprehensive, urgent action to combat opioid abuse and stop more preventable deaths from occurring. With files from Kristin Rushowy SHARE: A popular women-only spa has generated controversy after a transgender client was allegedly refused service. Recently, Body Blitz Spa, which operates two locations in downtown Toronto at 471 Adelaide St. W. and 497 King St. E., allegedly refused to admit a transgender woman to one of its facilities. Weronika Rogula, who is friends with the transgender individual who was allegedly denied entry, wrote on their personal Facebook page that theyll no longer be patronizing Body Blitz because of its policy. They do not welcome trans women in their women-only spa and so I am done giving them my money (benefits) and encourage you to do the same, Rogula wrote on Friday, June 9. Women-only spaces should not be for cis (someone who identifies with the sex they were born as) women only, but all women including trans women who are women. We know this and so should they. Bye bye blitz. A request to speak to the person who was allegedly refused service was turned down. The management of Body Blitz provided the following statement late Monday afternoon to Metroland Media Toronto. We support the LBGTQ community and recognize that this is a sensitive issue. However, because Body Blitz Spa is a single-sex facility with full-nudity, we are not like other facilities. We recognize that this is an important discussion for single-sex facilities to have and we will seek to find a satisfactory resolution. When Metroland Media called the spa on Monday afternoon, the person on the line would not confirm or deny the allegation. SHARE: A baby raccoon that was rescued from a water-filled garbage can last week is back to his old self growly towards humans. The animal was found by police in the back yard of a home in the area of Eglinton Ave. W. and Dufferin St. after reports of what sounded like an animal in distress. Police said the animal was inside a trap that had been placed in a garbage can filled with water and weighted down with rocks. Related story: Man charged after baby raccoon rescued from near-drowning in water-filled trap The raccoon was dehydrated when police brought him to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, said executive director Nathalie Karvonen. After being put in an incubator and given oxygen, he is now eating on his own and has gained weight, she said. Hes still on antibiotics because we suspect that he might have aspiration pneumonia, Karvonen said. When he is fully recovered, he will join a group of wild raccoons in the centre that were found in the same area, she said. The wildlife centre has received reports of a mother and sibling but Karvonen said there are no plans to reunite the family. The raccoon will be released in early fall. SHARE: Tears come to Rose Monos eyes when she remembers her long-distance conversations with her younger brother. Hed call her just to chat, or sing carols over the phone at Christmas. Remembering the last time she saw Andrew Loku alive, when he took a trip to visit her in Saskatoon in 2012, she breaks down. I dont know what Im going to do, she said. I lost my brother. Mono and her son, Mono Alam, flew to Toronto from Saskatchewan this week to attend the ongoing coroners inquest into Lokus death. It was important to the family to learn about his final moments, though it has been difficult to sit and listen, Alam said. He was just a happy person who just got pushed too far, and couldnt handle it any more, said Alam, saying he knew little about his uncles mental health challenges. Loku, 45, was killed by a Toronto police officer in July 2015, after he advanced on two officers while holding a hammer. Police had been summoned to Lokus apartment building by a 911 call reporting he was threatening to kill another resident. The inquest has heard Loku struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder after being tortured in whats now South Sudan. At the time of his death, he had three times the legal driving limit of alcohol in his bloodstream. Loku had been hoping to bring his wife and five children, aged 12 to 20, to Canada from Uganda, where the kids were all attending school. Mono and Alam said they are worried about Lokus children, some of whom are now living in a camp in Juba, South Sudan. Once this happened, it shut down everything. Their world ended, Alam said. Their only hope was to to come here. Asked what the family wants to gain from the inquest, Alam said they are hoping for an apology and learn the name of the officer who killed Loku. Weve been hearing more about the mental issues than who shot him, said Alam. The officers involved in the shooting, Toronto Consts. Andrew Doyle and Haim Queroub, are expected to testify this week. Taking the witness stand Tuesday was Insp. Peter Moreira, a senior Toronto police officer who responded immediately after Lokus shooting to help arrange scene management while the SIU investigators were en route. Moreira told the jury that, in consultation with an SIU liaison officer, it was decided that he would take on the critical task of ensuring any pertinent video evidence was collected my experience with video is that it is short-lived, said Moreira, who has been an investigator for much of his 26-year career. He and another police officer spoke with the building superintendent and attempted to gain access to the video, first in the superintendents own unit then in the basement of the building, but met with some difficulties including that the superintendent no longer had the correct password. Moreira ultimately instructed the other officer to stay on scene with the express purpose of ensuring the preservation of the video evidence. This attempt to access and download video was called improper by SIU director Tony Loparco in his director's report on Lokus death a criticism later made public when a redacted version of the report was released. In his report, Loparco said that except in situations of overriding public safety concern, police should never attempt to view or download video without first getting consent of the SIU, adding that the case was an example of post-incident conduct that could publicly compromise the credibility of the SIUs investigation. But Moreira who was not approached by the SIU to explain his actions that night said he believed it was his duty to preserve the scene. Everything I did was above board. There was no intent in my part to do anything malicious, he said. I think I did what was right. Under questioning by Howard Morton, lawyer for Across Boundaries and a former director of the SIU, Moreira was asked for his understanding of Police Services Act regulations laying out the expectations of police when its clear the SIU will be called in to investigate. Under those regulations, the affected police service must secure the scene, while the SIU is the lead investigator. Morton pressed Moreira on the definition of securing the scene, suggesting that officers should have simply been stationed in key places to ensure no one touched any possible evidence. Moreira disagreed, saying he would be neglectful of his duties if I didnt take every step to identify every possible piece of evidence. Police would similarly be criticized if officers did nothing to preserve evidence then it was lost before SIU investigators could arrive on scene. Im comfortable with the decisions I made that night, Moreira said. The actions I took that night I would consider taking again. Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca SHARE: The duck stops with Premier Kathleen Wynne, who has run afoul of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation over the governments $121,000 in funding for a July long-weekend tourist attraction. This giant rubber duck isnt all its quacked up to be, the federations Ontario Director Christine Van Geyn said outside Queens Park on Monday, where she brought her familys pool-sized rubber duck, filled with almost 800 bath toy ducks, to protest the waste of taxpayer money. You rented it for Canada Day celebrations, she said, even though it has no connection to Ontario, to Canada or to our history. While the money was actually provided to the Redpath Waterfront Festival, which then arranged and paid to host the worlds largest rubber duck, Van Geyn said I know the Premier didnt write the cheque for the duck herself, at the end of the day, the buck or the duck stops with her. The flap over the duck which is nearly 19 metres tall and weighs 13,600 kilograms erupted late last month. It will also be featured at festivals in Owen Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Midland, Amherstburg and Brockville. Have your say The government has said it supports local festivals, which often look for quirky attractions to boost visitors, and that for every dollar spent there are about $20 in spinoff benefits. Its a really important marker for this country and this province, our 150th birthday, and we have as a province invested in festivals all across the province to allow communities to celebrate in the way that they deem to be appropriate, to allow them to draw tourists and to have fun during this celebration, Wynne told reporters at a press conference when asked about the fowl fuss. And you know we have allowed festivals to determine what that means in their communities. So I look forward to those celebrations. Van Geyn said her organization received a number of calls and emails and set up a website for people to donate $5 to have a duck sent to the premier in protest. The fee covered the cost of running the website as well as for the rubber ducks of varying size and ranging anywhere from 75 cents to just over $3 each and transportation to the legislature. This is the duck that broke the camels back, added Van Geyn. Its the absurdity of it its that this government has such a track record with waste (and is) willing to shell out money without a lot of accountability associated with it. The duck coming to Toronto also landed in hot water with a Dutch artist, who calls it a counterfeit. However, the company here has trademarked the worlds largest rubber duck and called Studio Florentijn Hofmans complaints factually and legally incorrect. The 2017 Redpath Waterfront Festival is an annual event in the city. Partners of the festival include the Toronto Star, CTV and Porter airlines, among others. Read more about: SHARE: U.S. President Donald Trump plans to scale back his predecessors effort to open Cuba to U.S. tourism and trade, and his advisers are preparing options including new limits on American travel to the island and restricting partnerships between U.S. companies and entities with ties to the Cuban military, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Final options havent yet been presented to Trump, though a decision is expected before a visit by the U.S. president to Miami on Friday. The people familiar with the plans, both outside the White House, spoke on condition of anonymity because discussions are ongoing. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Monday declined to describe Trumps plans for president Barack Obamas Cuba liberalization policy. When we have an announcement on the presidents schedule well let you know, he told reporters. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Trump has criticized Obamas deal-making with Cuba as one-sided, and has said it allowed the Castro regime to continue human rights abuses. Obama re-opened the U.S. embassy on the island, relaxed travel restrictions on American citizens, and allowed U.S. airlines to establish direct flights and U.S. cruise lines to make ports of call in Cuba. If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate deal, Trump said in a tweet less than a month after his election. Read more: Obama to Cuban people you do not need to fear U.S. Obama lands in Cuba for three-day visit, calls it a historic opportunity Donald Trump aides say Cuban government will have to change New sanctions aimed at cutting off flows of money that benefit the Cuban military could affect U.S. hotel partnerships in Cuba, including the Four Points by Sheraton in Havana. The Cuban military had a stake in the hotels Cuban partner. Other ideas under discussion, the people familiar with the matter said, include guidelines that would require Americans to formally explain how their travel to Cuba benefits the U.S. and the Cuban people, as well as increased scrutiny of travellers and the frequency of their visits. Travel restrictions could impact U.S. airlines with direct flights to Cuba as well as the cruise industry. One advocate of Obamas policies said a change would have less impact on a vacationer than on people seeking to do business or on Cuban-Americans who want to visit family on the island on a regular basis. Senator Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who backed Obamas Cuba policy, said lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are concerned about what Trump will do. Any additional restrictions on travel will go over like a lead balloon, and it should, Flake said in an interview on Monday. Under the travel limits in place preceding Obama, he said, Cuban-Americans with aging parents in Cuba might have been forced to decide which parents funeral to attend. He also said he does not want to see curbs on Cuban entrepreneurship or the U.S. more focused on Cuba sanctions than on sanctions against North Korea or Iran. Sanctions targeting the Cuban military could have widespread effects, given its large role in the country perhaps touching even on remittances and agriculture. The impact would depend on how sanctions are structured. James Williams, president of Engage Cuba, a Washington-based group lobbying to end the 55-year old U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, said that changes to Obamas policy could have unintended consequences for U.S. businesses and jobs. The idea that this is just some kind of modest step back is only true if its done extremely carefully in the end, he said. A report prepared by his group found that major airlines including American Airlines Group Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc., JetBlue Airways Corp., Southwest Airlines Co., United Continental Holdings Inc., and Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. have all taken advantage of Obamas relaxed travel restrictions. The island has not been as promising a business opportunity as U.S. airlines once expected, however. Two smaller carriers, Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc. and Silver Airways Corp., have discontinued flights to Cuba entirely, and American, the largest carrier with service to Cuba, scaled back flights 25 per cent earlier this year. Flake said he and two Democratic senators, Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, met last week with Trumps national security adviser H.R. McMaster to share their concerns but that McMaster did not signal the administrations plans. The presidents advisers have sought input from across his Cabinet but also have been working behind the scenes with critics of the Castro administration, including Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican. I am confident the president will keep his commitment on Cuba policy by making changes that are targeted and strategic and which advance the Cuban peoples aspirations for economic and political liberty, Rubio said in a statement. Read more about: SHARE: DHAKA, BANGLADESHHeavy rain triggered landslides that killed at least 68 people in southeast Bangladesh, officials said Tuesday, as police and soldiers struggled to reach the remote districts with aid. It was not immediately clear if any villagers were still missing after large chunks of mud swept over thatched homes and settlements in three hilly districts on Monday. Reports said scores of people were injured and the death toll could rise. Military spokesman Rezaul Karim said several soldiers were killed while clearing debris and mud from a highway. Five injured soldiers were flown to a military hospital in Dhaka. Two officers and two soldiers have died, and two others remain missing in the incident, Karim said by telephone. Rains that began early Monday had cleared by Tuesday, allowing rescuers to work faster in searching for survivors. But the firefighters, police and soldiers deployed to help were having trouble reaching some affected areas, said Reaz Ahmed, a senior disaster management official. The death toll could rise since many areas remain cut off, he said. Bangladesh is in the middle of monsoon season but Mondays downpour was caused by a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Officials said at least 35 were dead in Rangamati, one of the worst-hit districts, and 23 were killed in Chittagong. At least 10 others died in Bandarban, according to fire official Tarikul Islam. Extensive devastation was reported in the region. In Rangamatis remote Kawkhali area, one of the worst-hit, about 5,000 homes were either destroyed or damaged, police chief Addul Karim said. He said authorities opened six temporary shelters. Bangladesh, a delta nation of 160 million people, is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods and landslides. Many people in hilly regions ignore authorities calls to avoid constructing homes on slopes. SHARE: A Canadian man facing 20 years in an Algerian prison based on intelligence he alleges was provided by Canadas security services, was found not guilty of terrorism offences Tuesday. According to Gary Caroline, the Canadian lawyer for Abderrahmane Ghanem, the Algerian court rejected evidence provided from outside sources in releasing the 30-year-old. Im tremendously happy hes going to be released, Caroline said Tuesday morning in a telephone interview from Vancouver. But on one hand, its a celebratory moment, and on the other hand, it makes one ask deep questions about the role our national security service played in this affair, said Caroline. Ghanems family spoke with the Star from their home in Muscat, Oman earlier this year, breaking their silence to implore Ottawa to fight for the release of their son and brother. He has done nothing wrong. He hasnt hurt anyone, but if Canada has information on him they should try him in Canada, not Algeria, his 62-year-old father, Mohamed, told the Star. The familys allegations were damning at a time when Ottawa is spending millions of dollars to settle cases where other Canadians who were detained and tortured based in part on information provided by the RCMP or Canadas spy service, CSIS. While not speaking specifically about Ghanems case, CSIS has maintained that information-sharing is tightly controlled. If we do so, it is after careful consideration of all legal obligations and associated risks, spokesperson Tahera Mufti said, adding that the agency has a duty and a responsibility to share threat-related information with its foreign partners. Caroline said Ghanems defence lawyers argued in court that the only evidence in the case was a confession which Ghanem said he was forced to sign and information from Canada based on Ghanems life in Calgary. The prosecution did not dispute that claim, according to Caroline. On Tuesday, the judge specifically asked Ghanem about the five Calgary men mentioned in the indictment, all of whom left for Syria. Ghanem has never denied being friends with what became known as the Calgary group, and include Damian Clairmont, a troubled convert to Islam who died in Syria fighting for Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, Clairmonts roommate, Wassem Al Haj Youcef, a mechanical engineer who left Canada in late 2012 and whose whereabouts are unknown, brothers Collin and Gregory, also converts and also killed, and Salman Ashrafi, who became a suicide bomber and killed 46 people in Iraq in 2013. But the Algerian-born Canadian says he never travelled to a conflict zone and left Calgary, where he grew up, to leave that past behind and try to find work in Oman or Algeria, where he had relatives. SHARE: BRUSSELSThe European Union warned the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland on Tuesday that they have 24 hours to start taking in refugees under an EU migrant sharing plan or face legal action. But the three countries immediately rebuffed the threat and appeared ready to go to court. The European Commission said in a statement that it has repeatedly urged them to relocate refugees or at least pledge to do so under the legally-binding refugee plan agreed two years ago. But it said they have failed to take action in breach of their legal obligations, and that it has decided to launch infringement procedures. The plan to share 160,000 refugees in overwhelmed Italy and Greece among other European countries over two years was endorsed in September 2015 by a qualified majority vote. Read more: Central European leaders reject EU migration rules EU urges Hungary to ensure migrant holding camps comply with asylum rules Tighter asylum rules in Hungary spark concern, criticism from EU It was seen as a major plank of the EUs migration policy, and was lauded as a pan-European show of solidarity in 2015 when more than a million people arrived in Europe seeking sanctuary or jobs. But just three months before the September 2017 deadline, fewer than 21,000 people have been relocated. Its unlikely that even a quarter of the refugees originally foreseen under the plan will be moved by then. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia voted against the scheme. Hungary and Slovakia had previously launched their own legal action against it. EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have until Wednesday to change their minds. There is still time ahead. Lets hope that not only reason but also the European spirit will prevail, Avramopoulos told reporters, lamenting that the three have not done anything for more than one year. But Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said his country is not ready to change its view of the migrant sharing plan. Sobotka said in a statement that the Czech Republic doesnt agree with the relocation system based on migrant quotas. And given the worsened security situation in Europe and also that the quota system is not functioning, it wont participate in it. He said his government was ready to defend our view at the EU level and at the relevant court institutions. The Czech Republic was supposed to accept some 2,600 refugees but so far has taken only 12, all of them from Greece. Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Szymanski said Poland is ready to defend its standpoint before the Court of Justice. He warned that the Commissions action may deepen the divisions within the EU. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said his government considers the infringement procedures to be blackmail and un-European behaviour. Speaking in parliament ahead of the warning, Szijjarto repeated the government position that even the European Commission cannot take away the member states right to decide who it wants to let into their country. The executive Commission is watchdog over the EUs treaties and enforces agreements made between the 28 member states. Avramopoulos praised Austria and Slovakia for recently pledging to do more. But as of June 9, Austria had still not relocated a single refugee. Slovakia had taken in 16. Germany, France, the Netherlands and Finland have so far been the countries taking in the largest number of refugees Germany received more than 5,600, France around 3,500. Rights group Amnesty International said it hopes the Commission action will spur others to do more. Amnestys European office director Iverna McGowan said the move makes it clear that countries will not be allowed to get away with dragging their feet to avoid accepting refugees. Solidarity is the key to a fair and humane response to refugees in Europe. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trumps defenders would like you to know that he doesnt know important things. Theyre not saying hes stupid. Theyre saying he is somewhere between ill-informed and clueless. To hear some Republican members of Congress tell it, Trump did not attempt to obstruct justice in his Oval Office words to James Comey in February he just didnt understand how a president is supposed to interact with the director of the FBI. The presidents new at this, House Speaker Paul Ryan said last week. Hes new to government, and so he probably wasnt steeped in the long-running protocols ... Legal experts say this argument what former Watergate assistant prosecutor Nick Akerman called the idiot defence would have trouble succeeding in a court of law. But heres the key thing: it doesnt have to. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly prohibit the prosecution of a sitting president, and there are a few scholars who say that prosecution is allowed. The overwhelming view of scholars of constitutional law, however, is that prosecuting a president is indeed unconstitutional. The remedy for offences committed by the president, they say, is the impeachment process. Which means that politicians could conceivably decide Trumps fate. Which means that arguments designed for the court of public opinion matter more than arguments designed for judges and juries. Donald Trump is not going to be indicted. Hes not going to be tried. At least, those things are not going to happen while hes president; they probably will never happen, said Louis Michael Seidman, a constitutional law professor at Georgetown University. So the technical legal definition of obstruction of justice the instructions that a judge would give to a jury about convicting him just dont matter. Because theres never going to be a judge and theres never going to be a jury. Comeys testimony last week, in which he alleged that Trump improperly attempted to get him to shut down the FBI investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, has added new urgency to the impeachment drumbeat among Democrats. On Monday, California Rep. Brad Sherman released articles of impeachment proposing to impeach Trump on the grounds of obstruction of justice. The evidence we have is sufficient to move forward now, Sherman wrote. And the national interest requires that we do so. For the time being, as Sherman acknowledged, there is essentially no chance Trump can be forced out of office. Trump-backing Republicans control the House, which decides on impeachment, and also the Senate, which gets to hold a kind of trial to decide whether an impeached president actually gets booted. The political situation could change a bit after the Nov. 2018 congressional elections, in which Democrats may have a chance to take back the House. But even if Democrats earned a House majority and voted to impeach, it would be difficult to force Trump out. The Constitution requires that two-thirds of the Senate vote in favour of removal, and the Democrats currently control only 48 of 100 seats. The case for impeachment could get an eventual boost from the investigation being conducted by a special counsel, former FBI director Robert Mueller. Clinton was impeached in 1998, in part over alleged obstruction, after the independent counsel who probed his affair with an intern submitted a report to the House. That counsel, Ken Starr, was originally appointed to probe a failed Clinton real estate deal, then started digging into other controversies. Mueller has a far tighter leash than Starr had, but his probe might too become broader than its initial focus. Muellers mandate gives him the authority to pursue not only any links between Trumps campaign and Russia but any matters to emerge directly from his investigation. Comey hinted to Congress that Mueller is now considering the question of obstruction. This is just the beginning of the story. Although Comeys testimony was very sort of gripping and almost cinematic, the fact is the investigation is just beginning. And there is undoubtedly a host of sources of additional information and evidence that theyre going to be exploring including, potentially, the tax returns of the president and others, said Dan Petalas, a lawyer who formerly worked in the section of the Justice Department tasked with prosecuting corrupt public officials. After visiting the White House on Monday, a friend of Trump, Newsmax chief Christopher Ruddy, told PBS that the president was considering firing Mueller. The Trump administration would not comment directly on Ruddys claim. Trump does appear to have the power to fire Mueller in a roundabout way by ordering his deputy attorney general to do the firing. Such a move would be reminiscent of Richard Nixons Saturday Night Massacre, in which Nixon terminated the Watergate special prosecutor, and would almost certainly strengthen the cries for impeachment. Trump would not have to do anything criminal to be impeached. Under the Constitution, impeachment is an option for three kinds of things: treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanours. There has never been a consensus on what high crimes and misdemeanours actually are. But University of North Carolina constitutional law professor Michael Gerhardt, among other experts, say an act doesnt have to be a criminal offence to qualify: it can be a political crime of some sort. Impeachment is not limited to what we call indictable crimes. It focuses on abuse of power, breach of trust. And some people could argue, and maybe are arguing, that we would trust the president not to abuse his authority here to try and influence an investigation thats ongoing, said Gerhardt, who testified before Congress during the Clinton impeachment process. Still, the case for impeachment might appear stronger to the public if Mueller, not just Democrats and outside analysts, concluded that Trump did commit the crime of obstruction. And this is where the questions get technical. The federal obstruction law makes it a crime to obstruct a pending proceeding. It is not clear, Petalas said, that an FBI investigation qualifies as a pending proceeding. Even if it does, the obstruction law says that intervening in the proceeding is only a crime if it is done corruptly. The big issue, then, is Trumps intentions. What did he mean when he allegedly told Comey in February, I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go? Why did he allegedly force everyone else out of the Oval Office before he did so? Why did he fire Comey in May? Akerman, a lawyer who served as an assistant special Watergate prosecutor, said Trumps public statements such as his declaration on NBC that he was thinking about the Russia probe when he fired Comey offer an unbelievable amount of evidence of a corrupt intent, far beyond what a prosecutor would normally be able to obtain. Akerman scoffed at the Republican argument that Trump may have acted inappropriately but innocently, merely new to the presidency and a little lost. Obstruction law, Akerman noted, does not only apply to presidents. People get charged with this crime all over the country, he said. Its no defence to say Im stupid, Im naive. Thats got nothing to do with it inexperience as president? Zero. The only issue is corrupt intent. Trump argues that there was no collusion, no obstruction, saying Comeys testimony gave him complete vindication. But the notion of impeachment appears to have crossed even his mind. In an unusual kind of post on Twitter on Monday, Trump effectively mentioned the I-word himself sharing a Fox News video in which Geraldo Rivera declared that Comeys testimony had sent the probability of him being impeached plummeting from 3 per cent to nil. Read more about: SHARE: SC turns down govt request to vacate its interim order The Supreme Court (SC) has turned down the government request to vacate its May 26 interim order against a Cabinet decision to increase the number of local level units in Tarai districts. WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump says apprenticeships could match workers with millions of open jobs, but hes reluctant to devote more taxpayer money to the effort. Instead, Trump and Labor Secretary Alex Acosta say the administration is focused on getting universities and private companies to pair up and pay the cost of such learn-to-earn arrangements. The president has accepted a challenge from Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff to create 5 million apprenticeships over five years. Now, as part of a weeklong apprenticeship push, he is visiting Waukesha County Technical College in Wisconsin Tuesday with his daughter, Ivanka, as well as Acosta and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Apprenticeships are going to be a big, big factor in our country, Trump said during his first-ever full Cabinet meeting Monday. There are millions of good jobs that lead to great careers, jobs that do not require a four-year degree or the massive debt that often comes with those four-year degrees and even two-year degrees. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Many employers and economists and Republicans and Democrats welcome the idea of apprenticeships as a way to train people with specific skills for particular jobs that employers say they cant fill at time of historically low unemployment. The most recent budget for the federal government passed with about $90 million for apprenticeships, and Trump so far isnt proposing adding more. But the Trump administration, like president Barack Obamas, says theres a need that can be met with a change in the American attitude toward vocational education and apprenticeships. A November 2016 report by Obamas Commerce Department found that apprenticeships are not fully understood in the United States, especially by employers, who tend to use apprentices for a few, hard-to -fill positions but not as widely as they could. The shortages for specifically-trained workers cut across multiple job sectors beyond Trumps beloved construction trades. There are shortages in agriculture, manufacturing, information technology and health care. There arent enough people to fill the jobs and the people applying dont have the skills necessary, said Conor Smyth, spokesman for the Wisconsin Technical College System, where President and Ivanka Trump, Acosta and Walker were visiting. Thats where apprenticeship comes in. Participants get on-the-job training while going to school, sometimes with companies footing the bill. IBM, for example, participates in a six-year program called P-TECH. Students in 60 schools across six states begin in high school, when they get a paid internship, earn an associates degree and get first-in-line consideration for jobs from 250 participating employers. It relies on funds outside the apprenticeship program a challenge in that the Trump budget plan would cut spending overall on job training. The program uses $1.2 billion in federal funding provided under the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act passed in 2006, said P-TECH co-founder Stan Litow. This really demonstrates what you can do with apprenticeships with existing dollars, Litow said. Eric Haban, 35, started as a youth apprentice junior in high school and then completed a four-year program at Lakeshore Technical College in Wisconsin, the first state in the country to pass a law establishing apprenticeship programs in 1911. At the school, Haban learned to be a machinist for LDI Industries, which makes hydraulic components and lubricating equipment. It really gave me a jump start to get into a field that I had no prior experience in, Haban said. Read more: Trumps cabinet showers him with praise and adulation Trump hits Twitter early to say latest travel ban ruling comes at dangerous time Trump weighing new limits on Cuba travel, new military sanctions Apprenticeships are few and far between. Of the 146 million jobs in the United States, about 3.5 per cent or slightly more than a half-million were filled by active apprentices in 2016. Filling millions more jobs through apprenticeships would require the government to massively ramp up its efforts. Scaling is the big issue, said Robert Lerman, a fellow at the Urban Institute. Another complication: only about half of apprentices finish their multi-year programs, Lerman said. Fewer than 50,000 people including 11,104 in the military completed their apprenticeships in 2016, according to Labor Department. The Trump administration has yet to spell out how it would close the completion gap. Acosta said Monday that the policy would revolve around encouraging more partnerships between business and schools rather than increasing the $90 million the federal government currently devotes to apprenticeships. I want to challenge the assumption that the only way to move policy is to increase government spending, Acosta said at the Monday White House news briefing. We should measure success based on outcomes and not simply based on spending. Susan Helper, former chief economist at the Commerce Department, said it would likely require more than $90 million a year to cover the administrative costs of increasing the number of apprentices. But Helper, currently a professor at Case Western University, noted that how federal funds are spent on apprenticeship programs also matters. Tax breaks might do little to expand the number of apprenticeships, since the major barriers involve the upfront costs of starting an apprenticeship program that helps groups of smaller employers and the community colleges often involved in apprenticeship programs. Read more about: SHARE: NEW YORKA former journalist from St. Louis accused of threatening Jewish organizations in the United States and Canada as a way to harass his ex-girlfriend pleaded guilty Tuesday to cyberstalking. For this, I deeply apologize, said Juan Thompson, 32, who also pleaded guilty to a charge of conveying false information and hoaxes. Federal prosecutors said Thompson sometimes used his girlfriends name while making threats against Jewish community centres, schools or other facilities. They said one message claimed he had placed two bombs in a Jewish school and was eager for Jewish Newtown, a reference to the 2012 school massacre in Connecticut. The government collected evidence from about two dozen laptops, tablets and cellphones seized from his home. Sentencing was set for Sept. 15. Thompson agreed not to appeal any sentence at or below 46 months nearly four years in prison. Thompson was fired from the online publication The Intercept last year after being accused of fabricating story details. Since Jan. 9, there have been more than 150 bomb threats against Jewish community centres and day schools in 37 U.S. states and Canada, including in Toronto and London, Ont., according to the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish group that battles anti-Semitism. The threats led to evacuations and sent a chill through local Jewish communities. Acts of vandalism on Jewish targets, including cemeteries, have added to those concerns. In April, Israel indicted an 18-year-old American-Israeli and called him the primary suspect in a wave of over 2,000 threats against U.S. Jewish centres, airports, malls, police stations and other institutions. SHARE: WASHINGTONU.S.senators sharply criticized Pentagon leaders Tuesday for not completing a new strategy for the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan, as Defence Secretary Jim Mattis acknowledged that the enemy is surging right now. Sen. John McCain demanded that Mattis wrap up the plan now, threatening that, unless we get a strategy from you, youre going to get a strategy from us. He said he had expected the plan in the first 30 to 60 days of the new administration and snapped, We want a strategy. I dont think thats a helluva lot to ask. Mattis, in response, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he will provide details on the new strategy for the war in mid-July. Read more: Trumps cabinet showers him with praise and adulation U.S. military officials suggest Russia has been arming Taliban in Afghanistan Canada considering NATO request for police trainers in Afghanistan, Sajjan says Were putting it together now and there are going to be there are actions being taken to make certain that we dont pay a price for the delay, he said. But we recognize the need for urgency and your criticism is fair, sir. Mattis did not say what those steps are. The U.S. has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. U.S. Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has told Congress that he could use an infusion of U.S. and allied troops to bolster support for the Afghan army. Earlier this year, the Pentagon was considering a request for roughly 3,000 more troops, mainly for training and advising. That decision, however, has been stalled by the broader administration review of Afghan policy and a push for NATO to contribute more troops. Mattis, when pressed again about the plan, said getting a government-wide strategy cant be done quickly, and that there are ongoing efforts to ensure NATO participation so that its not all on the backs of American taxpayers. He added: We are not winning in Afghanistan right now. And we will correct this as soon as possible. The Talibans resurgence has been coupled with a growing threat from Daesh militants trying to establish a foothold in the country. The increased fight has led to a recent string of American deaths. Three U.S. soldiers were killed and another wounded on Saturday when they were attacked by an Afghan soldiers, who was then killed. And two U.S. army Rangers died in an April 27 raid on an IS compound in eastern Afghanistan. Officials were investigating whether they were killed by friendly fire in the opening minutes of the three-hour battle. Their deaths came just days after a U.S. army special forces soldier was also killed in the region. The Afghanistan war has been dragging on since October 2001, and the U.S.-led coalition ended their combat mission against the Taliban in 2014 but they are increasingly involved in backing up Afghan forces on the battlefield. Asked what he hoped the situation in Afghanistan would look like a year from now, Mattis said violence would be down, government corruption would be reduced and the Taliban would be rolled back, with less freedom of movement on the battlefield. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, added that he hoped Afghan troop casualties would be lower a year from now. McCain, however, listed the names of the three 101st Airborne Division soldiers who were killed Saturday and said, Lets not ask these families to sacrifice any further without a strategy which we can then take and implement and help you. Im fighting as hard as I can to increase defence spending. Its hard when we have no strategy to pursue. Read more about: SHARE: Serafina Paul works at a radio station in Juba, South Sudan. Like so many of her female colleagues, Paul lacks confidence in her news judgment. She is interested in how certain practices, such as the paying of dowry, or bride price, affect peoples ability to marry in South Sudan. Forcing men to pay bride price has implications both for power relations between the genders and for social and economic stability. However, Paul didnt think of the concept as a legitimate story idea. Journalists for Human Rights sent a trainer, Sierra Leonean journalist Mustapha Dumbuya, to work with journalists such as Paul. The goal, among others, is to provide mentorship, build confidence, foster leadership and ensure that womens voices and issues make it into headlines. Dumbuya urged Paul to investigate dowries. Despite her reluctance People will not talk about these issues, she said Dumbuya worked with the news editor to convince Paul to give the story a try. She headed out and came back with a full reel. Paul had hit on a story that affected everyone, viscerally, but had not been told in the media. Much of the response focused on how to ease the requirement for dowries in order to make it easier for people to marry on more equitable terms and, in so doing, access the emotional and economic stability that marriage can bring. Putting these kinds of issues in headlines represents a transformative shift for women in environments such as South Sudan, where an adolescent girl is three times more likely to die in childbirth than to complete primary school. Getting journalists to report on the reasons why women are systematically disempowered helps validate womens concerns and sparks discussion and implementation of solutions. Such stories show why Canadas recent announcement of a feminist international assistance policy offers such extraordinary potential. On Friday, Development Minister Marie Claude Bibeau announced that, from this point on, women and girls are to be at the heart of Canadian international assistance. Immediate changes include the repurposing of allocated funding to a $150 million fund to support womens leadership and womens voice through working with female-led local organizations. By focusing on women and girls, traditionally among the most marginalized in already marginalized populations, Canada is working to go where the need is greatest. Within five years, investments in programs that will specifically target gender equality and the empowerment of women will represent 15 per cent of Canadas $2.6 billion bilateral development assistance, up from 2 per cent in 2015-16. A truism of development is that investing in women and girls is an investment in the well-being of entire communities. And when women are more engaged in peace-building, their input can stabilize the entire society. The long-term development side of foreign affairs is often described as the soft power of international work. It is those who provide the skills and training to help doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, teachers and journalists learn and grow in their jobs. As with those in the military, development workers are frequently sent to war zones. They are mandated to build capacity and goodwill in profoundly complex, hostile environments, and face innumerable dangers in doing so often with the most minimal of security supports. Bibeau and her team are to be congratulated on a bold approach, one that puts Canada in a global leadership position, with implications for change throughout Canadas overseas assistance. Even so, any analysis of a feminist policy includes discussion of pay equity equal pay for equal work. And in this respect, the government has fallen short. Last week, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced a massive expansion in spending on the Canadian military an additional $13.9 billion over the coming decade for this indispensable tool in our foreign policy tool box. If we are serious about Canadas role in the world, then we have to be serious about funding our military, Sajjan said. Yet there is no new spending for the bold new feminist international assistance policy. Mindful of Sajjans comments linking policy priorities to funding, a little pay equity is in order. After all, it is 2017. Minister Bibeaus chief of staff, Geoffroi Montpetit, clarifies that the priority, for his team, was to get the policy right first, and then work on a funding framework. The policy represents a radical cultural shift for the department, he said Monday. The larger first challenge, in his view, is ensuring the policy is properly implemented. The department has to be fit for purpose, he said. I would say its not quite there yet. Such criticisms aside, the policy has grabbed headlines and rave reviews all around the world. Consider whats at stake. Focusing training on women not only improves their skills, it also ensures sector leaders start to change their approach to hiring and promoting women. And in JHRs case, well trained women in media are able to choose between bending to antiquated ideas of a womans role in society or using their skill of journalism to bend the arc of history. Canadas new policy is designed to help millions of other women do the same. Lets ensure they are truly set up to succeed. Rachel Pulfer is the executive director and Grant McDonald is the program manager with Journalists for Human Rights. SHARE: Is it possible that were wrong about Donald Trump? Is it possible that hes not a crude, unhinged, dangerously unqualified, ignorant president of the United States? I ask because when theres a stampede of critics headed in one direction, maybe its time to stand back from the herd. When an overwhelming consensus builds in serious academic, media, and political circles, and when comedians can make a good living mocking the man in the Oval Office, it makes sense to wonder if perhaps everyone is wrong. Because it wouldnt be the first time people have been wrong about a president. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump In South Dakota, there are four presidents forever immortalized on Mount Rushmore. It is recognition, by Americans at least, that the four were outstanding presidents who made profound and lasting contributions to their country. George Washington. Thomas Jefferson. Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. They are literally presidential giants. But it wasnt always so. Each of them was criticized in their time, with words that could be used today by those who criticize Donald Trump. Thomas Paine, who managed to communicate the sense of the American Revolution to ordinary people, once wrote of Washington, The world will be puzzled to decide whether you are an apostate or an impostor; whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any. In 1808, Thomas Jefferson got a letter from a citizen that said, You have set aside and trampled on our most dearest rights, bought by the blood of our ancestors. During a graduation speech in May at the Coast Guard Academy in Conn., President Donald Trump complained about the coverage of his administration, saying no politician "has been treated worse or more unfairly." Read more: Trump touts apprenticeships as way to fill jobs gap, but reluctant to devote tax money Trumps cabinet showers him with praise and adulation All 294 false things Donald Trump has said as president During the American Civil War, the governor of Missouri, Hamilton Gamble, was exasperated with Abraham Lincoln. In a letter to Lincolns attorney general, Edward Bates, Gamble called the 16th president a mere intriguing, pettifogging, piddling, politician. After Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, the Chicago Times wrote, The cheek of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the filly, flat, and dishwatery utterances of a man who had to be pointed out to intelligent foreigners as the President of the United States. It was a British diplomat, Cecil Spring-Rice, who wrote to a friend about Theodore Roosevelt: You must always remember that the president is about six. The Mount Rushmore memorial was completed in 1941. So the longest-serving president is not represented. That would be Franklin Roosevelt. Hes the man who led the United States out of the Great Depression and through the Second World War. Yet the renowned journalist H.L. Mencken once called FDR somewhat shallow and futile. The point is made, then. Contemporary critics of American presidents can be dead wrong. We should remember that when todays president is routinely buried under scathing commentary about everything from his policies, to his vocabulary, to the way he wears his tie. I dont think we are wrong about Donald Trump. He is no Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln or Roosevelt. He makes George W. Bush look good. And Bush had not a dash of either eloquence or strategic brilliance. Im pretty sure Trump is in way over his head. I have no confidence he can solve any of the problems he says he will solve because I dont believe he even understands the problems. He is a childish, boorish, egomaniacal man without even the slightest self-awareness. Still, all that name-calling amounts to nothing. We can take smug satisfaction in it, but the criticism we should pay attention to is the criticism that uses evidence to make its point. Dont just make jokes about Donald Trump. Dont just tell me hes inept and unworthy. Prove it. Mark Bulgutch is a former senior executive producer of CBC News. He teaches journalism at Ryerson University and is the author of Thats Why Im a Journalist. Read more about: SHARE: The City of Toronto is on the right track with its proposal to rein in the explosive growth of short-term rentals like Airbnb. Its easy to understand why theyve become so popular: instead of checking into an expensive hotel or imposing on friends or family, you can go online and quickly rent a place to stay for a few nights. For most Airbnb operators its a modest sideline: the company says 80 per cent of Airbnb hosts in Ontario are renting out their primary residence and take in just a few thousand dollars a year. But a minority have been turning their Airbnb operations into substantial businesses. Theyre competing with regular hotels and, some fear, taking scarce rental units out of an already tight market. Recommendations from city staff which must still be debated by council are aimed at allowing the benefits of short-term rentals to continue while fighting the excesses that can come with them. The main proposal is to limit such rentals (lasting less than 29 days) to a persons principal residence. Simply put, youd be able to rent out rooms in your home, or the whole unit if youre away, but you wouldnt be allowed to convert another apartment or house into accommodation for tourists. The city estimates that would allow 7,600 properties that were rented out through Airbnb (by far the biggest short-term rental company in Toronto) to continue to operate. But another 3,200 units would not be allowed because they dont appear to be the principal residence of the renter. Its far from clear how big an impact Airbnb and the like have actually had on the rental market. The company argues its a very small factor in such a huge city. But there has been anecdotal evidence here and in cities like San Francisco that landlords have evicted tenants to convert apartments to Airbnb units, so theres understandable frustration among people struggling to rent a decent places at an affordable price. The city is right to resist such a trend, however big. Aside from taking units out of the rental market, over-use of short-term rentals can change the character of neighbourhoods by driving out permanent residents in favour of a stream of temporary visitors. Requiring homeowners to demonstrate that the space they want to rent out actually is their primary residence would stem the rise of big-time operators. And its along the lines of what some other cities (including Vancouver) have done to bring order to the short-term rental market. The city is also right to contemplate bringing in a tax on income from such operations. Under its proposed rules, short-term rental companies would be required to pay a licensing fee, and the city is also considering a new tax on hotel rooms and Airbnb-style rentals. The Wynne governments most recent budget contained a measure that would allow Toronto to impose such a tax for the first time. The city would be well-advised to go ahead with that and make sure it levels the playing field between hotels and short-term rentals, which have been getting a free ride up until now. Toronto has dragged its heels on coming up with a way to regulate a sector that has been growing by leaps and bounds in the past few years. But the regulations now being proposed seem to strike a good balance by keeping the benefits of short-term rentals while curbing the worst excesses. SHARE: When Beverley McLachlin steps down in December, after 28 years on the Supreme Court and 17 as chief justice, she will leave a jurisprudential puzzle for legal scholars looking for a pattern where one has been famously difficult to discern. Her legal legacy will long be debated, but the contribution she leaves to democracy is clear and profound. Appointed to the top court by Brian Mulroney, and elevated to top judge by Jean Chretien, McLachlin has in her rulings reinforced an impression of non-partisanship, in turn pleasing and irritating ideologues of every stripe. Her decisions have been marked most profoundly not by any apparent political philosophy, but by a commitment to empathy, to put yourself in the shoes of the different parties, and think about how it looks from their perspective, as she told the National Post in 2015. This act of imagination led the ranchers daughter from Pincher Creek, Alta., to write in favour of overturning the ban on assisted dying, to assert that Indigenous peoples were the victims of a cultural genocide, to strike down prostitution laws and strengthen labour protections and otherwise guard the vulnerable from undue government harm. But pigeonhole her at your peril. McLachlin also argued against the criminalization of hate speech and, in one of her most controversial rulings, wrote a decision for the majority overturning a law that shielded rape complainants from being questioned in court about their sexual histories. She maintained the law was unfair to the accused. McLachlin will leave her post with a reputation for being an even-handed and rigorous judge, but her most enduring legacy may well prove to be democratic rather than legal. Her judicial career was born around the same time as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which gave Canadian courts the power to overturn legislation. With this power, she understood, came grave responsibility. If unelected judges were going to overturn the decisions of the peoples representatives, they would have to work hard to maintain the public trust. In this, McLachlin was a maven. As chief justice, she managed to maintain a harmonious court, avoiding the schisms and factions that had cast a shadow on previous iterations. She encouraged judges to be less aloof, to explain their decisions and help media cover the technical complexities of the law. She started to broadcast Supreme Court proceedings on the Internet as a gesture of openness. Her public image was strengthened, too, by her status as Canadas first female chief justice a source of inspiration to many, though she said her role as symbol never ceased to surprise her. McLachlin was right that the public standing she worked hard to earn was invaluable. After her court delivered a series of rebukes to the Harper government on key aspects of its agenda, the Tories engaged McLachlin in an unprecedented and unseemly feud, claiming the chief justice had sought to meddle with the appointment of a new Supreme Court judge. When McLachlin disputed the governments story, the legal community and much of the country took her side. In our untrusting moment, McLachlin understood the importance of holding the court up as an institution to believe in. Thats the legacy, above all, her successor should work to preserve. Read more about: SHARE: Re: Ending the occupation is the path to Palestinian and Israeli freedom, June 5 Ending the occupation is the path to Palestinian and Israeli freedom, June 5 Israel is not to blame. Unfortunately, the Palestinian leadership is responsible for the so-called occupation. For one, it seems to enjoy the status quo having been enriched and corrupted through international financial assistance programs. The strategy of keeping Palestinians stateless as a thorn in Israels side has been an Arab League policy for nearly 70 years, which is why all peace overtures by Israel have been rejected by the Palestinians. Furthermore, Izzeldin Abuelaish and Michael Dan eloquently ignore the elephant in the room Hamas a Palestinian terrorist group which rules Gaza and is in discord with the recognized Palestinian Authority. If it is freedom the Palestinians strive for, they must renounce terrorism, incitement of violence and anti-Semitism. They must begin with installation of democratic systems that will govern their nation. Let us note that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was elected in 2005 and has cancelled all elections since is this how you win your freedom? Unfortunately, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas are occupying their own people by withholding peace and freedom under a theocratic rule imposed by themselves. Avi Benlolo, President & CEO, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center SHARE: Time to branch out Energy is central to nearly every major opportunity and challenge the world faces today. Be it for jobs, security, climate change, food production or increasing incomes, access to energy is essential. These are curious days for Apple Inc. (AAPL) - Get Free Report . A week ago, CEO Tim Cook unveiled HomePod, its first new piece of hardware since the Apple Watch was introduced to a skeptical public two years ago. Normally, there would be lots of oohs and ahhs and genuflecting before the Apple alter, prompting its stock price to fly ever higher. closer to the clouds. But that was then. The reality of the here and now is that the public and would-be buyers of its stock harbor greater doubts about Apple's ability to innovate than in many years. Certainly more than at any time since Steve Jobs returned to the company in 1997. HomePod may look great, but doubts remains about its underlying voice-activation technology, known as Siri. Though Apple embraced voice-activation well before Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) - Get Free Report or Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL) - Get Free Report Google, Siri finds itself in the unusual position of having to play catch-up. One often-cited problem is that Apple chose to keep its Siri platform relatively closed to developers whereas Amazon in late 2015 opened its Alexa voice assistant to developers. Third parties were able to use its so-called Alexa skills Kit to support a wide range of applications. the kinds of applications that appeal to consumers and over time, can improve the product. "Amazon built a really good voice recognition and then really opened it up to developers," Roger Entner, president of Recon Analytics, a Boston-based technology consulting firm, said in a phone interview. "Apple didn't do that, and even though HomePod will probably get better with time, Apple is like a lion that gets run over by an army of ants, because there are so many developers." Apple's decision to tightly control Siri's applications fits with the company's history of producing expensive high-margin products and services that historically came to dominate their respective markets. The iPhone, of course, is exhibit No.1, but so is the iPad and iTunes and iPhoto. When Apple touches something, it has often turned to gold. But voice recognition is one area where Apple may have fallen behind. Another appears to be in the download speeds of its iPhone. Apple didn't immediately reply to request for comment. To be sure, Apple has a long history of playing catch-up and then overtaking the competition. And that might happen with Siri. For the moment, though, Amazon's Echo and Google's AI-powered Home have taken the lead in the race for the best-functioning voice-activation device, said Robert Kay, president of Endpoint Technologies Associates, a consultancy. Alexa's superiority is partly a result of a business model that less concerned with technology than in selling products, Kay said. Whereas Apple focuses on tightly controlling the user experience within its universe of products, Amazon is more interested in making it easier for the average consumer to use its online marketplace. Google has a totally different business model of selling eyeballs to advertisers. Of the three, Amazon is most likely to capitalize on voice activation, he said. "When you use the Echo, you may be buying products from Amazon," Kay said. For the other two, Google and Apple, neither one of them is going to get a penny every time you use their device." And that gets back to how the companies view the role of developers. Amazon reported earlier this year that over 10,000 so-called skills were available on Alexa, a product of making its conversational applications, known as chatbots, easily accessible. Apple has made no such proclamations, subtly arguing that so many functions make for a lousy user experience. That's not keeping consumers away from making Alexa a best-selling product. RBC estimates that by 2020 Alexa could have 500 million active customers worldwide. "Amazon has been able to generate a tremendous library of functionality with Alexa so that there's a usefulness to the platform because of the way they opened it up to developers," Kay said in a phone interview. "Apple, conversely, has restricted access to Siri, which gets back to their DNA. Apple just prefers to do things themselves and keep other people out of the inner workings of its technology." There are signs that Apple is beginning to loosen its tight grip. Apple agreed to make Amazon accessible on its AppleTV, ending something of a Cold War between the two global technology companies. HomePod is Apple's push to overtake Echo, or at least reassert its products among those willing to spend more for products that at least seem to be of higher-quality. At $349, Home Pod is far more expensive than amazon's Echo at $180 or its Dot at $50 or even Google Home at $129. But true to form, Apple's focus remains on its existing customers. HomePod is meant to be the device that pulls together all of their other Apple products amid its overarching race for control of the so-called connected home. "HomePod is a sign that Apple is committed to improving Siri but for mass adoption, it's just priced too high," Entner said. "It all comes down to a battle for control of the home, and right now Alexa is beating Siri." Apple and Alphabetareholdings in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPLandGOOGL? Learn more now. Visit here for the latest business headlines. Editors' pick: Originally published Jun. 13. Following the demise of its two drug programs, Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (RGLS) - Get Free Report is down to offering one clinical treatment. Regulus Therapeutics announced on Monday, June 12 that it will cease development of its hepatitis C developmental drug RG-101 along with RGLS5040, a preclinical treatment for cholestatic liver disease. Regulus' competition are presumably celebrating the news. Sovaldi and Harvoni are the blockbuster duo from Gilead Sciences' (GILD) - Get Free Report while Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) - Get Free Report Olysio and Incivo also populate the hepatitis C treatment market. The departure of Regulus' treatment will likely improve the sales of the aforementioned treatments. But when it rains, it pours. British drugmaker AstraZeneca (AZN) - Get Free Report added to Regulus' woes by curtailing distribution of RG-125, a drug licensed from Regulus in a collaboration effort circa 2012. RG-125 treats nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or steatohepatitis, and began early-stage testing in 2016. "Investors should like [that] management that doesn't waste time and money on programs that they feel are not that competitive, whatever stage of development, and that's what they're [Regulus and AstraZeneca] doing," said Wedbush Securities, Inc analyst Liana Moussatos. "Investors should like that instead of punishing them." Shares of Regulus closed at $1.18 per share on Monday and traded down 4% on Tuesday to $1.12 per share. The company has a market cap of $49 million. The company's all-time high was reached on Nov. 7, 2014 when shares $22.08 per share and carried a market cap of $1.1 billion. Shares are down about 50% year-to-date. At the time the company had just reported first human proof-of-concept results from RG-101 and officially closed its IPO, as underwriters exercised their option to purchase additional shares. According to a research report published by Moussatos, Regulus reported revenues of $18,000 from the strategic alliance with AstraZeneca for the first quarter. AstraZeneca's retreat from Regulus comes as the company is seemingly cleaning up its partnership pipeline. On Wednesday, June 7, AstraZeneca relinquished the rights to migraine treatment drug Zomig to German-based Grunenthal. Oncology,Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases and Respiratory are AstraZeneca's primary area of focus, but the company has also dipped their toes in autoimmunity, neuroscience and infection research. Shares of AstraZeneca were up slightly midday Tuesday. Royal Bank of Scotland plc (RBS) - Get Free Report shares surged Tuesday after a report suggested the British bank is on the verge of agreeing a multi-billion settlement with a U.S. regulator over the sale of mortgage backed securities during the financial crisis. Britain's Sky News reported that RBS and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) are nearing a settlement that could cost the bank as much as 3.5 billion ($4.5 billion), enabling the bailed-out lender to put some of its mortgage backed securities legacy behind it. However, a settlement with the FHFA will not mean that RBS is completely out of the woods yet as it must still face talks with the U.S. Department of Justice, which are expected to cost it substantially more than any deal with the FHFA. RBS shares rose more than 3% during early trading in London, to change hands at 257.9 pence, outpacing the 0.70% gain of the Stoxx Europe 600 Banks index. Briefly the world's largest bank by assets, RBS is currently the world's largest surviving underwriter of mortgage backed securities, having taken second place only to Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns ahead of the financial crisis. Accordingly, it has widely been expected to take the biggest hit from U.S. regulators in settlements over allegations of misselling, which have hung over much of the banking industry during the years since the crisis. Deutsche Bank AG (DB) - Get Free Report settled with the Department of Justice for more than $7 billion in December while other lenders, including Credit Suisse Group (CS) - Get Free Report , have also done deals in order to put the past behind them. Recently, RBS reached a landmark agreement with a group of 27,000 shareholders who sued the bank, claiming that it misrepresented its financial position when it set out to tap investors for 12 billion back in April 2008, just months before Lehman Brothers collapsed and the financial crisis began to snowball. The settlement cost RBS around 1 billion. In October 2008, a month after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, RBS was bailed out by the U.K. government in a 45 billion ($58.5 billion) rescue that saw the taxpayer take what is now a 70% stake in the bank. Facebook (FB) - Get Free Report , Twitter (TWTR) - Get Free Report and Alphabet's (GOOGL) - Get Free Report YouTube could face fines for not taking down extremist content under plans by the U.K. and France. Online extremism is expected to top the agenda when Prime Minister Theresa May visits French President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday. May will meet Macron in Paris, during her first international trip since last week's snap election saw May's Conservative Party lose their majority in the House of Commons. The meeting will comes hours after May attempts to cement a deal with Northern Ireland's right wing Democratic Unionist Party to form a government. May and Macron as expected to lay out new laws that will see tech firms hit with large financial penalties if they allow content such as terrorist propaganda on their platforms. The two countries will lead the joint work with tech companies, including working with them to develop tools to identify and remove harmful material automatically. "I can announce that the UK and France will work together to encourage corporations to do more and abide by their social responsibility to step up their efforts to remove harmful content from their networks, including exploring the possibility of creating a new legal liability for tech companies if they fail to remove unacceptable content," May said Tuesday ahead of the trip. May put big technologies companies in the cross hairs of the fight on terrorism after the attack in London on June 3, saying they have to do more to prevent hate speech online. "We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed," May said in a Sunday statement outside Number 10 Downing Street in the wake of Saturday's terror attack in the London Bridge and Borough Market area of the capital that killed eight and injured dozens. "Yet that is what the internet - and the big companies that provide internet-based services - provide," May added. "We need to work with allied, democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremism and terrorist planning. "And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risks of extremism online," she added. What's Hot on TheStreet Respect the stock charts: Don't feel too relieved by volatile tech name Nvidia (NVDA) - Get Free Report finishing in the green on Monday after a violent selloff. Nvidia underwent a "key reversal" on Friday that could send the stock plunging another 36%, BMO technical analyst Russ Visch said in a new note. Visch points out that normally, these pullbacks tend to lead to the stock falling back to its 200-day moving average. In the case of Nvidia, the 200-day moving average is $96.70, or $36% below Monday's closing price of $149.97. "Considerable downside risk exists here," said Visch. On Friday, shares of Nvidia were off to another big rally, hitting new all-time highs of $168.50 following an analyst pontificating the stock could surge to $300. But the party abruptly ended Friday afternoon and continued into most of Monday's trading session. The reversal in one of the hottest tech stocks around spooked the market, pressuring shares of other high-flyers in the space such as Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report . Apple and innovation: The reality of the here and now is that the public and would-be buyers of Apple's stock harbor greater doubts about Apple's ability to innovate than in many years, reportsTheStreet. Apple did nothing to quiet those concerns by introducing its new voice activated speaker, sources explained to TheStreet. Facebook, Alphabet and Apple are holdings in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells FB, GOOGL and AAPL? Learn more now. Visit here for the latest business headlines. Saudi Arabia will cut its oil exports to the U.S. in a continued effort to reduce a global supply glut cramping prices, the Wall Street Journal reported. State-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Co. will reduce U.S. exports to about 1 million bpd in June, then 850,000 bpd in July. That's the lowest level since 1988, according to EIA data. August will bring another decline to 750,000 bpd, which is the lowest export amount for that month since 2009. OPEC in November announced a production cut for global suppliers, but the U.S. has filled a large part of the void. Saudi Aramco increased U.S. export prices for light and medium grades by 50 cents for July shipments to keep the U.S. from stockpiling oil. Crude prices have declined 9% in the last three weeks and 14% this year. What's Hot on TheStreet Respect the stock charts: Don't feel too relieved by volatile tech name Nvidia (NVDA) - Get Free Report finishing in the green on Monday after a violent selloff. Nvidia underwent a "key reversal" on Friday that could send the stock plunging another 36%, BMO technical analyst Russ Visch said in a new note. Visch points out that normally, these pullbacks tend to lead to the stock falling back to its 200-day moving average. In the case of Nvidia, the 200-day moving average is $96.70, or $36% below Monday's closing price of $149.97. "Considerable downside risk exists here," said Visch. On Friday, shares of Nvidia were off to another big rally, hitting new all-time highs of $168.50 following an analyst pontificating the stock could surge to $300. But the party abruptly ended Friday afternoon and continued into most of Monday's trading session. The reversal in one of the hottest tech stocks around spooked the market, pressuring shares of other high-flyers in the space such as Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report . Apple and innovation: The reality of the here and now is that the public and would-be buyers of Apple's stock harbor greater doubts about Apple's ability to innovate than in many years, reportsTheStreet. Apple did nothing to quiet those concerns by introducing its new voice activated speaker, sources explained to TheStreet. Apple is a holding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now. Visit here for the latest business headlines. In a blow to Taiwan, Panama has established diplomatic ties with China which has seen the number of countries that support its sovereignty independent of China dwindle in recent years. China is the Panama Canal's second biggest shipper. "I'm convinced that this is the correct path for our country," Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said in a televised address. "Our government expresses serious objections and strong condemnation in response to China enticing Panama to cut ties with us, confining our international space and offending the people of Taiwan," said Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs David Lee. What's Hot on TheStreet Respect the stock charts: Don't feel too relieved by volatile tech name Nvidia (NVDA) - Get Free Report finishing in the green on Monday after a violent selloff. Nvidia underwent a "key reversal" on Friday that could send the stock plunging another 36%, BMO technical analyst Russ Visch said in a new note. Visch points out that normally, these pullbacks tend to lead to the stock falling back to its 200-day moving average. In the case of Nvidia, the 200-day moving average is $96.70, or $36% below Monday's closing price of $149.97. "Considerable downside risk exists here," said Visch. On Friday, shares of Nvidia were off to another big rally, hitting new all-time highs of $168.50 following an analyst pontificating the stock could surge to $300. But the party abruptly ended Friday afternoon and continued into most of Monday's trading session. The reversal in one of the hottest tech stocks around spooked the market, pressuring shares of other high-flyers in the space such as Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report . Apple and innovation: The reality of the here and now is that the public and would-be buyers of Apple's stock harbor greater doubts about Apple's ability to innovate than in many years, reportsTheStreet. Apple did nothing to quiet those concerns by introducing its new voice activated speaker, sources explained to TheStreet. Apple is a holding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now. Visit here for the latest business headlines. Las Vegas Sands (LVS) - Get Free Report CEO Sheldon Adelson is joining other casino companies in opposition of clean energy legislation currently being debated in Nevada. The bill would boost the solar and wind energy used in the state. The bill mandates that at least 40% of the energy used in Nevada come from clean energy sources by 2030, thats up from the current target of 25% by 2025. "We have one of the best solar environments in the world and the cost of wind is at an all-time low," said Nevada Assemblyman Chris Brooks, the bill's sponsor. Governor Brian Sandoval has expressed concerns about what the bill might do to energy prices in the state. What's Hot on TheStreet Respect the stock charts: Don't feel too relieved by volatile tech name Nvidia (NVDA) - Get Free Report finishing in the green on Monday after a violent selloff. Nvidia underwent a "key reversal" on Friday that could send the stock plunging another 36%, BMO technical analyst Russ Visch said in a new note. Visch points out that normally, these pullbacks tend to lead to the stock falling back to its 200-day moving average. In the case of Nvidia, the 200-day moving average is $96.70, or $36% below Monday's closing price of $149.97. "Considerable downside risk exists here," said Visch. On Friday, shares of Nvidia were off to another big rally, hitting new all-time highs of $168.50 following an analyst pontificating the stock could surge to $300. But the party abruptly ended Friday afternoon and continued into most of Monday's trading session. The reversal in one of the hottest tech stocks around spooked the market, pressuring shares of other high-flyers in the space such as Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report . Apple and innovation: The reality of the here and now is that the public and would-be buyers of Apple's stock harbor greater doubts about Apple's ability to innovate than in many years, reportsTheStreet. Apple did nothing to quiet those concerns by introducing its new voice activated speaker, sources explained to TheStreet. Apple is a holding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now. Visit here for the latest business headlines. Traditional roles The Nepal Army (NA) has not been able to secure a strategic perspective position in the changed context of a post-monarchy era and democratic republican set-up due to the same reason military thinker BH Liddell Hart was referring to when he said, Traffic Police drops Rs200 fine provision to jaywalkers The penalty provision that allowed Traffic police to fine Rs200 from pedestrians jaywalking inside Kathmandu Valley roads has been dropped. The traffic police also detained rule flouting pedestrians for three hours they could not cough up the fine amount. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, sells, and deals in printing press and other print media industry products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia/Pacific, Eastern Europe, North America, and South America. The company operates through Print Solutions, Packaging Solutions, and Technology Solutions segments. It offers printing machines, including digital, offset, narrow web, screen, and inline-flexo printing, as well as remarketed equipment; and finishing equipment comprising cutting, die-cutting and embossing, folding, inspection, folding carton gluing, hot foil stamping, and shingled folding. The company also provides technical services, such as installation and relocation, maintenance and cleaning, remote support, repair, and overhauling services, as well as service parts; and performance services consisting of performance evaluation, color management, training, upgrades and retrofits, monitoring, output optimization, print shop optimization, and investment planning. In addition, it offers financial services; and consumables, such as plates, films, chemicals, proofing, glues, digital and analog engraving, blankets, inks, dampening rollers, coatings, varnishes, blankets, rollers, pressroom chemicals, cutting knives, banderoles, ink duct foils, wash-up cloths and spray powders, dispersion glues, binding glues, stitching wires and sealing threads, and folding carton gluing supplies. Further, the company provides software solutions. The company was formerly known as Schnellpressenfabrik AG Heidelberg and changed its name to Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft in 1967. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1850 and is based in Heidelberg, Germany. UML not to back partys corrupt local reps Senior CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal has claimed that his party would not back corrupt peoples representatives at the local level even if they represent the party. The UAE is ranked 12th on the list of top countries for foreign direct investment (FDI) for the period from 2017 through 2019, according to the World Investment Report 2017 released by UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a report said. The FDI inflows into the UAE grew by 2.2 per cent in 2016 to $9 billion from $8.8 billion in 2015, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy, was quoted as saying by WAM, the Emirates official news agency. "The country is developing well thought-out strategies in line with the National Agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 by aligning efforts and ensuring synergies across all sectors at the federal and local levels in alignment with the directives of our wise leadership," the minister added. FDI is considered a key enabler for sustainable economic growth on account of its significant role in ensuring cash inflows for mega-sized developmental projects and despite the decline in global FDI rates in 2016 comparatively with 2015, the foreign investment inflows to the country increased, he added. UNCTAD criteria for assessing FDI sets a threshold of 10 per cent of equity ownership to qualify an investor as a foreign direct investor, said the minister, noting that there are myriad foreign investments in the country below this 10 per cent equity ownership and thats why if these investments are calculated, the total FDI in the country would go beyond the $9 billion mark. He expected more FDIs to the country over the coming five years as a direct result of the mega projects launched in areas of renewable energy and retail industries, adding that the cumulative FDIs to the UAE jumped to $117.9 billion by the end of 2016 from $109 billion by the end of 2015, a growth of 8.2 per cent supported by increasing investments in areas of transformational and other heavy industries, including aluminium and petrochemicals, in addition to other sectors, like tourism and aviation. UAE-bound FDI until the end of 2016 accounted for 16.9 per cent of total FDI to Western Asian nations, with UAE claiming 26.5 per cent of total FDI to GCC by the end of 2016. The UAE came second only to Turkey on the list of top countries attracting FDI in West Asia, accounting for 32.3 per cent of total FDIs coming to the region during 2016, which are estimated at $27.8 billion, he stated, adding that the UAE comes on top of GCC states on the same list, claiming 50.2 per cent of the total FDI, estimated at $17.9 billion during the same year. The UAE boasts a stable investment-conducive and business-friendly environment supported by resilient infrastructure and robust legislation that woo investors from all over the world, the minister stressed. With regards to UAE investments aboard, the UAE came on top of Western Asian countries , accounting for 50.9 per cent of total foreign investment flows from West Asia to different world countries, the minister said, putting at $15.7 billion the value of UAE investment outflows during 2016. The report indicated a remarkable increase of 97 per cent in the value of mergers completed by UAE companies overseas, rising from $5.87 billion in 2015 to $11.57 billion in 2016, making up to 59.3 per cent of total merger operations conducted by companies in West Asia in 2016. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It seems ludicrous that we haven't developed an alternative for this harmful and persistent material that permeates our lives and planet. When a young turtle was found dead near Perth, Australia, researchers at Murdoch University wanted to figure out why. It turned out that poor Tina the Turtle was stuffed with plastic trash. Dr. Erina Young told local news: I was shocked and horrified to discover the turtle's intestines full of rubbish from plastic bags, plastic packaging, food wrappers to synthetic ropes and twine. The plastic would have caused immense suffering and ultimately contributed to her death. While plastic does serve an important role in fields such as medicine, it should not be part of our everyday lives. Knowing the damage caused by these items, much stricter action needs to be taken to prevent their use. Single-use plastics should be banned outright, or the fees to access items like grocery bags, coffee cups, Styrofoam takeouts, straws, and water bottles should be so astronomically high that no one would want to forget their own reusable option. Good alternatives do exist, such as glass jars, cloth bags, metal containers, wooden boxes, etc. Ive been to major functions where food is served on compostable plates made from leaves and wooden cutlery, and to bars that use only paper straws. An event for World Oceans Day, hosted by Lush Cosmetics in Toronto, featured cocktails for a crowd served in (straw-free!) Mason jars. But these alternatives, sadly, are not mainstream. They require shoppers, store-owners, and event planners to go out of their way, usually to make a pro-green statement of some kind. They have yet to become the default option. This is where I believe we need a much greater emphasis on developing viable, large-scale, commercial alternatives to single-use plastics and packaging. There have been a few novel and promising ideas, such as edible WikiPearls and oil- and wax-based packaging and gelatinous water-holders, but we dont see any of these in local grocery stores. Its not because we lack the ability to invent and use them, but because it hasnt been a priority. Weve been distracted too long by other, more exciting things. Thus far, the focus on technological innovation has been skewed to those technologies that author and scientist Peter Kalmus describes as talismanic of the myth of progress a deep, subconscious belief that we are, and always will be, more advanced than past societies. In Being the Change, he writes: 3D printers, the Internet of Things, social media, virtual reality do these technologies truly make us happier? What about self-driving cars and voice assistants? Is this the world we really want to live in, or are there perhaps more interesting and kinder dimensions to explore? I wish we could use our tremendous collective technological knowledge to create plastic-free grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and clothing stores. It makes no sense to me that, considering all the things we are able to do (such as carrying the world in my pocket in the form of a smartphone), I still have to buy cereal in sealed plastic bags and toothpaste in non-recyclable plastic tubes. How could we have not solved this problem already? Consumer demand hasnt existed up until now, but its slowly gaining momentum. People havent realized the extent of plastics reach, even to the most remote Pacific islands. Were starting to notice grotesque images of victims like Tina the Turtle, who are literally drowning in plastic. Soon well no longer be comfortable buying food and carrying it home in plastic thats useful for a matter of minutes; it will feel deeply unsettling and unethical. As awareness spread, hopefully scientists, storeowners, governments, and innovators will take notice, too, and start prioritizing the development of biodegradable, non-persistent alternatives. Why child labour persists Yesterday was the World Day Against Child Labour. Can you imagine not having had a childhood? Can you imagine not giving your child a childhood? According to Nepal Child Labour Report, 2010, for 1.6 million children between five and 17 years, not having a childhood is the reality. - Raila Odinga came out guns blazing to respond to claims that he intends to destroy foreign owned property should he win the presidency - A foreign newspaper from London quoted him saying so - Apparently, Raila will put the land to better use instead of foreigners using them as holiday vacations as Kenyans suffered at the same time Hours after the Times of London published an article sensationally claiming that National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga will destroy foreign owned property should he win the presidency, the opposition leader came out to respond to the allegations. According to the interview published on Monday, June 12, Raila was quoted as saying that he will dismantle white-owned ranches to control violence in Laikipia. There ranches are too big and the people dont even live there, they live in Europe and only come once in a while. Theres a need for rationalization to ensure that theres more productive use of that land, said Raila. READ ALSO: David Musila has this to say after reports of endorsing Uhuru Kenyatta NASA presidential aspirant Raila Odinga READ ALSO: Raila and Kalonzo differ in public over support for individual parties (Photos) These sentiments come in the wake of a wave of banditry being experienced in the region as the government works to deploy police reservists to tackle the menace. However, hours later, Railas spokesman, Dennis Onyango, issued a statement claiming the paper had misquoted the former premier. According to Onyango, the paper had portrayed Raila as one of the politicians accused of inciting local communities against the foreign owners. READ ALSO: Beautiful Kenyan nurse, her man and their child perish in a terrible water accident (photos) Bandits have become a menace in a number of Kenyan counties, forcing the government to deploy police reservists to deal with them. Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE No one has tabled evidence of Odinga inciting Laikipa residents to violence. Raila has called on the government to broker an understanding between the ranchers and locals to help bring peace between the two groups. This is what he is promising to do as president, said Onyango as quoted in Daily Nation on Tuesday, June 13. The fight for grazing land saw a world renown conservationist, Kuki Gallman, attacked and shot by bandits. READ ALSO: Huddah posted a very shocking photo during the weekend, but look what Vera posted after seeing that DP Ruto deployed a number of reservists in Baringo county. This is the hardest hit county in Kenya. READ ALSO: Beautiful Kenyan nurse, her man and their child perish in a terrible water accident (photos) On the same matter, the Laikipia Farmers' Association, on Tuesday, June 13, also responded to the newspaper article quoting Raila, saying that it's members do not live in Europe but live and work very hard on the ground in Laikipia. The association also claimed that all ranches are owned by Kenyan citizens whatever their racial origins, or by Kenyan companies and trusts. "For Laikipia's success to continue, local people need peace and rule of law. We call on all politicians to support the urgent need for stability. On our part, we are ready to offer our significant private sector expertise to work on solutions facing pastoralism in the northern rangelands," read the statement. Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke Watch this young man who can speak 8 languages below: Source: TUKO.co.ke - Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze has come out to address his early support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election bid - Nyenze has reiterated that it was within his right to congratulate Uhuru's administration for the the development record in his cosntituency - An unapologetic Nyenze has said he is not leaving Wiper and NASA coalition The National Super Alliance (NASA) boat was rocked from within when one of its key members publicly declared support fro President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election bid. Many were shocked when Kitui West MP and Minority Whip in the National Assembly Francis Nyenze was captured on tape praising Uhuru's development record and urging his constituents to consider him for another term. Nyenze was accompanied by former Wiper party chairman David Musila. Francis Nyenze READ ALSO: 'Chaos' in NASA after DP Ruto claimed Raila will open ICC cases if he wins Musila has since denied declaring support for the Jubilee side. As reported by TUKO.co.ke, Wiper issued a strongly-worded statement demanding Nyenze to declare his stand and explain why he was supporting Jubilee yet he belongs to Wiper and the NASA coalition. READ ALSO: 4 bodyguards of Machakos first lady killed in grisly accident Now Nyenze has responded with a statement of his, and he does not sound apologetic for the comments he made in Kitui. In the statement, the legislator said he has seen his constituents benefiting from Jubilee's development record in Kitui West. Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka READ ALSO: Big blow for Uhuru as 8 Jubilee politicians decamp to NASA barely 2 months to the ballot He denied that he has ditched Wiper for Jubilee and said does not intend to do so. Nyenze said he made the remarks because his constituents also deserve services from the national government and he was giving credit where is due. Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE "I joined them in rejoicing the good gesture. Whether it is said or not these people were and will be grateful to the government for the jobs and financial support," Nyenze said. Nyenze's statement Nyanza urged his supporters to remain calm and said he is Wiper and indeed NASA to stay. Meet 23-year-old Kenyan who speaks 8 foreign languages Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke Source: TUKO.co.ke - NASA leader Raila Odinga has exposed dealings between Jubilee and a Dubai-based company which IEBC has awarded a tender to print ballot papers - Raila says the company has been meeting Jubilee party officials for the last three years and IEBC knows this well - He said with the company being involved in the August 8 polls, there is no likely that the polls will be free, fair and credible - He castigated the electoral body for re-awarding the tender to the company even after the High Court nullified the first contract National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday, June 13, left participants at the Election Conference at KICC stunned when he exposed dealings between the IEBC and the Jubilee administration aimed at rigging the August 8 polls. In a detailed speech, Raila highlighted how the IEBC is hellbent to ensure that President Uhuru Kenyatta's camp wins the election by all means available. Raila did not spare IEBC boss Wafula Chebuakati and other commissioners who had attended the conference as he laid down every crude effort the electoral body is making to ensure Uhuru retains his seat. Raila Odinga meets US ambassador to Kenya during the conference READ ALSO: Top Wiper member issues stinging statement after he was attacked for supporting Uhuru's re-election He started by reminding the conference that in almost all elections since multiparty democracy where incumbents were defending their seats, there has been violence. "As we have observed before, all our multiparty elections with an incumbent president defending his seat have been marked by violence," he said. He warned that it is the responsibility of the IEBC to ensure that a repeat of the 2008 post-election violence is not experienced in the country as Uhuru defends his seat. Raila Odinga meets CJ David Maraga and IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati READ ALSO: 'Chaos' in NASA after DP Ruto claimed Raila will open ICC cases if he wins The former prime minister then, in a stinging attack, exposed how the IEBC awarded a tender to a Dubai company, Al Ghurair Print and Publishing Company Limited, to print ballot papers even when the High Court had nullified the tender. IEBC re-awarded the tender to the same company because its officials have been meeting Jubilee officials since 2016, Raila revealed. "Information currently in our possession indicate that the firm has long had contacts with senior Jubilee officials for at least three years. Owners of this firm hosted senior Jubilee officials in Dubai in February last year during which the ballot printing tender was discussed," Raila said. Raila Odinga at the conference READ ALSO: Influential Mt. Kenya governor tells Uhuru how Ruto will make him lose to Raila Odinga (video) He further said that officials of the firm were in Kenya in October 2016 as head of the business delegation brought by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce during which trip they held further talks on the contract with Jubilee officials. "That's how IEBC became hell bent on delivering the printing tender to Al Gharair. The opposition was never involved in these improper contacts. Full disclosure would also reveal that this firm has local franchise holders who hold known partisan political positions in the contest ahead," he further revealed. Selfie time at the conference Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE Raila said as long as Al Gharair is involved, there is no way the August 8 polls will be free, fair and credible. However, he expressed optimism that there is still time for the IEBC to rectify the mistake to ensure the election is credible. Here is the statement in full: Meet 23-year-old Kenyan who speaks 8 foreign languages Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke Source: TUKO.co.ke Ukraine is ready to join the project on formation of a new gas corridor with Hungary and Croatia, which provides for the use of LNG-terminal capacities on the Croatian coast. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this during his talks with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, Governmental portal informs. "We are interested in creating the Croatia-Hungary-Ukraine gas corridor and we will do everything to ensure that this project is close to full implementation. We are interested in such gas supplies to Ukraine," the head of government said. The project is included into the package of initiatives by President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovich on the formation of the central vertical of cooperation "Adriatic-Baltic-Black Sea" and involves not only the organization of fuel supplies, but also a possible integration of the gas transportation systems of the three countries. ish Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic Lubomir Zaoralek has congratulated Ukrainians on the beginning of the visa-free regime with the EU. He wrote this on Twitter on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "Congratulations to all citizens of Ukraine on good news - the beginning of the visa-free regime with the Schengen countries. We are glad that Ukraine has fulfilled all conditions for abolishing a visa regime for short-term trips," the minister said. The Head of the Czech Foreign Ministry wished Ukraine "successful building of a European state and success in the fight against corruption" and its citizens "happy visa-free travel to the Schengen states." "Welcome to Europe," Zaoralek said. Meanwhile, the Czech media has reported with reference to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country that Czech security forces are on alert over the migration and security risks to arise from the forthcoming partial lifting of visas for Ukrainians that take effect on June 11. The liberalisation of the visas for Ukrainians valid for the Schengen Area relates to the trips for business, tourism and family reasons lasting for up to 90 days, but not to journeys for work. ish During the period from February 16 to May 15, 2017, 36 civilians were killed and 157 were injured in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine. Ms. Fiona Frazer, the Head of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, said this while presenting the 18th report, an Ukrinform correspondent informed. "The report covers the period from February 16 to May 15, 2017, during which the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) recorded 36 conflict-related civilian deaths and 157 injuries a 48 per cent increase on the previous reporting period from November 16, 2016 to February 15, 2017," she said. Fraser stressed that "the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year with no end in sight." ish Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, who pays a two-day official visit to the Republic of Croatia, is holding a meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic. He wrote this on Facebook. "I have met with my colleague, the Prime Minister of Croatia," Groysman wrote. During the visit, the Head of the Ukrainian Government will also meet with Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic and President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. Groysman is also scheduled to take part in the work of the Ukrainian-Croatian Business Forum. Following the negotiations in the presence of the prime ministers of Ukraine and Croatia, a memorandum on cooperation in the youth sector will be signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine and the Ministry of Demographics, Family, Youth and Social Policy of the Republic of Croatia. ish Ukraine and Croatia are at a high level of bilateral political dialogue and will apply joint measures to deepen and expand areas of cooperation in various fields. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic said this to reporters after the meeting in Zagreb, the Governmental portal reports. "Today we are at a high level of our bilateral dialogue, our cooperation now is at a good level," Groysman said. The PM has thanked the Croatian people and the leadership of the country for their support of Kyiv in such difficult historical time. The head of government also noted a role of Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in supporting Ukraine in the issues of achieving the visa-free regime with the EU and completing the ratification of the Association Agreement with the European Union. According to him, Ukraine and Croatia have a wide range of directions for the deepening of cooperation, in particular, military and technical cooperation, energy, trade and economic cooperation, tourism and cultural and humanitarian fields. In turn, Plenkovic has expressed Croatia's readiness to support Ukraine on the European integration path, in particular, on approximation of the national legislation to the EU norms, as well as representation of the Ukrainian interests in the European Parliament. ish Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, who pays a two-day official visit to the Republic of Croatia, is holding a meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic. He wrote this on Facebook. "I have met with my colleague, the Prime Minister of Croatia," Groysman wrote. During the visit, the Head of Ukrainian Government will also meet with Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic and President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. Groysman is also scheduled to take part in the work of the Ukrainian-Croatian Business Forum. Following the negotiations in the presence of the prime ministers of Ukraine and Croatia, a memorandum on cooperation in the youth sector will be signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine and the Ministry of Demographics, Family, Youth and Social Policy of the Republic of Croatia. ish The ruling Cambodian Peoples Party has canceled plans for failed local election candidates to be appointed to advisory positions in the government. The CPP won the majority of seats at the commune election on June 4, which also saw the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party secure a greater share of the vote. Official results are due to be announced towards the end of the month. Sok Eysan, CPP spokesman, said that rather than being offered government roles the unelected officials would be given positions in the party. Critics of the scrapped policy, which was proposed in February, had suggested that appointing unelected party officials to government posts would be a waste of public funds and a display of favoritism. However, the CPP justified its decision to promote failed candidates by pointing to their administrative experience. San Chey, executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in Cambodia, said the backtracking by the CPP would go some way towards alleviating criticism. But he accused the ruling party of malpractice in favoring CPP members for advisory positions. Khieu Sopheak, interior ministry spokesman, said the promotions would not affect the state budget. It is the right of ministers to employ them as advisers. The ministers have their budgets, he said. According to preliminary results announced by the CPP, it won 1,158 of the 1,646 communes, with the opposition securing less than 500. Police in Russia have detained hundreds of protesters and some journalists at anti-corruption demonstrations in cities across the country on Russia's national day. The protests were organized by opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was detained in Moscow as he left his home to try to join a demonstration in the capital. VOA's Moscow Correspondent Daniel Schearf reports that the White House condemned the detentions and said it is monitoring the situation. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies in open session Tuesday before the Senate committee investigating alleged ties between Donald Trumps presidential campaign and Kremlin election meddling. VOA White House correspondent Peter Heinlein reports that Sessions wants to explain why he recused himself from the collusion probe. But senators have other questions. East Africa was well represented during Monday's Intergovernmental Authority on Development regional bloc summit in Addis Ababa, which Ethiopia's prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, convened to discuss the deteriorating situation in South Sudan. The leaders of Uganda, Somalia and Sudan were present, along with Kenya and Djibouti's foreign ministers, and representatives from other regional and international bodies. South Sudan's first vice president, Taban Deng Gai, also attended the summit. There was, however, one noticeable absence: South Sudan's president, Salva Kiir. "The fact that Salva Kiir has not bothered to come and speak to his colleagues in IGAD, at a time when South Sudan is falling apart and when his inability to protect his citizens is causing a refugee crisis throughout the entire region, his failure to show up, I think speaks volumes about the source of the problems in South Sudan," said Bronwyn Bruton, deputy director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based research institution. Nairobi-based political writer Barrack Muluka agrees with Bruton, noting that opposition leader Riek Machar is also often missing from such discussions. "We are witnessing a situation where the outsiders seem to be a lot more concerned about the peace process in South Sudan than the insiders," said Muluka. "It's imperative that both Salva Kiir and Riek Machar must be forced to come to the discussion table and, if need be, they must do that behind the threat of very heavy sanctions against themselves as individuals and their families, as well as their very close cronies." In the case of IGAD summits, only heads of state are invited or their chosen officials if they cannot attend along with representatives of regional and international organizations, on occasion. Rebels are never included on the official guest list, so Machar would not have been invited regardless. According to South Sudan presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny, "The president did not attend the summit because the IGAD summit has coincided with other commitments of the same equal importance. Like in any sovereign state, the president sent his first vice president, Taban Deng Gai, who had sufficiently represented the president." Possibility of progress? Weber State University economics professor and African governance expert John Mukum Mbaku says Kiir's absence does not augur well for fruitful discussions about South Sudan's deteriorating security and humanitarian situation. "Without Kiir at the meeting, it would be quite difficult for the summit to provide the necessary foundation for peace and security in the country," said Mbaku. Festus Mogae, chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), delivered a statement acknowledging "some commendable progress in institution building and some reforms" in South Sudan, but urged IGAD to revitalize the implementation and compliance of the peace agreement and to find practical ways to address the country's humanitarian crisis. Bruton, however, argues that using the 2015 peace agreement as a starting point for solving South Sudan's current problems is ill-advised. "Well, this is a document that's almost two years old, and has not done a whit of good in solving the conflict and reducing the level of violence. It's basically completely defunct, nobody has honored it, it hasn't worked, and I think the reliance on the document instead of trying to seek new solutions is a sign of pretty ineffective thinking, frankly," she said. Muluka says that he believes such summits can yield results, but only if conducted properly. "We must give credit to the summits because it was out of the summits that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement [CPA] was eventually reached; it was out of the initiative of summits that eventually the referendum did take place," said Muluka. "But if the summits are going to play softball with these people who are basically warlords, then we are not going to get anywhere." IGAD called on Kiir to strictly implement his recently declared cease-fire and to take swift action against those who violate it. The regional body also urged armed opposition groups to obey the cease-fire and renounce violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has placed himself at the forefront of the defense of Qatar, in the face of Saudi Arabia-led economic and diplomatic sanctions. A very grave mistake is being made in Qatar; isolating a nation in all areas is inhumane and against Islamic values, Erdogan said in his weekly Tuesday address to his parliamentary deputies. It's as if a death-penalty decision has been taken for Qatar, said Erdogan. Erdogan is backing his increasingly tough rhetoric with action. A Turkish delegation flew Tuesday to Doha to prepare for the deployment of a military force in Qatar, which ultimately will rise to about 5,000 soldiers. Ankara already has sent large amounts food to break economic sanctions against Qatar. The risks, however, are high. If there is an escalation into a confrontation or any kind of hot conflict, this would expose those soldiers to all kinds of threats, warned retired Turkish ambassador Unal Cevikoz, who heads the Ankara Policy Forum research group. The Turkish army deployment is part of a military cooperation agreement with Qatar made before the crisis that also includes naval and air components. The army element of the deployment was brought forward by the onset of the crisis, with the Turkish parliament rushing through the required legislation to sanction it. Playing down risk of military confrontation, analyst Sinan Ulgen a visiting scholar of the Carnegie Institute, points out that only a handful of Turkish soldiers initially will be deployed. Politics and diplomacy Political and diplomatic side, rather than the military side [of the deployment], will be most important, said Ulgen, because Turkey is seen to have adopted a position firmly in support of Qatar that is certainly going to cause complications with other GCC [Gulf Cooperation Countries], primarily Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Erdogan's robust stance in support of Qatar, scotched his foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's offer to mediate. This approach, unfortunately, is becoming a trend and it has developed into a pattern in Turkey's foreign policy conduct, lamented Cevikoz. It is not in line with Turkey's traditional policy of impartiality toward the problems of the region. The consequences are dangerous, and it has already resulted with Turkey's isolation in the international community, if not in the region. Ankara's robust support for Qatar is a testament to the deepening relations between the countries. Qatar is fast becoming one of the most important investors in Turkey, buying up banks, media companies, and investing in property. Those investments accelerated in the aftermath of last year's failed coup in Turkey, which saw many foreign investors shying away. But the relationship extends far beyond economics, and a strong relationship has developed between the country's two leaders. According to reports not denied by either country, Qatar sent 150 of its special forces to protect Erdogan in the days after the July coup. Muslim Brotherhood Foreign policy collaboration, though, is where cooperation appears to be most important. Turkey has aligned itself more closely on a number of foreign policy options, which would include support of the Muslim Brotherhood, support of Hamas, pointed out analyst Ulgen. Ankara could pay a heavy price for its loyalty to Qatar, however, coming at a time when Turkey already is facing strained relations with most of it Western allies and all of its southern neighbors. Turkish pro government media has been sounding alarm bells, warning that the pressure facing Qatar really is a plot aimed at Ankara and Erdogan. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party, voiced concerns about the precarious position facing Turkey over Ankara's support with Qatar for the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are all regarding the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, said Kilicdaroglu, criticizing Erdogan's public use of Muslim Brotherhood symbols. Erdogan has made little secret of his support for the Brotherhood, a stance that plays well with his religious base of voters. Support of the brotherhood has become part of domestic politics, pointed out Ulgen. But Ulgen emphasizes that the pressure facing Qatar cannot be applied to Turkey, although he warns the present crisis likely will put Ankara in an awkward position. President Donald Trump has been particularly outspoken in support of Saudi Arabia's stance in demanding that Qatar end its support of the Muslim Brotherhood, along with other radical Islamist groups, but he has remained publicly silent over Ankara's stance toward the brotherhood. According to Turkish media, Trump and Erdogan are scheduled to talk about Qatar in the coming days. I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support. This is the first entry in The Dairy of Anne Frank. She wrote it on June 12, 1942her 13th birthday. At that moment, she was a normal teenager living with her family in the Netherlands, where they moved from Frankfurt after Hitlers rise to power. This was one of Annes last diary entries as a carefree teenager. Less than a month later, on July 5, 1942, her family was summoned for deportation to the Westerbork concentration camp. The entry that Anne made in the diary exactly 75 years ago, and what she wrote in the duration of that entire weekthat is the last proof of normal life. Friends, plans, prosperity, said Edna Friedberg, curator of the National Holocaust Museum in Washington. Instantly, Anne will be in a nightmare world. She will have to literally disappear, physically disappear. She did just that, vanishing into an Amsterdam rowhouse. The canal-facing Opekta Building became a shelter for Annes family and a few more Jews. They hid in a 46 square meter room behind a door masked as a bookcase. Here, Anne wrote letters to her imaginary friend Kitty about everything that worried her: her relationship with her parents, her first love, arguments over food, violence in the streets below. The Holocaust survivor Primo Levi wrote that there is a duty not to understand the Holocaust, because to understand is to justify. But, he maintained, if understanding is impossible, knowing is imperative, because what happened could happen again. Anne Franks account remains a terrifying part of truly knowing the Holocaust. Often in the evening, in the darkness, I see columns of innocent people walking, driven by a pair of scoundrels, who beat them and torture them until they fall to the ground, wrote Frank. They dont spare anybody: the elderly, children, infants, the sick, pregnant womeneveryone goes to face death Its a terrible feeling to suddenly be an excess. Franks diary became one of 35 objects included in the Memory of the World Register, a UNESCO World Heritage List. Currently, the book is translated into 67 languages. Every modern schoolchild knows the Jewish girls name. This is proof that history isnt statistics and facts, its always the fates of people, said Friedberg. Anne wrote her last entry in the diary on August 1, 1944. Everybody who was hiding in the building was found, arrested and sent to a death camp. Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in March of 1945. In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. Friedman stopped reading and looked up. Thats my favorite quote from her diary. Its painful to think that the girl believed in humanity until her last days. The 15-year-old girls 7-month stay at the camp, punctuated by slave labor, hunger and finally death, hardly confirm her optimistic words. Annes father Otto was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust. He decided to publish the diary as proof that his daughter lived, loved and hoped. Anne became the voice of 6 million Jewsthe victims of the Holocaust. Just think about how many talented and smart children like that were destroyed, said Friedman. One-point-five million Jewish children died during the years of the Holocaust. Multiply this number by a million, they say at the Memorial Museum in Washington. The lost life of a child is lost generations. Proof of that is the fate of a girl named Louisa, who was in hiding on the same street as Anne Frank. She survived. Today, 75-year-old Louisa Lawrence lives in Bethesda, Maryland and has three daughters and six grandchildren. Most often today, she has to answer the question: How does she feel about the thought that she was able to survive, but Anne, the girl who lived next door, didnt? I am truly sorry for her, said Lawrence. But at the same time Im thankful that my family was able to survive. I remember when The Diary of Anne Frank was published, everyone was uncomfortable. They didnt want to talk about it, because it was painful, and embarrassing for others. This diary, written with the truthful words of a young girl, forced the world to hear about the horrors of that time. This report originated in VOA's Russian Service. President Donald Trump preened before his Cabinet and the cameras on Monday, making claims that are unsupported by the record. A sampling from a portion of the Cabinet meeting opened to the press: "Great success, including MS-13. They're being thrown out in record numbers and rapidly. And they're being depleted. They'll all be gone pretty soon.'' THE FACTS: There's no publicly available information to back up Trump's claim that this violent gang is about to disappear. Deportations are actually down slightly compared with the same time last year, as arrests of people caught crossing the Mexican border have dropped to historic lows. More than 100 MS-13 gang members have been arrested in recent weeks, though the government hasn't said how many of those people have been deported. In any event, deportations alone cannot eradicate MS-13, a homegrown gang with ties to El Salvador that includes U.S. citizens. The government has not said how many of the estimated 7,000 to 10,000 gang members are Americans, who cannot be "thrown out.'' The group's roots in the U.S. go back more than 20 years to Los Angeles. The gang was in decline in Southern California long before Trump was elected. During a recent raid of MS-13 members in Los Angeles, Police Chief Charlie Beck said the gang's membership has been declining for several years in part because of law enforcement crackdowns. MS-13 has been in the crosshairs of federal law enforcement since at least 2012 when the group was designated a transnational criminal organization and subjected to financial sanctions by the Treasury Department. Three leaders of the gang were targeted for sanctions in 2015. "I recently returned from a trip overseas that included deals for more than $350 billion worth of military and economic investment in the United States. These deals will bring many thousands of jobs to our country and, in fact, will bring millions of jobs ultimately and help Saudi Arabia take a greater role in providing stability and security in that region.'' THE FACTS: Trump's $350 billion figure includes hundreds of billions of dollars in aspirational deals with Saudi Arabia that have not been signed yet and could be revised or eliminated. He's relying on a 20- to 30-year projection of what the government believes will be the contracts' long-term value because of the cost of sustaining them. When he visited Riyadh, agreements on more than $110 billion in foreign military sales were pledged, according to the State Department. But many of those along with a significant amount of the $80 billion in announced commercial civilian sales were memoranda of understanding or letters of intent and not sales contracts. Arms sales make up the vast majority of Trump's total, but those must be approved by the State Department and Congress. Since Trump's trip, the State Department has notified lawmakers of only a small fraction of the total $1.7 billion, mainly in naval and air force training contracts, and some Democrats say they want to hold those up over human rights concerns and Saudi Arabia's conduct in the war against rebels in Yemen. And while U.S. officials say further approvals, including large-ticket items such as a high-altitude missile defense system, could be approved in the coming weeks, there is no guarantee Congress will go along. In addition, some of the business he's claiming to have generated was agreed to during the Obama administration. "I will say that never has there been a president - with few exceptions; in the case of FDR, he had a major Depression to handle who's passed more legislation, who's done more things than what we've done, between the executive orders and the job-killing regulations that have been terminated. Many bills; I guess over 34 bills that Congress signed. A Supreme Court justice who's going to be a great one ...We've achieved tremendous success.'' THE FACTS: He has little to show for his first five months in office, in concrete ways, other than the confirmation of a justice. Trump's two immediate predecessors, Barack Obama and George W. Bush, accomplished more in their early months. Trump has achieved no major legislation. The bills he is counting up are little more than housekeeping measures things like naming a courthouse and a VA health care center, appointing board of regents members, reauthorizing previous legislation. He has indeed been vigorous in signing executive orders, but in the main they have far less consequence than legislation requiring congressional passage. Trump's big agenda items, like his promised tax overhaul, have yet to pass or even reach Congress. His attempt to secure the borders from people from terrorism-prone regions is so far blocked by courts. By contrast, Obama signed a $787 billion stimulus package into law in his first month, while also achieving a law expanding health care for children and the Lilly Ledbetter bill on equal pay for women in that time. Bush got off to a slower start, in part because he did not take office in a deep recession requiring quick action, as Obama had done. But by this point in his presidency, Bush had signed a huge tax cut into law. Rasa Miskinyte spent last Saturday in a freezing forest near Lithuania's capital learning to gather water from a pond with a condom, to filter it through sand, charcoal and cloth, and to make her own stove from a beer can. She thought some basic survival skills would be helpful if Russian troops ever entered Vilnius and her family escaped into the woods. Russia is a very dangerous kind of neighbor, said Miskinyte, a 53-year-old film producer. They are always aiming at us. Across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, fears are intensifying that Moscow, after displaying its military might in Georgia, Ukraine and now Syria, could have the Baltic states in its sights next. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned he wouldn't hesitate to defend Russians wherever they live - words that feel like threats since significant numbers of ethnic Russians live in the Baltics. Whether the danger is real or just bluster remains to be seen. But in Lithuania, a country that experienced a Russian occupation before, some people aren't waiting to find out. Young Lithuanian civilians are learning counterinsurgency tactics on weekends. Others, like Miskinyte, have taken steps to protect themselves. The government, in response to pleas from a fearful public, has issued a preparation manual. Rimvydas Matuzonis directs a project that teaches weekend guerrilla warfare courses. He explained the resolve to be ready by citing a popular saying in the forests of Dzukija, the southern region where his father grew up. Spring will come, the cuckoo will sing and we will pave our roads with the corpses of Russian soldiers, Matuzonis said. To be sure, some in the Baltic states feel reassured by their NATO membership and aren't overly anxious about a pending Russian invasion. Others describe a dull anxiety that flares up only sometimes. But there are some who are truly afraid and already preparing for the worst. When Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, Miskinyte packed a bag with bread, salt and some essential items and planned to flee to a village where she has a house. She urged relatives to join her there, if the Russians came for Lithuania next. In the village you always survive, Miskinyte said. There is land, there are vegetables. There is everything there. The sense of vulnerability in much of Eastern Europe has been heightened by a feeling that the international order, which brought peace and economic growth after the collapse of the Soviet Union, is disintegrating. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he might not automatically defend the Baltic states, underlines the shift. Exacerbating the dread lately is Moscow's move to build up troops and nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad, a Russian region wedged between NATO members Lithuania and Poland. Poland is creating a so-called Territorial Defense Force to train thousands of volunteers for the kind of low-intensity hybrid warfare seen in eastern Ukraine, including cyber warfare. Some of the new volunteers also will be assigned to protect Polish territory near Kaliningrad. But the foreboding is no doubt greater in the ex-Soviet republics, whose decision to regain independence when the Soviet empire collapsed humiliated the Kremlin. In response to calls for guidance from citizens fearing war, Lithuania's Defense Ministry issued a civilian manual that includes information on survival skills and recognizing Russian weaponry. The best way to prevent war is to demonstrate to the aggressor that we are ready to fight for our freedom, for every centimeter of our land, Defense Minister Juozas Olekas said. The capabilities, the readiness - this is the only way to stop Russian aggression in the region, Olekas said in an interview with The Associated Press. Lithuania re-established a conscript army last year, but so many citizens have volunteered for military duty that a draft hasn't been necessary. Many civilians in the hugely patriotic nation of 3 million people also remain eager to do their part. Last weekend, in an area of pine woods and fields outside Vilnius, a group of young men donned military fatigues, loaded pellets into replica assault rifles and practiced counterinsurgency tactics. Using armored vehicles and other retired military equipment, they engaged in a mock battle, storming a position held by the enemy amid explosions and thick smoke. Target practice with real weapons followed. Many of the young civilians say military exercises have been a hobby for years, a way to get outdoors and release stress after a week in the office. But they also said they want to be ready to defend their homeland. Their instructors from Defense Project, a warfare training group, make clear the drills have a new urgency given Russia's assertiveness. We have a border not only with Russia, but also with Belarus, and we should be aware that the little green men might appear from other borders or even from within, said Zilvinas Pastarnokas, a 45-year-old retired soldier who helped found Defense Project. Matuzonis, the group's director, said the will to resist comes naturally for a people that suffered Russian occupation in the past. Partisan warfare against Soviet rule continued for several years after World War II. Many of the lessons Lithuania's soldiers and civilians are learning now were handed down by post-war partisans, knowledge preserved by the military. Ukrainians fighting pro-Russian rebels have shared new tactics. Fears of stewing Russia aggression have raised questions about the loyalties of the ethnic Russians who live in Lithuania and make up about 6 percent of the population. Many settled there when Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union and remained. Lithuanian officials insist they are full citizens like everyone else and aren't under any suspicion, and ethnic Russians say they have very good interactions with Lithuanians. Yet many Lithuanians fear that if war ever came, ethnic Russians would side with Moscow. The Russians will absolutely be on Putin's side. A few are pro-Lithuanian, but not many, said Miskinyte, the film producer who took the survival course. For their part, Lithuania's ethnic Russians decry what they call the anti-Russian propaganda of Lithuanian officials, and many hold pro-Kremlin views. Everything in the Lithuanian press is represented from the one side - that the Russians are the bad guys, that the Russians are coming, that Putin is always bad, complained Roman Nutsubidze, 30, who moved to Lithuania as an infant. Nutsubidze, who lives in the predominantly ethnic Russian town of Visaginas, expressed frustration that the West doesn't see Putin as a good leader who has restored national pride to the Russian people. He said he loves Lithuania, but thinks Putin has no reason to want to seize the Baltic states. I don't see what he has done bad, Nutsubidze said. I don't actually see it. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday denied having an undisclosed meeting with Russia's ambassador to Washington or improper communications with other foreign officials, saying the notion that he colluded with Russian officials during last year's presidential election was an "appalling and detestable lie." In a heated testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russian meddling in the election, Sessions, who was an adviser to President Donald Trump's 2016 president campaign, said he met twice with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak last year, but he denied reports that he had a third undisclosed meeting with Kislyak at a Washington hotel last April. "Let me state this clearly: I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election," Sessions said. But Sessions frequently framed his answers with "to the best of my knowledge" qualifiers and left open the possibility that he had a casual encounter with Kislyak at a reception preceding a foreign policy speech by Trump at the Washington Mayflower Hotel. "If any brief interaction occurred in passing with the Russian ambassador during that reception, I do not remember it," Sessions said. To 'address matters' The testimony, Sessions' first since he recused himself from oversight of the Russia probe in March following reports of his meetings with Kislyak, came after new reports that the former senator may have had a third undisclosed meeting with the Russian diplomat. Going into the testimony, Sessions said he wanted to address questions raised by ousted FBI Director James Comey during his testimony before the same panel last week. A Sessions spokeswoman later said the attorney general had requested the meeting be open, adding that he looked "forward to answering the committee's questions." But Tuesday's hearing grew testy as Sessions refused to answer questions about his conversations with Trump, drawing charges of stonewalling from Democrats on the panel. Asked by Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein if he had discussed Comey's handling of the Russia investigation with Trump or any other official, Sessions said, "I'm not able to comment on that." Asked by Republican Senator Marco Rubio about a February 14 Oval Office with Trump, Sessions responded, "That's a communication in the White House that I'd not comment on." In dodging questions about his private conversations with Trump, Sessions invoked a long-standing Department of Justice policy of not commenting on confidential conversations between the attorney general and the president rather than executive privilege. Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma defended Sessions' reticence, arguing that Obama administration officials had similarly withheld information, but Democrats were infuriated. "You raised your right hand here today and said you would solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico said. "Now you're not answering questions. You're impeding this investigation." Unaware of policy Former Department of Justice officials said they were not aware of such a policy. "If there is a long-standing Department of Justice policy requiring it, I'm unfamiliar with that policy," said David Sklansky, a former federal prosecutor who is now a professor at Stanford University Law School. Laurie Levenson, another former Department of Justice official, said she was unfamiliar with the policy, saying, "There has to be follow-up by Congress." Comey's hearing Sessions appeared before the intelligence committee five days after Comey, the former FBI director, delivered a dramatic testimony of his own before the same panel, accusing Trump of initiating improper one-on-one communications with him and trying to get him to drop an investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Comey testified that he later voiced concern about his meeting with Trump to Sessions, but that Sessions failed to respond. Sessions corroborated Comey's account, but he said he saw nothing improper for the president to meet alone with the FBI director and that he advised him to follow Department of Justice protocols in communicating with the White House and the president. The attorney general recused himself from the Russia investigation in early March after reports emerged that hed failed to disclose his contacts with the Russian ambassador during his confirmation hearings in January. In his testimony, however, Sessions said hed not received any detailed briefing on Russian interference in the election and that recused himself not because of any wrongdoing, but because Department of Justice rules prohibiting his involvement as a former Trump campaign adviser. However, his recusal from the Russia probe did not mean he couldnt be involved in Trumps controversial decision to fire Comey, Sessions testified. "It is absurd, frankly, to suggestion a recusal from a single specific investigation would render an attorney general unable to manage the leadership of the various Department of Justice law enforcement components that conduct thousands of investigations," Sessions said. In announcing Comey's dismissal last month, Trump initially said he was acting on the recommendations of Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. But Trump later told a television interviewer that he'd fired Comey over his handling of the Russia investigation. No new clues Levenson, who now teaches law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said Sessions' testimony did not offer new clues into Russian interference in the election or the events leading up to Trump's firing of Comey. "He did corroborate some of what Comey said," she said. "He tried not to be in conflict. Beyond that, we learned nothing." She said partisanship pervaded the testimony. "The Republicans seem bent on saying, 'There is nothing here to be investigating; this is unfair; the president has the right to do this,' and the Democrats [on] saying, 'We're not satisfied; we don't have all the facts.' " To Sklansky, the testimony raised more questions. "It deepens the mystery about whether there were additional facts about Sessions that can't be discussed publicly that suggested that he needed to recuse himself," he said. "It also left us in a positon where it seems the only way the full facts will come out regarding Comey's dismissal is if Sessions is forced to answer questions. That may require a subpoena of some kind." British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron are joining forces in order to crack down on tech companies, ensuring they step up their efforts to combat terrorism online. Britain and France face similar challenges in fighting homegrown Islamist extremism and share similar scars from deadly attacks that rocked London, Manchester, Paris and Nice. May traveled to Paris on Tuesday to hold talks on counterterrorism measures and Britain's departure from the European Union. She said major internet companies had failed to live up to prior commitments to do more to prevent extremists from finding a "safe space'' online. Macron urged other European countries, especially Germany, to join the effort to fight Islamist extremist propaganda on the Web. The campaign includes exploring the possibility of legal penalties against tech companies if they fail to take the necessary action to remove unacceptable content, May said. After the Islamic State group recruited hundreds of French fighters largely through online propaganda, France introduced legislation ordering French providers to block certain content, but it acknowledges that any such effort must reach well beyond its borders. Tech-savvy Macron has lobbied for tougher European rules, but details of his plans remain unclear. Britain already has tough measures, including a law known informally as the Snooper's Charter, which gives authorities the powers to look at the internet browsing records of everyone in the country. Among other things, the law requires telecommunications companies to keep records of all users' Web activity for a year, creating databases of personal information that the firms worry could be vulnerable to leaks and hackers. U.S. President Donald Trump has given Defense Secretary Jim Mattis the authority to set troop levels in Afghanistan. Speaking to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Mattis testified that the president had authorized his ability to set troop numbers in Afghanistan on Tuesday, noting that any change to the current troop level of 8,400 would not come immediately. "The revised Afghanistan strategy with the new approach will be presented to the president for his approval in the coming weeks," the defense secretary told lawmakers. This could mean a boost in the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, where 16 years of fighting against the Taliban and other militants has resulted in a stalemate. Mattis said Wednesday any decision on the number of U.S. military personnel will come after consulting other U.S. agencies and will be in line with President Donald Trump's "strategic direction and foreign policy." In a separate hearing a day earlier, the military chief told lawmakers the United States is not gaining in the fight to stabilize Afghanistan and vowed to present a strategy to Congress "by mid-July." "We are not winning in Afghanistan right now, and we will correct this as soon possible," Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Mattis acknowledged that the Trump administration is currently in a "strategy free time" concerning Afghanistan. The defense secretary called on Congress to provide the Pentagon with a budget, "not a continuing resolution," that is "passed on time," in order to push the U.S. military through readiness shortfalls while maintaining a support role in two wars. Mattis on Tuesday equated "winning" in Afghanistan with the Afghan government's ability to handle the enemy's level of violence, which he said will require a "residual force" of U.S. and allied forces to train Afghan troops and maintain high-end capabilities. "It's going to take a change in approach," Mattis said. But he said the United States cannot quit on Afghanistan because problems that threaten the U.S. and its economy arise out of "ungoverned spaces." On Saturday, a uniformed member of the Afghan Special Forces turned his gun on U.S. military personnel, killing three American soldiers and wounding one other. The Pentagon said 25-year-old Sgt. Eric Houck, 29-year-old Sgt. William Bays and 22-year-old Corporal Dillon Baldridge of the Army's 101st Airborne Division were killed during the attack in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar. Republican Senator John McCain highlighted the attack during Tuesday's hearing. He said Congress and the Department of Defense should not ask the families of service members to "sacrifice any further" without an Afghanistan strategy in place. Vietnamese American Kristopher Larsen learned he was not a U.S. citizen when he was in Washington State prison serving time for kidnapping and he was confronted with the possibility of deportation. He was in his early forties and had never thought of himself as anything but a U.S. citizen. Larsen is one of thousands of foreign nationals adopted by American parents who do not have U.S. citizenship status because their parents did not follow through on naturalization. He was only four when he left Vietnam to begin a new life as the adopted son of an American military family. It was 1975. With the imminent end of the Vietnam War, President Gerald Ford ordered the evacuation of Vietnamese orphans during a mission known as Operation Babylift. Larsen was one of those children. To be honest I dont have any memories, Larsen says. When I was a child every time a plane would fly overheard, I would get scared and I would run. After his adoption, he was raised in what he called an all American family in Guam and Alaska. ICE comes calling Larsen had no reason to think he was not a citizen. He had a social security number and a green card. He attended the University of Alaska Anchorage and embarked on an IT career. In time, he married, had two children and moved to Seattle, Washington in the northwestern U.S. At one time, I had everything I could possibly want, he said. Until he didnt. After a tumultuous time in his marriage, followed by a drinking binge, Larsens wife took the children and left. It kind of drove me over the deep end and I decided that I would have a suicide by cop. I did that by kidnapping somebody else, he said. According to documents and local reports, he snatched a 9-year-old and then called her parents to demand money. A King County Superior Court judge sentenced Larson to 12 years in prison for what he said in local press reports was one of the most "cold and heartless crimes imaginable." Larsen was well into his sentence, teaching mathematics and Japanese to other inmates when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) found him. I was called into the counselor's office, and they told me that I would lose my job in prison. I wouldn't be able to do any educational services. Basically all the rights that a typical inmate would have I ended up losing because I was told that I have an order of deportation, he said. Larsen was moved from state prison to an ICE detention center. Adoptees in limbo My family was like, You're adopted. Youre a citizen. Youve been in our family since [19]75. Larsens parents had just assumed that adoption made him a citizen. But to the American government, Larsen was a Vietnamese national considered legally undocumented with a criminal record. He found it baffling. Im registered for the draft. Ive always paid my taxes. Have gone to school here. So why wouldnt I be a citizen? Larsen asked. Since the 1940s, some 350,000 children have been adopted from overseas by U.S. citizens, according to Becky Belcore, co-director of the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center (NAKASEC) which runs the Adoptee Rights Campaign. Belcore says the burden to secure the childrens American naturalization rested on adoptive parents, which is why in 2001 Congress passed a law giving automatic citizenship to adoptees from other countries. The legislation, however, only applies to people born after 1983 too late for Larsen and some 35,000 other adoptees, most of them without criminal backgrounds. Before the law, parents often did not know the burden was on them to see that their adopted children became citizens. Or they knew, but the process was so expensive and so cumbersome and they had already gone through an extensive and expensive adoption process they just didnt do it. Or that adoptees had been placed in abusive houses, so their adoptive parents just didnt do it, Belcore said. And they sometimes dont find out until they apply for a public benefit, get a home or student loan or they get placed in deportation proceedings after going through the criminal justice system. To fill in the loophole, the Adoptee Rights Campaign is promoting the Adoptee Citizenship Act. The bill stalled in Congress during the election last year, because, Belcore says, no one wanted to touch anything immigration related. But advocates are working to reintroduce it. Deportation order Larsen served his term in detention and was released in 2015. But the deportation order stands. Larsen could easily be deported - if Vietnam would take him back. At the moment, the U.S. does not have an applicable repatriation agreement with Vietnam. In a 2008 agreement, Vietnam only agreed to take back citizens who came to the U.S. after 1995. But that could change. President Donald Trump has targeted so-called recalcitrant countries in his January 25 executive order Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States, calling on the Secretary of State to impose consequences on countries that refuse to take their nationals back. These consequences range from formal diplomatic communications to visa sanctions, ICE told VOA. ICE declined to supply VOA with a current list of recalcitrant countries. But as of May 6, ICE says, there were 8,534 Vietnamese nationals with final orders of removal. Since his release, Larsen has been required to show up for regular check-ins, and he has done so, according to ICE. He works at the nonprofit Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and spoke to VOA from their headquarters. But now Im stuck. I cant leave U.S. soil. So even if I wanted to visit my family in Guam, I couldnt do that because I would be crossing international lines." From an internet shutdown to convictions of journalists and opposition members, Ethiopias civil society has felt like it's under attack in recent weeks. On May 24, Getachew Shiferaw, editor of the news website Negere Ethiopia, was convicted of inciting violence because of a private Facebook conversation. The Ethiopian Federal Court initially charged Shiferaw under the country's anti-terrorism law, but later charged him under the criminal code and sentenced him to time served since his arrest in 2015. On May 25, a court sentenced Ethiopian opposition spokesman Yonatan Tesfaye to six-and-a-half years in prison on charges that he encouraged terrorism with comments on Facebook. Yeshiwas Assefa, newly elected president of the Semayawi (Blue) Party, called the verdict "disappointing and embarrassing." "Yonatan is sentenced to six years and six months just because of what he wrote on Facebook as something that encourages terrorism. He was expressing his thoughts freely. This is what we fear would bring people to protest in our country," he told VOA. The following day, May 26, two men, Tufa Melka and Kedir Bedasso, were charged with terrorism for their role in a stampede that occurred in October 2016 at a cultural festival in the Oromia region. The men are accused of yelling things into the microphone that led to chaos and the death of 55 people. Gemeda Wariyo, a protester who grabbed the microphone and admitted to chanting down, down Woyane is in exile now and wasnt mentioned in the court documents. Woyane is a colloquial term used to describe the ruling party in Ethiopia. I took the microphone in a peaceful protest, he told VOA Amharic. I was the one who protested and I dont know the men blamed for grabbing the microphone. And in early June, the government cut off internet access nationwide, stating that the measure was needed to prevent high school students from cheating on final exams by sharing answers on social media. In a press conference, Communications Minister Negeri Lencho denied the move was to control free communication. "The only reason is to help our students to concentrate on the exams because we know we are fighting poverty, he said. As of June 8, internet access including social media sites was restored, according to published reports. Under assault In a new report, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an international think tank, concluded that the targeting of civil society and restrictions on free speech fit a pattern in Ethiopia. Over the past two decades the space for political opposition has been steadily constricted and civil liberties taken away, the report said. Two laws in particular, the Charities and Societies Proclamation and the Anti-terrorism Proclamation, both passed in 2009, have given the government wide latitude to imprison opposition members and journalists and shut down groups advocating for human rights, Carnegie found. Saskia Brechenmacher, an associate fellow at the Carnegie Endowment who worked on the report, said anti-terrorism laws have been used across Africa to stifle dissent. Those laws have become very effective tools, especially in moments of crisis as we are seeing right now, she said. Ahead of elections or during moments of sustained protests, [they are used] to target selectively, particularly activists and journalists that are seen as particularly threatening." Brechenmacher said Ethiopia also cracks down on civil society groups through a provision in the charities law, which prevents organizations from receiving more than 10 percent of their funding from abroad. Many organizations had to switch their mandate and activities and turn more toward developmental and civil liberties because they couldnt carry out the kind of work they had been doing before," she said. Brechenmacher said these restrictions represent an abrupt reversal for a country that was becoming more open prior to the crackdowns that followed the 2005 elections. Ethiopia showcases what a dramatic effect this could have on independent civil society and the amount of information that is available in a country," she said. "And also it really testifies the extent to which this does not really address the grievances that citizens have vis-a-vis the government and therefore those grievances will find another outlet. The European Union warned the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland on Tuesday that they have 24 hours to start taking in refugees under an EU sharing plan or face legal action. The European Commission said in a statement that it has repeatedly urged the three countries to relocate refugees or at least pledge to do so under the legally-binding refugee plan agreed two years ago. But it said they haven't taken action "in breach of their legal obligations," and that it "has decided to launch infringement procedures." The plan to share 160,000 refugees in overwhelmed Italy and Greece among other European countries over two years was endorsed in September 2015 by a qualified majority vote. But just three months before the September 2017 deadline, fewer than 21,000 people have been relocated. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia voted against it. Hungary and Slovakia had previously launched their own legal action against the scheme. EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have until Wednesday to change their minds. "There is still time ahead. Let's hope that not only reason but also the European spirit will prevail," Avramopoulos told reporters, lamenting that the three "have not done anything for more than one year." But Poland said it stands ready to take legal action of its own. "Poland is ready to defend its standpoint before the Court of Justice," Deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Szymanski said Tuesday. He warned that the commission's action "may deepen the divisions within the EU." Avramopoulos praised Austria and Slovakia for recently pledging to do more. But as of June 9, Austria had still not relocated a single refugee. Slovakia had taken in 16. The refugee scheme was seen as a major plank of the EU's migration policy, and was lauded as a pan-European show of solidarity in 2015 when more than a million people arrived in Europe seeking sanctuary or jobs. Summertime in Europe often means that large-scale outdoor events are planned for weeks in a row, with lots of people in public spaces. But vehicles have been used several times to kill and wound pedestrians and citizens since last years attack in Nice, France. Vans and cars have also been used to carry out attacks in Germany, Sweden and Britain. European cities are known for their open public spaces, but more measures have been implemented to keep citizens safer. Adjusting to this reality means cities are adopting several approaches to protect their citizens without turning their open cities into heavily-secured forts. An example of this is the dozens of flowerpots on a large pedestrian street in the city of Brussels, which are actually cement blocks in disguise. Belgian Crisis Center Spokesman Peter Mertens says that more than a year after the March 2016 Brussels attacks, the threat level is still at 3 out of 4. Places where people come together are a potential target and we need to be aware of that. We are taking traffic obstructive measures, such as cement blocks. Local governments are incorporating them into public spaces by building flowerpots around the blocks so that it is visually less confronting for people but can still be effective. Belgian military troops are still patrolling the streets of the capital city. Brussels was the scene of bombings in March 2015 at the airport and a metro station, and several terrorists of the Paris attacks in 2015 were linked to Brussels. Attacks where a vehicle drives into the public are difficult to prevent, as the attackers are often working alone, although Islamic State has taken credit for some of the attacks. Thomas Renard, a senior research fellow at the Belgian Egmont Institute, says that despite most measures taken by cities being reactive, it doesnt mean another attack can be prevented. Trucks and cars have been used before, but not to the same extent. In the past few weeks, notably in the Westminster attack in London, we see that the attackers can also show a lack of originality. So they copy and reuse the technique over and over again," said Renard. "Even though we could say that very often measures are reactive, there is also certain logic because also the attackers also tend to reuse techniques. Summer means many outdoor activities that draw large crowds. In Berlin, where a truck killed 12 people and wounded 56 at a Christmas market in December, large-scale events are handled differently now. Events that have taken place this month in Berlin were fenced off, large backpacks were no longer allowed, and there was more police presence. There was live video surveillance and concrete blocks lined the sidewalks for the duration of an event. Interior Senator Andreas Geisel's spokesman, Martin Pallgen, says European cities are more aware than before. Nobody knows what will happen next. There are security concepts and security measures made before an event to see what is possible before and absolutely necessary during events and what can you do after the events. The Manchester [UK]) attack took place after the concert. All these small things that change the point of security view we have on this. Nobody can really guarantee 100 percent security for a free society. European cities that havent been attacked, such as the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, keep an eye out for developments and events in cities across Europe. The office of the mayor says, recent attacks abroad fit in to the current threat analysis and underscore the reality of what big cities in Europe are dealing with at the moment. When several people were hurt by a car in the city of Amsterdam last weekend, there were immediate fears of a terrorist attack. Police concluded the driver did not intentionally drive into people, but had health issues. As Colombia's leftist rebel movement begins making its transition to a political party, a crucial question hangs over the process: How much money is it hiding? Chief prosecutor Nestor Martinez rocked the nation last week by saying he has compiled evidence that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia is sitting on an illegal fortune worth hundreds of millions of dollars, a political war chest that outstrips the coffers of traditional parties. He asserted that its assets, arising from the FARC's involvement in the drug trade as well as illegal mining and extortion, include everything from herds of cattle held in the name of front men to offshore shell companies. Martinez didn't list the specific properties, but his statement appeared aimed at cornering the FARC as it faces an Aug. 1 deadline to declare its war spoils, which the peace deal signed last year earmarks for compensation of the rebels' victims. Assets that aren't itemized can be seized down the road and anyone involved in concealing them faces prosecution for money laundering outside the generous terms provided by the accord. "That legend of Franciscan poverty is about to end," Martinez said, referring to the image the FARC has long cultivated since its origins in the 1950s as a peasant-led self-defense movement. The FARC was quick to strike back, accusing Martinez of being an enemy of the peace accord aimed at ending a half century of violent conflict. Chief rebel negotiator Ivan Marquez posted a caricature of Martinez sitting down at a restaurant to eat a peace dove, while FARC commander Rodrigo Londono suggested the nation's top law enforcement doesn't show the same zeal going after other political actors with their own ties to illegal armed groups and drug-trafficking organizations. Alleged criminal ties Indeed, Colombian officials have a long history of conspiring with criminals, dating back at least to cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar's purchase of politicians in the 1980s. Dozens of lawmakers have been imprisoned over the past decade for financial ties to the FARC's battlefield enemies, right-wing paramilitary groups. More recently, President Juan Manuel Santos' re-election campaign as well as his opponent in the 2014 race are under investigation for concealing millions of dollars in contributions and payments from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht in a still-unfolding scandal that threatens to discredit much of Colombia's political class. Despite the rebels' pledge to the contrary, analysts say that the FARC is counting on its money to fund its takeoff as a political party. In the next campaign cycle, it's likely to need far more than the $1 million in state funding that it, like other political movements, is entitled to receive as a result of the peace deal. Any solid evidence of the FARC hiding its riches is bound to antagonize Colombians who still distrust the rebels. The FARC only yielded to pressure to make the inventory of its assets after the original peace accord was narrowly defeated in a nationwide referendum. 'Money has always touched a nerve' Further angering the peace accord's many detractors and exposing frictions within the government was Santos' recent decree allowing some of that wealth to fund development projects, including the creation of a FARC-led institute to train political leaders in areas it has long dominated. "For the FARC, the subject of money has always touched a nerve," said Kyle Johnson, a Bogota-based analyst at the International Crisis Group. "If it's shown they have a lot of wealth, it adds fuel to the narrative that they are simply drug traffickers." While Martinez gave few details about his accusations, he said they were based on the analysis of some 5.5 million documents, many of them found on computers and pen drives seized during jungle raids in the final days of the long conflict. He vowed to continue investigating with the help of the United States as well as other governments in the region, especially in Central America. Already authorities appear to be tightening their financial noose: So far this year they've seized assets linked to the FARC worth about $100 million, or about a quarter of the $380 million taken from the rebels in their entire history, according to Martinez. Last year, Costa Rica turned over to Colombia nearly half a million dollars in cash authorities there found stashed in a house. Nobody knows for sure how much wealth the rebels managed to accumulate in their long war against the state. Some government analysts reportedly estimated their assets at over $10.5 billion as recently as 2012, but the rebels dismiss such speculations as sheer inventions. While nobody believes they are penniless, the cost of feeding and equipping a fighting force of 7,000 rebels is believed to have sapped FARC reserves in the war's finals years as the rebels renounced extortive kidnappings and a string of military setbacks kept them largely confined to their jungle hideouts. Guatemalan prosecutors will seek to have President Jimmy Morales' immunity of office lifted in order to investigate him in connection with a children's home fire that killed 41 girls, authorities said Monday. Mayra Veliz, general-secretary of the Public Ministry, said the measure originated with two opposition lawmakers who argue that the president may share responsibility for the blaze since officials detained in the case answered to him. Under Guatemalan law, as president Morales enjoys immunity from criminal investigation or prosecution unless that protection is withdrawn. Prosecutors will present the petition to the Supreme Court, Veliz said at a news conference on the same day authorities arrested five more officials on charges related to the March 8 fire. Prosecutors' spokeswoman Julia Barrera said those arrested Monday included Gloria Patricia Castro Gutierrez and Harold Augusto Flores Valenzuela, both of the childhood and adolescence prosecutor's office. They face charges of manslaughter, mistreatment of minors and breach of duty. The girls were apparently locked inside a room after a previous escape attempt when the blaze broke out at the state-run home for troubled youth. Investigators believe one or more of the girls lit a mattress on fire inside the room and it quickly spread. The home outside the capital had a history of abuse and at least twice had been ordered to close. I cant negotiate with myself, Michel Barnier, the European Unions chief Brexit negotiator, told reporters in Brussels this week. Hes not alone among Europeans in being impatient. We are waiting for the UK to come to the table and to lay out exactly what they are after, said Mairead McGuinness, vice president of the European Parliament. The clock is ticking towards Brexit. It is a mess, but it is not an EU mess.". Britain was supposed to begin formal negotiations on its break from the EU next week, but according to officials, no firm date has been set as Prime Minister Theresa May tries to form a minority government and agree on a voting arrangement with Northern Ireland's Unionists to secure a small working majority in the House of Commons. Negotiations For the next few days and possibly weeks, the British will be negotiating with themselves about what they want, nearly three months after May invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty announcing Britains intention to leave the EU. Under Article 50, Britain has two years to agree on a financial settlement and the exit terms or leave the EU with no deal. That would mean tariffs on goods exported from Britain to the EU, Britains largest trading partner. No longer is Brexit about what people want it is also about whats possible. Negotiating Britains departure was always going to be complicated, but last week's indecisive British election has made it more so. May will be leading a minority Conservative government divided over Brexit with her own job in doubt and with a challenge to her party leadership possible at any time. Her Cabinet as is her parliamentary party is sharply split between hard and soft Brexiters. So-called hard Brexiters want Britain not only to exit the EU and to be outside the blocs single market and customs union, but to negotiate unique non-tariff access to the single market without having to contribute to the EU budget or abide by rulings of the European Court of Justice or allowing Europeans to live and work freely in Britain. Soft Brexiters are eager for a much closer relationship with the EU. They want to maintain single market and/or customs union membership much as Norway or Switzerland now enjoy and are prepared to pay into the EU budget. May somehow has to shape a negotiating position with the EU that both sides of the Brexit rift can agree on. No majority Prime Minister May also faces a House of Commons where theres no majority for a hard Brexit and a House of Lords that was spoiling for a fight with her own immigration-curtailing hard Brexit vision even before the election. Suddenly, Brexit has become a series of complex interlocking negotiations between the Conservatives themselves, between the Conservatives and Northern Irelands Unionists, who favor remaining within the customs union, between the Conservatives and opposition parties, also soft on Brexit, as well as between Britain and the EU. Cross-party talks in the House of Commons to get a broad consensus on Brexit are already under way with several major politicians, across the political spectrum backing a parliamentary commission to help craft a Brexit plan. Advocates for a commission include William Hague, a former Conservative party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, and senior Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper. And increasingly, the buzz in the parliament is about whats being called a jobs-first Brexit, a description first used by Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, on the election campaign trail. The idea is that Britain would retain a close relationship with the EU and even retain single market and customs union membership but that the EU wouldn't hold the country to full freedom of movement of Europeans into Britain. Some jobs-first Brexiters are pushing for Britain to join the European Economic Area, which unites EU states with three non-EU members, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, in an internal market governed by the same basic Brussels-overseen rules. Writing in a British newspaper Tuesday, Hague said on freedom of movement that one possibility would be to introduce work permits for workers from the EU but agree to grant them to anyone who gets a job in BritainThey would not receive any support if out of work, and the same rights would have to apply to British citizens throughout the EU. Negotiating position Hague, however, acknowledges building a Brexit consensus will be difficult. And the big questions are whether the Europeans will give Britain the ability to shape a negotiating position that has broad domestic support and how ready will they be for Britain, as is likely, to seek a tailored deal. Barnier on Monday warned Britain risks crashing out of the EU in March 2019 without any deal if it wastes more time. We havent negotiated, we havent progressed. Thus we must begin this negotiation, he said. Barnier made clear as have national leaders across the continent that the EU is particularly sensitive to the terms for any single market participation, from European court oversight to free movement of labour. Its not a supermarket, he said. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Monday recommended that the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah be reduced in size and said Congress should step in to designate how selected areas of the 1.3 million-acre site are managed. Zinke made the recommendation as part of an interim report to President Donald Trump on the scenic swath of southern Utah with red rock plateaus, cliffs and canyons on land considered sacred to tribes. Trump signed an executive order in April directing Zinke to review the designation of dozens of national monuments on federal lands, calling the protection efforts a massive federal land grab by previous administrations. Trump and other Republicans have singled out former President Barack Obama's designation of Bears Ears, calling it an unnecessary layer of federal control that hurts local economies by closing the area to new energy development. They also say it isn't the best way to protect the land. Zinke toured Bears Ears last month on foot, horseback and helicopter and met with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and other state leaders. Herbert and other Utah Republicans oppose Obama's December designation of the Bears Ears monument. There is no doubt that it is drop-dead gorgeous country and that it merits some degree of protection, but designating a monument ... where multiple-use management is hindered or prohibited is not the best use of the land and is not in accordance with the intention of the Antiquities Act, Zinke said. Zinke did not specify how much of the 1.3 million acres should be trimmed, but said he has no doubt the monument must be right-sized significantly. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, called Zinke's announcement an unquestionable victory for Utah and said reducing the monument's footprint was in line with the intent of the 1906 Antiquities Act, which states that monument designations should be the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the site. Zinke, a former Republican congressman from Montana, said he wants to make sure Native American culture is preserved and said Congress should approve legislation granting tribes legal authority to co-manage some of the Bears Ears site. I have enormous respect for tribes, he said. But several tribal leaders who worked to win the monument designation bashed Zinke's decision, vowing legal action if Trump accepts the recommendation to downsize the monument. Zinke's proposal to allow co-management rights for tribes - an action that would require congressional approval - does not ease their anger, tribal leaders said. Bears Ears is not for sale. It's not up for trade, said Natalie Landreth, a lawyer for the Native American Rights Fund. Ethel Branch, Navajo Nation Attorney General, called Bears Ears a holy land that contains critical plants, minerals and powers that numerous tribes rely on to heal and strengthen themselves. Protection of these lands is non-negotiable, she said. Environmental groups also blasted the recommendation, which they said threatened the future of Bears Ears and boded poorly for a broader review of national monuments due in August. The Trump administration's announcement today on Bears Ears is nothing less than an attack on the future of all American monuments, parks and public lands, said Jamie Williams, president of The Wilderness Society. The recommendation ignores thousands of public comments in favor of the monument and makes a mockery of the claimed public process, Williams said. Zinke said he will issue a final report in late August, when he is due to make recommendations on Bears Ears and 21 other national monuments on federal land in 11 states, including Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, Giant Sequoia in California, Nevada's Basin and Range and Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine. The review also targets five marine monuments in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Zinke rejected a plea by some Utah Republicans to recommend that the monument designation be rescinded entirely, an unprecedented step that would invite a near-certain legal challenge. Instead, Zinke said some of the sprawling, 1.3 million acre site should be designated for conservation or recreation, categories that are less restrictive than monuments. Noting the contentious nature of the monument designation, Zinke called on Congress to approve a land-management bill for Bears Ears and other federal lands. The Republican-controlled Congress has failed to approve a significant public lands bill in recent years, but Zinke said that was because of veto threats by Obama. He summed up his optimism in two words: President Trump. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering shutting down the local offices of Arab satellite broadcaster Al Jazeera, an official said Tuesday, following a crackdown against Qatar by Sunni countries across the region. Saudi Arabia has been leading an effort to isolate Qatar, accusing the energy-rich Gulf state, and the Qatari-backed channel, of supporting violent Islamic groups across the Middle East. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have closed Al Jazeera's local offices, while the channel and its affiliate sites have been blocked in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain. While Israel is not formally part of that effort, the stepped-up pressure appears to have emboldened Netanyahu to look into closing down the channel's local operations as well. Israeli officials have long accused Al Jazeera of bias against the Jewish state, and on Monday, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman accused it of promoting incitement and likened its coverage to "Nazi Germany-style" propaganda. Initial discussion The Yediot Ahronot daily reported Tuesday that various government officials held a first meeting on the issue Monday. The Israeli official confirmed that discussions were underway but said no decisions had been made. The official was not authorized to discuss the issue with reporters and spoke on condition of anonymity. Netanyahu's office declined to comment. Walid Omary, Al Jazeera's local bureau chief, said he had not been notified of any formal action against his operation. But he rejected the Israeli claims of bias and accused Israel of waging an incitement campaign. "This is not the first time they have attacked us," he said. "I hope they will withdraw the threat." Shutting the bureau would most likely face significant legal obstacles and test Israel's commitment to protecting freedom of the press. Some key officials might also oppose the step. While Israel complains about Al Jazeera's coverage, the station is also one of the few Arab media channels that interview Israeli officials, giving Israeli leaders a rare outlet to address the Arab public. Israel will reduce electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian Authority limited how much it pays for power to the enclave run by Hamas, Israeli officials said Monday. The decision by Israel's security cabinet is expected to shorten by 45 minutes the daily average of four hours of power that Gaza's 2 million residents receive from an electricity grid dependent on Israeli supplies, the officials said. The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) blamed Hamas' failure to reimburse it for electricity for the reduction in power supplies. But PA spokesman Tareq Rashmawi coupled that explanation with a demand that Hamas agree to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' unity initiatives, which include holding the first parliamentary and presidential elections in more than a decade. "We renew the call to the Hamas movement and the de facto government there to hand over to us all responsibilities of government institutions in Gaza so that the government can provide its best services to our people in Gaza," he said. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said Israel and the Palestinian Authority "will bear responsibility for the grave deterioration" in Gaza's health and environmental situation. Any worsening to Gaza's power crisis its main electrical plant is off-line in a Hamas-PA dispute over taxation could cause the collapse of health services already reliant on stand-alone generators, many of them in a poor state of repair, said Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the Health Ministry in Gaza. Israel charges the PA 40 million shekels ($11 million) a month for electricity, deducting that from the transfers of Palestinian tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Authority. Israel does not engage with Hamas, which it considers a terrorist group. Last month, the Palestinian Authority informed Israel that it would cover only 70 percent of the monthly cost of electricity that the Israel Electric Corporation supplies to the Gaza Strip. At the security cabinet session late on Sunday, ministers decided that Israel would not make up the shortfall, the officials said. "This is a decision by [Abbas] ... Israelis paying Gaza's electricity bill is an impossible situation," Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said on Army Radio. Israeli military and security chiefs backed the move, despite concern Hamas could respond by increasing hostilities with Israel. Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip from Abbas's Fatah movement in 2007, and several attempts at reconciliation, most recently in 2014, have failed. Hamas has accused Abbas of trying to turn the screw on them to make political concessions. Israel said on Tuesday its ambassador to New Zealand will return to his post, ending a six-month rift in relations over a United Nations resolution against Israeli settlements on occupied territory which Palestinians seek for a state. Israel recalled the ambassador in December after New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal sponsored a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement activity. New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the two leaders spoke on the phone earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Michal Maayan said in a statement. "I regret the damage done to Israel-New Zealand relations as a result of New Zealand proposing Resolution 2344 at the Security Council," English wrote, according to the Foreign Ministry statement. The U.N. resolution passed in the 15-member Security Council because the United States, under the administration of former President Barack Obama, did not wield its veto power and instead abstained, breaking with its long-standing tradition of diplomatically shielding Israel at the international body. Continued settlement building on land Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War and which Palestinians hope will eventually form part of an independent state has drawn criticism from the United Nations and most of the international community. Palestinians cite it as a major obstacle in now-stalled peace talks. On June 4 Israel said it was returning its ambassador to Senegal, after recalling him over the U.N. Security Council resolution. Israel does not have diplomatic ties with Malaysia and Venezuela. Maayan said the Israeli ambassador to New Zealand will return to Wellington in the next few days. Kosovo could be heading towards lengthy talks on forming a coalition government, delaying economic reforms, official preliminary results showed on Monday. Early elections were held on Sunday after the PDK-led government of Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, accused by the opposition of failing to meet pledges to improve the lives of young people, lost a no-confidence vote. "The outcome is definitely one which is not creating immediately a clear majority for a government and I hope that it does not take again up to nine months as it was the case last time [2014]," said Johannes Hahn, the European Union's chief in charge of enlargement. Both the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), who had been together in the coalition government until last month, excluded the possibility of renewing the partnership. With 99 percent of the votes cast on Sunday counted, the PDK-led coalition had 34 percent of votes, the opposition Vetevendosje (VV) party 27 percent, and a coalition led by the LDK nearly 26 percent, the Election Commission website showed. The result would give the PDK-lead coalition 39 seats in the 120-seat parliament while VV would get 31 and LDK 30, Pristina media reported. The remaining 20 seats would go to minorities - 10 to Serbs and 10 to other ethnic groups. The state election commission put the turnout at 41.5 percent, the lowest since 2008, with many Kosovars frustrated over the lack of economic progress and a deep level of corruption. VV, which nearly doubled number of seats compared to the 2014 elections when it won 16 seats, blames both the PDK and LDK for a deep level of corruption and poor living standard. It refuses to enter a coalition with the PDK and has conditions for the LDK. "We can not exclude another snap election," said political analyst Imer Mushkolaj. The new government will have to tackle unemployment running at 30 percent and improve relations with Kosovo's neighbors, especially Serbia, a precondition for both countries to move forward in the European Union accession process. It must also reform health and education, and the tax administration system. Any government will have to include representatives of some 120,000 Kosovo Serbs who do not recognize independence. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, nine years after NATO bombing drove out Serbian forces accused of killing and expelling Kosovo Albanian civilians as Serbia tried to put down an ethnic Albanian insurgency. Serbia still refuses to recognize Kosovo's independence. Atop Hong Kong's tallest peak blanketed in clouds, three masked urban explorers step back in time as they slip through a wire mesh fence and march toward an abandoned army barracks from the British colonial era. Twenty years after Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule, these young, alternative conservationists are eager to document the city's remaining historical buildings. Some structures have been demolished over the decades to make room for development in one of the world's most expensive real estate markets. Protests in 2007 against the tearing down of Victoria Harbor's Queen's Pier, which for almost half a century marked the ceremonial arrivals of British governors and royals including Queen Elizabeth, is often cited as a starting point for street activism bent on preserving Hong Kong's culture. For the young explorers in the group HK URBEX, what started out as a hobby in 2013 has blossomed into a mission to assemble an archive of the city's colonial-era architecture. The eight members spend weeks and even months researching derelict sites before visiting and documenting them through photos and film that are posted on their social media page. They have recorded more than 50 sites in Hong Kong alone. Short videos show the members shining their flashlights on the prison gates of a colonial political prison, a pile of dusty movie reels and posters in an empty movie studio, or the walls of a former World War II air raid tunnel. "I just fear that in maybe 20 years' time, there won't be a lot of unique Hong Kong heritage or architecture that really shows that we are Hong Kong, because there's no other place like us," said one of the group's co-founders, who declined to be identified because his activities could involve illegal trespassing. "And the government, of course, should be more active in preserving these places because in a way, it's also preserving our Hong Kong identity." Currently 114 buildings and cultural landmarks are protected from development, and more than 1,000 buildings are assigned a historic grade by the government's Antiquities and Monuments Office. The Commissioner for Heritage's Office said in a written response to Reuters that the government had launched the revitalization of 19 historic buildings since it first announced its policies on heritage conservation a decade ago. "Conservation of historic buildings in Hong Kong has gone some way to the point which requires efforts beyond the government," it added. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis described the diplomatic spat between Qatar and several other American allies in the Middle East as a complex situation that the United States needed to help solve. I believe that (Qatars) Prince Thani inherited a difficult, very tough situation, and hes trying to turn the society in the right direction, Mattis told lawmakers at a House Armed Services Committee hearing late Monday. But we all agree that funding of any kind of terrorist group is inimical to all of our interest. Mattis said President Donald Trump was focused on stopping all terrorist funding, including what he called grey funding. Its not black and white; it goes into some kind of nebulous area, he said. He added that he believed Qatar is moving in the right direction when it comes to curtailing its funding of terrorism and said the United States needed to find common ground with Qatar due to the two countries shared interest. Qatars Al-Udeid Air Base is the largest American air base in the Middle East, serving as the forward operational headquarters of U.S. Central Command and the host to about 10,000 American troops. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and stopped transportation to and from the tiny Gulf nation, accusing Qatar of funding terrorists groups including Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. During the hearing, Congressman Adam Smith (D-Washington) said he was not clear on the administrations strategy concerning Qatar, accusing President Trump of being unhelpful Friday when he lashed out against Qatar and sided with Saudi Arabia. We should be finding ways to solve that problem, not throwing gasoline on the fire, Smith said. Afghanistan When asked about the military strategy in Afghanistan, Secretary Mattis said he would present options very soon to the president. Mattis added that it was important to include the relationships between India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the U.S. strategy. We are taking a regional approach to this, he said, because if we look at it in isolation, well probably have something thats lacking. Earlier this year, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, described the situation in the war-torn country as a stalemate. Officials have said the strategy in Afghanistan needs to be flexible enough to provide the tools needed for Afghan forces to put more pressure on the Taliban. Its not just about numbers of troops. Its about authorities. Its about other things we can do diplomatically and economically as well, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford, the top U.S. general, told lawmakers Monday. Increased authorities could allow American troops to work with Afghan troops below the corps level, potentially putting them closer to fighting. A Montana Republican congressman-elect pleaded guilty on Monday to assaulting a reporter and was ordered to perform community service and receive anger management training. Greg Gianforte, a wealthy former technology executive who campaigned on his support for President Donald Trump, attacked a reporter on May 24, the day before he won a special election to fill Montana's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Gallatin County Judge Rick West sentenced Gianforte to 40 hours of community service and 20 hours of anger management classes. The judge in Bozeman, Montana, also handed down a six-month deferred jail sentence, allowing Gianforte to avoid time behind bars if he complies with the court's orders. Ben Jacobs, a political correspondent for Britain's Guardian newspaper, said Gianforte "body-slammed" him, breaking his eyeglasses, when the reporter posed a question about health care during a campaign event in Bozeman. The altercation has been portrayed as a sign of the toxicity that has infused American politics. Critics of Trump say his strident criticism of the media has encouraged violence against journalists, while some of the president's supporters say reporters in general are unfair in their coverage. "This was not a proud moment, but I'm ready to move on and we have a lot of work to do in Washington," Gianforte, who is expected to be sworn in later this month, said outside court. Last week Gianforte apologized to Jacobs in a letter, and he sent a $50,000 check to the Committee to Protect Journalists. In return, Jacobs pledged not to sue him. "I am confident that he will be a strong advocate for a free press and the First Amendment," Jacobs said in court Monday. "And I even hope to be able to finally interview him once he has arrived on Capitol Hill." Gianforte apologized to Jacobs again in court and said he looked forward to meeting with him later. The judge left open the possibility that Gianforte, after completing his sentence, could have the misdemeanor assault charge formally dismissed, Gallatin County Prosecutor Marty Lambert said by phone. Gianforte initially sought to plead no contest, instead of guilty, but the prosecutor said he insisted on a guilty plea. "This is the type of case where a defendant just needs to admit to the court what he did, to plead guilty, and he did that," Lambert said. Gianforte on May 25 defeated Democrat Rob Quist to fill the House seat vacated when Trump appointed Ryan Zinke as interior secretary. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced late Monday his Central American country would switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China, a move analysts said is a major success to Beijing in its drive to isolate the self-governing island it claims as its own territory. In a televised address on Monday Varela said Panama, which has strategic significance to China, was upgrading its commercial ties with Beijing and establishing full diplomatic links with the second most important customer of its key shipping canal. "I'm convinced that this is the correct path for our country," he said. Panamas sudden break in relations with Taiwan has hardened the Asian governments defiance against China, which it suspects of engineering the move, with no signs of Taipei meeting Beijings longer-term demands. Taiwan reacted by severing formal ties with Panama and all aid. Taiwans government vented toward China as well as Panama, which announced the cut in diplomatic relations after recognizing Taiwans government for more than a century. Taiwan warned China against inflaming ill will in Taiwan. China keeps pressure on Mainland Chinas suppression of our countrys international space, interference in our international participation and temptation of our allies to break ties are all still present and have not eased, said Chiu Chui-cheng, spokesman for the Taiwan governments Mainland Affairs Council. We would like to severely warn mainland China here against pushing, step-by-step, cross-Strait relations to a dangerous brink from which it cannot turn back, he said. China, supported by a $11.2 trillion economy and more than 170 diplomatic allies, has taken a series of measures over the past year to pressure Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen into negotiations with a pre-condition that each side see itself as part of one country. Taiwan citizens like their democracy Most Taiwanese prefer their democratic self-rule to a tie-up with China, opinion polls have found. I think mostly we are getting tired of Taiwan being isolated, said Shane Lee, political scientist at Chang Jung Christian University in Taiwan, referring to the erosion of diplomatic relations. We have to tell China you cannot threaten Taiwans existence forever. You have to let people live. Tsai rejects Chinas conditions for dialogue and officials in Taipei believe Beijing has retaliated by forming ties with former Taiwan ally Sao Tome and Principe in December. Also that month China passed an aircraft carrier near Taiwans coastlines. Last month, Beijing blocked Taipei from observing the World Health Organizations annual assembly. China leaves door ajar But analysts said China just wants to warn Taiwan without fanning outrage and while holding a door open in case Tsai shifts to a Beijing-friendlier policy. An enraged Taiwanese public is seen as more likely to elect people who take a tougher stand against Beijing. China will use caution in paring down Taiwans remaining 20 diplomatic allies, which are mostly poor countries in Africa, Central America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, said Alex Chiang, international relations professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei. I think China will be selective because they dont want to embarrass Taiwan, so I think they will only try to go slowly and also give time to Taiwan to react, Chiang said. China still has some hope to have a friendly relationship with Taiwan, but if you push too hard, if our diplomatic ties (go) down to five or six, then its going to be very difficult for Taiwan. Taiwan will survive Taiwan can get by on fewer than 10 allies if needed, political scientists have said. The Taipei government looks to them largely for a voice in the United Nations, which Taiwan left in 1971 when the global organization admitted China. Taiwan maintains strong informal relations with Japan and the United States, as well. Both may help Taiwan in a deeper diplomatic crisis, Lee said. Taiwan offers development aid to its allies and before 2008 it would vie with China to give higher sums of money to make allies switch sides. Under former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou, no allies switched sides, but three other Latin American and Caribbean countries expressed interest in formalizing relations with China and may now be able to do that, Chiang said. Panamas decision follows several years of private discussions between Chinese and Panamanian leaders. China is the second biggest investor in the Panama Canal, the chief marine shipping link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, after the United States, reported the Latin American news website El Universo. Over the past fiscal year, China sent 38 million tons of cargo, or 19 percent of the total, through the canal, it said. In June last year Tsai visited Panama to improve ties. She attended a ceremony for the a Panama Canal expansion and saw Taiwan donate 3,000 boxes of flu medicine to fight an epidemic according to the Taipei-based Central News Agency. Chinas Foreign Ministry said on its website Tuesday that Panama had agreed to recognize only Beijing as the government of China. Panamas president "for business interests went along with the authorities in Beijing by making a diplomatic switch, Taiwans ministry said in a statement. This is an extremely unfriendly act and the last time [Taiwan] will be cheated. Tens of thousands of people sporting rainbow attire, "Make America Gay Again" hats and homemade protest signs took part on Sunday in a Resist March in Los Angeles against President Donald Trump, an event that took the place of the city's annual pride parade. The march ended with a rally and speeches by Nancy Pelosi, Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives; Mayor Eric Garcetti; and actor and drag queen icon RuPaul. Despite the sharper focus on political issues this year, the event remained at its core a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identity. It was one of dozens of pride events scheduled in major cities across the United States this month. Trump has antagonized many minorities since taking office in January. A ReaClearPolitics average of opinion polls show his approval rating is currently 39 percent, although he retains strong support among Republicans. Here are portraits of some of those who took part in the march through Los Angeles. One of two Reuters photographers among the crowd asked what each of them would say if given 30 seconds to sit down with Trump. Katrina, 25 "There are so many issues that young people really, really care about because it's our future and our children's future. We're afraid." Samantha Jaque-Anton, 16 "I'd talk to him about how difficult it is to live in a place where people are discriminated against and ask him to look at the world through our eyes and my eyes and my mother's eyes and all my friends around me and to see how his America has changed us." Jao Belanders, 22 "Why so much hate? It baffles me how someone can have so much hate in their heart and inequality and think that's OK and that's power. As president, he should be a leader who inspires hope and change for the better and not influence people to think negatively of other people. It breaks my heart to see that." Isabel Balboa, 50 "He's not going to change, so we're going to change America because he's not going to change us." Tommy Craven, 24 "When you see people out at Pride representing trans rights, representing gay rights, representing everybody's rights, none of that is inclusive in anything that he's putting forward. How do you expect our country to be great if a large part of the population is being kept out of that equation?" John Allen, 53 "It's very sad that we're going backward; it's very disappointing." Brenda Coston, 47 "Women are not second-class citizens; they have as many rights as anyone. People are people. Love is love. Equal rights for everyone. That's why I'm here today." Marisol Ramirez, 46 "What I would say to Trump is to please consider the ramifications of his words, his actions. All that he's doing and saying is perpetuating hate in our environment. It's not good for our future, it's not good for our children." Cristian Cifuentes, 47 "As Americans, we don't believe in hate. We believe in hope." Allison Collette, 29 "Take a deep breath and just think about the fact that there's other people in this world who may not have the privileges he was born with and to maybe take a second and try to see their point of view." Daniel Jennings, 24 "It's not America First, it's Humanity First. We're all equal; it doesn't matter what country you're born in. It doesn't matter where you emigrate to and where you end up. We're all humans and we need to value human lives the same." Jessica Kilbury, 29 "Please give rights to my friends, my family, my brothers and sisters and make equality available for everyone." Scarlet Moon, 33 "Open your heart. Open your heart." Khuong Lam, 35 "What are you doing? What have you done to our country? I love this country." The International Committee of the Red Cross is warning of unprecedented rates of cholera cases in war-torn Yemen, one of many similar warnings from international health organizations in the past few months. "More than 5,000 suspected new cases have been reported daily during the past week," said Maria del Pilar Bauza Moreno, ICRC health coordinator in Yemen. "The spread of the disease, which started just over a month ago, is accelerating." Two years of armed conflict have taken a toll on medical facilities in the country, as more than half of Yemen's facilities, which are now operated by Houthi rebels, no longer function. The United Nations says about 17 million of Yemen's 26 million people lack sufficient food and at least three million malnourished children are in "grave peril." Yemen, which is the Arab world's poorest nation, is now classified by the World Health Organization as a level three emergency, alongside Syria, South Sudan, Nigeria and Iraq. This is the country's second cholera outbreak in less than a year. Cholera is highly contagious, and can be contracted from ingesting contaminated food and water. The case of three labor rights activists detained in China for trying to investigate a factory that makes Ivanka Trump brand shoes highlights the pervasive problem of labor abuses and lax enforcement by authorities. But rights activists said President Donald Trump's daughter, who is also his assistant, could help make a difference if she speaks out about the case. The Ivanka Trump brand has yet to comment on the plight of the activists, but has confirmed shoes for the brand were made at the factory. But the company has said its last order was placed in March. Rights activists are urging the Chinese government to give labor activists and investigators more room to freely expose labor rights violations. So far, however, the Chinese government has refused to release the activists and has accused them of using "illegal monitoring devices" and "interfering in the company's normal operation and production activities." China Labor Watch (CLW), the group the labor activists work for, has been conducting similar investigations at Chinese factories for years. They said the response to the investigation at the factory making Ivanka Trump shoes is unprecedented in the nonprofits 17-year existence. Solid evidence CLW founder and executive director Li Qiang said his New York-based nonprofit group has obtained solid evidence in the form of still pictures and videos that her branded shoes have been manufactured in factories of the Huajian Group for the past four years, the place where labor abuses were allegedly uncovered. We can prove that her products were manufactured in the factories and that many workers have been underpaid or forced to work overtime as well as a slew of labor abuses, Li told VOA. The investigation was conducted by CLW rights activists Hua Haifeng, Li Zhao and Su Heng, who went undercover and posed as temp workers in Huajian factories between March and May, but were later been detained by Chinese police. Taking responsibility The brand has repeatedly boasted in oversea markets that their products comply with [strict] regulations. But now its advertising looks false. So she [Trump] has to speak up [against the arrest of investigators] and shoulder some responsibility for the [Chinese] manufacturers violations of labor rights, Li added. He said in his assessment, Chinese labor accounts for only 1 percent of Ivanka Trumps branded shoes, which are priced at more than $100 each in U.S. stores. Li added he has mailed evidence to Trump and the U.S. State Department and expects the first daughter to call for the release of his Chinese investigators and to further pressure its supplier into improving working conditions there. Last week, the U.S. State Department called for the activists release or for Chinese authorities to afford them a "judicial and fair trial, protections to which they are entitled." The State Department also highlighted the important role labor activists play in helping U.S. companies understand conditions in their China supply chain. One industry insider tells VOA that suppliers of top-tier brands can easily lose orders if they fail to meet requirements and operate within strict social compliance regulations. However, activists say violations of worker rights can be easily found in small- and medium-sized Chinese suppliers, which are deeply caught in cut-throat pricing competition. Pervasive labor violations Keegan Elmer, a researcher at Hong Kong-based China Labor Bulletin, said labor violations are pervasive in China. Its not just global brands. And its not just little tiny sweatshops. Its really quite pervasive and its something thats the nature of work in China these days, Elmer told VOA. He said the groups Strike Map has documented thousands of worker strikes every year, which are not limited to smaller brands. Among those strikes, many labor activists have risked being put behind bars even if they have abided by laws and followed due processes to expose such violations, according to Elmer. Elmer said industries and the Chinese government need to establish appropriate mechanisms, through which workers can report abuses and help improve working conditions in China. The worker, in their collective action, has shown that they are the best keeper of their own interests. And the government should for example through effective, regular, collective bargaining let workers be their own monitors of their own bosses and conditions. Thats the real way forward, Elmer said. A top U.S. Justice Department official assured lawmakers Tuesday that without "good cause" he would ignore any attempt by President Donald Trump to fire a special counsel investigating possible illegal collusion between Trump's aides and Russian officials in last year's campaign. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Robert Mueller, a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to lead the high-profile investigation of Russian meddling in the election aimed at helping Trump win, told a Senate panel he would not comply with any Trump order to fire Mueller absent a compelling reason. He added that no such reason currently exists. Rosenstein offered his assurances as U.S. news accounts quoted Republican allies of Trump suggesting that the president is considering firing Mueller, whose appointment last month drew widespread praise from both Republicans and opposition Democrats. Now, however, some Republicans are suggesting that Mueller ought to be dismissed, pointing to Mueller's selection of key investigators who made campaign donations to Trump's Democratic challenger, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. WATCH: Rosenstein on plan to fire Mueller Republicans, Democrats weigh in A key Trump supporter, former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, said, "Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair." However, another Republican, current House Speaker Paul Ryan, told reporters, "I think in the best case for the president is to be vindicated by allowing this investigation to go on fairly and independently. So I think the best advice will be to let Robert Mueller do his job. Rosenstein said he was the only Justice Department official who could dismiss Mueller because Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from oversight of the Russian investigation because of his staunch support of Trump during the campaign and later revelations that he had met twice with Russia's ambassador to Washington. "As long as I'm in this position, he's not going to be fired without good cause," Rosenstein said. "Im not going to follow any orders unless I believe they are lawful and that "it wouldn't matter what anybody said." Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California told Rosenstein, "It would be catastrophic," if Trump fired Mueller. Rosenstein assured Feinstein the firing of Mueller would not occur without his assent. "I appointed him and I believe it was the right decision and I'm going to stand by that," Rosenstein said. Rosenstein's testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee occurred just hours before Sessions was to testify in a public hearing before another Senate panel about his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and his involvement in the firing of another FBI chief, James Comey. Latest step in multiple investigations The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing is the latest step in multiple ongoing investigations into Russian meddling in last year's U.S. presidential election. During his confirmation hearing in January, Sessions said he had not met with any Russians during the campaign. The Justice Department later acknowledged Sessions's contacts with Kislyak but said they were part of Sessions's job at the time as a senator. His testimony comes less than a week after Comey said during his own appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee that he felt Trump had violated the normal separation of criminal investigations from White House oversight by urging him to end the investigation into Russia's activities. Comey said Trump told him he hoped Comey would "let go" of his investigation of the president's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and also asked Comey to pledge his personal loyalty and to "lift the cloud" of the Russia probe. Comey also said the FBI had "additional facts" about Sessions that he could "not discuss in an open setting." Trump has disputed Comey's account of the conversation about Flynn as inaccurate, although his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., a frequent defender of his father's White House performance, seemed to confirm the gist of it. "When he tells you to do something, guess what, there's no ambiguity in it," Trump Jr., speaking of his father, told Fox News on Sunday. "There's no, 'Hey, I'm hoping.' You and I are friends, 'Hey I hope this happens, but you've got to do your job.' That's what he told Comey." Was Comey conversation taped ? Before Comey testified, Trump suggested there might be a White House recording of their private dinner, which Comey said he hopes there is. But the president and his aides have not definitively said so. Pressed on the issue Friday, he said, "I'll tell you about that maybe sometime in the very near future." The White House again Monday refused to say one way or the other whether there was a tape. Republican lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to release the recordings, if they exist. Trump fired Comey last month. Trump later said he was thinking about "this Russia thing" as he decided to dismiss him because he considered claims that Russian interference in the election influenced it in his favor to be bogus, an excuse by Democrats to account for his stunning upset of Clinton. In the farm fields of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, the start of a harvest that not even war could stop offers hope for farmers facing a time of crisis. Driven from their headquarters in Syria's Aleppo province, the work continues of a group of scientists and farmers who store and grow crops with a view to helping feed nations. The work of experts at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is global, but many harbor the personal hope their efforts will help rebuild the country they left behind. Fond memories In ICARDA's Lebanon base, Ali Shehadeh fondly scrolls through pictures on his laptop of the old HQ, from the seed bank where samples of crops such as wheat, barley and chickpeas were preserved to the fields in which they were grown. Spread out across 1,000 hectares, the site represented a vast archive of the country's agricultural past and present, as well as a treasure trove for farmers worldwide. This includes 150,000 seed samples stored and ready to be grown or distributed across the globe, with each sample potentially holding genetic traits that could help develop crops better suited to survival in an age of rapidly changing conditions. "We try to figure out how to produce crops better adapted to climate change," explained Shehadeh, originally from Idlib. Before the war, their work had played a role in helping Syria reach the point of producing enough to feed itself, but the same war that destroyed that self-sufficiency also drove them out. Shehadeh scrolls onto the most recent pictures they have images of damaged buildings now inaccessible because of militias operating in the region. The worsening of conditions including the kidnapping of two staff members, who were released a few weeks later lead to the ICARDA shifting its operations out of the country. "It was sad, of course," said Shehadeh. "We left behind a lot of memories and valuable resources." A global challenge All, however, was not lost. With troubles brewing in 2012, the ICARDA team was prompted to copy most of the samples and send them to Svalbard, an ultra-secure "doomsday" global seed vault dug into a snow-steeped mountain on Norway's Arctic archipelago. Then, in 2015, they withdrew seeds from Svalbard to help rebuild the collection this time in Lebanon, as well as Morocco. This is the fifth harvest collected at Terbol, a small town in the Bekaa Valley and new home for ICARDA. With climate change beginning to be more keenly felt, the work of those like Mariana Yazbeck will be increasingly vital. Yazbeck is seed bank manager at the new site, and highlighted the role of the region in the birth of farming. "What we have here is the base for some of the most important crops responsible for feeding a large population in the heart of the fertile crescent, which is the cradle of agriculture," Yazbeck said. "Now, 10,000 years later, we've many problems facing our agricultural practice, whether diseases or environmental challenges, and the need to feed an ever-growing population." The dream of returning Though it may not be a direct result of climate change, the agricultural sector in Syria is in as dire need of assistance as any. According to a U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization assessment last year on the impact of the war, damage to the sector totaled $16 billion. Whether due to damage to infrastructure or displacement of farmers, there has been a "huge" decrease in production, said FAO representative Adam Yao. "To rebuild the agricultural sector, there will need to be a major rethink of Syria's whole agricultural policy," he added, stating that ICARDA's expertise could have a "key role" in this. Though largely abandoned, the ICARDA center in Aleppo is not entirely out of action it is thought the seed bank freezer continues to work unattended. And for many at ICARDA's Bekaa facilities, when peace comes and brings with it the opportunity for the organization to return to Syria, the desire to assist will not just be professional it will be personal. The farm of Muhammed Amer Jnedan's family, located in a small village outside Aleppo, is currently occupied by a man from a local militia. But in his work with ICARDA, Jnedan is determined that he will put his knowledge to use, starting with home. "Maybe it is kind of dreaming," he said, "but I am still thinking to get back to my village. I want to put [to use] this experience I gathered or I obtained in the last 10 years." Now its Jeff Sessions turn to step into the spotlight. Less than a week after fired FBI Director James Comey delivered riveting testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee about a series of what he described as "awkward" and "inappropriate" interactions with President Donald Trump, Sessions, the attorney general, appears before the same panel Tuesday to offer his version of events and take issue with some of Comeys statements. The testimony is expected to focus on the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in last years elections and answer questions about the role the attorney general a Trump confidant and early supporter of his presidential bid played in the events leading up to the May 9 firing of Comey, who was then leading the FBIs Russia probe. Sessions is going into the hearing with a fairly narrow agenda: to address matters brought up by Comey during his widely viewed testimony last Thursday. Republican Senator James Lankford said on the CBS program Face the Nation on Sunday that the key thing is to get his side of the story, some of the conversations Jim Comey had with the president. But Democrats are aiming for a broader line of inquiry that will include his meetings with the Russian ambassador to Washington during the 2016 presidential campaign and Sessions role in Comey's abrupt firing. The attorney general of the United States needs to tell the American people why he testified untruthfully about his Russian contacts, and he needs to explain all of his conversations with the Russians that have been concealed, and also why he failed to protect the FBI and why he participated in firing the FBI director when he had recused himself because of those Russian conversations, said Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Sessions' testimony, his first since he recused himself from the Russian investigation in early March, comes five days after Comey testified that Trump had sought to pressure him into dropping an investigation of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, and that the attorney general had failed to respond to his concerns about private communications with Trump. Comey later said during a closed session that the FBI leadership felt Sessions would have to recuse himself from the Russia investigation because of a suspected third undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador. Last week, a Department of Justice spokesperson denied reports of a third Sessions meeting with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. Another spokesman said in a statement that Sessions had not remained silent in response to Comeys complaint. Sessions is expected to reiterate those statements during his testimony on Tuesday. Nevertheless, Sessions will face tough questions about his meetings with Kislyak and whether he perjured himself when he failed to disclose those contacts during his confirmations hearings in January, said Jed Shugerman, a professor of at Fordham University School of Law in New York. "That was a problem already. The problem only gets deeper if there is in fact a third contact he did not report," Shugerman said. Stephen Gillers, a professor of law at New York University, said proving perjury is not easy. Perjury requires intentionality, he said. For Sessions to have committed perjury, it would have to be true that he remembered the context and decided that even though revealing them would have been responsive to the questions he asked, he chose nonetheless consciously and intentionally not to do so. Sessions has denied the perjury allegations. WATCH: Sessions on discussions between president, FBI director Another key question on senators' minds: Sessions' role in Comey's firing. The White House had initially said Trump fired Comey on the recommendations of Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who scolded the former FBI director for his handling of the Clinton email investigation last year. But Trump later told the NBC television network that he dismissed Comey because of the Russia investigation. Gillers said Sessions has not answered why he played a role in Comey's firing given that he had recused himself from the Russia investigation. "If he was recused, as he says he was, he should not have participated in the Comey firing," Gillers said. Sessions decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation had angered Trump, Politico reported last week. And as tensions grew between the two, Sessions recently offered to resign, but Trump did not accept his resignation, Politico said. While Democrats plan to press Sessions over whether he violated the terms of his removal from the Russia probe, the recusal could nonetheless limit the scope of Sessions testimony. "What can he possibly tell the Senate committee if indeed hes done what he said he was going to do, which would include staying away from any intelligence on the ongoing investigation," Gillers said. The testimony will be scrutinized as much for what Sessions says as what he declines to say. Shugerman said Sessions is unlikely to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in order to avoid answering certain questions. Asked if the White House thought Sessions should invoke executive privilege to avoid answering questions about his conversations with Trump, press secretary Sean Spicer said, "It depends on the scope of the questions." U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is set to testify in a public hearing Tuesday, with members of a Senate panel likely to ask him about his contacts with the Russian ambassador and his involvement in the firing of the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing is the latest step in multiple ongoing investigations into Russian meddling in last year's U.S. presidential election. Sessions recused himself from the FBI's investigation in March after acknowledging he had spoken twice with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the months before the November vote. During his confirmation hearing in January, Sessions said he had not met with any Russians during the campaign. The Justice Department said the conversations were part of Sessions' job as a senator. His testimony comes less than a week after James Comey, the fired FBI director, said during his own appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee that he felt Trump had gone against the normal separation of criminal investigations from White House oversight by directing him to end the investigation into Russia's activities. Comey said Trump told him he hoped Comey would "let go" of investigating the president's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and also asked Comey to pledge his personal loyalty and to "lift the cloud" of the Russia probe. Comey also said the FBI had "additional facts" about Sessions that he could "not discuss in an open setting." Trump has disputed Comey's account of the conversation about Flynn as inaccurate, although his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., a frequent defender of his father's White House performance, seemed to confirm the gist of it. "When he tells you to do something, guess what, there's no ambiguity in it," Trump Jr., speaking of his father, told Fox News on Sunday. "There's no, 'Hey, I'm hoping.' You and I are friends, 'Hey I hope this happens, but you've got to do your job.' That's what he told Comey." Before Comey testified, Trump suggested there might be a White House recording of their private dinner, which Comey said he hopes there is. But the president and his aides have not definitively said so. Pressed on the issue Friday, he said, "I'll tell you about that maybe sometime in the very near future." The White House again Monday refused to say one way or the other whether there was a tape. But Republican lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to release the recordings, if they exist. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee that heard Comey's testimony, said Sunday, "I don't understand why the president just doesn't clear this matter up once and for all." Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, another member of the Senate panel, said, "We've obviously pressed the White House." Trump fired Comey last month. Trump later said he was thinking about "this Russia thing" as he decided to dismiss him because he considered claims that Russian interference in the election influenced it in his favor to be bogus, an excuse by Democrats to account for his stunning upset of former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Mpho Masheles eight donkeys are her most precious possessions, and her familys lifeline. They use them to transport goods in this small, rural village north of South Africas capital, Pretoria. We love our donkeys because theyre the only source of income, she said. Without them, we will starve. That threat is looming ever-larger amid a spike in donkey poaching in South Africa. Rural, often poor South Africans, like Mashele, say they've been forced to sell their precious donkeys at a loss or face having them stolen by poachers who are eager to satisfy a growing demand for donkey parts from the Chinese market. She used to have 12 animals. But four were killed earlier this year, victims of Chinas voracious multimillion-dollar trade in donkey hides. Masheles husband found their mutilated bodies in a neighboring village. We found pieces of the donkeys, she said, while stroking the forehead of one of her remaining donkeys. We recognized it was our donkeys because of a white patch on one of their foreheads. And the skins were gone. Donkey extinction? Animal rights activists say the situation has escalated to the point where South African donkeys could soon be wiped out. South Africas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has, in the past year, confiscated more than 1,000 hides headed for China, says chief inspector Mpho Mokoena. If this continues, she says, South Africas donkeys may be staring down extinction. In two years there wont be [any] donkeys in South Africa, she told VOA. Often, she says, the animals are bludgeoned with hammers or skinned alive. Their hides are then boiled down and made into gelatin, which is believed to treat a variety of ailments. Their flesh is often left behind to rot. Saving donkeys Animal welfare activists say theyre doing their best to protect these vulnerable creatures. The Highveld Horse Care Unit, south of Johannesburg, rescues and cares for threatened donkeys. About 20 donkeys are currently in their care. Inspector Ashley Ness says the skin of a donkey could fetch more than $500 in China. That demand, she says, has driven up the price of donkeys at livestock auctions. But kept alive, they can be used as beasts of burden, as therapy animals, or for their milk. They also can be loving companions. They absolutely do have their own personalities, Ness said, pointing to Chili, a docile male donkey at the sanctuary. They really can form such a part of the family. She and other activists are urging South Africa to follow the lead of other African nations like Burkina Faso and Niger and ban the trade of donkey parts. A lot of the countries have actually banned the slaughter and trade of donkeys, which I believe is a lovely, great step in the right direction, she said. A suspected drone strike has reportedly killed a key Haqqani network commander in a remote Pakistani tribal district, according to Pakistani security officials. The attack late Monday targeted a leader of the terror group, identified as Abubakar. Local officials suspected the strike was from a U.S. drone, but the Pentagon denied carrying out the attack. "The Department of Defense has not conducted any recent strikes in Pakistan," Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump told VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb on Wednesday. Behram Khan, a resident of Dewal village in the Speen Tal area of the Hangu district, told Radio Liberty that three others were wounded in the strike, including a boy. Abubakar, whose original name was Omar, hailed from Afghanistan's southeastern Khost province, the birthplace of network founder Jalaluddin Haqqani, according to Afghan and Pakistani intelligence reports. Khan said the slain commander moved to Dewal from Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal district after the Pakistani military launched a counterterrorist operation there in 2014. The suspected drone strike came after a May 31 truck bombing in Kabul killed more than 150 people in the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since the ouster of the Taliban following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. Afghan officials blamed the Pakistan-based Haqqani network for the blast. But network leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, in a rare Pashto language audio message released over the weekend by the Taliban to VOA, denied insurgents' involvement in the attack. Based in tribal region The Haqqani network, a militant group that fights Afghan and U.S. forces in Afghanistan and is a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, is reported to be based in Miram Shah, a town in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in northern Pakistan. The network operates base camps where it trains suicide bombers and does logistical planning for military operations, according to media reports. In recent years, group members have moved to other areas in the tribal region that borders Afghanistan, from where they launch attacks against Afghan and U.S. forces stationed in the country, according to U.S. officials. Afghan officials and U.S. terrorism authorities consider the network one the most lethal terrorist groups in Afghanistan. It has been blamed for some of the deadliest violence in the country, including attacks on embassies in Kabul, the Afghan parliament building, local residents and U.S. military bases. Monday's drone attack was not the first one in the area. A senior Haqqani commander was killed in 2013, along with several other members of the group, by a U.S. drone strike. U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan have resumed as Afghanistan has seen an uptick in terrorist activities and violence that Afghan and U.S. officials blame largely on Pakistan. U.S. action urged "The Haqqani network, which is an ally of al-Qaida and Taliban extremists, has operated as Pakistan's proxy," Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, told VOA recently. "If Pakistan refuses to move against the Haqqani network sanctuaries, the U.S. should consider actions against the sanctuaries, including striking them," he said. Afghan intelligence officials told VOA's Afghan service that the Taliban purposely deny involvement in most deadly attacks in Afghanistan to secure their Pakistani sponsors from further isolation. Islamabad has rejected the charges as baseless and unfounded, saying Pakistan "in the strongest terms" has condemned the Kabul terrorist attack. Pakistan officially has dismissed allegations that Taliban insurgents are using Pakistani soil for orchestrating the violence. VOA's Deewa service contributed to this report from Peshawar. VOA's Carla Babb reported from the Pentagon The remaining Central American allies of Taiwan on Tuesday offered guarded responses to Panama's decision to embrace the "One China" policy and switch allegiance to Beijing, deflecting the question of whether they could follow suit. On Monday, Panama said it had broken with Taiwan to forge ties with Beijing, in a major victory for China's efforts to isolate the island it views as a renegade province. Following Panama's departure from the fold, Taiwan has full ties with 20 countries - several of them in Central America, where Taiwanese economic aid has helped support a region that relies heavily on agriculture and struggles with law and order. The most populous of those, Guatemala, declined to comment on its future with Taiwan. "We don't have an official position on this. It's a matter that concerns other countries," Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Morales told Reuters when asked if his country would go down the same path as Panama with China. Guatemala, which retains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, declined comment on Tuesday on its future relations with the island following Panama's decision to recognize "One China" and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing. Guatemala's foreign minister Carlos Morales told Reuters his government would make no comment on Panama's break with Taiwan when asked if Guatemala would do the same. We don't have an official position on this. It's a matter that concerns other countries, he said. On Monday, Panama said it had broken with Taiwan in favor of establishing ties with Beijing, in a major victory for China's efforts to isolate the island it regards as a renegade province. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen went to Guatemala in January during a visit to a clutch of Central American allies. Her Guatemalan counterpart, Jimmy Morales, said at the time he expected Taipei to deepen ties with the region. Neighboring El Salvador said it had no plans to enter into new ties with other governments. "Right now, the establishment of diplomatic relations with [other countries] is not on my radar," Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez told reporters after a fund-raising event that focused on Taiwanese investment for projects in the country. El Salvador has had formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1933 and also maintains trade ties with China. Tsai began her January visit in Honduras, where a government official also said on Tuesday the Honduran administration would make no official comment on the shake-up in Panama. Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, the official said Honduras was maintaining its diplomatic and commercial relations with Taiwan. Since 2006, Taiwan has loaned Honduras some $205 million and donated another $27 million, including an Embraer Legacy 600 jet used as the president's official plane. Taiwan also has provided the country with a wide range of agricultural assistance. Tsai also visited Nicaragua on her trip but she did not stop at Panama. Nicaragua's government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Panama's move. "Relations between Taiwan and Nicaragua are very solid," especially since Tsai's visit, said Taiwanese-born Nicaraguan businessman Gilberto Wong, highlighting Taiwan's investment. After the visit, a high-level Nicaraguan delegation led by Foreign Minister Denis Moncada went to Taipei in April and agreed on new investment projects Taiwan would finance. Still, Robert Manning, an Asia expert and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said China was gradually extending its influence in Latin America and that pressure was likely to continue to rise on countries to switch sides. "The weight of China is being felt in many places and not just in Latin America," Manning said. "The trend line is moving in that direction." Attorney General Jeff Sessions steps back into a familiar arena Tuesday when he testifies before the Senate intelligence committee about his role in the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia. Last week, Comey raised additional questions about Sessions' involvement, saying the FBI knew of reasons why it would be problematic for the attorney general to stay involved in the Russia investigation well before Sessions recused himself in March. Comey declined to elaborate in an open setting and Sessions accepted the intelligence committee's invitation to appear in part so he could address those comments. The former Republican senator took over the Justice Department with a tough-on-crime agenda that included quashing illegal immigration, rooting out drug gangs and leading the charge in helping cities fight spikes in violence. But the Russia investigation continues to cast a shadow over his tenure. A look at the man who has become a key figure in the probe: Who is Jeff Sessions? Blunt and plainspoken, Sessions, 70, went from a GOP foot soldier to prosecutor to politician and ultimately one of President Donald Trump's leading champions, sharing his hardline views on national security and immigration. Trump rewarded his loyalty on the campaign by tapping him as the nation's top law enforcement officer. Sessions is a devout Methodist who came of age in the segregated South. He cut his teeth as a federal prosecutor in Mobile, Alabama, at the height of the drug war, and many of the policies he has tried to implement as attorney general have roots in that time period. As a U.S attorney in 1986, Sessions faced allegations of racially charged remarks, and they cost him a federal judgeship. Sessions has called those allegations ``false charges,'' and said they were hurtful and has tried to move past them. What were his Senate priorities? Sessions generally leaned right of his Republican colleagues, often articulating more conservative views than those of party leaders in the Senate. Sessions was a leading opponent of the Senate's 2013 immigration overhaul, which he called too permissive. He instead advocated for broad presidential powers to curtail immigration, an issue that drew him to candidate Trump early. He opposed efforts to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, supported expanded government surveillance and criticized the Voting Rights Act as placing an unfair burden on states. He joined a bipartisan push to reduce federal sentencing disparities that treated crack cocaine offenses much more harshly than crimes related to powder cocaine, a disparity that disproportionally impacted minority communities. But he later opposed the Senate's effort to overhaul the criminal justice system, warning it could lead to violence. What has he done in the Justice Department? As attorney general, Sessions has quickly worked to undo Obama-era policies. He signaled his strong support for the federal government's continued use of private prisons, reversing a directive to phase out their use. He also recently directed the nation's federal prosecutors to pursue the most serious charges possible against the vast majority of suspects, a rollback of Obama-era policies that aimed to reduce the federal prison population and show more lenience to lower-level drug offenders. Keeping with the Trump administration's anti-immigration agenda, Sessions has also urged federal prosecutors to intensify their focus on immigration crimes such as illegal border crossing or smuggling others into the U.S. And he has threatened to withhold coveted grant money from localities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities as they try to detain and deport people. What's the trouble? Sessions has been dogged by the Russia investigation. He recused himself from the federal probe in March after acknowledging that he met twice last year with the Russian ambassador to the United States. He told lawmakers at his January confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign. Questions are swirling about possible additional encounters with the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. Senate Democrats have raised questions about whether the men met at an April 2016 foreign policy event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. The Justice Department has said that while Sessions was there, for a speech by Trump, there were no meetings or private encounters. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday said Cuba "must begin to address human rights challenges" if it wants Washington to preserve a move toward more normal relations started under former President Barack Obama. Tillerson, speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee days before President Donald Trump is expected to announce a change in U.S. policy on Cuba, said the opening to the Communist-run island has led to an increase in U.S. visitors and U.S. business ties to the country. However, Tillerson added: "We think we have achieved very little in terms of changing the behavior of the regime in Cuba, restricting their people, and it has little incentive today to change that." Reuters reported last week that Trump was expected to visit Miami as early as Friday to announce a new Cuba policy that could tighten rules on trade and travel, rolling back parts of his Democratic predecessor's opening to the island. Many of Trump's fellow Republicans, and some Democrats, objected to Obama's policy shift, saying America's former Cold War foe has not done enough to allow any easing of the 50-year-long U.S. embargo on trade and travel. But the measures have proven popular with the public, U.S. businesses and many lawmakers from both parties. Under questioning from Democratic Senator Tom Udall, Tillerson agreed that moves toward more normal relations with the United States have helped some Cubans lift themselves out of poverty and provided opportunities for U.S. companies. However, Tillerson said there is a "dark side" to relations with Cuba, noting that the government in Havana continues to jail political opponents and harass dissidents. "If we're going to sustain the sunny side of this relationship, Cuba must, absolutely must, address these human rights challenges," Tillerson told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a hearing on the broad State Department budget. He said the Trump administration's view is that the new U.S. policy is providing financial support to the Cuban government, which would violate U.S. law. "We are supportive of the ... economic development, as long as it is done in full compliance with our existing statutes, and not provide financial support to the Cuban regime," Tillerson said. "That's the focus of our current policy review." Obama implemented his normalization measures through executive actions, and Trump has the power to undo much of them. The Trump administration has a backup plan to keep the government from defaulting on its financial obligations even if Congress misses an August deadline to raise the debt limit, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told a congressional panel Monday. Mnuchin had previously set an August deadline for the federal government to avoid a catastrophic default. Mnuchin said he still prefers that Congress increase the government's authority to borrow before lawmakers leave on a five-week break in August. However, he said he is "comfortable" that the Treasury Department can meet the government's financial obligations through the start of September. Private analysts say Mnuchin probably has even greater leeway. "If for whatever reason Congress does not act before August, we do have backup plans that we can fund the government," Mnuchin said without elaborating. "So I want to make it clear that that is not the timeframe that would create a serious problem." The federal government technically hit the debt limit in March, but Treasury has been using accounting steps known as "extraordinary measures" to avoid a default. Shortly before Mnuchin testified, a Washington think tank projected that despite the slowdown in revenues, the government will have enough cash to pay its bills until October or November. The Bipartisan Policy Center says that revenue results from this month's quarterly tax payments could clarify the deadline, but for now it forecasts that Mnuchin has sufficient maneuvering room to keep the government solvent into the fall. The policy center says a big Oct. 2 payment into the military retirement trust fund could trigger default. As of Friday, the Treasury had a cash balance of $148 billion, down from $204 billion a month ago. The national debt is nearly $20 trillion, including money owed to several federal programs. Vote on debt limit Raising the debt limit has become a politically-charged vote in Congress, even though economists believe that an unprecedented default would be catastrophic for the economy. Republicans, who control Congress and the White House, are struggling to come up with a strategy to raise the debt limit, with some GOP members demanding spending cuts in exchange for their vote. But since Republicans have many members who simply refuse to vote for a debt increase, GOP leaders such as Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin may have no choice but to seek help from Democrats, who are demanding that any debt limit hike be "clean" of GOP add-ons. Lawmakers are trying to deal with the debt limit while at the same time a House panel is beginning work on spending bills to fund the government. Republicans controlling the House are taking the first steps to approve President Donald Trump's big budget increase for veterans' health care and the Pentagon. Spending bill At stake is an $89 billion spending bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Pentagon construction projects that's scheduled for a preliminary panel vote on Monday. The bill would give the VA a 5 percent budget hike for the budget year beginning in October as the agency works to improve wait times and correct other problems. The Defense Department, meanwhile, would receive a $2 billion, 10 percent increase for military construction projects at bases in both the U.S. and abroad. "This legislation includes the funding and policies necessary to deliver on our promises to our military and our veterans," said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, a Republican from New Jersey. Republicans are still struggling to come up with a broader budget that would dictate spending levels for other agencies. Trump has proposed sharp cuts to many domestic agencies and foreign aid as a means to pay for increases for the military. But many GOP lawmakers have already signaled that they disagree with Trump. Under Washington's arcane budget rules, lawmakers are first supposed to pass an overall fiscal blueprint called a budget resolution before tackling the annual round of spending bills. This year, that budget plan is also the key to unlocking action later this year on legislation to overhaul the tax code, a top GOP priority. Instead, Republicans are split into three camps on spending: defense hawks who want even more money for the military than proposed by Trump; pragmatists who are defenders of domestic programs; and conservatives who agree with Trump's plan to cut domestic agencies and deliver the proceeds to the Pentagon. For now, those GOP divisions have meant an impasse for Trump's overall budget and tax agenda. The Trump administration is proposing to curb the authority of the consumer finance watchdog created following the economic crisis as it drives toward easing restrictions on banks and financial institutions. The Treasury Department issued Monday the first part of a review that was ordered by President Donald Trump in one of his earliest acts as president. The report reviewing the Dodd-Frank financial oversight law also urges changes to rules for banks that were put in place under the 2010 law. The law aimed to restrain banks - which received hundreds of millions in taxpayer bailouts - from the kind of misconduct that many blamed for the crisis. The law was enacted by President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress to tighten regulation after the 2008-09 financial crisis that sparked the Great Recession that cost millions of Americans their jobs and homes. Trump, however, has called Dodd-Frank a disaster that has crimped lending, hiring and the overall economy. He promised to do a big number on it. Properly structuring regulation of the U.S. financial system is critical to achieve the administration's goal of sustained economic growth, and to create opportunities for all Americans to benefit from a stronger economy, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement Monday. The report outlines what it calls core principles of financial regulation - including overhauling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and having more efficient bank rules. The CFPB oversees the practices of companies that provide financial products and services, from credit cards and payday loans to mortgages and debt collection. It has been a prime target of Republican lawmakers, who accuse it of regulatory overreach. The new report urges Congress to remove the agency's authority to supervise banks and financial companies, returning that power to other federal and state regulators, respectively. And it proposes enabling the president to remove the CFPB director at will without citing a cause for firing. That's the subject of a battle now in federal court. The CFPB's structure and broad regulatory powers have led to abuses and excesses, and hindered consumer choice and access to credit, the report says. The Treasury report comes a few days after the Republican-led House approved sweeping legislation to undo much of Dodd-Frank, repealing about 40 of its provisions. That was passed on a largely party-line vote of 233-186, but is unlikely to clear the Senate in its current form. The administration's report is narrower in scope and ambition than the House-passed legislation. It could provide a blueprint for regulators to rewrite the Dodd-Frank rules, as Trump continues to fill out his team of top financial overseers. Mnuchin said in separate congressional testimony Monday that he expects to be able to work with the regulators on 70 to 80 percent of the proposed changes. But Congress would need to pass legislation to actually revamp the law - for example, to change the CFPB's authority. Among the banking rules, the new report focuses closely on the so-called Volcker Rule, established by Dodd-Frank to generally bar banks from trading for their own profit instead of for customers. The idea behind the rule was to prevent high-risk trading bets that could imperil federally insured deposits. The report proposes exempting from the rule banks with less than $10 billion in assets and those that have over $10 billion with few trading assets. The House legislation would repeal it altogether. So-called living wills, the plans that big banks must submit to regulators detailing how they would reshape themselves in the event of failure, should be required every two years instead of the current annual mandate, the report says. Aaron Klein, a Treasury Department official in the Obama administration, said the proposed changes were unlikely to achieve the economic growth Trump is seeking. The financial regulatory system isn't what is stopping 3 percent economic growth, said Klein, now a fellow at the Brookings Institution. If you're looking in the wrong place, you're not likely to find the answer. Better for the administration to find ways to promote investment in the U.S., he suggested. Klein said the changes proposed for the CFPB would inject more politics into financial regulation. He did see some positive ideas, however, such as increased coordination among financial regulators. Bank industry groups, which had consulted with Mnuchin and other Treasury officials as they prepared the report, expressed approval of it Monday. Looking outside Dodd-Frank, the report calls for a task force to reconsider the Community Reinvestment Act, a 1977 law designed to monitor banks' practices in low-income and minority communities, such as new branch openings. Regulators can fine or sanction banks under the law when they find patterns of discrimination. The law is widely promoted by Democratic lawmakers and community and civil rights groups. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized a federal appeals court one day after it handed him another legal setback by refusing to revive his U.S. travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority nations, and appeared poised for the nation's top court to weigh in. On Monday, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals became the second federal appeals court to reject the Republican Trump administration's bid to undo a Hawaii federal judge's decision that blocked the temporary travel ban in a dispute headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The three-judge panel said Trump's March 6 order violated existing immigration law, but did not address whether it was unconstitutional discrimination against Muslims. Trump's 90-day ban targets travelers from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. "Well, as predicted, the 9th Circuit did it again Ruled against the TRAVEL BAN at such a dangerous time in the history of our country. S.C." Trump said in a post on Twitter, apparently referencing the U.S. Supreme Court. The nation's top court, which leans conservative after Trump's appointee won confirmation as the ninth justice earlier this year, could act as soon as this week on his administration's request to reinstate the order. The 9th Circuit, headed by Democratic appointees, largely left in place a nationwide injunction by Judge Derrick Watson of Hawaii that stopped parts of the order, which Trump contends is needed to prevent terrorism in the United States. Those who have challenged the travel ban dispute that it is needed to protect Americans and argue that the order violates the U.S. Constitution's bar against favoring or disfavoring a particular religion. Another appeals court, the Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, last month upheld a Maryland judge's ruling that also blocked Trump's ban. Trump has been on the losing side in all four court rulings on the March order and has asked the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency review. In a statement on Monday, U.S. Attorney General Sessions said Trump's executive order was lawful and that the court rulings have had a "chilling effect" on security operations. U.S. President Donald Trump is assailing the latest federal appellate court decision blocking his executive order restricting travel from six majority-Muslim countries where terrorist attacks have occurred. "Well, as predicted, the 9th Circuit did it again - Ruled against the TRAVEL BAN at such a dangerous time in the history of our country," Trump posted on his Twitter account Tuesday, adding, "S.C." in an apparent reference to the government's appeal to the Supreme Court. The appellate court said the president overstepped his authority when he issued the March 6 executive order. Monday's decision in San Francisco was the second against Trump's attempts to curb travel from Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya. Earlier, the Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Maryland judge's ruling blocking parts of the order. Not a one-person show In the San Francisco ruling, a three-judge panel said that while the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act gives the president broad powers to both control entrants to the United States and protect U.S. security, "immigration, even for the president, is not a one-person show." The 4th Circuit focused largely on statements and tweets made by President Trump that indicated his order was a ban on Muslims, something he advocated during his campaign for president. But the 4th Circuit was only ruling on the portion of the law restricting travel from the six countries for 90 days. "In suspending the entry of more than 180 million nationals from six countries, suspending the entry of all refugees, and reducing the cap on the admission of refugees from 110,000 to 50,000 for the 2017 fiscal year, the president did not meet the essential precondition to exercising his delegated authority: The president must make a sufficient finding that the entry of these classes of people would be 'detrimental to the interests of the United States,' the judges wrote. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Trump administration disagrees with the 9th Circuit's decision and "will continue to seek further review by the Supreme Court." "Recent attacks confirm that the threat to our nation is immediate and real. Certain countries shelter or sponsor terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaida, and we may be unable to obtain any reliable background information on individuals from these war-torn, failed states," Sessions said. US security The 1952 immigration law gives the president authority to restrict the entry of foreign nationals if they are deemed "detrimental to the interests of the United States," the judges wrote. But they said, "The order does not tie these nationals in any way to terrorist organizations within the six designated countries. It does not identify these nationals as contributors to active conflict or as those responsible for insecure country conditions. It does not provide any link between an individuals nationality and their propensity to commit terrorism or their inherent dangerousness." The judges said the travel order does not actually curtail travel on the part of individuals, but rather on countries that it says are inherently dangerous. In this, they did cite one of the president's tweets: Thats right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that wont help us protect our people! Refugees Similarly, the judges found no adequate explanation for the restriction of refugee admissions to 50,000 for the 2017 fiscal year that ends September 30. Noting that the administration of former president Barack Obama had established a level of 110,000 and justified it on humanitarian grounds, the judges said the order "gives no explanation for why the 50,001st to the 110,000th refugee would be harmful to the national interest, nor does it specify any further threat to national security." "We do not anticipate any change to the current status of refugee admissions processing as a result of the 9th Circuit ruling," a State Department spokesperson told VOA Monday. The State Department, which oversees in part the early stages of refugee admission to the United States, said last week that it would be processing refugee applications under the original cap for the fiscal year, rather than under the significantly reduced number set by Trump's executive order. More than 47,000 refugees have resettled in the United States since October, at a greatly reduced pace since the first travel ban was signed January 27. In recent weeks, that number has been about 800 to 900 refugees a week. The State Department said it could not speculate about the final number of refugees that would ultimately come to the U.S. by the end of September; at the current rate, that would mean about 60,700 refugees overall for the year. Great president or greatest? That appeared to be the question at President Donald Trump's first meeting of his full Cabinet on Monday, as top aides took turns piling praise on the boss. After Trump extolled the achievements of his young administration, asserting that he had accomplished more than any president in his first six months with "few exceptions,'' like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt his Cabinet added on more accolades. Vice President Mike Pence declared his job was "the greatest privilege of my life.'' Attorney General Jeff Sessions told Trump law enforcement officers "are so thrilled that we have a new idea that we're going to support them.'' Energy Secretary Rick Perry gave his "hats off'' to Trump for taking a stand against the Paris climate accord. And Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross offered thanks "for the opportunity to help fix the trade deficit.'' Perhaps the strongest words came from chief of staff Reince Priebus: "On behalf of the entire senior staff around you, Mr. President, we thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that you've given us to serve your agenda.'' The meeting came as the White House struggles to advance its agenda amid the investigations into Russia's election meddling and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. So far no major legislation has made its way through Congress. The White House has been dogged by reports of infighting and disarray. And the president has repeatedly sought out conflict on social media, distracting from the issues his advisers are trying to promote. On Twitter, the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, trolled the president with video of a mock staff meeting in which aides praised Schumer's hair and his performance on the Sunday talk shows. Trump this week is highlighting efforts to bring more Americans into the economy by having them start working as apprentices. He also promised a news conference in two weeks to discuss the administration's efforts to combat the Islamic State. Both Israel and the Palestinians have failed to bring perpetrators of alleged war crimes including killings to justice, the United Nations said in a report published on Monday. Compiled by the office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, it evaluates compliance with 64 reports and 929 recommendations from the Council, the U.N. Secretary General and U.N. rights investigators from 2009-2016. The High Commissioner notes the repeated failure to comply with the calls for accountability made by the entire human rights system and urges Israel to conduct prompt, impartial and independent investigations of all alleged violations of international human rights law and all allegations of international crimes, the report said. Zeid's report also noted the State of Palestine's non-compliance with the calls for accountability and urges the State of Palestine to conduct prompt, impartial and independent investigations of all alleged violations of international human rights law and all allegations of international crimes. The report looked set to ignite further debate at the U.N. Human Rights Council, where the United States said last week it was reviewing its membership due to what it calls a chronic anti-Israel bias. Formal notice from US U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley gave formal notice last week that the Trump administration was reviewing its participation and called for reforms to put Israel on equal footing. The report said there had been a general absence of higher-level responsibility in Israel for violations in Gaza. Only a handful of convictions, if any, (have been) issued for minor violations, such as theft and looting, it said. Israeli and Palestinians authorities must ensure that victims of violations in their long conflict have access to justice and reparations, it said. There was no immediate response from either side to the report, to be debated at the 47-member Council on June 19. Unfairly targeted In March 2016, the Geneva forum launched the review aimed at ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. At the time, it condemned grave breaches including possible war crimes committed in the 2014 Gaza conflict and longstanding systemic impunity. It deplored Israel's non-cooperation with the United Nations' probes into Gaza and Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Israel, which is not a member of the Council, says it is unfairly targeted because, unlike other states, it is subjected to regular reviews of its compliance with U.N. reports and recommendations. A group of U.S. senators agreed Monday on legislation to strengthen sanctions against Russia, including a provision that would require congressional review if the White House relaxed, suspended or terminated sanctions already in place. The bipartisan agreement comes in the form of an amendment to legislation the Senate is already considering on sanctions for Iran. The bill is expected to have strong support when it goes before the full Senate, and would have to then pass in the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump. A statement from Republican and Democratic leaders on the Senate banking committee said the amendment "expands sanctions against the government of Russia in response to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and Crimea, its brazen cyberattacks and interference in elections, and its continuing aggression in Syria." The measure would strengthen existing sanctions targeting Russian energy projects, while imposing new sanctions on those involved in serious human rights abuses, supplying weapons to the Syrian government, carrying out malicious cyber activities and doing business with Russian intelligence and defense. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Tuesday that Russia takes a negative view of the proposed legislation and would not listen to U.S. calls for the release of political protesters arrested Monday during anti-government demonstrations organized by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The anti-corruption rallies took place Monday in cities across Russia. Police arrested 850 people at a protest in Moscow and another 500 in St. Petersburg, where the rallies were unsanctioned. The U.S. called on Russia to release "peaceful" protesters arrested Monday. Peskov said police acted in accordance with Russian laws and the protesters were engaged in "provocative actions." The House and Senate, as well as a special counsel appointed by the Justice Department, are all investigating Russia's activities related to last year's U.S. elections, as well as potential links to Trump's campaign. The U.S. intelligence community concluded in a January report that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign meant to hurt Democrat Hillary Clinton and help Trump's chances of winning. "These additional sanctions will also send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia and any other country who might try to interfere in our elections that they will be punished," said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Now its Jeff Sessions turn in the spotlight. Less than a week after fired FBI Director James Comey delivered riveting testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee about a series of what he described as "awkward" and "inappropriate" interactions with President Trump, Sessions, the attorney general, appears before the same panel Tuesday to take issue with some of Comeys statements. But while Sessions says he wants to address the matters brought up by Comey during his testimony last Thursday, Democrats are aiming for a broader line of questioning that will include his meetings with the Russian ambassador to Washington during the 2016 presidential campaign and his role in Comey's firing on May 9. The attorney general of the United States needs to tell the American people why he testified untruthfully about his Russian contacts, and he needs to explain all of his conversations with the Russians that have been concealed, and also why he failed to protect the FBI and why he participated in firing the FBI director when he had recused himself because of those Russian conversations, said Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Sessions' testimony, his first since he recused himself from the Russian investigation in early March, comes less than a week after Comey recounted during widely viewed testimony before the intelligence panel how Trump had sought to pressure him into dropping an investigation of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Trumps request, Comey testified, came during an unusual, one-on-one February 14 Oval Office conversation that followed other senior officials briefing Trump on counter-terrorism, including Sessions. Comey later complained to the attorney general about what he described as a "highly inappropriate" meeting, but he said Sessions "did not reply." In a closed session that followed his public testimony, Comey told senators that Sessions may have had a third meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, leading officials to conclude the attorney would have to recuse himself from the Russia investigation, several media outlets reported. The Department of Justice has dismissed the purported third meeting between Sessions and Kislyak and denied Sessions ignored Comey's complaint. Nevertheless, Sessions will face tough questioning about whether he perjured himself when he failed to disclose the meetings, said Jed Shugerman, a professor of at Fordham University School of Law in New York. "That was a problem already. The problem only gets deeper if there is in fact a third contact he did not report," Shugerman said. Sessions has denied charges that he misled the senators about his contacts with Kisliyak. Another key question on senators' minds: Sessions' role in Comey's firing. The White House had initially said Trump fired Comey on the recommendations of Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. But Trump later said he dismissed Comey because of the Russia investigation. Stephen Gillers, a professor of law at New York University, said Sessions has not answered why he played a role in Comey's firing given that he had recused himself from the Russia investigation. "If he was recused, as he says he was, he should not have participated in the Comey firing," Gillers said. Trump was never happy with Sessions' March 2 decision to recuse himself from the Russia probe. Sessions reportedly threatened to resign as tensions with Trump grew. The Department of Justice says Sessions has adhered to the terms of his recusal from the Russia investigation, but Democrats are likely to press the attorney general about it. "I believe that answer should be made to the American people," said Democratic Senator Ron Wyden. The recusal likely will limit the scope of his answers. "What can he possibly tell the Senate committee if indeed hes done what he said he was going to do, which would include staying away from any intelligence on the ongoing investigation," Gillers said. Department of Justice spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Sessions asked that his appearance be open to the public. "He believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him and looks forward to answering the committee's questions, she said. The testimony will be scrutinized as much for what Sessions says as what he declines to say. Shugerman said Sessions is unlikely to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-recrimination in order to avoid answering certain questions. "He's trying to defend his reputation and hold on to his job," Shugerman said. Asked if the White House thought Sessions should invoke executive privilege to avoid answering questions about his conversations with Trump, press secretary Sean Spicer said, "It depends on the scope of the questions." Spicer did not explicitly endorse Sessions' appearance, saying in response to a question, "We're aware of it, and we'll go from there." VOA's Michael Bowman contributed to this article. Attorney General Jeff Sessions Prepared Remarks to the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Tuesday, June 13, 2017 Thank you Chairman Burr and Ranking Member Warner for allowing me to publicly appear before the committee today. I appreciate the Committees critically important efforts to investigate Russian interference with our democratic process. Such interference can never be tolerated and I encourage every effort to get to the bottom of any such allegations. As you know, the Deputy Attorney General has appointed a special counsel to investigate matters related to Russian interference in the 2016 election. I am here today to address several issues that have been specifically raised before this committee, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to questions as fully as I am able to do so. But as I advised you, Mr. Chairman, and consistent with long-standing Department of Justice practice, I cannot and will not violate my duty to protect confidential communications with the President. Now, let me address some issues directly: I did not have any private meetings nor do I recall any conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower Hotel. I did not attend any meetings at that event. Prior to the speech, I attended a reception with my staff that included at least two dozen people and President Trump. Though I do recall several conversations I had during that pre-speech reception, I do not have any recollection of meeting or talking to the Russian Ambassador or any other Russian officials. If any brief interaction occurred in passing with the Russian Ambassador during that reception, I do not remember it. After the speech, I was interviewed by the news media, which had gathered as I remember in a different room, and then I left the hotel. But whether I ever attended a reception where the Russian Ambassador was also present is entirely beside the point of this investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 campaigns. Let me state this clearly: I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election. Further, I have no knowledge of any such conversations by anyone connected to the Trump campaign. I was your colleague in this body for 20 years, and the suggestion that I participated in any collusion or that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for over 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie. Relatedly, there is the assertion that I did not answer Senator Frankens question honestly at my confirmation hearing. That is false. This is how it happened. He asked me a rambling question that included dramatic, new allegations that the United States intelligence community had advised President-elect Trump that there was a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trumps surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government. I was taken aback by these explosive allegations, which he said were being reported in breaking news that day. I wanted to refute immediately any suggestion that I was a part of such an activity. I replied, Senator Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didnt have did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. That was the context in which I was asked the question, and in that context, my answer was a fair and correct response to the charge as I understood it. It simply did not occur to me to go further than the context of the question and list any conversations I may have had with Russians in routine situations, as I had with numerous other foreign officials. Please hear me now. It was only in March of this year that a reporter asked my spokesperson whether I had ever met with any Russian officials. This was the first time that question had been posed. On the same day, we provided that reporter with the information related to the meeting I and my staff had held in my Senate office with Ambassador Kislyak, as well as the brief encounter in July after a speech that I had given during the convention in Cleveland, Ohio. I also provided the reporter a list of all 25 foreign ambassador meetings I had held during 2016. In addition, I provided supplemental testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee to explain this. I readily acknowledged these two meetings. Certainly nothing improper occurred. Let me also explain clearly the circumstances of my recusal from the investigation into the Russian interference with the 2016 election. I was sworn in as Attorney General on Thursday, February 9th. The very next day, I met with career Department officials, including a senior ethics official, to discuss some things publicly reported in the press and that might have some bearing on the issue of recusal. From that point, February 10th, until I announced my formal recusal on March 2nd, I was never briefed on any investigative details and did not access information about the investigation; I received only the limited information that the Departments career officials determined was necessary to inform my recusal decision. As such, I have no knowledge about this investigation beyond what has been publicly reported, and I have taken no action with regard to any such investigation. On the date of my formal recusal, my Chief of Staff sent an email to the heads of the relevant departments, including by name to Director Comey of the FBI, to instruct them to inform their staffs of this recusal and to advise them not to brief me or involve me in any such matters. And in fact, they have not. Importantly, I recused myself not because of any asserted wrongdoing on my part during the campaign, but because a Department of Justice regulation, 28 CFR 45.2, required it. That regulation states, in effect, that Department employees should not participate in investigations of a campaign if they have served as a campaign advisor. The scope of my recusal, however, does not and cannot interfere with my ability to oversee the Department of Justice, including the FBI, which has an $8 billion budget and 35,000 employees. I presented to the President my concerns, and those of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, about the ongoing leadership issues at the FBI as stated in my letter recommending the removal of Mr. Comey along with the Deputy Attorney Generals memorandum, which have been released publicly by the White House. It is a clear statement of my views. It is absurd, frankly, to suggest that a recusal from a single specific investigation would render an Attorney General unable to manage the leadership of the various Department of Justice law enforcement components that conduct thousands of investigations. Finally, during his testimony, Mr. Comey discussed a conversation he and I had about a meeting Mr. Comey had with the President. I am happy to share with the committee my recollection of the conversation I had with Mr. Comey. Following a routine morning threat briefing, Mr. Comey spoke to me and my Chief of Staff. While he did not provide me with any of the substance of his conversation with the President, Mr. Comey expressed concern about the proper communications protocol with the White House and with the President. I responded to his comment by agreeing that the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow Department policies regarding appropriate contacts with the White House. Mr. Comey had served in the Department of Justice for the better part of two decades, and I was confident that Mr. Comey understood and would abide by the Departments well-established rules governing any communications with the White House about ongoing investigations. My comments encouraged him to do just that and indeed, as I understand, he did. Our Department of Justice rules on proper communication between the Department and the White House have been in place for years. Mr. Comey well knew them, I thought, and assumed correctly that he complied with them. I will finish with this. I recused myself from any investigation into the campaigns for President, but I did not recuse myself from defending my honor against scurrilous and false allegations. At all times throughout the course of the campaign, the confirmation process, and since becoming Attorney General, I have dedicated myself to the highest standards. The people of this country expect an honest and transparent government and that is what we are giving them. This President wants to focus on the people of this country to ensure they are treated fairly and kept safe. The Trump agenda is to improve the lives of the American people. I know some have other agendas, but that is his agenda and it is one I share. Importantly, as Attorney General I have a responsibility to enforce the laws of this Nation, to protect this country from its enemies, and to ensure the fair administration of justice. I intend to work every day with our fine team and the superb professionals in the Department of Justice to advance the important work we have to do. These false attacks, the innuendo, and the leaks, you can be sure, will not intimidate me. In fact, these events have only strengthened my resolve to fulfill my duty to reduce crime, and to support our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who work our streets every day. Just last week, it was reported that overdose deaths in this country are rising faster than ever recorded. The murder rate is up over 10 percentthe largest increase since 1968. Together, we are telling the gangs, the cartels, the fraudsters, and the terroristswe are coming after you. Every one of our citizens, no matter who they are or where they live, has the right to be safe in their homes and communities. And I will not be deterred, and I will not allow this great Department to be deterred from its vital mission. Thank you. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' testimony to the Senate Intelligence committee Tuesday will be open to the public. Sessions is expected to face sharp questioning from his former Senate colleagues about his role in the investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia during the 2016 election. The Justice Department said Monday that Sessions requested Tuesday's committee hearing be open because he "believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him." His testimony follows fired FBI Director James Comey's riveting session before the same Senate panel last week. Comey spoke of receiving pressure from President Donald Trump to drop a probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia. Comey's remarks drew an angry response from the president on Friday accusing Comey of lying. Trump's aides have dodged questions about whether conversations relevant to the Russia investigation have been recorded, and so has the president. Republicans have pressed Trump to say whether he has tapes of private conversations with Comey and provide them to Congress if he does or possibly face a subpoena. "I don't understand why the president just doesn't clear this matter up once and for all," said Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine and a member of the intelligence committee, referring to the existence of any recordings. She described Comey's testimony as "candid" and "thorough" and said she would support a subpoena of any tapes if needed. Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, also a member of that committee, agreed the panel needed to hear any tapes, if they exist. "We've obviously pressed the White House," he said. Lankford said Sessions' testimony Tuesday will help flesh out the truth of Comey's allegations, including Sessions' presence at the White House in February when Trump asked to speak to Comey alone. Comey alleges that Trump then privately asked him to drop a probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia. Comey also has said Sessions did not respond when he complained he didn't "want to get time alone with the president again." The Justice Department has denied that, saying Sessions stressed to Comey the need to be careful about following appropriate policies. Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island, said "there's a real question of the propriety" of Sessions' involvement in Comey's dismissal, because Sessions had stepped aside from the federal investigation into contacts between Russia and the Trump campaign. Comey was leading that probe. Reed said he also wants to know if Sessions had more meetings with Russian officials as a Trump campaign adviser than have been disclosed. Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, a member of the Intelligence committee, sent a letter to Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, urging him to investigate possible obstruction of justice by Trump in Grassley's position as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Feinstein is the top Democrat on that panel and a member of both. She said Sessions should also testify before the Judiciary Committee, because it was better suited to explore legal questions of possible obstruction. Feinstein said she was especially concerned after National Intelligence Director Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers refused to answer questions from the intelligence committee about possible undue influence by Trump. Sessions stepped aside in March from the federal investigation into contacts between Russia and the campaign after acknowledging that he had met twice last year with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. The former senator from Alabama told lawmakers at his January confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign. Sessions has been dogged by questions about possible additional encounters with the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. As for the timing of Sessions' recusal, Comey said the FBI expected the attorney general to take himself out of the matters under investigation weeks before he actually did. Comey declined to elaborate in an open setting. Collins and Feinstein spoke Sunday on CNN's State of the Union and Lankford appeared on CBS' Face the Nation. Reed was on Fox News Sunday. Zimbabwean Donald Mvundla, who is living in USA, says time has come for all political parties in Zimbabwe to dump old leaders in order to save the country from "imminent collapse". Mvundla speaks with Studio 7's Gibbs Dube about political processes Zimbabwe devastated by serious economic decline. Zimbabwes Health Minister Dr. David Parirenyatwa says avian influenza commonly known as bird flu, which affected thousands of chicken at a poultry farm near Harare, is under control. Dr. Parirenyatwa told VOA Studio 7 that Irvines Farm, which has been quarantined, has assured government that it will dispose of all the infected birds in order to stop the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza. Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique have banned Zimbabwean chicken imports after the disease killed 7,000 chicken, resulting in the immediate culling of over 140,000 at Irvines Farm. The farm produces more than 1,5 million day-old chicks per week. Dr. Parirenyatwa said, The department of agriculture went there very quickly and its advised that over 2 million chickens will be culled to make sure that this virus is stemmed out. He asked Zimbabweans to avoid eating meat of infected chickens. Generally H5N8 virus affects only birds and other animals and not human beings. So, generally there is no danger however we advise our people when that particular flu has been identified that they dont eat or consume those particular birds partly because they may get that flu but usually its a very mild flu Avian influenza has been reported in Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa where it has killed millions of domesticated birds. Bogoslof volcano (Aleutian Islands): new series of larger explosions Tue, 13 Jun 2017, 08:44 08:44 AM | BY: T 08:44 AM | BY: T Photo of Bogoslof Island, June 11, 2017. Photo taken from an Alaska Airlines jet enroute to Adak (image: Cyrus Read, USGS/AVO) After a pause about approx. 2 days with little detected activity since the large explosion on 10 June, a new series of relatively strong explosions began early today at 1:47 UTC 13 June (17:47 local time AKDT June 12). At least two larger pulses of activity occurred, each lasting 10-30 minutes and producing ash plumes up to 25,000 ft (7.5 km) altitude that dissipated within 30 minutes.According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), the last such episode of explosive activity ended at 04:35 UTC this morning (20:35 AKDT June 12).The ash from the latest eruptions is drifting SE toward Unalaska Island where minor ash fall could occur.For the time being, the volcano has been calmer again during the past hours, but as similar explosive events are likely to occur again in the near future, the Aviation Color Code remains at RED.Likely, the latest series of explosive eruptions have destroyed the lava dome observed on satellite data during the past week. Voices From a Changing Middle East: Ahmad Kamal as Samer and Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan in The Return at Mosaic Theater Company. (Stan Barouh) It took Mosaic Theater Company no time to forge a social justice identity beyond the Jewish lens of Theater J, where Mosaic Artistic Director Ari Roth had worked for nearly two decades until his firing at the end of 2014. But the Voices From a Changing Middle East Festival, begun in 2000 under Roth at Theater J, continues at the impressive young Mosaic as one of the most valuable streams in Washington theater. Of course, the shows can be provocative, a fact of art that still surprises some folks in politics and business. The festivals body of work probes one of the most intractable conflicts in the modern world, the Israeli-Palestinian standoff characterized for many people by paralysis and futility, and with Israel now having occupied the West Bank for 50 years. Meantime, lives are lived and policies are debated, and the reality of whats dramatized in these plays is always palpable. The festival perpetually reminds Washington audiences of complexities on the ground and the real costs of the status quo. The current play is the two-character The Return by Palestinian American actor-writer Hanna Eady and U.S. writer Edward Mast, and the taut 75-minute performance slowly teases out the fraught relationship between an Israeli woman and an Arab Palestinian auto mechanic in Israel. She thinks they have a shared history; he politely insists shes mistaken. John Vreekes production captures how cautiously, even fearfully they speak together. Sentences are gingerly stated, as if any given word might land on a mine. It finally happens, of course and you can tell something will erupt by the way actor Ahmad Kamal flinches whenever the woman (Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan) uses the word Palestinian. Gradually, we learn what his crime was, and how their paths intersected 13 years ago, before she spent eight years away in America. Dramas featuring this kind of withheld information can be too coy, but Vreeke positions his two sharp actors on a narrow strip stage with the audience on opposite sides. That creates a sustained faceoff that never loses its tension, and a show with no wasted motion. Your eyes dart back and forth between Keegans carefully probing woman and Kamals patient, wary man. Their chess match is finely charted. You feel the pressure of the security state that apparently watches them closely. That makes The Return a natural companion for Ulysses on Bottles, the Gilad Evron drama about a teacher imprisoned by a controlling government that opened this springs festival. Yet it also connects to Mosaics recent South African rep of The Blood Knot and A Human Being Died That Night, and to the race history in America that Mosaic has pointedly explored this year. The mans Arab identity is the sticking point, and a rant about what the word Palestinian really means is one of the most penetrating passages of the night. Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan and Ahmad Kamal in The Return. (Stan Barouh) The title of The Return refers not only to the womans appearance in the auto shop. It eventually gets to a deeper history, raising the kind of question that was ultimately too difficult to pose at Theater J in plays like Motti Lerners The Admission, which wound its way back to the establishment of Israel in 1948. The Return is hardly a full portrait of the unsettled Israeli-Palestinian dilemma: its a voice, one of many to be given a platform by the festival that has always insisted on deep exploration and informed conversation. The performance by Kamal and Keegan full of listening, compassion and pain, marked by deep unhealed wounds is as compelling as it could be, and its in a well-worn groove of art about individuals pinned down by governmental superstructures and ingrained cultural patterns that become shamefully reductive and extraordinarily difficult to break. Its a play that some will disagree with par for the course with the festival, which is why 15 post-show discussions are scheduled with experts in a variety of fields. Thats the great ongoing invitation of this program: Watch a show. Talk it out. The Return, by Hanna Eady and Edward Mast. Directed by John Vreeke. Set and lights, Colin K. Bills; costumes, Jeannette Christensen; sound design, Sarah OHalloran. About 75 minutes. Through July 2 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets $15-$60. Call 202-399-7993 or visit mosaictheater.org. White House press secretary Sean Spicer has been saying I dont know to reporters more often. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) More and more, the White House press office is saying less and less. On question after question, press secretary Sean Spicer and deputy Sarah Huckabee Sanders have responded with the verbal equivalent of a shrug. They have repeatedly answered that they cant answer, dont know, or must refer the questioner to someone else. Has President Trump taped his conversations in the White House, as he suggested last month? I have no idea, Sanders said Thursday. Does the president have confidence in his attorney general? I have not had a discussion with him about that, Spicer replied Tuesday. (Sanders followed up two days later by saying absolutely.) Did the president watch former FBI director James B. Comeys testimony before the Senate? I dont know if hes seen much of it, Sanders said last week. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) At the same time, the administrations press representatives are meeting less often with the press. During Trumps first 100 days in office, Spicer and Sanders held 53 official briefings and gaggles, informal, untelevised Q&As with small groups of reporters a rate of about once every two days. In the 43 days since then, just 15 such sessions have been held, or once every three days. The briefings are getting briefer, too: Early on, Spicer engaged with reporters for an hour or longer; during his May 30 briefing, he took questions for just 11 minutes. Spicers briefing on Monday may have set a record for brevity he took questions for less than 11 minutes. Among his responses to 22 questions, he cited previous presidential statements, deferred answering or said he didnt know 11 times. Some reporters say they can feel a chill in the White House briefing room. One major change [from previous administrations] is the hostility emanating from the administration for certain members of the press, said April Ryan, who has covered the White House since President Bill Clintons last term. Ryan said Mike McCurry, Clintons press secretary, once described the White Houses interactions with the media as a friendly adversarial relationship. Nowadays, she said, the friendly has been dropped from that analogy. [A Beltway tradition is on life support. Will we miss the White House briefing if it dies?] Over the past month, Spicer and Sanders have said they couldnt or wouldnt address reporters questions about such topics as the timing of the presidents decision about moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, about the process for selecting a new FBI director or about whether Trump intends to replace two business executives who quit a presidential advisory panel in protest of his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. The press staffs most consistent no-comment territory, however, has been the congressional and special-counsel investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign. Spicer and Sanders now reflexively pass any inquiry about that subject to Trumps personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Of course, that hasnt stopped reporters from trying to get answers. During Thursdays gaggle, Sanders offered the same response talk to Kasowitz five times. At one point, tired of the repetition, she compared reporters to young children. Im kind of looking around for my kids because I feel like, with toddlers, you get to answer the same question over and over, so Im in good practice for this, she said. Repeated questions about alleged recordings of the presidents conversations with Comey prompted more snark. Asked if she could find out whether such a recording system existed in the Oval Office, Sanders replied, Sure, Ill try to look under the couches. In an interview Saturday, Spicer said the rapid pace of issues and events at the White House warrants a cautious approach in responding. I think were trying to ensure that we offer the most accurate information possible regarding what the president is thinking on an issue. We cant and wont get ahead of the presidents thinking. He also said reporters shared some of the responsibility for the White Houses wariness. Theres so much gotcha journalism, where the press wants to parse every word to create a story, that we have to be as precise as possible, Spicer said. The news has become about the clip and the segment rather than about understanding the issue. But the White Houses reluctance to comment can sometimes seem like deflection or evasion amid the news of the day. As a presidential decision about withdrawing from the Paris treaty loomed late last month, for example, Spicer deployed a series of dodges to address Trumps beliefs about climate science. Can you say whether or not the president believes that human activity is contributing to the warming of the climate? a reporter asked Spicer during a briefing on May 30. Honestly, I havent asked him, he responded. I can get back to you. Two days later, Time magazine reporter Zeke Miller circled back, noting that the president was about to announce his decision on the climate agreement. What does the president actually believe about climate change? Does he still believe its a hoax? Can you clarify that? Because apparently nobody else at the White House can. Spicers reply: I have not had an opportunity to have that discussion. Although the Obama White House had its own reputation for bobbing and weaving, the Trump media operation has had to grapple with the presidents tendency to contradict its statements. Trump also has announced some decisions before his communications staff was informed or prepared. The White House press shop had to scramble last week to put out an official statement about Trumps pick for FBI director, Christopher Wray, after Trump had tweeted the nomination earlier in the morning. The five-hour delay in issuing the statement indicated that Trumps tweet had taken his staff by surprise. Last month, after his aides rushed to put out the word that the president had fired Comey because of a memo from the deputy attorney general asserting that the FBI director had mishandled the investigation of Hillary Clintons private email server, Trump gave an interview to NBC stating that he fired Comey because of this Russia thing. Shortly after that, the president acknowledged in a tweet his tendency to preempt his aides and advisers: As a very active President with lots of things happening, it is not possible for my surrogates to stand at podium with perfect accuracy! A White House press aide to Obama offers a blunter assessment: Trump, no fan of reporters, has decided that he doesnt want his spokespeople to say much to them. My guess, he said, is their strategy of dismembering their press shop is another means to undermine the press at large. Russell Gravatt and Liz Davis are shown outside the Dairy Godmother, a frozen-custard shop in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Gravatt promises to carry on the tradition of the shop that Davis opened 17 years ago. (Tao Greaves) The custard torch imagine an Olympic torch, but with rich, creamy custard where the flame goes has been passed in Del Ray: The Dairy Godmother is under new ownership. It took a long time to find the right person who is both a combination of heart and business knowledge, said Liz Davis, the Wisconsin native who founded the much-beloved sweet spot in the funky Alexandria neighborhood. That person is Russell Gravatt, long a fixture in the area dining scene. He was involved with Amys Ice Creams in Texas and helped found the original Austin Grill restaurant chain here. When I heard Liz was going to retire and take on the next stage of her life, I called her up and said, Im interested, Russell said. [The fairy tale is over at Alexandrias Dairy Godmother frozen custard shop] Liz and Russell have known each other since shortly after the Dairy Godmother opened. Though he lives in Maryland, Russell would stop by and sample the wares while the two talked shop. He once gave Liz gift certificates so she could take her two children to his restaurant. I was deeply touched, Liz said. It was so thoughtful. He was somebody who could see how hard I was working. I took my kids there on my one day off, and we still remember it very well. More recently, Russell said his two teenage daughters would demand that he take them from Bethesda to Alexandria for custard. On the weekends, thats a pain in the [bottom] to drive, he said. We did it because theres nothing like it. Said Liz: His only flaw is hes not from Wisconsin. I think the customers are going to forgive him. Said Russell: Ive promised that before the summers over I have to take a frozen-custard trip to Wisconsin with my wife and kids and try 10 or 12 stores. Russell has worked for the past four years as an event chef for Design Cuisine caterers. Now hes taking on a new challenge, though one made easier by Lizs reputation and expertise. The nice part is shes perfected it over 16 years, he said. It doesnt require anything except learning everything she knows in her head. Thats a book taller than I am, and Im 5-10. Speaking of books, Liz is working on a combination Dairy Godmother cookbook and childrens book. Now that shes sold the business, shell also be able to put more time into making custom Christmas crackers, those British holiday favors. And customers will still see her around the Dairy Godmother, helping Russell learn the ropes. I will be as involved as Russell wants me to be, she said. I feel in some ways this is kind of a partnership. Ill take full advantage of that, Russell said. I want to make sure its a seamless transition. Any chance that Russell will rename the shop the Dairy Godfather? He laughed. No, my kids have forbidden that, he said. They like the Dairy Godmother, and thats that. Why change anything? Besides, Marlon Brandos the only godfather therell ever be. Now its Russell making a custard they cant refuse. Clothes call My recent musings on the scourge of delicate articles of clothing that must be hung to dry, rather then shoved in the dryer, prompted many suggestions from readers. The most common one was, Quit being such a lazy whiner, John. The second-most common was to invest in some zippered mesh bags. [Allow me to air my familys dirty laundry: Im clotheslined by the clothesline] I have several and as delicate clothes get dirty I place the items in the mesh bag and on laundry day just zip them up and place in the washer with other items, wrote Elaine Horsfield of Oak Hill, Va. The items do not get tangled and when the washing is finished I retrieve the bag or bags and can hang the items with no difficulty. Lu Clark of Ellicott City, Md., offered her own advice: Throw everything in the dryer. Wait five to 10 minutes, then the dainty stuff will have been separated. It will still be wet, but only damp. No shrinkage. Easy to hang up and the dryer unwrinkles everything. Just dont forget to get to the dryer! Sammie R. Young, an 88-year-old who lives in Silver Spring, Md., said that after his daughter got married and his wife died, he came to miss the delicates tangled amongst the other laundry going into the drier from the washer. Finally, Bill Evans of Vienna, Va., offers this: After several disasters over the years I have learned never wash any clothes that dont belong to me and never take clothes from the washer and put in the dryer unless they are mine! Twitter: @johnkelly For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly. Sgt. Eric M. Houck had been expected to return from Afghanistan in less than two months. But family members on Monday prepared for the Baltimore natives coffin to arrive at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, grieving their loss after the 25-year-old was killed Saturday in eastern Afghanistan. He is my best friend, said his sister, Jessica Houck, 22, of Baltimore. Always there for me. He was and is my protector someone everyone should look up to. I love him with all of my heart. Houck was killed along with Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, Calif., and Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, N.C. The three soldiers were gunned down in an apparent insider attack by an Afghan soldier, according to Afghan authorities and U.S. officials. All three belonged to the 101st Airborne Division, and the incident, which happened in Nangahar province, is under investigation, authorities said. Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, with daughter, Violet Houck, 3. Sgt. Houck died in Afghanistan Saturday from wounds suffered in an attack in Nangahar province. (Family photo) [Pentagon identifies three soldiers killed in apparent insider attack in eastern Afghanistan] Houck joined the Army in May 2013 and deployed last fall as a forward observer, according to a statement from Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he had been stationed since 2016. Family members said Houck, who went to Perry Hall High School before he enlisted, was married to his teenage sweetheart, Samantha. The pair met when Houck was 15 and she was 14, and they had two children: Eric EJ Houck Jr., 5, and Violet Houck, 3. It was still a storybook romance, and they were just crazy about each other and their kids, said his grandfather, Bob Houck. Soar High Baby, I love you Eric Houck with all I got, his wife posted Monday on Facebook. You are and will always be mine!!! Bob Houck said his grandson was a good and respectful man who played by the rules and was a hard worker, attaining the rank of sergeant in less than three years. Houck posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal with a second oak leaf cluster for his end-of-tour awards. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said in a statement on Facebook that American and Maryland flags will fly at half-staff when Houck is laid to rest, in honor of his memory and selfless dedication to our state and our nation. Our hearts are filled with sorrow today as we learn of the passing of Sgt. Eric M. Houck, a native of Baltimore, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in Afghanistan, Hogan wrote Monday. Our sincere prayers go to his wife, Samantha, their children, and all of their family and loved ones in this time of grief. Bob Houck added that his grandson could have had a bright future, and that you never really appreciate the sacrifice these kids make until it happens to you. Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Clarence Williams and Josh Hicks contributed to this report. The D.C. Council unanimously approved a $13.9 billion city budget Tuesday, capping months of debate about how to use newly abundant tax dollars to remedy a growing gap between haves and have-nots in the nations capital. The budget, which will take effect Oct. 1, represents a 3.7 percent increase over the current spending plan of $13.4 billion. Tuesdays vote was the second and final vote on the bulk of the next fiscal years budget, after a preliminary vote in May. Since then, the council had made only modest tweaks to its spending plan, such as restoring several million dollars to the D.C. streetcar project and to a fund for the development of renewable energy. The budget will go to Congress for review. Although D.C. leaders claim the right to set their local budget under a 2013 voter referendum, the GOP-controlled Congress may ultimately impose restrictions on funding for certain local laws it finds objectionable, including legalized marijuana and assisted suicide. Spending deliberations by council members and Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) were less dramatic and contentious than in some years past. The most heated debates were over education funding which the council increased above the level originally proposed by the mayor and whether to delay scheduled tax cuts and devote the money instead to social programs. Perhaps the least expected flash point was a wide-ranging proposal by the mayor, in legislation accompanying the budget, to revise the Districts animal-control laws. The new regulations would have included a ban on backyard chickens, licensing of all cats and a requirement that dog feces be removed from private yards within 24 hours. The proposed animal rules faced intense opposition from D.C. residents, however, and were rejected by council members. Bowser touted her budget proposal under the theme of inclusive prosperity her administrations avowed goal of helping those left behind by the Districts economic growth. However, activists and social-service providers as well as some council members questioned whether the budget devoted enough money to problems such as underperforming schools and rampant homelessness. Council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) said Tuesday that the theme of greater opportunity did not match the content of the budget, because it did nothing to address the tremendous disparities that still exist in our city. In addition to what he said was inadequate spending on public education, Gray a former one-term mayor who lost his seat to Bowser in 2014 said Bowser has not devoted enough time or attention to building a new hospital in Southeast Washington, a project that has been stalled for years as the city tries to find a private-sector partner. Bowser, who is up for reelection in 2018, said in a statement that her original budget proposal was a reflection of our residents input and advances our commitment to D.C. values and inclusive prosperity. She also praised the revised budget approved by the council, which she said will advance our efforts to improve the quality of life for residents in all eight wards. A fraternity chapter at U-Va. announced plans to settle a lawsuit against Rolling Stone magazine. The lawsuit, filed in 2015, was the third defamation case brought against the magazine stemming from its November 2014 publication of A Rape on Campus. (Norm Shafer For The Washington Post) A Phi Kappa Psi fraternity chapter disclosed Tuesday that it will receive $1.65 million to drop its lawsuit against Rolling Stone magazine in a defamation case involving allegations later debunked that University of Virginia students participated in a gang rape. A spokesman for the fraternity, Brian Ellis, confirmed the amount of the settlement payment in an email to The Washington Post. Terms of the agreement to settle and dismiss the suit in state court in Charlottesville will be finalized in coming days. It has been nearly three years since we and the entire University of Virginia community were shocked by the now infamous article, and we are pleased to be able to close the book on that trying ordeal and its aftermath, the Virginia Alpha chapter of the fraternity wrote in a statement. The chapter looks forward to donating a significant portion of its settlement proceeds to organizations that provide sexual assault awareness education, prevention training and victim counseling services on college campuses. The statement said members of the fraternity would not be available for interviews. Rolling Stone declined to comment. The lawsuit, filed in 2015, was the third defamation case brought against the magazine stemming from its November 2014 publication of A Rape on Campus. The 9,000-word account detailed blistering allegations of sexual assault at U-Va., including what the magazine described as a brutal gang rape hazing ritual. The article described the experiences of a U-Va. student named Jackie, who told of being assaulted by seven men while two others watched at a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity party during her freshman year in 2012. Amid a national resurgence of interest in campus sexual assault cases, the Rolling Stone story drew widespread attention almost instantly for its raw portrayal of fraternity culture run amok. The article, an online viral sensation by journalist Sabrina Rubin Erdely, attracted huge readership to the magazines website. [U-Va. fraternity files $25 million lawsuit against Rolling Stone] But Rolling Stone later retracted the article after an investigation by The Post showed that the magazines reporting and fact-checking was fatally flawed. Two reports, by the Charlottesville Police Department and Columbia University journalism school, confirmed The Posts findings that the assault described in Rolling Stone never occurred. [Key elements of Rolling Stone gang rape allegations in doubt] After the articles retraction, U-Va. administrator Nicole Eramo filed a lawsuit claiming that she was erroneously portrayed as callous and indifferent to Jackies rape allegations. Eramo sought $7.5 million. [Rolling Stone settles with former U-Va. dean in defamation case] In November, a jury ruled in Eramos favor and awarded her $3 million, but during appeal the case was settled confidentially. Three alumni members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity had filed a separate lawsuit in federal court against the magazine, but a judge dismissed that case in June 2016. In accepting the $1.65 million settlement now, the U-Va. Phi Kappa Psi chapter is forgoing a jury trial and dropping its original request for $25 million. The settlement is likely to mark a conclusion to the legal phase of the Rolling Stone story and its aftermath. U-Va., a prestigious public flagship university, was thrown into tumult when the story was first published. President Teresa A. Sullivan briefly suspended fraternities that fall and took other measures intended to improve campus safety. Then, after the story was debunked and retracted, the university sought to repair any damage it had sustained to its public image. On Tuesday, U-Va. spokesman Matt Charles said the university had no comment on the emerging legal settlement in the case. For Phi Kappa Psi, the plaintiff, the settlement will end an ordeal that tested the fraternitys bonds. After the storys publication, the fraternity mansion was defaced with graffiti, including a scrawl that read UVA center for rape studies, and windows were vandalized, leaving shards of glass covering the floors. Members of the chapter went into hiding, booking hotel rooms to avoid going near the house. In previous interviews with The Post, fraternity members have said they knew within 24 hours of the articles publication that they had evidence casting doubt on the Rolling Stone account. For Rolling Stone, the fallout from the debunked story and ensuing lawsuits, combined with a flagging industry, continues to take a heavy toll, said Samir Husni, director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi School of Journalism. He said there are signs that the magazine is in trouble, appearing to have fewer ads and pages. If you look at the magazine today, its starting to look like a shadow of its past, Husni said. It is something you cant hide. The magazine is not in a healthy place. The biggest hit the magazine has endured, Husni said, is to its reputation as an outlet for investigative journalism. In addition to the music and the entertainment, investigative stories were a cornerstone of Rolling Stone, he said. But where are they now? Magazines cannot survive on memory or on history. Magazines survive on the future. Joe Heim contributed to this report. Jessie K. Liu, a former Justice Department deputy assistant attorney general, was nominated to be U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, the White House said in a statement Monday. Liu, 44, is deputy general counsel for the Treasury Department. If confirmed by the Senate, she would be head of the countrys largest U.S. attorneys office, with more than 300 prosecutors. [White House set to nominate former Justice deputy to be Districts U.S. attorney] A Yale Law School graduate, Liu was formerly an assistant U.S. attorney in the District and worked in the Department of Justices national security division. Roscoe C. Howard Jr., U.S. attorney for the District from 2001 to 2004 who worked with Liu, praised the choice. She knows the office and the office knows her, he said. Sam Panopoulos displays his 1962 invention, the Hawaiian pizza, in 2010. Panopolous died June 8, 2017, in a London, Ontario hospital. He was 83. (Derek Ruttan/Postmedia Network File Photo) When the American inventor Samuel Morse visited 19th-century Naples, the birthplace of the modern pizza, he described that citys preferred street food as a piece of bread that had been taken reeking out of the sewer. A century later, a 20-year-old Greek named Sam Panopoulos found himself similarly disappointed. Stopping in Naples during a 1954 voyage to Canada, he found his first taste of pizza a bun topped with sauce and spaghetti uninspiring. Yet Mr. Panopoulos, who opened a restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, called Satellite, eventually warmed to the yeasted flatbread that Neapolitan bakers had popularized in the 1700s and that Greek chefs had whipped up for sailors more than a thousand years before. Searching for new pizza flavors one day in 1962, he reached for a can of fruit and launched a culinary revolution, topping his restaurants standard cheese pizza with bits of ham and pineapple. The result was sweet, sour and savory a flavor combination hailed ever since as both revelatory and repugnant, a Canadian treasure and a Polynesian perversion. For pizza partisans around the world, especially those who saw it as an oven-baked abomination, it prompted the same question that Morse posed in his first long-distance telegraph message: What hath God wrought? Mr. Panopoulos, who is widely credited with having created and named the Hawaiian pizza, died June 8 at 83, four months after his fruit-laden, at times politically polarizing creation triggered a spat between the leaders of Iceland and Canada. His pizza was part of a long tradition of experimentation, said Carol Helstosky, a culinary scholar at the University of Denver who has written about the history of pizza. In Naples, it was a cuisine of scarcity: Whatever you had, you tossed it on garlic, anchovies, other little fish bits. By the 1950s, she said, pizza was acquiring widespread popularity in the United States, and newspapers ran recipes that featured toppings such as liverwurst and onions. Pepperoni didnt become a common topping until the early 70s. The pizza in those days was primitive, you know? Mr. Panopoulos told the website Atlas Obscura in 2015. The dish wasnt available in Chatham, so Mr. Panopoulos and his two brothers drove to restaurants in Detroit, 50 miles west. There, topping choices were limited to mushrooms, bacon and pepperoni. Satellite, the restaurant he started with his siblings, sold standard diner fare and Chinese food a pile of Chinese food, Mr. Panopoulos said, at the suggestion of a Chinese resident who noted that no other restaurants in the area offered the cuisine before expanding to pizzas. Pineapple was soon added as a topping, and the pizza was named Hawaiian because of the brand of canned fruit Mr. Panopoulos used. The pies turned out to be a hit, he said, in part because most other restaurant food was bland or boring. People didnt go for a lot of different tastes and foods, he told the BBC in February. The only thing you could find then sweet-and-sour was Chinese, nothing else. Everything else was plain. Pizza boxes, like the food itself, were improvised, made using cardboard from a nearby furniture store. Mr. Panopoulos in 1975 sold Satellite, where the Hawaiian pizza is still on the menu ($21 Canadian for a large), and moved to London, Ontario, to operate a restaurant called the Family Circle. In an obituary, his family announced his death at a London hospital but did not disclose the cause. He was 83. Mr. Panopoulos appeared perplexed at times that his pizza was hated by so many, sometimes including heads of state. The president of Iceland, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson, told a group of high-schoolers in February that he was firmly opposed to pineapples on pizza and would like to ban the topping. In Canada, where the Hawaiian pizza ranks alongside maple syrup and poutine as a national culinary treasure, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by tweeting the hashtag #TeamPineapple in support of this delicious Southwestern Ontario creation. Johannesson soon issued a statement on Facebook, writing: I like pineapples, just not on pizza. I do not have the power to make laws which forbid people to put pineapples on their pizza. I am glad that I do not hold such power. For pizzas, he added, I recommend seafood. Sotirios Panopoulos was born in Vourvoura, Greece, in 1934. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Christina Panopoulos; two children, Margie and Bill; a sister; and four grandchildren. Mr. Panopoulos said he wished he had filed for a trademark or patent on his pizza, but at the time believed it was just another piece of bread cooking in the oven. He remained fiercely protective of his creation through the years, insisting that he was the first to use pineapple and meat together on a pizza. When it was suggested that others might have done it first, but that surely there was a chance that Mr. Panopoulos might have created it after all, he seemed almost to have been insulted. What do you mean I might have? he told the London Free Press in 2010. I did. A federal appeals court on Tuesday said regulators went too far in trying to rein in the high cost of phone calls for prison inmates. In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit sided with phone service companies in finding that the Federal Communications Commission had exceeded its authority. The ruling is a setback for prison reform advocates who have been fighting for years to reduce the prices imposed by a handful of private companies. It is profoundly disappointing and will result in serious continuing harm to untold numbers of families and loved ones of incarcerated people, said Andrew Schwartzman, an attorney with Georgetown University Law Centers Institute for Public Representation, who defended the rate caps in court. We have a lot of work to do at the FCC. The court was asked to decide whether federal regulators have the authority to cap prices for in-state inmate calls that the judges noted can cost as much as $56 for a four-minute call in some locations. In general, inmates making calls from state and federal facilities must have accounts with private companies to hold money deposited by family members. The companies then share some of the revenue with the facilities. [A case over the prices inmates pay for phone calls turned 'really strange'] In its 39-page opinion, the court acknowledged the extraordinarily high rates and lack of competition, but said the commission had misread the law and based its rate caps on patently unreasonable calculations. The majority found the law specifically directs the commission to ensure that all providers are fairly compensated for in-state calls and calls between states, wrote Judge Harry T. Edwards, who was joined by Judge Laurence H. Silberman. In her dissent, Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard disputed the assertion that fairly compensated is not about fairness to the consumer. I cannot agree that a company is fairly compensated when it charges inmates exorbitant prices to use payphones inside prisons and jails, shielded from competition by a contract granting it a facility-wide payphone monopoly, Pillard wrote. [FCC made a case for limiting cost of prison phone calls. Not anymore.] The issue was first raised more than 15 years ago by a retired nurse in the District who could not afford to call her incarcerated grandson. Federal regulators had pushed since 2013 to lower the costs, saying the prices made it too hard for relatives to stay in touch. But the commission went in a different direction following a change in the balance of political power at the FCC. Soon after President Trump tapped a new chairman, and just before oral argument at the D.C. Circuit in February, the commission told the court it was abandoning its defense of the agencys own rules. The new FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, had voted against the rate caps as a sitting Republican commissioner, and the FCCs lawyer told the court that the agency does not have the authority to cap in-state calls that account for more than 80 percent of calls. In a statement Tuesday, Pai said he would work with colleagues, Congress and all stakeholders to address the problem of high inmate calling rates in a lawful manner. A number of states, including New Jersey and New York, have independently lowered rates for inmates. But a coalition of law enforcement officials joined the private companies in opposing the caps because they depend on the shared funds or site commissions. Phone-service companies pay more than $460 million in commissions annually to correctional facilities, according to a brief filed by a coalition of advocates for inmates and their families. The D.C. Circuit found that at least a portion of the site commissions are a legitimate cost to the companies of providing calling services. In a minor victory for inmate advocates, the court said that the commission can limit additional fees specifically connected to interstate, but not intrastate, calls. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who first pushed for lower rates in 2013, called the courts decision deeply disappointing. It is a sad day for the more than 2.7 million children in this country with at least one incarcerated parent, she said Tuesday in a statement. But the families who have experienced the pain, anguish and financial burden of trying to communicate with a loved one in jail or prison, are still counting on us, so we will press on. A 23-month-old boy died Tuesday after he was found in a small childrens pool in the back yard of a privately run day-care center in Northeast Washington, according to District police and fire officials. D.C. police are investigating the death. The name of the toddler was not immediately made public. He would have turned 2 on June 25. The incident occurred about 11:20 a.m. at Dianes Child Care, run out of a rowhouse in the 300 block of 17th Street NE, three blocks north of Eastern Senior High School. Authorities released few details of what happened. Police would only say that their initial investigation revealed the toddler fell into the pool. He was rushed to a hospital, then transferred to Childrens National Medical Center, where police said he died. Law enforcement officials said first responders arrived at the house and found an adult performing CPR on the toddler, who had been placed on top of a patio table. Those officials said the toddler had been discovered floating facedown in the pool. The day-care center is run by Diane E. Gallmon, according to District licensing records. She also owns the two-story rowhouse, tax records state. Gallmon declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday afternoon. An Internet site promoting her business says the center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is for children ages 1 year through 4 years old, and includes children with special needs. The site says there is a playground and promotes the center as a co-op that requires parents active involvement. Patience Peabody, spokeswoman for the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education, which regulates day-care centers, said the facilitys license is up to date. It is licensed for six youngsters two infants and four of school age, according to records. In a statement, the superintendents office said its staff along with the Child and Family Services Agency is investigating, in addition to the D.C. police. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the child, the statement says. Pools are allowed at day-care centers in the District. The city requires adult one-to-one supervision for toddlers 36 months and under who use a pool. A Licensee shall maintain constant and active supervision when any child is in or around water, the regulations state. The District also requires written permission from parents or guardians to allow children to be in water that is more than one foot deep. Pools at least four feet deep must be behind a secure fence and inaccessible to children at all times, unless qualified adults are present. Workers for government contractor DynCorp International conspired to bilk the State Department out of millions of dollars, according to a federal investigation in Virginia. The criminal charges come as DynCorp faces an unrelated civil suit by the Justice Department in the District of Columbia that contends that the company allowed a subcontractor to charge excessive rates. DynCorp has denied wrongdoing, saying it stopped working with that subcontractor many years ago. Both cases involve the training of civilian police officers in Iraq. A 2010 report from the State Departments special inspector general for Iraqs reconstruction found that oversight of Dyncorps police training contract was, and for years had been, weak. One defendant pleaded guilty in federal court in Alexandria, along with two relatives who lied to cover up his crime. Another alleged co-conspirator is headed for trial, and another is being extradited from Europe. Federal authorities allege that the convicted man, Wesley Struble, who most recently lived in the Philippines, knew his co-defendants, Emil Popescu and Jose Rivera, from the world of Iraqi contracting. Popsecu and Struble were working in 2011 at a company that leased a camp from an Iraqi firm for $124,000 a month. Together, according to prosecutors, they concocted a plan to get DynCorp to lease the camp for more than five times that amount. Popescu went to work for the Iraqi company and persuaded them to cut their current lease, then offer the camp to DynCorp for half a million more a month, authorities allege. Struble, meanwhile, joined Rivera at DynCorp, where they helped persuade the McLean, Va.-based contractor to pay the inflated rent. They falsely claimed the previous tenant had paid the same amount. The State Department paid $5,320,000 in rent for the property from September 2011 through April 2014. Popescu, Rivera and Struble shared the profits with Iraqi co-conspirators, according to prosecutors. In a statement, DynCorp spokeswoman Mary Lawrence declined to comment, noting that the company is not the subject of this investigation. Rivera and Struble sent thousands of dollars back to family in the United States, sometimes hidden in stereo speakers, according to court documents. Struble persuaded his mother and sister to lie about that money. Now, all three have pleaded guilty Struble to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Act, and his mother and sister to lying in front of a grand jury. In a recorded phone call in November 2015, Struble told Rivera to simply pretend he had been saving money for years. It takes a lot to go into bank records anyway, you know, for any sort of investigation, Struble said, according to court records. Rivera, who court records indicate was working with federal agents, said he did not know how much money they had made but that he could not possibly have saved that much from his legitimate work. It wasnt as much as we wanted, I know that, Struble replied. Popescu maintained in a March interview with special agents that the money he received was from his salary and performance bonuses, according to an FBI affidavit. Rivera was arrested last month at his home in Potomac, Md. Popescu, a Romanian citizen, was arrested in that country around the same time, according to local news reports. Both are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. Rivera on Friday pleaded not guilty and announced his intent to go to trial, despite having cooperated in the investigation against Struble. Popescu is still in the process of being extradited. Struble, 49, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison Friday. He was also ordered to pay approximately $3.4 million in restitution. The U.S. native has for the past five years been living in the Philippines with a woman he met in Iraq. They have two children together, along with her two children from a previous marriage. In court filings, defense attorneys emphasized that he is a decorated veteran of the war in Iraq. Struble was awarded a Bronze Star for his work as an Air Force counterintelligence agent just after the invasion. His crime, they say, was an isolated incident. 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 Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam won the Democratic nomination for governor of Virginia Tuesday by an unexpectedly wide margin, and Republican Ed Gillespie held off a surprising challenge from Donald Trump acolyte Corey A. Stewart for that partys nomination. With more than 99 percent of precincts reporting, Gillespie edged past Stewart by just over a percentage point fewer than 4,500 votes. State Sen. Frank W. Wagner was a distant third. The nation was watching Virginia as a political laboratory for how the political parties handle the deep divisions that followed last years election of President Trump. The establishment forces seemed to win out, as Virginia voters resisted efforts to pull further to the right or left. Perriello channeled the energy and endorsement of progressive leader Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) as he tried to shake up the Democratic Party, but fell short in his bid to bring in enough new voters from among the young and working class to overcome Northams command of the Democratic machine, including the endorsement of nearly every Democratic elected leader in state or federal office. Celebrating at a restaurant in Arlington, Northam led a giddy crowd in a call-and-response chant, ending with a call to take back the Democratic majority in the GOP-controlled House of Delegates. He said he had spoken with Perriello and we agreed that were going to bring all Democrats under the tent starting tonight. This is too important an election. This is the bellwether of the country. He had planned to start campaigning right away with the newly minted Democratic ticket, including lieutenant governor candidate Justin Fairfax, who beat two opponents, and Attorney General Mark R. Herring, who was unopposed for the nomination. But Northam and Perriello, who were scheduled to appear together Wednesday with the ticket as well as Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez, cancelled their unity rally after a gunman shot and wounded House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La) and several others during a practice for a GOP congressional baseball team earlier in the morning in Alexandria. The Republican ticket of Gillespie, lieutenant governor candidate Jill Holtzman Vogel, a state senator from Fauquier County who beat two opponents and attorney general nominee John Adams, who had no primary opponent, turned its first campaign stop Wednesday into a prayer event in honor of the shooting victims. The Republicans cancelled the rest of their planned campaign stops for the day. But there was less unity among Republicans, with Stewart refusing to concede and saying he wouldnt support Gillespie, a man he derided throughout the campaign as Establishment Ed. There is one word you will never hear from me, and thats unity, Stewart told supporters at a restaurant in Woodbridge. Weve been backing down too long. Weve been backing down too long in defense of our culture, and our heritage and our country. Stewart huddled with his campaign staffers, who said they wanted to wait until all absentee ballots were counted and were weighing a request for a recount. Stewarts strength on the Republican ballot was the biggest surprise of the evening. He had been running as more Trump than Trump, making provocative statements and campaigning on the issue of preserving Confederate monuments. Polls had shown him with a fraction of Gillespies support, but a low turnout among Republican voters gave Stewarts committed base an outsize influence, and Wagner drew significant votes in Hampton Roads that might otherwise have gone to Gillespie. Republican candidate for governor Ed Gillespie, right, talks with Republican lieutenant governor candidate Glenn Davis, left, at a polling place Tuesday in Richmond. (Steve Helber/AP) Overall, Democrats turned out in far greater numbers than Republicans. About 540,000 voters cast ballots in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, while just over 360,000 voters cast ballots on the Republican side, with nearly all precincts reporting. Both showings outstripped the Democratic primary for governor in 2009, when about 320,000 voters cast ballots. Gillespies support in Fairfax County cushioned his slight edge as final returns came trickling in. Stewart scored big wins in Washingtons exurbs Loudoun, Fauquier and his home base of Prince William County as well as in the rural central and southwest regions of the state. Stewarts showing rattled Republicans at Gillespies party at a Hilton Hotel ballroom in the Richmond suburbs, where supporters who had expected a blowout were concerned to see Stewart running a close second. Gillespie had remained upstairs at the Hilton most of the evening, but finally took the stage at 10:46 p.m. to chants of Ed! Ed! Ed! Sorry to keep you waiting, he said with a small laugh. He spun the squeaker as sign of fiscal prudence. I always tell our donors, obviously we did not waste a penny any more than we needed to win this nomination. In his remarks, Gillespie reached out to Republicans who had supported Stewart and Wagner. We want you to know that we not only will listen to you, we will fight for you through November, he said. He did not invoke Trump, who has cast a shadow over the governors race all year. The presidents approval rating in Virginia is even lower than it is nationwide: Just 36 percent of Virginians were satisfied with his performance in a poll conducted last month by The Washington Post and the Schar School at George Mason University. That creates a challenge for Republican candidates this fall, because the partys base still supports the president, said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School. Virginias race, he said, will show whether a prominent Republican in a major campaign is able to separate himself in the publics mind from the unpopular policies and actions of the Trump administration, while at the same time not losing much of the Republican support a candidate is going to need to win a general election. Gillespies narrow win, coming from a small and apparently unenthusiastic electorate, suggests that he faces a major challenge as he tries to both woo Stewart voters and attract moderates and independents while he fights a highly motivated Democratic opposition. A former consultant to President George W. Bush and former chairman of the Republican National Committee, Gillespie played it down the middle during the primary campaign as Stewart kept trying to provoke him. He has been a lukewarm supporter of Trump, but cast himself as a true conservative who will cut taxes and promote business. But Gillespie, apparently trying to conserve resources and cement his front-runner status, had avoided appearances with his campaign rivals in recent weeks, preferring smaller, more controlled settings. He never seemed to inspire as much passion as Stewart, for good or ill. Steve Chapman cast a ballot for Stewart at Mullen Elementary School in Manassas. He said that Stewart may have gone a too far with his embrace of Confederate heritage, but figured it was just a campaign shtick. Corey, he likes attention so I think he takes controversial stances and I dont know if he believes it, said Chapman, who is 39 and self-employed. Thats whats he does. Its a way to get earned media attention. But that behavior, combined with the constant flow of controversy from the Trump administration in Washington, also energized Democrats. Many voters said they were inspired to come out because of events in Washington. Alexandria resident Curt Arledge, 32, had never voted in a gubernatorial primary but decided this year that it was too important for him to miss. [Live results: Virginia primary election] Clothed in a T-shirt that displayed Smokey Bear wearing a resist hat, the Democrat voted for Northam because he thought he could win in November. I cant recall any of the issues, I hate to admit, Arledge said. I want to nominate Democrats who can get elected. Outside groups have poured money and attention into Virginia, and a vast army of new candidates have flooded the Democratic side of House races including a record number of female candidates. Perriello drew national attention with his eloquent plea for a new kind of Democratic politics more aggressive, more about persuading others to change than about accommodating the realities of a Virginia legislature controlled by Republicans. He attracted outside money and endorsements from national political figures. And more than any other candidate, Perriello made the governors race explicitly about standing up to Trump. In Arlington, Matt Canella, 29, and Mariah Finkel, 30, were inspired to vote for Perriello in large part because they felt he had more aggressively attacked the president. Finkels vote, she said, was mostly based off what I see on commercials. But Northam responded in kind, calling Trump a narcissistic maniac and pledging to resist his policies. He and Perriello never really disagreed about many issues, with one notable exception: Perriello opposed a pair of natural-gas pipelines being built in rural parts of the state. Northam refused to condemn them. That issue will continue to rise up during the general election; anti-pipeline protesters briefly interrupted Northams victory rally. Perriello wasted no time conceding, making his statement to supporters about 90 minutes after polls closed. To screams of Go, Tom, Go!Perriello addressed his supporters gathered at the State Theatre in Falls Church and urged unity against very scary Republicans . . . We dont even know how scary that individual might be yet, referring to the down-to-the-wire fight between Stewart and Gillespie. He credited his own campaign with a great victory for forcing issues of economic inequality into the political conversation. Together we helped elevate mainstream ideas that should have been there all along, he said, citing his support for a $15 minimum wage as an example. I think its movements that change the world, and politicians who work as allies to that movement. But first, Perriello praised Northam for winning a great victory, and offered him my full and unequivocal support. Long before Tuesdays voting took place, both Perriello and Northam had agreed to appear at a Democratic unity rally on Wednesday in Northern Virginia, along with Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Democratic National Party Chairman Tom Perez. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), who had endorsed Perriello, tweeted a congratulatory message to Northam on Tuesday night. In the House of Delegates, all 100 seats were on the ballot. Democrats caught up in anti-Trump fervor say they want to pick up enough seats to take over the majority, but that will be a tough task. Republicans have a 66 to 34 advantage. Antonio Olivo, Jenna Portnoy, John Woodrow Cox, Fenit Nirappil, Laura Vozzella, Patricia Sullivan, Alejandra Matos, Reis Thebault, Sarah Robertson and Catherine York contributed to this report. [Just tuning in to Virginia governors race? Well help you do your homework] [To shake up Democratic Party, progressives turn to primary race in Va.] [Road to Richmond: Va. governors race is early political test in Trump era] [Democratic nomination for governor could depend on black voters] In life, as in literature, the more complex character is the more compelling and the more realistic. We may crave heroes, but we end up with humans. The cardboard figure of unblemished rectitude, who performs impeccably under pressure and is impelled only by the purest motives, gives way to a real person, with all the inevitable blemishes and failings that human nature is heir to. So it is with James B. Comey, the fired FBI director. The nations first introduction to Comey came a decade ago, with his dramatic account of racing to the hospital room of then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to head off an effort to pressure the gravely ill Ashcroft to reauthorize a secret surveillance program. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Comey described the tense scene as top White House aides arrived at Ashcrofts room in an unavailing effort to secure his signature. FBI agents, dispatched by, yes, then-FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III, were posted outside the door to prevent Comeys ouster as he faced down the presidents men. This was Comey as superhero, able to leap up hospital stairs in a single bound. It was Comey as resolute public servant, leader of a brave band prepared to quit rather than waver in defense of the rule of law. (Adriana Usero/The Washington Post) I couldnt stay, if the administration was going to engage in conduct that the Department of Justice had said had no legal basis, Comey testified. I just simply couldnt stay. Comey, the sequel, presents a figure more nuanced, imperfect and realistic. He may have an aw-shucks demeanor (Lordy, I hope there are tapes), but he exposed himself as a Washington operator and survivor, with all the bureaucratic maneuvering and sail-trimming that entails. This Comey didnt confront, he navigated, walking the treacherously narrow path between his desire not to alienate the new president and his mounting alarm at Trumps heedlessness of proper boundaries. Thus, according to Comeys account, he found himself at an uncomfortably intimate dinner with the president in the Green Room, seeking to defuse Trumps demand for loyalty first with stone-faced silence, next by acceding to the presidents oxymoronic honest loyalty. As Comey recalled, I decided it wouldnt be productive to push it further. Less than a month later, left alone with the president in the Oval Office, Comey again ducked a direct challenge. As Comey testified, when Trump expressed his hope that Comey could drop the case against fired national security adviser Michael Flynn, the FBI director lunged for their common ground: Hes a good guy. Asked why he did not rebuff the president, Comey offered, Maybe if I were stronger I would have. I was so stunned by the conversation that I just took it in. This was not Comey the brave but Comey the self-protective bureaucrat. He didnt confront, but he did write a memo to the file. Nor was this the first administration in which Comey chose his battles with an eye to political realities. When then-Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch asked him to call the Hillary Clinton email probe a matter, not an investigation, Comey testified, I just said, all right . . . this isnt a hill worth dying on. And then there is the matter of Comeys bank-shot leak, from him to Columbia University law professor Daniel Richman to, anonymously of course, the New York Times all in the service, Comey testified, of seeing a special counsel appointed. Not exactly the behavior of a Boy Scout, unless there is now a merit badge in Machiavelli. That is not to say that Comey was wrong to get out the word about his chilling encounter. Its just that his aura of by-the-book self-righteousness comes with a slightly less honorable tinge. Comey has managed to infuriate both Democrats with his imperious decision to assume an outsize role on the Clinton, ahem, matter and Republicans, a decade ago and now. Listening to Comeys testimony called to mind Benjamin Wittess account of a conversation when, Comey, still in his job, expressed palpable concerns about deputy attorney general nominee Rod J. Rosenstein, a career prosecutor who had managed to keep his political appointment under Republican and Democratic presidents. Rod is a survivor, Comey observed. As Wittes paraphrased: You dont get to survive that long across administrations without making compromises. Did Comey recognize something of himself? Once he was, or presented himself as, the archetype of unyielding probity, now he has morphed into something more complex less heroic, more flesh-and-blood. This Comey is more flawed and, perhaps for that very reason, more believable. Read more from Ruth Marcuss archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook. It is apparently not enough for some of the liberal-minded to help those on Medicare and Social Security; now people must be guaranteed eligibility for heaven as well. Or at least be protected from those who believe in the other place. At a contentious confirmation hearing last week for Russell Vought as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget generally not known as an institution with theological job requirements Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) took vigorous exception to an online post Vought had written claiming that Muslims (and, presumably, others) who have rejected Jesus Christ therefore stand condemned. Sanders found this indefensible and hateful. But at least when it comes to a belief in hell, Vought is hardly a rarity. Universalism is not universal. According to recent Pew polling, about 80 percent of evangelical Protestants believe in hell, along with 76 percent of Muslims and 63 percent of Catholics. Even 27 percent of those who identify as nones the religiously unaffiliated retain a belief in hell. And then there is that forlorn 3 percent who dont believe in God at all but still believe in hell. Perhaps they are with Jean-Paul Sartre: Hell is other people. Not every religious tradition features eternal damnation. The Hebrew scriptures have only the faintest hints about an afterlife of any kind. So it makes sense that Jews reject the existence of hell by an 80/20 split. In Hinduism and Buddhism, hell is more of a way station than a final destination. But traditional interpretations of Christianity and of Islam feature a day of final judgment, at which some people dont make the grade. For a lot of people, hell is little more than a mental holding place for Hitler. If you believe in an afterlife, the question naturally arises: Can saints and genocidaires really share the same eternal fate? But the argument cuts the other way. As it occurred to evangelical pastor Rob Bell: Gandhis in hell? Bell went on to write a book Love Wins that embraced universalism and got him branded unorthodox and worse. Bell is not alone in trying to blunt this particular religious edge. Christian history is studded with figures who expressed a universally inclusive notion of grace, such as 17th-century poet and pastor John Donne: Christ hath excommunicated no Nation, no shire, no house, no man. Even defenders of the idea of hell such as C.S. Lewis felt compelled to soften the concept. Lewiss literary depiction of hell is not a lake of fire but a gray suburb in which it is always raining and nothing is satisfying and everyone quarrels with the neighbors. For Lewis, hell is eternally self-chosen by those consumed by egotism. The doors of hell, he said, are locked on the inside. In all the complexities of theology and metaphysics that this topic raises, I am utterly confident of one thing: No one has ever asked, What is Bernie Sanderss view on this? But he has offered it. In justifying his opposition to Vought, Sanders said: This country, since its inception, has struggled, sometimes with great pain, to overcome discrimination of all forms. . . . We must not go backwards. Thus liberal fairness is applied on a cosmic scale. Ending theological bias is the final civil rights frontier. Equal salvation for all. Perhaps Sanders was just meaning to deny a government job to someone whose theology he finds objectionable. Which is not only presumptuous but unconstitutional (see Article VI). The same would be true in the case of a Muslim nominee or anyone else willing to serve the country and uphold the Constitution. A pluralism too weak to protect Christian believers is too weak to protect Muslim believers, and vice versa. And both have the right to think they are right. A few questions for the senator: Does he really want to begin examining Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Zoroastrians and everyone else for theological beliefs that offend his ideal of liberalism? How strongly does a belief need to be held to be disqualifying for employment? Would he permit a Christian colleague to shoot down a government job seeker if that man or woman believed that the universe is an echoing void and that human beings are merely bags of chemicals? But, on second thought, never mind about these questions. Thanks to the Constitution, we arent required to give a damn what Sanders thinks about the religious views of any American. Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook . ON SEPT. 28, 2016, there was a shooting on the playground of Townville Elementary School in South Carolina. A teacher and two students were shot, one of whom a 6-year-old boy later died. National media coverage was limited, a sad sign of how accustomed the country has become to these shootings, especially when only one child dies. But the damage from what happened on that playground in 12 deadly seconds extends far beyond those killed or wounded. That should further prod efforts to combat gun violence. A searing examination by The Posts John Woodrow Cox of the children who witnessed last falls shooting revealed scars and struggles. Recurring nightmares, inability to focus and fear of leaving home were just some of the symptoms. These elementary school children are suffering post-traumatic stress similar to that of combat veterans returning from war. In an article filled with heartbreaking details, one stands out: that balloons were banned at the spring school festival because, as the principal observed, Noises are different now. Even more heartbreaking is that the students of Townville are not alone. An analysis by The Post found that beginning with the shootings at Columbine High in Colorado 18 years ago, more than 135,000 students attending at least 164 primary or secondary schools have experienced a shooting on campus. That doesnt include other incidents accidents, after-school assaults, suicides in which children have been exposed to gun violence. The damage extends to parents, grandparents and siblings forced to cope with trauma. Imagine having to reassure your 7-year-old son that he couldnt have done more to protect a friend gunned down, or not knowing if your daughter will ever recover from what she witnessed in those 12 bloody seconds. This week marks the first anniversary of the deadliest shooting in the countrys history, when 49 people were killed and more than 50 injured at a nightclub in Florida. Since then, there has been little progress in adopting national common-sense gun control laws such as expanded background checks that a majority of the American public supports and that would help keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people. The gun lobby, believing it has a receptive audience with Republicans in control of Congress and the White House, is pushing an extreme agenda that would deregulate the sale of gun silencers, federally mandate concealed-carry laws in every state and even eliminate gun-free school zones. Countering the gun lobby is a growing grass-roots movement for gun control that has claimed some victories on the state and local levels in closing loopholes and strengthening protections. That is encouraging, and we wish them more success because far too many children already have died or been traumatized by gun violence. Michael Gerson was correct in his June 9 op-ed, The man who came to dinner, to bring up the distinction between loyalty and honesty. While honesty upholds the truth, loyalty demands a blind faithfulness at all cost. Honesty varies with integrity and the truth. Loyalty conditions none. People never question the integrity of God. They just try to be loyal. President Trump is not God. Then-FBI Director James B. Comey should have responded to Mr. Trump that he is loyal to the United States of America only, not to any person in particular. As Mark Twain wrote: Loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it. Duy-Tam Tran-Kiem, Potomac The June 9 front-page article Testimony lays out a case for obstruction pointed out that former FBI director James B. Comeys Senate testimony last week may have provided evidence of President Trumps intentions, which could lead to impeachment based on a case that he obstructed justice. With more than 30 percent of Americans solidly behind Mr. Trump today, any attempt toward impeachment now would embroil this country in a state of even more paralytic turmoil than it already is in. If Mr. Trump were to do something so outrageously illegal that his support was limited to a small number of true believers, then, and only then, would such an effort to impeach be safe in our perilous political environment. And Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to weaken us would have failed because we would all be on the same page. Neil Waldman, Potomac IN A year of popular revolts against Western political establishments, none has been more sweeping than that of France. In the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday, the two parties that have dominated the political system since 1958 suffered devastating losses, while a new movement, founded only 14 months ago, appeared to be on its way to capturing up to three-quarters of the National Assembly. Like its leader, President Emmanuel Macron, nearly half the candidates of the Republic on the Move party had never run for public office. Half are women, and the average age is under 50. The most remarkable fact about Frances new leadership, however, is its politics which is neither the left-wing populism of Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn nor the right-wing version offered by President Trump and Marine Le Pen. Mr. Macron espouses what he calls radical centrism a pragmatic approach to tackling the structural problems that have held back France for decades, along with a similar commitment to unstick the floundering European Union. If it works, it could revitalize European global leadership at a time when the United States under Mr. Trump looks erratic and unreliable. When Mr. Macron, a 39-year-old former banker, easily won a runoff against Ms. Le Pen in May, many analysts dismissed his chances of winning a parliamentary majority much less a supermajority with his newly formed party. But Mr. Macron has been pitch-perfect during his first month in office. He made a show of standing up to Mr. Trump at a NATO summit and days later did the same to Russias Vladimir Putin. He recruited a leading center-right politician to be his prime minister and surrounded him with a cabinet that transcended partisan lines. True, turnout in the parliamentary vote was low by French standards under 50 percent and nearly half of voters backed extreme candidates of the right or left just seven weeks ago in the presidential elections first round. But Mr. Macron clearly has momentum to push ahead with his ambitious reform plan. Mr. Macrons labor reform, which he hopes to enact in July, would make it easier and less expensive for companies to hire and fire workers. Past attempts to tackle the labor code have triggered massive demonstrations and strikes, and probably will again. But many French have had enough of an unemployment rate that is just barely below 10 percent more than twice the German level. Other reforms would cut government spending and corporate taxes. After Germanys election in September, Mr. Macron will seek to revitalize the partnership of Paris and Berlin. He wants to take bold steps to stabilize the euro, such as establishing a common investment fund and even a euro-area treasury and parliament . If she is reelected, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be skeptical, but she should listen. If radical centrism fails in France, it is likely to be supplanted by radical populism. Bob Inglis, a Republican, represented South Carolina in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 1999 and 2005 to 2011. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) asserted last week that if the president were a Democrat, the House wouldnt be pursing impeachment. He must know thats not true. If FBI Director James B. Comey had angered a President Hillary Clinton by restarting the investigation into her private email server and she had fired him, Republicans would be howling. Rightly so. Instead, Donald Trump won the election. Comey was pursuing an investigation into Russian meddling. It angered President Trump, and he fired Comey. But rather than howling, Republicans are whimpering. The chair of the Republican National Committee has even called for a halt to all investigations of collusion with Russia. Thats a problem. (Adriana Usero/The Washington Post) I was on the House Judiciary Committee that began the consideration of impeaching of President Bill Clinton. Armed with information from independent counsel Kenneth Starr, we were convinced the president had lied under oath. We drafted articles of impeachment, and a majority of the House concurred with our assessment. The Senate subsequently determined that there wasnt sufficient cause to remove him from office. In retrospect, a public censure or reprimand may have been more advisable. Regardless, Clinton was impeached for charges less serious than the ones before us now. In the current case, Comey was exploring the possibility of American involvement in the Russian plot, a treasonous offense. While its not time to start drafting articles of impeachment, it is time to pursue this investigation into Russian meddling in our presidential election with vigor, without friends to reward and without enemies to punish. Confronting Trump will take more courage than it took when Republicans told President Richard Nixon that it was time for him to leave office. Not that Trump is more imposing than Nixon; Nixon was a serious president with significant accomplishments. The difference, now, is the presence of sycophantic media. When Republicans confronted Nixon in 1974, they faced three, 30-minute, nightly news broadcasts. The networks competed, but their newscasts and the facts presented were virtually identical. Those Republicans knew that their political futures rested upon their maintenance of credibility. Today, Fox News, talk radio, Breitbart and others fawn over Trump, Vice President Pence and the rest of the administration. They amplify the White Houses words while defying the journalistic calling to test and to probe the governments claims. Recall, for example, how those outlets immediately affirmed Trumps unsubstantiated morning tweets about President Barack Obamas wiretapping of Trump Tower. With Fox and others clogging the media landscape, Republicans political futures now rest on feeding the passions and proclivities of Trumps hard-core base the 39 percent of the electorate that likes him and responds to his code of grievance. That 39 percent is the dominant force in Republican primaries today. Cross them and you die. Thats why Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), for example, used his time at last weeks Senate Intelligence Committee hearing to ask Comey questions that excused, lessened and dismissed the possible connection between the Russians and Trump. Its not that Trump has wooed Rubio; its that the Florida senator is aware of the power of the 39 percent. Of course, the 39 percent will ultimately kill the Republican Party unless we can turn them around. A dead GOP would deprive a generation of Americans of the free-enterprise and individual-accountability solutions that thoughtful people such as Rubio would like to offer. Furthermore, a hostile foreign power has struck at the heart of our constitutional republic. As Comey said with passion last week, If any Americans were part of helping the Russians do that to us, that is a very big deal. Republicans must be prepared to follow those facts all the way to the president, his family and his campaign, if thats where the facts lead. Fox News alerts play it down, the RNC says drop it, and the 39 percent shrugs, but we need real courage from real Republicans and a real investigation. The bars opened early in Washington and elsewhere last Thursday, as more than 19 million Americans tuned in when the networks and cable news channels carried live former FBI director James B. Comeys riveting testimony in the intensifying scandals around President Trump. The media covers Trumps derelictions 24/7. Not surprisingly, Democrats tend to talk about what grabs the most airtime. Lost amid the din are true infamies legislation that the Republican Congress is pushing that poses a direct threat to millions of Americans. In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) reportedly may have the Republican votes to pass a Senate replacement for Obamacare. House Republicans just passed sweeping bank deregulation. While the media fixates on Trump, Republicans are rushing through legislation that will deprive millions of Americans of health insurance coverage and open the way for another Wall Street wilding. The Senate health-care bill represents the most immediate threat. Thirteen male Republican senators have been meeting in private to draft a bill. No one else knows whats in it. There have been no hearings, no public debate. Democrats and the public are completely locked out. McConnells plan is to release a bill later this month, get a rapid Congressional Budget Office estimate of its effects and force a vote before the July 4 recess. Senators will vote on a bill to reform one-sixth of the nations economy and involving the health care of 140 million Americans that most senators will have had no time to read. The reason for the stealth and speed is that McConnell knows the reforms he envisions are incredibly unpopular. While Senate Republicans distanced themselves publicly from the House Republican bill, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (Tex.) admits that the Senate version would build off that: Eighty percent of what the House did were likely to do. And Americans are justifiably opposed to what the House passed. It would deprive an estimated 23 million Americans of health-care coverage, raise rates brutally on older workers without insurance at work and undermine protection of those with preexisting conditions. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that American voters disapproved of the House GOP plan 62 percent to 17 percent. The vast majority rejected the core of the plan savaging funding for Medicaid (cutting it by an estimated 45 percent) to lavish tax breaks on the very wealthy. By 65 percent to 30 percent, voters opposed decreasing federal funding for Medicaid, with the opposition undoubtedly more fierce in the 31 states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare. (Bastien Inzaurralde,Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post) McConnells plan is to release a bill that is marginally less punitive than the House bill, dispute CBO estimates of how many would lose adequate insurance, promise to make things better in conference and force the bill through with 51 votes a matter of days after it has been released. The medias focus on the Trump scandals has helped provide cover for this utterly irresponsible ploy. Simultaneously, the banking lobbys faithful minion, House Financial Services Chair Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), has ushered sweeping bank deregulation through the House. This comes only nine years after Wall Streets excesses cratered the economy and cost $20 trillion in bailouts, lost jobs, homes and retirement savings, and more. The bill would repeal the Volcker rule that restricts the big banks ability to make certain risky financial bets. The Financial Services Oversight Committee created to provide serious oversight of institutions that are too big to fail would be neutered. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would be stripped of independence and authority. The CFPB has helped almost 30 million Americans recover nearly $12 billion from fraudulent banking practices. The House bill would eliminate its directors independence, make its budget more vulnerable, and strip it of the power to levy fines for bank tricks and traps. The CFPB used that power to collect $100 million from Wells Fargo for fraudulently opening millions of accounts without customers knowledge. (As a bonus for chief executives, the bill also would repeal rules designed to rein in excess pay by requiring public reporting on how much CEOs make in comparison with their average employee.) The bill will face obstacles in the Senate because it will need Democratic votes to pass. But this is the opening gambit of the powerful banking lobby, and it will take massive citizen mobilization to stop big parts of this abomination from coming into law. Again, the Trump scandals have allowed Hensarling to cater to the banks in relative obscurity. In 2012, right-wing lobbyist Grover Norquist said it didnt matter which Republican became president, the only requirement was that he have enough working digits to handle a pen. The Republican Congress would drive the agenda. We are not auditioning for fearless leader. We dont need a president to tell us in what direction to go. . . . We just need a president to sign this stuff. In Trump, Norquist and the right got a bonus. They didnt just get a president who can wield a pen, despite his small hands, they got one whose constant scandals and outrages provide cover for an agenda that could not survive public scrutiny. Millions of Americans particularly older workers, the aged and the mothers and children who depend on Medicaid, the disabled and the vulnerable are about to be stripped of health-care coverage. The big banks already enjoying huge profits and rising bonuses are creating the conditions for another wilding. Even as the Trump infamies continue, these derelictions demand more media attention. And Democrats should raise the alarm and mobilize opposition to these real threats to working Americans. Read more from Katrina vanden Heuvels archive or follow her on Twitter. The Republican gospel of cutting taxes and government services to the bone doesnt lead to economic growth; it leads to crisis and decline. Just ask the people of Kansas, who finally have seen the light. If House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) dont heed the Kansas lesson, they deserve to have their majorities stripped away in next years midterms. And they wont be able to claim they werent warned. The states are supposed to be laboratories for testing government policy. For five years, Kansass Republican governor, Sam Brownback, conducted the nations most radical exercise in trickle-down economics a real-live experiment, he called it. He and the GOP-controlled legislature slashed the states already-low tax rates, eliminated state income tax for most owner-operated businesses and sharply reduced vital government services. These measures were supposed to deliver a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy, Brownback said. It ended up being a shot of poison. Growth rates lagged behind those in neighboring states and the nation as a whole. Deficits mounted to unsustainable levels. Services withered. Brownback had set in motion a vicious cycle, not a virtuous one. Last week, finally, the legislature still controlled by Republicans overrode Brownbacks veto of legislation restoring taxation to sane levels. The nightmare experiment is coming to an end. (Amber Ferguson/The Washington Post) The return to sane taxation will go a long way toward erasing a billion-dollar deficit. More revenue-raising measures may be needed, however, because education funding under Brownback was reduced to levels that the state Supreme Court recently ruled unconstitutional. It is unclear whether a $488 million increase for the schools over the next two years which Brownback may still veto, or try to is enough to satisfy the court. Republican leaders in Congress will probably try to ignore the Kansas fiasco or say Brownbacks implementation was flawed. But that would be unfair. All Brownback did was apply what passes for mainstream Republican orthodoxy these days: Cut taxes, eliminate regulation, shrink government, then stand back and watch as economic growth soars. It just didnt work. It never works. Republicans cannot point to an instance in which this prescription has led to the promised Valhalla of skyrocketing growth. Before Kansas, they could at least argue that the program had only been attempted partially and piecemeal, never in full and unadulterated form. After Kansas, that excuse is gone. Eliminating business income taxes for owner-operated companies was supposed to induce entrepreneurs to move to Kansas from other states. It didnt. It turned out that business owners take more than taxes into account when they decide where to locate. They want good health care and first-rate schools for themselves and their employees. They want modern, well-maintained infrastructure. In short, they want a healthy, functioning public sector. It also turns out that business owners do not decide whether to expand capacity or add employees based solely on the tax rate they must pay. Much more important is whether there is enough demand to justify such growth. If there is not and the Kansas economy under Brownback was woefully sluggish then tax savings will not be put to productive use. The Kansas Republicans who voted to abandon Brownbacks dead-end policies have been described in news stories as moderate, but many are actually quite conservative. They just decided to put reality before ideology. President Trump and the Republican-led Congress, however, threaten to run Brownbacks experiment on a national scale, with predictably disastrous consequences. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney proposes amputational cuts to the social safety net and bureaus such as the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. And Trumps tax reform plan proposes, among other cuts, to slash the top tax rate for pass-through businesses basically, owner-operated firms such as the Trump Organization from 39.6 percent to 15 percent. Claims that such action will lead to a surge in economic growth never had much credibility. Now, after the Kansas experiment, they have zero. Its tempting to say fine, go for it, let the whole country see that the policy prescriptions championed by the Republican Party lead to nothing but a world of pain except for the wealthy, who get to pad their bank accounts. But this is no academic exercise. Real people will suffer needlessly. The GOP trembles before tax-cut guru Grover Norquist, who wants to reduce government to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub. But it is failed trickle-down ideology that deserves to be snuffed out. And not just in Kansas. Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A. When Charles Krauthammer, a trained psychiatrist, uses terms found in medical textbooks to describe the presidents governance, we should be concerned [You cant govern by id, op-ed, June 9]. For example, we read about Trump Derangement Syndrome, or psychic pathology, and the presidents behavior over the past two weeks providing ample opportunity for shock and dismay (shock and awe?), and his tweets being a direct conduit from his unfiltered id and erasing whatever membrane exists between ones internal disturbances and their external manifestations. The list also includes the mocking of the mayor of London, President Trumps misbegotten travel ban and the Qatar squeeze. Mr. Krauthammer reminded us that, whether we voted for Mr. Trump or not, the president was not elected to do crazy things. Crazy things, in the hands of the person with the nuclear codes in his back pocket, should, not to put too fine a point on it, scare us to death. Gordon K. Soper, Alexandria According to the June 9 news article Some Republicans portray Trump as political novice unused to capitals ways, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) posited that the presidents new at this. Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) said that President Trump ought to be given deference because of his inexperience in political office. Some legal analysts even said this could also be a kernel of a criminal defense by suggesting that Mr. Trump merely didnt know any better. All of that is so much malarkey. There is a well-known prosecutorial maxim that a defendant pleading ignorance knew or should have known. That a man with an educational background such as Mr. Trumps should be ignorant of the basics of our tripartite form of government and the limitations on power on the separate branches is almost beyond belief. If Mr. Trump were deficient in his knowledge, he had two months of transition to become informed and now almost five months on the job surrounded by legal advisers. Its not that Mr. Trump is merely a slow learner. Its more a matter of his not caring about learning anything that would interfere with his concept of unlimited power that he wants irrespective of the Constitution. Our president is an uninformed man who shows no signs of wanting to be anything else. Herb Miller, Vienna Donald Trump, then the Republican nominee for president, greets supporters after speaking at a campaign event in Jacksonville, Fla., on Nov. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) The story of President Trumps victory over Hillary Clinton has been analyzed and reanalyzed, told and retold since November. Is there more to add? The short answer, based on four reports released on Tuesday, is yes, and what the reports say is provocative. The reports debunk some of the assertions of why Trump won his criticism of free-trade agreements apparently was not as big a factor as some have suggested while focusing on the specific role that race, religion, immigration and national identity played in the outcome and particularly how those issues may have influenced voters who switched to Trump after supporting President Barack Obama in 2012. [Analysis: Its time to bust the myth: Most Trump voters were not working class.] One of the reports notes that while those factors played a more significant role in 2016 than in 2012, in large part because Trump highlighted them, the ground was already shifting on those issues before Trump. If these issues continue to remain prominent in the national debate, they could further alter the alignment of American politics. The reports are the first produced by the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, which comprises 20 analysts from think tanks or other institutions across the ideological spectrum. Driving forces in assembling the project were Joe Goldman of the Democracy Fund and Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. (The Washington Post) The findings are based on online surveys, including one after the election with a sample of 8,000 people who had participated in other such surveys in 2011, 2012 and mid-2016. The surveys were conducted by the firm YouGov. The authors of the reports approach the implications of what happened in 2016 from slightly different angles, examining the appeal of candidate Trump, the multifaceted coalition that came to support him, political divisions that continue between and within the parties, and how certain issues came to prominence in 2016. [Analysis: Racism motivated Trump voters more than authoritarianism] John Sides, a political scientist at George Washington University and editor-in-chief of the Monkey Cage blog hosted by The Washington Post, directly confronts the role of race, religion and immigration and concludes that attitudes about immigration, feelings toward black people and feelings toward Muslims became more strongly related to voter decision-making in 2016 compared to 2012. Sides argues that, even before 2016, there was an increasing alignment between race and partisanship and among whites there was an increasing division based on education, with non-college-educated whites moving away from the Democratic Party, especially after the election of Obama in 2008. The shifts among white people overall and white people without a college degree occurred mostly among white people with less favorable attitudes toward black people, he writes. No other factor predicted changes in white partisanship during Obamas presidency as powerfully and as consistently as racial attitudes. But he also notes that there also were clear divisions between white Democrats and white Republicans in their evaluations of Muslims and their attitudes toward immigration. Economic stress also was a factor, with those who expressed negative views about the economy in 2012 more likely to express key negative cultural attitudes in 2016, according to a news release summarizing the findings. Partisan loyalty was high in 2016, with 86 percent of Obama voters siding with Clinton and 89 percent of Mitt Romneys voters supporting Trump. But Trump won a bigger share of those who had backed Obama than Clinton won among those who supported Romney. Had Clinton won a similar level of support from Romney defectors that Trump won among Obama defectors, she probably would be president, Olsen said, based on his analysis of the findings. Sides examined possible reasons for those who switched from Obama to Trump. He found that there was no statistically significant relationship between trade attitudes and vote choice in either election [2012 or 2016]. Nor was the widely discussed issue of economic anxiety more important in 2016 than in 2012. Even before the 2012 election, Sides writes, a substantial number of white Obama supporters had views about Muslims, blacks and immigration that were less favorable. What did change between 2012 and 2016 was the increased significance in voters minds of issues about immigration and attitudes toward blacks and Muslims, among whites both with and without college degrees. [Most U.S. voters view immigrants positively. Most Trump voters dont.] Even among GOP primary voters, those who backed Trump had less favorable attitudes toward Muslims and were more likely to say that immigration by foreigners should be made harder, according to data offered in a paper by Robert Griffin and Ruy Teixeira of the Center for American Progress. This was even more the case on immigration among those voters who switched from Obama to Trump. Those who held views of immigrants, Muslims, minorities and feminist women as the undeserving other were particularly susceptible to Trumps appeal in both the primaries and general election, they write. Emily Ekins of the Cato Institute provides a typology of the Trump coalition. She labels his core constituency as American Preservationists who comprise about a fifth of his supporters, and are less loyal Republicans than are other Trump voters. They lean economically progressive, think the political systems are rigged and have nativist immigration views and a nativist and ethnocultural conception of American identity. About 1 in 3 Trump supporters are Staunch Conservatives. Ekins writes that they are steadfast fiscal conservatives, embrace moral traditionalism and have a moderately nativist conception of American identity and approach to immigration. Free Marketers, a quarter of Trump supporters, hold more moderate-to-liberal views on race and immigration and supported Trump primarily because of their dislike for Clinton. Anti-Elites, about a fifth of the Trump coalition, are motivated by a belief that the political systems are rigged but take a more moderate position on immigration, race and national identity. She labeled a small fraction of his supporters as The Disengaged and said they feel unable to influence political and economic institutions. Lee Drutman of the New America think tank writes that, by making issues related to national identity more prominent, Trump was able to attract economically liberal but socially conservative voters who had backed Democrats previously. Trumps candidacy has brought more economic liberals into the Republican Party, moving the partys center of gravity on these issues to the left, he writes. Trump has also moved the party to a much more nativist position on questions of national identity, adding that these shifts are creating strains with the GOP coalition. Although divided on some important economic issues, particularly the issue of income inequality, Republicans and Democrats are less divided on economics than they are on cultural and national identity issues. Supporters of Clinton and of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are less divided on issues than are Republicans, with the main difference being about attitudes toward the establishment and the existing order than it is about specific issue positions. One exception is trade policy. Drutman notes that Trump has made clear he intends to put a priority on the issues that helped elect him, from his proposed travel ban that is now in the courts to crackdowns on illegal immigrants. He argues that this could further realign the parties, with Democrats pressured to move further left on these issues. Republicans, meanwhile, could be forced to shift toward those Trump voters, which could further isolate remaining conservatives with moderate positions on immigration. Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies in an open hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his role in the firing of FBI Director James B. Comey and the investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia., and Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein spoke to the Senate Appropriations subcommittee. June, 13, 2017 Chief clerk Kelsey Bailey, right, places the name plate for Attorney General Jeff Sessions before he testifies in an open hearing in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington. Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III testifies during a May 16, 2013, Senate hearing when he was the FBI director. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) On its face, the idea seemed as startling as it was preposterous: A president firing a special counsel appointed to investigate his campaigns possible role in Russias interference with the 2016 U.S. election. But this president is Donald Trump, who speculates about firing people as sport and who dispatched two key officials connected to the probe of Russias election meddling during his first five months in office. To some of Trumps most loyal allies, terminating Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel of the expanding Russia investigation is a tantalizing idea one that has gained currency on the right and, according to one of Trumps friends, has been considered by the president himself. After Christopher Ruddy, a Trump friend and president of the conservative media outlet Newsmax, said on PBSs News Hour Monday night, after visiting the White House, that the president was weighing firing Mueller, official Washington on Tuesday sounded a collective and resounding call: Do not do it. I think the best thing to do is to let Robert Mueller do his job, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said. I think the best vindication for the president is to let this investigation go on independently. Ryan went on to say that the discussion about a possible firing amounted to a mere rumor. [Trumps friend floats possibility of firing special counsel in Russian probe] White House press secretary Sean Spicer sought to undermine Ruddys credibility by pointing out that Ruddy had not met directly with the president during his Monday visit. Chris Ruddy speaks for himself, Spicer said. Trump has been counseled strongly against trying to remove Mueller and appears unlikely to take such a drastic step, according to White House officials and other people close to the president. But neither Spicer nor other Trump aides would explicitly dispute Ruddys assertion that the president has considered firing Mueller. While the president has a right to, he has no intention to do so, principal deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday night. All day, Trump repeatedly declined to put the issue to rest. President Trump walks with his daughter Ivanka Trump from the Oval Office to board the Marine One helicopter for a trip to Milwaukee on Tuesday. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Reporters asked Trump four times during a health-care meeting at the White House whether Mueller should be fired, and the president gave no answer. They asked again as he walked across the South Lawn to board the Marine One helicopter, and again he gave no answer. Reporters asked once more as Trump stepped off Air Force One in Milwaukee, and once more he had no answer. If Trump fired Mueller, it would be an act of uber hubris never seen before in American history, said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian at Rice University. It would pale, compared to what Nixon did with the firing of Archibald Cox. . . . We would be in a constitutional crisis. Brinkley was referring to the Saturday Night Massacre of 1973, when President Richard M. Nixon sought to order his attorney general to fire Cox, who had been serving as the independent special prosecutor overseeing the Watergate investigation. How or even whether Trump could fire Mueller was the subject of debate among legal and political experts on Tuesday. Trump last month fired FBI Director James B. Comey, who had been overseeing the Russia probe before the appointment of a special counsel. Earlier in his term, Trump fired acting attorney General Sally Q. Yates after she warned the administration that national security adviser Michael Flynn had misled the White House about his contacts with Russian officials. But the termination of the special counsel would be more complicated. It ordinarily would fall to the attorney general, but Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from Russia matters after he was found to have misled the Senate during his confirmation hearing about his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Thus the decision to fire Mueller would fall to Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller to the job last month. [The Fix: How Trump could fire the special counsel (if he were foolish enough to try)] In a Tuesday appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rosenstein described Mueller as operating independently from the Justice Department in his investigation and said that if Trump ordered him to fire Mueller, he would comply only if the request were lawful and appropriate. Im not going to follow any orders unless I believe those are lawful and appropriate orders, Rosenstein said. He added later: As long as Im in this position, hes not going to be fired without good cause, which he said he would have to put in writing. If there were good cause, I would consider it, Rosenstein testified. If there were not good cause, it wouldnt matter to me what anybody says. Later Tuesday, Sessions appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) asked the attorney general whether he has confidence in Mueller. I have known Mr. Mueller over the years, Sessions said. He served 12 years as FBI director. I knew him before that. And I have confidence in Mr. Mueller. But, Sessions added, I am not going to discuss any hypotheticals or what might be a factual situation in the future that Im not aware of today, because I know nothing about the investigation and fully recuse myself. When Warner asked whether Sessions believed Trump had confidence in Mueller, the attorney general said: I have no idea. Ive not talked to him about it. The notion of dismissing Mueller has been bubbling on the political right in recent days, as Trump supporters grow weary of an expanding investigation that the president considers to be an illegitimate political witch hunt. [Jeff Sessions testifies: Refuses to say whether he spoke to President Trump about Comeys handling of Russia investigation] Ruddys PBS interview came a day after Jay Sekulow, a prominent conservative attorney who has been informally advising Trump, left open the possibility that Trump could decide to remove Mueller, in a Sunday interview on ABC Newss This Week. Asked by anchor George Stephanopoulos whether Trump would promise not to attempt at any time to order Rosenstein to fire Mueller, Sekulow said, Look, the president of the United States, as we all know, is a unitary executive. Sekulow added that the president has authority to take action. Whether he would do it is ultimately a decision the president makes. I think thats complete conjecture and speculation. Ruddy said in an interview with The Washington Post on Tuesday that he based his comments to PBS largely on Sekulows statement. I think its a smart thing to have it as an option, Ruddy said of firing Mueller, though he added, I personally dont think its a wise thing to do. Ruddy said White House aides became agitated with his comments to PBS and said Spicer sought his help Monday night with damage control as news organizations cited Ruddys statement in reporting that the president was considering firing Mueller. Sean called me last night and asked me to qualify what I was saying, that I did not speak to the president, Ruddy said. I said, I never claimed I spoke to the president, so why would I issue a statement saying I didnt speak to the president? Ruddy added: Its amateur hour over there. . . . Its amazing to me that the White House press office has done such a poor job exposing the special counsel and defending the president. This is not the first time Ruddy has wreaked havoc for the West Wing with his suggestions about who may be in Trumps crosshairs. In February, after having a drink with the president at Mar-a-Lago Trumps private resort in Palm Beach, Fla., where Ruddy is a member Ruddy told The Post and other news organizations that White House chief of staff Reince Priebus was in way over his head. [Trump friend says Priebus is in way over his head] Plenty of other Trump supporters on the outside have been stoking a Fire Mueller campaign. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted Monday that it was time to rethink the special counsels investigation, while talk radio hosts including Rush Limbaugh and Mark Levin have endorsed the idea of Trump dismissing him. Roger Stone, a former Trump consigliere and political adviser, tweeted Tuesday: Mueller is a establishment neocon ringer and Comey crony and the fix is in to falsely indict @realDonaldTrump for obstruction. Democrats on Tuesday called for an end to the right-wing trash talk about Mueller and said the special counsel must be left alone to pursue his investigation. The effort to suppress it, to smear Mueller, to call it a witch hunt, is part of a calculated and orchestrated effort, in my view, to undermine justice and the credibility of this investigation, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) said it seemed ridiculous that Trump would seriously consider ordering Muellers removal. I have to think this is just the president venting, said Schiff, also on Morning Joe. But then again, I remember talking about whether I thought there was any chance that the president would fire Comey, and that didnt seem possible, either. Sari Horwitz and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report. Saudi King Salman presents President Trump with the highest civilian honor, the Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud, at the royal palace in Riyadh on May 20, 2017. (Evan Vucci/AP) Democrats in droves are set to cast a protest vote against President Trumps proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia, a move that may not prevent the deal from going through but nonetheless represents an unprecedented rebuke of Saudi Arabias activities in war-torn Yemen. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Monday that he would vote against a sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, clearing the way for many other Democrats to follow suit. That means they, and resolution sponsor Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), may need only a few more Republican votes to throw an obstacle in the path of Trumps plans to see through a contract worth more than $500 million. The measure is expected to come up as soon as Tuesday. If critics of the sale are successful, it would mark the first time in decades that a body of Congress summarily rejected an administrations attempt to conclude a defense deal with Riyadh. Even if opponents only come close, the repudiation by almost half the Senate of Saudi Arabias privileged status in such dealmaking would be a political setback with potential implications for Saudi influence in U.S. policy. Its a warning shot across the bow for both the Trump administration and the Saudis, whether the measure passes or not, said Scott Paul, humanitarian policy adviser for Oxfam America, which has opposed the sale. It says that in the future, no one should expect U.S. support to be a blank check. Last year, an effort to block a tank sale to Saudi Arabia led by Paul and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also the chief forces behind this weeks resolution of disapproval garnered the support of only 27 senators, four of them Republicans. But that measure came up during a month in which Saudi Arabia suffered an uncommon political defeat on another front, as senators nervous about upsetting the alliance still voted 99 to 0 to override President Barack Obamas veto of a bill giving the families of Sept. 11 victims a chance to sue Saudi officials over alleged support for the perpetrators of the attacks. There is another important difference between this years measure and last years resolution: The weapons in question last year were tanks, whereas this year, weapons on offer are precision-guided munitions that human rights, arms control and humanitarian organizations believe Saudi Arabia is deliberately misusing to target Yemeni civilians and destroy infrastructure, worsening an ongoing famine. The State Department has argued that the U.S. oversight that comes with such sales, combined with increased U.S. training and engagement with the Saudi military, gives Washington leverage that it would lose if the sales were halted as a protest. But senators opposed to the transaction argue that the Trump administrations policy is willfully turning a blind eye to widespread suffering in Yemen by greenlighting the sale of weapons the Obama administration halted late last year. Were voting on a portion of the sale that President Obama would not make . . . and President Trump is moving forward on, said Murphy, who pointed to the munitions and argued that Saudis are not telling the truth about how they are using them to worsen a humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen. Theres a growing recognition that we are contributing to a cascade famine inside Yemen, the senator said. And I think theres real misgivings about a policy in the Middle East that puts us so firmly on the side of the Sunnis in a growing set of proxy wars. As reasons to vote against the sale, some Democratic senators noted not only their humanitarian concerns but also increasing frustration with Saudi Arabias support for groups promoting extremist ideologies. Of equal concern to me is that the Saudi government continues to aid and abet terrorism via its relationship with Wahhabism and the funding of schools that spread extremist propaganda throughout the world, Schumer said in a statement announcing his opposition to the deal. Others noted that selling weapons that have been identified as exacerbating the crisis will do little to end the conflict. More military action in Yemen is counterproductive, will disproportionately affect civilians, and will likely generate conditions for expanded activities by Al Qaeda and Iran, as well as Russian influence, Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said last week in announcing his opposition to the sale. Instead, this Administrations approach appears to be more weapons sales. The chorus of reactions stands in stark contrast to the political line from the president since he visited Riyadh as part of a nine-day foreign trip. In the weeks since, Trump has repeatedly spoken of his respect and close alliance with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, boasting of tremendous deals he made with the Saudi leader. The arms deals are also necessary for the Saudi war effort, according to Bruce Riedel, a Saudi expert with the Brookings Institution, who pointed out that without U.S. munitions, the Saudi military is seriously diminished. Senators opposing the deal need collect only a simple majority of votes this week to carry Paul and Murphys motion. While momentum is in the hands of those opposing the sale, they face difficult hurdles that may keep them from a win in the Senate. And even if the Senate does vote against the deal, the House would have to follow suit, and both chambers would have to withstand a presidential veto to keep it from going through. Still, Saudi watchers note that the kingdom has never skirted this close to defeat and that alone will have reverberations in the U.S.-Saudi relationship. A no vote would be a stunning defeat for both Saudi foreign policy and the Trump administrations Middle East policy, Riedel said. It would also be an enormous setback for the huge Saudi lobbyist machine in Washington. The kingdom has hired Washington lobbyists to shepherd the deal. A spokesman for one of the firms representing Saudi Arabia declined to comment Monday. Read more at PowerPost Senators have struck a deal to put a comprehensive Russia sanctions bill on the floor this week, according to those negotiating the legislation. The measure, which will be attached to a bill to stiffen Iran sanctions that is under consideration, incorporates proposals to codify existing Russia sanctions, introduce punitive measures against Moscow in light of Russias aggressive activities in Ukraine, introduce measures addressing Syria and the realm of cyberhacking, and give Congress the power to review efforts by the administration to scale back sanctions against Russia before they can go through. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) filed the amendment late Monday, setting up a vote for later this week, after extensive talks with Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Foreign Relations Committees ranking Democrat, Benjamin L. Cardin (Md.), Banking Committee ranking Democrat Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and vocal Russia critics John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) were also involved in various stages of the discussion. This is a very comprehensive piece of legislation, Corker said Monday night after the measures were introduced. It really touches all the components. Various senators involved in the discussions had filed three different bills to increase sanctions against Russia over its involvement in the wars in Ukraine and Syria, as well as over allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Some proposed bills also included measures to give Congress the power to block the president from easing up on sanctions against Russia and to better counter Russian propaganda in the United States and Europe. Corker said that he had drafted a fourth bill about three months ago addressing several of the points, but that his office had never released it. The measure filed Monday night directs sanctions toward Russias intelligence and defense apparatus, as well as parts of its energy, mining, railways and shipping economy. It also includes provisions to punish those engaged in corruption and human rights abuses. Schumer said in a statement that the new measure will send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia and any other country who might try to interfere in our elections that they will be punished. The Senate has refrained from putting such a sanctions bill to a vote largely because Corker wanted to give the administration more time to attempt to make progress cooperating with Russia over the war in Syria something he repeated Monday night that he never fully expected it could do. I wanted to give [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson until two weeks ago, Corker said, adding, Ive been ready the whole time. When asked whether the White House was on board with the measure, Corker hesitated, noting: I have to believe that the administration has to at least strongly consider supporting this. He added, however, that he was sure the measure could receive a veto-proof level of support in the Senate. Read more at PowerPost Television reporters covering the Capitol were told midday Tuesday to stop recording interviews in Senate hallways, a dramatic and unexplained break with tradition that was soon reversed amid a wide rebuke from journalists, Democratic lawmakers and free-speech advocates. The episode heightened concerns about reporters access to Washington leaders in an era when hostility toward the political media has increasingly become the norm. For some, the move to protect senators from impromptu on-camera interviews fell into a wider Trump-era pattern of efforts to roll back press freedoms, whether by barring reporters from interviewing officials or denying them access to briefings, trips and events. These are actions that are without precedent in the history of the White House and Congress, said Ben Wizner, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union and director of the groups Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. Even if some of the violations are of norms rather than rights, the effect is to make the government less transparent at precisely the moment when congressional oversight has been at its weakest, Wizner said. Advocates for congressional media blamed the Senate Rules Committee for the short-lived policy. Craig Caplan, chairman of the executive committee of the Radio and Television Correspondents Association, described the move as an effort to limit press access. (Taylor Turner/The Washington Post) Restricting access in public spaces in the U.S. Capitol and Senate office buildings prevents the American public from hearing directly from their lawmakers, Caplan said in a statement. We are in discussions with the Senate Rules Committee to address their concerns and look forward to developing a workable solution that does not curtail our First Amendment rights, Caplan stated. [The remarkable steps Republicans are taking to obscure whats in their health-care bill] The controversy started Tuesday around noon, when staffers from the Senate Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery, which operates workspace for networks in the Capitol, told reporters from major television networks, with no warning, to stop recording video in the hallways. Gallery staffers blamed the shift on the Senate Rules Committee, which has official jurisdiction over media access in the upper chamber, according to journalists who shared detailed accounts of the developments on Twitter. The directive touched off a day of confusion as the Rules Committee denied issuing new restrictions and gallery staffers refused to explain their part in the drama. The Rules Committee has made no changes to the existing rules governing press coverage on the Senate side of the Capitol complex, the Rules Committee chairman, Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.), said in a statement. The Committee has been working with the various galleries to ensure compliance with existing rules in an effort to help provide a safe environment for Members, the press corps, staff and constituents as they travel from Senate offices to the Capitol. The apparent change in practice came as the number of reporters on Capitol Hill has increased dramatically, reflecting the high stakes Republicans face as they respond to controversies involving Trump and work to advance their legislative agenda. The hallways of the Capitol have become so chaotic that leaders of the Senate press galleries there is another one for print media issued a warning last month that the complex has reached its capacity for reporters. Collectively, the press following Senators have become large and aggressive, officials with the two galleries wrote. We are concerned someone may get hurt. On Tuesday, a bevy of Democratic senators, as well as a few Republicans, criticized the policy shift as unnecessary and harmful to press freedom. Several Democrats tied the move directly to the health-care legislation now being debated in the Senate. Press access should never be restricted unfairly, particularly not when one party is trying to sneak a major bill through Congress, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote on Twitter. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), the ranking Democrat on the Rules Committee, was caught off guard by the restrictions, telling reporters she had not been consulted on any changes to press access rules. She said Shelby chalked up the move to a staff inquiry during a phone call Tuesday and assured her he would not move forward with a major shift without first discussing it with her. He seemed to imply they werent going to change the policy, but Im not going to put words in his mouth, Klobuchar told reporters at the Capitol. Were Shelby to go forward with new press restrictions, Klobuchar said she would oppose it, calling it an assault on the First Amendment. You dont shut down the press if you dont want to do interviews, she said. You just say, I dont want to do interviews today. Paige Winfield Cunningham contributed to this report. Read more at PowerPost Police detain a protester in Moscow. Demonstrators in Mondays opposition protests across Russia say they are fed up with endemic corruption among officials. The protest gatherings were spearheaded by Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption campaigner who has become the Kremlins most visible opponent. June 12, 2017 Police detain a protester in Moscow. Demonstrators in Mondays opposition protests across Russia say they are fed up with endemic corruption among officials. The protest gatherings were spearheaded by Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption campaigner who has become the Kremlins most visible opponent. Pool photo by Evgeny Feldman/via AP The Kremlin on Tuesday dismissed criticism of the tough police response to demonstrations in Moscow and St. Petersburg a day earlier, brushing off suggestions that the protest movement led by anti-corruption crusader Alexei Navalny posed a political threat. Navalny, who has announced his candidacy for Russias 2018 presidential election, was jailed for 30 days Monday after calling on his followers to rally in a central Moscow street instead of an approved protest venue outside the city center. Police arrested more than 800 demonstrators after they disrupted a street fair staged to celebrate the Russia Day holiday, according to the nongovernmental police watchdog OVD-Info. Hundreds more were detained at a rally in St. Petersburg also held without official permission. Thousands of people turned out in more than 180 cities across Russia, according to Navalnys campaign headquarters, which would make it the most widespread protest in the country since Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012. [Thousands rally against corruption in protests across Russia] But Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, played down the notion of any risk to the government. (korotyla/twitter) Whenever such events are held according to agreed-upon rules, as prescribed by law, they do not pose a danger to anyone, he said in remarks carried by the Interfax news agency. Some are attended by more people and some are by less, but this is a normal process of people expressing their opinions as citizens. The Interfax report did not include a reference to Navalny but quoted Peskov as condemning the group of provocateurs who interrupted the celebration of the national holiday. Peskov also dismissed a sharply worded statement read by White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Monday night, declaring that detaining peaceful protesters, human rights observers and journalists is an affront to core democratic values. Peskov countered that authorized rallies went off peacefully in dozens of Russian cities Monday and that those who staged provocations had been dealt with lawfully. Pollsters say that Putin, who has enjoyed an approval rating above 80 percent for more than three years, is likely to win if he runs for a new six-year term in March, as expected. Even though he presides largely unchecked over a government and legislature led by his handpicked loyalists, most Russians do not blame the president for their problems, according to surveys conducted by the countrys independent pollster, the Levada Center. [Vladimir Putin: Russias grand inquisitor and fixer-in-chief] But many do count on Putin to solve their problems. Two days before his annual televised direct line with citizens, 1.3 million Russians had submitted questions, the official Tass news agency reported Tuesday. The telethons official website displayed some of the appeals, which beseeched Putin to address the poor state of roads, housing, construction projects, the mortgage market, education and the accountability of officials. One young man asked why so many young Russians want to emigrate. Several asked Putin to explain why the rest of the world fears Russia. Navalny, meanwhile, promises Russians a rule-of-law state governed by honest people, contrasting that with his allegations of corruption in Putins government. That message has yielded little support, with polls indicating that less than 10 percent of voters would choose Navalny. And there is no guarantee Navalny will be allowed to run: He can be disqualified, thanks to a conviction in a fraud case he says was politically motivated. [Who is Alexei Navalny?] Late Monday, Navalny posted a video from the courtroom where he was sentenced. He thanked his supporters and told them, Im proud to be part of the movement. Meanwhile, pro-Kremlin media blasted Navalnys decision to move his rally to central Tverskaya Street as a cynical ploy to capitalize on holiday events in the city, including a huge concert in Red Square. Why did the opposition do this? Only to provide pictures for Western television companies so that they could say, In Moscow, President Putin has opponents! stated a commentary in the official government newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The opposition, which represents one-thousandth of the population of Muscovites, tried to turn all of Tverskaya Street into a film studio and pass off the people celebrating Russia Day as their supporters. Read more: Putin uses the Soviet defeat of Hitler to show why Russia needs him today Moscows massive relocation plan turns middle-class Russians into protesters The latest protest Moscow is trying to ignore: Thousands of angry truckers Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Passengers walk through the Hamad International Airport in Doha, the Qatari capital, on Sunday. Qatar Airways called on the U.N.'s aviation body to declare a Gulf boycott against the carrier "illegal" and a violation of a 1944 convention on international air transport. (Karim Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images) Jawaher has lived in this tiny nation her whole life. But a political showdown threatens to unravel her world, potentially forcing her to move to a country she hardly knows and splitting her family apart. Jawahers mother is a Qatari citizen, and her father is Bahraini. That fact seldom has caused problems. But when several other Arab nations severed ties with Qatar last week, three of them Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also ordered their citizens to return home or face stiff penalties. Under the laws of Qatar and other Persian Gulf countries, children take the citizenship of their father. That leaves Jawaher and thousands of others like her with a difficult decision. If we are made to go to Bahrain, what are we going to do there? said the 21-year-old university student, who spoke on the condition that her family name not be revealed because she feared repercussions. And we are going to have to leave our mom behind. Rashed al-Jalahma, with his mother, Wafa al-Yazeedi, and his sister. Bahrain asked Yazeedi and her children, all Bahraini citizens, to leave Qatar. (Family photo) Our family will be divided. In a region where cultural and tribal ties extend beyond national borders, the deepening crisis is creating havoc in Qatari families like Jawahers in ways many had never expected. Parents and spouses traveling abroad are unable to return home. Some have already lost jobs. Children worry about becoming stateless or that their education will be disrupted, and family members in different countries are feuding. Theres a collective sense that they are trapped by the quest for influence and control in the Middle East. We have relatives all over the region, said Rashed al-Jalahma, 22, who is also the child of a Qatari-Bahraini union. We were in shock and awe when we learned we can no longer see them because of politics. What does the population have to do with the problems of the politicians? [Qatari capital brims with uncertainty and resilience as crisis intensifies] On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE ordered Qatari nationals to leave their territories within 14 days and banned their own citizens from entering Qatar. Citizens living in Qatar were given a similar deadline to return. More than 11,000 citizens of the three countries live in Qatar, according to Qatars National Human Rights Committee. And thousands of Qataris live and work in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. At least 6,500 Qatari nationals are married to citizens from these three nations, according to Qatari government figures. Before the crisis, citizens of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman could live and travel freely across the member states. They often refer to themselves as Khaleejis the people of the Gulf. Tensions, however, between Qatar and its neighbors have been simmering for years over accusations that Qatar supports terrorist groups and Qatars ties to Irans Shiite theocracy, the primary rival of Saudi Arabias Sunni monarchy. That led to last weeks expulsions of diplomats and the closing of ports, airspace and borders to isolate Qatar. The small, energy-rich nation, home to a U.S. air base and 10,000 U.S. service members, has rejected the allegations as baseless, saying that it condemns terrorism in all its forms. Few here expected such a full-blown crisis, especially as millions in the region prepare to celebrate the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, a time to visit families and friends. This has made me so sad, said Wafa al-Yazeedi, a Qatari doctor and Jalahmas mother. We lived and felt like all the Gulf is one country. I have a cousin everywhere. She divorced her Bahraini husband when her three children were small. He returned to Bahrain, and her children grew up here with little contact with their father or other relatives. Now, the children are in a dilemma. Settling in Bahrain means leaving behind their mother, other relatives, lifelong friends and their expensive university educations, for which the Qatari government pays. Staying in Qatar could result in statelessness if Bahrain takes away their citizenship. Qatar has allowed citizens from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE living here to remain, and provides free health care and other services if their mother is Qatari. Still, being stateless would limit their future opportunities, especially if they want to travel abroad for more studies or work. They are controlling us with the passport, said Jalahma, an aeronautical engineering student. If the Kingdom of Bahrain revokes my citizenship, so be it. I am not worried about losing my passport, but my concerns are about my studies. [Arab media outlets echo Trump in criticism of Qatar] The crisis has already had immediate consequences. In a report last week, the human rights watchdog Amnesty International described the case of a Saudi man living in Qatar who was unable to visit his hospitalized mother in Saudi Arabia because he feared he would not be able to return to his children and Qatari wife. Jawahers family is already divided, at least temporarily. Her father was on a work trip in Bahrain when the crisis erupted, and he has been stuck there ever since. Theres no way now for him to come back, she said. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE said they had created hotlines to help families who face separation but gave few details. Qatars National Human Rights Committee dismissed the move as little more than a face-saving exercise. Amnesty International called the measures vague and insufficient. Some affected families worry that the hotlines are ways to gather data on those who complain. Both Bahrain and the UAE last week declared it a crime to criticize their policies toward Qatar or show sympathy with Qatar offenses that carry multi-year jail sentences. Its fake, said Yazeedi, referring to Bahrains hotline. I cannot trust them. I wont call them from my number. In Omar al-Ansaris family, the crisis has struck in multiple ways. His sister and her family all Qataris arrived two days earlier, after being ordered to leave Saudi Arabia, where they had studied and worked for six years. Now, she and her husband need to find new jobs and schools for their five children. Last week, the familys divisions erupted on their WhatsApp chat forum, with an aunt in Bahrain criticizing Qatar and its policies and the Qatari side of the family denouncing Bahrain and its allies. Our family in Bahrain thinks Qatar is wrong, and we think they are not, said Ansari, 23, a university senior whose mother is Qatari and father is Bahraini. Thats causing friction between our families. Its not a nice situation to be in. His Bahraini identification card has expired. So has his Qatari one. But he cant renew his Qatari ID unless he has a valid one from Bahrain. And if he travels there, he wont be allowed to return because of his citizenship. So he cant open up a bank account, get a new phone or a new drivers license which also recently expired or access other government services. Im kind of stuck, Ansari said. Jia Naqvi contributed to this report. Read more: Three maps show how the Qatar crisis means trouble for Qatar Airways Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Attorney General Jeff Sessions repeatedly refused to answer questions from senators Tuesday about his private conversations with President Trump, including whether he spoke to Trump about former FBI director James B. Comeys handling of the investigation into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential race. In a number of testy exchanges with members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sessions said he would not answer many of their questions because of a long-standing Justice Department policy that he said protects private conversations between Cabinet secretaries and the president. The attorney general confirmed elements of Comeys dramatic testimony before the same panel last week while disputing others. Sessions said he was in an Oval Office meeting in February with Comey and Trump when the president said he wanted to speak to Comey privately and he acknowledged that Comey came to talk to him the next day about the meeting. At other times, though, Sessions frequently said he couldnt recall specifics, particularly when asked about his meetings with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign. Above all, Sessions, who served as a senator from Alabama before taking the attorney general post, tried to clear his name and win the sympathy of his former colleagues. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) He opened his testimony with a fiery assertion that he never had any conversations with Russians about any type of interference in the 2016 presidential election. I was your colleague in this body for 20 years, Sessions said. The suggestion that I participated in any collusion . . . is an appalling and detestable lie. The attorney general seemed to understand the import of each of his words as the highest-ranking Trump administration official so far to testify publicly on the FBI investigation and Comeys firing. During one line of questioning by Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), he told her in a flash of anger not to rush his answers because youll accuse me of lying and said she was making him nervous. Sessions took particular aim at news reports about a possible meeting he had with a Russian official during an April 2016 event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, where Trump gave a pro-Russia speech. He acknowledged being at the event and said he had conversations with people there, but did not remember any conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. If any brief interaction occurred in passing with the Russian ambassador during that reception, I do not remember it, Sessions said. He said that he had met twice with Kislyak once during the Republican National Convention and once in his Senate office and that he did not disclose that during his confirmation hearing. He said, however, that he did not remember any other meetings with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign and did not remember any conversations with Russian officials about the Trump campaign. Certainly not one thing happened that was improper in any one of those meetings, Sessions said. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) When asked to explain why he wrongly claimed in his confirmation hearing that he never met with Russians, Sessions said he was flustered by the question from Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) after many hours of testimony. The attorney general has since recused himself from the Russia investigation a decision he sought to cast Tuesday as resulting from his role as an adviser on the Trump campaign, rather than because of any inappropriate interaction with Russian officials. I recused myself from any investigation into the campaigns for president, but I did not recuse myself from defending my honor against scurrilous and false allegations, he said. But Sessionss answers seemed to contradict each other at times, particularly when it came to his recusal. A March 2 email by Sessionss chief of staff said that he would not be involved in any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for the president of the United States. Yet two months later, he played a direct role in Trumps decision to fire Comey, citing Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 race. The recusal involved one case in the Department of Justice and the FBI, said Sessions, referring to the FBIs Russia investigation and offering a different description of the scope of his recusal. Im the attorney general of the United States. Its my responsibility to ensure that the department is run properly. I do not believe it is a sound position that if you recuse from a single case, you cant make a decision about the leadership of that agency. Sessions previously told senators explicitly that he would recuse himself from matters related to Clinton though Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Tuesday that the case was already closed and therefore not part of the recusal. When asked about his conversation with Comey on the day the president spoke to Comey alone, Sessions described the exchange differently than the former FBI chief did in his testimony last week. Comey testified that after what he called a disturbing private talk with Trump, he went to Sessions. Without telling the attorney general that Trump had suggested the FBI drop its probe of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Comey told Sessions, It cant happen that you get kicked out of the room and the president talks to me. The president has denied asking Comey to drop the Flynn matter. Comey said that the attorney general didnt say anything but that Sessionss body language gave him the sense that he was powerless to do anything. Sessions said he did respond, telling Comey that the FBI and the Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policies regarding appropriate contact with the White House. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) suggested that the attorney general was ducking critical questions in his testimony. I believe the American people have had it with stonewalling. Americans dont want to hear that answers to relevant questions are privileged or off limits, Wyden said. We are talking about an attack on our democratic institutions, and stonewalling of any kind is unacceptable. Sessions shot back: I am not stonewalling. I am following the historic policies of the Department of Justice. Wyden noted that Comey had said it was problematic for Sessions to oversee the Russia probe, for reasons he did not explain in a public setting. Sessions became angry again when Wyden pressed him to explain what facts might be problematic about his involvement in the probe. Why dont you tell me? There are none, Senator Wyden. There are none, Sessions said. This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me, and I dont appreciate it. Earlier Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein appeared before lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee. He responded to questions regarding comments Monday from Christopher Ruddy, the chief executive of Newsmax Media and a friend of Trump, that the president might fire special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Mueller was recently appointed to lead the investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to influence the 2016 election. Rosenstein said that if the president ordered him to fire Mueller, he would comply only if the request was lawful and appropriate. Rosenstein, who has been on the job for six weeks, said only he could fire Mueller and only if he found good cause to do so. He described Mueller as operating independently from the Justice Department in his investigation. Julie Tate and Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report. A bipartisan group of senators fell short Tuesday in an effort to block part of President Trumps arms sale to Saudi Arabia but delivered a symbolic rebuke over what senators said is the indiscriminate use of American-made weapons to kill civilians in Yemen. The vote was 53 to 47 against an unusual measure that would have held up the sale of more than $500 million in precision-guided munitions. The weapons are used by Saudi Arabia in its war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. Human rights groups and the resolutions sponsors allege that Saudi Arabia uses the technology to target civilians and infrastructure such as roads, bridges and hospitals. By extension, opponents of the sale argue, the United States is contributing to a worsening man-made famine. This barbaric nation should not be getting our weapons, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a resolution sponsor, argued to his colleagues ahead of the vote. Paul charged that Saudi Arabia is helping push 17 million people to the brink of starvation in Yemen while it imprisons, tortures and beheads its political opponents. There is probably no greater purveyor of hatred for Christianity and Judaism than Saudi Arabia, he said. Some will argue its a jobs program. Well, isnt that swell? Were going to give weapons to people who behead you and crucify you? [A child in Yemen dies every 10 minutes as aid funding falls short, U.N. says] Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) argued that blocking the sale would be shortsighted and appeared aimed at complaining about Trumps foreign policy generally. Im afraid this vote is somewhat about some members wanting to get a piece of President Trumps hide, Corker said on the Senate floor. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), also a sponsored the resolution against the sale, noted the relatively close vote. My resolution halting $500m of Saudi arms sale failed 47-53, he wrote on Twitter. But 20 more votes than similar resolution last fall. Strong message to Saudis. Paul issued a statement promising to continue to take a stance against waging an undeclared war and fueling an arms race in the Middle East. I applaud those who voted with me to block this proposed arms sale, and I hope this sends a clear message to Saudi Arabia that the United States will not just stand by as they massacre their unarmed neighbors, Paul said. In addition to Paul, three other Republicans voted to block the sale: Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Todd C. Young of Indiana and Dean Heller of Nevada. Five Democrats went the other way: Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, Bill Nelson of Florida and Mark R. Warner of Virginia. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Monday that he would vote against the sale of precision-guided munitions, clearing the way for many other Democrats to follow suit. Last year, an effort to block a tank sale to Saudi Arabia led by Paul and Murphy garnered the support of 27 senators, four of them Republicans. The State Department has argued that the guidance systems help Saudi Arabia improve the accuracy of bombs that might otherwise risk greater civilian casualties, although U.S. officials have expressed concern over Saudi targeting. The Obama administration initially approved the sale, then put it on hold in December over concerns about civilian deaths. The Trump administration revived the deal, and it was touted as part of a massive bundle of current and future arms sales when Trump visited Saudi Arabia last month. U.S. officials also argue that the oversight that comes with such sales, combined with increased U.S. training and engagement with the Saudi military, gives Washington leverage that it would lose if the sales were halted as a protest. Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sought to defend broad and deep spending cuts in foreign aid on Tuesday before skeptical, often caustic senators who warned that slashing humanitarian and development funding would endanger national security. I think this budget request is radical and reckless when it comes to soft power, said Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), chairman of an appropriations subcommittee, which is examining the Trump administrations proposed $37.6 billion budget for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, a drop of about 30 percent. Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) said the budget symbolizes a U.S. retreat from world leadership that China and Russia will rush to fill. Why would we give up that influence? Leahy asked. Does it make us safer? Why would we want to let some of these totalitarian regimes expand their influence instead of American influence? Does that make us safer? We cant build a Fortress America, he concluded. [Tillerson tells State Department employees that budget cut reflects new priorities] That message, delivered to Tillerson by both Republicans and Democrats, was the leitmotif throughout back-to-back hearings at the Foreign Relations Committee in the morning and the Appropriations Committee in the afternoon. Although senators acknowledged that some change in the State Department is overdue, the budgetary approach Tillerson outlined was dismissed as penny-wise and pound-foolish, an aphorism repeated several times in both committees. Tillerson said that it is not fair to judge the effectiveness of foreign aid by how much money is spent. Throughout my career I have never believed, or experienced, that the level of funding devoted to a goal is the most important factor in achieving it, said Tillerson, former chief executive of ExxonMobil. Our budget will never determine our ability to be effective our people will. Several other high-profile hearings were underway while Tillerson was on the hot seat, and most senators wandered away after grilling the top diplomat. In part, that was an acknowledgment that the money Congress ultimately allocates to the State Department is going to be higher than the administration requested. I think you know that the budget thats been presented is not going to be the budget were going to deal with. Its just not, said Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the Foreign Relations Committee chairman, who said that he quit reading its line-by-line details after a few minutes because it bears no relation to what the final version will be. If budgets are a statement of values, Tillerson argued that this budget does not mean that the United States under President Trump is retreating from global leadership as it asks other countries to do more. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, among other leaders, has warned that allies cannot rely on the same set of assumptions about U.S. commitment and support. French officials have said that Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, among other actions, is part of a deliberate reordering of post-World War II expectations. [Following Trumps trip, Merkel says Europe cant rely on others. She means the U.S.] But Tillerson Trumps top diplomat said that some world leaders are grateful for the clarity of Trumps expectations. Tillerson said he read Merkels remarks, delivered after Trumps recent trip to Europe, as encouragement to her country to step up its defense spending and international obligations. She was saying, We should not look to America to carry us on their backs every step of the way, Tillerson said. Tillerson also confirmed that the Trump administration will step back from some of the economic initiatives to Cuba begun under President Barack Obama. Some of the U.S. effort is serving only to support the Castro regime, and there are no meaningful signs that the engagement is easing repression in Cuba, Tillerson said. We think we have achieved very little, he said. But the heart of Tillerson's hearing was the competing visions for America as reflected in its foreign aid budget. Tillerson argued that the primary goal of government spending should be to protect Americans and advance the countrys prosperity. The first responsibility of government is the security of its own citizens, and we will orient our diplomatic efforts toward fulfilling that commitment, Tillerson said. But few senators went along with the administrations view that big foreign aid cuts are needed to help finance increases in military spending. Graham came to the hearing equipped with visuals, including an enlarged quotation from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, contending that a State Department that isnt fully funded means he must buy more ammunition. While I understand the need for hard power, I dont understand the need to cut soft power, Graham said. This budget will cost influence. Its going to put lives at risk. Given our role in the world, were sacrificing influence at a time when we need more, he added. I dont want to retreat from the world right now. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the role Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) holds in the appropriations committee. Panamas vice president and foreign minister, Isabel de Saint Malo, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sign a joint communique in Beijing on Tuesday. (Pool photo by Greg Baker via European Pressphoto Agency/ ) Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen reacted angrily Tuesday to Panamas decision to shift diplomatic ties to China, insisting that Taipei will never bow down to threats and intimidation from Beijing and is determined to uphold its sovereignty. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced on television Monday evening that he was establishing diplomatic ties with China and breaking with Taiwan, saying he was convinced this is the correct path for our country. He added that China constituted 20 percent of the worlds population, has the second-biggest economy and is the second-biggest user of the Panama Canal. The move comes as Beijing steps up efforts to isolate Taipei internationally since last years election of Tsai. The Government of the Republic of Panama recognizes that only one China exists in the world, the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all China, and Taiwan forms an inalienable part of Chinese territory, a joint statement from China and Panama read. Panama is the second country to break with Taiwan since Tsais election last year, following the small African islands of Sao Tome and Principe. For the first time in eight years, Taiwan was not invited to the annual assembly of the World Health Organization last month. It was also excluded from a global forum of the International Civil Aviation Organization last year. Both moves reportedly came at the insistence of Beijing, which has made clear its displeasure with Tsais reluctance to explicitly endorse the idea that there is only one China, encompassing the mainland and the island of Taiwan. [China brazenly arrests Taiwanese activist and Trump administration says nothing] China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and insists that any country that establishes diplomatic relations with Beijing must cut them with Taipei. It says its relationship with Taipei is founded on the 1992 consensus between the two sides that effectively rules out the idea of Taiwan ever gaining independence. But that was a deal reached by a government run by the Kuomintang party in Taiwan, not Tsais Democratic Progressive Party, and while Tsai has indicated she respects the agreement and says she wants dialogue and friendly ties with Beijing, she has been reluctant to spell out an explicit endorsement. In the past, China and Taiwan had competed to win diplomatic allies, wooing poorer countries with promises of aid and investment. But they established an unofficial truce under the Kuomintang government, with neither trying aggressively to upset the status quo, experts say. Panamas move decreases to 20 the number of countries formally recognizing Taiwan, most of them in Latin America and the Caribbean. A former ambassador to China for Mexico, Jorge Guajardo, tweeted that he expected the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua to follow suit soon. Big question is, will Vatican ditch Taiwan for Beijing? he added. Tsai addressed the Taiwanese people on Tuesday afternoon, vowing that Taipei will not engage in a diplomatic bidding war, nor succumb to Beijings threats. We are a sovereign country. This sovereignty cannot be challenged or traded, she said, insisting that her people want peace but that Beijing is pushing relations toward confrontation. Coercion and threats will not bring the two sides together. Instead they will drive our two peoples apart, she said. On behalf of the 23 million people of Taiwan, I declare that we will never surrender to such intimidation. Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Taiwans international isolation is not in the interest of the United States or the rest of the world. [Trump now says he would check with China before calling Taiwans president] Taiwan has a great deal to offer the international community, ranging from top-quality medical services to strong IT talent and active international NGOs that provide disaster relief to countries in need, she said, adding that the United States and other countries should find creative ways to engage with Taiwan. Nor are Chinas pressure tactics doing anything to help it win hearts and minds in Taiwan, experts say. So far the tactic has only succeeded in alienating the Taiwanese public and reinforced notions of separateness, said J. Michael Cole, a senior fellow at the University of Nottinghams China Policy Institute and chief editor of the Taiwan Sentinel website. As long as such efforts do not substantially undermine Taiwans ability to function as a sovereign state and no theft of a smallish diplomatic ally will ever achieve this then I dont see how or why the Taiwanese would give in to such pressure by deciding to accommodate Beijing, he said. A poll released by the Taiwanese government over the weekend showed nearly three-quarters of respondents rejected Beijings insistence on the one-China principle as a precondition to political ties. More than 80 percent said Chinas efforts to limit Taiwans international space hurt their interests, and a similar proportion said China should recognize the existence of the Republic of China, as Taiwan officially calls itself. Cole said Taiwan needs to focus more on developing healthy relations with unofficial allies that are democracies and important economies and not worry about maintaining official ties with small states that want infrastructure investment Taiwan cannot afford. Read more: In historic decision, Taiwanese court rules in favor of same-sex marriage Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of... Snap Inc. is a social media company operating globally. The company was founded in September 2011 by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. Originally known as Snapchat, the company changed its name to Snap in order to represent its offerings better as it grew over the years. The companys headquarters are in Santa Monica, California and it is a very tightly held company. The original founders, Evan Speigel and Bobby Murphy own a combined 45% of non-dilutable shares with ownership transferable to the other upon death. The two remain active in the company today serving on the board and acting as CEO (Speigel) and CTO (Murphy). The company was formerly known as Snapchat, Inc. and changed its name to Snap Inc. in September 2016. Snap Inc. was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Over the years it has been courted by most of the big tech companies including Facebook and Google but has always opted to remain a standalone company. The business went public in 2017 and raised $30 billion on its opening day which is about 10 times the expected amount. Today, Snap operates as a camera company internationally. The companys main revenue streams are Snapchat, a mobile app for cameras and communications, and Spectacles, a wearable augmented reality device. Snapchat is a camera app that allows users to take pictures and tell stories, the platform also permits ad sales which is an integral part of the revenue and earnings. The companys mission? To empower people to express themselves in todays digital world. Spectacles is a hardware device that can connect with Snapchat to deliver pictures and video from a point-of-view perspective. The company has since made three upgrades to the original version and has a Next Generation model available too. The Next Generation of Spectacles are not intended for sale but will be made available to creators who wish to push the boundaries of video and digital communications. In October 2022 the company reported it had more than 347milion daily active users with more than 250 million engaging with AR each day. The platform had more than 250,000 Lens creators (Lenses are AR experiences) with more than 2.5 million lenses created. There were more than 6 billion lens plays each day and more than 75% of 13-34-year-olds in 20 countries were users. MSCI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides investment decision support tools for the clients to manage their investment processes worldwide. It operates through four segments: Index, Analytics, ESG and Climate, and All Other - Private Assets. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed product creation, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. The Analytics segment offers risk management, performance attribution and portfolio management content, application, and service that provides an integrated view of risk and return, and an analysis of market, credit, liquidity, and counterparty risk across asset classes; managed services, including consolidation of client portfolio data from various sources, review and reconciliation of input data and results, and customized reporting; and HedgePlatform to measure, evaluate, and monitor the risk of hedge fund investments. The ESG and Climate segment provides products and services that help institutional investors understand how ESG factors impact the long-term risk and return of their portfolio and individual security-level investments; and data, ratings, research, and tools to help investors navigate increasing regulation. The All Other - Private Assets segment includes real estate market and transaction data, benchmarks, return-analytics, climate assessments and market insights for funds, investors, and managers; business intelligence to real estate owners, managers, developers, and brokers; and offers investment decision support tools for private capital. It serves asset owners and managers, financial intermediaries, wealth managers, real estate professionals, and corporates. MSCI Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Much of the body of a wee Cretaceous-era chick was preserved in incredible detail in a piece of Burmese amber, and bears "unusual plumage," according to the researchers who described the unique find in a new study. Excavated from a mine in what is now northern Myanmar, the precious lump of fossilized tree sap is estimated to be about 98 million years old, and holds the most complete specimen to date representing a group of extinct toothed birds called enantiornithines (eh-nan-tee-or-NITH'-eh-neez), which died out at the end of the Cretaceous period (about 145 million to 65.5 million years ago). Body proportions and plumage development in the tiny specimen indicated that it was very young, while details in the feathers' structures and distribution highlighted some of the key differences between these ancient avians and modern-day birds, the scientists wrote in the study. [See Stunning Photos of the Cretaceous Chick in Amber] Though scientists had previously found specimens of this bird group in amber, the new find included features never seen before, such as the ear opening, the eyelid and skin on the feet. Its body measured about 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) in length, from the tip of its beak to the end of the truncated tail. The scientists used micro-CT scans and digital 3D reconstruction to further analyze the specimen processes that took nearly a year to complete, study co-author Jingmai O'Connor, a professor with the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told Live Science in an email. In a small lump of amber, a tiny, taloned foot is the most visible part of a hatchling that was entombed nearly 100 million years ago. Lida Xing The amber chunk which measured around 3.4 inches (8.6 cm) long, 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide and 2.2 inches (5.7 cm) thick had been divided down the middle into two pieces. Unfortunately, this cut sliced through the specimen's skull, damaging some of the bones and relegating the chick's beak to one amber fragment and the braincase and neck to the other, the researchers reported. Story continues Even so, the body was near-complete, with the amber containing the tiny bird's head and neck, part of its wings, feet and tail; and plenty of soft tissue and attached feathers. The bird was undergoing its first molt when it became caught in the sticky tree sap; there was only a light covering of plumage on its body. But it already had a full set of flight feathers on its wings, suggesting that birds in this group were highly independent from an early age, the study authors wrote. CT data revealed the avian fledgling trapped in the amber, here pictured next to a reconstruction showing how the animal may have looked in life. Reconstruction by Cheung Chung Tat In recent years, amber fossils have revealed fascinating glimpses of life from many millions of years ago from ant-termite warfare and a daddy longlegs' long-lasting erection to a spider attacking prey in its web and a bug that jumped out of its skin. And when it comes to birds, fossils' exceptional preservation of plumage helps paleontologists understand the diversity of feathers and the role they played for early avians, O'Connor said in the email. "Feathers can never be well understood in normal fossils," O'Connor said. "But in amber, we get crystal-clear views of what primitive feathers were like, and they reveal all sorts of bizarre morphologies," she said. The findings were published online June 6 in the journal Gondwana Research. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Photo credit: USAFE From Popular Mechanics If the Air Force gets its way, the service soon could be losing more than 100 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. It's the latest twist in a long fight over the future of the iconic ground-attack airplane. The Air Force has 283 A-10s divided into nine squadrons, and as DefenseNews reports today, the service's 2018 budget includes money to operate and maintain all of them. The problem is that these older planes need new wing sets because many of the wings are reaching the end of their operational lifetimes. However, the budget funds new wings for only six squadrons, or 173 planes. Do the math and you can see that leaves 110 Warthogs out in the cold. Mothballing the A-10 has been a contentious proposition for years now. The Warthogs have a lot of years on them and the Air Force intended to replace some of the A-10's ground attack capability with F-35s that were built to play multiple roles. But American troops adore the hardy, rugged, difficult-to-kill A-10. Getting the F-35 into service has been... a challenge. The Warthog has a lot of friends in Congress, too, who have pushed back against USAF plans to retire the plane, and might push back against this new effort, too. There's also the issue of the A-10's potential successor, as DefenseNews reports: Although an A-10 follow-on aircraft - sometimes called A-X - is still on the table, Holmes noted that decision would come further in the future as the Air Force contemplates whether to replace the remaining 173 A-10s with a purpose-built close air support platform in the late 2020s. The short-term solution seems to be for Congress to approve the money for A-10 wings that the Pentagon asked for in its "unfunded priorities" list, which, as we explained earlier this week, is basically the military's wish list for things it would love to have if the money is there. That won't pay for all these new Boeing wings, though. So the Warthog saga slogs on. Story continues Source: DefenseNews You Might Also Like Families from one of the USs most notorious school shootings have reacted with outcry after NBC broadcast an interview with a leading conspiracy theorist who said the incident never happened and that parents faked their children's deaths. Alex Jones, host of the Infowars, has claimed over the years that the US government was involved in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the attacks of 9/11. He also said the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook that left 26 people dead, including 20 children, never happened. Mr Jones has now repeated his comments, including about what he says never happened at the elementary school in Connecticut, in an interview to NBCs Megyn Kelly. Ms Kelly, who earlier this year quit Fox News, started by asking him if he was the most paranoid person in the country. Actually, in our sit-down @RealAlexJones describes self as a libertarian who "likes what republicans stand for" but has issues w/them 2. https://t.co/TWa6iDaiyi Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 12, 2017 She said he had made his reputation by spreading conspiracy theories, including the claim that Sandy Hook did not happen. When you say parents faked their children's deaths, people get upset, she said. Mr Jones responded: But they dont get angry about half-a-million dead Iraqis killed by sanctions. Ms Kelly told Mr Jones that his response was a dodge. He denied it, adding: I looked at all the angles about Newtown, I made my statement before the other media picked it up. Ms Kellys decision to to provide a platform to Mr Jones had raised questions even before she released parts of the interview ahead of its broadcast, scheduled for June 18. When it emerged Ms Jones had defended his views about Sandy Hook, an incident he said was staged with the use of child actors, some of the parents of the youngsters and teachers killed, wrote to NBC and Ms Kelly, expressing their outrage. Story continues The family of slain teacher Vicki Soto, posted a letter on Facebook, saying they were "disgusted and disappointed" in the decision to air the interview. Alex and his followers have done nothing but make our lives a living hell for the last four-and-a-half, they said. This incessant need for ratings at the cost of the emotional well-being of our family is disgusting and disappointing. You should be ashamed of yourselves for allowing this behaviour. Nelba Marquez-Greene, whose six-year-old daughter, Ana Grace, was among those killed, said she feared the interview with Mr Jones would encourage other conspiracy theorists who have harassed her and accused her of being part of a hoax. POTUS's been on & praises @RealAlexJones' show. He's giving Infowars a WH press credential. Many don't know him; our job is 2 shine a light. https://t.co/5e88BJyqnz Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 12, 2017 Any time you give someone like Alex Jones a platform, their followers will double-down or increase their attack on grieving families, she told the Associated Press. You cant just put him in a box and say he's just a character. Hes really hurting people. Ms Kelly has reportedly defended the decision to interview Mr Jones by saying it her job to shine a light. NBC did not immediately respond to inquiries. Angela Merkel has condemned putting up walls during a visit to Mexico, in a thinly veiled criticism of Donald Trump. The German Chancellor was speaking on a panel with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, but did not explicitly mention the US President. Mr Trump has vowed to build a wall on his countrys southern border, making it a key tenet of his 2016 election campaign. Ms Merkel said the key to solving problems with migration was building relationships and understanding with other countries. "Obviously the main reason for people leaving must be addressed on site first, which means putting up walls and cutting oneself off will not solve the problem, Ms Merkel said. She said lessons could be drawn from the great empires of the past. Essentially, only when great empires have managed to forge sensible relationships with their neighbours and to manage migration has it been a success, the Chancellor said. Ms Merkel added that she didn't think that "simply improving the border facilities" would solve the problem. President Trump made a US border wall with Mexico a consistent but controversial theme of his campaign, claiming it was needed to keep out illegal immigrants and criminals. At rallies, Mr Trump would tell supporters the Mexican government would pay for the structure. But Mr Pena Nieto ruled out paying for a wall several times and Mr Trump did not allocate funding for it in his April budget plan. Soon after his inauguration, Mr Trump signed an executive order authorising the wall, but work on it is yet to begin. Last week, Mr Trump proposed funding the wall by installing solar panels on it. An Indiana father shot and killed his 9-year-old daughter while telling his children to not play with guns, police said. Shes dead. Shes f***ing dead, he told officers who arrived at his Hobart home, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Lake County. Read: Ex-Psychologist Gets 3 Years for Shooting Husband as He Slept Just Feet From Their Children Olivia Hummel was unresponsive and lying in a bedroom entrance when police responded to a call of a person shot, police said. Its hard to wrap your head around it, Hobart Police Lt. James Gonzales told InsideEdition.com Tuesday. The dad told officers he had been showing the weapon to his twin 10-year-old sons and told them to never use a gun when his daughter walked into the room. He pulled the trigger, shooting the girl in the head, police said. The boys told police their father had forgotten hed put bullets in the gun, according to the affidavit. Earlier, he had emptied the weapon and pulled the trigger while pointing it at the boys, they told officers. He then reloaded the gun, police said. When Olivia walked into the room, he said See, dont play with guns, and shot her, according to the document. He shooted her, one of the boys told officers on the scene. Read: Teen Watched as Her Mother Was Fatally Shot by Estranged Husband Outside School: Friend The father told police he had been showing the gun to his kids and didnt think it was loaded. I shot her," Hummel told his wife on the phone before he was taken into custody, according to the affidavit. "Im so sorry. It was so stupid." Hummel was arrested and charged with reckless homicide, neglect of a child resulting in death, battery resulting in death and two counts of child neglect. He has been released on $70,000 bail, police said. Watch: Husband Accidentally Shoots Wife in Stomach After Hunting Flower-Eating Squirrel Related Articles: The president convened his first full cabinet meeting at an oval mahogany desk. Then each member made obsequious opening remarks Before a contingent of cameras on Monday, Donald Trump convened his first full cabinet meeting. Seated around an oval mahogany desk in the White Houses Cabinet Room was his newly-assembled brain trust: the collection of secretaries, directors and senior staff he appointed and hired to execute his America First vision, a task often complicated by the mercurial @realDonaldTrump. Trump began the meeting with an appraisal of his presidency. Never has there been a president, with few exceptions, the case of FDR he had a major Depression to handle whos passed more legislation whos done more things than what weve done, Trump said, his eyes trained on cameras. Finally held our first full @Cabinet meeting today. With this great team, we can restore American prosperity and bring real change to D.C. pic.twitter.com/2M9PiKjCSH Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2017 No matter that the Republican-controlled Congress has not passed a single major piece of legislation since Trump took office. Or that his budget was laughed off by lawmakers as magical thinking. Or that his travel ban remains tied up in the courts. Or that the former FBI director James Comey, whom he dispatched in a shocking turn of events, testified under oath that Trump had asked him to shut down an investigation into his former national security advisers ties to Russia. A recent Gallup poll survey showed Trumps job approval ranking slumped to a record low, with just 36% of voters approving. Weve achieved tremendous success, Trump continued, painting a rosy picture of the administrations achievements. Weve been about as active as you can possibly be at just about a record-setting pace. Story continues Behind him, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon sat, staring ahead intensely as if running through the unchecked items scribbled on a dry-erase board in his office. Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, leaned against the window next to Bannon. Trump then suggested the group go around the table and introduce themselves before reporters were ushered out of the room. Im going to start with our vice-president. Where is our vice-president? Trump asked, swiveling his head to look for Mike Pence before spotting him seated in the vice-presidents assigned seat, directly across from the president. There he is, Trump said jovially to titters from the others. Well start with Mike and then well just go around, your name, your position, Trump instructed, like a teacher on the first day of school. This is just the greatest privilege of my life, Pence said, offering honeyed words about the president before turning over the spotlight to the attorney general, who on Tuesday will be hauled before the Senate Intelligence Committee to testify about his contacts with Russian officials. We thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that youve given us to serve your agenda Chief of staff Reince Priebus It is so great to be here, Jeff Sessions told Trump in perhaps an understated sign of relief after he reportedly offered the president his resignation in recent weeks. The flattery continued as each member of his cabinet took turns praising the president. My hats off to you, said energy secretary Rick Perry, praising Trump for withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, to which every country is a signatory except for Syria, which is in the middle of a years-long civil war, and Nicaragua, which did not believe the pact went far enough in combatting global warming. Its a new day at the United Nations, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, declared. I think the international community knows were back. I want to thank you for getting this country moving again, said transportation secretary Elaine Chao. She thanked the president for visiting the Department of Transportation during infrastructure week, the White Houses attempt to refocus attention on its domestic agenda while more than 19m people tuned in to hear Comey call the president a liar. Hundreds and hundreds of people were just so thrilled, hanging out, watching the whole ceremony, she said of his visit. Donald Trump at his first cabinet meeting in the White House. Photograph: Pool/Getty Images I apologize for being late to work, quipped Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative, the last member of Trumps cabinet to be confirmed. For months I got bogged down in that swamp that youve been trying to clean. CIA director, Mike Pompeo, drew laughs from the table, including the president, who gave an approving nod of his head, with a barb aimed at the press. But perhaps the most grateful person in the room was Trumps chief of staff, Reince Priebus, whose job security has long been a topic of speculation. We thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that youve given us to serve your agenda, Priebus told the president. When the circle of adulation concluded, Trump shooed the press out of the room as they shouted questions in vain. Thank you, he repeated. The show was over. Trump had turned a typically staid event into an unusual spectacle, especially for those used to the more traditional scene, where the press are wheeled in for photographs and brief remarks before being shown the door. The meeting immediately began drawing derision on Twitter. I ran 16 Cabinet meetings during Obama's 1st term. Our Cabinet was never told to sing Obama's praises. He wanted candid advice not adulation Chris Lu (@ChrisLu44) June 12, 2017 Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumermocked the presidents cabinet meeting in a spoof video that featured him around with young staffers who praised his performance on the Sunday talk shows and his hair. The New York Democrat posted on Twitter with the exclamation: GREAT meeting today with the best staff in the history of the world!!! Not one to be outdone, especially by Schumer, who he has accused of crying fake tears, Trump tweeted later that evening a video of the meeting and praised his great team. At a time of growing Chinese investment, Panama has cut ties with Taiwan to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing. But Chinas real impetus for bringing Panama into its fold is most likely political, seeking to punish Taiwans independent-minded president by poaching one of the islands few remaining friends. Panama President Juan Carlos Varela announced the switch on Tuesday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a press conference that the two countries would cooperate in trade, investment, and tourism. Wang also encouraged Panama to participate in the Belt and Road initiative, a vague but sweeping plan championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping to forge trade deals, build infrastructure, and bolster Chinese soft power around the globe. Chinese investment in Panama has vastly expanded in recent years as Beijing has pushed to secure trade and investment deals around the world. The Panama Canal, the narrow choke-point through which virtually all Pacific-Atlantic maritime trade must flow, has been a particular target. In 2016, the Chinese state-linked Landbridge Group signed a 99-year lease for Panamas largest port, Margarita Island, which handles distribution of goods on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Chinese state enterprises have also looked to develop approximately 1,200 hectares of land around the canal. While lack of official ties with Panama hasnt seemed to hinder investment, the growing business links have certainly deepened Chinas interests in the Central American nation. But it is politics, not economics, that most likely motivated Beijing. The loss of a diplomatic ally and Taipei is down to 19 countries plus the Vatican puts heavy pressure on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Cross-strait relations have remained tense since Tsai was elected last year, ousting the Beijing-friendly KMT party and giving Tsai a mandate to push back against Chinese influence on the island. Beijing cut off official communication with Taiwan in June 2016 after Tsai refused to explicitly affirm the 1992 consensus, which holds that there is only one China. Story continues Beijing can easily lure Taiwans diplomatic allies to their side through the promise of trade deals, though allowing some countries to maintain relations with Taiwan can also serve Chinas own purposes. It allows political bargaining chips to be played when Taiwan crosses the line. Beijing has steadily chipped away at Taiwans presence on the international stage, blocking its participation in multilateral organizations and committees. Most recently, under Chinese pressure, the World Health Organization blocked Taiwans participation in its annual assembly, refusing to grant it the observer status it had enjoyed since 2009. Panamanian recognition of China is the latest diplomatic blow to Taiwan. The other 20 partners have been recipients of Taiwanese development aid a remnant of Taiwans dollar diplomacy, in which it competed with Beijing for the allegiance of developing states but its a shrinking club, down from around 30 in the 1990s. Before Panama, Beijings latest catch was the small island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, as punishment for Tsais phone call with then-President-elect Donald Trump, the first time since 1979 that a U.S. president or president-elect has spoken directly with a Taiwanese head of state. Since the United States does not have official relations with Taiwan, to China the call was just a little too intimate. Now, Panama is defecting. Despite our national security team having prior knowledge of the situation and making every possible effort, the end result was still deeply regrettable, said Tsai in a June 13 address. Although we have lost a diplomatic ally, our refusal to engage in a diplomatic bidding war will not change. Panamas change of heart suggests that Taiwans other relationships in the region may be in jeopardy: Nicaragua also maintains relations with Taiwan, and it has also received billions of dollars of Chinese investment. In 2013, Chinese billionaire Wang Jing signed a $40 billion deal to build a canal through a 170-mile swath of the country, a deeper and wider rival to the Panama Canal. Domestic opposition and red tape has so far prevented significant progress on the massive project. GREG BAKER/AFP/Getty Images If the Democrats want to build a serious, dominant party, they must proffer more than Clinton-era platitudes and neoliberal gut-punches Sanders though technically not a Democrat who remains the most popular Democratic figure in America Photograph: Jim Young/AFP/Getty Images The newest idea circulating among the very smart people who report and commentate on American politics is that the Democratic party, so enfeebled in the age of Donald Trump, might be in danger of veering too far left. While Bernie Sanders tries to foment his revolution across the country, many Democratic elected officials and operatives are wary that candidates too steeped in socialism will blow it in the more moderate and conservative-seeming precincts of the country. They point to the losses of Sanders-backed candidates, fretting that the partys fiery wing will burn away the real voters they need. For most Democrats aligned with the establishment, the dream is Jon Ossoff. A 30-year-old first-time candidate running in a special election for a suburban Georgia congressional district once held by Trumps Health and Human Services secretary, Tom Price, Ossoff has shattered fundraising records and holds leads in the polls over his Republican opponent. Once viewed a long shot, Ossoff has a real chance of winning on 20 June. Though hes raising cash like a Sanders clone, his politics are well to the right. He has said he will never support single-payer healthcare or raising taxes. His campaign messaging is rather milquetoast: he promises, as a political outsider, to go against the grain in Washington. Nine times out of ten, anyone who says theyll be an independent in DC gets swallowed up by the swamp soon enough. Maybe Ossoff is different. What he represents, however, is a seeming compromise between the two paths offered up for Democrats a way to raise gobs of money from the grassroots without stumping on the issues that could alienate the partys influential donors and power brokers. The danger for Democrats, however, is thinking Ossoff-like candidates moderates with poll-tested prescriptions point the easy path forward. Liberals of all stripes, desperate for ways to resist the Trump presidency, are pouring their money and attention into a well-timed special election which may foreshadow an anti-Trump wave next year. The appeal of flipping a red district blue only amplifies that. Story continues Party strategists are right to argue that candidates cant be one-size-fits-all, ultra-leftists checking off every box for a Democratic purity test. But they must understand it is Sanders right now who is offering a viable path to resurrection. It is Sanders though technically not a Democrat who remains the most popular Democratic figure in America by far, a frontrunner for the 2020 nomination if he decides to run. If hes healthy, age is no barrier, because political rules like that dont exist any more. Trump was older than Ronald Reagan when he took office and even his worst enemies couldnt accuse him of seeming lethargic. Its the message, as always, that matters most. There may be a backlash against Trump-like candidates slovenly, know-nothing celebrities but a centrist revival is not exactly imminent. Hillary Clinton won the nomination in 2016 running far to the left of her former president husband, and she still proved insipid in the end because she offered no unified, compelling vision for the country, no real reason to vote for herself except as a vessel to stop Trump. As of now, that is the only plan for Democrats in 2018: we are not Trump, so put us in office. In the short term, that might be enough. Thats how congressional elections, far more nationalized than they once were, work these days. But limiting the Democratic party to an anti-Trump wing obsessed with Russia promises little in long-term fruit. Franklin Roosevelt made generations of Americans Democrats by creating the New Deal and showing even the countrys right wing that government can play the role of protector, guaranteeing dignity and safety for the most vulnerable. Sanders and his acolytes now carry that torch, fighting for a desperately-needed social safety net that other first-world democracies guaranteed to their citizens long ago. Not every Sanders-backed candidate wins. That misses the point. If the Democrats want to build a serious, dominant party in the years to come, they must speak to the overwhelming anxieties of the working class and poor and proffer more than Clinton-era platitudes and neoliberal gut-punches. Globalization, automation and the decline of organized labor has permanently eviscerated a crucial layer of the safety net already. To not have an answer to this suffering is to backslide further into irrelevance, which the Democrats already know something about. Bill Cosby arrives for his trial on sexual assault charges at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennslyvania: Getty The defence presented by Bill Cosbys legal team in the comedians long-awaited sexual assault trial lasted all of six minutes, and produced a single witness. Its closing statements, however, lasted two hours. In a sprawling statement to a Pennsylvania courtroom, lawyer Brian McMonagle presented the case for the innocence of Cosby by painting his client as honest, his accuser as inconsistent, and the media as complicit. This is not a civil case about money, money, money, Mr McMonagle told the jury. Were talking about all the mans tomorrows. Cosby, who has been charged with three counts of aggravated indecent assault, could spend the rest of his life in jail if found guilty. The charges stem from an incident in 2004, in which both Cosby and his accuser agree they engaged in sexual contact. Cosbys defence has claimed the encounter was consensual. His accuser, Andrea Constand, says it was assault. Ms Constand testified last week that she had attended a private dinner at Cosbys home, where he gave her pills that made her slur her speech, see double, and feel frozen. She said he then helped her to his couch and molested her. In his closing remarks, Mr McMonagle focused primarily on poking holes in Ms Constand's story. He pointed out inconsistencies in her statements to police over the years, and highlighted the dozens of phone calls she made to the comedian in the months after the alleged assault. This isnt talking to a trustee, Mr McMonagle said, referring to Cosbys role as trustee at the university where Ms Constand was employed. This is talking to a lover. It was the last of several attempts by the defence to paint Cosby and Ms Constands relationship as romantic, and their encounters as consensual. Lawyers had previously detailed instances in which Ms Constand visited the entertainers hotel room alone, and attended dimly lit dinners at his home. Ms Constand claims she saw the entertainer as a mentor and somewhat of an older figure. Story continues Bill Cosby's trial picks back up this morning in Norristown! The big question is whether he will choose to testify. #cosbytrial pic.twitter.com/aE2fVH8JP5 Julie Grant (@JulieGrantEsq) June 12, 2017 At one point, in a rare moment of self-awareness for the trial, Mr McMonagle addressed the larger context of the allegations: more than 50 women have accused Cosby of sexual assault in recent years, setting off a firestorm of media coverage and essentially destroying the comedians family-friendly image. Some of the accusers sat in on the closing arguments today. You know why were here; lets be real. Right? Mr McMongale said at one point, gesturing to the area where the accusers, the press, and members of the public sat. Were not here because of Andrea Constand, he told the jury. That was over in 2005. Were here because of this nonsense. Were here because of them. Cosby accuser Victoria Valentino: I believe there could be hundreds of victims Cosby sexually assaulted.#cosbytrial pic.twitter.com/P3XhE9rTpz Phil Gianficaro (@philgianficaro) June 5, 2017 Cosby did not testify at his trial. Instead, the defence called a single witness, Detective Richard Schaffer, who lead the 2005 investigation into Ms Constands allegations. Lawyers questioned Mr Schaffer for approximately six minutes, then rested their defence. Judge Steven ONeill denied the defences request to bring forward a second witness, a woman who had worked with Ms Constand at Cosbys alma mater. Cosbys long-expected decision not to testify means his only statements in the trial come from a previously sealed deposition. The deposition was taken for a lawsuit filed by Ms Constand in 2005, after detectives unexpectedly closed her sexual assault case. The prosecution presented excerpts from the deposition last week, including segments in which Cosby admitted to engaging with Ms Constand in the area that is somewhere between permission and rejection. She did not stop me. And I wanted to go, Cosby told detectives at the time. The jury will now move to deliberations. Video has emerged of the moment New Mexico authorities discovered a woman chained up in the back of a van earlier this year. The New Mexico State Police this week released footage taken in January during a traffic stop in Albuquerque. They say it shows the victim of a Nevada kidnapping alive but shaken by her 12-hour ordeal. Read: Cops Say Suspected Serial Killer Met With Mom Before Confessing to Quadruple Murder "Oh my God, thank you," she tells the officers in the shocking video, which is making headlines on the heels of another in which a South Carolina woman was found chained in a shipping container, allegedly at the hands of a confessed serial killer. In this case, cops believe the woman was the only victim of her alleged kidnappers, who cops have named as her ex-boyfriend and his 19-year-old companion, the AP reports. The ex, Jack Morgan, and Sophie Brown were arrested following the Jan. 30 traffic stop in Espanola that allegedly ended a kidnapping hatched from a full year of planning. According to a federal criminal complaint, the victim was seen bound and gagged being dragged down three flights of stairs wearing only underwear at a Las Vegas apartment complex. A witness told police the woman was put into a white van with Texas license plates. Cops reportedly found a knife and stun gun in the woman's apartment, as well as her purse. Cops somehow identified Morgan as a person of interest in the case before they were led to New Mexico by his cellphone location. When Morgan and Brown were first pulled over, cops said they heard screams from the back of the van. "He dragged me out of the place, and I fought so (expletive) hard cause I was like, this is how you die," the woman would tell officers after Morgan and Brown, whose legal first name cops say is Samuel, were arrested. Read: Kidnap Victim Katie Beers Reacts to Kala Brown Rescue Video: 'It Floods Me With Emotions' According to New Mexico police, the victim told them that Morgan intended to take her to a cave to "brainwash her to be his wife." Story continues Both Morgan and Brown have pleaded not guilty to federal kidnapping charges and are awaiting trial in Nevada. Watch: After Woman's Daring Escape From Captor, How to Get Out If You're Trapped in a Car's Trunk Related Articles: Bologna (Italy) (AFP) - The United States' partners in the G7 club of wealthy democracies vowed Sunday to press ahead with efforts to contain devastating climate change despite a rift caused by the American withdrawal from the Paris accord on cutting carbon emissions. "Italy and the overwhelming majority of countries regard Paris as irreversible and non-negotiable," Italian Environment Minister Gian Luca Galletti said after the first day of a two-day gathering of G7 environmental chiefs in Italy. Erik Solheim, head of the UN Environment Programme, said Sunday's talks had underlined the "absolute determination" of the other six G7 countries to push ahead "whatever happens in the White House." "The private sector, big business, including in the United States, tell us they back action. There are huge numbers of new jobs in renewables and the green economy, there is lots of money to be made, far more than in fossil fuels." Scott Pruitt, Trump's choice to head the US Environmental Protection Agency and seen as a climate change sceptic, attended the meeting in the northern Italian city of Bologna but headed home at the end of the first day. With Germany's environment minister, Barbara Hendricks, also departing early and France's Nicolas Hulot not arriving until Monday because of legislative elections, there was little prospect of substantial bridge building on an issue which has badly soured relations between Donald Trump's administration and key US allies. Patricia Espinosa, the UN official in charge of implementing the Paris accord, stressed that Trump's pull-out would not make any difference in the short-term. "We've all registered with regret the US decision, but at the same time the US remains a party to the agreement because it foresees a three-year period before any party can withdraw. "So for us, it is really clear that what we need to do is to go forward with implementing the accord and helping countries translate their national programme into their development policies so we can get to 2018 and have a first assessment of where we stand," she said. Story continues More than 1,000 students marched through Bologna to protest the presence of the G7 ministers in the historic university city, a long-standing bastion of progressive activism. Organiser Giacomo Cossu told AFP that Trump had given the radical environmentalist movement a shot in the arm, but said he would have been on the streets regardless. "Trump has revealed the truth that lies behind the rhetoric of the G7 on the environment. They want changes that suit the interests of big business. That is not our model. Ecology for us means democracy and equality. They represent the one percent not the seven billion." Chaperoned by hundreds of riot police, the demonstration passed off peacefully with protestors brandishing placards declaring: "There is no Planet B" and "They think the Kyoto protocol is a Japanese erotic film." Trump announced at the start of this month that the US would not abide by the 2015 Paris agreement and would seek to renegotiate terms he denounced as unfairly damaging to the American economy and overly generous to India and China. Trump said Washington would not be bound by the targets on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases set down in Paris, and will cut funding for developing countries affected by climate change. - 'No change to the trend' - But many analysts say Trump's rhetoric may make little difference. Important players in US industry and individual cities and states are already implementing changes aimed at meeting the targets laid down in Paris, where most of the world's countries agreed to try to cap global temperature rises at two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. Germany and California agreed Saturday to work together to keep the Paris accords on track and the most populous US state had its own representative at the Bologna talks. Scientists warn that failing to contain climate change will have devastating consequences as sea levels rise and extreme storms, droughts and heatwaves becoming more common, endangering crops and fragile environments with knock-on effects in the form of new conflicts and mass fluxes of people escaping affected areas. SheKnows The great news about Denise Richards joining OnlyFans is that shes been cranking out the content to keep her subscribers happy. Shes been teasing some of the super sexy photos on her Instagram account to perhaps entice more of her followers to join her on the other platform. This time around she shows off stunning [] One college student was incredibly surprised when she was kicked out of a mall for simply wearing shorts and a tank top. Hannah Pewee was recently kicked out of a mall in Michigan for wearing shorts and a tank top. (Photo: Hannah Pewee via Facebook) Hannah Pewee, 20, was shopping at the Woodland Mall in Kentwood, Mich., when a security guard asked her to leave after receiving complaints about her outfit. She described the ordeal in a lengthy post on Facebook, which garnered over 11,000 likes and 600 comments. As many of you know, it is NINETY degrees outside today in West Michigan. Aka, really hot. So, of course, I decided to dress for the weather: shorts and a tank top, she wrote. But apparently, how I was dressed was too slutty for the public, as I was kicked out of the Woodland Mall today. Yup. Apparently some anonymous person reported me to MALL SECURITY for inappropriate dress and I was kicked out, she continued. Never mind that within a one foot radius there were plenty of girls dressed just like me, since its NINETY degrees outside. I am so angry right now Im shaking. I felt so embarrassed I almost cried. All because a stranger didnt like how I dressed. She tells Yahoo Style that her removal from the mall was not in line with its policy, as the malls website said nothing about clothing length at the time of her removal. At the time, I had no idea what the malls clothing policy was, she says on why she didnt protest her removal. I didnt know it didnt say anything about clothing lengths, so I wasnt about to start arguing with them. The Woodland Malls dress code policy from their website reads as follows: Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, is required. Clothing with inappropriate words, phrases or graphics is not permitted and is subject to mall management approval. Excluding attire worn in accord with religious practice, tradition or significance, deliberately obscuring the face is prohibited. Pewee also points out that she actually bought the shorts she was wearing at a store at the same mall. They claimed their policy was that everything needed to be covered. This isnt accurate, as when I got home and checked their website, their policy was only, Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, is required,' she says. The offensive article of clothing appeared to be the shorts, which I had purchased at Forever 21 in the Woodland Mall last year. I found this ridiculous. Why should we shop at a store we cant even wear the clothes of? Story continues Pewee felt that the mall was absolutely in the wrong and should make moves to apologize to her and change their policy. The Woodland Mall should be ashamed of themselves, as well as that anonymous complainer, she wrote at the time of the incident. Its my body, and its hot outside! Im not going to show up in jeans and a sweater, sorry. Dont like it? Look away! I was out having a fun time with my sister and next thing I know, Im out on the street. Slut-shaming how girls are dressed is deplorable and outdated, and it needs to stop. The Woodland Mall did not immediately respond to Yahoo Styles request for comment. But in response to an angry commenter on its social media page, a representative from the mall apologized, addressing the situation with the following statement: Yesterday we reached out to the shopper to personally apologize and come to a resolution. We also addressed hundreds of comments across social media, but wed still like to make a public apology for unintentionally embarrassing a shopper who was asked to leave our Mall. We can assure you that the enforcement of our dress code was solely motivated by complaints from other shoppers of inadequate clothing coverage not reflected in the photo posted online. We dropped the ball by enforcing a dress code that didnt take into consideration current summer trends. We also apologize to our community for the way in which this situation was handled. The representative also added, Were currently reassessing the level of detail in our dress code and will train our team on it to keep this from ever happening again. In a follow-up post, Pewee explained that she appreciated those supporting her through the ordeal and explained that her end goal was for the mall to reexamine its dress policy. I definitely think that they need to clean up their act. Their clothing policy on their website doesnt say anything about clothing lengths. If there is such a strict policy, that needs to be *public information* not something security officers spring on unsuspecting customers. Especially with summer coming around, theres going to be a lot of girls like me, going to the mall and not knowing their breaking some secret dress code, she wrote in the post. It seems that her complaints were received, as the mall reached out to Pewee and apologized for the incident, assuring the college student that the dress code would be revised. Alright, so I talked on the phone with the someone on the management team at Woodland, and they apologized for what happened yesterday. Apparently theyre going to revise their clothing policy on their website so it is clearer what is and isnt acceptable. In addition, security will be discussing how to properly handle situations like this, she wrote on Facebook. Pewee says she wasnt given any details on the changes the mall plans to make. They didnt tell me that they plan on changing their policy per se all they said was revise, she says. I have no clue if theyll make any changes, and personally, I dont think that its up to me to decide whether or not changes should be made. If the code is not revised dramatically, Pewee thinks it should at least be made more clear to shoppers. If they are going to keep their dress code, they need to made it public information not some hidden rulebook, she shares. If theyre going to kick out shoppers for the length of their shorts, that should be posted on the entryway doors, or in a public area in the mall, so we can decide whether or not we want to shop there. Ive been shopping at the Woodland Mall ever since I was a kid, and after all these years, I had never heard of a dress code. Although the college student didnt post the message on Facebook hoping it would gain nationwide attention, she hopes that people can learn from it. Even though I originally complied and left the mall, once I had left, I became more aware of how what happened didnt feel right. I hope that people can become aware that even in 2017, this is still an issue, she says. Even though Woodland had publicly apologized for this, theres still commenters out there who refuse to believe this happened, and still call me a liar. I think people need to realize that this is a problem women are facing on a daily basis, and its not right. I hope this can serve as a message to anyone, regardless of gender, that they shouldnt be afraid to be themselves and dress how they want to dress. I believe we need to love ourselves for who we are, not tear each other down because you may not like someone elses personal choices. Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty. How could former FBI Director James Comey, a 6-foot-8 onetime prosecutor known to stand up to power feel "stunned" and lapse into an "awkward" silence during a conversation with President Donald Trump? That's how Comey described his silent response to Trump's demand for loyalty in a private conversation that the fired FBI chief illuminated during a U.S. Senate hearing yesterday (June 8). Comey may tower over the president, but it turns out he succumbed to a human behavior that is not uncommon in which people temporarily freeze, especially when something shocking is said and there's an unequal power dynamic at play, said Samuel Wang, a professor of neuroscience at Princeton University. [5 Ways Your Emotions Influence Your World (and Vice Versa)] "In such a situation, we don't have the tools to respond appropriately," Wang told Live Science. "And so, a fairly natural response is to pause. When you add to that the fact that the president of the United States is a powerful person, then the power dynamic makes it even more of a fear or shock response." Wang noted that Comey likely froze because he's used to following procedure, and "for him to be with an authority figure who goes far outside the bounds of normal behavior and starts demanding loyalty and [seems to be] attempting to obstruct justice, this is just beyond shocking," Wang said. Likewise, people in inferior positions might be stunned into silence, and might worry about offending a superior or saying something "wrong" following a socially unacceptable exchange, largely because of the repercussions that might follow, said David Altheide, a regents' professor emeritus of sociology at Arizona State University. It's not uncommon for people to step beyond the range of socially acceptable behavior, whether it's between friends, a parent and a child or an employee and an employer, Altheide said. Moreover, these moments of unacceptable behavior tend to happen more frequently with minorities and women, Altheide told Live Science. Story continues How to respond There are several ways Comey could have responded, and many women may be familiar with these. "Women, in general, are extremely good at dealing with intimidation because they experience it a lot and so they are often more prepared to be intimidated, to be in awkward situations," Altheide said. "They develop a number of defense interaction styles." For instance, people on the receiving end of intimidation might use humor to diffuse the situation, change the subject or, like Comey, wait a moment before answering, Altheide said. Other tactics that can buy time include repeating the question or going off on a tangent, such as by saying, "Boy, that reminds me of the time when," Altheide said. Many people resort to nervous laughter, he added. Sometimes people think of the perfect thing or zinger to say hours or even days after the conversation took place. In most cases, it's probably best to let it be, and instead learn from the experience, Altheide said. "It doesn't make sense to drive back to the bar where you were two hours later and say, 'What I meant to say is,'" Altheide said. Rather, you can review your newfound response and then think of tactics that will give you time to collect your thoughts the next time you're unsure of what to say. However, if you think of something important that you left out of a key conversation, it might be worth your while to follow up. Let's say you flubbed an unexpected question during a job interview: "You could send an email, you could call them up," Altheide said. "You could say, 'I just want to make clear how I would handle that situation,' or 'I just want to make clear this point about my background and experience.'" [Understanding the 10 Most Destructive Human Behaviors] Had Comey anticipated Trump's question, he could have said something along the lines of, "As I suggested before, what I meant and what I conveyed to you is X," Altheide said. Rather, Comey's experience shows that people in all walks of life can encounter a situation that stuns them into silence. When asked today by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., why he didn't tell the president "that is not an appropriate request," or alert the White House counsel, Comey explained what his state of mind was like at the time. "I don't know," Comey said at the hearing. "As I said earlier, I think the circumstances were such that it was I was a bit stunned and didn't have the presence of mind." Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations In yet another disturbing display of evidence in the trial of 20-year-old Michelle Carter, the prosecution introduced YouTube videos depicting her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, discussing his depression and social anxiety. Carter remained on trial for manslaughter after text messages showed she repeatedly urged Roy to take his own life, which he did in 2014, at the age of 18. Prosecutors introduced the videos as key pieces evidence in the case Thursday. They depicted Roy wearing headphones and speaking into his computer about his struggles. One video was shot Jun. 13, 2014, exactly one month before he killed himself. Read: Text Message Conversations Reveal Michelle Carter Urged Boyfriend To Kill Himself This is Conrad Henry Roy III reported about social anxiety. Ill start off, he began one of the videos. Im trying to do too much to better myself in so little time. He went on to list the array of things he was attempting to do to keep up with what he perceived as necessary, including keeping abreast of current events, television shows and sports. Im looking at myself so negatively, he went on. Im looking at myself like a minuscule little particle on the face of this Earth. No good. Trash. Will never be successful. Never have a life. Never have kids. Never learn. At one point, he appeared to become more upbeat. I have a lot to offer someone, he said. Im introverted, but Im a nice kid. But it just comes to the point where Im just too nice. While the videos were brought as evidence by the prosecution, defense attorneys for Carter said they mean he was already suicidal, which could possibly help their case. In addition to the videos, the trial brought forth text message conversations between Roy and Carter spanning months, in which Carter pushed Roy to commit suicide. At one point, she suggested he kill himself in response to one of his messages. I keep regretting the past, its getting me upset, Roy told Carter in a text message read on the stand by Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Bates. Story continues Take your life? Carter responded. In another, she gave him options for how best to end his life. Hang yourself, jump off a building, stab yourself, idk theres a lot of ways, Carter wrote to Roy in one message Jul. 6, 2014, just seven days before his body was found inside his truck in a parking lot. Roy committed suicide by poisoning himself with carbon monoxide from a portable generator he attached to the truck. The prosecution argued that Carter urged Roy to take his own life so she could become the grieving girlfriend and be the center of attention. The defense, on the other hand, said she did not cause his death. Its insufficient to say that she caused him to die, Carters defense attorney, Joseph P. Cataldo, said in court Friday. Cataldo called a forensic investigator who analyzed the computers of both Roy and Carter to testify Friday. Steven Verronneau revealed that Roy had googled suicide by cop and visited a website explaining easy, quick and painless ways to commit suicide. He also said Roy researched what type of medicine would kill him in his sleep. Read: Michelle Carter Told Boyfriend Theres A Lot Of Ways To Kill Yourself The prosecution, however, bolstered their case by revealing Carter was on the phone with Roy for 46 minutes as he took his own life. Assistant District Attorney Maryclare Flynn said at one point, Roy attempted to change his mind and was berated by Carter. Conrad got out of his truck as he was being poisoned and he got scared, said Flynn. The defendant [expletive] told him to get back in. Related Articles Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call) President Trumps tweets could soon be classified as presidential record and render any deletions illegal, thanks to a new bill introduced Monday by a Democratic congressman. The Communications Over Various Feeds Electronically for Engagement (COVFEFE) Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., would amend the Presidential Records Act to include social media, meaning that Trumps prolific Twitter missives would be documented and preserved including deleted tweets. What the president says matters, Quigley told Yahoo News Tuesday. He doesnt have the luxury of deciding whats his legacy. The president must be held accountable for any posts. According to ProPublicas tally, Trump has deleted 18 tweets since he took office, including the viral covfefe tweet for which Quigleys bill is named, and more than 160 tweets since launching his campaign in the summer of 2015. Under the COVFEFE Act, deletion of posts from any of presidents social media accounts would become illegal. Many of Trumps deleted tweets contain typos or misspelled words, such as when he recently decried the appointment of a special councel while referring to the special counsel for the Russia probe. During the campaign, his account deleted a couple of tweets with anti-Semitic or Nazi imagery. Because these Trump gaffes are blasted out to millions of people before they get scrapped, users across Twitter quickly document his posts. But Quigley argued thats not enough. It has to be documented appropriately, in an appropriate and accurate fashion, Quigley said to Yahoo News. Its not official if Joe from Iowa documents it or saves it that does not mean its historical record. The Presidential Records Act lacks an explicit requirement that mandates archiving a presidents social media posts. White House officials confirmed to the National Archives that they are saving the presidents tweets, including those hes deleted, but have not detailed the process. Story continues This is a president of the United States that uses social media to comment on everything from NATO to the Paris Agreement to the London attack, Quigley said to Yahoo News. The Presidential Records Act is important, but it has to be relevant and include the means of communication of the president. Press secretary Sean Spicer confirmed last week that Trumps tweets are considered official statements by the president of the United States, despite earlier insistence from top White House officials that the presidents tweets are not policy. Quigley, who co-chairs the Congressional Transparency Caucus, introduced another piece of legislation in March also named to goad Trump. The Making Access Records Available to Lead American Government Openness (MAR-A-LAGO) Act would make public visitor logs at the White House and Trumps resorts, including his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The use of clever names sparks interest in the legislation, Quigley said, noting that though hes introduced measures promoting transparency every year for the past eight years, the COVFEFE and MAR-A-LAGO acts have caught the attention of Congress and the Internet. Quigley and his staff are currently looking for co-sponsors for the bill. Read more from Yahoo News: Defense Secretary James Mattis testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) WASHINGTON Facing sharp criticisms from impatient senators, Defense Secretary James Mattis on Tuesday agreed that we are not winning in Afghanistan and promised a new strategy by mid-July. Mattis also said that even victory in Americas longest war would likely mean a long-term U.S. troop presence. We are not winning in Afghanistan right now. And we will correct this as soon as possible, Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee. I believe by mid-July we will be able to brief you in detail. As candidate in 2016, President Trump promised a full review of the war in Afghanistan and a new strategy. The Pentagon has made clear it wants thousands of additional troops, on top of the roughly 8,400 U.S. forces and about another 7,000 from NATO allies. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the panels chairman, warned sharply that lawmakers patience with the Trump administrations handling of Afghanistan was not infinite and that a plan was overdue. I was confident that within the first 30 to 60 days we would have a strategy from which to start working, McCain said, adding, unless we get a strategy from you, youre going to get a strategy from us. The Arizona Republican warned Mattis that lawmakers are going to start getting more vocal in our criticism of not having a strategy for Afghanistan. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., asked Mattis to define for us what winning in Afghanistan means a question U.S. policymakers have wrestled with since the Oct. 7, 2001, invasion. What does winning look like? Mattis replied. The Afghan government with international help will be able to handle the violence and drive it down to a level that local security forces can handle it. Still, With our allies, it would probably require residual force doing training and maintaining the high-end capability to take out security threats, Mattis said. Its going to be an era of frequent skirmishing, and its going to require a change in our approach from the last several years if were to get it to that position. Story continues Vice President Mike Pence, left, watches an Army carry team move a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Eric M. Houck at Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 12, 2017. (Photo: Steve Ruark/AP) Three U.S. soldiers were killed over the weekend in Afghanistan. Overall, some 2,400 Americans have died in the conflict and more than 20,000 have been wounded. Former President Barack Obama drew frequent criticisms from Republicans who accused him of focusing on withdrawing U.S. forces rather than defeating the Taliban. Obama aides said their main goal was making local security forces self-sustaining in order to extricate the United States from a seemingly intractable conflict. The retired four-star Marine generals assessment that the United States and its allies arent winning was not dramatically different from what Army Gen. John Nicholson, who leads U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, told Congress in February. At the time, Nicholson told McCains committee that he had a troop shortfall of a few thousand and declared were in a stalemate against the Taliban neither winning nor losing. On June 6, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that victory in Afghanistan means a stable government; us free from threats. On May 8, Spicer said Trump wants to make sure that we do what we can to win. And thats why he charged the generals and other military advisers and the national security team to come up with a plan that can get us there. A day later, he said the presidents goal was to fully eliminate any threat around the globe frankly, not just in Afghanistan, that poses a threat to our people and our allies. Read more from Yahoo News: Washington is abuzz with rumors that President Trump is considering dismissing Robert Mueller as special counsel to the Justice Department for its investigation of Russian interference with the 2016 presidential election. On Monday, after spending hours at the White House, a longtime friend of Trumps, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, told the PBS NewsHour that he thinks Trump is weighing the possibility of firing Mueller. I think hes considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think hes weighing that option, Ruddy said. I think its pretty clear by what one of his lawyers said on television recently. I personally think it would be a very significant mistake, even though I dont think theres a justification [for a special counsel]. Among other concerns, this statement set off a barrage of questions about whether Trump even has the authority to fire a special counsel appointed by the Justice Department. Though Trumps penchant for firing people is well known, its scope has some limits. According to legal experts, the decision to fire Mueller would be up to the U.S. attorney general. But Jeff Sessions has already recused himself from the Russia investigation. That means the decision would fall to the departments No. 2 official, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller on May 17. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Jonathan Turley, a professor of law at George Washington University Law School, explained that the special counsel is allowed to continue in his role unless there is good cause for his termination. As the head of the executive branch, Trump can claim the authority to fire any executive officer, Turley told Yahoo News. However, both the attorney general and the deputy attorney general have their own independent obligations. The actual firing of Mueller would have to be done by Mr. Rosenstein. Then-FBI Director Robert Mueller at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2013. (Photo: Larry Downing/Reuters) Turley said that with the expiration of the independent counsel act, which was passed in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, Trump would be in a similar position to Richard Nixon during that investigation. Story continues On Oct. 20, 1973, Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire independent special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who was overseeing the federal criminal investigation into the Watergate burglary and related criminal activities. Richardson refused. With Richardsons resignation, it was up to Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus to carry out Nixons order. Ruckelshaus also refused and resigned. Then Nixons order fell to Solicitor General Robert Bork, who was acting head of the Justice Department. He obliged and fired Cox. This chain of events went down in history as the Saturday Night Massacre. On Tuesday morning, Rosenstein testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee that he would fire Mueller only with good cause. Turley is confident that Rosenstein is telling the truth and doubts that Trump wants another Saturday Night Massacre on his hands. I have no question at all that Rosenstein would resign absent evidence of good cause to fire Mueller. If he did not, he would shred every ounce of his reputation that he has earned over the course of decades of service, Turley said. Trump could certainly go down the same path as Richard Nixon, but that path leads to a place I doubt Trump wants to go. President Trump boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday to travel to Milwaukee. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP) Read more from Yahoo News: A senior Democratic congressman has said it would be the last straw if Donald Trump fired special prosecutor Robert Mueller as it was reported that the President was considering getting rid of the man appointed to investigate his campaign's ties to Russia. Congressman Adam Schiff, the most senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Congress would not sit still if Mr Trump fired Mr Mueller and tried to appoint his own replacement. Mr Mueller is currently heading an investigation into whether Trump campaign advisers colluded with Russian operatives to influence the 2016 US election. I don't think the Congress would sit still and allow the president to pick his own investigator, he said. Mr Schiff spoke out after a friend of Mr Trump, Chris Ruddy, the CEO of Newsmax, emerged from the White House and said the President was considering terminating Mr Mueller. In an interview with PBS, Mr Ruddy said: I think [Mr Trump's] weighing that option. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said in an email statement to reporters that Mr Ruddy never spoke to the President regarding this issue. With respect to this subject, only the President or his attorneys are authorised to comment, Mr Spicer added. Mr Mueller, a former FBI Director, was appointed by the Justice Department to oversee the Russia probe after Mr Trump fired his FBI chief James Comey. While Mr Comey told a Senate committee last week that Mr Trump was not under an FBI investigation at the time of his dismissal on 9 May, the President now appears to be under an investigation for possible obstruction of justice. Mr Comey testified that he believed the President had directed him to drop an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Mr Flynn had been forced to resign from his position after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak. Story continues Do you believe this will rise to obstruction of justice? Democratic senator Joe Manchin asked Mr Comey during the hearing. The ex-FBI chief responded, I dont know. That thats Bob Muellers job to sort that out. Mr Trump has openly criticised the Justice Department's decision to appoint a special counsel, saying that it hurts our country terribly. The President has also posited that the naming of a special counsel also happens to be a pure excuse for the Democrats having lost an election that they should have easily won. A decision by Mr Trump to sack Mr Mueller could smell even more 'Nixonian' than his choice to fire his FBI Director. Former President Richard Nixon fired his special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who had been appointed to oversee the federal criminal investigation that would snowball into the Watergate scandal. In a shift in political culture, Trumps cabinet, staff members and even some Republican lawmakers seem increasingly required to praise him publicly The ancient Chinese act of kowtowing required touching the ground with ones forehead in deference to the emperor. The modern American act of kowtowing requires absurdly praising President Donald Trump. We thank you for the opportunity and blessing, the White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said at a cabinet meeting on Monday, to serve your agenda. The health secretary, Tom Price, remarked on what an incredible honor it is to lead his department at this pivotal time under your leadership. Those remarks sound similar to some of the toady public statements of Chinas premier, Li Keqiang, who in early March attributed all of the achievements of the past year to the sound leadership of the top of the Communist party with his boss, Chinas president, Xi Jinping, at its core. Sadly for Americans, Trumps requirement that his underlings praise him is not the only way the president is prodding Washington towards Beijing-like levels of obeisance, opacity, prevarication and corruption. Trumps insistence on loyalty from government officials from low-level appointees to the recently fired FBI director, James Comey calls to mind the chief Chinese corruption investigators, the heads of the state security and cybersecurity agencies, and the journalists who have pledged absolute loyalty to Xi. The Trump adviser Kellyanne Conways February tweet about serving at the pleasure of @POTUS. His message is my message. His goals are my goals, echoes a notorious remark by Mao Zedongs wife, Jiang Qing: I was Chairman Maos dog, Jiang said at her 1980 trial. Whomever he told me to bite, I bit. And Trumps attacks on the media from his February tweet calling the mainstream American media the enemy of the American People to his recurring attacks on true reporting as fake news stems from a desire for positive press coverage: the only type of press coverage the Chinese media offers on Xi. Story continues With regards to opacity, Beijings strategy of keeping the curtains closed is intentional: its hard to know what the top Chinese officials think of important issues like internet censorship and North Korean aggression because they rarely express their views publicly, the party fetters Chinese media, and leaks to international media are rare. For all of Trumps claims that unpredictability is a sound political strategy, the White Houses opacity arises more out of infighting and incompetence. (Americans also benefit from a free and raucous press, and the fact that the Trump White House leaks like a punctured carburetor.) And yet, for China and the United States, the result are the same: strategic ambiguity, and policy confusion. Years ago, I heard a story in Beijing of a minister giving a speech about an important economic directive. So intentionally vague and ambiguous was the ministers language that his underlings spent the next several hours anxiously trying to decipher Chinas policy from their ministers confusing words. After four Arab countries cut ties with Qatar in early June, the secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, called on the countries to quickly reduce tensions. Yet less than an hour later, Trump seemed to undercut Tillerson, stating that punishing Qatar was hard but necessary. The ruling Chinese Communist party is far kinder to the truth than it was during the late 1950s, when officials across the country lied about crop yields to please Mao while millions starved to death. And yet Beijing still repetitively pretends Tibetans and Uighurs live happily under Chinese rule, for example, and that Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of assembly. Similarly, Trump seems to believe that uttering something the size of his inauguration crowds, or the breadth of his achievements makes it so. And finally, Jared and Ivanka Kushner are the first American princelings a Chinese term referring to the sons and daughters of the red aristocracy, who enrich themselves via their family connections and play an exceptionally large role in politics to wield such power in the White House. To be sure, there are monumental differences between Beijing and Washington. Most importantly, while Trumps cabinet, staff members, and even some Republican lawmakers may feel required to praise him and yield to him, Democrats most certainly do not: after Trumps cabinet meeting, the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, released a video parodying the event. And unlike in China, Americans are free to criticize their leader however they choose. Thats what makes the small signs of corporate hesitation at aggressively anti-Trump satire so worrying: in late May, CNN fired the comedian Kathy Griffin from her role as co-host of its New Years Eve program after she appeared in a photo shoot holding the bloody head of a figure resembling Trump. Roughly a week later, the network announced it was cancelling the religious scholar Reza Aslans show after he called Trump a piece of shit. And on Sunday, Delta and Bank of America pulled their sponsorship from a New York City Public Theater adaptation William Shakespeares Julius Caesar but with the eponymous murdered character updated to resemble Trump. TheTrump cabinet kowtow was disgusting. But even if these corporations are not glancing the ground with their head, their minor bow to Emperor Trump is shameful enough. Ewen Bremner in T2: Trainspotting (Sony) Its not like Ewen Bremner has been wasting the days away. The 45-year-old Scotsman, best known to U.S. audiences for the playing the scraggy heroine junkie Spud in Trainspotting, has been working consistently since Danny Boyles 1996 cult classic, with credits that include Snatch, Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor, Match Point, and Snowpiercer. But 2017 is turning out to be a banner year for Bremner. In March, he reprised the role of the down-and-out Spud in the long-awaited sequel T2: Trainspotting. And this month he appears in the record-breaking superhero sensation Wonder Woman as Charlie, the kilt-rocking marksman who joins Diana Princes merry band of WWI operatives. Its been a busy time, quite fantastic, actually, Bremner told Yahoo Movies during an interview to commemorate the Digital HD and Blu-ray release of T2. I feel very happy to have these opportunities. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. Still, Bremner takes measured reflection of the moment hes having. T2 is a sequel Boyle, Bremner, and castmates Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, and Jonny Lee Miller discussed for two decades before it finally became a reality. As for Wonder Woman, Bremner wasnt sure hed landed the role until the last minute. And getting those green lights isnt even half the battle. You never know as an actor whats going to work and whats not going to work, he said. You dont know if its going to be any good. You can never really tell when youre working on a film. There are so many factors that impact on the quality of the finished piece. Youre in control of only a fraction of the stuff that goes into making a film. T2 earned mostly positive reviews from critics, but Bremner is especially impressed with how much the sequel has resonated with fans. People have been super-passionate about it, he said. We had some really nice critical acclaim, but audiences and the public have been super-passionate about it, more than the reviewers. Certainly in the circles I run where I live in Edinburgh, people stop me all the time and want to talk about it. Story continues The film finds a clean yet unhappy Renton (McGregor) returning to Edinburgh two decades after he took off with the loot stolen by him and fellow addicts Begbie (Carlyle) and Simon, a.k.a. Sick Boy (Miller). With Renton only leaving a portion of the haul to gentle-souled Spud, both Simon and Begbie have their own plans for vengeance. And Simons girlfriend Veronica (Anjela Nedyalkova) complicates matters when she comes between them. As Boyle told us upon T2s release, the movie takes a hard look at how men age and it aint so graceful. I think the film really does have something to say thats quite profound about the human experience and the nature of aging and the battle with time and the idea of trying to outrun your own shadow and to leave behind your past, Bremner said. And to be the person that you want to be, and not be dragged down by your history. Spud, in particular, is being dragged down as the film opens. Hes still badly struggling with addiction, his family has left him, and he attempts suicide moments before Renton appears at his doorstep. It felt important for me to honor that character, Bremner said of returning to the role. I didnt want him just to be a gentle joke, which is kind of a danger with a character like that. People expect some sort of humor and gentility. But over the course of 20 years of adulthood I know as well as anyone that you pick up all kinds of scars along the way. You take on all kinds of baggage. So it was important to me that Spud, as a result of his addiction and his struggles with fatherhood, that he had some real fight. Bremner had done a fair amount of work in films before he landed the role of Spud, with projects like Mike Leighs art-house hit Naked (1993) and the Sylvester Stallone vehicle Judge Dredd (1995). But Trainspotting, Bremner said, has been the gift that kept on giving. He explained: It was a film that every filmmaker saw, whether they were in Timbuktu or whether they were in Hollywood That made it very much easier for me to be considered to work with other great filmmakers. Gal Gadot and Ewen Bremner in Wonder Woman (WB) Those filmmakers have included Ridley Scott, Joon-Ho Bong, Werner Herzog, Guy Ritchie, Woody Allen, and now Patty Jenkins, who became the first female director to gross more than $100 million domestically on the opening weekend of Wonder Woman. Bremner recently completed work on Will, a TNT series about the lost years of Shakespeare. Ive got a really fantastic and different part. Im playing the evilest man in England, he said. Which means his epic year could get even better. I feel like Ive really been on a great ride lately, he said before adding with a laugh: Long may it last, as far as Im concerned. T2: Trainspotting hits Digital HD on Tuesday and DVD and Blu-ray June 27. Watch the T2 cast talk about reuniting: Read more on Yahoo Movies: New York Yankees Jordan Montgomery has a lot of fantasy upside behind a great offense. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) After getting ahead of hitters with fastball command, the ability to finish them off either via a weak batted ball or a strikeout is the most important weapon for a good pitcher. So this week, were going to look at select leaders and trailers in the statistic while also noting their Yahoo ownership percentages. And since this stat isnt publicly available but provided to us courtesy of our friends at MLB-stat provider Inside Edge, we also have a more complete list of all leaders and trailers in the statistic. Of course, generally, the great pitchers are good at this and the bad ones struggle. But thats how you know you have a good stat just a handful of outliers/surprises in each direction. For context, note that when a pitcher gets two strikes on a hitter, he retires the batter 76% of the time. But the range this year among all 92 pitchers with at least 1,000 pitches through Monday is 84% (Chris Sale) to 64% (Kevin Gausman). Im looking at the pitchers at 78% or better being good at finishing off hitters and 71% or worse as bad. All the pitchers in between I have omitted from the master list because the variance is not significant enough to be meaningful. The first surprising name that pops up is someone owned in 84% of Yahoo leagues. But the criticism of him in the past is that he couldnt really finish off hitters. Now, Mike Leake is retiring 82% of hitters with two strikes vs. 76% last year (about average). The trouble is that I cant find anything else on his report card that suggests WHY hes better at this. But Leake deserves a longer leash in all formats. The other players are more widely available. Eduardo Rodriguez is unowned in more than half of leagues mostly because hes on the DL (knee). Hes not due back for a few weeks but if you have a DL spot open, pick him up (finishes off 80% of hitters, 11th). A pitcher I just picked up in Friends and Family is Jordan Montgomery. He has great swing-and-miss to his game and as a result is 15th in the statistic, ahead of luminaries like Stephen Strasburg and Clayton Kershaw, finishing off 79% of batters when having them in a two-strike hole. Hed be my No. 1 add in all formats, especially given how the Yankees offense has rebounded after a historic slump (10 straight games with 8 hits or less) the last two weeks of May. Story continues But if you fail there, Zack Wheeler (37% owned, 78% hitters finished off), Edinson Volquez (48%, 78%) and Ariel Miranda (52%, 78%) may be available. On the other end of the spectrum, you dont want to wait around for pitchers who may not rebound in the near term. For example, Gausman is owned still in 48% of leagues. Thats nuts. Most have waived Derek Holland who was defying peripherals for a while but is no longer, though Holland is still owned in 34% of leagues. That number, I assure you, should be zero. The leagues OBP with two strikes against Holland is not quite Gausman bad but is still .320. But almost everyone is holding on to a trio of starters we once had great hopes for but who are struggling mightily: Julio Teheran, Jose Quintana and Justin Verlander. They rank 85th, 84th and 80th among the 92 qualifiers. Last year they were 13th, 30th and 9th (of 141 pitchers with at least 1,500 pitches). Given the respective collapses in this statistic, it seems more like fact than fluke to me. Remember, its not just the size of the sample but the weight of it, too. Finally, a little housekeeping from last weeks story. Some commenters wanted me to combine the analysis on changes in batter strikeout rate with another layer of analysis of batter well-hit rate. I dont do that typically for two reasons. Primarily, the problem of overfitting: If you combine guys who have improved their contact rate with the guys who have improved their well-hit rate, youre just going to get the list of the best hitters. Its purely describing good hitting and not using a statistic to predict it. In other words, there wont be enough (any?) outliers (guys who are hitting for a poor average relative to their personal history despite improving their contract rate and having a good well-hit rate). Also we want to deal with one stat at a time here, for clarity. Sure, well combine strikeouts and walks into one statistic occasionally. But switching gears to another completely separate stat is just too confusing. I worry though that some extrapolate my focusing on one stat in each of these pieces to mean each week that: This the one stat that matters! There is no one stat. Each is a tool in the toolbox, which helps us hopefully project players more accurately in different ways and opens our minds to other analytical approaches. Helsinki (AFP) - Finland's centre-right coalition was on the verge of collapse on Monday after ousting the populist Finns Party whose newly elected hardline leader has been convicted of hate speech. "The conditions do not exist that allow us to cooperate with the Finns led by Halla-aho," Prime Minister Juha Sipila said on Twitter, referring to Jussi Halla-aho, who was elected new Finns Party leader on Saturday. Sipila said he would submit his government's resignation to President Sauli Niinisto. "First the parliamentary groups meet and then I will go to the president and tender the resignation of the government. "I hope that much of the current government platform can be realised also in the new government," he told a news conference in Helsinki. Sipila, a centrist, has governed together with the conservative National Coalition and the eurosceptic and anti-immigration Finns Party since May 2015. If the government resigns, the president would give Sipila a mandate to try to form a new one. The conservatives and centrists would then probably begin talks with potential partners, notably the Christian Democrats and the Swedish People's Party, which represents Finland's Swedish-speaking minority. The two groups have already expressed interest in joining the government, and their policies are seen as close to those of the centrists and conservatives. - Veering right - A member of the European Parliament, Halla-aho has said he wants to steer the party further to the right and push his coalition partners to toughen their immigration policies. But on Monday, both the centrists and conservatives refused point blank. Hallo-aho held talks early Monday with Sipila and Finance Minister Petteri Orpo, the leader of the conservatives. "I made it clear that the current government programme and the asylum policy action programme are sufficient for the Finns, but we expect that what had been jointly agreed with us will be closely followed," he said, something the government has so far refused to do. Story continues "The prime minister announced a moment ago that the sections about immigration can't be complied with more strictly than currently, and that the conditions are not there for a continuation of a government cooperation," he added. Orpo stressed that Halla-aho's history of hate speech made any collaboration impossible. "Undeniable human dignity is the foundation of Western democracy, and a new position does not wipe out what has been written in the past," Orpo told reporters. - 'Finland first' - Participating in the three-party coalition has come at a heavy price for the Finns Party. Its support has almost halved from 17.7 percent in the May 2015 general election to 9.0 percent in a poll published Thursday by public broadcaster YLE. Monday's developments mean Hallo-aho may get what he has appeared to want all along: to return his party to opposition. Halla-aho, a 46-year-old father of five, is a former medieval language lecturer who complains that his party has been tainted by mainstream politics. "The Finns Party leadership should prioritise issues in a similar way as our supporters seemingly do," Halla-aho said in May. "Immigration policy and a kind of 'Finland first' mentality should have a stronger presence in our public output." Halla-aho has seen his star rise in recent years, in part because of his explicit writings against immigration and Islam. In 2012, Finland's highest court upheld a conviction and fines against him for inciting ethnic hatred and blasphemy in a 2008 blog post where he criticised Islam and made offensive remarks about Somalis. Earlier this year, he demanded that the European Commission penalise civic organisations which rescue migrants from drowning when their ships founder in the Mediterranean. Paris (AFP) - Could the very existence of croissants in France be in danger? Bakers warned Tuesday that a vertiginous rise in the price of butter was slashing their profit margins and threatening an entire industry. The price of butter, which makes up a quarter of the ingredients of many French pastries, rocketed 92 percent in the year to May, according to Fabien Castanier, the general secretary of the federation of French biscuit and cakemakers. The rise was putting "unsustainable economic pressure" on the industry, he said. "Based on the current price, the extra charge annually is around 68 million euros for makers of biscuits and cakes," he said. "Unfortunately the situation is going to get worse in the next few weeks with a strong risk of butter running out." Matthieu Labbe, a bakers' industry spokesman, said: "There is a real threat of butter shortages by the end of the year which could lead to panic on markets." The industry bodies are calling on responsible behaviour from supermarkets and cafes and restaurants to pass on the rise in the price of butter in the prices they charge shoppers, to avoid additional suffering for producers. The consequence would be that "the price the consumer pays for croissants, tarts and brioches is going to rise significantly very quickly". The rise in the price of butter is blamed on falling milk yields in Europe, and especially in France, coupled with rising demand both domestically and internationally. At the same time, French farmers complain that they are receiving less for their milk than it costs to produce because Europe has a glut of 350,000 tonnes of powdered milk, which is depressing prices. The special House race in Georgias sixth district has become the most expensive in history, according to reports. With President Trump looming large over a campaign that has garnered national attention, Democrats and Republicans are looking to fill the seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price in the June 20 election. The contenders are Democrat Jon Ossoff, a first-time candidate, and Republican Karen Handel, who was previously the Secretary of State of Georgia. Before entering politics, the 55-year-old Handel was a businesswoman who began her second career when she was elected to Fulton County Board of Commissioners. She also ran for U.S. Senate and governor. Ossoff, 30, is a former congressional aide and documentary filmmaker. The political newcomer almost won the seat outright in a 16-candidate field in April, but came up short, forcing a runoff. Read: Will Jon Ossoff Win In Georgia's June Election? Young Democrat Has A Shot, Poll Shows The Washington Post reports that as of Thursday more than $40 million has been spent on the race, much of it coming from outside groups. Ossoffs campaign has raised $23 million overall with $15 million raised in the last two months. Handel has only pulled in just under $4 million in the same two-month period, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. According to Ossoffs campaign, his average donation size was $20.49. Ossoff has spent most of the money raised having just $1 million on hand as of Friday. Handel is in a similar boat with only $1.4 million in the bank, the Journal-Constitution reports. Roughly $25 million has been spent on advertising. The district has been reliably Republican for almost 40 years and was once represented by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan have made efforts to keep the seat red. "Karen Handel will partner with President Donald Trump to make America safe and prosperous again," Pence told GOP donors last week. Story continues Democrats are pinning their hopes on flipping the district and may have confidence they can pull it off based on Ossoffs primary performance and Trumps razor-thin margin there last year. Trump edged out Hillary Clinton by only 1.5 points. On Friday, the Journal-Constitution released a poll showing Ossoff with a seven-point edge over Handel, with a 51 to 44 percent margin. The poll showed 5 percent of voters undecided. The polls margin of error is 4 percent. Women prefer Ossoff almost 2-to-1 and he leads that constituency 60 to 34 percent. Handel does better with men who prefer the Republican 52 to 41 percent. Ossoff is leading the younger vote, while seniors over 65 prefer Handel. Read: Who Is Jon Ossoff? Liberal Georgia Representative Candidate Faces Smear Ads From Republican PAC One of the key numbers from the Journal-Constitutions poll is that Ossoff is pulling in 13 percent of Republicans and about half of independents. Trumps presidency has placed a higher focus on House races this years, with Democrats framing the contests as referendums. The last two House races in Kansas and Montana saw an increased amount of funding and attention. Both races were in comfortably Republican districts, and ultimately won by the GOP. Those two districts favored Trump by 20 points or more. RTX39CQC Photo: Christopher Aluka Berry/REUTERS Related Articles Gil Mendez, of San Francisco, holds a sign to honor the victims of the shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando as he marches during the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington: AP A year after 49 party-goers were gunned down by a man with a assault-style rifle at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando the worst mass shooting in modern US history Democrats in Florida say just about every attempt to pass gun control legislation in the wake of the massacre has been blocked. These types of weapons are the gold standard of mass murders, said State Representative Carlos Guillermo-Smith, who sponsored an assault weapons ban in tandem with a state senator. With these rifles, folks who have a really troubling history of hatred and bigotry and homophobia have been able to carry out their attacks successfully on the groups and the communities they most hate. That is certainly true for Omar Mateen, the gunman who attacked Pulse who pledged allegiance to Isis before the attack. Mateen, who had previously been investigated by the FBI on two occasions, walked into a gun store and bought a Sig Sauer MCX just nine days before the killings. He later returned for a larger magazine so he could fire more rounds in rapid succession without reloading. Although the background check performed would have ran his name against the FBIs central watch database, Mateens name was removed from that list in 2014. Mr Guillermo-Smith wasnt a member of the state legislature when the Orlando 911 dispatch received a call at 2.28am on 12 June from the man who would go on to commit the atrocity. But on the campaign trail in 2016, he pledged to do his best to do something about it. The first bill he introduced as a newly minted congressman was an assault weapons ban, alongside a similar bill from State Senator Linda Stewart. It was dead before it was even introduced, Ms Stewart told The Independent of her bill. Neither chamber in Tallahassee even allowed the assault weapons ban to have an open hearing for discussion. When Ms Stewart tried to urge her colleagues to allow discussion on her bill, she was met with blank stares. Story continues Related: Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. If it were up to central Florida and central Florida only, it would pass, she continued, but the problem is we have to sell it to all of the elected officials and we still have a very big National Rifle Association (NRA) push for anything that we file. It doesnt matter what it is, just anything that deals with guns or the restriction of any kind of guns. In the past year, Democrats in the Florida legislature have introduced a series of gun control measures that aim at restricting firearms but none of those ended up as laws. They face a formidable opponent in the form of the NRAs most prominent and effective lobbyist Marion Hammer, who Ms Stewart says can be seen in nearly any hearing that discusses guns or gun control. Efforts by Ms Hammer and other pro-gun advocates have led to Florida being one of the worst states for gun crime in the country, Ms Stewart and Mr Guillermo-Smith said. Guns are easy to come by and, as exemplified in the Orlando shooting, that can have deadly consequences. But, with that picture of lax gun laws and an effective pro-gun lobby as a backdrop, Mr Guillermo-Smith said that this past legislative year has actually been something of a victory for gun control advocates in one simple way: Orlando made it difficult for anyone to loosen legislation, so things didnt get worse. The gun safety advocates saw this past legislative session as a victory and the reason why is because all of the gun lobbys all of the bills that the gun lobby pushed was defeated, he said. Its a win. They didnt get anything they wanted in this last legislature, which is kind of a sea change. I know that Pulse was a reason why the gun lobby was denied everything on their wishlist. Both Floridians said they plan continue their push in the new legislative session. The NRA did not respond to requests for comment on this story. When Star Wars opened in May 1977, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill went from unknown actors to mega-stars but in Fords case, the full effects of fame took a while to sink in. Despite having the most film credits out of all his co-stars (with the exception of the esteemed Alec Guinness), Ford told a reporter in June 1977 that he had never been recognized by a single fan, even at a recent screening of Star Wars. Watch the clip above. Well you know I saw the film with an audience for the first time about three days ago, Ford, then 34, told journalist Bobbie Wygant. I sat next to two people who were sitting through the film for the second time, and they engaged me in a conversation about the film, telling me how much they enjoyed it and what it was all about After the film was over they asked me why I had left during the middle of it, if I didnt like the movie. And they didnt recognize me at all, no. Ive never been recognized, Ford continued. In fact in my early career, I considered that to be sort of a problem, that characters that I played in different movies it was not acknowledged that it was the same person doing the job. Prior to Star Wars, Ford had been a working actor for a decade. Among his credits were a notable supporting role in George Lucass film 1973 American Graffiti, a small part in Francis Ford Coppolas 1974 thriller The Conversation, an uncredited appearance in Michelangelo Antonionis 1970 drama Zabriskie Point, and a major role in the 1976 TV movie Dynasty (not to be confused with the 1980s TV series Dynasty). Even so, it took a flight in the Millennium Falcon to set him apart from all of Hollywoods other handsome faces and 40 years later, were guessing hed love to have the problem of not being recognized in public. Watch a video about the 8 most surprising celebrity Star Wars appearances: Read more from Yahoo Movies: The all-new tenth-generation of the Honda Accord, set to launch this year, will feature new powertrains as well as a reworked appearance. Billed as the most stylish and fun-to-drive Accord ever, the completely redesigned 2018 Honda Accord will be launched later this year. The Accord has been a legendary and well-loved model all across the globe over its 40+ years, but it's in the US where it really does dominate its segment. The Accord is America's best-selling midsize sedan, and that's some achievement in a segment where competition is incredibly fierce thanks to the likes of the Ford Fusion, the Toyota Camry and plenty of other excellent contenders. The Accord has now been discontinued in Europe, just as Toyota did with the Camry many years ago, but this all-new 2018 model could potentially see it reappear at some point. The current ninth-generation Accord has been tweaked and facelifted for some time now, but the 2018 model will be a completely new car from the ground up. The new model will have a more aggressive stance and proportion than any of its predecessors, and there's also going to be an exciting lineup of advanced new powertrains. There will be three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains in the tenth-generation Accord in the US, which will include a pair of direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a next-generation version of the Japanese automaker's two-motor hybrid. The two turbocharged engines will offer a choice between a new ten-speed automatic transmission and a sporty six-speed manual gearbox. Jeff Conrad, the senior vice president and general manager of America Honda Motor Co., Inc., said of the new model, "With these three advanced new powertrains, the tenth-generation Accord will be the most fun-to-drive, refined and fuel-efficient Accord yet. Just as the new Honda Civic injected new energy into the compact car segment, we expect this all-new 2018 Accord will make people rethink the midsize sedan." There's no official word about the Accord making a potential comeback in Europe, but if the tenth-generation is a huge success in North America, it may be too tempting for Honda to resist, especially with the hybrid. WASHINGTON Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has submitted an interim report recommending President Donald Trump shrink the boundaries of Utahs 1.35 million-acre Bears Ears National Monument. Instead of former President Barack Obama designating such a large area, it would have been more appropriate to identify and separate the areas that have significant objects to be protected, Zinke wrote. Zinke also recommended that Trump ask Congress to enable tribal co-management of the monument. The Interior Department is expected to complete a full review and offer more specific recommendations, including how much the monuments size should change, later this year. Its a little premature to throw out acreage, Zinke said in a call with reporters Monday. The move comes as little surprise, given Trump and Zinkes previous comments criticizing recent monument designations. Bears Ears National Monument is protected public land in southeastern Utah, named after a pair of buttes and home to thousands of Native American archaeological and cultural sites. It is one of 27 national monuments threatened by a pair of executive orders that Trump signed in April. One order tasks the Interior Department with reviewing all federal monuments 100,000 acres or larger that have been established or expanded under the Antiquities Act since Jan. 1, 1996. The other instructs the Department of Commerce to review all marine sanctuaries and monuments designated or expanded within the last 10 years. Bears Ears is at the center of the monuments controversy, and the issue has divided many in Utah. President Donald Trump holds up his executive order directing a review of previous national monument designations during a signing ceremony at the Interior Department in Washington, D.C., in April. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters) In launching his review last month, Zinke insisted that there is no predetermined outcome on any monument. For those following closely, however, that seemed like nothing more than a talking point. In April, when Trump signed the executive order tasking Zinke with reviewing 21 years of designations, he was flanked by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) and the states U.S. Sens. Orrin Hatch (R) and Mike Lee (R) staunch opponents of the Bears Ears monument. Trump spoke as if a reversal was already a done deal, as he praised the three men for their never-ending prodding on the issue. Story continues Trump also gave Zinke a shorter time frame to conduct his review of Bears Ears than any of the other monuments being considered. And the president said during the signing ceremony that Bears Ears was designated a monument over the profound objections of the citizens of Utah and should never have happened. Zinke, like Trump, has suggested the monument wont survive as-is. In April, he said the Antiquities Act has become a tool of political advocacy rather than public interest. And during a visit to Bears Ears last month, Zinke said he believed the area should be preserved, but the issue is whether the monument is the right vehicle. It is public land, he said. It was public land before the monument. It will be public land after the monument. What vehicle of public land is appropriate to preserve the cultural identity, to make sure the tribes have a voice and to make sure you protect the traditions of hunting and fishing and public access? A 13th century masonry structure is seen in Bears Ears National Monument. (Photo: Bob Strong / Reuters) Zinke did not tour Bears Ears with representatives of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, a group of five Native American tribes that came together to petition for monument status. Instead, he was joined by monument opponents, including Herbert and members of the San Juan County Commission, the county where Bears Ears is located. During his visit, which the Interior Department called a listening tour, Zinke seemed to lose his manners after a protester repeatedly asked why he hadnt spent more time talking with tribal leaders. Holding up his finger, the secretary forcefully ordered the woman to Be. Nice. Zinke said Monday that he spent a lot of time listening and learning about the area, and its important the public understand his recommendations were not made in a bubble in Washington, D.C. He said hes confident his suggestions are in the interest of Utah, the tribes and the country. The revised boundaries, Zinke said, would focus on providing protections for historic structures and objects, including Native American dwellings, archeological sites and drawings. The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition condemned Zinkes recommendation in a statement Monday as a slap in the face to the members of our Tribes and an affront to Indian people all across the country. Any attempt to eliminate or reduce the boundaries of this Monument would be wrong on every count, the coalition said. Such action would be illegal, beyond the reach of presidential authority. Moreover, the advocates said, The Bears Ears region is not a series of isolated objects, but the object itself, a connected, living landscape, where the place, not a collection of items, must be protected. You cannot reduce the size without harming the whole. Bears Ears is too precious a place, and our cultures and values too dignified and worthy, to backtrack on the promises made in the Presidential Proclamation. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Environmental groups also slammed Zinkes decision. Heidi McIntosh, Earthjustices managing attorney in the Rocky Mountains, said unilaterally shrinking the monument would violate both the Antiquities Act and the separation of powers doctrine. If Trump follows Zinkes recommendation, McIntosh promised Earthjustice would see the administration in court. Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities, called Zinkes recommendation an undeniable attack on our national monuments and Americas public lands. Instead of reinforcing Americas conservation heritage, Secretary Zinke is recommending President Trump take actions that are both unprecedented and illegal, Rokala said in a statement. The law is clear: only Congress can modify or erase a national monument. This report, while disappointing, is not a surprise. President Trump made it clear the fix was in from the moment he signed the executive order, despite overwhelming public support for national monuments. Hatch applauded Zinkes decision in a video posted to Twitter on Monday. In a statement, Herbert called the report an important first step toward re-establishing sound land management practices for one of the most special areas in the world. Last month, the Interior Department denied reports that Zinke had already made up his mind and would recommend abolishing Bears Ears. San Juan County Commissioner Phil Lyman reportedly told E&E News that Zinke disclosed his plans during a meeting with the commission earlier that month. Lyman insisted to HuffPost that E&E News had misquoted him and that he didnt say Zinke would definitely recommend abolishing the monument. However, my impression is hed like to rescind it, Lyman said. Asked Monday why he didnt recommend abolishing the monument, Zinke said that was an option. But looking at it, there are some antiquities within the monument that I think deserve to be protected, he said. I have enormous respect for the tribes and I do want to push sovereignty, respect to self-determination. And Im very sensitive to cultural traditions, rituals that have conducted and are continuing to conduct on Bears Ears. Its not clear where Trump got the idea that a majority of Utah residents oppose Bears Ears. An analysis conducted by the Center for Western Priorities last month found that 99 percent of the more than 685,000 public comments submitted during a recent 15-day comment period voiced support for the Obama-era monument. Trump and Zinkes comments about the Antiquities Act are also unfounded. In an April press release, the Interior Department wrote, Since the 1900s, when the [Antiquities] Act was first used, the average size of national monuments exploded from an average of 422 acres per monument. Now its not uncommon for a monument to be more than a million acres. Ancient granaries, part of the House on Fire ruins, are shown here in the South Fork of Mule Canyon in the Bears Ears National Monument, outside Blanding, Utah, on May 12. (Photo: George Frey via Getty Images) During the executive orders signing ceremony, Zinke noted that Americas first national monument, Devils Tower in Wyoming, was less than 1,200 acres. President Theodore Roosevelt designated the monument in 1906. Yet, in recent years, weve seen monuments span tens of millions of acres, Zinke said, in a clear reference to marine monument designations and expansions by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The argument is that the law was established to set set aside small areas and that recent administrations have abused this. But the 422-acre figure is, at best, cherry-picked. In 1908, two years after the Antiquities Act became law, Roosevelt of whom Zinke is an unapologetic admirer and disciple designated more than 800,000 acres of the Grand Canyon as a national monument. Only a few Obama-era land monuments are larger. Roosevelt also designated the 20,629-acre Chaco Canyon National Monument and the 610,000-acre Mount Olympus National Park. Republican presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover both designated monuments over a million acres. Coolidge set aside Alaskas Glacier Bay in 1925, and Hoover set aside Californias Death Valley in 1933. The Interior Department did not respond to HuffPosts numerous requests seeking clarification on the 422-acre figure. Sixteen presidents have used the 1906 Antiquities Act to designate 157 monuments; however, no president has ever tried to revoke a designation. If Trump does indeed try, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and other groups have promised to sue. CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated the date Death Valley National Monument was established as 1937; it was established in 1933. Also on HuffPost Basin and Range National Monument, Nevada Bears Ears National Monument, Utah Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, California Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Colorado Carrizo Plain National Monument, California Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, Oregon Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho Giant Sequoia National Monument, California Gold Butte National Monument, Nevada Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah Hanford Reach National Monument, Washington Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona Mojave Trails National Monument, California Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico Sand to Snow National Monument, California San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, California Sonoran Desert National Monument, Arizona Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Montana Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands/Pacific Ocean Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, Atlantic Ocean Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, Pacific Ocean Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Hawaii/Pacific Ocean Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, American Samoa/Pacific Ocean This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Robert Muhereza. Plans are under way to stop the importation of hydroelectric power from Rwanda to supply Kisoro town because it has proved to be unreliable to local residents in the area that use it for domestic and cottage industries. The UMEME engineer for Kisoro district Naboth Aine revealed this on Monday as he presented a paper before the district council on the plans underway to reduce load shedding in the district after the leaders complained that it is hurting service delivery especially in the health and business sectors. Power to supply Kisoro has been imported from Rwanda for years now. However, according to Aine this is now changing since Rwanda is pushing for rural electrification thus the rampant load shedding being experienced in Kisoro. He says plans are underway to connect Kisoro district on the main grid from Jinja through Kabale district. Uganda imports 0.395Megawatts of hydro power from Rwanda to supply Kisoro town and in turn exports about 1.3Mega watts of hydro power to the same country through Katuna border town. The health committee chairperson for Kisoro district council Expedito Byensi said load shedding has hindered the delivery of health services especially in Kisoro hospital as it is required in sterilizing theatre equipment and for patients on oxygen. Tehran (AFP) - Iran has tracked down and killed several suspected jihadists including the alleged mastermind of twin attacks in Tehran last week, a security official and a minister have said. Dozens of suspects have been arrested since the attacks on Wednesday killed 17 people in the first assault in Iran to be claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Police late Sunday killed four IS suspects in the southern province of Hormozgan, the ISNA news agency on Monday reported police chief Azizollah Maleki as saying. "Two of the killed criminals were foreign nationals... while the identity of other members is being investigated," Maleki said, adding that weapons and an IS flag were seized during the raid. Iran has said five Iranians, who had joined IS and travelled to its Iraq and Syria bastions, carried out Wednesday's attacks on the parliament and the shrine of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Late Saturday, Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi said the alleged mastermind behind the attacks had been tracked down and killed outside the country. "The mastermind who controlled the team... who had fled outside the country... paid the price for his crimes, with the cooperation of intelligence services of allied countries," Alavi told state television, without providing further details. At least 41 IS suspects have been arrested since the attacks, according to Alavi, who said Iran has dismantled suspected jihadist cells with increasing frequency in recent months. In the entire year to March 2017 "we dismantled 45 cells, while in the past two-and-a-half months alone we have dismantled more than 25 terrorist cells," he said. Officials have reported the arrests of suspected IS members in and around Tehran, as well as in the country's centre, southern governorates, and western provinces near the Iraqi border. Losby Gods (Norway) (AFP) - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday called for a permanent mechanism in the Gulf to resolve crises like the blockade against Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies. Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of an annual peace mediation in Oslo, Zarif also said Saudi Arabia supported militants inside Iran. "It is absolutely imperative for our region not to only to resolve this particular conflict or dispute between our southern neighbours in the Persian Gulf through dialogue but in fact establish a permanent mechanism for consultation, conversation and conflict resolution in our region," Zarif said. He said this could be along the lines of the 1975 Helsinki accords -- agreements signed during the Cold War to reduce tensions between western and Communist nations. "I think if it worked at the height of the Cold War here in Europe, it should work," Zarif said. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing the small but oil-rich emirate of supporting "terrorism" and being too close to Iran, which is Riyadh's regional rival. Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated as Iran's Revolutionary Guards blamed the deadly June 7 Tehran attack on Saudi Arabia. The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the twin attacks that killed 17 people and wounded dozens. "We have intelligence that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in promoting terrorist groups operating on the eastern side of Iran in Baluchestan," Zarif said. He said the militants were "using the territory of one of our neighbours against its will to launch attacks against Iran which only two months ago led to the murder of nine Iranian border guards." The April 29 attack by Sunni militants took place on the frontier with Pakistan. "On the Western side the same type of activity is being undertaken, again by using the diplomatic hospitality of other neighbours," Zarif said. Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Israel will reduce electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip after funding cuts by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, an Israeli minister said Monday, worsening an already severe shortage in the Hamas-run enclave. The move has raised fears of a new upsurge in violence, with Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza having fought three wars since 2008. The security cabinet decided Sunday to reduce the daily amount supplied to Gaza by between 45 and 60 minutes, Israeli media reported. Gazans currently receive only three or four hours of electricity a day, delivered from the territory's own power station and others in Israel and Egypt. Residents who can afford it use generators to power their homes or businesses in the impoverished Palestinian enclave of some two million people. Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the reduction was due to an ongoing row between Abbas and his rivals Hamas, but he did not detail the scope of the cuts. Abbas recently decided to "significantly reduce payments for Gazan electricity," he told army radio. "It would be illogical for Israel to pay part of the bill." Abbas reportedly decided on the move in a further bid to pressure Hamas. But the reduction has also sparked fears of fresh violence. Hamas has run Gaza since 2007, when it seized it in a near civil war from Abbas's Fatah following a dispute over parliamentary elections won by the Islamist movement. Abbas runs the Palestinian Authority, the internationally recognised Palestinian leadership based in the occupied West Bank. Multiple attempts at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah have failed, but the Palestinian Authority (PA) has continued to pay Israel for some electricity delivered to Gaza. PA official Tariq Reshmawi said for the past 10 years the authority has paid Israel $12.7 million dollars (11.3 million euros) and Egypt $2 million (1.8 million euros) every month for providing power to the strip. Story continues Hamas was responsible for deteriorating conditions in the coastal territory, he told AFP. "In order to resolve the crisis Hamas must respond to Mahmud Abbas's offer to end the political divisions," he added. - 'Catastrophe' - Hamas said the cut was made on Abbas's orders and termed it "a catastrophe". "This decision aggravates the situation and risks an explosion in the Gaza Strip," it said in a statement. Several protests against power shortages were held in January, including one in which thousands in northern Gaza walked to the local headquarters of the electricity company. Hamas security forces dispersed the protesters violently, with shots fired in the air and a number of journalists beaten up. Further protests were prevented by a show of force by Hamas security and jailed demonstrators were released in the following weeks. Israel and the PA cooperate in different areas despite the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but Israel views Hamas as a terrorist organisation and has imposed a blockade on Gaza. "My strategy is clear: rehabilitation in exchange for (Hamas) demilitarisation," Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman told the Israeli parliament on Monday. "If we really want to see change in the Gaza Strip, these are the key words." Electricity is a major concern in the hot and cramped territory, which is currently marking the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The United Nations warned last month that the energy crisis was severely harming water supplies and health services and could trigger an outbreak of violence. It said that 100,000 cubic metres of raw sewage was being discharged into the Mediterranean every day because treatment plants are unable to fully operate. Erdan said an escalation in the conflict was not inevitable. "It is not definite this will cause a military confrontation. It is possible that the Palestinians begin to understand the catastrophe that Hamas means for them," he said. burs-scw/mjs/dv Trump echoed her fathers words, saying he felt very vindicated after the former FBI directors hearing, and said she wasnt expecting the viciousness of politics Ivanka Trump said she is trying to keep my head down and not listen to the noise. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP Ivanka Trump said the president felt very vindicated by former FBI director James Comeys testimony last week, in an interview with Fox News on Monday morning. She also said her father is incredibly optimistic following the congressional testimony, in which Comey claimed Trump had directed him to shut down an investigation into a former senior White House official, and lied to smear Comey after he was fired. Trumps comments to Fox and Friends echoed those made by her father last Friday, when he said the testimony was a total and complete vindication. But she said she was not prepared for the viciousness that came with working in the White House. It is hard. Theres a level of viciousness that I was not expecting, Trump said. I was not expecting the intensity of this experience, but this isnt supposed to be easy. My father and this administration intends to be transformative, and we want to do big, bold things, and were looking to change the status quo. I think some of the distractions and some of the ferocity, I was a little blindsided by on a personal level. For me, Im trying to keep my head down and not listen to the noise, and just work hard to make a positive impact on the lives of many people. Ivanka Trump: My husband, Jared, "loves" his job pic.twitter.com/FQWdiVbOU3 Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) June 12, 2017 She also said her husband, senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, loves his job. Kushner, a real estate magnate, rarely speaks publicly and has been under scrutiny since taking up his first job in politics. His White House role includes directing the newly formed Office of American Innovation, advising his father-in-law and playing a key diplomatic role. Kushner has been tasked by Donald Trump with trying to broker a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. Last month, Kushner became ensnared in the investigation of the Trump campaigns ties to Russia. Kushners lawyer said he will cooperate with the investigation. James Corden just returned to Los Angeles after hosting The Late Late Show from London last week. Corden filled in at the famous department store, Harrods, before leaving London. On Monday night's show, Corden shared some video from his time as a temporary Harrods employee, which didn't last long. Corden got behind the counter at a chocolate store and things started out great. The late night host was having fun with the customers and handing out delicious treats. Although, he ran into trouble when he tried getting fancy while wrapping up some chocolate. Corden said, "Now at Harrods, it is not just the experience, it's the wrapping." He then reached up to grab a glass off the shelf and knocked it on the side of the shelf, shattering it. Glass fell everywhere, as Corden attempted to hold back his smile. Unfortunately for the customers waiting in line, that was the end of the road for Corden as a chocolate salesman. An important-looking man came in and told Corden his time behind the counter was over as they had to close down the place in order to clean up the glass. Corden apologized to the gentleman and the customers, before heading to another department of the store where he couldn't do as much damage. A bar is offering women discounts on drinks based on their heel height [Photo: Pexels] High heels have been a mega topic of conversation lately. Weve had babies wearing teeny tiny high heels, women being forced to wear heels at work, and advice from the Duchess of Cambridge about how she manages to stay in heels ALL day. But the latest high heel headline is about a hotel bar in Japan that is offering women a drink discount based solely on the height of their heels. According to Sora News 24, The Hilton Osakas My Place Bar plans on offering women wearing heels measuring five centimeters (approximately two inches) a 10% discount off their bar tab. From there the drink reduction increases by 5% for every 2cm (a little less than an inch) heel height, up to a maximum of 15cm (nearly 6 inches), which gets you almost a third off your drinks bill. Wowzer. For any heels over 6 inches ladies can nab themselves 40% off their drinks. We cant help but wonder, do women have to slip off their heels as soon as they step into the bar and hand them to some kind of official heel measurer? Maybe theres a heel measuring stick like what you see to measure childrens heights at amusement park rides. But that slightly troubling thought aside, the heel discount throws up all sorts of questions about sexism and er, flat shoe-ism. This is far from the first time this issue has come up. Last year a woman was sent home from work for wearing flat shoes, which prompted a petition in parliament about heel discrimination and an entire rethink of workplace dress codes. The point is, why are we praising women for the shoes they wear? And why are we penalizing women if they dont wear what society deems either lady-like or sexy? Furthermore, why are we demanding women to wear shoes that have been proven to actually have a negative health impact? Flats, it should be noted, are also having a moment. According to a recent survey women are ditching their heels for comfy-yet-trendy trainers. Even Hollywood has caught on to the whole flat fashion thing with celebrity women even donning flats on the red carpet. Were going to go out on a limb and say this has as much to do with comfort as it does with fashion. Story continues How much you pay for drinks could depend on your heel height? [Photo: picjumbo.com via Pexels] So if youre one of lifes natural high-heel wearers and you fancy taking advantage of some cut price beverages, then by all means totter along to the High Heels Ladies Night Discount at the Hilton Osakas My Place bar every Thursday between 6pm and 11.30pm. But if not, there are plenty of other bars that are not only probably closer (Japan is an awfully long way to go for a G&T), but also dont discriminate their pricing based on the type of shoes youre wearing. Read more from Yahoo Beauty + Style: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and@YahooBeauty. Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough (Screengrab via MSNBC) Joe Scarborough ripped into President Trump and his Cabinet on Tuesday, one day after a video of Trump prompting officials to speak up and praise him during a meeting caught fire. Sick is the word, the co-host of MSNBCs Morning Joe said of the meeting. It is also deeply un-American to turn a Cabinet meeting, with the president of the United States, in the White House, into a cheerleading routine where everybodys supposed to go around and praise him. Scarborough wasnt the only one who questioned the event the Trump administrations first full Cabinet meeting. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer released a satirical video of him similarly addressing his own aides shortly after the Trump meeting went viral. Trump later posted a lengthy clip of the exchange on Twitter. In the video, the president calls on attendees one by one, who in turn take the opportunity to fawn over their boss. Finally held our first full @Cabinet meeting today. With this great team, we can restore American prosperity and bring real change to D.C. pic.twitter.com/2M9PiKjCSH Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2017 The greatest privilege of my life is to serve as vice president to the president whos keeping his word to the American people, Vice President Mike Pence said. Chief of staff Reince Priebus was even more effusive. On behalf of the entire senior staff around you, Mr. President, we thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that youve given us to serve your agenda and the American people, Priebus gushed. Were continuing to work very hard every day to accomplish those goals. Scarborough, who has had a roller-coaster relationship with Trump, said the peculiar meeting was symbolic of Trumps distorted concept of the presidency. What Donald Trump doesnt understand is, so many things, but the first thing is, he is serving the American people, Scarborough said. Story continues He also tore into the Cabinet for the mushy display and went so far as to advise officials to leave before submitting to the president in that manner again. If youre a Cabinet member, come on! an exasperated Scarborough exclaimed. Come on, you owe us more than that. We pay for your salary too. Stand up for yourself. Have dignity. And if he doesnt want you around because you stand up for yourself and have dignity, then leave. President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Monday, June 12, 2017. From left, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.(Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) _____ Read more from Yahoo News: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals referenced Mr Trump's tweets in their opinion: AFP/Getty Images Donald Trumps love of Twitter is giving his legal team some headaches. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction placed on his so-called travel ban, and specifically referenced a tweet the President shot out in the days following the terror attacks in London that killed eight people and injured nearly 50 more. Thats right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, Mr Trump wrote, not some politically correct term that wont help us protect our people! As it turns out, the judges on the 9th Circuit Court saw in that tweet a statement that undermines the whole reasoning behind the travel ban. Indeed, the President recently confirmed his assessment that it is the 'countries' that are inherently dangerous, the judges wrote in their opinion, rather than the 180 million individual nationals of those countries who are barred from entry under the Presidents 'travel ban. The judges also noted that White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer had himself instructed reporters to view the Presidents tweets as official statements from the White House. Mr Trumps allies have long been concerned that the Presidents tweeting habit will inhibit the West Wings ability to move policy forward. The point cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal matters seriously undermine [the Administrations] agenda and POTUS and those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that point and not be shy about it, George Conway, a lawyer married to White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, tweeted earlier this month. These tweets make some people feel better, but they certainly wont help [the solicitor general] get five votes in [the Supreme Court], which is what actually matters. The travel ban will likely head to the Supreme Court now that two US District Courts of Appeals have ruled to uphold injunctions on the Presidents travel ban. Following the release of footage from Kala Browns 2016 rescue from a South Carolina shipping container, one woman who survived a similar ordeal nearly 25 years ago knows exactly what the 30-year-old went through. Read: Video Shows Rescue of Woman Chained in Shipping Container by Suspected Serial Killer Katie Beers was 9 years old in 1992 when she was kidnapped and chained to the wall in an underground bunker for 17 days in the Long Island, N.Y., town of Bay Shore. "It floods me with emotions right now, she told Inside Edition. Just because I have been there, I have experienced it. The surrealness of being held in captivity for so long and praying and hoping for the day that you are going to be found. Brown was kept chained by the neck inside the shipping container for two agonizing months. She was given a dog bed to sleep on. She was chained to the wall with a padlock and given three crime novels to pass the time. I was chained by my neck, Beers added. I at least had a television where I could watch news reports and media. I knew that the police and my biological mother were looking for me and they wanted me to come home. Just going two months without any human interaction, two months without sunshine, two months without sun on your face, it is a very, very scary situation. As police freed Brown with a bolt cutter, she told them that realtor Todd Kohlhepp shot and killed her 32-year-old boyfriend, Charles Carver. After Brown's rescue, police confronted Kohlhepp in his home. Cops say Brown spent two months on the property owned by Kohlhepp in late 2016 after he allegedly lured her and her boyfriend there with the offer of a job. Read: Cops Say Suspected Serial Killer Met With Mom Before Confessing to Quadruple Murder Last month, Kohlhepp pleaded guilty to kidnapping Brown and seven murders. He was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences. The man who held Beers' captive, John Esposito, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the abduction. He died in 2013. Story continues Beers, now 34, says that despite Kohlhepp's sentence, Brown's ordeal isn't over. "They have a long road to recovery and so does the family," Beers said. Watch: After Woman's Daring Escape From Captor, How to Get Out If You're Trapped in a Car's Trunk Related Articles: Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner at Paris Fashion Week in October 2016. (Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images) Kim Kardashians Paris robbery has had a lasting impact not only on her, but her famous family as well. Kris Jenner sat down with the Hollywood Reporter for their Reality TV Roundtable and was asked if the incident gave her pause about continuing Keeping Up With the Kardashians. No, Kris replied. But it really changed all of our lives and the way that we live. Last October, Kim was bound and gagged by armed robbers who stole more than $11 million worth of jewelry. Not only do we now have an enormous amount of security everyone is armed and licensed; its legit companies that protect all of us but also the way that we deal with our lives on social media took a huge turn: What we show, what we dont show, Kris explained. In the months leading up to the robbery, Kim repeatedly flaunted her bling on social media. ???????????? A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Sep 29, 2016 at 12:40pm PDT The Kardashian matriarch continued, If we go to Disneyland, were not snapping pictures with Dumbo; well wait until we leave and then share something we want to share. But it also gave us great pause about what to share. There is nothing wrong with working hard and getting something wonderful for yourself if you want to or thats what youre into, but I think the way that we share it with other people really changed. You think five times about what youre going to put out there on social media. Kris and Kim also had to figure out what they wanted to put out about the incident on their E! show. We made the decision to go ahead and have Kim tell her story, she said. So many people felt like they deserved the explanation of what happened because they had, for the last decade, followed every moment of her life. And she felt it would almost be a relief to be able to say it on her terms and explain what happened and what she went through. The family used footage that Kanye Wests film crew shot (he had videographers with him when Kim returned to NYC after her terrifying night in Paris). Story continues Kim Kardashian returning to her Manhattan apartment with Kanye West after the Paris robbery. (Photo: James Devaney/GC Images) And the fact that we did have a little bit of Kanyes footage made it really interesting to see that point of view of how she dealt with it and how she handled it from within. But she couldnt talk for a minute because it was under investigation, Kris explained. The decision to air footage around the incident goes back to the mantra Kris and her family decided to follow early on: Show the good and the bad of their lives. We decided as a family that if were going to do this, we would just show everything. And one of the best decisions I made not only as a producer of the show but as one of the stars of the show was to say, Were not going to remove anything, Kris said. With that philosophy, I told the kids, Dont get on the Internet. Ryan Seacrest, my producing partner, had told [my daughter] Kim about this little thing called Twitter, which she might be interested in. There wasnt Instagram or Snapchat or any of this other stuff then. Now, its so heightened and, you know, haters are gonna hate. You expect it now. According to Kris, Kim leads the pack when it comes to tuning haters out. Shes the queen of thick skin, Kris praised. She counsels everybody else. So if something happens in the family, shes the first one you call. What should I do? How should I handle this? But its my grandchildren who I worry about because I have six of them; the oldest just turned 7, and my youngest is 6 months old, and they dont have a choice. And I worry, I do, because it is such a bullying environment. Keeping Up With the Kardashians wrapped Season 12 on Sunday and will return for Season 13 later this year. Read more from Yahoo Celebrity: By Fred Muzaale An estimated two million Ugandan children have been forced into child labour mainly as a result of disasters and conflicts. The government is now calling for stronger integration of child labour in humanitarian responses. The minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development Janat Mukwaya has noted that 70 per cent of the children involved in child labour are in agriculture. This was contained in a press statement read for her by David Atwooki Mugisa, the Occupational Safety and Health officer at the ministry during an event to commemorate the World Day against child labour in Kampala yesterday. Uganda will commemorate the day on Thursday at Buganda Road Primary school. The day will run under the theme In conflicts and disasters, Protect children from child labour The minister said that conflicts have a devastating impact on childrens lives with some getting maimed, injured or even killed. Musician Lady Gaga looked bright and spry in NYC in May. (Photo: Gotham/GC Images) A little kindness goes a long way just ask Lady Gaga and Starbucks. The coffee behemoth has partnered with the pop star to raise money for her Born This Way Foundation through the sales of a special Cup of Kindness collection, which consists of four brightly colored iced drinks (not to be confused with the Unicorn Frappuccino). From now until June 19, participating stores in the U.S. and Canada will donate 25 cents from the sale of each Cup of Kindness beverage will go to Gagas foundation, which strives to promote youth wellness and empowerment. Founded in 2012, its focus is to create a kinder and braver world, which is a pretty lofty goal. Its efforts include providing young people with critical mental health resources, as well as fostering kinder communities, both online and off. Over the course of the campaign, Starbucks has vowed to donate a minimum of $250,000 to the cause one quarter at a time to help spread a simple message: Be kind. For her part, Gaga (whose real name is Stefani Germanotta) added, Were healthier and happier when we live our lives with compassion and our communities are stronger when we treat one another with generosity and respect. Born This Way Foundation and I are so excited to partner with Starbucks to help inspire positivity and love through the Cups of Kindness collection. Have a Pink Drink this week at @Starbucks and support @BTWFoundation ???? #CupsOfKindness A post shared by xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) on Jun 12, 2017 at 7:05am PDT Gaga shared the news with her 24.7 million Instagram followers in a post on Monday. Have a Pink Drink this week at @Starbucks and support @BTWFoundation ???? #CupsOfKindness, she wrote beside an artful shot of a frosty pink concoction surrounded by delicate flower petals. The Cup of Kindness offerings include the Ombre Pink Drink, Violet Drink, Matcha Lemonade, and Pink Drink (that ones not ombre, apparently). None of them include actual coffee and instead are made up of a combination of ingredients such as coconut milk, matcha (a tea powder), and lemonade with various flavorful accents. Starbucks describes them as very special drinks as delicious and refreshing as they are beautiful kind of like the message they represent. Story continues Read more from Yahoo Celebrity: People participate in a rally in New York City On Monday June 12, 2017 Gays Against Guns and 20 partnering LGBTQ nightclubs participated in the one year anniversary remembering the 49 victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub massacre. (Photo: Erik McGregor/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) On Monday, June 12, Gays Against Guns and 20 partnering LGBTQ nightclubs participated in the one-year anniversary honoring the 49 victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub massacre in New York City. The memorial, held at Sheridan Square in the West Village, was a solemn and joyfully defiant experience, as the tragedy that brought the fight for gun violence prevention directly into the LGBTQ nightlife community was remembered. On Sunday, in the nations capital and dozens of other cities across the U.S., supporters of LGBT rights mobilized for marches and rallies, celebrating their gains but angered over threats to those advances. The centerpiece event, the Equality March in Washington, was endorsed by virtually every major national advocacy group working on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Leaders of those groups have been embittered by several actions of President Trumps administration including the rollback of federal guidance advising school districts to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. In Los Angeles, where the annual Pride parade was renamed #ResistMarch, tens of thousands of people turned out to march in Hollywood, some carrying rainbow flags or signs reading Love trumps hate. Speakers at the event included Mayor Eric Garcetti and RuPaul, the host of RuPauls Drag Race. (Getty/AP) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Malaysian customs officers have seized almost 300 kilograms of pangolin scales being smuggled through the main airport, officials said on Tuesday. The 288-kilogram (635 pound) haul was found at Kuala Lumpur International Airport last Friday in 12 boxes labelled as oyster shells on the waybill. The scales worth around 3.69 million ringgit ($870,000) arrived from Ghana on a Turkish Airlines flight, the customs department said in a statement. Authorities are investigating. The scales of the endangered pangolin, the world's most heavily trafficked mammal, are highly prized in Vietnam and China where they are misleadingly touted as having medicinal properties. Malaysia last month made its largest haul of such scales, 712 kilograms estimated to be worth more than nine million ringgit. Pangolins are indigenous to the jungles of Indonesia, parts of Malaysia and areas of southern Thailand, and their meat is considered a delicacy in China. Four pangolin species can also be found in Africa. Increasingly they are smuggled to Southeast Asia from Africa, but the majority go to China. Soaring demand has seen an estimated one million pangolins plucked from Asian and African forests over the past decade. Farmers skinned cats about 1,000 years ago in Spain, possibly for the medieval cat-fur industry or a "magical" pagan ritual, a new study finds. Scientists found evidence of the skinning at the archaeological site of El Bordellet in eastern Spain, where medieval artifacts were discovered during highway construction in 2010. During more recent excavations, researchers found nine pits that likely held crops from medieval farms. A number of these pits held bones from sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, dogs and horses. One pit was notable because it contained an unusual amount of feline remains about 900 domestic cat bones. One such bone was carbon dated to about A.D. 970 to 1025. [See Photos of the Remains of Ancient Egyptian Kittens] Skinned cats Several clues led the archaeologists to conclude that the cats were likely skinned. The number, angle, intensity and location of the cut marks and fractures seen on the bones were consistent with those seen in prior experiments where researchers skinned a variety of animals. The state of the bones suggests that most of the felines were 9 to 20 months old when they died. The researchers said this age was likely the best for cat-fur usage, when the felines were relatively large but their fur was still free of damage, parasites or disease. Cat skinning has been seen widely at numerous archaeological sites in northern Europe, especially Britain and Ireland, the researchers said. "The skins were basically used for making garments, mainly coats," as well as collars and sleeves, said study lead author Lluis Lloveras, a zooarchaeologist at the University of Barcelona. "Some texts also make reference to the healing qualities of cat skin, but also to its possible harmfulness." Cat fur was often traded during the Middle Ages, according to archaeological finds and medieval texts, Lloveras said. "The skins of the cat and the rabbit have many similarities in terms of quality and touch," Lloveras told Live Science. Story continues Both domestic cats and wildcats were skinned for the fur industry, although the value of domestic-cat fur "could be worth 100 times less than that of the wildcat," Lloveras said. "The fur of domestic cats was normally used by less-wealthy people or social groups that had to demonstrate a certain austerity, like nuns." A 2013 study in the journal Antiqvitas found evidence of cat skinning in the Muslim areas of medieval Iberia. This new study may be the first conclusive evidence of cat-fur usage in the medieval Christian parts of Iberia, the European peninsula containing Spain and Portugal. "This proves that cat-fur exploitation was common in both [the] Christian and [the] Muslim world," Lloveras said. Pagan cat rituals? However, the researchers said there might be another explanation for this cat skinning: a magical pagan rite. Other animal remains uncovered alongside the feline bones included a whole horse skull, a goat horn fragment and a chicken eggshell. "All these particular animal remains have been associated with ritual practices in the Middle Ages as well as in later times," Lloveras said. For instance, a 1999 study in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology found a partial cat skeleton buried with several hens underneath a wall from the late-15th to early-16th centuries in England, perhaps as part of a commemorative ritual during construction, he said. However, the researchers cautioned that the archaeological record in this region does not make it clear whether these bones were placed together coincidentally or as part of a ritual. "We will wait for new future discoveries in the area," Lloveras said. The scientists detailed their findings online May 24 in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Alex Jones; Megyn Kelly (Images: NBC) Megyn Kellys continues to defend her interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones amid widespread protests led by the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting a massacre that Jones has repeatedly called a hoax. Kelly had been scheduled to host an annual charity gala for the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. But the backlash over the interview, which is scheduled to air on NBC Sunday night, prompted the group to withdraw the invitation. Sandy Hook Promise cannot support the decision by Megyn or NBC to give any form of voice or platform to Alex Jones and have asked Megyn Kelly to step down as our Promise Champion Gala host, said Sandy Hook Promise co-founder Nicole Hockley, whose son, Dylan Hockley, was one of 20 children killed in the Dec. 14, 2012, massacre in Newtown, Conn. It is our hope that Megyn and NBC reconsider and not broadcast this interview. In a subsequent statement, Kelly said she understood the groups decision, adding that while she found Jones conspiracy theories personally revolting, her goal in interviewing him was to shine a light. Here is my statement regarding Sunday nights interview: pic.twitter.com/iS2VfyLt6S Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 13, 2017 Earlier this week, Kelly defended the decision to sit down with Jones, who hosts a popular radio show and runs a right-wing website called Infowars. Jones interviewed Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign, and said that the president called to thank him days after the election. POTUSs been on & praises @RealAlexJones show, Kelly wrote on Twitter. Hes giving Infowars a [White House] press credential. Many dont know him; our job is 2 shine a light. Nelba Marquez-Greene whose 6-year-old daughter, Ana Grace, was killed in the massacre blasted Kelly in a series of tweets. Story continues Here you go @megynkelly her name is Ana Grace Marquez-Greene. Say her name- stare at this & tell me it's worth it. @nbc #SandyHook pic.twitter.com/mKrU63KWmA Nelba Marquez-Greene (@Nelba_MG) June 12, 2017 Hey @megynkelly, let me know if you want to give his victims equal air time, Marquez-Greene wrote. Promoting this fool is bad news. Do not encourage his abuse. Hes a controversial figure for sure, but as journalists its our job to interview newsmakers and people of influence no matter how abhorrent their views may be, Liz Cole, the executive producer of Kellys weekly show, told CNN. Jones has argued that the shootings in Newtown were staged by the government to drum up support for gun control. In 2014, for example, he called the Sandy Hook massacre synthetic, completely fake, manufactured with actors. In a preview of the interview, Kelly confronts Jones about his Sandy Hook claims. But the victims families argue that NBC should not be giving the Infowars.com provocateur a platform. Cole disagreed. Giving him a platform would mean he goes unchallenged, and thats not the case in any way, she said. Viewers will see Megyn do a strong interview where she challenges him appropriately. Thats the benefit of putting him out there. When someone actually sits down and asks him questions and he has to come up with answers theres value to that. Cole added: Until you see the full program, in the full context, I wouldnt judge it too much. Judge it when you see it. Megyn does a strong interview; were not just giving him a platform. The cover of Tuesdays New York Daily News (Courtesy Newseum.org) The New York Daily News slammed NBC and Kelly on its front page Tuesday. The headline: Nutwork News. The backlash has apparently led at least one advertiser to pull its support of Kellys show. On Monday night, the Wall Street Journal reported that J.P. Morgan & Co. has asked for its local TV ads and digital ads to be removed from Ms. Kellys show and from all NBC news programming until after the show airs. An NBC official did not respond to a request seeking comment. Meanwhile, Jones himself is urging NBC not to air the interview because he says it has been deceptively edited. They did not have me in there saying I believe children died there at Sandy Hook, Jones said of the promotional clip. They had it edited where it sounded like I was saying nobody did. And the headlines are I doubled down. Thats why Im calling for the piece not to air. Read more from Yahoo News: Nisha Moodley and her 6-month-old son, Raven. (Photo: Instagram/Nisha Moodley) One mom is teaching her infant how to respect the human body in a unique way. Before picking up her 6-month-old son, Raven, Nisha Moodley, a mother of one in San Francisco, always asks his permission. Why? Because we want him to know that his body is his, and that others bodies are theirs, and no one gets to make choices about someone elses body, Moodley wrote on Instagram on June 9, alongside a selfie of herself and Raven. Moodleys post earned nearly 600 likes and lots of support for her unorthodox parenting move from people who wanted to implement the practice in their own families, as well as others who simply thanked the mom for sparking the conversation. I dont ever want my son to be a sexual perpetrator or the victim of one, and the best thing I can do is honor his choices about his own body, Moodley tells Yahoo Beauty. I also want him to pay attention to his instincts, and forcing physical touch could interfere with that. Of course, because of his young age, Raven may not always comprehend his moms message or be able to convey his feelings, but Moodley says she can interpret her sons body language. There have been times where Raven has responded by reaching his arms out for a hug or turning his head or body away, she says. Moodley says that navigating social situations with friends and family have, on occasion, been tricky. Its asking myself how can I prioritize what feels right to me as a parent with social niceties, especially if some consider it rude to not hug, says Moodley. If Raven seems like he doesnt want to be touched, I just explain to the person, Give him a few minutes he may just want mommy now. Story continues According to Sharon Silver, a parenting expert and creator of the upcoming webinar Why Do I Yell and What Can I Do Instead?, Moodley is doing the right thing. This idea is part of the wonderful RIE parenting philosophy, which is essentially respecting a childs timetable and allowing him or her to participate in the full range of experiences as the result of a decision, Silver tells Yahoo Beauty. Its the underlying premise of positive parenting. As children grow, however, providing too many choices in general isnt the best idea, notes Silver. Some parents trap themselves because they dont follow through on correcting behavior and wind up losing power, she says. For example, with an older child, instead of saying, Put on your shoes now and forgoing an opportunity for the child to find their own muscle of cooperation, Silver suggests saying something like, You have 10 minutes to put on your shoes any way you want then, if youre not ready, Ill have to do it for you. When an older child doesnt want to be touched, Silver says a parent can also ask why. Kids often tell you how they feel, she says. Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty. Many newborns are bathed too quickly, research finds. (Photo: Getty Images) Another U.S. city is signing on for whats shaping up to be the next big movement in natural birthing: delaying a newborns first bath, to promote infant health, breastfeeding, and mother-baby bonding. You figure it was there for a reason, but I never knew it was so amazing for the baby, nurse and researcher Courtney Buss told the Chicago Tribune about the white, waxy substance, called vernix, that coats a newborns skin and is often washed off too hastily. Now Busss Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, along with five other hospitals out of Chicagos Advocate hospital system, are adopting a wait to bathe policy, spurred on by Busss research on outcomes as part of a fellowship for studying best practices. All of our Advocate Health Care hospitals are in various stages of implementing this policy/process, a hospital spokesperson tells Yahoo Beauty. I believe seven are doing it and the other three will be on-boarded by this summer and fall. Among Busss powerful findings: The percentage of babies with hypothermia decreased from 29 percent to 14 percent after baths were delayed (rather than given immediately, because of a misperception that newborns are dirty). Hypoglycemia rates, she added, dropped from 21 percent to 7 percent in the first month, while breastfeeding rates increased from 51 percent to 71 percent, as vernix helps an infant pick up its mothers scent. Nine months later, the evidence was even stronger, Buss told the newspaper, as hypothermia rates had dropped to 7 percent and hypoglycemia had rates dropped to 4 percent, while breastfeeding rates increased to 78 percent. Vernix also contains antimicrobial proteins that are active against group B strep, E. coli and other common perinatal risks. You cant argue with these results, Fran Tefi-Teal, director of the Birth Center at the hospital told the Tribune. The Elgin location is also an accredited Baby-Friendly USA hospital one of 440 hospitals that adhere to specific evidence-based practices that aim for improved health outcomes and higher breastfeeding rates. One of the guidelines is to help new moms initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth, and to that end, the guidelines for evaluation include the following: Procedures requiring separation of the mother and infant (bathing, for example) should be delayed until after this initial period of skin-to-skin contact and should be conducted, whenever feasible, at the mothers bedside. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact should be encouraged throughout the hospital stay. Story continues The idea of delaying bathing is not new, and one thats recommended as a standard of care by the World Health Organization, which advises, Bathing should be delayed until after 24 hours of birth. If this is not possible due to cultural reasons, bathing should be delayed for at least six hours. Appropriate clothing of the baby for ambient temperature is recommended. This means one to two layers of clothes more than adults, and use of hats/caps. The mother and baby should not be separated and should stay in the same room 24 hours a day. Hospitals in states from Colorado to Massachusetts have embraced the practice. The biggest challenge of such a policy change, Buss is noticing in Chicago, is about educating parents toward a cultural change, while always honoring a parents right to choose when their babies get bathed. Its always the patients right to request care, Buss said. There should be no backlash from health care providers. Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty. Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (Photo: Steve Helber/AP) ARLINGTON, Va. Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democratic former governor of this state, was trying to pay the man running to be the next governor in Tuesdays primary a compliment. To me, he sounds like a pediatrician, Kaine said of Virginias Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, while speaking to supporters Saturday morning. Thats because Northam is, in fact, a pediatric neurologist who practiced at Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk for more than two decades, following eight years as an Army physician. Kaine, whose own brother is a pediatrician, said Northam had the same compassionate connection with people that he sees in his sibling. Northams personal manner is marked by gentleness and attentiveness. But while those traits are admirable, his low-key style has become the biggest contrast between him and the other Democrat running for governor in Virginia, Tom Perriello. Virginia Democrats will go to the polls today to choose between Northam and Perriello, and the winner will face off with the Republican nominee, who is expected to be Ed Gillespie, a former White House adviser to President George W. Bush. All available public polling has shown Northam and Perriello to be neck and neck. At a time when most Democrats are riled up about the Trump presidency, Northams calm, reserved manner doesnt match what some are looking for in party leaders. And as the Virginia governors race heads toward the fall, it will draw national attention because there are no other major elections coming up besides the New Jersey governors race. Thats not to say Northam is the underdog. Despite the presumption by some that Perriellos support from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren means he is the choice of the left, Northam has been endorsed by progressive groups like NARAL, the National Organization for Women, Equality Virginia and the Pride Fund, and gun control groups like the Brady Campaign and the Newtown Action Alliance. Story continues Northam also has the support of most of the states Democrats, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the states two U. S. senators, Kaine and Mark Warner. Most of the Democrats in the state legislature also back Northam, as are three of the states four Democrats in Congress (the fourth, Gerry Connolly, is neutral). All that institutional support is going to help Northam net votes in what will be a low turnout primary election on the second Tuesday in June. Thats normally not the time that people are thinking about voting, Kaine said. Perriello has been endorsed by a host of former Obama administration officials, such as Valerie Jarrett, Dan Pfeiffer, Kathleen Sebelius, Jon Lovett and others. Hes had some success in Virginia by getting support from some local unions, and from environmental groups who like his stance against two proposed natural gas pipelines. Lovett, a former Obama speechwriter, campaigned with Perriello recently and mentioned twice in a brief speech that he wanted to support politicians who sound like normal human beings. Kaine seemed to be combating the idea that Northam cant connect with the average voter when he made his pediatrician comment. I dont think Ralph talks like a political science guy, Kaine said. Moments later, Kaine addressed another critique of Northam: that hes not fiery or tough enough. He appears pretty mellow. Dont tussle with him on a matter of principle, Kaine said. He has no reverse gear. From left, Sen. Tim Kaine, supporter Hazel Rigby, Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam in Arlington, Va., earlier this week. (Photo: Jon Ward/Yahoo News) Perriellos supporters say hes more of a fighter than Northam. They shrug off his more conservative positions on abortion and guns in the past by pointing out that Northam, 57, voted for George W. Bush for president, in both 2000 and 2004. (Northam has said that at the time, I didnt pay much attention to politics. He became a state senator in 2007, and lieutenant governor in 2013.) And the Obama crowd in particular loves that Perriello, 42, voted for the Affordable Care Act in 2010, despite knowing it would likely cost him his seat in Congress, which in fact it did. Northam has Democratic establishment and liberal interest group support because hes proven his liberal credentials as lieutenant governor, fighting against a transvaginal ultrasound bill in 2012 and helping McAuliffe push back attempts by the states Republican legislature to defund Planned Parenthood this year and last year. But Perriello fans are energized by the former congressmans talk of economic populism and racial justice, which Perriello claims is helping him win over both rural whites fed up with an unfair economy and ethnic minorities. One of Northams biggest selling points is that hes the responsible choice. He has the relationships with legislators in Richmond, and the experience there, to make sure the state government can function effectively. This is all about governance, McAuliffe said at the same event here in Arlington, after Kaine spoke. Perriellos response to this is to insist that politics doesnt function through compromise anymore because the Republican Party has become so intransigent and unreasonable that there is no possibility of working with it. Its been 20 years since the Republican Party operated that way. If the Republicans operated that way Barack Obama would have had a bipartisan stimulus and we would have Medicaid expansion in Virginia, Perriello said. They oppose softness. They oppose kindness. They actually take advantage of it. If you look at the most successful efforts of bipartisanship in recent years, theyve all been by winning. And I dont just mean winning elections. I mean going out and winning arguments. Its a view of politics similar to the one made popular by scholars like Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein in their 2013 book, Its Even Worse Than It Looks. The alternative view, articulated by scholars like Jonathan Rauch and Elaine Kamarck, is that political parties have become so weak they have little ability anymore to block extremist candidates in both parties from getting elected, or from bucking party leadership once in office. Thus, the theory goes, governance has fallen victim to politicians building their own brands. Northams retort to Perriello, when asked, was more personal and, again, stylistic. I would change the verb talk to listen, Northam told Yahoo News. I think its important to go and listen and especially hear whats on peoples minds, and to let them understand why its important to have things like access to womens reproductive health care, why its important that families have access to affordable and quality health care, why its important to promote responsible gun ownership. And I agree, after you listen and hear, then we take that message back to Richmond and sit down with people and the voters put pressure on their elected officials. So it all works together, and Ive been doing it for 10 years, he said. Several Republican operatives who have spoken privately to Yahoo News about Gillespies chances against Northam or Perriello are of the view that the charisma and energy gap between Gillespie and Perriello would be considerable, in Perriellos favor. But in a year when most Democrats expect the Trump presidency to be more than enough reason for Democrats to vote in droves this fall, Northam supporters think that renders Perriellos talents as a candidate less vital. Gillespie, 55, and Northam are both relatively conventional in the way they present themselves to voters. But Trumps unpopularity, Northam supporters believe, will be an anchor around Gillespies neck no matter who their nominee is. Read more from Yahoo News: Research shows owning a dog can make you fitter. (Photo: Carolyn Hebbard/Getty Images) If youre hoping to stay fit even during your golden years, get a dog. Thats advice from a small study published on Monday in the journal BMC Public Health, which found that dog owners over the age of 65 get more exercise than non-dog owners. Yahoo Beauty could not reach the study authors for comment. However, lead researcher Philippa Dall of Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland told Market Watch, Dog owners were found to walk over 20 minutes more a day and this additional walking was at a moderate pace. She added, For good health, [World Health Organization] recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week. Over the course of a week, this additional 20 minutes walking each day may in itself be sufficient to meet these guidelines. Our findings represent a meaningful improvement in physical activity achieved through dog walking. Dogs not only motivated their owners to get out the door, but those people also walked faster up to three miles per hour, which is considered a moderate pace, notes NPR. However, the study left room for interpretation: Researchers arent sure whether dog owners tend to be more active in general or if dogs give people a reason to move more. And study subjects were all white British people, so the findings arent necessarily widely applicable. The benefits of owning a pet include boosting ones self-esteem and preventing loneliness and depression, but dogs have a specifically blissful effect on human behavior. According to a paper published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and experience less medical issues. It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress, one of the major risk factors associated with ill health, Deborah Wells, PhD, a psychologist from Queens University in Belfast, who reviewed the research, told the BBC. The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance both physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner. Story continues And apparently the type of pet does matter: One recent study published in the journal Anthrozoos that compared dog and cat owners found that dog people are significantly more satisfied with their lives and tend to experience more positive emotions than cat folks. Of course, there are lots of ways to get healthy, so no sweat if youre not a dog owner or even a dog person. Youll have to find a less adorable form of motivation. Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty. Panama and China announced on Tuesday they were establishing diplomatic relations, as the Central American nation became the latest to dump Taiwan for closer ties with the world's second-largest economy. The move prompted an angry response from Taiwan and will likely further strain ties between Taipei and Beijing, which considers the self-ruled island a renegade province awaiting reunification with the mainland. Taiwan is recognised by around 20 countries worldwide and its status is one of the most politically sensitive issues for Chinese leaders who pressure trade partners to accept its "one China" principle. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said in a nationally televised message "to the country and the world" that "Panama and China establish diplomatic relations today". The two countries issued a joint statement saying: "In light of the interests and wishes of both peoples, the Republic of Panama and People's Republic of China have decided to grant each other, from the date of this document's signing, mutual recognition, establishment of diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level." After decades of siding with Taiwan in the disagreement over its status, Panama now "recognises that there is only one China in the world" and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Panamanian counterpart Isabel Saint Malo signed the communique in Beijing. "This is a historic moment, China-Panama relations have opened a new chapter," Wang said, adding that Panama's decision was in "complete accordance" with its people's interests and "in keeping with the times". Saint Malo said Panama and China had made an "important step" and started a "new page in our strategic relations" The announcement comes after Beijing began construction last week of a container port, with natural gas facilities, in Panama's northern province of Colon. Story continues Panama had long stressed it had diplomatic ties with Taipei and commercial ones with Beijing. Chinese ships, after those from the United States, are the number two users of the Panama Canal, the Central American country's main source of budget revenue. - Taiwan's anger - Panama is the latest country to cut ties with Taiwan. In December China signed an agreement to restore diplomatic relations with Sao Tome and Principe after the African nation ditched the island. Taiwan reacted furiously to the latest move. "We strongly condemn Beijing for manipulating the so-called 'one China' policy to continue to suppress Taiwan's international space through various means," the presidential office said. "This kind of action is not only an open threat to Taiwanese people's survival and welfare but also an open provocation to peace and stability in the Taiwan strait and the region." Diplomatic tussles between Taiwan and Beijing eased under the island's previous Beijing-friendly government. But relations have deteriorated since President Tsai Ing-wen's China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party was swept to power in a landslide election victory last year. Tsai has refused to acknowledge the concept that Taiwan is part of "one China", unlike her predecessor Ma Ying-jeou. Cross-strait tensions have been further exacerbated by a highly unusual call from Tsai to congratulate then US President-elect Donald Trump, who questioned Washington's policy towards the island, including its decision to not formally recognise its government. "He looked dead," a police detective said during the preliminary hearing Monday. "He looked like a corpse." At Monday's hearing for 18 Penn State fraternity brothers accused in the death of Timothy Piazza, a police officer said that Piazza looked like a corpse in surveillance video from the night of his death. Piazza, 19, died Feb. 4, 2017 after a hazing ritual known as the gauntlet in which pledges were made to consume exorbitant amounts of alcohol. Mondays preliminary hearing aimed to determine whether there was enough evidence for the case against the fraternity members to continue to trial. Penn State police detective David Scicchitano discussed the disturbing surveillance video from the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house in which Piazzas last moments were recorded. Read: Timothy Piazzas Death Was Murder And Torture, Family Says He looked dead, said Scicchitano. He looked like a corpse. The footage recorded Piazza falling down a flight of stairs at 11:22 p.m. He is unconscious, said Scicchitano. His eyes are closed. He is limp. He is dead weight. Piazza was then left alone on the couch where he remained at about 3 a.m., said Scicchitano. He then went on to fall a number of times, hitting his head and stomach. Piazza did not appear on camera again until two hours later when fraternity brothers found him in the basement of the house, NBC Philadelphia reported. The brothers then carried him to a couch upstairs where they left him. To know that he was lying at the bottom of the basement steps for any length of time at all by himself, his mother said. It all is terrible. In original testimony heard in May, it emerged that despite Piazzas clearly deteriorated condition, fraternity brothers did not call 911 until 12 hours after he originally fell down a flight of stairs. Instead of getting help, surveillance video captured some of the members slapping him and pouring liquid on him in an attempt to rouse him as he went in and out of consciousness throughout the night. Story continues Though Piazzas death was ruled accidental, 18 brothers were charged in connection. Eight faced felony charges that could carry up to 20 years in prison. The fraternity chapter was also a defendant in the case. This wasnt boys being boys, Piazzas father told CBS News in May. This was the murder of our son. They tortured him for 12 hours. They let him suffer for 12 hours. He died a slow and painful death at the hands of these men of principle, as they call it. Piazzas father also said the decision to wait to call for help cost his son his life. When the family asked their sons doctor if he would have lived had he been brought in earlier, the doctor said yes. Read: City Employees In Oregon Subjected To Hazing, Racism, Violence, Humiliation At Work To hit him and slap him and brutalize him, they should not have been trying to get a response, Piazzas brother, Mike, told CBS News. They should have been trying to get him help. In reference to the charges against the fraternity brothers, Piazzas father said he would be good with 20 years. They killed him, he said. They fed him lethal doses of alcohol and they killed him. Related Articles Madrid (AFP) -- Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski called for international arbitration in the Venezuelan crisis but only once political prisoners have been freed, according to an interview published Sunday in a Spanish newspaper. "The fundamental issue is that all political prisoners be released," he told El Pais daily. "If that is not done there is no dialogue possible." Once that condition was met then three nations friendly to the Venezuela regime could join three more critical countries to provide international arbitration on the crisis, he added. The work of the group, which would be made up of respected elder statesmen, would need to take place on neutral territory, he added. He suggested the Dutch island of Curacao off the Venezuelan coast. Venezuela has been locked in a political and economic crisis for months as thousands have marched for and against the government of leftist president Nicolas Maduro. During that time more than 60 people have been killed and hundreds more arrested. The NGO Foro Penal Venezolano, which provides legal aid to people it says have been arbitrarily detained, says the Maduro regime is currently holding 186 political prisoners. Kuczynski, an outspoken critic of the Maduro regime, made his comments to the newspaper in an interview given two weeks ago, ahead of a visit to Spain starting Monday. Talks under the auspices of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Vatican broke down late last year. A viral photo of a shaved Siberian husky is getting a hair-raising reaction. The bizarre image of the breeds familiar fur-coated head atop a completely shorn body has sparked concern among some viewers that such a severe haircut may pose a health risk to the dog. If you've never seen a husky with absolutely no body hair then here you go. Enjoy pic.twitter.com/BQww3jUbmB Shishou (@OmonaKami) June 8, 2017 The photo appears to be legit; however, its provenance isnt clear. One Twitter user posted the pic on June 7 with the jokey caption: If youve never seen a husky with absolutely no body hair then here you go. Enjoy. The post generated tens of thousands of retweets. In a conversation thread, the user said the dog was not his. He hasnt responded to HuffPost. The photo has quickly circulated on the internet, prompting debate about the motivation for shearing the pooch. A vet told HuffPost a well-groomed huskys double-layer coat is like a Thermos in the heat. It will protect them from the heat and sunburn, and in the cold it protects from the cold weather, Emmy-winning vet Dr. Jeff Werber said in an email. However if the coat is unhealthy and is matted or has some type of skin disease and for medical reasons we need to shave, then it would be advisable. Professional groomers say that huskies and other double-coated breeds like malamutes, akitas and Australian shepherds are among dogs that require frequent grooming. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Tver (Russia) (AFP) - A line of supporters wound round the room to snap a selfie with Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who looked exhausted but summoned up a smile and hug for each one. The 41-year-old, whose anti-corruption videos have needled the country's most powerful and drawn a new generation into politics, is bidding to stand in elections against President Vladimir Putin next year. While Putin has yet to confirm his candidacy for the March 2018 polls, chief critic Navalny is already on a whistlestop tour of Russia, opening campaign offices and trying to collect the 300,000 signatures needed to enter the race -- despite doubts he'll be allowed to stand. In the city of Tver on the Volga River, 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Moscow, Navalny met several hundred supporters. "We can win these elections," he told the crowd. "We can win because the majority are for us." Navalny's right eye was still half-closed as he spoke. He is recovering after an assailant threw green dye in his face in April, the latest in a series of physical attacks. He had medical treatment in Spain and now seems to have security. Two large men stood nearby as Navalny spoke, insisting he will "say obvious banal things, but not be afraid and say them out loud". "Tens of millions of our fellow countrymen are destitute while the state is colossally rich," he declared, slamming low local wages. - 'Force them' - Since rising to prominence with his fiery speeches protesting Putin's third term in power in 2012, Navalny has cemented his place as Russia's top opposition leader. But the populist politician faces overwhelming odds in his David and Goliath struggle against the Kremlin and stands almost no chance of ousting Putin. Shown on state television only in a negative light, Navalny uses YouTube, Twitter and Instagram to get his message out, as well as public speaking, at which the lawyer excels. Story continues He has faced constant hurdles and harassment as he pushes for the presidency -- including repeated assaults like the one that damaged his eye. Earlier this year he was handed a suspended sentence on corruption charges that could legally bar him from running. It was the latest in a stream of court cases -- one of which saw his brother jailed -- that supporters say are designed by the Kremlin to cripple any campaign. "We can only force them to register me," he said, insisting he is going to fight the authorities to run. "It's clear as day Putin doesn't want to come out to debate with me." - 'Free country' - In the meantime he is causing serious headaches for the government. In March he drew thousands onto the streets in the biggest wave of protests in years with an online video accusing Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of corruption that was viewed over 22 million times. Despite a harsh police crackdown that saw Navalny among 1,000 people detained in Moscow, fresh demonstrations are planned for Monday. Chief among those rallying to Navalny are teenagers and students from a younger generation that knows only Putin's rule. "I want to live in a free country, I want a free press and freedom of speech," says 20-year-old journalism student Ilya in Tver. "Personally I don't think they'll let him stand unfortunately and I'm very bitter about this," said volunteer Maxim Laptev, 24, at the same meeting. Sergei, a 20-year-old student working for Navalny's Moscow campaign, said he wonders how he carries on. "He's very cheerful even though his brother is in jail and there are constant searches at his home. To be honest, I don't really understand it," he said. - Changing views - Navalny has run electoral campaigns before, harnessing popular discontent to finish second in the Moscow mayoral poll in 2013. But his views have troubled some liberals. Controversially, he has appeared at rallies with neo-Nazis in the past, and vowed to restrict immigration from mainly Muslim ex-Soviet Central Asia, calling "Islamism" the greatest threat to Russia. "When we first met he was a moderate Russian nationalist," says rights campaigner Olga Romanova, who has known Navalny for years, likening him to France's Marine Le Pen. But now Romanova says his views "have changed rather seriously" and Navalny has become a "moderate conservative". At the Moscow campaign office there is a youthful vibe and someone strums a ukelele at one point. The owners of the premises, however, are attempting to evict Navalny's team, tearing down the sign, replacing locks and cutting off electricity in a move blamed on the authorities. But his supporters insist they won't be deterred. "It's obvious they put pressure on the owner and said 'Get rid of them any way you can'," said Moscow campaign chief Nikolai Lyaskin. "We aren't going to leave. We'll stay here all the time." Doha won't be the sole loser in an ongoing spat between the oil-rich monarchy and seven Middle Eastern governments , warned Qatari Finance Minister Ali Shareef Al Emadi as he stressed his country's resilience to any potential economic shocks. "A lot of people think we're the only ones to lose in this... if we're going to lose a dollar, they will lose a dollar also," he said in reference to Gulf Cooperation Council nations. Speaking to CNBC in an exclusive interview , the minister called the political rift "very unfortunate" as it inconvenienced human lives. "Families are being disrupted around these countries." Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , the U.A.E. and Egypt are among the leading Arab governments who cut ties with Doha last week, accusing the oil-rich monarchy of supporting terrorism, as President Donald Trump urges Muslim leaders to take a stronger stance against extremists . The four Arab states have said they would close air and sea transport links with Doha, with Riyadh recently closing its land border. Qatar is dependent on Gulf neighbors for food imports to feed its 2.5 million strong population the bulk of which are expatriates and reports have emerged of panic buying at supermarkets amid fears of a food shortage during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. However, Al Emadi was quick to dismiss those concerns. Previously, Doha imported food and other goods from places as far as Brazil and Australia so the government will continue that, he said. Whether its Turkey, the Far East or Europe, Doha will ensure that it has enough partners to get things done , he continued. "We are going to make sure that we are even more diversified than we were before." The minister, who is also president of Qatar Airways' executive board, defiantly brushed away concerns of a financial market meltdown. The Doha index tumbled 7.1 percent last week, according to Reuters, while the Qatari riyal has been falling against the greenback on worries of capital outflows. Story continues While the reaction was "understandable," there was no need to worry as Doha has all the tools required to defend its economy and currency, Al Emadi said. "Our reserves and investment funds are more than 250 percent of gross domestic product, so I don't think there is any reason that people need to be concerned about what's happening or any speculation on the Qatari riyal." "We are extremely comfortable with our positions, our investments and liquidity in our systems," he continued, adding that he saw no need for the government to step into the market and buy bonds. "We're still a AA country and we're one of the top 20 or 25 globally on our ratings ... so I think we are very much better than a lot of people around us." "Qatar is always open for business...We have what it takes to defend if we have to do anything locally." More From CNBC With Adam Rawnsley Another bloody weekend in the Long War. Three U.S.soldiers were killed in Eastern Afghanistan over the weekend, and a convoy of U.S. troops was struck by a roadside bomb Monday morning in Nangarhar province, a hotbed of Islamic State activity along the Pakistani border. Saturdays attack, which early indications are was carried out of an Afghan army commando who turned his weapon on the Americans before being killed by U.S. forces, brings the American death toll in Afghanistan this year to six, all killed in Nangarhar while fighting the Islamic State. Five of those six may have been killed by their own side, as the New York Times Rod Nordland points out. New attack. The Taliban is claiming credit for Mondays attack on the American convoy. According to a statement issued by the U.S. military command in Kabul, U.S. and Afghan soldiers were struck by a roadside bomb and attacked with small arms fire in Nangarhar Province. The convoy returned fire in self-defense and there were no U.S. casualties. We have not received any official allegations of civilian casualties. There are allegations that several Afghan civilians were wounded when the Americans opened fire after the attack. Defense officials say theyre investigating the report. Somalia strike. In Somalia, U.S. warplanes hit what the U.S. Africa Command said was an al-Shabaab command and logistics node, at a camp about 185 miles south of Mogadishu. The strike killed an estimated eight militants. It was the first strike carried out by U.S. forces under new authorities granted in March by president Trump, which declared parts of Somalia an Area of Active Hostility, allowing local U.S. commanders more authority to strike the al Qaeda-affiliated group. Just last month, a U.S. Navy SEAL was killed and two other troops wounded in a firefight with al Shabab, the first U.S. casualties in that country since the 1990s. While U.S. Defense officials insist the new authorities are not the start of a U.S. offensive against the group all strikes are taken to defend U.S. and Somali forces in the field the Story continues Qatar and Al Udeid. Operations for the U.S.-led coalition nerve center ay Al Udeid air base in Qatar are continuing as normal despite the economic and diplomatic isolation slapped on the country by other Gulf Arab states last week, according to several U.S. officials. One Defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told SitRep that the shunning of Qatar is testing our ability to work bilaterally and with the coalition, on the ISIS fight, since military officers from all of the Gulf nations work together in Al Udeids command center. The blockade cant stand for long before they starts to have a real effect on how operations are conducted, the official said. Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of the U.S. Central Command, was traveling in the region when the Saudis and their Gulf allies cut Qatar off last Monday, and he spent several days shuttling between regional partners trying to work though the issues. Officials wouldnt go into detail about who he met with, citing the sensitivity of the issue and concerns over offending some allies. Several military officials also confirmed that there are several dozen family members of U.S. military personnel living in Qatar, and they are working with the State Department to determine if they would leave the country. To the Hill! Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford are heading to Capitol Hill Monday night, appearing before the House Armed Services Committee in an unusual 7 p.m. appearance to talk about the 2018 defense budget. Its the first stop in a week of hearings for the two top military officials, who hit the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on Wednesday, and the House Appropriations Subcommittee Thursday morning. Expect lots of non-budgetary questions, including an update on the strategy for the war in Iraq and Syria, the potential to send thousands more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, the threat Russia presents in Europe, North Korea, the situation in Qatar, and what effect climate change has on their operations. Mattis has remained mostly silent during his tenure as SecDef, giving few press conferences and interacting with the press as little as possible, as the New York Times notes in their look at how Mattis is navigating Washingtons perilous political waters. North Korea. A forthcoming report from C4ADS due to be released Monday afternoon takes a deep dive on North Korean overseas financing, and finds that the countrys overseas proliferation financing system is highly centralized and limited, and thereby vulnerable to large-scale disruption, according to a pre-release email from the firm. If an adversary were to target just a few key individuals, C4ADS research suggests. it would be possible to disrupt the entire system. Welcome to SitRep. Send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley. Round three. The Philippine militarys efforts to take back Marawi City from Islamic State-affiliated terrorists is grinding on into its third week, Reuters reports. The uprising, triggered by an attempt by to capture militant leader Isnilon Hapilon, has killed nearly 60 Philippine troops so far. Philippine Foreign Affairs Minister Allan Peter Cayetano, however, claims that the effort to capture Hapilon prevented the group from seizing more cities. Tag team. U.S. Special Forces are helping with battle in Marawi. The Wall Street Journal reports that the Philippines is so far only admitting to receiving non-combatant assistance from the U.S., which reportedly includes surveillance by P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft. The U.S. embassy says American special operations troops are helping with the fight but officials stress that American troops arent involved in actual combat. President Rodridgo Duterte previously threatened to end U.S. military deployments to the country following a fallout with the U.S. over human rights. Swing and a miss. The Islamic States online recruitment efforts are proving all too resilient against Americas secret arsenal of cyber weapons. The New York Times reports that a joint effort by the NSA and Cyber Command to disrupt the distribution of online propaganda by the group, dubbed Operation Glowing Symphony, met with only mixed success, as Islamic State terrorists quickly rebuilt their online propaganda networks. But there have been some successes. The Times learned that Israeli cyberspies found out about the Islamic States attempts to build exploding laptops by hacking a bomb-making unit working for the group. Willy Pete. U.S. forces fighting the Islamic State in Syria are using white phosphorous, according to imagery released on social media. The use of white phosphorous, in and of itself, is not prohibited in war, but it is subject to restrictions on how and where it can be used. White phosphorous rounds can be used to provide smoke or illumination, but international law prohibits their use as incendiary weapons or on densely populated areas. A spokesman for the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition wouldnt address the specifics of white phosphorus use in Syria except to say that the U.S. uses it in accordance with international law. Inner circles. Secretary of Defense James Mattis is staffing up his inner circle with veterans of Palantir, the tech company that makes intelligence software for the Pentagon. Politico reports that three former Palantir employees, Anthony DeMartino, Sally Donnelly, and Justin Mikolay, now work as advisors and assistants to Mattis. Palantir software, which allows users to sift through vast troves of data to find patterns and connections, proved a popular alternative to the Armys Distributed Common Ground System, setting up a clash between the service and the Silicon Valley company over contract awards. Palantir founder Peter Thiel has served as an advisor and outspoken supporter of President Trump, dating back to the 2016 presidential campaign. Buyers remorse. Congressional Democrats are no longer so fond of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) saying Hes not the person who I thought I was voting for. Politico reports that Democrats initially warmed to the idea of Kelly, who came highly recommended by the likes of former Obama administration Defense Secretary Robert Gates, as a possible moderating force against Trump. Instead, Kelly has proved to be an enthusiastic supporter of President Trumps controversial immigration policies, ranging from the travel ban on six predominantly Muslim countries to deportations of undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Photo Credit NOORULLAH SHIRZADA/AFP/Getty Images Jiyeh (Lebanon) (AFP) - Ali Kassem had never seen the sea before he fled his home in Syria for Lebanon, but now he's a regular in the waves and dreams of his own surf school. Dressed in a purple wet suit, the 17-year-old confidently coats his board with wax and smears sunscreen on his face before dashing into the sea. He disappears behind one wave and another until his small figure is barely visible from the beach at all, as though he were headed for the horizon. "When I'm on my board, I feel free. I feel like I'm in another life," the teenager says shyly at a beach in Jiyeh, 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Beirut. Kassem is from Aleppo city, though he says he remembers little from his childhood in Syria. His father has worked in Jiyeh for the past 25 years, and after Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011, he decided to bring his family to Lebanon as well. Kassem has two brothers and three sisters, but speaks little about his family and his life before he became a refugee. A third brother died in the conflict, "killed in Aleppo at the beginning of the war", he says, without giving more details. His life now is dominated by surfing. "Surfing is like an art. It allows me to express my personality," he says, his eyes sparkling in his tanned face. "I become someone else. I have more confidence in myself." - A makeshift board - Kassem's entry into surfing came through Ali el-Amine, who became his mentor after meeting him in 2015. At the sandy Jiyeh beach, a popular spot for surfers, Amine spotted Kassem trying his luck in the waves with a makeshift board. "He was trying to surf with a piece of polystyrene he had cut into a plank shape," says the 34-year-old, who runs a surf school in Jiyeh. "He was very thin and wearing nothing but shorts. I was afraid he would drown," he says. But after watching for a few minutes, Amine's fears began to recede. "He knew exactly what he was doing," he says. Story continues Kassem had spent long hours observing surfers in the water at Jiyeh before deciding to try himself. "I didn't know this sport existed. The first time I saw the surfers, I wanted to try it," he says with a smile. Amine decided to take Kassem under his wing, offering him a spot at his surf school and giving him a wet suit and board "on the condition he was good in class and behaved with his parents". And two years later, the guidance has borne fruit, says Amine, who considers Kassem like "a son". "He's better than some people who have been surfing for years," he says. - 'Surf Syria' - Kassem has stuck with the sport, convinced it can help him "build a better life". During the summer, he works at Amine's school, repairing boards, welcoming customers and helping during lessons. The job provides income that helps his family, along with his father's wages and support from the UN refugee agency. "My family really support me in surfing. They have no problem with it," he says. "Right now I'm teaching my younger brother how to surf, and I'm going to teach my younger sister as well." But, while Kassem says he has become used to life in Lebanon, he still dreams of returning home. His ultimate goal is "to become the first professional surfer in Syria and open a surf school in Latakia when the war is over". Latakia is a popular seaside destination, and a government stronghold that has been largely spared the worst ravages of Syria's conflict, which has killed over 320,000 people. The International Surfing Association does not so far count a Syrian surf school among its members, and to help Kassem achieve his goal, Amine has set up a campaign on the GoFundMe crowdfunding platform. The school project might still be far off, but Kassem already has a name for it: "It will be called Surf Syria," he says. With two episodes still to go in Silicon Valleys fourth season, fans are already mourning the imminent departure of Erlich Bachman, stoner entrepreneur par excellence. But T.J. Miller doesnt seem particularly broken up about leaving the Valley behind. Asked by Yahoo TV during a Facebook Live interview on Monday whether hed miss playing the character, the comedian whose new stand-up comedy special, Meticulously Ridiculous, premieres June 17 at 10 p.m. on HBO replied with a simple, No, before going on to explain that time, rather than creative dissatisfaction, is his motivating reason for moving on. My schedule is so hectic, he said. Ive been telling Kate [Gorney, Millers wife] and a battery of psychological professionals that Im going to slow down for five years. They had to move production around for me sometimes. HBO was so accommodating, but I, as the character, was sort of going on auto pilot. Far from weakening the shows ensemble, Miller feels that his departure will only make Silicon Valley a better series when it returns next year for Season 5, with the other characters flourishing now that Erlichs no longer around to distract them. Thats particularly true for Bachmans main foil, Jian-Yang (Jimmy O. Yang), who has emerged as a fan favorite. In fact, Miller reveals that the Hong Kong-born Yang was one of the first people he called when he made the choice to leave the series. He and I were developing so much chemistry, and hes such a funny, nice guy. We were talking about it, and were going to do a Chinese action comedy! Silicon Valley airs Sundays at 10 p.m. on HBO. T.J. Miller: Meticulously Ridiculous premieres Saturday, June 17 at 10 p.m. on HBO. Read more from Yahoo TV: Twin Peaks Part 6 Recap: An American Tragi-Com Little Big Shots: Forever Young First Look: Talent Gets Better With Age #EmmyTalk: Westworld Star Jeffrey Wright Revisits That Big Host Reveal For a country that prides itself on its political stability, Britain is doing a good impression of chaos. Plunged into turmoil a year ago by the referendum decision to leave the European Union, the country seemed set for the hardest of breaks with the EU under the leadership of its seemingly impregnable prime minister, Theresa May, who replaced David Cameron last July. But in elections on June 8, which May had called to seek a mandate for herself and her vision of Brexit, voters deprived her Conservative Party of its parliamentary majority. Suddenly, the Brexit process is up in the air again. The outcome could be a car-crash exit without a deal or a much softer break than May envisaged. Chaotic situations are, by definition, unpredictable. For now, May hobbles on as prime minister. She is seeking to cobble together a slim parliamentary majority with the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), a hard-line, social conservative, evangelical Protestant party in Northern Ireland. She insists that she is ready to start the Brexit negotiations as planned on June 19. But with May living on borrowed time and no majority to pass the legislation required to implement the various steps in the Brexit process, it is hard to see how meaningful negotiations can proceed. If and when May is toppled Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson unconvincingly denies that he is plotting to oust her the Conservative Party will need to spend months choosing a new leader. There is also the risk of fresh elections, either because the government loses a no-confidence vote or because a new Conservative leader and prime minister will want to seek their own mandate and majority. Meanwhile, the Brexit clock is ticking. With May having triggered the formal EU exit process on March 29, Britain is set to leave the EU two years from then, with or without a deal. While the U.K. government could seek a two-year extension, all 27 remaining EU governments (the EU-27) would need to unanimously agree to the request. That is highly unlikely, since it would reduce their negotiating leverage and they are also keen to get the Brexit process over and done with. So there is a significant risk that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal, simply because the government lacks the time or the means to agree to one. But there is also the possibility of a much rosier outcome. With the Conservatives deprived of both a majority and a mandate for Mays hard Brexit, extreme Brexiteers who seek a rupture with the EU at any cost can no longer impose their will on the party and thus the country (although they can still cause trouble by rebelling). Instead, the election has emboldened moderate Tories who sought to remain in the EU and now seek a softer exit. Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who bucked the anti-Tory swing by winning 12 more seats in Scotland, thereby keeping the Conservatives in office for now, has been quick to flex her muscles. She is demanding an open Brexit that puts our countrys economic growth first. And in her limited post-election reshuffle, May has appointed as her deputy Damian Green, one of the most Europhile Conservatives. Most non-Conservative members of Parliament including those of the DUP also want a softer break with the EU that minimizes the damage to the economy and jobs. Some are now even suggesting seeking a broader, cross-party consensus on how best to proceed with Brexit. That seems very hard to achieve. Labours hard-left leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who did better than expected in the elections, thinks he is now on the brink of power (wrongly, in my view) and is thus likely to let the Conservatives deal with the mess that they have created. Even so, the government will now have to take on board the views of some opposition MPs if it is to pass any Brexit legislation, since any rebellion would otherwise deprive it of a majority. If a weak and divided Britain decides that it wants a softer Brexit, it isnt guaranteed to get one, however; the EU-27, which are in a stronger position than ever, would also have to agree. In response to Prime Minister Mays letter in March setting out Britains negotiating position, they have agreed on their own. Their initial priorities are entrenching the rights of EU citizens in Britain after Brexit, obtaining a big financial payment for spending commitments that Britain made while it was an EU member, and avoiding a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that could destabilize the peace process. To restore some goodwill, the U.K. government ought to move quickly to unilaterally guarantee EU citizens post-Brexit rights. The divorce bill would also loom less large if Britain committed to continue paying into the EU budget during a post-Brexit transition period during which it remained in the EU single market. As for the Irish border issue a common priority, especially with a DUP-backed government a transition period in which the U.K. remained in the customs union would address it temporarily. Only once the EU-27 deem that sufficient progress has been made on these topics are they willing to start negotiating a post-Brexit trade relationship. Economically, both the EU-27 and Britain share an interest in the softest of Brexits: one that involves Britain remaining in both the EU single market and its customs union. Trade would scarcely be disrupted. London could remain Europes financial center. Cross-border supply chains could continue unimpeded. So too would the two-way free movement of people a bugbear for many of those who voted to leave the EU and for May herself, who wants to control immigration from the EU. Politically, however, the EU-27s overriding interest is in ensuring that leaving the club is seen to make Britain worse off, so as to deter other restless members from leaving. Meanwhile, every financial center in the EU is also keen to grab some of Londons lucrative business. Even if Britain were to seek a softer Brexit, it might not be able to get it. But it would unwise for the EU-27 to spurn an olive branch from a suitably chastened British government. Having to back down from its nationalist bravado about walking away without a deal would be humiliation enough. At a time when President Donald Trump is threatening a trade war with Germany (and thus the EU) and has cast doubt on his commitment to defend NATO allies, it would be foolish to alienate Britain, a valuable security ally and economic partner, if it sued for peace on EU terms as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders ought to recognize. A soft Brexit deal could initially consist of a transition period for several years after Britain exits the EU in 2019 during which the U.K. would remain in both the single market and the customs union. During that period, a future trading relationship would be negotiated. By then, passions may have cooled and pragmatism been restored. Politicians ought to prepare the ground by starting to try to persuade British voters that EU migrants are not the source of all their problems or at least convincing them that the economic price of imposing immigration controls is too great. If the U.K. were willing to retain free movement, perhaps with an emergency brake like Norway has, it could remain in the single market. Failing that, Britain could still seek to remain in the customs union. That way, trade in goods could continue unimpeded by tariffs, customs checks, and other red tape (including on the Irish border); foreign car factories wouldnt relocate. While this would prevent the U.K. striking trade deals with non-EU countries on goods, it could still seek to negotiate agreements on services trade, in which the U.K. specializes. At the very least, in a constructive spirit and with goodwill, the U.K. and the EU-27 should aim to negotiate a deep and wide-ranging free trade agreement that allows people to move as freely as politically possible. We live in times of political upheaval. Nothing is settled. That poses huge dangers, but it also offers opportunities to reverse bad decisions and make positive changes. There is still all to play for. Photo credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images President Donald Trumps fondness for criticizing news organizations, heckling journalists and spouting points of public policy via his Twitter account is clear. News of his nomination of Christopher Wray to be the next FBI director, for example, came by tweet. His tweets carry the stamp of government authority: White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer recently declared the president is the president of the United States, so they are considered official statements by the president of the United States. But just as seemingly everything Trump does and says sparks controversy, so too is the presidents prolific and unpredictable use of Twitter, as one reporter called it, raising a novel question of constitutional law: Is there a First Amendment right to access Trumps Twitter account? Enter the First Amendment The issue arises because when Trump objects to what people say about him on Twitter, he sometimes blocks their access to his account. What is blocking? As Twitter describes it: When you block an account on Twitter, you restrict that accounts ability to interact with your account. It can be an effective way to handle unwanted interactions from accounts you do not want to engage with. Accounts you have blocked will not be able to view your Tweets, following or followers lists, likes, or lists when logged in on Twitter, and you will not receive notifications of mentions directly from those accounts. Youll also stop seeing their Tweets in your timeline. Now Columbia Universitys Knight First Amendment Institute, which is dedicated to protecting free speech and free press, is threatening to sue Trump unless he unblocks the Twitter accounts of individuals denied access to his account after they criticized or disagreed with him. In a letter to Trump dated June 6, officials from Knight argue that Blocking users from your Twitter account violates the First Amendment. When the government makes a space available to the public at large for the purpose of expressive activity, it creates a public forum from which it may not constitutionally exclude individuals on the basis of viewpoint. Story continues Unpacking the argument Does this argument hold water? As director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida, I study just this kind of question. Heres how the case against Trumps blocking unfolds. Initially, the First Amendment protects free speech and the press from government censorship, as well as the right of citizens to petition the government for a redress of grievances. When people complain to Trump on his Twitter account about his policies, they not only are engaging in free speech, but also are petitioning the government. The First Amendment, however, doesnt address or prevent censorship imposed by private individuals and private businesses. Twitter is a private entity, but because Trump is a government official, the First Amendment applies. In essence, according to this argument, when Trump blocks people from interacting with him on Twitter, he plays the role of government censor preventing people from speaking and petitioning the government. In addition, the First Amendment prohibits viewpoint-based censorship of speech. This means that the government cannot favor or suppress sides on any given issue or topic. It cannot allow one viewpoint to be expressed but not another. For example, a law permitting only pro-life speech on the topic of abortion and banning pro-choice expression is viewpoint-based and thus unconstitutional. When Trump blocks access to his Twitter account for those who disagree with him but permits access for those who agree with him, he is engaging in viewpoint-based censorship. Third, the rule against viewpoint-based censorship applies when the government (in this case, Trump) creates what is called a public forum for speech. There are two main kinds of public forum. The first called a traditional public forum is easy to understand. These venues include physical spaces such as public sidewalks and public parks where speech, such as rallies, protests and concerts, have occurred for many decades. Twitter clearly is not such a traditional public forum. The Knight Institute, however, argues in its letter to the president that Trumps Twitter account constitutes a designated public forum, a space created by the government specifically for speech. Imagine, for instance, a bulletin board inside city hall or a courthouse where people can post flyers about upcoming events. Essentially, Trumps Twitter account is akin to a virtual bulletin board. People who are blocked cannot respond directly to him. They cannot, by analogy, use the bulletin board. Jameel Jaffer, executive director of Knight First Amendment Institute, asserts that while the framers of the First Amendment in 1791 surely didnt contemplate presidential Twitter accounts, they understood that the President must not be allowed to banish views from public discourse simply because he finds them objectionable. Having opened this forum to all comers, the President cant exclude people from it merely because he dislikes what theyre saying. Public forums in the modern age But is his Twitter account a designated public forum? This is the tricky part of Knights case against Trump, were it to file a lawsuit. Twitter has more than 300 million active users each month. It is a vibrant, virtual space where people Trump included engage in often robust discussion about political issues. Trumps first address to Congress, for example, spawned more than three million tweets. By these measures, its a modern-day public forum, yet its not run by the government. Trumps own account, however, is run by the government namely, himself. Thats the argument that the designated public forum label applies and, in turn, that Trumps blockage of users based on their viewpoints is unconstitutional. Any claim that @realDonaldTrump is his personal account (not his official one, @POTUS) and does not represent the government has been conceded by the White House already: Remember Spicers statement that Trumps tweets are official statements by the president of the United States. If Trump does not comply with Knights request to unblock users, Knight may sue. That would give both Knight and Trump the opportunity to break new First Amendment ground on public forums in the digital era. And if Knight prevails and expands free speech rights to clarify that government officials on Twitter cant block interactions with other users, it would be a most ironic outcome for a president who often takes aim at the First Amendment. Clay Calvert, Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication, University of Florida This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. conversation logo Photo: The Conversation The Conversation Related Articles Retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) WASHINGTON President Trumps proposed cuts to the State Department and U.S. development aid would endanger American troops and make the country less safe from terrorism, a group of senior retired military officers are warning Congress, urging lawmakers to reject the sharp spending reductions. Cutting the international affairs budget unilaterally will have the effect of disarming our countrys capability to stop new conflicts from forming, and will place our interests, values and the lives of our men and women in uniform at risk, the former commanders said in the testimony, which was obtained by Yahoo News. The signers included retired Adm. William McRaven, who headed U.S. special operations; retired Gen. David Petraeus, who commanded U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming CIA director; retired Adm. Mike Mullen, a former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff; retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who commanded U.S. forces in Afghanistan; five former NATO supreme commanders; and past heads of the combatant commands in Africa and Europe. The severe cuts to the State Department and USAID that the administration has proposed will make America less safe, and Congress should reject them, the group said. The testimony was to be provided on Tuesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee and other panels with jurisdiction over foreign affairs funding. The retired officers noted that terrorist groups like ISIS, al Qaida, al-Shabab and Boko Haram have taken root in areas prone to poverty, corruption and poor governance the kinds of things U.S. aid can often address. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) The former officers in part echoed Trumps stated priorities by endorsing expanded military spending, but they cautioned that in the 21st century, weapons and warfighters alone are insufficient to keep America secure. They argued that kinetic activities alone cannot prevent radicalization, nor can they, by themselves, prevent despair from turning to anger and increasing outbursts of violence and instability. This has been our national experience of the last 15 years in Afghanistan, Iraq, in the Middle East and now in Africa. Story continues The testimony came as Congress engaged in an annual debate over government spending for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Many lawmakers, including Republicans, have balked at Trumps call for deep cuts to the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Trumps budget, delivered in March, would slash the State Department and USAID spending by about 31 percent, according to some estimates. The retired officers view is known to be represented inside the administration by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in March 2013, the retired Marine general warned that if you dont fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition, ultimately. Correction: This story initially said Petraeus commanded forces in Iran and and Afghanistan instead of Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more from Yahoo News: Trump attends a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Monday. (Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images) One of President Trumps closest friends is standing by his claim that Trump is considering firing Robert Mueller, the special counsel overseeing a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. After spending several hours at the White House on Monday, I think hes considering perhaps terminating the special counsel, Chris Ruddy, the chief executive of Newsmax and a longtime friend of the president, told PBS Judy Woodruff. I think hes weighing that option. He pointed out that Jay Sekulow, one of Trumps lawyers, wouldnt rule out the possibility of Muellers firing in an appearance Sunday on ABCs This Week. Ruddy added: I personally think it would be a very significant mistake. Chris Ruddy to @JudyWoodruff: President Trump is considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, who he considered for another position. pic.twitter.com/X4IIHlh8at PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) June 12, 2017 The White House quickly pushed back against Ruddys comments, suggesting that it was idle speculation on his part. Mr. Ruddy never spoke to the President regarding this issue, press secretary Sean Spicer wrote in an email to reporters. With respect to this subject, only the President or his attorneys are authorized to comment. Ruddy fired back in an email to Politico. Spicer issued a bizarre late night press release that a) doesnt deny my claim the President is considering firing Mueller and b) says I didnt speak to the President about the matter when I never claimed to have done so, Ruddy wrote. Memo to Sean: focus your efforts on exposing the flim-flam Russian allegations against POTUS and highlighting his remarkable achievements! Dont waste time trying to undermine one of your few allies. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he spoke with Trump on Monday night and doesnt believe the president will fire Mueller. Story continues I think the president is actually pretty confident that ultimately all of this is going to come out in the wash and ultimately hes still going to be president, Gingrich said on CBS This Morning on Tuesday. And this stuffs all going to go away. Earlier Monday, Gingrich, who initially applauded Muellers hiring as a superb choice, tweeted that it is time to rethink. Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair, he wrote. Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair. Look who he is hiring.check fec reports. Time to rethink. Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) June 12, 2017 The idea that Trump may move to dismiss Mueller has sparked a mini-firestorm in Washington, with some Republicans warning the president not to do so. It would be a disaster, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Monday night. Theres no reason to fire Mueller. Whats he done to be fired? Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said that if Trump booted Mueller, it would certainly be an extraordinarily unwise move. Administration officials told Politico that they dont believe Trump will fire Mueller, and that the president has been warned against it by almost everyone. If President fired Bob Mueller, Congress would immediately re-establish independent counsel and appoint Bob Mueller. Don't waste our time. Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) June 12, 2017 Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., believes Trump allies are floating the idea to damage the special counsels credibility. Theyre clearly afraid of Mueller and his independence and the thoroughness of the investigation hes likely to lead, Schiff said on MSNBC on Monday night. You cant exclude the possibility, but I think its just a way of raising doubts about this very good man respected by people on both sides of the aisle. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the same earlier Monday. They know they cant debate the facts or the issues or defend the actions of the White House on the merits, so what do they do? Schumer said from the Senate floor. They attack the referee and try to besmirch the reputation of someone like Mr. Mueller. Read more from Yahoo News: According to President Donald Trumps longtime friend and Newsmax Media CEO Chris Ruddy, POTUS may consider firing Robert Mueller, who has been appointed special counsel to FBIs Russian investigation, in the near future, and he may cite conflicts of interest as a probable reason. However, Ruddy also emphasized that he did not think the president would be wise in dismissing Mueller, especially since there has been a lot of negative buzz in the media regarding the lack of justification from Trump when he fired former FBI Director James Comey. "I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option. I personally think it would be a very significant mistake," Ruddy said Monday, PBS Newshour reported. Ruddy also stated that Trump would be within his right to fire Mueller since there are certain conflicts of interest that exist regarding the past relationship shared by the president and the special counsel. Mueller's law firm, WilmerHale, has represented Trump's former campaign manager and also some Trump family members. Trump had also interviewed Mueller for the role of FBI director before Mueller was appointed special counsel in charge of the Russia investigation. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders dismissed Ruddys statement, saying he does not speak for the president. "Chris speaks for himself," Huckabee said. Both Republicans and Democrats praised Mueller when he was appointed the special counsel in May, calling him someone who would handle the allegations against the Trump administration in an unbiased and fair manner. But the presidents allies have since changed their opinion, calling for Mueller to be removed as the special counsel, stating that he shares a close friendship with Comey for the last 15 years. Also, some of his newly appointed prosecutors have donated to both former President Barack Obamas and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clintons election campaigns in the past. Story continues Read:Special Counsel Robert Mueller Could Object To James Comey's Public Testimony Before Intelligence Committee Washington Examiner columnist Byron York, who is a Republican, wrote Sunday: Is that a conflict? Should a prosecutor pursue a case in which the star witness is a close friend? And when the friend is not only a witness but also arguably a victim of firing by the target of the investigation? Trump ally Dick Morris told Politico on Monday: I think the idea of having an enemy when youre the object of a special prosecutor is a very important one. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich tweeted Monday that he refused to believe Mueller could ever handle the Russian investigation fairly. Member of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, made it clear the House would not stand down if the president fired Mueller. "If President fired Bob Mueller, Congress would immediately re-establish independent counsel and appoint Bob Mueller. Don't waste our time," Schiff tweeted Monday. Read: Who Is Robert Mueller? Former FBI Director Is Special Counsel For Russia Probe Comeys Thursday testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee is believed to have sparked outrage among the conservatives who have since proceeded to build up a case against Mueller. The former FBI director said he had deliberately leaked the contents of his memos to a friend, following his dismissal, because he knew that when people came to know the president might have tried to influence the Russian investigation, a special counsel was bound to be appointed to review it. Related Articles Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Monday promised to reveal details of his long-awaited plan for fighting the Islamic State group, saying a press conference will come within weeks. "We have had tremendous success against ISIS," Trump said at a cabinet meeting at the White House. "We are going to be having a news conference in two weeks on that fight and you'll see numbers that you would not have believed." Tackling the group -- which still controls swaths of Syria and Iraq -- was among Trump's most often repeated campaign promises. Then candidate Trump went as far as to promise to "bomb the hell" out of them and have a military plan on his desk within 30 days of moving into the White House. Six months after taking office, Trump has yet to sketch out his strategy. Meanwhile efforts to retake Mosul in Iraq and Raqa in Syria -- the capital of the self-styled caliphate -- have continued apace. The Pentagon has already taken the decision to arm Kurdish fighters in the assault on Raqa, a move that upset US ally Turkey. Officials warn that the fight against the Islamic State, while simple on its face, is made more complex by competing interests in Syria. The United States would like to improve the humanitarian situation, keep Turkey onside, ease the possibilities of clashes with Russia, hasten the transition away from President Bashar al-Assad's rule, limit Iranian influence and keep Syria and Iraq's borders intact. Chicago (AFP) - Iraqi Christians in the US are expressing alarm over the arrests of Chaldean immigrants in the Detroit area for deportation back to the war-torn nation, where they could face persecution. A number of Chaldeans, part of an ancient Christian minority in Iraq, were detained Sunday in an enforcement sweep, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said. The immigrants targeted had criminal records and were living among a community of tens of thousands of Iraqi Chaldeans in the Detroit area. Many fear returning to Iraq could be dangerous, if not deadly. Video posted on Twitter showed what appeared to be a row of detained men in handcuffs marching onto a bus, while voices can be heard off camera yelling in protest. "Why are you doing this? That's someone's grandfather!" someone can be heard yelling. "Don't sign anything!" another voice exclaims, as others are crying. "You came as a refugee... you have a right to stay!" Some 30 to 40 people were arrested, according to US media reports. All had been given final deportation orders following criminal convictions, but had remained in the US for years, because Iraq did not accept US deportations. In a March deal between the US and Iraqi governments, the Trump administration agreed to remove the Middle Eastern country's nationals from its proposed travel ban, in exchange for Iraq agreeing to take in deported immigrants. The first chartered flight of deportees back to Iraq took place on April 19, raising alarms among US Chaldeans, who fear returning to a region where even the US government characterized as genocide the Islamic State's treatment of Christians last year. Many in the Detroit-area Chaldean community had voted for Trump, in hopes that he would crack down on the Islamic State, which has massacred religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. In a statement, ICE confirmed Sunday's immigration sweep, but would not say how many were arrested. Story continues "The agency recently arrested a number of Iraqi nationals, all of whom had criminal convictions," ICE said, adding that a majority were taken to a detention center in Ohio. An agency spokesman would not disclose to AFP when and if the detainees would be flown back to Iraq "for operational security reasons." The agency said it would release more information in the coming days. Washington (AFP) - The United States on Monday slapped financial sanctions on two suspected Islamic State militants accused of manufacturing chemical weapons, the Treasury Department announced. It was the first time the Treasury Department had imposed sanctions on an IS member accused of involvement in chemical weapons, the department said. The sanctioned men included senior IS leader Attallah Salman Abd Kafi al-Jaburi, who is in charge of bomb-making facilities in the Iraqi province of Kirkuk, Treasury said in a statement. The State Department also listed Iraqi IS leader Marwan Ibrahim Hussayn Tah al-Azawi, who also is connected to the manufacture of chemical weapons, as a "specially designated global terrorist." The move effectively freezes both men out of much of the global financial system, prohibiting banks and individuals from participating in any transactions with them, and freezing any of their assets subject to US jurisdiction. The department condemned the use of chemical weapons "and will leverage all available tools to target those complicit in their development, proliferation, or use," John Smith, head of Treasury's sanctions office, said. In November, IHS Conflict Monitor, a London based intelligence analysis service, accused the Islamic State group of having used chemical weapons at least 52 times since the militant organization swept to power in 2014. As of mid-2016 al-Jaburi was in charge of manufacturing rockets, car bombs and roadside bombs, the Treasury said. He was ordered in January of last year to produce chemical weapons for use in attacks on Iraqi Kurdish fighters. Separately, the State Department also designated the Indonesian militant organization Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia, accused of involvement in attacks in that country including the May 2012 attack on a book launch by the Canadian author Irshad Manji. Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's Supreme Court on Monday rejected a legal challenge by the attorney general against the government's constitutional reform bid in a deadly political crisis. President Nicolas Maduro is accused of controlling the court, which has fended off numerous legal and legislative moves against him over the past year and a half. Attorney General Luisa Ortega, a staunch ruling party figure, is the highest public official to defy Maduro in the current standoff. Last week she filed a challenge against his effort to rewrite the constitution, branding it undemocratic. On Monday the court said on Twitter that it was dismissing the appeal since it was presented in an "incompetent" way, grouping together separate complaints against various different state bodies. Opposition lawmakers also filed other court cases on Friday against Maduro's constitutional plan. Clashes at daily protests by demonstrators calling for Maduro to quit have left 66 people dead since April 1, prosecutors say. Protesters blame Maduro for an economic crisis that has caused desperate shortages of food and medicine in the oil-rich country. Maduro says the crisis is a US-backed conspiracy. He has launched moves to reform the constitution in response to the protests, but his opponents say that is a ploy to cling to power. The president retains the public backing of the military. However, its commander Vladimir Padrino Lopez sounded a moderate note last week when he warned security forces against attacking protesters. Analysts said last week that Ortega's suit could build bridges between the opposition and disgruntled officials and widen divisions in Maduro's camp, making it harder for him to stay in power. Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's attorney general on Monday said intelligence officials had threatened and harassed her family after she openly challenged President Nicolas Maduro over the country's political crisis. A staunch figure of the ruling party, Attorney General Luisa Ortega has been branded a traitor for becoming the highest public official to break ranks with Maduro. She has accused him and his allies of acting unconstitutionally in their standoff against the opposition in recent months of deadly anti-government protests. Last week, she filed a challenge against his effort to rewrite the constitution, branding it undemocratic. The court dismissed the appeal on Monday. Ortega said members of her family had received threatening telephone calls and had been harassed and pursued. "I hold the executive responsible for any injury or attack that my family might suffer," she said in an interview with Union Radio. "This is a matter that must be resolved with me, not with my family," she said. "They are being pursued by patrols that appear to be from SEBIN," she added about the state intelligence service. "They are sending them messages directly from SEBIN, which answers to the government." Although Ortega, 59, said she herself had not received threats, some government officials have said on television that she should be imprisoned. - Constitutional struggle - Maduro is accused of controlling the Supreme Court, which has fended off numerous legal and legislative moves against him over the past year and a half. Clashes at daily protests by demonstrators calling for Maduro to quit have left 67 people dead since April 1, prosecutors say. The latest casualty was a 49-year-old man who died Monday night in the Caribbean city of La Guaira, prosecutors said, without clarifying the circumstances. The opposition deputy Jose Manuel Olivares said he died after being suffocated by tear gas. Violent riots also occurred in the afternoon in Caracas, where hooded protesters partially set off an administrative building of the TSJ. Story continues Protesters blame Maduro for an economic crisis that has caused desperate shortages of food and medicine in the oil-rich country. Maduro says the crisis is a US-backed conspiracy. He has launched moves to set up an elected assembly to reform the constitution in response to the protests, but his opponents say that is a ploy to cling to power. A survey by pollster Datanalisis indicated that 85 percent of Venezuelans opposed that plan. The president retains the public backing of the military. - Legal battles - Analysts said last week that Ortega's suit could build bridges between the opposition and disgruntled officials and widen divisions in Maduro's camp, making it harder for him to stay in power. But the court on Monday rejected her appeal as "incompetent." That ruling "removes any doubt about the absence of judicial remedies" for the political crisis, said constitutional law expert Jose Ignacio Hernandez. "It is a clear attempt to discredit the attorney general." Ortega responded to the ruling by upping the ante -- and the political tension. She presented a further legal challenge aiming to fire 13 of the court's judges, who she argued were named without her approval. Her motion challenges a controversial decision in 2015 to name the judges, whom the opposition says are biased in favor of Maduro. A dozen countries expressed "deep concern" about Ortega's "harassment," prosecutors said, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Portugal and Paraguay. - Scuffles outside court - The president is resisting calls for elections to replace him, vowing to continue the "socialist revolution" of his late predecessor Hugo Chavez. Opponents of Maduro had gone to the court earlier to try to add their names to the list of plaintiffs in Ortega's lawsuit, but were kept away by military police. Anti- and pro-government activists exchanged blows outside the court in the latest in more than two months of street unrest. Parliament is set to discuss procedures for appointing new judges to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, while opposition leaders are calling for a return to the streets on Wednesday. "They do not want the people to demonstrate against the constitutional assembly. Look at how many people reject it," said one young demonstrator, Maria Rodriguez. "Get away, the streets belong to the people, not to the bourgeoisie," yelled a rival supporter dressed in the traditional red of Chavez supporters and holding a copy of the constitution in his hand. "What there is here is revolution." (Photo: Patrick T Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images) At a time when more and more companies are going out of their way to promote work-life balance, Walmart is punishing workers for having a life outside of work. Hourly Walmart workers who miss their scheduled shifts because theyre sick or having a family emergency risk getting fired under the companys punitive policy on sick leave. The policy is particularly harsh toward women, who most often care for children and family members outside of work. Each time a worker misses a scheduled shift the schedule is worked out three weeks in advance they earn a point. Accrue enough points and youre fired, or as company spokesman Blake Jackson puts it: Youre eligible for termination. Jackson says that managers have discretion when deciding to hand out points, and if someone has a good excuse for missing a shift, theyre not penalized. But Walmart workers tell a vastly different story in a report released earlier this month from A Better Balance, a nonprofit legal advocacy group. The group surveyed about 1,000 of the companys employees. Eighty-five percent said Walmart regularly punishes people for taking time off because of a disability or serious illness. The report claims that Walmart often acts unlawfully, penalizing workers who should be protected under various federal laws. Workers said their managers would often ignore notes from doctors not even reading them before issuing points. Katie Orzehowski told HuffPost she missed a few shifts from her job at a Walmart in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, after she had a miscarriage last year and was docked six or seven points. When she was back at work and discovered she was still bleeding, her boss said leaving work early would cost her a half point. Later that year, Orzehowski who makes $10.20 an hour came to work when she had the flu. Im thinking, Oh jeez, I cant afford to miss work, she said. Walmart disputes Orzehowskis story, which she also shared with The New York Times. Story continues We do not have any information that would support that Ms. Orzehowski advised us of a medical reason for her absences. If that were the case, she could have used those medical records to apply for a leave or accommodation, Walmart said in a statement. According to the Better Balance report, Walmart has a policy of not retaining, or even looking at, doctors notes from employees. Orzehowski said she brought in a note. Theyll turn down every excuse you have, she said. The stories in our report speak for themselves. And its clear that these are not isolated incidents, but a pattern of similar stories we heard time and again, Elizabeth Gedmark, a senior staff attorney at A Better Balance, told HuffPost. We heard from hundreds of workers who have been punished for absences related to serious illnesses and disabilities. In particular, Walmarts routine failure to accept doctors notes is a major focus of the report and exactly why they claim to not know about a workers medical condition. Walmart said it hasnt examined the survey in detail and notes that it cannot speak to the accuracy of the anonymous anecdotes in it. Its important to consider that Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., is not punishing workers for taking paid sick time. Most of these workers simply dont get paid when they miss work though last year, the company did start allowing employees to earn paid time off (including vacation and sick time) if they work a certain number of hours. The company says the point system is necessary to keep workers from calling at the last minute and leaving their colleagues short-handed. Workers do need to miss work on occasion, and the company has processes in place to assist them, spokesman Jackson told HuffPost, emphasizing that Walmart complies with federal laws. We have countless Walmart associates who successfully partnered with the company to authorize their absences from work, the company said in a statement. We believe we have the right training measures in place to help communicate our attendance, disability and pregnancy policies to our associates. Yet even if the points system is administered with high discretion and within the bounds of the law, it still leaves workers in a terrible position. Employees say the system effectively scares them from taking sick time and adds stress to already stressful situations. Women, who are often responsible for children at home, are in a particularly tight spot. You cant always plan in advance for when your child gets an ear infection or needs to be picked up early from school. The stories in the Better Balance report are heartbreaking: One worker said her manager threatened that shed earn points if she took time off to be with her mother, who was getting hospice care. She was on her deathbed when I requested time off to be with her, this worker says in the report. My request was denied. Walmart said I would be fired if I took the time off. My mother died alone in early April 2017. Not being with her when she passed was devastating. Other employees describe receiving points for taking time off to handle chronic conditions like asthma or emergency medical conditions like a heart attack. A mother got points for taking her son to the hospital when he had pneumonia. Giving a worker a disciplinary point for being absent due to a disability or for taking care of themselves or a loved one with a serious medical condition is not only unfair, write the reports authors. In many instances, it runs afoul of federal, state and local law. A Better Balance, which has also filed a separate pregnancy discrimination lawsuit against Walmart on behalf of two employees, worked with the labor group OUR Walmart to conduct its survey via Facebook, targeting users who identified as Walmart employees. Walmarts points policy likely wouldnt comply with state law in Massachusetts, which passed a paid sick leave law just a few years ago. Employers in the state cannot take action against workers for using paid sick leave, explains Amanda Baer, an associate at the law firm Mirick OConnell in Westborough, Massachusetts, who works on labor and employment issues. (Walmart said that it always complies with local laws.) The points system is especially tricky, Baer said. You could have an employee whos one point away from being fired, but gets the flu, she said. You dont want your sick employees coming to work and getting everyone else sick. The policy also puts customers at risk: Who wants to get sick because you bought laundry detergent from a cashier with the flu? Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg recently announced expanded leave policy at her company, setting a new example for other large public employers. (Photo: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters) The United States is the only developed country that does not mandate that employers provide paid sick leave or maternity leave. But there are a few federal laws that give workers protections when they need time off. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides 12 weeks unpaid time off to employees at companies with 50 or more workers who have worked there for at least 1,250 hours. That time doesnt have to be taken all at once. You can use FMLA time for a serious medical condition or to care for an immediate family member with a serious medical condition. Prenatal care and chemotherapy, for example, would both be covered under FMLA. If youre out for three days or more from work, that should be covered under FMLA, explains Emily Martin, general counsel and vice president for workplace justice at the National Womens Law Center. The key protection the law offers? Job security. You cant be retaliated against, Martin said. An employer cant threaten disciplinary action. And its your boss responsibility to recognize if you might qualify for FMLA, she added. Yet Walmart told just 23 percent of workers with absences that likely qualified them for FMLA leave that they were eligible for it, according to the Better Balance survey. The Americans with Disabilities Act also offers job protections for employees with disabilities who need reasonable amounts of time off. Other states and localities have laws in place that protect pregnant women from discrimination. Last year, Roni Gumbert was fired from the same Walmart in Pennsylvania where Orzehowski works for taking too much time off. Like most working parents, the 33-year-old needed to leave work to deal with a family issue: Her 1-year-old was getting chronic ear infections, and needed to be picked up early from day care or even taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, Gumbert was also dealing with her 74-year-old father, who is suffering from Parkinsons disease and early onset dementia. He landed in the emergency room more than once for falling down the stairs at his apartment building. Gumberts mother, who had been helping with child care, had died suddenly the year before. Each time she called in or was late, Gumbert was penalized receiving a point for missing a full shift and a half point for leaving early or arriving late. I talked to the general manager and the store manager, Gumbert told HuffPost. Nobody was willing to be understanding. Gumbert, who worked for the company less than a year, said she earned eight points before losing her job. According to Walmart, Gumberts manager gave her 10 points for 20 occurrences, the term for missed or late shifts. The company wouldnt provide further detail on why certain shifts were exempted, citing privacy concerns. Other companies are moving toward more understanding leave policies. Earlier this year, Facebook expanded its leave policy to help workers who need time off to care for sick relatives or for bereavement. The company now gives all employees six weeks of family leave to care for ailing family members, plus three additional days to care for a family member with a short-term illness, like a child with the flu, and 20 days of bereavement leave twice as much as before. People should be able both to work and be there for their families, the companys chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, said in a Facebook post announcing the new policy. No one should face this trade-off. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Rape occurs in part because victims arent empowering themselves by packing guns. That was the recent message from a fiercely pro-gun rights member of Indianas House of Representatives. But after a tsunami of criticism, Republican state Rep. Jim Lucas now say hes sorry he said it. Lucas last week sent a letter to a reporter at the Indianapolis Star who had written about a rape. He urged the journalist to produce a follow-up story on the thousands of Hoosier women that are taking steps and learning how not to be a victim and empower themselves to mitigate their chances of being violently assaulted. Lucas told the newspaper in an interview: Thats always been a concern and an issue of mine is women being able to defend themselves. I personally have paid out of my pocket for dozens of women to take firearms classes. Critics accused him of blaming unarmed victims rather than attackers, and using rape to push his pro-gun rights agenda. Even after the controversy erupted, he noted on Facebook that he had met with members of the Women Armed and Ready group. Its so exciting to see that the movement to educate and empower women to be able to protect themselves and family is absolutely exploding! he said in a post. He also posted a photo from the group One Million Moms Against Gun Control. And he showed off his latest purchase on Facebook a T-shirt reading: Fem-i-nism: Womans right to carry whatever color or caliber gun she wants to. Cause a cop wont fit in your purse. Lucas apologized Saturday after he said he was publicly excoriated when he posted his letter to the reporter on his Facebook page. The letter was embossed with Indianas state seal. I learned how common, everyday words can be so extremely sensitive to survivors of such horrible acts, he wrote. But he also said he was absolutely amazed at the level of hatred directed at him, and that his words, in his view, had been twisted. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Lucas has been in trouble before over womens issues. Last year he posted a meme on his Facebook page with a caption asking: Wanna know who loves you more: your wife or your dog? Lock them both in your [car] trunk and see whos happy to see you when you let them out. Story continues Related Coverage Congresswoman Fights For Gun Control Because She Almost Lost Her Life To Gun Violence Just Because Cops Like Guns Doesnt Mean They Oppose Gun Control Guns In Schools? How Far Donald Trump Will Go To Undo Gun Control CORRECTION: This article previously misidentified the Indianapolis Star as the Star Tribune. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. If youre both extremely wealthy and also have a love of the deep blue sea, theres plenty of options already available for you to splurge on. You can drop some pretty serious coin on any number of luxurious yachts from big names like Bugatti, among others and watch millions of dollars vanish before your eyes. But if youre simply bored of the idea of being ostentatious above the waves, perhaps youd like to take your extravagant lifestyle below the surface in a 12-person luxury submarine of your very own. Don't Miss: Behold the Google Pixel 2 of your dreams Ocean Submarine which might be the least creative company name of all time is currently developing the Neyk Luxury Submarine, a personal submersible for very, very rich people. At 63 feet in length, the craft is capable of achieving depths of 500 meters, and a speed of 15 knots, all while fully loaded with a dozen passengers. The interior features luxury seating, a bar (of course) and, for some reason, a library. The companys Neyk submarine platform is being customized to suit a number of different applications, including deep-sea research, tourism, and even naval combat scenarios. As such, the luxury model boasts much of the same build specifications as its kin, meeting the hull strength requirements set forth by both the Royal Netherlands Navy and NASA. Ocean Submarine is slated to have a full-sized prototype of the luxury submarine ready for January 2018, with manufacturing to begin after that. The company hasnt revealed the actual final price of the craft yet, but with companies like Rolls Royce helping with design, you can bet it wont be cheap. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Both Israel and the Palestinians have failed to bring perpetrators of alleged war crimesincluding killingsto justice, the United Nations said in a report published on Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Compiled by the office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, it evaluated compliance with 64 reports and 929 recommendations from the Council, the UN Secretary General and UN rights investigators from 2009-2016. "The High Commissioner notes the repeated failure to comply with the calls for accountability made by the entire human rights system and urges Israel to conduct prompt, impartial and independent investigations of all alleged violations of international human rights law and all allegations of international crimes," the report said. Zeid's report also noted "the State of Palestine's non-compliance with the calls for accountability and urges the State of Palestine to conduct prompt, impartial and independent investigations of all alleged violations of international human rights law and all allegations of international crimes." The report looked set to ignite further debate at the UN Human Rights Council, where the United States said last week it was reviewing its membership due to what it calls a "chronic anti-Israel bias." US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley gave formal notice last week that the Trump administration was reviewing its participation and called for reforms to put Israel "on equal footing." The report said there had been a "general absence of higher-level responsibility" in Israel for violations in Gaza. "Only a handful of convictions, if any, (have been) issued for minor violations, such as theft and looting, it said. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley (Photo: AP, MCT) Israeli and Palestinians authorities must ensure that victims of violations in their long conflict have access to justice and reparations, it said. There was no immediate response from either side to the report, to be debated at the 47-member Council on June 19. In March 2016, the Geneva forum launched the review aimed at "ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Palestinian Territory." At the time, it condemned grave breaches including possible war crimes committed in the 2014 Gaza conflict and "long-standing systemic impunity." It deplored Israel's "non-cooperation" with the United Nations' probes into Gaza and Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Israel, which is not a member of the Council, said it is unfairly targeted because, unlike other states, it is subjected to regular reviews of its compliance with UN reports and recommendations. This is an obituary for 3rd Sign Brewery, a brewery that died an ugly, unnatural and early death. Unfortunately, because of its short life 3rd Sign was born along with its parent just a year and a half ago this obit will be less about its accomplishments on this earth than about how it met its demise. First, what 3rd Sign was. It was the house brand of Octopi Brewing, the Waunakee brewery opened by Isaac Showaki in October 2015. Octopis new $5 million brewery focusing on contract brewing, making beer for other brewing companies without facilities or in need of a boost in production, was a unique addition to the Madison-area beer scene. That fall, Showaki described 3rd Sign to me as a showcase for what businesses that partnered with Octopi could achieve: high-concept beer with few limitations on ingredients, in a cool package. The novel twist to 3rd Sign was that each beer it produced would have a pair that took the beer in a different direction. IPA, one focusing on piney, resinous hops, one on fruity, tropical hops. Porters, one with chocolate cherry porter, one with coconut and hot peppers. My favorite of these dually brewed pairs was the mild ale twins with vanilla and coffee, though I chose them at the bottle shop only occasionally. Showaki said 3rd Sign was performing well for Octopi, moving 1,400 barrels in 2016 and on track for 2,500 barrels this year, a strong start for a relative startup. But it was Showaki himself who pulled the plug on 3rd Sign his hand forced, he says, by a dispute with his distributor. Octopi signed an agreement in 2016 with River City Distributing of Watertown for it to market, sell and deliver 3rd Sign beer in a territory including Dane County and all or parts of 15 other counties. Showaki said River City was doing an OK to mediocre job on behalf of 3rd Sign. As many breweries do in key markets, Octopi had its own sales reps working to further the 3rd Sign brand as well. But early this year, news broke that River City was being acquired by Sun Prairie-based Wisconsin Distributors. This is the part where this obituary becomes a civil litigation story. Bear with me, and know at this point that reps from both River City and Wisconsin Distributors declined multiple requests for comment on this story. State law does not allow a distributor to transfer a contract with a brewery without the brewerys consent. Instead, Showaki said, Wisconsin Distributors pitched each of River Citys craft breweries, including New Glarus, Oso, Potosi, MobCraft, Tyranena and 3rd Sign, on joining its fold in all or part of River Citys former territory. Showaki said he was underwhelmed by the presentation, and his concern about 3rd Sign getting lost in Wisconsin Distributors larger portfolio led him to decide self-distribution would be the better bet. According to court documents, River City balked, saying Octopi must pay it three times the annual gross profit from the 3rd Sign distribution deal to get out of it, or go to arbitration. Showaki countered that the contract had no language prescribing arbitration and sued River City in Dane County Circuit Court to be released from the contract. Around late March or early April, Showaki decided to forgo the once promising future of 3rd Sign and kill his house brand. The four-packs and bombers began drying up later that spring. Showaki says that River City, a distributor that is no longer distributing, is holding his brand hostage for $93,000 a net figure of the market value of the 3rd Sign distribution rights, minus the value of unsold beer and other materials at the time of the dispute. But to River City, I suppose, 3rd Signs business was an asset that Wisconsin Distributors reasonably assumed it would acquire along with River Citys other assets. If Octopi could elect to self-distribute 3rd Sign, that assets value would be zero instead of the market value another distributor would be required to pay River City if Octopi chose a new distribution partner. This case will be decided in the nitty gritty of the states laws governing the manufacture, distribution and retailing of alcoholic beverage industry the three-tier system that some of those tiers continue to lobby lawmakers to change. The suit is continuing to be litigated by a distributor thats no longer distributing and the owner of a brand that no longer exists because, Showaki said, River City is maintaining that its contract pertains to all future house brands 3rd Sign might choose to create in perpetuity. He estimates hes spent more than $20,000 in legal fees on the case, but describes the $93,000 he says River City is seeking as an expense very few small breweries could come up with unexpectedly and in short order. Still, killing 3rd Sign is a drastic step. As I see it, Showaki had two alternatives: going along with Wisconsin Distributors, which would have rendered the market value payment moot, or paying it himself. If the brand was as healthy as Showaki says it was, either option seems to me more logical than walking away. But there are principles, legal and otherwise, involved here, and Showakis beliefs in those may have changed his calculus in ways I dont understand from the outside. Another clear factor in the decision was that Octopi was never really about 3rd Sign anyway. Showaki said 3rd Sign accounted for about 8 percent of Octopis business last year, which totaled about 12,000 barrels of production. It really hurts us that we had to kill 3rd Sign, but at the end of the day were a contract brewery first and foremost, he said. Our brand was just the icing on the cake. Octopi has 12 current contract clients, and Showaki said he expects to have two to three more by the end of this year. They include Madisons One Barrel Brewing, which has seen rapid growth across the state; Ahnapee Brewing of Algoma, which is using Octopi to augment production at its small farmstead brewery in northeastern Wisconsin; and Hop Haus Brewing, whose launch in bottles has gone so well in its first three months, Showaki said, that the Verona brewery has filled the requirements of its full-year contract. Showaki said thats allowed investments in the brewery that by the end of the year will include a canning line, additional fermenters and some 10 new employees. The new equipment will raise the brewerys capacity to 40,000 barrels a year, though he said he expects to brew about 20,000 barrels this year. Another feather in Showakis cap right now is the emergence of a younger cousin of the dearly departed 3rd Sign: Untitled Art, the brand Showaki developed with Levi Funk of Madisons Funk Factory Geuzeria. Last weeks debut of Coffee Stout brought to four the number of (good to outstanding) beers released by Untitled Art this year which is, its worth noting, self-distributed by Octopi. Untitled Art is doing phenomenal, much better than we ever expected, Showaki said. During our conversation, Showaki also hinted at things to come from Octopi, but declined to provide detail. So, regardless of the outcome of the legal dispute, weep not for Octopi though you may choose to pour one out for 3rd Sign. The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood this summer for hospital patients in need. Only about three percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held and where new donors give are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations. Every day there are thousands of patients who rely on lifesaving blood donations. Thats why donors are urged to give now and give often. In June, the Red Cross joins blood collection agencies around the world marking World Blood Donor Day by raising awareness about the need for a readily available blood supply. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can make an even greater impact by inviting others to join them in giving. Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Neillsville: June 26, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 73, 6 Boon Blvd Alma Center: June 27, 12-5 p.m., Lincoln High School, 124 S School St Black River Falls: June 28, 12-5:30 p.m., Comfort Inn & Suites, W10170 Hwy 54 E June 16, 12:30-5 p.m., Valley View Mall, 3800 State Rd 16 June 17, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16 June 19, 1:30-6:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16 June 21, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Dahl Automotive, 711 South 3rd St. June 22, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Roncalli Newman Center Parish, 1732 State St June 26, 1:30-6:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16 July 3, 1:30-6:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16 July 10, 1:30-6:30 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16 Sparta: June 20, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Barney Community Center, 1000 E Montgomery Street Tomah: June 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tomah VA Hospital Building 407, 500 S Veterans Street July 13, 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 202 E Juneau St Black River Country Bank hosted its Fourth Annual Milk for Moola Challenge event in both Black River Falls and Melrose locations on Thursday, June 1. This June Dairy event has gained some great momentum for promoting our dairy industry in our local communities and statewide. This was another record breaking year, bringing together over 100 folks from a cross section of local businesses, organizations and schools to chug a little milk and enjoy some friendly competition all for a wonderful cause, said Tracy Madvig, organization and business development manager. BRCB is committed to agriculture education and outreach, therefore it selects a local organization each year to be the beneficiary of their efforts, this year it was the Jackson County Dairy Youth Project. The donation will help them offset the rising costs of running the Jackson County Youth Dairy Ice Cream Stand during the Jackson County Fair. The stand proceeds are used to help provide premium payouts to the Dairy Youth Exhibitors. If youd like to learn more about Black River Country Banks Milk for Moola Challenge event or nominate a local, non-profit group, please contact Tracy Madvig at 715-284-9448. A national foundation recently requested four national meetings in rural areas to answer the question, How do rural communities work on rural health needs, and how can we best engage with them? Wisconsin was asked to serve as one of these four meeting sites. John Eich, director of the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health said, We asked the Jackson in Action (JIA), a coalition working to improve the health of Jackson County residents, to start off the conversation as a panel. The audience, made up of agencies and organizations from Wisconsin and Minnesota, took part in large-group conversations after the initial presentations by JIA. The conclusions and ideas from this meeting will be carried back by national researchers for their report to a major national foundation. Jackson in Action is chaired by Nicole Schweitzer, rehabilitation services director at Black River Memorial Hospital. Schweitzer and JIA members discussed the county health rankings, which Jackson County first appeared at 71 out of 72 counties in 2010 and the initiatives they have implemented which have helped improve the ranking to 32nd in 2017. For details on Jackson in Action, go to www.jacksoninaction.org. The Northwoods Welsh Pony and Cob show made its way through Black River Falls this weekend and families were given a chance to show off their horses. Around 30 horses of all shapes and sizes were shown at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. It is hard to say just how many contestants there were as one pony can be shown by the whole family, said Reita Gelander. We had exhibitors from South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Some families came with just one pony and others with up to seven. There were ponies representing all five sections of Welsh ponies at the show. The riders were put through some small obstacle courses and events with their horses to show off their wide breadth of talents. Gelander said the community of riders at these events are like an extended family, willing and able to cooperate when the help is needed. We all help each other and cheer for each other too, Gelander said. Many times the owner has ponies in back to back halter classes, someone who does not have ponies showing in that section, will help out. Either holding a pony outside the show ring or even showing the pony for them in the halter classes. The Welsh exhibitors become good friends and part of an extended family. Its not just the riders that become family, according to Gelander, Welsh ponies and cobs are known for being dependable family members. She says they are gentle enough for the kids to ride and handle, yet quick and competitive enough for adults to ride and drive in all levels of competition. Welsh ponies excel in the Western, English, Hunter, Jumping and Dressage world and also the new area of Western Dressage, and are outstanding driving ponies at all levels, both competitive showing and the demanding cross country driving, and they can also excel at just being a great driving pony for the family. CALEDONIA, Minn. Repurposing the old Houston County Jail as a collaborative work space for community programming, a library, county offices, a tourism depot and a brewery were some of the ideas bounced around Collaborative Design Inc. and Economic Development Services Inc.s first community meeting about the historic jailhouse. The firms have offered their resources for a reuse study after the county received a Minnesota Historical Society Grant last fall. Houston County received $76,220 along with a $10,000 match. This covers consulting services by a historical architect who will complete courthouse construction drawings and specifications, specialist consulting services, consulting services done by an economic and real estate development specialist, a historical architect and a lead investigator and author to work on the jail reuse study. The two Twin Cities-based firms came to Houston County last week to brainstorm with local business owners, county and government officials and Historical Society members. We want to hear your ideas for alternative development, said Janna King of Economic Development Services. This is our starting point. Examples of similar re-imagined buildings were the Todd County Courthouse in Minnesota that now houses county offices and the Carbon County Courthouse in Pennsylvania, which was rehabilitated into a jailhouse museum. The attendees shared ideas for the jailhouse space including pros and cons. This will probably be a weakness for every idea, but parking downtown is difficult, said Amanda Ninneman, owner of the Wired Rooster. Ideas had mostly positive attributes. Attendees were excited about drawing people to downtown Caledonia. The two-hour-long session started with a tour of the historic jailhouse. Although officially retired in 2011, the building still has visitors during Founders Day in Caledonia. It was beautiful. I remember I used to play the piano very softly because my dad would be working in the other room, said Laurel Rusert, former resident of the jailhouse built in 1875. Ruserts father, Berryl Kerrigan, was Houston County sheriff from 1947 to 1959. The sheriff and his family used to live in the jailhouse. Mom used to do all the cooking. The inmates would do their own dishes. After, they would have to go back to their cell, Rusert said. The building has two stories of jail cells. The rooms were often doubled up. The inside of the jailhouse was remodeled in 1975. The building also sustained flooding in April 2014. The heater stopped working and the pipes broke, said Richard Cordes, treasurer of the Houston County Historical Society. Everything had to be gutted after that We are supportive of the reuse study. We will do whatever we can to assist. The Historical Societys goal is to see the jailhouse continue to stand on the National Register for Historic Places. If they tear down the jailhouse, then the courthouse will be in jeopardy because they are listed as a set, said Deb Wray, vice president of the Historic Society. The reuse study groups plan to take the communitys list of ideas and will narrow the results into three viable options for the reuse study. There will be three more community meetings with a jail reuse advisory committee as the work continues. The dates have yet to be announced. Jackson County District Attorney Gerald Fox is one of two candidates recommended for the vacant U.S. attorney position in the western district of Wisconsin. U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin recommended President Donald Trump appoint Fox or Waushara County District Attorney Scott Blader to the spot. They were recommended by a bipartisan Federal Nominating Commission established by the Wisconsin senators to advance federal nominations. The little town of Bethlehem has not lain still for five decades, with hopes and fears of all the years continuing to accumulate in Christs biblical birthplace over Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. That is the conundrum to be addressed when English Lutheran Churchs Interfaith Partners for Peace and Justice in Palestine/Israel hosts the presentation, Understanding the Bethlehem of Today 50 Years of Occupation, 50 Years Too Long from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church at 1509 King St. in La Crosse. The presentation, coming just after the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War, June 5-10, 1967, in which Israeli forces defeated its Arab neighbors, is free and open to the public. It will include a complimentary sampling of Palestinian appetizers. By virtue of its title and English Lutheran members involvement with Bethlehem over the years, the program obviously leans toward the Palestinian argument that the settlements of hundreds of thousands of Jews in the West Bank are illegal barriers to Palestinians independence in their own territories. In December, the United Nations Security Council voted 14-0 to condemn the Israeli settlements. The U.S., which generally vetoes resolutions against Israel, abstained, allowing the resolution to pass. Speaking at English Lutheran will be Nancy Baumgardner, a retired teacher who belongs to Memorial United Church of Christ in Fitchburg, Wis., and the Rev. Bonnie Van Overbeke, pastor of that church, who have led several trips to the Holy Land since 2004. They are members of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a nonprofit U.S. group that supports Palestinians in the Holy Land. Also members of Bright Stars are George Lowe and Martha Monson Lowe of Decorah, Iowa, who have relatives at English Lutheran and have led prayer vigils and adult forums there. They also have worked at the La Crosse churchs Bethlehem Event, when congregation members transform their fellowship hall into the Bethlehem at the time when there was no room in the inn for Christs birth. Its a human rights issue, Lowe said. One of the major issues is (the Israelis) building cities in the occupied territories, Monson Lowe said. Its against international law. The couple decried the fact that Israel has built a 25-foot wall on three sides of Bethlehem, with the fourth side leading to a road earmarked for only Israelis to use. License plates of Israelis and Palestinians are different colors. Palestinians are allowed to use limited roads, often with special permission and for very limited reasons, they said. Requests for travel permits often are mired in paperwork, set for hard-to-meet times or denied altogether. The thousands of Palestinians who work in Israel must pass through checkpoints, with waits as long as two or three hours a day, Lowe said. Its a form of humiliation and harassment, he said. Palestinians lose time every day. The line for one checkpoint starts at 4 in the morning. It looks like a big airport. Some have compared the area at Checkpoint 300, which is perhaps the most noted checkpoint, to nothing short of a feedlot, devoid of amenities and even without restrooms. Restrooms were built for the 2014 visit of Pope Francis but have been locked since then, Lowe said. One of the things that makes Bethlehem unique is that many Palestinian Christians live there, he said. People often dont think of the Palestinians as Christians. That lack of knowledge results in part from biased media coverage, the couple said. Most media cover little or nothing from the Palestinian angle, Monson-Lowe said. We often get an Israeli view. She cited the 2014 incursion, in which the 2,200 Palestinians killed included nearly 500 children, while the Israeli toll was about 70 soldiers and 10 civilians. The news media put incredible spin on that, she said. They made the Palestinians the bad guys and the Israelis, the victims. Living there, we saw different angles, Monson Lowe said. The couple taught Palestinians during their two, three-month stints living there Lowe, ceramics and pottery, and Monson Lowe basket weaving, among other skills. They described Palestinians as highly educated, with many having several degrees. The Muslims and Christians in Palestine work together, play together and respect each others religion. Its a respect of community, Monson Lowe said. The personal stories from students they are not angry. They say thats just the way it is, Lowe said. Its amazing that they have normal lives. Id get depressed. Among the couples fondest memories was spending Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, they said. Being in Bethlehem at Christmas is especially incredible and powerful, Monson Lowe said. Its a very moving and important part of the world. I have a hard time describing it. The Palestinians hope in a better future instills the couple with optimism. If they can get peace in this part of the world, it could radiate all over, Lowe said. Richard Breaux and Sarah Shillinger hope a new certification for Hmong-American studies will be the first step toward a new program of study on campus. The two University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ethnic and racial studies professors have helped craft the Hmong American Studies Certificate, a 15-17 credit series of courses that provides students with a background in Hmong culture and history. Work on the certificate began last winter after a number of Hmong students and their allies criticized the modern language department's handling of a two-course Hmong heritage language series. Originally canceled for the spring semester due to a history of low enrollment, Hmong students protested what they said was unfair treatment of the courses' instructor and the decision to offer the course through UW-Stout using distance learning. At open forums held in December, students spoke of how important those classes are to the Hmong identity and learning about their heritage, which is one of the reasons administration decided to pursue the option of a certificate. "We are really excited to be offering this," Breaux said. "Both faculty and students have recognized the need for it." Requests for comment directed to the leadership of the UW-L Hmong Organization Promoting Education were not returned. The eight-credit language series is one of the elective options open to those pursuing the certificate, which was announced earlier this summer. It is open to any student at UW-L and will be offered beginning this fall. Nine credits are at the core of the certificate, which includes an introductory ethnic and racial studies course, a three-credit anthropology course on Hmong Americans and a senior capstone project. Up to eight credits of electives count toward the certificate with options in the anthropology, history and modern languages department. In developing the coursework for the certificate, Breaux said he reached out and worked with the La Crosse Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency and Naohoua Tony Yang, a Hmong cultural liaison with the La Crosse School District. As part of the capstone project, students will have to work with local Hmong groups learn about the issues and concerns in the Hmong community and look at ways to address them. As the region continue to become more diverse, employers are seeing the need for graduates to be culturally competent. This certificate brings an academically rigorous approach to the study of Hmong-Americans and will provide the critical thinking skills companies look for in new hires. "In areas where there is a strong Hmong-American population, there is a big need for this kind of academic training," Shillinger said. "One of the purposes of the certificate is to make sure students who did the coursework get the recognition on their college transcript." Schillinger and Breaux hope to see strong student support for the program, which was approved by the UW-L Faculty Senate earlier this summer, and envision the certificate blossoming into a minor of study much as ethnic and racial studies grew from a certificate program into its own department. "These things take time," Shillinger said. "You have to build momentum and interest. It is how all academic things start out." American Cancer Societys Relay for Life helps all, from survivors to family and caregivers. Maria McCabe attended the Relay for Life of Monroe County Friday at Tomah High School as a sign of support of her husband, Will, whose mother passed away from cancer. I think its a pretty good (event) to have, she said. Its good because people need this, closure and to know that (loved ones) are still here. Relay for Life is a fundraising walk for the American Cancer Society during which people come together to remember lost loved ones, honor survivors, raise awareness of cancer and its impact and raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The money raised helps fund cancer research, patient care programs, education and free information. Participants are part of teams that take turns walking around a designated path. Teams set up a themed site, where they continue collecting donations of money, food, games, goods and activities. At all times a member of each team will remain on the path to signify that cancer never sleeps. Since the event began 32 years ago, progress has been made, event coordinator Pam Kasper said, but theres still more work to be done as long as cancer still exists. More than 32,970 Wisconsin residents will be diagnosed with cancer, and 11,630 will die from it in 2017. Kasper said the number is unacceptable and that the ultimate goal is to eradicate cancer completely. The American Cancer Society is here to help and fight back with the ultimate goal that those numbers will decrease until they are zero, she said. We cant win this battle against cancer without your time, talents and fundraising efforts. For all that you do in each year and every day, we thank you, and ... together we will finish this fight. The battle is ongoing, Kasper told the crowd, but the war isnt over. She said survivors are proof that the battle is worth fighting. We are winning the fight against cancer, she said. All of you are the proof. Esther Jacobson, honorary chairperson for the Tomah relay, said research is the key to winning the war against cancer. Jacobson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and has been cancer-free since 2013. If it wasnt for the technology and the research that the American Cancer Society provides for us, they would have never found my cancer, she said. It takes intelligence, it takes education and it takes research. It takes doctors that recognize those simple little things that look suspicious and then they turn out to be very suspicious and then they are the real thing. Vigilance is also important, Jacobson said. Support this cause, because the only way were going to win is if we work together as a nation to overcome whatever the cause is, she said. Without research, without the American Cancer Society, were not going to be able to do it unless we continue to contribute. It doesnt have to be financial support, it can be spiritual support, and it can be emotional support. Whatever it is, give it. Over $14,000 was raised from the Relay for Life of Monroe County according to the American Cancer Society website. Tuesday, June 13, 2017 The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board agreed with a hearing committee that a former client conflict of interest had not been proven. After his termination by a homeowners association, the attorney had drafted a letter on behalf of association board member Kelly Commander and then referred her to unconflicted counsel During his representation of the HOA, Respondent advised it on a variety of legal issues including environmental issues and enforcing various restrictions. See e.g. Ex. ODC-5, ODC-6; Transcript, p. 117. Respondent did advise the HOA regarding bylaws and amendments to them on occasion. ODC-5, ODC-6, Transcript pp. 35-36. However, there is no evidence that he advised the HOA regarding any amendment pertaining to the removal of Board Members. Multiple witnesses testified at the hearing that Respondent did not advise the Board on this subject, nor do the minutes of Board meetings indicate such. Transcript, pp. 37, 71, 116, 142; Ex. ODC-5, ODC- 6, ODC-7, ODC-8, ODC-9. Advising the HOA on various other amendments to the bylaws is not substantially related to his representation of Ms. Commander, which concerned amending the bylaws for a particular purpose - to remove a member of the Board. It is reasonable to, and the Hearing Committee in fact did, disassociate those two topics from each other. ODC argues that Respondents representation of Ms. Commander was substantially related simply because Respondent advised the HOA regarding the bylaws in general, regardless of the substance of the advice and its relation to the matter involving Ms. Commander. This argument is not consistent with Walker. As Walker illustrated, the fact that a lawyer is representing a subsequent client against a former client in the same type of matter the lawyer handled for the former client does not alone create a substantial relationship. In that case, the attorney defended the Department of Transportation in road hazard claims, and subsequently represented private plaintiffs in road hazard claims against the Department after his resignation from government service. Walker, 807 So.2d at 59. The Court determined that his cases against the Department were not sufficiently interrelated in fact and substance to any case he worked on for the Department. Id. at 62. Here, Respondents representation of Ms. Commander is not so interrelated in both fact and substance to his representation of the HOA that a reasonable person would fail to disassociate them. Despite ODCs assertion to the contrary, Respondents decision to refer the matter to Mr. Pierson is not an attempt to use his fellow attorney as a puppet, but rather a step taken to avoid any potential conflict. Respondent independently examined this matter to determine if any conflict existed before taking on the representation. Ex. R01. Despite coming to an independent conclusion that there was not a violation of Rule 1.9(a), Respondent consulted with an attorney specializing in ethics, who informed him that there may be a violation of the Rule, but did not state with any certainty that there had been such a violation. Ex. R05; Transcript pp. 28-31. The Committee noted that consulting with another attorney does not indicate the presence of an actual conflict: His due diligence in seeking advice as to a possible conflict should not be used against him. To do so would discourage attorneys from seeking outside counsel on ethics and professionalism matters. Hearing Committee Report, p. 2. After undertaking that effort, Respondent decided to refer Ms. Commander to another attorney to avoid the potential of a conflict. While he perhaps should have referred the matter to Mr. Pierson right away, his failure to do so does not rise to a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The board dismissed the charges and assessed costs against the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/06/the-louisiana-attorney-disciplinary-board-agreed-with-a-hearing-committee-that-a-former-client-conflict-of-interest-had-not-b.html MORE than 80 villagers gathered at a ceremony to unveil the new village sign in Speen. The sign, standing at more than 6ft in height, was revealed last Saturday outside the village shop, Chapel Hill. Buried under the sign a shield bearing icons of past and present village life is a time capsule containing a full village electoral roll and other articles and objects. Speen parish councillor Peter Symonds, who designed the shield, explained: "There is quite a strong community spirit in Speen and the sign has gone down well." The project was organised by the Speen Millennium Committee and Speen Parish Council. A new book, The Leaves of Time, recording the history of the village, has also been produced by village historians. Villager John Radford, of Abbotswood Road, Speen, said: "This sign will be a lasting memory of the heritage of this small village on top of the Chilterns." Remembering those who died in the mid-valley. 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[Related: Palo Alto Networks Launches New Venture Fund, Looks To Build Security Platform Ecosystem] The Application Framework will be similar in concept to frameworks offered by vendors such as Salesforce and Amazon Web Services, allowing any security provider to build cloud-based applications on top of the platform. Palo Alto Networks will provide cloud APIs, software services and compute to deliver the developed apps to customers, he said. Simkin said the Application Framework would allow security providers to build applications for specific use cases, including identification, analytics, and incident response. By building applications on the platform instead of point products, Simkin said developers could leverage the threat intelligence, user base, infrastructure, and data stores that are part of the Palo Alto Networks platform instead of starting from scratch. "Palo Alto Networks isn't the only one making this [platform anymore ... It's an entire market of entrepreneurs and developers," Simkin said. "[We're] vastly expanding the Palo Alto Networks platform." Palo Alto Networks expects to make the platform generally available in January 2018. Simkin said Palo Alto Networks already has more than 35 different application developers committed to developing on the Palo Alto Networks Application Framework. Some of the partners already signed up include Accenture, Aruba, Carbon Black, Crowdstrike, ForeScout, Proofpoint, Phantom, and Splunk. He said developers can include ISVs and large companies, as well as partners and managed security services providers. Palo Alto Networks will further encourage developers to work on the platform with the launch of the Palo Alto Networks Venture Fund. Palo Alto Networks also announced the launch of a GlobalProtect cloud service. The launch allows partners and customers to bring GlobalProtect's traffic visibility, policy enforcement, threat prevention, WildFire, and other security capabilities to remote offices and mobile users with a cloud-based service. Palo Alto Networks will manage a multi-tenant, cloud-based infrastructure, and partners or customers can buy the service according to bandwidth requirements. The launch of the GlobalProtect cloud service is a recognition by Palo Alto Networks that more employees are accessing corporate networks outside of the traditional perimeter walls, Matt Keil, Palo Alto Networks' Director of Product Marketing for Public Cloud, said. He said the new service would allow enterprises to bring the same corporate security policies to remote locations and mobile users. "The benefit to partners is that it addresses a small segment of the market that we might be missing out on," Keil said. "This fills that gap in our portfolio of a very easy to deploy, operationally efficient security feature. It also allows that customer to move towards a more predictable operational expense model for security." Keil said Palo Alto Networks is not looking to move into the service provider space with the launch. The GlobalProtect cloud service will be available to all NextWave channel partners, with targeted general availability in August 2017. John Marler, COO at Houston, Texas-based Set Solutions, said he is glad to see Palo Alto Networks continuing to expand its security platform. In particular, said the new Application Framework would help make the platform "more interesting to everyone." "I think it's great," Marler said. "Palo Alto Networks today already has an absolutely best-of-breed API in terms of how they manage the platform, so extending that to application integration is really exciting This will help them continue their roll." Security officials in Bangladeshs capital have arrested six members of a banned militant group and accused them of planning to kill an outspoken Islamic scholar for his stand against religious extremism, a police official said yesterday. Police counter-terrorism chief Monirul Islam said the men were arrested Sunday night in a raid in Dhaka. He said the suspects are members of Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh, which has been blamed for many killings in recent years, including an attack last July on a restaurant in Dhakas diplomatic zone in which 20 hostages were killed. Seventeen of the victims were foreigners. Islam said the suspects had targeted a top Islamic scholar who speaks and acts against radicalism. He would not disclose the name of the reported target, but said the suspects wanted to kill him during the current fasting month of Ramadan. Islam said the house of the targeted scholar was already under the suspects watch and their plan was going ahead. Later yesterday, a judge in Dhaka authorized police to keep them in custody for interrogation. Bangladesh has experienced a rise in Islamic militancy in recent years, with groups targeting atheist bloggers, publishers and writers, members of minority groups and foreigners. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for many of the attacks, including last years restaurant siege, but authorities have rejected the claims and held JMB responsible. The government has vowed to crush Islamic militancy and some 60 suspects have been killed in raids across the country since last July. AP China and Singapore pledged to cooperate on trade and regional infrastructure projects, in a sign the countries have begun to repair ties strained amid security disputes in Southeast Asia. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan said yesterday in a briefing in Beijing they reached agreement to work more closely on Chinas Belt and Road trade and infrastructure initiative. Balakrishnan described ties as strong and said Chinas relationship with Southeast Asia was stable, calm and positive. We had in-depth talks and reached a lot of consensus on bilateral, regional issues and shared interests, Wang said. Both of us are of the view that, against the background of a backlash against globalization, China and Singapore, as the champions of regional integration, need to work together to address challenges and uphold common interests. The remarks suggest that Singapores efforts to paper over diplomatic tensions with its largest trading partner are paying off. The city-state of 5.3 million had found itself in Beijings cross- hairs over its military ties with Taiwan, support for the U.S. naval presence in the disputed South China Sea and perceived lack of support for the Belt and Road program. Singapore didnt receive a formal invitation from China to attend a Belt and Road summit in May, Bloomberg News reported last month. A shipment of Singaporean infantry carrier vehicles that had been used in military exercises in Taiwan was seized and held in Hong Kong for two months before being released in January. The meeting came after Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Australias ABC Radio in an interview broadcast Saturday that Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt-and-Road Initiative was a constructive way to expand business ties with its neighbors. The Chinese and Singaporean leadership understand that there is a wide range of cooperation down the road, said Huang Jing, a professor with the National University of Singapores Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. As a regional financial center and a developed economy that is fully integrated in the global economic system, Singapore has a lot to offer to China, while benefiting from the development of One Belt, One Road. Balakrishnan described Singapore as a strong believer and supporter of the Belt and Road plan and pledged to establish a financial cooperation platform with China. China-Singapore relations are in good working order, he said. They are strong, with the potential to grow even stronger. The two countries accounted for USD66 billion in two-way trade last year, representing 13 percent of Singapores global total. Singapore is also Chinas second-largest investor, with $6.18 billion last year, according to Chinas official figures. Wang said Singapore was an important clearance center for the yuan. To advance the Belt and Road Initiative we need financing, he said. We hope that cooperation with Singapore will draw upon Singapores strengths as a financial center. Bloomberg Its the story of an obscure fishing community that was afforded special trading status and grew to become one of the worlds most vibrant economic centers. Then came competition. Just upriver, an even more obscure fishing community was afforded special trading status and soon grew to become one of the worlds most vibrant economic centers. The first was Hong Kong, which rose rapidly after being made a free port in the mid 19th century, becoming a model for free- market capitalism by the time of its return to China 20 years ago. In the past two decades, it has watched the dazzling rise of Shenzhen, just across the Sham Chun River. Now, officials in Hong Kong have an ambitious proposal to link the two via a technology park on a disputed swamp by the border that aims to revitalize Hong Kongs sagging economy and add fuel to Shenzhens nascent startup boom. The proposed 87-hectare park, called the Lok Ma Chau Loop, is the largest proposal of its kind by Hong Kong and is being pitched as an incubator for future tech giants. The idea is that tenants would be close to Shenzhens cheaper manufacturing and innovation, while retaining Hong Kongs legal and business framework and internet freedom, with eased border crossings between the two. The plan says as much about the changing roles of the two cities as it does about Hong Kongs aspirations to be a technology womb. Shenzhen is pivoting from its legacy as ground zero for Chinas manufacturing boom into a center for research, development and production of advanced technology. Hong Kong is trying to diversify from old staples such as banking and real estate as revenue streams in shipping and tourism slacken. Hong Kong has to do this, said Albert Wong, chief executive officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp., the government agency that runs the citys biggest existing technology park and startup incubators. Its not an option. Sitting in his office at the citys lush science park, half way between the border and the financial center, Wong maps out a vision that doesnt lack for ambition. He wants to more than double the number of researchers and developers at HKSTP to 20,000 over the next five years. The Loop is key to that expansion. The park would be built on land that was part of China until the government straightened the Sham Chun River in the 1990s to reduce flooding, effectively moving the border. The marshy area enclosed by the loop of the old river course remained disputed and undeveloped an area of wetland for otters and migrating birds until an agreement in January by the two governments to build the tech park. The accord reflects a wider plan by China to bind together Hong Kong and Macau with cities in Guangdong an almost contiguous urban area of more than 60 million people. Think of all the cities on the eastern U.S. seaboard from Boston to Washington, plus the San Francisco Bay Area rolled into one. For Wong and other proponents of the Loop, Hong Kong would be the San Francisco to Shenzhens Silicon Valley in the new Bay Area of the Pearl River Delta. Its an attractive idea for entrepreneur Song Li, a former executive director of equity derivatives products at Morgan Stanley. Li founded Zhenai.com, an online dating service, which says it has more than 120 million registered members. Though he works in Shenzhen, Li prefers to live in Hong Kong, with a two-and-a-half-hour round trip commute. An office in the Loop would cut that in half, he says. Another supporter of a combined technology area in the Pearl River Delta is Tencent chairman Pony Ma Huateng, head of the most valuable company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. China has the ability to create a world-class tech Bay Area, and preside over the global tech revolution of the future, Ma said in March, adding that the technology areas could help maintain stability in the former colony. Hong Kong certainly needs the boost. Since Britain handed back its former possession, the city has played a diminishing role as the gateway to China and a financial hub. Its container port, which once vied with Singapore as the worlds busiest, has fallen to fifth, overtaken by both Shanghai and Shenzhen. An aging population and widening inequality are stirring political discontent. The citys economy is growing at less than half the rate it did in the decades up to 2015. Citizens are saving less and borrowing more, and few young people can afford the sky- high price of a new apartment, even one the size of a family car. The world has changed and Hong Kong needs to change again, said Nicholas Yang, the governments minister responsible for technology and innovation. Government efforts to foster innovation in the city have been mixed. Its Cyberport business park proposed in 1999 came under criticism when most of the project was developed as apartments, while many of the offices remained empty for years. The problem is that on one hand property is too expensive for grassroots innovation, and on the other, when the government gets involved it tends to be over-planned and engineered, said Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong-based corporate lawyer and author of an upcoming book City of Protest: A Recent History of Dissent in Hong Kong. The idea for closer integration with Shenzhen isnt new. Pro-China think tank Bauhinia Foundation has been urging stronger links with Guangdong for a decade. But many Hong Kongers are increasingly concerned that closer ties with the mainland would erode the freedom the city was promised as part of the one country, two systems agreement when Britain handed back the territory. Meanwhile, Shenzhen forged ahead, clearing out most of its old, labor-intensive factories and building high-tech giants like Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. The citys Nanshan district is a cradle for more than 8,000 technology firms, centered around the vast Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park, known as SHIP. Entrepreneurs have come from across the world, leading some to question why Guangdong needs to collaborate with Hong Kong on innovation. That ship has sailed, said Felix Chung, chairman of Hong Kongs pro-business Liberal Party. The plan could have been good 10 years ago but have you seen Shenzhen lately? It has the ability to do so much on its own. Critics say the tech park would take at least seven years to build, by which time Shenzhen may have pulled even further ahead. The Hong Kong government has not given a timetable or an estimated cost for completion of the project. Hong Kong does have advantages, such as lower income taxes, relative security of capital and rule of law, said Nisa Leung, a veteran health-care investor at Qiming Venture Partners and a board member of the Hong Kong Science Park. Chung said the city can make its mark in value-added services such as intellectual property protection or helping Chinese companies build international divisions. And the Pearl of the Orient still holds a strong lifestyle appeal for many entrepreneurs, despite the high rents. I like to be able to meet smart people from all around the world, having great internet, the exercising options and access to nature, said Frenchman Benjamin Joffe, who works for a fund that invests in hardware startups. He moved to Hong Kong after living in Shenzhen and Tokyo in recent years. I split my time between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the world. Bloomberg Filipinos marked their countrys Independence Day by raising the national flag yesterday in a southern city where troops pressed assaults to quell a three-week siege by Islamic State group-aligned militants that has left 270 combatants and civilians dead. Many were teary-eyed during the flag-raising ceremonies at the heavily guarded city hall and provincial capital building in Marawi, the heartland of the Islamic faith in the countrys south, where hundreds of gunmen went on a deadly rampage on May 23. Blasts from airstrikes thudded in the distance during the events. While the flag-raising was mainly to mark Independence Day, it also symbolized the reclaiming of city hall and other areas of Marawi by government forces. Policemen roamed a community that troops had wrested back from the militants and festooned abandoned houses with small flags. Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra fought back tears as he thanked troops, police and volunteers in the crisis that has turned parts of the previously tranquil lakeside city of more than 200,000 people, most of whom have fled the fighting, into a smoldering battlefield. Villager Janisah Ampao, who fled her home with her husband and two children when the fighting broke out last month, felt a sense of relief and pride when she saw the flag being raised at the provincial capital building. She has been living with other evacuees in a nearby government building that has been turned into an emergency shelter. I dont know how we can re-start our lives after the fighting, Ampao said by telephone. Our city is in ruins, all the people have gone and the stores are closed. I saw on TV that our village has been destroyed. Facing the worst crisis in his yearlong presidency, President Rodrigo Duterte canceled an annual Independence Day diplomatic reception at the presidential palace and skipped a flag-raising ceremony in Manila. He doesnt feel like giving a toast, even symbolic, when soldiers are dying and the evacuees and the displaced are in the provinces and in Marawis margins, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters. Philippine flags were also flown at half-staff as the country mourned the killings of 13 marines in a fierce battle in Marawi on Friday. Some of the marines perished in a fire ignited by the militants at the height of the fighting, military officials said. They said 58 soldiers and policemen, 191 militants and 21 civilians have been killed in the three weeks of clashes. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson conveyed independence greetings on behalf of President Donald Trump and the American people, saying the U.S. stands as an ally with the Philippines as it confronts the attacks in Marawi and other terrorist threats. The U.S. military has deployed a spy plane at Manilas request to help provide surveillance to troops battling militants still holed up in a few buildings in Marawi with an unspecified number of civilian hostages. AP JAPAN A defense official said yesterday that Japan is seeking to increase its sales of military equipment to Southeast Asian nations amid growing tensions with China and North Korea. The move is part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abes push to bolster Japans military role and its sales of defense equipment, especially in Southeast Asia, where China has expanded its own arms sales. SINGAPORE Police detained a preschool assistant who shared pro-Islamic State group materials online and intended to travel to Syria, their first arrest of a female Singaporean citizen alleged to be a sympathizer of the radical group. PHILIPPINES Filipinos marked their countrys Independence Day by raising the national flag yesterday in a southern city where troops pressed assaults to quell a three-week siege by Islamic State group-aligned militants that has left 270 combatants and civilians dead. INDONESIA A strong earthquake yesterday morning rattled part of Indonesias main island of Java and swayed buildings in the capital, but caused no apparent damage or casualties. NEPAL Confessed French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who is serving a life sentence in Nepal, had successful heart surgery yesterday, doctors said. The Frenchman is believed to have murdered at least 20 people in Afghanistan, India, Thailand, Turkey, Nepal, Iran and Hong Kong during the 1970s. YEMEN A multinational coalition of navies says it will step up patrols in waters around Yemen after several attacks there, including those launched by Somali pirates and others blamed on Yemeni rebel forces. RUSSIA Thousands of anti-government activists challenging President Vladimir Putins rule were protesting across Russia yesterday, with police arresting main opposition leader Alexei Navalny outside his Moscow home before he could reach the main demonstration and scores of others. POLAND Polish officials are hailing an upcoming visit by Donald Trump, with Polands defense minister calling it a huge success for the government and another official celebrating the unexpectedness of a U.S. president stopping in Warsaw before Paris, London or Berlin. BRITAIN Senior members of British Prime Minister Theresa Mays government rallied to her defense yesterday amid doubts over her ability to remain in power following a disastrous election result. More on p15 BRAZIL A fugitive Italian crime clan boss was taken into custody at a Brazil airport over the weekend, authorities said. Vincenzo Macri was part of an international criminal organization that imported and trafficked drugs from Morocco, the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic. Ludlow is an employment services specialist/therapy tech. She is responsible for providing job maintenance and other vocational services to people with disabilities. As a therapy tech, she teaches living skills, under the direction of a developmental specialist, to people with developmental disabilities. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) Massive waterfalls in Yosemite National Park and rivers raging in mountains throughout the western United States are thundering with greater force than they have for years and proving deadly as warm weather melts the deepest mountain snowpack in recent memory. Record snowfall on towering Western peaks this winter virtually eliminated California's five-year drought and it is now melting rapidly. But it has contributed to at least 14 river deaths and prompted officials to close sections of rivers popular with swimmers, rafters and fishing enthusiasts. In Utah and Wyoming, some rivers gorged by heavy winter snowfall have overflown their banks, and rivers in Utah are expected to remain dangerously swollen with icy mountain runoff for several more weeks. The sheer beauty of the rivers is their draw and represents a big danger to people who decide to beat the heat by swimming or rafting with little awareness of the risks posed by the raging water. This year's velocity and force of the Merced River that runs through Yosemite Valley is similar to a runaway freight train, said Moose Mutlow of the Yosemite Swift Water Rescue Team. "You step out in front of it, it's going to take you," he said. "You're not going to stop that, and that's what people need to get their heads around." Heavy storms this winter covered the central Sierra Nevada mountains with snow that remains at twice its normal level for this time of year. While officials celebrated an end to drought in much of California, the snowmelt is so dangerous that park rangers fear its impact on the crowded park that drew a record five million people last year, when four people drowned. So far this year, one 50-year-old man is believed to have drowned at Yosemite after falling into the Merced River from a winding trail. His body has not been found. One of Yosemite's deadliest days was in 2011, when three young church group visitors were swept to their deaths over the 317-foot (97-meter) Vernal Fall. Elsewhere in California, there have been at least 11 drownings since the snowpack started melting in May. At the San Joaquin River near Fresno, 18-year-old Neng Thao drowned last month swimming in the river during a picnic with his family days before he was set to graduate as the valedictorian of his high school. And six people have died in the rugged Tule River south of Yosemite. Some drowned, but others suffered injuries suggesting their bodies were beaten to death by the river water slamming them against the riverbed. "The force of that water pounds people into rocks and sends them over waterfalls," said Eric LaPrice, a U.S. Forest Service district ranger at the Giant Sequoia National Monument in central California. At the Kern River in central California, officials last month updated a sign warning that that 280 people have died in it since 1968. The sign is already outdated, with four more drownings since then. And in northern Utah, a 4-year-old girl playing at the side of the Provo River fell from a boulder into the water last month. Her mother and a man who was nearby jumped in to try to save the girl. All three drowned, illustrating how quickly one tragedy can multiply. "As little as six inches of water can actually sweep an adult away at the rate of speed that the water is traveling," said Chris Crowley, emergency manager for the county where Park City is located. In Reno, Nevada, rising temperatures that have accelerated snowpack melting prompted officials to erect a sign next to the Truckee River warning people to stay away from it. In Idaho, snowpack at double normal levels have prompted warnings from officials that densely populated areas near the Boise River could flood. And in Wyoming, officials have placed sandbags and flood barriers to protect homes and public infrastructure from rivers and streams swollen with the snowmelt. On his first trip to Yosemite, cartoonist Andy Runton, 42, steered clear of the turbulent Merced River. He took a selfie at a safe distance from a grassy meadow with Yosemite Falls far behind him. Within a few hours of entering the park, Runton said the sweeping vistas and raging waterfalls had left a lifelong impression. "You can see the power of the water," Runton said. "You can feel it. Nature doesn't slow down." ___ Golden reported from Salt Lake City, Utah. Associated Press writers Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Bob Moen in Cheyenne, Wyoming, contributed to this report. GOODING Deterred by high water elsewhere, Gene Lawley and his fishing buddy dipped their lines in Dog Creek Reservoir for the first time June 8, setting up their lawn chairs at the end of the dock. Theyd come on the recommendation of Dean Grissom, Idaho Department of Fish and Games recreation site maintenance foreman. The appeal: variety. Its a good fishery. It gives a lot of opportunity for all kinds of fish, Grissom explained later. Ive seen 5-pound bass come out of there before. Ive never caught one, but Ive seen it happen. By late morning, Lawley and his buddy had caught a few bluegill and a lot of small perch, plus a couple of foot-long trout they didnt have the right nets to land. Their first impression of Dog Creek Reservoir? Its all going to hang on if we get some good fishing results, said Lawley, of Twin Falls. Until now, Fish and Game couldnt describe the angling opportunity at this popular, year-round reservoir north of Gooding in much more detail than Grissom gave Lawley. The agency stocks rainbow trout, channel catfish and tiger muskellunge in Dog Creek Reservoir, but other than tagging some catfish for angler reporting it hasnt sampled the fish populations there. Has the stocking produced solid catfish and tiger muskie fisheries? And what other sport fish swim in Dog Creek Reservoir? A project led by regional fisheries biologist Scott Stanton aims to find out. On June 8, as Lawley fished from the dock, Stantons team was pulling its trap nets out of the reservoir one facet of Fish and Games standardized protocol for surveying lowland lakes. The protocol calls for four survey methods specifying the location, timing and duration of each and requires length and weight data for each fish caught. Floating gill nets last week sampled fish swimming in open water, such as trout and juvenile perch, and sinking gill nets sampled those on the lake bottom, such as catfish, suckers and carp. Trap nets not lethal to most fish species sampled shallow water near shore. And this week, the team planned nonlethal electrofishing of the shoreline. By the end of June 8, the first three survey methods had revealed channel catfish, bullhead catfish, bass, bluegill, perch, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, carp, largemouth bass, largescale sucker, bridgelip sucker, pumpkinseed and green sunfish. So theres a lot of competition as far as food sources out there, Stanton said. That, of course, can inhibit the growth of desirable fish species. Stanton cant draw conclusions until the data are crunched, but the skinniness of fish in his nets suggested competition. A morning on the reservoir The four trap nets prescribed for a reservoir of Dog Creeks size, about 59 acres, have soaked for about 24 hours when Stantons team arrives June 8 to pull them out of the water. To set up a work station, Stanton drives a gear-laden boat to a spot on the shoreline out of the way of the expected noon crowd at the Dog Creek dock. I think everyone takes their lunch break down here thats what weve concluded, fisheries technician Anna Estes explains. As Estes and bioaides Austin Hafer and Tyus Lourenzo unload data-collection equipment, oxygen tanks, buckets and nets, Stanton is occupied at the back of the boat. Its taking on water. Someone asks: Austin, did you put a plug in the boat? But its not until the second question that the awful realization appears on Hafers face: Did you turn the plug? That type of boat plug expands when turned, but Hafer didnt know. So now, while the bilge pump runs, he and the others search for a stick that can replace the lost plug. As Stanton and Lourenzo return to the dock to hammer in the stick tighter, Estes buckets lake water into a holding tub, and Hafer prepares its oxygen supply. Well, I guess I graduated from losing gas cards to boat plugs, he says. Im probably going to get a sarcastic lecture about this. I love it. Hauling in the nets From the boats bow, Stanton and Lourenzo haul up each trap net, working quickly to empty fish into the tub of lake water on board. Most are alive thrashing the water in the tub but many of the perch have gilled themselves in the holes of the net. After the live fish are back in water, Stanton and Lourenzo laboriously pick the dead perch from the net and add them to the tub, where they float belly-up at the churning surface. Stantons 10-year-old son Gus, along for the ride, points out the tiger muskie in the catch from the first net. I wonder who hes going to eat first, Gus says. In the fourth net, small perch are particularly numerous. Be thankful every hole in that net wasnt full of perch, Stanton tells Lourenzo. Ive seen that. Makes for long days. Sometimes a perch population pulls off an unusually good spawn, then is stunted because of competition for food, Stanton explains. He cant be sure thats what happened here, because the survey team isnt aging the perch it catches. Between hauls, out of earshot of his seasonal employees at the work station, Stanton tells about Fish and Games longstanding tradition of awarding a traveling trophy named for the first two syllables of catastrophe the taxidermied hind end of a mountain lion. Or maybe its a bobcat, he says. The awards latest recipient was a state wildlife veterinarian, after the two orphaned mountain lion kittens he was holding in his office overnight conquered the barricade and had the run of a research lab. I dont think its ever been given to a seasonal, Stanton says. Does a lost boat plug rise to the catastrophe level? I dont know, Stanton says. Ive done worse, but I havent been nominated yet. Measuring the catch After emptying each net, Stanton and Lourenzo return to the work station where Estes and Hafer wait. The men on board hand down dripping nets of fish for quick transfer to the tub on shore. There, a well-practiced routine commences: Stanton measures each fish, announces the species and length and slides it down the measuring board to Lourenzo. Manning the scale, Lourenzo announces each weight. Estes repeats each number, madly tapping data into a PDA, and only once in a while objects to Stanton giving the length of a new fish before Lourenzo can finish weighing the last one. Hafer tosses each fish back into the reservoir, sometimes letting Gus or his 5-year-old brother, Fin, take a turn. Gulls venture close to pick up a few of the dead perch. As the team gathers its gear at the end of the morning, the lecture Hafer predicted arrives. But its short and doesnt sound sarcastic. Stanton: Whatd you learn today, Austin? Hafer: Turn the boat plug. Stanton: Good man. And as their boat heads back to the dock, Stanton offers Hafer a little consolation. I lost the GoPro camera in the Big Wood River once, he says. With a wetsuit and snorkel gear, Stanton saved the camera and a record free of any joke taxidermy. Q: Where are some of the oldest restaurants in the area? A: The Depot Grill will be celebrating 100 years as a restaurant this year, said Don Olson of Soran Restaurants. I would have to believe its the oldest still operating restaurant in this area. The Depot Grill has been a family owned and operated restaurant in Twin Falls since 1917, and the Soran family has owned the restaurant since 1957. We are probably going to start sometime around the end of July and we will run specials for 100 days for 100 years, Steve Soran said. The building was actually built in 1910 and it was the Blue Lake Spring Water Mineral Bottling Company and then it became a gas station, he said. The gas station operator started selling sandwiches around 1917. But it evolved from the bottling company. From the bottling company that was a place called Depot Service. And Im not really sure what year the Depot Service name changes to the Depot Grill. I think it was sometime in the early 40s. It was the Depot Service for years and years. My family purchased in 1957. And we have been here ever since. Its an old building, and its been remodeled at least 15 times. So it doesnt look like it used to. Weve been serving food at the same location. The celebration will run through mid-November. We picked the November anniversary date because that was the date that my father and his brother purchased it, Soran said. So that seems like as good a day as any to call it our birthday. The family restaurant, 545 Shoshone St. S., is open 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday, and until 9 p.m. on Sundays. The Depot Grill also offers catering for weddings and other events, picnic service, and carry out. Sorans Turf Club, a banquet facility has operated since 1962. Gloria Rasmussen, a waitress at the Manhattan Cafe in Shoshone said it has been open since about 1890. Shoshone was founded in 1882 during the construction of the Oregon Short Line. The Ranchers Cafe at the Twin Falls Livestock Commission Company was opened in 1936. The Oxbow Cafe in Bliss originally opened around 1951 and has been opened and closed off and on. Maxies Pizza and Pasta has been making homemade fire stone pizza and traditional pasta since 1956. Norms has been family owned and operated by Tom and Vicki Collins for 42 years, serving breakfast and brunch. The Collins bought Norms in 1975. Norms Cafe was listed in the 1968 Twin Falls telephone directory. The Mint Bar and Cafe in Hailey and the Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum have operated at least since 1968 according to a Twin Falls telephone directory. Franchises such as Arctic Circle, A&W, and Dairy Queen have been operating since 1968 according to a Twin Falls telephone directory, the earliest directory found at the Idaho State Archives in Boise. The earliest Twin Falls telephone directory at the Twin Falls Public Library is 1936. TWIN FALLS The new fiscal years starts Oct. 1, and city and county officials in Twin Falls and throughout the state are busy planning budgets. On Monday Twin Falls County commissioners began meeting with the countys department heads to discuss 2018 budget requests, and will continue to hold such meetings for the rest of the week. That evening, the City Council discussed its budget, about a month ahead of when City Manager Travis Rothweiler plans to present then with his draft proposal. Much of that discussion was focused on employee hiring and pay and whether to use any of the citys foregone balance, or money that the city was legally allowed to collect in property taxes in previous years but didnt. Monday morning, county commissioners met with representatives of the sheriffs department and the countys Treatment and Recovery Clinic. One new program that came up is a proposed 24/7 Sobriety Program. This was first tried in South Dakota in 2005 and has been implemented in a few other states since then. Idahos Legislature authorized it here in 2014. It allows a judge to order a person who is charged with or has been convicted of a drug or alcohol-related crime to submit either to a breathalyzer test twice a day or drug tests multiple times a week, and it can be required as part of a sentence or used as an alternative to other drunken driving penalties such as license suspension or an ignition interlock. People who fail the breathalyzer would be thrown into jail for a short period, and authorities could issue a warrant for someone who doesnt show up for their test. The state Attorney Generals office, which runs the program, wants to launch it in Twin Falls County likely later this year, Commissioner Terry Kramer said. If its run to fruition, I think it would be very, very useful, Commissioner Don Hall said, adding that the frequent testing and immediate consequences for a violation would help people to stay sober. Jail Administrator Capt. Doug Hughes said he can run the program without any extra personnel for now, and fees paid by participants have funded it in other jurisdictions that have tried it. Commissioners are also considering replacing the temporary work-release annex at the jail that was put in 20 years ago with a new temporary one that would do the job until the expected construction of a new jail and court facility in the near future. The county is in the early stages of a space-needs study on the jail and courts. There are also a few other old meant-to-be-temporary annexes at the jail, for inmate housing and staff work spaces. However, the work-release annex cant wait to be replaced during any larger reconstruction, Kramer said. That old annex is really in bad shape, Kramer said. And this time, truly temporary, Hall added. Kramer said the county could possibly picking up a surplus modular unit that is at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina now, and would also do some pricing locally to see if a basic structure can be built cheaply. City budget Monday evening Rothweiler told the City Council about the work hes been doing on their budget. He said he wants to add funding for about eight new positions to the citys budget about seven new hires, plus a police officer position that had been grant-funded but that the city now needs to absorb into its budget. Two of those are dispatchers Rothweiler said these are the last positions that have to be made up due to downsizing the city did during the recession. Rothweiler also said he is proposing 3.5 percent raises for the citys employees, plus a salary table adjustment. This will cost about $1.376 million, when the cost of a salary table adjustment that was done earlier this year is factored in. Councilman Chris Talkington said the raises would help keep employees who are leaving for higher-paying jobs. This 3.5 is to kind of build up a defense and an assurance that theyre valued and we want to keep them there, he said. Rothweiler said he was developing the budget assuming the city would raise taxes up to the legal cap of 3 percent plus the value of new construction, but without using any of the foregone balance, or money the city could have collected in the past but didnt because it raised property taxes less than 3 percent in some years. Twin Falls foregone balance is more than $2 million, by far the highest in the Magic Valley and one of the higher in the state. Rothweiler said the average property tax bill is about 11 percent lower now than it would be had the city raised taxes by the full amount every year. The Council also discussed the possibility that the state Legislature could restrict or take away the citys ability to collect foregone balance in the future. Talkington said the citys large balance is evidence they are being responsible, and it could be used as an argument against any attempts to restrict them at the state level. We are demonstrating to the public that we are frugal and responsible, he said. Councilman Greg Lanting asked Rothweiler to show the Council what the budget would look like if the city were to take $1 million in foregone balance, saying the city had been behind on road repairs for years even before this past winter made a bigger mess of the citys roads. A local option sales tax, which some city officials have called for, is not going to pass the current Legislature, Lanting said, so the city needs to look at other options to make up the difference as the community grows. You can starve the horse and starve the horse and starve the horse and youre saving money, Lanting said. But when the horse dies, what have you saved? Rothweiler said he would present the Council with different versions showing the impact of taking some or all of the foregone balance. After he presents his draft budget in early July, the Council is scheduled to discuss the budget at every meeting until it passes a final budget on Aug. 28. How does a fellow grow to 6 feet 8 inches without a spine? A fair question when talking about former FBI Director James Comey. St. James of the Potomac offered during his testimony last week before a committee of U.S. senators he was intimidated by Donald Trump and Loretta Lynch. Leftist mainstream media mainly ignored the latter in its attempt to continue the battering of the president. What we now know after the hearing is what Mr. Trump claimed all along. He had no relationship with Russia before Election Day. He instructed Comey to find anyone in the Trump campaign working in collusion with Russia. And Mr. Comey followed Lynchs instructions to downplay the matter of Hillary Clintons emails. This is the smoking gun Democrats have been seeking? Comey appears to have choreographed a performance designed to make himself an aggrieved and assaulted law enforcer. By tossing out red meat on the Clinton campaign and the former liberal Attorney General he believes his battle with Trump doesnt look ideological. No wonder the director got canned. Hes a snake in the grass! As the hearing ended and the spinning opened it was clear reactions are based on team colors. At a Republican dinner in February the chairman of the Idaho GOP reminded us things have been worse in this country. He cited the late 1960s when cities and campuses burned. A student of history can also cite 1778, 1863, 1932 and early 1942 as being particularly dark days for the United States. The country survived earlier challenges it would seem sometimes miraculously (1778) and in 1942 because of a greater outside threat. The scars from the other two dates still linger in opposing worldviews. Statues are being toppled by dark of night to avoid demonstrations, and the debate continues over the role of government in daily life. Weve survived before, is a comfort but Im not sure every time we flip a coin the result is heads. Unlike previous ages the expansion of the United Sates is complete and there are few opportunities to flee neighborhood disagreements. People are showing up at protests armed with bricks, brass knuckles and pistols. As the cities burned 50 years ago members of Richard Nixons Silent Majority watched the pictures in their living rooms. It was distant. The race riots werent a direct threat and the rioters were often simply demanding a slice of the pie. Many watching in silence were horrified by the flames but had empathy for the hunger. Today weve got one side demanding everyone else live by its dictates. Christians are ordered to bake cakes, take pictures and print T-shirts against their will and interpretation of the Almighty. Just last week Bernie Sanders upbraided an evangelical Christian at a Senate hearing. Sanders, Jewish by race but otherwise godless, is angry some Christians believe Jews and Muslims arent going to heaven. Dear Bernie, why are you so worried? You dont believe in an afterlife. Since the only Christians Sanders is acquainted with are Unitarians gobbling granola in Vermont he may not know the majority of Christian churches make it clear: Jesus is God incarnate. If you dont believe it then we arent worshipping the same God. Apparently this disqualifies a fellow for counting federal tax revenue! College faculty lounges believe theyve got the only enlightened truth and Sanders allows a pass. Anyone who deviates from the snowflake faith is vilified and need not apply for work. It permeates mainstream media as well. A reporter in North Carolina covering a weekend demonstration against sharia considered the protesters evil. Liberals say it cant happen here and we shouldnt hurt the feelings of the Mohammedans. Meanwhile on a weekly basis there are stories of genital mutilation in Mohammedan communities across America and imams at some of the nations largest mosques predict sharia is coming and they pray for haste. Thirty-five years ago a neighbor of mine launched a large brush fire. He had been attempting a small controlled burn on a windy evening when things got out of control. He told firefighters he never expected the mess he created because he had a small water tank on his back. He was knee-walking drunk that night. Are liberals sober when they make their self-congratulatory pronouncements about tolerance? How come Lefty cant look in the mirror and see the useful idiot? Please, Winston, be nice to Mr. Hitler or youll make him angry. A writer at the Wall Street Journal last week told the story of a grand church in Spain. Mohammedans are demanding they be allowed to also worship under the roof. There was a building prior on the site. Invading Saracens burned it and then constructed a mosque. When the invaders were repelled some 800 years ago the Roman Church occupied the new building on old church property. Coming to a neighborhood near you! Were told immigrants and refugees are taking our jobs because were lazy, stupid and drug addicted and were told we deserve it because we voted for Trump. Im thinking the Silent Majority is about ready to get off the couch and come out swinging. Election Day was more than a preview. Last week a Seattle newspaper reported a city councilwoman announced at a public meeting she had no Republican friends. The crowd cheered. Im quickly divesting liberal acquaintances. Since they plan to destroy Christianity and traditional values of self-reliance in favor of a god-king along the lines of Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders or Kamala Harris then I want no part of the scheme. There are two solutions. Give them California, Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a separate nation and leave the rest of us alone. Option two is a massive Go Fund Me effort. Well buy the liberals one way tickets to any other country in the world. Or better yet, some place like Mars. A good place for the wigged out to launch their new civilization. Morocco decided, upon directives from King Mohammed VI, to airlift shipments of foodstuffs to Qatar, in a gesture of solidarity and mutual assistance, it was officially announced in Rabat on Monday. The decision was announced one week after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and some other Arab countries severed ties with Qatar and banned all air, land and sea transport with the Emirate. This decision comes in accordance with the precepts of the Islamic religion, which encourages solidarity and mutual assistance among Islamic people, in particular during this blessed month of Ramadan, said the Moroccan Foreign Ministry in a statement. Morocco stresses that this decision is not connected with the political aspects of the crisis between Qatar and other brotherly countries, said the statement. On Sunday, the Foreign Ministry had released a statement highlighting Moroccos standpoint on the crisis that it has been following with great concern, and pointing out that since the outbreak of the crisis between the Gulf countries, King Mohammed VI has maintained close and continuous contact with the different parties to the crisis. The statement pointed out that given the strong personal ties of sincere fraternity and mutual esteem between King Mohammed VI and the rulers of the Gulf countries and taking into account the unique strategic partnership existing between Morocco and the GCC states, Morocco made sure not to indulge in public statements and hasty stands that would only widen the rift and deepen grievances. King Mohammed VI called on all parties to show restraint and wisdom in order to defuse tension, overcome this crisis and definitely settle the causes that led to it, the Foreign Ministry said in the statement released Sunday. The statement added that If the parties wish so, Morocco is ready to offer its good offices conducive to a calm, franc and comprehensive dialog on the basis of non-interference in domestic affairs, the fight against religious extremism, clarity in positions and loyalty in commitments. Irans Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the U.S. of destabilizing the Middle East by providing support to extremist groups active in the region. In one of his latest tweets on Monday, the Supreme leader claimed that the U.S. president accuses Iran of terrorism, while terrorism in this region has American roots. In a separate tweet, he wrote that (the) U.S arms a terrorist group is what causes instability before asking Who created ISIS? The U.S.! President Donald Trump is fond of using tweeter to share his opinions but he is yet to reply to Khameneis tweets. A terrorist attack claimed by ISIS on Iran last week killed at least 17 people. Trump commented that one reaps what it sows. States that sponsor terrorism rick falling victim to the evil they promote Trump twitted in reference to Washingtons long standing accusation that Iran supports terrorist groups. Khamenei said the U.S. and its allies engagement in the Middle East to fight terrorism is a lie and referred to them as the source of instability in the Middle East. He stressed that relations between the American and Iranian governments would continue to be at a standstill because most of our problems with them cannot be resolved. Among the problems affecting the normalization of ties that have broken since the 1979 Islamic Revolution is the American government being against an independent Iran and the existence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In another development, the Iranian Intelligence Minister has assured members of the parliament that there is no longer a single active terrorist cell in the country. The assurances came a week after Iran suffered its first deadly terrorist attack in many years. Iraqs Health Minister and the UN refugee agency have confirmed that there was a mass food poisoning at the Hasansham U2 camp, located between Mosul and Irbil, and at least one person has died. Health Minister Adila Hamoud said the meal that was served as Iftar affected around 800 people, with at least 300 in critical conditions. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said it was really concerned by the events at the camp. Its staff are coordinating with other agencies and authorities to provide swift medical treatment and transport the seriously sick to nearby hospitals. It is unclear if the food poisoning was deliberate. The camp houses more than 6,235 people. Some of those affected were vomiting while others fainted. The food was provided by a non-governmental Qatari charity organization. The meal was prepared by a restaurant in Irbil and the owner is reported to have been arrested. Camp supervisor Rizgar Obed told Rudaw news agency that outside organizations had previously been banned from bringing in food, but the camp authorities had been forced under great pressure to change the regulations. The camp lies close to Mosul, which is the Islamic States de-facto capital where the battle has intensified. IS fighters are currently under heavy siege in the west of the city. Almost 10,000 people fled from Mosuls northwest and the Old City every day during the last week of May, the UN said. More than 750,000 people have been displaced from the city since October. Thirteen camps have been established by the UNHCR to deal with the flow of the internally displaced people fleeing the city. 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. Ghanas cocoa board this weekend said it has accumulated $2.2 billion in debt after the nation missed its production target in the previous season. The West African nation, the second-largest producing country in the world, targets to raise production to 1 million tons by 2020, from the current annual output of 800,000 tons. According to Ghana Cocoa Board, the country did not meet its revenue targets for the 2015-16 seasons as the total output of 778,000 metric tons of beans fell short of an earmarked 850,000 tons. The board so far suffered $1 billion in revenue losses in the current season that started in October as future contract prices fell by more than a third since the middle of last year, the regulator said. The Cocoa Board was seeking funding from African Development Bank and other partners to undertake an extensive rehabilitation of moribund farms. Rating agency Moodys, in a report titled, Sovereigns Africa: Cote dIvoire and Ghana Resilient to Credit Pressures from Fall in Cocoa Prices, said it expects the current cocoa account deficit in Ghana to improve to 6.3 per cent of GDP in 2017 from 6.6 per cent in 2016. The government of President Nana Akufo-Addo has recently appointed Joseph Boahen Aidoo as chief executive officer of the cocoa regulator. Cocoa sector contributes 4.22% of the countrys GDP and 30% of export earnings. French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday vowed to strengthen military partnership with Cote dIvoire, as he met with the west-African nations leader Alassane Ouattara at the Elysee Palace in France. While Cote dIvoire will join the UN Security Council in 2018, security and anti-terrorist issues have topped the agenda of the discussions between the two heads of state. Abidjan is one of three reservoirs of French troops in the world, along with Djibouti and the United Arab Emirates, providing entry points to the different regions. The French military trains about 600 Ivorian soldiers each year. France is also the second largest economic partner of Cote dIvoire after Nigeria and has nearly 700 companies in the country. The Sunday meeting shows the strong attachment of France to Cote dIvoire, which is an essential partner, said the Elysee in a statement. Cote dIvoire is Africas fastest growing economy, according to the IMFs latest World Economic Outlook. The West African nations GDP is expected to grow by 8.5% this year. This accelerated economic growth has motivated big corporations to set base in the country, among which, Nestle, MTN, Orange, Olam, etc. Tanzanias government this weekend signed a $154 million contract with Chinese giant China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to expand the East African nations main port in capital city Dar es Salaam. According to the agreement, Chinas state-run CHEC will build a roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) terminal and deepen and strengthen seven berths at Dar es Salaam port. Deepening and strengthening of the berths will allow big container ships to dock in Dar es Salaam. All these efforts are being done in order to increase competitiveness of the port, works, transport and communications minister Makame Mbarawa said. The expansion works will increase container through output to 28 million tons a year by 2020 from around 20 million tons currently, he said. The Tanzanian government will receive a $305 million loan from the World Bank to fund the extension works at the port and ease congestion in Dar es Salaams gridlocked streets. It is expected to benefit around 500,000 people in the city of 4 million. Tanzania has ramped up spending in recent years to build a standard gauge railway, new roads and other infrastructure projects. The government last week indicated that it plans to increase spending in its budget for the fiscal year ending June 2018 by 7.3 percent with a focus on infrastructure. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the slain Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, has been freed by the Zintan authorities after six years in captivity. Zintans Abubaker Sadiq brigade, which was responsible for guarding Saif, said it released him on Friday following requests from the Justice Ministry of the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR). The brigade confirmed that he left the city on the same day. The release of the 44-year old, once dubbed as the successor to his father, was confirmed by his lawyer Khaled al-Zaidi. He is confident that Saif will play a pivotal and detailed role in this stage of turmoil that Libya is going through. Zaidi added that Saifs priorities are topped by eradicating terrorism, ensuring security and then bringing back life and economic prosperity. Zintans military and municipal councils condemned Saifs release in a statement stressing that it had nothing to do with legal procedures, but is collusion and betrayal of the blood of the martyrs and the military institution that they claim to belong to. HoRs defense and security committee was also critical of his release. Saif al-Islam is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a Tripoli court sentenced him to death in absentia in 2015 for his role in killing protesters during the uprising of 2011. Lawyer Zaidi explained that Saif was freed under an amnesty law by the HoR and rejected calls for him to surrender himself to the ICC. He has refused to reveal his whereabouts for security reasons. In the same vein, around 30 Gaddafi era prisoners have been released from the Hadba prison under the control of the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade under Haitham Tajouris command. It is still unclear who among them have been freed but two army brigadiers, Naji Masoud Hariri and Sharif Mohamad Benniran, three colonels, Mohamed Abdulrahim Abdullah, Fathi Ibrahim Mabrouk and Salem Awaidat and a doctor, Tahir Ahmed Al-Marghani are said to be among them. Error 404 Not Found You may have mis-typed the URL. Or the page has been removed. Actually, there is nothing to see here... Click on the links below to do something, Thanks! Take Me our of here Georgia earns $55m by exporting over 24m bottles of wine Georgia exported 24.75 million bottles of wine to 41 countries from January to May 2017, adding $55.52 million to the economy.Revenue increased by 58 percent from the same period in 2016, while the volume of exports increased by 64 percent, said the Georgian National Wine Agency.The top five countries that imported Georgian wine in January-May 2017 were as follows:1. Russia 14,820,976 bottles2. China 3,234,144 bottles3. Ukraine 2,364,112 bottles4. Kazakhstan 1,048,195 bottles5. Poland 978,360 bottlesWine exports also increased to the European Union (EU), China and other traditional export markets for Georgia, said the Georgian National Wine Agency.This year exports of Georgian wine increased to: France 500 percent (89,986 bottles) Israel 253 percent (92,310 bottles) Azerbaijan 202 percent (77,202 bottles) China 160 percent (3,234,144 bottles) Russia 96 percent (14,820,976 bottles) Belarus 59 percent (416,962 bottles) United States 54 percent (148,470 bottles) Ukraine 28 percent (2,364,112 bottles) Germany 18 percent (167,296 bottles) Poland 17 percent (978,360 bottles)Meanwhile, Georgia exported 5,521,594 bottles of Georgian brandy to 17 countries in the first five months of 2017. This was a 66 percent increase year-over-year (y/y).So far this year, Georgia has generated $13.3 million from the sale of brandy abroad.Georgia also exported 73,586 bottles of Chacha 95 percent more compared to the same period of last year. By selling Chacha abroad Georgia generated $205,200, which was 47 percent increase y/y.In total, Georgia has sold $100.8 million worth of alcoholic beverages in January-May 2017, including wine, brandy, chacha and others. Azeri journalists wife rejects offer of Georgian citizenship By Messenger Staff The wife of Azeri journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, who disappeared from Tbilisi and later was found detained in Baku, has rejected the offer of senior Georgian officials over granting her and her children Georgian citizenship.The offer came after Mukhtarli, who had fled his homeland due to his investigations into high-ranking Azeri officials businesses. He was detained by the Azeri border service for the alleged smuggling of money and the illegal crossing of the Georgian-Azerbaijan border. The journalists wife and his lawyers claim the charges were invented, and Mukhtarli was handed to the Azerbaijani authorities by Georgian law enforcement agents.Leila Mustafaeva gave her reason for rejecting Georgian citizenship as the preliminary attitude of the government of Georgia towards her family.I will not accept the citizenship of Georgia. I requested the permission of residency last year but I was assessed as being 'engaged in a dangerous activity'. As it seems, after my husband has been detained, I am no longer dangerous, she said.Georgias PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressed President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who is the only official who can grant citizenships, to make an exception and grant Mukhtarlis wife and children Georgias citizenship. The President agreed.Mukhtarli has lived in Georgia since 2015.Meanwhile, the US Department of State has released a statement over the Mukhtarli case, expressing its concern.The United States is disturbed by the reported abduction in Tbilisi, Georgia, and subsequent arrest in Azerbaijan of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli on May 30. We are also troubled by the May 25 arrest in Azerbaijan of Popular Front Party deputy chairperson Gozal Bayramli.We urge the government of Azerbaijan to release all those incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms in accordance with its international and OSCE commitments.We are closely following the Georgian investigation into the reported abduction, and urge that it be full, transparent, and timely, the statement reads.The government of Georgia has strongly denied Georgias participation in the detention.They stressed that many of those disliked by the Azeri government had lived in Georgia for years and no one has ever been handed to the Azerbaijani government.Georgia is investigating the case, and the results of the investigation will be of utmost importance, as the case concerns the international image of the country. The News in Brief Hotels to be monitored in coastal regions Service monitoring of Adjara regional hotels in terms of fire safety measures is currently underway, as the tourist season is already near. As the head of MIA Emergency Situations Management Agency, Zviad Katsashvili, has told reporters, the hotels were given particular recommendations to provide fire safety measures, otherwise, they will have to pay a fine. The security system should be improved in a reasonable term. Otherwise the hotels will experience fine. It is mandatory. The situation will be strictly controlled, Zviad Katsashvili has said. (IPN) Republika Srpska President Meets South Ossetian Leader Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, a constituent entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held a meeting with South Ossetian leader Anatoly Bibilov on June 1 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. According to Bibilovs press service, at the meeting, Dodik spoke about the pressure that the Western countries apply against 'his republic', and the wish to develop into a self-governing state. Dodik also expressed his readiness for cooperation with Tskhinvali. I am glad to get to know you, and we closely watched the events in South Ossetia, we know what happened there, and we felt sympathy for you, the head of the Republika Srpska was quoted as saying. Bibilov responded that South Ossetia and Republika Srpska have 'similar fates'. Our peoples have faced similar problems, we have common goals, common friends and the same faith, he added. According to Bibilovs press service, the two tentatively agreed that Dodik would visit Tskhinvali on September 20, when the region marks the Day of the Republic, while Milorad Dodik invited Bibilov to take part in the Day of Republika Srpska celebrations on January 9. (Civil.ge) NGOs call on the High Council of Justice not to appoint Court Chairs using opaque processes The High Council of Justice (HCOJ) is hearing the issue of appointing Court Chairs. This means that the current corps of the HCOJ, in the final days of its mandate, may appoint the Chairs for five-year terms. The broad discretionary mandate of Court/Chamber/Collegium Chairs and the opaque practices of their appointment have long been serious problems for the judicial system. To date there are no criteria or procedures set in the legislation for selecting the chairs. The experience of the judicial system shows that the chairs are a group of the most influential judges, and their formal and informal roles and status create possibilities for exerting control over individual judges. Because of this the chairs have for years been considered bosses by the judges and are the main mechanism for managing the judicial system. The result is that ideas for reforming this institution have always been met with severe and irrational criticism by the influential groups within the system. For example, although the initial draft of the Third Wave judicial reforms package had provisions for the court chairs to be elected by the judges of respective courts and this was commended by the Venice Commission report in 2014, this provision was removed from the final draft of the legislation, likely because of the demands of this influential group. Also, the provision introducing court chair election rules was changed due to the demands of the majority of the HCOJ members in the final stages of the long-term judicial strategy development. In the Coalitions view, the improvement of the Chairs must start with changes in their selection rules. We believe that respective courts must be given the opportunity to elect the chairs themselves so that the HCOJ no longer retains the power to dispatch their own representative as a chair to control the courts. The fact that the HCOJ is hearing appointment of court chairs for five-year terms while the mandates of the majority of its members are expiring in early June raises concern that the HCOJs current membership is trying to ensure that the important administrative positions are filled with their desired personnel. These questions are further strengthened by the Tbilisi Appeals Court Chairs unexpected resignation on May 25, allowing the HCOJ to appoint its desired candidate to this position. It is worth noting that the Tbilisi Appeals Court Chairs term was ending in four months, further strengthening the suspicion of a possible informal agreement. The Coalition for Independent Judiciary considers that in this situation, if the HCOJ fills the chair vacancies using an opaque process and ignoring merit, this will further significantly undermine public trust in the judiciary, boost the informal influences within the judicial system, and the independence of individual judges will come under significant doubt. (Transparency.ge) BUILDING THE LA RAZA 'The Race' WELFARE STATE ON MIDDLE AMERICAS' BACKS: Months ago, the Biden administration publicly defended their proposal to begin providing federal identification cards to border crossers and illegal aliens who they plan to release into American communities. The goal of the proposal is to make securing public benefits easier. The watchdogs at Judicial Watch discovered documents that reveal how the Obama administration's close coordination with the Mexican government entices Mexicans to hop over the fence and on to the American dole. Even though it has gone virtually unreported by corporate media,has extensively documented the Clintons longstanding support for open borders. Interestingly, as theobserved in 2007, the Clintons praise for globalization and open borders frequently comes when they are speaking before a wealthy foreign audiences and donors. There was an extremely important hearing in Congress a day before the James Comey hearing last week that almost no one heard about, because the majority of newspapers and networks didnt cover it. It was not about fictional Russian collusion or non-obstruction (the investigation went on unimpeded) It concerned a death in 2010 of a border guard, Brian Terry, at the hands of a criminal whose gun was sold to him by the Obama administration. The ATF, Justice department and White House colluded for years to block (obstruct) the public and the family of Terry from learning the truth. Then-attorney general Eric Holder even committed perjury. There was a whistleblower at the hearing. The media and the Democrats showed throughout that hearing that they never cared about the man's death and their lack of interest in this hearing shows that continues. The House Oversight Committee let loose with a scathing assessment of Eric Holder in a recent report, accusing the Barack Obama-era attorney general of outright misleading Congress on its investigation of the Fast and Furious gun-running scandal. And get this. Among the reports 300 pages is the committees finding that Holder regarded the family of murdered Border Patrol agent Brian Terry as a nuisance. Terry, of course, was killed in December 2010 by a firearm believed to be part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Operation Fast and Furious program. But key details of his death are fuzzy like the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. More than five years after Brians murder, the Terry family still wonders about key details of Operation Fast and Furious, the report reads, Fox News reported The Justice Departments obstruction of Congresss investigation contributed to the Terry familys inability to find answers. Terrys death was supposedly the incident that led to revelation of Fast and Furious the program that saw the feds turn blind eyes to 2,000 or so firearms illegally purchased by drug smugglers, in hopes of tracing them to cartel big-wigs. Sadly, the feds then lost track of 1,400 or so of these weapons two of which turned up at Terrys crime scene. Holder told investigators he didnt know of this program before Terrys murder. But report authors say thats just not true. Obama did everything he could for four years to keep the public and the family of Brian Terry from seeing documents from Operation Fast and Furious. Friday , turning over to lawmakers thousands of pages of records that led to unusual House votes holding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt in 2012, Politicos Josh Gerstein Four years after asserting executive privilege to block Congress from obtaining documents relating to a controversial federal gun trafficking investigation, President Barack Obama relented, turning over to lawmakers thousands of pages of records that led to unusual House votes holding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt in 2012, Politicos Josh Gerstein wrote on Friday. Fast and Furious remains the only scandal over which this president has used executive privilege power to hide documents from congressional investigators. Obama did not use the highly controversial power in any other scandal, including the following: Benghazi, IRS, Department of Justice phone-tapping, Pigford, General Services Administration (GSA), Solyndra, LightSquared, or EPA administrator email aliases. In the Operation Fast and Furious scandal, the Obama administration let guns walkor be trafficked without surveillance or any plan to regain control of theminto the hands of Mexican drug cartel criminals. As many as 2,000 high-powered rifles walked into Mexico as part of the scheme, and they were used to kill many Mexican citizens and even U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. Now, after House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) investigators have been litigating for years after Obamas now former Attorney General Eric Holder was held in both criminal and civil contempt of Congress, the president has dropped his executive privilege claim over the documents. The civil contempt of Congress resolution sparked this lawsuit against the administration while the criminal contempt resolution would have led to charges against Holder, but the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia declined to press forward with prosecution. Holder has since resigned at Attorney General. Several other administration officials resigned over this scandal. There was an obvious theme through Obamas eight years that some lives didnt matter. If your death interfered with Obamas legacy or agenda, it just wasnt important. He had a sycophant media and Democrats that went along. Whether you were a Border Patrol agent, or a DNC staffer shot in the back, or people killed by illegal immigrants, or people killed by terrorists, or a U.S. ambassador and his staff killed in Libya by al-Qaeda, the media and Democrats showed little interest since these atrocities never advanced the Obama agenda. With the border guard, the AG actually committed perjury and no one asked him to resign. With the DNC staffer, there has been little interest so far in what seem to be legitimate questions about why he was shot dead. When people are killed by illegal immigrants, the media mostly ignore the story because sanctuary cities are safe. When an ambassador is killed by terrorists, the president, his Secretary of State, and others literally made up stories about a video. The truth would hurt because an election was coming and Obama had said that terrorists were on the run. A couple months after the attack, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said 'at this point what difference does it make' how they died. (It is a shame that the smartest woman in the world didnt know why it mattered). To this day, the media and the Democrats have not cared what Obama did on the night of Sept. 11, 2012 when he didnt lift a finger to help Americans under attack. As for general attacks by terrorists which were up throughout the world during Obamas eight years, we were told that climate change was more dangerous than terrorism. I am sure the people who died wouldnt agree. Obama and the media did put some deaths to use. When Michael Brown was shot in Ferguson, Mo., in a clearly justified killing by a white police officer, a fictitious 'Hands up, Dont Shoot' narrative began. The Obama administration and the media were able to foment racial anger and hatred of cops even though the shooting was justified. We had riots, damage and police shootings because of this false narrative that the media willingly spread. From the day of the shooting, the media sought to destroy the white police officer. The media, Obama and the Democrats obviously didn't care about Darren Wilson (the police officer) or his family. They had a narrative to push. Today they are out to destroy Donald Trump and his family every day because they have an agenda to push, once again, not because of any illegality. Michelle Obama has said the Democrats take the high road when campaigning. That could not be further from the truth. Democrats seek to destroy (they are the party of personal destruction) opponents of their agenda and stifle their speech. A few days before Obama was elected he said he wanted to remake America. What is truly a danger to our freedom and democracy are the significant majority of reporters that also seek to destroy those who disagree with Democrats. The media picks and chooses what to report, the slant to put on the story and what not to report. The Terry murder and hearing should have been very titillating to all investigative reporters (especially Watergate lovers) yet there was almost universal silence. That shows pure ideology, not an interest in the truth. @MichaelAuslen The end of session last month brought the first chance for some of the highest-power candidates for the Florida Cabinet to raise funds. With all three Cabinet seats open in the 2018 election, would-be attorneys general, commissioners of agriculture and chief financial officers posted May fundraising numbers meant to intimidate. Though the full field of candidates are still forming, heres a rundown of May numbers for those who have declared. Commissioner of agriculture Republican Sen. Denise Grimsley raised $71,390 last month to her campaign and her political committee, Saving Florida's Heartland. That brings her total since the November election to $876,795. That includes a $20,000 transfer from her old campaign account. Grimsleys top donors are: * Associated Industries of Florida, through various political committees: $80,000 * Florida Leadership Committee, the political committee run by Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala: $53,000 * Innovate Florida, the political committee run by future Senate President Joe Negron: $50,000 * Florida Chamber of Commerce: $26,000 * U.S. Sugar: $25,000 Republican state Rep. Matt Caldwell brought in $111,915 last month between his campaign and a political committee called Friends of Matt Caldwell to bring his total to $822,764 since his reelection to the Florida House last November. That includes a $170,000 donation from fellow Rep. Jason Brodeurs political committee in February that looks to have been funded by a separate transfer from an older Caldwell account. Ignoring the Brodeur contribution, Caldwells top donors since November are: * Associated Industries of Florida, through various committees: $101,000 * Florida Jobs PAC, run by the Florida Chamber of Commerce: $40,000 * U.S. Sugar: $25,000 * Six Ls Packing Company: $25,000 * Free Markets for Florida, a political committee run by state Reps. Ray Rodrigues, Travis Cummings and Manny Diaz: $23,000 Former Republican state Rep. Baxter Troutman just filed to run Monday, so he has not reported any donations yet. But he did say he plans to kickstart his campaign with a $2.5 million contribution from his own deep pockets. Michael Christine, a University of Miami law student and newcomer to Democratic Party politics, raised $3,183 last month, bringing his total since declaring in April to $3,559. His top donors are all individuals and all donated to his campaign, capping them at $3,000. Onetime Orlando mayoral candidate and businessman Paul Paulson, a Republican, raised $273,023 last month. But nearly all of that $250,080 was a loan from the candidate himself. He also lent $120,000 to his campaign in April. Attorney general Republican state Rep. Jay Fant raised $88,575 last month between his campaign and a political committee, Pledge This Day. Since essentially being reelected to the House last June, he has raised 173,475. Fants top donors excluding $5,000 from himself: * JB Coxwell Contracting: $9,000 * Petropac, an oilfield services company: $6,000 * U.S. Sugar: $5,000 * Quintin Kendall, an executive at CSX Transportation: $5,000 * Committee of Florida Agents, a real estate group: $5,000 Fellow Republican Ashley Moody, a former judge in Hillsborough County, announced in June and has not had to publish campaign finance. Ryan Torrens, a Democrat and Tampa foreclosure lawyer, raised $3,618 in May, all from individuals. Chief financial officer The lone declared candidate, former Democratic Sen. Jeremy Ring declared at the very end of May but raised $18,500 last month in a political committee, Florida Action Fund PC. Since 2015, that committee has raised $289,871. His top donors: * Law firm Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart and Shipley: $25,000 * Private equity investor Jeff Roschman: $25,000 * Tech executive Alvaro Monserrat: $25,000 * Florida Chamber of Commerce: $25,000 * Florida Fire PAC, an arm of the Florida Professional Firefighters: $15,000 Note: This post has been updated to correct numbers reported for Sen. Denise Grimsley. @amysherman1 Fox News Greg Gutfeld says people who cite statistics about the hottest year ever or high temperatures are spreading "B.S." He says people who make such claims are not telling the full story about temperature statistics. "If you asked them what the increase was, they wouldn't be able to tell you that every single year that there's an increase, it is within the margin of error, meaning it isnt increasing," Gutfeld said June 2 on the show he co-hosts, The Five. "So, those are called real truths," he continued. "The poetic truth is the chaos and the hysteria, because that plays to the media. And it makes you feel so important. And you get to punish America for being so successful by doing these stupid deals. But if you read the facts about the high temperatures, about the reality of our past, it is all B.S." Gutfeld made the statement on The Five as the panel discussed President Donald Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement. We interviewed several scientists who said Gutfelds statement -- that temperature increases are within the margin of error and therefore not increasing -- is wrong. Rather than point to "single year" increases, experts said that long-term trends clearly show the temperature has been rising for decades. Keep reading from PolitiFact @alextdaugherty Secretary of State Rex Tillerson did not get into specifics when asked about President Donald Trump's Cuba announcement set for Friday in Miami as senators from both parties questioned Tillerson during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday. "Can you give us some of the general contours you see shaping up relative to what that policy is going to be?" asked committee chairman Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican and Trump ally. "The general approach...is to allow as much of this continued commercial and engagement activity go to on as possible," Tillerson said. "We do see the sunny side as I describe it, we do see the benefits of that and to the Cuban people. But on the other hand, we think we have achieved very little in terms of changing the behavior of the regime in Cuba and the treatment of its people. Our concern is that they may be the biggest beneficiaries of all of this which promotes the continuance of that regime." Tillerson said that pressure on the Cuban government to implement democratic reforms "has been, in our view, largely removed now" after former President Barack Obama strengthened relations between the United States and Cuba in 2016. "I was down there not long ago and America has always felt that if it could do more business with folks it would pave the way for democracy," Corker said. "I do hope we end up with a policy that will cause the Cuban people themselves to reach their aspirations." New Mexico Democratic Sen. Tom Udall, a supporter of Obama's efforts, rattled off a host of business ventures now possible in Cuba after Obama's changes, including the introduction of Airbnb into the Cuban economy. "Do you agree we should continue these efforts or do you believe we should return to the failed policies of the Cold War?" Udall asked. "Well, what you have described is the sunny side of the relationship and it's all positive and it's great," Tillerson said. "There is the dark side though and that is Cuba has failed to improve it's own human rights record. What we have to achieve in approaching Cuba is if were going to sustain the sunny side of this relationship Cuba must begin to address the human rights challenges. Within the sunny side of the relationship there are troubling elements to us that bring the relationship into conflict with existing statute obligations. Are we inadvertently or directly providing financial support to the regime? Our view is, we are." Tillerson also said he supports efforts to improve internet access in Cuba, but hedged that the focus of the policy review is making sure the Cuban government does not financially benefit from increased U.S. involvement on the island. In late May, 55 senators from both parties signed on to a bill that would fully eliminate travel restrictions to the island. Cuban-American lawmakers Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart who favor the elimination of what they see as concessions to the Cuban government have been involved in the Cuba review in recent months. Friday's announcement will reportedly take place at the Manuel Artime Theater, a former church that is symbolic for Cuban exiles. @amysherman1 Tim Canova, who lost a heated Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in August, will announce his political plans for 2018 Thursday. Canova, a Nova Southeastern University law professor and Hollywood resident, confirmed to the Miami Herald in a text Tuesday that he will announce his plans at a progressive caucus event at the Broward AFL-CIO office in Plantation at 6:30 p.m Thursday: Canova wrote on Facebook that he will speak at the event where he will be making a big announcement on our plans for 2018, which will be live streamed on this page. You won't want to miss out! In September, Canova filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission so he could start fundraising in case he decided to run against Wasserman Schultz who represents a Broward/Miami-Dade district. But through April he hasnt fundraised. While Canova has argued someone on the left should challenge Wasserman Schultz, he hasnt made clear if that someone will be him or whether he will run for another office. Two possibilities: he could be joining an already crowded Democratic field for governor or running against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Floridas only statewide Democratic office holder who is likely to face Republican Gov. Rick Scott. Earlier this year, Canova delivered petitions to Nelsons Coral Gables office to demand he take action to halt the Sabal Trail Pipeline. Despite Canovas loss to Wasserman Schultz by 14 percentage points in the August primary, his prolific fundraising showed he is a serious candidate. In his first race ever, Canova drew drew support from Bernie Sanders fans and raised $3.8 million. Last year was the first time that Wasserman Schultz faced a challenge from the left in many years. She defended her seat when she was at her most vulnerable -- several weeks after she resigned as chair of the Democratic National Committee amid leaks of emails showing the party favored Hillary Clinton over Sanders. In a Facebook post Tuesday, Canova expressed frustration with the Florida Democratic Party and said that it is allowing Wasserman Schultz to make welcoming remarks at the annual Leadership Blue gala. Canova directed some of his ire at party chairman Stephen Bittel, an ally of Wasserman Schultz. Why the party would want to promote the very personification of scandal, disgrace, and failure to open the gala says more about the incompetence and bad faith of Bittel and his leadership team than any lip service they've given in recent months and even recent days about remaining neutral and impartial in contested primaries. But Wasserman Schultz's spokesman David Damron said that Wasserman Schultz isn't speaking at the gala. The Florida Democratic Party has not yet released a list of speakers -- other than headliner former Vice President Joe Biden -- and declined to comment. Nelson will speak at the event, his spokesman Ryan Brown said. This post has been updated to include information from spokespersons for Wasserman Schultz and Nelson. BILLINGS A number of Republicans are already weighing challenges to Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Several would-be GOP candidates turned up in Billings over the weekend, suggesting there could be a crowded Republican primary to select a Tester challenger. Montana Republican Party delegates met in Billings last Friday and Saturday to select new party leadership. The would-be candidates include Troy Downing of Big Sky; Scott Roy McLean of Missoula; and Kalispell legislator Albert Olszewski; plus a couple of other prospects who are sniffing around. Yellowstone County District Judge Russell Fagg has only said hell consider a run for public office after retiring from the bench in October. Nonetheless, the former state Republican legislator took the opportunity to introduce himself to convention attendees last Friday. Montana State Auditor Matt Rosendale kept a close eye on Senate prospects. Rosendale hasnt said whether he will run for U.S. Senate. Asked by Lee Newspapers on May 31 if he would run for federal office, Rosendale said he would first focus on any insurance changes brought about by the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and then decide. Another Republican eyeing a run, Kurt Allen Cole of Troy, missed the Billings event, but told Lee Newspapers last week hes exploring a candidacy. Debra Lamm, the newly elected chairwoman of the Republican Party, said conservatives haven't been happy with several Tester votes, including his opposition to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. Tester's support for the Iran nuclear weapons deal also rubbed Republicans the wrong way and stirred interest in political challengers. Downing said the success of President Donald J. Trump and Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte, neither of whom had previously been elected, is a sign that voters are looking for an outsider. I dont care how smart you are, how good you are, how well-intentioned you are. I think after a certain period you become so institutionalized, you no longer think like a normal American, Downing said. Not by coincidence, Downing said politicians stop thinking like the electorate after about 12 years. Testers current tenure is 11 years. Downing, who lives in Big Sky, is the head of a California-based self-storage company. He been in the Big Sky area since 1998. Cole, a former vermiculite miner who suffers from asbestosis after his years working for W.R. Grace in Libby, said there arent enough common men in federal politics. The 64-year-old Montana native has done ranch work, milled lumber and mined coal. Friends encouraged him to turn his practical experience to the Senate. McLean is a Hamilton attorney specializing in estate and business law. He was previously a law clerk for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he worked closely with Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch. Olszewski was the first candidate to publicly show interest in challenging Tester. A state legislator, Olszewski is an orthopedic surgeon from Kalispell. Interest in challenging Tester picked up after Montana Attorney General Tim Fox announced June 5 that he would not run for U.S. Senate. Fox had been considered the most likely Republican pick. The Missoula Club has denied all allegations from a civil lawsuit that accuses the bar of discriminating against a gay man in May. In a statement released by local attorney Dwight Schulte, the club said it looks forward to addressing the complaint in open court, and denies any acts of discrimination. "The Missoula Club is a Montana institution that has welcomed persons of every race, color, creed, religion, gender, and sexual orientation," the statement read. On Tuesday, the bar had not yet filed a response to the lawsuit. Reece Pierce claims the bar was negligent in training its staff and that it violated the city's non-discrimination ordinance when one of its bartenders allegedly assaulted him, according to the lawsuit filed on May 30. The bartender named in the lawsuit, Ryan Blume, was cited for assault and pleaded not guilty to the charge in Missoula Municipal Court on May 12. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11. According to the ticket issued to Blume, a little before 1 a.m. on May 6, Blume punched Pierce in the back of the head, pushed him against a wall and threw him on the ground. To pinch pennies, Topher Williams once shared a house that was being foreclosed on with six other people because, for a few months, no one was collecting rent. "I don't know if you're supposed to do that, but it saved me a lot of money," Williams said. Williams, 25 this summer, owns a car, but he hasn't always been able to afford to fill up the tank. To get his degree in communications from the University of Montana, he at times worked 40 hours a week and took a full load of credits. He also put school on hold completely for a spell to alleviate the stress of holding down a job and studying at the same time. This year, he graduated with nearly $30,000 in debt, close to the $27,504 average among students who borrow in Montana. He incurred most of it in his first year paying out-of-state tuition. For nonresidents, tuition and fees alone will cost $25,405 this coming year, not including living expenses, books, transportation, and other costs. Yet Williams comes from a middle-class, maybe upper-middle-class family in Boulder, Colorado. He always knew he'd go to college, and his parents helped him pay as they could, when his father's business could support it. "This is what even privileged people have to go through to get higher education, let alone an advanced degree," Williams said. The former staffer at Mountain Line, the Missoula Downtown Association and Forward Montana believes the debt will be worthwhile. After all, research still shows that he'll earn more money over the long term; earlier this year, CNN Money reported college graduates earned 67 percent more than high school grads in 2016. But his lifestyle will be markedly different because he's saddled with financial obligation from getting his degree. "The concern is, though, because students accumulate so much debt these days ... it prices students out of other things, from buying a house, or getting married, or having children," Williams said. He figures he'll forego home ownership at least in the near future. *** In his first year, Williams lived in the dorm, took a full load of classes, and pulled work-study shifts. "The out-of-state tuition was so expensive that the next year, I moved into a part-time status, less than six credits, to establish residency. And I worked full time," Williams said. But when he returned to school, he no longer qualified for some of the federal need-based aid and work-study funds he'd earned earlier because his father's company was doing better. So he got a job. "I worked full time, and my grades suffered," Williams said. One morning, Williams felt paralyzed in his bed thinking of all the tasks he needed to complete in the next 16 hours. He'd slept probably just five or six. "That day, I made the decision to withdraw from the university for a few years," he said. *** The time off gave him the opportunity to reevaluate his work-life balance. Now, he runs trails and swims laps and he's learned that sitting on a nonprofit board shouldn't be considered a "hobby." The time off also gave him the chance to pay off some debt. "If it weren't for my parents, I would have much more debt, and it would have been a lot more difficult to get through college," Williams said. He has friends with $60,000 in debt, even more. "They'll die with their student loans." *** Like many other students, Williams shares textbooks or avoids buying them if possible. To save money, he's lived in at least one place that probably wasn't safe, and he's lived with friends who have offered him the "friend rate" for rent. At times, lack of funds has forced him to leave his car parked. "I'm a big fan of riding my bike and taking the bus, but there's a difference in choosing those things because you want to and having a vehicle but not being able to afford to drive it," he said. During his time off, Williams saved up money, and in the most recent school year, his parents also were able to help him more. So he was able to focus on school. He doesn't consider himself the most academic person, since he'd rather apply theories in real life than discuss them in class. But he's been pleased to see the results of his time studying pay off. He'd flunked out of classes before or had to withdraw, but in his graduation year, he was hitting a 3.4 or 3.6 grade-point average. Montana legislators proposed to allow themselves to carry concealed weapons, arguing the need to protect themselves from enraged citizens. Greg Gianforte beats up a reporter on the eve of his election. Perhaps the next argument for legislators' concealed weapons will be the need for protection against journalists. Donald Trump calls journalists the enemy of the people. Maybe President Trump has a point; we should consider what it means to be the enemy of the people. Fox News and other right-wing media set the stage for Trump and the hacking of democracy. Fox says that all media save theirs is biased, while they are by far the most biased. Every story is spun to program people's very identity to be against whatever Democrats or liberals are for. Republicans have adopted this approach; theyre no longer about solving actual problems, theyre about ideology. Our nation, and democracy, is weakened when science and facts are seen as liberal. Fox's emphasis on ideology at the expense of facts creates weak minds susceptible to manipulation by oligarchs and plutocrats whose primary agenda is to increase their own power and wealth. When America is no longer based in facts, Vladimir Putin's propaganda is on equal footing. Mark Grimes, Missoula Butte-Silver Bow police have confirmed that a single gunshot was fired Tuesday in the womens bathroom of the Knights of Columbus building, 224 W. Park St., in Uptown Butte. Undersheriff George Skuletich said police received a call around 11:49 a.m. from a woman who was setting up for a food-assistance service thats held every Tuesday and Thursday when she heard gunfire. She called police, who later recovered lead from a bullet on the floor of the restroom but no shell casing. Skuletich said police are not sure what caliber gun was used but believe it was a small firearm. He added that lunch service had not yet begun at the time of the gunfire and that no one was hurt. Police have interviewed two males they believe are involved in the incident, one of whom they think is the shooter. So far, Skuletich said, the man has not admitted to any wrongdoing and police have yet to find the weapon. Police havent arrested the man or anyone else and the investigation remains ongoing, Skuletich said. Preston, MN The area man accused of peeking at women through the windows of several Rochester homes was sentenced Thursday to what amounts to about six months in jail for a case in Fillmore County. Rickford Rehmann Munger, 61, of Frontenac, had pleaded guilty in late February to one count of failing to register as a predatory offender, a felony. In exchange, three identical counts were dismissed. Fillmore County District Court Judge Matthew Opat sentenced Munger to 36 months in prison, stayed for five years, and 240 days in jail, with credit for 43 days already served. After Munger's guilty plea in February, he was released on his own recognizance, court documents show, and was due back in court May 1. Munger made his way to Olmsted County, and less than two months later, he was behind bars again this time for allegedly peeping in the window of at least one woman in Rochester. He was charged locally on April 28 with two counts of interfering with privacy-previous conviction, and one count of fifth-degree drug possession, all felonies. Munger appeared in Olmsted County District Court before retired judge Dennis J. Murphy, who also released him on his own recognizance just in time for his court date in Fillmore County, which he attended. He's been in jail there since that May 1 hearing. Munger's criminal history dates back more than 25 years and includes multiple prison stays for several counts of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault and failing to register as a predatory offender. Offenders are required to list with law enforcement all vehicles they're associated with, as well as any address where they may stay. That's what landed him in hot water in Fillmore County, where he claimed to live in rural Lanesboro. A tracker on his vehicle last summer indicated he spent "very little time" at the address, the complaint says, adding that Munger also purchased an RV that wasn't registered with authorities. Surveillance indicated Munger was living in the RV, which was seen in parking lots of several businesses in and around St. Charles. He admitted to an investigator that he knew the law didn't allow him to live in an RV, which prompted the predatory offender violation charges. Mostly, "he's a window-peeper," said Capt. John Sherwin, of the Rochester Police Department. "That's what he does. When he's active, he does this all night long, looking for where lights are on, looking for people changing clothes." That's allegedly what happened in the series of events that landed him in jail in Rochester. A 48-year-old woman who lives in the 300 block of Sixth Street Northwest told authorities she was asleep in her bedroom early April 23 when she was awakened by something breaking outside her window. She opened the blinds and came face-to-face with a man who was standing outside, the report says, holding a cellphone with a red case. They startled each other, Sherwin said a few seconds passed as they looked at each other. The woman, angry, ran out of the home to confront him, but the man had fled. The victim reported the incident about 9 p.m. April 24; based on her description, officials believed it was Munger, the report says. "He's well-known to police," Sherwin said. "We've dealt with him frequently." About three hours later, dispatchers received a call from a man who lives in the 600 block of Second Street Northwest, who said he saw someone appearing to try to peek into a neighbor's window. The suspect had stacked some items on the ground, likely to stand on them to see inside, Sherwin said. The neighbor, who said he'd seen the same man about six months earlier, went outside to confront the suspect later identified as Munger then followed him to Seventh Street Northwest and Broadway Avenue as he called police. A preliminary search of Munger by arriving officers turned up knee pads, black gloves and a flashlight. He was released at the scene, Sherwin said, because there wasn't enough evidence of a crime to make an arrest. When he was arrested two days later, Munger was carrying a flashlight, a sex toy and a cellphone with a red case. According to the complaint against him, he told investigators there were videos of window-peeping on the phone, that he had peeped into windows and watched people three to five times that week, and that he wouldn't have a defense to the charge of window peeping. Munger allegedly said he primarily targets residences and apartment buildings and uses his cell phone to record what he sees. A review of his phone confirmed his admission, the report says. He's due back in court on the privacy charges on July 27. Two young sisters died after after their mother intentionally left them in a car for more than 15 hours, Texas authorities said Friday. The girls' mother, Amanda Hawkins, 19, was charged with two counts of abandoning or endangering a child, Kerr County Sheriff W.R. "Rusty" Hierholzer said in a news release. Hawkins and a 16-year-old male friend initially took the children to Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville, but the girls were found to be in "grave condition" and transferred to University Hospital in San Antonio, the release said. Brynn Hawkins, 1, and Addyson Overgard-Eddy, 2, died there about 5 p.m. Thursday, the release said. Authorities became suspicious after Hawkins told hospital personnel that she, the 16-year-old and the two children had been at a nearby lake, where the girls smelled flowers before collapsing, the news release said. "They thought maybe they'd gotten into something poisonous -- that's what their story was," Hierholzer told CNN affiliate KABB. Investigators with the Kerr County Sheriff's Office and Kerrville police determined the children actually had been left inside their mother's vehicle for 15 hours -- from Tuesday night until noon Wednesday -- while she and a 16-year-old male friend hung out with other friends inside a residence, the release said. The sheriff didn't say what caused the deaths, but told KABB that temperatures reached into the 90s during the day on Wednesday. "She left them in the car -- intentionally in the car -- while her and the 16-year-old male friend were in the house," the sheriff said. "They were in the house all night. The male friend for a little bit went to sleep in the car a little while but then went back to the house." People inside the house reported hearing the children crying but nobody went to check, he said to KABB. The children were unconscious when Hawkins took them out of the car around noon Wednesday, the sheiff said. She attempted to bathe them but didn't immediately take them to the hospital because she "did not want to get into trouble," according to the news release. Her story quickly unraveled under questioning, the sheriff said. Charges against her might be upgraded after the case goes to a grand jury, the sheriff told KABB, and the 16-year-old male may face charges. "This is by far the most horrific case of child endangerment that I have seen in the 37 years that I have been in law enforcement," Hierholzer, said. Hawkins was arrested in San Antonio and was being held in the Bexar County Jail before transfer to the Kerr County Jail. Kerrville is located about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. Autopsies were scheduled for Friday. Another pair of young children -- a 2-year-old girl and a 16-month-old boy -- died May 26 in Parker County, west of Fort Worth, in what appeared to be a hot car incident. Parker County Sheriff's Capt. Mark Arnett told CNN that according to the mother, the children were playing in a back room of their home when they disappeared. After searching the home, the mother began looking outside, where she eventually found them locked inside the car. No charges have been filed yet in that case. 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 [] Here are the stories making headlines today. Uhuru Warns Billionaire Supporters Against Multi-bets Tells Them To Stop Funding Nasa Too Shrewd businessmen world over have adopted the art of hedging their bets when it comes to political candidates. For the fear of losing favour with an incoming government, they spread their financial resources across the major candidates, so that they are on the safe side irrespective of who becom Kenyans and Ugandans on Twitter Go To War Here are the Best Memes It was an all out war between Kenyans and Ugandans on Twitter over the weekend. Like the recent tweef with Tanzania, Kenyas online put their best foot forward to ensure Uganda lives to regret ever picking up a fight with us. Its unclear how all this started, but boy was it funny. VIDEO: Watch Uhuru Pray After Raising Sh1 Billion Campaign Money at Safari Park A Prayer for the Nation. pic.twitter.com/dHP00lBeHj Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) June 11, 2017 It was the mother of all campaign fundraising dinners, and according to report, at least Sh1 billion was raised. The Friends of Jubilee Foundation held a multi-million shilling a plate dinn British PM Theresa May seeks lifeline after bruising election result Many MPs are angry over what they see as an unnecessary vote that has cost several lawmakers their seats and are demanding she run a more open, collegiate government after her first months of a dictatorial regime. Part of engine on China Eastern jet tears away after takeoff After the airplane landed safely back in Sydney, emergency crews found a gaping hole in the front part of the engine nacelles structural casing, known as the nose cowl. The incident with the jetliners engines is the second of its kind in as many months. Macron on track for huge parliamentary majority Macrons fledgling party is expected to win between 415 and 445 seats in the lower house after taking a projected 32.3% of the vote. Such a margin of victory in the 577-seat house would give Macron the majority he so badly craves to further his political revolution. (Some) Puerto Ricans vote for US statehood Ninety-seven percent of the votes favored statehood but voter participation was just 23% after opposition parties called for a boycott of what they called a rigged process in part over the ballot language. Congress, the only body that can approve new states, will ultimately decide whether the status of the US commonwealth changes. Dozens arrested as South Korean military conducts gay witch-hunt Speaking to CNN, he said he was afraid the South Korean military would find out he was talking to the media. He faces charges for having sexual relations with another man, a crime within the South Korean military punishable by up to two years in prison. If there are tapes, can the White House be forced to turn them over? For President Richard Nixon, the controversy over his secret White House tape recordings began with a break-in at the Watergate Hotel. If President Donald Trump is also keeping recordings of his conversations, any controversy over those will have begun with a tweet. Melania Trump moves in Looking forward to the memories well make in our new home! #Movingday, read the tweet, which featured a picture from inside the Executive Residence, past the Truman Balcony, overlooking the South Lawn. On what appeared to be a set dining room table, two tall, tapered candles in silver holders were lit. Richard Hammond jokes Im not dead after horror car crash Hammond, who was in Switzerland filming Amazons The Grand Tour was flown to hospital in St. Gallen after the electric supercar he was driving crashed and then burst into flames. Hammonds co-host, Jeremy Clarkson, said that it was the biggest crash Ive ever seen and the most frightening. Trump gives Priebus until July 4 to clean up White House President Donald Trump has set a deadline of July 4 for a shakeup of the White House that could include removing Reince Priebus as his chief of staff, according to two administration officials and three outside advisers familiar with the matter. Report: Uber Board To Discuss CEO Kalanicks Absence, Policy Changes By Joseph Menn and Heather Somerville SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) Uber Technologies Incs [UBER.UL] board will discuss Chief Executive Travis Kalanick temporarily stepping away from the embattled ride-hailing firm and consider sweeping changes to the companys management practices at a meeting on Sunday, according to a person familiar with the situation. John McCain: U.S. Leadership Was Better Under Obama Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) slammed the foreign policy of President Donald Trump and even compared him to former President Barack Obama. The Guardian newspaper asked McCain what message Trump was sending the United Kingdom when he criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan after the June 3 terror attack which left eight dead and dozens wounded. Another Victory For Wonder Woman As The Mummy Gets Buried At The Box Office The Mummy is no match for Wonder Woman. During its first weekend in theaters, the Tom Cruise monster movie debuted at No. 2, earning a tepid $32 million in North American grosses. Wonder Woman retained the top spot, collecting an impressive $57.2 million. Chilling Video Shows Moment Serial Killers Chained Hostage Is Freed From Crate A dramatic video has been released by South Carolina officials showing the rescue of kidnap victim Kala Brown who had been chained inside a metal crate by serial killer Todd Kohlhepp. My necks attached to the wall, Brown, 30, can be heard telling Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office deputies after they used a blow torch and crowbar to break into the crate last November. Media personality Julie Gichuru has come out to publicly endorse President Uhuru Kenyatta for a second term. Together with fellow media girl Caroline Mutoko, Julie was the MC on Friday night during a fundraising dinner for the President at Safari Park. She took to Instagram to make this announcement alongside the above picture. Totally inspirational evening with President Uhuru Kenyatta as we gathered to support his re-election bid. @caroline.mutoko shared amazing audio from his 2002 campaigns, his focus even then was a united Kenya, peace, movement from absolute centralised power to a devolved system and free education. Thank you to all those who made time and to so many more who are supporting the campaign via mobile money. We must believe in something and I believe in one Kenya, I believe in progress and strong effective partnerships to actualise development, I believe in each of us exercising our individual rights to vote, and I believe in respecting that right and loving you as my Kenyan brother or sister whatever the outcome, I believe in working together to make this nation rise to great heights of progress and prosperity for all. Wherever you stand politically, God bless you and God bless Kenya. Twende mbele pamoja Read: Did Julie Gichuru Drink Herself Silly and Even Peed on Herself? She Speaks Out Among other journalists who have openly taken sides are James Smart, Mohamed Ali and Dennis Onsarigo all of whom support Nasa leader Raila Odinga. Predictably, Julies announcement irked a section of her supporters, who are of a different political opinion. A lot of insults were hurled her way. It is not uncommon for Kenyans to consider anyone supporting a different choice from their own as tribal, stupid or have simply received a brown envelope. All the while considering themselves wise, nationalist and illuminated. But Julie was not prepared to take any nonsense. After the comments became too heated, she posted again. [showad block=6] Dear Kenyans, I will say this as simply as I possibly can, we are in this nation together. If you cannot see the progress that has been made you have clearly chosen not to. Yes, there has been progress. Are there challenges? Yes, of course there are and both @caroline.mutoko and I speak openly and widely about them from corruption to tribalism and much more. ION, I exited the news cycle close to two years ago (fascinating that you barely noticed as you keep discussing me in the context of news) and have the right to comment and take a position on issues. You cannot BULLY people into your chosen stand and if you cannot respect the fact that people can take a stand that is not based on personal benefit, then that speaks volumes about you not the person you are attacking. Bimbo insults dont work either, for women who have carved the space that we have, sorry, it does not apply and again speaks volumes about the mindless misogyny of the abuser. For those sharing civilised perspectives, all are appreciated. Lets engage in a civilised fashion but most of all, let us respect each others views. I have love for you irrespective of where you stand and it is my prayer that you can adopt that same attitude towards your fellow Kenyans. If you cant, what does it say about you? God bless Kenya always ????????? Also Read: POLL: Should Julie Gichuru Involve Herself in Gambling? Ready for a pick-me-up? Thats the literal meaning of tiramisu, and the coffee-flavored custard dessert is a welcome addition at summer brunches, backyard barbecues and parties celebrating any occasion. Tiramisu is easy to make, and very forgiving when it comes time to construct this layered dessert. The list of ingredients isnt long: eggs, sugar, mascarpone cheese, crisp ladyfingers, coffee, cocoa powder, whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Part of the pick-me-up comes from the coffee and part of it from the addition of alcohol. Some cooks leave out the alcohol, but if you choose to use it, popular choices are Kahlua, Tiramisu liqueur, Tia Maria, Amaretto or Marsala. Other options include cognac, brandy or dark rum. Gerardo Sainato, executive chef since 2006 at V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, uses the winerys own Madeira to make tiramisu, which he grew up eating in Sapri, Italy, a small town on the southernmost tip of Campania. Sainato attended Le Cordon Bleu in Rome and then worked in that city as a chef at the Ristorante Celestina and later as executive chef at the Hotel Fenix. Sainatos tiramisu is available every day at the winerys Artisan Deli and Marketplace, where some 500 to 600 pieces are sold each month. Everyone makes tiramisu a little differently. Some cooks use homemade sponge cake or panettone instead of savoiardi (Italian ladyfingers). Some consider that topping the dessert with whipped cream is gilding the lily. Still others drizzle chocolate sauce over the top and add shelled pistachios. And some prefer to make tiramisu in a round, clear bowl, like an English trifle, though the ladyfingers fit better in rectangular or square pans. Even the desserts origin is disputed. In Italy, several regions take credit for tiramisu. An Internet search reveals that some say tiramisu dates back to the end of the 17th century in Siena, when it was developed in honor of Grand Duke Cosimo III. Most sources contend it first appeared in Italian bakeries in the 1960s, and some say tiramisu is a variation of Zuppa Inglese, another layered dessert. Those who keep track of these things report that recipes for tiramisu started showing up in cookbooks in the 1960s. An Italian-language dictionary notes that the word was first used in print in 1980, but Merriam-Websters Online Dictionary sticks by 1982 as the first mention of the dessert. Aficionados of food history that read Italian may want to seek out a book on tiramisu published last year. Tiramisu: Storia, Curiosita, Interpretazioni del Dolce Italiano Piu Amato is by Clara and Gigi Padovani. In an unrelated but funny aside, in 2002 filmmakers in Hong Kong released Tiramisu, a romantic fantasy film directed by Dante Lam and starring Nicholas Tse and Karena Lam. From descriptions, the movie seems to be a boy-meets-girl story. Do report in if you watch it. Tiramisu first came to my attention more than 25 years ago while dining in Italian restaurants in St. Louis, where I lived at the time. St. Louis has many excellent independently owned Italian restaurants because many immigrants came to that city from Lombardy and Sicily in the late 19th century to work in brick-making plants in one particular urban neighborhood, now known as The Hill. Today locals and tourists alike seek out the restaurants, bakeries and specialty shops there. Out at dinner, my friends often ordered tiramisu for dessert but I opted for zabaglione or spumoni. One day, I tasted my friend Edwards plate of tiramisu, and I was amazed at what I had been missing for so long. For two years afterward, I made numerous trips to The Hill to talk to Italian chefs and home cooks about classic tiramisu recipes and variations on that theme. Eventually, working with Edward, I settled on a recipe. Here it is. Tiramisu Yield: 9 servings About 26 large or 36 small crisp ladyfingers, divided 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled 1/2 cup Kahlua liqueur, divided 2 eggs 3 egg yolks 1/2 cup granulated sugar 16 ounces unflavored mascarpone cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, divided 1 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar Premium dark chocolate for grating Before you begin, rehearse with the ladyfingers, placing them in an 8-inch-square baking pan to see how (and if) they fit. You can always break one or two if you need to. Your guests will never know. In a shallow bowl, combine espresso and 1/4 cup Kahlua. One at a time, briefly dip half the ladyfingers about halfway (lengthwise) into the coffee mixture. Place one layer of ladyfingers, coffee-side down, in the pan. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until really thick. (Dont scrimp on time here, or you may end up with tiramisoup.) Add mascarpone, vanilla and remaining cup Kahlua to mixing bowl. Beat well. Spread half the mixture over the layer of ladyfingers. Sift 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cocoa powder over the top. Dip the remaining half of the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture; place in the pan. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the ladyfingers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, whip the cream with confectioners sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over cheese mixture. Gently sift remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder over whipped cream. With a vegetable peeler, scrape the edge of the chocolate bar over the dish to make chocolate shavings. Put the tiramisu back in the refrigerator until about 20 minutes before serving. Bring dessert to the table with a high-spirited flourish. A whole pig was roasting under the arbor. Not far from it a substantial slab of salmon was resting on a cedar plank and garnished with a truffle cream and vegetables. Another table offered charcuterie and cheese and platters of flatbreads in flavors of burrata and basil, and local mushrooms and goat cheese. Circulating servers were offering crab cake sliders and ahi tuna tacos. The challenge was to balance the plate filled such samples, with a cocktail, a generous glass filled with grapefruit juice and sparkling wine. Its summer in Napa. This particular fete was an introduction to the newly reopened and re-envisioned Alba restaurant at Napas River Terrace Inn. After a six-month sojourn during which the restaurant was closed, chef Matt Grigg returned to Napa to oversee a menu he describes as drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest. It also looks like the new menu is inspired by the adventurous chefs travels around the U.S., from his native Tennessee, to Colorado, where he studied at Johnson & Wales University in Denver and worked at La Tour restaurant in Vail. From there Grigg moved on to Alaska for a year as chef at the Grande Denali Lodge in Denali National Park; its one of the two fine dining restaurants found on the 500-mile stretch between Anchorage and Fairbanks, he explained. Ive worked both in the kitchen and in the front of the house, Grigg said, something he feels makes it easier to bridge understanding between the two essential parts of a restaurant serving a clientele of international visitors and locals dropping in for dinner or a drink. Its good to have a well-rounded experience, to know both sides, he said. An avid outdoorsman, Grigg said he manages to get away from the kitchens from time to time, to bicycle and ski. But so far, after three years in Napa, hes not been struck by wanderlust. Its the longest Ive been in one spot, he said, But I like it here. New menu, new look Grigg designed Albas opening menu to highlight summers local bounty and to be enjoyed on the new deck, outfitted with pergolas and gas pits and comfortable chairs overlooking an idyllic stretch of the Napa River. Inside the space has been designed to highlight the river views as well, with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern new furnishings scattered around the central bar. It was a face-lift, said Grigg. Its a new look, new menu, new kitchen staff, new servers. He emphasized that he hopes locals will drop in to explore and enjoy the new space, which is open now for breakfast, from 7-11 a.m., and dinner from 4-10 p.m. The bar is open from 3-10 p.m. Breakfast menu items include the Alba omelet with tomato, asparagus, avocado and Hollandaise sauce ($13), huevos rancheros with crispy tortillas, black beans, red chile sauce, avocado and cotijas cheese ($16) and a crab and egg white frittata with sofrito, and Taleggio Cheese ($16). Dinner offers small plates like summer corn chowder ($8), pork belly crepes with apple slaw and chipotle blackberries ($14) and lobster mac and cheese ($15) as well as shareable servings of items like truffle fries with lemon aioli ($7) and grilled shishito peppers ($7). Larger plates include a heritage pork chop with peach and mango chutney, with fresh corn polenta and asparagus ($29) and a pan-roasted half chicken with white bean ragout and rosemary chicken jus ($24). Grigg has also devised light-hearted themes for different days of the week: Meatloaf Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wine-Down Wednesdays, Mules World-Tour Thursdays, Wine and Swine Fridays, Off-the-Grill Saturdays and Sangria Sundays. The wine list includes both international selections as well as a substantial selection of Napa Valley wines. Alba at the River Terrace Inn is at 1600 Soscol Ave. For reservations, call (707) 320-6911 or email the reservations team at Alba@riverterraceinn.com. Civility crumbled Tuesday in the Senate intelligence committee when Sen. Ron Wyden aggressively questioned Attorney General Jeff Sessions on just what former FBI Director James Comey thought was "problematic" about Sessions that would ultimately lead to his recusal in the federal Russia probe. Wyden, one of the Senate intelligence committee's most liberal members, lit into Sessions more than one hour into the hearing -- prying into why Comey believed Sessions had been compromised. The questions prompted a previously cool Sessions to sputter a little bit, before blasting back at Wyden, suggesting that the senators themselves were guilty of leaking classified information. "Gen. Sessions, respectfully you're not answering the question," Wyden said. "Well, what is the question??" Sessions shot back. "Mr. Comey said there were matters with respect to the recusal that were problematic and he couldn't talk about them. What are they?" Wyden asked. Then, Sessions paused a second, before dialing up his response. "I ... why don't you tell me? There are none, Sen Wyden! There are none! I can tell you that for absolute certainty," Sessions shouted. "This is a secret innuendo out being leaked out there about me, and I don't appreciate it," Sessions said. "And I'm trying to give my best recusal answer in committees I've appeared before, and really people are suggesting through innuendo that I have not been honest about matters, and I'm trying to be honest." Wyden then attempted to shift away after the outburst, but Sessions pulled him back in for a sharp counter-punch. "My time is short, you've made your point that Mr. Comey is engaged in innuendo, we're going to keep digging..." Wyden said. "Well, Sen. Wyden, he did not say that," Sessions said. Wyden responded: "He said it's 'problematic' and I asked you what was problematic about it." Then, perhaps unintentionally, Sessions referred to a possible third meeting between himself and the Russian ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak, which Comey had reportedly told senators about in a closed hearing. "Well, some of that leaked out of the committee that he said in closed session," Sessions said. With its locally quarried stone exterior, the two-story building looks as if its always been there, but the Grayson Building, the tasting room in St. Helena that serves both the J. Davies red wines and Schramsberg sparkling wines, is brand, spanking new, and comes with a few ancient surprises sprinkled throughout inside. Guests of Davies Vineyards wine tastings will get not only an introduction to the Davies family wines both their J. Davies Estate red wines and Schramsberg sparkling wines they will also get to tour the building that could double as an art museum thanks to the display of some of the familys treasures that include Navajo blankets and headdresses from Peru and Chile, some that date to 500-800 A.D. They are part of the collection of vintner Hugh Davies parents, Jack and Jamie Davies. The reception desk greets visitors with a soaring entry that draws the eyes up to the first museum-glass cased Navajo blanket, circa 1865, that is woven with a serrated zigzag and diamond pattern in shades of red, green, slate blue, white, black and gold. Giant light fixtures made from metal barrel hoops, here and in the main tasting room, juxtapose the artistry of the blanket and the headdresses, three of which are displayed above the bar in the main room. The smallest headdress, the Wari Pile Hat with Tufts, dates to 500-800 A.D. and is about 5 inches high. It has tufted corners with iconography of bird-like figures and feline profile heads in opposing squares. Next to it is a fez-style headdress from the Incan period (1470-1534 A.D.) worked with alpaca fibers in white, blue, yellow, green, and red, topped by parrot feathers, and red and white feathers. Human hair pigtails that date to 900-200 B.C. are incorporated into the pre-Columbian Chilean headdress made of wool skeins in red, blue, brown and white wrapped in a turban form. There are two more rugs and another headdress in other areas of the building that has a little of the Schramsberg property incorporated in it with reclaimed wood decorating walls, and photos of the estate and vineyards throughout. An outdoor patio with comfortable shaded seating is surrounded by crated trees some of which came from the Schramsberg property and a fountain create a true winery experience, which is actually steps away from Main Street in St. Helena, and in what was once the parking lot of a car dealership. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller welcomed three eminent energy experts to NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (13 June 2017) for discussions on global energy developments and their security implications. Robin Dunnigan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy at the US State Department; Tim Gould, Head of Division, World Energy Outlook in the International Energy Agency (IEA); and Erlendas Grigorovic, Deputy Head of Unit for International Relations in the European Commissions Directorate General for Energy briefed NATO ambassadors on the security implications of the energy dimension of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and energy challenges to NATOs South. The North Atlantic Council is briefed annually on energy developments, in order to keep NATO abreast of the global energy situation and to further deepen its ties with other organisations, notably the IEA and the European Union. (Natural News) If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, better watch out for the monkey mafia roaming around the Uluwatu Temple in Bali. These cheeky little monkeys are among the worlds best pickpockets. They grab glasses, cameras, and cash from tourists which they then try to sell for some food to other people. Pretty genius and effective of them. A hat for a cracker is a sweet deal for a monkey. Researchers from the University of Liege in Belgium were the first to study this cultural behavior among animals. Their findings were recently published in the journal Primates. They believe these monkeys have developed amazing cognitive abilities, similar to humans, the Daily Mail Online reported. The monkeys were always trying to steal my hat, my pen, even my research data, said primatologist Fany Brotcorne who led the study. Dr. Brotcorne explained that these primates are able to learn by watching one another. This once again shows how small the barriers between us and other nonhuman animals are. These findings add more weight to the evidence that humans are not the only conscious living things on our planet, although many of us like to think so. We see ourselves as unique in the natural world, sometimes forgetting there are other sentient creatures who are on a path to greater consciousness as well, wrote Christina Sarich for the Waking times. Yes, animals think, feel empathy, and have consciousness In a landmark book titled Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel Carl Safina, a marine conservationist and professor at Stony Brook University on Long Island, offers a unique view on animal behavior that challenges the scientific orthodoxy. His views on the similarity between human and nonhuman consciousness, self-awareness, and empathy lead us to re-evaluate how we interact with other animals. He wrote: There is in nature an overriding sanity and often, in humankind, an undermining insanity. We, among all animals, are most frequently irrational, distortional, delusional, worried. Competition is the law of the jungle. Only the strong and smart survive. Footage of animals learning to use tools to their advantage or show empathy is nothing new to the natural world. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that these monkeys have mastered the skill of picking someones pocket in return for food. Whats more, they have been doing this for years, passing this handy skill from one generation to another. Never underestimate the brain of animals. Free monkey market capitalism could we learn something here? Unlike humans, these monkeys, however, have not learned that stealing is wrong. They provide goods and youll give them food in return. Nature is a free market, right? Though there is some room for improvement, their economic and social system is working just fine without any government interference. Could we learn something from the free market capitalism of these monkeys? Just like these monkeys, humans are in an excellent position to collaborate and build social and economic orders based on cooperation rather than violent exploitation by governments and multinationals. Though there are a few reasons why our free market system is broken with government interfere and irrational decisions of people playing key roles some researchers believe free market capitalism, not government control, can make health care, among other things, more affordable and efficient. According to these researchers, there is only one way to create more affordable health care: Get rid of government control and consolidation of physician services while creating more competition in the marketplace. Many believe this is an idea that would not only work to improve health care but the entire economy. A free economic and political system in which a countrys health system, trade, and industries are controlled by open markets and consumers, rather than by governments, price-setting monopolies, or other authorities, is a system we should all strive for. Dont you think? Sources: DailyMail.co.uk WakingTimes.com RD.Springer.comPDF NaturalNews.com NYTimes.com Sunday, June 11, 2017 by: Bridgette Wilcox Tags: cancer , lower cancer risk , rural life This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author (Natural News) Beating cancer may be more successfully done in the countryside, with new research showing that rural dwellers are 29 percent less likely to die from cancer than those who live in the urban setting. According to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice, the better outcomes for rural patients may be due to the ease of setting a doctors appointment in the country, as well as the personal relationship rural patients have with their healthcare providers. The study, led by researchers from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, examined 926 Scottish patients who had colorectal cancer. Of the participants, 298 were based in the country, while 628 were based in the city. In comparing the survival rates between these two groups of participants, the researchers found that rural patients had a higher three-year survival rate. While its easy to assume that being further away from healthcare providers leads to worse outcomes for cancer patients, the studys findings suggest otherwise. Rural patients travelling farther to the GP [general practitioner] had better three-year survival, the study found. At the same time, even patients in urban areas who have to travel longer to their doctor had increased survival rates. Longer travel in urban areas significantly reduced the odds of emergency admissions and increased survival. Longer travel also increased the odds of presenting with alarm symptoms in urban areaspresences of alarm symptoms reduced the likelihood of emergency admissions, the study said. Researchers noted that those living in rural areas generally have better access to their doctors, compared to those living in more densely populated urban areas, where patients may have to wait longer to secure an appointment. Rural patients are also more likely to know their doctors personally, which researchers said may help, depending on the situation. Is rural life really healthier? These findings are contrary to those from an earlier report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that Americans based in rural areas had higher death rates from the five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. The report noted that those living in rural areas had poorer health in general, which the CDC attributed mostly to lack of quality health care services. Country dwellers have higher poverty rates, poorer access to health care services, and are less likely to be insured and seek care on time, they said. Rural residents were also more likely to have higher rates of smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and not using seat belts all of which are significant risk factors for the top five causes of death. Statistics notwithstanding, the countryside tends to have a cleaner environment, with lower crime rates, less traffic, and more greenery all of which support ones overall health and well-being. A separate study said that those who are based in areas surrounded by greenery particularly in rural or suburban areas have better mental and physical health. Frances Kuo, a professor of landscape and human health, found in a study that green environments lead to better brain function, as well as improved self-discipline and impulse control, DailyMail.co.uk reported. People who live in green environments also tend to be more supportive of their neighbors, contributing to stronger community ties in rural neighborhoods. Apart from this, greener spaces were found to have a positive effect on those recovering from surgery. A green environment also promoted more physical activity and a stronger immune system. While studies on the health benefits of rural living are conflicting, it cannot be denied that having access to a less-polluted, more friendly environment can be profoundly beneficial for the people who live there. Get more updates like this on GreenLivingNews.com. Sources include: BJGP.org CDC.gov 1 CDC.gov 2 DailyMail.co.uk (Natural News) Monsanto has become infamous for covering up the connection between glyphosate which constitutes 50 percent of its Roundup weed killer product and cancer, particularly non-Hodgkins lymphoma. When the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined in 2015 that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans, there was an immediate backlash against the company and multiple lawsuits have ensued. Unfortunately, distributing cancer-causing herbicides all over the world is far from this agricultural giants only sin. Monsanto and fellow Big Agri villains like Syngenta have quietly been destroying global crop diversity, placing themselves in a position where they are poised to control the entire planets food supply. While the colonization of Africa is supposed to be nothing more than an unfortunate chapter in the history of the continent, the reality is that it has just taken on a different guise. The international aid programs upon which the continent has become reliant are forcing many African countries to become totally dependent on patented seeds supplied by Monsanto, Syngenta and others. In terms of these agreements, the people in these countries may no longer engage in the traditional seed exchanges which have been a part of their cultures for generations. In Tanzania, for example, new laws have been passed which could mean that anybody selling or even giving patented seeds to friends or neighbors could be subject to fines of up to 205,300 more than most African people can earn in a lifetime. A simple seed exchange could even land someone in jail for up to 12 years, all to protect the intellectual property rights of agri giants thousands of miles away. If you buy seeds from Syngenta or Monsanto under the new legislation, they will retain the intellectual property rights, explains Michael Farrelly of TOAM, a movement advocating for organic farming in Africa. If you save seeds from your first harvest, you can use them only on your own piece of land for non-commercial purposes. Youre not allowed to share them with your neighbors or with your sister-in-law in a different village, and you cannot sell them for sure. But thats the entire foundation of the seed system in Africa. [Related: For more stories like this visit Twisted.news.] Though it would seem like African leaders are selling their own people down the river, they really dont have much choice but to pass legislation like this. Such laws are required in terms of a group of G8 agreements which promise aid only if these companies intellectual property rights are jealously guarded. As a result, the farmers seed system will collapse, because they cant sell their own seeds, warns Janet Maro of Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT). Multinationals will provide our country with seeds and all the farmers will have to buy them from them. That means that we will lose biodiversity, because it is impossible for them to investigate and patent all the seeds we need. Were going to end up with fewer types of seeds. Tanzania became the beneficiary of one of these G8 blackmail schemes in 2012, when it began receiving assistance under the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition (NAFSN) program. This initiative, which is backed by the E.U., U.K., U.S., World Bank and, of course, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, promised to lift 50 million people out of poverty in 10 different African countries by means of a public-private partnership. While schemes like these appear brilliant on the surface, the reality is that they give a handful of globalist corporations control of an entire continent by making it wholly dependent on aid, and by moving its people further and further away from their traditional subsistence lifestyles. Of course, the Tanzanian government insists the new law is there to protect the local farmers so that they can patent their own seeds. As if a nation of people living in poverty without money or access to legal resources would even think of doing that. Sources for this article include: WakingTimes.com MO.be IARC.fr[PDF] (Natural News) Rumblings about a possible future attack on Americas power grid and logistical infrastructure have some politicians in a scurry trying to figure out how to prevent it. According to reports, North Korea currently operates two satellites that cross over the U.S. in what experts say are just the right patterns and altitudes for triggering an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, that would completely cripple the nations power grid. Tensions between the U.S. and Kim Jong-Uns communist regime have escalated in recent weeks after the erratic dictator reportedly tested his countrys first solid-fuel missile. It was an unprecedented event from the perspective of the West, which was caught off guard by the notion that North Korea is apparently ready to launch a real missile at any moment, and with little to no warning. Dr. Peter Vincent Pry, executive director of the Task Force on National and Homeland Security, warns that North Korea could be planning to launch an EMP attack against the U.S. in the very near future. If successful, millions of people across North America could die, as all electronics would be instantly destroyed. The result would be no more food production, no more computers, no more clean water, and no more energy. According to Dr. Pry, who also sits on a Congressional committee regarding the issue, the threat represents a cyber-age version of battleship diplomacy. What he means by this is that North Korea has positioned its satellites in such a way that either one of the other is very close to being over the United States at any given time, he told the U.K.s Independent. Kim Jong-Un threatens merciless response to any US provocation While North Koreas satellite program is said to have officially began back in the 1980s, it wasnt until about five years ago that the regime successfully launched its first observation satellite. In 2016, it launched its second, and both of these are able to make a complete orbit of the earth in about 94 minutes. With this constant threat literally looming overhead, Dr. Pry believes that North Korea may use it as a bargaining chip should the U.S. threaten to carry out military sanctions against the nation. This is especially true now that President Trump has promised an end to the Obama-era policy of strategic patience with North Korea. The President has indicated that his administration will deal with the problem head-on, with or without Chinas help. But Jong-Un has promised his own retaliatory action, should the U.S. attempt anything against his regime. Officials in Pyongyang say their country isnt the problem, but rather President Trump and the nation he leads. Whatever comes from the U.S., we will cope with it, North Koreas Vice Minister Han Song Ryol told the media back in April. Trump is always making provocations with his aggressive words. Its not the [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] but the U.S. and Trump that makes trouble We are fully prepared to handle it. Dr. Pry isnt convinced, though. He believes that North Koreas rocket tests looked suspiciously like practice for an EMP attack. Plans drawn up by the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era is where Dr. Pry believes North Korea is getting its inspiration for a possible future EMP attack against the U.S. At the same time, President Trump says his administration is fully prepared to neutralize this threat. I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea, the President tweeted back in April. If they are unable to do so, the U.S., with its allies, will! Sources: Express.co.uk Independent.co.uk Independent.co.uk At MAST Asia 2017 (Maritime Air Systems & Technologies), the naval defense exhibition currently held in Tokyo, Japan's Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) unveiled its HMSVO trimaran vessel concept. ATLA is a branch of Japan's MoD created in 2015 to "ensure technological superiority and respond to operational needs smoothly and quickly". The HMSVO (standing for High Speed Multi-hull Vessel Optimisation) project is being conducted to improve design and performance evaluation capabilities for multi hull ships. The US Navy's NAVSEA Carderock division and Japan's MoD ATLA are cooperating on the project. Navy Recognition was told that the US design differs from the Japanese design however. The project started in 2014, is set to end in 2018 and today ATLA naval architects and engineers are still testing the concept both via CFD and through the use of a scale model. Ultimately, the JMSDF may decide to give the concept a go ahead and move to detailed design... or not. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Can ocean science bring Cuba and the United States together? A visiting research scholar at UFs school of natural resources and environment discusses the importance of U.S. collaboration with Cuba, including mutual efforts to protect marine sanctuaries in the Caribbean, despite the Trump administrations efforts to the contrary. Cuba is the ecological crown jewel of the Caribbean. It harbors thousands of the regions endemic species and about half of its coastal ecosystems. It is rare to find comparable ecosystems or such rich biodiversity anywhere in the Caribbean, and perhaps in the Western Hemisphere. Cuba also is inextricably linked to its neighbor countries, especially the United States. These two nations have been adversaries for over 60 years, but their common backyard is an ocean filled with limited shared resources. Since December 2014, when then-President Barack Obama ordered the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba, both governments have taken steps to improve cooperation. They include agreements to work together to protect some of the Caribbeans most important coral reefs and marine sanctuaries. Now, however, the Trump administration reportedly is planning to slow or halt at least some U.S. engagement with Cuba. I am a Cuban marine biologist and have had the opportunity to be part of U.S. academia and facilitate scientific partnerships between the two countries. Scientists on both sides are very interested in working together, and I believe that we owe it to nature and people on both sides to keep this door open. Connected waters Cuban waters provide vital spawning and nursery grounds for snapper, grouper and other marine species that are commercially important in the United States. Cuba is also a major stopover point on migration routes for many North America birds. When I tagged and tracked longfin mako sharks with colleagues from Florida, we found that they ranged into territorial waters around Cuba, the United States, the Bahamas and Mexico showing clearly just how connected our waters are. Other scientists have reported similar results for species including manatees, sea turtles and fish larvae. Fish. Bull. 115:104/Mote Marine Laboratory. Since the U.S. government relaxed restrictions on American travel to Cuba in 2015, Cuba has experienced an explosion in international tourism, which is projected to continue. Expanding tourism and related development, combined with longstanding poor management of reefs and fisheries and economic scarcity, could have major impacts on the waters that link our countries. Although Cubas coastal habitats are in fairly good condition, its fish populations are heavily exploited and threatened by commercial and private subsistence fisheries. Over 80 percent of its fishery resources are in critical condition. In many coastal communities, for example, small private fishermen depend on fish for subsistence and also supplement their incomes by selling fish on the black market. Pressures on targeted species such as tarpon and bonefish are believed to be substantial, but currently no data are available to quantify the extent and magnitude of impacts on fish populations or ecosystems. Cuban agriculture does not presently rely on extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or other agricultural chemicals. This means that pollution and eutrophication (overfertilization, which produces large blooms of algae and dead zones) may not be major threats to its fisheries and marine ecosystems. Nonetheless, isolated and significant pollution sources, such as food processing industries and oil refineries, affect many important bays and harbors around the island. Their impacts on marine ecosystems currently are not well-understood or well-documented. Cuba has established 108 marine protected areas that provide some level of protection to nearly 23 percent of the shallow waters around the island. However, many of them are at risk due to funding shortages, lack of trained staff, poor enforcement and inefficient management. In 2015 the United States and Cuba agreed to create partnerships between sanctuaries in the two countries, so that we can share data and ideas for conserving these sites. Cuba at a crossroads Our common ocean is an essential resource for the United States and Cuba, and any action (or inaction) by one country will significantly impact the other. Scientific collaboration to protect marine resources will benefit both nations. Cooperation between scientific organizations in Cuba and the United States dates back to the 19th century, and has helped to maintain dialogue even during the most difficult phases of U.S.-Cuban relations. Cuban and American scientists have worked together to address sensitive environmental issues such as shark conservation, conduct state-of-the-art research and train Cubans to do research and conservation. At times, however, bureaucratic hurdles and misunderstandings on both sides have arisen, and government decisions or indecision have blocked good projects and ideas, such as importing and exporting equipment, organizing research expeditions and field courses, and collecting and exporting samples. Cubans are facing very difficult economic times, and many are struggling to feed their families. In such circumstances they are unlikely to see environmental protection as a high priority. Cuba is at a crucial decision point, choosing between an environmentally friendly development path like Costa Ricas or a destructive Cancun-style model. Joint Cuban-American scientific ventures should reach out to the public in both countries with a strong message about preserving our shared ocean resources. They should also invest in communities to change environmental perceptions and attitudes. We need to create effective incentives, increase exchanges of people and ideas, and improve communication about these issues. Jorge Alberto Angulo Valdes , Author provided More academic partnerships Academia has a key role to play in this effort. U.S. colleges and universities should explore models that offer more opportunities to Cuban scientists, and Cuban schools should do the same. U.S. schools are already increasing their presence in Cuba through field courses that allow students to experience Cuban realities. Other U.S. organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund have also expanded ties with Cuban institutions and people. Unfortunately, this process is working in only one direction. It is much more difficult for Cubans to visit the United States, thanks to restrictions on both sides. We need opportunities for groups of Cuban students to come to the United States for field courses and other academic programs. Cubans and Americans have more in common than anyone may think. Our nations are united by nature, history and cultural links that have overcome politics. The timing is right for scientists on both sides to make a strong case in favor of normalization over confrontation, and a better future for both countries. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. "We have information that at least 35 people died in three districts," Efe news quoted the Director General of the Bangladesh Disaster Management Department (DMD), Reaz Ahmed, as saying. He said 24 of the victims were from Rangamati district, the worst-affected area. Influenced by a depression in the Bay of Bengal, rains have lashed the three districts since Monday, reports Xinhua news agency. An official in Chittagong said: "The military, police and fire service personnel have joined rescue efforts since early Tuesday." Dhaka's flood forecasting centre said the water level in all the major rivers is rising while some were already flowing over the danger mark. --IANS ksk/mr ( 138 Words) 2017-06-13-13:02:11 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of India has issued a new batch of Rs 500 denomination notes, an official statement said on Tuesday. "In continuation of issuing of Rs 500 denomination banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (new) series from time to time which are currently legal tender, a new batch of banknotes with inset letter "A" in both the number panels, bearing the signature of Urjit R. Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India; with the year of printing '2017' on the reverse, are being issued," an official statement said. The design of these notes is similar in all respects to the Rs 500 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, which were notified on November 8, 2016. --IANS ag/dg ( 126 Words) 2017-06-13-13:42:20 (IANS) "Farmers are not begging for any favour but are demanding their rights. The farmers are indebted due to the wrong policies of the government," the AIKS said in a statement. The AIKS said farmers will burn an effigy of Jaitley on Friday to protest his "anti-farmer" stand. AIKS is the farmers' front of the undivided Communist Party of India. It said the Centre had failed to ensure the M.S. Swaminathan Commission's recommendation of 50 per cent profit above the production cost for all crops. Jaitley had on Monday said that states would have to generate funds from their own resources for loan waiver. --IANS spk/him/rn ( 153 Words) 2017-06-13-16:26:20 (IANS) 16 police officials in Jammu and Kashmir have been deputed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a period of three years, in order to assist the latter in certain separatist cases in the Valley. Among those deputed are- a Superintendent of Police (SP) and two Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), according to police sources. Earlier in June, the NIA conducted raids at Separatists leaders' residences and offices in a major crackdown on terror funding. Some of the Separatists' names whose locations were raided are Hurriyat leader Raja Kalwal, and the recently suspended Hurriyat leader Naeem Khan. At least Rs. 1.5 crore cash, and incriminating documents were seized during the raids, along with the letterheads of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hijbul Mujahideen (HM), pen-drives and laptops. The NIA, earlier in May, visited Srinagar to probe into the alleged funding by Pakistan for illegal activities in Kashmir, and questioned the separatist leaders regarding their involvement in raising, collecting and transferring funds through Hawala and other channels for terror funding in Kashmir. The sleuths from the agency questioned separatist leaders Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba in the case. The NIA is probing all aspects of funding of separatist leaders and use of these funds in fuelling the unrest in the Valley. The NIA has collected details of 13 accused charge sheeted so far in the cases in the Valley in the recent past, pertaining to the damage caused to schools and public property as part of the larger conspiracy to perpetuate violence and chaos in Kashmir. The NIA had on May 20 began its probe into the allegations of funding by Pakistan to separatists in Kashmir, a long-held assertion by Indian intelligence now 'confessed' by a Hurriyat leader in a sting. The development came after the Hurriyat Conference suspended Nayeem Khan from the organisation after he allegedly confessed to receiving money from Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) for Kashmir unrest. Khan was allegedly heard admitting in a TV sting operation that he had received money from Pakistan to create unrest in the Valley. He, however, claimed that the sting operation was fake and doctored. After the video surfaced, the NIA registered a preliminary probe against Khan, Tehreek-e- Hurriyat leader Gazi Javed Baba and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (R) chairman Farooq Ahmed Dar. (ANI) Inculpating the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Party for the ongoing protest in Darjeeling by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) over the formation of 'Gorkhaland', the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday accused the state government of alienating the community, which resulting in them facing an identity crisis. "Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they lost their belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI. Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). "Both the Left front for 34-year and the TMC party for the last six years are responsible for this identity crisis of the Gorkhas. We need to give the Gorkhas respect and understand their problem," he said. Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) leader Pavan Varma told ANI that law and order should first be restored in the hills, which is the need of the hour, and that violence cannot be a solution to any problem including difference of opinion. "I would join other voices in urging return to peace and normalcy after which a dialogue should take place, in which a resolution should be sought to be found," he said. Earlier on Monday, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said that normalcy is returning in Darjeeling, as the strength of the force has been increased to tackle the indefinite strike called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha for a separate Gorkhaland. Paramilitary jawans of the CRPF and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in Darjeeling in large numbers. CRPF Commanding Officer Sunil Kumar Savita told ANI that "more companies have been called in controlling the agitation in the state. Everything is getting back to normalcy and people have already started arriving at offices. We have the paramilitary forces and police officers patrolling the streets 24X7". The officer also said that the women battalions have also been deployed to beef up the security. However, GJM president Bimal Gurun has warned tourists asking them to leave Darjeeling immediately as "the situation is turning worse, and anything can happen". The GJM general secretary Roshan Giri earlier sought the Centre's intervention in the political turmoil in the state. Giri had said that a delegation of members of the GJM would call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to apprise them about the ' Gorkhaland movement'. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills. The agitation arose from an announcement made by Mamata Banerjee earlier that Bengali would be taught compulsorily up to Class 10 in the state schools. After the GJM cadres clashed with the police following their protests against Mamata's visit to Darjeeling and her decision to make Bengali compulsory in syllabus of schools across the state, the Army was called in to control the situation. The protest led by the GJM turned violent after protesters resorted to vandalism as they torched police vehicles and attacked policemen. (ANI) "It seems like the criminals are taking the warnings issued by the Chief Minister of the state as a challenge. The Chief Minister should not just issue statements but take some important steps as well," state Congress spokesperson Dwijendra Tripathi told ANI. Tripathi further stated that the Yogi Adityanath administration is not following his instructions properly, and as a result the criminals are carrying out their untoward activities without any fear. "It is the people who have to bear the consequences. The Chief Minister should think on this matter very seriously,' he said. On Monday, to tackle the situation of bad law and order in Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath ordered major improvements to the 'UP 100' service. Moreover, the police will be held accountable to lodge FIRs and use 'video evidence' uploaded on the 'UP 100' portal by citizens as evidence. Earlier last week, armed robbers shot dead a 55-year-old grain trader, his wife and son outside the family's home in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. A surveillance camera near the gate of the trader's home recorded the shooting. In wake of the incident, markets were closed and protesters threw stones at civil administration vehicles. (ANI) The Saturday incident was caught on a CCTV camera, which shows Sharanappa assaulting Nasreen for allegedly turning up late for work. Nasreen, working as a SDA in the corporation, was observing fast during Ramzan and is said to have turned up late for work. Since it was a weekday, minimal staff was asked to be present to clear workload. In the video, Sharanappa, a computer operator hired on a contractual basis, is seen questioning her. Within minutes, he is seen kicking Nasreen. The woman can be later seen leaving the office, but Sharanappa is captured on another camera following her and assaulting her a second time. Following the incident, the petrified woman filed a complaint against Sharanappa, who was later dismissed and arrested by the local police. (ANI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to set up Rs 51.50 crore corpus in the state to regularise disbursement of salaries to the employees of Family Welfare Department (FWD), who have been agitating for the same for the past sometime in the state. An official spokesperson here today said that to address issue of non-regular payment of salaries of the employees, the matter has been taken up with the Finance Department, who in turn has agreed in principal to make a provision of Rs 51.50 crore for creating a corpus by the Department of Health & Medical Education for timely disbursement of salaries to the employees of Family Welfare Department under the Central Sponsored Scheme. He said the mechanism is aimed at to delink from Centre flow of funds and cover the mismatch in flows from the Centre to ensure regular salary disbursement to such employees. "The Finance Department is likely to release the funds within next couple of days, which will enable the Department to release the pending salaries of the employees, said the Minister," he said. Meanwhile, Minister for Health & Medical Education Bali Bhagat said that the Government is seriously considering resolving the issue of regular disbursement of salaries to the employees of Family Welfare Department. Mr Bhagat said that Government was aware about the difficulties being faced by the employees of Family Welfare in absence of their salaries, but it was a technical issue, which needed a rigorous exercise, and now the matter stands almost resolved permanently. Now onwards, they will get the salaries regularly without waiting for the funds from the Centre as the corpus will be utilised for the purpose and adjusted later when they are received in normal course. He said an amount of Rs 40 crore was released on his intervention by the Centre and 75 per cent payments were made. Mr Bhagat also appealed to the employees to suspend their agitation and return to their duties immediately as the Government assures to release their pending salaries within a week's time. UNI ABS SV ADG 1105 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-932285.Xml The process for electing India's 13th President will be set in motion formally on Wednesday when the Election Commission issues a notification paving the way for filing of nominations for the July 17 contest in which the ruling NDA seems to have an edge. The last date for filing of nominations is June 28. Scrutiny will follow on June 29 and the last date for withdrawal is July 1. The vote count will be on July 20, four days before incumbent Pranab Mukherjee's term ends. The new President is set to take charge the next day. The electoral college for choosing the President consists of 4,896 voters. While the Lok Sabha has 543 voters and the Rajya Sabha 233, the overwhelming majority (4,120) come from state assemblies - MLAs. The total value of votes in the election is 10,98,903 -- 5,49,408 for MPs and 5,49,495 for MLAs. The value of each vote of an MP is 708 but this differs for MLAs from state to state. The value of an MLA's vote in Uttar Pradesh is the highest (208) and the least (7) in Sikkim. The NDA is short of the half-way mark by about 18,000 votes. But it expects to gain the support of many smaller parties besides all the factions of the feuding AIADMK which alone has a vote value of over 26,000. In 2012, Mukherjee, the nominee of the Congress-led UPA, got 7,13,763 votes while his sole rival P.A. Sangma, fielded by the BJP-led NDA, secured 3,15,987 -- of the total vote value of 10,29,750. Mukherjee assumed office on July 25, 2012. The election will see secret ballot and political parties can't issue a whip to MPs or MLAs. The Election Commission has said special pens will be provided to voters in view of a row that sorrounded voting for a Rajya Sabha seat in Haryana last year. "Electors have to mark the ballot only with this pen and not with any other pen. Voting by any other pen may lead to invalidation of the vote," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi has said. A nomination paper has to be subscribed by at least 50 electors as 'Proposers' and by at least another 50 as 'Seconders'. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. Every elector can have as many preferences as the candidates contesting the election and the winner has to secure the required quota of votes to be declared elected -- 50 per cent of the valid votes plus one. Lok Sabha Secretary General Anoop Mishra will be the Returning Officer. Votes will be cast in Parliament House and in state assemblies. The vote count will take place in Delhi. Assistant Returning Officers will be appointed in all state capitals, besides Delhi and Puducherry. Each candidate will be allowed to deploy a representative at the venue of polling. "MPs are expected to vote in Parliament House in Delhi and the MLAs in their assemblies but they can vote at another polling station in case of exigency," Zaidi said. The BJP on Monday said it was for a consensus candidate and formed a three-member committee of senior ministers to talk to other political parties. Its members are two former BJP Presidents Rajnath Singh (Home) and M. Venkaiah Naidu (Urban Development) as well as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The BJP has not given any indication about its likely nominee but opposition parties including the Congress have held parleys to find a consensus candidate. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and tribal leader Draupadi Murmu's names are doing the rounds as possible government's choice for the Presidential election. The opposition parties will meet on June 14 to formally begin discussions on the presidential and vice presidential elections. Congress President Sonia Gandhi has initiated moves to bring the opposition on a common platform. She set up a 10-member sub-group of representatives from opposition parties to take forward the deliberations. The sub-group consists of Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress), Shard Yadav (JD-U), Lalu Prasad (RJD), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Derek O'Brien (TMC), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Satish Chandra Mishra (BSP), R.S. Bharathi (DMK) and Praful Patel (NCP). Gandhi had earlier convened a luncheon meeting of opposition leaders which brought together leaders from 17 parties. The meeting decided to wait for the ruling alliance to reach out to them. The opposition parties have said if a consensual candidate does not emerge, they will field a candidate "who will steadfastly defend the constitutional values". The names of former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar are doing the rounds. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, whose name figured initially, has said he is not interested in contesting. --IANS sid-vsc/mr ( 797 Words) 2017-06-13-13:36:31 (IANS) The final rites of eminent Telugu Litterateur C.Narayana Reddy will be performed in the Jubilee Hills cremation grounds, here tomorrow, according to his family sources. The 85-year-old legendary poet, writer, lyricist, teacher and Jnanpith award winner who was ailing for quite some time was rushed to a city hospital following deterioration in his health condition where doctors declared him dead yesterday. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidayasagar Rao was among the unending stream of visitors comprising film personalities and writers who paid floral tributes to the late poet at his residence today. Authorities, meanwhile, are making arrangements to accord a state funeral to "Cinare" , as the late poet was known in literary and film circles.UNI SMS CS 1459 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-932583.Xml Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Sadananda Gowda, today said the Government is working on collecting data of the Unorganised Sector besides its employment condition. The data will be released in a few months, the Minister said.Addressing the mediapersons here on key initiatives of his Ministry during three years of the Modi Government, he said that the Ministry has launched the Periodic Labour Survey in April 2017, which will give data on distribution of workers by industry and occupation as also on worker employed in the informal sectors besides conditions of employment of the worker.He said, "Employment data nowadays is crucial for any economy, so far data on employment and unemployment in India has been available in gap of five years, and Labour Survey will help to collect data more frequently and affect the implementation of various scheme."Being a new survey and first time tried in India, we expect that other field issue will be stabilised in one-year time and the Government hopes to have the employment data of urban areas quarterly and rural area on annual basis, he said.The Minister also discussed about the cost overruns, which have come down from 19 per cent to 11.19 per cent over last three years. He said that due to close monitoring a total of 229 projects were completed in last three years.Talking about UN Resolution "Transforming our World : The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", Mr Gowda said that India has developed the draft framework of indicators, which was being finalised.India is one of those countries who has participated in the Resolution, which consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and associated 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. UNI SHS SNU 1457 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-932614.Xml Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha today said all public welfare schemes launched by the Modi government have reached to the grassroot level. Addressing a press conference here, Mr Sinha said the government has taken the decision to reach around 300 major cities across the country and apprise the people what the Modi government has done in past three years for the common man by implementing the various schemes. Security of the country, basic facility to the poor and good governance, were the top priority of his government and they have launched a campaign throughout the country to reach the masses and tell them about the achievement of the government in every sectors, he claimed. On new Pune airport, the Minister assured that work of the new airport will be completed in next five years. It will certainly enhance the economy of Maharashtra which is already in a progressive state in field of information technology, education and medical institution. Replying to a query of increasing the traffic in Pune day by day, he said this was the sign of progress and development of the nation. "Our government is working hard for the poor people." UNI SP NV SW ADG 1341/1400 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0442-932564.Xml Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar today exhorted the students to take inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who rose to the high position of the country from being a tea seller.Mr Javadekar's remarks came while felicitating 86 students at the 'Gun Gaurav Samman Samaroh 2017' who performed their best in the Board examinations despite having adverse situations at their homes.The function, which was held for the second time, was organised here to congratulate students of the Government schools along with Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).In an interaction, the students talked about their families and their ambitions. Shubham Pal passed out from Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya, Kishan Ganj scored 96.2 per cent and whose father is a driver wants to become Chartered Accountant (CA). Another student Rupali Jain of Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya, Nangloi also got 96 per cent and aims to become CA. Some of the students aspire to be doctors, engineers, IAS officers. There were students who aim to join the Indian Armed Forces. There were students who have cleared JEE Advance.The Minister, while encouraging these students, quoted late former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's journey and struggle. Mr Javadekar also talked of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's early days when he used to sell tea."Education is empowerment," asserted Mr Javadekar who awarded 86 students for their meritorious performance."Students are the real heroes and this is new India which Mr Modi always talks about," said the HRD Minister.Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State, also graced the occasion as Guests of Honour and in his introductory message congratulated the students and quoted the struggles of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India.The HRD Minister while praising students of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidayalas said these schools are the finest examples of the Government schools. It is not necessary that good education comes with expensive fees and infrastructure."If you have passion to perform, no situation can stop you," said Mr Javadekar who appealed other states to organise such events to motivate students.Mr Javadekar also urged the society to fund education of such bright and brilliant students. The Minister also thanked teachers and parents who have supported the students.Also present on the occasion were Mr RK Chaturvedi (CBSE Chairman), Ms Rina Ray (Additional Secretary) and other officials of the CBSE and the Education Department.UNI DJK NAZ SNU 1505 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0107-932625.Xml The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three people including a former DGM of a bank for allegedly defrauding two different banks of hundreds of crores. "The promoters of Abhijeet Group (Manoj Jayaswal and Abhishek Jayaswal) and TL Pai, former DGM of Canara Bank have been arrested for defrauding Canara Bank and Vijaya Bank of Rs 290-crore," CBI sources said here today.They said that the CBI investigation has indicated a large-scale scam in which 13 companies of the Group took loans from over 20 banks, financial institutions and all its accounts have turned NPAs since 2014 and outstanding loans exceeded Rs 11,000-crore.Sources said the accused will be produced in the Court at Kolkata today.UNI DS RSA SNU 1518 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-932611.Xml To ensure transparency in the probe, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today urged the Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore to direct the Congress Government in the state to investigate the sand scam by the central agencies.In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, they also demanded the fulfillment of poll promises made by Congress party and protection of rights of the Dalit community.The SAD President Sukhbir Badal said that the Cabinet Minister Rana Gurjit had acquired sand mines through a cook and employees, who had made bids for Rs 50-crore. Terming this as an open and shut case of benami transactions, he said the same should be investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) authorities.Mr Badal alleged that the commission headed by retired Judge JS Narang, formulated by the State Government to investigate the sand scam, was an eyewash. "Narang is a friend of Rana Gurjit, who is often seen in his house. Moreover, Narang's son is a lawyer for Rana. He cannot be expected to hold an impartial inquiry," he added.SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said how Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had given a clean chit to Rana Gurjit even before the Commission had submitted its report by stating that he had gone through the documents and found nothing wrong.The SAD President also asked the Governor to instruct the Government to fulfill its promise of waiving off farmers' loans completely in the Budget Session itself. He said farm suicides have increased tremendously in the last three months with 70 farmers having lost their lives and in case the Government did not waive off farmer loans immediately, Punjab might get engulfed in a law and order problem.Mr Chandumajra stressed that the farm sector was in a crisis in Punjab with the banks and commission agents not extending loans to farmers for the coming paddy crop.BJP State President Vijay Sampla urged the Governor to intervene and ask the Congress Government to take firm action to stop repression of the Dalit community. He said the Scheduled Caste (SC) community was being systematically targeted across the state for supporting the Akali-BJP alliance in the last elections.He said the Dalits were not getting justice despite approaching the police because the state force was acting like a wing of the Congress party. Former Speaker Charanjit Atwal and former Minister Bikram Majithia also spoke on issue of Dalit atrocities.Former BJP President Kamal Sharma said cases of political vendetta were on the rise with frivolous cases being registered against Akali-BJP workers.More UNI DB PS SNU 1603 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-932699.Xml Abrahao Pio dos Santos Gourgel, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Angola, today invited Indian industrialists to invest in his country as there are ample opportunities there.In a meeting with Indian industrialists, Dr Gourgel, accompanied by a high level business delegation comprising Secretaries of State, Government of Angola in the areas of Agriculture, Industry, Geology & Mining and Transport sector and the Deputy Governors of Bengo, Huambo, Huila and Zaire provinces; encouraged Indian companies and investors to work closely with their counterparts in Angola for the successful collaboration and prosperity of the two countries. He emphasised that the economic diversification that is currently undergoing in Angola has created potential for sustainable growth in the following key sectors - Commercial Agriculture; Industry (food-processing and beverages industry; Geology and mining; and Transports and logistics.He mentioned there were numerous investment opportunities available particularly in the Greenfield projects which would help in creating new production capacity and jobs. The Minister invited Indian expertise in technology and training & capacity building for the Angolan industry. In this regard, he mentioned that there would opportunities of Collaboration/Joint Ventures in the private sector or in the PPP mode. Angola has created a conducive business environment including a robust legal framework that would be attractive for Indian investors looking for business opportunities in Angola.The state secretaries invited Indian companies to invest in the priority sectors. A large number of investment opportunities were highlighted across sectors such as Water and energy: 65 projects, with an investment target of 14.4 billion dollar; Food production and Agro-business: 57 projects, with an investment goal of 2.8 billion dollar; Infrastructure, social housing with the goal of construction of more than 300 thousand houses with expected investments of 6.3 billion dollar; Transport and logistics: 123 structural projects, with investment targets of 24.4 billion dollar.The delegation encouraged the Indian industry to consider Angola a potential and profitable destination for the investments and to count on government and institutional support of Angola to make the initiatives a win-win situation for all.UNI ADP RSA SNU 1652 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-932880.Xml The gangsters were hiding in the house of Massi of Sharni, another gangster in jail. On a tip-off, Punjab Police along with Haryana Police surrounded their hideout around 0400 hrs. Category 'A' gangsters Bunty Dhillon and Jaspreet Singh alias Jumpy of Faridkot district, members of the Devinder Shooter Gang and also associated with the Vicky Gounder Gang, died on the spot and category 'B' gangster Nishan Singh died on way to hospital. Both Dhillon and Jumpy were involved in many murder cases and other heinous crimes. Five weapons and an SUV were also recovered from their hideout. The SUV was used by the gangsters in the Paonta Sahib shootout. UNI DB SW SNU 1629 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-932857.Xml The Jammu and Kashmir Government today urged the Health Department employees to suspend their two-month-long agitation and return to their duties immediately, saying that their pending salaries will be released within a week's time. The employees of Family Welfare Department (FWD) went on an indefinite strike on April 17 to press for release of their salaries pending for more than nine months. Meanwhile, the Government has decided to set up Rs 51.50-crore corpus in the state to regularise disbursement of their salaries in future. "The Finance Department is likely to release the funds within next couple of days, which will enable the Department to release the pending salaries of the employees, Minister for Health & Medical Education Bali Bhagat said. He said the Government is seriously considering resolving the issue of regular disbursement of salaries to the employees of the employees. "To address this technical issue once for all, the matter has been taken up with the Finance Department, who in turn has agreed in principal to make a provision of Rs 51.50-crore for creating a corpus by the Department of Health & Medical Education for timely disbursement of salaries to the employees of Family Welfare Department under the Central Sponsored Scheme," he said. Mr Bhagat said the Government was aware about the difficulties being faced by the employees of Family Welfare in the absence of their salaries, but it was a technical issue, which needed a rigorous exercise, and now the matter stood almost resolved. UNI ABS SW SNU 1643 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-932870.Xml Government will reach out to all political parties to evolve consensus on the name of the next President of the country, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here today. Asked whether the Government will be reaching out to political parties to have consensus on Presidential candidate, Mr Naidu told reporters that '' We will talk to all political parties and we have discussed internally over the issue.'' ''In coming days, we will talk to all political parties and we will meet everyone,'' the Minister said. ''We have just started the process to have everyone on board and it would be done with full spirit of democracy,'' he added. BJP chief Amit Shah yesterday had set up a high-powered three-member panel to initiate consultations with the political parties for the ensuing Presidential elections. The panel comprises of three Union Ministers -- Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and M Venkaiah Naidu. This committee will hold talks with leaders of various political parties and try to work out a consensus for the Presidential elections. The election to the coveted post of President is due in July as Pranab Mukherjee's term ends on July 25.UNI NY-AE SHK 1728 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-933013.Xml Trinamool Congress leader and Councillor of Howrah Municipality Sailesh Roy was today arrested in connection with a murder case of private security man of a housing complex last year in Howrah,police said.The Councillor, representing the Ward 29 was arrested after police quiz him following a cctv footage showing the security person Bijoy Mallick was gunned down near Mallick Phatak on June 17,2016.Police arrested the TMC leader after quiz him for hours and subsequent cctv footage evidence.Police said the security man was a victim of conspiracy of syndicated gangs involved in apartment promoting businesses.However, another version was that since the security man was murder since he had objected some illegal activities near the housing complex.UNI PC RN 1737 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-933038.Xml Public sector IDBI bank, after suffered from a whopping loss of Rs 5,158 crores last fiscal mainly owing to bad corporate sector loans and now faces several restrictions including that on branch expansion and capital expenditure from the RBI under it prompt corrective action scheme, has launched an aggressive turnaround strategy with a focus on building a robust retail portfolio, enhancing capital base and strengthening customer relationship, Deputy Managing Director of the bank G M Yadwadkar today said.Addressing a press conference here Yadwadkar held the bad loans to corporate sectors mainly responsible for the loss to the bank. "Recovery of bad loans and prevention of further slippages will be a priority area for the bank in the short term. Given the stress in the corporate sector, the bank will restrict growth in the corporate loan book and focus on increasing retail and priority sector asset base. This will help the bank to reduce risk weighted assets and improve CAR in the short term. Also, the bank will look at reducing its operational cost and sell non-core assets over a period of time,'' he said adding that the total NPA was around Rs 44500 crores of which most was in corporate portfolio.He said that though the RBI has put some restriction under prompt corrective action but it has not restricted the bank in its day to day operation in any manner.The Dy MD said that though the government has taken many good steps for the revival of the economy, but it would take time to yield desired results. Various sectors including Telecom,Steel and Infrastructure remained under stress last fiscal which resulted in NPA's in our corporate loan portfolio leading to loss."While the year 201617 posed challenges, the bank's major thrust will be on re-balancing the business portfolio in coming months. The bank will tap emerging opportunity to grow its business, with a focus on propelling notably the retail and priority sector book. The Bank has crafted a comprehensive turnaround strategy to get back on the path of growth. Accordingly, our focus will be on increasing our retail footprint, further enhance our lending in priority sector, aggressively seek recovery of NPAs and take all possible steps for augmenting our capital base,'' he said.In fact, the bank has made headway as evidenced in the rising share of retail advances to 43% as at end-March 2017 from 33% as at end-March 2016. The Bank's CASA deposits as well as Retail Term Deposits both grew by over 22% during the year. Also, the share of CASA deposits and Retail Term Deposits increased to over 31% and 32%, respectively, during the year. Reimagining the customer experience in an increasingly digital world is another key area. The Bank introduced innovations such as UPI App 'PayWiz', Social Media banking 'Facebook iEngage' for retail internet banking customers and digital passbook 'mPassbook' on Android platform, he said.On the occasion he also shared details about the bank's position in Gujarat.At present IDBI Bank has a network of 110 retail branches, 4 Retails Assets Centres, 7 Trade Finance Centres, 1 Currency Chest and 217 ATMS in the state of Gujarat and Dadara Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. In addition, It has 4 Specialized Corporate branches. The branch network has been further augmented with the appointments of Business Correspondents (BCs) where it has no presence. IDBI Bank has total deposits of Rs.11246 crore and total advances of Rs.10116 crore for the state of Gujarat as on March 31, 2017. Bank is aggressively contributing to various Govt. Schemes viz. PMJDY, PMMY, Stand Up India and Social Security Schemes, he said.UNI XC RAJ PS 1734 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-933030.Xml 'Love Hormone,' which has long been associated with relationships in several ways, now can be termed as 'crisis hormone.' American and Norwegian researchers have found that the hormone oxytocin, also called 'cuddle hormone,' which has a great reputation as it can make us feel better by reducing anxiety and making us feel more generous, may as well be called 'crisis hormone.' According to Andreas Aarseth Kristoffersen, a research assistant in NTNU's Department of psychology in Trondheim, there exist two main theories related to contradicting findings. Some scientists believe that oxytocin is released primarily to enhance a relationship and make it stronger when you are with someone you love. Others believe that oxytocin levels increase primarily when you find yourself in difficult or even threatening situations. For example when people notice that their partner is showing less interest in the relationship, the level of this relationship-building hormone increases. NTNU researchers joined forces with researchers from University of New Mexico to study the connection between oxytocin and investment in couple relationships. The researchers examined 75 American couples, and 148 Norwegian individuals who were one of the partners in a relationship. Both studies' individuals showed elevated hormone levels when they felt strong personal investment in the relationship. In this case, oxytocin's reputation as a love hormone holds up. But the crucial finding came from simultaneously examining both partners' involvement. The partners who were more invested in a relationship released more oxytocin when they thought about their relationship than the less invested partner did. Considering both members together, it was the difference in investment between partners that predicted an increase in oxytocin. Here, oxytocin may be acting more like a 'crisis hormone.' "It's seems contradictory that you would release more oxytocin both when things are going well and when they're not, but that's how it is," says Aarseth Kristoffersen. One explanation could be that the partner who is most invested in the relationship might benefit from putting even more effort into making it work, so that the more sceptical party re-engages. The researchers found no significant difference between US and Norwegian results. Responses to the study tasks were consistent across cultural condition, which reinforces the theory that the underlying explanation is biological. (ANI) Controversies continue to dog Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his family, the latest in the series being deployment of a medical team at the residence he shares with his son and Bihar Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav. The medical team was, however, withdrawn after the opposition parties raised a hue and cry over the matter, officials said on Tuesday. A team of three doctors and two male nurses of the Patna-based Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) had been deployed for over a week at 10-Circular Road, the residence officially in the name of Rabri Devi, former Bihar Chief Minister who is mother of Tej Pratap. Lalu and other members of his family, including his younger son Tejashwi Yadav, who is Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, live there. According to officials close to Tej Prataap, the medical team was deployed for the treatment of Lalu last week -- May 31 to June 8 -- when he was taken ill. Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies raised the matter and questioned the official rules to deploy a team of doctors at Lalu's residence and also demanded an explanation from the Nitish Kumar-led state government. However, soon after the issue came to light and the opposition raised questions pointing to Lalu's clout in the state government, the IGIMS ordered withdrawal of the team of doctors from Rabri Devi's house. IGIMS Superintendent P.K. Sinha told the media that there was nothing wrong in deputation of a team of doctors at the residence of Heath Minister Tej Pratap, who is also Chairman of the IGIMS, an autonomous body. "Tej Pratap as the Health Minister has the prerogative to call for doctors and ask for deployment of a team of doctors," he said. Sinha said as the Chairman, Tej Pratap was entitled to the privilege, and that even ministers were entitled to certain prerogatives. Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar said at a time when common people have been running from pillar to post for treatment at government hospitals across the state, an entire team of doctors was deployed at the Health Minister's residence. "It has exposed the clout of Lalu and his family (in the government)." Another senior BJP leader, Nand Kishore Yadav also criticised Lalu and his family for "misusing the power". Expelled RJD MP and chief of Jan Adhikar Party Pappu Yadav said: "Doctors ki nahi jallaadonn ki tainati Lalu ke awas par hona chaahiye. Garibon ko doctors milate nahi lekin Lalu ke liye doctors ki team mil jaati hai (Instead of doctors, executioners should be deployed at Lalu's residence. Poor have no medical facilities, but doctors' team is available for Lalu"). BJP's ally LJP leader Pasupati Kumar Paras also flayed the deputation of doctors, saying while there was so much shortage of doctors in government hospitals, deputation of a team of doctors for his treatment was simply uncalled for. ---IANS ik/nir/vt ( 495 Words) 2017-06-13-19:26:12 (IANS) The District YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president G Amarnadh today demanded a CBI probe into multi-crore land scam here.Addressing a media conference here, he said that it would continue its fight against the land mafia and intensify the agitation by organising a 'Maha Dharna' to mobilise public opinion against the Andhra Pradesh government, which is "indifferent towards the issue".He said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formulated to probe the scam and submit its report to the cabinet sub-committee was nothing but an eye wash. Mr Amarnadh said that a state-level agency cannot bring out the true facts on the multi-crore scam as ministers, MLAs, ruling party leaders, their kin along with officials are involved in the scam with the blessings of party leadership. ''We have raised the issue and will intensify the agitation as the land records are being manipulated and people in power are grabbing large extent of land in nearly 32 villages and the surrounding mandals of Gopalapatnam, Madhurawada, Bhimili, Gajuwaka and other peripheries,'' he alleged."It is sad to note that BJP MP Hari Babu is silent on the issue and local BJP MLA Vishunkumar Raju is also silent over the land scam," Mr Amatnadh alleged. Mr Amarnadh said the Collector himself has agreed that some records had gone missing. He said 300 acres of land was grabbed. However, the extent of land runs into a much larger number and nearly 40 registers had just vanished from the revenue department, he added.UNI BSR PS SHK 2030 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-933098.Xml Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will take a break from the rough and tumble of Indian politics to visit his 93-year-old maternal grandmother in Italy. "Will be travelling to meet my grandmother and family for a few days. Looking forward to spending some time with them," Gandhi said on Twitter. Rahul Gandhi, whose maternal grandmother Paola Maino lives in Italy, did not mention how many days he will remain out of the country. He will celebrate his 47th birthday on June 19. The Congress leader's latest foreign visit comes amid hectic politics over the July 17 presidential election and other developments like the farmers unrest and protests in various states across the country. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "Rahul Gandhi is travelling abroad to meet his 93-year-old grandmother and family. To take care of the well-being of elders is part of our culture." He said Rahul Gandhi will continue to lead and guide the ongoing farmers' agitation and every Congressman is committed to fight for the farmers rights. Rahul Gandhi visited the US in March after his mother and congress chief Sonia Gandhi went there for a health check-up. This is not the first time that Gandhi had announced his plans to go abroad on Twitter. He did the same when he earlier visited London in December 2016. Moreover, it is not the first time Gandhi will go abroad when presidential election and farmers unrest looms large over the country, and six farmers have been killed in police firing on June 6 in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. He went abroad ahead of New Year celebrations in December 2016, when the country was in economic and political turmoil owing to the government's November 8 decision to demonetise currency notes and infighting in the Samajwadi Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. He drew criticism from political opponents when he went abroad in 2016-end, leading to his absence from Parliament in the first few days of the Budget session. He again drew flak when he attended the Aspen conference in September 2015 amid assembly election campaign in Bihar. --IANS sid/tsb ( 362 Words) 2017-06-13-23:04:15 (IANS) Bangladesh's deputy consul general in New York was indicted on charges of labor trafficking and assault for forcing his servant to work without pay through threats and intimidation, a New York City prosecutor said.Mohammed Shaheldul Islam has limited diplomatic immunity and was ordered to surrender his passport when he appeared before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement.Bail was set at 50,000 dollar bond or 25,000 dollar cash. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.According to the indictment yesterday, Islam brought another Bangladeshi, Mohammed Amin, to New York between 2012 and 2013 to work as a household help for Islam and his family."Soon after Mr Amin's arrival, the defendant allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day ... Even though Mr. Amin had a contract which outlines his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work," the statement said."If the victim disobeyed the defendant's orders, Mr. Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the defendant, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe," it said.A spokesman for the Bangladesh embassy in Washington said it believed Amin had filed the case in bad faith and the allegations were "fabricated" and "baseless"."It may be noted that Mr. Islam decided to cancel Mr. Amin's contract and was preparing to send him back to Bangladesh due to his irresponsible acts," Shamim Ahmad, the spokesman, said."We hope the court will give its verdict in the matter judiciously," he said.Shameem Ahsan, the consul general of Bangladesh, told Reuters over the telephone from New York that Amin disappeared on May 17, 2016 and the very next day the consulate informed the U.S. state department office in New York."It is surprising for us that after 13 months he has appeared with these allegations, why did he not raise this issue earlier," he said.According to the charges, Amin's only form of income came from tips from guests at parties and a "miniscule" amount of money Islam sent to Amin's family in Bangladesh.On several occasions when Amin sought to leave, Islam hit him and threatened to harm his mother and young son in Bangladesh, the statement said.On occasion, Islam also stated that he would have Amin's college-age daughter "shamed" if he did not continue to work as his servant, the statement said. The statement did not make clear what Islam meant by shaming.The statement also said that in 2014, shortly after an Indian diplomat in New York was charged with labor trafficking, Islam wrote a check for Amin's cash-tip earnings that the latter then had to deposit in a bank account to create the appearance of a paycheck.In late 2013, Devyani Khobragade, who was India's deputy consul general in New York, was arrested and subsequently accused of visa fraud and forcing her housekeeper and nanny to work 100-hour weeks for just over $1 an hour.Khobragade's arrest and strip search provoked outrage in India and caused a major diplomatic rift between the United States and India. The charges against her were dismissed because she had diplomatic immunity. After she left the United States, a New York grand jury later issued a new indictment for visa fraud.Last year, a Manhattan federal judge declared the former Bangladeshi consul general in New York and his wife to be in default for ignoring a lawsuit by a former domestic worker who claimed they forced him to work without pay in slavery-like conditions. REUTERS RJ 1106 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-932335.Xml US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he would present options on Afghanistan to President Donald Trump "very soon," adding the strategy would take a regional approach rather than looking at the war-torn country in isolation.The situation in Afghanistan, which US military officials acknowledge is in a stalemate almost 16 years since the war started, has deteriorated in recent months.A truck-bomb explosion in Kabul last month killed more than 150 people, making it the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since the ouster of the Taliban in 2001.In some cases, Afghan security forces have been forced to abandon more scattered and rural bases, and the government can claim to control or influence only 57 per cent of the country, according to US military estimates earlier this year."We are taking a regional approach to this," Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee. "We will take that forward to the president for a decision very soon."Mattis said a request by General John Nicholson, the head of US and international forces in Afghanistan, for additional troops would mostly be made up of troops who would train, advise and assist Afghan forces, potentially putting them with Afghan forces at the brigade level."It's a fundamental change to how we bring our, what I would call our real superiority, in terms of air support," Mattis said.At the same hearing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford said he had gone to Mattis and Trump with "some options that might be considered" in order to help improve the security situation in Afghanistan.Reuters reported in late April that Trump's administration was carrying out a review of Afghanistan and conversations were revolving around sending between 3,000 and 5,000 US and coalition troops there.Deliberations include giving more authorities to forces on the ground and taking more aggressive action against Taliban fighters.Some US officials questioned the benefit of sending more troops to Afghanistan because any politically palatable number would not be enough to turn the tide, much less create stability and security. To date, more than 2,300 Americans have been killed and over 17,000 wounded.On Saturday, three US soldiers were killed when an Afghan soldier opened fire on them in eastern Afghanistan. REUTERS RJ 1033 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-932307.Xml Infuriated over the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Panama, Taiwan said on Tuesday it would rethink its relations with the mainland in the wake of this decision and also accused it of stoking confrontation. The Central American country is the second to switch recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in six months, following the West African nation of Sao Tome and Principe last December. "The move by the Beijing authorities is not only wrong, but also affects the current situation, turning the peaceful development of cross-strait relations into confrontation. For this, the government will reappraise the situation of the ties across the Taiwan Strait ," the South China Morning Post quoted Joseph Wu, secretary general of the presidential office, as saying. The decision by Panama to have diplomatic relations with Beijing ended 105 years of formal relations between it and the Republic of China, the official name Taiwan uses for itself. As a responsible power in the region, Wu said that Beijing should stop taking actions that hurt cross-strait stability and the feelings of the Taiwanese people. Taiwan's foreign ministry announced separately that it would end diplomatic relations with Panama, shut down its embassy and withdraw all its financial and technical aid for the country. The island's foreign minister, David Lee, expressed grave regret over Panama's decision and hit out at Beijing's "chequebook diplomacy" in its attempts to woo away Taiwan's allies. Beijing sees the island as a renegade province that must be brought back under its control. (ANI) "Breaking: Police operation ongoing in #Munich underground station Unterfohring. We'll keep you posted on the developments," tweeted DW. "#BREAKING: A gumnan opened fire on policemen near #Unterfohring train station #Munich, #Germany; Atleast policeman injured," said a Twitter user. An operation is underway. More details to follow. (ANI) The king of Saudi Arabia and the Iraqi prime minister will meet tomorrow, a Saudi newspaper reported, their second meeting this year as the neighbours try to heal a rift over Iraq's alliance with Saudi arch foe Iran.A reconciliation between the Sunni Muslim kingdom and majority Shi'ite Iraq would be a boost to the Gulf Arab region, where tensions are sky high, both within and with Iran.Last week Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Arab countries severed ties with Qatar. Doha denies their accusations of it backing Islamist militants and Iran.Days later attacks in Tehran killed 17 people, claimed by hardline Sunni militants Islamic State. Iran has accused Saudi Arabia of funding Islamist militants, including IS.Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi and King Salman will meet tomorrow at the Saudi Red Sea port of Jeddah, the London-based newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported, citing Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan.The Iraqi government spokesman did not respond to phone calls seeking comment. Abadi has been eager to keep Iraq out of the dispute between Qatar and its neighbours.On Sunday, he denied press reports which had angered Gulf Arab states suggesting that hundreds of millions of dollars sent by Qatar to Baghdad for the freeing in April of a group of abducted Qatari royals had ended up in Iran.The royals were abducted in 2015 in southern Iraq, a region controlled by Iranian-backed groups.Iraq lies on the fault line between Shi'ite Iran and the mostly-Sunni Arab world. Deep-running animosity and distrust between the two sides is fuelled by sectarian divides.Tensions grew further after Iran, by leveraging its ties with Iraq's Shi'ites, has emerged as the main power broker in Iraq after the United States withdrew its troops in 2011.Tehran also been a key support in Iraq's efforts to defeat Islamic State, providing military assistance to Shi'ite paramilitary fighting the Sunni insurgents who declared a ''caliphate'' over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014.King Salman and Abadi last met in March on the sidelines of the Arab summit and in February Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir made a rare visit to Baghdad in February.Improved ties may also help heal deep and bitter divisions between Iraq's Shi'ite majority and Sunni population.REUTERS JW1528 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0387-932722.Xml Prime Minister Theresa May will seek to strike a deal with a Northern Irish Protestant party to save her premiership today as she comes under intense pressure to soften her approach to Brexit days before formal EU divorce talks.May's botched election gamble, which saw her lose her parliamentary majority, left her so diminished that supporters of closer ties with the European Union publicly demanded she take a more consensual and business friendly approach to Brexit.In an attempt to avoid a second election that could deepen the worst political turmoil in Britain since last June's shock vote to leave the European Union, May apologised to her Conservative Party's lawmakers, who said they would leave her in power - for now."She said: 'I'm the person who got us into this mess and I'm the one who is going to get us out of it'," said one Conservative lawmaker who attended Monday's meeting. "She said she will serve us as long as we want her."To stay in government, May must strike a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), a small eurosceptic Northern Irish party with 10 parliamentary seats. May will meet DUP leader Arlene Foster in London today."The deal will be done," said Jon Tonge, professor of politics at Liverpool University. "Basically it will be Theresa May signing cheques for the foreseeable future or a monthly direct debit, as it were, into Northern Ireland's coffers.""The DUP may never have the political arithmetic so favourable again so like the Conservatives, the DUP will want to avoid another election and will want to keep drinking in the political free bar that is available to it," Tonge said.But a deal with the DUP would risk destabilising the political balance in Northern Ireland by increasing the influence of pro-British unionists who have struggled for years with Irish Catholic nationalists who want Northern Ireland to join a united Ireland.While the DUP are deeply eurosceptic, they have balked at some of the practical implications of a so-call hard Brexit - including a potential loss of a "frictionless border" with the Republic of Ireland - and talks will touch on efforts to minimise the potential damage to Northern Ireland.With formal EU divorce talks due next week, May heads to France on Tuesday to meet Emmanuel Macron, who last month swept to victory in the presidential election.During the campaign, May cast herself as the only leader competent enough to navigate the tortuous Brexit negotiations that will shape the future of the United Kingdom and its 2.5 trillion dollars economy.Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, which saw its number of parliamentary seats and share of the vote increase, said there could be another election this year or early in 2018 after Thursday's vote produced no clear winner.BREXIT CIVIL WAR?May, who ahead of the June referendum supported remaining in the EU, has promised to start the formal Brexit talks next week but opponents of a sharp break with the EU took her woes as a chance to push back against her strategy.Before the election, May proposed a clean break from the EU, involving withdrawal from Europe's single market, limits on immigration and a bespoke customs deal with the EU.Brexit minister David Davis has insisted the approach to the EU divorce had not changed, but at the meeting with lawmakers on Monday, May recognised that a broader consensus needed to be built for Brexit and made clear she would listen to all wings of the party on the issue.Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the government should put economic growth at the heart of its Brexit strategy, while some senior ministers have pushed for less focus on immigration and more on jobs.The Daily Telegraph reported cabinet ministers have opened back-channel talks to senior Labour lawmakers to secure a cross-party agreement on Brexit. When asked about the Daily Telegraph article, Michael Gove, a minister who campaigned for Brexit, told ITV: "This is news to me."William Hague, a former leader of the Conservative Party, called for business groups and lawmakers from all parties to be brought in to agree a national position on Brexit.May's weakness means she must now listen to all shades of opinion on Brexit as she goes into Britain's most complex negotiations since World War Two.But May faces a difficult balancing act: Divisions over Europe helped sink the premierships of Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron, and many of her lawmakers and party membership support a sharp break with the EU."The Tory civil war on the EU which has ripped it apart since the Maastricht rebellions of the early 1990s, and which the referendum was supposed to solve, is now raging again," said Chris Grey, an academic who specialises in Brexit at Royal Holloway in London.REUTERS JW1630 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0386-932876.Xml Hungary's ruling Fidesz party pushed strict new regulations for non-government organisations that get foreign funding through parliament today despite calls from the European Parliament and rights groups for the bill to be dropped.Under legislation drafted by right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government and pushed through by Fidesz, NGOs with foreign donations must register with the authorities and declare themselves as foreign-funded.Though the government says it is trying to ensure greater transparency and protect Hungary from foreign influence, NGOs and human rights groups say the bill stigmatises NGOs and is intended to stifle independent voices in the central European country.The European Parliament has called for it to be withdrawn.Since coming to power in 2010, Orban has blunted restraints on his power by taking control of much of the Hungarian media, curbing the powers of the constitutional court and placing loyalists in top positions at public institutions.Orban, 54, who will seek re-election for a third consecutive term in April 2018, has been campaigning hard against NGOs funded by Hungarian billionaire George Soros, saying they were a "mafia-like" network employing paid political activists who posed a threat to national sovereignty.Along with tough anti-immigrant rhetoric, such attacks on Soros fits well with Orban's domestic political agenda. His Fidesz party has a firm lead over the opposition in opinion polls."COSMETIC" CHANGESThe government last week backtracked on parts of the legislation to meet some of the objections from the Council of Europe's advisory panel, the Venice Commission.However, Human Rights Watch (HRW) dismissed the amendments as "cosmetic". It also said the government had failed to consult with civic groups before adopting the bill."The amendments do not remove the provision to stigmatize organizations as "foreign funded," nor the risk of an organization being legally dissolved by the courts if it does not register as 'foreign funded'," HRW said in a statement."The draft law is about silencing critical voices in society."Soros's Open Society Foundations, which disburse funding to several prominent NGOs in Hungary, warned on Monday that the law posed serious risks to democracy in Hungary.The law "seeks to suppress democratic voices in Hungary just when the country needs them most. It attacks Hungarians who help fellow citizens challenge corruption and arbitrary power," OSF director Goran Buldioski said.The European Parliament adopted a resolution last month condemning Hungary for the "serious deterioration" in the rule of law and fundamental rights, and called on the government to withdraw the bill on foreign-funded NGOs.REUTERS JW1637 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0386-932887.Xml Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Panamanian counterpart Isabel de Saint Malo, who is also Panama's Vice President, signed the joint communique. According to the communique quoted by Xinhua news agency, China and Panama will establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. It said Panama recognised the One-China principle and Taiwan as an inalienable part of Chinese territory. It also said that Panama had severed "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan and undertook not to have any more official relations or exchanges with Taipei. Panama's decision has dealt a blow to Taiwan, which now has only 20 countries that recognise it. Taiwan has expressed anger over the Panama's move, accusing Beijing of doing "money diplomacy". To the south of China, Taiwan is an English-speaking democracy, which Beijing sees it as a breakaway province. After being defeated by the Communists in 1949, Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, better known as Formosa for hundreds of years. Since then Taiwan, which means beautiful land, has maintained a sort of independence from China but never proclaimed it. Ties between China and Taiwan took a hit last year when the island elected Tsai-Ing We, whose Democratic Progressive Party has been traditionally pro-independence. China vows to unite the island with the mainland even if it came to resorting to violence. The latest development will certainly bolster China's claim over Taiwan. Beijing does not mince words in slamming or threatening any country which tries get close to Taiwan. --IANSA gsh/mr ( 281 Words) 2017-06-13-17:40:20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump will host South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House on June 29-30 to advance economic cooperation and discuss ways of strengthening the two countries' "ironclad" alliance, the White House said today."The leaders will also coordinate on North Korea-related issues, including countering the growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats," it said in a statement.REUTERS JW1806 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0386-933102.Xml Israel said today its ambassador to New Zealand will return to his post, ending a six-month rift in relations over a United Nations resolution against Israeli settlements on occupied territory which Palestinians seek for a state.Israel recalled the ambassador in December after New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal sponsored a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement activity .New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the two leaders spoke on the phone earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Michal Maayan said in a statement."I regret the damage done to Israel-New Zealand relations as a result of New Zealand proposing Resolution 2344 at the Security Council," English wrote, according to the Foreign Ministry statement.The U.N. resolution passed in the 15-member Security Council because the United States, under the administration of former President Barack Obama, did not wield its veto power and instead abstained, breaking with its long-standing tradition of diplomatically shielding Israel at the international body.Continued settlement building on land Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War and which Palestinians hope will eventually form part of an independent state has drawn criticism from the United Nations and most of the international community. Palestinians cite it as a major obstacle in now-stalled peace talks.On June 4 Israel said it was returning its ambassador to Senegal, after recalling him over the U.N. Security Council resolution. Israel does not have diplomatic ties with Malaysia and Venezuela.Maayan said the Israeli ambassador to New Zealand will return to Wellington in the next few days. REUTERS PY 2059 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-933482.Xml North Korea has threatened United States saying, its nuclear weapons can hit New York, and such a strike "might be proven in practice." Pyongyang responded to a January tweet from U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he stated that a North Korean strike on the U.S. "won't happen." North Korea's delayed response came over a tweet in January by Trump. "The DPRK is about 10,400km far away from New York. But this is just not a long distance for its strike today," Russia Today reported. The article, titled 'US hostile policy is bound to go bankrupt', goes on to state that "the US is feeling uneasy as this might be proven in practice." "This is because its hostile policy will end in futile when the DPRK conducts the test-fire of an ICBM capable of precisely striking any place on the US mainland," an opinion piece in the state-run Rodong Sinmun stated on Monday. The article also mentioned U.S. President Donald Trump's tweet in which he acknowledged Pyongyang's announcement that it was in the "final stages" of developing a nuclear weapon striking parts of the US, but said that such a strike "won't happen." The editorial comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Pyongyang, with Trump repeatedly vowing to boost the US's military capabilities to counter the threat from North Korean missiles. Trump even informed the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, that "all options are on the table" - including military action - to address provocations by North Korea. He has also urged China to put pressure on Pyongyang, as its sole economic lifeline. (ANI) The Trump administration notified Congress last week that it soon plans to begin delivering precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia under a 2015 weapons deal, congressional officials said today.The US Senate is expected to vote today on a resolution to block portions of a new, separate arms sale to Saudi Arabia, agreed during a visit there by President Donald Trump in May.Arms sales to Riyadh have become increasingly contentious in the US Congress, where some lawmakers object that American weapons have contributed to widespread civilian casualties in a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen.Republican Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, a Democrat, suspended the planned sale of precision-guided munitions in December because of concerns over civilian casualties in Yemen, where the civil war pits Iran-allied Houthi rebels against the government backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.Trump, however, has said he wants to encourage weapons sales as a way to create jobs in the United States.Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the administration had notified Congress about the start of deliveries on the 2015 sale. He said in a statement that Trump's decision was another reason for the Senate to disapprove the new sale."We need to send a message to both the Trump Administration and the Saudis to work much harder to avoid civilian casualties, expedite humanitarian relief, and push for a peaceful end to the war through a negotiated political settlement," Cardin said.Republicans control both chambers of Congress.A senior congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the notification was received last Thursday. The decision to move ahead with deliveries was first reported by Bloomberg.The 2015 sale included more than 8,000 Laser Guided Bombs for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The package also includes more than 10,000 general purpose bombs, and more than 5,000 tail kits used to inexpensively convert "dumb" bombs into laser or GPS-guided weapons.Some of the weapons systems included in the sale were made by Raytheon Co and Boeing Co.The arms deal announced in May was for $110 billion, with options running as high as $350 billion over 10 years.Tuesday's Senate vote, which would block about $500 million of that sale, including precision-guided munitions and other offensive weapons, coincides with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other officials in Washington. REUTERS PY 2319 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-933572.Xml Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 01:30:14|Editor: ying Video Player Close U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after delivering a speech at the White House in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, on June 1, 2017. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has decided to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global pact to fight climate change. (Xinhua/Mike Theiler) By Alessandra Cadone MILAN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A two-day ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) nations ended in the northern Italian city of Bologna on Monday, confirming the split between the United States and its six major allies on climate change. The U.S. refused to endorse the summit's final statement in the part concerning climate, following President Donald Trump's recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on cutting global carbon emissions. Only six countries in the G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan -- restated their pledge to implement the accord, which has been signed by 195 parties and ratified by 148 countries and regions so far. In the point 7 of the 15-page final communique, they "reaffirm strong commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, which remains the global instrument for effectively and urgently tackling climate change, and adapting to its effects". The U.S. representative did not agree on the point. "The United States will continue to engage with key international partners in a manner that is consistent with our domestic priorities," the communique read in a note. "Accordingly, the United States does not join those sections of the communique on climate and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), reflecting our recent announcement to withdraw and immediately cease implementation of the Paris Agreement and associated financial commitments." Leaders of the world's most industrialized countries had tried to persuade Trump to stick to the agreement in the last G7 major summit held in Taormina, Italy, on May 26-28. However, the U.S. President announced the withdrawal four days later. The ministerial talks in Bologna -- besides addressing the state of implementation of the Paris deal -- focused on issues related to "the frontier between economy and environment" such as an environmental tax reform, a green and sustainable finance, and the role of multilateral development banks, according to the Italian G7 presidency. Italian Environment Minister Gian Luca Galletti voiced his hope a future dialogue with the U.S. could still develop in the near future. "We have worked to build bridges," Ansa news agency quoted Galletti as saying after the closure of the meeting on Monday."It could have been a G7 of rupture, and it was a G7 of dialogue instead," he added. Already through the first day of works, however, it was quite clear the rift on climate between the U.S. and their major allies was much likely to remain unchanged. The top U.S. official at the meeting, Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt, left the meeting after only few hours of one-on-one talks held with his counterparts from Germany, Japan, and Britain. Pruitt's departure was unscheduled, and no formal explanation was provided for it. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Galletti explained there was "full agreement (among G7) on all issues, but climate". He reiterated his view that the Paris Agreement would remain "irreversible, non-negotiable, and the only possible tool to fight climate change" for all the United States' partners in the G7. Italy, Germany, and France had already expressed such position in a joint statement on June 1, in which they defended the Paris deal, regretted president Trump's decision, and dismissed the idea the global agreement could be renegotiated. The G7 ministerial meeting in Bologna also involved representatives from the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and Chile, Ethiopia, Maldives, and Rwanda as invited countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 02:00:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday to extend authorization for another year so as to allow the European Union to seize illegal weapons on the high seas off the coast of Libya. The 15-member UN body "decides to extend the authorizations as set out in Resolution 2292 for a further 12 months from the date of this resolution," the UK-drafted resolution said. Resolution 2292 was adopted in June 2016 to allow member states, for one year, to inspect and seize illegal arms off Libya's coast. EU's Operation Sophia has been working to stop smuggling illegal arms into Libya. Peter Wilson, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, told the council that "we are pleased that the Council has remained united in renewing the measures we put in place last year for a further 12 months to help stop illegal arms entering Libya by sea," adding that "it demonstrates that the international community is serious about improving Libya's security." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 02:30:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) here on Monday urged South Sudan rival factions to fully adhere to their commitments and implement the agreement made. Leaders of the east African block, discussing on South Sudan's current situations in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, urged the two rival factions to respect terms and conditions of the peace agreement that was signed in 2015 in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is also the current chairperson of the IGAD Assembly, in his opening remarks of the 31st IGAD heads of states and governments summit on Monday affirmed that military solutions would not solve the conflict in South Sudan. South Sudan's peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa in 2015 had failed following resumption of conflict in the capital Juba in July 2016. The conflict has since spread to other regions, including places that were considered peaceful during the initial periods when violence broke out in mid-December 2013. According to Desalegn, peace and security concerns remain priority areas of discussion by leaders of the east African block. Humanitarian situations and responses that are underway in the world's youngest nation was also another concern during the meeting. South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who was invited to attend the meeting, declined and sent First Vice President Taban Deng Gai. The presidency, in a statement, said Kiir had other commitments. Deng Gai on his part said that the world's youngest nation is currently working on the upcoming election. According to Deng Gai, preliminary activities are underway in a bid to ensure that the election is free, fair and inclusive. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 03:00:54|Editor: xuxin Photo taken on June 12, 2017 shows shattered rubble on the ground after an earthquake in Lesvos Island, Greece. At least one person was killed and another 11 were injured when an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Greece's Eastern Aegean Sea on Monday, said the Greek authorities. (Xinhua/Vasitis Roubos) ATHENS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- At least one people was killed and another 11 were injured when an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Greece's Eastern Aegean Sea on Monday, said the Greek authorities. A 45-year-old woman was found dead by firefighters in the ruins in the village of Vrisa on Lesvos Island, said local authorities. Major damages have been reported in Vrisa in southern Lesvos. "Half of the village has been greatly damaged and many houses have collapsed," Nikos Karasavvas, the Deputy Mayor of Environment and Emergency of the Municipality of Lesvos was quoted by Greek News Agency AMNA as saying The earthquake also caused damages to some other houses on Lesvos as well as the nearby Chios Island. The Athens Institute of Geodynamics said the epicenter of the earthquake was at sea, about 45km south from Lesvos Island. The strong tremor, which hit in early afternoon, was felt in Athens. There are aftershocks measuring from 4.6 to 3.6 on Richter scale. Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection Nikos Toskas and General Secretary of civil protection Giannis Kapakis headed to Lesvos with helicopter to coordinate rescue efforts, according to Greece's national news agency AMNA. Along with them were officers from Greece's Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK). Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 04:17:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- In light of former FBI director James Comey's testimony last week, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is to testify publicly on Tuesday before Congress, which is expected to be focused on his contacts with Russian officials during last year's presidential campaign. Sessions requested that the hearing at the Senate Intelligence Committee be public, a Justice Department spokesperson said in a statement. "The Attorney General has requested that this hearing be public. He believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him and looks forward to answering the committee's questions tomorrow," the statement read. Comey told lawmakers at last Thursday's hearing that he knew details that made Sessions's involvement in the FBI Russia probe "problematic." "We were aware of facts I can't discuss in an open setting that would make his (Sessions') continued involvement in a Russia investigation problematic," Comey said at the hearing. Comey also reportedly told lawmakers behind closed doors that one of those details included another unreported meeting between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyac. The attorney general was forced to recuse himself in March from the federal investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election after media reports that he twice met with Kislyak during the 2016 campaign and did not disclose that to the Senate during his confirmation hearing in January. Moreover, Democrats are also thought to be keen to press Sessions on his role in Comey's abrupt firing. Trump accepted a recommendation from Sessions and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein to fire Comey in May, according to a White House statement issued at the time. The U.S. president then said that he was thinking of the Russia investigation when firing Comey and made the decision regardless of the recommendation from the two top officials at the Justice Department. Sessions is the first U.S. senator to show public support for Trump's campaign. The probe over the possible ties between Trump's campaign and Russia is now in the hands of special counsel Robert Mueller for Russia investigation following the Comey dismissal. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 04:32:20|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close British Prime Minister Theresa May gives a speech at 10 Downing Street after meeting with the Queen in London, Britain on June 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Richard Washbrooke) LONDON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May met her backbench MPs at Westminster Monday night and told them she took the blame for the Conservative's poor showing in last week's general election. Addressing what is known as the Conservative's 1922 committee, May told the politicians: "I got us into this mess, and I'm going to get us out of it." As she spoke at the private meeting, party managers continued talks with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland about its 10 MPs working with her 318 Conservative group of MPs to give them a majority in the House of Commons. MPs from all parties are due to gather at Westminster Tuesday to vote on whether John Bercow should remain as Speaker of the House of Commons. That had been scheduled to lead to a state opening of the new session of parliament next month when Queen Elizabeth II outlines the proposals May's government intend to put forward. Discussions with parliamentary officials continued Monday night to decide whether the state opening ceremony should be delayed by several days. Talks are due to start next Monday between government ministers and the European Union to start formal negotiations for Britain's departure from the EU. Those talks in Brussels could also be delayed, but the government insist the two-year Brexit timetable would still be adhered to. A leading Conservative MP who was present at the 1922 committee meeting told the Guardian newspaper later that May was "contrite and genuine but not on her knees" as she apologised to MPs for the election result that cost the Conservatives its majority in the House of Commons. May is also said to have expressed her apologies to the MPs who had lost their seats in the snap election which she had called. Media reports said that May had also assured MPs that the working arrangement with the DUP would have no impact on issues such as gay rights. Political commentators said later that May had steered herself through the first meeting of her cabinet at 10 Downing Street, and then through the meeting of backbenchers, easing at least for the moment calls for her to be replaced as prime minister. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson gave his take of May's performance at the 1922 committee. He wrote on his social media site: "Stonking performance by the PM at 1922. One team going forward together for the UK." Conservative veteran Nicholas Soames said after the meeting: "Unreserved support for PM at 1922. Struck just the right tone and dealt with all substantial points. Party united behind her." May is due to hold a meeting at Downing Street Tuesday with DUP leader Arlene Foster to discuss the working relationship between the two parties. On the sidelines, the main opposition Labour Party plans to contest the Queen's speech in the hope that leader Jeremy Corbyn will move into 10 Downing Street as the new prime minister. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 04:37:25|Editor: ying Video Player Close Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei (C, Rear) addresses the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, on June 12, 2017. The prospects of U.S.-China relations are very promising, according to participants of the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium, which opened Monday in Des Moines, capital of U.S. state of Iowa. (Xinhua/Wang Ping) DES MOINES, the United States, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The prospects of U.S.-China relations are very promising, according to participants of the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium, which opened Monday in Des Moines, capital of U.S. state of Iowa. More than 20 Chinese and U.S. experts and scholars gathered here to deliberate on such topics as Sino-U.S. relations after the Mar-a-Lago meeting, economic and trade cooperation, local cooperation and the prospects of the relationship between the two countries. In a speech at the opening ceremony, Former Minister of the State Council Information Office Zhao Qizheng said rapid development of Sino-U.S. economic and trade cooperation not only is an epitome of Sino-U.S. relations, but also helps build up a solid foundation for Sino-U.S. cooperation in other fields. "People of both countries have benefited from this economic and trade relationship," said Zhao. "Sino-U.S. economic and trade cooperation promises huge opportunities and potentials, and the prospects are very promising." It is vital to establish an unimpeded dialogue and cooperation mechanism between the two countries, and think tanks can provide useful reference and rational consultation in this field, Zhao stressed. As for trade gap, Zhao holds that China runs a surplus in goods trade but a deficit in service trade with the United States. Both Chinese and U.S. governments are making efforts to narrow the gap, and have introduced the 100-Day Action Plan and reached consensus on the next-step targets. Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei said the relationship between China and the United States has experienced ups and downs all the way along but has forged ahead, economic and trade cooperation has played the roles of "ballast stone" and "propeller." "Sino-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, for which economic and trade cooperation is the most active and lasting driving force," Hong added. Zach Nunn, member of the Iowa State Legislature, Stapleton Roy, former U.S. ambassador to China, and Kenneth Quinn, president of World Food Prize Foundation, expressed wishes for mutual beneficial and win-win relationship between China and the United States. Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie attended the meeting. Chinese scholars and experts visited Kimberley Farm on Sunday, where they looked around farm machinery, warehouses, and farm land, and exchanged views with farm owner Rick Kimberley on operation mode, mechanization and management of modern farms, as well as on agricultural exchange between China and the United States. Statistics show that bilateral goods trade between China and the United States has jumped from 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1979 to 519.6 billion dollars in 2016, up 207 times. In 2016, bilateral service trade volume between the two countries exceeded 100 billion dollars, and the two-way investment totaled 170 billion dollars. The symposium is jointly sponsored by the World food Prize Foundation, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 04:57:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured a key neighborhood in the Islamic State (IS) de facto capital of Raqqa in northern Syria on Monday, a monitor group and a source told Xinhua. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the SDF and allied fighters, backed by the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, captured the Sina'a neighborhood in Raqqa, becoming closer to the old city of Raqqa. This achievement is the largest since the SDF unleashed their offensive on Raqqa on June 6, according to the Observatory. Meanwhile, a well-informed source told Xinhua that the SDF have taken control of several neighborhoods in Raqqa, namely the Mashlab and Sina'a in the east, and Sbahiyeh, Jazra and Romaniyeh in the west. The SDF have reached the Bab Baghdad area as well as two shrines called Ammar Bin Yasser and Oweis al-Qurani, the source said. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said the Kurdish-led forces are expecting to capture Raqqa within two months. The SDF announced their campaign to liberate Raqqa under the title of "Euphrates Wrath" in November last year, and declared their fourth stage of the attack to storm the Raqqa city last Tuesday, after months of battles at the outskirts and countryside of the city. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 05:22:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Monday called for a massive increase in places available for refugees in third countries, and urged governments around the world to step up and deliver places for refugees in line with their commitments. At the opening of UN refugee agency UNHCR's annual resettlement consultations with governments and non-governmental organizations in Geneva, Grandi said that close to 1.2 million refugees need resettling globally, but only 93,200 places in resettlement countries are expected to be available this year, 43 percent fewer than in 2016. "The fact is global resettlement needs today far outweigh the places made available by governments by a factor of 13 to one, despite more countries taking part in the program and an increase in private sector and community involvement," said Grandi. UNHCR figures showed that for refugees from sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is especially acute, with just 18,000 available places for more than half a million refugees. "True sharing of responsibility requires places for refugees in third countries on a scale in line with the needs. We need urgent action to get there," Grandi said. According to UNHCR's report Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2018, some 1.2 million refugees need a third country solution in the coming year, including more than 510,000 refugees in 34 different countries across Africa, some 280,000 in the Middle East, 302,000 in Europe (mostly in Turkey), over 100,000 in Asia and some 1,800 in the Americas. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 05:32:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- China is an important and great partner in developing Africa, the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) said Monday to a press briefing in Berlin. Under the topic of "How can G20 members support and push the development of African states?" in the German-African Business Association, Akinwumi Adesina, president of AfDB said to the press, "China is very important" and "China is a great partner". Adesina said, "AfDB has a special relationship with China on investment in African private sectors. " He evaluated China's investment in Africa as "massive" and those in African infrastructure as "particular important". Adesina pointed out, China has a 2 billion dollar facility called Africa Growing Together Fund, which with AfDB co-finances developing projects in Africa over a 10-year period. "So China is very important (in Africa)", said the president. Adesina also said, China's experiences on developing the special economic zones in Africa is "a great success". He cited Ethiopia as an example, where Chinese companies have invested in transforming leather into footwear and other industries, has benefited a lot from China's investments. "So China is a great partner," Adesina stressed. He said he is looking forward to increasing cooperation with China in the framework of G20, in order to explore more investment opportunities in Africa. To this point, Stefan Liebling, chairman of the German-African Business Association, added that G20 members can learn from China in terms of investing in Africa. He thought it's worthy for China and Germany, the presidency states of G20 last year and this year, to sit together and discuss cooperation to do business in Africa and make contribution to the continent. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 05:32:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court ruled Monday against reinstalling U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban. The motions panel of the U.S. Courts for the 9th Circuit presented its decision in 86 pages of written opinion, stating at the end that "The Government's motion for a stay (of the travel ban) pending appeal is DENIED as moot." The travel ban, the second of the kind, was blocked on March 15 by U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in response to a suit by the state of Hawaii. The panel heard on May 15 in Seattle, Washington state, Acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall on behalf of the Trump administration and Neal Katyal, an attorney representing the state of Hawaii, argue about whether the nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by Judge Watson should be lifted and the travel ban as part of a presidential executive order reimposed. "The district court did not abuse its discretion in entering a nationwide preliminary injunction," the judges wrote in their opinion. The second travel ban, signed by Trump on March 6 as part of his executive order, bars nationals of Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days; and suspends the entry of all refugees. It was the second time the 9th Circuit Court heard and ruled against the same president's travel ban. On Feb. 9, another panel of three judges ruled in San Francisco, Northern California, against reinstating the travel ban signed on Jan. 27 by Trump as part of an executive order. The president subsequently issued the revised order, taking Iraq off the list of seven Muslim-majority countries. In initiating the legal challenge against the second travel ban on March 9, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin noted that the new order, compared with the initial ban, "nothing of substance has changed: there is the same blanket ban on entry from Muslim-majority countries." On their part, the three judges sitting on the motions panel of the appellate court said "the President's authority is subject to certain statutory and constitutional restraints. We conclude that the President, in issuing the Executive Order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 06:13:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOSUL, Iraq, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Up to 900 displaced people fell ill on Monday after eating expired food during Ramadan breaking fast meal at al-Khazir-2 refugee camp near the city of Mosul, an Iraqi official said. "We have some 900 displaced people from Mosul who are living in al-Khazir-2 camp fell ill after eating their Ramadan breakfast which were presented by a Qatari humanitarian organization," Zaihid al-Khatoni, an Iraqi Member of Parliament for Nineveh province, told reporters in the camp. The health departments of Arbil and Nineveh province have sent their medic teams to the camp medical centers to help the affected people, "the situation is under control and we have no deaths so far, Khatoni said, adding that many of the affected people are women, children and elderly. The food was beans, rice, chicken, and a yogurt drink brought from a restaurant in Erbil by the Qatari humanitarian organization. Most of those affected are suffering from vomiting and stomachache, according to the Kurdish Rudaw media network. Arbil health department sent a medic teams and 30 ambulances to the camp, bringing the most severe cases to hospitals in Arbil and other medical centers, Rudaw said. The over 1,000-tent Al-Khazir-2 refugee camp is located some 50 km in east of Mosul and was built a few week ago for the civilians who left their homed recently from the western side of Mosul. For Muslims, Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the Islamic year. The month is characterized by fasting through the entire month from dawn until sunset, as they refrain from eating, drinking and all sinful thoughts and deeds. Iraqi security forces, backed by the anti-IS international coalition, were simultaneously conducting a major offensive to dislodge IS militants from their remaining redoubt in the western side of Mosul. Gay pride stickers placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Starof President Donald Trump before the start of #ResistMarch during the 47th annual LA Pride Festival in Hollywood, California on June 11, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP PHOTO) LOS ANGELES, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S President Donald Trump's star on Hollywood Boulevard was vandalized over the weekend during annual Gay Pride march in Los Angeles. Trump's star, vandalized several times since the beginning of his presidential run, was photographed by local media Monday morning covered in stickers bearing slogans including "I Resist Extremist," and "Resist Homophobia." The march down Hollywood Boulevard drew tens of thousands of protesters on Sunday, so Los Angeles Police, who said the vandalism was a misdemeanour, would have to look at security tape to identify and charge the protesters involved. This was not the first time Trump's star had been vandalized and the defacement this time was far more mild than previous vandalism. Last October, Los Angeles man James Otis, dressing as a construction worker, took a pickax to the star and destroyed it. Otis struck a plea deal with prosecutors in February that saw him avoid jail time in exchange for paying 4,400 U.S. dollars to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Historic Trust. Trump was honored with the star in 2007 for his work producing the Miss Universe pageant and for his hit NBC reality television show The Apprentice. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 06:23:21|Editor: xuxin A worker holds a beehive as he works at Mohammed Hagras' farm located in Beheira governorate, Egypt, on June 4, 2017. Being a successful petroleum engineer did not block the dreams of 32-year-old Egyptian Mohammed Hagras to be a distinguished beekeeper. The man, who works for a well-known petroleum company, decided to start beekeeping business at his farm as he believes that honey and bee production is among the safest investments in Egypt. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) by Ahmed Shafiq BEHEIRA, Egypt, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Being a successful petroleum engineer did not block the dreams of 32-year-old Egyptian Mohammed Hagras to be a distinguished beekeeper. The man, who works for a well-known petroleum company, decided to start beekeeping business at his farm as he believes that honey and bee production is among the safest investments in the most populous Arab country. His first introduction to beekeeping was at the age of six when he used to help his father at their farm. "It was love at first sight when I first stepped into our bee farm as it was my window to see nature. From that moment, I wanted to be a beekeeper and enlarge my father's beekeeping business," Hagras said, proudly smiling. In his farm located in Beheira governorate in Egypt's Delta, Hagras, who is originally from Delta governorate of Minufiya, was carefully watching his workers collecting ripe honey from his 500 beehives, announcing the beginning of the heavy honey collection season which starts in June. "I started to take care of my father's business in 2014," Hagras said, wearing his beekeeping protective suit. "I started with tens of beehives. Now I have 500." Before starting his beekeeping career, Hagras studied the project carefully and gained enough information and knowledge that would help him run the business successfully. "I found out that beekeeping business is a successful industry that can make good money," the man said as he peeled off wax cells to get fresh golden honey. "I also take advantage of living in a rural community where villagers plant seasonal crops that can be good food for the bees." In a very short period of time, Hagras managed to create a name in the Egyptian honey market and he now runs a private company which exports honey and bee products to other countries. "My beehives produce some 5,000 tons of natural honey that I sell locally. I also export other products such as pollen, wax, bee venom and queen food to neighboring Arab countries," the man said. Hagras said he is now working jointly with other beekeepers to put Egypt back on track as a leading country in the honey and bee industry. The man said Egypt is one of the oldest countries in beekeeping field, adding that the Pharaonic drawings and paintings on tombs and other monuments in Egypt showed how beekeeping was practised here. The Ancient Egyptians kept bees from about 2400 B.C. when the earliest drawings of beekeeping and honey preparation were seen in Egyptian temples, he added. These drawings showed that beekeeping in ancient Egypt was characterized by using cylindrical hives, migratory beekeeping using rafts down the Nile River and production of huge amounts of honey. Speaking about the current situation of beekeeping in Egypt, Hagras said the North African country is considered the most important country in beekeeping sector in the Middle East with more than three million beehives. According to official statistics, Egypt exported honey and bee products worth up to 135 million U.S. dollars, or 2.4 billion Egyptian pounds in 2016, a very large number compared to the previous two years. "Bee and honey industry is a national wealth that should be supported by the government," the engineer said, adding that the government could earn billions of foreign currency if it fully supports the sector. The high prices of beekeeping materials and equipment obstruct or lower the development of the industry, which requires a governmental intervention to financially and technically back beekeepers, he said. "One of the most serious problems facing the Egyptian beekeeper is the lack of the original medications for the diseases facing the beekeeping sector. This opens the door to the mafia of fake, local and smuggled medicines," Hagras said while pouring honey in glass jars. The man expects that a new system overseen by the government will make Egypt a pioneering country in the honey industry since Egypt is the only country capable of producing bees and queens throughout the year for the vast agricultural areas it has. "All of these elements can make Egypt a qualified country to be a global station for beekeeping. The global marketing of beekeeping sector in Egypt will be a good investment that will pump millions of dollars and provide many jobs for thousands of Egyptian youths," said Hagras. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 06:23:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Hummam Sheikh Ali DAMASCUS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are advancing in the Islamic State (IS) group de facto capital of Raqqa in northern Syria, while civilians are paying the price of the battles. Since unleashing their offensive last Tuesday, the SDF, a combination of Kurd, Arab and Assyrian fighters led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) group, has made progress on several fronts in the east, west and northeast of Raqqa. A well-informed source familiar with the operations in Raqqa said the SDF and allies, with the heavy backing of the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, have so far captured several neighborhoods in Raqqa, namely the Mashlab and Sina'a in the east, and Sbahiyeh, Jazra and Romaniyeh in the west. The source and the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the SDF's control over Sina'a neighborhood is their largest achievement so far, as it will put them at the gates of the old city of Raqqa. The SDF have reached the Bab Baghdad area as well as two shrines called Ammar Bin Yasser and Oweis al-Qurani, the source said. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said the Kurdish-led forces are expecting to capture Raqqa within two months. Meanwhile, activists close to the SDF said the Kurdish-led group has liberated 350 square km of areas in Raqqa since last Tuesday, adding that 44 IS militants were killed Monday, when the SDF foiled an IS attack in the liberated areas in Raqqa. As for the liberated areas in Raqqa, the SDF will hand over the administration to local councils once they are cleared of explosive devices. Meanwhile, the SDF is urging the IS fighters to surrender to the U.S.-backed forces in exchange for "a humanitarian treatment." But these battles are a bitter-sweat experience for civilians, who want to get rid of IS, but are also paying a steep price for the current battles. Since the beginning of the battles in Raqqa, civilians have started to flee the war zones, but IS militants have prevented scores of them from leaving, burning their cars and keeping them hostage as human shields. Some Raqqa-based activists said IS are trying to recruit people to help defend the city from SDF attacks. Activists also said civilian casualties are falling as a result of heavy shelling of the U.S.-led coalition on the city. Government media outlets said the U.S. coalition struck Raqqa with white phosphorus at least twice, leaving an undisclosed number of people killed. These battles and attacks have also reverberated on the health situation, as the city is suffering a lack of medical supplies. As for the Syrian government forces, they have captured several areas from IS in the western countryside of Raqqa. A source told Xinhua that there is no direct coordination between the SDF and the Syrian army, adding that there seems to be a plan between the U.S. and Russia regarding the roles of each force in the battle for Raqqa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the aim of the Syrian forces' advance in western Raqqa countryside is to secure areas that will besiege IS in the southern countryside of Aleppo province as a prelude to dislodge the remaining IS fighters in Aleppo out of the key province. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 07:08:33|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's army has found the bodies of four soldiers buried by a mudslide in the southern state of Guerrero over the weekend, the Defense Ministry said on Monday. The discovery brings the total number of deaths so far to six, with the first two victims, also soldiers, discovered immediately following the natural disaster early Saturday in El Carrizal, a community in the town of San Miguel Totolapan. Members of the first battalion of the military police were carrying out patrols when they were swept away "by an avalanche of mud, rocks, and branches," following days of heavy rains. Another soldier was injured and taken to the regional military hospital in the state capital Chilpancingo. Search and rescue teams remain in the area, looking for the remaining missing. Before the four bodies were found Sunday, Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos said seven soldiers were unaccounted for. "My sincerest condolences to the families of the two soldiers who regrettably died in the line of duty on June 10, 2017, as they were swept away along with seven more soldiers," Cienfuegos posted to Twitter. Troops were originally dispatched to San Miguel Totolapan in May, after clashes between rival criminal gangs vying for control of the area. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 07:33:40|Editor: MJ Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. capital city Washington D.C. and nearby state Maryland on Monday filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, alleging he violated clauses in the Constitution by accepting millions of U.S. dollars in payments and benefits from foreign governments since his inauguration. The lawsuit, the first of its kind brought by government entities, was launched by Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and his Maryland counterpart Brian Frosh. It claims Trump violated two anti-corruption rules in the Constitution that prohibit the president from pulling in profits from businesses he owns, controls or prospers from. "An emoluments lawsuit against Trump has been filed by D.C. and Maryland. It is time to open a House Judiciary Committee inquiry," Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democratic member of the committee, tweeted. In response, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer attacked the lawsuit as motivated by "partisan politics" during his daily press briefing. "This lawsuit is just another iteration of the case filed by that group CREW, filed by the same lawyers," Spicer said, referring to a government watchdog group that first sued Trump over the issue in January. "It's not hard to conclude that partisan politics may be more the motivations behind the scenes," he added. Ahead of the Monday lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a 70-page legal brief on Friday arguing that Trump's businesses are legally permitted to accept market-rate payments from foreign governments while he is in office. However, the two attorney generals argue there are "unprecedented constitutional violations" by Trump and that both Washington D.C. and Maryland are being adversely affected by the Trump International Hotel near the White House. Trump has broken many promises to keep separate his public duties and private business interests, according to the two, citing Eric Trump's remarks that his father would continue to receive regular updates about his company's financial health in the White House. Trump's continued ownership of a global business empire has rendered the president "deeply enmeshed with a legion of foreign and domestic government actors" and has undermined the integrity of the U.S. political system, the lawsuit claimed. If a federal judge allows the case to proceed, the two attorney generals say, one of the first steps will be to demand through the discovery process copies of Trump's personal tax returns to gauge the extent of his foreign business dealings. To fully know the extent of Trump's constitutional violations "we'll need to see his financial records, his taxes that he has refused to release," they said. However, that fight would most likely end up before the Supreme Court, with Trump's attorneys having to defend why the returns should remain private, local media quoted the two as saying. The lawsuit is the latest and most significant legal challenge to Trump over the issue of emoluments and thought to become another legal headache for Trump following special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign and court challenges to the president's controversial travel ban. In January, a watchdog group called Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington launched the first lawsuit in this kind, followed by a D.C. restaurant in March alleging the Trump International Hotel benefits from unfair advantages because of its close association with the president. A group of Congress Democrats also said last week that they were planning to file similar suit soon, according to local media reports, noting that each of the suits has faced legal hurdles over standing to sue the president. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 07:53:45|Editor: Song Lifang Argentina's President Mauricio Macri (1st R) bids farewell to the former Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra (1st L) during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on June 12, 2017. Argentina named Jorge Faurie as its new minister of foreign affairs on Monday, as he pledged to provide "continuity" in his management of the role. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala) BUENOS AIRES, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Argentina named Jorge Faurie as its new minister of foreign affairs on Monday, as he pledged to provide "continuity" in his management of the role. Faurie, who had been ambassador to France, was sworn in at the presidential palace by President Mauricio Macri, in presence of Susana Malcorra who stepped down from the role in May for personal reasons. "We have much to contribute to the world," said Macri. According to the president, Faurie will have "a task doubly or triply more complicated since he will not only replace a minister like Malcorra, but we are also at a time when we will need concrete successes...such as the integration with the OECD and Mercosur and negotiations with the EU" for a free-trade agreement. Speaking to journalists, Faurie said he would seek to provide "continuity" to the work done by Malcorra. Faurie has been one of Argentina's leading diplomatic figures since first becoming an ambassador in 1998. Besides Spanish, Faurie speaks English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Romanian. U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a joint press conference with visiting Romanian President Klaus Iohannis (not in the picture) at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) WASHINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. capital city Washington D.C. and nearby state Maryland on Monday filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, alleging he violated clauses in the Constitution by accepting millions of U.S. dollars in payments and benefits from foreign governments since his inauguration. The lawsuit, the first of its kind brought by government entities, was launched by Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and his Maryland counterpart Brian Frosh. It claims Trump violated two anti-corruption rules in the Constitution that prohibit the president from pulling in profits from businesses he owns, controls or prospers from. "An emoluments lawsuit against Trump has been filed by D.C. and Maryland. It is time to open a House Judiciary Committee inquiry," Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democratic member of the committee, tweeted. In response, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer attacked the lawsuit as motivated by "partisan politics" during his daily press briefing. "This lawsuit is just another iteration of the case filed by that group CREW, filed by the same lawyers," Spicer said, referring to a government watchdog group that first sued Trump over the issue in January. "It's not hard to conclude that partisan politics may be more the motivations behind the scenes," he added. Ahead of the Monday lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a 70-page legal brief on Friday arguing that Trump's businesses are legally permitted to accept market-rate payments from foreign governments while he is in office. However, the two attorney generals argue there are "unprecedented constitutional violations" by Trump and that both Washington D.C. and Maryland are being adversely affected by the Trump International Hotel near the White House. Trump has broken many promises to keep separate his public duties and private business interests, according to the two, citing Eric Trump's remarks that his father would continue to receive regular updates about his company's financial health in the White House. Trump's continued ownership of a global business empire has rendered the president "deeply enmeshed with a legion of foreign and domestic government actors" and has undermined the integrity of the U.S. political system, the lawsuit claimed. If a federal judge allows the case to proceed, the two attorney generals say, one of the first steps will be to demand through the discovery process copies of Trump's personal tax returns to gauge the extent of his foreign business dealings. To fully know the extent of Trump's constitutional violations "we'll need to see his financial records, his taxes that he has refused to release," they said. However, that fight would most likely end up before the Supreme Court, with Trump's attorneys having to defend why the returns should remain private, local media quoted the two as saying. The lawsuit is the latest and most significant legal challenge to Trump over the issue of emoluments and thought to become another legal headache for Trump following special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign and court challenges to the president's controversial travel ban. In January, a watchdog group called Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington launched the first lawsuit in this kind, followed by a D.C. restaurant in March alleging the Trump International Hotel benefits from unfair advantages because of its close association with the president. A group of Congress Democrats also said last week that they were planning to file similar suit soon, according to local media reports, noting that each of the suits has faced legal hurdles over standing to sue the president. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 08:08:51|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CARACAS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's Supreme Court (TSJ) on Monday rejected a motion to cancel the upcoming National Constituent Assembly (ANC) filed by attorney-general Luisa Ortega Diaz. Posting on Twitter, the TSJ's Electoral Chamber called the motion "unacceptable" and said it contained an "inept series of assumptions." The ANC is being organized by President Nicolas Maduro to rewrite the country's Constitution, which he claims is the best way to solve the country's long-running political and economic gridlock. However, Ortega Diaz has claimed that he did not have the power to do so, without prior consultation. On June 8, she had filed this motion, specifically seeking to cancel elections for representatives to the ANC. Applications to become a candidate for these elections closed on June 10. The opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) has supported Ortega Diaz, with deputy Delsa Solorzano saying that "the internal paths are formally closed and we will now go to international bodies" to resolve the difficult situation in Venezuela. Her colleague, Freddy Guevara, added that MUD militants would continue protesting outside the TSJ as a symbol of support. The MUD has rejected the attempt to write a new Constitution as a power grab by Maduro. After applications from candidates have been reviewed and approved, the electoral campaign for the ANC will begin on July 9, before a national vote is held on July 30. Over 19 million Venezuelans are called on to elect 545 delegates to the ANC, who will then draft the new Constitution, before it is put to a national referendum. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 10:31:51|Editor: ying Video Player Close MINSK, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry on Monday signed a roadmap with two Chinese companies on agricultural and food cooperation. According to the roadmap, the two Chinese companies, Xinrongji Holding Group and DRex Food Group, will invest an estimated 1 billion U.S. dollars in modernizing the enterprises in Belarus and building new ones, according to local media. A joint venture to be soon established with China in Belarus will export Belarusian agricultural products and food to China, with a monthly turnover of about 10 million dollars, said Belarusian Minister of Agriculture and Food Leonid Zayats. In the future the joint venture will be authorized to purchase stakes in Belarusian dairy plants and expand the product range. The Chinese companies also informed Belarus of their intentions to buy a stake in the Bank Moscow-Minsk, a top 10 bank in Belarus, and establish an enterprise in the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone, which produces a new type of packaging using polylactide, replacing plastic and polyethylene packaging. In the first quarter of this year, Belarus has increased the export of agricultural products to China to 4.2 million dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 10:36:54|Editor: ying Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States has reached agreements with China on final details of a protocol to allow it to export beef to China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Monday. As part of the U.S.-China 100-day action plan to boost bilateral economic cooperation, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump "has taken important steps toward commercial shipment of U.S. beef and beef products to China for the first time since 2003," the department said. "Today is a great day for the United States and in particular for our cattle producers, who will be regaining access to an enormous market with an ever-expanding middle class," U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement. "As we clear away long-standing issues like this one, focusing on near-term, verifiable deliverables, we are building a sound foundation for further discussions," U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said in a separate statement. U.S. National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) also hailed the agreement on beef exports, a top priority for the association over the past decade. "In recent years, China has become one of the largest import markets for beef, and these terms are a reflection of China's trust in the safety and quality of U.S. beef," said Craig Uden, president of the NCBA. "We hope that by getting our foot in the door we can develop a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with China," he said. During a meeting at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in April, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump agreed to establish a comprehensive economic dialogue and initiate a 100-day plan to boost bilateral economic cooperation. Last month, the two sides announced the initial results of the 100-day action plan, which covers such areas as agriculture, financial services, investment and energy. As the results of the action plan, China will allow imports of U.S. beef and the United States is to import poultry from China. Most of the agreements are expected to be implemented by July 16. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 10:41:57|Editor: Song Lifang Delegates sign memorandum of understanding in Athens, Greece, June 12, 2017. The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), together with Chinese giant COSCO Shipping, the majority shareholder of PPA, and the world's largest commercial port of Shanghai signed two memorandums of understanding on Monday in the Greek capital of Athens to boost commercial ties. The Shanghai International Port Group, which manages 25.7 percent of China's international trading volume, signed the memorandums with COSCO Shipping and PPA in the presence of Han Zheng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), together with Chinese giant COSCO Shipping, the majority shareholder of PPA, and the world's largest commercial port of Shanghai signed two Memorandums of Understanding on Monday in the Greek capital of Athens to boost commercial ties. The Shanghai International Port Group, which manages 25.7 percent of China's international trading volume, signed the memorandums with COSCO Shipping and PPA in the presence of Han Zheng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee. Under the deal, which is within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Piraeus will strengthen its strategic position on the world trade map by increasing the incoming cargo from China to Europe. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in staff training, technical assistance, information exchange, as well as develop synergies to create new business opportunities. "The current agreement with the port of Shanghai is very important. It means that through Piraeus huge quantities of goods will be transported from China to the rest of the world," Greek Deputy Economy and Development Minister Stergios Pitsiorlas told Xinhua on the sidelines of the event. The document highlights the great perspective of growth not only for Piraeus, but for Greece as well, and Greece plays a key role for the Belt and Road Initiative and Piraeus is the first step for this cooperation, Pitsiorlas said. "The agreement will strengthen the national economy and employment. We need investments in this period. Such investments show that the foreigners trust our country," said Christos Lampridis, secretary general of Ports, Port Policy and Maritime Investments of the Ministry of Shipping. Since 2010, Cosco Shipping's subsidiary Piraeus Container Terminal has been operating Piers II and III at Piraeus port under a 35-year concession agreement. In 2016, COSCO Shipping acquired 67 percent of the shares of PPA, turning the port into an important transport hub at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 10:47:01|Editor: ying Video Player Close DES MOINES, the United States, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. mid-West states and China now enjoy a "good momentum of economic ties" as the trade volume of nine states with China hit 90 billion U.S. dollars last year, said a senior Chinese diplomat. "The close economic ties between U.S. mid-West and China are examples of the boosting cooperation between the two countries at a local level," Hong Lei, China's Consul General to Chicago, said in a keynote speech at the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium Luncheon held in Des Moines, Iowa on Monday. Hong said it is one of the new features in China-U.S. economic and trade relations that economic cooperation between states and cities of China and the United States has become even more vibrant. Since 2012, 25 Chinese provinces and cities have established the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment Cooperation between Chinese provinces and U.S. States with seven U.S. states and cities, including California, Chicago, Iowa, Texas, Michigan, Washington and New York. From 2000 to 2016, Chinese companies have invested nearly 15 billion dollars, creating 36,000 new jobs, in the nine states the Chinese Consulate in Chicago covers, namely Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa, Hong said. After being acquired by China International Marine Containers (CIMC), Indiana-based Monon company, which had been on the brink of bankruptcy for three times, finally made profit thanks to optimized process and reduced cost. It currently has a revenue of 500 million dollars with 500 local employees. When purchased by a Chinese company in 2011, Michigan-based Nexteer had 3,000 employees. Now the number has risen to 5,000. Yanfeng, a Chinese company making car interiors, employed 4,000 people in Michigan and another 1,000 in Missouri. Many multinationals in these nine states have also increased their investment, expanded operation and set up new factories and research centers in China, harvesting great success and rich dividends, Hong said. "Head of the Eli Lilly company which headquarters in Indiana told me that China has become the largest source of foreign employees of the company," Hong added. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 10:47:02|Editor: ying Video Player Close VIENTIANE, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Lao students will participate in the Global Natural History Day Contest taking place on July 19-25 in southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality. The top three teams recently defeated nine other teams to attend the upcoming contest, reported Lao state-run daily Vientiane Times on Tuesday. The three teams will each present a topic relating to the theme "Scale of Nature: Micro to Macro." The teams come from Lao northern Xayaboury and Xiengkhuang provinces. They will compete to win a certificate and gold medal for first prize, a certificate and silver medal for second prize, and certificate and bronze medal for third prize. This is the third year that Lao schoolchildren have attended the Global Natural History Day Contest. In 2016, Lao student teams excelled at the contest in China's Shanghai, winning a gold medal, a silver medal and two bronze medals. More than 90 teams from China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia and the United States took part in the Natural History Day Contest last year. The contest is a well-rounded program for elementary school to high school students, with the aim of inspiring young people to take an active role in preserving the planet's environment and wildlife. Each year, participants select topics which are related to the theme of that year and carry out their own research projects. The first Global Natural History Day was launched in 2012 with 288 student teams and since then the program has continued to grow, with more students from a growing list of cities and countries participating each year. Since 2012, more than 7,138 students have joined the contest, according to its website. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 11:02:08|Editor: ying Video Player Close SYDNEY, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian biotech giant CSL disclosed a deal on Tuesday that will see it acquire an 80-percent stake in China's Wuhan Zhong Yuan Rui De Biologics (Ruide) for 352 million U.S. dollars later this year. CSL will purchase their stake from Humanwell Healthcare Group, which will see the Australian company further enter into the Chinese healthcare sector, in a complementary move as both companies are heavily involved in the production of plasma products. Paul Perreault, chief executive officer of CSL, said in a statement on Tuesday that he is looking forward to the move, which will see his company enter into a partnership with China's Humanwell. "Humanwell is a leading Chinese healthcare company with strong capabilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, sales and distribution, as well as health care services," Perreault said. "CSL is driven by our promise to save lives and protect the health of people around the world. This expansion of our footprint in China through an investment in Ruide supports the delivery of this promise." The chairman of Humanwell Wang Xuehai also welcomed the sale, saying that he was "excited" to begin a "long-term collaboration" with the Australian global leader in the field of biopharmaceuticals. "Combining CSL's advanced technical capabilities with Ruide's established presence in the Chinese plasma sector will enable the partners to improve access to innovative therapies for patients that need them." Wang said. The market for plasma products in China topped 3.3 billion Australian dollars (2.49 billion U.S. dollars) in 2016, with an aggregate 15-percent growth rate over the past five years. The deal will be financed under CSL's current debt facility. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 11:02:09|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HAVANA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Raul Castro on Monday met with Jean Asselborn, foreign minister of Luxembourg, who is on an official visit to the island country where they discussed bilateral issues including strengthening economic and cooperation ties. Castro received Asselborn at the presidential palace, a public appearance which put an end to widespread rumors on social media about Castro's health, according to Cuban state television. During their talks, both officials agreed on deepening bilateral relations in areas of common interest. The "positive state" of relations between Luxembourg and Cuba is part of the important links that the Caribbean nation has with the European Union (EU), said Castro. Earlier in the day, Asselborn met his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez to discuss political, economic and cooperation ties between the two nations. Rodriguez appreciated the historic position of Luxembourg against the economic blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba and the efforts of Luxembourg to finalize a cooperation and political dialogue agreement between Havana and the EU, which was signed in December 2016. The agreement is very significant for the positive development of relations of the two countries in the future, Asselborn said. There are numerous areas to expand economic and trade cooperation despite the fact that both nations are small states, Asselborn added. Afterwards, Asselborn met Ana Maria Mari, vice president of the Cuban parliament, who emphasized that this was Asselborn's second visit to Cuba as foreign minister, a sign of the important ties between the Caribbean country and Luxembourg. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations and both officials expressed their desire to strengthen their ties in various areas. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 11:12:12|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting here with his Panamanian counterpart Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, also Panama's vice president, and they signed the joint communique. According to the communique, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Panama, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from the date of signature of this communique. The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, the communique said. The Government of the Republic of Panama recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, it said. The government of the Republic of Panama severs "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan as of this day and undertakes not to have any more official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan, the communique said, adding that the Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates this position of the Government of the Republic of Panama. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 11:37:25|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close DES MOINES, the United States, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences signed a memorandum with the World Food Prize Foundation here on Monday to promote sustainable development of agriculture. On the sidelines of a high-level think tank symposium on U.S.-China relations held in the capital of Iowa State, the two sides agreed to encourage exchange of visitors and publications and to boost joint research activities. They also vowed to cooperate on global and regional food security issues. Guo Weimin, vice-minister of China's State Council Information Office, said he hoped the signing of the memorandum could lead to a new mechanism for cooperation in the agricultural sector between the two sides. The World Food Prize was established by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman E. Borlaug in 1986 to honor those individuals whose breakthrough accomplishments have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The foundation is based in Des Moines, Iowa. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 11:42:27|Editor: MJ Video Player Close Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice president and foreign minister, attend a press conference after their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, June 13, 2017. China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting here with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice president and foreign minister, and they signed the joint communique. According to the communique, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Panama, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from the date of signature of this communique. The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, the communique said. The Government of the Republic of Panama recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, it said. The government of the Republic of Panama severs "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan as of this day and undertakes not to have any more official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan, the communique said, adding that the Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates this position of the Government of the Republic of Panama. During a press briefing after the meeting, Wang Yi said Panama is an important Latin American country, and the Chinese people value the traditional friendship with the Panamanian people. He said the political decision made by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and the Panamanian government meets the fundamental interests of the country. Both China and Panama agreed that the one-China principle is the fundamental premise and the political basis on which the two countries can establish diplomatic ties and develop bilateral relations, Wang said. "We both agreed that the establishment of bilateral ties will bring broad prospects for us to expand the comprehensive cooperation of mutual benefits," he said. The two sides will engage in friendly exchanges of various levels and areas, and deepen political mutual trust, Wang said, adding that China welcomes Panama's active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. They will also have communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, help deepen friendly cooperation between China and Latin America as well as the Caribbean area, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and promote peace, stability and development in the world, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 11:52:37|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close by Shristi Kafle NUWAKOT, Nepal, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Bulbule waterfall located in the Nuwakot district about 35 kilometers away from the capital city of Nepal Kathmandu, was once just known as a place for taking cool baths during the summer for local youngsters. As soon as the Nepal Canyoning Association explored the 40-meter high waterfall, however, the place turned into a perfect canyoning destination for adventure enthusiasts both from in and outside the country. Only last weekend, over 150 Nepalese and foreigners enjoyed this breathtaking water sport in Bulbule, located between green hills, as part of the 3rd National Canyoning Rendezvous 2017. The grand canyoning fiesta was not just about sliding down a rope through a waterfall to a pool below, but included a variety of adventures like hiking, scrambling, abseiling, jumping and swimming. "Nepal is enriched with thousands of rivers and waterfalls with huge potential but we have not been able to utilize them enough. We want to develop and promote canyoning destinations and portray Nepal as the best spot for adventure tourism," Rajendra Lama, President of the Nepal Canyoning Association, told Xinhua during the festival. Though canyoning has been gaining in popularity in Nepal since 2002, it gained official recognition and organizational structure in 2007 after the establishment of the Nepal Canyoning Association. Today, there are more than 70 member agencies under the association, while more than 30 canyons have been explored across the country. Travel agencies have been providing canyoning packages in mountainous districts like Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Nuwakot, Lamjung and Syangja among others. Within Kathmandu valley, canyoning activities have been made available recently in Sundarijal, in the lap of the Shivapuri National Park, which draws the attention and interest of city dwellers to the adventure. The Himalayan nation is regarded as the second-richest country after Brazil in water resources as it has over 6,000 rivers, adequate lakes, ponds, waterfalls and springs. Despite having such immense resources, some adventurers have complained that the activities available to them are mostly limited to boating and rafting. Karna Bahadur Lama, General Secretary at the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, told Xinhua on Sunday, "Nepal has a unique geography and richness in natural resources. Since tourism is the backbone of the country's economy, we need to tap into the opportunities to attract more foreign tourists and to uplift the industry." In 2016, quake-ravaged Nepal attracted 729,550 foreign tourists, which is 24 percent more than 2015, the year of the devastating earthquake. Since tourism is gradually recovering, tourism entrepreneurs believe that activities like canyoning can be a great contributor to attract and engage foreign tourists, who are fond of experimenting with gripping adventures in Nepal rich nature. Canyoning has been equally popular among Nepali youngsters, both males and females. One of the major reasons for its expanding scope is social media, claims Nepal Canyoning Association. "When we posted about the canyoning festival on social media, we immediately received a huge amount of feedback and replies from youngsters. Social media has been a powerful tool for tourism promotion," Association President Lama told Xinhua. Nepal's canyoning follows international standards and holds safety measures as a priority. There are more than 30 professional instructors in the country who have received training from American and French professionals and are familiar with the country's water streams and surroundings. During the canyoning festival, over a dozen instructors and volunteers handled the stream navigation and smoothly facilitated the outdoor activities for two days. While it was the first canyoning experience for the majority of participants, they said that they felt totally immersed in nature and that it was an unforgettable experience. "It was the experience of a lifetime. I was scared initially but with the proper instructions, I got down safely. I would like to do it again," 22-year-old student, Sarose Chaudhary, told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 12:17:42|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 13 (Xinhua) -- At least two paramilitary troopers were wounded in a grenade attack in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Tuesday. The attack was carried out by suspected militants on Monday night in Tral town of Pulwama district, about 41 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Last night militants fired a grenade from an under barrel grenade launcher (UBGL) on the paramilitary camp of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) located at the main town in Tral," a police official told Xinhua. "The grenade explosion wounded two CRPF personnel." The wounded personnel were immediately rushed to nearest medical facility. "Both the wounded CRPF men are stable," the official said. Though government forces immediately launched a massive hunt to nab the militants responsible for the attack, no one was arrested. Reports said militants escaped from the spot following the attack. Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule are engaged in a guerilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 12:32:49|Editor: ying Video Player Close YANGON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar is striving to enlist Bagan, a famous ancient city in the central part of the country with thousands of religious edifices and pagodas, as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Cooperation is being made with intellectuals and technicians for the maintenance of Bagan which has dignity and value for being a world heritage if enlisted. In fact, the plan for the purpose was launched in 1996 but was resumed in 2017. Amid efforts for listing the Bagan Archaeological Zone as the World Cultural Heritage, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed some religious edifices and pagodas on Aug 24 last year and the restoration works were being done by experts to maintain their original shape, form and value. Bagan Archaeological site was enlarged from 42 square miles to 62 square miles, according to the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture. Geographically, Bagan comprises two areas -- Upper Bagan and Lower Bagan. The city was established by descendants of Pyu and attained rapid development after Buddhism had flourished. Then, stupas, temples, caves, tunnels and monasteries of different sizes and designs were constructed by the royal families and people around Bagan and Nyaung U between AD 11th and 13th centuries. With over 3,000 Buddhist temples, monasteries, stupas and monuments compacted into one area, Bagan is a home to Buddhist architectures signifying the unique morals aborning interior walls of the religious edifices. In 2012, Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Irina Bokova paid a visit to Bagan for discussing the future working process and the relation between Myanmar archaeological teams and UNESCO. The tentative step of cooperating Myanmar's archaeological team and UNESCO experts has marked the starting point in the creation of unique value of ancient city Bagan to be listed as World Cultural Heritage. Three other Pyu ancient cities of Myanmar -- Hanlin, Beikthano and Sri Kestra have been selected by the UNESCO as world cultural heritage in June 2014. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 13:23:08|Editor: xuxin French president Emmanuel Macron waves during an inauguration ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on May 14, 2017. Centrist Emmanuel Macron was sworn in as the eighth president of the French Fifth Republic in a ceremony at the Elysee Palace here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen/File photo) PARIS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party has urged voters who had stayed away to cast their vote in the second and final round of the country's parliamentary election after winning a sweeping majority in the first round on Sunday. Final results released by the Interior Ministry have shown that Macron's party The Republic On The Move (LREM) and its ally MoDem took a big lead in the parliamentary election's first round, with 32.32 percent of the ballots cast, suggesting the novice president's camp is on course to land an absolute majority in the lower house of parliament in a runoff. Alone, LREM garnered 28.21 percent of the votes, making a majority with more than 400 seats in reach for the multiform movement that Macron had created only one year ago. However, fewer than half of the 47 million eligible voters cast their ballots in the first round, the lowest level by far in a legislative election in the fifth Republic, raising concerns that the low turnout would weaken Macron's advantage. The lower turnout was mainly attributed to two major reasons -- too intensive election arrangements, and the public's doubt over the French-style democracy and its effectiveness. Since July 2016, French voters have seen major election activities in the country in less than one year, such as preliminary elections of candidates by various political parties, followed by two rounds of nationwide general presidential elections. Various electoral activities, rallies and slogans sank French voters deep into "democratic fatigue." And as the democratically-elected presidents in the past decade failed to bail the country out of social, economic and development dilemma, many voters lost their interest in the elections. Government spokesman Christophe Castaner said high abstention rate was "this election's failure." "We must hear that. We must restore confidence. I call on all the candidates, whatever their political party, to mobilize," he told France 2 television. After the expected huge win, the LREM was anxiously to mobilize their supporters to vote in the final round scheduled for June 18 to secure the president's strong mandate to implement his promise of a series of reforms to reshape the politics and revive the economy. Shortly after partial results were released on Sunday evening, LREM leader Catherine Barbaroux said "nothing is granted" despite the movement's good score. "Low turnout invites us to continue our efforts more than ever. The first round is not decisive. Mobilization must continue and must be reinforced in the second round," she said. After being sworn in, Macron immediately started up his "New Deal" at home, from reform on labor law to the establishment of anti-terrorism center, and the enactment of new anti-corruption rules, all of which caught the hearts of French people and impressed them with pragmatic plans. Meanwhile, the landslide victory of Macron's camp in the first round was a severe blow to the traditional parties who have called on more voters to back Macron's rivals to avoid his domination of parliament. The Socialist Party, which controlled the National Assembly over the past five years, reported just 7.44 percent of the vote. As to the centre-right party, the Republicans and allied Union of Democrats and Independents secured the second place with 18.8 percent, a lower-than-expected performance that the conservatives targeted to force creation of co-habitation government in which they eyed to have a strong say. Marine Le Pen's National Front gained only 13.2 percent of the vote, according to the ministry. More than 7,800 candidates are vying for the 577 seats in parliament. Top vote-winners will advance to the June 18 runoff. Looking ahead, the outcome of the second round of the election is vital for the young president as a landslide triumph in the runoff will strengthen his ability to push through his pro-business and labor market reforms. "We are witnessing the beginning of a political reshape that has benefited Macron for the moment. He is able to embody a certain revival in the political landscape," said Guillaume Indigo, an analyst at the opinion research institute BVA, in an earlier interview with Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 13:28:13|Editor: Song Lifang Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela delivers a speech in Panama city, Panama, June 12, 2017. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced on Monday that the Republic of Panama and the People's Republic of China have established diplomatic relations. (Xinhua/Panama's Presidency) PANAMA CITY, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced late Monday in a televised speech that his country has established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In the nationally televised address, Varela stressed the historic ties between the two countries, a relationship that goes back more than 160 years. The move "is also a recognition of the Chinese-Panamanian community, which has played an important role in the economic and social development of Panama, taking part in all of our country's economic, political and social activities, and some even coming to occupy important posts in the Panamanian government," said Varela. The first group of Chinese immigrants, he noted, arrived in Panama in 1854 to work on the construction of the trans-isthmus railway, which served as the main international cargo route until the Panama Canal was built. The two countries made history again when the Chinese cargo carrier Cosco Shipping Panama became the first vessel to pass through the newly expanded Panama Canal on June 26, 2016, said Varela. China is now the second largest client of the Panama Canal. The Panamanian president also underscored China's role in leading efforts to boost global integration and opportunities for growth in today's world. China set up an office of commercial development in Panama in 1996. Since then, the two countries have maintained cooperation in various fields. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established after Panama cut its ties with China's Taiwan. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 13:33:18|Editor: ying Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Tuesday that Hong Kong has become a new member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved on May 12, the funding for subscription of 7,651 shares of the AIIB's capital, including 1,530 paid-in shares that are amounting to about 1.2 billion Hong Kong dollars (153.9 million U.S. dollars) and payable over five years, and 6,121 callable shares. Having completed the subsequent legal procedures, Hong Kong was admitted as a new member of the AIIB, the HKSAR government said. Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan said that "the early completion of our accession process demonstrates Hong Kong's readiness to support the operation of the AIIB." "As the leading international financial center, Hong Kong has a sophisticated, robust and highly liquid financial market, and an abundance of top professionals with global experience, coupled with the unique advantage of 'one country, two systems'," Chan said, adding that Hong Kong is "well placed to help the AIIB to raise funds to finance various infrastructure projects." Besides, Hong Kong's experience and expertise in the design, construction, operation and management of major infrastructure "have been well proven internationally," he said, adding that "Hong Kong's professional services and financial services sectors can certainly contribute to the success of the AIIB, while Hong Kong's participation in the AIIB can also create new opportunities for the relevant sectors." The AIIB will hold the second annual meeting of its Board of Governors in Jeju, South Korea, on June 16-18. The financial secretary will lead a delegation to attend the meeting, which will be the first time that Hong Kong participates as a member of the Beijing-based bank. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 13:48:21|Editor: ying Video Player Close BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama accords with the will of the people and represents an irresistible trend, according to a Taiwan affairs spokesperson for China's mainland Tuesday. "There is only one China in the world. It has been a universal consensus of the international society to adhere to the one-China principle," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office. Ma's remarks came after China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday morning to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Ma noted said the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, is the foundation of the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Only by acknowledging the 1992 Consensus and its core that "the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China," could cross-Strait relations be pulled back to the correct path of peaceful development, said Ma. Ma urged the Taiwan administration to gain a clear understanding of the situation and make the right choice. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 14:08:28|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KATHMANDU, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Nepal and Uganda have established formal diplomatic relations on Tuesday, the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said. The number of countries with which Nepal has established diplomatic ties has now reached 145, according to the ministry. Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations based in New York Durga Prasad Bhattarai and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations Adonia Ayebare signed a Joint Communique at a brief ceremony in New York on Tuesday, the ministry said. On the occasion, the two ambassadors expressed their confidence that the signing of the agreement would bring Nepal and Uganda closer at the multilateral forum and helps forge closer bilateral cooperation, and sharing of experiences in their pursuit of development and peace. Uganda is a country situated in East Africa with a population of about 39 million. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 14:13:30|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HANOI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese guest workers are working normally in Qatar, but if the situation there progresses complicatedly, they will be airlifted home, a local overseas labor watchdog said on Tuesday. According to the latest review, 1,100 Vietnamese people are currently working in Qatar, not 1,800 as previously reported, said the Department of Overseas Labor under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. If the situation in Qatar, which has been isolated by its neighboring nations, becomes unstable, affecting the Vietnamese people's safety and interests, the Vietnamese side will bring them home like it did to thousands of guest workers in Libya in 2011. Earlier this month, Vietnam decided to cease sending guest workers to Qatar. Over 500,000 Vietnamese people are working abroad as guest workers, annually remitting home 1.7 to 2 billion U.S. dollars, according to the labor ministry. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 14:13:32|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MELBOURNE, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Security at Victorian hospitals will be doubled after an near-fatal attack on a surgeon, the Victorian government said on Tuesday. Doctor Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann, a surgeon at Melbourne's Box Hill Hospital, remained in a critical condition after he was punched in the head and knocked out while at the hospital in May. Joseph Esmaili was arrested by police in June and charged with intentionally causing serious injury over the incident. Victoria's Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the state government would provide an extra 15 million U.S. dollars to improve security in hospitals. She said that behavioral assessment facilities would be built in the emergency departments of all Melbourne hospitals. "Those will help better protect our staff, as well as the patients that are at risk, and they've shown themselves to be very effective at our Royal Melbourne Hospital," Hennessy told reporters. "We're also boosting the security presence in our Victorian hospitals, and we're also running a community campaign through some ads to remind people that our hospital workers are there to save our lives and they will be treated with respect, not aggression." Doctor Michael Wong, who almost died after being stabbed in the foyer of his hospital in 2014, has led the campaign for increased security. Hennessy said the increased funding would protect medical professionals as they endeavoured to save lives. "We know that too many of our health and emergency services workers are subject to occupational violence and aggression," Hennessy said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 14:18:35|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NEW DELHI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistani couple, who got medical visa to come to India for their four-month-old son's heart treatment following Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's intervention, have arrived in this country. Kanwal Sadiq and his family reached a super-speciality hospital in Noida, some 30 kms from the national capital, Monday night after the Indian High Commission in Islamabad gave them medical visa as promised by Swaraj whom he approached on social media. Sadiq, whose son Rohaan has a hole in his heart, was earlier not able to get medical visa from the Indian mission in Islamabad due to the ongoing tensions between the two countries. So last month, he brought the matter to the Indian External Affairs Minister's notice on Twitter. "Why my bud suffers for medical treatment!! Any answers Sir Sartaaj Azeez or Ma'am Sushma??" he tweeted. The reply was prompt from the India side, with Swaraj assuring that Rohaan won't be a victim to the strained relationship between two countries. "No. The child will not suffer. Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa," Swaraj responded. The infant will be operated at the private hospital in Noida by a team of heart surgeons on June 15, doctors have said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 14:58:54|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, June 13 (Xinhua) -- An Australian nurse, along with two Cambodian accomplices, stood trial on Tuesday for operating commercial surrogacy services in Cambodia. Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, director of Fertility Solutions PGD clinic, and two Cambodian helpers -- a 35-year-old female nurse and a 28-year-old private company male employee -- were arrested in November 2016 in Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh Municipal Court's judge Sor Lina said the group was charged with "acting as intermediaries in surrogacy and engaging in falsifying documents." Under the charges, the trio could face up to two years in prison if convicted. The trio appeared in court in orange prison uniform on Tuesday morning. Answered the judge's questions, Tammy said she operated the clinic since early 2014 till she was arrested. She had arranged for 23 Cambodian women to carry babies for 18 Australian couples and five American couples. "In average, we charged a foreign couple 50,000 U.S. dollars for surrogacy services," she told the judge, admitting that she paid only 10,000 U.S. dollars to Cambodian women to bear pregnancies on their behalf. According to Tammy, all born babies had exited Cambodia for their biological parents. During Tuesday's trial, two surrogate mothers also testified against the trio. Cambodia banned commercial surrogacy in November 2016, describing the surrogacy as a form of human "trading." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 15:14:06|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Two Cambodian suspects have been sent to court after being arrested on suspicion of killing two globally endangered black-shanked Douc Langur inside Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS), a conservationist group said on Tuesday. "While patrolling inside KSWS, we saw three men carrying the dead black-shanked Douc Langurs along a track in the forest. Our team immediately arrested the suspects and filed the complaint to the court," Em Tray, KSWS's Community Patrolling Team leader, said in a statement released by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Black-shanked Douc Langurs (Pygathrix nigripes) are found only in Cambodia and Vietnam, with the largest known surviving population found in KSWS, according to the WCS. Sadly, these beautiful animals are hunted for their stomachs due to a mistaken belief that they are medicinally beneficial, the WCS said, adding that they are also killed for meat, and in some areas adults are killed and their babies taken for the pet trade. They are listed on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as globally endangered. Under Cambodia's Protected Area Law, poaching endangered wildlife can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. "Illegal poaching is still occurring inside the protected area, even though KSWS rangers and community rangers are working hard to patrol the forest," said Tan Setha, WCS' technical advisor to KSWS. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 15:34:17|Editor: Song Lifang Kenneth Quinn, president of World Food Prize Foundation, addresses the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium in Des Moines, the United States, on June 12, 2017. The prospects of U.S.-China relations are very promising, according to participants of the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium, which opened Monday in Des Moines, capital of U.S. state of Iowa. (Xinhua/Wang Ping) DES MOINES, the United States, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The prospects of U.S.-China relations are promising in various fields including economic and trade cooperation, agricultural exchange, education and investment, according to participants in the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium held here Monday. More than 20 Chinese and U.S. experts and scholars gathered Monday in Des Moines, capital of the mid-west U.S. state of Iowa, to deliberate on such topics as China-U.S. relations, local cooperation and the prospects of the relationship between the two countries. In a speech at the opening ceremony, Former Minister of the State Council Information Office Zhao Qizheng said rapid development of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is not only an epitome of China-U.S. relations, but also helps build up a solid foundation for China-U.S. cooperation in other fields. Statistics show that China-U.S. trade volume grew from 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1979 to 524.3 billion dollars in 2016, a rise of 209 times, according to Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei. China is the United States' largest export market outside North America, and is also one of the fastest growing major export markets of the United States. "People of both countries have benefited from this economic and trade relationship," said Zhao, "China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation promises huge opportunities and potentials, and the prospects are very promising." The relationship between China and the United States has experienced ups and downs all the way along but has kept forging ahead as economic and trade cooperation played the roles of "ballast stone" and "propeller," Hong said. In 2016, bilateral service trade volume between the two countries exceeded 100 billion dollars, and two-way investment totaled 170 billion dollars. "China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, for which economic and trade cooperation is the most active and lasting driving force," Hong said. Statistics also show a rosy picture of China-U.S. partnership in terms of education and investment. According to a report published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in May 2016, the United States is Chinese students' top destination for studying abroad, as some 353,000 Chinese students account for 34 percent of the total number of international students in the United States, said Hong. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce estimated that Chinese students studying in the United States spent about 45,000 dollars per person in 2016, contributing around 15.9 billion dollars to the U.S. revenue. U.S.-invested enterprises in China have maintained good performance and gained high profits. In 2016, the total revenue of U.S.-funded banks, insurance and security companies reached 48 billion dollars, Hong said. In the meantime, Chinese investment in the United States is growing rapidly. A report by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and Rhodium Group indicated that Chinese enterprises invested 45.6 billion dollars in the United States in 2016, a 200-percent increase from the previous record set in 2015. Earlier on Sunday, Chinese think tank researchers visited Kimberley Farm, where they exchanged views with farm owner Rick Kimberley on management of modern farms and also on agricultural exchange between the two countries. As a witness to the booming agricultural ties between China and Iowa, the Kimberley family is not only exporting soybeans to China, but also introducing their advanced farming technology to China, the largest soybean export market for the United States. A model farm which will be fashioned after the Kimberleys' one is set to be built next year in north China's Hebei Province, a sister province of Iowa. "China-U.S. relations are not only about the government-level exchanges, but more importantly lie in the exchanges between people from the two countries. The close people-to-people exchanges could further contribute to the development of bilateral relations," said Zhao after visiting the Kimberleys' farm. "I'm very impressed by American farmers' strong emphasis on the importance of stable bilateral economic relationship," said Wei Jianguo, China's former vice minister of commerce. According to a report released by the U.S.-China Business Council, the U.S.-China trade relationship actually supports roughly 2.6 million jobs in the United States across a range of industries. As the Chinese economy transits into the modern age, there is ample reason to believe U.S. exports can grow even more rapidly, and U.S. firms can harvest significant revenues from their investments, said the report. (Xinhua reporters Xu Jing, Yang Shilong and Jiang Yujuan contributed to the story) Courtesy of Robin Vermeer Bobo(HOT SPRINGS, Ark.) -- Seventy years together sounds awfully sweet for this couple. Paul Miller serenaded his wife Imogene Miller with a sweet rendition of Bing Crosbys Let Me Call You Sweetheart at their 70th anniversary celebration on Saturday, while lovingly holding her hand. I started practicing so it would sound just right, Paul Miller, 89, told ABC News. I didnt just reach up out of the clear blue sky to choose it. The lovebirds from Hot Springs, Arkansas, wed on June 15, 1947. Shes the only one Ive ever had, said Paul Miller. It started out when I was 18 and its gone along just as great as ever. June 15 is also Pauls 90th birthday. Their granddaughter Sarah Saragusa said Imogene wouldnt marry Paul until he turned 20, so they wed on his birthday. Their story is really cute. My grandmother is actually a few months older, said Saragusa, 36. She told my grandfather she wouldnt marry him until he turned 20 so they got married on his birthday. She wanted him to be a mature man at 20 before they got married. They met at the Western Union, he really pursued her. Hes always been the outgoing one and shes very sweet. Hes always said shes the most beautiful woman hes ever known. The couple renewed their vows at The Vines at Shelly Lane in Hot Springs, a wedding venue their son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Caroline Miller, own. We had it all set it up and he had a microphone and he sang to her, said Caroline Miller. For someone thats almost 90 to be able to sing like that is just amazing. Paul Millers advice for everlasting love? Pick the right girl, he said. The video of Paul Miller singing to his lovely bride has gone viral with nearly 75,000 views in less than 24 hours after the local ABC affiliate, WATV, posted the touching video to their Facebook page. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 15:54:28|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice president and foreign minister, attend a press conference after their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, June 13, 2017. China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) by Xinhua writers Liu Wanli, Deng Yushan BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Panama on Tuesday established formal diplomatic relations in a historic development that opens up a promising new era of bilateral interaction and accords with the long-term and fundamental interests of both countries. In a joint communique signed in Beijing by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Panamanian Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, the two sides agree to develop friendly relations on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. Announcing the decision in the nationally televised address, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said he is convinced that this is "the correct path" for his country. Indeed, it is the right path for the Central American country to recognize the one-China policy and found its way to the mainstream international community. Meanwhile, for the practical benefit of the people of both countries, with the bilateral relationship entering the normal track, China-Panama cooperation and exchanges are set to boom. Among many others, China is the world's largest trader and second-largest economy, and Panama is an important regional logistics hub. Such complementary strengths herald a bright future of fruitful cooperation. Undoubtedly, the establishment of full diplomatic relations between China and Panama reflects the increasing national strength and rising international status of the Asian country. Yet more importantly, it testifies to the growing global consensus on the new type of international relations China has been championing, which features win-win cooperation as the core. All in all, Panama's choice of severing ties with Taiwan and adopting the one-China policy is a wise and welcome, which is expected to bring about great benefits to both countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 15:59:37|Editor: An Video Player Close WUHAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Police in central China's Hubei Province have raided an Internet fraud gang and detained 808 members, making it the largest online financial fraud group uncovered in China. The public security bureau in Wuhan, Hubei's capital, said on Tuesday that the group used both telecommunication networks and illegal Internet finance websites to attract investors to its stock and futures schemes. Its 800-plus members worked in office buildings pretending to be securities clerks. In a coordinated operation, more than 1,000 police officers raided the gang's 10 sites in Wuhan, seizing evidence of fraud, including 800 computers, 2,000 mobile phones and 3,000 bank cards. The police investigation found that the gang started setting up a number of firms in 2015 and recruited professionals to provide securities analysis and consulting services on financial products including stocks, futures, precious metals and foreign exchange trading. The exact amount of funds involved is unknown at this time as the investigation is still under way. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 15:59:39|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close A visitor tries a virtual driving system that can be used by driving schools during the 2017 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Asia in Shanghai, east China, June 7, 2017. More than 450 exhibiting companies from 22 countries and regions took part in the CES Asia, which kicked off here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, smart homes and wearable devices are just a few of the high-tech concepts being pioneered and turned into products by Chinese companies. A visit to the recently-concluded CES Asia in Shanghai, one of the largest exhibitions for high-tech products in Asia, offered a glimpse into how far China has advanced in smart manufacturing, with Chinese firms such as Huawei, Baidu and Haier exhibiting the latest in a series of sophisticated high-tech products, including self-driving vehicles. Once a world factory known for producing low-value products, China is focusing on the next stage of its development. The "Made in China 2025" strategy aims to avoid "premature deindustrialization," according to Richard Kozul-Wright and Daniel Poon, two senior U.N. officials who recently wrote an article on the strategy. "If it succeeds, it will have laid the institutional foundations for new sources of growth. And, as the benefits of innovation are diffused throughout the economy, China will move closer to its goal: becoming a high-income country," they wrote. The "Made in China 2025" strategy, a roadmap released by the State Council in 2015 to guide the country's advanced industrial manufacturing, has seen steady progress in industrial capability, smart manufacturing, innovation, as well as product quality and branding. A recent case in point was the home-grown passenger jet C919 that took its first test flight last month. "The top-down design of the strategy is generally in shape, with other complementing plans going smoothly," according to Xin Guobin, deputy head with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. "On the one hand, China has been increasing investment in research and development, leading to fast growth of patents and inventions, while on the other hand, the country has made breakthroughs in developing fundamental technologies, components, material and techniques," Xin added. Average productivity was up by 38 percent for China's first 109 pilot projects in smart manufacturing, while operating costs dropped 21 percent. The ministry has approved 12 pilot regions for the strategy, including cities such as Ningbo in Zhejiang Province and three city clusters in provinces such as Jiangsu. Some of them will be designated as national demonstration areas, which will receive favorable policies in investment, financing and other fields. "The strategy has sometimes been portrayed as a return to old-school top-down mercantilist practices and import-substitution policies. But that reading overlooks China's active experimentation with industrial and financial policies. In fact, that experimentation may hold valuable lessons for policy evaluation and innovation elsewhere," according to Kozul-Wright and Poon. Still there is much room for improvement, especially in the safety and stability of some products, and China has to import high-end equipment, core chips and key materials, according to Luo Wen, another senior official with the ministry. "China will prioritize developing new information technologies and new material, while keeping steady industrial investment, expanding consumption and promoting international capacity cooperation," Luo said. The European Union Chamber of Commerce claimed in a report in March that China's support for high-tech manufacturing would lead to worsening treatment of foreign companies, while allowing government-subsidized homegrown players to compete unfairly. However, many have been eager to point out that central support of such industry is a common practice worldwide . "Government guidance and financial support towards the high-tech sector are common global practices as the market entails huge investment and poses much risk and uncertainty," according to Xin. "Policies and measures under 'Made in China 2025' are applicable to both domestic and foreign businesses, and all companies will be treated equally." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 16:30:02|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Glistening and boiled bright red, stacks of spiced crayfish can be found spread across tables on summer nights in major Chinese cities. China's crayfish craze begins every June, as the crustacean is a favorite snack to eat with a couple bottles of chilled beer on summer nights. According to a report released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese consumption of crayfish has jumped by one third to 879,300 tonnes a year over the past two years. Annual output reached 899,100 tonnes in 2016, making China the world's largest producer of crayfish, accounting for over 70 percent of the world's total. Native to North America, crayfish were brought to east China's Jiangsu Province by a Japanese merchant in the 1930s. They have proliferated in the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River with its fertile land and a large network of rivers and lakes providing an ideal habitat for the species. Central and eastern China's Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hunan and Jiangxi province produce 95 percent of the nation's total output. Hubei Province alone makes more than 60 percent of the total, or 489,000 tonnes in 2016. Central, eastern and north China are major consumers of crayfish. Major Chinese cities including Beijing, Wuhan, Nanjing, Shanghai, Hefei and Hangzhou have annual consumption of more than 10,000 tonnes. Since 2011, the crayfish industry has expanded rapidly across the country as many localities look to the industry for higher profits and employment. Raising and processing of crayfish plus related service industries total 146.61 billion yuan (21.16 billion U.S. dollars) in value, providing nearly 5 million jobs in China. The crayfish farming industry is worth 56.4 billion yuan and the processing sector is worth 10.2 billion yuan, while related service industries have a value of 80 billion yuan. Outside of the domestic market, Chinese crayfish have found fans in the United States and Europe. In 2016, China exported 23,300 tonnes of crayfish worth 259 million U.S. dollars. Nearly 40 percent of them went to the United States, while 90 percent of crayfish consumed in Europe were from China. Popular dishes include braised, steamed and garlic crayfish in China. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 16:40:11|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close DES MOINES, the United States, June 12 (Xinhua) -- To address the trade imbalances between China and the United States, which have been the focus of the Trump administration's trade policy toward China, both countries should carry out structural reforms rather than just narrow the trade deficit, experts from the two countries said here on Monday. It's the structural issues that contributed to the trade imbalances between the two countries, Zhang Yuyan, director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said at the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium held in Des Moines, Iowa. China has maintained a high savings rate during its economic expansion, while the United States consumes a large amount of global products and services and has a very low savings rate, he said. "This kind of structural issue is one of the primary reasons behind the trade imbalance," Zhang added. In addition, as the global value chain develops, more and more foreign companies are investing in China, making China an important link in the chain, said Zhang. During the 2010-2015 period, exports from foreign-owned companies in China accounted for about half of China's total exports, according to the expert. The United States has been concerned about the trade deficit in goods with China, while China runs a deficit in bilateral services trade, which reflects the different trade structures of the two countries, he noted. Statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce showed that in 2016, China's deficit in the services trade with the United States was as high as 55.7 billion U.S. dollars, which accounted for 23.1 percent of the year's total, making the United States a top source for China's services trade deficit. Bi Jiyao, deputy director of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, echoed Zhang's view. China's current account has become more balanced in recent years, compared to a decade ago, said Bi. The share of China's current account surplus to gross domestic product has dropped to below 2 percent in 2016, compared to about 9.9 percent in 2007, according to Chinese statistics. Changes in China's exports and imports mainly reflected the changes in external demand as well as China's domestic demand, said Bi, adding that trade imbalances between the two countries are mainly due to fundamental structural issues, not currency issues. "Tracking trade deficit is misleading. All that (trade deficit) means that we in the United States consume more," said Tori K. Whiting, a research associate at the Washington-based think tank The Heritage Foundation. All financial flows in or out of the United States, such as imports, exports and foreign direct investment, are inter-connected, and attempts to influence one part, such as the deficit in goods trade, will have consequences for the others, said Whiting. She estimated that if the United States seeks to impose punitive tariffs on products, such as steel and aluminum, it's the American businesses and consumers that will get hurt. It's better for both sides to address economic differences, such as trade imbalances and overcapacity in China's steel industry, through candid dialogue, said Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei. Further opening up markets, promoting bilateral investment, and strengthening trade ties at the local level could contribute to stronger and closer economic ties between China and the United States, said Hong. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 16:45:14|Editor: Song Lifang Rescuers work at the debris of a collapsed building in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, June 13, 2017. Fifteen people are still missing or feared trapped as of Tuesday in debris of a seven-storey residential building that collapsed here Monday, police said. (Xinhua/John Okoyo) NAIROBI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen people are still missing or feared trapped as of Tuesday in debris of a seven-storey residential building that collapsed here Monday, police said. Nairobi police commander Japheth Koome said some 121 people have been accounted for after they were evacuated moments before the building caved in at 10:00 p.m. (1900 GMT) at Kware in east of Nairobi. Koome said they had taken a roll call of the residents of the building and added there were some people missing. "The residents say between two to 10 or more people are missing. There could be some who refused to leave when they were being told to evacuate, but we are doing our best to establish the claims," said Koome. "Most of the families cooperated and evacuated timely, safely. However, it is believed that some people may have been trapped," National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) Deputy Director and Communication Officer Pius Masai said in a statement. Masai said rescuers have been searching through the debris to establish if anyone is still trapped in the building. "We appeal to anyone with cutters, drillers and any other extrication equipment to support search and rescue efforts," he said. Several emergency providers and heavy excavation machines were sent to the scene hours later to help dig through the rubble and find any survivors. Police and emergency service providers leading the operation said it would take long to dig through the rubble to confirm the claims. The police have launched investigations as rescue operations are ongoing. Residents said the ill-fated building had earlier shown imminent signs of collapse. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 18:56:21|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close NAIROBI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government said Tuesday it has stepped up efforts to reduce the country's susceptibility to the severe effects of climate change by planting rapidly maturing bamboo in selected catchment areas. Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Professor Judy Wakhungu said Nairobi is currently experiencing acute water shortage caused by low water levels in Ndaka-ini dam which serves 84 percent of Nairobi residents with water. "Bamboo can grow in almost any kind of climate and thrive in the poorest of soils. To tap into this lucrative green economy, the government has positioned itself to commercialize bamboo," Wakhungu said in a statement issued in Nairobi. "The profit potential has become even greater as environmentalists link bamboo with climate change mitigation, and the possibility of increased income through carbon credits," she said, noting that currently, effects of climate change are already being felt across the country. The world bamboo market is growing, led by China and an increasing demand for sustainable products in Europe and the U.S. According to the International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), an intergovernmental organization registered with the UN that promotes the growing of bamboo and rattan for economic and environmental gains, the global bamboo economy is now valued at 60 billion U.S. dollars and is a potential income generator for rural communities. The Vision 2030 Director General, Julius Muia, said that the Secretariat is seeking to identify ways to enhance awareness of the adverse effects of climate change. Muia stated that the Initiative was geared at establishing appropriate mechanisms for involving the public in building resilience of the country's poor and those in vulnerable situations. "Climate change is a cross-cutting global issue and it is crucial that all stakeholders involved in the implementation of Vision 2030 flagship projects, work closely to mainstream fitting climate change responsive strategies into development plans," he said. Aware of the threats posed by global warming, the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat has been holding structured discussions with various stakeholders including private sector players to establish how best to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in County governments. Special focus has been directed to key Vision 2030 projects that are being implemented. The bamboo planting program is a Kenya Vision 2030 project under the greening Kenya initiative. It is designed to encourage and enable Kenyans to participate widely in environmental activities by developing small bamboo forests in pursuit of achieving the targeted 10 percent forest cover by 2030. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:01:23|Editor: MJ Video Player Close BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Some 45,000 civilian drones have been registered under real names since a new rule was introduced to improve civil aviation safety, an official said Tuesday. On June 1, China required civilian drones weighing more than 250 grams to be registered under real names after some cases of civilian drones posing a threat to civil aviation safety. Drone owners must register before August 31. The registration process has gained support from manufacturers and users, according to Wang Jingling, an official with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). In late April, four drones flew illegally over Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province. They obliged 58 flights to land at alternative airports, four to return, and many more to be canceled. The overall market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, is expected to reach 75 billion yuan (around 11 billion U.S. dollars) by 2025 in China, according to an iResearch report last year. The report predicted that aerial photography by drone will generate 30 billion yuan alone. The revenue from drones in agriculture, forestry, power inspections and security is expected to be about 40 billion yuan. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:06:26|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close MOSUL, Iraq, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Fierce battles against the Islamic State (IS) militants continued at the edge of the old city center on Tuesday, as the Iraqi government forces completed clearing al-Zanjili neighborhood, the Iraqi military said. The federal police forces and the interior ministry elite forces, known as Raid Response, cleared the northern part of al-Zanjili neighborhood from the last pockets of IS militants and removed large number of landmines and traps set up earlier by the extremist militants, Abdul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a brief statement. Meanwhile, the federal police forces, army soldiers and the commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) have pushed further against IS militants in the adjacent neighborhood of al-Shifaa under heavy clashes, the statement said. The troops have been fighting back and forth street-to-street battles for more than two weeks in the two neighborhoods of al-Zanjili and al-Shifaa due to the stiff resistance of the extremist militants and the presence of civilians, who were used by IS militants as human shields. Iraqi forces, backed by international coalition, are fighting to drive out IS militant from the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River, but al-Shifaa neighborhood and the densely-populated old city center, are still under control of the extremist militants. According to the Iraqi military, over 90 percent of the city has been retaken from IS in the ongoing major offensive launched in October last year. Separately, the Iraqi F-16 jet fighters, based on intelligence report, conducted an air strike on suspected three car bomb-making sites in the IS-held town of Tal Afar, some 70 km west of Mosul, destroying the three sites and killing many IS militants inside, the JOC said in a separate statement. Mosul, 400 km north of Iraq's capital Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:06:31|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close LONDON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Police had investigated the ringleader of the London bridge terror attack, but could not even charge him with the minor offence of common assault, it was revealed Tuesday. London Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley outlined in an article, released by the Met, details of the efforts made by the Met and Britain's secret service MI5 to investigate terrorist Kharum Butt. Butt was one of three men shot and killed by armed police in a terror attack in London. Rowley said:"We investigated Butt, the London Bridge ringleader, however, there was no intelligence to suggest that this attack was being planned and the investigation was prioritized accordingly." "He is one of thousands of vile people, with vile views, so we searched for other evidence of criminality to lock him up." "We had a public report to our hotline about him. It was welcome and confirmed what we knew -- he was a vile and worrying extremist -- but took us no closer to evidencing offending. We investigated him for fraud and common assault but there was no prospect of charging him," added Rowley. The police terrorism expert said with three terror attacks in Britain within ten weeks, the tempo of the terror threat is unprecedented. "Working with MI5, we have about 500 investigations involving some 3,000 individuals posing the biggest threats. There are another 20,000 who we continue to be concerned about. Some of these, we will decide to move into the priority group. Others may move from radical to would-be terrorist very quickly," said Rowley. Rowley called for local communities to be more assertive at calling out extremists and radicalisers among the population. "It's not just overseas propaganda inspiring attacks." He also wants internet-based companies to show more responsibility. "It is too easy for the angry, violent or vulnerable to access extremist views, learn about attack methodologies, conspire on encrypted applications and then acquire equipment to kill, all online," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:11:34|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia, the world's second largest palm oil producer, saw storage in May fall 2.64 percent month-on-month to 1.56 million tonnes as exports rose, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said in a statement Tuesday. According to the statement, Malaysian total crude palm oil (CPO) production in May stood at 1.65 million tonnes, a 6.88 percent higher compared with the previous month. CPO stocks dropped 8.43 percent month-on-month to 789,289 tonnes, while processed palm oil stocks increased by 4.12 percent to 768,330 tonnes. Meanwhile, palm oil export surged 17.33 percent month-on-month to 1.51 million tonnes. Analysts expect palm oil prices to stay weak in the second half, as they foresee an uptrend for palm oil inventories. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:11:36|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close HELSINKI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Twenty members of the Finns Party parliamentary group announced in Helsinki on Tuesday that they would leave the True Finns group and form a separate parliamentary group named as The New Alternative. The group includes all the True Finns cabinet ministers of the current government. The group of 20 appeared in a press conference outside the caucus premises of the True Finns at 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday. They said they had lost their political home as the party chose hardliner Jussi Halla-aho as the new chairman last Saturday. The group said it was willing to talk with the prime minister Juha Sipila about the governent situation. Sipila is supposed to meet Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at 3 p.m. Tuesday to hand in the formal resignation of the his cabinet. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:21:25|Editor: MJ Students take part in a coming-of-age rite at a tourism vocational institute in Harbin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, June 13, 2017. A total of 82 18-year-old students attended the rite, during which students wearing Han-style clothes took part in capping ceremony (for boys) and hair-pinning ceremony (for girls), and saying vows to celebrate their entering into adults. The rite is expected to make the young people hold an idea of social responsibility. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:21:41|Editor: MJ Video Player Close COLOMBO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's tourism sector is to undertake a digital promotion campaign so as to boost attraction for tourists, an official here said on Tuesday. Managing Director of Sri Lanka's Tourism Promotion Bureau Suthesh Balasubramaniam told Xinhua that most tourists look to online channels for information on destination, and therefore digital promotion would be helpful for the development of the sector. He said Sri Lanka does some form of digital promotion at the moment, but it is not enough. The country plans to attract 2.5 million tourists by the end of this year. He said Sri Lanka would target high spending, long staying tourists. Also, a separate online promotional campaign would be launched targeting Indian and Chinese tourists. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:21:42|Editor: MJ Video Player Close JINAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Two companies in eastern China's Shandong Province will recruit 6,000 construction workers to work in Israel, said local officials on Tuesday. These workers will serve as steel fixers, carpenters, tilers and plasterers for construction projects in Israel, according to a press conference held by the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province. The recruitment drive came after Israel welcomed Chinese construction workers to help solve its labor shortage at home. The minimum monthly wage for the workers will be 5,200 New Shekels (1,468 U.S. dollars), plus a special fund of more than 720 New Shekels. There will also be payment for overtime and holidays, according to an official at the conference. Other benefits, such as housing and medical insurance, will also be provided to the workers, who should be healthy men between 25 and 45 in age. China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Ltd. and Weihai International Economic and Technical Cooperative Co. Ltd. will arrange the recruitment and their trips to Israel. Shandong sends more people to work overseas than any other province in China. Last year, it sent 69,000 people to work overseas. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:21:43|Editor: MJ Video Player Close COLOMBO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah is in Sri Lanka on an official visit, a statement from the Pakistan High Commission here said on Tuesday. The statement said the admiral was warmly received by the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne. The statement said that during his visit, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah exchanged views with the Sri Lankan side on issues of bilateral importance and mutual interest, and called on top military officials in Sri Lanka. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:31:46|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A total of 12 militants were killed after the security forces aircraft pounded Taliban hideouts in Imam Sahib district of northern Kunduz province Tuesday, an army spokesman in the province, Abdul Khalil Khalili, said. According to the official, the aircraft conducted sorties against Taliban hideouts in Kygyz village of the beleaguered Imam Sahib district early Tuesday morning, killing 12 insurgents on the spot and injuring six others. Fierce fighting has been continuing for almost 10 days between Taliban and government forces for the control of Imam Sahib district, Kunduz province. Government forces recaptured Imam Sahib district on Saturday and since then cleanup operations have been continuing to ensure lasting peace in the restive district. Taliban militants are yet to make comments. Kenyans sing and dance beside one of the first batch of locomotives for the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Mombasa, Kenya, on Jan. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) NAIROBI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya should take a cue from China's model of harnessing youth bulge to promote socio-economic and cultural renewal, an expert has said at a forum in Nairobi. Professor Maria Nzomo, the Director at the University of Nairobi's Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies noted on Monday that Beijing has set precedence in tapping the skills and entrepreneur spirit of its youth to drive progress. "We should emulate China's approach to empowering its youthful population through creation of a conducive environment to enable them realize their full potential," Nzomo said on the sidelines of a forum on election preparedness. Delegates attending the conference agreed that Kenyan youth can be a force for positive change subject to creation of a friendly environment that enable them participate in nation building. Nzomo noted that youth empowerment through vocational training and employment is key to prevent social turmoil as Kenya heads to the polls in August this year. She urged policymakers to involve the youth in programs that advances cohesion, sustainable development and peace. At the same time, Nzomo reiterated that economic empowerment of the youth will cushion them from involvement in criminal activities like terrorism, robbery or election related violence during this election season. "The government must create a platform to engage the youth in civic matters. Dialogue rather than confrontation will ensure our youth become peace ambassadors in this campaign season," said Nzomo, adding that the state should be on the look out to nip violent extremism in the bud as Kenya braces for a hotly contested general election. Sino-Kenya bilateral cooperation in diverse fields like education, industrial and infrastructure development as well as cultural exchanges has benefitted the country's youth. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 19:56:58|Editor: An Video Player Close SHANGHAI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai police have apprehended 31 people in connection with 1,300 telecommunication fraud cases with total illegal gains of 4 million yuan (590,000 U.S. dollars). The gang asked for "brokerage fees" for fake loans, Li Shidong, of the public security department in Shanghai's Jinshan District, said Tuesday. Police started investigating the case in late March, when a resident surnamed Chen told police he was asked to pay 4,500 yuan via the social networking app WeChat to obtain a loan. After he made a 4,000 yuan down payment of the brokerage fee, the loan was rejected, with no money returned. Police found more than 1,300 similar cases had been reported from November 2016 to April 2017, with victims across the country. With the help of police in Shandong Province, the gang was arrested in late May in Liaocheng City, Shandong. Twenty of the suspects will face fraud charges, said Li. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 20:22:10|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close HELSINKI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila cancelled the planned resignation of his cabinet after 20 members of the True Finns parliamentary group on Tuesday seceded. The secessionists included all the True Finns ministers of the government, as well as the Speaker of Parliament Maria Lohela. The newly formed group pledged to support the current government. Sipila was on his way to Naantali, western Finland to meet Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, but he turned back to Helsinki upon the decision of the large defection from the Finns Party. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 21:12:36|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (L) shakes hands with Han Zheng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee during their meeting in Athens, Greece on June 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) by Chen Zhanjie, Liu Yongqiu ATHENS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Greece have agreed here to boost cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. China-Greece relations have witnessed steady progress in recent years with frequent high-level visits, substantial economic and trade cooperation and increasing people-to-people exchanges, Chinese official Han Zheng told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday. Han, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, said this year marks the 45th anniversary for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and China is willing to work with Greece to bring the comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. Han said China is willing to align the two countries' development strategies and promote practical cooperation in all fields through the Belt and Road Initiative. He said the CPC attaches great importance to the development of relations with Tsipras' Syriza party and wishes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties, contributing to Sino-Greek ties. Tsipras said Greece attaches great importance to its relations with China and wish to take the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to further advance dialogue and cooperation with China in fields such as development and global governance. He said Syriza party is willing to enhance communication with the CPC on ideas of party and state governance in order to yield more practical results in the two countries' cooperation in all fields. Han led a Chinese delegation for a visit to Greece from Sunday to Tuesday at the invitation of the country's ruling Syriza party. During the visit, Han also held talks with Greek Parliamentary Speaker Nikos Voutsis and Athens Mayor Yiorgos Kaminis, and oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding on friendly cooperation between Athens and Shanghai. He also attended New Oriental Chinese Music Scene concert dedicated to the 45th anniversary of Greece-China diplomatic relations and visited the Piraeus port project managed by China COSCO Shipping. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 21:22:45|Editor: An Video Player Close KUNMING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A cargo train heading for Vietnam left Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province Monday afternoon, an opening of a new route. The train will travel 854 kilometers in four to six days to the port city of Hai Phong, carrying mainly ore and raw materials for the chemical industry in 32 containers, according to the Jinlai Shunfa international logistics company. The service is currently weekly, and is expected to become daily when the supply of goods becomes more regular. Experts hope that the new route could help boost communication and exchanges between Yunnan and Vietnam. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 21:47:57|Editor: xuxin Investigators work at the scene of the explosion at the fenced entrance of Dhekelia British Sovereign Base in Cyprus on June 13, 2017. A bomb was hurled over the fence at the entrance of the Dhekelia British Sovereign Base, known as the Eastern Sovereign Base area, by a passing motor cyclist just before day break on Tuesday and authorities said that they are treating the case as a criminal attack. (Xinhua/Christos Theodorides) NICOSIA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A bomb was hurled at the entrance of a police station at the fenced entrance of a British Base in Cyprus just before day break on Tuesday and authorities said that they are treating the case as a criminal attack. "A terrorist attack is out of the question," a British Base police spokesman said. Reports quoting Base policemen suggested that the incident is linked to stiff fine penalties imposed on poachers by police in the area on Monday. The Base police, along with the Cypriot police and naturalists, are at war with bird catchers and poachers who trap millions of songbirds each year using mist nets and lime sticks. The bomb was hurled over the fence at the entrance of the Dhekelia British Sovereign Base, known as the Eastern Sovereign Base area, by a passing motor cyclist. It caused "very minor injuries" to a policeman and slight damage to the police station entrance. The Eastern Sovereign Base area is freely accessible to the public, with a busy road just meters away from the fenced off entrance. Britain retained sovereignty over two areas comprising 254 square kilometers when it granted independence to Cyprus in 1960. Part of this area on the south coast is used as an important airbase and is off limits to civilians, but otherwise several thousand Greek Cypriots live in villages within the two bases. The two base areas are policed by a police force which is separate from the Cypriot police, but is made up of Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 22:08:03|Editor: An Video Player Close WELLINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's largest city Auckland is set to welcome Sichuan Airlines' inaugural flight from Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province on Tuesday, said New Zealand Transport Minister Simon Bridges. Sichuan Airlines will operate three direct flights per week between Auckland and Chengdu. "New Zealand is in a strong position to attract airlines, with a liberal international air transport policy that allows most major airlines to operate services to New Zealand without restriction," Bridges said in a release. "We have negotiated 60 new or amended air services agreements since 2012," Bridges said, adding " In that time period, the number of services Chinese airlines can offer each week under arrangements between our countries has risen from 7 to 59." "New Zealand is an increasingly popular tourist destination for Chinese visitors," he said. In the year ended March 2017, 404,384 Chinese visitors came to New Zealand -- an increase of 7 percent on the year before, and visitors from China spent 1.45 billion NZ dollars (1.05 billion U.S. dollars), second only to the spending by visitors from Australia, according to the minister. "This new Sichuan Airlines service is a reflection of the growing trade and tourism links between China and New Zealand, and it raises the number of airlines now operating from China to New Zealand from five to six," Bridges said. New Zealand is further expanding its international connectivity, allowing people to get to and from Chinese provinces with greater ease, he said, adding that it is also a testament to the success of New Zealand's International Air Transport Policy, which provides additional opportunities for these airlines. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 22:13:09|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close KATHMANDU, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday left for Switzerland to attend the World of Work Summit organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. Leading a Nepali delegation, President Bhandari is scheduled to address the summit to be held on Thursday. The theme of the annual summit for this year is "Women at Work". In her address, the president will underline the progress made by Nepal in the front of women's participation and representation in politics and highlight the efforts made in addressing the challenges in that trajectory, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. ILO Director General Guy Ryder will call on the Nepali president during her three-day visit to Geneva. Meanwhile, Nepal was elected as the deputy member of the governing body of ILO for the term of 2017-2020 on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release. The election was held on Monday in Geneva during the 106th International Labour Conference (ILC). Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 22:13:11|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close A screenshot taken from a video on June 13, 2017 shows damaged houses in Bangladesh's southeastern Rangamati district. The death toll from early Tuesday's devastating rain-triggered landslides in Bangladesh's three southeastern districts has risen to 71, as rescuers retrieved more bodies including those of two army officers, officials said. (Xinhua) DHAKA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from early Tuesday's devastating rain-triggered landslides in Bangladesh's three southeastern districts has risen to 71, as rescuers retrieved more bodies including those of two army officers, officials said. Heavy rains since Monday morning swept through Bangladesh's three southeastern districts -- Chittagong, Bandarban and Rangamati -- and triggered huge landslides early Tuesday. Four members of Bangladesh Army including two of its officers were killed in a landslide in Rangamati district, said Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh Army. Lieutenant Colonel Md Rashidul Hasan, director of ISPR, told Xinhua that 10 army men were also injured in the incident while another remained missing. He said the army personnel died while conducting rescue operation in the worst landslide that hit the area. The identities of all deceased could not be immediately known. Rangamati Police Chief Sayeed Tarikul Hassan told Xinhua flood caused by the incessant rain has inundated many areas of the district since Monday. He said rescue operation is still underway with rescue teams searching for more bodies under tons of mud and debris with shovels and bare hands. "More people were feared dead under the mud," he said without specifying the number of the dead. A Rangamati district administration official who preferred to be unnamed said rescuers have retrieved 45 bodies in the district, some 391 km away from capital Dhaka. In the Bandarban district located some 316 km away from capital Dhaka, seven people have been killed in landslides. Bandarban Superintendent of Police Sanjeeb Kumar Roy told Xinhua that seven bodies have so far been recovered. He said police with the help of local people retrieved the bodies from under the mud. Nineteen people reportedly died in Chittagong, another danger zone for landslides. Landslides are frequent in Bangladesh's hilly areas during the heavy monsoon that usually runs from June to September. In June 2007, some 123 people were killed in a devastating landslide in the southeastern Chittagong district, some 242 km away from Dhaka. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 22:23:22|Editor: MJ Video Player Close KATHMANDU, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government is considering allowing foreign investors to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country under joint venture arrangement, a senior official of the Industry Ministry said. Nepal's SEZ Act introduced in August 2016 has opened the door for foreign direct investment for the development of SEZ in the country with the provision that such zone could be established under public-private partnership as well as sole investment of private sector only. "We have made provision in the draft of the regulation under SEZ Act that foreign investors could join hands with Nepali investors to establish SEZ in the country under joint venture arrangement," Purusottam Nepal, spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry told Xinhua on Monday. The draft regulation has been sent to the Law Ministry for its inputs. Once the regulation comes into effect, it clears any ambiguity in the act and helps the implementation of it. A month after SEZ Act was introduced, Ping An Insurance (Group) of China in partnership with Lhasa SEZ had sought permission to conduct feasibility study of potential areas where a SEZ could be established and run, according to SEZ Development Committee, a government office overseeing the SEZ affairs. Chinese firms had proposed to explore the areas in Nuwakot and Kavrepalanchowk districts in central Nepal as well as other potential areas. It was the first time that any foreign investor showed interest to develop SEZ in Nepal, according to Chandika Prasad Bhatta, executive director of SEZ Development Committee. "Lately, there is a communication gap with these Chinese investors because we had told them to inquire us after the SEZ regulation is introduced here," Bhatta told Xinhua on Tuesday. According to SEZ Committee, no other foreign investor has so far showed interest to develop SEZ here. Nepal government is preparing to develop SEZ in 17 locations in different parts of the country. But the infrastructure has only been developed in a single SEZ in Bhairahawa, a south western city of Nepal, so far. According to SEZ Committee, it is now in the process of giving approval to 19 domestic industries to set up their factories inside Bhairahawa-based SEZ. Nepal specifically aims to attract export industries inside SEZs and more foreign investment. For this, the SEZ Act has also offered several incentives. The act has made provision of full income tax exemption for five years for the industries operating inside the SEZ. The industries that use at least 60 percent domestic raw materials will get 50 percent tax exemption for additional 10 years while others will get additional five-year tax exemption. The law has also banned workers from holding any form of protests that could affect the production of the factories in the zone. Sorry, this news has been deleted. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 22:38:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WUHAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese airline is investigating the in-flight death of a dog that it had transported as cargo. The case has cast further negative light on China Eastern Airlines just days after one of its flights made an emergency landing in Sydney due to a hole in an engine casing. The dog was a three-year-old Golden Retriever named Doudou. Its owner had hired a pet transportation agency to send the animal from Shenzhen to Wuhan, where the owner's parents live. China Eastern Airlines, the company chosen by the agent, transports live animals as freight in the cargo hold, not in the cabin with passengers. "I told the agent to take extra care with Doudou because I had heard of cases of animals dying during flight," said the owner, surnamed Zuo. When Zuo's father arrived at the airport to collect the dog, he found that the dog was dead. "My father sent me photos. The bars of the cage were bent and covered with bite marks. It must have been in pain," said Zuo. Zuo posted her complaint on social media which aroused heated discussion among the country's growing number of pet lovers. "Was there a problem with the air-conditioning or oxygen in the cargo space?" one commenter asked. "No one knows what exactly happened. The whole process was not properly supervised, nor transparent," said another commenter. A spokesperson for China Eastern Airlines said Doudou and another dog were transported together in the flight's pressurized cargo space. When the plane arrived in Wuhan, Doudou appeared lifeless but the other dog was in a good condition. The spokesperson said the airline will work with the pet transportation agency to determine the cause of Doudou's death, but that it refused to take responsibility as the agent had signed a form releasing the airline from liability. The agency has offered compensation of 5,000 yuan (735 U.S. dollars) which Zuo has refused to accept. Zuo has been advised to take the dispute to court. People have posted warnings online telling pet owners to think twice about transporting their pets by air as it still involves a high level of risk. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 22:48:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PYONGYANG, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Tuesday warned South Korean President Moon Jae-in of potential "brain-washing" efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump during their upcoming summit in Washington. "The U.S. has buckled down to taming the South Korean authorities in an undisguised manner," said the Korean Central News Agency in a commentary. The DPRK has criticized Moon for submitting to U.S. pressure and maintaining a hardline policy toward Pyongyang. "What matters is that the present chief executive of South Korea (Moon), who caught the interest of the public for his remarks that 'he would always say no to the U.S.,' has now gone servile to the U.S.," said the commentary. The United States has engaged in a "cynical ploy" against moderate governments in Seoul in the past to pressure them into accepting U.S. policy and maintaining an alliance with Washington, it said. "The U.S. has tamed the democratic forces to keep pace with it with utmost vigilance whenever they rose to power in South Korea," said the commentary. The DPRK has urged Moon to revive the reconciliation process in accordance with two joint declarations signed by leaders of the two sides in early 2002. Pyongyang also urged Seoul to dismantle the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and get rid of pro-U.S. forces in the new government. Last month, South Korea's presidential Blue House said that South Korea and the United States had agreed to hold a summit meeting in late June in Washington. The agreement on the summit was reached between Matt Pottinger, a senior director for East Asia at the National Security Council of the White House and Chung Eui-yong, a former South Korean ambassador to Geneva who now leads Moon's security and diplomatic task force. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:03:39|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice president and foreign minister, attend a press conference after their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, June 13, 2017. China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING/TAIPEI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Panama signed a joint communique with China in Beijing Tuesday to establish diplomatic relations and break so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan, a move perceived as more extensive recognition of the one-China principle and a warning to the Taiwan administration. After signing the communique, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters that the political decision made by the Panamanian government meets the fundamental interests of the country, and accords with the development trend of the times as well as the one-China framework already in place in the international community. Also on Tuesday, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the move accords with the will of the people and represents an irresistible trend, urging the Taiwan administration to clearly understand the situation and make the right choice. Jiang Shixue, director of the Latin America research center at Shanghai University, said it is natural for China, the second largest user of the Panama Canal, to attract countries that previously have not had diplomatic relations, especially with its years of development and strengthened national power. "The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will promote cooperation between China and Central America and the Caribbean region, and will have a demonstrative effect," he said. Tuesday's news has triggered a strong rebound in public opinion in Taiwan. Many in Taiwan regarded Panama's choice of severing "diplomatic relations" with the island a serious defeat for the current Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, saying the DPP has only itself to blame. Hung Meng-kai, deputy director-general of the KMT Culture and Communications Committee, said the breaking of "ties" meant the DPP administration's "foreign policy" had completely failed, and would only lead Taiwan to isolationism. "The DPP's so-called maintaining the status quo policy in cross-Strait relationship has also been a complete failure. Two countries have broken 'ties' with Taiwan within a year, is this the outcome our administrators, who claimed themselves as the best communicators, have given us?" said Hung, who warned that more countries might follow suit. Panama is the second country to break ties with Taiwan since the DPP administration took office in May last year. It was Taiwan's most important "friend" in Central and South America and was the first nation Taiwan's current leader Tsai Ing-wen visited after she took power. According to Hsieh Ming-hui, chief executive officer of the Taiwan Competitiveness Forum, the DPP administration's refusal to recognize the 1992 Consensus had damaged the political mutual trust between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, and hence resulted in the reduction of international space for Taiwan. "The DPP should be fully responsible," Hsieh added. Ties between China and Panama go back more than 160 years. The first group of Chinese immigrants arrived in Panama in the mid-1850s to work on the construction of the trans-isthmus railway, which served as the main international cargo route until the Panama Canal was built. The establishment of diplomatic relations did not come as a surprise for Wu Hongying, director of the Latin America office of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. "Both the politicians and business people in Panama have witnessed China's increasing influence and regard it as an active and responsible power," Wu said. Yuan Zheng of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said the one-China principle, which was acknowledged in the Resolution 2758 adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 1971, has become a universal consensus in the international community. "More and more countries that have so-called 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan will establish diplomatic ties with China in the future," Yuan said. The Islamic State group claimed its first attacks in Iran as gunmen and suicide bombers killed at least 17 people in twin assaults on parliament and the tomb of the country's revolutionary founder in Tehran. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) TEHRAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that Saudi Arabia is supporting terrorism in Iran's borders, Tehran Times daily reported. "We have intelligence that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in promoting terrorist groups" in Iran's eastern and western borders," Zarif told the opening of the Oslo Forum in Norway on Tuesday. Zarif told the forum that recent Saudi officials' remarks against Iran are a "direct threat and very dangerous provocation." The remarks by Zarif partially referred to the comments made by Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud, in May, who said Riyadh would bring "the battle" into Iran. Also, just hours before the deadly attacks by the Islamic State (IS) in Iran's capital Tehran last Wednesday, which killed 17 people, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir claimed that Iran was the world's leading supporter of terrorism and must be punished. On Tuesday, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Saudi Arabia has been behind June 7 terrorist attacks in Tehran. "We have obtained accurate intelligence that Saudi Arabia supported the terrorists and asked them to carry out attacks in Iran," Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari was quoted as saying by semi-official Mehr news agency. In the meantime, deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri said Tuesday that Saudi Arabia and the United States "direct and support such acts of terrorism against regional countries," Tasnim news agency reported. The recent terrorist attacks and other hostile moves by the enemies cannot undermine the Iranian nation's resolve to continue fighting terrorism, Jazayeri said. Top Iranian political leaders have gestured the United States and Saudi Arabia of being behind the recent twin deadly attacks in Tehran. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:13:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ANKARA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A three-member delegation from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) visited Qatar since Monday for preparations of a military base deployment in the country. The delegation continues work for "exploration and coordination" preparations of the base in Gulf country, a written statement from the TSK said on Tuesday. On June 7, the Turkish parliament approved an agreement signed in 2016, for deployment of Turkish troops in Qatar. The move of the Turkish government came amid a diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Gulf states. Ankara lends support to Qatar over the diplomatic row and provides food to the country after regional countries have imposed embargo on Doha. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:23:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JUBA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) in South Sudan said it supports resolution by the regional leaders to revitalize the hitherto weak peace agreement to include all aggrieved parties. "The JMEC has welcomed the Communique following the 31st Extra-ordinary Summit of Heads of States of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the decision to convene a High-Level Revitalization Forum of the Parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS)," the statement said. It added that JMEC requested the IGAD which negotiated the August 2015 peace agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to convene the forum for the parties to the peace agreement, including estranged groups. The forum, the leaders said will discuss the restoration of the permanent ceasefire, a return to inclusive implementation, a revised realistic timeline and implementation schedule towards democratic elections at the end of the transitional period. "Prior to this forum, invite other key opposition groups to participate without pre-conditions; demand a clear and realistic timeline for the deployment of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to provide a neutral and secure environment for the implementation of the Peace Agreement," JMEC said. This is despite the JMEC chairman Festus Mogae having told regional leaders at the Monday summit that the current status quo was working harmoniously to deliver peace in the youngest nation without the ousted former first vice president Riek Machar. "There is a very good working relationship between the president, Salva Kiir, and the first vice president, Taban Deng Gai, but real progress is still lacking and the pace of the implementation of the Peace Agreement is too slow," JMEC said. It added Mogae also demanded IGAD to act collectively and decisively speak with one voice and demand that the leaders of South Sudan end the violence and pursue a political solution and return to full implementation of the Peace Agreement. South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group. The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing the rebel leader Machar to flee into exile. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 2 million from their homes, and forced more than 1.5 million to flee into neighbouring countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:23:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOSCOW, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian police are looking for two armed men who opened gunfire near a bank in the center of the Russian capital Tuesday before driving off, local media reported. The police are investigating the shooting near the branch of a bank in the 1st Kazachy Bystreet, and the city has started implementing the interception procedure, Russia's TASS news agency reported, quoting a law enforcement source. "The eyewitnesses sent information about the shooting near one of the commercial banks and about the individuals who fired, allegedly disappearing in a car," the source said. An investigative and operational group is working on the site, said a spokesman of the Moscow department of the Russian Interior Ministry. So far, police have received no reports on possible casualties, the spokesman said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:29:00|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese aviation authorities said Tuesday that they will join the investigation into the emergency landing of a China Eastern flight in Australia, and will consider issuing an airworthiness directive if it was caused by a design or manufacturing fault. China Eastern Airlines flight MU736, heading to Shanghai Sunday night, was forced to return to Sydney when the crew noticed "cracks" on the Airbus A330's engine cowling shortly after takeoff. The crew made the "right decision" to return, and the plane landed safely with no reported injuries, according to Tang Weibin with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will look into the incident in accordance with the international civil aviation convention, while the CAAC and Rolls-Royce, manufacturer of the plane's engine, will also participate in the investigation, he said. There have been reports of similar trouble with the UK-produced Trent-700 engine, according to Tang. The CAAC will be informed of the latest investigation findings, and will consider issuing an airworthiness directive if the incident was caused by a design or manufacturing fault, said Wang Jingling, another CAAC official. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:29:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NAIROBI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's electricity utility said Tuesday it's implementing a 130 million U.S. dollars underground power network project to improve the quality of electricity supply in Nairobi. Kenya Power CEO Ken Tarus said the underground cabling project is expected to reinforce the Nairobi City Centre bulk power supply system by providing alternative supply to existing substations. "Initially focused on Nairobi, the underground cabling project will involve construction of a new substation and associated lines to increase the length of the existing network and offer alternative supply points to minimize interruptions," Tarus said in Nairobi. The cabling system will create a redundant network around the city, thereby improve flexibility of the existing system. The project involves establishment of a new 220/66kV substation at the city centre and construction of 16.5 kilometres of 220kV underground cable from Embakasi substation to the proposed City Centre substation at a cost of 106 million dollars. The move comes as Kenya Power's customer base had been growing tremendously over the years calling for investment in the network to ensure adequate power supply. Since June 2013 to date, the number of customers has increased from 2.3 million customers to 6 million. Tarus said the project will also entail construction of 25.71 kilometres of 66kV transmission lines in underground cable to connect the new City Centre substation to proposed Likoni Road substation, Nairobi West, Cathedral, City Square, Muthurwa and Parklands substations. Currently, 22 kilometres of the planned 25.71 kilometres of 66kV transmission lines is complete while installation work on the Likoni Road substation is finalized and pre-commissioning test is ongoing. "The underground cabling technology is more aesthetic compared to overhead lines and less expensive in terms of land acquisition challenges and wayleaves requirement," said Tarus. Underground cabling is one of the ways in which the electricity company is expanding and enhancing the capacity of the power distribution network. Other undertakings geared towards provision of quality electricity include refurbishment of existing substations to enhance their efficiency, construction of additional substations and associated lines and replacement of damaged poles, among others The underground cabling project is funded by a twenty-year concessional loan from China Exim Bank. It is expected to be completed by the end of July. Hungarian police officers stand guard at a gathering point of illegal migrants near Roszke, a village on the Serbian-Hungarian border, Hungary, on Sept. 7, 2015. Hungarian lawmakers on Sept. 4 passed a package of laws in a bid to curb the rising influx of refugees and migrants who crossed into the country for a better life in Europe. According to the laws, border trespassing would be a criminal act starting Sept. 15. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi) BRUSSELS, June 13 (Xinhua)-- The European Union (EU) on Tuesday decided to launch infringement procedures against Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic over refugee sharing, after the bloc's repeated warning fell on deaf ears. "I regret to see that despite our repeated calls... the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Pland have not yet taken necessary actions. For this reason, the commission has decided to launch infringement procedures against these member states," Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos announced at a press conference on the heels of a meeting of EU Commissioners in Strasburg, France. "We have to be fair towards those Member States that do fulfil their obligations. I sincerely hope that these member states call still reconsider their position , and contribute fairly," he added. Poland and Hungary haven't taken in any refugees since september 2015, when EU member states pledged to relocate a total of 160,000 migrants from overstretched Greece and Italy within two years. The Czech Republic, according an EU report released last month, "has not been active in the scheme for almost a year." Under the EU law, the European Commission, acting as guardian of EU Treaties, has the power to take legal action against a member state which is not respecting its obligations. The infringement procedure begins with a "Letter of Formal Notice" to the member State concerned, which must be answered within a specified period, usually two months. If the Commission is not satisfied with the answer of the member state, the Commission may then send a "Reasoned Opinion", calling on the member state to inform the Commission of the measures taken to comply within a specified period, usually two months. If the member state still refuse to comply, the Commission may then decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice. If, despite the first ruling, the member state still refuse to act, the Commission may open another infringement case, with only one written warning before referring the member state back to the Court. The Commission can propose that the Court imposes financial penalties on the member state based on the duration and severity on the infringement and the size of the member state. However, in around 95 percent of infringement cases, member states comply with their obligations under EU law before they are referred to the Court. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-13 23:39:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BUDAPEST, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's parliament approved on Tuesday a controversial law on transparency of foreign-backed Non-governmental organizations(NGOs) despite international and domestic criticism. The law, passed by 130 votes to 44, will oblige NGOs receiving more than 7.2 million forints (about 26,290 U.S. dollars) per year in foreign funding to register as a "foreign-supported organization", or risk termination for non-compliance. The law does not concern the amounts received from the European Union (EU) through official channels. The NGOs will also need to use the description "foreign-supported organization" on their websites, press releases and every publication. They will have 30 days to comply with the stipulations of the law, following its coming to effect. The government says the measures are meant to improve transparency and to fight money laundering and terrorism funding. Earlier this year, both the European Commission and the United Nations have condemned the law, with experts saying it could discriminate against and delegitimize NGOs. Several demonstrations were held in Budapest in solidarity with the NGOs in the course of April and May. Following the adoption of the law, two of the most important NGOs in Hungary, the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, and Amnesty International said that they would boycott the law and turn to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The Hungarian law marks a roughening of fronts in Orban's combat with foreign-funded NGOs, in particular those receiving support from Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros. Government-backed billboard and media campaigns have already targeted Soros, while a questionnaire sent to households nationwide pressed support for the registration of foreign-funded NGOs. Earlier this month the EU's rights overseer Venice Commission said the NGO bill was excessive, despite pursuing legitimate aims, and advised the government to consult local civil society groups. Budapest said it took the concerns of Venice Commission into account when amending the proposal last week, for example dropping a requirement for the details of all foreign donors to be named on a group's publications, or increasing the time to comply from 15 to 30 days. But the NGOs dismissed the amendments as superficial changes. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 00:04:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Israel and New Zealand said Tuesday they decided to restore full diplomatic ties following a seven-month quarrel over the latter's support to a UN resolution against the West Bank settlements. Israeli prime minister's office said in a statement that Israel would send back its ambassador to New Zealand as New Zealand's Prime Minister Bill English expressed regrets of his country's support to the resolution. According to the statement, English sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he "regrets the damage that was done to Israeli-New Zealand relations" as a result of the vote on UN Security Council's resolution number 2334, which New Zealand co-sponsored. "We will welcome the return of the Israeli ambassador to Wellington," English added. Following a phone talk between the two leaders, Netanyahu "decided to end the crisis and re-send the Israeli ambassador to Wellington," the statement read. In a rare move on Dec. 23, the Security Council resolved to urge Israel to put an end to the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The resolution condemned the settlements as "flagrant violation" of international law and said they have "no legal validity." Israel was outraged at the decision and recalled its ambassadors from New Zealand and Senegal, two of the states which co-sponsored the motion. Last week, Israel agreed to resend its envoy to Senegal, following a meeting between Netanyahu and Senegalese President Macky Sall during the summit of the Economic Community of West African States in Liberia. The settlements are located in the West Bank, on lands Israel seized during the 1967 war, where the Palestinians wish to establish their future state. The settlements are illegal under international law and are seen by the Palestinians and the international community as a major obstacle to a peace deal. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 00:14:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JUBA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has targeted 900,000 South Sudanese households, or 5.4 million people, with livelihood assistance in a bid to mitigate food crises that hit hard the urban and peri-urban populations. FAO officer-in-Charge Jacqueline Were said Monday that the partnership with World Vision and ministry of agriculture seeks to fight hunger and strengthen livelihoods through emergency crop, vegetable and fishing kit distribution in the capital Juba. "FAO in partnership with World Vision and the ministry of agriculture recognize the critical need to tackle food insecurity by providing people with opportunity to produce their own food," she told journalists in Juba. Were added that these livelihood kits has enabled some 466,666 households to grow vegetables, cow pea and sorghum while taking advantage of the available water sources along the Nile basin to catch fish, providing vital and nutritious food that benefits families and communities. World Vision director Perry Mansfield said they have provided training to farmers on improved methods of farming including post-harvest handling and value addition. "Through this partnership with FAO, World Vision is using an integrated approach that builds on other food and livelihood projects for sustainability and improved food security for 21,000 households in Central Equatorial and Warrap states," he said. Perry added that the project is so far supporting 14,000 households in Juba and peri-urban area which adds up close to 80,000 people. The UN in February declared famine in the northern Unity state counties of Leer and Mayendit, caused by combination of conflict and drought, leaving some 100,000 people starving and further 1 million on the brink, and warned that famine could spread to other parts of the war-torn country. South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to violent conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 2 million from their homes, and forced more than 1.5 million to flee into neighbouring countries. The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 00:19:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to verify the reported killing of two Chinese nationals kidnapped in Pakistan last month and will cooperate to investigate their alleged illegal preaching activities, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks in a press release in response to reports that Pakistan has confirmed the death of the two Chinese nationals and that the two had undertaken illegal preaching activities in Pakistan. China has not received official confirmation of the deaths from Pakistan, and will do its best to verify reports that the two have been killed as soon as possible, Lu said. China firmly opposes all kinds of terrorism and extreme violence targeting civilians, and supports Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard domestic security, said Lu, adding that China will work with the international community in the fight against terrorism. China appreciates Pakistan's efforts to rescue the two hostages and its commitment to better protect Chinese nationals and institutions in Pakistan, he said. Lu said China has always asked its citizens to abide by local laws and regulations, respect local customs and be aware of risks when in foreign countries. China will cooperate with Pakistan's investigation into illegal preaching activities allegedly undertaken by the two people, Lu said. Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Monday directed the ministry to review, regulate and streamline the process of issuing visas to Chinese nationals. Nisar said that all Pakistani missions are bound to undertake proper scrutiny of visa applications and must get all necessary details before exercising their power to issue visas to foreign nationals. Refugees from South Sudan rest at a refugee camp in Sudan's White Nile state near the border with South Sudan on May 17, 2017. (Xinhua/Mohamed Babiker) JUBA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has targeted 900,000 South Sudanese households, or 5.4 million people, with livelihood assistance in a bid to mitigate food crises that hit hard the urban and peri-urban populations. FAO officer-in-Charge Jacqueline Were said Monday that the partnership with World Vision and ministry of agriculture seeks to fight hunger and strengthen livelihoods through emergency crop, vegetable and fishing kit distribution in the capital Juba. "FAO in partnership with World Vision and the ministry of agriculture recognize the critical need to tackle food insecurity by providing people with opportunity to produce their own food," she told journalists in Juba. Were added that these livelihood kits has enabled some 466,666 households to grow vegetables, cow pea and sorghum while taking advantage of the available water sources along the Nile basin to catch fish, providing vital and nutritious food that benefits families and communities. World Vision director Perry Mansfield said they have provided training to farmers on improved methods of farming including post-harvest handling and value addition. "Through this partnership with FAO, World Vision is using an integrated approach that builds on other food and livelihood projects for sustainability and improved food security for 21,000 households in Central Equatorial and Warrap states," he said. Perry added that the project is so far supporting 14,000 households in Juba and peri-urban area which adds up close to 80,000 people. The UN in February declared famine in the northern Unity state counties of Leer and Mayendit, caused by combination of conflict and drought, leaving some 100,000 people starving and further 1 million on the brink, and warned that famine could spread to other parts of the war-torn country. South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to violent conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 2 million from their homes, and forced more than 1.5 million to flee into neighbouring countries. The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 00:24:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close YEREVAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Armenia and Estonia pledged on Tuesday to upgrade the quality of bilateral relations as there are many "expectations and potential" in this regard, the Armenian presidency said in a statement. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with visiting Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser and assured Mikser Armenia was ready to further deepen political dialogue in the areas of mutual interests. At the meeting, Mikser expressed hope that a new agreement would be signed between Armenia and the European Union (EU) in November when Estonia will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, the statement said. Earlier during the day, Mikser had held a series of meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on further cooperation between the two countries. A man carries a big fish to the fish market in the Xamar Weyne district of Mogadishu, Somalia, March 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) MOGADISHU, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Tuesday promised around 22,000 U.S. dollars to an orphanage school in the capital Mogadishu to buy food and education materials ahead of Eid festival of the holy month of Ramadan. Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Qin Jian, told Xinhua that the assistance is aimed at helping orphans and children from poor families at Bondhere Orphanage which cares for more than 300 girls. Nurto Mohamed Addow, the orphanage manager thanked the Chinese embassy for providing the assistance. The pledged donation comes less than a month after Chinese government provided 10 million dollars to the UN World Food Program to support its humanitarian work in the drought stricken Somalia. Lebanon's Energy and Water Minister Cesar Abou Khalil speaks during the third Lebanon International Oil and Gas Summit in Beirut, Lebanon May 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) BEIRUT, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Cyprus Foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulidis stressed Tuesday his country's support to Lebanon in the face of terrorism and the disputed oil blocks with Israel. Kasoulidis said in a joint press conference after meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil "we cannot stand and watch Lebanon under [the threat] of terrorism without taking action." Lebanon's Defense Minister Yaacoub Sarraf Saturday announced that Lebanon will receive 15M euro (16.79 million U.S. dollars) in military aid from Cyprus. This is the latest in military aid the Lebanese Army has received in recent months. The aid to the army and the arms delivery come as the military increased its targeting of militants along the northeastern border. During the meeting, the counterparts discussed bilateral relations and means of further development, including boosting Lebanese exports to the EU through Cyprus. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 02:25:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HARARE, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Buoyed by the success of its command agriculture scheme targeting maize production in the 2016/17 farming season, the Zimbabwe government is expanding the scheme to other crops to boost food production in a country that has faced perennial food shortages in recent years. The government launched the scheme in August last year with the aim of ensuring food self-sufficiency after the country in 2016 experienced one of its worst drought in recent years. The devastating drought left a quarter of the rural population in need of food aid while thousands of cattle succumbed to the drought. The scheme targeted farmers near water bodies who could put a minimum of 200 hectares under maize per individual. Each participating farmer was required to produce at least 1,000 tonnes of the staple maize, and commit five tonnes per ha towards repayment of advanced loans in the form of irrigation equipment, inputs and chemicals, mechanized equipment, electricity and water charges. Farmers would retain a surplus produced in excess of the 1,000 tonnes and each farmer was earmarked to receive 250,000 U.S. dollars. The program's cost was put at 500 million dollars, financed by a local fuel company. The special maize program is the brain child of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who tasked his deputy Vice President Emmerson Mnangangwa to oversee its implementation. The command agriculture scheme is the second agriculture scheme to be implemented in Zimbabwe after almost 10 years. The first command agriculture scheme was implemented between 2005 and 2006 and it was called Operation Taguta/Sisuthi. In that program, the army was given the task of tilling large amounts land as it was peace time and their labor was available. Agriculture minister Joseph Made said in March that 191,124 ha or 77 percent of land was contracted for the special maize production program and out of that, 153,000 or 62 percent had been planted in all the country's 10 provinces by February 9 this year. While the minister could not reveal the anticipated maize harvest from the scheme, he said the maize output would be enough to meet the 700,000 tonnes requirement for the National Strategic Grain Reserve, currently holding 250,000 tonnes. The good rains received in the country this year were also a boost to the command scheme, as a significant portion of the tilled land was under dry land farming. In his first quarter treasury bulletin released June 8, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said indications from the first round crop assessment survey were that Zimbabwe would record a bumper maize harvest of 2.1 million tonnes from 1.7 million ha that was put under the crop. This is a huge jump from the 511,000 tonnes produced in 2016 from 1.2 million ha. The 2.1 million tonnes of maize, combined with small grains, were expected to give over 2.7 million tonnes of grain this year, well above Zimbabwe's national requirements of 1.8 million tonnes. Chinamasa said the significant rise in maize production was due to resource mobilization efforts by government, private players and development partners. The support targeted farmer programs such as the annual Presidential Input Support Scheme and the Special Maize Program for Import Substitution (Command Agriculture). "Consequently, increased yields are anticipated under the 2016/17 agricultural season, notwithstanding some flooding and outbreak of armyworm as well as various diseases which affected crops and livestock in some parts of the country," the minister said. Government had since banned importation of grain, following the bumper maize harvest. It said it expected to save 500 million dollars from the maize import ban. Following the success of the special maize program, Chinamasa said government had embarked on a special winter wheat production program similar to that of maize in an endeavor to reduce wheat imports. He said the program is targeting 70,000 hectares at average yields of 5 tonnes per hectare. Already, 881 farmers with hectrage of more than 56, 000 ha had been registered, he said. In addition, private financiers had contracted over 14,000 ha for this season's winter wheat crop. "Wheat output is, therefore, set to surpass 280,000 tonnes this season, which will a go a long way in reducing imports, thus saving the country's foreign currency," Chinamasa said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 03:21:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JUBA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said Tuesday it has stepped up efforts to increase production of pipe water from the current 6 million liters per day to more than 18 million liters per day in a bid to tackle cholera and other waterborne diseases. Sophia Pal Gai, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, said the government has embarked on improving pipe water distribution networks in the capital Juba and five other regional towns to increase supply of clean water. Gai said the government is implementing a Japanese-funded water project worth 50 million U.S. dollars to increase accessibility to clean drinking water in the city. She added that the East African nation has also secured another 7 million dollars from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to renovate the worn-out water distribution system that was built in 1937. "We are currently managing dilapidated power generation and mechanical machinery which have outlived their lives. We are going to replace them soon and bring modern system to help stop the constant cholera outbreaks," Gai said. Lawrence Muludyang, Director General of Planning and Projects for South Sudan Urban Water Corporation said the sate-owned firm currently loses 45 percent of its output to faulty water pipes. He said once the two projects are completed by next year, they would bring clean water to over 600,000 people in the capital alone. "We are targeting accumulative total volume of 18 million liters per day and this will guarantee clean water to more than 600,000 people in Juba. By increasing the number of people having access to safe drinking, we will reduce the constant cholera outbreaks during the rainy season and stop supply of dirty river water to the communities," said Muludyang. According to statistics from the World Bank, war-torn South Sudan has one of the lowest social development indicators in Africa with only 55 percent of the population having access to improved sources of drinking water. The oil-dependent country is currently battling a civil war, famine, underdevelopment and other disasters that have crippled the institutional, economic and social structures of the world's youngest nation. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 03:36:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHICAGO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains futures closed higher on Tuesday with wheat futures jumped more than 2 percent to a two-year high, on growing worries about crop health in the dry U.S. Plains. The rally stemmed from a U.S. Agriculture Department report released on Monday afternoon that showed crop conditions down from a week ago and well below market expectations. The most active corn contract for July delivery rose 3.75 cents, or 0.99 percent, to 3.81 dollars per bushel. July wheat delivery rose 11 cents, or 2.53 percent, to 4.45 dollars per bushel. July soybeans added 1.25 cents, or 0.13 percent, to 9.325 dollars per bushel. Weather concerns also sparked buying in corn and soybean futures, which firmed as forecasts for key Midwest growing areas predicted less rain than earlier outlooks. Monday's crop condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assessed the spring wheat crop at 45 percent good-to-excellent as of June 4, down 10 percentage points from a week earlier. Analysts had been expecting a good-to-excellent rating of 53 percent. According to the report, U.S. soybeans were rated by the USDA at 66 percent good-to-excellent, and U.S. corn was rated at 67 percent good-to-excellent, matching analysts' forecasts. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 04:06:37|Editor: xuxin U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sworn in prior to testifying before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 13, 2017. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday strongly denied the accusation that he colluded with Russia during last year's Donald Trump campaign, calling it an "appalling and detestable lie." (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday strongly denied the accusation that he colluded with Russia during last year's Donald Trump campaign, calling it an "appalling and detestable lie." Testifying publicly before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, Sessions also denied he had a third meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 campaign. "Not one thing happened that was improper" in his two meetings as a senator with the Russian ambassador last year, he told the lawmakers, vowing to defend his "honor against scurrilous and false allegations." "I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election," the Trump's top lawyer said. Meanwhile, he said it was not improper for Trump to meet with the then FBI Director James Comey, but it was improper for Comey to disclose the content of his one-to-one talks with Trump. The attorney general said he couldn't confirm or deny private talks he had with Trump regarding the firing of Comey. Comey told lawmakers last week that he knew details that made Sessions's involvement in the FBI Russia probe "problematic." Comey also reportedly told lawmakers behind closed doors that one of those details included another unreported meeting between Sessions and the Russian ambassador. The attorney general was forced to recuse himself in March from the federal investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election after media reports that he twice met with Kislyak during the 2016 campaign and did not disclose that to the Senate during his confirmation hearing in January. Sessions is the first U.S. senator to show public support for Trump's campaign. The probe over the possible ties between Trump's campaign and Russia is now in the hands of special counsel Bob Mueller following the Comey dismissal. Michael o'Donnell works at a factory of Fuyao Glass America in Moraine, south of Dayton, Ohio, the United States, Aug. 5, 2015. Fuyao Glass Industry Group, the largest automotive glass supplier in China, invested over 360 million U.S. dollars to build an automobile glass factory in Moraine, Ohio, and will create over 1,500 jobs locally. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) DES MOINES, the United States, June 12 (Xinhua) -- To address the trade imbalances between China and the United States, which have been the focus of the Trump administration's trade policy toward China, both countries should carry out structural reforms rather than just narrow the trade deficit, experts from the two countries said here on Monday. It's the structural issues that contributed to the trade imbalances between the two countries, Zhang Yuyan, director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said at the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium held in Des Moines, Iowa. China has maintained a high savings rate during its economic expansion, while the United States consumes a large amount of global products and services and has a very low savings rate, he said. "This kind of structural issue is one of the primary reasons behind the trade imbalance," Zhang added. In addition, as the global value chain develops, more and more foreign companies are investing in China, making China an important link in the chain, said Zhang. During the 2010-2015 period, exports from foreign-owned companies in China accounted for about half of China's total exports, according to the expert. The United States has been concerned about the trade deficit in goods with China, while China runs a deficit in bilateral services trade, which reflects the different trade structures of the two countries, he noted. Kenneth Quinn, president of World Food Prize Foundation, addresses theU.S.-China Think Tank Symposium in Des Moines, the United States, on June 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ping) Statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce showed that in 2016, China's deficit in the services trade with the United States was as high as 55.7 billion U.S. dollars, which accounted for 23.1 percent of the year's total, making the United States a top source for China's services trade deficit. Bi Jiyao, deputy director of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, echoed Zhang's view. China's current account has become more balanced in recent years, compared to a decade ago, said Bi. The share of China's current account surplus to gross domestic product has dropped to below 2 percent in 2016, compared to about 9.9 percent in 2007, according to Chinese statistics. Changes in China's exports and imports mainly reflected the changes in external demand as well as China's domestic demand, said Bi, adding that trade imbalances between the two countries are mainly due to fundamental structural issues, not currency issues. "Tracking trade deficit is misleading. All that (trade deficit) means that we in the United States consume more," said Tori K. Whiting, a research associate at the Washington-based think tank The Heritage Foundation. All financial flows in or out of the United States, such as imports, exports and foreign direct investment, are inter-connected, and attempts to influence one part, such as the deficit in goods trade, will have consequences for the others, said Whiting. She estimated that if the United States seeks to impose punitive tariffs on products, such as steel and aluminum, it's the American businesses and consumers that will get hurt. It's better for both sides to address economic differences, such as trade imbalances and overcapacity in China's steel industry, through candid dialogue, said Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei. Further opening up markets, promoting bilateral investment, and strengthening trade ties at the local level could contribute to stronger and closer economic ties between China and the United States, said Hong. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 04:16:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ACCRA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Ghana will begin issuing its proposed national identity cards from September 15 this year, the presidency announced here on Tuesday. Ken Agyeman Attafuah, Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), said the NIA was working with key stakeholders such as the National Information Technology Agency and the technical committee for that purpose. Experts say the national ID scheme will help formalize the economy and rake in revenue for government through the establishment of a national database with the ID system as the primary source. In addition to the national ID, the government plans to implement a national digital address mapping system by July this year, to harmonize all such systems into a single data resource to aid national planning and economic development. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 04:21:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ACCRA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian children on Tuesday called on the government to appropriately implement policies designed to protect children from being forced into acts that deprive them of their livelihoods and interfere with their ability to attend regular school. As part of events to mark this year's Day of the African Child, the UN Information Center (UNIC), in partnership with Abibiman Foundation, a local non-governmental organization, hosted 20 students aged between 12-16 years at a mini forum. The children presented to duty bearers what they would want initiated as a plan of action to improve the lives of children in Ghana. In a resolution to observe the Day, which falls on June 16, the children demanded that the government prosecute perpetrators of child labor to serve as a deterrent to others. "As children of this country, we must get justice for being exploited for the benefits of others in the fishing, cocoa, mining and other sectors of the country. When laws are enforced to the letter, child labor will be eliminated because it is a crime," said the statement which was read by Sophia Adoba, a junior high school pupil. The Day of the African Child is celebrated in honor of more than 100 schoolchildren who were murdered by the then apartheid South African regime in Soweto in June 1976 while marching to demand their right to quality education. The African Union (AU), then Organization of African Unity (OAU), in 1990, therefore, chose the Day for member-states to reflect on the plight of all African children and to improve their lives. This year's celebration is on the theme of "Agenda 2030: Accelerating Protection, Empowerment and Equal Opportunities for Children in Ghana by 2030". The national Information Officer of the UNIC, Cynthia Prah, highlighted excerpts of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to the schoolchildren. Leonard Ackom, Community Relations Manager at International Justice Mission office in Ghana, a fast-growing international organization working to protect some of the vulnerable and most oppressed from violent forces, called on stakeholders to support the fight against child labor in the West African country. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 04:37:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. is working to stabilize its relationship with Russia, which is "at an all-time low," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday. "Our relationship is at an all-time low, and it's been deteriorating further. Our objective is to stabilize that," Tillerson told lawmakers at a Senate hearing. The top U.S. diplomat's remark came amid tensions between the U.S. and Russia as the two countries hold differences on a slew of issues, including the Syrian conflict, the Ukrainian crisis and the expansion of NATO. "We are working in a couple of areas in particular to see if we can establish that there is a basis for reestablishing some type of working relationship with the Russian government that is in our interest," Tillerson said. Tillerson noted that efforts for Washington and Moscow to cooperate are "underway" in Syria. "Those are, I would say, progressing in a positive way, but it is far too early in the process to say whether they're going to bear fruit," he said. U.S. President Donald Trump said in April that the U.S. was "not getting along with Russia at all" and the relations between the two countries "may be at an all-time low." Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Washington in mid-May, he expressed his desire to build a better relationship between the two countries. A combination of file photos show Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) at a news conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Feb. 28, 2017 and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 1, 2017. (Xinhua) MOSCOW, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin once raised the issue of the country's possible accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but Washington was clearly nervous about the idea, according to a Tuesday report by the RIA Novosti news agency. In a released clip of an interview with American film director Oliver Stone, Putin recalled that he inquired about Russia joining the alliance when then U.S. President Bill Clinton visited Moscow in 2000. "During the meeting I said: 'Let's consider an option that Russia might join NATO,'" Putin recalled, "Clinton said 'Why not?' But the U.S. delegation got very nervous." "Why did our partner get nervous? Because if Russia joins NATO, it will always have a voice. We would not allow us to be manipulated. But our U.S. friends do not even allow a thought about this," Putin said in the interview with Stone. Such disclosures were from a series of interviews with Putin by Stone in 2015-17. The full content is scheduled to be shown in the United States beginning Monday. Putin also said in the interview that the United States is "using terrorists" to wobble the domestic political situation in Russia, and what happened in Chechnya was an example of U.S. meddling. "The Cold War is in the past. We have transparent relations with the whole world, and of course we were counting on some support, but instead we saw that the U.S. special services are supporting the terrorists," he said. Unlike some other countries, Russia has no habit of interfering in the internal political processes of other countries, said Putin. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 05:02:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SKOPJE, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Macedonian government will start work on drafting a new roadmap which will define its duties as regards to the reform process that is essential for the Euro-Atlantic integration path, it said in a release Tuesday. Newly elected government gathered Tuesday to define the guidelines needed to fulfill the urgent reform priorities, said the release. Starting from Wednesday, working groups will be set up at various governmental levels to draft a set of measures for a 3-month short-term plan and medium-term plans for 6 and 9 months, to fulfill the country's key reform priorities. During the meeting, PM Zoran Zaev said the European Union had demonstrated a serious interest into the Euro integration perspectives of Macedonia. Therefore, he demanded serious commitment of all the ministers to the required reform process. Some of the key measures include the establishment of professional institutions, rule of law, conditions for unbiased functioning of the media, and anti-corruption, said the release. It was also concluded that defense reforms, laying the foundation for a modernized and professional army, are a necessity, stated the release. The meeting came a day after Zaev's visit to Brussels where he met EU and NATO's representatives, said local media. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 05:17:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Cross border collaboration is absolutely necessary to promote global transition to renewable energy, said energy experts and entrepreneurs here on Tuesday. "Climate change is a real issue. We need to address it by working together across the world. Governments, companies, scientists, and NGOs, all have a role to play. No one can do this in isolation," said Rob van Leen, Chief Innovation Officer at DSM, a Dutch company engaged in health, nutrition, and materials businesses worldwide. "Business can help delivering on the Paris agreement ambitions with innovations that will generate jobs while ensuring low-carbon prosperity and future-proof our economies and companies," Leen told an audience of scientists, entrepreneurs and experts on renewable energy during the "Bright Minds Challenge" final competition. Spearheaded by DSM and a global coalition of companies and knowledge institutions active in solar energy and renewable energy storage, the competition aimed at helping scientists around the world with innovative solutions to overcome barriers they face in scaling up their ideas. "Cross border collaboration is hugely important. Climate change is a global problem, which cannot be solved by one country or one company alone. It is pivotal that we all work together," said Jeremy Leggett, a British social entrepreneur and founder of Solarcentury, an international solar solutions company. A total of 55 researchers from 22 countries submitted their patent-ready solar and energy storage innovative solutions. Scientist Ernesto Julio Calvo from Argentina, who invented Inquimae, a new way of extracting lithium which is powered by solar energy and is quicker and cleaner than any existing technology, won the first prize in the "Bright Minds Challenge". He will be awarded with 500 hours expert support to accelerate the scaling-up of his solution from DSM and its partners. Richard Awuor from Tanzania and innovator of Cellulike's "pay-as-you-go" system for solar light rental that will help off-grid communities gain access to electricity came second, while Howard Weinstein from Brazil innovator of the Solar Ear, which makes hearing aids affordable by providing rechargeable hearing aids using solar-powered batteries won the third prize. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 06:42:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday that the United States is still "not winning" the longest U.S. war in Afghanistan. "We are not winning in Afghanistan right now," said Mattis here at a congressional hearing. "And we will correct this as soon as possible." According to Mattis, the Pentagon defines the winning in Afghanistan as a situation where the Afghan government, with international help, will be able to handle the violence and drive it down to a level that local security forces can handle it. "It would probably require residual force doing training and maintaining the high-end capability," said Mattis. "It's going to be an era of frequent skirmishing and it's going to require a change in our approach from the last several years if we're to get it to that position." Mattis was not the first senior official of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to publicly warn of a dire prospect for the security situation in Afghanistan. U.S. National Intelligence Director Dan Coats also warned last month that the security situation in Afghanistan would most likely deteriorate in the future even if the United States and its allies offer more military aid. The warnings came as Trump was reportedly considering whether or not to send additional hundreds of U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Former U.S. President Barack Obama had planned to reduce the current number of 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan to some 5,500 by the end of 2015 and withdraw all troops by the end of 2016 when his presidency came to an end. However, given the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, the Obama administration repeatedly postponed the withdrawal. Currently, there are about 8,400 U.S. troops and another 5,000 forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on the ground in Afghanistan to train and assist the Afghan forces against the Taliban, and conduct counter-terrorism missions. Family blames police for mans death Harrys relatives were among several families gathered at the Forensic Science Centre in St James awaiting autopsy results on loved ones murdered on the weekend. Why take him to Port of Spain and not Mt Hope, a relative asked. We believe had he been treated earlier, he could have survived. Mt Hope is a shorter trip from where he was shot, instead of Port of Spain. Harry, 21, was at Maraj Street in El Socorro liming with family and was about to go home when at 12.30 am, he was caught in a drive-by shooting. Relatives said when they arrived he was still alive. Police told them they would take him to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. But when they arrived at that hospital, relatives were told Harry never arrived. They later found out he died while be taken to Port of Spain General Hospital. An autopsy confirmed Harry died from gunshot wounds. Police are also investigating the murder of 22-year-old Kareem Joseph of Quevado Circular, East Dry River. His relatives were reluctant to speak with reporters yesterday at the Centre. Police said Joseph, who was shot, was found on Duncan Street near Freelancers Steel Pan Orchestra. He died later at the city hospital. Also at the Centre yesterday, relatives of Christopher Walker who was shot dead on Saturday by a masked man, described him as a pillar of their family. They said Walker also known as Moman, was a jack of all trades who last worked in construction. He was always ready to provide for us and anything he could help us with, he wouldnt hesitate, a relative said. Six in court for robbery The 16-year-old, a 17-year-old, Maximus Edwards, 18, Da-nel Gomez, 18, Jeremiah Howard, 24, and Anton Callender, 24, were taken before Senior Magistrate Joanne Connor to answer the charges. The matter was heard in the Chaguanas First Court. The charges against the six were laid indictably and they were not called upon to enter pleas. The charges read to alleged that on June 8, the six had in their possession a pistol and ammunition, not being holders of any Firearm Users Licences. The six were also charged with possession of two imitation guns and two cutlasses. Other charges read were that they attempted to resist or prevent their lawful apprehension. The magistrate also read that the six accused also committed the act of common assault against police officers Carl Huggins and Dillon Jaggessar. The alleged incident occurred at Bahadoorsingh Street in Endeavour, Chaguanas. The incident stemmed from an alleged exchange of gunfire between several men and police officers. The exhibits were also produced before the court where prosecutor Sgt Wayne Waithe gave a description of each item. Waithe did not object to bail. Attorney Cedric Neptune represented the 17-year-old and said his client has no previous conviction or pending matters. Attorney Joseph Honore represented the 16-year-old , Howard and Edwards. He indicated to the court that Howard and the 16-year-old were beaten by police upon their arrest. Howard, Honore said, sustained injuries to his right eye while the teenager sustained injuries to his left cheek during the beating. Howard, he said is currently pursuing courses in air conditioning and auto mechanics. He said the 16-yearold wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSE C) examinations and is awaiting results. Attorney Taradath Singh represented Gomez. In his bail application, Singh said his client is 18 and works as an assistant straightner. Singh said his client was also beaten by police. The magistrate ordered that the three accused who were allegedly beaten, be taken to seek medical attention and medical reports on the extent of their injuries be produced at the next hearing. The magistrate granted bail with a surety in the sum of $75,000 to the 16-yearold and 17-year-old. Bail in the sum of $85,000 was granted to Callender, Gomez, Edwards and Howard TIED UP LIKE A PIG The incident took place shortly after 5 am at the St Martin de Porres RC Church compound in Gonzales, near a dormitory where Fr Harvey who is on sabbatical had over-nighted to prepare for a seminary at Mt St Benedict. After being robbed, the priest was hottied and gagged. For close to half an hour, the outspoken priest who is known for his decades of working with at-risk youths struggled to free himself while silently praying to the Almighty to get through the ordeal. The drama unfolded when Fr Harvey was leaving the quarters when he was accosted by a gunman. A stunned Fr Harvey was escorted back into the living quarters of the church by the gunman who was joined by two accomplices, all armed. The bandits ransacked the presbytery. At one point, Fr Harvey later told police, one of the gunmen became agitated and said to him, You is a priest, you must have money. The gunmen threatened to kill Fr Harvey. It was reported that when one of the bandits asked Fr Harvey if he was kidnapped, would Archbishop Joseph Harris pay a $50,000 ransom? The distressed priest answered, no. The priest was robbed of $1,000, a watch given to him as a gift and a cell phone. The bandits then used tie-straps to hog-tie Fr Harvey while they covered his mouth with duct tape. The bandits moved to the church where they forced open a door. The House of God was also ransacked but when nothing of value was found, the three ran out of the church and escaped. Fr Harvey later told police he began to flex his bound hands in such a way that he was eventually able to free them from the straps. He then alerted nearby residents who alerted the police. The shaken priest would later tell shocked parishioners, I now know how a pig feels when it is tied up. Fr Harvey said nowhere is safe in this country and not even a man of the cloth is safe. He feels the bandits knew who he was when they carried out the robbery. Fr Harvey refused to be taken for medical treatment telling police he was alright although a bit shaken up. He later went to TSTT to deactivate the sim card in his stolen cellphone. Yesterday, the Catholic Media Services Limited (Camsel) issued a press release on the robbery. Police are currently investigating a report in which Roman Catholic priest Fr Harvey was robbed at gunpoint by three men. The incident took place outside the St Martins RC Church, Gonzales early Monday morning. Fr Harvey was reported to have spent the night at the church to prepare for a seminar at the Seminary of St John Vianney on the Uganda Matters at Mt St Benedict. The bandits tied up Fr Harvey, ransacked the presbytery and took a $1,000, a mobile phone and other items from the church before making their escape. The assailants also threatened to kill the priest, the release stated. Yesterday, Monsignor Christian Pereira said he was deeply saddened over the incident and said thanked God that Fr Harvey was unharmed. The reality of crime is coming home to all of us and we are all saddened to see how far it has gone where criminals have no regard for a man of God. We trust and pray that these persons will find some mercy from God, Msgr Pereira said. PM: Hang your heads in shame The Prime Minister issued a press release in which he stated that the attack on Fr Harvey by, Able-bodied, gun-toting men sadly represents the worst that exists within our communities. The prime minister also noted that, notwithstanding what difficulties one may be facing in life, there are limits beneath which the human form should not sink. Unfortunately, there are people who have chosen criminal conduct as a way of life and such persons, regardless of their circumstances, should be condemned in the strongest terms, as I so do now. These miscreants have parents and I hope that somewhere in this country today there are a few parents who are hanging their heads in shame as they reflect in private as to what more they might have done to prevent any of our citizens from behaving in this despicable way, Rowley said in the release. Sources said that Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has been asked to use all resources to bring the bandits who robbed Fr Harvey to justice, in quick time. Sources at the Office of the Prime Minister said that Rowley was extremely upset on learning that Fr Harvey was attacked, robbed, hog-tied and gagged. National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, speaking yesterday during a news conference at the Ministrys Port of Spain head office, said it was sad to see someone like Fr Harvey becoming victim to such a traumatic crime. I got an update from the Commissioner of Police. Its sad to see that someone like Fr Harvey is subjected to...was a victim, someone who has been working tremendously with young people in the Laventille area. I know it is under police investigation right now, but it is sad when you see someone who has been working tremendously over the years, especially in the social sector in the Laventille area and he worked for quite some time with the Defence Force, be subjected to this. But, the police are investigating and Im sure they will apprehend people as soon as possible, Dillon said. Health Ministry probes Conrad Murray Sunday Newsday exclusively reported on June 11, that Murray has been attending to patients at a private medical facility in central Trinidad. In a release, the ministry said that according to the Medical Board Act, Chapter 29:50, the Council of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for the registration/licensure of medical practitioners and the enforcement against persons who are who are not duly registered/ licensed but purport to practise medicine. Notwithstanding, in order to ensure the safety of the public, the Ministry of Health is investigating the matter and is liaising with the Council in this respect. The release said further enquiries into this matter should be directed to the Council of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada-born Murray, the cardiologist who in 2011 was convicted and jailed for the involuntary manslaughter death of pop legend Michael Jackson, was raised in Trinidad since the age of seven by his mother and stepfather. Jackson was found dead in 2009 and an autopsy later revealed deadly amounts of the drug propofol which is a short acting intravenous anaesthetic used to put patients to sleep during hospital procedures. It is not intended for home use, because of the usual lack of equipment required for emergency resuscitation Former cop found guilty of rape at police station The verdict against Harry Ramlochan, 65, of St Charles Village, Princes Town, was delivered by a nine-member jury, comprised of five men and four women, in the San Fernando High Court. The jury deliberated for almost three hours. The trial began on May 15 before Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor. The court heard that on May 5, 2011, the girls mother was taken inside the station by Ramlochan, who was then a 49-year-old acting sergeant. Another police officer was assigned to take the mothers report while the daughter remained in the veranda. Ramlochan returned to where the girl was and started asking sex-related questions. He then went and asked her mother for permission to further question the daughter and she agreed. The victim testified that Ramlochan led her to a dorm where he began making sexual advances towards her. After a colleague walked in and then out of the dorm, he took her to the court prosecutors office, then to a store to change a $100 bill, to the police canteen and back to the office. There he committed the act on a piece of sponge during which he pushed the girl against a cabinet and a wall causing injuries to her mouth. He then told her not to tell anyone about it. Ramlochan, the jurors were told, returned the victim to where her mother was and then transported them to their home. He took the girls father to a bar and warned him in relation to the report made against him. The rape was reported to police and Insp Christine Mc- Millan charged Ramlochan. Defence attorneys Kevin Ratiram and Chris Ramlal represented him while attorney Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal and Sarah De Silva prosecuted on behalf of the State. In his defence, Ramlochan testified that the girl had injuries to her mouth when she arrived at the station. He denied raping her. Yesterday, Ratiram told the court that his client joined the Police Service on June 1, 1972. He is a father of four, two of whom died, and grandfather of five. The judge adjourned the matter to June 28 when she is expected to pass sentence. Mendes mum on CJ, Ayers-Caesar issue At the start of the news conference at the associations Frederick Street, Port of Spain office, Mendes said neither he nor any committee member would be commenting on the, Events of the past six weeks. CJ Archie and the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) which he chairs have been roundly condemned for overseeing the elevation of Ayers-Caesar from chief magistrate to High Court judge although she left behind dozens of cases which are still pending on her magistrates court docket. Ayers-Caesar has since resigned as a judge. This led to calls from attorneys, politicians and others in society calling for both CJ Archie and the JLSC members to resign. The Association in an unprecedented move, held a meeting and voted to move a motion of no confidence in both the CJ and the JLSC and to call on both to resign. Mendes yesterday said the newly formed Committee on Judicial Appointments will accept written submissions and hold public consultations, with a review to reporting back to the Association within three months. The committee is chaired by Justice Desiree Bernard, former judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and chancellor of Guyana Court of Appeal. Other committee members are Law Association vice president Rajiv Persad, trade unionist David Abdulah, attorney Rishi Dass, economist Dr Terrence Farrell, attorney Vanessa Gopaul and university law lecturer Tracy Robinson. Given Abdulahs recent criticisms of CJ Archie, reporters asked if as a committee member he would be under a gag-order. Mendes replied, No. Pressed if Abdulahs presence might prejudice the committee, Mendes said their remit does not include, Recent events. He said, Nothing he (Abdulah) said about recent events will be relevant to the work of the committee. Abdulah who was present at the press conference yesterday did not answer questions from reporters. Asked by Newsday if the committee was a red herring to distract attention from the Archie/ Ayers-Caesar matter, Mendes said the Council of the Law Association had in fact raised the matter of judicial appointments in April, long before the no-confidence vote against Archie. Mendes said TTs current system of appointments has existed since Independence, but other systems can give new perceptions of transparency and accountability. The idea is to fashion a system suited to our circumstances and to our culture. He said the LATT Council had unanimously agreed on the setting upon the committee. Justice Bernard said the average person is unaware of how judges work and how much work goes into producing a judgment. We want to make the public more aware of the work of judges and the work in appointing judges, she said. Not enough buses for TT He said the PTSC has just over 340 buses and operates more than 200 of them on a daily basis in providing service on 160 routes including 100 rural routes. He said this arrangement affects the quality of the service the bus company can provide and its ability to maintain its fleet. He said the PTSC does not even have enough buses to have a proper maintenance system. PTSC General Manager Ronald Forde highlighted an added problem in that the buses are old, an average of twelve years compared to an international benchmark of eight years and the company has about 26 different types of buses in its service, which creates nightmares for the stocking of parts and maintenance generally. Committee member MP Rushton Paray, asked about the PTSCs policy in dealing with the physically challenged and Deputy General Manager, Operations, Brian Juanette responded that since 2012, the PTSC had created the Eldamo service to provide transportation for its physically challenged passengers. He said that service was established with 24 buses at various depots but even that was hard pressed to keep up with the demand. He said users are expected to call in and request to be picked up some 24 hours before they need to use the service, but the company has a number of requests and a database which it is unable to satisfy with its existing fleet. He said that at board and management level the PTSC is looking to expand its fleet to be able to meet the needs of the physically challenged. Gooding said all the new buses to be acquired by the PTSC will be universal buses, meaning that they will be fitted with the necessary equipment to transport the physically challenged. In response to another question from Paray, Gooding admitted that the PTSC has been receiving complaints that the Eldamo buses are uncomfortable for the persons who use them and Paray said there was also the issue of security on some of these buses. Juanette explained that when the service was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services it was the understanding that the ministry would have provided caregivers to be on the buses, but that never happened so the PTSC was using some of its own personnel, former property protection officers, to man the buses. However, he said there were not enough of them to service all the buses. Forde added that the service is oversubscribed with a lot of people demanding service from the fleet so there is a definite need to expand it so that the differently abled could be accommodated on the normal buses which operate on the bus route. Miss World T&T delegates visit San Fernando Mayor Regrello welcomed the delegates and fielded questions from them. So impressed was he, the mayor offered to assist by making the city halls auditorium available as one of the venues for the upcoming shows . Based on the fact that there is little sponsorship for this national beauty pageant, the San Fernando City Corporation would be willing to help by offering the auditorium for any part of the overall competition, Regrello said . Pageant director Vanessa Sahatoo- Manoo told the mayor the finalists have committed themselves and are working very hard to capture the title of Miss World T&T and then to advance to the international competition. Regrello reminded them that in the end there will be winners and losers and urged them to do their best. Based on the theme Beauty with Purpose, each delegate will be involved in a charitable cause in the lead-up to the final show . They are Jade Mascall, Sherisse Bideshi, Melissa Aguilliera, Tanisha Lalla, Djennicia Francis, Anastasia Mootoo, Chandini Chanka, and Zayna Mc Donald . Sahatoo-Manoo announced the talent category of the competition will take place at the San Fernando City Corporation auditorium on June 23, while the finals will take place at Central Bank Auditorium later on this year . Share Educational institutions around the world have to deploy enterprise grade network solutions in order to address a highly connected user base made up of students, faculty and departments that can number in the tens of thousands. As more devices become part of this ecosystem, universities, high schools and even elementary schools now demand and expect reliable services with high-levels of availability. For a major school campus in Cambridge, the organization has selected Nokia (News - Alert)'s Passive Optical LAN (POL) solution to deliver educational services via high-speed broadband connections, which will be deployed by technology integrator FWD-IP. Nokia provides its POL technology for different verticals, including enterprises, educational institutions, the hospitality sector, healthcare and other segments. The POL for universities is designed to support the functions of multiple systems for dormitories, libraries, faculty offices, recreation areas, F&B outlets, healthcare, security, management facilities and more on a single network. Instead of using copper cable, Nokia uses fiber-optic along with the Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) transmission protocol to deliver commercial and mission critical broadband services to users globally. This same technology is applied to universities to support multiple systems by bringing LAN to light speed, and according to Nokia outperforming Ethernet LAN. The POL is better in terms of capacity by delivering 2.5 Gbps downstream with GPON and 1.2 Gbps upstream on each fiber. This will allow the campus in Cambridge to bring together separate networks and get rid of bottlenecks while delivering gigabit speeds to all users. Additional benefits include lower costs, military-grade security, carrier-grade reliability, flexibility to deploy anywhere, simplicity and longevity. Federico Guillen, Head of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said, Nokia's Passive Optical LAN solution is ideal for school campuses that are often seeking a viable, simple and cost effective networking solution that can effectively accommodate the evolving connectivity needs of their students today and in the future. The technology integrator, FWD-IP, says this will allow the campus to manage and adapt to evolving communication demands. With gigabit services becoming standard in large organizations, the selection of the Nokia POL is going to future-proof the schools network infrastructure with capabilities for outperforming traditional solutions such as copper. Optical fiber has almost unlimited capacity with easy upgrades to 10G or 40G speeds, using the same infrastructure, this according to Nokia. This means the school will now be able to deliver unlimited data capacity and support all video, voice and data requirements over a single fiber optic cable for next generation communications. Edited by Alicia Young Islamic banking products in Morocco could expand their deposit bases by 5 to 10 pc, says Fitch Ratings, noting that the ability to grow the deposit base is positive for Moroccos economic development because deposits represent about 70% of banking sector funding. We expect growth of participation banks in Morocco will be high initially, as was the case following the introduction of Islamic banking in Turkey and Indonesia, adds the global rating agency. The ability to access Islamic products will ensure that customers have access to a more comprehensive range of services. Customers who have avoided transacting with conventional banks for sharia-related reasons can now move into the formal banking sector, stresses Fitch. However, banking penetration is already high in Morocco, with 70 pc of adults holding a bank account. Therefore, participation banking is unlikely to take a significant market share from the well-established conventional banks, underline Fitch experts. According to the rating agency, the growth of participation banks will be affected by several factors, including the spread of awareness of Islamic finance, the extent to which the government stimulates expansion, population growth rates and regulatory developments. It hails Moroccos central bank move of setting up a central sharia board of Islamic scholars to oversee the sector and help provide a cohesive framework under which the banks can operate. According to Fitch Rating, greater clarity on essential aspects, such as how participation banks will manage their liquidity in a sharia-compliant manner and how financing contracts will be drawn up, would help to stimulate the sector. Growth rates in the Moroccan banking sector have been volatile in recent years, reflecting unsteady economic trends. Deposit growth (nearly 7 pc in 2016) has outstripped loan growth (3.9 pc) in recent years, but credit demand is set to accelerate in line with an improved economic outlook in 2017. This could force banks, says Fitch, to compete more aggressively for deposits, putting pressure on margins at the conventional banks. The ability to offer participation banking services could broaden the pool of potential depositors in the country, mitigating the competitive pressure. Only existing conventional banks have applied for participation banking licences and we are not aware of any independent Islamic banks making requests to operate in Morocco, the agency says. Banks owned by domestic shareholders, such as Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE Bank, Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire and Credit Immobilier et Hotelier, have opted to establish separate participation banking subsidiaries. Subsidiaries controlled by French parents, such as Societe Generale Marocaine de Banques (controlled by Societe Generale), Banque Marocaine pour le Commerce et lIndustrie (BNP Paribas) and Credit du Maroc (Credit Agricole), have chosen to provide services through special Islamic banking windows. Jennifer and Christopher Weir (FORT WORTH, Texas) -- Police and strangers came to an elderly man's rescue last week after he dialed 911 to report his broken air conditioning unit. On June 8, the Fort Worth, Texas, Police Department answered a call from 95-year-old Julius Hatley, who said his central air had stopped working in the 90-degree heat. "I know we're not A/C repair people, but we got done with one call and went straight there," Officer Christopher Weir told ABC News Tuesday. "I started sweating immediately, as soon as I got there. [Hatley] said he woke up in sweat and didn't know what to do, so he called us." Weir, 31, and his partner, Officer William Margolis, drove to a local Home Depot to purchase a window A/C for Hatley out of their own pockets. When they arrived, the store's managers insisted on contributing $150 toward the unit. Weir and his colleagues then installed the unit in Hatley's house until they could figure out how to pay someone to repair his central air. "He was grateful," Weir said. "His smile is infectious and he's a World War II vet and he shouldn't have to be with no A/C. Once in a while, we see people where we can do something that makes them feel better and it makes us feel better too." Hatley's story aired on the local news in Fort Worth. Watching was Matt Ketchum, owner of the Lone Star Refrigeration company based in Red Oak, Texas. "In the story, they were trying to figure out how to get the [central] air fixed," Ketchum told ABC News. "I called the Fort Worth Police Department that night telling them we'll donate our time and materials." "My brother is law enforcement as well," he added. "My employees are veterans. Something clicked to have me help." Ketchum repaired Hatley's central air system free of charge. Hatley was appreciative of the kindness shown toward him over the two days, Ketchum said. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Morocco will send planes loaded with food stuff to Qatar in a sign of solidarity that has no political dimension, in the wake of the crisis that unfolded after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt as well as other Arab and African countries broke off diplomatic ties with Doha and closed their air, land and sea routes to all kinds of commercial traffic with Qatar. Sending foodstuff to Qatar was a decision taken upon directives from King Mohammed VI in line with the teachings of our religion especially during the month of Ramadan which requires solidarity between Muslim people, Moroccos foreign ministry said in a statement. Morocco is thus the second country after Iran to send planes loaded with foodstuff to the Qatari people after supermarkets were swamped following the decision to ban all kinds of commercial traffic with Qatar. The Ministry made it clear that extending a helping hand to Doha has nothing to do with the political aspects of the current crisis between Qatar and other brotherly countries. In the face of the unfolding GCC-Qatar rift, Morocco opted for neutrality offering mediation in the crisis that has shaken the Gulf after Saudi Arabia and the UAE and their allies in the Arab World and beyond severed ties with Qatar, which they accuse of supporting terrorism and side-lining with Iran. If the parties wish so, Morocco is ready to offer its good offices conducive to a calm, franc and comprehensive dialog on the basis of non-interference in domestic affairs, the fight against religious extremism, clarity in positions and loyalty in commitments, Moroccos foreign ministry said in a previous statement. Given the close personal ties of sincere brotherliness and mutual esteem between HM King Mohammed VI and his brothers Kings and Emirs of the Gulf, Morocco made sure not to indulge in public statements or hasty stands that would only widen the divide and deepen grievances, the statement added. The previously announced official visit to Morocco by newly elected French President, Emmanuel Macron, is rather a private visit aiming at strengthening the bonds of friendship with King Mohammed VI. A statement of the French presidency has confirmed that the visit, due on June 14-15, has a private and family character. In a briefing at the Elysee, a diplomat told reporters that it was the wish of King Mohammed VI that the first visit by Emmanuel Macron to Morocco to be within a personal and family framework. This is an opportunity for the two heads of state to forge a personal relation of trust, the diplomat said. Moroccan-French relations will be boosted at all levels during the upcoming visit by Macron to Morocco, the diplomat said, stressing the strong willingness of the new French president to maintain the exceptional partnership with Morocco. During his visit to Morocco, the first in the Maghreb and the second to an African country after his trip to Mali, Macron will be accompanied by his spouse Brigitte. On this occasion, King Mohammed VI will host a family dinner in honour of his guests. The private character of the visit is also meant to bring closer the two leaders point of views concerning a range of issues of common concern notably all aspects of bilateral ties as well as the joint development projects launched by Morocco and France in Africa. The GCC rift and Moroccos mediation offer in the crisis involving Qatar will also feature at the heart of their talks. The situation in Libya and counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel are equally expected to be examined by the two leaders along with Moroccos experience in countering extremism, in addition to the Sahara issue and relations with Algeria. In this respect, the diplomat told journalist at the Elysee press briefing that Frances stand on the Sahara issue remains unchanged. King Mohammed VI has dispatched Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita as his special envoy to several Gulf countries, part of the sovereigns efforts to help ease the current tension poisoning relations between Qatar and its neighbors. In the context of this Gulf tour, Nasser Bourita delivered this Tuesday a verbal message from King Mohammed VI to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Following the audience, the Moroccan top diplomat said King Mohammed VI voiced full support to Sheikh Sabahs efforts to heal the Gulf rift and to contain the inter-Gulf crisis through dialogue among the GCC countries, reported the Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA). On Sunday, Kuwaits Foreign Minister announced that the Emir spoke with officials in Qatar who indicated that Doha is ready to both talk and listen in an effort to find a speedy resolution to the Gulf rift. The diplomatic crisis erupted on June 4, when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates announced cutting ties with Qatar for its alleged support of terrorist groups and for undermining the security of Gulf states. Qatar rejected the allegations, calling them unfounded. The three Gulf countries, besides Egypt and Yemen, banned all air, land and sea transport with Doha, leaving the tiny Gulf emirate physically and politically isolated from the rest of the region. Other of their allies followed suit and broke off diplomatic ties with Qatar including Mauritania, Maldives, and Niger, while Jordan downgraded its diplomatic representation in the tiny Gulf emirate. Before coming to Kuwait, Nasser Bourita visited the United Arab Emirates where he conveyed on Monday a verbal message from the Monarch to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The contents of the message were not disclosed, but in all likelihood, they were related to the ongoing crisis in the Gulf, as Morocco has officially offered its mediation in the rift that has shaken the Gulf. If the parties wish so, Morocco is ready to offer its good offices conducive to a calm, franc and comprehensive dialog on the basis of non-interference in domestic affairs, the fight against religious extremism, clarity in positions and loyalty in commitments, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday. The North African Kingdom has adopted a constructive neutrality, but this does not confine it to a passive observation of a disturbing escalation between brotherly countries. Since the outbreak of the crisis, King Mohammed VI maintained close and continuous contact with different parties, and called on all parties to show restraint and wisdom in order to defuse tension and overcome the crisis with a view to finding a lasting settlement to the causes that have led to the current situation in line with the spirit that has always characterized the GCC. On Monday, Morocco announced it will send planes loaded with foodstuff to Qatar in a sign of solidarity and mutual aid that has no political dimension. This decision comes in accordance with the precepts of the Islamic religion, which encourages solidarity and mutual assistance among Islamic people, in particular during this blessed month of Ramadan, said the Moroccan Foreign Ministry in a statement. Moroccos commitment to end the Gulf crisis highlights the strong ties binding the Kingdom and Gulf countries. Bob Mueller. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. Donald Trump did not like the idea of James Comey investigating his associates. So he fired the FBI director. But then Comey turned out to be a leaker and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein turned out to have some shred of personal integrity. Soon, a special prosecutor was investigating Trumps aides and, quite likely, the president himself. And Trump really doesnt like the idea of that. Last week, we learned that Jeff Sessions had offered his resignation after the president berated him for recusing himself from the investigation into Russian hacking and thereby enabling Rosenstein to appoint the special prosecutor who is now sifting through the skeletons in Trumps capacious closets. So, the president would clearly love to fire Robert Mueller. And as anyone whos familiar with the history of the Nixon presidency knows, Trump has the right to do so. Special prosecutors serve at the presidents pleasure (for some stupid reason). In fact, the only genuine constraints on the presidents capacity to suspend the rule of law are political. Many legal analysts believe that the president cannot be indicted while in office. And even if he could, Trump retains the power of the pardon. Congress is the one entity that can hold the president accountable. But its controlled by conservative Republicans who have, historically, shown more deference to right-wing media than the norms undergirding our republic. And some in the right-wing media are already telling Trump what he wants to hear. Shortly after Muellers appointment was announced, Newt Gingrich called the Republican former FBI director a superb choice. His reputation is impeccable for honesty and integrity, the former House Speaker and leading Trump sycophant tweeted. Alas, Newts reputation on those fronts is extremely peccable. Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair. Look who he is hiring.check fec reports. Time to rethink. Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) June 12, 2017 Meanwhile, Ann Coulter argues that Mueller no longer has anything to investigate. Now that we FINALLY got Comey to admit Trump not under investigation, Sessions should fire Mueller. Why do we need a special counsel now? Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) June 11, 2017 As Voxs Matt Yglesias notes, there are a few problems with this theory: Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn appears to be in hot water regarding his secret sources of foreign income, Attorney General Jeff Sessions made false statements under oath regarding his meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, senior adviser Jared Kushner seems to have made false sworn statements on his security clearance paperwork regarding meeting an executive at a Russian bank thats widely seen as a front for Russian intelligence, and Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort is facing questions about possible money laundering. Thats all the kind of thing you might want investigated by someone outside the normal Department of Justice chain of command. Additionally, in last weeks testimony, Comey strongly suggested that Mueller is now investigating the possibility that Trump obstructed justice when he asked his FBI director to lay off Michael Flynn. Over at the Washington Examiner, Byron York pursues a line closer to Gingrichs: Mueller is biased because of his long working relationship with James Comey. Comey is a good friend of special counsel Robert Mueller, York writes. Such a good friend, for about 15 years now, that the two men have been described as brothers in arms. Yorks piece does not directly argue that Muellers relationship with Comey renders him unfit to serve in his current capacity. And the reporter couldnt find any legal expert willing to make that argument on the record. But he did find four lawyers who were happy to make the case, under the cover of anonymity. None of these arguments are good. If Trump fired Mueller, the mainstream media and general public would not find such defenses compelling. But then one could say the same thing about the defenses Republicans deployed at Comeys hearing last week. A day ago, actual adult senators argued that when the president tells his FBI director I hope you will drop this investigation into my friend after asking everyone else to leave the room so he and the head of federal law enforcement could talk in private thats merely an innocent expression of the commander-in-chiefs fondest wishes (and this remains true even if the president later fires that FBI director for pursuing an investigation he didnt approve of). Congressional Republicans have already concluded that demanding the head of federal law enforcement pledge personal fealty to you and then firing him for failing to demonstrate that fealty is concerning, but not disqualifying behavior for a president to engage in. Put more precisely: Theyve decided that such conduct does not constitute an abuse of power worthy of impeachment. And if the GOP believes that (or has decided that its politically expedient to pretend to), its far from clear that theyd see the firing of a special prosecutor much differently. Karma and Greg? Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Body-slamming a reporter has worked out pretty well for Greg Gianforte. On Monday, a Montana judge sentenced the congressman-elect to 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger-management classes, and a $385 fine for assaulting Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs. The day before last months special election in Big Sky Country, the Congressional Budget Office announced that Trumpcare would throw 23 million people off of health insurance. This was a problem for the GOPs House candidate. Gianforte had made it through the entire campaign without taking a position on his partys (deeply unpopular) health-care bill. Hed achieved this feat by insisting that he couldnt judge the legislations merits until the CBO released its findings. But now the pointy-headed bureaucrats had spoken. And a reporter from the Guardian was standing in his office, imploring him to tell the public whether or not he supported Paul Ryans plan to finance a large tax cut for the rich by condemning thousands of nonaffluent sick people to preventable deaths. Gianforte considered his options. He could buck his party, disappoint his base, and distance himself from a bill that was certain to hurt working-class Montanans. He could defend Trumpcares good name against the CBOs defamation. Or, he could body-slam the reporter while yelling in rage, in front of several horrified witnesses. The would-be congressman chose door number three and this has proved to be a sound decision. By letting his fists do the talking, Gianforte succeeded in winning election to Congress without ever taking a public stance on the most contentious issue facing that body. Not only did voters forgive his assault they may have even rewarded him for it. Since his victory, GOP strategists have suggested that the best way for Republican candidates to mobilize conservatives in 2018 will be to attack the media (figuratively speaking). And now, it appears that the legal costs of Gianfortes gambit are only marginally higher than the political ones. Community service and anger-management classes may even provide the congressman some political and personal benefit. And Greg Gianforte can find $385 in his couch cushions the multimillionaire has already pledged to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists. In other news, Santa Fe Reporter staff writer Aaron Cantu was indicted on felony riot charges last week. Cantu was arrested on Inauguration Day, when he and six other journalists covering the demonstrations were mistaken for violent protestors. He now faces 75 years in prison. Sessions testifies to the Senate. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images Less than a week removed from James Comeys open Senate testimony, billed as Washingtons Super Bowl, Attorney General Jeff Sessions will be grilled today by the Senate Intelligence Committee about his contacts with Russians, among other things. Think of this as Washingtons World Series. At the top of the agenda for Senators on the panel will be the former Alabama Senators meetings with Russias ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak. At his confirmation hearing in January, Sessions said he had no contacts with Russians during the 2016 campaign for the presidency. He later corrected the record and admitted to meeting with Kislyak twice. But last week, Comey reportedly told lawmakers in a closed hearing that Sessions had a third meeting with the ambassador that he hadnt copped to. Sessions will reportedly deny this third meeting, according to Axios, and describe the source material for this charge, gathered from intercepted communications between Russians, as of a dubious veracity. He will also push back against accusations of perjury. Sessions is expected to tell his version of a story Comey relayed last week. As the former FBI director told Senators, after President Trump asked for the investigation into Mike Flynn to be dropped, Comey told Sessions he did not want to be alone with Trump. While Comey remembered Sessions saying nothing back to him, the Attorney General will say he remembers responding. Sessions should also expect to be asked about his recusal from the FBIs Russia investigation and his subsequent involvement in the firing of James Comey. Recommending Director Comeys firing would seem to be a violation of his recusal, and Attorney General Sessions needs to answer for that, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday. One lingering question about Sessions testimony is whether and to what extent he will invoke executive privilege to avoid answering questions about his conversations with Trump. 5:30 p.m. And thats it. Sessions testimony provided some fireworks, mostly while Democrats pressed him on his unwillingness to answer their questions, while also allowing the Attorney General an opportunity to mount a vigorous defense against claims that he was involved with Russias attempt to hack the U.S. election. The suggestion that I participated in any collusion, that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government, or hurt this country which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie, Sessions said early in the hearing. While that was the point he made most forcefully Tuesday, it was not the one he made most often. I do not recall was the phrase of the day. On the issue of a third, undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador, he said he did not recall. On the issue of meeting with people who seemed suspicious in hindsight, he said he did not recall. Asked for a yes or no answer about other Trump campaign officials potentially having meetings with Russian officials, he instead said he did not recall. On the issue of James Comeys firing, Sessions was less on message. He repeatedly cited the issue of Comeys handling of Hillary Clintons emails as the reason for his firing, but did not acknowledge that Trump himself said Comey was fired over the Russia investigation. He was also evasive on the issue of executive privilege, declaring at one point that he was protecting Trumps ability to invoke it later by acting as if it was already invoked. In a statement with newfound relevance after yesterdays report that Trump may fire special counsel Robert Mueller, Sessions said that he has confidence in the former FBI director to lead the Russia investigation. Thats a good thing for him, because his refusal to answer questions about his conversations with Trump may ensure that he gets to spend a lot more time with Mueller sometime in the near future. Takeaway: if Mueller is investigating obstruction, Sessions just earned himself a trip to the grand jury to discuss those convos w/ Trump. Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) June 13, 2017 5:03 p.m. After appearing confused and incoherent at Comeys Senate hearing, Sen. John McCain comes across more as rambling and incoherent in his questioning of Sessions. He does, however, appear to criticize Sessions for meeting with the Russian ambassador after showing little interest in Russia while in the Senate. McCain skeptical of Sessions for meeting w/Russia's Kislyak while on Armed Services, where Sessions displayed little interest in Russia 1/2 Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) June 13, 2017 McCain to Sessions: " I don't recall you as being particularly vocal on such issues" about Russian meddling in 2016 on Armed Services Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) June 13, 2017 Sen. McCain got at exactly what we were getting at: Sessions didn't show interest in Russia/Ukraine issues pre-2016. https://t.co/hI3ZRvRp3H Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) June 13, 2017 4:57 p.m. Sen. Jack Reed confronts Sessions with his previous statements in support of Comeys handling of the Clinton email case, which he now says was reason enough to fire Comey. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is reading Jeff Sessions's lavish praise for Jim Comey on Fox News from last July and November. James Hohmann (@jameshohmann) June 13, 2017 Jack Reed is quietly making Sessions look very foolish. Charles P. Pierce (@CharlesPPierce) June 13, 2017 4:50 p.m. Harris tweets from the dais. I dont know. I dont recall. I dont remember. Did you refresh your memory with any written documents? #SessionsHearing Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 13, 2017 4:45 p.m. As Sen. Kamala Harris hurries Sessions to give her an answer, he says that shes making him nervous. Jeff Sessions won't give a straight answer, claiming that he's "nervous." pic.twitter.com/6vCce24WvJ American Bridge (@American_Bridge) June 13, 2017 Then Sen. John McCain chimes in. There goes McCain (who isn't on this committee) interrupting Kamala Harris again, and admonishing her to be nice. Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) June 13, 2017 4:40 p.m. Trending! 4:38 p.m. Sen. Tom Cotton, hoping that Trump is tuned in, asks Sessions about the danger of leaks. Sessions thanks him for asking the question. Cotton continues Republican obsession with leaks. They weren't condemning leaks about HRC investigation. Adam Goldman (@adamgoldmanNYT) June 13, 2017 4:32 p.m. Manchin runs down a list of Trump campaign associates and asks Sessions if they, to the best of his knowledge, met with Russian actors. Short answer: He doesnt recall. series of 'i don't recalls' from sessions to if various trump officials met with russians. lewandowski, steve bannon, steve miller, etc. Laura Rozen (@lrozen) June 13, 2017 4:28 p.m. Asked by Sen. Joe Manchin if he could be more forthcoming in a closed hearing, Sessions says hes not sure and cites executive privilege, which he previously said hadnt been invoked. 4:19 p.m. Sessions reveals that he has never been briefed on the issue of Russias attempts to hack into the 2016 presidential election. All that he knows of it, he read in the newspapers, he said. The attorney general of the United States just said he's never been briefed on Russian interference in the 2016 election Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) June 13, 2017 The sitting AG just said he hasn't received a classified briefing about Russian hacking. So who's in charge of stopping the next hack? Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) June 13, 2017 4:15 p.m. Sen. Angus King returns to the issue of Sessions refusal to answer some questions posed by the Intelligence Committee. Has the President asserted executive privilege? No, Sessions says. So why is Sessions refusing to answer some of the questions? Im protecting the right of the president to assert it, if he chooses he said. This is astounding. Sessions is claiming he can't answer questions because Trump MIGHT assert executive privilege LATER. Jared Yates Sexton (@JYSexton) June 13, 2017 4:08 p.m. Would Sessions have quit the Trump campaign if he knew it was colluding with Russia? Absolutely, he says. Sessions: If there was an improper illegal relationship in an effort to impede or influence this campaign, I absolutely would have departed. pic.twitter.com/ybLuX0wM64 CBS News (@CBSNews) June 13, 2017 4:03 p.m. Sen. Martin Heinrich accuses Sessions of impeding this investigation. 3:57 p.m. The reviews are beginning to come in and Sessions passion on the issue of collusion with Russia is convincing some observers. The Comey firing is another story. Sessions is strongest on defense about Russia collusion/Kislyak, weakest trying to explain WH/DOJ convoluted story about Comey firing. Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) June 13, 2017 3:52 p.m. Sessions gets angry with Sen. Ron Wyden. WATCH: Sessions & Wyden share a fiery exchange over Comey's comments on Sessions recusal from the Russia investigation. #SessionsHearing pic.twitter.com/27hsifP0YH 11th Hour (@11thHour) June 13, 2017 3:49 p.m. Asked by Sen. Marco Rubio if he was involved with changing the RNC platform to weaken support for Ukraine, Sessions said he did not remember. Sessions can't actually remember if he had direct involvement in changing the RNC platform. How can that be? How can you not remember that? Sam Stein (@samstein) June 13, 2017 3:43 p.m. On the issue of Comeys firing, Sessions reiterated that the former FBI director was let go largely because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton e-mail investigation. He said Comey engaged in a stunning usurpation of federal prosecutors authority. "a usurpation!" "a stunning development!" -sessions on comey's clinton decision Alexandra Petri (@petridishes) June 13, 2017 3:35 p.m. Sessions provides some more details about his meeting with Comey following the former FBI directors conversation with Trump, in which the President allegedly asked him to go easy on Mike Flynn. He was concerned about it, Sessions said. He also disputed Comeys characterization of his lingering in the Oval Office before leaving. We were there, I was standing there, he said. I did depart, I believe everyone else did report, and director Comey was sitting in front of the presidents desk and they were talking. 3:30 p.m. Asked by Sen. Mark Warner if he ever had conversations with Comey about his performance as FBI director, Sessions says no. Why does that matter? Because Sessions says Comey was fired becuase of his poor performance. 3:26 p.m. Sessions says he has confidence in special counsel Robert Mueller. Does President Trump? Sessions has no idea. AG says he has confidence in special counsel Robert Mueller; says he has "no idea" whether Pres. Trump maintains confidence in Mueller. pic.twitter.com/GDPMtvyRPd CBS News (@CBSNews) June 13, 2017 3:15 p.m. Responding to a question from Sen. Burr, Sessions pushes back against the suggestion that he recused himself from the Russia investigation because he was involved in the investigation. Instead, he said he recused himself because of a Justice Department regulation. 3:07 p.m. Sessions doesnt deny his involvement in Comeys firing. Rather, he suggests that it was a managerial decision and not outside of his scope of duties, despite his recusal from the Russia investigation. And he might have a point, if Trump hadnt cited the Russia investigation as the reason for Comeys firing. Sessions defends his role in firing Comey: "The scope of my recusal does not and cannot interfere with my ability to oversee the FBI Cameron Joseph (@cam_joseph) June 13, 2017 2:57 p.m. Sessions denies the alleged Mayflower hotel meeting along with having any conversation with any Russian or foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the U.S. He goes on to forcefully deny any attempt to hurt this country. Sessions: "The suggestion that I participated in any collusion.... to hurt this country... is an appalling and detestable lie." Jim Acosta (@Acosta) June 13, 2017 2:47 p.m. Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Burr, who shared a hug with Mary Blackshear Sessions before taking his seat, lays out the questions he hopes Sessions will answer in his testimony. Here are the questions Chairman Burr wants Sessions to answer. pic.twitter.com/EPI1r8YI3o Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 13, 2017 2:41 p.m. Sessions is in the room and seated. His wife is in the room too. Sessions testimony: So it begins, after a kiss from his wife. CBNNews pic.twitter.com/oBbKlQ76ts Erik Rosales (@ErikRosalesCBN) June 13, 2017 2:20 p.m. Minutes before Sessions arrives for his testimony, President Trump takes off on Air Force One en route to Wisconsin, where hell tour a technical college and attend a fundraiser with Gov. Scott Walker. Its unclear if hell be watching the testimony onboard. A Ninth Circuit panel again refused to revive Trumps travel ban. But the decision had a couple of interesting twists. Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images Given the presidents (and his allies) serial bashing of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a godless liberal bastion of judicial activism, it probably raised few eyebrows that a three-judge panel of that Court unanimously upheld a Hawaii federal district judges injunction against enforcement of Trumps revised travel ban on Monday. But the Ninth Circuit decision differed in two significant ways from the Fourth Circuits superficially similar ruling on May 25. The judges did not choose to maintain an injunction against the ban on the First Amendment Establishment Clause grounds emphasized by the Fourth Circuit an argument that puts heavy emphasis in a controversial way on Team Trumps comments about a Muslim ban before the election. Instead, they opted to focus on the claim that the administration did not make the sort of factual findings about national security threats allegedly posed by the people affected that the congressional statute authorizing such actions requires. Perhaps even more important for purposes of the ultimate disposal of this case, the Ninth Circuit struck down the district court judges injunction against internal government operations associated with a permanent regime of enhanced vetting. Since the decisions in the Fourth Circuit did not touch on this issue, the administration is presumably empowered to move ahead on that front based on the Ninth Circuit decision. So, at this point, the Supreme Court can choose between punting and basically telling the administration to forget about what was supposed to be a temporary travel ban, or deciding the case on one or both of the complicated issues cited by the Fourth and Ninth Circuits. Either way, the underlying fight over the presidents desire to crack down on people coming into the country who happen to be Muslims will go on, in the courts and elsewhere. A voting machine. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Last week, government contractor Reality Winner was arrested for allegedly leaking classified NSA documents to the Intercept about Russian hackers cyberattack on a U.S. voting software supplier just days before the election. Now, Bloomberg expands on those findings, reporting on a far more widespread cybercampaign that targeted state and local voter databases and critical software systems in at least 39 states. Illinoiss state-voter database was among those targeted, and the state reached out to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security after detecting the unauthorized activity. Bloomberg reports that: Using evidence from the Illinois computer banks, federal agents were able to develop digital signatures among them, Internet Protocol addresses used by the attackers to spot the hackers at work. The signatures were then sent through Homeland Security alerts and other means to every state. Thirty-seven states reported finding traces of the hackers in various systems, according to one of the people familiar with the probe. In two others Florida and California those traces were found in systems run by a private contractor managing critical election systems. Obama warned Moscow directly about the cyberattack, but the hacking allegedly continued right up to Election Day even after the Kremlin promised it would investigate. There is no evidence that the hackers tampered with the actual vote, and according to Bloomberg, the Obama administration really feared, at the time, that the hackers were more likely to delete voters from the rolls, or slow down vote tallying, which would undermine overall confidence in the U.S. electoral process without changing the final results. One U.S. official did point out a albeit counterintuitive silver lining: Americas different voting systems across states and counties may have foiled nefarious motives, as hackers couldnt use a one-size-fits-all approach to gain access and control of voting systems. But U.S. officials are increasingly worried that hackers will end up using the 2016 intrusion as essentially a fact-finding mission for the next election and potentially, and likely more effectively, fine-tune their meddling. Photo: Sergei Chirikov/AFP/Getty Images The Senate has reached an agreement to further sanction Russia for its meddling in the 2016 election, as well as its military activities in Ukraine and Syria. The bipartisan deal also includes a provision allowing Congress to review and potentially prevent the White House from rolling back penalties on Russia. Since November, various members of President Trumps circle have reportedly floated the idea of easing the sanctions ordered by President Obama, with Trump himself saying that he was considering it shortly after his inauguration. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has since said, The United States sanctions will remain until Moscow reverses the actions that triggered our sanctions, but Trump and Tillerson are not always on the same page. From Reuters: Besides the provision setting up a process for Congress to review changes in sanctions, the measure would put into law sanctions previously established via presidential executive order, including some on certain Russian energy projects and debt financing in some industries.It would impose new sanctions on Russians found to be guilty of human rights abuses, supplying weapons to Syrias government and conduct cyber attacks on behalf of Russias government, among others. The measure also would allow new sanctions on Russian mining, metals, shipping and railways. The legislation, which will be attached to a bill sanctioning Iran, has broad support from Republicans and Democrats and is expected to pass the chamber. (Those who believe that Senate Democrats should be devoting all of their energy to trying to stop the secretive passage of the GOPs terrible health-care plan probably wont be too impressed by the sight of the parties coming together on this issue.) In order to become law, the House will have to approve the bill, and the president will have to sign off on it. Of course, Trump could veto the measure, though that would look pretty bad in the context of the many investigations into whether his campaign colluded with Russia. On the other hand, he often doesnt seem to care about looking bad. Trump tells Christian-right audience they are together under siege. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Of all the startling political events of 2016, one that baffled an awful lot of people was the exceptional support Donald Trump received from conservative Christians, and especially the white evangelical voters that he won by an unprecedented 80-to-16 margin. Now Tim Alberta reports that, if anything, the bond between Trump and the leadership of the Christian right is stronger than ever, even as other elements of his coalition are thought to be experiencing a bit of buyers remorse. Talking with these leaders at last weeks Faith and Freedom Coalition meeting, Donald Trumps first foray into public view after James Comeys testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Alberta reaffirms something acute observers of the Christian right have realized for a while: They do not mistake Donald Trump a frankly heathenish character whose efforts to sound pious usually come across as comical and painfully inauthentic for one of their own. But they have a mutually transactional relationship with the man that is almost refreshing from their point of view, given the disappointments and occasional betrayals they experienced from pious GOP pols from Reagan to George W. Bush. Heres how Alberta puts it: [F]or Christians who feel they are engaged in a great struggle for the identity of Americaand fear that their side has been losing groundthe most important question is not whether Trump believes in their cause, but whether he can win their wars. Jimmy Carter sat in the pew with us. But he never fought for us, Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, told me after the presidents speech. Donald Trump fights. And he fights for us. It is hard to underestimate the goodwill Trump stored up via the successful installment of Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court. Hillary Clintons election might well have put the preeminent Christian-right goal of reversing Roe v. Wade out of reach for a generation. But beyond averting that disaster, Trump set up a very public process for choosing a SCOTUS pick that all but gave the Christian right a veto, and ultimately picked the jurist probably most favored by the Christian right, not only because he is viewed as a sure vote to overturn Roe, but because of his conspicuous involvement in judicial efforts to expand religious liberty rights to violate anti-discrimination laws. And despite his lack of legislative accomplishments, Trump has pleased Christian right leaders and the rank and file in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways: his gestures of unilateral support for Israel, his appointment of a secretary of Education widely viewed as a religiously motivated warrior for diverting public education funds to private including religious schools and home-schooling parents, his hostility to the pagan cause of climate change activism, and his lusty participation in very old conservative wars on Planned Parenthood and Obamacare. From the point of view of many old-school Christian-right moralists, the best thing about Trumps lack of religiosity may be his apparent immunity from Bush-style compassionate conservatism. But as Alberta also notes, there is an additional source of solidarity at work on Trumps behalf that is actually becoming more powerful as he struggles with adversity in Congress and in Washington generally: One fascinating explanation, proffered repeatedly during conversations with evangelicals over the past year, is that they identify with Trump because both he and they have been systematically targeted in the public squareoftentimes by the same adversaries. This explains why Trump, speaking last week to the Faith and Freedom Coalitions annual gathering in Washington, offered an extraordinary sentiment in pledging to support the evangelical community. Were under siege. You understand that, the president said. But we will come out bigger and better and stronger than ever. It was a stroke of polysemantic genius from Trump and his speechwriters. As heads nodded in agreement across the hotel ballroom, media outlets seizedas the White House knew they wouldon the phrase, Were under siege. In Christian-right circles, it has become an article of faith that Christianity itself is under siege from secularists, feminists, LGBT folk, scientists and other academics, liberal bureaucrats and politicians, and a pervasive culture of political correctness that makes advocates of traditional patriarchal culture and religious dogma uncomfortable. As someone who explicitly and implicitly via the very crudeness that otherwise repels religious people attacks political correctness every day, Trump is emphatically the enemy of the Christian rights enemies. And the more he is embattled, the more the president shares a sort of fellowship of self-pity with conservative Christians who view themselves as losing the national culture wars and becoming isolated in their heartland enclaves. This dynamic could well mean that, more than the white working class and even more than the alt-right, conservative white Christians could be Trumps last and strongest ditch of support if he continues to fail legislatively and struggles with scandals over possible ties to Russia and his many conflicts of interest. And given the importance of this constituency to Republicans in many parts of the country, these allies in the pulpits and the pews may be the most valuable the president could possess. The Perriello-Northam contest could go either way, while Ed Gillespie seems to have the GOP primary under control. Photo: Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post/Getty Images Tomorrows Democratic gubernatorial primary in Virginia has gotten a lot more national attention than the New Jersey contests last week. Whatever national fuss it has enjoyed is in no small part because casually interested national media have frequently treated the battle between Tom Perriello and Ralph Northam as a rematch of last years Bernie SandersHillary Clinton rivalry. The only problem with that perspective is that its actually not accurate. Yes, Perriello a former congressman and Obama administration official has been endorsed by Sanders and by Elizabeth Warren, but hes also being backed by a host of former Clinton and Obama operatives. Meanwhile, Northam, the current lieutenant governor, is being supported by every elected Democrat in the executive or legislative branches of government in the Old Dominion. So its really more of a national versus state perspective contest, reflected in the two candidates messaging: Perriello is touting his campaign as an important sign of anti-Trump sentiment, while Northam (as one might expect of a lieutenant governor) is talking more about continuing Terry McAuliffes legacy and dealing with a Republican-controlled legislature. The GOP primary is thought by most observers to be a less competitive affair, with former RNC chairman Ed Gillespie who became a national GOP rock star in 2014 by very nearly upsetting Senator Mark Warner dominating fundraising and endorsements against fiery Trumpite county supervisor chairman Corey Stewart and Hampton Roads legislator Frank Wagner. There is a late online survey from a new polling firm showing Stewart running even with and in some turnout scenarios ahead of Gillespie, which Breitbart News is touting. Stewarts campaign has mostly been composed of attacks on undocumented workers, defense of Confederate monuments, and oaths of fealty to the president. No other poll has shown him holding more than 18 percent of the primary vote. On the other hand, as Virginia-based analyst Geoffrey Skelley points out, this is only the fourth Republican gubernatorial primary ever (the GOP in this state usually opts for a nominating convention). And this is the state where Eric Cantor managed to lose to Dave Brat. A Stewart win would be equally shocking. The Democratic vote is dicier. Most recent polls have shown a close race, with Perriello doing well in and near the Charlottesville-Southside congressional district he represented in the U.S. House for one term (20092010), and Northam doing well in the Tidewater area he represented in the Virginia legislature. That makes Richmond and especially vote-rich northern Virginia the real arenas. You would normally expect the nationally focused Perriello to have an advantage in the nationally focused D.C. suburbs. But Northam has outspent his opponent in TV advertising, and was also endorsed by the Washington Post. The African-American vote expected to be about a third of Democratic primary voters could also help decide the contest. Northam has a lot of African-American elected official endorsements that of veteran congressman Bobby Scott could be especially influential. But Perriellos identification with Barack Obama which he highlights in his own ads could also help him among black voters. In the end, turnout patterns could matter most. A very low turnout helps Northam, whose supporters are significantly older than Perriellos. Very low in Virginia off-year elections really does mean very low: In the last wide-open Democratic gubernatorial primary, in 2009, only 6.3 percent of registered voters participated (Virginia does not have voter registration by party). Turnout closer to 10 percent would probably be good news for Perriello. Democrats will likely end primary day in good shape for November. The Northam-Perriello primary has been quite civil, and history is definitely on their side: In 2013, Terry McAuliffe broke a streak of nine consecutive gubernatorial winners from the party that did not control the White House. Given Trumps less-than-average popularity in Virginia and nationally, this seems an unlikely year for the White House albatross to become a advantage. Make Millions Uninsured Again. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump has repeatedly assured the American people that their health-care system will collapse on his watch. In many instances, the president has framed this claim as a matter-of-fact assessment of Obamacares incurable flaws in others, as a promise to kill the law by any means necessary. In early April, Trump sounded the latter note. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the president suggested that he would cease paying out cost-sharing reductions subsidies to insurers that defray the cost of covering low-income Obamacare enrollees so as to engineer a crisis in the private insurance market, and, thus, generate more support for repealing Barack Obamas signature law. 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. The president never shot his hostage. But pointing a gun in its direction may have been good enough. By threatening to stop paying out those so-called cost-sharing reductions while also threatening not to enforce penalties on those go without insurance the White House sowed uncertainty that chased insurers out of Obamacare. In mid-April, several of Americas largest insurance companies descended on Washington to seek the White Houses assurance that Trumps rhetoric about withholding the subsidies was just a bluff. Seema Verma, Trumps head of Medicare and Medicaid Services, informed the insurers that it could be a bluff if they agreed to publicly support the presidents health-care bill. The insurers found little comfort in this exchange. Nor did Trumpcares sudden revival calm their nerves. To protect themselves from a diverse array of very-bad-case scenarios, many jacked up their premiums and wound down their participation in the Affordable Care Act. Over the past week, the number of counties with no plans signed up to sell Obamacare has doubled. Which is to say: There are now 38,000 ACA enrollees, dispersed across 47 counties, who have subsidies to buy insurance but no one to buy it from. Those figures are likely to increase as we move closer to the June 21 deadline for insurers to declare whether the intend to participate in Obamacare next year. This development will hurt nonaffluent Trump voters in rural America. And it may well hurt the GOPs political fortunes in 2018 voters tend to blame the party in power for bad things that happen on their watch. But in the immediate term, the administrations various acts of sabotage do seem to be buoying the prospects of Obamacare repeal. The collapse of the ACA exchanges in Iowa earned Trumpcare at least one moderate Republican vote in the House last month, according to Politico: The last insurer on Iowas exchange pulled out the day before the vote, leaving thousands without an option to purchase insurance. That troubled Rep. David Young (R-Iowa.), who had remained opposed to the measure throughout the talks. The vulnerable Republican felt compelled to vote for a replacement in light of his home-state situation. In the last seven days, as the consequences of White House sabotage have rippled throughout the country, Senate Republicans (reportedly) made a breakthrough on Obamacare repeal. A new report from Voxs Sarah Kliff suggests these facts may be related: Whenever a health insurance plan quits Obamacare, I usually receive an email from the Health and Human Services press office arguing that this is all the more reason Congress needs to repeal Obamacare. This is the statement that spokesperson Alleigh Marre sent out when Anthem quit the Ohio marketplace last Tuesday (bolding my own): This news is heartbreaking for the millions of Ohioans who depend on access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, and this is a stark reminder that Obamacare is collapsing. Now is the time to advance real healthcare reform that empowers individuals and families with the choices and resources they need to buy a plan that meets their healthcare needs without breaking their budgets. The American people cant afford to wait any longer. On the day the House passed Trumpcare, Ohio senator Rob Portman vowed to oppose any bill that hurt his states Medicaid enrollees so badly. Ive already made clear that I dont support the House bill as currently constructed, Portman said, because I continue to have concerns that this bill does not do enough to protect Ohios Medicaid expansion population. This week, Portman made his peace with ending Medicaid expansion so long as its wound down over seven years, instead of three. This change does more to protect Senate Republicans from political blowback than low-income Ohioans from the loss of their insurance. Its entirely possible that Portman would have fallen in line with his partys leadership, even if his states Obamacare marketplaces were thriving. But the fact they arent will surely make easier for him to justify his vote. Meanwhile, 14 Senate Republicans are imploring the administration to commit another act of sabotage. In a recent letter to Health Secretary Tom Price, the lawmakers called for the abolition of an Obama-era regulation that restricts access to skimpy, short-term insurance plans. These low-cost, low-coverage plans provide healthy people with a means of evading Obamacares individual mandate without purchasing insurance over the laws exchanges. The likely effect of the Senate GOPs request would be the further destabilization of the private insurance market, as the pool of people seeking coverage through the Obamacare marketplaces would grow even sicker. As of this writing, the GOP appears poised to pass its heinously unpopular plan to finance a tax cut for the rich by throwing millions of poor people off of their health insurance. If their emerging strategy of sabotage, secrecy, and sudden repeal works, the president will deserve a measure of credit for his ruthlessness. But others will also deserve recognition. The authors of Obamacare bear some responsibility. The ACA has achieved most of its admirable ambitions. But by relying on private companies to voluntarily participate on the exchanges and refusing to impose a more draconian penalty on the willfully uninsured Democrats made their law vulnerable to vandals. Speaking of vandals, congressional Republicans, of course, merit special commendation: It was their successful 2014 lawsuit that provided Trump with the power to cancel cost-sharing reductions at will. And last, but decidedly not least, credit must be given to every mainstream politician and publication that ever assured the American people their nation had two normal, equally legitimate parties ones united in their commitment to serving the public interest, even if they disagreed about how, precisely, to do so. Qatar Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah (r) meets with Defense Secretary James Mattis (c) and ambassador to Qatar Dana Shell Smith (l) in April. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/AFP/Getty Images Talk about timing: The U.S. ambassador to Qatar, Dana Shell Smith, is leaving her post at the end of the month as tensions flare amid the Saudi-led standoff with the tiny Gulf state. The State Department confirmed that Shell Smiths three-year tour had concluded, and her departure from her posting was expected regional crisis or no though she reportedly has decided to also leave the Foreign Service. Early reports speculated that Shell Smith may have stepped down because President Trumps recent and very public criticisms of Qatar has sidelined State Department attempts to navigate the crisis between its regional partners. 1/2 This month, I end my 3 years as U.S. Ambassador to #Qatar. It has been the greatest honor of my life and I'll miss this great country. Charge William Grant (@USAmbQatar) June 13, 2017 2/2 I will be announcing my personal Twitter account soon. Keep an eye out! Charge William Grant (@USAmbQatar) June 13, 2017 The departure of the long-serving ambassador comes as the Saudi-led diplomatic and economic boycott extends into its second week. Despite the mixed signals from Washington, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, told the Senate during a hearing on Tuesday that, so far, the blockade hasnt affected U.S. military operations in Qatar. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson remains out front calling for a resolution between its regional partners. But both sides are digging in right now. Qatar cultivated key support from Turkey and Iran, though its cooperation with the latter is likely to incense Saudi Arabia all the more. Right now, most of the support has come in the form of food aid, as Saudi Arabia closed off Qatars land border over which it gets most of its imports. Iran and Turkey have both sent cargo planes of fresh food. Plus, a Qatari businessman even has a plan to airlift 4,000 cows to maintain the countrys dairy supply. A lot of people think were the only ones to lose in this, the Qatari finance minister definitely told CNBC. If were going to lose a dollar, they will lose a dollar also. And those cracks are showing. Reuters reported Tuesday that Qatar has shuttered its two helium plants because, with its borders shut, it cant export the product. Qatar is the worlds second-largest producer of helium, which might have ripple effects among the industries that rely on Qatars helium exports which, yes, do include hot-air balloons. Midtown Manhattan during a blackout. Photo: Ralph Morse/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images On December 18 of last year, an electrical substation near Kiev shut down without warning, sending the northern parts of Ukraines capital city into a sudden hour-long blackout. About a fifth of the total amount of electricity Kiev uses was suddenly unavailable. That is a lot. This kind of blackout is very, very rare, said Vsevolod Kovalchuk, acting chief director of the state-run energy company Ukrenergo, to Reuters. It wasnt a problem with Ukraines electrical infrastructure. Instead, Kovalchuk along with many others suspected that the energy company had been the victim of a cyberattack. Ukrenergos IT specialists had discovered a series of transmissions that werent supposed to be there, leading them to believe they had been hacked. (During this same time period, Ukraines Treasury, Finance, and Defense had all suffered from attacks that disrupted service.) But it was unknown what virus the attackers had used, and why it was so effective at shutting down power to Kiev. When people talk about cyberattacks, power grids come up frequently: Shut down power to a region, and you can cause mass chaos from afar. Now two security firms, Slovakias ESET and the U.S.-based Dragos, have released reports detailing Industroyer, (also known as Crash Override) a very nasty virus seemingly designed with one purpose to wreak havoc on industrial equipment, specifically the computers that control electrical substations and circuit breakers. Once the virus is in control, it can do anything from turning the power off, to create rolling blackouts, to inflicting physical damage to the equipment. Its able to do this because the protocols controlling substations and circuit breakers were designed decades ago, when it was assumed that industrial networks would remain internal. They are also largely standardized across the world. Engineers back then didnt consider a world where industrial technology would be accessible to the outside world. Most of the systems have fairly old technology thats hard to strengthen against those type of attacks, says Mike Fumai, president and COO of AppGuard. Industroyer is a sophisticated piece of software. Its complex in that it has multiple stages of attack, says Fumai. It has multiple levels of permissions, which it needs to be effective. Industroyer first infiltrates an energy companys network and waits to see if the intrusion was detected. If it wasnt, it then moves on to the next step, infecting computers within the network. Along the way, it builds several backdoors for itself, meaning even if one intrusion point is found, it can still slip in and continue to cause damage. It also has the ability to completely wipe all traces of itself if it is detected. Whats more, unlike other major cyberattacks against civil infrastructure, it doesnt require the monitoring and management of a human operator. The code itself will do the damage, says Fumai. In that case, the initial Ukraine attack, that mission was to shut down power grids for a certain amount of time. Which leads many to believe that Kievs brief blackout in December was more of a test run of Industroyer a proof of concept, if you will. Because protocols are so standardized, it could easily be adapted for an attack on any part of the world that has civil infrastructure connected to the internet. The fact that Ukraine was targeted, combined with Industroyers high level of technical accomplishment, has led many to believe that this may be the work of state-sponsored hacker groups, likely out of Russia. (Ukraine has been under near-constant cyberattacks since Russias annexation of Crimea two years ago.) There isnt much electrical utilities can do to protect themselves. Careful monitoring of every part of the system can detect abnormalities a sudden spike or drop in power could be the sign of an attack beginning, which could get an IT team enough time to find and flush the virus before it causes more damage. But the virus does have the ability to stay stealthy, says Fumai, so you may not be able to stop it before it causes harm. Theres also the idea that utilities should build extremely advanced VPN enclaves around their entire network, masking their public IP addresses (one of the more common ways hackers find their way into a system). Workers are then issued physical devices that only allow authorized users access to the network. But that obviously comes with its own logistical (and budgetary) constraints. Before panic rises too high, it should be noted that even if this virus was unleashed on a power grid, power would likely be restored in a matter of hours, or perhaps a day not weeks or months. As security firm Dragos notes, The electric grid operators train regularly to restore power for similar-sized events such as weather storms. Still, the ability for unknown actors to cause even brief interruptions to the electrical grid should be enough to give anyone pause. Industroyer/Crash Override is now the second known virus in the world designed to attack industrial equipment. The first, Stuxnet, was a computer worm generally believed to have been developed in a joint effort by Israelis and Americans to severely damage Irans nuclear-weapons program and deployed in 2010. Travis Kalanick. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Ubers embattled CEO Travis Kalanick announced on Tuesday that he would take a leave of absence from the company, effective immediately, and likely return to the company with a more limited role. Kalanick, whose mother died suddenly in a boating accident earlier this month, wrote in a companywide memo that he needed to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team. The announcement was timed with a companywide meeting and the internal release of a report, compiled by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, recommending a series of changes to company policy that could fix Ubers toxic workplace culture and sexual-harassment problems. Kalanick is the second high-ranking executive to announce a departure from Uber this week: Emil Michael, Kalanicks friend and right-hand man at the company, resigned from his post as SVP of business on Monday. (Both Michael and Kalanick were involved in recently publicized Uber scandals including a trip to an escort-style bar in South Korea with company employees and mishandling medical records of a woman in India who was raped by her Uber driver. These documents were obtained by another Uber exec, Eric Alexander, who has since been fired.) From Kalanick: Team, For the last eight years my life has always been about Uber. Recent events have brought home for me that people are more important than work, and that I need to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother, whom I buried on Friday, to reflect, to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team. The ultimate responsibility, for where weve gotten and how weve gotten here rests on my shoulders. There is of course much to be proud of but there is much to improve. For Uber 2.0 to succeed there is nothing more important than dedicating my time to building out the leadership team. But if we are going to work on Uber 2.0, I also need to work on Travis 2.0 to become the leader that this company needs and that you deserve. During this interim period, the leadership team, my directs, will be running the company. I will be available as needed for the most strategic decisions, but I will be empowering them to be bold and decisive in order to move the company forward swiftly. Its hard to put a timeline on this it may be shorter or longer than we might expect. Tragically losing a loved one has been difficult for me and I need to properly say my goodbyes. The incredible outpouring of heartfelt notes and condolences from all of you have kept me strong but almost universally they have ended with How can I help?. My answer is simple. Do your lifes work in service to our mission. That gives me time with family. Put people first, that is my moms legacy. And make Uber 2.0 real so that the world can see the inspired work all of you do, and the inspiring people that make Uber great. See you soon, Travis Uber also published a 13-page document of recommendations from Holder and his associates at the law firm of Covington & Burling, the very first of which is, Review and Reallocate the Responsibilities of Travis Kalanick, which the company should be better able to do with the CEO out of the office for an undetermined amount of time. The internal probe was launched after ex-Uber engineer Susan Fowler published a damning blog post about her experiences with sexual harassment and gender discrimination during her year at the company. (A separate probe looking into Ubers issues was conducted simultaneously by the law firm of Perkins Coie. At least 20 employees were fired as a result of that report earlier in June.) During an all-hands meeting today at Uber to announce the reports finding, Ubers chief HR officer, Liane Hornsey, thanked Fowler for speaking up, prompting employees at the meeting to applaud, Mike Isaac of the New York Times reported on Twitter. Hornsey also apparently asked everyone present to stand and hug each other. It seems Uber is taking the suggestion to Reformulate Ubers 14 Cultural Values which included Always be hustling and toe-stepping seriously and with great haste. (During todays meeting, Uber board member Arianna Huffington who is quite proud that Kalanick has begun meditating in a lactation room at Ubers offices said a conference room known as the War Room will be renamed the Peace Room, Isaac also tweeted.) Further attempts to make Uber a less-awful place to work include offering ride credits to employees and serving catered dinner these are standard at the office earlier in the evening, so employees who arent burning the midnight oil can also take advantage. Other recommendations included Enhance the Independence of the Board, which has historically been loyal to Kalanick, and Provide a Robust and Effective Complaint Process. (Fowlers blog post noted that she ran into trouble each time she tried to report an incident to HR, to the point where an HR representative suggested that she [Fowler], not the company, was the root of the problem.) Institute and Enforce Clear Guidelines on Alcohol Consumption and the Use of Controlled Substances was another well-timed suggestion: Uber should consider limiting the budget available to managers for alcohol purchases, restrict reimbursement for alcohol-related events, and include training for managers on appropriate events for retreats and out-of-work events. (Last week, Recode published an email Kalanick sent employees in 2013 in advance of a company retreat in Miami, which detailed, quite explicitly, the rules for substance use and sex during the trip.) Several pages of the report are dedicated to ways Uber needs to work toward better, diverse hiring practices and ways to help foster the careers of diverse employees already at the company. You can read the full list of recommendations here. MET Reply Parent Thread Link Pretty sure. Dat bday photo of his says a lot. Even enough to get me clutched my pearls lol Edited at 2017-06-13 02:34 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link which photo lmao? Reply Parent Thread Link A lot of effort and being extra. Just say yes or no and keep it moving. Reply Thread Link yeah that's my only thought he could've just been like 'I don't feel like signing anything right now'. he's only 18 and he's learning. I don't think he's a bad person but this was definitely extra. Reply Parent Thread Link maybe he saw shit online and it got to him lmfao Reply Parent Thread Link No he's a bad person Reply Parent Thread Expand Link No he's a bad person Reply Parent Thread Link I mean I don't think it's necessary to make a scene but I understand being annoyed signing things when you know it's going on eBay or wherever this is sold. I wouldn't even waste my time. Reply Thread Link and autographs on ebay are so cheap and scammy lol Reply Parent Thread Link Came in here to ask - does anyone buy autographs anymore? In the age of selfies it just doesn't have the same allure Reply Parent Thread Link Honestly, who cares? If there are people that would pay that money for a damn signature, then that's on them...Literally anyone could have asked Shawn for an autograph and sold it, whether they're young, female or an old guy etc, it doesn't cost him anything to sign a piece of paper, it just seems so exhausting to be doubting every person that asks you for an autograph, because literally anyone could sell it, will he make them use a lie detector to be sure of their intentions? I can't. And what if this guy sold it on e-bay? How does that hurt anyone? The person who'd buy it, would get their beloved signature, and the guy who sold it would get money that this person was willing to spend for a piece of paper. Everybody's happy. Shawn was being extra... But then again, he's young and he doesn't know shit. Reply Parent Thread Link I understand being peeved by it but Shawn was acting sooo offended lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Why would it even matter that if he was going to sell it???? Like, is it really worth an argument... Reply Thread Link this is going for over a hundid tho ikr. a lot of his signed stuff is going for around $30-40. like u aint worth that much hennythis is going for over a hundid tho Reply Parent Thread Link It's going for a waste of my that's what's it's going for, lol Reply Parent Thread Link lol also all that to say at the end even AFTER he spoke with her 'I hope if you're lying you can live with yourself' like sis.... Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I've never bought an autograph but maybe some people sell them for really high prices? I'd be pissed if some 40 year old man was selling my autograph to my fans for crazy prices. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I never understood why celebrities have a problem with people making money off of them, when they are literally rich because of those said people. Reply Parent Thread Link I must be living under a rock but who would want to buy shawns autograph??? Who still buys autographs ?? Reply Thread Link I don't get it either... I don't even know what any celebs' autograph looks like nor do I care. Reply Parent Thread Link i mean bottom ikr. i'd buy this for $20 topsi mean bottom Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This makes me uncomfortable Reply Parent Thread Link Very Bel Ami. Reply Parent Thread Link He is a child to me. Good god no Reply Parent Thread Link Seriously i'd much rather get a selfie & a short conversation. Reply Parent Thread Link hunny Reply Parent Thread Link What?? LOLLLL Reply Parent Thread Expand Link LOL. Is he trying to imitate Taylor Lautner in that gif? Reply Parent Thread Link lmao u ain't shit for this Reply Parent Thread Link Bish lol Reply Parent Thread Link omg right? Reply Parent Thread Link most gays who move to LA are so insufferable Reply Thread Link The wooooorst. Reply Parent Thread Link hanging out in weho is such a nightmare. downtown is a lot better but you'll still run into assholes every once in a while. Reply Parent Thread Link Why are they so bad? Reply Parent Thread Link You ain't lyin tho lmao. thank fuck I peaced out of LA permanently Reply Parent Thread Link I hate weho for this reason. Reply Parent Thread Link lmao hew is dis bitch thinkin his signature is worth half a runny shit on ebay Reply Thread Link he sounds like duckie from pretty in pink Reply Thread Link only duckie is incredibly endearing; what i just watched from shawn mendes was not! Reply Parent Thread Link Blane? His name is Blane? Oh! That's a major appliance, that's not a name! Reply Parent Thread Link very extra, however, celebrities are not obligated to give a selfie or autograph to everyone that asks. Some people feel so entitled. And this dude was probably was just an autograph seller. But even if he wasn't, have some dignity. I remember a video of a dude hounding and begging Justin Timberlake for an autograph as he was leaving dinner or something. It was so cringe worthy. And he totally was one of those autograph sellers. But justin just got in his car with Jessica and drove off. Reply Thread Link WOW he is DOING the most. who cares if the dude sold it. wtf????? Reply Thread Link Is he the younger brother on Modern Family? Reply Thread Link no lmao that's Nolan Gould. same idea though! Reply Parent Thread Link He looks just like him! Reply Parent Thread Link yes Reply Parent Thread Link they do look alike, I think Shawn is more attractive though Reply Parent Thread Link Principled queen! Reply Thread Link People take a bit of abuse for 8$/hr , if you can do it for 40$, why not lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol I feel like that dude was secretly loving the attention Reply Parent Thread Link As the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) seeks to restore pre-2014 levels of attractiveness to its energy sector from an investment standpoint, it grapples with several key challenges. Chief among these are its efforts to safeguard the strategic assets and operations of International Oil Companies (IOCs). Of course, it is not uncommon for businesses with operations in emerging and frontier markets to be cognisant of weak security conditions that could disrupt project viability. But that being said, the KRG has faced an uptick in violence and is prone to the advances of Sunni militant groups in particular. This analysis explores the threat presented by ISIS and the PKK, by looking at what impact they have had on the oil sector, as well as the role they may yet play. Moreover, it builds on a report released by Shadow Governance earlier this month, detailing the dynamics and drivers of the Kurdish oil sector. Islamic State During initial land grabs in early 2014, ISIS became well known in Western Iraq. However, it was not until June 2014, after acquiring the city of Mosul as well as portions of the Kirkuk Governorate, that the organisation began to pose a serious security threat to the North. As such, ISIS went from not only challenging the FGI over its authority within Iraqi jurisdiction, but undermining the KRGs control over areas of Iraqi Kurdistan. This added a new dynamic into what had hitherto been a bipartisan legal disagreement between the KRG and FGI. This has, at times, threatened the refining capacity inside the domestic oil market of both Iraq and the KRG. Iraq has three primary oil refineries; Baiji, Dawra, and Basra. Dawra is located to the South East of Baghdad, and Basra is one of Iraqs most Southern points. As such, these two refineries are far removed from the front lines of fighting against ISIS and are also uncontested by the political elite in Erbil. The recent swathe of fighting has therefore not affected these two regions in any noteworthy way. However, the Baiji refinery is noteworthy because all three of the aforementioned parties to the recent violence have vested interests. ISIS began attacking the town of Baiji in Salahuddin province in June 2014, which is home to the largest of Iraqs three oil refineries. Baiji is strategically located along Highway 1, which runs from Baghdad to Rabia, a border town in the North West of Iraq. Moreover, Baiji is only 111 kilometres from Kirkuk and therefore encroaches on the oil concessions which have been granted by the KRG to international oil companies in South-Eastern Kurdistan. Related: How Zombie Funds Are Disrupting Oil Prices ISIS presence in this region, and control over the refinery, not only hampered Baghdads oil production but also threatened to spill over into de facto Kurdish civilian territory. In April 2015, the refinery succumbed to ISIS attacks and was captured by the militant group; jeopardising a refining capacity estimated at 310,000 bpd. ISIS most likely ran the facility after assuming control but open sources suggest that the groups control of the refinery was relatively short lived, and it has since been driven from the town by ISF. The New York Times cited reports from the Iraqi military that it had retaken the Baiji oil field from ISIS on the 16th of October 2015, bringing an end to approximately six months of ISIS control over the refinery. Although ISIS no longer occupies the land, the damage to the refinery after its re-capture was extensive. Reports in early 2016 stated that it was plundered beyond repair, this corresponds with a wider ISIS tactic of decimating all existing infrastructure when forced out of an area. Interestingly, this is a similar tactic to that employed by Saddam Hussein in 2003 when driven underground by U.S. forces. It is unclear how long it will take for the field to become as operational as it was in the pre-2014 period. No further reports have been identified, either confirming or denying that Baiji is operational once more, suggesting that it is still in disrepair. Despite its geographical proximity to Kurdish oil fields, the Baiji refinery is more of a strategic asset for Baghdads National Oil Company (NOC) as opposed to Erbil. Now that control of the area is back under the ISF, threats to Kurdish oil interests from Baiji are low. But this region could be volatile and be a danger to the KRG if violence reoccurs. PKK as an Energy Actor in the KRG In addition to ISIS, another key militant group threatens the Kurdish oil sectors operational capacity, namely, the Partiya Karkeren Kurdistane (PKK). Since is foundation in the early 1980s, the PKK has been involved in Turkish politics, but it has also played a regional role in the bordering countries of the south-eastern provinces of Turkey. Its regional presence has been legitimised by its nationalist ideology in claiming the establishment of Kurdistan, uniting the Kurdish populations of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Within this regional framework, the PKK is often viewed as the leading actor in so-called Kurdistan, despite there being a historic political rivalry for Kurdish regional leadership between the PKK and other groups. Related: Top Asset Managers Still Bullish On Crude This competition has triggered regional alliances, where the political logic of the enemy of my enemy is my friend has prevailed. This has been the case of the political alliance between the Turkish government, led by Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, and the self-declared autonomous region of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), led by Masoud Barzani. Given this political competition, every policy issue has been used for political interests between the PKK and the KRG government, and energy has been no exception. Although the PKK has targeted energy infrastructure between the KRG and Turkey, it could also be considered an active player in the energy sector, increasingly involved in its exploitation. Since the 1980s, the PKK has been attacking the Ceyhan-Kirkuk pipeline. The attacks and its consequent cuts of oil transportation are overwhelming, and have incurred uncountable losses. The most recent PKK attack on Turkish soil was carried out in February 2016, and it is believed to have resulted in the cutting of oil transportation for almost a month, resulting in a total estimated financial loss for the KRG of U.S. $112 million. The presence of the PKK in the KRG energy sector is two-fold. Primarily, and historically, the PKK has targeted the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, causing millions of dollars of losses in the Kurdish energy sector. Secondly, and more recently, the PKK is thought to be directly involved in the extraction and commercialisation of oil from within KRG territories itself. This is due to its heavy presence in the Qandil and Sinjar areas, which allows the armed group to benefit from the KRGs energy resources, by commercialising the extracted oil through Iran. Moreover, the presence of the PKK in the KRGs energy markets does not help the KRG government appear as a solid and unified political actor often a prerequisite for investor confidence. The PKKs control of oil assets undermines the political authority of the KRG, and furthermore, the KRG loses its monopoly of violence by being incapable of securing its own borders. In this sense, the erosion of political legitimacy and security pose a direct threat to economic stability and foreign investment prospects in the region. An empowered PKK directly affects political stability in the KRG, which is already fragile, and paves the way for a potential revival of the sort of Kurdish internal conflicts last seen during the 1990s. The political ramification of the PKK in Syria, Iraq and Turkey, makes its complete disappearance from the geopolitical landscape highly improbable. In this sense, curtailing PKK influence in the Kurdish region depends on other political actors who could mediate peace between Iraqi Kurdistans various actors. One of the most important actors is the Turkish state, which has historically fought the Kurdish insurgency, viewing the PKK as a terrorist group. Under Erdo?ans leadership, dialogue with the PKK remains a distant reality, and Turkeys alliance with the KRG only increases political competition among Kurdish actors, triggering more future political and economic uncertainty. Security Prospects Going Forward Although ISIS never directly threatened to achieve major concessions from the KRG, the fight against the militant group has indirectly drained its financial resources. The war against ISIS has been one of the factors that has driven the KRG government into budgetary crisis, with the costly and prolonged conflict shifting the emphasis from contracting IOCs to paying the salaries of Peshmerga personnel, the armed forces of the KRG. Furthermore, the PKK presence does not help stabilise the economic volatility of the KRG. Its various attacks on energy infrastructure and the direct exploitation of some of these energy sources are triggering further economic losses for the KRG state. In particular, the empowerment of the PKK and its activities in the KRG energy sector could further discredit Barzanis government. The presence and freedom with which the PKK acts within the KRG shows a lack of control of the KRG government in its territories, and diminishes its already weak de jure role as the only security actor in its own territories. By Shadow Governance for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Canadas problem with its oil pipeline capacity is becoming increasingly serious as opposition to new pipelines is growing in intensity. The situation will only worsen in the coming months as production continues to grow. Despite opposition, Canadas PM Justin Trudeau last year approved Kinder Morgans Trans-Mountain expansion project, which will see the twin pipe transport almost 900,000 barrels of crude daily to Canadas Pacific coast. U.S. President Donald Trump also approved a crucial new pipeline project that was shelved by his predecessor: the 830,000-bpd Keystone XL that has been the target of vocal environmentalist and Native American opposition for years. Together, the two pipelines would relieve the pressure on the existing pipeline networkbut there is just one problem: the expanded Trans-Mountain will take two years to become operational. For Keystone XL, there is no deadline yet. In the meantime, Canadian exporters are resorting to increased shipments by rail to their biggest clientthe United States. The situation is quite ironic for environmentalists: their opposition has been a major stumbling block for pipeline capacity expansion, both in Canada and the U.S. Yet, a survey from Fraser Institute has revealed that, despite the imperfections of pipelines, they are substantially safer than railways when it comes to moving crude oil. Related: Is This The First Sign Of A U.S., Chinese Solar War? Common sense supports the findings: if nothing else, pipelines cant be derailed or crash into another pipeline. In March this year, railway shipments of Canadian crude oil hit an 18-month high, reaching 155,655 bpd. This was a 52-percent annual increase, highlighting the gravity of the pipeline capacity problem. A month later, the Financial Post recalled in a May story, IHS analysts warned that by the end of the year, crude oil exports from Canada will actually exceed the export pipeline capacity. Now, a fresh report from Morningstar has repeated the warning. Given that no new crossborder pipeline capacity is expected on line before 2019, we expect Canadian crude-by-rail traffic into the United States to continue growing as production increases, the analysts wrote, sounding an alarm for a still-recovering industry, because oil by rail is not just more dangerous than oil by pipelines, but also costlier. The National Energy Board of Canada forecasts that this month, total crude oil production in Canada will hit 4.03 million barrels daily. Then output will dip to around 4.01 million bpd over July and August, before rebounding to 4.08 million bpd in September. In the meantime, its anyones guess where international prices will be three months from now. If they are still below US$50 that would be bad news for anyone having to pay for the transportation of crude by rail. Related: Top Asset Managers Still Bullish On Crude At the same time, some are preparing for the flourish of oil shipments by rail. Early this month, USD Partners, a company affiliated with Goldman Sachs through its parent USD Group, announced the acquisition of an oil terminal in Oklahoma. The terminal will receive shipments by rail of crude oil from Western Canada and will then feed it into a pipeline that will carry it to Cushing. The route is the same as that of Keystone XL. Could oil by rail become a growth business segment in North America? Its very possible, at least in the next few years or however long it takes for Keystone XL to go from project to finished product. It may never do this, by the way, as opposition continues relentlessly. In that case, oil by rail has a pretty bright future. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices held mid to higher $40s as OPEC admits it sees the markets rebalancing at a slower pace than anticipated. (Click to enlarge) (Click to enlarge) (Click to enlarge) The proved reserves of 68 publicly-listed oil and gas companies fell in 2016. The bulk of the drop off came from Canadian oil sands producers. The downward revisions was due to low prices, few new discoveries, and high levels of production. In total, the companies collectively erased 8.2 billion barrels from their books. Market Movers Norway headed off an oil workers strike this week, reaching an agreement on wages over the weekend. The potential strike threatened to disrupt production at five fields, affecting over 440,000 bpd fields that are operated by Statoil (NYSE: STO), Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) and Eni (NYSE: E). Teekay Corp. (NYSE: TK) and Teekay Offshore (NYSE: TOO), a group of oil tanker and production companies, saw their share prices plummet after Morgan Stanley questioned their liquidity. Statoil (NYSE: STO) and BP (NYSE: BP) swapped stakes in several oil blocks off of Australias southern coast. Statoil could revive the prospects of drilling in Australias Great Australia Bight, but still needs to go through a regulatory process. Tuesday June 13, 2017 Oil prices rose on Monday on news that Saudi Arabia might cut oil shipments to Asia and the U.S., but more generally on the technical resistance that oil prices face in the mid-$40s. In early trading on Tuesday oil prices were flat. Russia says OPEC cuts will work. Russias energy minister Alexander Novak said that the oil market will come back into balance by the end of the compliance period for the OPEC/non-OPEC cuts. Both he and his Saudi counterpart, Khalid al-Falih, said that global crude inventories will converge back to the five-year average by the end of this year, and that the oil market will be balanced by the end of the first quarter of 2018. OPEC admits "slower pace of rebalancing. At the same time, OPEC conceded that the oil market is balancing at a slower pace than it had previously expected after reporting higher-than-expected production from within the cartel and from the U.S. Nigeria supply comeback not certain. Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) lifted its force majeure on its Forcados stream in Nigeria last week, an important move that could bring back more than 200,000 bpd of oil supply to the market. At the same time, Shell also declared force majeure on its Bonny Light oil, affecting 200,000 bpd. The declaration came after the discovery of a hole drilled in its Trans Niger Pipeline. Nigeria appeared to have gained the upper hand over militants in the Niger Delta over the past year, but the attack raises concerns that militant activity has not gone away. In fact, the Niger Delta Avengers, which burst onto the scene last year with a series of successful attacks, issued a statement in early June saying that they will resume attacks on oil facilities. Oil prices sank last week in part because of fears that Nigeria could flood the market with rebounding supply. If the Niger Delta Avengers are as effective as they were in 2016, Nigerias production may not rise at all and could in fact decline. Related: Record Breaking U.S. Exports Could Hurt Oil Markets Mexico initiates oil hedging. Mexico reportedly sent a price request to Wall Street banks on their oil hedging program, often likened to one of the largest and most secretive oil hedging campaigns in the world. Mexico buys billions of dollars in hedges each year, a way to protect themselves from price fluctuations and offer some certainty for government finances. But the deal itself can influence the oil market because of its large size typically 200 to 300 million barrels worth of hedges. In 2015, the hedging paid out $6.4 billion to Mexico after it locked in sales at higher prices than the prevailing market price. Mexico has initiated the process for this year by seeking price quotes. Shale drillers scale back hedging. U.S. shale companies reduced their hedging in the first quarter of this year, opening them up to more exposure to the whims of the market. According to some analysts, many drillers let their hedges expire on expectations that oil prices would continue to rise. With a lower volume of hedges in place, shale drillers could end up trying to hedge at the next possible chance if and when prices rise to a new near-term high. More hedging, if it comes, could lock in future production, which in turn would put downward pressure on prices. India key to oil demand. India has been described as the largest source of future oil demand. Indias oil demand is expected to rise to 4.5 mb/d this year, an increase of about 200,000 bpd, which is equivalent to roughly 15 percent of the global increase. However, those figures are not assured, and the countrys long-term demand growth is not a given either, as the FT notes. India has launched an ambitious program to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, a program that could cut into demand growth. But critics question whether the objectives are realistic. Saudi Arabia to cut oil exports to Asia and U.S. Saudi Aramco has reportedly informed Asian refiners that it will reduce exports to the region. Reuters reports that Aramco will cut exports to Asia by about 300,000 bpd in July, compared to June levels. Aramco will also cut exports to the U.S. by a whopping 35 percent. Related: Is This The First Sign Of A U.S., Chinese Solar War? Refracking to boost production. Oil producers in North Dakotas Bakken are heading back to wells that have already been drilled with plans to refrack them. Some wells drilled years ago were drilled with older technologies. The Industry believes it has only recovered 5 to 15 percent of the available oil, according to the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, and the results from refracking some 140 wells show an uptick in production by 200,000 to 250,000 bpd. The difference with todays technology and drilling techniques are much larger volumes of fluid and sand with more precise fracture treatments. The upshot could be higher production coming from the Bakken and lower breakeven prices. WoodMac: Oil majors need to shift to renewables. A new report from Wood Mackenzie says that oil demand will slow, threatening the oil industrys future profits. As a result, the majors need to transition to cleaner forms of energy. Woodmac predicts annual growth rates of 6 percent for wind, 11 percent for solar, and just 0.5 percent for oil demand. Because oil companies have expertise in offshore engineering, they have a unique opportunity to lead on offshore wind in particular. Ultimately, by 2030, the industry could shift one-fifth of its capital expenditure towards renewables. Shale gas production surging. Natural gas production from the Marcellus Shale and the Permian Basin are on the rise, promising to keep a lid on natural gas prices for the foreseeable future. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The latest selloff in oil prices have left speculators in a predicament: The fundamentals continue to look poor with unimpressive drawdowns in crude oil stocks, but there is a general consensus that the extension of the OPEC deal should push the market towards a rebalancing over the next few quarters. What that means for short-term movements in prices is unclear. The unpredictability of todays oil market is leaving some investors burned by unexpected price gyrations. For example, just ahead of the recent selloff in prices last week, oil traders bought up bets on rising prices. Hedge funds and other money managers increased their bullish bets by 7.3 percent for the week ending on June 6, but prices plunged by 5 percent a day later. Traders looking for some direction might want to consider the futures market, where a contango structure has reemerged. A contango, in which near-term oil futures trade at a discount to futures dated further out, is a symptom of oversupply. For example, two weeks ago, futures for December 2017 traded at a $1 per barrel discount compared to contracts for delivery in December 2018. That discount ballooned to $1.49 per barrel last week, according to Bloomberg, a sign that investors are growing more pessimistic about oversupply conditions this year. Brent spreads are getting clobbered, Amrita Sen, chief oil market analyst at consultants Energy Aspects Ltd., told Bloomberg. The Atlantic Basin is awash in light crudes from Nigeria and Libya. Related: Unstoppable: U.S. Adds Oil, Gas Rigs As OPEC Extends Deal The December 2017-December 2018 spread is now deeper into contango territory than at any point since the original OPEC deal back in late 2016. In recent months the spread was positive that is, the December 2017 contract traded at a premium compared to contracts a year later, a situation known as backwardation. Several investment banks have insisted that OPECs best hope at draining inventories was to do just that: Induce a state of backwardation into the market. By driving up near-term prices while pushing down the back end of the futures curve, the argument goes, OPEC could scare off shale drilling. Producers would be deprived of finance by skittish lenders, and they would be reluctant to drill if they expected prices to be lower in the future. OPEC could achieve this state of backwardation by maintaining cuts this year while also signaling production growth in the future. If that is the strategy, so far it has not succeeded. The reemergence of the contango reflects concerns about the glut persisting through this year. Meanwhile, investors are growing wary of an energy market that continues to spurn them. Energy companies have been among the worst performing stocks in 2017. The poor results are leading to an exodus of capital from energy-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Over the past three months, more than $300 million have been pulled out of energy ETFs, according to Bloomberg, which will likely result in the first quarterly outflow of capital from energy ETFs in more than two years. People are re-allocating money to sectors that are performing better, technology or health-care, versus sitting on a sector like energy thats down 10 plus percent, Jeff Carbone, managing partner of Cornerstone Financial Partners, told Bloomberg. Were bottoming, but what pushes it higher? Thats the hard part. Related: UAE Gains Edge In $165 Billion Caspian Oil & Gas Market The flip side is that some think that the selloff in energy is overdone. That is exactly why hedge funds and other money managers bought up a greater net-long position in early June, even though some might feel they got in at the wrong time. Nevertheless, the cratering of oil prices last week has opened up a buying opportunity. "When you start to approach $45 a barrel in WTI, you're in an area where you do find some price support and I think there has been some evidence last week of investment flows coming back into crude oil," Petromatrix strategist Olivier Jakob said in a Reuters interview. Jakob cautioned that the room on the upside could still be limited. "You have to be careful not to be too optimistic for now," he said. "Physical differentials are still under pressure and the time structure is still under pressure in Brent. It's a bit premature to call for much higher oil prices." So what happens next depends on who you ask. Market fundamentals look weak but some traders see attractive entry points. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: I dont know about the rest of you guys, but is anyone else feeling a bit hinky about the price of oil? Every time we seem to have the table set for a rally, someone comes along and saws off a leg. So many indicators going in opposite directions at the same time. Its unsettling. There are numerous factors that go into setting a price for a barrel of oil in the market, some of which actually reflect how much a particular user is ready to actually pay for that barrel, most of which involve conjecture, rumour, innuendo and blind guess work. That said, you can typically assess all these myriad factors and get a proper Spidey sense of where things are at or should be, but in the current market, there are so many conflicting narratives and, more importantly, interpretations, that it may actually be best to just put a bunch of numbers between $40 and $70 around a dartboard, close your eyes and throw the damn dart. In all seriousness though, I was looking at my forecast for the year the other day and while I dont like to do this, being a firm believer in living up to your picks, I feel like I need to take a page from the OPEC/NOPEC book and leave any and all reckoning open-ended, if only to have an exit ramp. For the record, my pick was up to $65 by year end. I cant get there anymore. Theres too much headwind. And tailwind! I still believe that price is coming and that there is a high likelihood that is just the beginning of a higher price deck, but in the current market, who knows. In arriving at my conclusion, Ive looked at a number of factors, both positive and negative, qualitative and quantitative, some of which are described below. All of which could be bullish or bearish for prices, it depends. OPEC/NOPEC intervention this should be very bullish for oil prices, yet strangely it isnt. Cutting 1.8 million barrels of production a day is in theory is a great way to reduce oversupply and draw down inventories. Everyone was waiting for the big pop in prices that didnt materialize. Maybe there is something else afoot. We covered the risks here a couple of weeks ago, but they bear repeating cheating (inevitable, but for now solidarity is strong), Nigeria/Libya (not part of the deal, recovering production, suspect they will be forced to join in the cuts before long), Iraq (hard to fund a war against an insurgency when you dont have cash flow they will be the first to break ranks). So, all those risks, but still, a big cut in production that will hit inventories. Market reaction? Meh. Where this breaks is anyones guess but I suspect that OPEC/NOPEC, Saudi Arabia in particular, is just fine with the current, uncertain, arrangement. Inventory levels stubbornly refuse to cooperate. Winning the inventory battle gets the price where it needs to be. But inventories need to drop from the current level to the 5-year average (a decline of about 300 mm barrels) which will take some work. Personally, I feel that there is a rising risk of an inventory shock, particularly in non-US OECD given the lagging nature of the data which is typically a month old and lagging, so its of little utility except to remind everyone of old news, usually at the wrong time. On the other hand, U.S. data is great, we see it every week and its precise however it is also ubiquitous and represents only 10 percent of the global market. That said, any aberration in that data generates outsized market reactions because it is really the only accurate and timely data the market can access. Consider for example that last week (June) we found out that U.S. week over week inventory went down by 6 mm barrels and at the same time found out that OECD inventory at the end of March was pretty much unchanged. Thanks. This week we had a surprise build in U.S. inventories and other data? Nada. May as well have been a Windows Blue Screen of Death. Maybe come August, when we get the June or July data, we will see a decline in those stocks which will be bullish for prices, unless the market is freaking out over yet another questionably relevant 1 percent seasonal increase in PADD 3 gasoline stocks sending the market into freefall. Shale Boom 2.0. U.S. activity continues to accelerate and we are soon going to see significant additional production from tight oil activity as completions ramp up. It is worth noting that a majority of the growth off the lows of last year was from offshore production, not onshore, but the small 15,000 and 20,000 bpd increases in production we have been seeing for the past few months are the result of many land-based wells coming online. As alluded to above, this weekly climb affects prices by keeping US inventories full and helps create short term swings in inventory numbers such as we saw this past week. We are also continually being told that the US is going to average over 10 million bpd of production in 2018 which of course the market interprets as an OPEC/NOPEC failure, pushing down prices in the short term. Shale drilling is the push-me/pull-you of the oil market when prices are high, they all get to work and when they all get to work prices come down. My point? As long as tight oil is drilling, absent any other influences, prices will be held in check Related: Is Canadas Oil Production Ready For A Resurgence? Nice soft backwardation this should be a net positive for prices. It encourages the draining of inventories since the price available now is better than what is available farther out. Of course it is also a negative, since short cycle shale drillers will be motivated to drill to generate cash flow today. On the other hand, highly indebted shale drillers require the ability to hedge production to lock in prices and cash flows to pay their banks and in a backwardation environment they cant, which should depress activity. The recent price drop may be enough to bring back a contango situation, which of course has just the opposite effect. Not too hot, not too cold. Meh, get a life Goldilocks. Im the market and I want it now, now, now! Seriously though, the market wants higher prices and all this nonsense is standing in the way of higher prices. Plus all those hedge funds went long on the market and they were wrong (at least in the short term) so the sell-off happened. In the chart below you can see the crude price plowing through and below its 200, 50 and 9 day moving average. From a market timers perspective, this chart is a giant red flag. The technical play on oil is to sell, sell, sell and run for the hills! Based on this chart, in the very short term, oil could touch $42. Given that, the path back past $50 is long. (Click to enlarge) Nonsense in the Middle East So Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council collectively decided they were going to punish Qatar and isolate them because of their supposed support of Iran and terrorism. The market initially pushed oil prices up but then they came back as the assessment was that this wasnt a supply risk given Qatars natural gas orientation. But wait a second, a week after Trump visits, rips Iran while in Saudi Arabia and gets the cold shoulder from Qatar, all of a sudden Saudi Arabia and friends isolate this lightly populated country? I dont think there was any one thing said by Trump that gave rise to this, but I think the Saudis were left with the distinct impression that the U.S. wouldnt care, or tacit approval (tweet supported!). And thus we have another tentative step towards even broader proxy if not outright conflict in the Middle East between Iran and Saudi Arabia. If that isnt bullish for crude prices, Im hard-pressed to think what might be. (As an aside on the supply situation, Qatar is the worlds largest exporter of LNG wouldnt it be just ducky if Canada had an LNG facility to fill that potential shortfall, you know, kinda like the U.S. and Australia do?) All Trump, all the time at some point the constant turmoil in the Trump White House has to start wearing on the markets, doesnt it? An unceremonious crash from over-valued heights, a weakening of the U.S. dollar, pushing oil prices up a bit? You would think, but that has not yet happened. That said, with the ongoing controversy regarding Russian election interference, questions about collusion and obstruction of justice, a puzzling approach to world affairs and global alliances and a legislative agenda that has only a passing chance of actually being implemented, one can only surmise that at some point the sell light is going to start flashing over the U.S. Demand much to the chagrin of anti-fossil fuel activists everywhere, demand for fossil fuels continues to grow and is expected to surpass 100 million bpd by 2019 if not sooner. That is a staggering number. Bullish, right? So add 2mm bpd of demand growth to the average decline rates of 4 percent to 6 percent (if not higher), and the oil industry needs to add up to 8 million bpd of production a year to meet this demand, an annual add that is greater than Canadas production (4 mm bpd), US tight oil (5 mm bpd) and OPEC spare capacity. Plus, as detailed here previously, the lack of investment in large scale projects since the crash of 2014 and the absence of major discoveries in a longer time frame than that is more than problematic. Where is that supply going to come from? Currently this can be met with the excess inventory that exists (which we are supposedly drawing down), but once that five year average line gets crossed, and it will, the price direction can be nowhere but up until major, game-breaking supplies get brought on line. And, sorry everyone, tight oil isnt going to solve that problem, fortunately for Canada though, oil sands play a part, but there needs to be much more. The upper bound on prices at that point will depend on how fast new resource can be brought on stream or Elon Musk. My money is on the patch. Related: Europe Joins Race For Cheaper Batteries With This Gigafactory Is there a conclusion here? Youd think, right? But no, not really. The signals are all so conflicting that it is hard to get a handle on where the market is actually going to go. Its all over the map, much like most of the narrative above. And I guess thats the point because really, who knows! This seems to be the textbook definition of range bound, too many opposing signals, but none of them yet strong enough to propel the price definitively in one direction. Currently that range appears to be $45 to $55. Which isnt that bad, all things considered. Its hard to see a sustained break below that or a significant move above that. At least in the short term. So, am I ready to throw in the towel on my price forecast? Not yet, but I am fully prepared to throw my year end timing under the bus and push out significant price increases to mid to late 2018. Im not overly concerned about the 10 million bpd of U.S. production in 2018 because, quite frankly, we will probably need all those barrels if not more. For all the positive reasons described above, prices have to come up. For all the negative reasons described above, prices have to come down. For the foreseeable future, expect the market to continue overreacting to incremental production increases of 20,000 bpd here and there and getting spooked by the short term click bait of Libyan output and Nigerian refinery bombings. It is also fair to say that the market will continue to under-appreciate the implications of four years of stagnant exploration and discovery, until its too late. Year end? Ill go back to my blind-folded dart board $56. Even that may be too high. But expect $75 sometime in 2018. By Stuart Parnell via Stormont Energy Advisors More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Kazakhstan has no plans to cut its crude oil production further, rejecting a report from Russias TASS agency that the Central Asian country was ready to cut deeper to offset an increase in the output from its huge offshore field, Kashagan, in the Caspian Sea. The TASS report quoted Saudi Oil Minister Khalid al-Falih as saying that Astana had promised to do everything possible to compensate for the output increase at the Kashagan field to keep its end of the bargain with OPEC. The agency also quoted the Kazakh Energy Minister as saying that the government will discuss its quota following said output increase. Now, a spokesperson for the North Caspian Operating Companythe consortium in charge of developing Kashagantold UPI that the company has so far not had reason to reconsider its production plans for the rest of the year. At this time we have not been officially informed of any basis for modifying production plans for 2017, the spokesperson said. Kazakhstan is a party to the original production agreement struck by OPEC and 11 non-OPEC producers last year, committing to shave off 20,000 bpd from its total daily production. Kashagan, however, which started commercial production last September, pumped some 180,000 bpd as of May with plans to raise this to 370,000 bpd by the end of the current year. The field is estimated to hold between 9 and 13 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil. UPI cited information from OPEC that reveals average crude oil production in Kazakhstan stood at 1.72 million barrels daily over the first quarter of the year, up by some 40,000 bpd from a year earlier but, the cartel said, Astana had undertaken to reduce production at other fields to offset the rising output at Kashagan. The consortium operating Kashagan involves Exxon, Enis subsidiary Agip, CNPC, Japans Inpex, Shell, Total, and Kazakhstans state-owned major Kazmunaygaz. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In the latest sign that OPEC is becoming increasingly nervous about the absent success of its oil production cut deal, Nigerias Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu warned the U.S. and other non-OPEC producers that OPEC cannot continue indefinitely to just take the tank, take the blames and take the issues and yield the market space and also create the cuts that are essential to stabilise. Speaking to media in Abuja, the minister made an extensive case for wider cooperation on international oil price control, noting that while OPEC produces about 30 percent of global oil, the rest of the world accounts for the bigger part of total supply, so in order for any price control measures to have any real effect, all producers should begin to come back to the pot. At the moment, Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate are trading at levels last seen before OPEC initiated negotiations on the production cut, with Brent at US$48.24 a barrel at 9:29am EST, and WTI changing hands at US$45.93 a barrel. This price fall has set OPEC members of edge, apparently, even cut-exempt Nigeria, which has plans to boost its oil production significantly before this years end. Expectations were that the announcement of a nine-month extension of the cut beyond the June 30th deadline will push prices further above US$50, but doubts abounded and a slide that began even before the announcement only continued after May 25. Kachikwu downplayed the role of rising shale oil output on international prices, saying We believe that the steps that we have taken and the price range that we have created, which is in the mid-$50s is enough to encourage just enough shale and not encourage excessive shale production. If you look at the drawdown on shale over the last two, three to four months, the cumulative increases are very low. Data from the Energy Information Administration shows the increases have not been so modest in the last two months. In fact, they are accelerating, and June shale output is likely to be 11.8 percent higher than the figure for May. The minister went on to announce the start of an initiative that could see producers from North and South America sit together to discuss ways of supporting prices, but did not go into detail. The warning comes as OPEC released its monthly report on Tuesday, showing increased production from OPEC members, from 31.8 million bpd in April to 32.1 million bpd in May. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Seven Fatal Flaws of Son of 97 Tax HB 2830 *** Hearing Today *** By Taxpayer Association of Oregon 1. Taxes go up for everyone except big business which are rewarded with tax cut 2. Creates double taxation 3. Discriminates against family-owned businesses with higher taxes (for no other reason other than they are family owned) 4. Small business lose their 2015 tax relief 5. Taxes companies that are not making a profit 6. 66% tax increase for just doing businesses in Oregon 7. It gives special tax treatment to businesses by industries like Wal-Mart while others like day-care centers and family doctors pay more. (Note: This analysis based on available information at the time which changes rapidly) The HB 2830 proposal would impose a new $1.2 billion Business Sales Tax, also known as the CAT (Corporate activity Tax). The CAT is much like Measure 97, except its worse. Where Measure 97 hit only the largest of the large corporations, this new proposal would affect every single business in Oregon and hit small and medium sized businesses hardest. After paying the $250 minimum, any sales over $3 million are taxed based on the amount of sales. Thats sales, not income. Businesses will be taxed on sales even if they are losing money. Most business would pay a rate of 0.48 percent on these sales. Closely held businesses would get a credit equal to 43 percent. For a closely held business (partnership, LLC, S-corporations) with $4 million in sales, Oregon taxes would go from $150 a year to $2,986 a year. Thats a 12-fold increase in state taxes. Small business tax increase Under the proposal, small business (LLCs, S-Corp., Partnerships) under $3 million will be getting a massive tax increase. As it removes the 2015 small business tax rate otherwise known as the pass through rate reduction. Many of these small businesses will see their taxes go up by $4,000 and will see their rate go up by as much as 30+%. Small pass-through companies currently pay a tax rate of 7.0%-9.9%, while large C-Corporations currently pay rates from 6.6%-7.6%. Double taxation on Oregon Small and Family Businesses Owners of S-corps, LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships currently dont pay business income taxes. Instead, they pay personal income taxes on the business income that passes through to them as owners. Under the HB 2830, these business owners over $3 million will be taxed twice: First on their businesss sales under the CAT, then again their personal income taxes. This will cost any businesses owners thousands of dollars in new taxes. Big business exempt from double taxation. This double taxation unfairly exempts C-corporations. Two exactly same restaurants will see the locally owned family restaurant being double taxed while the corporate chain restaurant pay less taxes even though they make the exact same sales and profits. As a sweetener to get buy in from big business, HB 2830 proposes to get rid of Oregons current corporate income tax and replace it with the CAT which is a tax on sales. The taxes for Oregons larger businesses would go from currently taxing 6.6 to 7.6 of profits to taxing .48 on sales for most larger businesses. Some big C-corps may not see much of a change in their net tax bills. Yet many of Oregons largest and most profitable corporations could see their tax bill cut in half. This further cements the Oregon-penalty for selling goods to Oregonians rather than out-of-state or foreign sales. This tax will mostly hurting Oregon businesses (over $3 million in sales) because it will shift taxes from profits to sales. This means many C-corp businesses that are not making a profit will see their taxes go up. This tax is designed to protect government revenue in a recession by soaking businesses that are not making a profit during the recession but now have to pay more. Rewarding and punishing companies based on categories This tax segregates Oregon companies and gives preferences to some and penalties to others. .75% for services .48% for all other .35% retail trade .25% for wholesale .15% for agriculture Family doctors and day care centers would pay a higher tax on earnings than pawn shops, liquor stores and tobacco shops. The mom and pop grocer would pay more in taxes than Costco for selling the same products. At the same time, low margin businesses or businesses facing a temporary downturn will get hit with a massive increase in their tax bills. Today, many closely held Oregon businessespartnerships, LLCs, and S-corporationspay an excise tax of $150. Any profits from these businesses are passed through to the owners and the owners are taxed at Oregons personal income tax rates. HB 2830 raises the minimum tax to $250, even for small, closely held businesses. Thats a 66 percent increase over the current excise tax of $150. When asked if the CAT would lead to big businesses avoiding Oregon, Senator Mark Hass responded, Im finding just the opposite to be true from some of the largest businesses, such as Nike which is supportive and helping. Thus, it is clear that HB 2830 is designed to balance the states budget on the backs of small and medium sized businesses and on the backs of low margin businesses. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that per capita personal income in Oregon is 9.1 percent lower than the national average. HB 2830 would make it even worse. Analysis by the Legislative Revenue Office finds that HB 2830 would reduce wages earned by the average Oregon household while increasing their tax burden. LRO calculates the wage and tax impacts would reduce the disposable income of the median Oregon household by $144 a year. First announced at Google I/O 2016 , the Daydream View VR headset, along with the controller, is exclusively available on Flipkart from today and comes with a price tag of Rs 6,499. PhonePe users buying Daydream via UPI, will also get Rs 300 off. The first 30 customers will get a Google Chromecast free while the first 50 customers will receive Google Play Store credit worth Rs 500. Globally the gadget is available in a few selected markets. A highly improved VR headset compared to Cardboard, Daydream View can deliver simple, high-quality VR for experiencing sports, live events and 360-degree views. Unlike Cardboard, this one has been made with soft, breathable fabric, weighs 220g and fits over eyeglasses. Compatible with Google's Pixel, Pixel XL, Motorola Moto Z, Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, the phones and the headset are auto-aligned, says Google, which means users do not have to worry about cables or connectors. The controller is a small remote that allows users to interact with the headset and can fit in the headset when not in use. Weighing 40g, the controller packs in 9 axis IMUs for precision tracking and works on Bluetooth. It supports fast charging with USB Type C charger and cable (not included in the box). ALSO READ: Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly building world's largest airship Speaking on the launch, Clay Bavor, Vice President of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality at Google, said, "Daydream View promises users a mesmerising experience. Swim with a pod of dolphins, stand at the edge of a volcano and even visit Pluto with Daydream View. Users can teleport from virtually anywhere to pretty much everywhere. Our aim is to make the VR experience mobile so that customers can easily carry it anywhere with them. We at Google are also working with developers, smartphone companies and content creators to make VR accessible to all." There are many VR apps and games listed on the Play Store, including YouTube VR, NYT VR, Guardian VR, The Turning Forest, Labster: World of Science, Netflix VR, Google Play Movies, Within, Fantastic Beasts, The Arcslinger, Wonderglade, Mekorama VR, Gunjack 2: End of Shift, Need for Speed No Limits VR, LEGO BrickHeadz Builder VR and more. Additionally, one can use Street View to take 150-plus curated tours of the world's most amazing places such as the pyramids and the Taj Mahal; experience the virtual gallery and view the masterpieces featured in more than 50 world-renowned museums with Arts & Culture. Also watch: Low income families use community resources to stretch their budgets, often to pay for necessities like food and housing. In 2008, more than 40 million families in the United States met the criteria for low income or living below the federal poverty level, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. Federal government funds help states to provide many of the resources available to low income families and community organizations operate programs that address unmet need. Community Centers Community centers help low income families meet needs not provided for by their income or by public assistance resources. Community centers operate food banks, pay overdue utility bills and rent, provide funds to help adults purchase items or pay for transportation for new jobs, and help children with school supplies and holiday items. Earned Income Tax Credit Low income working families can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal income tax credit, and receive a tax refund if they qualify for the credit and if the total amount of taxes they owe is less than the credit. The credit may reduce the amount of taxes low income families pay. Federal Child Tax Credit Eligible low income families with a qualifying child or children may claim the Child Tax Credit. In 2010, the credit gave a $1,000 per child deduction; however, families with incomes under $11,300 do not qualify for the tax credit. The Additional Child Tax Credit may be available to families for whom the amount of their Child Tax Credit exceeds the amount of income tax owed. Higher Education Assistance The U.S. Department of Education administers the federal student aid program and offers six grants to low income families, including Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). The program also offers five federal student loan programs, some of which are income based. Low income families may also claim education tax credits when filing income tax returns such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Hope Scholarship Credit. Home Energy Assistance The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides federal funds to states to help families, renters and homeowners, pay for heating bills and other heat related expenses, including electricity, coal, wood, gas, oil, kerosene and propane. The funds provide for annual assistance and also for emergency assistance. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides funds for private home insulation to decrease energy costs. Health Resources Families whose income places them below the poverty level may qualify for public health insurance, such as Medical Assistance. For families that do not qualify for public health insurance, nonprofit organizations operate free and reduced fee health clinics that provide services such as free medication, health education, lifestyle programs and free health screenings. State public health departments operate clinics that provide similar services, including testing for communicable diseases. Nutrition Assistance Programs The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides federal funds to states for nutrition assistance programs which help low income families and their children. Nutrition programs include the food stamp or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); National School Lunch Programs; Food Distribution Programs and nutrition programs for the elderly. Subsidized Housing The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funds for housing programs throughout the country, including public housing, housing for seniors and Section 8 vouchers for rental assistance. HUD housing programs focus on helping low income families achieve self sufficiency. Nonprofit organizations operate homeless shelters or transitional housing for families who need help finding permanent housing. Subsidized Childcare Subsidized childcare programs allow parents to pay income based fees or to enroll their children in free childcare. The Child Care and Development Fund provides federal grants to states to help families afford child care so they can work, take job training classes or attend school. The Head Start program provides nutrition and school readiness services to children from low income families. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) The TANF program is the nations primary welfare or public assistance program. TANF provides funds to states to assist low income families. Assistance may include financial assistance, job training and other assistance to help low income families achieve self sufficiency. TANF programs are administered by local departments of social services. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the American Authors Association Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the Military Writers Society of America. This is the latest in a series of posts about the suffrage movement in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. Members of The Kingsbury Grange unanimously endorsed equal suffrage for women, The Post-Star reported July 24,1917. The local group followed the lead of the National Grange, an organization oriented around agriculture communities, which supported womans suffrage. The members of Mettowee Grange at Granville also have taken similar action, The Post-Star reported in the article on file at the New York State Historic Newspapers website, a project of public libraries. Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series. GLENS FALLS A Glens Falls man was jailed last week for allegedly having sexual contact with a teenage boy, police said. Albert M. Pelkey, 36, of Oak Street, was arrested after Glens Falls Police learned of the alleged sexual relationship with a child younger than 17, officials said. He was charged with two felony counts of criminal sexual act and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child, police records show. Pelkey, who has multiple prior felony convictions, was sent to Warren County Jail without bail. Glens Falls Police Detective Sgt. Kyle Diamond made the arrest, assisted by Hudson Falls Police. GLENS FALLS The city of Glens Falls is moving forward with the process of selling a warehouse building at 222 Maple St. that the city acquired for back taxes, despite the owner filing a new lawsuit challenging the citys foreclosure in 2015. We feel that the (foreclosure) proceedings were followed completely, said Mayor Jack Diamond in an interview Tuesday at City Hall. Diamond said there has been interest in the four-story warehouse building, which the city has advertised for sale for $159,100. Weve had three walkthroughs, but not yet any written offers, Diamond said. Theyre still discussing it among their investment groups, he said, referring to the three interested parties. Diamond would not identify the potential buyers, but said all three are local investors. The city foreclosed on the property in 2015 for non-payment of taxes. Ted Zoli of Ogdensburg, the previous owner, said at the time that for a number of years he had routinely waited for the city to foreclose on the property, then paid the delinquent property taxes, penalty and interest to redeem it. Diamond established a new policy in 2015 that the city would no longer allow former owners to automatically repurchase their properties after foreclosure. In order to repurchase properties after foreclosure, former owners must make a case to the Common Council why there were extenuating circumstances that prevented paying taxes before foreclosure, under the new policy. Zoli challenged the citys new foreclosure policy in a previous lawsuit in state Supreme Court in Warren County, which Judge Stan Pritzker rejected in May 2016 because an Article 78 proceeding was not the correct legal vehicle to challenge it. The new lawsuit, filed June 2, challenges former Supreme Court Judge David Krogmanns original foreclosure decision, rather than the foreclosure policy. Livingston Coulter, a lawyer for Zoli, wrote that the city controller provided Zoli with incorrect information about the amount of taxes due, and the city Common Council would not allow Zoli and Coulter to discuss that detail when they attended a Common Council meeting on July 14, 2015. The meeting, unfortunately, turned out to be a complete fiasco where the mayor and city council members were not at all interested to hear anything about the horrible and inexcusable illegal actions of the city, Livingston alleged, in the new lawsuit. Diamond said Zoli and Livingston had the opportunity to raise any issues about the sale they wished to at the July 14, 2015, meeting. We certainly gave Mr. Zoli plenty of opportunity to discuss that when he came to that meeting, Diamond said Tuesday. Diamond said Zoli has the right to challenge the foreclosure, but he is confident the city did everything correctly. Thats up to the court system to decide that, he said. Diamond said the city will continue with the process of selling the 222 Maple St. warehouse. The building is being offered for sale as is through a direct sale process, with city Common Council approval, not an auction or request for proposals process. LAKE GEORGE Lake George town officials are eyeing a local law on short-term property rentals so they have a better idea of who is staying in local homes. Betsy Krebs, owner of the Stone Schoolhouse, spoke before the Town Board on Monday, asking that the town consider changing the law so people can rent their property for a shorter duration. The current minimum is seven days and seven nights. Anybody renting for less than seven days needs to go through site plan review before the Planning Board. Krebs said she would be willing to pay the occupancy tax. Were bringing people to the area, she said. Supervisor Dennis Dickinson said the town is in favor of allowing people to rent out their homes. We have no intention of stopping you from doing it, he said. However, the town has an interest in regulating this activity, he said. Dickinson said the first issue is that people who rent out their homes are actually in a business. Theyre not getting a business license. Theyre not paying taxes, he said. The other issue is the town wants to make sure that these homes are providing a safe environment with no septic issues or other quality-of-life issues. There needs to be some oversight by the town, Dickinson said. Weve had issues with people having a 25-foot bonfire in the backyard of a residential area drinking and carousing. They go to bed with the bonfire going, he said. Dickinson said he would like homeowners to come in and get a permit before renting out their property. Local officials also need to have someone available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who they can contact in the event of a fire or emergency. Dickinson said having a license in place would complement an effort by home rental website Airbnb to negotiate a contract with Warren County. All the people who rent their homes would be on a list through Airbnbs website and the company would handle the financial transactions. They collect whatever appropriate taxes are due from those people and send one check to the county, he said. Dickinson said he wants to add a stipulation in the contract that before anybody in the town of Lake George gets on the list, the homeowner needs to possess a license from the town. Dan Barusch, director of planning and zoning, said the license is drafted. The code is still being tweaked and it would come before the board at an upcoming meeting. Krebs said she likes that the town is working on this issue. Im glad youre giving people a voice, she said. The village of Lake George adopted a short-term residential amendment to its zoning code in 2014. People must obtain a license at $75 per year. QUEENSBURY The Queensbury Board of Education on Monday appointed district resident Daniel Hamm as an assistant principal at Queensbury High School. Hamm comes to the district after spending a year as an assistant principal at Catskill High School. He also spent a year in administrative internships with Putnam Central School and Whitehall Junior/Senior High School, according to a news release. Previously, he taught at Putnam Central School for seven years in the areas of physical education, health and science. Hamm will be responsible for overseeing nearly 600 freshmen and juniors. He will also assist with freshmen orientation and creating a master schedule. The board gave Hamm a four-year contract at a starting salary of $81,500. Hamm said he looks forward to working with the strong administrative team to build upon the districts success. I feel pretty fortunate to live and work in a district that has such a strong sense of community. My first priority is to build strong working relationships with students, staff and the community, and to work together as a team to achieve schoolwide and districtwide goals, Hamm said in a news release. High school Principal Damian Switzer said Hamm is passionate and has a student-centered approach. He believes success is all about building relationships and giving our students the support they need, he said in a news release. Hamm earned a masters degree in special education from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, and a bachelors degree in biology secondary education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Hamm replaces Justin Hoskins, who is leaving to become principal at Fort Ann Junior-Senior High School. QUEENSBURY Google has selected the Queensbury Union Free School District as a Google for Education Reference District. The district is one of only six school districts in New York and 52 in the United States to receive the designation, according to a news release. The recognition is for districts that demonstrate excellence and leadership through use of technology including G Suite for Education (formerly known as Google Apps for Education) and Chromebooks. As a reference district, Queensbury will receive early access to new Google tools and ideas. The district also is highlighted on the Google for Education website. Hartford officials rally to build ballfields Bravos to town of Hartford officials for their combined efforts to build new ballfields at Hartford Central School. The town Highway Department, Youth Commission volunteers and school employees all helped out, while Hartford Supervisor Dana Haff credited the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District for landing a $6,000 grant for the project for topsoil and seeding. Haff also singled out Russell Wade of the Youth Commission for putting in a lot of time on the project. Haff said they accomplished $80,000 worth of work for just $10,000. Thats good news for Hartford taxpayers and shows what can be done when people work together. County probation officers get high marks Bravos to Warren and Washington county probation officers for getting high marks in the timeliness of their pre-plea and pre-sentencing reports, respectively. Washington Countys average report took 30 days, which was among the fastest in the state. A county judge started the survey to find out how long it took to prepare pre-sentencing reports. He found that it averaged about 12 weeks in most counties. More importantly, Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan pointed out that shorter waits save taxpayers money. Department of Labor halts cleanup Boos to the state Department of Labor for halting the cleanup of a burned-out car business that has been an eyesore for four years. The state issued a stop-work order on cleanup of the site because of the presence of asbestos. While that is usually a serious concern, an independent survey found that asbestos was present in just 1 percent of the debris. Surely, the state can come to a compromise to get this cleaned up once and for all. Motocross track operator violates rules Boos to Jeremy Treadway, owner of the ADK MX track on Route 149 in Fort Ann, for failing to abide by the guidelines set by the town for operating the track. Up until now, Treadway appeared to do everything right to appease neighbors complaints about his new business, but Fort Ann Supervisor Richard Moore said Treadway opened the track too early in the morning and allowed camping overnight. Both were in violation of the rules set forth by the town. If Treadway is going to be successful, he has to abide by the rules. Removing Exit 19 turn lane was a bad idea Boos to the state Department of Transportation for removing one of the two left-hand turn lanes onto the southbound Exit 19 interchange in Queensbury because it was in violation of federal traffic guidelines. The change has led to traffic backing up onto Aviation Road at rush hour. We want to remind the state Department of Transportation that Gov. Andrew Cuomos recent signs promoting New York on the New York Thruway were also a violation of federal guidelines that have been overlooked. The state needs to make an exception here. It has made the situation more dangerous in Queensbury. Queensbury stiffens athletic guidelines Bravos to Queensbury High School for stiffening the punishments for student-athletes if they are caught violating team rules, specifically underage drinking. There was a rash of violations over the past two years with about 50 infractions. The school was right to stiffen the punishments. Gutheil calls for opposition to rate increase Bravos to South Glens Falls Mayor Harry Gutheil for trying to organize regional opposition to the proposed National Grid rate increase. The proposal would increase delivery charges 21.8 percent for electricity and 24.8 percent for natural gas for the average customer. Its refreshing for a public official to take on a major utility on billing that most people feel is out of their control. The state Public Service Commission is taking comments on the proposed rate increase at www.dps.ny.gov. Editor: I think school lunches should be prepared in the school and they should make the food healthier, but also taste much better than they do now. The schools could do this by serving fresh fruit that more kids like, such as strawberries and raspberries. They could also do this with vegetables by serving a large variety of them so kids would be able to choose what they would like to eat and not have only two or three choices. Baked beans would be a good one to have. For the main part of the meal, the schools could serve things like subs with whole wheat bread, hamburgers with lean meat, and other lean meats and good-tasting healthy foods. For drinks, the schools should serve milk, water and some kind of 100 percent fruit juice with low sugar. According to the New York Times, the schools are wasting lots of money on forcing kids to get fruits and vegetables. They say kids often leave their fruits and vegetables untouched. Schools could save so much food and money if the kids were not forced to get fruits and vegetables that will most likely end up in the trash anyways. I think if the schools start preparing the lunches in the school, the kids would like the food much better because it would taste more homemade, and everybody likes the taste of homemade food. Chris Farrell, Fort Ann Editors note: Throughout the year, advocacy has been emphasized with various activities and projects by students in David Morses 10th-grade health class at Fort Ann. Students were urged to write and create awareness about any current health-related topics. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: ALPHA, Ill. After a few hours turning hay atop his tractor, Bruce Curry was ready to check out his strawberries. And, Curry, who owns the 80 acres of land known as Country Corner Farm Market in Alpha, Illinois, kept his expectations low. The business he started in 1987 which draws 25,000-35,000 visitors each year is mostly known for pumpkins. Our fall business is huge, Curry said of the farms 10 acres reserved for pumpkins. We keep our berry patches small, because the berry business can be difficult. A lot of things can go wrong. Still, over the last month, Country Corner staff have fielded non-stop questions about pick-your-own strawberries, says special events coordinator Bob Frees. Theres a lot of phone calls, emails, Facebook comments, stop-ins about the U-Pick strawberries, Frees, who manages the farms Facebook page, which has more than 13,000 followers, said. People are eager to get out here. Visitors have had to wait longer than usual this season, according to Frees, who Curry calls his right-hand man. Mother Nature was not so kind to us this year, Frees said. The warmer winter and freezing again in March put us behind. The strawberry season typically begins in late May or the first week of June. This year, Country Corner opened its U-Pick strawberry patches to customers on May 30, but had to temporarily close the next day. Frees offered this explanation in a Facebook post: Due to the unusual cool weather, strawberries are not ripening as soon as normal. Now that the berries are ripe, the farms eight rows of strawberry patches will be open for picking Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays likely through the end of June. It really is a small window, Frees said. All the work you put into it, you get two to three weeks of strawberries. But he and Curry agree: It's worth it. As a group of 6-year-old kids toured Country Corner on Monday, Curry seemed pleasantly surprised by what he saw in the strawberry patches. It looks to me like were going to have good berries, he said. They look beautiful. And the taste? Just perfect, he said. Dream come true At some point during his morning work, Curry wrote three words on his hand with pen: Affordable, fun, educational. I was thinking of things that were important to say about this place, he said. Those are the things that set us apart. Curry, 56, who started selling pumpkins on his front yard when he was 12, owes his success to those three words, which is basically his business plan . He said hes amazed at how his farm his dream has grown over the years. Country Corner now offers weekly farm tours, where visitors tour the produce patches as well as a learning center, farm animal petting zoo, bee barn, corn maze and a playground with several games. We have a blast, Curry said. Its about educating the public on what farmers do and how things are grown. Currys wife, Alex, overlooks the farm market, which serves as somewhat of a food hub and offers jams, honey, cheeses and more from five neighboring farms. It takes a lot of work: In the fall, Curry is on the farm about 120 hours per week. In the summer, hes there around 50 hours per week. What keeps you going is happy customers, he said. My wife and I dont talk about money we make, we just talk about the customers and if theyre happy. Theres another talking point: When, on Aug. 17, 2011, then-President Barack Obama visited Country Corner to hold a town hall meeting. If you ever wonder if what youre doing means anything to anybody, the president coming to visit you is a good sign, Curry said. It was unbelievable. At the time, Curry was surprised to get the call from a White House representative. Looking back on the visit now, it makes sense, he said. Im pretty sure the president came to visit me because Im the American dream, he said. I tell everyone that if you have a dream, you can make it happen. Somebodys got to pick them Jacky Lindstrom, who started working at Country Corner 11 years ago, has seen the reactions from visitors over and over. Some people have no idea what we do here, she said. And then they come and get to actually see it and pick things themselves theyre so excited. That goes for her two grandkids, who Lindstrom brought for a visit over the weekend. It was the first time they had ever picked strawberries, so we cleaned them up and ate them with ice cream, Lindstrom, who got the nickname Jacky of all trades, because of all she does on the farm, said. Theyre so much better than the store for some reason theyre smaller, but juicier. Thats why, Lindstrom said, strawberry season however short it may be keeps bringing people to Country Corner. By the way, red raspberries, blueberries and blackberries will soon be available at the farm, too. Doing the U-Pick thing was a great idea for us, because it brings people here, she said. The U-Pick part of his business is a no brainer, said Curry. Its fun to grow things people enjoy and want to pick, he said. And somebodys got to pick them. Participants and local residents look over the hundreds of vehicles on display Monday at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport for the 23rd annual Hot Rod Power Tour. The tour, sponsored by Hot Rod Magazine, started Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri, and ends Friday in Bowling Green, Kentucky. From Davenport, the tour will visit the University of Illinois in Champaign on Tuesday. To see dozens more photos from Monday's event, go to qctimes.com/gallery. Webster Public RelationsJustin Moore, father of three daughters, now has a male ally in his household. Big sisters Ella, Kennedy and Rebecca welcomed their baby brother Sunday afternoon in Little Rock, Arkansas. Justins wife Kate gave birth to the 7-pound 14-ounce boy at 3:33 p.m. Thomas South Moore was named after his late grandfather. While the Moores didn't find out the sex of the baby in advance, no one was happier with the outcome than Justin. Kate and I already felt like the most blessed people in the world, with our three beautiful daughters, Justin said. But, we feel even more blessed to have a healthy baby BOY now to add to our family. Justin and Kate plan to call their little one South. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Linda Mintener, a former resident of Davenport, has received the 2017 Distinguished Service Award from the National Flute Association for her many years of pro bono legal work for the association. For the past 14 years, Mintener has served as the NFAs legal counsel. Until her retirement, Mintener worked for 28 years as a litigator of large claim sales tax cases for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Mintener is also a flutist and private flute instructor in Madison, Wisconsin. She performs regularly as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. Mintener graduated cum laude from Indiana University School of Music. She is a member of the honorary music fraternities of Pi Kappa Lambda and Sigma Alpha Iota. She served for two years with the Peace Corps in Guinea, West Africa, where she taught flute. Upon returning to the U.S., she resumed her flute studies at the University of Wisconsin and later attended and graduated from the UW Law School. She also coordinates the Chinese Orphans Project of the First Baptist Church in Madison and organizes annual benefit concerts to help raise the funds that provide educational opportunities for many impoverished Chinese orphans. Illinois Democrats have a problem. Increasingly, elected officials in the failing state are blasting Gov. Bruce Rauner, pinning the state's unprecedented woes on the freshman Republican. And, increasingly, they're first pitching their independence from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who leads the state Democratic Party. That latter point is of real interest. In the past two weeks, I've sat down with two Illinois constitutional officers: Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Both are former lawmakers turned statewide officers. Both are Democrats. But stylistically, the two are different. Frerichs, in a one-on-one meeting, was candid and frank, per usual. He argues that Rauner's early anti-union positions poisoned, essentially undermining, any hope for meaningful pension reform. Mendoza, meeting last week with the Quad-City Times editorial board, was more aggressive in her criticism of Rauner. Yet she, too, outlined the strain Illinois' two-year budget impasse has leveled on her office. One can only imagine what balancing the books looks like when $15 billion in bills are piled up and the cash on hand can't even cover the interest. She took some serious swipes at the governor. Mendoza assumed that disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, would be the "worst governor" she'd ever see, she said. But "Rauner's worse," she said. Rauner and Mendoza have been pounding each other for months. Certainly, there's enough blame to reach from Rockford to Cairo. But, in both meetings, it was the attention spent to outlining how this isn't about partisanship that caught my interest. Frerichs was blunt about the challenge faced by those like him trying to attack a Republican governor without looking like another partisan shill. "It's difficult, as a Democrat, to criticize a governor who's a Republican." Mendoza spent significant time describing instances, during her tenure in the General Assembly, when she bucked the venerable House speaker. In each meeting, both officials needed to first establish their independence from Madigan before launching into a sometimes brutal critique of Rauner. In a very real sense, it's an acknowledgement that Madigan, and his slumping poll numbers, are a yoke around their necks. Anything they say will, ultimately, be easily cast as just a partisan hit job. Rauner is underwater in statewide polls. But so, too, is Madigan. Those numbers might not mean that much to Madigan personally. He's untouchable in his geographically small legislative district in Chicago. But they do require any Democrat trying to build a case against Rauner to first rhetorically establish that they're not Madigan's pawns. It's a hard lift, one that Rauner's campaign will surely tap heading into the 2018 election. The thing is, both Frerichs and Mendoza make legitimate points about the state's institutional failings. Frerichs highlighted how he, as manager of state investments, couldn't buy bonds from borrowers with Illinois' credit ratings. Mendoza isn't wrong when she hammers away at executive agencies dumping 10 months-worth of bills on her desk after sitting on them. What's unclear is how these messages will reverberate amid the political cacophony that long ago consumed Illinois. Both Frerichs and Mendoza are Democrats. They both have established histories with Madigan. And they both know those facts will undermine anything of substance they say. DES MOINES Gov. Kim Reynolds assured Iowans on Tuesday that state payments to K-12 schools, Medicaid and other government programs will continue uninterrupted as her administration works to deal with a possible fiscal 2017 budget shortfall that she hopes to cover with surplus reserves. Folks are rightly concerned about the state budget and what it means to them, Reynolds said at her weekly news conference. The bottom line is this: that there will be continuity of government and Iowans will experience no change from when the sun sets on June 30 to the morning of July 1. Reynolds told reporters it is unlikely state tax collections will meet the growth estimates the current fiscal years budget is based upon, but she said she has statutory authority to borrow up to $50 million from the states economic emergency account if the state is short of money when the fiscal 2017 books are closed Sept. 30. Were hoping well be able to do this without a special session, she said, but that remains an option if the shortfall exceeds her authority to transfer money. Economic and federal tax policy volatility has affected Iowas tax collections for the 12-month period that ends June 30, and while still growing, they have not kept pace with projections. It's a situation that already forced former Gov. Terry Branstad and lawmakers to make $117.8 million in midyear spending adjustments that included $88.2 million in cuts and $25 million in fund transfers. Later, they also had to borrow $131 million from the cash reserve to keep the budget balanced with the promise of repaying it in two years. Now, it appears Reynolds may have to use up to $50 million more in emergency transfers. At this point, it looks unlikely that Iowa tax receipts will be able to meet the (Revenue Estimating Conference) projections for fiscal 2017. However, we will not be able to determine the extent of that shortfall until Sept. 30, she said. Its absolutely not realistic for us to do additional cuts, Reynolds said in ruling out unpaid employee furloughs as a cost-cutting option with less than three weeks remaining in the fiscal year. Were looking at covering the budget shortfall through the states economic emergency fund. By statute, I do have the authority to transfer up to $50 million from that fund without calling back the Legislature, so were hopeful that we can manage the remaining budget within that amount. Without an additional transfer, the states reserve funds as of June 30 are estimated to total $606.9 million, or $131.1 million below the statutory maximum of 10 percent of the adjusted revenue estimate. The Legislature appropriated $7.269 billion from the states general fund for the fiscal 2018 year that begins July 1 with expectations the state would close the next 12-month budgeting cycle with an ending balance of $106.9 million on June 30, 2018, and reserve-fund balances totaling $625.1 million, or $112 million below the statutory maximum of 10 percent of the adjusted revenue estimate. Reynolds said it appeared the states personal income tax receipts were below expectations because of lagging capital gains collections and financial decisions Iowans are making in anticipation of federal tax reform. Also, she noted that shifting consumer practices such as making out-of-state online purchases were eroding sales and use tax receipts and pointed out a need to revamp Iowas income tax code. It has become increasingly clear that our tax code does not align well with todays economy, said Reynolds, who has made tax reform a 2018 priority. Our tax system was designed for a different time when purchase behavior patterns were more static. Were living in somewhat of a volatile economy. Reynolds said everything has to be on the table when she and the Republican-led Legislature work next session to come up with revisions. House Democratic Leader Mark Smith of Marshalltown said he hoped legislators would work in a bipartisan way to change course to make sure Iowans arent paying for tax giveaways through increased college tuition, fewer services and higher property taxes. "Gov. Reynolds decision to borrow money from the states savings accounts to pay the bills this year confirms the GOPs corporate tax giveaways are unaffordable, Smith said in a statement. The giveaways havent produced growth and, instead, have slowed the states economy and put the state budget in the red for the third time this year. DES MOINES Businesses are exploding with anticipation to sell home fireworks in Iowa, but a combination of factors kept hundreds of sellers grounded until only within the past couple of days, less than a month before the Fourth of July holiday. Late-arriving legislation, a delayed permitting process, an understaffed state office and hundreds of applications caused the backlog, state officials and fireworks business owners say. According to the state fire marshal, as of Monday, businesses had requested 347 site permits to sell consumer-grade fireworks bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, etc. that are legal in Iowa this year for the first time. And as of Tuesday, permits had been issued for 274 of those sites. But that was a giant leap from just this past Friday, when a mere 31 sites had been permitted, even though under the new law some of them were eligible to begin selling fireworks on June 1. Its a letdown, said Katie Mostek, co-owner of Flashing Thunder, which is based in northern Iowa and has sold fireworks for more than three decades. This is a big thing for us, and we werent able to open on the opening date. Flashing Thunder sells display fireworks the kind used in community fireworks shows and sells consumer fireworks in other states, so it already had a presence in Iowa. Mostek said that through the end of last week, Flashing Thunder had requested permits for seven sites four permanent sites in stores and three temporary sites in tents but had received approval for only two. Permanent sites were eligible under the new law to start selling fireworks on June 1; temporary sites could begin selling on Monday. Mostek said Iowans have been showing up in their stores hoping to buy consumer fireworks, but the company has had to turn them away while awaiting the permits. People stop all day long, every day, and we have to keep turning them away. So thats pretty frustrating. We probably have lost a lot of revenue, especially over the weekend, Mostek said. We put a lot of time and money into this, and to have to turn people away ... Weve had people saying, I guess we just have to go back into Wisconsin again this year (where consumer fireworks have been legal for years). State Fire Marshal Jeffrey Quigle said his office has been overwhelmed by the task of establishing the permitting process despite the head start before the new law was officially on the books. Former Gov. Terry Branstad signed the legalization of consumer fireworks into law on May 9, and the bill said businesses that obtain a state permit could begin selling fireworks June 1. That gave the fire marshals office just more than three weeks to create a permitting process, conduct hundreds of safety inspections and review hundreds of applications. Quigle said the office tried to get a head start once state lawmakers approved the legislation and it appeared Branstad would sign it into law. However, he said the time frame still was tight and the challenge was compounded by a lightly staffed department. Were an understaffed division. Weve learned how to do more with less, Quigle said. We had to do things a lot faster than what we normally would have liked to. We normally would have liked to go through a testing phase with our software. Mostek, although frustrated with the permitting process at times, said that because of that time crunch, in particular, she does not blame the fire marshals office for those issues. Its kind of tough because (lawmakers) didnt vote on the bill and pass it until late, and then it sat on the governors desk for (three weeks), and he didnt sign it until (May 9), and that doesnt leave them a lot of time to come up with a process, Mostek said. And I think (state fire marshals office workers) got overwhelmed. I think they werent ready for the amount of permits that were going to be processed. ... It was kind of frustrating, but I understand it wasnt their fault, either. Businesses also are facing extra hurdles at the local level because the new law allows local governments to create their own regulations in addition to state regulations. Zach Terhark is a co-owner of Iowa Fireworks Co., which was established this year after the new law was passed and plans to have roughly 20 temporary sites across the state. Terhark said his company has been challenged by complying with local rules on top of the state rules. He said he thinks state lawmakers assumed the state regulations would be sufficient, but instead, many local governments have been scrambling for how to react and establishing their own rules and processes. It seems like theres a lot of miscommunication or lack of communication between the cities and the state trying to figure out how the whole process works, Terhark said. So its been a little frustrating, but were getting through it. Quigle on Tuesday expressed appreciation for fireworks sellers patience and thanked local fire departments that helped with state inspections. We thank the fireworks sellers for their patience with us as we have started a program from the ground up, in matter of a few short weeks. We appreciate their professionalism in the submission of site plans, and their flexibility as we have adapted to a newly developed online process, Quigle said in a statement. Just as importantly, we also thank our fire service partners in local departments who have helped us, and will continue to help us, with site inspections at the local level. In addition to fireworks specialty companies such as Flashing Thunder and Iowa Fireworks Co., some of the permitted businesses in Iowa include chain retail stores, such as Target, Walmart and Theisens. For nearly 100 years, my family has farmed the land we live on. Its more than a business to us. Its a tradition, a way of life one that we share with many across the state. Earlier this month, I was pleased to welcome U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to South Dakota and give him a peak into our tradition of agriculture and the people behind it. While it was his first official visit to the state as Secretary, it wasnt his first trip here altogether. Weve actually hunted pheasant near my home in the states northeastern corner a few times before (hes a really good shot, by the way) and hes ridden in the combine with me while I harvested our crops. South Dakota was a natural stop during his first few weeks on the job, as its a microcosm of the many issues under the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) jurisdiction. From farm and ranch policy to forestry to hunting and fishing, we have a little of everything. To start the day, we sat down with tribal leaders, who have a significant number of farmers and ranchers within their constituencies. Because of the unique relationship between tribal governments and the U.S. government, I wrote legislation to establish a permanent Office of Tribal Relations within USDA. That provision was successfully rolled into the 2014 Farm Bill and we continue to monitor its implementation today. Additionally, Secretary Perdue was shown the Black Hills National Forest and the damage done by a decades-long pine beetle infestation. While the Forest Service announced the beetle had finally been beat this April, work remains. Helpful provisions were included in the 2014 Farm Bill at my request, but we will need the continued support of USDA to repair the damage and make the forest more resilient against future outbreaks. Following the tour, we sat down with producers. While the current Farm Bill will run through 2018, work has already begun on the next one and Secretary Perdue will be essential in implementing that legislation. The livestock disaster and crop insurance programs have given many South Dakotans an essential safety net, but changes to the commodity programs are needed. Well also be looking to improve the Farm Bills wetland determinations provisions. Under existing regulations, producers have been delayed in making improvements to their land because of a years-long backlog. Ive sponsored bipartisan legislation to address this and am hopeful well see it included. Corrections must also be made to CRP (the Conservation Reserve Program), which only accepted 101 acres in South Dakota during the last sign-up period despite thousands of acres being submitted for consideration. The day also included a stop at Ellsworth. To make the point that the Farm Bill is really a food bill, I often tell folks that while not everyone farms, everyone eats. I also like to mention that good farm policy is essential to our national security. If other countries control our food supply, they can control us. Food security is national security. Ive always been proud to be part of South Dakotas tradition of agriculture, making it all the more special that I could show our newest Secretary of Agriculture how we do it with excellence. STURGIS The Sturgis Area Arts Council, in collaboration with the Sturgis Public Library and the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, is a recipient of a grant of $11,300 to host the NEA Big Read in Sturgis. Sturgis is the only current recipient in the state of South Dakota. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read is a program that broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book, said Julie Moore-Peterson, Director of the Sturgis Public Library and a member of the committee that helped bring the Big Read to Sturgis. The Sturgis Area Arts Council is one of 75 nonprofit organizations to receive an NEA Big Read grant to host a community reading program between Sept. 7, and Nov. 11. The NEA Big Read in Sturgis will focus on "The Things They Carried," by Tim OBrien. The veteran community is such an integral part of the Sturgis Area. We are thrilled to tell their stories through our Big Read programming, said Moore-Peterson. The grant process was a community effort and were excited to come together again to carry it out. The NEA Big Read showcases a diverse range of contemporary titles that reflect many different voices and perspectives, aiming to inspire conversation and discovery, she said. The main feature of the initiative is a grants program, which annually supports approximately 75 dynamic community reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read selection. Author, Tim OBrien will be presenting in Sturgis to both students at Sturgis Brown High School and later for the public at the Sturgis Community Center on Friday, Sept. 22. Prior to that visit, the book will be dispersed throughout the community and studied within several Sturgis Brown High School English classes. Additional book discussions, musical shows, visual art displays, and veteran focused events will take place beginning Sept. 7 and ending on Veterans Day. Partners and sponsors include: The Sturgis Public Library, The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, The City of Sturgis, AARP, Stan Adelstein, Clover Foundation, Meade County Times-Tribune, KBHB Big 81, Meade School District 46-1, The Sturgis Center for the Arts, the South Dakota Humanities Council, The South Dakota Festival of Books, American Legion Meade Post 33, VFW Post 2730, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1039, and the Black Hills Veterans Writing Group. Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,400 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $19 million in grants to organizations nationwide. In addition, Big Read activities have reached every Congressional district in the country. Over the past eleven years, grantees have leveraged more than $42 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 4.8 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, approximately 79,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and 37,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible. Last summer, the NEA announced a new focus for the NEA Big Read Library on contemporary authors and books written since the NEA was founded 50 years ago. For more information about the NEA Big Read, please visit neabigread.org. The Sturgis Area Arts Council was formed in the mi-1970s to promote the presentation of and participation in the arts in the Sturgis, SD community. The mission of the Sturgis Area Arts Council is "to initiate, sponsor, and conduct public programs to further the development and awareness of and interest in the arts. To achieve this goal, we work closely with all facets of our community. We rely greatly upon donations and sponsorships from local individuals and businesses. Arts Midwest promotes creativity, nurtures cultural leadership, and engages people in meaningful arts experiences, bringing vitality to Midwest communities and enriching peoples lives. Based in Minneapolis, Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. One of six non-profit regional arts organizations in the United States, Arts Midwests history spans more than 25 years. For more information, please visit artsmidwest.org. The Rapid City man found dead at his home last week knew the man suspected of killing him, local police said Monday following their request for a murder arrest warrant. Police are asking a judge to issue a warrant charging Andrew Eastman, 28, with first-degree murder in the death of Larry Mintzlaff, 64. Eastman is an escaped South Dakota prison inmate. Mintzlaff, a retired Rapid City public school teacher, was discovered dead at his house in the 3300 block of Wisconsin Avenue on June 6. He was found to have died of blunt force trauma, which investigators believe happened the previous week. The Rapid City Police Department said Sunday that Eastman was suspected in the killing, news that came a day after he was captured in Albuquerque, N.M., while driving Mintzlaffs missing car. Eastman walked away from an inmate job site June 2 at the Rapid City landfill. Authorities believe he fled in a city-owned pickup, later found a few blocks from Mintzlaffs house. The men knew each other, and the attack was not a random act, said Capt. James Johns, head of Rapid City police criminal investigations. He declined to disclose the mens relationship and the reason Eastman went to Mintzlaffs home, saying those details were part of the ongoing investigation. Eastman has not been formally charged in South Dakota, but Johns said police are working with prosecutors. Police believe that first-degree (murder) fits the information that we have, he said in an interview Monday. First-degree murder involves the element of premeditation and is punishable by death or life in prison. Johns said investigators were not searching for any other suspects in Mintzlaffs killing. The recovery of the city pickup on June 3 was not related to the discovery of Mintzlaffs body three days later, Johns said. The white 2002 Dodge pickup, with an inmate uniform inside, was found near Hospice House on Elk Street, said Darell Shoemaker, spokesman for the Rapid City government. Hospice House is a tenth of a mile from Mintzlaff's home. Rapid City police and the fire department informed the landfill manager about 4 p.m. June 3 that the missing pickup had been found, and the vehicle was returned to the landfill the same day, Shoemaker said. Landfill personnel used the pickup once before a police evidence team came to inspect the vehicle early to the middle of last week, Shoemaker said. He was not certain if the inspection took place after Mintzlaffs death had already been discovered. Citing the ongoing investigation, Johns declined to say who called police to request a welfare check on Mintzlaff, which led to the bodys discovery, as well as what led investigators to think Eastman was headed to Albuquerque. The U.S. Marshals Service in New Mexico, which runs the fugitive task force that arrested Eastman, earlier said South Dakota investigators believed Eastman had fled the state and was hiding out in Albuquerque. The Marshals Service said agents had been on the lookout for Eastman and Mintzlaffs car, a blue 2007 Ford focus. When asked if Mintzlaff's missing vehicle was one of the homicide investigators strongest leads, Johns said it was just one of many leads they had been following. Theres a ton of work that still needs to be done, Johns said. These are never done with just an arrest. Eastman is detained at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque while authorities in Pennington County begin extradition proceedings to return him to South Dakota. At the time of his escape he was serving sentences in South Dakota for drug offenses out of Hughes County and grand theft out of Pennington County. Mintzlaffs killing is the fifth homicide in Rapid City this year, following three fatal stabbings in January and one in March. WASHINGTON | China is a step closer to allowing imports of U.S. beef for the first time in almost 14 years. The United States and China have agreed on final details of a deal to allow the imports, the Agriculture Department said Monday. The agreement is one part of a bilateral agreement reached following President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. The announcement prompted praise from South Dakotas congressional delegation. Around 95 percent of the worlds consumers live outside U.S. borders, said Republican Rep. Kristi Noem in a statement. As the worlds largest beef producer, gaining market access is critical. I welcome the administrations proposal and am hopeful this renewed access to Chinese consumers will help boost the long-depressed cattle markets that have threatened many South Dakota cattle operations. In separate releases, GOP Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune also lauded Trump's decision. Agriculture is South Dakotas No. 1 industry, with nearly 3.85 million head of cattle, Rounds said. Opening up this new, lucrative market will create substantial opportunities for South Dakota ranchers and bring a much-needed boost to the ag economy. After urging the Trump administration to take quick action on this and other important agricultural trade issues, Im glad to see that it has been resolved, Thune said. While the agreement is long overdue, it will nonetheless come as welcome news to all of South Dakotas farmers and ranchers who not only help make agriculture our states top industry, but help feed the world. According to Noems statement, until the ban took effect, the U.S. provided 70 percent of Chinas total beef intake. Today, Chinese beef imports total $2.5 billion. China imposed the ban on American beef in 2003 after a case of mad-cow disease, a ban that remained in place despite extensive efforts by the Bush and Obama administrations to get it removed. In exchange for China opening its borders to U.S. beef, the U.S. would allow the sale of cooked Chinese poultry. USDA said that China is requiring that any beef imported from the U.S. must have been born, raised and slaughtered in the United States or imported from Canada or Mexico and raised and slaughtered here. It could also be imported from Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the U.S. The beef also has to be derived from cattle less than 30 months old and traceable to the U.S. birth farm or first place of residence or port of entry. All of the precautions lessen the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. Rusnano top manager appeals detention in $12.3 mln embezzlement case MOSCOW, June 13 (RAPSI) Andrey Gorkov, a managing director of the state-owned technology corporation Rusnano, has appealed his detention in the case over embezzling more than 700 million rubles ($12.3 million), RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday. On June 11, the Basmanny District Court of Moscow detained Gorkov until August 9 in the case over machinations with corporations assets. Investigators believe that in 2011-2013 Gorkov was transferring Rusnanos assets to the Smolensky Bank under the guise of provision of cash services, in effect financing its activity. The top manager denies guilt and notes that he did not have a right to manage corporations money at the moment of revocation of the banks license in 2014. As a result, Rusnano lost over 738 million rubles ($12.9 million) and, according to investigators, 400 million ($7 million) were allocated to Gorkovs brother a day before the license was revoked. Politkovskaya murder mastermind sentenced to life dies in hospital for prisoners MOSCOW, June 13 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) - Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, who had been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, died in a hospital for inmates in the Volgograd Region, a spokesperson for the Federal Penitentiary Services regional directorate (FSIN) told RAPSI on Tuesday. According to the FSIN representative, Gaitukayev has died after a long illness. He has undergone a hospital treatment since October 2016. On October 7, 2006, Politkovskaya, a crusading reporter with the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper, was shot dead at the age of 48 in the elevator of her central Moscow apartment building. The murder has been linked to her coverage of human rights abuses in Chechnya. On May 20, 2014, the jury found the five defendants guilty of murdering Politkovskaya. According to the verdict, the killing was masterminded by Lom-Ali Gaitukayev and former police officer Sergey Khadzhikurbanov. Jurors found that Rustam Makhmudov was the man that actually pulled the trigger. Two of his brothers, Dzhabrail Makhmudov and Ibragim Makhmudov, were convicted as accomplices to the crime. Dzhabrail drove Rustam to the scene of the crime, and Ibragim told him that the journalist was approaching her apartment building. The jury decided that Ibragim Makhmudov alone deserved clemency. The court sentenced Khadzhikurbanov to 20 years in prison. Dzhabrail Makhmudov got a 14-year sentence. Ibragim Makhmudov was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Moreover, the court granted a lawsuit filed by Politkovskayas children seeking one million rubles ($17,600 at the current exchange rate) from each of the five defendants. Former police officer Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov was convicted in connection with the killing in a separate trial in December 2012. He reached a plea bargain with investigators and testified against other suspects in the case. Guwahati, June 12 : Meghalaya outfit group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Monday threatened the Meghalaya government that, if the state government would not stop their exercise of hunting down and arresting innocent civilians and students the situation would be gone more worsen. The outfit group alleged that, the Meghalaya government and state police are going to create more rebellion in the entire region by hunting down and arresting leaders and members of the Khasi Students Union (KSU). The publicity secretary of the outfit Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a press release that, it is a political nonsense that students are being hunted like they belong to a militant outfit. This is a mockery of democracy. "People are simply being targeted and arrested on mere suspicion. The Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue was spearheaded by 13 pressure groups. But now only one organisation has become the victim of the police department. The district administrations are aggravating the situation by arresting the youths. Why is the state government so eager to bring in railway when the state is itself going through an economic downfall," Sainkupar Nongtraw said. Nongtraw said in the statement that, the Meghalaya CM had assured the pressure groups to implement the comprehensive mechanism In order to tackle the problem of influx, and setting up of entry exit points in the entire state including Khasi hills Jaintia hills and Garo hills. But now our youths have to either hide into the jungles or escape to other states. The outlawed claimed that, the situation in Meghalaya is nothing different than Kashmir. "How many more will the police arrest ? The more the arrests the more the damage. This kind of collateral damage shall worsen the situation. Now the region is witnessing only petrol bombs. What would happen if the HNLC gets in touch with the youths and supply them with IED? The entire state shall burn. We cannot burn our state just for the sake of railways. The government should take up the matters seriously and invite the pressure groups for talks," Sainkupar Nongtraw said. The outfit group threatened that, hunting them would again create an opportunity for the youths to come to us for help. "We do not want to invite the youths to join the HNLC but we can provide them with help and support to intensify their struggle. It is not too hard to supply them with 35 to 40 Kgs IEDs. But by doing so, the entire region would suffer. We need peace and prosperity but the police needs violence," Sainkupar Nongtraw said. HNLC demanded the Meghalaya government to release immediately the KSU north khasi hills president Ferdynald Kharkamni, Sonstar Nongkhlaw and all the other KSU members , who were recently arrested under various sections. "If it wants to return back to normalcy. We have already been approached by many youths for logistics support. Sooner or later we shall be bound to help them out. The government shall be solely responsible for all the damages and casualties," Sainkupar Nongtraw said. On the other hand the HNLC offers its condolences to (L)SS khaplang who passed away in Myanmar. "Baba was a visionary leader of the North east. He was instrumental in fighting for the sovereignty of the Nagas. Baba was well versed with the history of the northeast and its people. He tried his level best to work for the NAGA cause . The GOI is trying to draw a line between the Indian Naga and the Myanmarese Naga. A Naga is a Naga irrespective of the place he is born. We had met him in several instances at the NSCN (k) camps. He would always welcome us and provide valuable suggestions andsupport. His death is a loss to the Naga cause. We have great amount of respect for Baba. His advice to us was to always stick to our cause no matter what happens. Baba was a true fighter. His bravery and valor are evident. He died believing in a cause that would bring about a political solution to the Naga problem. His motivational spirits shall always keep burning in our hearts. Those of us who knew and worked with Baba,respected and admired his great love for his people and cause.He was an inspiration to us all," Sainkupar Nongtraw said. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) WARNING for European visitors European Union laws require you to give European Union visitors information about cookies used on your blog. In many cases, these laws also require you to obtain consent. As a courtesy, we have added a notice on your blog to explain Google's use of certain Blogger and Google cookies, including use of Google Analytics and AdSense cookies. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close " " A reconstructed Neanderthal man is located in the the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann, Germany, where the first-ever Neanderthal was discovered in 1856. Markus Matzel/ullstein bild via Getty Images Ask someone to describe what "ancient man" looked like, and most people will probably come up with something that looks like that Geico caveman. Of course, the timeline of human evolution is much more complicated, and includes many twisting and turning branches that still have scientists stumped. To really understand how man evolved, we'd have to go back in time a few million years and explore the lengthy line in human evolution. Put simply, though, we're really just tracing modern humanity to three sources: Homo sapiens, Neanderthals and the relatively recently discovered Denisovans. But what about other ancient cousins of man? We also carry traces of their DNA. Stuff They Don't Want You to Know hosts Matt Frederick and Ben Bowlin dig into man's family tree to see if there's truth to the legends of giants and gnomes in the podcast episode "Were There Really Lost Races of Man?" Advertisement Homo sapiens is the species in which all humans today belong. Neanderthals, which were first discovered in the Neander valley in Germany, belong to the Homo genus. They are thought to have died out 40,000 years ago. When our modern human ancestors migrated from Africa across Eurasia, they met and interbred with Neanderthals, who evolved outside of Africa, completely separated from our direct predecessors. Most people living outside Africa today, including our hosts Matt and Ben, have a small percentage of Neanderthal in their DNA. Evidence of Denisovans was uncovered in 2008, in a Siberian cave called Denisova. Very little has been determined about the Denisovans, but what we do know is they lived around the same time as the Neanderthals and humans, and were physically larger than both. The teeth found in the cave were mistaken for bear teeth until testing revealed them for what they were: another species of human never before seen. That much the scientific community can agree on, but there are other discoveries that are highly contested. For example, the Red Deer Cave people in China. This is the most recently discovered extinct prehistoric humans found, and scientists believe they died out around 11,000 years ago. Despite their relatively modern dating, they have certain archaic features, leading some scientists to believe that they represent a different species of ancient man. However, others are skeptical, arguing that the physical features could just be evidence of interbreeding between modern humans and Denisovans, or that the features are well within variations expected in our species. Scientists clash, too, on the Homo floresiensis, nicknamed "hobbit." The skull of a female found on the Flores island is less than one-third the size of the skull of modern humans. She also existed thousands of years after Neanderthals died out, and the paleoanthropologists who found her think she's from a different species of archaic humans. But it's been argued that these remains are from Homo sapiens, who, after becoming stuck on the island, underwent "insular dwarfism" over hundreds of thousands of years, growing smaller to help them survive. Since then, however, the hobbit team has found fragments from nine different people on the island of Flores, leading them to believe even more strongly in their theory of insular dwarfism. The more we discover about ourselves and our ancient predecessors, the more there is to know. To hear more about these fascinating discoveries, press play on the podcast player and let Matt and Ben be your guides through the stories of these ancient peoples. Now That's Interesting According to two studies published in the June 2017 journal Nature, fossilized remains of a Homo sapiens found in Morocco 50 years ago are now estimated to be 315,000 years old. That's about 100,000 years older than the oldest human fossils ever found to date. A delicate orchestra of grief, Francois Ozon's Frantz is a somber affair, but also an affecting and piercing drama. Paula Beer stars as Anna, a young woman who lives in a small town in Germany some time after the conclusion of World War I. She still grieves for her fiancee Frantz, who was killed in the war, and this is compounded by her living arrangements, since she lives with Frantz's parents (Ernest Stotzner and Marie Gruber). All of them live under a poignant cloud of grief. One day a young Frenchman (Pierre Niney) shows up to visit Frantz, and that sets off a very unexpected chain of events, which promise to change all their lives. Our own Dustin Chang reviewed the film earlier this year, writing in part: "Frantz is, as usual for Ozon, a seductive concoction. Disguised under period costumes and sumptuous monochrome cinematography that bursts into color at pivotal moments, the film holds some sinister undertones of lost innocence and the pain/joy of growing up. "Beer, a young German actress, is marvelous here, carrying the whole movie on her shoulders. It's perfectly natural to see the film from a female perspective in Ozon's films, and obviously he flirts with sexual attraction and sensuality (albeit very subtly). But Anna being a German lost in an unforgiving world of its enemy gives another layer to this delicious concoction." He concluded: "Beautifully nuanced and poignant and still encompassing all the Ozon film characteristics - secrets, sexuality, twisty genre conventions and its searing political undertones, Frantz is Ozon's most accomplished film to date." His review can be read in its entirety here. I very much agree with Dustin's conclusion. And now that Frantz has arrived on Blu-ray and DVD from Music Box Films, it's a good time to catch up with it, or to watch it again. The transfer looks splendid, and when the film occasionally bursts forth with color, as Dustin mentioned, it's done with a subtle touch. I missed the film in theaters, but it seems well-suited on home video; Ozon makes good use of the entire frame, but the extensive close-ups and medium shots transfer well to smaller screens. The home video release is adorned with a variety of extras, totaling about 45 minutes in all, including a question-and-answer session with Ozon (17 minutes, conducted by Dennis Lim); scenes from the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival (six minutes); deleted scenes (adding up to about 12 or 13 minutes); costume and light tests (3-4 minutes, with the actors often looking directly at camera); a poster gallery (with a multitude of variations) and the theatrical trailer. A printed booklet is also included, which includes a very good essay by Scott Tobias and another (uncredited) interview with Ozon. As usual, Music Box Films also includes a host of trailers (five, in this case) for their other offerings. All in all, this will make a good addition to the home library of any fan of modern arthouse cinema. The official release date is today (Tuesday, June 13). Canadian dates have been announced for the North American release of Zaradasht Ahmed's documentary Nowhere to Hide. The award winning documentary will open here in Toronto and in Vancouver on June 30th. We have included the trailer below. Canadian Theatrical Locations: Friday, June 30 at Vancity Theatre- Vancouver BC Friday, June 30 at Carlton Cinema- Toronto ON Friday, June 30 at Kingsway Theatre- Toronto ON Nowhere to Hide follows male nurse Nori Sharif through five years of dramatic change, providing unique access into one of the worlds most dangerous and inaccessible areas the triangle of death in central Iraq. Initially filming stories of survivors and the hope of a better future as American and Coalition troops retreat from Iraq in 2011, conflicts continue with Iraqi militias, and the population flees accompanied by most of the hospital staff. Nori is one of the few who remain. When ISIS advances on Jalawla in 2014 and takes over the city, he too must flee with his family at a moments notice, and turns the camera on himself. In a statement from Norwegian/Iraqi director Zaradasht Ahmed, Seguin, TX (78155) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. As he sits testifying today before the Senate Intelligence Committee and as Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee fume because he sent a surrogate to testify before them today Attorney General Jeff Sessions is also quietly working to undo the marijuana policy of 29 states where marijuana use and sales are either about to be made broadly legal, are already legal for recreational purposes, or are broadly legal for medicinal purposes. As the Washington Post reports, Sessions submitted a letter on May 1, now public, asking that Congress omit a three-year-old ban on the appropriation of funds to the prosecution of marijuana-related crimes in states that have made the substance legal. Speaking as though he believes that the current opioid and heroin epidemics sweeping the nation are one and the same with the use and sale of pot, Sessions writes, "I believe it would be unwise for Congress to restrict the discretion of the Department to fund particular prosecutions, particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime. The Department must be in a position to use all laws available to combat the transnational drug organizations and dangerous drug traffickers who threaten American lives." The protections Sessions is talking about, in place since 2014, are known as the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, and they were recently extended in an appropriations act, as Consumerist noted, meaning the Department of Justice can not allocate funds to the prosecution of medical marijuana possession, cultivation, or sale until at least September 30. But Sessions is now asking that future appropriations bills end this rule, put in place under the Obama administration, essentially turning the clock back ten years on a subject that shows broad popular support in the opposite camp of Sessions. Sessions hails from Alabama, one of 21 remaining (red) states where marijuana remains entirely illegal. Meanwhile, eight states have now passed laws permitting the cultivation and sale of marijuana for recreational use, including California, whose law is set to take effect January 1, 2018. And another 21 states have legalized medical marijuana, despite the federal government's reluctance to recognize marijuana's medicinal uses. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows that 94 percent of Americans support the use of medical marijuana with a doctor's prescription, showing that even with a wide margin of error, Sessions is in a tiny minority in continuing to push for marijuana prosecutions. Purveyors of medical cannabis in the Bay Area are all too familiar with the yo-yo of attitudes toward their trade. A 2008 statewide proposition legalizing recreational marijuana failed by a small margin, only to pass eight years later, and in the meantime, federal prosecutors in California, under Obama's DOJ, launched a crackdown on medical marijuana operations in multiple cities as recently as 2011, only to officially ease up two years later (post re-election). Given broad public support for medical marijuana, and the president's own previous statements in support of it, the biggest concern here is probably for laws that have passed legalizing recreational marijuana. Press Secretary Sean Spicer was careful to condemn such laws in some statements in February, making marijuana advocates nervous about how the administration is going to deal with the 29 states where laws currently run counter to federal law with the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment being the only thing currently standing in the way of DEA raids. Previously: Jeff Sessions Confirms That Sanctuary Cities' Punishment Mostly Just A Wrist-Slap Pride month is in full swing, we've stuffed you with a lot of food events this week, and managed to find a shopping deal that nerds will go nuts for. Here are 12 things you should definitely do with your week: TUESDAY, JUNE 13 GOAN SEAFOOD DINNER: Join 18 Reasons chef and culinary Instructor Mike Weller for a community seafood dinner of seafood curry and steamed Basmati rice inspired by the flavors of Goa. The food-based non-profit's community dinners are kid-friendly family-style meals meant to connect people through food. Beer and wine will be available at an additional cost. 3674 18th St., 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (second seating sold out) $15 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 37TH ANNUAL SF JAZZ FESTIVAL: Skibiddy bop! San Francisco JAZZ's annual music fest continues into its second week, wrapping up on the 18th. You've still got time to catch Grammy-winner Stanley Clarke at Miner Auditorium, the Linda May Han Oh Group at the Joe Henderson Lab, and Jon Jang's project inspired by Black Lives Matter. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin at Fell, various evening times, $30+. PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT: Theatre Rhinoceros presents the musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning hit Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. And while we've heard this production has a campy community theater-vibe and might run a bit long, the Chronicle noted that "like a broken-down but sequin-bedecked van that still sputters across the Outback, the show keeps bouncing back to life." Also, I love community theater. Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson St., Tuesdays at 7 p.m, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. through July 1, $15 to $40 SF DESIGN WEEK: Kick off Opening Night of San Francisco Design Week with an opening reception along the San Francisco waterfront. Designers from around the world and a one-woman symphony named Buttercup will take over both floors of a cruise terminal and wow attendees with their sleek aesthetics, an augmented reality exhibit, and an experiential installation from the folks at AirBnB. San Francisco Design Week runs through June 22. James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $25 to $150. THURSDAY, JUNE 15 PRIDE EVENSONG AND HISTORY PANEL: Among the many Pride-themed events coming our way this glorious Pride month is Pride Evensong at Grace Cathedral. Following the music, stick around for a panel about the early struggles for LGBTQ equality and dignity in the Diocese of California, the response to the AIDS epidemic, and how to keep equality and pride alive in the current Bay Area culture. And following that, there will be a show tune sing-a-long and reception in the Cathedral's dining hall. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, 5:15 p.m., panel at 6 p.m., free. JOSHUA BELL: Whispy-haired dreamboat-violinist Joshua Bell joins the San Francisco Symphony and guest conductor Vasily Petrenko in performing Lalo's Symphonie espagnole, followed by the Symphony performing Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 1. Thursday through Sunday. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., $39+. FRIDAY, JUNE 16 BOARD GAME CLEARANCE SALE: Nerd alert! Versus Games SF is clearing out their board stock and we all can reap the deals. Buy board games (including demo games) for as low as a $1 all weekend long. Batman Escape, Harry Potter, Conquest, Black Plague, Zombicide it's all for sale, cheap. Versus Games SF, 1716 Taraval St., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 3RD ON THIRD - JUNETEENTH: Celebrate Juneteenth at the historic Bayview Opera House with a stepping competition finals by local fraternities, spoken word performances, neighborhood food purveyors, wine and beer, and kids activities. 3rd on Third is a genuinely special almost-monthly San Francisco event and Friday's fest is dedicated to the late artist, actress, playwright, director and teacher, Mary L. Booker. If you've never experienced this warm and friendly slice of San Francisco, we really encourage you to attend. I went a few months ago (for Mardi Gras!) and loved it. Bayview Opera House, 4702 3rd St, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., free. SATURDAY, JUNE 17 HIGH ON THE HOG: Epic Steak hosts its annual "High on the Hog" fundraiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The afternoon food and wine extravaganza will feature pig-based culinary offerings from the likes of Epic, The Whole Beast, and Black Bark BBQ, and Pinot Noir tastings from 19 wineries, not to mention live music from The Creatures of Habit, which (and we're guessing here) sounds like a yacht rock dad-band that my mother would describe as "a kick." Epic Steak, 369 Embarcadero, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $75. NOR CAL CORGI CON: Corgis are a big deal to people who really love corgis. We attended this bi-annual gathering of corgis, their owners, and their fans last year and it was a sight to behold! Seriously if you want to hang out on the beach on Saturday and play with hundreds of corgis, this is your very Instagrammable chance. Make sure you arrive in time for the 12 noon corgi costume contest and 12:30 p.m. corgi races. Ocean Beach, Stairwell 21 and Fulton Street, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free. SUNDAY, JUNE 18 FATHER'S DAY R&B BAY CRUISE: The magnificent title of this one really says it all. Grab your favorite father figures and hop on this afternoon cruise around the San Francisco Bay featuring two cash bars, a "smoking deck," food for purchase, and DJ Slappy Joe. Jack London Square on Broadway & Embarcadero, across from Plank, and next to Scotts Seafood Bar & Grill, arrive by 3 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. cruise, $25 in advance, $30 at the dock space permitting, 21-and-over. GUINNESS WORLD RECORD IN SF: Join the longest (hopefully) chain of roller schools and be a part of a new Guinness World record. Members of the Church of 8 Wheels and the skaters from Burning Man's Black Rock Roller Disco (naturally) are going to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chain of roller skaters. They will also attempt to establish a new record for the worlds longest skating serpentine. Join them by pre-registering, being a competent skater, over 14-years-old, colorfully dressed without things people might trip on, and have skates with four wheels each. Got it? Skatin' Place, Kennedy Drive at 6th Ave., Golden Gate Park, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., $15 - $25. Projections showed Macron widening his centrist revolution, with his Republique en Marche (Republic on the Move, REM) party and its ally MoDem tipped to win between 400 and 445 seats in the 577-member National Assembly in next Sundays second round. Such a share would give Macron one of the biggest parliamentary majorities for 60 years. "France is back," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe declared triumphantly. "For the past month, the president has shown confidence, willingness and daring in France and on the international stage," Philippe said, calling the result a vindication of Macrons "winning strategy". But the vote was marked by record low turnout of 49 percent, possibly reflecting fatalism among Macrons opponents in the face of his seemingly unstoppable advance, experts said. The right-wing Republicans -- who had hoped to rebound from their humiliation in the presidential vote -- were shown trailing in second with a predicted 70-130 seats while Marine Le Pens far-right National Front (FN) was forecast to garner between one and 10 seats. The FNs result showed the party is struggling to rebound from Le Pens bruising defeat by Macron in the presidential run-off. The FNs deputy leader Florian Philippot admitted to "disappointment" and called on voters to "mobilise massively" for the second round. The worst losses, however, were for the Socialists of Macrons predecessor Francois Hollande, who are predicted to lose a staggering 200 seats. The partys chief Jean-Christophe Cambadelis and its failed presidential candidate Benoit Hamon both lost their seats. Conceding that the party was facing "unprecedented" losses, Cambadelis appealed to voters to rally behind Macrons rivals to avoid the president monopolising power. Parliament risked having "no real oversight powers and no democratic debate worth speaking of," he warned. Former Republicans party leader Jean-Francois Cope said the results were "a disaster". "Its the continuation of the real disaster that the presidential election was... we need to rebuild everything," he told BFMTV. Official final results released early Monday showed Macrons one-year-old REM and MoDem winning 32.32 per cent in the first round, ahead of the Republicans on 21.56 per cent and the FN on 13.20 per cent. Few MPs were elected outright on Sunday. If no candidate wins over 50 per cent, the two top-placed contenders go into the second round -- along with any other candidate who garners at least 12.5 per cent of registered voters in the district. Frances youngest-ever president at 39, Macron has gained praise for appointing a balanced cabinet that straddles the left-right divide and taking a leading role in Europes fight-back against US President Donald Trump on climate change. German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Macron on a "great success" on Sunday. If the seat projections are confirmed next week, he will have a strong mandate to push through the ambitious labour, economic and social reforms he promised on the campaign trail. New faces Macron, who had never held elected office before becoming president, will also have succeeded in ushering in a younger and more diverse parliament with more women and ethnic minorities. His party fielded political novices in around 200 constituencies. They include Marie Sara, a retired bullfighter, who went through to a runoff against FN stalwart Gilbert Collard in southern France, and star mathematician Cedric Villani. Macron is also trying to bring in an era of cleaner politics. His governments first bill proposes to ban lawmakers from employing family members or performing consultancy work while in office. The measures follow the scandal that destroyed the presidential bid of Republicans candidate Francois Fillon, who has been charged over payments to his wife and two of his children for suspected fake jobs as parliamentary assistants. Fillon denies the charges. Macrons party has largely avoided controversy but one of his ministers who is running for re-election in Brittany, Richard Ferrand, is being probed over a property deal involving his girlfriend. FN falls short Forecasts show Le Pens party will struggle to win the 15 seats it would need to form a parliamentary group and help shape the assemblys agenda. The radical-left France Insoumise (France Unbowed) party of Jean-Luc Melenchon who finished fourth in the presidential race also fell short of expectations. His camp was tipped to only take 10-23 seats. Macron has urged voters to back his reform proposals including an overhaul of the rigid rules governing the job market, blamed by many economists for holding back growth. VNS The local media reported that southern provinces along the Andaman Sea, including Krabi and Phuket, have raised their alert level as a warning of potential violence was circulated on social media, source from Vietnamnews. An intelligence report mentioned that southern militants might launch attacks on tourist attractions in Krabi and two other coastal provinces that would be similar to an attack in Krabi in August last year. As a result, Krabi has installed surveillance cameras in commercial areas and tourist attractions and tightened security at its international airport. In Phuket, locals were urged to report suspicious activities to authorities, while check points at ports and airports are put on high alert. Since August 2015, Thailand has sustained several bombings, including the one at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's Rajprasong tourist district that killed 20, and the August 2016 attacks on tourist sites in seven southern provinces. Recently, three bombings rocked the capital of Bangkok in less than two months. - Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan yesterday chaired a welcome ceremony for the delegation at National Assembly House in Hanoi. On behalf of Vietnamese National Assembly, chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan expressed her pleasure at the official visit of the Cuban NA delegation. The visit affirmed the traditional friendly solidarity and comprehensive cooperation ties between the two nations. At the meeting, the Vietnamese leader introduced activities and development of the 14th National Assembly of Vietnam to the delegation. The two leaders agreed that the national assemblies will boost cooperation programs and projects in the upcoming time; sign new cooperation agreements to fulfill legal framework for bilateral relations, and determine to increase bilateral trade turnover. The national assemblies will continue promoting cooperation projects in the fields of agricultural produce, consumer goods, healthcare, tourism infrastructure, energy ; and support each other at multilateral forums and organizations, especially at the United Nations, for general benefits, peace, stabilization and development. On the same day, the Chairman of the Cuban National Absembly attended and delivered a speech at the plenary session of the National Assembly of Vietnam. BY ANH THU- Translated by Huyen Huong At a press conference hosted yesterday by the the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs' department, deputy head of the agency Tong Hai Nam said that the agency has required businesses to continue reviewing the number of Vietnamese workers in Qatar. Qatar is the highest income nation in the world. So the workers life would not be affected if the country faces diplomatic embargo, said Mr. Nam. in addition, most of the workers have been employed by contractors who are responsible for protecting the laborers' rights. Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep said that 17,747 people have worked abroad from June 2016 to May 2017 under a labor export program to assist residents in four north central provinces, hit by Formosa environmental disaster. The four provinces comprise Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. By VAN PHUC Translated by Hai Mien The workshop focused on subjects about diplomacy; Vietnam- Cambodia comprehensive cooperative ties in the fields of culture, society, education & training; role of Vietnam & Cambodia in ASEAN; Vietnam and Cambodia have cooperated exploitation and usage water & natural resource in Mekong river system. Nearly 100 speakers, social science researchers and press agencies of the two nations took part in the workshop. Prof. Som Somoni said that two sides need to continue building as well as strengthening the faith each other on the spirit of peace, stable and equal development to cut down or limit absolutely potential hazards. The event was co-held by Asia Research Center and the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Royal Academy of Cambodia in collaboration with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. BY VIET LE- Translated by Huyen Huong Expand Rachel Weisz as Rachel Ashley in My Cousin Rachel Did she? Didnt she? Who is to blame? Philip asks himself as My Cousin Rachel begins. The latest film adaptation of a story by Daphne du Maurier (whose writings gave rise to Alfred Hitchcocks Rebecca and The Birds) concerns doubt gone seriously wrong. Du Maurier the author wasnt persuaded by the allure of happy endings. Uncertainty and the inscrutability at the heart of existence wind through her writings and into her conclusions. Think of the ending of The Birds: hundreds of predatory seagulls suddenly calm, eying the humans, who carefully retreat through their ranks, as if in a sudden gesture of inexplicable tolerance. Will they attack again? My Cousin Rachel Starring: Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin Director: Roger Michell Rated: PG-13 My Cousin Rachel is set in a favorite du Maurier haunt, 19th-century Cornwall, whose rough green country is edged in cliffs and sand. Philip (Sam Claflin) will inherit a red brick manor with a yard full of scratching chickens. Loyal servants bent with age attend him, their future master once he turns 25. The story is propulsive in early scenes as Philip and his godfather-guardian read letters sent from faraway Italy by cousin Ambrose, whom Philip holds dear in flashes of childhood memory. The missives tell of happiness, especially concerning Ambroses wife, their distant cousin. Rachel is described as radiant, good, kinduntil the messages darken with paranoia. Ambrose is suddenly afraid of his wife and surrounded by sinister Italians; he doesnt trust his doctor; he dies. Rachel endeavors to visit Philip, the cousin she never met. He girds himself for the encounter with roiling hatred. Although a death certificate and detailed postmortem show that Ambrose perished from a brain tumor that evidently disordered his mind, Philip is unconvinced of Rachels innocence in the matteruntil he is convinced, and then hes not Perhaps if Rachel (Rachel Weisz) wasnt so beautiful outdoors under her lacey black widows veil, and yet so commonsensical and considerate when in the manor house, Philip might have remained adamant in his suspicion. But although fast approaching 25, hes known little of women and is a boy emotionally, not a man. He becomes infatuated with her to the edge of madness and sulks when her attentions turn away. He refuses to listen to rumors of Rachels sexually adventurous past and then follows her to town to spy on her. He sees her with her flamboyant Italian friendbut what is it that she sees? Perception can be a dimension of distorted images framed by expectations. The truth might be larger than Philips field of vision. Director Roger Michell makes good contrast with light and darkness, the bright daylight of Cornwall and the nocturnal interior of the manor where Philip and Rachel come to know each other in pale candlelight. She feeds him bitter tea according to her own recipe and, like Ambrose, he begins to feel ill. His hallucinations are sharply filmed, but raise more unanswered questions in a world of mixed and unclear motives. Is Rachel emotionally calculating or simply projecting her love for Ambrose onto Philip, whom he resembles? Is she a fortune hunter or a woman determined to free herself from societys strictures? A killer who decides not to kill? Did she? Didnt she? As the self-proclaimed City of Festivals, Milwaukee is no stranger to outdoor music events. From Summer Soulstice to the Locust Street Festival, summers in the city have always been filled with live music. 2017 will be the first year, however, that Milwaukee will participate in Make Music Daya worldwide celebration of music that takes place on the first day of summer. The event began in Paris, France in 1982. Make Music Days founders envisioned a day dedicated to free, live music with performances in public places. The event aims to be nontraditional; musicians are encouraged to participate both in standard venues as well as on street corners, rooftops and other outdoor spaces. The festival is open to musicians of all ages, skill levels and genre preferences. Last year, more than 750 cities participated in more than 120 countries. More than 50 U.S. cities will be celebrating Make Music Day this year. It was Katelyn Reithel, the event coordinator at Brass Bell Music Store, who brought the event to Milwaukee. Reithel heard about the celebration while interning at the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on music philanthropy. She was intrigued by the event and became determined to bring it to Milwaukee. She was surprised that a city with such a flourishing music scene and high volume of music business wasnt already involved. Reithel became the Make Music Day Milwaukee administrator and began her quest to get the city interested. The festivals goal isnt to book Milwaukees big name performers. The event encourages inclusivity, and any venue or musician can opt to get involved. Make Music Days coordinators have developed a matchmaking process that allows artists to select a performance timeslot of their choice. Participating venues can reach out to interested musicians and schedule performances. Make Music Day festivities will take place at outdoor spaces like the Mitchell Park Domes and Riverwests Kadish Park, as well as at indoor venues like Stage Right Pub and Brass Bell. Performers range from rock bands to Native American flute players. We have more people wanting to perform than we have timeslots available, says Reithel. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE Milwaukee rocker Nyanna Krajewski is performing twice on Make Music Day with her bands Gas Station Sushi and Slimabean. We want to support local artists and play music wherever we can, especially at places that are all ages, Krajewski says. We are underage and find it hard to get gigs. Its not easy to get people our age to come to our shows. Her bandmates are eager to perform in a space that is welcome to the public. Its a great opportunity, and Im always excited to perform, no matter where it is, says Slimabean vocalist Tess Minette. Performing makes me feel more confident and comfortable socially. Music is something that brings people together. Other than performances, Make Music Day will create opportunities for music fans to learn a new skill or two. Both Kadish Park and the Domes will host group ukulele lessons. The instruments will be provided by Brass Bell, and instructors will teach participants how to compose their own tunes. Harmonica manufacturer Hoener will be donating instruments and teaching harmonica lessons at the Domes as well. Make Music Milwaukee takes place on Wednesday, June 21, at various venues. For more information about the event, visit makemusicday.org/milwaukee. For one reason or another, some Milwaukee creatives remain buried in the underground depths of the citys music scene. Its easy for local musicians to be overshadowed by the citys more established artists, especially during Milwaukees current hip-hop renaissance. With Milwaukee-based rappers garnering national attention regularly, it can be intimidating to break into a community full of so much talent. Seshat Roberts, aka Queen Tut, made it her goal not to go unnoticed. Through music, fashion and philanthropy, Roberts has been making waves through both Milwaukee and New York City. The rapper (or femcee, as she prefers to be called) was drawn to hip-hop after showing interest in poetry. Roberts eventually hit a wall when writing, and started to feel as though she couldnt thoroughly express herself. She decided to make the transition from poetry to hip-hop and began to dip her toes into Milwaukees hip-hop scene, adopting her stage name. She caught the citys attention after being featured on various local tracks, most notably on Lex Allens soul pop single Shapeshifter. Roberts cites an eclectic mixture of influences, including Jimi Hendrix, TLC, Janelle Monet, Outkast and Missy Elliott. She says her biggest inspiration, both musically and aesthetically, is Lil Kim. In 2015, she released her debut EP, Psychedelic Traphouse, a five-track effort that showcased Roberts lyrical talents as well as her unique production flair. The EP featured collaborations with multiple Milwaukee artists, including Abby Jeanne and Zed Kenzo. A year ago, Roberts relocated to Brooklyn. She became acquainted with New York City while touring, and frequently attended AFROPUNK, a festival celebrating black alternative culture. Upon meeting potential collaborators and new friends at the event, she decided to expand her creative horizons to the East Coast. When Roberts isnt making music, she does editorial work as a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist. She is also heavily involved in social activism. Her Milwaukee performances have raised money for organizations like Milwaukee Public Schools, Planned Parenthood and Date Rape Awareness Milwaukee. Her New York philanthropic pursuits include a vegan food pantry that provides meals to the hungry and starting a cooperative production company for artists and musicians. The co-ops goal is to bridge Milwaukees art scene with New Yorks established industry. When performing in New York, she says she always makes a point to let people know shes from Milwaukee. When I am in New York, I definitely shout that I am a Milwaukee artist, explains Roberts. I dont ever want them to claim me. Im very aware that I dont necessarily fit into their cookie-cutter view of whatever a female rapper should look like. Roberts says that New Yorks hip-hop scene is quick to embrace new artists. Because everyone is from somewhere else, the music community is very open and inviting. She says that her New York contemporaries are intrigued by her Midwestern roots and are quick to notice them in her music. When they hear my music, theyre shocked by the Milwaukee sound, Roberts says. Its something theyre not familiar with. Everybody has a different sound in Milwaukee. We all pick up different elements of things. The sounds of our voices are different, our sounds are different. Personally, I dont think I sound like anybody. Queen Tuts most recent single, Cantaloupe, dropped last July. The single seamlessly blends hip-hop, trap and world beats. In April, an accompanying look book was shot by Milwaukee photographer Mahdi Gransberry. Roberts focuses as much on her musics aesthetics as she does her musics sounds, being sure to combine her talents as both a musical and visual artist. Roberts isnt revealing too many details about her next project, except that it will include several Milwaukee features. Roberts says the project will include multiple Milwaukee fan favorites like saxophonist Jay Anderson and Sista Strings. I see this new project showing people a different side of methe person I am now, she says. Theres going to be a new sound, and people will get the updated version of me. Queen Tut will perform at Cactus Club on Thursday, June 15 with CRASHprez and DAmato. All proceeds will be going to Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. Her music can be found at soundcloud.com/seshat-queen-tut. Every week, the Shepherd Express will serve as a clearinghouse for any and all activities in the greater Milwaukee area that peacefully push back against discriminatory, reactionary or authoritarian actions and policies of the Trump administration and other activities that seek to thwart social justice. We will publicize and promote actions, demonstrations, planning meetings, teach-ins, party-building meetings, drinking/discussion get-togethers or any other actions that are directed toward fighting back to preserve our liberal democratic system. Thursday, June 15 No More Guns Vigil @ Brew City Shooters Supply (2339 S. 43rd St.), noon-1 p.m. Casa Maria Catholic Worker is organizing a demonstration outside of Brew City Shooters Supply. The organization hopes to stop the proliferation of guns, especially those being sold through private sellers with no background checks. Health Care for All Co-op 60-Day Kickoff @ Unity Church (1717 N. 73rd St.), 6:30 p.m. Citizens Action of Wisconsin, along with a number of partner organizations, will launch their 60-day drive to talk to hundreds of Southeast Wisconsin residents about this concept known as the Citizen Action Healthcare for All Organizing Cooperativea member-owned organization made up of health consumers, medical professionals and small business owners. Saturday, June 17 Peace Action Wisconsin: Stand for Peace @ Corner of St. Paul Avenue and Water Street, noon-1 p.m. Every Saturday, from noon-1 p.m., concerned citizens join with Peace Action Wisconsin to protest war. Signs will be provided for those who need them. Protesters are encouraged to stick around for conversation and coffee afterwards. Laughing Liberally @ ComedySportz Milwaukee (420 S. First St.), 8 p.m. Laughing Liberally Milwaukee is a progressive political comedy show hosted by comedian, satirist and talk radio host Matthew Filipowicz. This months performers include: Brian Green, Kaitlyn Grissom, Ton Johnson, Marissa Lange, Patrick Tomlinson, Vickie Lynn and The Accountants of Homeland Security. The show will also feature an interview with a guest from Voces De La Frontera. Wednesday, June 21 Refuel the Resistance @ Bounce Milwaukee (2801 S. Fifth Court), 5-8 p.m. Every Wednesday, Bounce Milwaukee offers a space to organize, as well as a free drink to anyone who brings evidence of resistance in the past week, including protest signs, an email to an elected official or a selfie at the capital. HamBingo Planned Parenthood Fundraiser @ Hamburger Marys (730 S. Fifth St.), 7-9 p.m. HamBingo is a weekly charity event held at Hamburger Marys. This week, the featured charity is Planned Parenthood. This is a fun way to support the womens health non-profit. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE To submit to this column, please send a brief description of your action, including date and time, to savingourdemocracy@shepex.com. Together, we can fight to minimize the damage that this administration has planned for our great country. This website is intended for U.S. visitors only. SIOUX CITY | A storm system has the possibility to bring hail and 70 mph winds to Siouxland during the evening and overnight hours. Much of Siouxland is in an "enhanced" risk for severe thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls. Much of the activity will begin around 6 p.m. to the north and reach Sioux City around 10 p.m. "I wouldn't be surprised if we see some watches being issued around 2 to 3 p.m. this afternoon in South Dakota, and further east as it spreads," said Todd Heitkamp, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS Sioux Falls. Heitkamp said areas to the north of Sioux City, including Vermillion, South Dakota, and Le Mars, Iowa, could see rain begin around 6 p.m. "Right now the main threat looks like hail of up to an inch and a half in diameter and 70 mph winds," Heitkamp said. The high today will be 93 in Sioux City. The evening hours bring a 60 percent chance of rain, with amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. The low will be 68. Highs for the rest of the week look to be in the high 80s to low 90s, with sunny skies. The next chance for rain will come Friday evening. ELK POINT, S.D. | Remember when you were little and needed a shot at the doctor's office? The anticipation of the pain, the fright that you worked up inside yourself could become almost overwhelming. You were so focused on how much you thought it was going to hurt that you sometimes barely even noticed the shot itself until after the nurse told you she was finished. Union County Courthouse workers weren't expecting that the BPI-ABC trial now underway would be a painful experience. But the buildup in the weeks leading up to a trial expected to last eight weeks certainly had them ready for two months worth of potential disruptions and inconveniences. Like that shot at the doctor's office, reality has turned out to be much less than what was anticipated. For the most part, while lawyers argue a case that's drawn nationwide media attention to the makeshift courtroom in the basement, it's been business as usual in the rest of the building. "It's been way less hectic than we were led to believe. Most of the customers coming in have been shocked it hasn't been worse," Union County Treasurer Myron Hertel said. The defamation trial, in which BPI is seeking $1.9 billion in damages from ABC for a series of 2012 news stories about its Lean Finely Textured Beef that the company says were inaccurate and cost it million of dollars in business, loomed on the docket for months, and court staff and the sheriff's office prepared workers for the worst. Only jurors may use the basement restrooms. Courthouse workers may use only the restrooms on the first floor, sharing them with all the lawyers, media members and other people who might be attending the trial. Parking spots outside the building and in nearby parking lots were expected to be filled by media members and other people interested in watching the trial. Any member of the public who has business in one of the county's offices in the basement must go through a metal detector before walking down the steps. Courthouse workers need ID badges that allow them to bypass the security station. As inconvenient as the situation sounds, officer managers said it hasn't been that bad. A room next to planning and zoning director Dennis Henze's office is now being used by the jurors hearing the case. Henze doesn't have access to the room's big table to spread out maps and documents anymore, and he'll have to conduct planning and zoning commission meetings in the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting room for the next couple months. But the public hasn't had any trouble getting through security and doing business with him. "I have not heard any complaints," Henze said. Neither has Susan Irons, the Union County veterans service officer, whose office has been moved from the basement to the board of commissioners conference room on the first floor for the duration of the trial because she and veterans who come to see her would have had to walk through the jury room to get to her office. "I brought up my important stuff with me," she said. "It works out." It helps that she only spends one day a week in the Union County office. Union County Fair manager Janet Lingle said some of the people who come to visit her basement office seem to be a little shaken after the unfamiliar experience of passing through a security checkpoint, but she and her staff are fine. It could get interesting as she gets busier while the Union County Fair, scheduled for July 27-30, nears. But then, she'll be spending more and more time out of the office and at the fairgrounds in Alcester getting prepared for that. With one of her busiest times of the year nearly in full swing, Lingle isn't paying much attention to the trial going on just down the hall from her. "It really isn't affecting my office," she said. "I go about my business." There may be a few more people passing through the building now and for the next several weeks, but business is getting done. And it's not hurting one bit. ROCK VALLEY, Iowa | A 33-year-old man was injured after a bullet he shot ricocheted and struck him at a gun range Friday. Upon arrival, the department said Jason Plueger, of Rock Valley, had been shooting a pistol at a metal target at the range and a bullet bounced back and hit his right arm. Plueger reported minor injuries and sought medical attention on his own. SIOUX CITY | The city's delay in securing a contractor for a $3.7 million road project on Pierce Street is affecting plans by medical practice Tri-State Specialists to open a new facility in the area. The facility's developer is now hoping to negotiate an agreement with the city to share the cost of moving up completion for part of the road project. The request came as the Sioux City Council voted Monday to approve a $3.7 million bid by Sioux City Engineering Co. for reconstruction of Pierce Street between 24th and 29th streets. This was the city's second attempt at bidding the project after initial bids came in more than 20 percent higher than the estimate. Mayor Bob Scott blamed the project's engineering for the delay, which has pushed estimated completion of the comprehensive reconstruction project from December into August 2018. "Weve lost two months (in starting the project) here because of bad engineering and bad completion dates," he said. The new calendar for the road project has influenced Tri-State Specialists' plans to construct a brand-new $2 million, 4,500-square-foot urgent care facility on the southeast corner of the 27th and Pierce intersection. Developer Steve Nelson, of Nelson Construction Co., said plans had originally been to open in spring 2018, but that would now mean opening in the midst of construction on the 27th street intersection, which would limit the facility to one access point. "That would be very detrimental for our facility, opening at that time," Nelson said Monday. Nelson asked the city to consider sharing the costs of a $83,000 alternate to the project that would complete the intersection in 2017. Current plans have the city's contractor starting work at 24th and Pierce streets this summer and stopping its 2017 work immediately before reaching the 27th Street intersection. Otherwise, Nelson said, Tri-State Specialists will have to back up construction of its project, which will drive up its own construction costs. He suggested the company contribute around $30,000 toward the additional cost. Councilman Alex Watters asked why the city's project couldn't be flip-flopped -- starting instead with the portion between 29th and 27th streets in 2017. City engineer Glenn Ellis said that would have required a re-drawing of the plans, which would result in further delays. "That would have required additional connections, bypassing and piping -- that would have been more time consuming," he said. The City Council decided to approve the bid without the added cost, with the option to negotiate with Tri-State Specialists and add in the alternate at a later date. Tax credit application In other action Monday, the council voted 4-0 in support of an application on behalf of new Sioux City business Superior Industrial Mechanical for $152,000 in tax credits over a five-year period through Iowa's Targeted Jobs Program. The company, owned by industry veteran Gabe Rohan, plans to base its offices on West Seventh Street. The company expects to create 26 new jobs, 20 of which qualify for Iowa's program. SIOUX CITY | Work can begin Aug. 1 on the main part of the new Bryant Elementary School, after the Sioux City School Board approved a low bid of $17.3 million Monday. The school board members approved the bid of $17,259,300 from Hoogendoorn Construction, of Canton, South Dakota. After a scare that the school could not be built by the August start of the 2019-20 year, school officials remain hopeful that no delay from the initial timing will take place. In March, the lowest of two bids for constructing the main part of the building came in at $18.8 million, much higher than the $16 million estimate. That's when Superintendent Paul Gausman said the school opening could be delayed to August 2020. But in April, new designs for the building from an architect, Cannon Moss Brygger Architects, of Sioux City, were received, and the cost estimate dropped to a projection of $17,467,030. The Hoogendoorn bid approved Monday came in slightly below that, and has a requirement for completion by two years in August 2019, Director of Operations and Maintenance Brian Fahrendholz said. "Very good news," he said. Fahrendholz said Hoogendoorn has not built a school in Sioux City, but has done such work in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and in Orange City and Sioux Center, Iowa. "We heard strong references," Fahrendholz said. The bid was the lowest of three received, and covers the third and largest part of Bryant Elementary School. Up to now, the new Bryant school was estimated to cost almost $20 million, including the first two phases that are already underway for just under a combined $4 million. With the new conception of the main building coming in at the $17.3 million bid, the total combined cost moved above $21 million. School district officials are aiming to construct a new Bryant to replace the old building that dated to 1890 and was demolished in July 2016 at 821 30th St. That happened after much neighborhood controversy on where the school should be built. After a new 10-acre spot could not be found, school officials morphed to a three-level option at the same spot as the old school was located. The size will be 106,950 square feet. The revised plans keep the same number of classrooms and the size of those instructional rooms. The main changes in the plans approved in May involve reductions in costs of concrete and steel used. The Bryant metal exterior will be shifted to masonry and the gymnasium will incorporate a thinner brick, for instance. In other spending decisions Monday, the school board approved the purchase of four wheelchair-lift school buses for $64,170 each, or $256,680 total, from Thomas Bus Sales of Des Moines. Without Virginia, we probably never would have become the United States. It was Virginian leadership and talent that created the nation. Think first of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe, and don't forget Chief Justice John Marshall, Patrick Henry and George Mason. It's understandable that state pride can infect Virginians with a sort of terminal nostalgia. They can speak lyrically about Gen. Robert E. Lee or Jefferson as if both men were out on an extended coffee break and expected back shortly. There is an old, but not inaccurate, joke that asks: How many Virginians does it take to change a light bulb? The answer: Three. One to change the light bulb and two to reminisce about what a great light bulb the old light bulb was. But in 2017, Virginia is one of only two states (New Jersey being the other) that will elect a new governor. That the Virginia election is held in a year when there is no presidential or congressional elections is a story in itself. In the most recent presidential election, Virginia's voter turnout was 72 percent of registered voters, whereas in the most recent gubernatorial race, Virginia's voter turnout was just 43 percent, or 1.73 million fewer voters. The Virginia political establishment and business community, quite bluntly, prefer the more conservative off-year electorate in a campaign insulated from the national political debate and trends of a presidential election, which attract younger, more untraditional voters and made the difference in Democratic presidential nominees carrying Virginia in the past three elections. Virginia's June primary date -- when colleges are closed, campuses are quiet and public attention is low -- was deliberately chosen to discourage large voter turnouts. Recall Shields' third rule of campaigns: Politics, with the possible exception of political journalism, is the most imitative American art form. There are today aspiring candidates in Massachusetts running for office and pronouncing "again" so it rhymes with "rain." Why? Because John F. Kennedy pronounced it that way. Because Jimmy Carter emerged from nowhere to win the White House while using green buttons and green bumper stickers, there are candidates today using green bumper stickers. Because Ronald Reagan won big while championing big tax cuts at a time when the national debt was barely $1 trillion and unemployment was in double digits, today, when unemployment has dropped to a 10-year low, what do would-be clones embrace, even though the national debt has exploded to $20 trillion? Huge tax cuts, of course. So what did Virginian candidates learn from the 2016 presidential campaign to copy? The 2016 Republican presidential winner was an authentic original who charged that George W. Bush, the most recent GOP chief executive, "lied" when he "said there were weapons of mass destruction (in Iraq). There were none, and (he) knew there were none." He charged that Jeb Bush, a primary opponent, "has to like the Mexican illegals because of his wife." Columba Bush, who was born in Mexico, became a U.S. citizen in 1979. Mitt Romney, according to Donald Trump, "choked like a dog." But the most damning accusation that worked may have been Trump's unfounded claim that Sen. Ted Cruz's father, Rafael, an expatriate from Fidel Castro's Cuba, "was with Lee Harvey Oswald," the assassin of President Kennedy, shortly "before the shooting. It's horrible." But Virginia in 2017 shows that it worked. The Democratic lieutenant governor, Ralph Northam, a mild-mannered pediatric neurologist -- in a primary fight with former Rep. Tom Perriello, an underdog who has the backing of seemingly the entire Obama White House alumni and Bernie Sanders -- has raised the rhetorical thermostat. In TV spots and on the stump, Northam calls Trump a "narcissistic maniac" who must be kept out of Virginia. Because President Trump's job approval rating in the most recent Quinnipiac poll among Virginia Democrats is 3 percent favorable and 95 percent unfavorable, Northam's primary strategy is probably not risky. But if it works and Northam were to win by making the gubernatorial race a referendum on the "narcissistic maniac," then once again it would prove, sadly, just how imitative our politics are. 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. Orban also railed against the EU for threatening sanctions on the country for not taking redistributed migrants from countries like Greece and Italy. According to Orban, Hungarians would not be blackmailed by Brussels and said: We want a Hungarian Hungary and a European Europe. The European Union is not Brussels, he added, and would not submit to the idea that our future is determined in Moscow, Brussels or Washington. As long as I am the Prime Minister of Hungary and stand here, so will the border fence on the southern border, he said. Whoa, buddy.Over the last couple of years Hungary and Poland have led a bloc of Eastern European countries that, like President Trump, recognize the danger in unchecked Muslim migration into Europe. The V4 Nations as theyve become known (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic) have all taken a hard stand against the European Unions position of total refugee acceptance, and free movement throughout Europe. Instead, the V4 countries have built fences and walls (gasp) and spent millions to protect their borders and ensure the safety of their citizens. What have they gotten for it?Well, while the rest of Europe suffers from a massive spike in crime (particularly sexual violence) and a dramatic increase in terrorism, the V4 nations have seen no corresponding rise in crime and theyve suffered ZERO successful Muslim terrorist attacks . ZERO.In fact, the only pains theyve faced have come from their fellow European nations. The V4 have been derided, browbeaten, and abused at the European Parliament and the EU has even threatened to charge them HUGE fines for their decision not to participate in the mass destruction of their continent.Hungarys leaders may be reaching their breaking point with their European allies. In a recent speech, Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused the EU of favoring terrorists . His comments came after his government received several complaints from the EU because they had arrested an asylum seeker who had been charged with suspicion of terrorism.Orban said.It wasnt just Orban railing against the EU this week, Minister for Human Capacities Zoltan Balog also had a bone to pick with the EU . Balog called the European Unionand argued that Islam and EuropeWhile liberals will no doubt decry Balogs rhetoric, the simple truth is that the culture and philosophy of the West is at odds with the culture and philosophy that is at the core of Islam. Balog made a similar argument in defending his comments.The EU is preparing to formally sanction Hungary and her allies for ignoring the commands from Brussels, we in the United States who understand the struggle must stand in solidarity with the V4 nations. President Trump should seek to establish a significant relationship with the V4 nations in an effort to help them stave off the pains of the EU sanctions. Sadly, because the V4 have chosen to be a part of the EU, they are not allowed to enter into unilateral (or multilateral) trade negotiations with our government. (Which is why the Brits are so keen to exit the EU.) So America, will have to find other more creative ways to support our allies in Eastern Europe as they fight to fend of radical Islam and the radical European liberals who are leading Europe to destruction. Sandra Lee "Sandy" Robinson, 67, of Great Mills, MD passed away June 8, 2017 at Hospice House of St. Mary's surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Sandy was born on May 25, 1950 in Johnson City, NY to the late Raymond Robinson and Miriam Mae Zellers Robinson. In addition to her wife, Sandy is also survived by her siblings, Phyllis Hawley of Binghamton, NY and Alan Robinson (Sharon Jo) of Binghamton, NY; many nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sharon Lowe. Sandy proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and dedicated over 20 years of service to her country until her honorable discharge in January 1990 as a Petty Officer First Class. After retiring she worked at the Well Pet Clinic for over 5 years and than as a regular volunteer. She loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. She dedicated many hours and delivered pet food every week to the Well Pet Clinic and the Feral Cat Rescue League. October 24, 2011 she married her beloved wife, Cynthia Garbus. On June 16, 1987 they began their relationship and have celebrated almost 30 wonderful years together. She had a contagious sense of humor and enjoyed a good game of pitch. She also enjoyed shooting pool on Wednesday nights on a mixed fun pool league at the Hole in the Wall and was a passionate softball player. Family will receive friends for Sandy's Life Celebration on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.,with a Memorial Service celebrated by Reverend Joe Orlando at 6:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Inurnment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the Well Pet Clinic, 21800 North Shangri La Drive, Unit 16, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. (WB) The U.S. military has entered a new era under the Trump administration as many wonder if the LGBT progress after Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal will remain in place, but one thing that hasnt changed is the annual reception at the Pentagon recognizing Pride. The event coordinated by DOD Pride, the Pentagon affinity group for LGBT service members and civilians took place on Monday as it has each year after repeal of the militarys gay ban, and now after the rule change allowing transgender people to serve in the armed forces. Representing the Defense Department at the event was acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness Anthony Kurta, who said during his remarks all men and women who serve, including civilian and military personnel in the LGBT community are equal contributing members of the DOD total force. Diversity is more than race, gender and ethnicity, Kurta said. It includes, among other things, diversity of thought, diversity of ability, diversity of background, diversity of language, culture and skill. It is very broad. DOD Pride had invited Defense Secretary James Mattis to attend the event, but Kurta represented Pentagons leadership in place of the secretary. Later in the day, Mattis was set to testify before Congress on President Trumps plan to fund the Defense Department in the upcoming fiscal year. Also speaking at the event on the day she was poised to exit military service was Maj. Gen. Patricia Rose, a lesbian and mobilization assistant to the deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Celebrating Pride month, or any other diversity month, is really about validating that theres one inherent trait we all possess and our nation benefits from, and thats the diversity of our unique backgrounds and experience, Rose said. Emphasizing the importance of diversity, Rose said U.S. history provides ample evidence undercutting the notion that value is just some aspect of political correctness. World War II provides bold insight to the power of inclusion as opposed to exclusion, Rose said. While our enemies were trying to prop up the superiority of their monolithic cultures, we were utilizing the vast and distinct skills sets our diverse military had to offer. Rose cited as examples Rosie the Riveter, the symbol of civilian women who supported the industrial war effort while U.S. troops fought overseas, and Alan Turing, the gay mathematician who invented the Turing machine to crack Nazi encoded messages, then was sentenced to chemical castration by the British government for being gay. While great advances have been made, we still ensure subtle, and not so subtle, prejudices and challenges to our right to be who we are, to serve with dignity and respect, Rose said. I share your apprehension as we witness efforts at home and abroad to turn back the clock on our justified advances, so now, more than ever, we must not stand silent in face of prejudice, injustice or atrocity. Keynoting the event was Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), whos gay and co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus as well as the No. 2 Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. There was a time when the Department of Defense discouraged and hid its diversity instead of celebrating it as we are today, Takano said. The progress has made this moment possible that we should really never overestimate Americas capacity to remake itself for the better. Making the point the military has been a tremendous, tremendous platform for how our country has become a more perfect union, Takano, a Japanese American, looked back to the military service during World War II of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, which was composed almost entirely of Japanese Americans. Takano said he had a great uncle who died in Italy fighting for the U.S. military more than 70 years ago as the nation interned Japanese Americans. I think about a young 23 year old giving 100 percent for his country when his country was not guaranteeing 100 percent to him, Takano said. The Pentagon held the Pride event recognizing Pride amid reports the Defense Department is contemplating a delay in allowing transgender people to enter the military the final piece to removing the ban on transgender service. The Obama-era plan called for implementation by July 1. According to a report last week in USA Today, the Navy and Marine Corps are requesting delays as long as two years to allow transgender applicants into their ranks. Rose alluded to unfinished work for transgender service members during her remarks and called for a shift in focus from acknowledging our past struggle to acknowledging our future heritage. We must resist those attempts to marginalize us because our heritage enabled by self-sacrificing pioneers must be preserved and advanced upon, especially for transgender citizens and military members, Rose said. Despite media reports indicating accession of transgender troops is in jeopardy, LGBT rights supporters have told the Blade the U.S. military remains poised to allow transgender people to enlist in the armed forces by July 1 as planned or shortly thereafter. Kurta declined to comment when the Blade asked him after the event if the plan to allow transgender troops to enter the U.S. military was still on track. Were here today to recognize this event and I dont think its appropriate for me to comment, Kurta said. Receiving an award at the event for civilian leadership was Amanda Simpson, the first-ever transgender woman U.S. government appointee and former deputy assistant secretary of defense for operational energy. Simpson said upon receiving the award society must embrace diversity in order to continue attracting the best, the brightest, the loyal and the dedicated. It should not matter as to the color of your skin, ethnic origin, who you love or particularly what is or is not between your legs, or even if you have both legs, Simpson said. Its about pride in yourself, pride in your work and pride in your country. Also receiving an award was Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith, deputy commanding general in the U.S. Army Reserves for sustainment in the Eighth Army and first flag officer to come out as gay after Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal. Chris Johnson, Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association (EDGE) On Monday, Lambda Legal and 15 other national LGBT groups urged opposition to the confirmations of John K. Bush to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and Damien Schiff to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, citing public statements and writings from both nominees and their repeated demonstration of "contempt for LGBT Americans, people living with HIV, women, and other vulnerable populations." In a letter sent to leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee - who are expected to hear testimony from both nominees at a confirmation hearing scheduled for Wednesday morning - LGBT groups opposed to the confirmations cite not only homophobic epithets and other anti-LGBT and misogynistic remarks made by nominees in their public speeches and writings but also records that clearly illustrate their "views on civil rights issues are fundamentally at odds with the notion that LGBT people are entitled to equality, liberty, justice and dignity under the law." "The records of Mr. Bush and Mr. Schiff demonstrate that their appointment to the bench would cause grave harm to the LGBT community, as well as many other communities who rely on the federal judiciary to administer fair and impartial justice," the letter states. "We urge you to reject their respective nominations." The letter documents troubling records on behalf of both nominees and explains how these nominees' particular brand of "originalism" essentially writes LGBT people out of the Constitution in a way that denies them full personhood. "Mr. Bush's disparagement of decisions protecting the right of individuals to make highly personal decisions - the right to engage in private consensual adult relationships, and the right to procreative freedom - reveals a hostility to well established fundamental rights of liberty, privacy, autonomy and self-determination that have been the lynchpin of legal progress for LGBT people," the letter states. For a decade, Bush hid behind a "secret" online identity to post extensive rants attacking people with whom he disagreed, often using crude language and insults, and believes the term "faggot" is acceptable language to use in a public address. Bush has also made public statements enthusiastically endorsing the views of opponents of marriage equality for same-sex couples, and in 2008 compared abortion to slavery and Roe v. Wade to Dred Scott, writing, "The two greatest tragedies in our country - slavery and abortion - relied on similar reasoning and activist justices at the U.S. Supreme Court ..." Schiff's record is equally as troubling, believing that states should be able to criminalize "consensual sodomy" - at odds with the landmark case Lawrence v. Texas - and has criticized efforts to prevent bullying of LGBTQ students and referring to the efforts as "teaching gayness in schools." "Mr. Schiff has also aligned himself with the concept of 'natural law' or 'divine law' - the theory that particular, ostensibly universal moral truths trump constitutional rights," the letter states. "This vague notion incorporates the radical views that LGBT identities and intimate relationships are 'unnatural.'" We can't seem to find the page you are looking for. You may have typed the address incorrectly or you may have used an outdated link. The small-scale fisheries sector in the Caribbean plays a vital role in the regions food security but is overshadowed by marine industries including shipping, tourism, and oil and gas extraction. An EU-funded initiative is providing a stronger voice to fisherfolk to advocate their needs. The contribution of the small-scale fisheries sector to food security in the Caribbean has been strengthened through a 4-year EU funded initiative that has been building the capacity of regional and national fisherfolk organisations to actively participate in governance issues. The EuropeAid programme, which ended in December 2016, has been implemented by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and partners working with the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organization and national fisherfolk organisations in 17 Caribbean states. With more than 35 coastal and small island economies, the Caribbean Sea is vital to sustaining the small-scale fisheries sector in the region. According to a 2016 World Bank report, Toward a Blue Economy: A Promise for Sustainable Growth in the Caribbean, the annual gross value from regional fishery activities in 2012 was 4 billion, and aquaculture contributed a further 1.68 billion, figures that will have undoubtedly increased in recent years. However, the regions fisheries are seriously depleted; nearly 60% of commercial fish stocks are overexploited or have collapsed. Lack of equipment, poor security, climate change threats and inadequate government support are also serious challenges for the small-scale fisheries sector. To address the fact that Caribbean fisherfolk have had little or no involvement in national and regional governance and management issues, small grants have been issued under the Fisherfolk Strengthening Fund. The grants are intended to help enhance internal governance, leadership, strategic and business planning, and communication and advocacy among fisherfolk, as well as create awareness about the benefits of fisherfolk organisations. One recipient organisation of a small grant of around 10,000 is the Trinidad and Tobago United Fisherfolk (TTUF). Joslyn Lee Quay, TTUF president, stated that the money has been used to strengthen the organisational structure and develop a communications plan for improved governance. We undertook a committee-driven approach and divided the country into segments, with a local representative responsible for the mobilisation of fisherfolk in different areas. We also engaged a local organisation to strategically review our executive structure to put forward recommendations, which we are currently implementing. These include regular elections and bringing 'new blood' into the association. However, Lee Quay acknowledged, One of the challenges we have faced was achieving full participation in the training workshops; as fisherfolk are self-employed, there were constraints on their time." Around 100 people from 22 fisher organisations have participated in the TTUF training. As a direct result of the project, TTUF have been able to better prepare and develop their positions in order to influence decision-making at the annual meetings of the Caribbean Ministers of Agriculture on matters that affect them, such as trawling and piracy, amongst other issues. Within Trinidad and Tobago, TTUF are using new media engagement and social media skills to better communicate key messages to policymakers. We have to stand up and let governments know that they have to get their act together with respect to trawling, piracy, seismic surveys and the prevention of oil spills, which are destroying marine life and our livelihoods, states Lee Quay. We will continue to work with the fisherfolk within our national network to share information and forge consensus on these governance issues." Botafogo was one of the least touristic neighborhoods in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro until recently, when rent in famous areas such as Ipanema and Copacabana reached record-high prices. This forced both Rio natives and newcomers to find other areas to settle. The more affordable prices, the residential feel, and the proximity to both the noble areas and downtown made Botafogo the best bet for many young couples and creative typessome are even calling the area BotaSoho. Like the nickname or not, lets just say that Botafogo is seeing a proliferation of new businesses its never seen before: restaurants, breweries, clothing stores, burger joints, you name it. This is one of the hottest neighborhoods right now in all of Brazil. And, of course, coffee. Fica, CoLab, and The Slow Bakery opened their doors here last year. Located close to one another, each is increasing Rios standards for good coffee and good servicea combination still somewhat rare in the city. The Slow Bakery In March, couple Ludmila Espindola and Rafael Pereira, both from a communications background, finally founded The Slow Bakery in a quiet street in Botafogo. Finally because they were already very well-known throughout Rios artisan markets and fairs and through their home delivery bread service. Pereira is a self-taught bread maker who got to his Rio Sourdough recipe through much experimentation and error. Now, The Slow Bakery uses natural fermentation to create breads that are real masterpiecessome of them take 30 hours to get readyand the couple and their team keep experimenting and creating in their kitchen. When they were in the process of opening the bakery to the public, they got in contact with Renato Gutierres and Gabriela Ribeiro from Cafe Secreto and learned a lot from their coffee service. When Dri Menezes, their head barista, joined the team, it really felt that they had upped their game in coffee service. Current offerings include AeroPress, V60 pour-over, and brews on Clever dripper. You can also order a Manchadinho, which is an AeroPress coffee with a little bit of steamed milk. They were serving Wolff Cafe beans when I visited and they try to always have a visiting coffee from another roastery as well. One of their current kitchen experiments involves coffee as wella cold brew that is left brewing for up to 72 hours inside their bread fermentor, which has precisely controlled temperature and humidity. Espindola explains that all that they do, including their coffee program, is aligned with their bakers mindset: locally sourced quality ingredients, artisanal methods, tasty, and accessible. After a night of partying in Rio, all you will want for breakfast will be one of their croque sandwiches sided with a pour-over. Finish that with their cold-brew-infused tiramisu and you are ready for the day. Fica Not too far from The Slow Bakery, Carol Monteiro, journalist, and Lara Carmo, filmmaker, founded Fica. Both of them have little kids and found themselves reconsidering their professional priorities in that time. Monteiro was a coffee lover and always wanted to open a cafe, and Carmo wanted a flexible job, one that allowed her to dedicate some time to her movie endeavors as well. They started to put together their project in March 2016, found the perfect placeinside a vila off of a very calm street in Botafogoand opened a few months later, in August. One thing they really aspired to was making clients feel like they were being welcomed into someones homeand for the cafe to be 100 percent baby-friendly as well. As a matter of fact, the day I visited I even asked Monteiro if there was a kids school nearby, as there were many of them playing outside. She said that no, those were all children of their patrons. It just felt right for us, Monteiro said, that we made a space where parents can go to with their kids, but not necessarily being a kids destination. This is a space that welcomes people like us, young parents who happen to appreciate good food and good coffee. Soon, they will also open their space to art exhibitions from local artists. The coffee is thoughtfully prepared, by either Monteiro or Carmo, who alternate shifts behind the counter. Monteiro says some people think it funny that they have scales, a grinder, and other tools right at the counter in front of the clientsbut that is exactly the purpose so that newcomers can ask more about the type of coffee being served there. Ficas current beans are lighter roasts from Pereira Villela and Wolff Cafe. There are always savory and sweet toasts and pastries to try, and a very, very cozy couch to rest on inside. CoLAB On the same block as Fica, simply cross the street and enter CoLAB. CoLAB is a hub for everything artisanal, as Rodrigo Abe, the founder, tells me. Abe chose the former mechanical workshop in Botafogo to open his place after acknowledging the outrageous rents and broker fees in Ipanema and Copacabana. Many other people are choosing that same area to open their small businesses too, so people traffic has not been a problem. At CoLAB, the only of the three cafes listed here that offers espresso-based beverages, they always have two or more featured roasters. In fact, there are always two beans available as espressothe customer can choose. The day I visited, the beans offered were from 4 Beans and Isso e Cafe. Iced lattes, given Rios intense summers, are also a good bet. In the food spectrum, CoLABs menu should be thoroughly explored. They have a full English breakfast option (with beans, sausage, and eggs), house-made cinnamon rolls, and a variety of curry dishes as well. Abe always makes an effort to work with local suppliers and also lends the kitchen once a week to guest chefs from Rio. To drink, aside from the coffee offerings, there is kombucha, craft beerwhich they will soon start to produce in-house as well, and refreshing alcoholic options such as the cardamom-infused gin and tonic. Here is a place to spend the entire day if you want, Abe tells me pointing to an English couple who had been there since the morning. It is indeed rare to find such a diverse place that is open till lateoffering good coffeein Rio. Botafogo has one more reason to celebrate. Juliana Ganan is a Brazilian coffee professional and journalist. Read more Juliana Ganan on Sprudge. Cafe photos courtesy of Cicero Rodrigues. Botafogo landscape photo courtesy of Leonardo Sobral. Melbourne is a funny little place: Years ago residents were constantly lamenting about the difficulty of finding delicious full mealsbreakfast, lunch, dinneralongside delicious coffee. These days, it seems like the citys famous for doing both things, but when you want a simple, quality baked good with a great coffee, you often need to visit two separate venues (unless you really vibe on a classic Australian iced long black). After years of thinking about potentially starting a bakery with a solid coffee offering to fill that gap, Aaron Maxwell (pictured above) had a serendipitous introduction to Boris Portnoy in 2015. At the time Portnoy was working as a pastry chef at Auction Rooms, after moving to Melbourne from California, where he worked at the three Michelinstarred Meadowood in Napa Valley. Maxwell and his Everyday compatriot Mark Free started talking with Portnoy about collaborating shortly thereafter. The result is All Are Welcomebringing baked goods and tasty coffee to the people of Northcote since April 2017. All Are Welcome occupies a beautiful space at the peak of Northcoteliterally at the top of the hill, on the main stretch of High Streetbut looks surprisingly unassuming from the outside, relatively hidden when seen from the street. But its impossible to ignore the huge poster pasted up on the outside wall that says VIENNOISERIE, just in case you needed any more encouragement to go inside. The space was designed by architect Murray Barker, with the build being undertaken by Exzibit Design. Its a nice light space broken up into what is essentially an interesting figure eight by its structural needs (nicely replicated by Seb Godfreysof Open Spacegraphic design for the brand). The front half encompasses the wall of loaves and bannetons (bread baskets), a retail space, a cheese cabinet, coffee service, and a pretty irresistible pastry display. The second half holds the bakery, storage, bathrooms, and a very sweet corner to sit in created by a couple of former church pews. Much like a good neighborhood coffee shop, a bakery is a place that brings people together, quite literally breaking bread, says Maxwell. This has always appealed to us as it speaks to the reasons we opened Everyday in the first place. We were also heavily inspired by bakeries we had come across in Europe but there was always one problem: The coffee was always an afterthought. With All Are Welcome, we were looking to rectify that problem. When it comes to edible offerings, there is a range of delicious and lesser-known pastries, all informed by Portnoys travels through Eastern Europe, Russia, and Georgia. Where many pastry shops around Melbourne (and Australia at large) tend to focus on replicating the French classics, Portnoy brings something new to the table: His approach to pastry is to highlight lesser-known viennoiserie and expose people to new flavors and ingredients, while the bread offering is simple with an emphasis on consistency over quantity. After several visits to All Are Welcome, this writer can thoroughly vouch for the deliciousness on offer: the Khachapuri is utterly addictive with its layers of flaky pastry embracing the cheesy feta and mozzarella filling, while the Medovnik will swiftly disappear due to its utterly transfixing layers of buttercream and honeyed cakey crepe. Pair that with an espresso from the cafes black powder-coated La Marzocco Linea PB or a batch brew from the ever-faithful Moccamaster, and youre pretty much in heaven. The rationale behind much of All Are Welcomes retail offerings is face-smackingly simple: Its based entirely around the idea of products that go with bread (duh). What this means is that once youve adequately binged on sweets and savory snacks alongside coffee, you can then stock up on a freshly baked San Francisco sourdough, as well as some house-made pickles, Brillat Savarin cheese, and chutneys and jams to go with it, along with a bag of Everyday-roasted coffee for home. All in all, All Are Welcome has brought a bit of that Everyday magic to Northcote: Its got that same, no-nonsense approach to tasty coffee, but this time the cafe has added in some next-level pastryjust enough to make you wish you lived just around the corner so this could be part of your daily routine (so that you might visit *Every Day*). Eileen P. Kenny is a coffee professional, winemaker, and Sprudge Media Network contributor based in Melbourne. Read more Eileen P. Kenny on Sprudge. Some nifty stick handling from Sylvain Filion was required in deep stretch for P L Kahluaa, who eventually shook loose en route to posting a career-best clocking of 1:52.2 in the featured $18,000 conditioned event for filly and mare pacers. P L Kahluaa got away second behind Southwind Ion, but they didnt hold those positions for long. Every Time brushed to the lead in the second quarter, leaving Southwind Ion with the pocket spot and a three-hole trip for P L Kahluaa. Every Time went on to post middle panels of :57 and 1:24.2, but she failed to last on the lead. Manhattan Play came first over as the field headed into the final turn, and by the time the field reached the head of the lane she was on the verge of clearing to the top. She held the lead in deep stretch, but her :28.1 closing quarter wasnt enough to seal the deal. P L Kahluaa wiggled between horses in deep stretch, and her final quarter of :27.1 was enough to earn her the win by 2-3/4 lengths over Manhattan Play in 1:52.2. Every Time settled for the show dough. Sent off at odds of 9-1 for trainer Patrick Richer, P L Kahluaa picked up her first win of the year after going 4-for-10 last season. Martin Morel of Mirabel, QC owns the career winner of $60,420. To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results Mohawk Racetrack. For the official judges' report from Monday's card, click the following link: Judges' Report - Mohawk - June 12. Bobbie Ames Recipient of the 2016 Dr. Robert Dreyfus Courageous Christian Leadership Award Contact: Bobbie Ames, bobbiehames@gmail.com ; Chaplain E. Ray Moore (Lt. Col.), USAR Ret., President, Frontline Ministries, Inc., and the Exodus Mandate Project , 803-714-1744, exodusmandate@gmail.com COLUMBIA, S.C., June 13, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Frontline Ministries, Inc., and the Exodus Mandate Project announced the selection of Mrs. Bobbie Ames as the recipient of the 2016 Dr. Robert Dreyfus Courageous Christian Leadership Award. Established by Frontline Ministries, Inc., in 2007, this award is presented annually to honor and recognize Christian leaders who have exhibited moral courage through their unique contribution to the Church by advancing Christianity in the culture and life of the nation. This contribution may run counter to the prevailing culture of the Church and society.Mrs. Ames was born in Washington, North Carolina, attended Greensboro College, then East Carolina Teacher's College (now East Carolina University), majoring in elementary education. She married John Ames in 1950 and lived in Selma, Alabama, and later in Marion, Alabama, while raising their five children. Today there are 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.In 1965, John and Bobbie Ames founded the Perry Christian School in Marion, Alabama, with 32 students in six grades. They poured their time, hard work, enthusiasm, money and their unique talent of leadership for the purpose of securing an opportunity for parents to educate their children with high academic standards in our Christian and American heritage. The school had been relocated to Montgomery, Alabama and was renamed Emerald Mountain Christian School. The school celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2015.The school has maintained a classical curriculum that is distinctly Christian, not only providing students with a sound education, but also teaching Christian values, self-discipline, godly virtues and a love of America, which will carry them through life as they fulfill God's plan. She started a library at the school to preserve and to assure vital and pure research with over 45,000 volumes in the collection. The school is a model for Principle Approach Christian education for the Mid-South region.Bobbie Ames currently writes monthly for the Alabama Gazette, "The Education Station" on issues of education and history from a biblical worldview. She is a writer, historian, lecturer and advocate for K-12 Christian education and America's Christian heritage.A few weeks before she passed, Phyllis Schlafly, the former founder and director of Eagle Forum, wrote this inspiring message to Bobbie: "Congratulations, Bobbie, on maintaining your school for so many years, to give so many children a proper education. Giving all those hundreds of children a Christian education is your great legacy. Your school is the model for what dedicated parents should do in every state. I am proud to have you as my friend and continue to be a big admirer of your accomplishment."Chaplain Moore noted, "Bobbie's timeless efforts have produced God-fearing, moral, patriotic, educated leaders over the past 50 years."Dr. Dreyfus, for whom this award is named, is a prominent retired Florida dentist and inventor of a device to relieve neuromuscular pain for dental use. He served as president of the Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He has given more than 47 years of volunteer work on behalf of family values and K-12 Christian education in Florida and now serves as the Florida state coordinator for the Exodus Mandate Project.Chaplain Moore noted that the 2016 award is the tenth to be awarded. Past recipients include: Thomas C. Pinckney, M.A., Brigadier General USAF Ret. and Bruce N. Shortt, J.D., Ph.D. (2007); Brian D. Ray, Ph.D., the National Home Education Research Institute (2008); Gena and Paul Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (2009); Geri and Bob Boyd, Issues in Education radio ministry (2010); Alice Moore, 1974 WV textbook protester (2011); Joyce and Eric Burges, National Black Home Educators (NBHE) (2012); Dan Smithwick, Nehemiah Institute (2013); Zan Tyler, Apologia Press (2014); Edward Gamble, SBACS (2015).Contact information for Bobbie Ames: bobbiehames@gmail.com Contact information for Frontline Ministries, Inc.: Chaplain E. Ray Moore (Lt. Col.), USAR Ret., President, Frontline Ministries, Inc., and the Exodus Mandate Project, PO Box 12072, Columbia, SC 29211, email: exodusmandate@gmail.com , 803-714-1744, www.exodusmandate.org . [Photo available upon request] The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie... Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew; Rick Kern/WireImageThe story of the Miami rap group 2 Live Crew and its fearless leader, Luther Campbell is headed to the big screen. According to Deadline, Lionsgate is developing, The Book of Luke, a film about Campbell and his group, whose parody of Roy Orbison's "Oh Pretty Woman" was the center of a Supreme Court case that set a precedent for "fair use sampling for music judged to be parody." The movie, based on the memoir Book of Luke: My Fight for Truth, Justice and Liberty City is described as Straight Outta Compton meets The People Vs. Larry Flynt. The drama will follow the groups rise and provocative music that took Campbell from the streets of Miamis Liberty City to becoming a multi-millionaire. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl star RJ Cyler is set to play Campbell in the film. Mike Epps is among the executive producers, while Craig A. Williams is set to write the script based on Campbells memoir. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Measures to allow such shops in El Segundo, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are all on their way to failing, based on semi-official election results RAINIER It took 18 months, but the sinkhole that swallowed part of a lot behind a Rainier business in December 2015 is almost fixed for now. The Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District has filled the hole, which materialized next to Earth N Sun, a wood stove business. A 450-foot section of the culvert that carries Fox Creek through downtown Rainier has been replaced, according to Conservation District Manager Kari Hollander. Holes in the aging pipe are believed to have caused the sinkhole. The procedure was arduous and complex, Richard Lord, son-in-law of Earth N Suns owners, noted. It turned into a very lengthy and very complicated process, he said. Many City Council meetings and many property owner meetings, a lot of lawyers and documentation. Now, Lord says there are only a few tasks left, as he describes the construction as 97 percent finished. Theres some fencing that needs removal, curbing that needs to be finished, and a crack in the stores foundation that needs sealing, according to the Longview resident. After that, Lord said, he and the owners plan on repairing the building itself, with new drywall and paint. They also need a fix for the back third of the building, which he said sank due to the culvert work. Between damage to the foundation and the back end of the building, and all the water damage inside, were just going to start repairing now for aesthetic reasons, Lord said. After the project received funding from the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the City of Rainier in June 2016, it took the SWCD four months to come up with a plan. The department began work in late October, according to Hollander. After having to stop for five months between December and May due to intense rain, the project is near completion. The total cost was slightly under $800,000, Hollander said. However, both Hollander and Lord understand the project did not solve the whole problem. The lower 300 feet of culvert have yet to be replaced near Highway 30/B Street and C Street. Its condition is questionable. The bigger problem, though is that the six-foot wide culvert cant handle flood flows and its an impediment for salmon and other fish. (Replacing the culvert) is not a long-term solution for handling the amount of water that will come down the creek during the wettest months, Lord said. Its a temporary solution. Hollander and Lord agree that a permanent solution would be to daylight Fox Creek, or dig up the culvert and restore it to a natural-flowing creek. Other property owners who would be affected agree, according to Lord. Their justifications go beyond simply preventing flooding. Its ineffective as a fish passageway as a metal culvert in the ground, Lord said. The whole purpose of it being a fish waterway, with having 600 feet of it underground, is silly. The beautification of that would add to downtown and make that whole area a usable park, with a walkway and scenic path. Hollander agreed on both counts, but warned that a project wouldnt come to fruition quickly. To do a daylight project requires a lot more planning with more partners, including the Department of Transportation, the state itself, the property owners, the City of Rainier, and a lot more, Hollander said. It couldnt be done in short order. A section of the creek that used to run through a culvert in the playground of Rainier Elementary school was daylighted in the 1990s, for similar reasons. Lord claims that Federal Emergency Management Agency might fund a relocation of Earth N Sun, as an exposed Fox Creek would run directly through the stores parking lot. However, FEMA representative Peter Sessum from Region X, which covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, said that he had not heard of the situation, and stated the organization generally doesnt fund relocation for private businesses. Longview School Board members will be free to discuss school business with the news media outside of board meetings under a new policy adopted Monday. Previously, only the school board president had been able to talk to the media, a policy followed by many school districts statewide. The change is partly a response to concerns about press access raised by The Daily News after reporters had trouble interviewing board members about issues facing the district. School Board President C.J. Nickerson stressed that the new guidance is not a change in board policy. Rather, he said, it is clarification that resulted from a broader review process that sought to delineate the role of the board from the superintendents. The new guidance still directs individual board members to refer media inquiries to the board president or superintendent. However, if an individual board member chooses to interact with the media when contacted, they shall always clarify that they are speaking as an individual and not representing the board and its position, the official operating principles adopted at the meeting state. The document also instructs board members to notify the superintendent and board president if the media contacts them. This is not an issue thats going to set this community on fire, Nickerson joked during an interview, while also acknowledging the importance of media access to elected officials. The Daily News Publisher Rick Parrish applauded the move. Both the Daily News and our readers will benefit from this positive change. Allowing individual school board members to speak out on school issues for themselves makes sense, he said in a statement. I appreciate and applaud school board President C.J. Nickerson for being open to changing the media policy, and for handling this issue both thoughtfully and professionally. hidden Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on Monday said it is launching new sales channels in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan as China's deep-pocketed e-commerce firms vie for new users in the region. The new service, branded TmallWorld, will allow overseas Chinese users to buy goods from Alibaba's Tmall, its popular brand-to-consumer retail site, the company said in a statement. "Alibaba will provide end-to-end solutions including logistics, payment, and localization support catering to each local market's needs," the statement said. Alibaba Groups has been quite active within India as well. Earlier this year, Alibaba had invested Rs 17,000 crore in an Indian e-commerce website called Paytm. The big picture is that the Indian electronic commerce market is expected to be worth $60 billion by 2020. Its already big, worth $16 billion in 2016 and growing at a fast clip of 45 percent annually. Moreover, Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing wing of the Alibaba Group had announced to open its two data centres in Jakarta and India by March 31st next year. It had partnered with TATA telecommunications on June 10, to connect Alibaba Clouds ExpressConnect via Tata Communications IZO Private Connect service. It intends to increase its computing resources which would provide great support to small and medium enterprises. Reuters tech2 News Staff In its quest to gain market share in the Indian market, Apple has turned to older generations of its smartphones to lure potential customers. According to a recent report by The Economic Times, the company is selling older models, like the iPhone SE and 6S, on its official website. The company is still pushing the iPhone 5, 6 and SE through its online retail partners like Amazon and Flipkart. The important thing to note here is that the company launched iPhone 5 in 2012, iPhone 5S in 2013, iPhone 6 in 2014, and iPhone 6S in 2015. The major reason for Apple to sell such old phones, according to the report, is the fact that it is competing with other smartphone makers in a price-conscious market like India. Smartphone makers like Xiaomi, Oppo, Micromax, Gionee and others are selling their products at the margin with comparable specs to that of the latest iPhone in the international market. Apple cant possibly compete with such prices if it plans to capture the Indian market with an iPhone that can cost even twice as much as current flagships. We reached out to Counterpoint Research for inputs on this new strategy by Apple. Tarun Pathak, Sr Analyst, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems for Counterpoint explained that India is a critical market for Apple in the long run. He went on to add that the company needs to create a balance between affordability and aspirational factor for the upcoming iPhones. The reason for the balance is the increasing spending capacity of Indian users, where they can spend about $300 to $400 on a new Apple smartphone. In addition to selling such old smartphones, the company is allowing its retail partners to offer discounts to users, including cashback offers, exchange offers, EMIs and zero interest offers to entice potential buyers into purchasing old iOS devices. The reason for this push is because the company has lost its lead in China and it is in urgent need of a second market to maintain its growth. However, the company will have to continue selling its smartphones at a discounted rate because rivals like Xiaomi have announced their plans to double the investment in the Indian market, as pointed by the report. Tarun explained that Apple is not jeopardising the brand as it is selling newer models without any price cuts while allowing retail channels to discount old models according to the shelf-life of the devices. Another hurdle for Apple is that it is not manufacturing smartphones in India. Apple recently opened a factory in Bengaluru in partnership with Wistron Corp to start making devices in India. Earlier, Apple pointed out that the factory will be a limited operation that will later be expanded into a full-grown manufacturing effort. Despite that, the company could only manage to manufacture 3 percent of the total smartphones that it sold in India. The company needs to ensure that the new portfolio released by the company is sold at an affordable price. This is difficult since the government of India does not allow import of refurbished smartphones to be sold in the country. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple has tried to chalk out a strategy so ensure that the pricing of the iPhone comes down so that more and more people can buy the smartphone. However, the negotiations about relaxing restrictions have not worked for Apple as pointed by the report. The absence of a sizable chunk of iOS users in India also results in reduced number of users spending time and money on other services by the company, like the App Store, iTunes and iCloud. hidden Two cyber security firms have uncovered malicious software that they believe caused a December 2016 Ukraine power outage, they said on Monday, warning that the malware could be easily modified to harm critical infrastructure operations around the globe. ESET, a Slovakian anti-virus software maker, and Dragos Inc, a U.S. critical-infrastructure security firm, released detailed analyses of the malware, known as Industroyer or Crash Override, and issued private alerts to governments and infrastructure operators to help them defend against the threat. They said they did not know who was behind the cyber attack. Ukraine has blamed Russia, though officials in Moscow have repeatedly denied blame. Still, the security firms warned there could be more attacks using the same approach, either by the group that built the malware or copycats who modify the malicious software. "The malware is really easy to re-purpose and use against other targets. That is definitely alarming," said ESET malware researcher Robert Lipovsky said in a telephone interview. "This could cause wide-scale damage to infrastructure systems that are vital." Dragos founder Robert M. Lee said the malware was capable of attacking power systems across Europe and could be leveraged against the United States "with small modifications." It is able to cause outages of up to a few days in portions of a nation's grid, but is not potent enough to bring down a country's entire grid, Lee said by phone. With modifications, the malware could attack other types of infrastructure including local transportation providers, water and gas providers, Lipovsky said. News of the discovery prompted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to advise all critical infrastructure operators to make sure they were following recommended security practices. The agency is working with the researchers and industry on the issue and would help firms identify vulnerabilities and respond to any suspected breaches as needed, spokesman Scott McConnell said via email. Power firms are concerned there will be more attacks, Alan Brill, a leader of Kroll's cyber security practice, said in a telephone interview. "You are dealing with very smart people who came up with something and deployed it," Brill said. "It represents a risk to power distribution organizations everywhere." Industroyer is only the second piece of malware uncovered to date that is capable of disrupting industrial processes without the need for hackers to manually intervene after gaining remote access to the infected system. The first, Stuxnet, was discovered in 2010 and is widely believed by security researchers to have been used by the United States and Israel to attack Iran's nuclear program. A spokesman for Ukraine's state cyber police said it was not clear whether the malware was used in the December 2016 attack because the security firms had not provided authorities with the samples they had analyzed. Representatives with Ukraine's state-run Computer Emergency Response Team, which advises businesses on defending against cyber attacks, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Kremlin and Russia's Federal Security Service did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Crash Override can be detected if a utility specifically monitors its network for abnormal traffic, including signs that the malware is searching for the location of substations or sending messages to switch breakers, according to Lee, a former U.S. Air Force cyber warfare operations officer. Malware has been used in other disruptive attacks on industrial targets, including the 2015 Ukraine power outage, but in those cases human intervention was required to interfere with operations. ESET said it had been analyzing the malware for several months and had held off on going public to preserve the integrity of investigations into the power system hack. It said it last week shared samples with Dragos, which said it was able to independently verify that it was used in the Ukraine grid attack. Reuters hidden Germany's constitutional court has held up a European patent law that would have allowed inventors in any member country to easily challenge patent violations in any other EU country, a spokeswoman said on Monday. Years in the planning, the new law would set up patent courts in EU member states that would allow patent holders to seek redress for any infringements in their own countries, even if they occurred in another EU country. The German decision to hold up implementation of the common system means a lost opportunity, at least temporarily, for business to lower their costs because they must continue defending their patents inexpensive cross-border legal proceedings in different member states. The constitutional court, Germany's highest judicial body, did not disclose the nature of the complaint it had received, saying only that it would be examined as quickly as possible. The court, based in the southwestern city of Karlsruhe, can annul laws it deems unconstitutional, potentially undermining the entire planned European system. The court asked German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to delay signing the implementing act until it had time to assess the complaint. "The president agreed to do so until a ruling has been made," the court's spokeswoman said, adding that this was the "typical approach" in such cases. Reuters PTI Israeli government spies hacked into the operations of Islamic State bombmakers to discover they were developing a laptop computer bomb to blow up a commercial aircraft, the New York Times reported. The Times said the work by Israeli cyber operators was a rare success of western intelligence against the constantly evolving, encryption-protected and social-media-driven cyber operations of the extremist group. It said the Israeli hackers penetrated the small Syria-based cell of bombmakers months ago, an effort that led to the March 21 ban on carry-on laptops and other electronics larger than cellphones on direct flights to the United States from 10 airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa. The Israeli cyber-penetration "was how the United States learned that the terrorist group was working to make explosives that fooled airport X-ray machines and other screening by looking exactly like batteries for laptop computers," the Times said. The intelligence was so good that the detonation method for the bombs was understood, the Times said, citing two US officials familiar with the operation. Following the US laptop ban, Britain announced a similar prohibition for flights originating from six countries. Israel's contribution to the intelligence on the laptop bombs became public after President Donald Trump revealed details on it to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a May 10 White House meeting. Trump's disclosure "infuriated" Israeli officials, according to the Times. PTI The IT Ministry will discuss with industry leaders on June 16 ways to expedite formulation of a roadmap to make India a $1 trillion digital economy as soon as possible besides planning the next phase of growth. The ministry has received confirmation from about 20 leaders including Infosys co-founder S Gopalakrishnan, Wipro Chief Strategy Officer Rishad Premji, Nasscom President R Chandrasekhar, NIIT Group chairman Rajendra Powar, Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal, Lava CMD Hari Om Rai, Google India VP Rajan Anandan and Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani. "We are looking for ideas from thought leaders to make India an $1 trillion digital economy as soon as we can by empowering people at the bottom of the pyramid. $1 trillion is not the limit but a milestone," Ministry of Electronics and IT Additional Secretary Ajay Kumar told reporters here. He said that at present India is around $450 billion digital economy and at existing growth rate it is expected to be $1 trillion in next 7 years. As of now, the Indian electronics market is estimated to be around $100 billion, IT sector $150 billion, telecom $150 billion, e-commerce $30-40 billion and rest is estimated to be size of shared economy like taxi hailing services, startups etc. "We have called representatives from all segments of the digital economy. Based on suggestion and outcome, we are open to create a working group that will come up with policy prescription for things that are relevant for Indian environment. There will be a special focus on the development of economically weaker section," Kumar said. The IT ministry will look to bring in improvement in areas like use of technology is agriculture, education, healthcare etc. The meeting will be chaired by Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, he said. IANS Four telecom companies Reliance Jio, Reliance Communications, Aircel and Tata Teleservices on Monday met the inter-ministerial group (IMG) formed to look into the dwindling fortunes of the sector. Industrialist Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio, the new entrant in the industry, said the telecom firms not investing enough in new technologies and leveraging their balance sheet need to blame themselves for their financial difficulties. A Jio official said: "Operators (excluding Jio) need to invest Rs 125,000 crore, pay back debt and they need to invest in technology, as growth is happening in data." The official said the other companies can do this even by selling their stakes. He further added that the few policy interventions that are required for the industry should come as a reduction in Goods and Services Tax rates, licence fee and Universal Service Obligation Fund levies. He elaborated that reduction in GST rates, USOF and licence fees will help the telecom industry generate an additional Rs 20,000-25,000 crore earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda). hidden Software exporter Wipro Ltd said on Monday the payable date for its American Depository Receipts (ADR) bonus issue is yet to be determined. The clarification from India's third-largest software services company came after its U.S.-listed shares slumped nearly 49 percent to $5.35 in premarket trading. The trading of the shares, which was halted for a while, are currently down 1.5 percent at $10. "The company felt that it was important to clarify to the market that the payable date and ex-dividend date for its ADR bonus issue, or stock dividend, are yet to be determined," Wipro said. Wipro, in May, told its investors that the board has fixed June 14 as the record date to determine eligible shareholders entitled to receive bonus share equity for its Indian-listed shares. In April, the company announced the issue of bonus shares in 1:1 ratio and said that its board would also consider a proposal for buyback of shares around July. Wipro's U.S. listed shares have been down nearly 6 percent over the past four sessions, following media reports of a sale of a part or whole company. However, the company denied the news reports last week. Wipro, like other Indian software exporters, has been struggling with U.S. President Donald Trump's tough stance on H1-B visa rules. Trump has ordered a review of the U.S. visa programme that brings high-skilled foreign workers into the country, potentially affecting hiring plans of technology firms and outsourcing companies. Reuters Nokia and Technicolor today announced a partnership where the two companies will work together to create new and compelling VR content utilizing Nokias OZO+ camera and OZO content creation tools. The first project will be a series of 360 Masterclass sessions to be held at the Technicolor Experience Center (TEC) in Los Angeles. The initial course will give professionals an in-depth look on how to create compelling VR films and how the medium differs from traditional cinematic experiences. As part of this partnership, OZO+ will have residency at the TEC. The Technicolor Experience Center is where artists and scientists from across the industry come together to realize the full potential of immersive media. By uniting talent from Technicolor and its award-winning creative brands with partners from fields as diverse as gaming, animation, traditional media and technology, Technicolor enables the ideation, exploration and creation that pushes the boundaries of what immersive experiences can be. Marcie Jastrow, SVP of Immersive Media and Head of the Technicolor Experience Center, said, In the creation of immersive content, live action cameras are key to the storytelling process, and Nokia has invested a lot of time and research in understanding how to provide content creators with the tools they need to produce high-quality image capture. Technicolor has a long history in applying our industry-leading color-science capabilities and image processing pipeline to work with camera manufacturers in order to create the highest quality capture techniques and outcomes. That is why the Technicolor Experience Center is proud to be partnering with Nokia to offer classes that will explore the creation of high-quality immersive content. Csilla Kozma, Head of Content Relations, Nokia Technologies, said, We have been working with Technicolor and its brands such as Moving Picture Company (MPC) to deliver amazing projects like the OneRepublics Kids music video, Heroes, and Playtime. The opening of the TEC allows us to elevate our relationship and share the key learnings we have gained in virtual reality with a wider audience through a series of Masterclasses. Beyond the OZO+ camera and OZO Creator, Nokias premiere VR stitching software, Nokia has launched the new OZO Reality Platform, including OZO Deliver, OZO Player SDK, and Nokia VR format extensions, enabling higher-quality experiences to reach broader audiences by allowing for delivery and playback interoperability. These technologies enable a broad ecosystem of partners to deliver higher resolution, spatial audio, and support for mixed reality experiences for content captured with any high-quality VR camera system. With the ecosystem of OZO tools, Nokia is delivering the next step towards OZO Reality, a higher level of consumer experience defined by superior immersion, new creative possibilities, and increased efficiency for the creation, delivery and experience of immersive storytelling. @Technuter.com News Service Orientation programs for Summer 2017 at EU Campus Report : The orientation ceremony for the students of undergraduate programs of the summer semester of Eastern University (EU) was recently held at the University Seminar Hall. Md. Azizul Islam, Chairman, Board of Trustees of EU and also Chairman of Alif Group was the chief guest in the program. Masrur Arefin, Additional Managing Director and also Chief Communications Officer, City Bank Ltd was present as Guest of Honor while Prof Dr Abdur Rab, Vice Chancellor, EU presided over the program. Among others, Abul Khair Chowdhury, Former Chairman, BoT, EU; Engg. Khandaker Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Member, BoT, EU; Md. Ali Azzam, Member, BoT, EU; Abul Basher Khan, Registrar, EU; Deans; Advisor; Chairpersons; Members of Alumni; teachers and officials of EU were also spoke on the occasion. The chief guest congratulated the newly admitted students and shared their success stories in the education and corporate sector. Md. Azizul Islam shared his experience of an orientation in a US university and encouraged the students to put in their best efforts to prepare themselves for successful career. Arefin urged the students to be honest as well as skilled professionals. He requested the students to enhance their life skills in addition to their academic knowledge to become the future leaders and a good citizen. He offered some practical tips to avoid being inefficient. In his speech the Vice Chancellor of EU Prof. Rab thanked the students, parents and guardians for putting their faith and trust in EU authority. He outlined the facilities and opportunities provided by the university for the students of EU and inspired them to gain knowledge in the classrooms and gather experience through participation in extra/co-curricular activities. UGC Chairman attends SAU Convocation in New Delhi UGC Chairman Prof Abdul Mannan along with other guests and students at the second Convocation of the South Asian University at Pravasi Bharatia Kendra in New Delhi on Monday. Campus Report : UGC Chairman Professor Abdul Mannan attended the Second Convocation of the South Asian University (SAU) held at Pravasi Bharatia Kendra in New Delhi on Monday (12.05.2017). Professor Mannan is a Board and Finance Committee member of the university. SAU was established with the initiative of all SAARC countries in 2005 and the academic session began in 2010. Currently located at the Akbar Bhavan of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in about two years the university is expected to move on its sprawling campus being constructed in Maidan Gari, South Delhi, where three academic buildings are nearing completion of its construction at a cost of Rupees 400 crore on a piece of 100 acre land donated by the Government of India. Government of India is also bearing all the capital expenditure of the university and it may go upto Rupees 25 hundred crores once completed. This year 185 students graduated with Master's Degree while 9 students were awarded M.Phil degree which included 27 students from Bangladesh. Currently 62 students from Bangladesh are studying in Masters, M.Phil and PhD level at SAU. HE Deep Kumar Upadhya Ambassador of Nepal in India Presided over the Convocation as Visitor's (Chancellor) nominee while MJ Akbar the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs was the Convocation Speaker. Dr. Kavita A Sharma, the President (Vice Chancellor) delivered the welcome address. MJ Akbar in his address hoped that what SAARC could not achieve in last 32 years will be achieved by the present generation in next 32 years.. He expressed the curse of poverty, illiteracy, social backwardness that is hindering the progress of the sub-continent can only be removed with the spread of moden education. He also said today civilisation stands on the crossroads of destruction that will endanger the existence of mankind and the the current generation has more responsibility towards the mankind than their predecessors. Besides the UGC Chairman Shamsul Hoque, DG, SAARC of Bangladesh and a member of the Board and Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, the Council Member of SAU also attended the Convocation. US Pentagon chief 'shocked' by US military readiness, warns on North Korea Jim Mattis, US Pentagon chief, blamed Obama-era budget caps for the poor state of the military. US Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told lawmakers Monday he was "shocked" by the state of the US military's readiness, blaming legal budget caps and the grind of 16 years of constant war. The defense secretary also warned that North Korea has become the most urgent threat to peace and security, and said-without giving details-that America must do things differently in Afghanistan. Pointing to Obama-era budget caps known as sequestration, Mattis said limits on military spending have left troops at greater risk and blocked important new programs-even though the defense budget is already greater than that of the next seven countries combined. "I retired from military service three months after sequestration took effect," Mattis, a former Marine general, told the House Armed Services Committee. "Four years later, I returned to the Department (of Defense), and I have been shocked by what I've seen about our readiness to fight... No enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of our military than sequestration." Mattis was addressing lawmakers seeking additional information about President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget. He wants to slash State Department spending but give a significant boost to the Pentagon's vast budget, although it falls short of the historic spending bonanza sought by more hawkish Republicans. The Pentagon has called for $574 billion in general defense funding, with an additional $65 billion for supplemental wartime spending-for a total of $639 billion. That represents a more than $50 billion increase-about 10 percent-over 2017 funding levels for the base budget, although it amounts to only about three percent over projections previously envisioned by the Obama administration. Committee Chairman Congressman Mac Thornberry and other Republicans bemoaned the increase as insufficient. "We have spent six years just getting by, asking more and more of those who serve, and putting off the choices that have to be made. We cannot keep piling missions on our service members without ensuring they have all they need to succeed," Thornberry said. Although many Democrats on the committee agree, they worry where the money will come from, given the Trump administration's pressure to cut taxes. Mattis pointed to the war in Afghanistan, which has dragged on since late 2001 with no end in sight, as exacting a heavy price. Such campaigns have "exhausted our equipment faster than planned. Congress and the Department (of Defense) could not anticipate the accumulated wear and tear of years of continuous combat use," he said. Lawmakers repeatedly asked Mattis for an update on Afghanistan, and about whether Trump will deploy thousands more troops to help Afghan partners reverse a stalemate against the resurgent Taliban. "We've got to do things differently," Mattis acknowledged, noting only that any Afghanistan decision would come "soon." Ahead of the four-hour hearing, Mattis also warned that North Korea poses the most urgent threat to international peace and security, calling the regime's weapons program a "clear and present danger" to all. In written testimony, he said Pyongyang is increasing the pace and scope of its nuclear weapons program that leader Kim Jong-Un wants to be capable of delivering a bomb on the United States. "The regime's provocative actions, manifestly illegal under international law, have not abated despite United Nations' censure and sanctions," Mattis said. The defense secretary also warned of a return to "Great Power competition," where countries like Russia and China gain military assertiveness and place long-held global security protocol at risk. UN agency seeks access to civilians in IS-held Syrian city Photo shows a mosque that was damaged by bombardment by the US.-led coalition and U.S.-backed fighters in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa. AP, Beirut : The U.N.'s refugee agency on Tuesday called for better access to northern Syria's Raqqa province, where U.S.-backed forces are trying to drive the Islamic State group out of its self-styled capital, saying close to half a million people are in need of assistance. Kurdish-led forces attacked the provincial capital, also called Raqqa, a week ago, hoping to drive the militants out with the aid of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes. Clearing operations around the city have been underway for months, and the UNHCR says 100,000 people were displaced in May alone. UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic said the barriers to movement have made aid operations "costly and complex." He said all land routes to the region have been blocked by other parties to Syria's civil war that are hostile to the U.S.-backed force, forcing the aid agency to rely on airlifts. "Resources are also badly needed," said Mahecic. "Funding is not keeping up with needs on the ground." The U.N. has managed to raise only $29 million of the $153 million it budgeted to meet humanitarian needs in Raqqa province. Turkey, which views the main Kurdish militia taking part in the fight against IS as a terrorist group because of its links to Kurdish rebels, has sealed much of its border with northern Syria, disrupting aid operations and the movement of refugees. The Islamic State group has blocked humanitarian access to Raqqa from the south. Human Rights Watch has meanwhile called on the U.S.-led coalition to make protection of civilians a priority in the campaign to recapture Raqqa. "We have already documented a series of rights abuses in the context of anti-ISIS operations," said Lama Fakih, the deputy Middle East director for Human Rights Watch, using another acronym for IS. The New York-based group said in a statement that the United States and allied ground forces must respect the human rights of everyone caught up in the battle. It also urged the U.S. to investigate airstrikes that have allegedly targeted civilians, respect detainee rights, provide safe passage for the displaced and intensify efforts to clear land mines. And it sought guarantees against enlisting child soldiers into the ranks of U.S. partner forces. The U.S. is providing ground and air support to the Kurdish-led SDF in the battle for Raqqa, which has since 2014 been the Islamic State group's main base in Syria. HRW reported in 2014 the SDF's leading faction, the People's Protection Units (YPG), had enlisted soldiers under the age of 18. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organization that reports on the war, earlier said the SDF attacked the eastern edge of Raqqa and a military base on the northern outskirts of the city on Tuesday. The Kurdish YPG, part of the SDF, told Reuters on Saturday the assault on Raqqa was expected to start in a few days. "It started today at dawn," Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said. "They have reached the city but they have not entered any of its buildings." The attack on the al-Mashlab district and on the Division 17 base around 1 km to the north of the city center followed heavy overnight air strikes, the Observatory said. Trump promises press confce on ISIS fight \"We have had tremendous success against ISIS,\" Donald Trump said at a cabinet meeting. AP, Washington : US President Donald Trump on Monday promised to reveal details of his long-awaited plan for fighting the ISIS group, saying a press conference will come within weeks. "We have had tremendous success against ISIS," Trump said at a cabinet meeting at the White House. "We are going to be having a news conference in two weeks on that fight and you'll see numbers that you would not have believed." Tackling the group-which still controls swaths of Syria and Iraq-was among Trump's most often repeated campaign promises. Then candidate Trump went as far as to promise to "bomb the hell" out of them and have a military plan on his desk within 30 days of moving into the White House. Six months after taking office, Trump has yet to sketch out his strategy. Meanwhile efforts to retake Mosul in Iraq and Raqa in Syria-the capital of the self-styled caliphate-have continued apace. The Pentagon has already taken the decision to arm Kurdish fighters in the assault on Raqa, a move that upset US ally Turkey. Officials warn that the fight against the ISIS, while simple on its face, is made more complex by competing interests in Syria. The United States would like to improve the humanitarian situation, keep Turkey onside, ease the possibilities of clashes with Russia, hasten the transition away from President Bashar al-Assad's rule, limit Iranian influence and keep Syria and Iraq's borders intact. Meanwhile, President Trump's proposed cuts to the State Department and U.S. development aid would endanger American troops and make the country "less safe" from terrorism, a group of senior retired military officers are warning Congress, urging lawmakers to reject the sharp spending reductions. "Cutting the international affairs budget unilaterally will have the effect of disarming our country's capability to stop new conflicts from forming, and will place our interests, values and the lives of our men and women in uniform at risk," the former commanders said in the testimony, which was obtained by Yahoo News. The signers included retired Adm. William McRaven, who headed U.S. special operations; retired Gen. David Petraeus, who commanded U.S. forces in Iran and Afghanistan before becoming CIA director; retired Adm. Mike Mullen, a former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff; retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who commanded U.S. forces in Afghanistan; five former NATO supreme commanders; and past heads of the combatant commands in Africa and Europe. "The severe cuts to the State Department and USAID that the administration has proposed will make America less safe, and Congress should reject them," the group said. The testimony was to be provided on Tuesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee and other panels with jurisdiction over foreign affairs funding. The retired officers noted that terrorist groups like ISIS, al Qaida, al-Shabab and Boko Haram have taken root in areas prone to poverty, corruption and poor governance - the kinds of things U.S. aid can often address. The former officers in part echoed Trump's stated priorities by endorsing expanded military spending, but they cautioned that "in the 21st century, weapons and warfighters alone are insufficient to keep America secure." They argued that "kinetic activities alone cannot prevent radicalization, nor can they, by themselves, prevent despair from turning to anger and increasing outbursts of violence and instability. This has been our national experience of the last 15 years in Afghanistan, Iraq, in the Middle East and now in Africa." The testimony came as Congress engaged in an annual debate over government spending for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Many lawmakers, including Republicans, have balked at Trump's call for deep cuts to the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Trump's budget, delivered in March, would slash the State Department and USAID spending by about 31 percent, according to some estimates. Proposed budget to change fortune of people: Minister Primary and Mass Education Minister Mostafizur Rahman on Tuesday said that the proposed budget for fiscal 2017-2018 would help change the fortune of the common people, as it is a 'realistic budget'. "We have achieved our target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) before 2015 with ensuring education for all and now our target to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the period of 2030," he said, this while joining budget discussion in the House. Highlighting his ministry's success, the minister said that the primary school enrollment already has reached to nearly cent percent under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "The enrollment of the students in the primary education now reaches to 97.96 percent where girls student enrollment is 98.82 percent while it [primary school enrolment] was 87.2 percent in 2005,"he said. Rahman said, now the government is working to ensure quality and free education for all under the SDGs. Bitterly criticizing the BNP for its negative remarks on budget, the primary and mass education minister questioned how they criticized the proposed budget because the Prime Minister introduced stipend programme for 1.30 crore primary students and money of the stipend would transfer on student's mother's mobile phone without hassle. In the proposed budget, the government has allocated Taka 65,000 crore for education sector, he said, adding that it was Taka 58,000 crore in 2016-2017 and Taka 32,000 crore in 2012-13. Taking part in the budget discussion, state minister for finance and planning MA Mannan said the government has undertaken risk to develop the country as well as improve common people's living standard. Regarding Value Added Tax (VAT) in the proposed budget, he said around 169 countries imposed VAT on their products, which is accepted globally. "In our country 60 to 70 percent lower income people would not be affected by the VAT, as the government exempted VAT on essential products usually purchased by the lower income group people," the state minister said. Earlier, Finance Minister AMA Muhith on June 1 placed a Taka 4002.66 billion national budget for 2017-18 fiscal setting the GDP growth target at 7.4 percent and detailing a set of programmes to transform the country into a role model of modern and welfare state by 2041. Taking part in the general discussion on the proposed budget for the fifth day in the house, the lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches described the proposed national budget for the fiscal 2017-18 as a pragmatic, pro-people, balanced and welfare-oriented for speedy development. They said the common people of the country have no negative criticism on the budget as it has been proved as a trustworthy financial instrument for the self-sufficient Bangladesh in near future. The lawmakers strongly protested Begum Khaleda Zia's remarks on the budget and said she (Khaleda) never thought of such big volume of budget in the country. They expressed their optimistic view that the government would be able to implement the budget's all development programmes to achieve the targeted 7.4 percent growth in the GDP next fiscal under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, worthy daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They mentioned that the country achieved tremendous success in different sectors including education, economic, technology, and agricultures under the charismatic stewardship of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As a proud mother Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina groomed her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul as successful human beings, who are now contributing to the country's development as well as the world with their outstanding performance, the lawmakers added. Treasury bench members - Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Shamsul Haq Tuku, Nazrul Islam Babu, Safura Begum, Shamsul Haq Chowhdury, Nabi Newaz, M Hasan Imam Khan, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Sabia Nahar Begum, M Abul Kalam, Jatiya Party's Chief Whip Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Worker Party's Mostafa Lutfullah, Independent lawmaker Tahjib Alam Siddiqui also took part in the general discussion. 51 land offices come under digital service The government has distributed digital facilities including the laptop and other computer equipment to the Assistant Commissioners of Land Office on Monday. As a result, the people under 51 land offices in Chittagong can get the facilities of mutation of the land from their homes. The handing over ceremony of the laptop and other computer equipment to the Assistant Commissioners of Land Office was held at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chittagong. DC of Chittagong Mohammad Zillur Rahman Chowdhury chaired the function while Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Mohammed Ruhul Amin addressed the function as chief guest. Female drug trader gets life-term imprisonment BSS, Rangpur : A court here on Monday sentenced a female drug trader to life-term rigorous imprisonment for trafficking contraband phensidyl syrup. The court also fined Taka 10,000 to Rahima Begum, 45, wife of late Ashraful Islam of village Bishapara under Hakimpur upazila in Dinajpur, in default, to suffer another three-month more in jail. Additional District and Sessions Judge Abu Jafar Mohammad Kamruzzaman announced the verdict. The convict was present on the dock during pronouncement of the verdict. According to prosecution, police arrested Rahima with 5.60 kilograms of phensidyl syrup from Pirganj bus stand under Pirganj upazila in Rangpur on May 5, 2015. Assistant Sub-Inspector of Pirganj Police Station Danesh Chandra filed a case against her on the same day. Later, Pirganj police station submitted charge-sheet before the court against the three accused persons after investigation into the case. After examining the witnesses, the court found her guilty and announced the verdict against her. Ensuring adequate security measures during Ramzan, Eid stressed BSS, Khulna : Speakers here stressed on the need of adequate security measures and enhancing vigilance of law enforcement agencies in the city's markets as well as bank, bus and railway stations to check criminal activities during the month of holy Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr. They also asked house owners to be alert during Eid holiday to prevent theft and robbery. They made the call while addressing the monthly law and enforcement meeting held at Deputy Commissioner's conference room on Sunday . Khulna Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Magistrate Md Amin-ul-Ahsan chaired the meeting while Chairman of Khulna Zila Parishad Sheikh Harun-ur-Rashid, Additional Deputy Magistrate Noor-e-Alam, Deputy Police Commissioner Fazlur Rahman, and Additional Police Super Shafiullah, among others, were present at the meeting. The meeting also decided to impose a ban on plying of heavy vehicles ahead of the upcoming Eid. The meeting also informed that a total of 287 cases were filed with eight police stations in the city while 295 cases were filed with nine police stations in the district in last month. BSS from Rangpur adds: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range Khondker Golam Faruk has directed police personnel to become more active in ensuring peaceful law, order and free movement of people during Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr. He passed the direction while handing over awards among the police members of Rangpur Range for rendering excellent services in curbing crimes at a ceremony arranged at his conference room here today afternoon as the chief guest. Additional DIGs Bashir Ahmed and Chowdhury Manjurul Kabir, Superintendents of Police (SP) from Rangpur, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur and Gaibandha districts attended the function. Later, the DIG distributed crests and certificates among eight police members for their extraordinary performances in improving law and order situation. SP Mizanur Rahman of Rangpur and SP SM Rashidul Haque of Lalmonirhat received crests and certificates in the same category for making their respective districts best in maintaining law and order. The other award winner police members are Additional Police Super of Dinajpur Mahfuzzaman Ashraf, Court Inspector of Thakurgaon Humayun Kabir, Inspector Mahfuzar Rahman of Kurigram, Sub-Inspector (SI) Rezaul Alam of Dinajpur, SI Abdul Aziz of Syedpur Thana in Nilphamari, Sergeant Nur Alam Siddique of Dinajpur, SI Rasheduzzaman of Ghoraghat Thana in Dinajpur, SI Mizanur Rahman of Dinajpur Kotwali Thana, ASI Jahangir Alam of Fulbari Thana in Kurigram and authority of Dinajpur Kotwali Thana. Angelina Jolie, Jessica Chastain up for X-Men: Dark Phoenix? Angelina Jolie and Jessica Chastain are reportedly being considered for a mystery role in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. During Popcorn Talks Meet the Movie Press show, Tracking Boards Jeff Sneider said that Jolie was considered to star in the superhero film. Sneider added that Chastain was also eyed for the same role, reported Ace Showbiz. Jolie was previously rumoured to direct Captain Marvel for Marvel Studios, but later, Anna Bodden and Ryan Fleck were confirmed to direct the project. X-Men: The Dark Phoenix is scheduled to start its production soon. The movie is set to be released in the US on November 2, 2018. 'Textbook based knowledge not enough to flourish talent' Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said on Tuesday students should learn from his surroundings as education based on only textbook and classroom is not enough to flourish talent and utilize knowledge earned from academic education. "The government has been arranging different competitions across the country in search of creative talents along with giving the new generation academic education on science and technology to build them as students of world standard," he said as the chief guest while addressing a ceremony arranged for distributing awards among the best national talents. Education Ministry arranged the award giving ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium here with Secretary Md. Sohorab Hossain of Secondary and Higher Education Division in the chair. A total of 12 students out of 108 have been selected as national talents in four categories from three separate age groups (class 6-8, class 9-10 and class-11-12). The minister later distributed a cheque of Taka one lakh, gold medal, certificate and books among each of the 12 national talents. Of the national talents, Safwan Rahman of Notre Dame College and Ainan Tazrian of Bogra Government Girls College spoke on the occasion expressing their satisfaction over arranging such talent hunt competitions across the country every year. A cheque of Taka 5000, medal, certificate and books were distributed among each of 96 Dhaka Metropolitan and divisional level talents. Multinationals should say what they pay Morris Pearl : Last Monday (12 June), the European Parliament was considering an important proposal to increase the disclosures of tax information of multinational companies. As an investor personally, and one who has been trusted to invest other people's money over many years, I want to speak out strongly in favor of the European Union's efforts. And although I am a US citizen living in New York City, I offer my opinion here to reinforce the global import to our financial markets. Despite rising nationalism both here in the US and in Europe, we live in an economy where money moves easily, country to country, without a visa or passport. The rules of finance are increasingly borderless and information is ever-more necessary to the management of sovereign economies. In this environment, tax transparency rules are a critical first step. Public officials need to make informed policy decisions and the public must understand the rationale behind those decisions. And, speaking from personal experience, investors need information to make informed decisions about risks associated with multinational companies. Years ago, when I first started in finance, the use of offshore tax havens was limited. The practice itself dates further back, but the number of companies and the amounts of money were of little consequence to the global economy. That is no longer true. US-based multinational companies alone hold 2.3 trillion offshore - roughly equal to the GDP of France or the United Kingdom. These companies owe approximately 680 billion in taxes and experts estimate an additional 120 billion is lost each year to aggressive use of tax havens. Profit shifting to avoid taxation is now common among the largest multinational companies, with damaging results. Lost revenue from aggressive corporate tax avoidance strips resources from public services and destabilises economies. Individuals and small and domestic businesses are left to either cover the difference, or lose government services. Europe and the US are now wrestling with difficult but avoidable decisions. Austerity movements fueled by tax haven abuse have undermined the ability of governments to respond to both economic and non-economic challenges. For investors, the threats are twofold. Less stable and rapidly changing economies heighten risk. Additionally, we see a crackdown on aggressive tax avoidance schemes revealing massive previously undisclosed tax liabilities. The case against Apple's special tax deal with Ireland, the raid by French tax authorities on Google's Paris offices, an investigation into Starbucks, and others are warnings to investors to consider tax strategies when making decisions. In the US there was a dispute that led to litigation over the sale of Dell, the computer company, in which experts estimating a fair sale price came up with competing amounts that differed by 23 billion based largely on the disagreement over tax liability from profits booked offshore. These are the tangible consequences to secrecy for investors. Some people have suggested that the solution is to double down on secrecy, a strategy that relies on the notion that what is not known, will not be regulated. That seems neither practical nor realistic. The little information that is known is reported. Estimates are made by researchers, analysts, and the media and worst case scenarios are assumed. From an investor's perspective, planned transparency is far preferable to surprise leaks or investigations that lead to reputational risk and government action. Fortunately, the trend is toward tax transparency. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has already agreed to standards that require companies to report to tax authorities certain information on a country by country basis. While helpful, the secrecy around tax authority information offers little to legislators, the public, or investors, all of whom need the information. It does, however, suggest that it can be done without debilitating costs. There are proposals in the US that would create new, public, country-by-country reporting standards, but the process is slow and uncertain. The European Union has an opportunity to help lead and set the standards for the world. As one who has watched changes to the financial system over many years - some for the good and others bad - I would urge Europe to take the opportunity to lead this change for the good. (Morris Pearl is a former managing director at BlackRock Inc. and the chairman of Patriotic Millionaires, a group of wealthy Americans who are committed to building a more prosperous, stable and inclusive nation). Dope gangs target crowded places Md Joynal Abedin Khan : At least 300 members of different organized dope gangs, both male and female, are roaming in the various crowded areas mainly bus terminals, railway stations and launch terminals in the capital and its outskirts ahead of Eid shopping. The gangsters snatch cash, gold ornaments, cell phones and other valuables feeding their targets sedative-mixed foods or drinks, sources said. They also hijack taxi-cabs, motor-bikes and CNG-run auto-rickshaws after doping the drivers. Around a dozen people, including a university teacher, fell victim to the dope gang and lost cash, mobile phones and other valuables during shopping in last seven days, sources at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital said. Many other victims, mostly businessmen, have lost their valuables in similar incidents over the last few weeks, they added. According to the detective branch (DB) sources, every dope group comprising around four members moves together from Aminbazar to Narayanganj and Sadarghat to Tongi, trap their targets and snatch their belongings. On many occasions, the gangsters also use pretty women to deceive the targets into doping, they said. These groups are mainly active in crowded areas like Gabtali bus terminal, Mohakhali bus terminal, Sayedabad bus terminal, Kamalapur railway station and Sadarghat launch terminal, according to them. Besides, other bustling and commercial areas, including Motijheel, Gulistan, Mohakhali, Shahbagh, Paltan, Dainik Bangla, Khilgaon Railgate, Gulshan, Mirpur and Banani areas are also not free from the hegemony of the dope gangs. In the latest, a DB team detained 11 suspected members of dope gangs from different areas of the capital on Saturday night. The gang members first target a person and then somehow feed him/her sedative mixed with water, biscuits or other food items, including coconut water, said a police official of DB of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). After their targeted person becomes unconscious, they make away with his or her belongings. Passengers of public buses, taxi-cab and CNG-run- auto-rickshaws and paddle rickshaws are usually the prime targets of the gangs. Sometimes, drivers of auto-rickshaws and rickshaw-pullers are also their target, police said. Fahima Islam, a teacher of a private university, said, "She fell victim to a dope gang in the capital's Chadoni Chalk market on Friday and lost Tk 70,000 in cash and other valuables." Sidratul Muntaha, a doctor of a private hospital in the city's Kakrail, said, "Most of the victims recover from unconsciousness within 24-hour of the doping. In some cases, victims die for excessive doping by the Dope Gang party." Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner Abdul Baten, however, claimed that drives were under way to catch the food vendors who work with these gangs as well. Everybody should keep alert to take juice, coffee, tea, halua, chocolate-biscuits, dates, coconut water, cigarettes and beetle leaf sold by street vendors as they are usually mix sleeping pills with the food items near crowded areas, the police official said. Masudur Rhman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of DMP, said that a large team of law enforcers, both in uniform and plain-clothes, are working in the city to detain the criminals as well as the so-called dope gang. Members of this type of gangs dope their targets before robbing them of money and belongings, they police official said. Trump loses legal battle again The New York Times, Washington : A second federal appeals court has ruled against President Trump's revised travel ban, delivering on Monday the latest in a string of defeats for the administration's efforts to limit travel from several predominantly Muslim countries. The administration has already sought a Supreme Court review of a similar decision issued last month by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, in Richmond, Va. Monday's decision came from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco. The two courts employed different reasoning to arrive at the same basic conclusion. The Fourth Circuit said the revised executive order violated the First Amendment's prohibition of government establishment of religion. The Ninth Circuit, by contrast, rested its conclusions on statutory grounds. It said Mr. Trump had exceeded the authority Congress granted him in making national security judgments in the realm of immigration without adequate justification. "The order does not offer a sufficient justification to suspend the entry of more than 180 million people on the basis of nationality," the Ninth Circuit's opinion said. "National security is not a 'talismanic incantation' that, once invoked, can support any and all exercise of executive power." The decision, from a three-judge panel, was unanimous. It was issued jointly by Judges Michael Daly Hawkins, Ronald M. Gould and Richard A. Paez. All three were appointed by President Bill Clinton. The ruling affirmed most of a March decision from Judge Derrick K. Watson, of the Federal District Court in Hawaii. But the appeals court narrowed the injunction issued by Judge Watson in a significant way. The appeals court said Judge Watson had erred in barring the administration from conducting internal reviews of its vetting procedures while the case moved forward. That may turn out to be important as the Supreme Court considers how to address the two cases. The key part of the executive order suspended travel from six predominantly Muslim countries for 90 days to give the administration time to conduct a review of its vetting procedures. If that review can soon be completed, the justices may decide that the case will soon be moot. In briefs filed Monday in the Supreme Court, lawyers challenging the revised executive order urged the court not to hear the Trump administration's appeal of the Fourth Circuit's decision or to stay the injunctions entered in the two cases. They said the cases might be moot as soon as Wednesday, as the 90-day suspension of entry contemplated by the revised executive order was, counting from its effective date, set to expire then. The administration has argued that Judge Watson's ruling stopped the 90-day clock. It asked the justices to agree to hear an appeal of the Fourth Circuit decision before they leave for their summer break and to schedule arguments in the fall. By lifting the part of Judge Watson's injunction that barred review of internal vetting procedures in the meantime, the Ninth Circuit may have ensured that the case will be moot by the time it is argued, no matter how the 90 days are calculated. "It would be unnecessary and wasteful for the court to grant review of an issue that is essentially moot," lawyers for the State of Hawaii wrote. Get what you need to know to start your day in the United States, Canada and the Americas, delivered to your inbox. Receive occasional updates and special offers for The New York Times's products and services. Like the Fourth Circuit, Judge Watson blocked major parts of the revised order on the ground that they violated the Constitution's ban on a government establishment of religion. Judge Watson wrote that the statements of Mr. Trump and his advisers made clear that his executive order amounted to an attempt to disfavor Muslims. Judge Watson should not have reached the constitutional issue and should have ruled on statutory grounds, the Ninth Circuit said. Judge Watson's injunction was broader than the one affirmed by the Fourth Circuit. In addition to halting the limits on travel from the six countries, Judge Watson blocked a 120-day suspension of the nation's refugee program and a 50,000-person cap on refugee admissions in 2017, down from 110,000. The Ninth Circuit affirmed those parts of Judge Watson's decision. The Ninth Circuit said it had a role to play in testing Mr. Trump's actions. "Whatever deference we accord to the president's immigration and national security policy judgments does not preclude us from reviewing the policy at all," the appeals court's opinion said. "We do not abdicate the judicial role, and we affirm our obligation 'to say what the law is' in this case," it added, quoting Marbury v. Madison, the foundational 1803 Supreme Court decision. A federal law gives the president the power to exclude foreigners if he finds that letting them enter the country "would be detrimental to the interests of the United States." The appeals court said Mr. Trump had exceeded that authority, in large part because he had failed to offer adequate justifications for his order. "In suspending the entry of more than 180 million nationals from six countries, suspending the entry of all refugees, and reducing the cap on the admission of refugees from 110,000 to 50,000 for the 2017 fiscal year," the court said, "the president did not meet the essential precondition to exercising his delegated authority: The president must make a sufficient finding that the entry of these classes of people would be 'detrimental to the interests of the United States.'" The court said Mr. Trump's justifications for the executive order were inadequate. "The order does not tie these nationals in any way to terrorist organizations within the six designated countries," the opinion said. "It does not identify these nationals as contributors to active conflict or as those responsible for insecure country conditions. It does not provide any link between an individual's nationality and their propensity to commit terrorism or their inherent dangerousness." "In short," the opinion concluded, "the order does not provide a rationale explaining why permitting entry of nationals from the six designated countries under current protocols would be detrimental to the interests of the United States." The appeals court also ruled that the administration had run afoul of another provision of the immigration laws, one that forbids discrimination "because of the person's race, sex, nationality, place of birth or place of residence," but only "in the issuance of an immigrant visa." The Trump administration argued that the power to bar entry, the subject of a different provision, was broader than the limits on issuing visas. The appeals court said the two provisions must be read together. "We cannot blind ourselves to the fact that, for nationals of the six designated countries," the opinion said, the revised order "is effectively a ban on the issuance of immigrant visas." Rush for Eid tickets on Reza Mahmud : Advance sale of bus and railway tickets kicked off in the capital on Monday to ease sufferings of the home-bound passengers to celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Fitr with near and dear ones in their respective village homes and district towns. Like the previous day, hundreds of people also thronged different bus counters and Kamalapur Railway Station and stood in queues since early Tuesday to collect tickets. But most of home goers fail to get bus tickets for their desired days of June 21, 22 and 23, because the countermen said the selling of tickets for those certain days has already been completed on the very first day on Monday. Many passengers also alleged against bus countermen for collecting extra money. Besides, the train ticket seekers are also struggling to get tickets for appropriate dates. The bus owners association started selling Eid advance tickets from Monday from counters and online. Huge gatherings were found on the first day in bus counters at Gabtoli, Shyamol, Mohakhali, Syedabad and other places in the capital for Eid advance tickets. But on Tuesday, the rush seemed less than the previous day as most of the ticket seekers alleged that they failed to get tickets for proper days they were seeking. "I want to get advance bus tickets for June 21 or 22 to go to my home in Jessore. But I failed to get any bus companies ticket for those days. Lastly, I bought tickets for June 25. But it is not easy to be with my family in bus counter when they will leave Dhaka. My office is open on that day," said Ashik Rizwan, Manager of a private firm in Motijheel. Some passengers alleged that they get their desired days tickets from different bus counters after paying extra money. "I get tickets for going to Gaibandha on June 23 by giving extra money. Some others also get tickets with me on Monday evening by giving extra money," said one passenger, preferring anonymity. Another passenger for Syedpur said, he got ticket after paying Tk 650 per seat. But the real price is 550. "They collected Tk 100 extra from everyone for Eid journey," said the passenger. Tashdeed Anam, a Khulna bound passenger said. "I got four tickets for June 24, for my family members, but I failed to get tickets for my desired days June 22 or 23. However, I am happy that we will celebrate holy Eid with all of my family members and relatives." "Tickets for June 21 to 23 is hot cake. Most of the passengers desired for those days tickets. So, those tickets were sold out soon after the selling started on Monday at 6:00am," said Alam Chowdhury, Manager of Hanif Enterprise, in Gabtoli counter. Some countermen from Barisal division bus counters said yesterday that they have few tickets for June 23 or 24. In Kamalapur railway station, many passengers were found struggling to obtain tickets for their wanting days standing in long queue from the night. The railway also started selling Eid advance tickets from Monday. Rail Minister Mujibul Haque visited Kamlapur railway station yesterday. He talked with ticket seekers in line. Mujibul Haque said, "If any irregularities found, any one should inform me. I must take action." "I get four tickets for my family after waiting for six hours in line from 4:00am to 10:00am. But, I am so happy that we may able to observe the holy Eid with my parents in the village home in Dinajpur," said Taseen Ahmed, an ICT student of a private university. The rail officials from Kamlapur station said they sold tickets for June 21 on the firs day on Monday and for June 22 on Tuesday. They will sell tickets for June 23, 24 and 25 respectively from June 14, 15 and 16. Sell of return tickets will start from Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangpur, Dinajpur and Lalmonirhat from June 19. The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. Some bills approved by both chambers in the regular session of the Legislature that ended last week have been signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards with a major ceremony set for signing of the Justice Reinvestment bills on Wednesday afternoon. File Photo Three bills by two Acadiana legislators have been signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards as bills passed in the final days of the regular session that ended last Thursday made their way to his desk for action. Reps. Jean-Paul Coussan and Blake Miguez have each had bills signed into law by the governor while a major signing ceremony is set for the Justice Reinvestment package of bills on Wednesday. Coussan's HB299, which transfers ownership of the Louisiana Immersive Technology Enterprise Center to UL Lafayette and dissolves the LITE Center Commission that ran the facility for a decade was signed into law by Edwards on June 1. It became Act 12 of the 2017 Regular Session. The transfer of ownership will become official on Aug. 1. Edwards also signed Miguez's HB75 into law on June 1. The bill, which became Act 7, streamlines the process of obtaining death certificates in instances involving small successions. The governor also signed Miguez's HB4, which adds school nurses to the list of retirees covered by the Teacher Retirement System of Louisiana who can now be rehired by school systems without losing the ability to collect their retirement benefits while working. Act 15 places an earnings cap on those retirees returning to work identical to that of other TRSL retirees who were already able to be rehired under existing law. The governor's office and the coalition that endorsed the Justice Reinvestment Task Force criminal justice reforms have announced that there will be a signing ceremony in the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon where Edwards will sign 10 bills included in that package into law. Edwards will sign SB139, SB220, SB221, HB249, HB489, SB16, HB116, HB519, HB680 and HB681, according to an announcement from Louisianians For Prison Alternatives, one of the groups that supported the successful legislative effort. Passage of the criminal justice reforms is considered the highlight of an otherwise dismal session that ended on June 8 without the House and Senate having reached agreement on the state's major money legislation affecting the current and approaching fiscal years. Edwards had called a special session that began 30 minutes after the regular session ended. The governor called it as a precautionary measure on May 27 when the possibility of the House and Senate not being able to bridge their differing approaches to state finances appeared possible. The House and Senate each took the weekend off after the regular session ended. The House reconvened on Monday. The Appropriations Committee began holding hearings on the budget, taking testimony from department and agency heads on the impact of the House version of HB1 on their missions. Committee chair Rep. Cameron Henry and House Speaker Taylor Barras both said on Monday that the goal is to get HB1 to a vote on the House floor by Wednesday. The Ways and Means Committee on Monday unanimously approved the Capital Outlay bill the state's construction budget. The Appropriations Committee was scheduled to convene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to continue its review of HB1. The full House is scheduled to convene at 5 p.m. Because all revenue bills must originate in the House, the Senate will not have any legislation to consider until the House approves either the budget, the Capital Outlay bill, the bond bill that would finance that bill, or the supplemental budget used to pay the final bills owed by state at the end of the fiscal year. The Senate will reconvene on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Paris, TX (75460) Today Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 52F. SE winds shifting to NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 52F. SE winds shifting to NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. CAIRO This past Friday, Dorothy Salley sat outside her McBride Place unit keeping a close eye on a half dozen children playing in an inflatable swimming pool. As the children splashed water and giggled under the hot late-afternoon sun, she bounced her baby nephew on her knee and talked about what lies ahead for her family. Time to go. That was her response when asked if she had made up her mind about what to do since Housing and Urban Development announced plans to begin relocating about 185 families from McBride and Elmwood apartments because they are unsafe. Salley said part of her wants to stay in Cairo, but a bigger part is prepared to move to another community and build a better life for her family. With me pregnant Im going to go for better conditions, she said. Touching her stomach, Salley said she recently found out shes pregnant with her second child. Salley said that while Cairo may be a nice option for older, retired people, it doesnt offer much for young adults in need of jobs and educational and after-school programs for their children. This is the lesser told story of the housing crisis in Cairo. Emotionally packed community meetings in recent weeks have focused on banding together to save the town and school from what many see as HUDs misguided decision to begin the relocation process without providing new housing in Cairo. Those who want to stay tend to be the most vocal about the situation and efforts are afoot to provide additional housing options for those individuals. At the same time, there also are a number of people quietly working their way through the process of moving on, who say they are thankful for the opportunity before them. Salley said her goal is to find a home to rent in Marion before the start of the school year, so that her son, 6-year-old Jquan, can start first grade in their new town. She said the educational system in Marion is way, way, way better than whats available to the children of Cairo. She also hopes to find work in Marion once shes settled in working as a certified nursing assistant. Giving her children their best possible chance to succeed is the most important factor in her decision about what to do, she said. Salley said shes working with a HUD-funded relocation specialist to help find a private landlord that will accept the Tenant Protection Voucher that HUD has made available to all residents relocating from their public housing developments in Cairo. Similar to HUDs Housing Choice Voucher program, Tenant Protection Vouchers subsidize the rent of a qualified individual paid to their private landlord. Generally, people with tenant-based vouchers pay 30 percent of their income toward their rent and essential utilities, such as electric and gas. The voucher covers the difference within HUDs fair market rent guidelines, which vary by area based on a formula that considers cost of living. This past Wednesday, speaking before a U.S. Senate panel as part of a back-and-forth concerning the Cairo housing crisis with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, HUD Secretary Ben Carson said he is all ears if someone has a better solution than the one HUD has presented to move families from their inadequate housing units. But Carson and other HUD officials have conveyed on numerous occasions that teams of experts examined all viable alternatives before announcing their decision and found options for additional new affordable housing to be limited by the harsh economic realities facing Cairo. This, unfortunately, is a dying community. People dont have jobs there. Carson told a Senate subcommittee on a hearing primarily concerning President Donald Trumps HUD budget. Community officials and grassroots organizers working to save Cairo and its school system by coming up with solutions to keep families in the community took offense to Carsons characterization of their town. Still, other parents who are living the day-to-day struggles in Cairo expressed a similar sentiment in explaining why they want to move and see HUDs decision to provide vouchers, rather than build new public housing in Cairo, as a positive step in improving not only their living conditions but their lives as well. This is a retirement town, said Myra Rayford, who also lives at McBride with her young children. This is not a town I feel, in my eyes, is made for nobody who need a job or got kids because theres no type of extracurricular activity for the children. The lack of constructive activities leads some children to turn to those that cause trouble for them and others, she said. They end up drinking and getting high, pregnant at 12 years old. The move is good. Katrina Simelton agreed. She has older children who are out of school and close to finishing high school as well as an 8-month-old daughter. Shes a baby. So my baby is not fixing to grow up here no no no, she said. I think its better (to move). And then the way we are living is not cool at all. Simelton and Rayford said they cant afford to wait around to see whether the efforts to improve Cairos outlook come to fruition, as such a turnaround could take years and they have children to think about now. Rayford said Joliet is among the places she's considering moving as she has family living there. Guess what, if I stay here, Im going to be doing the same thing I was doing two years ago when you found me in the 300 row, crying because I have no job, crying because I have no car to drive 45 miles to a job, she said. In 2016, Alexander County, of which Cairo is the county seat, had the second highest unemployment rate in the state at 9.2 percent, compared to the statewide unemployment rate of 5.9 percent. Further, though there are successful programs and educators associated with Cairo Unit School District 1, the district is struggling with chronic truancy, low test scores, principal turnover at the Cairo Junior/Senior High School and a loss of student population, according to the Illinois Report Card, which is the state's official source of information about public schools. Simelton said despite the efforts to improve the community, its not enough for people with young families. She hasn't decided where she wants to go, but said she's exploring her options. I dont want my daughter growing up here, Simelton said. I want my daughter to come down here and visit, because I want (her) to know where (she) came from. We are from Cairo, Illinois. But for us to move on and move out, Im cool with that because its a better opportunity for our families. Editor's note: The newspaper, as it has for months, continues to cover the Cairo housing crisis from various angles. On Wednesday, the newspaper intends to publish a report about a community meeting held Monday evening at the Cairo Junior/Senior High School during which an update was provided on grassroots efforts to increase the affordable housing options available in Cairo. LAS VEGAS A mother and father accused in Illinois of concealing the death of a child whose body was found in the garage of an abandoned St. Louis-area house made separate appearances Monday in different Las Vegas courts. The child found dead last week in Centreville hasn't been formally identified, and a cause of death wasn't immediately determined. The body was found June 6, after Elizabeth Odell-Quate went to a woman's shelter in Las Vegas and told police Jason Scott Quate had killed their 6-year-old daughter and hid the body in Centreville, an impoverished town across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Jason Quate was arrested the same day. Police in Illinois believe the girl died in 2013. Elizabeth Odell-Quate, 35, stood in shackles Monday and told a judge she won't fight her return in custody to Belleville to face a felony charge of concealing a homicidal death. Justice of the Peace Eric Goodman said authorities from St. Clair County will have 30 days to fetch her. Odell-Quate hasn't been charged with a crime in Las Vegas. In another courtroom, a judge postponed until Friday an arraignment for Jason Quate on felony child abuse charges. Quate wasn't represented by an attorney. Prosecutor James Sweetin told Justice of the Peace Joseph Scisento that additional charges may be added to the case. Jason Quate, 34, already has been charged with forcing his wife into prostitution, and he's due in court on Tuesday on a possession of child pornography charge. He is being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. His public defender in the prostitution case has said Quate will plead not guilty to felony sex trafficking and living from the earnings of a prostitute. He's also facing extradition to Illinois on the concealing a homicide charge, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Bail for the husband and wife is set at $750,000 each. Outside court, Sweetin said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson may seek to consolidate the various cases against Jason Quate and prosecute him in Nevada before sending him to Illinois. In jailhouse interviews with some media, Jason Quate gave differing accounts about his daughter, Alysha. He refused to be interviewed by The Associated Press. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the girl had food in her mouth and choked to death when he spanked her. He said his wife found the place to hide the body. He told the Post-Dispatch that he lied when he told KSNV-TV in Las Vegas that his wife had told him she had put the girl up for adoption. He said his wife concocted the adoption story after their daughter died. The family moved to Las Vegas in January 2016, according to a police report that said Quate described himself to investigators as a stay-at-home dad and acknowledged that his wife worked as a prostitute. He denied that he was her pimp. Police have said their two other daughters, now in their teens, were never allowed outside their apartment, even to attend school, and that officers observed signs of abuse. The girls have been placed in protective custody. iStock/Thinkstock(BOSTON) -- Michelle Carter, the 20-year-old Massachusetts woman charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly urging her then-boyfriend to commit suicide in 2014, became "involuntarily intoxicated" from prescription drugs, a psychiatrist for the defense testified Monday. Conrad Roy was 18 when he died in July 2014 of carbon monoxide poisoning after locking himself in his truck. The prosecution claims Carter, then 17, was reckless and caused Roys death by telling him to get back in the vehicle, even though he told her that he didn't want to die. But Carter maintains her innocence. In court Monday, Dr. Peter Breggin, a psychiatrist and expert witness for the defense described Carter as being "psychotic, delusional, and out of touch" after learning that Carter spoke to Roy's parents following the incident and didn't mention anything about his death. Breggin testified in Bristol County Juvenile Court that this behavior was because Carter became involuntarily intoxicated, and that in her mind, encouraging Roy's suicide was being "helpful." According to Breggin, Carter was on Celexa, an antidepressant prescription drug that the Associated Press reports can target the brain's frontal lobe, which controls decision-making and empathy. Prosecutor Maryclare Flynn said in opening statements that Carter "used Conrad as a pawn in a sick game of life and death for attention." The testimony of several of Carter's classmates last week supported the prosecution's argument that Carter didn't have many friends, and pushed Roy to suicide to get more attention from the friends she was pursuing. According to a testimony from last week, on July 12, 2014, the day of Roy's suicide, Carter texted a classmate, "He just called me and there was a loud noise like a motor ... I heard moaning ... I stayed on the phone for like 20 minutes and thats all I heard. ... I think he just killed himself." Testimony regarding text messages from Carters cell phone was also heard in court. On July 14, according to testimony, Carter texted a classmate, "I do blame myself, it's my fault. I was talking to him while he killed himself." On July 21, the teen texted a classmate that Roy's mother told her that detectives were going through Roy's belongings. "They have to go through his phone and see if anyone encouraged him to do it," Carter texted. "Im done. His family will hate me and I could go to jail." In September 2014, Carter texted a classmate, "I couldve stopped him." She texted that she and Roy were on the phone the day of his suicide in July when Roy "got out of the car ... he was scared." Carter wrote that she "told him to get back in." The defense argued that Carter had tried before to talk Roy out of harming himself, and the defense pointed to a conversation where Roy told Carter he regretted dragging her into his plans to kill himself. "It is not a homicide," lawyers for Carter said. "The evidence of the texting is overwhelming that Conrad Roy was on this path to take his own life for years." The defense added, "Even if somebody supports another individual in a suicide, it doesnt create a homicide." Carter waived her jury trial, leaving her fate in the hands of the judge. She's being tried as a juvenile, and if convicted, she could face 20 years in prison. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A Holly Hill man accused of murder was only defending himself, his attorney said. James Montel Washington, 29, of 270 Manatee Road, Holly Hill, is charged with murder in the death of 37-year-old Justin Letroy Johnson of Eutawville During a Monday hearing, Sen. Brad Hutto told the court I know were not here to try the merits of the case, but we believe this is a very strong case for self-defense, stand your ground. Hutto represents Washington. Orangeburg County Magistrate Meree Williamson told Washington that a circuit court judge may set his bond at a later date. Washington is accused of shooting Johnson on June 8 near Johnsons Bonanza Drive home. Hutto told the court that the shooting occurred after Washingtons dog disappeared. His dog he raised from a puppy, and he was looking for his dog and had some reason to believe this man (Johnson) had his dog, so thats what the altercation stems from, Hutto said. Hutto alleges that Johnson accosted his client. I believe the evidence will show that he did shoot at him and Mr. Johnson shot at him, Hutto said. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office Investigator Allen Culpepper told the court, During the course of the investigation, of course its still ongoing at this time, we have more evidence coming forth. Victims advocate Amy Rinkenberger told the court that Johnsons family plans to be part of all of court hearings concerning the case. Hutto told the court that Washington is gainfully employed by a construction company, has a fiance, has a GED, has no significant criminal record, pays child support and has a relationship with his 8-year-old child. Johnsons funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at Eutawville Community Funeral Home Chapel. The Regional Medical Center is proposing a $8.63 million, 20,500-square-foot emergency department for Bamberg and Barnwell counties. If all goes as planned, construction could begin this summer. We are excited to provide local, around-the-clock emergency care services for Bamberg and Barnwell counties with this new facility," RMC board Chairman Melvin Seabrooks said in a release. The proposal was presented to Bamberg County Council during a special meeting on Monday night. Bamberg County has been without an emergency room since 2012, when the county hospital was closed. The new, 24/7 facility will be funded by the state of South Carolina through a one-time, $3.6 million Transformation Fund Grant and additional funds resulting from the region's designation as a persistent poverty area, according to the release. Other funding has been committed by local community stakeholders. The freestanding emergency department will include 24-hour emergency care including CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound diagnostic imaging and lab and observation services. The facility will be located on 10 acres of land adjacent to Highway 70 between the cities of Denmark and Barnwell. Plans call for architects to complete design work and begin construction before the end of the summer. Construction is projected to take 12 months. Seabrooks said, "We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Sen. Brad Hutto and Sen. John Matthews as well as Rep. Lonnie Hosey and Rep. Justin Bamberg and the entire area legislative delegation for helping the Regional Medical Center secure state funding for this much-needed facility. The Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance led by Danny Black has also been instrumental in this project. RMC is owned by Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. Rep. Gila Cobb-Hunter says she has a plan designed to address Gov. Henry McMasters concerns with the Orangeburg County school consolidation bill. Im hoping that if we go back to deal with vetoes, this will address the governors concerns as a sign of good faith, Cobb-Hunter said. State lawmakers passed the bill consolidating Orangeburg Countys three school districts into one last week. The bill creates a transition committee to help guide the merger. The committee is tasked with creating a budget, which the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation must approve. McMaster vetoed the bill, saying our constitutional separation of powers prohibits local legislative delegations from retaining budgetary control. Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, has said she hopes the governor rescinds his veto. Lawmakers can change the law next year to address the governors concerns, she said. She intends to introduce a fix for the consolidation bill that removes the words legislative delegation and instead gives Orangeburg County Council responsibility for approving the transition committees budget. If the veto is not addressed, it will put a strain on the county, she said. The consolidation bill cancels the 2017 school board elections, allowing current board members to serve until the new district is formed. If the governors veto stands, the elections will go ahead. The county will have to go through the costs of holding school board elections for seats that may or may not materialize, Cobb-Hunter said. The General Assembly is out of session until January, although it could return to address vetoes. So far, there has been no official word from the speakers office on when or if the House will reconvene to take up vetoes. Cobb-Hunter said there are legislators who do not want to return during the recess. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has signaled his support for legislation consolidating Orangeburg Countys three school districts. I commend the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation for endeavoring to address their local school issues, McMaster writes, indicating he supports consolidation efforts statewide in the face of out-of-control administrative costs. Yet McMasters support has come wrapped in a major complication. The former U.S. attorney and state attorney general has vetoed legislation that would form a countywide school district in 2019. He said his decision is based on belief that the bill in its present form contains an unconstitutional provision. While once, legislative delegations were the governing bodies for counties through direct say and appointment of councils, boards and commissions, home rule legislation more than four decades ago changed that. Since then, elected councils and trustee boards have controlled budgets, thereby providing voters a direct voice in choosing those who will tax them for local government and schools. McMaster contends the consolidation legislation does not pass muster in how school budgets will be handled during the transition to the countywide district. The bill takes away the power of the present trustee boards in the three districts and puts it in the hands of a transition committee, with the six elected legislators comprising the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation having authority to approve budgets until the countywide board is elected and takes control in 2019. Simply put, our constitutional separation of powers prohibits local legislative delegations from retaining budgetary control, McMaster states in his veto message. McMaster is urging lawmakers to make a change in the legislation and return it to him for his signature. But that may not be as simple as it seems. The Legislature can vote to override the governors veto, then proceed as outlined in the legislation or pass a separate bill next year that changes the transition budget process. Leaving the bill as is, it appears, opens the door to a legal challenge to the transition process. Or lawmakers can sustain the veto and the present bill dies, meaning legislation will have to be reintroduced and go through the approval process again in 2018 or after. That introduces the possibility of efforts to change other aspects of the bill and potential complications in getting it through the legislative process. Yet with all members of the local delegation in support of the present bill, the hope would be that making a change involving the transition process causes little fuss. The governor himself has suggested that the elected Orangeburg County Council could have final say over school budgets until 2019, eliminating his legal concern. Or lawmakers could retain the present elected boards by going forward with elections of trustees between now and 2019, but that complicates the role of the transition committee, which includes members of the present trustee boards. No matter how the governors objection is addressed, an issue involving the two-year transition should not derail the merger of three school districts into one in 2019. But it does leave question marks about ensuring the constitutionality of the legislation and the impact election-year politics in 2018 could have. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Azernews By Sara Israfilbayova The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is interested in financing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project, said BSTDB President Ihsan Ugur Delikanli. He made the remarks at an event dedicated to presentation of the banks opportunities for business and banking sector of Azerbaijan on June 13. I hope that the Azerbaijani government and other partners will consider our participation in the SGC project and a positive decision will be made, said Ihsan Ugur Delikanli. The SGC envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian Sea 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 project. 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 (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Delikanli further stressed that the BSTDB is interested in funding projects in Azerbaijan in manats. Such funding can be implemented through the issuance of manat bonds by the bank, according to Delikanli. He also noted that BSTDB offers medium- and short-term project funding, corporate loans, participation in companies capital and various guarantees. In turn, Azerbaijani Finance Minister Samir Sharifov noted that the BSTDB since the start of its operation has allocated loans worth 360 million to Azerbaijans private sector Azerbaijan's share in the bank's loan portfolio is 8.3 percent, according to Sharifov. Azerbaijan also participates in the bank's share capital, where the share of our participation is 5 percent. We are the seventh largest shareholder of the bank, he noted. He went on to say that in total, the BSTDB has allocated loans worth $4.3 billion for projects in the countries of presence since the start of its activities. The BSTDB is a multilateral development bank serving the 11 countries (Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Armenia, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia) that are members of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). It supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing trade and project financing, guarantees, and equity for development projects. The Bank supports both public and private enterprises in its member countries and does not attach political conditionality to its financing. Objectives of the bank include promoting regional trade links, cross country projects, foreign direct investment, supporting activities that contribute to sustainable development, with an emphasis on the generation of employment in the member countries, ensuring that each operation is economically and financially sound. The BSTDB commenced its operational activities in June 1999. The banks authorized capital totals 3.45 billion. Until today, the BSTDB has allocated 360 million for implementation of 40 projects in Azerbaijan. By Laman Ismayilova Visual art is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful forms of the art that gives a man an opportunity to observe the beautiful world and travel through time. An easel painting, a midsize painting that have been painted on an easel, remains immutable and timeless. Most easel paintings are intended for display framed and hanging on a wall. Bahruz Kangarli was one of the first professional representatives of Azerbaijani visual arts and was the founder of realistic easel painting in Azerbaijan. He was homeschooled child because of disability to attend a comprehensive secondary school. In 1910, he went to Tiflis with the support of Jalil Mammadguluzadeh and entered the Tiflis School of Arts under the Society of Encouragement of Fine Arts. Various satirical magazines in the prerevolutionary period, especially Molla Nasraddin magazine based in Baku published Kangarli's works, next to satirical paintings by Azim Azimzade, whom Kangarli was inspired by. The landscape genre took up a great place in his creativity. Artist's watercolor paintings depicting the nature of his native land include "Waterfall", "Agridag", "The road in Yakhshan village", "Ilanly mountain under the moonlight", "Russian church in Nakhchivan", "Before rising time of the Sun", and "Spring". Cultural monuments were portrayed in his landscapes "Momine Khatun Mausoleum", "Ashabi-kahf Mountain", and "Prophet Noah's grave". Kangarli also created portraits of his contemporaries, including "An old man", "A Georgian", and a series of paintings called "Refugees". His album called "Memories of Nakhchivan" with his 20 landscapes is currently kept in the Azerbaijan State Museum of Art. The graphic artist was known for his free exhibitions. He exhibited more than 500 works of himself at the first exhibition organized with Revcom's assistance, in 1921, in Azerbaijan. This exhibition was of great importance to him, and Kangarli donated one third of the money raised to an orphanage. Artist, who died in the young age of 30 years, left an artistic legacy of more than 2,000 artworks created during his short creative activity of seven years. On May 22, 2007, Kangarli's home-museum was established in Nakhchivan, and a monument was erected on the his grave. This year marks the 125 anniversary of Bahruz Kangarli, one of the first representatives of the professional fine arts of Azerbaijan and the national founder of realistic painting. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova HD Summer Theatre brings great new UK theatre performances to Baku. Some of the best new UK theatre productions will be shown between June and September 2017. The project has been developed in collaboration with CoolConnections and Nizami Cinema Centre. The screenings bring performances which have been most successful in London and the UK. The Festival aims to bring the newest theatre productions to Azerbaijan, to reflect the newest theatre trends of the UK. For the first time in more than a century, the British theatre scene is now dominated by new work including original plays, musicals, operas and pantomimes, which make up almost two-thirds of all productions. The high-quality filming gives you the impression of being in the theatre; each broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience in the theatre, and cameras are carefully positioned throughout the auditorium to ensure that cinema audiences get the 'best seat in the house' view of each production. This summer, Baku audience can watch screenings of four prominent productions Obsession, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Peter Pan and Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Jude Law (Closer, The Talented Mr Ripley) stars in the stage production of Obsession, broadcast from the Barbican Theatre in London, directed by Ivo van Hove as a new stage adaptation of the 1943 Visconti film based on the novel The Postman Always Rings Twice (18+) Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, The Woman in Black) stars in Tom Stoppard's brilliantly funny comedy, featuring two of the minor players in Hamlet - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, from The Old Vic Theatre in London. The production 'fizzes with life' thanks the split-second timing of Daniel Radcliffe and his co-stars. Exploring the possibilities and pain of growing up, Peter Pan is a riot of magic, mischief, music and make-believe from National Theatre, directed by Sally Cookson. A new production of multi Tony- and Pulitzer- prize-winning playwright Edward Albee's landmark play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, directed by James Macdonald, stars Olivier- and Bafta-award-winning actress Imelda Staunton and Olivier award-winner Conleth Hill. The summer season began on June 12. Tickets cost 12 AZN ($ 7) and are available at the ticket offices of Nizami Cinema Centre. The British Council is the UK's leading international organization operating in over 100 countries worldwide for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It builds relationship and understanding between people in Britain and other countries to increase trust between nations and appreciation of the UK's ideas and achievements overseas. By Azernews By Sara Israfilbayova The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has donated medical equipment to the Health Ministry of Djibouti. A ceremony of presenting the medical equipment took place at the Central Hospital of the Republic of Djibouti. The ceremony participants were informed about the humanitarian projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Azerbaijan and foreign countries. As part of these projects, the pediatric department of the Hospital was provided with medical equipment in ten names. This action will contribute to the development of the countrys health system and widening of relations between the two countries. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ethiopia Elman Abdullayev, addressing the event, said that the friendly ties between Djibouti and Azerbaijan serve the national interests, and that further actions will be taken towards strengthening these ties. A delegation from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation met Health Minister of Djibouti Djama Elmi Okieh. The minister said the equipment donated will contribute to strengthening of the pediatric service in the country, and thanked the people of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for this support. Earlier, Azerbaijans Ministry of Emergency Situations sent humanitarian aid to Djibouti under the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev in April 2017. The humanitarian aid sent by Azerbaijan Airlines included sugar, tea, sunflower oil, corn oil, flour, macaroni, vermicelli and drinking water. Azerbaijan and Djibouti are eager to develop bilateral ties. The two countries signed a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in civil aviation in February 2017. Some 30 tons of Azerbaijani goods produced under the brand Made in Azerbaijan were delivered to Djibouti via the first cargo flight. The sides believe that the establishment of air transportation between Azerbaijan and Djibouti will also contribute to the development of political and cultural relations between the two countries. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov The Special Forces of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia continue joint exercises Caucasian Eagle 2017. The next phase of the exercises was held at the Vaziani training ground near Tbilisi, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported on June 13. Servicemen of the three countries fulfilled tasks of destroying the imaginary enemy, hostage rescue, evacuating the wounded, and other tasks. The exercise also included air components. Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Georgian Armed Forces Zaza Chkhaidze, Commander of Special Forces Brigade Dimitri Kiknadze, and Turkish Ambassador to Georgia Zeki Levent Gumrukcu observed the exercise. The joint exercises, which are being held in accordance with an agreement between the Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian defense ministers, will continue until June 14. The joint exercises of the three countries play an important role in strengthening the capabilities of their armed forces. The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces. The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani army are growing year by year, as the countrys Armed Forces regularly conduct military exercises. The Azerbaijani army is supplied with modern weapons and technical equipment for maintaining a high level of combat capability. The army building process is of particular importance for Azerbaijan, as twenty percent of the country's territory is under Armenian occupation and the country is in a state of war with Armenia. The role of the chief information officer (CIO), which has now shifted to introducing innovative models and redefining customer experiences, will come under the spotlight at the upcoming Middle East Banking Innovation Summit in Dubai, UAE. Organised by Expotrade, a global conference and event organizer, the seventh edition of the event will take place on September 18 and 19. Tariq Al-Usaimi, CDO of National Bank of Kuwait said: The role of a CIO/CDO is extremely crucial for the survivability of banks today. With the rise of fintech in the GCC and central banks support in the form of issuing regulations governing fintech operation, the pressure on the banks is now to either innovate or get in line with the 50% of the S&P 500 companies that cease to exist today due to digitalization. Emirates NBDs social banking product, ADCBs digital banking centre - uBank, and Commercial Banks introduction of biometric to its mobile banking app are some of the recent innovative banking solutions launched in the region. UAE Banks Federations Emirates Digital Wallet, Mashreq Banks vision for a branchless future and Emirates Islamic introducing blockchain technology into its cheques to prevent fraud will prove to be game changers in the Middle East banking industry. Banks have not only deployed digital tools to enable seamless transactions, offer enhanced customer-centric services and overall, make banking more efficient, but the focus on digitization has allowed banks to gain insights from a customers banking behaviour and offer customized products to suit their requirement. Brad Hariharan, regional director, Expotrade Middle East, said: CIOs are driving technology-driven innovation within banks. As catalyst of innovative change, CIOs are embracing digital transformation, driving new business processes and reinventing customer engagement models within the organizations to maximize growth. TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabias King Abdullah Port recorded an annual throughput of 1.4 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) by the end of 2016, an increase of about 8 per cent compared to 2015. The port has also raised its annual capacity to more than 4 million TEU, with the completion of the infrastructure of the fifth and sixth berths. This will follow the installation and operation of the two new berths this year, providing greater competitiveness and access to the most important trade capitals in the region and the world. It received 729 vessels in 2016, compared to 637 in 2015. King Abdullah Port signed a funding agreement for expansion worth SR2.7 billion ($719 million) with SABB and ANB, while the volume of investments exceeded SR10 billion by the end of 2016. Port management announced that the first phase of bulk cargo terminals is near completion and will be finalized by the end of this year, with a capacity of 3 million tons. Additionally, RORO terminals with a capacity of up to 300,000 vehicles will open by the end of 2017. The RORO terminals were made possible after the signing of an agreement with NYK Group, one of the largest automotive logistics companies in the world. The NYK Group will oversee RORO operations. King Abdullah Port and Vision 2030 One of the most important roles that King Abdullah Port plays in Vision 2030 is its contribution to the Kingdoms regional and international profile as a strategic trade corridor, directly supporting national efforts to diversify the economy and harness the Kingdom's economic and trade potential as part of the overall development process. This includes the activation of the transportation sector, which will contribute to the Kingdoms upcoming renaissance and further energize the proliferation of public partnerships with the private sector, thus reinforcing the latters contribution to the gross national product. King Abdullah Port is characterized by its strategic geographic location and integrated services. It is well-known in the shipping industry that King Abdullah Port offers the latest in technology and is under the management of a notable selection of Saudi and international experts who are working together to launch a new era of maritime transport services regionally and globally. TradeArabia News Service The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has partnered with Pfizer-Gulf to raise local community awareness on infectious diseases and highlight the role of preventive measures and vaccinations. Pfizer-Gulf is a unit of the US-based Pfizer Group, one of the world's premier biopharmaceutical companies. The ministry underlined the importance of building a sustainable and healthy environment according to local and international policies and legislations. An agreement was signed in this connection by Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for health centres and clinics, and Dr Mohammad Fawzi, chairman of Pfizer Group-Gulf, at the ministrys office in Dubai, UAE. The agreement seeks to emphasise the importance of vaccination in eliminating infectious diseases in society, said the duo after signing the agreement in the presence of Dr Mohamed Salim Al Olama, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. It also aims to raise community awareness and improve the efficiency of healthcare providers according to advanced methods. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that infectious diseases continue to be among the leading causes of death worldwide, it added. Dr Al Rand said the ministrys agreement with Pfizer will increase awareness level and focus on capacity building to fight infectious diseases and promote vaccination programmes. He noted that the scope of the agreement also covers medical professional training as an effective strategy to identify and implement preventive measures and minimise risk exposure. This is in line with the ministrys strategy to build a world-class health system to protect the UAE society from communicable diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, and reduce associated diseases.-TradeArabia News Service British Prime Minister Theresa May sought a stronger response to terrorism after three attackers killed seven people in London on Saturday. "It is time to say enough is enough," May said in a televised statement outside her Downing Street office. The attrackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby, killing seven people and injuring 48. "We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," May said, calling for a beefed-up counter-terrorism strategy that could include longer jail sentences for some offences and new cyberspace regulations. London's Metropolitan Police arrested 12 people in the Barking district of east London in connection with the attack and raids were continuing there, the force said. The arrests in Barking, east London, followed a raid at a flat belonging to one of the three attackers, BBC reported. Controlled explosions were also carried out at the flat in Barking on Sunday morning. According to neighbours, the dead attacker had lived there for about three years and was married with two children. It is the third terror attack in the UK in three months, following the car and knife attack in Westminster in March, which left five people dead, and the Manchester bombing less than two weeks ago, in which 22 people were killed. The attack occurred five days before a parliamentary election and was the third to hit Britain in less than three months. May said the vote would go ahead as planned on Thursday. Most political parties have suspended national general election campaigning, but the prime minister said full campaigning would resume on Monday and the general election would go ahead as planned on Thursday, BBC said. Eyewitnesses to the attack described seeing a van travelling at high speed along London Bridge, hitting pedestrians, before crashing close to the Barrowboy and Banker pub. Three men then got out wearing fake bomb vests and began attacking people in the nearby market - an area known for its bars and restaurants, which were busy on a warm summer evening. Four police officers who tried to stop the attack were among those injured, two of them seriously. One of them was an off-duty officer and amateur rugby player who tackled one of the terrorists, suffering stab wounds. Another, a British Transport Police officer who joined the force less than two years ago, took on the attackers armed with only his baton. International law firm Pinsent Masons has announced plans to open in Dublin, Ireland in a move which will see the firm open its fourth international office in less than 18 months. The office will focus on the financial services and technology sectors initially. A team of three eminent practitioners in Dublin will found the new practice: Gayle Bowen, a partner specialising in investment funds with over 12 years experience advising international asset managers in relation to all aspects of Irish regulated UCITS and alternative products. Bowen is currently chair of the Irish Funds Legal & Regulatory Committee, which liaises with the Central Bank, the Irish Government and European bodies to represent the interests of the Irish funds industry. Bowen has a particular expertise in relation to cross border mergers. She joins from Walkers. Andreas Carney, a partner who specialises in outsourcing and other material service arrangements, data protection and IT. Carney has advised extensively on IT infrastructure projects, including software and systems development, systems implementation and integration, systems support and maintenance, hardware supply, cloud services and co-location and other data centre arrangements. A fluent German speaker, Carney is ranked for IT in Legal 500 and joins from Matheson. Dennis Agnew, a partner who specialises in advising domestic and international companies on all aspects of corporate law. He is recognised as a leading inward investment lawyer by Chamber and Partners and joins from Byrne Wallace where he set up and led the firm's New York office as well as practising in Dublin. The new office will target work initially from the 50 of Pinsent Masons top 250 clients who are present in Ireland, and will bring the total number of Pinsent Masons lawyers across the island of Ireland to 12 partners and over fifty lawyers. Richard Foley, senior partner of Pinsent Masons, said: "Our vision is to be recognised as an international market leader in the five global sectors in which we specialise. We have operated in Ireland for some time on a range of matters and Dublin has long been in our thinking as a key global hub for the financial services and technology industries. That status has only become even more significant in the context of Brexit. The feedback we've had from our clients as we developed our Ireland strategy was that they would welcome a disruptor coming into the market and our reputation as an innovator is therefore of significant interest to them. They want a firm which understands their sector, can support them in an integrated way across multiple geographies and - above all - won't simply provide the same old services in the same old way. We have recruited an outstanding founding team who share our commitment to meeting those needs and bringing Pinsent Masons' ethos of innovation to the Dublin market, he added. - TradeArabia News Service Morocco government has selected French state-owned RATP Dev, the worlds fifth largest operator of urban transport, as the preferred bidder for the operation and maintenance of Casablancas tramway network. International bidders have been competing for the operation and maintenance of Casablancas tramway network for the 2017-2029 term, said a statement from Casa Transport. In 2016, Casa Transport launched an international call for tenders regarding the operation and maintenance of Casablancas tramway network and buses for the period of 2017-2029. Since then, several leading companies in the public transport sector, including RATP Dev, Transdev and National Express Alsa ONCF have been in the race for the project, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabias Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) is collaborating with DuPont Sustainable Solutions (DSS), the operations consulting business of DuPont, to improve operational performance and safety in the countrys desalination facilities. SWCC is responsible for about 70 per cent of the total production of desalinated water in Saudi Arabia, said a statement from the company. The collaboration will enhance the operational excellence and risk management processes at SWCC to ensure a sustainable water supply for the people of Saudi Arabia, it said. Ali Al Hazmi, governor of SWCC, said: Every activity taking place at SWCC now is to prepare for the privatisation of the company. We want to create an environment that will allow us to compete internationally so that ultimately, we have a sustainable business that the people of SWCC and Saudi Arabia can benefit from, he said. DuPonts experience in implementing operational improvement initiatives at their own facilities, and in the Kingdom, is an integral part of our improvement process, he added. As part of SWCCs aspirations to privatise and align with Saudi Arabias 2030 strategic objectives, the executive management decided to invest further in the transformation of its operations. While SWCC has long been committed to operational excellence, the implementation of these critical initiatives will enable SWCC to produce water in a more cost-effective way. DSS and its partners will start at some of SWCCs biggest facilities plants, transmission lines and headquarters, said a statement. Abdullah Al Zowaid, deputy governor, operations at SWCC, said: This operational transformation project will aim at strengthening our practices in risk management and operational excellence. The initiatives selected will focus on developing leadership capabilities, maximising productivity, reliability and cost optimisation, he said. Johan van der Westhuyzen, regional director for DSS Turkey, Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: We are excited to collaborate with SWCC and have invited strategic partners to support us in helping the company achieve its aspirations. Each partner will bring a unique set of best practices to ensure SWCC gets support from the worlds leaders in their respective fields: Emerson to bring experience in automation and reliability, Riventa to provide expertise in water transmission and pumps, and GrahamTek with best practices in core desalination processes and technology, he added. Jean-Paul Sacy, senior manager at DSS, said: Behavioural shift is at the core of the DuPont operational excellence approach and will play a key role in driving change through the SWCC organisation. We are looking forward to progressively developing and empowering the SWCC team to drive continuous improvement into the future, he concluded. TradeArabia News Service National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri), a leader in logistics and transportation, has added its 38th very large crude carrier (VLCC) to its growing fleet of multipurpose vessels. The vessel, Maharah, a 300,000-dwt carrier, was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. Built to the latest environmental and fuel-efficient technical specifications, the vessel was handed over to Bahri at a major ceremony held at Hyundai Heavy Industries Mokpo shipyard in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, said a statement from the company. It was attended by Bahris board member, Ahmed Ali Al Subaey; Hyundai Heavy Industries president and CEO, MK Yoon; Bahris acting CEO, Ali Al Harbi; Bahri Ship Managements president, Per Pedersen; Bahris senior vice president marketing, Wael Al Sarhan; Bahris vice president commercial, Hisham Alnughaimish, and other senior officials. "This is a very proud moment for all of us and as well as for Saudi Arabia," remarked Al Subaeyd. "The addition of Maharah further strengthens our position as the world's largest owner and operator of VLCCs and reinforces our leadership position in the global transportation and logistics sector," he noted. We celebrate this important milestone only months after accepting delivery of our 37th VLCC Amjad earlier this year in February, he said. In current times, fleet growth is critical to offsetting low spot market rates, and the timing of this delivery could not have been better, he added. Al Harbi said: The partnership between Bahri and Hyundai Heavy Industries spanning over a decade has been highly successful, with 26 vessels ordered and delivered to date and eight more VLCCs currently on order, among which three will be delivered this year. With increased capacity and tonnage, we can continue to deliver world-class transportation solutions and value to our customers, shareholders and staff, he said. Bahri is a homegrown Saudi brand and a remarkable success story that further enhances the countrys position on the world map, he added. Yoon said Hyundai's relationship with Bahri is one that holds immense strategic importance not only for our two organisations but also for our two nations. With over 30 ocean-freight vessels delivered or currently on order, and other significant collaborative plans in the discussion or planning phase, our companies are set to alter the course of the global shipping industry, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Iran and South Korea signed a contract to cooperate on developing mini-LNG ISO containers in the coming four years, a report said. Of special and compact design, mini-LNG ISO containers can be used easily in many places, Saeed Pakseresht, director of research and technology (R&T) at National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) was quoted as saying in the Iran Daily report. A South Korean consortium, managed by Oceanus will cooperate with KITECH, DongHwa Entec, Sung-IL Encare, Gs E&C, KoGas Tech and KGS, while Irans consortium will be headed by NIGC. ISO containers are capable of storing LNG in a cryogenic state for up to 75 days, the report said. With US oil and gas companies already stepping up activities in 2017, crude output climbed in May - the same month Opec met to extend its production cuts - to a six-month high, since November 2016, according to the organisation's latest monthly market report. The oil producing group's May report mentioned that the global oil supply increased by 0.13 million barrels per day, mb/d, in May to average 95.74 mb/d. In the meantime, the Opec Secretariat released the 52nd edition of the Annual Statistical Bulletin, ASB on June 13. The ASB provides a wide range of data on the oil and gas industry worldwide, serving as an important source of reliable information for research analysts and academics, as well as policymakers and many other industry stakeholders, it stated. As per the ASB, in 2016, world crude oil production inched up by 0.35 mb/d, or 0.5 percent, as compared to 2015, to reach 75.48 mb/d, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth. The majority of non-Opec countries registered substantial declines in their 2016 average crude production, as compared to 2015. In 2016, the top three crude oil producing countries were Saudi Arabia (10.46 mb/d), Russia (10.29 mb/d) and the United States (8.88 mb/d), said the report. "World oil demand averaged 95.12 mb/d in 2016, up by 1.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), with the largest increases in the Asia Pacific region, particularly China and India, as well as Western Europe, North America and Africa. 2016 oil demand in the Middle East remained flat y-o-y, while oil demand declined in Latin America for the second year in a row," according to the ASB, which added in this respect that the total demand from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), grew solidly for the second consecutive year in 2016, while oil demand in OPEC Member Countries declined for the first time since 1999, dropping by 0.20 mb/d or 2.2 per cent. Total exports of crude oil from Opec member countries stood at 25.01 mb/d in 2016, up from 23.49 mb/d in 2015, representing a 6.5 percent growth rate y-o-y, the bulletin said remarking that the bulk of crude oil from OPEC members was exported to the Asia Pacific region at a level of 15.72 mb/d or 62.9 per cent. Total world proven crude oil reserves stood at 1,492 billion barrels, bn b, at the end of 2016, increasing slightly by 0.3 percent from the previous years level of 1,488 bn b, indicated the report , noting that the largest additions came from Iraq, Venezuela and Norway. Total OPEC Members proven crude oil reserves increased by 0.5 per cent to 1,217 bn b at the end of 2016, with a share of 81.5 per cent of total world crude oil reserves. With regards to the prices, the ASB indicated that the OPEC Reference Basket averaged $40.76/b in 2016, down from $49.49/b in 2015 and reaching the lowest yearly average since 2004. The yearly decline valued at $8.73/b, or 17.6 per cent, as compared to 2015. The 2016 volatility stood at $7.28/b, or 17.9 per cent, relative to the yearly average. The May report kept 2017 global oil demand growth forecast unchanged from previous month's estimate at 1.27 mb/d y/y.-TradeArabia News Service A majority of organizations worldwide have introduced advanced automation in their workplace, and nearly half of executives say that theyll require it more broadly by 2018 to cope with rising work volumes, a report said. Adding machines to everyday work drives revenue growth, creates new job opportunities and connects employees back to the work they want to do, added the report entitled Todays State of Work: At the Breaking Point from ServiceNow, a US-based cloud computing company. The company surveyed more than 1,850 corporate leadersC-level, VPs, directors and managersto evaluate the workload of organizational leaders, the impact and use of automation in common business services and executives opinions on the future of work. The survey also evaluated the relationship between organizational automation levels and financial performance. The findings include: Companies are approaching a breaking point and urgently need intelligent automation By 2018, about half of companies (46 per cent) say they will need greater automation to handle the volume of tasks being generated. By 2020, nearly 9 out of 10 companies (86 per cent) will hit that breaking point. More than three-quarters (78 per cent) say data from mobile devices and the Internet of Things contribute to the overload. 94 per cent agree that intelligent automation could increase productivity. This includes artificial intelligence or machine learning to streamline decision making to improve the speed and accuracy of business processes. Over half of those surveyed (54 per cent) have started using intelligent automation in one or more business processes. 87 per cent plan to investigate or use intelligent automation moving forward. In a world of smarter homes, cars and commerce, the workplace has been a holdoutbut not for long, said Dave Wright, chief strategy officer, ServiceNow. The shift to greater automation is coming now to transform everyday work. More automation delivers financial growth and promises greater productivity Highly automated companies are 6x more likely to experience revenue growth of more than 15 per cent versus companies with low automation. For example, those companies with more than 20 per cent revenue growth are 61 per cent automated on average, whereas those with flat or negative growth are only 35 per cent automated. The financial payoff for automation is one companies cant ignore, said Wright. Fewer than half of business processes are automated; HR and Customer Service are the worst. Overall only 42 per cent of business processes are automated, and business leaders suffer, spending two full days or 16 hours a week on manual administrative tasks. IT support is the best at business process efficiency, while Human Resources (HR) is the worst. HR was named the department most in need of a reboot. Specifically, only 37 per cent of HR delivery of employee services are automated and 33 per cent of resolving customer issues are, compared to IT services at 53 per cent automated, leaving room for improvement across the board. Executives believe automation can create jobs despite employees fears of job losses 79 per cent of execs believe automation could lead to job creation. 87 per cent of execs say employees are worried that automation will eliminate jobs. The top three obstacles to automation adoption include: Committing the resources (budget and personnel) required, employees resistance to change and concerns about eliminating jobs. Automation will bring new economic opportunities, said Wright. Companies need to develop and evolve their teams skills to help them thrive in an automated world. Adding machines frees up employees to do the work they want to do spurring creativity Nearly half (48 per cent) say that work levels have increased by 20 per cent or more in the last year 91 per cent of executives say their skilled employees spend too much time on admin tasks. 93 per cent believe that reducing mundane tasks unleashes employee creativity. 82 per cent find it difficult to hire people with skills needed to grow their business. 94 per cent say automation will increase demand for soft skills such as collaboration, creative problem solving and communication. Employees feel theyre working a sixth day every week, said Wright. Machines can take on the burden of busy-work and free up employees to do the creative, innovative work they crave. Recommendations: To avoid hitting the breaking point, ServiceNow has recommendations for executives. Start here: 1) Identify business processes that need improving in HR, customer service, IT or other departments 2) Map out the critical business services and automate the workloads with intelligent automation 3) Work with teams to address concerns and provide reassurance for your roadmap 4) Employ best practices around change management 5) Develop and evolve the teams skills to help them thrive in an automated world TradeArabia News Service Samsung Gulf Electronics recently hosted the Samsung Partner Summit 2017 under the slogan of New Opportunities Ahead at St Regis Hotel in Dubai, UAE. Samsung communicated its vision by introducing new products and solutions as well as holding interactive Q&A session. Samsung launched 13 new innovative and customized solutions projects in key growing verticals such as government, construction and education to support their partners in enhancing the value proposition for their customers. During the summit, key partners shared their successes and best practices; in addition, top performing partners in the region were awarded during a ceremony held during the event. Sherif Fahim, head of Printing Solutions at Samsung Gulf Electronics said: We are proud of our formidable portfolio of A3 multifunction printers, which deliver powerful functionality as well as simplicity and reliability. Bringing our partners together enables us to introduce them to our printer solutions, and showcase how these will add value to the partners, distributors, resellers and system integrators that we work with. We were also pleased to recognize top performers in our region during the awards ceremony. The event was attended by 90 delegates including direct partners, distributors, value added resellers and system integrators. TradeArabia News Service Tommy Hilfiger, a high-end fashion brand owned by PVH Corp, has roped in celebrated pop music duo The Chainsmokers as its global brand ambassadors. The Chainsmokers, comprising Alex Pall and Andrew (Drew) Taggart, will also represent Hilfiger Edition, Tommy Hilfiger Tailored and Tommy Hilfiger sportswear, beginning Fall 2017, said a statement from the company. The Grammy award-winning duo brings a modern, youthful twist to the brands more than 30-year global menswear legacy, it said. The campaign was photographed by Lachlan Bailey in San Francisco, and exclusive video teasers will be set to a custom-mixed music track by The Chainsmokers, it added. Breaking globally in Fall 2017, the integrated mens campaign includes print, online and out-of-home media placements, and is supported by unique consumer activations and experiential events that continue to bring the brands unique perspective on pop culture to life around the world. Tommy Hilfiger, principal designer of the group, said: The Chainsmokers are at the centre of modern pop culture and their music resonates with a global audience. I admire the way they have carved out a new niche that fuses indie, pop, dance, and hip-hop. Alex and Drew are truly the perfect definition of todays Tommy Guy their talent, optimism, unique sound and effortless cool have made them standout in the music world. Were extremely excited to work with them in the fashion space, he said. Daniel Grieder, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe, said: Our pioneering approach to fusing fashion and music is part of our menswear heritage. Our partnership with The Chainsmokers reflects the companys strategic commitment to bring the next generation of our products consumers into our mens business with exciting fashion collections, curated shopping experiences, and digital commerce convenience, he said. Our menswear category remains a key area of focus as we look to unlock the full potential for the Tommy Hilfiger brand in all regions around the world, he added. The Chainsmokers said: Like Tommy Hilfiger, we have always believed in celebrating individuality and breaking conventions. Tommy paved the way for collaborations between fashion and music, and we are excited to collaborate with a brand that aligns so closely with our own artistic approach and shares our passion for creating memorable experiences for our fans, they added. TradeArabia News service Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced the promotion and transfer of Mario Taulien, former resident manager at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui Thailand, as general manager of Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka. Hailing from Germany, Taulien brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality business. He has worked with a number of well known hotel operators, including InterContinental Hotel in Hamburg, Hotel Bergstrom-Luncburg and Steigenberger Conti Hansa Kiel-Germany. Prior to joining the Centara family, Taulien was the executive assistant manager (Operations) at Sutera Harbour Resort-Pacific Hotel, Kota Kinabalu-Malaysia. Taulien has worked hard and showcased his solid managerial skills during his time at the Centara Grand in Samui, Thailand. He was one of the key persons to push forward many successful events and achievements at the resort, including international recognition, such as EarthCheck Gold Award 2016 which has been given to the resort for five consecutive years and Thailand Tattlers Best Restaurant 2015 for Zicos Brazilian Grill & Bar. Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels and Resorts, said: Mario Taulien has an impressive proven track record of distinguished performance and well-rounded skills in hotel management throughout the time working at the Centara Grand in Samui. He has been playing an important role to push through achievements and positive improvements for the property. I firmly believe that he will be a great team leader for Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka. - TradeArabia News Service Learn Excel Advanced The Library will offer an Excel Advanced class from 2 to 4 p.m., on Wednesday, June 14. Building on the basic features of Excel, learn about charts, graphics, formulas/functions, and pivot tables. Attendees should have a working knowledge of Excel. Call 577.READ x2 for more information. Practical livestock evacuation workshop A FEMA emergency management institute training exercise, co-hosted by UW Extension, is 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., on June 14, 2017, at UW Casper, room 420, 125 College Dr. The seminar includes FEMA-certified exercises for emergency responders and POST credits are pending. Learn how counties can respond to a need for livestock evacuation in the face of wildfires, floods, blizzards and other disasters. Emergency responders, producers, volunteers, veterinarians and others are encouraged to work with each other to enhance local plans. 12-step to start Teen Challenge Wyoming is offering a 12-week, 12-step program, Stepping into Freedom, starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 21. Class is open to adults 18 and over and will be held in the Fort Caspar Room at the 12/24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott. For more information or to sign up, call Adult/Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397 or Chris at 259-7062. Buddhists meet David Vaughn is a Buddhist living in Casper who finds himself feeling more and more isolated and wishing that he had someone to share his Buddhist interests with. But there are no Buddhist temples here; no place for people who wish to share stories of Dharma or Karma, no place to learn and exchange meditational techniques, no place to meet people of like minds for friendship, conversation, companionship, or even romantic interest. So Vaughn has decided to take matters into his own hands and do something about it. He proposes to establish a Casper Buddhist Fellowship, and set up a common meeting place where the Buddhists of Casper can congregate at regular intervals to practice our Buddhist customs; where Buddhists can go to and feel safe, mingle with other Buddhists, and experience all of those most wonderful things that the Buddhist religion has to offer. Vaughn invites all who are interested to contact him at davidvaughn991@yahoo.com so that a dialogue might begin. Saturday watercolor sessions The schedule for the Saturday Morning Watercolor Sessions from 10 a.m. to noon for June at Art 321 is below. These are coordinated by Ellen Black, 265-6783. $10 per session. June 17, practice session; June 24, Big Brush Landscape. Vendors for Caspar Collins Day Fort Caspar Museum is looking for craft and food vendors for Caspar Collins Day 2017 which will be held on Saturday, July 22. Join us as we commemorate the city of Caspers namesake on the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Platte Bridge. This family-friendly event will include living history demonstrations, games, and hands-on activities. We will also have an area for contemporary craft vendors, non-profits, and food concessions near the fort activities. The cost for a space (10- by 10 feet) is $30 for vendors and free for nonprofits. The vendor application deadline is July 19, 2017. For an application form or questions, please contact Anne Holman by phone, 235-8462 or by email at aholman@casperwy.gov. Forms may also be downloaded from our website: www.fortcasparwyoming.com. Caspar Collins Day will be held on the grounds of Fort Caspar Museum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017, rain or shine. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Virtual Reality demo Dont miss the chance to immerse yourself in an entirely new world when the Natrona County Library hosts a virtual reality demo from 1 to 5 p.m., on Saturday, June 17. Choose from over 40 of the best virtual reality games and apps while being taken through a guided experience with the HTC Vive. Free and open to the public. Gameplay will last for approximately seven minutes per player. Tickets will be handed out at the beginning of the event, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The HTC Vive is provided by the Natrona County Library Foundation. Call 577.READ x2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Deer Creek Days craft fair Crafters wanted for the Deer Creek Days Craft Fair in Glenrock Aug. 4-6. For more information, including fees, call 436-5652 or email info@glenrockchamber.org. 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. 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. Hospice needs volunteers Would you like the opportunity to truly make a difference in someones life? Choose how you would like to give back, whether being a companion to our patients, helping run the Memory Lane Boutique, or sit vigil through patients last hours. Join us for our next Volunteer Training Program beginning June 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please call Tammy at 577-4832 or go to cwhp.org and fill out an application. We would love to have you on our team. Hospice boutique accepting donations Memory Lane Boutique at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is in need of donations for its inventory. Items accepted include furniture, jewelry, household goods, knickknacks, craft supplies, toys and sporting goods. Donations may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 319 S. Wilson. The public is invited to shop during the same hours. Would you host a hockey player? The Casper Coyotes are preparing for the next season already and that means finding loving families to host young men, ages 17 to 20 years old from across America and foreign countries. The boys arrive in August and stay until March or April. They should have a room of their own and become a part of your family. Their expenses are paid. Team rules are simple and you add family rules. If you raised a young man this age, then you know that it takes love, but the love and cultural experience that comes back is many times greater. Interested? Call a veteran of hosting and lets talk, Joe at 315-1987. Volunteer for family event Its time for the 5th annual HUD Fathers Day event. Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies is in search of volunteers to help with set up, distribution, and clean up for our mobile pantry assisting single fathers in Natrona County. Come join us in Washington Park on June 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Ashley Nickolai at 265-4016 or anickolai@foodbankrockies.org. Quilts of Valor every Wednesday The Central Wyoming Chapter of Quilts of Valor meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to sew at the Central Wyoming Senior Services Center, 1831 E. Fourth St. Quilts of Valor are made by volunteers. Donated fabrics, supplies or monetary donations are appreciated. The group makes all quilts for service men and women who have been touched by war. Our chapter awards quilts to veterans who reside in the Central Wyoming region. Dues are $5 per year and new members are always welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Yung Hui Torske at 258-5578, Sandy Elliott at 307-5540331 or any chapter member.Fleece blankets, even in summer The Fleece Blanket Project meets on the third Saturday of each month (June 17 and July 15, August TBD because of Eclipse weekend) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Christian Church, 520 CY Avenue. We have made 389 blankets since we started on Jan. 30, 2016, and they have been given to people who are homeless, and those in need of comfort and warmth. We use two yards of a print fleece and two yards of a solid fleece for each blanket. Anyone who would like to come and tie blankets is welcome. We are in need of fleece in order to continue to make blankets for those in need. If you would like to help make blankets, please come and join others in our community and we can make a difference. If you have any questions, you can call First Christian Church at 234-8864 or email Debbie Mestas at debmestas@gmail.com. Scarves for Special Olympics Special Olympics Wyoming invites those who knit and crochet to make scarves for the Wyoming Special Olympics athletes to wear at State Winter Games in February 2018. Please use black, gray and white in the scarves, which should measure approximately 6 by 60 inches in any pattern. The deadline to receive the scarves is January 2018. Please send scarves to Special Olympics Wyoming, attn. Scarf Project 2017, P.O. Box 624, Jackson, WY 83001. There is more information available at www.sowy.org/other-fundraisers. Food of the month Wyoming Food for Thought Project has announced its food of the month suggestions for the nearly 1,000 weekend food bags its volunteers prepare for food-insecure school students in Natrona County each week. Often, schools, churches and other groups designate certain collection days for a specific type of food as a donation. The suggested food items may be taken to program headquarters at 900 St. John, but its best to call ahead to make certain someone is there to receive it. June, peanut butter; July, pork n beans; August, mac n cheese; September, Chef Boyardee products; October, cereal; November, soup; December, chili. For more information, call Cassandra at 337-1703. Disabled vets need volunteer drivers The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers to take veterans to their medical appointment at the VA hospital in Cheyenne. The volunteer driver will transport them in a VA vehicle. If you are interested, please call the DAV transportation office in Cheyenne at 307-778-7577 for further information. Prosecutors will likely seek a sentence of life imprisonment without the chance of parole for the Casper teen charged with raping and attempting to kill a 4-year-old girl. Natrona County District Attorney Michael Blonigen filed a notice two weeks ago that he planned to pursue the sentence the most serious sentence short of execution in the case of Brandtly Bedsaul. That based upon investigation that has been conducted at this time, the State has elected to seek a penalty of life without the possibility of parole or commutation or life for the charge of attempted first-degree murder, the court document states. Casper police arrested Bedsaul in October after law enforcement received a report that he was raping a girl in the front yard of the Casper home where he lived. Authorities found the girl unresponsive and covered in blood when they arrived. The girl had been attending an event with her parents at the home. One of the people at the house noticed that the girl was missing from the group of children and went outside to look for her. He told police that he then saw Bedsaul choking the naked girl near some bushes in the front lawn, the documents state. Medical staff at the Wyoming Medical Center said the girl had injuries indicating she had been sexually assaulted as well as bruising on her neck that suggested she had been strangled, court documents show. Investigators later wrote that there were indications that Bedsaul had been under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the alleged crimes. Bedsaul pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness to four charges attempted first-degree murder, first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, aggravated assault and aggravated child abuse at his arraignment in December. Bedsaul previously underwent a forensic evaluation with staff from the Wyoming State Hospital and was expected to complete a second evaluation with a doctor from Colorado at the request of his public defender. His trial is currently scheduled to begin Aug. 7, court records show. Bedsaul remained in custody on $1 million bond. He was also sentenced in May to between two and five years in prison for each of two burglary charges for breaking into cars parked at Washington Park. Michele Chulick has been appointed the new president and CEO of Wyoming Medical Center, the largest hospital in central Wyoming. Chulick, who will begin on July 17, will take the reins from Vickie Diamond, who announced in November that she would retire. She will step down Aug. 1. During the two weeks between Chulicks arrival and Diamonds departure, Chulick will meet with staff, learn the centers culture and policies and transition into the position, according to the hospitals announcement. Diamond has been CEO of the hospital for nine years, steering WMC through the turbulent passage of the Affordable Care Act and, more recently, staff layoffs. Chulick previously was the president of the Ventures Division at Childrens Health System of Texas, according to a WMC press release. CHST is a health care system with 616 beds and more than 950,000 patients per year. Edith Selby, the vice chairwoman of WMCs board of directors, said the board and search committee decided on Chulick three weeks ago. The time between then and the announcement Tuesday was spent negotiating, she said. The search committee was composed of six board members, a physician and a community member with past ties to the medical center. Michele has a great background, Selby said. Shes been in health care systems and hospitals since 1979. She has the background, she has the education, she has the presence and the knowledge and the professional elements that just fit Casper, Wyoming, and Wyoming Medical Center. Chulick has a bachelors of science in nursing from Duke University and a masters of business administration in finance from Wayne State University. She has worked in various capacities in the health care industry since 1979, according to the release. Before serving as president at Childrens Health System of Texas, Chulick was an executive vice president and chief administrative officer at the company. She worked as the associate vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Miami Health Systems health division. Selby said the search committee had a huge pool of candidates that it narrowed to 30, then to six people who came to visit the WMC campus. Those six was then trimmed to two. The candidates were here at Wyoming Medical Center meeting with groups of employees and directors and physicians and community members as well as the board, she said. Taking all of that input into consideration, the search committee and the board of directors fully agreed on Michele as their choice. Chulicks predecessor, Diamond, oversaw expansions of 105-year-old WMCs services and the creation of the $42 million McMurry Tower. She was at the helm when the Affordable Care Act was passed, legislation that fundamentally reshaped the landscape of health care in the United States. She also oversaw rough times at the hospital as the states economy took a turn. As a result of those and other pressures, WMC laid off 58 workers a year ago. Selby said Chulick has seen the hospitals financials and that she is financially savvy, given her educational background. Chulick will take over in an uncertain health care world. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act, the much-heralded Republican replacement for the Affordable Care Act. While the bill is being rewritten by the Senate, including by Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Mike Enzi, the Houses version could potentially increase the level of uncompensated care hospitals like WMC would have to absorb. Diamond said that the AHCA, as passed by the House, would cost the hospital at least $70 million in the coming decade. That number would likely be higher, given uncompensated care. Well, theres still so much uncertainty around all of that, Selby said of further health care changes by national lawmakers. The best we could hope for was to find someone who was fully aware and had a good idea of what has happened and what could happen in the future and what they would do here at WMC given those many variables. She added that Chulick brings a good understanding of health care systems that we in Wyoming dont fully understand. I mean that its unlikely that all of our small rural community hospitals in this part of the country will be able to remain functioning as they are for a long time, Selby explained, and the trend is to affiliate with larger facilities that can provide some synergy in operations. Michele knows about that; she knows about affiliating and joint ventures. Mountain View Regional Hospital, a private facility on Caspers east side, also named a new CEO earlier this year. Lawmakers discussed potential new taxes to pay for a looming education shortfall at a wide-ranging committee meeting Monday, but they still appeared little closer to accepting a revenue enhancement than when they killed such a move during the recent legislative session. The meeting, a combined session of the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration and the Joint Revenue Committee, underscored the severity of the funding crisis facing Wyomings education system and the difficult decisions lawmakers will have to make to shepherd the state through the storm. In the coming two-year budget cycle, which will begin next July, K-12 funding here faces a shortfall of at least $530 million. School constructions gap, largely separate from the other issue, will be nearly $200 million during that period. The meeting has other implications. Several school districts, including Laramie County No. 1 and Campbell County, have passed resolutions authorizing them to sue the state should they feel funding cuts have become unconstitutional. Lawmakers have for months said the situation cannot be solved by solely taxing or just cutting. But lawmakers have expressed wariness, at the least, to increasing revenue in a state that has some of the lowest tax rates in the country and leans heavily upon the mineral industry. Sen. Ray Peterson, R-Cowley, was silent for much of the hours-long meeting in Riverton, but he summed up many legislators predicament near the end of the meeting. Im up for re-election in another year, he said. He serves on both the revenue committee and the recalibration committee, which was created three years early to examine the states funding model in the midst of the crisis. Lawmakers will hire consultants to study the way they fund schools here. In a mock-campaign speech, Peterson said, Im Senator Peterson, Im raising your taxes, and Im cutting your wages. Vote for me. Still, he said, he had his black hat on and that the revenue committee, which he co-chairs, was studying everything, including new taxes. To that end, state officials from the Legislative Service Office spent the early afternoon walking legislators through options for revenue increases. Dean Tempte, an analyst with the LSO, told lawmakers that raising the sales and use tax 1 percent and sending that money straight to state coffers would provide more than $154 million per year during the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years. Wyoming is currently 40th in the nation for highest sales tax; its been at 4 percent since 1994. A statewide 1 percent lodging tax, which lawmakers like Speaker Steve Harshman indicated some interest in, would chip in $6.4 million annually during those years. That number was surprisingly low to Rep. Michael Madden, R-Buffalo. Sen. Cale Case, a Lander Republican, said guides and outfitters were exempted from any lodge tax and that companies like Airbnb are, as well. People visiting or passing through Wyoming would probably make up 80 percent of the money that the tax would collect, officials explained, which is why it was attractive at least more so than sales or property tax increases to some lawmakers. We gotta get out-of-staters, Harshman said. The sales and use tax increase had the largest projected benefit, followed by an additional 1 percent mineral severance tax, which would raise more than $90 million annually during those years. But lawmakers have been hesitant to further tax energy companies. For one, they said, the state is already too reliant on minerals for its tax base, and nowhere is that more true than in education: More than 60 percent of public education here is funded by minerals, and school construction and maintenance has been almost entirely paid for by coal lease bonuses. On top of that, theyve said, further taxing an already hurting industry will likely not help alleviate the current statewide decline. Were so dependent on minerals, Peterson said. I dont think were overtaxed. At the same time, I know what taxes do to businesses, to taxpayers, to citizens. During the session that ended in early March, the House passed a bill that wouldve raised the sales tax temporarily and under certain circumstances. But staunch opposition to tax increases in the Senate, led by Sen. President Eli Bebout, made the likelihood of any tax increase making it through that chamber slim. It was quickly eliminated from the bill, which ultimately passed with more than $34 million in cuts. Bebout on Monday reiterated his aversion to raising taxes. I just would hope the last thing, he said. Its so easy to run and raise taxes. I would hope thats the last option. I think all of us realize that. Harshman, a chief architect of the House bill that originally included conditional tax increases, said that if the Legislature had backed that measure, lawmakers wouldnt be meeting today and the crisis would be solved. But Peterson said that businesses would bear the brunt of any sales tax increase, especially in his district of Park and Big Horn counties. Because Montana has no sales tax, he said, businesses on the Wyoming side of the border can either lower their prices to match or risk losing customers. When you start talking about a property tax increase, the base is so small you cant spread it out, he said, referring to Wyomings small population. Still, Peterson said, he wanted the revenue committee to arrive ready for the next session, a shortened period that begins in February 2018, with bills that will tackle the situation. That might include a tax increase. Bebout said that if it did come to taxes, hed like it to be put before the voters. During an earlier public comment period, Rep. Cathy Connolly, a Laramie Democrat, did just that. A woman who identified herself as a former special education teacher and principal had taken the mic to advocate raising an alcohol tax. Connolly said that the recalibration committee would look at raising cigarette and beer taxes but noted that even if increases on those items were passed, it would garner us a fraction of what we need. Raising sales taxes, property taxes, how do you feel about those? Connolly asked the woman. The woman replied that she had no problem with that. We are educating our new leaders of our state, she said. I do not have a problem paying extra for something important as education. Sen. Chris Rothfuss, a Laramie Democrat, said Wyoming taxpayers might have to decide which is less palatable: higher taxes or slashed education. Thats a conversation that needs to be had, he said. Bebout and other members of the legislative leadership have often pointed out that Wyoming spends significantly more on education than its neighbors. The Equality State spends roughly $16,000 per student, one of the highest totals in the country. But Donna Little-Kaumo, the superintendent of Sweetwater County School District No. 2, said that isnt a fair comparison. Wyomings basket of goods the educational services that must be offered to students here, is more significant than other states in the region who may spend less. When we do these comparisons at other states, we need to ask and examine what is their basket of goods, she said. Do we not want foreign language? Fine. We need to really examine that with our state because I think what we put together here is something that were proud of. Theres also the geographic reality. Its expensive to be rural, said Kirby Eisenhauer, an associate superintendent in Campbell County School District. He read off a list of industries that are particularly pricey in Wyoming, like health care, spending for which is first in the nation here. Its expensive to have long wide spaces. Thats especially true when it comes to Wyoming schools. Some counties have several school districts. Fremont County has a state-high eight, while Big Horn has four and Sheridan has three. That many school districts in in a single county have often caught the attention of lawmakers. School district consolidation was discussed early in the session but was eventually scrapped as a hard option. But Madden brought it up again Monday, indicating that other states dont have this problem because they consolidate out of their own interest, to maximum funding opportunities. But Rothfuss pointed out that Fremont Countys situation is complicated by the Native American reservation there. The federal government provides funds because of those schools, he and others said, so consolidating them might actually cost the state. The discussion didnt extend much beyond that, but lawmakers noted that the consultants the state will hire to examine the funding model will have the ability to look at consolidating districts, which estimates suggest could save roughly $7 million per year. Rep. Albert Sommers, the chairman of the recalibration committee and a Pinedale Republican, said lawmakers needed a comprehensive plan, spanning multiple committees, to address whats happening. Education, in my opinion, is the most important thing that a state government does to service the people of this state and the future of this state, he said. We do not want to go backwards in time where were providing less of an education to children than when I went to school 40 years ago. SEATTLE Another U.S. appeals court stomped on President Trumps revised travel ban Monday, saying the administration violated federal immigration law and failed to provide a valid reason for keeping people from six mostly Muslim nations from coming to the country. The decision by a unanimous three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals helps keep the travel ban blocked and deals Trump a second big legal defeat on the policy in less than three weeks. The administration has appealed another ruling against the ban to the Supreme Court, which is likely to consider the cases in tandem. Meanwhile, lawyers for Hawaii told the Supreme Court Monday that letting the Trump administration enforce a ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries would thrust the country back into the chaos and confusion that resulted when the policy was first announced in January. The state urged the justices to deny an administration plea to reinstate the policy after lower courts blocked it. The high court is considering the administrations request. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia last month cited the presidents campaign statements calling for a total and complete shutdown on Muslims entering the U.S. as evidence that the 90-day ban was unconstitutionally steeped in animus and directed at a single religious group, rather than necessary for national security. The 9th Circuit found no need to analyze Trumps campaign statements. It ruled based on immigration law, not the Constitution. Immigration, even for the president, is not a one-person show, the judges said, adding: National security is not a talismanic incantation that, once invoked, can support any and all exercise of executive power. Attorney General Jeff Sessions the Justice Department will continue to seek further review by the Supreme Court. The Executive Branch is entrusted with the responsibility to keep the country safe under Article II of the Constitution, he said in a written statement. Unfortunately, this injunction prevents the President from fully carrying out his Article II duties and has a chilling effect on security operations overall. WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Jim Mattis declared Monday that he was shocked upon his return to the Pentagon by the poor state of the U.S. militarys readiness for combat. He put most of the blame on Congress for its inability to approve budgets on time or repeal a law that strictly limits defense spending. Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Mattis said Congress has sidelined itself from its active constitutional oversight role by failing to deliver a steady stream of funding to pay for new weapons and other critical gear. It has blocked new programs, prevented service growth, stalled industry initiative and placed troops at greater risk, Mattis said as he urged the panel to do away with the Budget Control Act of 2011. If the budget caps mandated by the law are breached, automatic spending reductions known as sequestration are triggered. For all the heartache caused by the loss of our troops during these wars, no enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of our military than sequestration, said Mattis, who retired from military service in 2013 as a four-star general. Mattis appeared before the committee along with Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to field questions from lawmakers on President Trumps proposed military budget for the 2018 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. In addition, Mattis said North Korea is the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security in the world. Mattis said that Pyongyangs continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them has increased in pace and scope. He calls the countrys programs to build weapons of mass destruction a clear and present danger to all. Mattis also said he doesnt see any indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a positive relationship with the United States. Mr. Putin has chosen to be a strategic competitor. Trump requested $639 billion for the Pentagon, including $65 billion for ongoing military operations. Yet Republican lawmakers are pressing for upward of $30 billion more to be added to the budget. They argue the extra money is needed to rebuild the military. We have spent six years just getting by, asking more and more of those who serve, and putting off the choices that have to be made, said Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the committee chairman. During the wide-ranging hearing, Mattis sought congressional approval to shutter excess military bases a move the Pentagon concludes will save billions of dollars but one that lawmakers have previously rejected. Mattis proposed a new round of base closings starting in 2021. He said the department currently has more infrastructure capacity than required for operations. That outlook wont change even if the service branches grow in size, he said. Closing the unneeded bases would save $10 billion over a five-year period, Mattis said, which could be used to acquire four nuclear submarines or dozens of jet fighters. The GOP-led Congress rebuffed the Obama administrations requests to reduce the number of military bases. The Army and Air Force said they had vastly more space for training and basing troops than they need and trimming the surplus would generate savings that could be used to strengthen the military. But lawmakers have refused to go along, questioning the data and the analysis the Pentagon used to make its argument for fewer facilities. Military installations are prized possessions in congressional districts. Mattis sidestepped a question from Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., about an apparent disconnect on Qatar between Trump and Rex Tillerson, his secretary of state. Last week, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar amid a slew of punitive measures. Trumps condemnation of Qatar contradicted the message delivered by Tillerson, who had urged Qatars neighbors to ease their blockade while calling for calm and thoughtful dialogue. Qatar is a very complex situation, Mattis said, as he stressed the need to find common ground. Trump sided with Qatars antagonists, calling on the Gulf state to stop the funding of terrorism. But Qatar has long been a U.S. ally. The country hosts roughly 10,000 U.S troops. PHOENIX An Arizona utility cant escape being sued for anti-trust violations for the rates it sets solely because its a quasi-governmental entity, at least not now if ever, a federal appeals court ruled Monday. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments by attorneys for Salt River Project that SolarCity cannot challenge its pricing system. The appellate judges said they have no authority to consider the finding of a trial judge in Phoenix who said the challenge should be allowed to go ahead. While Mondays ruling is specific to SRP and its claims of immunity from suit, the implications could be broader. Unless overturned on appeal, it means SRP ultimately could have to defend in court the rates it charges customers who want to generate their own electricity. That could lead to rulings on how broad the ability of utilities to set rates in a way that could harm other companies. And that, in turn, could impact efforts by other Arizona utilities to increase costs to solar customers. An appeal is possible, said Scott Harelson, a spokesman for the utility which serves the Phoenix metro area. We would argue that ours is a statutory pricing process and that the courts have no business setting rates, he told Capitol Media Services. But Harelson said if the case goes to court, the company believes its rate structure and the additional charges imposed on solar customers can be justified. Thats the same argument that is being advanced by utilities like Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy which have pending rate hike requests. Arizona Public Service has reached a settlement with SolarCity and other solar companies. But that deal is contingent on review by a hearing officer and final approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Central to the debate is whether customers who install their own rooftop solar units and generate some of their own power are effectively being subsidized by others. Attorneys for SolarCity contend SRPs new pricing plan approved last year amounts to a substantial penalty on customers. Because solar customers are unable to completely disconnect from SRPs grid they still need power in the evening hours and at other times when their energy demands exceed what their solar energy systems produce they cannot escape SRPs penalty, the lawsuit contends. That penalty, according to SolarCity lawyers, is about $600 a year, an increase of about 65 percent over prior rate plans. That compares with an average 3.9 percent increase for residential customers who buy all their power from SRP. Customers recognize that SRPs new pricing plan leaves them with no choice: After the effective date of SRPs new plan, applications for distributed solar energy systems in SRPs territory fell by 96 percent, the lawsuit states. All that, the lawyers contend, are part of SRPs illegal efforts to eliminate competition and violate anti-trust laws. SRP, for its part, contends the fact that the rates were approved by its governing board precludes the SolarCity lawsuit. Its attorneys said there was the legally required notice and comment period, public hearings, a board vote and an opportunity to challenge the boards decision in state court, something SolarCity chose not to do. Beyond that, Harelson said SolarCity cant rely on antitrust claims. He said those laws generally let businesses set their prices in a way that allows them to recover their costs, without regard to the impact of those prices on companies like SolarCity. Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, and Visit Tucson have teamed up with more than 30 Mexican restaurants for the second annual "Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival celebrating the "Best Mexican Food North of the Border" at the JW Marriott Starr Pass on Saturday, June 17. Throughout the evening, festival-goers can nibble on unique Mexican eats Charro Steak's summer steak salad with chicharron; Gringo Grill + Cantina's Carnitas "egg roll" with pepita-peanut sauce; and Seis Kitchen's Cochinita Pibil Street Taco stuffed with achiote-roasted pork and topped with a house chipotle crema and queso fresco. Each restaurant is bringing a signature dish that represents them and Tucson's diverse Mexican food and culture. "If you lived on the northwest side you may not be aware of the volume of these restaurants and the sheer talent of these restaurants," said Cait Huble, SAACA's communications director. "We want to educate people on the availability of the Mexican food and all the culture and tradition that goes into the dishes being served." Also on Saturday's menu shrimp tinga from downtown's El Charro Cafe; carnitas tacos with habanero salsa from Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal + Tequila in St. Philip's Plaza; "Abuelitas Dulce Arroz" or "Granny's Sweet Rice" made with rich chocolate ganache and creme brulee rice prepared by Pima Community College's Culinary Arts program; decadently sweet churro bites from the south side Churros El Rey; salmon tacos from El Cisne Cocina de Mexico in the foothills; and duck confit tacos topped with duck cracklins from Elvira's On Congress downtown. Many of the restaurants participating in the "Tucson 23" festival, including South Tucson's Crossroads, downtown's iconic El Charro Cafe and Tucson southside fave Estrella Bakery, are culinary cornerstones of the so-called "Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in America." Between them, they have more than two centuries of history to draw from. Relative newcomers at this year's festival include Elvira's On Congress, 256 E. Congress St., sister of Elvira's Restaurant in Tubac; and Reforma, 4310 N. Campbell Ave. at East River Road, which draws its culinary influences from central Mexico. At Gringo Grill + Cantina, 5900 N. Oracle Road at the La Posada Lodge & Casitas, which has been open three years, Executive Chef Andy Ceron prepares a menu that focuses on Southwestern, Mexican and Latin cuisine. The 6-year-old Queen Ceviche from sisters Feliz and Reina Zaborsky creates seafood ceviche and hibiscus-infused icy drinks including lemonade and its newest concoction, cranberry and meyer lemonade. The participating restaurants lie within the so-called "Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in America," a 23-square-mile swath encompassing Tucson's cultural and culinary corridors that heavily draw influence from our neighbors in Sonora, Mexico. Those boundaries encompass downtown and lower midtown, and the city of South Tucson while stretching to include specks of the east side and a substantial part of the Southside with generational Mexican restaurants some of which have been around 50, 60 years and longer. "Tucson 23" was launched last summer to celebrate Tucson's designation by UNESCO as the United States' first-ever World City of Gastronomy, shining a light on Tucson's unique culinary and cultural history. Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems has been awarded a $116.4 million contract to further develop technologies for the U.S. Armys Long-Range Precision Fires program. Raytheons proposed candidate to replace the decades-old Army Tactical Missile System, called DeepStrike, can destroy fixed land targets at a range of more than 300 miles, or about 40 percent farther than the current system, the company said. Work under the contract will include testing missile components to be sure the design is ready for engineering and manufacturing development and live-fire demonstrations by the end of 2019, Raytheon said. Lockheed Martin, maker of the current Army missile system, also is vying to develop and produce the new missile and is expected to receive a similar development contract. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some June 13 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. The Lizard Fire in the Dragoon Mountains continues to grow and is at 15,131 acres as of Monday while thousands of wildland firefighters including crews from Western states battle fires in Arizona. Nearly 30 wildfires burned in Arizona on Monday accounting for the state having the most blazes in the nation, according to the Associated Press. The lightning-caused Lizard Fire began June 7 and is 40 percent contained with more than 600 firefighters assigned to it, according to Coronado National Forest officials. The fire is primarily fueled by tall grass and brush. Crews scouted the fires western and southern sides Monday searching for geographic features and roads firefighters could tie together to create breaks to help contain the blazes progression and keep the fire away from populated areas and private lands, authorities said. Meanwhile, officials lifted evacuation orders for some residents near the Lizard Fire, which is burning about two miles southeast of the community of Dragoon, which has about 200 residents. However by Monday afternoon, an evacuation of residences in the Cochise Stronghold area remained in effect at the intersection of North Cochise Stronghold and West Ironwood Road and everything south and west from that point, said Carol Capas, a Cochise County Sheriffs spokeswoman. Capas said firefighters were doing structure protection in that area and fighting the southern edge of the fire, and that would make it difficult to allow residents back to their homes. A pre-evacuation order remains in place for the Sunsites and Pearce areas east of the Dragoon Mountains, Capas said. Residents in other areas that were evacuated were allowed to return to their homes. Three helicopters assisted ground crews with water drops to protect structures near the Stronghold area. Dozens of engines, a hotshot crew and water tankers were assigned to the fire. Crews continue to work in two operational shifts for 24-hour coverage. Efforts to protect a Baptist church camp, a power line corridor and other structures in the area on Saturday and overnight into Sunday were successful. The Lizard Fire is one of several active wildfires in Cochise County, including the Bowie Fire and Rucker Fire. The Bowie Fire is more than 3,000 acres and is 90 percent contained. The Rucker Fire is 1,100 acres and is 61 percent contained. Tiffany Davila, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Forestry and Fire Management, told the AP that at least 80 square miles are burning across Arizona. Crews from seven other states are helping control the fires. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will be getting a large donation Tuesday, June 13, that will benefit area pets. PetSmart Charities will be donating 250,000 pet food meals to the food bank to distribute to food bank client families who have pets, according to a news release from PetSmart. The food bank will distribute the pet meals directly to individuals it serves; the meals will also be made available to more than 150 local agencies who partner with the food bank, such as other food banks and nonprofits. PetSmart donated the food through its Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program. For every pet-food bag sold through the end of the year the company will donate a meal, both dog and cat food, for pets in need. PetSmart has a goal of donating 60 million meals for pets through the program. Trucks will be delivering the donated meals to the food bank on Tuesday morning. Reporter Joe has been with the Star for six years. He covers politics as well as the city of Tucson and other municipalities in Southern Arizona. He graduated from the UA and previously worked for the Arizona Daily Sun. PHOENIX The ability of tribes to intercede in adoption of Native American children not living on the reservation is limited and not absolute, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. In a unanimous decision the justices rejected arguments by the Gila River Indian Community that Arizona courts must transfer such cases to tribal courts. Chief Justice Scott Bales said while such transfer is permissive, it is not a right. And in this case, the high court said a the juvenile court judge was correct in deciding to rebuff the tribes request. The lawsuit is part of an ongoing effort by the Goldwater Institute to challenge the federal Indian Child Welfare Act which, in some circumstances, gives tribes purview over what happens to Native American children who do not live on the reservation who are taken from biological parents. Attorneys who are representing non-Native parents trying to adopt those children have charged that the law is racist because it has one set of standards for Indian children and another for those who are not. Those efforts to date have come up short, with a federal judge earlier this year throwing out a separate challenge to that law. But attorney Avi Dynar who represents the prospective non-Indian adoptive parents in this case, said Tuesdays ruling is at least a small victory. This decision from the Supreme Court is chipping away at one of the important provisions of ICWA, he said. This is an important decision that puts tribes on notice that they cant misuse the Indian Child Welfare Act. While saying he was disappointed in the ruling, tribal Gov. Stephen R. Lewis sought to minimize its importance and scope. In a prepared statement, he noted the decision still preserves the rights of tribes to intercede and demand transfer to tribal court early in the process, at the point where the state seeks to sever the parental rights of a Native American parent who does not live on the reservation. That occurs before any hearing on who can adopt. And Lewis said the lesson of Tuesdays ruling will not be lost on tribes. Because of the aggressive involvement of anti-Indian organizations like the Goldwater Institute, Indian tribes have become proactive in seeking transfer to tribal courts early in state dependency cases, he said, long before any adoption hearings in which they may have no say. The ICWA was adopted by Congress in 1978 amid concerns that state courts were severing parental rights and approving adoptions of Native American children who did not live on reservations. The congressional record shows that Congress was concerned these children were being increasingly adopted by non-Indian families. That law requires state courts when placing Indian children who do not live on a reservation for adoption to give preference to a member of the childs extended family. That is followed by priority by other members of the childs tribe and, ultimately, other Indian families. This case involves a girl, not identified, who was born off the reservation in 2014 to a Native American woman. Court records show that at the time of her birth both she and her mother tested positive for amphetamines and opiates. About a week later the Department of Child Safety placed her with foster parents where she has been ever since. State officials eventually sought to terminate the mothers rights. As required by federal law, the Gila River community, where the mother was a member, was notified but did not object. Later, a judge concluded that the foster parents were meeting the childs needs and started the process of allowing them to adopt the girl. Only then did the tribe demand the case to be transferred to tribal court. Bales, in Tuesdays ruling, rejected arguments by tribal attorneys that the demand for transfer has to be honored by state courts. He said that right to transfer applies only at the point that the state seeks to terminate the parental rights of a tribal member. In this case, he said, the court acknowledged that, generally speaking, Native children who are removed from their off-reservation homes should be placed with tribal members. But Bales said the trial judge found good cause to deviate from that. More to the point, the tribe did not appeal that ruling. It was only after an adoption hearing was scheduled that the tribe moved to transfer the matter. Bales said the trial judges decision was correct and did not violate the federal law. He said the tribe lost its absolute right to transfer once the mothers rights were terminated. Bales stressed, though, that Tuesdays ruling does not preclude a tribe from requesting transfer to its courts of adoption hearings. But he said state courts still maintain the right to determine if there is good cause to deny the request. The challenge to the ICWA itself continues with an appeal to the 9th Circuit. According to the Goldwater Institute, the statute is racist by giving preference to tribal members because it overrules state laws which require courts to give prime consideration to the best interests of the child, regardless of whether that means placement with a tribal member or someone else. iStock/Thinkstock(NEWPORT, Ark.) -- A suspect has been apprehended in the fatal shooting of an Arkansas police lieutenant Monday night, according to ABC Little Rock affiliate KATV. Lt. Patrick Weatherford, 41, was shot in the line of duty at around 7:30 p.m. on Monday in Newport, a city about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock, state police said. The 15-year veteran of the Newport Police Department was rushed to a local hospital shortly after the incident, where he later died. Weatherford was named Jackson Countys Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the year in 2016, according to Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "Lt. Weatherford was known for routinely preventing incidents and altercations from escalating into crisis," Rutledge said in a statement released via Twitter early Tuesday morning. And I have no doubt that Lt. Weatherford began his watch today with the same mission to protect and serve the community he loved so much," she said, adding that his "young family and his fellow officers" were grieving. The Little Rock Police Department tweeted a picture of the slain officer late Monday night and asked the public to pray for the officers family and friends. Condolences to the Weatherford family, Newport Police Department and each life touched by Lt. Weatherford pic.twitter.com/mDaYo7Ktwk Little Rock Police (@LRpolice) June 13, 2017 Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the Remmel Park area where the officer was shot and K9s were deployed in the search for the suspect, according to KATV. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Help India! Jaipur, (IANS): Eight persons have been arrested for attacking Tamil Nadu officials, legally transporting cows, in Rajasthans Barmer district, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Sunday night when over 250 cow vigilantes attacked the trucks transporting cattle to Tamil Nadu and pelted stones. One person sustained minor injuries in the incident. Support TwoCircles Over 50 cows and 30 calves were being transported in five trucks. We have lodged a FIR against 50 persons while eight have been arrested so far. The search for others is going on, a senior police officer told IANS on Tuesday. He added that action has also been taken against seven policemen for failing in their duties. According to eyewitnesses, the mob of over 250 tried to beat the men in the trucks and also attempted to set a truck on fire. The policemen faced a tough time in rescuing the Tamil Nadu officials, accompanying the truck in different vehicles, along with the truck drivers and the cleaners. Help India! New Delhi, (IANS): Slamming the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, Swaraj India on Tuesday said it was trying to hide something on the farmers killing and therefore, not allowing anyone to visit Mandsaur. Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav said since the last week, the government did not allow any political leader or activist to visit Mandsaur and meet the kin of the farmers. Support TwoCircles One week has passed since the killing of the five protesting farmers in Mandsaur in police firing. By stopping the leaders, who wanted to meet the kin, the government is trying to hide something and that must be revealed, Yadav told reporters here after returning from Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh. Yadavs remarks came a day after he, along with social activist Medha Patkar and Swami Agnivesh, were not allowed to meet the families of the farmers who had died on June 6. Lashing out at the government over police firing on protesting farmers, Yadav said the way in which the farmers were killed in police firing shows it was a murder. He also alleged that the farmers were beaten to death after the firing had stopped. The Swaraj India leader pointed out that the agricultural policy of Madhya Pradesh was production oriented and not producer oriented. If we talk to any leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, they shall boast of the enhanced farming but the fact is that the agricultural policy is production oriented and not producer oriented, he said. He said demonetisation has also played a major role in the low demand for the produce. After demonetisation, the demand dropped drastically, he said, adding that till last month there was restriction on withdrawal of money from the banks. He also alleged that the money for the crops that was deposited in the farmers bank accounts, was deducted by the banks without any prior information to the farmers. This is completely illegal, he said. Yadav also said the farmers in Mandsaur and Neemuch were protesting as they were not getting the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of their crops, as the prices fell drastically as compared to last year. Meanwhile, Swami Agnivesh said in Madhya Pradesh that the citizens dont have the freedom to move anywhere as they are not allowed to go anywhere. He also slammed the government for not implementing the M.S. Swaminathan recommendations as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in its manifesto. The National Commission on Farmers (NCF), constituted under the chairmanship of Swaminathan, had suggested a Minimum Support Price (MSP) including an additional 50 per cent over and above the total expenses incurred on farming. Help India! By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter A Panchayat in Uttar Pradeshs Sambhal district fined a man of Rs 2 lakh and asked him to return the meher for giving Talaq to his wife. Support TwoCircles Raees Ahmed, a 45-year-old farmer and resident of Moosapur village of Sambhal had married Rehana Begum (34) three years ago. Around 12 days back, Raees divorced Rehena by saying talaq three times in one go over a matter of simple family dispute. Following this, Rehana returned to her maternal home but a panchayat on the same issue was called by her parents. Sambhal is dominated by members of Turq community of Muslims, and the panchayat which was also dominated by 52 members of the same community fined Raees for the same. Moreover, panchayat has also asked Raees to return the meher amount of Rs 60,000 to Rehanas parents which he took at the time of niqah. Asrar Ahmed headed the panchayat and told reporters that panchayat was held on Sunday when Rehanas brother made a request for the same some four days ago. According to media reports, Raees was not able to justify him move to divorce Rehana by triple talaq practice. We have been requesting villagers to stay away from the practice, said Ahmed to Indian Express. This case comes few weeks after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board told Supreme Court that any Muslim practicing triple talaq would be subjected to social boycott. Supreme Court was also told that AIMPLB has issued guidelines for married couple about triple talaq and has asked them to stay away from it. Help India! TCN News Kolkata: Local residents of Kiddrepore, Kolkata organised a unique Dosti Ki iftari, on Sunday, June 11, where they invited non-Muslims from the city, including journalists, academicians, social activists, professionals, and young students for direct interaction with locals. Support TwoCircles This iftar party was different from other such programs where the focus remains on high profile politicians and celebrities. No politician was invited in the iftar as it was much focused toward people-to-people interaction in the city at a time when certain forces are trying to create communal frenzy in the state. Some of the eminent persons from the city who attended the iftar program included, distinguished Professors Subendhu Dasgupta and Keya Dasgupta; Kumar Rana, writer and Project Director Pratichi Institute; Abhijit Roy, Head of Film Studies Department of Jadavpur University; Amit Dasgupta, Professor at Calcutta University; Dr Roddur De, assistant professor at Chandannagar Government College; Suvojit Bagchi, Chief of Bureau, The Hindu; journalist Udalak Mukherjee, The Telegraph, social activist Malay Tiwari, among others. Around 60 people, majority of them non-Muslims interacted with local residents of greater Kidderpore area that included professors, lawyers, journalists, researchers, students and local businessmen. Before the iftari, there was tri-lingual (Bengali, Hindi and English) freewheeling interaction among local residents of greater Kiddrepore with esteemed guests. A local imam Md Ashraf Qasmi spoke on the religious and spiritual dimension of Ramzan and also hoped that he is invited to programs in non-Muslim localities where he can learn more about culture of Hindu brothers. Shaheen Parveen, ex-teacher of law at Aligarh Muslim University and recently succeeded in West Bengal Judiciary Service Examinations spoke about her experience of being a working Muslim woman. Kumar Rana said that as member of the majority community we too need to introspect and wonder why minorities have to take such initiatives, stressing on the need of more inter-communal interactions. Professor Subhendu Dasgupta, who has done some research on the area, extended his support to such initiatives that can help people come closer. There was also an exhibition of photographs of Kidderpore locality at the venue, shot by four young photographers Sangoli Sikder, Abhishek Dey, Shovon Ray and Swastik Pal, capturing the life and daily existence here. Dosti Ki iftari was jointly organised by Association SNAP, AIMS and Right Track. The venue was voluntarily provided by the owner of Al Hamd WSA School (Great Hall) as courtesy. Advocate Abu Nasser of AIMS has played important role in mobilizing financial support for the programme. The initiative was part of know your neighbor programme of Association SNAP, that has continued for last two years; and is supported by community based organizations like Right Track and AIMS etc. In the welcome address, Md Ashraf Ali of Right Track spoke on why they decided to organise this kind of iftar. He said that although we live in same city, there is big divided between majority and minority community. A lot of misconceptions and stereotypes exist and we need to challenge those, he added. This was the second program in one month, Ali reminded the audience. Earlier, on May 21, similar interactive program on communal-harmony was organised in Mominpore locality by SNAP-Right Track. The organizers are also toying up with the idea of Kidderpore Festival perhaps at the end of this year. How low are the nurse numbers and does it look like it's going to get better? Last year in July there were 1,304 from the EU who joined the Nursing and Midwifery Council, in sharp contrast to this year where there were 46 who were recorded, making it a fall of 96%. Research conducted in May by the Royal College of Nursing found that 1 in 9 posts in England was currently vacant. The Union said according to these statistics the NHS was actually 40,000 nurses short of what it needs to run smoothly. The Health Foundation, which obtained the figures via a freedom of information request, said there was a shortage of 30,000 nurses in England alone, adding that the NHS could not afford such a drop. Anita Charlesworth, the charitys director of research and economics, said: Without EU nurses it will be even harder for the NHS and other employers to find the staff they need to provide safe patient care. The findings should be a wake-up call to politicians and health service leaders." Vital for EU staff to be given assurances Theresa May has claimed Britain could not unilaterally guarantee EU citizens rights as doing so would weaken her hand in the Brexit negotiations. Janet Davies, the chief executive and general secretary of the RCN (Royal College of Nurses) said it was vital for EU staff to be given assurances about their futures in the country. She also states We rely on the contributions of EU staff and this drop in numbers could have severe consequences for patients and their families, she said. Our nursing workforce is in a state of crisis. Across our health service, from A&E to elderly care, this puts patients at serious risk." A Department Of Health spokeswoman said: We understand the need to give valued NHS staff from the EU certainty, which is exactly why we have made clear that the future of those EU nationals working in our health and care system should be a priority in Brexit negotiations. We also have over 52,000 nurses in training to ensure the NHS has the nurses it needs. Nursing was added to the immigration shortage occupation list in 2015 because of the need for nurses and the difficulties in recruiting from outside the EU due to tougher immigration rules. In April, Department of Health estimates leaked to Health Service Journal suggested that in a worst case scenario the NHS could see a shortage of 42,000 nurses by 2026. So far this is the worst shortage they have dealt with in the last 20 years. The situation as it is now An ageing population; there are one million more people over the age of 65 than five years ago. Cuts to budgets for social care: While the NHS budget has been protected, social services for home helps and other care have fallen by 11 per cent in five years. This has caused record levels of bed blocking, meaning elderly people with no medical need to be in hospital are stuck there. Meanwhile, rising numbers of patients are turning up in A&E - around four million more in the last decade, partly fuelled by the aging population. Shortages of GPs mean waiting times to see a doctor have got longer, and many argue that access to doctors since a 2004 contract removed responsibility for out of hours care. Another hindrance has been the introduction of new tougher language testing by the NMC since June 2016, deterring or delaying applicants. Nurses need to be happy in their work It is evident that a nurse shortage is concerning to everyone who is thinking about the health sector in the U.K and should definitely get solved in a timely manner. More importantly, negotiations with current nurses should be carried out to insure they are duly compensated, happy with their working environment, and are encouraged to continue working and doing their best to provide quality healthcare. Overall there are 650,000 nurses on the register. Just over 36,000 of these have been trained in the EU, 5.5% of the total. Another 67,000 come from outside the EU with the remainder from the U.K. Ah, how Donald Trumps world is coming crumbling down around him. The US President got into office by rigging the election in his favour with Russia, then the Director of the FBI was investigating it, then Trump fired him, then his approval rating sank to a dismal 39.3%, and now it might all culminate in the guy getting Impeached. Oh, how perfect an ending to this story that would be. Trumps impeachment odds have risen As the stakes are being raised, so are the odds that Trump will be impeached. Bookies are taking bets under the odds of 4/7 (64% likelihood) that Trump will either be impeached or resign from his post before his full Presidential term is up in 2020, and 5/4 (44.4% likelihood) that he will serve his full term as POTUS. Legal eagles are saying that Trumps firing of James Comey is grounds for impeachment. Hiring a foreign agent with ties to Turkey probably should be, too. But its the Comey thing thats got Congress gunning for an impeachment hearing, because as they see it, it was an obstruction of justice, and thats not cool. Democratic Congressman Al Green from Texas (yes, apparently there are Democrats in Texas) tweeted on 17 May that he was going to call for the Impeachment of the President on the floor of Congress. Obviously were yet to see the fruits of that, but its a start. Green still needs to get most of the House of Representatives and two thirds of the Senate on board, and both the House and the Senate are controlled by Trump's Republican Party, so its highly unlikely, but still, its a start. The leader of the Islamic state Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is in hiding as the two main centres of his self-declared caliphate are close to being taken by Iraqi and US coalition-led forces. The two main ISIS strongholds of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria have been under seige for months, forcing al-Baghdadi to flee. It's believed he is hunkering down somewhere in the thousands of miles of desert between the two locations. Lahur Talabani, the head of counter-terrorism at the Kurdistan Regional Government believes that al-Baghdadi will either be captured or killed, saying, he will not be able to remain underground forever. However, it could take months, or even years, to bring the Islamic State leader to justice, according to Reuters. Leader of caliphate feared dead There were reports that al-Baghdadi was wounded and killed in a recent Syrian airstrike, although this remains unconfirmed. Syrias state television announced that al-Baghdadi was killed in air strikes on Raqqa city on June 10. They quoted a statement published by the Islamic States media arm, Wilayat Al-Raqqa. Images of what appears to be Al-Baghdadis dead body was shown on Syrian state TV news, but there have also been previous false reports of his death. No other official sources have confirmed the news of al-Baghdadis death. Talabany believes the beleagured Isis leader is losing support among his troops and "has become nervous and very careful in his movements" as his circle of trust has become even smaller. Islamic State under seige As Isis is under sustained attacks in Mosul and Raqqa, those previously loyal to al-Baghdadi may betray him for the $25 million price tag for his capture. "The reward creates worry and tension, it restricts his movements and limit the number of his guards, says Fadhel Abu Ragheef, an expert on extremist groups. "He doesn't stay more than 72 hours in any one place." The leadership of Baghdadi was called into question by Abu Sulayman who met with the 46-year-old Iraqi on several ocasions. His assessment of one of the most feared men on the planet was damning, saying Baghdadi had the brain the size of a peanut. I expected someone much deeper. He is not a sophisticated thinker. Hes a blustering buffoon, he told The Saturday Paper Sulayman, a former spokesman for Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, also described as al-Qaeda in Syria, characterised Baghdadi has having a child's temper, similar to that of US President Donald Trump. Baghdadi is not ISIS, said Sulayman, claiming his title of caliph is just a name and that other people are running the show. In honor of Mother's Day, President Donald Trump decided to send a tweet directed at his wife Melania Trump. Within minutes, social media users were quick to give their thoughts and most weren't so kind to the First Family. Mother's Day tweet During the early stages of the 2016 presidential election, questions were raised about Donald Trump and his controversial history with women. It's been well-documented that the former host of "The Apprentice" has not had the best reputation when it comes to the opposite sex, which includes questionable actions during his previous marriage, as well as his behavior on the set of his reality show. While taking part in the first Republican primary debate, moderator and then Fox News host Megyn Kelly addressed these issues, citing Trump's previous remarks about females, specifically referring to them as "dogs" and "pigs." The biggest blow to the billionaire real estate mogul came with just a month remaining in the election when the now infamous Access Hollywood tapes were released exposing Trump's private sexual thoughts about a married women. Despite this, Trump was able to weather the storm and defeat Hillary Clinton to become the President of the United States. Fast forward to president day and Trump is the commander in chief, and decided to send out a Mother's Day message on Twitter to his wife on May 14. Wishing @FLOTUS Melania and all of the great mothers out there a wonderful day ahead with family and friends! Happy #MothersDay Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2017 Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning, Donald Trump tweeted a Mother's Day message to First Lady Melania Trump and to all mother's around the country. "Wishing @FLOTUS Melania Trump and all of the great mothers out there a wonderful day ahead with family and friends!" Trump tweeted out, before adding, "Happy Mother's Day." Twitter reacts In response to Donald Trump's Mother's Day tweet, Twitter quickly went viral as may social media users weren't impressed with the president. "Even the ones you move on like a b*tch?" author Mike Denison tweeted, before adding, "The ones you can just start kissing?" Stop feeling bad for Melania Trump. She's a big girl. And a Trump supporter. And your taxes pay for her to live in a tawdry NYC penthouse. AnthonyJS (@AnthonyJS_) May 14, 2017 @realDonaldTrump @FLOTUS The ones you can just start kissing? Mike Denison (@mikd33) May 14, 2017 @realDonaldTrump @FLOTUS eek! ok. look, tweeting happy mothers day from the golf course doesn't count as caring, maybe stop at a gas station? get a card quick? yikes maura quint (@behindyourback) May 14, 2017 "Are you also wishing your exes and the women you tried to sexually harass a Happy Mothers Day?" Tony Posnanski sarcastically wondered, while also asking, "How are you and the GOP celebrating? By making pregnancy a pre existing condition?" "Knowing that a staff member had to write this is sad on a profound level," comedy writer Jon Bershad. @realDonaldTrump @FLOTUS How are you and the GOP celebrating? By making pregnancy a pre existing condition? Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) May 14, 2017 I think Melania Trump thinks of/writes approximately 0% of her tweets Kiersten (@kfreedman44) May 14, 2017 @realDonaldTrump @FLOTUS Awesome! She can divorce you after you are indicted and jailed and take 1/2 of what is left of your fake billions. Gregg Schneider (@gregg_schneider) May 14, 2017 "Y isn't Trump spending Mother's Day with Melania Trump is very selfish," another tweet read. "I think Melania Trump thinks of/writes approximately 0% of her tweets," a follow-up message read. As the tweets kept coming in, it was clear that some Americans were not going to hold back their criticism of the First Family, even on Mother's Day. After six months in the White House, Donald Trump is still dealing with the growing Russian scandal. With Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifying in Congress, it was the president's son who decided to use social media to express his frustration. Trump Jr. on Twitter Over the last two years, Donald Trump has made Twitter his top form of communication due to the increased bad-blood between himself and the mainstream media. Throughout the 2016 presidential election, it became more than obvious that the former host of "The Apprentice" was not going to see eye to eye with the press. Trump often went on to incorporate his hate for the media during his campaign rallies, labeling journalists as "terrible" people, prompting his millions of followers to follow in lock-step with that message. One issue that has caused the biggest rift between the president and the press has been over the aforementioned Russian scandal and the drama that has followed since Trump's election back in November. As multiple credible news outlets, as well as government agencies, reveal information that appears to link Trump and his associates to Russia, the White House continues to deny the allegations. On Tuesday, Jeff Sessions testified in Congress regarding the controversy, as well as his reported meetings with Russian officials. As expected, the reaction was split down party lines, with Donald Trump Jr. giving his thoughts in a series of tweets on June 13. Jeff Sessions: It is an "appalling and detestable lie" to accuse me of colluding with Russians to undermine U.S. https://t.co/ru0NSx6QwE pic.twitter.com/WDrUu7vNJi NBC News (@NBCNews) June 13, 2017 During his testimony, Jeff Sessions was defiant in his argument, not backing down to the challenge presented to him. Sessions addressed the allegations that he and the president were in collusion with Russia, calling it "appalling" and a "detestable lie." Junior speaks. As the testimony moved forward, Donald Jr. decided to take to Twitter to give his thoughts just as he had during the James Comey testimony last week. "Crushed it," he wrote in response to Jeff Sessions' opening statement. Well said AG Sessions: "I did not recuse myself from defending my honor from false & scurrilous accusations" Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2017 "Well said AG Sessions: 'I did not recuse myself from defending my honor from false & scurrilous accusations,'" Donald Jr. wrote, while quoting Jeff Sessions. After a tweet was sent out by conservative Ben Shapiro dismissing the allegations that the attorney general colluded with Russia, the younger Trump re-tweeted the remark and added, "True but that won't stop them from trying." True but that won't stop them from trying. https://t.co/pwH6ouWy8z Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2017 In response to the DOJ sending out a letter about Jeff Sessions recusing himself from the Russian investigation, Donald Trump Jr. wrote, "Interesting. I wonder if the media will cover that Comey said he wasn't notified. Someone's lying and it doesn't look like it's the AG!" Not stopping there, Donald Jr. responded to yet another comment that was critical of the Democrats being "obsessed" with Russia, tweeting, "Shhh. Don't tell them. They wouldn't get it anyway." Shhh. Don't tell them. They wouldn't get it anyway. https://t.co/rY3jOGHQfK Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2017 Donald Trump Jr. went on to reply to a tweet asking why he was live-tweeting the testimony instead of working, answering, "I was, it's why I got a late start, but I couldn't miss part 2 of the pathetic dem witch hunt train wreck." "Markets up again as dems messaging gets destroyed in these hearings. It's the most they have ever actually done for the economy," he wrote in his last tweet as of press time, while highlighting the latest stock market numbers. I was, it's why I got a late start, but I couldn't miss part 2 of the pathetic dem witch hunt train wreck. https://t.co/mUZ3JoU3Me Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2017 Markets up again as dems messaging gets destroyed in these hearings. It's the most they have ever actually done for the economy. https://t.co/byhOi3qplJ Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2017 Moving forward With Donald Trump once again silent on social media, his son doesn't seem too shy about tweeting his thoughts. While only time will tell how the Russian scandal plays out, the partisan divide and criticism doesn't look to be ending at any point in the near future. As the scandal surrounding Russia heats up, Donald Trump has been backed into a corner on how to handle the pressure. With a Special Counsel recently appointed to look over the investigation, the reaction from many Americans was not positive. Trump's decision It didn't take long after Donald Trump announced his campaign for president that he was hit with allegations of being in cahoots with Russia. After refusing to release his tax returns, the president caused increased speculation over what he could be hiding in his financial information. After his controversial praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, several advisers and associates were found to have been linked, in one way or another, back to the Kremlin. Over the last month, Trump has faced new information that casts a dark shadow over his administration. In the aftermath of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly trying to set up a back channel line of communication with Russia, and the questionable firing of James Comey as head of the FBI, former FBI Director Robert Mueller was tapped to be the special counsel to the Russian investigation. As reported by PBS Newshour's Judy Woodruff on June 12, Trump is considering firing Mueller. .@ChrisRuddyNMX tells me Pres Trump is "considering perhaps terminating" Robert Mueller as special counsel @NewsHour Judy Woodruff (@JudyWoodruff) June 12, 2017 In a tweet by Judy Woodruff on Monday night, the PBS Newshour anchor revealed shocking information. "@ChrisRuddyNMX tells me Pres Trump is 'considering perhaps terminating' Robert Mueller as special counsel," she posted to social media. Chris Ruddy is a well-known source and current CEO of Newsmax, and elaborated further during Monday's broadcast on PBS. Chris Ruddy to @JudyWoodruff: President Trump is considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, who he considered for another position. pic.twitter.com/X4IIHlh8at PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) June 12, 2017 Twitter reaction Not long after the news broke that Donald Trump could soon fire the man hired to oversee the Russian investigation, the issue started to trend on Twitter. "If DT fires Robert Mueller, we officially pass Watergate & Trump becomes most corrupt POTUS of greatest scandal in US history," actor and director Rob Reiner tweeted out. If DT fires Robert Mueller, we officially pass Watergate & Trump becomes most corrupt POTUS of greatest scandal in US history. #Trumprussia Rob Reiner (@robreiner) June 12, 2017 If Donald Trump fires Robert Mueller and is allowed to do so, pick up a goddamn brick. That's all that's left to you. David Simon (@AoDespair) June 12, 2017 If Trump really is considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, he'll be impeached. Can Trump be THAT stupid?https://t.co/bkwic14v1Q Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) June 13, 2017 "If Trump really is considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, he'll be impeached. Can Trump be THAT stupid?" Jon Cooper rhetorically asked. "If Donald Trump fires Robert Mueller and is allowed to do so, pick up a goddamn brick. That's all that's left to you," David Simon tweeted. Note to media: please stop saying you "can't imagine" Trump would actually fire the special prosecutor. Of course you can imagine it. Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) June 13, 2017 Fred Douglass and Bill Shakespeare just joined Robert Mueller's team. Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) June 12, 2017 It's almost as if Newt Gingrinch is a disingenuous asshole. Less than a month apart on these Robert Mueller takes. pic.twitter.com/hczjoAyfKK Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) June 12, 2017 "Note to media: please stop saying you 'can't imagine' Trump would actually fire the special prosecutor. Of course you can imagine it," MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell wrote. "Source close to Trump says the president 'is being advised by many people' NOT to fire special prosecutor Robert Mueller," CNN's Jim Acosta added. As the reaction poured in on social media, it was clear that the president's decision could become a major moment in the current investigation and scandal. Latvian cyber criminal Peteris Sahurovs appeared in court in Minneapolis after he was extradited from Poland. Nicknamed Piotrek, Piotrek89, and Sagade, he was involved in hacking the Minneapolis Star Tribunes website and causing millions of dollars in losses to internet users. He is also accused of wire fraud. Peteris was arrested in June 2011, but a Latvian court later released him. He fled to Poland where the local police captured him. Peteris was at one time the fifth most wanted cyber criminals by the FBI with an award of $50,000 for his capture. The Star Tribune: Hacker released in Latvia now on FBI's most wanted list http://t.co/gNMk8wfupe Peteris Sahurovs pic.twitter.com/zMTQ3W2VOF Nepareizais (@Nepareizais) October 29, 2014 How Peteris committed his crimes According to the FBI's website, he committed his crimes between February and September 2010. He defrauded internet users $2 million by selling them fraudulent computer security programs. His software named Scareware was a malicious software which he marketed as legitimate to unsuspecting companies and individuals. The software was designed to falsely claim that it has detected threats on victims computers, yet the threats did not exist. Buyers were then advice to give their credit card numbers through disruptive notifications so as to pay for a fraudulent anti-virus product. Victims were at times prevented from using their computers until they made the payments. How he used the Minneapolis Star Tribunes website On February 2010, he contacted Startribune.com and impersonated himself as an online advertising agent. He was seeking advertisement space on the paper's website. After being granted advertisement space, he started by advertising hotels and then changed his adverts with a file that contained a malicious malware. The malware infected the computers of those who visited the star tribute website to subsequently freeze the computers of victims making their files inaccessible. To unlock their computer, victims had to pay $49.95. He made $2 million from this hacking acts. Payment proceeds mainly went to a bank in Latvia that was controlled by him, his co-conspirator Marina Maslobojeva and others. Investigators also suspect that he committed this crime on other online businesses. This case was investigated by the FBIs Minneapolis field office. The prosecutors were assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney of the Criminal Divisions for computer crime and intellectual property. Others included the Departments Office of International Affairs, the Latvian state Police, and the Polish National Police. Its official. First lady Melania Trump has finally moved into the White House, four and a half months after President Donald Trump took charge of the presidency. Mrs. Trump has now joined her husband at the White House along with her 11-year-old son Barron Trump, according to the first ladys spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham. The first lady had continued to live at Trump Tower in New York even after President Trump assumed office, reportedly so their son could finish school. The decision raised many eyebrows and assumptions were made regarding the stability of the couples marriage. Some wondered whether Melania Trump would ever move into the White House. Her decision to stay back had been in contrast to her predecessor Michelle Obam who decided to move to Washington early in order to settle down and get their daughters familiarized with their new school. Its been reported that Melania Trump has been busy looking for new schools for Barron and had been preparing the residence. Moving day is finally here Melania Trump has laid many rumors to rest by finally making the big move. She recently tweeted a photo looking out at the White House lawn and expressing her excitement about living there. Looking forward to the memories we'll make in our new home! #Movingday pic.twitter.com/R5DtdV1Hnv Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 12, 2017 The mother and son joined the president at the White House on Sunday, Barron sporting a t-shirt with The Expert written on it. They were followed by multiple suitcases. Barron Trump has become the first boy to live in the White House since 1963 when the 3-year-old John F. Kennedy inhabited the place. The boy is set to be enrolled in a private school in Maryland in the next term. Melania Trump bashed on Twitter Soon after the first lady tweeted about her move to the White House, people took to Twitter to bash her, telling her not to get too comfortable and putting her down for taking so long. Like when you serve him with divorce papers or when he finds out he's indicted or when he gets led out in cuffs? I can't wait either Sean B (@Seanb1829) June 12, 2017 I like that you got a picture of the biggest phallus in DC to make up for "Tiny Donny" in your husband's pants. Kristina Wong (@mskristinawong) June 12, 2017 My ultimate dream is to see Trump in prison and penniless. Ivey #TheResistance (@Ivey_with_an_e) June 12, 2017 The First Ladys activities have so far included leading the International Womens Day lunch and hosting the spouses of heads of state at the White House. With her final move to Washington, shell be expected to do much more and seen in the spotlight. Her move to the White House will also result in easing the burden on the New York police and the secret service, who were responsible for her safety while she lived in New York. According to some estimations, the cost of her police protection was, according to The Telegraph, approximately $1 million per day. President Trump has so far not acknowledged the move and is yet to comment. George Brinkman, age 45, was taken into police custody at 5:30 this morning following a standoff with authorities that lasted almost nine hours. He was arrested at a home in Brunswick, OH, in connection with a triple homicide committed Sunday night. The bodies of Suzanne Taylor, age 45, and her daughters, 18-year-old Kylie Pifer, and 21-year-old Taylor Pifer were found in North Royalton, OH. Brinkman was Facebook acquaintances with the mother. Following Brinkmans arrest, Stark County Sheriff's Office obtained arrest warrants saying he also might have shot to death 64-year-old Roberta Ray John and Rogell E. John II, her 71-year-old husband, in Lake Township on Monday. Their bodies were found after Rogells son tried but could not reach them on Sunday after the couple had come home from vacation. Rogell didnt show up to work at the familys business on Monday. When his son went to check on him, his son discovered his father and his stepmother dead. Detective Dave Loeding, North Royalton Police Department, said the suspect had evidence in his possession that tied him to the Johns deaths. Allegedly, he had dated the victims daughter and he was watching the couples home while they vacationed. Suspected killer subdued and taken into custody The suspect was taken into custody and, then, to a hospital to be evaluated after he was subdued with a Taser by Swat officers, said Lieutenant Robert Safran, Brunswick Police. Brinkman barricaded himself in a home with an unlocked door, which is how SWAT entered. A 911 call from Suzanne Taylors boyfriend, Scott Plymale, prompted the police to respond to her home. Her eldest daughters boyfriend, Dale Koster, discovered the bodies, Plymale told a 911 dispatcher He also explained that Koster picked the lock when no one answered the door. Koster called Plymale earlier saying something was wrong. All of the cars were at the home and all of the doors were locked. Koster also did not hear the womens dog. When he went to the home on Saturday, dropping off flowers, he noticed the womens cars there and Brinkmans car in the driveway. The mother and her daughters were found in Suzannes bed. Accused killers criminal past Brinkman was first arrested for receiving stolen property and unauthorized access of a computer system in Cuyahoga County, OH, in September 1998, according to the Daily Mail online. He was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty. He was charged with theft, forgery and receiving stolen property in December 1999. He was sentenced in February 2000 and was released from prison in September 2000. During the hours leading to this mornings arrest, Brinkman was armed and holed up at his friends detached home in Brunswick. He was threatening to kill himself and was drinking whiskey while he was barricaded inside. Police sealed off the ear and told neighbors to stay inside. As officers used bullhorn negotiating with him to give up peacefully, FBI and SWAT officers surrounded the house. Police marksmen trained their guns on the house. After police entered, and took Brinkman into custody, he didnt say anything, police said. He is in custody of North Royalton Police Department. In what has become routine over the last year, Donald Trump's controversial style and rhetoric has left him open to criticism. For "Saturday Night Live," the president is low-hanging fruit when it comes to comedy and easy laughs. "SNL" on Trump When Donald Trump made his presidential candidacy official nearly two years ago, he was originally seen as nothing more than a joke candidate who was running in an attempt to increase his ratings on his reality show. As time moved forward, however, the former host of "The Apprentice" saw his popularity increase. Using that momentum at his back, Trump was able to push back 16 other Republican candidates before accepting the party's nomination for president last summer. As the general election kicked off, Trump was seen as the underdog against former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. It was during this time when "Saturday Night Live" amped up their criticism of the billionaire real estate mogul, as actor Alec Baldwin took on the role of Trump. From day one, Trump was not happy with how he was portrayed on "SNL," as he lashed out on Twitter on more than one occasion, blasting both Baldwin and the entire show in his rants. During the May 13 episode of "Saturday Night Live," Trump was once again a prime source of laughs. In a mock version of Donald Trump's recent interview with NBC News host lester holt, played by Michael Che, "Saturday Night Live" trolled the president during the show's cold open. Alec Baldwin kicked off his interview by gloating about his presidency, before answer the satirical Holt's question about firing James Comey. Baldwin, as Trump, admitted to firing Comey over the Russian scandal, before taking a dig at the president over a CNN story about his eating habits. "Nothing matters. Absolutely nothing matters anymore." Michael Che as Lester Holt #SNLLiveCoastToCoast Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) May 14, 2017 A mock Paul Ryan brought Donald Trump his ice cream dessert, before getting trolled by Lester Holt for his use of the term "priming the pump." Trump then referred to Holt as O.J. Simpson and Kenan, in reference to cast member Kenan Thompson, before stating, "You think I care about optics? I sit on every chair like it's a toilet." Baldwin also roasted Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway, citing her recent return to cable news by saying he "allowed her out of her crypt." Trump insists he's *nothing* like Richard Nixon for instance, he gets two, count 'em, TWO scoops of ice cream. #SNLLiveCoastToCoast pic.twitter.com/RlqOqaKcIN Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) May 14, 2017 Trump trouble While "Saturday Night Live" and other comedians and comedy shows have fun with the controversial aspects of the new president, Donald Trump has many other issues to worry about. Over the last week alone, Trump has been forced to deal with the backlash to his firing of James Comey as head of the FBI, the growing Russian scandal, questions surrounding the future of Obamacare, and where he stands on important foreign policy issues that have all led to an approval rating that has dropped below 40 percent in the most recent round of polling. Saif al-Islam was held for six years in the town of Zintan by a Libyan militia. His release could fuel violence in Libya if he runs for a political position in an already unstable country. His lawyer confirmed that he is no longer imprisoned and will not appear in public for security reasons. According to a BBC source, he is believed to be in eastern Libya in an area called Tobruk. The ICC wanted Saif for crimes he committed during the Arab Uprising. The crimes include torture and the killing of civilians. Free at Last: Gaddafi's Son, Saif Al-Islam, Released from Jail, Can Travel as He Pleases https://t.co/Q4i9YlmTPn Hakim Adi (@hakimadi1) June 12, 2017 A brief history of Saif Saif was born in Tripoli in 1972; he is currently 44 years old. He is the 2nd son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. He was second in command in Libya during his father's rule and was involved in Libya's diplomatic relations with the West. His father was captured in southern Libya on November 19th, 2011 by the Zintan militia during the Libyan Civil War. Saif was also captured and Sentenced To Death in absentia on July 28th, 2015 for crimes he committed during the Libyan civil war. Saif's capture Saif was arrested during the Lybian civil war which was a conflict between Gaddafi and protesters. Protests began on February 15th, 2011 and lasted for eight months. A few days after the conflict began, Saif announced that a commission of inquiry would be set up to investigate what was causing the violence. Later in the month of February, he denied that the government which his father was heading was conducting airstrikes on its people and that the number of protestors that had been killed during that time was exaggerated by the western media and civil rights groups. He also blamed drunken and drugged protestors, tribal functions and Islamist terrorists for causing the violence. Three months after the civil war began, Saif announced that elections would be held in Libya and that international observers would be invited and that his father would step down if he lost. NATO which was conducting airstrikes at that time, as well as rebels, rejected the offer. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him and his father on June 27th, 2011. He called the ICC a fake court that is manipulated by NATO nations after NATO offered to drop ICC charges against him and his father if they agree to a secret deal. His father was captured on October 20th, 2011 and killed in a northwestern town of Libya called Misrata which is 178 kilometers East of Tripoli. Saif was arrested in the southern part of Libya one month later together with four of his aides after being betrayed by a nomad who was hired for one million Euros to guide Said and his men to Niger. Saif's trial In August 2012, the government of Libya announced that Saif would stand trial in Libya and not the ICC. He first appeared in court on January 17th, 2013. His trial was delayed after that, and he began appearing in court via video link because of security reasons. He was later sentenced to death on July 28th, 2015 for war crimes. He survived an assassination attempt by a local militia group in northwestern Libya last month before being released on the 10th of this month. Russia's opposition leader was arrested on Monday for organizing anti-corruption Protests across the country. Alexei Navalny was arrested outside his home in Moscow while en route to join the protests in the city center, AP reported. He was later sentenced to 30 days in jail. Tens of thousands of Russians joined the protests and nearly one thousand were arrested. White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, said that the United States condemned Russia for arresting peaceful protesters. Navalny was previously arrested in March for protesting against the financial corruption of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Who protested Social media drew many young adults to the protests. Teenagers were seen crafting signs in the streets, the AP reported. Financial corruption by the Russian government "is costing the future of our young people," one protester told the AP. University students took to the streets in support of Navalny and in opposition to the corruption, many say exists even among professors. Protesters younger than 17 years old have only known Russian leadership in Vladimir Putin. Putin has alternated between Prime Minister and President since 2000. Some protested alongside people in medieval clothing, the AP reported. The organized demonstrations coincided with Russia Day celebrations, which included historical re-enactments from medieval times to World War II. 2018 election Russian President Vladimir Putin is up for re-election in March 2018. Navalny announced his candidacy to challenge Putin in 2016 and has protested against Russian corruption since 2008, Blasting News reported. Russian senators believe the U.S. and NATO will try to influence the Russian presidential election, Newsweek reported, as the FBI continues its investigation over Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. U.S. and NATO would support the election of a new Russian president. Elections have not historically been free or fair in Russia. Freedom House reported that Putin used the censored press to his advantage to win the 2012 presidential election. The Progress Party, the opposition party led by Navalny, has faced roadblocks in registering and participating in elections, to deter them from challenging the incumbent United Russia party, Freedom House reported. Navalny's brother was imprisoned for three and a half years in 2015, in an alleged attempt to limit Navalny's political activities. Craig Letch (L), director of food quality and assurance for Beef Products Inc., interacts with governors from Kansas, Texas, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska during their visit to his beef plant in South Sioux City, Nebraska, March 29, 2012. [Photo/VCG] The United States took a step forward on Monday towards resuming commercial shipment of US beef and beef products to China for the first time in the last 14 years. US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the posting of technical documents related to the beginning of the shipments on Monday, after the two governments reached agreement on final details of protocol to allow the US to begin the beef exports to China. "Today is a great day for the United States and in particular for our cattle producers, who will be regaining access to an enormous market with an ever-expanding middle class," Purdue said in a statement. "I have no doubt that as soon as the Chinese people get a taste of American beef they'll want more of it," he added. Resuming US beef exports to China is part of the US-China 100-Day Action Plan announced on May 11 and a result of the newly established US-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue co-chaired by US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and China's Vice-Premier Wang Yang. "President Trump is doing more to improve the US-China relationship than any president in decades, and this final beef protocol agreement represents even more concrete progress," Ross said in the statement. "I look forward to engaging with our Chinese counterparts as we address more complex issues to the benefit of both our nations," Ross said. According to a press release from the US Treasury Department, China has emerged as a major beef buyer in recent years, with imports increasing from $275 million in 2012 to $2.5 billion in 2016. China banned imports of US beef in 2003 after mad cow disease cases were discovered. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com Victoria Kwakwa, vice-president for East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank, talks about development lending in the Asia Pacific region in a seminar held at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Monday. Chen Weihua/China Daily The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is upholding high environmental and social standards, according to a World Bank official. Victoria Kwakwa, vice-president for East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank, said on Monday that the standards set by the AIIB are just like the standards of other multilateral development banks. "A lot of it was input by former World Bank staff, so they have very high standards," she said of the AIIB. Both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank worked well with the AIIB, she said. "We don't see any issues in the work we do with them or their commitment to keeping high standards," Kwakwa told China Daily on Monday after a talk on development lending in the Asia Pacific held at the Brookings Institution in Washington. She said that the World Bank is working in strong partnership with the Beijing-headquartered AIIB and Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank (NDB) in leveraging each side's competitive advantage. The World Bank and the AIIB have co-financed infrastructure in Indonesia. Kwakwa said the two are working on upcoming projects in the Philippines and other East Asian nations. The Manila Times, quoting the Philippine department of finance, reported on Monday that the AIIB this week may approve $150 million to co-finance with the World Bank a Philippine project to improve flood management in Metro Manila. Kwakwa said that the World Bank has also been discussing some projects with the NDB although they are not yet finalized. To Kwakwa, having more multilateral development banks is just a reflection of the multilateral world today. "It brings more developing financing to the table in the context that a lot more is needed than traditional sources can provide," she said, adding that more partners coming together makes it possible to tackle complex and large operations, sharing the risk and burden. Unlike some who worry about a race to the bottom with the new arrivals, Kwakwa said she doesn't see this as a strong possibility because there is so much to do and so much need for financing. "It's a theoretical possibility, but highly unlikely," she said of a race to the bottom. Hongying Wang, an associate professor of political science at University of Waterloo, said there is room for the new development banks to complement the legacy banks given the huge need in infrastructure financing in the Asia Pacific. "I have no doubt that with AIIB and NDB, China will follow most of these practices," she said. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com Moroccan girls read the Quran in a madrasa, or religious school, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in a village in Tinghir, Morocco June 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] RABAT - Morocco said in a statement on Monday that it will send planes loaded with food to Qatar, in line with the teachings of the Islamic religion, especially during the month of Ramadan. "The decision is in line with the teachings of the Islamic religion and what it requires in terms of solidarity between Muslim people, especially during the month of Ramadan," the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement. The decision "has nothing to do with the political aspects of the current crisis between Qatar and other sister states," it stressed. On Sunday, the ministry said in a separate statement that it is ready to mediate the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Gulf countries. Since the outbreak of the crisis, Morocco's King Mohammed VI has maintained close and permanent contact with the parties concerned, according to the statement. As scores of US and Chinese experts gathered on Monday in Des Moines to discuss the countries' relationship, they agree that it will benefit the two countries and the whole world for them to continue to work together. Several scholars exchanged their views on issues including trade imbalance at a one-day think tank symposium at The World Food Prize Foundation. The foundation recognizes contributions to development through increasing the quality, quantity and availability of food in the world. At the symposium, Tori Whiting of the Heritage Foundation said that the Trump administration's focus on the trade deficit is misleading. China has made a large foreign direct investment (FDI) into the US and holds more than $1 trillion worth of US Treasurys, which help finance US debt, said Whiting. "The value of imports is often overlooked. Over 50 percent of our imports are intermediate products used to produce high-value goods," she said. Zhang Yuyan, director-general at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the trade deficit mainly reflects the different development stages of the two countries, and it has been declining over the years. The US' trade deficit with China through April 2017 stood at approximately $106.5 billion, according to the US Census Bureau. For all of 2016, the deficit was more than $347 billion. "China is a rapidly developing country with a high savings rate, while the US is a developed country with a low savings rate," Zhang said. "Looking from a long-term historical perspective, the US enjoyed a trade surplus when it was developing rapidly after World War II, until its population started to age, and savings started to decline. China now is approaching that stage," he said, predicting that the trade gap, which he said was $250 billion per Chinese calculation in 2016, would narrow further. Mike Naig, deputy secretary of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, said that US and China should not focus on the differences exclusively but the commonality. "We both face issues such as aging farming populations, access to land and dependence on trade. If we focus too much on our differences, we would forget to work together to deal with those issues," Naig said. Grant Kimberley, a farmer and market development director at the Iowa Soybean Association, said that what he worried about most in the bilateral relationship would be that the US and China start a trade war. That would affect the farmers in Iowa adversely, he said to Chinese think tank visitors on Sunday. Leaders from both sides, including former US ambassador to China J. Stapleton Roy, and Consul General of China in Chicago Hong Lei noted that the economic tie is the most important aspect of the relationship, and it's crucial to work together. mayzhou@chiandailyusa.com Scores of American and Chinese officials, experts and scholars gather at Des Moines on Monday to discuss bilateral relationship at the US-China Think Tank Symposium. Strengthening relationship was advocated by all. Photos By may Zhou / China Daily From left: Tori Whiting, Mike Naig and Zhang Yuyan discuss the US-China trade relationship at the symposium. (China Daily USA 06/13/2017 page2) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is upholding high environmental and social standards, according to a World Bank official. Victoria Kwakwa, vice-president for East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank, said on Monday that the standards set by the AIIB are just like the standards of other multilateral development banks. "A lot of it was input by former World Bank staff, so they have very high standards," she said of the AIIB. Both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank worked well with the AIIB, she said. "We don't see any issues in the work we do with them or their commitment to keeping high standards," Kwakwa told China Daily on Monday after a talk on development lending in the Asia Pacific held at the Brookings Institution in Washington. She said that the World Bank is working in strong partnership with the Beijing-headquartered AIIB and Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank (NDB) in leveraging each side's competitive advantage. The World Bank and the AIIB have co-financed infrastructure in Indonesia. Kwakwa said the two are working on upcoming projects in the Philippines and other East Asian nations. The Manila Times, quoting the Philippine department of finance, reported on Monday that the AIIB this week may approve $150 million to co-finance with the World Bank a Philippine project to improve flood management in Metro Manila. Kwakwa said that the World Bank has also been discussing some projects with the NDB although they are not yet finalized. To Kwakwa, having more multilateral development banks is just a reflection of the multilateral world today. "It brings more developing financing to the table in the context that a lot more is needed than traditional sources can provide," she said, adding that more partners coming together makes it possible to tackle complex and large operations, sharing the risk and burden. Unlike some who worry about a race to the bottom with the new arrivals, Kwakwa said she doesn't see this as a strong possibility because there is so much to do and so much need for financing. "It's a theoretical possibility, but highly unlikely," she said of a race to the bottom. Hongying Wang, an associate professor of political science at University of Waterloo, said there is room for the new development banks to complement the legacy banks given the huge need in infrastructure financing in the Asia Pacific. "I have no doubt that with AIIB and NDB, China will follow most of these practices," she said. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com (China Daily USA 06/13/2017 page2) For Harry Stine, a farm boy who became an inventor, businessman and the richest billionaire in Iowa by licensing his genetically engineered corn and soybean seeds to multinational companies, there are a lot of reasons he has many connections with China. "My first main business was in soybean plant breeding, and all of our soybeans originally came from Asia, primarily China. We would not have the success we had today if we didn't have the opportunity to use Chinese soybeans to start with," said Stine, while pointing to the soybean nursery on the farm where Stine Seed sits in Adel, Iowa. Stine Seed is the world's largest privately owned seed company. Stine was also one of the first people invited by the Chinese government to visit China in early 1976. He ran into the funeral procession of former premier Zhou Enlai in the streets of Beijing. "Zhou did a good job in a complicated situation," Stine said. Since his first visit to China in 1976, Stine had taken his family to tour China a couple of times. He also spoke at the 2015 China Development Forum in Beijing. "Anyone who has been in China then and now has to have great admiration for the progress and change that occurred in China. Combined with China's long history, I only have great respect and appreciation for both China and its people," Stine said. Stine's father moved to the current farm in 1934 when it was relatively small. Today it has morphed into a giant farm of 11,331 hectares primarily used for seed breeding. "We worked long hours and had a small income. I kind of identify with that kind of small farmers in China and want to help them wherever I can," said Stine. Beginning in 2012, with the help of Zhao Li at Iowa China Group, Stine began making connections with Chinese seed companies and now provides high-yield corn and soybean seeds to farms around China. Stine said his genetics can help Chinese farmers to increase their corn yield by one-third and soybean yield by 10 to 20 percent. He wants to help Chinese farmers to reach the same level of production as in the US. So far Stine has sent hundreds of genetics to China to test what best fit China's environment. Although a relatively newcomer to China's seed business, Stine Seed is moving fast. Already, China has become its largest market outside of US. Stine Seed has registered three hybrid corns with the Chinese government and more are coming. Stine seeds are being planted in half of China's provinces. Stine is confident that his seed business will grow rapidly in China. "We are more cooperative with local companies and government than some other American seed companies," he said. For Harry Stine, a farm boy who became an inventor, businessman and the richest billionaire in Iowa by licensing his genetically engineered corn and soybean seeds to multinational companies, there are a lot of reasons he has many connections with China. "My first main business was in soybean plant breeding, and all of our soybeans originally came from Asia, primarily China in early 1900s. We would not have the success we had today if we didn't have the opportunity to use Chinese soybeans to start with," said Stine, while pointing to the soybean nursery on the farm where Stine Seed sits in Adel, Iowa. Stine Seed is the world's largest privately owned seed company Stine was also one of the first people invited by the Chinese government to visit China in early 1976. He ran into Zhou Enlai's funeral procession in the streets of Beijing. "Zhou did a good job in a complicated situation," Stine said. Since his first visit to China in 1976, Stine had taken his family to tour China a couple of times. He also spoke at the 2015 China Development Forum in Beijing. "Anyone who has been in China then and now has to have great admiration for the progress and change that occurred in China. Combined with China's long history, I only have great respect and appreciation for both China and its people," Stine said. Stine's father moved to the current farm in 1934 when it was relatively small. Today it has morphed into a giant farm of 28,000 acres primarily used for seed breeding. "We worked long hours and had a small income. I kind of identify with that kind of small farmer in China and want to help them wherever I can," said Stine. Beginning in 2012, with the help of Zhao Li at Iowa China Group, Stine began making connections with Chinese seed companies and now provides high-yield corn and soybean seeds to farms around China. Stine said his genetics can help Chinese farmers to increase their corn yield by one-third and soybean yield by 10 to 20 percent. He wants to help Chinese farmers to reach the same level of production as in the US. So far Stine has sent hundreds of genetics to China to test what best fit China's environment. "Some not doing well here can do well in China," Stine said. Although a relatively newcomer to China's seed business, Stine Seed is moving fast. Already, China has become its largest market outside of US. Stine Seed has registered three hybrid corns with the Chinese government and more are coming. Stine seeds are being planted in half of China's provinces. Stine is confident that his seed business will grow rapidly in China. "We are more cooperative with local companies and government than some other American seed companies," he said. Stine said many US companies don't want to put soybeans in China because they think they will lose control. "It's true, but I don't care. I want to help Chinese soybeans farmers. It's Chinese soybeans that made me successful, so I am happy give some new varieties back to China," said Stine. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, June 13, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, appearing at a high-stakes Senate hearing, on Tuesday denounced as "an appalling and detestable lie" the idea that he colluded with Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign. Sessions, a senior member of Republican President Donald Trump's Cabinet and an adviser to his presidential campaign last year, testified about his conversations with Russian officials and whether he intentionally misled Congress, as the Senate Intelligence Committee probes the Russia matter. "I have never met with or had any conversation with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States. Further, I have no knowledge of any such conversations by anyone connected with the Trump campaign," Sessions said. "The suggestion that I participated in any collusion or that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for over 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie," he said. Sessions is the most senior member of Trump's administration caught up in the controversy over whether associates of the president colluded with Russia to help Trump win the election. The committee's chairman, Republican Richard Burr, told Sessions the hearing was "your opportunity to separate fact from fiction" and "set the record straight on a number of allegations reported in the press." Even before Sessions testified, attention in Washington swiveled to whether Trump might seek to fire Robert Mueller, named last month by the Justice Department to head a federal probe into the Russia issue. Sessions told the senators that he has confidence in Mueller but said he had "no idea" if Trump did because he had not spoken to the president about the matter. Asked whether he would ever take any action to remove Mueller, Sessions said, "I would not think that would be appropriate for me to do." Such a move would be complicated and potentially politically explosive. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the person who would be responsible for carrying out any such dismissal, told a different congressional panel on Tuesday he would not fire Mueller without good cause and he had seen no such cause. Sessions appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee just five days after James Comey, whom Trump fired as FBI director on May 9, told the panel Trump ousted him to undermine the agency's investigation of the Russia matter. Sessions had written a letter to Trump recommending Comey's firing. Burr said he wanted to know from Sessions what meetings he had with Russian officials or their proxies on behalf of the Trump campaign, why he recused himself from the Russia investigation and what role, if any, he played in the firing of Comey. The testimony by Comey marked the latest chapter in a saga that has dogged the Republican Trump's first five months as president and distracted from his domestic policy agenda including major healthcare and tax cut initiatives. Sessions is a former Republican US senator and an early supporter of Trump's presidential campaign. MEETINGS WITH AMBASSADOR In March he acknowledged he met twice last year with Russia's ambassador to Washington, Sergei Kislyak. Sessions said he did not mislead Congress because the encounters were part of his job as a US senator, not as a Trump campaign representative. But Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation in March after the revelations of the two Kislyak meetings. The abrupt dismissal of Comey prompted Trump's critics to charge that the president was trying to interfere with a criminal investigation. Asked about media reports that he had met with Kislyak on a third occasion at a Washington hotel last year, Sessions testified that did not remember meeting or having a conversation with the ambassador at the event. Sessions said he "racked my brain" and had no meeting with any Russian in his capacity as a Trump campaign adviser. Sessions said he did not recuse himself because he felt he was a subject of the investigation himself but rather because he felt he was required to by Justice Department rules. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the election to help Trump in part by hacking and releasing damaging emails about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Trump has been publicly dismissive of the Russia investigation for months. A Trump confidant, Chris Ruddy, told "PBS NewsHour" on Monday the president was weighing whether to fire Mueller. Amid the firestorm over Comey's dismissal, the Justice Department's Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to oversee the probe into Russian election interference and any collusion by Trump aides. Russia has denied interfering in the US election. The White House has denied any collusion. If Trump were targeting Mueller, dismissing him would not be a simple matter. Trump could recommend to the Justice Department that the special counsel be fired. Since Sessions is recused from these matters, he would likely would send such a recommendation to Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein. Reuters Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. HA NOI The General Electric Corporation 3 under Viet Nam Electric Group plans to invest in building Long Son thermal power plant with a total capital of US$4.39 billion in southern Ba RiaVung Tau Province. The plant is designed to reduce the power shortage and improve the power supply in the southern region in the period between 2020 and 2030, and the following years. The plant is planned to be built in Long Son Commune, Vung Tau City with an area of 132ha and a capacity of 3,600MW. A port of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) with a capacity of 3.5 million tonnes per year and three turbine manufacturers with a capacity of 2x600MW will be built in the period from 2019 to 2025. Long Son thermal power plant is expected to provide 21 billion kWh of electricity per year to the national power grid and contribute about VN4.1 trillion (US$181 million) per year to the national budget when operational. VNS HA NOI Two-way trade between Viet Nam and the European Union (EU) grew 16.2 per cent year-on-year in the first five months of 2017, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Of the figure, Viet Nams exports to the EU rose 4.2 per cent, mostly apparel, footwear, agro-forestry-aquatic products and computers, while its imports from the EU up 14 per cent, including machinery, equipment, pharmaceuticals and dairy products. The countrys major importers were Germany, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Exporters hope that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which is expected to take effect in 2018, will increase Viet Nams exports to the bloc by 50 per cent by 2020. The ministry said in order to navigate the demanding EU market, domestic firms must overcome technical barriers by meeting strict requirements regarding food safety and hygiene and origin traceability. First Counsellor of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Miriam Garcia Ferrer said through the EVFTA, the EU could help Viet Nam improve trademark and product quality. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Finance said the names of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) which had been privatised but failed to list on exchanges as per regulations would be published on the Governments e-portal. The finance ministry said that there were 578 privatised enterprises which had not registered for listing on stock exchanges. The list has already been sent to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Enterprises which must transfer State capital ownership to the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) would also have their names published. The finance ministry said that the progress of privatisation, capital divestment and restructuring of SOEs remained slow in the first five months of this year. The transferring of State capital ownership to SCIC is slow. The capital divestment results are also bellow expectation, the ministry said in a report. SOEs which must be privatised and divested in this period are mainly of large scale with multi-sector operation and complicated financial situation, the ministry said, adding that it would take time to prepare for evaluation of the corporate value and finding of strategic investors. The ministrys report showed that by May 31, enterprises with a total corporate value of more than VN4.15 trillion (US$182 million) were given approval for their privatisation plans, in which State capital accounted for nearly 30 per cent. Regarding capital divestments, SOEs collected VN14.8 trillion by selling stakes worth VN3.5 trillion in book value. In the five-month period, SCIC sold stakes at 18 enterprises and collected VN12.2 trillion. Habeco, Sabeco The finance ministry also proposed the capital divestments at beverage producers Habeco and Sabeco be sped up, following the Prime Ministers directive. The capital divestments at Habeco and Sabeco saw little progress, since the foundation of a steering committee in charge of this in October last year. In August 2016, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced plans to divest out of the two leading beverage companies. Accordingly, it was to sell the States entire stake of 82 per cent at Habeco in 2016 and collect approximately VN9 trillion. For Habeco, the stake sales were to be implemented in two phases, 53.59 per cent of the charter capital in 2016, equivalent to VN24 trillion, and the remaining 36 per cent of the charter capital would be sold in 2017. However, these plans were missed. The finance ministry also told the Prime Minister to decide soon on the plan to sell SCICs stakes in national dairy firm Vinamilk. VNS HCM CITY As many as 50 Vietnamese food and beverage (F&B) enterprises, double the number last year, displayed and promoted their products at the THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 held in Bangkok earlier this month. Leading F&B companies in Viet Nam, including Viet Nam Dairy Products Joint-Stock Company (Vinamilk), Dan On Foods, Rita Food & Drinks Co Ltd and Minh Phong Green & Agricultural Products JSC, have taken part in the trade show for the last five years. Many new players, such as Seafarm Liability Limited Company, Lotus Rice Co Ltd and Vinh Hoan Corporation, attended this years trade fair. This year, Vietnamese exhibitors saw a 55 per cent increase in total display area, with the introduction of a new seafood pavilion. The event provided the exhibitors with an opportunity to consolidate their positions in the market and introduce their latest products, seek partners, and learn about customer demand. This year, Vietnamese manufacturers brought both cultivated and processed clean products that are environmentally friendly and have non-toxic standards. They included organic rice, honey, birds nest and cereals, among others. Other Vietnamese agricultural and food products were promoted as safe, nutritious and with high quality, including fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, poultry, processed foods, and milk and dairy products, among others. The events organisers said that Viet Nam, as a rapidly growing ASEAN economy, had a great deal to offer the global businesses attending the trade show. Vo Thanh Vin, international business manager for Vinamilk, said: This trade event helps establish new business networks. Were excited to be able to leverage this platform to pursue opportunities for our business to grow as well as promote Vietnamese products to the world. This year, besides a focus on our key products at the Viet Nam pavilion, we also introduced our organic milk to consumers, he added. We were very impressed by the buyers programme. It gave us the opportunity to engage with major retailers from around the region, and it was a fruitful session, meeting buyers from both supermarkets and hypermarkets across Thailand, Vin told Viet Nam News. Truong Tuyet Hoa, sales director of Vinh Hoan Corporation, said: This year was the first time we joined Thaifex. We see potential to join the show next year. Thaifex is one of the largest food and beverage trade fairs in the world, and it offers us an opportunity to display our catfish to the world market, especially the Asia market. We closed trade orders worth a total of US$200,000 during the trade show, Hoa told Viet Nam News. Vinh Hoan uses an integrated production chain, from seed to commercial fish farming to processing to export, she said. We have been exporting catfish to the US since 1999. To promote Vietnamese catfish to the world market, our standards must ensure food safety and have a traceability system, without causing an adverse impact on the environment, she added. Thaifex was co-organised by Koelnmesse, a leading organiser of food fairs and events for food and beverage processing, the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The five-day mega show attracted around 45,000 industry professionals, 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from over 40 countries. The event, Asias largest food and beverage trade show, saw a total of 55,111 visitors from 130 countries, a 30 per cent increase compared to the 2016 show. VNS HA NOI Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is offering sales on flights from Ha Noi to Bangkok, Thailand. Accordingly, a round-trip airfare from Ha Noi to Bangkok will cost only VN899,000 or US$35, excluding taxes and fees. The promotional offer can be availed until September 30, and is applicable for departure until March 31, 2018. Tickets can be purchased through www.vietnamairlines.com, and the airlines booking offices and agencies nationwide. Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates three return flights on the route each day. The flights from Ha Noi depart at 8.50am, 12.45pm and 4.05pm and arrive in Bangkok at 11.55am, 3.55pm and 7.05pm. Viet Nam has been a rising star in Thailands tourism source market with arrivals projected to break the 1 million-barrier this year, the Bangkok Post reported. Viet Nam may not be high profile, but it is one of the rising stars in terms of the growth potential, the newspaper quoted Walailak Noypayak, executive director for Asean, South Asia and South Pacific at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as saying. Meanwhile, Thailand is also one of leading countries in the number of tourists visiting Viet Nam. Some 270,000 Thais visited Viet Nam last year, up 24 per cent year-on-year, according to the Viet Nam Administration of Tourism. VNS HA NOI LienVietPostBanks new chairman Nguyen uc Huong has rejected rumours that his bank will merge with Sacombank. For the past few days, there have been rumours that the two banks would merge, which has led to a 60 per cent rise in LienVietPostBanks shares to VN13,000 per unit. However, Huong, who was voted to LienVietPostBanks chairman on June 5, clarified that LienVietPostBank has no need to merge with Sacombank, and that if it had a merger and acquisition (M&A) plan with another bank, it would not be with Sacombank. We buy what we need, and Sacombank does not have what we need, he said. Huong said LienVietPostBank has a sufficiently wide distribution network, and is also not targeting Sacombanks personnel. As for looking for a source of capital or modern technology, the bank will get it from foreign investors, not Sacombank, he said. There are several reasons why LienVietPostBank will be the most attractive bank for foreign investors, if the central bank lifts restrictions on foreign ownership in domestic banks, Huong said. Firstly, he said, with around 10,000 transaction offices nationwide, LienVietPostBank tops the countrys banking system in terms of network. Secondly, compared to the value of its network and total assets, its charter capital is attractive at only VN6.5 trillion (US$285 million), that of a medium-sized bank. The preparatory work done to get the bank listed on the stock market, and its ability to exploit and develop opportunities are also good, he added. HA NOI The Viet Nam branch of UNESCO has been an effective bridge between the nation and the rest of the world, Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said yesterday. He was speaking at a meeting held in Ha Noi to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Viet Nam branch of UNESCO). The National Commission for UNESCO has played an important role in making cultural diplomacy an important pillar of modern Vietnamese diplomacy. Its efforts have evoked national pride, nourished aspirations to develop the countrys economy and society while preserving its cultural identity, enriching the image of Vietnamese people among international friends, he said. The event drew the participation of government officials, ambassadors and other guests. In the 40 years since its inception on June 15,1977, UNESCO Viet Nam has worked as an advisory body to the Government and helped implement policies in culture, education and science. The 40th birthday celebrations was an opportunity to spotlight UNESCO Viet Nams achievements, particularly in preserving the nations culture and heritage. ang Thi Bich Lien, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and Vice President of UNESCO Viet Nam, said that the agencys most outstanding achievement in the last 40 years was the building of dossiers to submit to UNESCO for recognition of monuments and unique, indigenous art forms as world heritages. Until now, UNESCO has recognised seven world heritage sites in Viet Nam: the complex of monuments in Hue, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Town, My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Trang An Landscape. The country also has 11 Intangible Cultural Heritages recognised by UNESCO: belief in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms, a traditional practice with a long history in Viet Nam; Tugging rituals and games; Vi and Giam folk songs; on ca tai tu (southern folk music); the worship of Hung Kings; Xoan singing in Phu Tho; Giong festival of Phu ong and Soc temples; Ca Tru singing; Quan ho folk songs of Bac Ninh; Gong culture in the Central Highlands and Nha Nhac Vietnamese court music. Minh said UNESCO Viet Nam should focus on training its personnel so that it can strengthen its relations with UNESCO, have more Vietnamese nationals work for the agency, including the highest posts. In April, Pham Sanh Chau became the first Vietnamese to be nominated for the position of Director-General of UNESCO for the 2017-2021 tenure. VNS Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang. VNA/VNS Photo Van iep HA NOI Viet Nam has requested the Government of the Republic of Korea (RoK) not to take any action and make any statement hurting the Vietnamese peoples sentiment and undermining friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang made the statement yesterday in response to reporters queries on Viet Nams views of a speech by RoK President Moon Jae-in on June 6 honouring Korean contributors on battlefields in foreign countries, including Viet Nam. Regarding this issue, on June 9, 2017, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seriously talked with a representative of the Republic of the Korean Embassy in Viet Nam, Hang said. Viet Nam wants to develop friendly relations with all nations, including the Republic of Korea. Leaders of the two countries reached common perceptions in putting the past aside and looking towards the future, she said. Korean soldiers participated on the American side during the Viet Nam war in the late 1960s and early 1970s. VNS Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue, who is also the head of the State Steering Committee on Renovating Public Administrative Units, paid a working visit to HCM City on Saturday to review the management and financial mechanisms of government offices and their reorganisation. Photo zing.vn HCM CITY Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue, who is also the head of the State Steering Committee on Renovating Public Administrative Units, paid a working visit to HCM City on Saturday to review the management and financial mechanisms of government offices and their reorganisation. The achievements of HCM City, the biggest economic hub, will have great significance on the policy to renovate public administrative units, he told city leaders at a meeting. It will help the Steering Committee adopt new solutions to step up renovation of public administrative units. He called on the city to assess its capability to provide public services, consider measures to prune the government payroll and cut recurring expenses, and find new models for effective spending through bidding, efficient public services and management of government offices. Deputy chairman of the city Peoples Committee, Le Thanh Liem, reported that in the last five years the numbers of both public administrative units and government workers have increased from 1,765 to 1,871 units and from 107,188 to 118,609. It is because of the rapid increase in population. HCM City has to expand schools, build new hospitals, and establish new public administrative units. However, the citys recurring expenses are expected to drop from 53 per cent of total expenditure last year to 48 per cent this year. By the end of next year 55 hospitals and 50 per cent of administrative units can earn enough money themselves for regular expenditure, Phan Thi Thanh, director of the citys finance department, said. Public schools account for 76 per cent of all schools but only 0.7 per cent of them can manage their recurring expenses. In the upcoming school year more 60,000 children are expected to attend first grade. However, the private services sector has developed strongly, met many social needs and created jobs, helping ease pressure on public units. The chairman of the city Peoples Committee, Nguyen Thanh Phong, said there is already a programme to promote private investment in healthcare and education. HCM City has been the first to pilot a public-private partnership model at the level of ward healthcare centres. Private companies have installed machines at a healthcare centre in District 3s Ward 11. We do not separate the public and private segments but support each other, the head of the healthcare centre told the deputy PM. The profits from medical services are reinvested in the centre. Hue appreciated the model, saying it would benefit society. He stressed that local authorities should not discriminate between public and private agencies and said there should be transparency in public private partnerships. He called on the city to list the government agencies that require 100 per cent financial support from the Government and those that do not require any support. VNS HCM CITY Traffic police and authorities in HCM City are concerned about low road safety awareness of road users, which results in a large number of traffic accidents in the city. The most common traffic violations are speeding, drunk driving, driving in the wrong direction, driving in the wrong lane, talking on the phone while driving, and driving side by side, according to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Cuong, head of the divisions accident investigation and traffic team. Low awareness and wrong behaviours on road safety cannot be altered by persuasion alone, but require tough measures and large fines, he told the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Brigadier Tran Son, former deputy head of the law enforcement and traffic investigation under the Ministry of Public Security, is also concerned about low road safety awareness among road users, saying they only follow traffic regulations in the presence of traffic police. We must aim for a higher level of traffic culture where road users voluntarily comply with traffic regulations, and such voluntary attitudes should be nurtured and developed into an unconditioned reflex, he said at a road safety forum held in the city last Sunday. He cited a number of recent traffic accidents in which a few absent-minded seconds cost dozens of lives. Permanent vice president of the National Traffic Safety Committee, Khuat Viet Hung, said one of the values that should be pursued in order to create such driving culture is the willingness to obey traffic laws, especially the habit to give way to other drivers and pedestrians, Hung said. Data compiled by the citys road and railway traffic police division show 173 accidents occurred last year, killing 156 people and accounting for 20 per cent of the total number of accidents in the city, the Tuoi Tre newspaper reported. Only two accidents were attributed to poor-quality traffic infrastructure and unsafe roads, the remaining were the result of traffic violations, the newspaper said. Helmets and mirrors He also advised young road users to start training themselves to comply with traffic regulations from the simplest of behaviours. A lot of young people nowadays prefer small rearview mirrors and stylish helmets, which are unsafe for driving, he said. Use standard helmets, use authorised mirrors from your motorbikes distributors, and secure them onto your motorbikes in a proper way. Tran Quang Lam, deputy director of the citys traffic department, referred to the Vision Zero road traffic safety project by Sweden which aims for zero fatalities or serious injuries in road traffic 20 years from now as an example of traffic accident prevention. The Swedish government has assumed responsibility for the prevention of road accidents, according to Lam, initiating actions to change drivers behaviours, as well as understanding the actual conditions of the countrys traffic infrastructure and citizens habits and level of awareness, he said. Linking it to Viet Nam, Lam stressed the importance of authorities participation and collaboration with citizens in striving for higher road safety targets. Road users in Europe often shake hands, smile and apologise to each other when traffic incidents happen, he said. Its the job of police officers and insurance companies to determine whos right, whos wrong, and how to resolve the case. VNS BINH INH Representative of Nam Trieu Ltd Company have confirmed that they will be giving financial assistance valued at VN2 billion (US$88,150) to fishermen in the central province of Binh inh during the time that the ships are repaired and maintained. "The assistance would range from VN50 million ($2,200) to VN125 million ($5,500) depending on specific levels of failures, company official Tran Van Nguyen informed. "We offered the money with a desire to alleviate the difficulties faced by fishermen. Our company and the fishermen reached an agreement on financial support and they voluntarily withdrew their petitions, which was their right. We just wanted to help them come back to the sea as soon as possible," Nguyen said. Fishermen in the province, who received loans from commercial banks to buy steel ships, have reported the ship malfunctions over the past few weeks. According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are 18 sub-standard steel fishing ships, of which 13 were built by Nam Trieu One Member Ltd Company and five were built by ai Nguyen Duong Shipbuilding Company. According to a recent examination by the Binh inh Provinces agriculture department, the ships have been found to suffer from frequent breakdowns and degradation. Under the contract between fishermen and Nam Trieu company, the broken ships must be repaired in the companys shipbuilding factory in northern Hai Phong City. However, moving the ship to the city is extremely expensive. Hence, the company had a discussion with the fishermen and arranged to have the ships repaired in another factory near the province. Considering the due date of the bank loan payment, five ship owners in Hoai Nhon District said that the assistance money should range between VN250 and 300 million. Le Hoang Thanh, a ship owner said that the company negotiated with owners and asked for an assurance that they would not take legal action. Meanwhile, Tran inh Son, a ship owner in Phu My District, said the company asked him to withdraw his petition and offered VN100 million as assistance. Son, however, thought the company had paid him to cover its deceitful business, and returned the money. Tran Chau, deputy chairman of Binh inh Peoples Committee, expressed his surprise at the withdrawal of the petition by seven ship owners as a few weeks ago the owners had requested the authoritys intervention. Following which, the authority had asked the police and the Agriculture and Rural Development Department to conduct an investigation. "Although the ship owners withdrew their petitions, the evaluation teams continued to find the causes behind the failure of the ships," Chau said. VNS QUANG NINH Four passengers were injured after their high-speed boat crashed into a cargo ship on Monday afternoon in the waters off Quang Ninh Provinces Van on District. The boat, which has a maximum capacity of 50 passengers, left Co To Port for Cai Rong Port at 4.10pm with 32 passengers. The accident occurred when the boat was 1 km away from Cai Rong Port, Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper reported. Officials from the north-eastern Quang Ninh Province rushed two high-speed boats to the spot and transported passengers to land. The injured were taken to Cam Pha General Hospital, where they were treated free of charge. VNS HA NOI The World Bank has recently approved US$53 million in funding for urban infrastructure development in two emerging middle cities in northern Viet Nam, Lao Cai (Lao Cai Province) and Phu Ly (Ha Nam Province). The financing will be added to the Medium Cities Development Project (MCDP), which has so far benefited over 210,000 people, exceeding initial targets. The additional investment will be used to bridge the financial gap caused by exchange rate fluctuations since the project inception. The MCDP aims to improve infrastructure services, including water treatment and wastewater collection; flooding prevention in low lying areas; transport services in areas with poor and non-existent roads or access to transport networks. The Medium Cities Development Project has shown that improved infrastructure services can transform communities water and sanitation facilities lead to healthier children and families; flood prevention infrastructure provides opportunities to introduce much-needed public space; and better roads bring communities closer to economic opportunities. This additional investment means even more communities will benefit from improved urban environments, said Ousmane Dione, World Bank Country Director for Viet Nam. The upgrading of basic infrastructure facilities such as sewer systems and rehabilitated roads have helped 85,000 people in several wards of Lao Cai and Phu Ly cities. Flooding and pollution caused by wastewater have also been addressed through improvements of retention lakes, drainages and sewer system and construction of Wastewater Treatment Plants.VNS LOS ANGELES A US appeals court on Monday left in place a block on President Donald Trumps travel ban targeting citizens from six Muslim majority nations -- the latest in a string of judicial blows for the controversial measure. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in its ruling largely upheld an injunction on the ban issued by a lower court, but said the government was within its right to review the vetting process for people entering the country. "Immigration, even for the president, is not a one-person show," the three justices said in their unanimous ruling. "The president, in issuing the executive order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress." The decision came just ahead of a deadline for states challenging the ban to submit briefings before the US Supreme Court in response to the Trump administrations request that the nine justices hear the case. The US Justice Department filed an emergency application to the Supreme Court on June 1, urging it to undo two lower court rulings blocking Trumps decision to prevent entry to travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Trumps executive order also temporarily puts a halt to Americas refugee program and reduces the number of refugees to be admitted this year to 50,000, instead of the 110,000 planned by the Obama administration. The Trump administration argues the measures are needed to ward off terrorist attacks in the country while the government reviews its vetting process. Critics say the ban is discriminatory and violates the US constitution by specifically targeting Muslim-majority countries. The Justice Department declined to comment on the latest ruling. Powers not unlimited The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals appeared to reject much of the administrations arguments for reinstating the travel ban, notably relying on government reports to support its decision. Its ruling said that a report from the Department of Homeland Security issued just after Trumps first executive order in March concluded that citizenship of any given country "is unlikely to be a reliable indicator of potential terrorist activity." Quoting the report, it added that citizens from the countries targeted by Trumps ban are "rarely implicated in US-based terrorism." It also rejected the governments assertion that Trumps executive order -- which was revised after the initial one was struck down by the courts -- was not subject to judicial review. "Although the executive order has broad discretion over the admission and exclusion of aliens, that discretion is not boundless," the court said. "Whatever deference we accord the presidents immigration and national security policy judgments does not preclude us from reviewing the policy at all," it added. It said while the president has broad powers to suspend the entry of aliens, that authority is not "unlimited." The state of Hawaii, one of the jurisdictions challenging the ban, said in court papers filed on Monday before the Supreme Court that Trumps order had had "staggering" consequences. It said reinstating it would plunge "the country back into the chaos and confusion that resulted when the first (executive order) was announced." AFP Chief Ministers Address to United Nations C-24 The CM's address, which was delivered yesterday Monday 12th June, was dedicated to the Hon Juan Carlos Perez 1955 2017 "Mr Chairman, Let me start by saying that I will be writing to you about the things you have said this morning about visiting missions which defy logic and which are unacceptable to the Government and people of Gibraltar and which the General Assembly had previously rejected. Since I last addressed this Committee, the people of the United Kingdom have voted to leave the European Union. The people of Gibraltar also voted in that referendum. We chose by 96% to remain in the EU. We nonetheless will leave the EU on such terms and at such a time as the United Kingdom may agree with the EU. It is therefore an auspicious year for me to address you. In fact, it is particularly special because it will also be 50 years on the 10th September since we first bored in a referendum. 99.64% voted to remain British. In these five decades, we have been made to pay a high price for the audacity of our choice. The Spanish fascist dictator, General Franco, closed the land frontier and cut all communications between Gibraltar and Spain as a direct result of that referendum. He sought to compel us by siege and pressure to change the view we had freely taken and fairly at the ballot box. He failed. Families were physically divided, patients were denied oxygen in our hospitals, businesses were ruined. Jobs were lost and thousands of people were displaced. A cruel punishment was imposed on our cherished Referendum Generation because they had the temerity to cast votes to remain British. The exercise our right to chose. This Committee should therefore immediately have removed Gibraltar from the list of Non-Self Governing Territories then. 50 years on, you have not yet done so despite our continued political emancipation which, in effect, terminates your jurisdiction as we reach the maximum level of self-government, short of independence. Indeed, I. 2006, we exercised our right to self-determination to choose our current Constitution as a method of decolonialisation, representing the tailor-made Fourth Option available to us under the Resolutions. Because, Mr Chairman, our right to self-determination is not vitiated by a non-existent doctrine that sovereignty disputes suspend application of inalienable rights. No such doctrine exists, nor can exist, however much you try yo shoehorn one in. No such distinction should determine which territories you chose to visit. And therefore this Committees failure to heed the result of the exercise of the right to self-determination of the People of Gibraltar is a failure of the very reason for the Committees existence. A failure, quite simply, of yours aced mission to protect the people of the Non-Selfing Governing Territories, a failure you have yourself recognised today, Mr Chairman. I welcome your candid recognition of the stagnation of this Committee. We will not change our position because this Committee fails to act as the UN treaties require and as the Resolutions of the General Assembly demand. We will not give up in order to make the work of this Committee easier and you should not allow your visits not to include Gibraltar as, to do so, makes a mockery of what your work is supposed to be. We will not roll over and allow the Spanish claim to our land to succeed because we are worn down by years of this Committees inactivity and failure. This is not going to happen, whether you come to Gibraltar or not. In fact, we confirmed our choice in a second referendum, on Joint Sovereignty in 2002. That result was as clear as it had been 35 years earlier. 99% reflected Joint Sovereignty again. Because our People wish to be de-listed and de-colonised. We do not want to be re-colonised by Spain, We do not wish to end up with two colonial masters, two Administering Powers, under Joint Sovereignty. So, have no doubt, Mr Chairman Brexit or no Brexit, if we held another referendum today on Joint Sovereignty or full Spanish sovereignty, the results would be the same. We remain steadfast in our rejection of any aspect of Spanish sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over our affairs. Because No means No. Despite that, the former Foreign Minister of Spain, Snr Margallo stated immediately after the result of the Brexit referendum that the Spanish flag would fly over Gibraltar within four years. Ironically, he was removed from his post soon afterwards. We, of course, welcome the more conciliatory tone adopted by the new Spanish Foreign Minister, Snr Dastis. But we reject the continued insistence on the already-rejected notion of Joint Sovereignty. Snr Dastis may represent a different tone but he represents the same objective, a Spanish Gibraltar, despite the contrary wishes of the People of Gibraltar. Democrats must accept the results of free and fair choices made at the ballot box and our response to Spains Joint Sovereignty proposals is crystal clear: Thank You but No Thank You. Despite that, we do not reject the notion of cooperation with our neighbour. Every day 12000 very welcome cross- frontier workers enter Gibraltar from Spain to work on the Rock. Independent studies show that we represent 25% of the GDP and of the jobs of the Spanish region around Gibraltar. We remain ready to cooperate and to return to the Trilateral Forum for Dialogue which this Committee itself we,comes in years past. The U.K. Has also said it remains strongly committed to that Forum for Dialogue. The only party absent from that Forum for Dialogue is Spain. I therefore strongly urge the Kingdom of Spain to be brave and to engage with us in a mutually-acceptable dialogue designed to resolve the many mutually-concerning issues that will arise as a result of the UKs decision to leave the European Union. Talking would be a more modern and progressive approach to cooperation to pursuing a policy of vetoes which will achieve nothing. What we must achieve in the context of the years to come is to continue to see our region grow economically for mutual benefit. What we must be mindful of is what our people expect from us. They do not wish politicians to find conflict They wish politicians to find the common ground between our respective red lines They wish politicians to find solutions without compromising our principles. We remain ready to engage Because, Brexit or no Brexit, Gibraltar will remain a highly successful international business hub. None of that is going to change. Neither will our resolve to determine exclusively for ourselves the sovereignty of our Gibraltar. Of that you should be in no doubt! Come to visit Gibraltar and see for yourselves. If you dont, you simply compound your failure to the people of Gibraltar. But, at least, ask yourselves why some might not wish you to come Gibraltar no doubt because you would see the truth for yourselves and you would then have to support our request to de-list Gibraltar without more ado. On that as on all else WE WILL PREVAIL! " Virginia Tech will expand its Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. The interdisciplinary program, which involves 12 departments in seven colleges across the Blacksburg campus, seeks to integrate research, teaching, and outreach to allow faculty and students to work together to develop comprehensive solutions to complex problems. Multidimensional issues such as global justice, environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility, and poverty can be effectively addressed only through interdisciplinary analysis, said the programs founding director, Michael Moehler, an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy. The greatest strength of our program lies in its advancement of solutions that are not only economically sound, but also socially, ethically, and politically informed. We look forward to extending the programs reach as a resource for the entire university community. Before joining Virginia Tech, Moehler held visiting professorships in the Department of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its joint Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with Duke University, as well as the Murphy Institute at Tulane University. Among other positions, he has served as the John Stuart Mill Visiting Chair of Social Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Hamburg in Germany. Under Moehlers leadership, the Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics will receive a financial boost of more than $1 million over the next three and a half years from the collaborative efforts of David Kellogg, a 1982 graduate of Virginia Techs electrical engineering program; the Charles Koch Foundation; and university sources. It is my hope that the PPE program will encourage the free expression of ideas and instill critical thinking skills, which are necessary to develop practical public policy solutions, said Kellogg, who serves as chief executive officer of Solers, Inc., a Blacksburg-based software and systems engineering firm. Im excited to support this academic opportunity for Virginia Techs students and scholars and look forward to seeing their impactful work. The funding will support two postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Philosophy, two graduate teaching assistants, a speaker series, and an annual distinguished public lecture. Im thrilled for the opportunity to take the program to the next level, said Moehler, who, in addition to his appointment in the Department of Philosophy, is a core faculty member of the Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought, or ASPECT, in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and an affiliate faculty member of the Department of Economics in the College of Science. He earned his doctorate at the London School of Economics. The Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics embodies Virginia Techs vision of educating students who, informed by the latest research, can articulate and solve complex problems on a national and even international scale, said Rosemary Blieszner, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. We are confident that, under Michael Moehlers able leadership, even more Virginia Tech students will be able to embrace the programs vibrant learning opportunities. Blood drive set in Cedar Falls CEDAR FALLS There will be a Cedar Falls community blood drive from 12:30 to 6 p.m. June 26 at First United Methodist Church, 718 Clay St. To make an appointment, go to lifeservebloodcenter.org or call (800) 287-4903. Womans Club elects officers WATERLOO The Waterloo Womans Club has elected the following officers at the spring luncheon and installation May 25: Rosanne Kratoska, president; Mary Potter, vice president; Marilyn Rasmussen, recording secretary; Lynn Kloberdanz, corresponding secretary; and Louise Conklin, treasurer. The Womans Club was organized in 1872 and meets at the Snowden House on the second and fourth Thursday of each month except June, July and August. Anyone interested in joining may call 235-9412 for more information. Deere retirees potluck slated WATERLOO The Supervisors Club will host the monthly retirees potluck on Thursday for all former and current members of the club. Bring a dish to share and table service. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with serving at 6 p.m. Contact Reno at 215-5689 for reservations or questions. WATERLOO Two people have pleaded guilty in a 2014 case where a man was beaten with a tire iron at a convenience store. Keith Porter, 38, and Tracie Ayauna Thomas, 38, entered Alford pleas to charges of willful injury causing bodily injury and misdemeanor assault with a weapon on May 30 in Black Hawk County District Court. Sentencing has been set for July, and the willful injury charge is punishable by up to five years in prison. Authorities allege Porter and Thomas chased Ronald Taylor of Waterloo into Neighborhood Mart on Lafayette Street in November 2014. Porter allegedly punched Taylor in the face, and Thomas struck him with a tire iron. He was hit with a metal chair after he fell to the floor. Taylor suffered a broken arm and a concussion. CEDAR FALLS A longtime University of Northern Iowa professor known for her involvement on campus and in Waterloo has died. Scharron Clayton, president since 2014 at KBBG, Waterloos African-American public radio station, died Sunday after a long illness at age 70, according to family and friends. She was a professor of philosophy and religion, and the African-American community really meant a lot to her, said son Webster Clayton IV, a Chicago attorney. And she always wanted to make sure that community had some kind of outlet, KBBG or some other outlet. She was an educator, first and foremost. Clayton had been on leave from UNI for about a year and a half, said Jerome Soneson, head of the department of philosophy and religion. Station officials also were aware of her illness. Clayton played an active role in the station up to the time of her death. Clayton volunteered at KBBG for years, working on several shows, including as an on-air host. She succeeded longtime KBBG president Lou Porter following Porters retirement. She stepped in at a very critical time when she came on board, and she never received one penny, said UNI professor and KBBG board vice chair Gloria Kirkland-Holmes. The role she played in keeping this station open was unbelievable. Kirkland-Holmes said the KBBG board has discussed a successor and will meet soon to firm up those plans. Claytons impact crossed color lines, Soneson said. I think she, over the years, had an extraordinary impact for all sorts of students, he said. For white students, she has been able to explain the history and culture of the African-American community in America in a riveting and significant way so that students are able to see these things through her eyes. And for African-American students, shes been able to mentor them and encourage them. She herself became a model for them, Soneson said. She also served on Iowa gubernatorial commissions on the status of women and African-Americans, Soneson said. The thing I always admired about Scharron is she was one of the last pillars that kept us all into the history of civil rights and equal rights of all people, said Robert Smith, director of the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education. Clayton came to Waterloo-Cedar Falls in 1989 and was named to the faculty in 1991 after having served as an adjunct instructor. The Cleveland native had worked at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City and at Alabama State University. At UNI she also had served as an associate dean in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Webster Clayton IV said his mother held multiple doctoral degrees. She also had done consulting work for businesses and served on KBBGs advisory board. Contemporaries remembered Clayton as a role model for working women. I cant tell you how much her passing has affected me, said Gwenne Berry, chief diversity officer at UNI. She was someone I admired in so many ways. I used to call her for child-rearing advice, career advice, life advice. She was something special. Shed always remind me usually through a hilarious story that everything was going to work out okay. Webster Clayton IV said his Facebook page is filling up with words of praise for his mother from former students and colleagues. He and Kirland-Holmes suggested anyone wanting to honor Claytons memory could do so by contributing to KBBG. Webster said services for his mother are still being determined. CEDAR FALLS -- A longtime University of Northern Iowa professor known for her involvement on campus and in Waterloo has died. Scharron Clayton, president since 2014 of KBBG, Waterloo's African-American public radio station, died Sunday after a long illness at age 70, according to family and friends. "She was a professor of philosophy and religion, and the African-American community really meant a lot to her," said son Webster Clayton IV, a Chicago attorney. "And she always wanted to make sure that community had some kind of outlet, KBBG or some other outlet. She was an educator, first and foremost." Clayton had been on leave from UNI for about a year and a half, said Jerome Soneson, head of the department of philosophy and religion. Station officials also were aware of her illness, said UNI professor and KBBG board vice chair Gloria Kirkland-Holmes. Nevertheless, Clayton still played an active role in the station up to the time of her death. "She had volunteered at KBBG for many many years," Kirkland-Homes said, and worked on several shows at the station, including as an on-air host. She succeeded longtime KBBG president Lou Porter following Porter's retirement. "She stepped in at a very critical time when she came on board and she never received one penny," Kirkland-Holmes said. "The role she played in keeping this station open was unbelievable." Kirkland-Holmes said the KBBG board has discussed succession plans and will meet soon to firm up those plans. Clayton's impact crossed color lines, Soneson said. "I think she, over the years, had an extraordinary impact for all sorts of students," he said. "For white students, she has been able to explain the the history and culture of the African-American community in America in a riveting and significant way so that students are able to see these things through her eyes. "And for African-American students, she's been able to mentor them and encourage them. She herself became a model for them," Soneson said. Many UNI faculty also serve in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls community, Soneson said but Clayton was unusual in the number of depth of the community capacities in which she served. He said she also served for a time on Iowa gubernatorial commissions on the status of women and African-Americans. "The thing I always admired about Scharron is she was one of the last pillars that kept us all into the history of civil rights and equal rights of all people," said Robert Smith, director of the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education. "With her background in African-American studies she was well versed in that part of our history," Smith said. "She was kind of one of the last legacies, reminding us what the struggles were for so many of us people of color. She was well versed in it and she was passionate about it and always reminded us of how we got here" and how far society at large has yet to go in that area. Clayton came to Waterloo-Cedar Falls in 1989 and was named to the faculty in 1991 after having served as an adjunct instructor. Prior to that, the Cleveland native had worked at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City and at Alabama State University. At UNI she also had served as an associate dean in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Webster Clayton IV said his mother held multiple doctoral degrees. She also had done consulting work for businesses and served on KBBG's advisory board. Contemporaries also remembered Clayton as a role model of moral support for working women. "I can't tell you how much her passing has affected me," said Gwenne Berry, chief diversity officer at UNI. "She was someone I admired in so many ways. I used to call her for child-rearing advice, career advice, life advice. She was something special. She'd always remind me -- usually through a hilarious story -- that everything was going to work out okay." "I admired her so very much that I used to actually say to myself, when faced with difficulties or problems at work, 'What would Scharron do?' " Berry said. "And that's because I considered her so poised and full of bearing. She was the epitome of what I wanted to be: Intelligent, knowledgeable, kind, proud, hard-working, strong and willing to stand up for her beliefs." Webster Clayton IV said his Facebook page is filling up with words of praise for his mother from former students and colleagues. He and Kirland-Holmes suggested that anyone wanting to honor Clayton's memory could do so by volunteering or contributing to KBBG. Webster said services for his mother are still being determined. WAVERLY Left-leaning activists have been concerned about the increase of money in politics at least dating back to the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed for more campaign spending. Their concerns have only grown since then. To help educate the public on whats happened since that Citizens United decision, a local progressive Indivisible group will host political scientist Alexander Hertel-Fernandez. The lecture will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Waverly Civic Center, 200 First Ave. N.E. Stephanie Schwinn, a leader of Indivisible of Bremer County and parts of Fayette, Buchanan and Black Hawk counties, said the group worries about how corporations are usurping the voice of the people in the Democratic process through money and the influence of American Legislative Exchange Council. We sort of feel like thats contrary to the democratic process, particularly at the state level, where issues of concern really should be coming from constituents, not from outside billionaires who dont really have a vested interest in our community, Schwinn said. We felt like this was a good opportunity to help educate the public about whats been going on. Hertel-Fernandez is an assistant professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. His lecture will look at how conservatives work across states on political advocacy and what progressives can learn from that success. Schwinn said she hopes the event will inspire others to action. I would like to see people demand that their legislators hear their voices instead of the billionaires voices. I would like to see people get more active in the political and democratic process. I think those would be two very worthwhile goals, Schwinn said. WATERLOO The citys oldest parking ramp is in line for major repairs. Waterloo City Council members opened bids Monday for improvements to the East Fifth Street parking garage, which was built in 1957 along with the West Fifth Street ramp. Merit Construction Services of Farmington, Minn., was the lowest of five companies bidding on the work at $465,000, which was well below the $550,000 engineering estimate. Council members are expected to award the contract at a future meeting. The main portion of this project is structural repairs, said Doug Schindel, from the AECOM engineering firm. We did this three or four years ago in the Park Avenue ramp, where we replaced all the expansion joints in the parking garage and the delamination of the concrete thats occurred over there. The East Fifth Street project also replaces 10 doors in the stairwells. AECOM completed a detailed inspection in 2013 of both the East and West Fifth Street ramps, outlining nearly $3 million in repairs and maintenance on the now 60-year-old structures. That report did not include the other two downtown garages: the Park Avenue ramp built in 1985 and the Commercial Street structure erected in 1982. Councilman Steve Schmitt questioned whether the ramp, which is primarily leased by downtown workers and residents, was being fully utilized. That ramp is pretty full, replied interim Public Works Director Sandie Greco. As of last year, almost all the levels were full except for the very top. In other business, council members unanimously: Accepted a $30,000 grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association to purchase a full spectrum imaging system, which is a high-technology camera for police evidence gathering. The grant will be matched by $10,000 each from the citys police forfeiture funds, Black Hawk County Attorneys Office forfeiture funds and county sheriffs office forfeiture funds. Received two offers from developers interested in rehabilitating a house at 1606 Williston Ave., which the city acquired through a court order. Robert Castro Construction bid $10,005 for the home while Americans for Independent Living offered $5,000. CEDAR FALLS Five years have made a big impact on the Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association. Since it began, CVNA earned the Innovation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has grown to 75 members. When this was started, it was the first of its kind in the state, said Tom Wickersham, program director for Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The nonprofit sector impacts all of our lives here in the Cedar Valley. The stronger the nonprofit sector, the better our lives are. On Wednesday, CVNA will celebrate its fifth anniversary with an event at the Island Park Boat House at 5 p.m. Go to https://cedarvalleynonprofitassociation.com/ to RSVP. We want to use that opportunity to highlight some of the accomplishments in the first five years and share some of our future plans, said Wickersham. CVNA was developed in part to help separate organizations join forces and improve networking, collaboration and educational opportunities, said Wickersham. It was about helping to give them a collective voice about the work that theyre doing, he explained. As highlights of the first five years, Wickersham points to legislative forums hosted by CVNA with area legislators, which resulted in legislative proposals based on input from member agencies. Hes also proud of CVNA programming offered in collaboration with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cedar Falls Tourism, respectively. Some groups are below the radar and lack the means to promote themselves and maximize fundraising. The overall goal of the association continues to emphasize broader, deeper awareness to the individual and collective community impact of nonprofit agencies, said Wickersham. In the future, CVNA plans to augment and strengthen programming offered to association members and provide more networking opportunities. The anniversary celebration will include an announcement about new resources offered through an improved website, said Wickersham, along with information about scholarship funds to help nonprofits with professional development. CVNA is beginning to change how area residents think of nonprofit agencies, too. When you think about nonprofits, what comes to mind might be something like the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, he said. So someone might say, I dont go to the food bank. I dont use their services. But you support your neighbor in keeping them solvent; you do that when you help the food bank. And you support the community in helping to make it a better place. A group presence helps area residents view nonprofits as fulfilling a variety of needs, Wickersham added. Organizations like the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and Hartman Reserve are important to the Cedar Valley, he said. Business might tout the fact that this community has strong education and cultural offerings, which are part of the nonprofit sector and work together to make our community a better place to live. CVNA helps the groups tell the story of how nonprofits work together to show the connectedness of human services, the arts, culture, education and health in the community. If you ask the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber how they can draw businesses to the area, they want to be able to point to the richness of our community, said Wickersham. The work workcollectively of our all our nonprofit agencies is so important to our bodies, our environment, our culture and all the economic drivers in the region. Recent partnerships between nonprofits can illustrate a mutually beneficial relationship, such as the recent Northstar Community Services play hosted by Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Northstar was an organization that was typically thought of as helping the people who use its programs and services, Wickersham explained. But there is an expanded view of it as an event for our community to enjoy the richness of a wonderful performance at a high profile venue. DUNKERTON Two people were taken to a Waterloo hospital following a Monday afternoon crash. According to Black Hawk County sheriffs deputies, Ken Harmening, 53, of Sumner, was eastbound on Fairbank Road driving a Ford 500 passenger car and was attempting to pass several vehicles at one time. One of the vehicles was a Dodge Ram pickup driven by Merle Wilson III, 51, of Fairbank, that had slowed and was attempting a left turn into the drive of 10233 Fairbank Road. The Ford struck the Dodge just behind the driver's door resulting in the truck rolling onto its side, according to sheriffs deputies. Both drivers were transported to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Their conditions have not been released. The accident remains under investigation and charges are pending. The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Dunkerton Police and Fire, Fairbank Ambulance, and Dell's Towing. Jay Paul/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- A University of Virginia fraternity has agreed to settle a defamation lawsuit it filed against Rolling Stone magazine after the publication of a now-debunked and retracted story about an alleged on-campus rape, the fraternity announced. "The Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity has agreed to settle and dismiss its defamation lawsuit against Rolling Stone and Sabrina Erdely arising from the magazines publication of the November, 2014 article A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA," the fraternity said in a statement. The article, A Rape on Campus, was a 9,000-word account of alleged institutional indifference to sexual assault survivors and the mishandling of sexual assaults on college campuses that went on to become the most-read non-celebrity story in the 49-year history of Rolling Stone, ABC News reported in 2014. Sabrina Rubin Erdely, the author of the feature, said she went into hiding after receiving death threats over the article, ABC News reported at the time. The story, which was later retracted, centered around Jackie, a young woman who was allegedly gang-raped at the Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house weeks into her first year at school. "It has been nearly three years since we and the entire University of Virginia community were shocked by the now infamous article, and we are pleased to be able to close the book on that trying ordeal and its aftermath," the statement continued. The fraternity said that a "significant portion" of the $1.65 million will go to organizations that work to prevent sexual assault, and treat victims of sexual violence. "The chapter looks forward to donating a significant portion of its settlement proceeds to organizations that provide sexual assault awareness education, prevention training and victim counseling services on college campuses," the statement said. "Individual members of the chapter will not conduct media interviews at this time." Rolling Stone magazine did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Almost as soon as former FBI Director James Comey started his session with the Senate intelligence committee Thursday, he characterized the President and his White House as liars. Comey was not subtle. He said that the Trump team "told lies" when explaining why the President fired him. He explained to senators that he kept careful notes about each encounter with the President because of his wariness about Trump. "I was honestly concerned he might lie about the nature of our meeting. It led me to believe I've got to write it down. ... I knew there might come a day when I would need a record of what would happen, not just to defend myself but to defend the FBI." This was stunning to hear from a private citizen who was recently a high-ranking official in the executive branch. Comey was not saying that the President is someone who tends to be elusive or who uses words in tricky ways, but more fundamentally that he is a person who can't be trusted even in a private meeting with the head of the FBI. It was such an extraordinary portrayal of the President that White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders had to tell reporters right away that "I can definitively say the President is not a liar, and I think it's frankly insulting that question would be asked." Trump is not the first commander in chief to be called out for the veracity of his statements. Louisiana's Huey Long called FDR a liar as early as 1933. Liberal Democrats were blasting President Lyndon Johnson after the Tet Offensive in 1968 for not being honest about the situation in Vietnam. During the congressional investigation into Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal, officials such as John Dean were blunt with legislators about why the President could not be trusted in his denials that anything improper had taken place. The "smoking gun" tapes offered vivid proof to the nation that Nixon could not be trusted at his word. President Ronald Reagan falsely denied to Americans that the United States had traded weapons to Iran for hostages and was blamed for members of his administration lying to Congress about their providing support to the Nicaraguan Contras despite a congressional ban on doing so. Congressional Republicans in the 1990s spoke frequently about President "Slick Willie" Bill Clinton and his trouble with the truth, as was evident when he wagged his finger at the nation and said he never had sex with "that woman" Monica Lewinsky. Some Democrats accused President George W. Bush of lying about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Sen. Harry Reid called Bush a "liar" with regard to a decision about storing nuclear waste in Nevada. On the floor of the House, South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson yelled out, "You Lie!" as President Barack Obama discussed elements of his health care bill during a televised speech to Congress. Yet the problem with Trump seems qualitatively different in scale and scope. The fact that Comey was so willing to use the term "lie" in his description of the President points to a fundamental character problem in the Oval Office. Before the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump fueled the birther movement, which was based on a lie about Obama's birthplace. During the campaign, candidate Trump made or repeated a long list of statements about Hillary Clinton and the Democrats that had no basis in truth. Since his inauguration, we have seen how the President is willing to say things publicly that are blatantly false -- from crowd sizes to allegations of voter fraud -- while Republicans have thrown their hands up in frustration as they watch Trump contradict himself or his Cabinet. Comey made clear it Thursday that even in the most private setting, there are officials working for the President who felt the same level of distrust about their leader. While all presidents lie, Trump seems to have made this a dangerous art form. He is someone who appears to be willing to lie without restraint, about almost anything, and with reckless abandon. He has fueled a political atmosphere filled with false information and misstatements that destabilize our public discourse. Indeed, Trump triggered an entire debate in the media about whether reporters should use the word "lie" to describe a president's statements. Because of his problematic character, our commander in chief does not have much credibility in this investigation and when it comes to governance. Outside of his base of support, there are many politicians, foreign leaders, journalists and voters who don't believe what the President has to say. While lying is not an impeachable offense, it is a huge problem when it comes to governance, and it weakens his ability to persuade the public that the accusations being launched against him are not true. The public record of lying is too robust to take Trump at face value. He can still count on the Republican Congress to protect a Republican President. He and his advisers know that many members of Congress, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, will be extremely cautious before triggering any kind of impeachment proceeding. But Trump does find himself in Nixon territory, and a large part of his problem is the utter lack of credibility that result from his own statements. On Thursday, Comey confirmed this impression in a way that few other Americans could. Some of Trump's supporters are trying to defend his loose style, including the way that he spoke to Comey as "Trump being Trump." New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie dismissed the remarks as "normal New York" talk -- just like the statements on the "Access Hollywood" tapes were dismissed by supporters as merely "locker room talk" -- while he and others have defended Trump as an outsider trying to learn the ways of Washington. Comey offered a much more hard-hitting assessment. He just said that the President lies and, based on his written testimony, that he is someone who is willing to intimidate, to threaten and to be extraordinarily aggressive with people he does not like. While some Republicans are trying to spin his behavior as acceptable, it is not. Even if there was no intention to obstruct justice and there was no collusion with the Russians during the election, there is ample evidence of extremely problematic behavior that can slip into the abuse of power and dangerous policy decisions. CNN's Saba Hamedy, Joe Sutton and Cassie Spodak, and journalist Ivaylo Vezenkov contributed to this report A Louisiana congressman, Rep. Clay Higgins, is taking criticism for a Facebook post following the London Bridge attacks in which he said of Islamic terror suspects, For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all. Ignore, for a moment, that this extrajudicial, vigilante streak against the accused runs counter to the Constitution and Geneva Convention; the first 12 people taken into custody in London were all released without facing charges. The congressmans divisive words, regardless of intention, drive deeper a wedge between all Muslims and the country that has long welcomed those of all religions. But such statements are being used as propaganda by the Islamic State to recruit new members who feel they must join to stay faithful to Islam, whose message has been warped by these terrorists. Accordingly, Western officials who take a hard line on Muslims at large, pinning the despicable actions of a few on the multitudes, are playing right into the groups tactics. Last fall, the terror group used film of anti-Muslim rhetoric by President Donald Trump on the campaign trail as part of its recruitment material. And why not? If the leader of the free world says you arent welcome in the United States, still renowned worldwide for its freedom, a group of black-clad killers is more than happy to offer a place to practice your faith, so long as it meets their interpretation of Islam. The Islamic States ultimate goal, publicly stated in its publications, is to hasten the arrival of an apocalyptic World War III in which Muslims (those who subscribe to the radicals violent, distorted views of Islam, anyway) fight the apostates for the establishment of the global caliphate. Key to that effort is convincing Muslims who arent extremists to join the Islamic State, which perpetuates most of its atrocities against Muslims in the Middle East. Their endgame is no secret so the U.S. must stop advancing it, even indirectly. Given the terrorists deft use of the internet to recruit members and spread fear, the battlefield extends to the hearts and minds of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims, nearly a quarter of the worlds population, regardless of geography. The U.S. and its allies must fight back against the rhetoric exhibited by the congressman and other prominent voices if they hope to defeat the Islamic State. To do that, Americans must work with, not against, Muslims both here and abroad. Often lost in the bullhorns din is the well-documented fact Muslims want to end the Islamic States terror across the globe. The West and Islam must strive to unite, rather than divide, to combat their common enemy hellbent on death and destruction. CLERMONT One person was seriously injured in a Saturday night crash near Clermont. Fayette County sheriffs deputies were called to an accident on Apple Road about a mile east of Clermont about 11:30 p.m. and found a car in a ditch. Driver Daniel Alexander Streeter, 21, of Fayette, was taken to Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union by ambulance for life-threatening injuries. He was then flown to Gundersen in La Crosse, Wis. Deputies said he was driving west in a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix when the vehicle entered the ditch. The vehicle was a total loss, according to the sheriffs office. Clermont Ambulance and Clermont Fire Department were on scene to assist with the accident. The accident remains under investigation. Waterloo man reports mugging WATERLOO Police are investigating a mugging. A 61-year-old man told police he was walking home from a bar around 1:30 a.m. Thursday and was in the 300 block of Walnut Street when someone struck him on the head from behind. The attacker took cash and fled. Police said the injuries dont appear serious. No arrests have been made in the robbery. Former Delhi clerk pleads guilty DELHI Delhis former city clerk has pleaded to allegations she took money from the city. Angela Josephine Billings, 42, of Anamosa, entered a guilty plea Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids to a single count of theft from a program receiving federal fund. Sentencing will be at a later date, and she faces up to 10 years in prison. In Billingss plea agreement, she admitted she held a position of public trust that helped her steal from the city and cover up the crime, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Northern Iowa. She admitted she took at least $97,177 from the city between March 2007 and January 2015 by charging $88,160 in personal expenses on a city credit card and canceling $5,000 worth of her water bills or causing the city not to submit her water bills. At the time of the theft, the city of Delhi had received block grant money through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Billings also was charged with theft in state court for allegedly taking $63,000 in unauthorized pay. A September date has been set in Delaware County District Court. Motorcyclist, pedestrian hurt in separate crashes WATERLOO Two people were seriously injured in almost simultaneous but unrelated traffic accidents in downtown Waterloo on Saturday. A motorcycle and a sport utility vehicle collided at the intersection of West Third and Jefferson streets around 10:10 p.m. Saturday. Lorie Davis, 57, of Waterloo, was driving the SUV and told police she was unable to see the motorcycle, driven by Randy Mohl, 37, of Waterloo, because of vehicles parked along the road and heavy pedestrian traffic in the area from My Waterloo Days, according to the accident report. Mohl suffered head and leg injuries but was conscious and alert at the scene, the report states. Then at 10:15 p.m., a truck struck a pedestrian in the roadway in the 300 block of West Fourth Street. Jeremy Meyers, 56, of Oelwein, suffered a broken arm, and paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue took him to Covenant Medical Center. Driver Hunter Hoffert, 16, wasnt injured. Pleas entered in 2014 tire iron attack WATERLOO Two people have pleaded in a 2014 case where a man was beaten with a tire iron at a convenience store. Keith Porter, 38, and Tracie Ayauna Thomas, 38, entered Alford pleas to charges of willful injury causing bodily injury and misdemeanor assault with a weapon May 30 in Black Hawk County District Court. Sentencing has been set for July, and the willful injury charge is punishable by up to five years in prison. Authorities allege Porter and Thomas chased Ronald Taylor of Waterloo into Neighborhood Mart on Lafayette Street in November 2014. Porter allegedly punched Taylor in the face, and Thomas struck him with a tire iron. He was hit with a metal chair after he fell to the floor. Taylor suffered a broken arm and a concussion. Man arrested after trying to break into C.F. home CEDAR FALLS A Cedar Falls man has been arrested for allegedly trying to break into a home while residents and children were home. Joseph Richmond Kress, 24, of 2302 W. Third St., was arrested Thursday for attempted second-degree burglary. He was later released from jail. A resident at 1409 W. Third St. called police around 12:50 a.m. Thursday after a man attempted to push in a basement window. The burglar saw a woman inside and fled. Another witness saw a man sneaking through backyards with a window in his hands and saw him drive off in a Volkswagen, according to court records. Police traced the vehicle to Kress, records state. A skilled divorce attorney not only helps their client consider the inevitable, they help cushion the fallout of the unpredictable. CHICAGO, IL, June 13, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- All parents of schoolchildren know that the summer break means more time with their kids. However, for parents going through a divorce, this time presents challenges that they might not have anticipated. Attorney Natalie M. Stec believes that parents considering divorce can learn a valuable lesson from these types of circumstances. "When school is session, a family's schedule is structured in very concrete ways," Stec said. "However, in the summer months, things become much more fluid and unpredictable. In some cases, parents planning a divorce don't consider subtleties like this until after their divorce is finalized." Stec said that so many aspects of a divorce -- child custody, visitations, child support payments - require alterations due to changes in schedules involving travel, school and other factors. Foresight and experience are key to successful long-term planning of a divorce. Every year in Illinois, there are nearly 30,000 divorces and annulments, according to state data. Though marriage often involves extensive planning, some couples understandably aren't as thorough when it comes to divorce, which can place a great burden on everyone involved. Attorney Amy Lynn Riley said that the services of an experienced divorce attorney are invaluable to parents and children. "Parents can predict many important challenges and adjust accordingly," Wolfe said. "But parents who aren't familiar with the divorce process typically make the mistake of planning for the present, not the future. They are then blindsided by the challenges that creates." The attorneys said that divorce attorneys can help a parent navigate the pitfalls of divorce and cater to their specific needs. Some of challenges faced by divorced parents are predictable, while others will stem from unforeseen circumstances, but nearly all of these challenges can be mitigated by thorough planning, Stec said. "A skilled divorce attorney not only helps their client consider the inevitable," Stec said. "They help cushion the fallout of the unpredictable." About Wolfe & Stec: The law office of Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., handles criminal defense and family law cases in Illinois. They offer free initial consultations and schedule appointments at either of their locations in Woodridge and Chicago. To contact Wolfe & Stec, call 630-305-0222 or 312-388-7882 or visit them online at http://www.wolfeandstec.com/. # # # Jun 13, 2017 | By Benedict German 3D printing company Concept Laser has made a 3D printed replica of the Rider of Unlingen, a 2,800-year-old bronze figure of a horse rider. The company is publicizing the project to demonstrate how 3D printing makes it possible to utilize archeological discoveries in new ways. Spot the difference: 3D printed (above) and original (below) versions of the Rider of Unlingen Its hard to imagine a world, thousands of years ago, in which there were no 3D printers. Not even the simplest of RepRaps, nor the most rudimentary of 3D Systems SLA machines. It hardly bears thinking about. There were, however, makersof a sort. We know this from the evidence: archeologists and historians spend their lives collecting and dating incredible manmade artifacts from bygone eras, using these physical objects to learn about ancient cultures. Now that 3D printers do exist, researchers believe that additive manufacturing can actually benefit historical and archaeological studies of ancient manmade objects. Concept Laser, the German metal 3D printing specialist acquired last year by GE, recently demonstrated this fact by making a 3D printed replica of a unique artifact from the Hallstatt culture, the main Western and Central European culture of Early Iron Age Europe. The object in question is the "Rider of Unlingen, a bronze statuette of a rider on a horse with two headsone at the front and one at the rear. Figurative depictions from the Hallstatt culture, which existed between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, are extremely rare in southern Germany, and the Rider of Unlingen represents one of the oldest depictions of a horse rider north of the Alps. 3D printing the Rider replica (twice) on the Concept Laser M2 cusing machine The figurine, which was found in a Celtic chieftain's grave, is unique for being an early Celtic piece discovered in Central Europe. Concept Laser recently used one of its M2 cusing machines to create a 3D printed replica of the Rider of Unlingennot just for show, but to allow more researchers to get up close and personal with the rare artifact. The replica (and others like it) will be presented at a two-museum exhibition intended to demonstrate the power of 3D printing in the field of cultural heritage. In the museum world, original specimens are grouped together in exhibitions, allowing them to be contrasted with comparable objects, explained Nicole Ebinger-Rist, of the Baden-Wurttemberg State Office for the Preservation of Monuments on the regional board of Stuttgart, Germany. These comparative collections give exhibition visitors and scientific researchers insight in a historical context. A replica which is faithful to the original can be made accessible at museums in many different places around the world. Theoretically, it should even be possible to reconstruct heavily damaged objects in the future, which would give the object its original shape back. Essentially, we'd be able to erase the destructive traces of history from an object. Printing nears completion on the replica Rider (Images: Concept Laser) Using X-ray computer tomography (CT), Concept Laser experts were able to 3D scan the original Rider, before using Volume Graphics' VG Studio Max 3.0 to create a printable 3D model of the figure. Because the Concept Laser M2 cusing 3D printer can print with a variety of metals, engineers were able to find a bronze alloy that actually closely resembled the material of the original Rider once printed. Concept Laser says that visually and tactilely, the reproduction horse rider is on par with the original piece. Ultimately, the company thinks that the entire 3D printing industry has a big role to play in cultural preservation. The replica of the Rider of Unlingen might be one of the more impressive 3D printed replicas weve seen, but it certainly wont be the last. All of a sudden, you're holding an object from the 7th Century B.C.E. in your hands, except that it's made out of powder from the 21st Century, Ebinger-Rist enthused. You've got a cultural-historically relevant copy in your hands and are looking at 28 centuries gone by. It's simply overwhelming. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Gerd Schwaderer wrote at 6/16/2017 2:47:14 PM:Unbelievable. A 2.800 year old metal figurine from the Celts, found in Unlingen. Later gotten famous as "PUSHMI-PULLYU" from Dr. Doolittle. Art and Engineering is a great combination. Where can I buy a replica?Bob wrote at 6/13/2017 7:05:02 PM:How come all the support Jun 13, 2017 | By Tess CECIMO, the European Association of the Machine Tool Industries, has published the European Additive Manufacturing Strategy, which specifies a number of areas that Europe should focus on in order to reap the benefits of 3D printing technology. The 20-page document lays out a strategy that will help Europe move into the future while further integrating additive manufacturing. Among the focus areas that require improvement are skills and education, intellectual property rights, standardization, and financing. With the rise of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies on the shop floor, industry entered a new round of innovation," writes CECIMO Director General Filip Geerts in the documents foreword. "If Europe aims to remain a leader on advanced manufacturing production, it will need to succeed in the global race to industrialise additive manufacturing. The first part of the European Additive Manufacturing Strategy addresses Education and Skills, an area that CECIMO says is lacking. That is, the report cites a notable shortage in emerging skills related to additive manufacturing, skills which are increasingly in demand across most manufacturing-based industries. Education systems across European countries have at times shown signs of obsolescence, reads the document. Educators find [it] difficult to catch up with the fast-paced developments of AM technologies. As a result, skills acquired by entrants to the AM labour market are at risk of misalignment with the current skills needs of companies. There is a need for a step change in approaching the preparation of curricula and setting out teaching strategies. Fortunately, the report also lays out a productive strategy which could be adopted to help curb the education problem. Taking a top-down approach, CECIMO encourages the involvement of 3D printing companies in curricula creation. This, it says, will make it easier for educators to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the AM industry. Another key strategy point involves increasing financing for schools and universities to give them more access to 3D printing systems. The second part of the strategy deals with standards and certifications, both crucially important for the adoption and proliferation of additive manufacturing processes. The report claims that the current method of companies each setting their own standards for 3D printed components causes fragmentation, and that Europe would be better off with set standards and certification processes. By supporting more coordination on standardization efforts, industry can spare time and financial resources for qualification in AM, says CECIMO. Next up is intellectual property rights and patents development, which are areas that CECIMO says should be placed high in decision-makers agendas. An obvious risk of 3D printing technology, intellectual property theft has left many companies concerned about the adoption of 3D printing. Improved enforcement of existing IPR regulations, as well as lower costs and faster processing times for patents could help to limit the risk of IP theft. In regards to R&D, the strategy suggests establishing a comprehensive research environment for additive manufacturing. This will involve encouraging startups and SMEs to participate in R&D by lowering the administrative burden and the lead time of granting proposals, as well setting up an online portal for project proposals. Ultimately, greater participation of SMEs in EU R&D activities would increase the application of AM systems by Europes end-user sectors, reads the report. You can read the report in full here. Posted in 3D Printing Technology Maybe you also like: Jun 13, 2017 | By Benedict The British National Health Service (NHS) may soon provide 3D printed prostheses to childrenfor free. The 3D printed devices, which are made by prosthetics company Open Bionics, will be the subject of a six-month clinical trial beginning this week. 11-year-old Tilly Lockey, pictured with her Open Bionics 3D printed hand, is one of the trial's participants Its no secret that 3D printing has helped to reduce the cost of customized prosthetic devices for limb-different people. Prostheses that once cost upward of $65,000 can now be obtained for a fraction of that figure, giving a large number of people the opportunity to acquire new limbs where previously there was none. But unless youre going for an ultra-budget option like the e-NABLE prosthetic hand, quality 3D printed prosthetic devicesthough cheaper than traditional modelscan still be costly. Take Open Bionics, for example, a British prosthetics specialist based in Bristol that has garnered a reputation for being one of the most exciting companies in its field. Though more affordable than existing options, its child-friendly devices can still cost upward of $6,000. While the cost of expensive technology isnt going to magically diminish, a new clinical trial in the UK offers hope that customized 3D printed prostheses could soon be available to childrenat no cost at all. Open Bionics is working with 10 children at a Bristol-based hospital for a six-month trial of its specialist prosthetic devices, which usually cost around $6,000. If the children acclimatize to their new 3D printed arms, which have controllable fingers thanks to clever muscle sensors, the British NHS could eventually offer such devices as part of its universally free healthcare service. The 3D printed Open Bionics prosthetic arms consist of four separate printed parts which are assembled after printing. A two-minute 3D scanning session is required on each trial participant to ensure that their 3D printed prosthesis is a perfect fit, while assembly of the socket takes around 24 hours. Open Bionics has a royalty-free licensing deal with Disney Excitingly for the kids involved, Open Bionics has a royalty-free agreement with Disney that allows it to create special 3D printed prostheses inspired by kid-friendly movies like Iron Man, Frozen, and Star Wars. (Disney isnt so happy about unauthorized 3D printed copies of its characters.) This partnership is likely the result of Open Bionics once being part of a Disney startup accelerator program. One of the 10 children taking part in the trial is 11-year-old Durham resident Tilly Lockey, who lost her hands after getting meningitis as a baby. Tilly told the BBC that her Open Bionics hand looks awesome andmakes you feel confident. She added: Instead of people thinking they feel sorry for you because you dont have a hand, theyre like: Oh my gosh, thats a cool hand! Open Bionics won a 100,000 ($127,000) award from the Small Business Research Initiatives scheme to fund the trial, which it is carrying out with the North Bristol NHS hospital trust. It the trial is successful, the prosthetics company hopes it will be offered the chance to apply for a 1 million ($1.27m) grant to roll the product out across all NHS clinics. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Mohammed Hanif in Dawn: I met the only Jewish-Pakistani in Israel by accident. It turned out he had also ended up there through a historic misunderstanding. I wasnt looking for him. He wasnt expecting me. In the last days of the last millennium, just before the millennium bug was predicted to wipe out all our computer memory, there were reliable rumours of peace between Israel and Palestine. The proof of this impending peace was in my passport. I was given a reporting visa by the Israeli embassy in London on a Pakistani passport. They were understanding enough not to stamp the visa on the passport. I had grown up with a green passport which said in bold letters, Valid for travel to all countries of the world except Cuba and Israel. I was convinced that peace was about to break out when I reported to the Directorate of Censors in Jerusalem and discovered all its staff was on strike. Having lived under various forms of censorship in Pakistan (from midnight knocks to what your uncle will think of what you are writing), I found it exhilarating: when your directorate of censorship goes on strike, who is there to fear? Hours later, trying to score a meal, I was terrified. Like a naive tourist who believes that the best way to get to know a city is to get lost in the city, I tried to walk into random shops and cafes and bars. When I tried this in the upmarket district of West Jerusalem I was pounced upon at the doors. Your name? Your ID? And as I presented my passport with the hope of hearing, Oh where is Pakistan? What brings you to our country? I was told, We dont allow. I almost wanted to say But I am not Palestinian but I realised it all probably sounded the same. I retreated to the safety of the Jerusalem Hotel, where a tour operator with three mobile phones gave weary directions to lost souls like me. More here. Fans of Rich Table will feel right at home at husband-wife team Sarah and Evan Rich's new fast-casual joint, just a chicken bone's throw from its older sister. RT Rotisserie is now open, serving roasted bird, porchetta, cauliflower, and a slew of sidesall just the kind of comforting and filling stuff you'd want to eat by the fire up in the mountains (i.e. just right for a San Francisco summer). The Hayes Valley space is plenty welcoming too, with a mix of bright white tiles, warm woods, industrial accents and pops of red. Order at the counter and grab one of just 46 seats for a heartening meal you won't soon forget. Previous Next A pop of red on the front door welcomes guests into RT Rotisserie. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Fine Root was a consultant on the restaurant design, bringing in different elements of their sister restaurant, Rich Table, to create a similar warm, relaxed environment. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Beverages include local beer on tap, wine, and a house Shiso lemonade made daily. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next The rotisserie chicken, pork, and cauliflower are all prepared with a brine of buttermilk, umami powder, garlic and Douglas Fir. Each one is then brushed with a smoked, roasted garlic oil and topped with dill, shiso, parsley, mint, and a lemon. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next RT Rotisserie's chickens are sourced from Rocky Jr. and the pork is from Olivier Butchery, located in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next All mains are also served as sandwiches on fresh house-baked San Francisco-style Dutch crunch bread, like this pork belly sandwich with broccolini, chipotle, and fried onions. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Seasonal salads are also available with greens like little gem, kale or chicories, mixed with a miso vinaigrette, herbs, and seeds. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Make sure to order all of the sides -- you can't go wrong! Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Another sleeper side is the charred cabbage slaw topped with almonds. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Fans of fries won't want to pass on the umami fries, sprinkled with porcini powder and herbs, a reference to Rich Table's famous porcini donuts. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Daily there will be a rotating vegetable available often a side dish like this amazing roasted corn with cojita cheese. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Vegetarians will quickly fall in love with the crispy, flavorful cauliflower at RT Rotisserie. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next A range of sauces are available to accompany your meal a chipotle yogurt, cilantro chimichurri, Douglas Fir sour cream, and "Nanny's BBQ" sauce. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Hand-rolled industrial steel accents contrast with the warm woods in RT Rotisserie's interior. Photo by Sarah Chorey Previous Next Photo by Sarah Chorey // RT Rotisserie is open daily, 101 Oak St., rtrotisserie.com A good hat will frame your face just soits brim just wide enough to complement the visage beneath, while adding a dash of allure to your everyday ensemble. Think of Holly Golightly in her beribboned Chapeau du Matin in Breakfast at Tiffany's and you'll catch our drift. And yet, when it comes to packing these delicate accessories, the options are far and few between. Lindsay McConnon and Linsay Radcliffe, the two ladies behind the luxury accessories label Freya, felt the same and, thankfully for us, were driven to do something about it. Friends since they bumped into each other at their daughters' kindergarten, the effervescent McConnon and equally ebullient Radcliffe (who recently relocated to San Francisco from Houston), soon discovered their shared passion for travel, adventure and, of course, hats. An initial lamentation on the lack of stylish hat carriers resulted in the charismatic duo taking matters into their own hands. What started as an off-the-cuff idea by Radcliffe became a concrete product that also draws on McConnon's expertise as a savvy retail and e-commerce entrepreneur. Freya founders Lindsay McConnon and Linsay Radcliffe. The two young mums cite juggling a good work and family balance as their greatest challenge since starting their label last year. (Photo by Janie Cai) In addition to running their own label, both women are also full-time momsRadcliffe is a mother of two whilst McConnon has three young kids. But they've managed to turn Freya into a reality, thanks in part to a great partnership and a disciplined work ethic, after a year of painstaking design, sourcing and refining to develop their final product. This month saw the online launch of the Poppy ($890-$990), a Vogue-worthy carry-on that harks back to a time when travel was glamorous and luggage was the product of artisanal expertise. Handmade in Tuscany by a family of artisans who have been crafting leather bags for the last four generations, the case is available in a tres chic palette of colors including French blue, black croc and wine red. Each box bag also features a nattily designed (and ergonomic) swivel strap accented with metallic hardware, along with a detachable leather shoulder strap. Slip in your 13-inch laptop and overnight dopp kit, and you're ready for take-off. A row of elasticized silk interior pockets also keeps your valuables safely in place, while the lightweight but sturdy wooden scaffolding that gives the box its shape protects your precious hats from getting squashed in transit. (Courtesy of Freya) The hat-toting pair, each sporting a bespoke Hampui Medicine hat (McConnon's had a pheasant feather stuck jauntily in its band; Radcliffe's included an engraved Spanish medallion), named their brand after the British-Italian author and adventurer, Dame Freya Stark, whose intrepid forays into the Middle East came at a time when few other Westerners had ventured through the region. Her pioneering spirit, along with the wit and exuberance with which she chronicled her travels, inspired the aesthetic of the brand. In fact, numerous pictures of her showed a charming lady bedecked in a hat, often photographed in an exotic locale. McConnon and Radcliffe reimagined their hat box for a modern-day Freyaone who went boldly in search of adventure, and who did so with grace and in style. The details, of course, mattered as much as the destination. A closer peek at the Poppy's custom-printed silk lining reveals an Art Nouveaustyle pattern that drew inspiration from the flora and fauna of Afghanistan, where Stark once traveled. The Mini Poppy ($590-$650) is a scaled down version of the larger carrier and makes for a gorgeous little handbag. Roomy enough to slip in all the essentials and more, the latest silk lining will feature hand-drawn camels illustrated by artist Xavier Cisneros. With its vintage silhouette, we're already eyeing the metallic red Mini Poppy as our next statement piece. After all, travel might be about experiencing the journey, but it doesn't hurt to arrive in style. (Courtesy of Freya) Travel tips from the Freya ladies: Best for on-board pampering: Dr Dan's lip balm. Great for chapped and dry lips, just apply overnight and wake up to baby-smooth lips in the morning. Both ladies swear by it. Best way to unwind after an eight-hour flight: A glass of Champagne or a soak in a hot bath with a face maskor both. Try Epicuren's Hydrating Mineral Mask to ease signs of sleepiness. Best travel lippy: McConnon is a fan of Sephora's Oil Infusion, which provides intense color without the stickiness; Radcliffe never leaves home without her Sisley Paris Lip Balm. Best bring-along fashion accessory: A well-made hat, along with their custom-designed silk scarves, which provide just the right pop of color for an outfit. Best in-flight entertainment: A Kindle loaded up with a good read. Both highly recommend Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad. // Shop Freya online at thefreyabrand.com. While the pay could be better, benefits of teaching out of this world Compal Electronics, Inc. (TPE:2324) is a Taiwan-based company principally engaged in the research and development, design, manufacture, and distribution of computing, communication, consumer, cloud and connecting (5C) electronic products. The Companys products include notebook personal computers, ultrabook personal computers, all in one (AIO) personal computers, tablet personal computers, servers, smart home systems, smart phones, automobile electronics (AE), public displays, liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions, LCD monitors and other smart accessories and wearable devices. The Company operates businesses in America, Europe, and Asia, among others. Compal Electronics, Inc is listed on TSEC (2324), has over 43000 employees globally and a market capitalisation of approximately USD$2.75bn. Apps Power 8 Second Personalised Job Applications Sydney, June 13, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - SEEK ( ASX:SEK ) ( SKLTY:OTCMKTS ), Australia's number one jobs, employment and career marketplace has strengthened its mobile offering with the launch of a new solution that transforms the way people apply for jobs on-the-go. SEEK's new mobile offering leads the industry with functionality allowing both Android and iOS users to manage their job seeker profile (SEEK Profile) via their mobile, as well as upload and edit a CV or personalised cover letter, which is attached to their Profile. - Bolsters mobile app offering with improved feature set for application on-the-go - 1.5 million job applications logged via mobile each month Today, more people are living on mobiles, making on-the-go functionality a game changer for job seekers wanting to tailor their applications, simply uploading files from cloud services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. The new solution, which was softly launched in March 2017, has delivered a 75 per cent increase in job applications completed via the mobile app each day. SEEK was the first employment marketplace to offer such a sophisticated app experience in 2014. The company now processes 60 per cent of its traffic through mobile and receives nearly 1.5 million applications via mobile devices per month. Michael Ilczynski, Managing Director ANZ at SEEK says the latest app release is a response to the worldwide shift to mobile. "We've seen that innovation plays a significant role in helping Aussies find fulfilling jobs and careers. Technology is a critical part in delivering solutions of the future and no other company in the space offers the breadth and depth of functionality across all mobile platforms that SEEK offers." "Considering half of all the phones sold in Australia in 2016 run on Android, functionality across both Android and iOS is a key differentiator of our latest release. A very mobile savvy group, our Android visits have almost doubled since last year, to upwards of 4 million a month," said Michael. Both of SEEK's mobile apps are facilitating behavioural changes in the recruitment process, with evidence of users taking a more considered and tailored approach to their job applications, moving away from an unsuccessful spray and pray approach. Michael from SEEK, believes the updated functionality will give applicants and recruiters alike, the benefits of a tailored CV and application, at the speed of mobile. "It's the small details that can make a big difference for a candidate's chance of getting an interview, and the uptake of the new features in the app shows that users are enjoying being able to take control of the details that can improve their chances," said Michael. "Looking at the numbers, since January 2017 we have seen 86,000 CVs uploaded and 68,000 deleted, indicating the people want to not just upload, but also tailor and manage CVs for varying roles in a matter of seconds from their mobile." "Crafting a quality CV and SEEK Profile is a key skill to clearing the first hurdle; in today's economy, it's about quality, not quantity. Recruiters appreciate when an applicant demonstrates his or her suitability for a role, and for the first time, applicants have the capability to do that from their mobile device." About SEEK Limited SEEK Limited (ASX:SEK) (OTCMKTS:SKLTY) is a diverse group of companies, comprised of a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK operates across 18 countries with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 26 per cent of GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people's lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company with a market capitalisation close to A$6billion and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies Globally by Forbes, and Number One in Australia. Welcomes the Finkel Review Recommendations Sydney, June 13, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Genex Power Limited ( ASX:GNX ) (Genex or Company) welcomes the recommendations contained within the report commissioned by the Federal and State Energy Ministers by Dr Alan Finkel, Australia's Chief Scientist, into a review of the National Electricity Market (NEM) rules (Finkel Review) which was presented to the Prime Minister and State Premiers on Friday in Hobart. The Finkel Review was aimed at providing government with a blueprint for energy sector security across the grid as well as ways to look at affordability and sustainability whilst more renewable energy flows into the electricity system. In particular, the Finkel Review, which focusses on a logical trilogy of energy security, energy reliability and reduced emissions, proposes that broader deployment of renewable and intermittent energy should necessarily be accompanied by energy storage, including batteries and pumped hydro. Genex believes that the incorporation of this recommendation into national electricity policy will give Genex a distinct advantage over other renewable energy developers, particularly those with limited capacity to incorporate storage facilities into their renewable energy projects. The Review contains several recommendations which have the potential to be highly significant and beneficial to Genex including: - The introduction of a clean energy target (CET) aimed at decarbonising the electricity sector as part of a long-term vision for Australia's transition to a low emission future; - Continued renewable energy investment; - Incentives for, and a bigger focus on energy storage, including pumped hydro which may be mandated also for solar farms; - The introduction of "despatchable capacity" in the form of baseload power with back up from renewables to tackle reliability and potentially allow Genex to sell storage certificates; and - Changes to the NEM Rules which include provision for all new large scale renewable projects to have storage capacity to address ongoing reliability issues. Whilst Genex recognises the role of battery storage as a viable energy alternative in the renewable energy equation, Genex's pumped scheme retains a significant capital cost and lifetime advantage over battery storage in the current investment market. Genex also welcomes the unveiling by the Queensland State Government of $1.6 billion to unlock thousands of megawatts of large scale wind, solar and pumped storage hydro projects including a reverse auction of up to 400MW of energy including 100MW of energy storage. Commenting on the release of the Review, Genex's Managing Director, Michael Addison, said: "Genex believes that the incorporation of the Finkel recommendations into national electricity policy will give Genex a distinct advantage over other renewable energy developers, particularly those with limited capacity to incorporate storage into their renewable schemes." To view the copy of the Finkel Review, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/1P8URT2Y About Genex Power Ltd Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company. Acquires Option over the Good Days Lithium Project, Zimbabwe Perth, June 13, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Prospect Resources Ltd ( ASX:PSC ) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement to acquire the Good Days Li-Ta-Be Project from Barrington Resources Pvt Ltd, a local private Zimbabwean Company. Barrington owns 7 Mining Claims covering approximately 8 km2 over the Good Days Pegmatite Swarm in North Eastern Zimbabwe. The Mining Rights cover several known historical operations including the Good Day Mine that produced lithium, beryl and Ta/Nb minerals up until 1972. - Prospect Resources has secured an option to acquire 70% direct interest in the Good Days Lithium Project in Zimbabwe - Option covers area of 8km2 containing numerous mineralised pegmatites, including historical workings at the Good Days and Jordywyitt mines - Historical production from Good Days Mine included spodumene, beryl, tantalite, columbite, cassiterite, feldspar and lepidolite - Exploration activities to commence immediately upon exercise of option The option term will be for two months from execution, during which the Company intends to complete its technical due diligence that may include geological mapping, sampling and drilling. The acquisition supports the Company's ongoing strategy of identifying and developing quality lithium assets in Zimbabwe. Chairman of Prospect, Mr Hugh Warner had the following to say following signing of the option agreement: "Over the last 12 months, Prospect has drilled more than 16,000m to delineate the Arcadia Lithium Deposit, one of the largest JORC reportable hard rock lithium deposits in the world. The Good Days Pegmatite field is considered as one of the larger Li mineralised pegmatite fields in Zimbabwe and we now have the opportunity to properly test and evaluate its potential and add it to our lithium portfolio. I'm looking forward to the results of the exploration work over the next two months that will hopefully reveal the project's true value and potential and add to Prospect's strategic lithium resource base in Africa." PROJECT OVERVIEW & GEOLOGY The Good Days lithium project is located approximately 30km east of the town of Mutoka in north eastern Zimbabwe and some 160km from the capital city, Harare. The project area consists of a swarm of Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum ("LCT") type pegmatites that either intrude a regional granodiorite dome or are situated close to its contact, penetrating the mixed rocks of the Budjga Dome suite as well as the rocks of the Makaha Greenstone Belt. Numerous small historical workings and excavations are located along several pegmatites, most notably at the Good Days Mine and Jordywyitt Mines where spodumene, beryl, tantalite, columbite, cassiterite and lepidolite was produced (see Figure 2 in the link below). Good Days Mine Pegmatites. The regional geological mapping over the Good Days area was completed in 1980 by Stocklmayer et al and published in the Zimbabwean Geological Survey Bulletin 89, where the Good Days pegmatites were reported on and are briefly summarized below. The Good Days mine is located within a large LCT type pegmatite which is part of a swarm probably formed as a result of injection into and dilation of regional fractures by a pegmatite fluid. The main or B pegmatite which has a length of some 750m and a maximum thickness of 60m, strikes east-west and dips moderately to the south. Two other pegmatites, A and A1, lie en echelon with B, but the former is thought to join the main body beneath the mine dumps. The B Pegmatite appears variably zoned along its strike length, with the most of the pegmatite comprising coarse grained zones of microcline-perthite, quartz units and zones of fine grained albite-quartz-muscovite-biotite-porphyritic microcline. Towards the eastern end of the B pegmatite, zonation is apparent with several distinctive zones being identified over a strike length of at least 150m: - Wall Zone being characterized by perthite with graphically intergrown quartz or by mixed feldspar. - Outer-intermediate Zone characterized by albite and cleavelandite with quartz-mica patches - Inner-intermediate Zone charachterised by the presence of lithium minerals, spodumene, lepidolite and zinnwaldite, plus albite and microcline perthite. - Core Zone represented by a coarse perthite, massive quartz and some fine-grained albite. Historical Production Development of the Good Days mine was originally restricted to eluvial deposits as well as the hand cobbing of beryl from surface outcrops. This was followed by more advanced work resulting in the development of three quarries including 3 adits and a 10m deep vertical shaft. Production from the mine was intermittent, spanning a period of 19 years beginning in 1953 and ending in 1972. Table 1 (see the link below) provides a summary of minerals produced at the Good Days Mine. KEY COMMERCIAL TERMS The key terms of the Agreement are: - That the Company and Barrington incorporate a Special Purpose Vehicle ("SPV") to be owned 70% by Prospect and 30% by local parties including Barrington, Farvic Consolidated Mines Pvt Ltd (a company associated with Harry Greaves and Zed Rusike, both directors of the Company) and Tamari Trust (a trust associated with Mr Chimbodza, the vendor of the Company's Arcadia Lithium Project) in order to own a 100% interest in the Good Days Lithium Project. - The Company will pay Barrington an option fee of US$10,000, which will give the Company an exclusive 60 day period in which to conduct due diligence and elect to exercise the option commencing on the date of execution of the Agreement. - On exercise of the option by the Company and the transfer of 100% of Good Days Lithium Project to the SPV, the Company will pay Barrington US$50,000. - For a period of 48 months from the date of exercise of the option and the transfer of 100% of Good Days Lithium Project (whichever is later), the Company shall fund 100% of the exploration costs and complete exploration activities so that a Decision to Mine can be made. - If a Decision to Mine is not declared within 48 month referred to above, then the Company shall cause the SPV to transfer the SPV's 100% interest in the Good Days Lithium Project and all exploration data and drill core to Barrington, unless the Company elects, in its absolute discretion, to extend the period by 12 months at which time the Company shall pay to Barrington US$100,000. DUE DILIGENCE TESTWORK The Company intends to complete its due diligence as soon as possible and will commence exploration and validation work over the Good Days Mine and surrounding target areas. Work is expected to comprise of geological mapping, sampling, trenching and drilling. Pending a successful outcome of this process and exercise of the option, the Company intends to commence with an exploration program focusing on defining a JORC reportable Mineral Resource and generating material for metallurgical testwork. To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/WC4EF7BL About Prospect Resources Ltd Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC) is based in Australasia with operations in Zimbabwe and is a publicly listed company. We are committed to creating value for Prospect's shareholders and the communities in which our company operates. Our vision is to build a Southern African based mining company of international scale. Partner with Compal Electronics Melbourne, June 13, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Xped Limited ( ASX:XPE ) ("Xped" or "the Company") is pleased to announce they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with Compal Electronics Inc ( TPE:2324 ) ("Compal") of Taiwan. The companies will now collaboratively engage to develop a binding agreement to license several Xped technologies, and collaboratively market to Compal customer base. Highlights - MOU signed with Compal Electronics (Taiwan) for collaborative engagement - Compal is listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange TSEC (code: 2324), are a USD$2.75 Billion company with 43000 employees worldwide. - Compal seeks to incorporate Xped innovative IoT ADRC technologies into their smart gateway and smart device solutions. When a binding agreement is reached, Compal will seek to incorporate Xped ADRC technologies into: - Smart Gateway Solutions - Smart Speaker Platform - Smart Home Devices - Smart Health Devices Under the proposed terms, Xped will provide Compal and their OEMs branded versions of the Xped App customised for Smart Home and Smart Health. Now that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed Xped and Compal will work together to progress to a licensing agreement. An update will be made to the market as soon as progress has been made. Compal Electronics, Inc. is a Taiwan-based company principally engaged in the research and development, design, manufacture, and distribution of computing, communication, consumer, cloud and connecting (5C) electronic products. Xped's Managing Director Martin Despain commented: "Compal manufacturer for many of the world's largest electronics brands. Integrating Xped's technologies into their product lines provides great exposure for the Xped brand and the innovative IoT solutions we provide." ABOUT COMPAL ELECTRONICS Compal Electronics, Inc. is a Taiwan-based company principally engaged in the research and development, design, manufacture, and distribution of computing, communication, consumer, cloud and connecting (5C) electronic products. The Company's products include notebook personal computers, ultrabook personal computers, all in one (AIO) personal computers, tablet personal computers, servers, smart home systems, smart phones, automobile electronics (AE), public displays, liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions, LCD monitors and other smart accessories and wearable devices. The Company operates businesses in America, Europe, and Asia, among others. Compal Electronics, Inc is listed on TSEC (2324), has over 43000 employees globally and a market capitalisation of approximately USD$2.75bn. http://www.compal.com About XPED Ltd XPED Ltd (ASX:XPE) is an Australian Internet of Things (IoT) technology business. Xped has developed revolutionary and patent-protected technology that allows any consumer, regardless of their technical capability, to connect, monitor and control devices and appliances found in our everyday environment. Xped provides technology solutions for Smart Home, Smart Building, and Healthcare. At Xped, were Making Technology Easy Again(TM) Singapore Based Cryptocurrency "SoarCoin" to Invest US$5M Brisbane, June 13, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Byte Power Group Ltd ( ASX:BPG ) is pleased to announce that its 100% owned subsidiary, Byte Power Pty Ltd, has signed a term sheet with Singapore based Soar Labs Pte Ltd, investing US$5M for 49% of the issued capital of Byte Power Pty Ltd. The investment received will be applied to the establishment and running of a cryptocurrency exchange in Australia, to marketing and distribution of the Company's Wimobilize Big Data solution in Australia and New Zealand and general working capital. The Board considers the terms of the Subscription Agreement commercially reasonable and represents an exciting opportunity for the company to expand its IT&T business offering. The key terms of the Subscription Agreement are as follows: Investor: Soar Labs Pte Ltd Investment: The Investor will invest USD$5M, consisting of US$100,000 and the remaining US$4.9M investment being satisfied through the issue of 306,250,000 Soarcoins to the Company (at a value of US1.6 cents per Soarcoin). Capital Subscription: This investment is for 49% of the fully diluted capital of the Company. The Investor will be issued with fully paid ordinary shares of the Company which will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends as all other ordinary shares. Conditions: A condition for the investment is the Company will be required to procure all equipment and human resources required to set up and launch a cryptocurrency exchange in Australia. Timetable: The parties will use reasonable endeavours to: (a) enter into a final Subscription Agreement within 20 business days; and (b) issue the shares in accordance with this Term Sheet no later than 5 business days after signing the Subscription Agreement. "This is a significant investment into our Australian IT&T business" said Byte Power Group Ltd's Chairman and CEO, Mr Alvin Phua. "We are pleased to have Soar Labs Pte Ltd as co-investor in Byte Power Pty Ltd. This is a strong endorsement of our IT&T business and our vision for the future". Soar Labs's Managing Director and CEO, Mr Seth Lim said "We are very pleased to have secured this investment in Byte Power Pty Ltd. We believe that this investment will enable the company to establish itself as a major Big Data and Cryptocurrency player in Australia and New Zealand. Soarcoin is one of the first cryptocurrencies that was developed in Southeast Asia and this is the first Soarcoin transaction used to secure an ownership stake in a company. We are excited about this relationship and for the future of the company". ABOUT SOAR LABS PTE LIMITED Soar Labs Pte Ltd is one of the early adopters of cryptocurrency and is the creator of Soarcoin, a cryptocurrency used in the emerging Fintech market. Soarcoin is a cryptocurrency token built in Ethereum blockchain which makes it a trustworthy and safe coin. Using Soarcoin as your currency provides a convenient and secure Fintech alternative to traditional on-line payment transactions. As with other cryptocurrencies, the costs per transactions using Soarcoin are very low compared with on-line payment methods such as Paypal, Western Union, Bank Transfers, Credit and Debit Cards. Soarcoin is a safe, convenient, secure and cost effective Fintech alternative for on-line payment transactions. To view the release, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/34G6K21X About Byte Power Group Limited Byte Power Group Limited (ASX:BPG) is a diversified technology solutions group with a particular emphasis on securing Asian business opportunities. Through Wimobilize, the Group has a new cutting edge technology solution, a proprietary Advance Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Big Data Technology Platform consisting of 31 Advance Analysis Engines, 4 levels of Hybrid Correlation and Al Profiling Algorithms customised for governmental, healthcare, banking, telco and tourism industries. This proprietary Big Data technology platform elevated the AI Predictive Analysis and deep insight intelligence to a new paradigm, applicable to any market segment. This Wimobilize Big Data technology powered e-commerce ecosystem will provide the next generation innovative trading platform for distributing the Company's Australian wine, organic honey and honeycomb. SARASOTA, Fla., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lawmakers in the state of Florida have agreed on a strategy for legalizing medical marijuana in the Sunshine State, and Sarasota is at the forefront of the movement. The city has plans to host its first networking and investment event for the legal cannabis industry, dubbed MJ Cannaday, led by Hardcar Security. With the advancement of medical marijuana in the state, nearly 80 percent of the money in the industry will be made by people who never touch the plant, including legal, insurance, banking, packaging, lighting, energy and more. The event will be held at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, on June 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will serve as an educational and networking forum for privately held organizations and investors looking to deploy capital in the dynamic cannabis industry. On the agenda for the groundbreaking occasion are networking opportunities, an industry overview and panel discussions with experienced industry investors. The main event will include four startup companies in the cannabis industry searching for investors, each presenting a 15-minute pitch. MJ Cannaday follows the announcement of a groundbreaking agreement among lawmakers in the state of Florida, which calls for: 10 additional growers to be licensed this year, for a total of 17 5 additional growers to be added for each additional 100,000 patients Each grower to open up to 25 dispensaries The legalization of edibles and vaping, but not smoking Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to receive medical marijuana research funding Among the event's top sponsors are Sarasota-based HardCar Security and First Green Bank. Tickets for Sarasota's MJ Cannaday start at $99 and can be purchased by clicking here. For more information about Florida's legalization of medical marijuana, read the full bill here. About MJ CANNADAY While the cannabis industry is a hot investment opportunity, it's still fraught with unique challenges. For those considering investing in a cannabis-related company (or companies), this forum should be the first stop. MJ Cannaday is Sarasota's first networking and investment event at The Sarasota Polo Club. Media Contact: Kelli Vowels (760) 890-4341 kelli@hardcarsecurity.com Related Images image1.jpg image2.png image3.jpg To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/breaking-hardcar-security-announces-420-dispensaries-to-be-allowed-in-florida-this-year-300473090.html SOURCE Hardcar Security ICHIKAWA, Japan, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aiming to provide foreign visitors to Japan with comfortable bus transport services, Keisei Bus Co., Ltd. is promoting the use of multiple languages, mainly on board vehicles, at bus stops and in attending customers. Tourism-related demand from overseas visitors for Keisei Bus services has been on the rise in recent years as the company operates "Tokyo Shuttle", which connects Narita Airport with Tokyo Station, and other express bus services that link sightseeing spots including "Tokyo Disney Resort (R)". Additionally, Keisei Bus operates buses on fixed routes centered around train stations in the eastern part of Tokyo and the northwestern part of Chiba Prefecture. Photo: Tokyo Shuttle (express bus service between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station) http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M104419/201706052429/_prw_PI1fl_a4b07EpJ.jpg In response to this trend, Keisei Bus is taking the following initiative to "accommodate multiple languages in bus transport services" to help foreign visitors in Japan feel secure when they ride our bus. Reference: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M104419/201706052429/_prw_PA1fl_mU7r5VKm.pdf 1. Official website (since March 2017) The whole of our official website is designed to be read in English, Chinese and Korean to help you check bus routes and tips on how to ride a bus before traveling. http://www.keiseibus.co.jp/ 2. Bus stops (since February 2016) All the bus stops (about 2,000 in total) have signage in English. Major bus stops, including those on the routes originating at airports and "Tokyo Disney Resort (R)", also have signage in Chinese and Korean. In addition, pictograms are in place to help you recognize bus stops at a glance. At Kasai Rinkai Koen (Kasai Seaside Park), a bus stop on the fixed "Shuttle Seven" routes between train stations in Tokyo and "Tokyo Disney Resort (R)", digital signage is installed in English, Chinese and Korean to provide such information as tips on how to ride a bus, bus operations, tourist facilities and others. 3. On board vehicles (1) Free Wi-Fi connectivity (since November 2016) Free Wi-Fi connectivity in six languages -- Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Portuguese -- has been made available on all express buses. (2) Onboard signs/announcements (since February 2016) "Liquid crystal displays" that show destinations, major stops and other locations are being adapted to English, Chinese and Korean. Onboard announcements are also made in English to tell passengers the next stop. 4. Attending customers (1) Training drivers how to attend foreign visitors (since October 2016) In active training sessions, bus drivers learn English conversation from foreign teachers and use "Finger-pointing Sheets", which show Japanese words and phrases alongside their translations in other languages. (2) Introducing interpreter service with the use of smartphones (since February 2017) Drivers on express buses are making good use of smartphones equipped with an interpreting service app. When attending a customer, the driver may call up the interpreter/operator via this app to provide appropriate support. This service is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese. Keisei Bus will continue to make efforts to improve the convenience of bus transport services so that all customers can use the bus comfortably. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keisei-bus-takes-initiative-to-satisfy-foreigners-visiting-japan-going-multilingual-in-bus-transport-services----on-board-at-bus-stops-and-in-attending-customers-300472754.html SOURCE Keisei Bus Co., Ltd. Finally the Maharashtra government has taken the right step to waive farm loans. It was indeed a historic step as farmers had gone on strike in support of their various demands like loan waiver, electricity, pension, minimum support price to all farm produce etc. The decision to announce loan waiver will impose an additional burden of Rs 35,000 crore and the figure is likely to go up as around 1.36 crore farmers have an outstanding loan of Rs 1.14 crore in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had formed a committee under the leadership of Chandrakant Patil to look after the various demands of farmers. The committee includes Diwakar Raote of the Shiv Sena, agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar, finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, cooperatives minister Subhash Deshmukh and water resources minister Girish Mahajan. They had an interaction with the farmers delegation and a decision was taken to waive off farm loans. Initially, Fadnavis was not in favour of writing of agricultural loans as he had said that it will impose fiscal burden on the state. The CM also had added that waiving farm loan will only provide short term relief to farmers and even the government might derive political mileage out of it. He said that it only enables farmers to get rid of their current debt and apply for fresh loan. However, later he had to rethink his decision after farmers had gone on strike few days back. Even opposition parties like Congress, NCP had imposed pressure on the government to waive off farm loans. BJPs ally Shiv Sena had asked the government to write off farm loans. After the loan waiver was announced Sena also had come forward to take credit for it as it had lauded the efforts of party president Uddhav Thackeray for the outcome. After the Yogi Adityanath government had written off farm loans amounting to 36,000 crore similar demands were made by farmers in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The government must take steps to revive the agricultural economy. Even though machinery for this exists district and tehsil level officers are there but the government did not empower them. Earlier there was no television and mobile phone in villages but now the lifestyle has changed as people are not satisfied with what they have. At the same time, cost of agricultural production has gone up but income from it has drastically reduced. Farmers must be offered minimum support price by the government. Cold storage must be built to preserve agricultural produce. They must also seek assistance from foreign countries to enhance agricultural output. Call it the biggest bovine airlift in history. The showdown between Qatar and its neighbors has disrupted trade, split families and threatened to alter long-standing geopolitical alliances. Its also prompted one Qatari businessman to fly 4,000 cows to the Gulf desert in an act of resistance and opportunity to fill the void left by a collapse in the supply of fresh milk. It will take as many as 60 flights for Qatar Airways to deliver the 590-kilogram beasts that Moutaz Al Khayyat, chairman of Power International Holding, bought in Australia and the U.S. This is the time to work for Qatar, he said. Led by Saudi Arabia, Qatar stands accused of supporting Islamic militants, charges the sheikhdom has repeatedly denied. The isolation that started on June 5 has forced the worlds richest country by capita to open new trade routes to import food, building materials and equipment for its natural gas industry. The central bank said domestic and international transactions were running normally. Turkish dairy goods have been flown in, and Iranian fruit and vegetables are on the way. Theres also a campaign to buy home-grown produce. Signs with colors of the Qatari flag have been placed next to dairy products in stores. One sign dangling from the ceiling said: Together for the support of local products. Its a message of defiance, that we dont need others, said Umm Issa, 40, a government employee perusing the shelves of a supermarket before taking a carton of Turkish milk to try. Our government has made sure we have no shortages and we are grateful for that. We have no fear. No one will die of hunger. Carino is off on the numbers. In 2012 it was 1 in 88. In 2014 it was one in 68 and again in 2016. When you look at those numbers, thats [not] only a crisis, but its a significant issue for our society right now, said Bret Vaks, executive director of Autism Family Services of New Jersey. Im not even certain most people are aware how significant it is. That rate is even lower in New Jersey, at 1 in 41. In the early 1990s, the national diagnosis rate for autism was 1 in 10,000 children. In 2012 it was 1 in 68. In 2017 its 1 in 45. It was an interesting piece, unlike the vast majority of mainstream news reports that leave autism as a mystery or dismiss the numbers as merelybetter diagnosing of a condition thats always been around. So while no health official can explain why so many children today have autism, no one is calling it a crisis. Medpage Today: The investigators offered some possible factors for the general increase in ADHD and autism prevalence such as: Advances in behavioral disorder classification, Efficacy of clinical and behavioral treatments for ADHD, Increase in services for children with developmental disabilities, Improvement in clinical, parental, and societal recognition of disorders. British Medical Journal : This study highlights the complexities involved in understanding changes in the reported prevalence of ASD that are likely to be multifactorial. It has provided evidence in Australia of changes in diagnostic preferences and a broadening of the spectrum and that differences in service requirements can influence prevalence estimates. Scientific American : Many individuals diagnosed with autism may, in the past, have been misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as intellectual disability: As diagnoses of autism have risen, those of intellectual disability have decreased. Wall Street Journal, The number of children diagnosed with autism has surged around the globe in the past two decades. But new research in Europe and the U.S. suggests much of the increase occurred on paper. That could mean that kids that might have been dismissed as simply being "slow" or disobedient in the past may now be getting some extra help to realize their potential, New York Times, Dr. Stephen Blumberg, senior scientist, National Center for Health Statistics: Our findings suggest that the increase in prevalence is due to improved recognition of autism spectrum disorders, as opposed to children with newly developed risks for them. U.S. News , Dr. Nancy Murphy, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Children with Disabilities: The increases in these conditions may signify a greater awareness on the part of parents, teachers and health care professionals to identify children with disabilities and get them help. CNN, Dr. Thomas Frieden, director the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Doctors are getting better at diagnosing autism How much of that increase is a result of better tracking and how much of it is a result of an actual increase, we still don't know. For years prominent news outlets and journals have downplayed the numbers, quoting experts for backup. Here are examples from over the last six years, including one from the BMJ just last month. A person does not have to search far in order to be reassured by leading experts that the flood of children with all sorts of learning problems and developmental issues are nothing to worry about. The one in 45 came from a study released in 2015, and the higher number was explained as being due to changes in the order and wording of the survey questions. The one in 41 in New Jersey was announced back in 2014, so its not really current either. Bret Vaks and Professor Samantha Herrick from Rutgers were the sources for this piece. Herrick is quite well known and has even spoken at a United Nations autism conference. She said she is constantly is faced with the question, Whats causing this spike in autism? Herricks answer: Science is not there yet. At this moment, the best we can render is its probably a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. there may be some sort of environmental antecedents that trigger it for that particular individual. But we dont know what it is, which is the big bugaboo in our field. The rogue theory blaming vaccines has been debunked, although Herrick still gets inquiries to that effect. Despite the surge in cases, autism remains on the outskirts of public discourse. Herrick went on to deny that its just awareness. Another myth: The spike is caused by increased awareness about autism in the three decades since Rainman introduced the condition to much of America. There is no doubt that raised awareness is going to have influence of those types of numbers, Herrick said. But most experts Ive talked to believe it cant be the sole cause of such a spike in numbers. Herrick attributed the high rate in New Jersey to early and better screening. Vaks was more critical of the lack of concern over autism. It should be one of the biggest issues are leaders are talking about. Weve made zero leaps and bounds because its not on their radar. Herrick and Vaks seem to be a little out of touch with reality. Theres a whole month dedicated to autism awareness. The world is lighting up itself up in blue for autism every April. And for example, Hillary Clinton did speak out on autism, she just isnt concerned about the rate. Lots of people are talking about autism, only no one is worried, and its because no one will admit there is an autism epidemic going on. No U.S. health official or medicine association has ever said that there are actually more cases of autism. If Vaks and Herrick really wanted to make the issue resonate among politicians and health officials, they should go looking for the same rate of autism among folks over 30 that we see in our children (and I mean adults with the same signs of classic autism we see everywhere in our childrennot a college professor who doesnt like to eat out). If Vaks and Herrick really wanted to discover the environmental triggers for autism, theyd study the thirty percent of autistic children who experienced some type of regression, often quite severe regression. What environmental exposure preceded that loss of learned skills? If Vaks and Herrick really wanted evidence that its not vaccines, theyd look at fully vaccinated and never vaccinated kids to see if they had same autism rate. I seriously doubt that Rutgers University would allow any such research, nor do I think that Herrick would want to risk her professional reputation by investigating these topics. Its pretty clear that if no one in charge will even come out publicly and address autism as a crisis and an epidemic; its equally true that no one wants to seriously consider what environmental triggers might be involved. As long as autism remains a medical curiosity we have all the time in the world to figure out, we dont have to really look for the cause. Consider this recent story from South Carolina, which received zero attention in the mainstream press: May 12, 2017, Spectrum News: Alternative screen finds high autism prevalence in U.S. state A new study in South Carolina has found a prevalence of 3.62 percent for autism, or roughly 1 in 28 children. Researchers presented the unpublished findings today at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California. The study screened children born in 2004, the same birth year analyzed in the most recent prevalence estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For South Carolina, that estimate, released in 2014, reported a prevalence of 1 in 81 children1. The average prevalence for the United State is 1 in 68. That jaw dropping statistic should have been big news and lots of questions should have been asked. Again, that didnt happen. In fact, lead researcher Laura Carpenter from the University of South Carolina attributed this rate to better assessment. I think this is probably getting pretty close to the true prevalence. This is probably going to make a lot of sense for anybody who is working in a school or autism clinic. It seems that researchers were still missing a lot of kids, but now theyre finally getting it right. What this really tells us is that autism by the numbers will never be a crisis in America. Well continue to ask for awareness, early diagnosis, and servicesNEVER ANSWERS. Heres the history of autism numbers in the United States. 2001 1:250, 2004 1:166, 2007 1:150, 2009 1:110, 2012 1:88, 2014 1:68. 2015 1:45, 2016 1: 68. With every update of the autism rate, there was ALWAYS someone from the CDC right there to deny a real increase in autism: Julie Gerberding, Coleen Boyle, MarshalynYeargin-Allsop, Thomas Frieden. "Serious health care concern" is the strongest language any official has used when talking about autism. Asperger's or high functioning autism was added to the DSM in 1994, and it was removed in 2012, but it did not cause a change in the rate. Theres more confusion 2013 One in every 36 of ALL children in MN has autism https://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2013/12/autism-highest-among-minneapolis-somali-and-white-children-u-study-finds The study's data revealed that 1 in 32 Somali and 1 in 36 white children aged 7 to 9 were identified with autism in 2010 numbers that are statistically indistinguishable, according to the researchers. 2012 One in 47 children in Utah 2011 One in 38 children in South Korea. 2008 One in 32 among Somali children in MN The Numbers are all over the board. One in 28, one in 68the numbers do not matter when it comes to autism. We should all have learned that by now. Three years ago , I interviewed Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a Senior Research Scientist at MIT about the explosion in the autism rate and the environmental toxins responsible. She linked the autism epidemic to mercury and aluminum in vaccines, glutamate in vaccines, and glyphosate, the active ingredient in the GMO herbicide, Roundup. Recently I went back to Dr. Seneff to ask her about the ever-increasing and inconsistent autism numbers, the lack of concern from mainstream medicine or in our federal health care agencies, and her prediction that eventually autism will affect half of U.S. children. Heres what she had to say. Q: Dr. Seneff, since we talked last, the official autism numbers increased to one in 68 and then seemed to stabilize at 68, two years later. At the same time, we can find alarmingly higher rates in individual states like South Carolina, Utah, and Minnesota. Officials are at a lost to explain any of this. What do you think is happening? A: Its very disconcerting this number of one in 28 from South Carolina, and I suspect that its a more accurate representation of whats happening across the country than the one in 68 that we got as a report from the U.S. government, which was stabilized. It had been growing exponentially for two decades, and all of a sudden, boom, its completely flat, which makes no sense. You dont expect it to change that way because none of the factors that have been causing it have been fixed, in fact, I think that everything is continuing to get worse. So it simply does not make sense. I think that the CDC must have been doing something fishy with those numbers to keep that data flat for these past two years. (*It should be noted that there was a reversal of the stunning Utah numbers the next time rates were updated. Utah went from one in every 47 children to one in every 58, a nearly 20 percent drop. Dr. Judith Zimmerman filed a lawsuit alleging that the numbers had been falsified.) Q: Dr. Seneff, do you still feel that the autism rate will continue to worsen until half of our children have the disorder? A: I predicted, looking at the exponential growth, its very easy to plot that on a linear scale, on a log linear scale, and you get a straight line, if it is exponential growth, and its exactly what you get with those data. You can extend that line into the future, and given that the numbers are for 12 year olds, then children born in 2032 would be the ones that would show up on the scale at 12 years later, 2044, and thats where you get the point in which half the children, eighty percent of the boys born in 2032 will end up on the spectrumdiagnosed on the spectrum. And this, to me, is incredibly frightening. To think of one in five boys being born actually not having autism, is going to beno ones going to want to risk having a child at that point, it seems to me. Its going to be too terrifying. Q: Why do you think officials still refuse to acknowledge that there has actually been an increase in autism? Why is there no alarm over all the developmental disorders plaguing our children? A: I think what may be going on with regard to trying to hide the increase in autism, is to get these kids other diagnoses, to divert them off into things like ADHD or a social communication disorderthey have these new names now that they can call it and siphon it off. And so then we can hide the fact that autism is growing so fast. And in fact, when you look at something like ADHD, that has grown also exponentially over the past 20 years, and now its apparently one in six, which I find really, truly amazing: one in six of the kids being diagnosed with ADHD. And we have the tics, and we have the autoimmune diseases, all the allergies, the gluten intolerance, casein intolerance, we have the eczematremendous eczema these days asthma, all these illnesses that these children are facing. And its not just the vaccines, I think, that are causing these. In fact, I think that the bigger problem is the food and the toxic chemicals in the food, particularly the glyphosate, which is pervasive in our food, which the government thinks is completely safe. Which is working synergistically, very, very effectively, with the vaccines, to cause harm. We simply have to, the government has to face this crisis. They should have done it many years ago, and if they dont do it soon, then I think our country is just going to be history. Q: What are you most concerned about when it comes to whats happening to the health of Americans? A: I think that probably the most critical component of -- the most critical cause of the epidemic in autism in America is glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in Roundup, and Roundup is the herbicide that we all love because its completely non-toxic to humans. But this is simply not true. My research has gone deep and wide, and Im absolutely convinced that Roundup is insidiously cumulatively toxic, and it is causing many, many problems, many health problems in our society, mostly related to autoimmune disease and immune dysfunction and neurological disorders. Glyphosate is causing an epidemic in so many diseases which is the reason why we have a runaway health care system, with enormous health care costs we cant meet. The U.S. government seems to be completely blind to the problem with glyphosate. However, I will say that the Canadian government is doing much better than our government is in terms of at least finding out the extent of the problem, with respect to glyphosate contamination in the food, and this is because of the relentless efforts of an activist in Canada called Tony Mitra. He has been pestering them for many years, and hes finally gotten them to agree to test thousands of food samples for glyphosate contamination. Tony then has analyzed their results. The U.S. recently said, okay, were going to testweve only tested, as far as I knowone food item, which is soy, and in that food item, we found ninety-one percent of the samples had glyphosate contamination So basically, its all over the soy. The U.S. government confirmed that Like, its okay, its in the soy, who cares? Its really incredible how much they refuse to acknowledge that theres a problem. Canada tested a whole bunch of foods, they tested Canadian foods, U.S. foods, and foods imported from Europe, and from around the worldMexico. And what he found was that the United States and Canada stood out, having by far, having the highest level consistently of glyphosate in all the food samples that they tested compared to Europe and especially, surprisingly, compared to Mexico. Mexico had much, much lower levels across the board than the U.S. and Canada. There were high levels in wheat. They were in chick peas, in various cereals, cookies, all kinds of productshighly contaminated with glyphosate. Glyphosate causes breast cancer cells to grow when its present at levels of parts per trillion, in culture, parts per trillion. And I suspect that glyphosate is causing the breast cancer epidemic among pre-menopausal women. Its just so many diseases, Alzheimers, autism, ADHD, various cancers. Anne Dachel is Media Editor for Age of Autism. Aiken, SC (29801) Today A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 66F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 66F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Emirates SkyCargo has flown its first scheduled weekly freighter service to Luxembourg as part of its new partnership with Cargolux. The Dubai-based airlines freighter operation between Luxembourg and Dubai World Central is one of the first steps in the implementation of the strategic operational partnership with Cargolux Airlines announced in May this year. The flight arrived on June 12 and was met with a traditional water cannon salute. Emirates SkyCargo will operate its Boeing 777 freighter aircraft on this route providing a total cargo capacity of over 100 tonnes. The strategic space sharing partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Cargolux allows the airlines to expand their networks without the need to invest in freighter capacity. Emirates SkyCargo explained the move would help feed in cargo to fill up its expanding belly network, while Cargolux is able to offer customers a wider global reach. The service adds to the thrice weekly freighter service that Cargolux operates to Dubai World Central. At Luxembourg, ground handling of the Emirates SkyCargos freighters will be carried out at the same facility as Cargolux and at Dubai, Cargolux freighters are handled by Emirates SkyCargo. Smooth movement of cargo is also enabled by other factors including the common EU Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification of both hubs. Emirates SkyCargo is delighted to start our weekly freighter operations to Luxembourg, said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo. This is an important step in our operational partnership with Cargolux through which we will be able to offer our customers an enhanced reach across each others networks, as well as an enriched service offering building upon our compatibility in ground handling and standard operating procedures for cargo transportation, he added. Cargolux is proud to welcome Emirates SkyCargo at our home base in Luxembourg, says Richard Forson, Cargolux president and chief executive. As the leading Gulf airline and one of the premier carriers worldwide, Emirates is as important a player in the industry as Cargolux is. With the arrival of SkyCargos first freighter here, we open a new chapter in our history and lay the foundation for a fruitful cooperation for the benefit of our customers. "Our supplementary capabilities allow us to develop service offerings that both of us could not provide on our own. Emirates SkyCargos freighter will arrive at Luxembourg at 13.25 local time every Monday and will depart to Dubai World Central at 15.25 local time on the same day. Luxembourg joins Emirates SkyCargos global network of over 150 destinations in more than 80 countries across six continents. Share this story Qatar Airways saw cargo demand surpass the 1m tonne mark for the first time during the last fiscal year, while revenues were also up. In its annual report, the airline group revealed that in the 2017 fiscal year it saw cargo demand increase by 20.9% year on year to 1.15m tonnes. Cargo revenues for the period increased by 13.5% year on year to reach QR6.4bn. The increase comes as the airline increased its network during the year, adding six new freighter destinations and the launch of 10 new bellyhold flights. It also increased frequencies to existing destinations. This year it has added new freighter services to the Americas with flights launched to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Quito in South America, and Miami in the US. It has also added flights to London Heathrow. The past year has also seen the airlines freighter fleet grow. At the end of March 2016, the airlines all-cargo fleet consisted of eight B777-200Fs and five A330-200Fs. At the same point this year, its cargo fleet included 12 B777Fs, eight A330Fs and a single B747F. An additional B777F is due to join the fleet during fiscal 2018. Other developments at the airline include the introduction of online services and the launch of a QR Cargo mobile device app. Looking ahead, the carrier will soon open an advanced airside climate control centre at its Hamad International hub. In the longer term it is increasing cargo capacity at the airport, from the 1.8m tonnes handled last year to 4.4m tonnes, through the addition of a second cargo terminal. It is also planning to expand its QR Mail product to cater to the needs of the e-commerce sector. However, it is not all good news for the airline as it continues to face an airspace ban over Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt due to accusations that Qatar (the country) is destabilising the Middle East region allegations it denies. Meanwhile, Etihad and Emirates, FlyDubai and Air Arabia have also cut flights to Doha. However, there are some signs that the closure of sea ports and the Saudi Arabia land boarder could force producers in the region to turn to airfreight. The Jordan Times reports that exporters of fruit and vegetables are flying 90 tonnes of produce out of the country to Qatar each day to bypass the land boarder closure. The overall airline saw net profits increase by 21.7% year on year to QR2bn and revenues improved by 10.4% to QR39bn as it continued to expand its fleet and network. Share this story June 13, 2017 RAMALLAH, West Bank The relationship between Hamas and Saudi Arabia is currently in a stalemate, and tension is expected to intensify in the coming days in light of the Saudi crisis with Qatar, Hamas most important ally among the Arab states. Hamas foreign relations chief Osama Hamdan said in an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV May 31, Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is at a standstill at the moment. He said that Hamas seeks to liberate Palestine as a whole, in reference to the movements opposition to the Arab Peace Initiative, put forth by Saudi Arabia at the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, in which the Arab states pledged to recognize Israel and normalize relations with it after the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, which Hamas completely rejects. However, after Saudi Arabia severed ties with Qatar and demanded Doha halt support to Hamas, the movement condemned this move and remained silent regarding the Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia is not taking a stance against Hamas simply because it rejected the initiative; the movement is known to have ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, which Saudi Arabia classified as a terrorist organization. In addition, Hamas relationship with Hezbollah in Lebanon grew warmer, and the same goes for its relationship with Iran, which Saudi Arabia sees as its enemy in the region. In this context, the Saudi Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported May 30, Intensive meetings were held in Beirut between Hamas officials and leaders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, during which they agreed to resume the relationship between them. Iran pledged to continue providing financial support for the movement, especially since the new head of Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, will be visiting Iran as soon as possible. During his TV interview, Hamdan did not hide Hamas rapprochement with Iran, saying, The ties between Hamas and Iran have not been severed. Although some tensions arose in the past, our relationship has been on the recovery track for two years now. Hamdan pointed out that he visited Iran three months ago, a visit that was not previously scheduled or announced in advance in the media. On June 8, Hamdan announced that Haniyeh would head a Hamas delegation to Iran soon, without specifying a date for the visit. There was a minor breakthrough in Hamas' relationship with Saudi Arabia after a Hamas delegation, headed by then-head of the political bureau Khaled Meshaal, visited Saudi Arabia on July 15, 2015, when King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud took office. The visit came after a near rupture between the two sides over the Fatah-Hamas Mecca Agreement's failure to achieve Palestinian reconciliation sponsored by Saudi Arabia, which Hamas was held responsible for. During the visit, officials discussed the Palestinian reconciliation, relations between Hamas and Saudi Arabia, and the political situation in Palestine. The latest Gulf crisis is a new hurdle in the Hamas-Saudi relationship, which could now turn into complete estrangement, after Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir called on Qatar to stop supporting Hamas on June 6, saying, Enough is enough. Qatar should stop supporting groups such as Hamas. The movement considered in a June 7 statement such remarks to be strange and abusive to both Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian cause. Hamas has been criticized by Saudi media ever since the crisis with Qatar made the news. Abdul Hakim al-Hamid, the director of the Middle East Center for Strategic and Legal Studies in Jeddah, appeared in an interview with Israel's Channel 2 on June 5 and attacked both Hamas and Islamic Jihad. A Hamas leader told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, The Saudi stance against Hamas is expected to intensify in the coming period as a result of US President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has been seeking to build an alliance between some Arab countries and Israel against the resistance movements in the Arab world and all those who are hostile to Israel. In light of expectations of a further deadlock in Hamas' relationship with Saudi Arabia, which could pressure Hamas to reconsider its regional relations with Qatar or with Iran and Hezbollah, Hamdan said in an interview with Al-Monitor, Hamas foreign relations policy is very clear and is based on the interests of the Palestinian people and the resistance. He added, Hamas is not interfering in regional conflicts because it knows that this will harm the Palestinian cause. The incitement practiced by some Saudi officials against the movement is offensive to the Saudis themselves and reflects an ideological, moral and political perversion. [The Saudis] will later realize they were making a big mistake. Speaking about the possibility of Hamas responding to any request to sever its relationship with Qatar or with Iran and Hezbollah, Hamdan said, Hamas' relations are not subject to anyone's conditions or demands. Hamas' decision stems from within the movements institutions and will only be in the Palestinian peoples best interest. For his part, Khalil Shaheen, a political analyst and director of the research unit at the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (Masarat), told Al-Monitor, Hamas has never hidden its desire to open up to Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, but the latter prefers otherwise. The current crisis will delay any rapprochement between the two parties for a long time. He said, Hamas is not in a position to change its alliances. If it cuts its relationship with Qatar, it must have another alternative to do what Qatar does in terms of projects in the Gaza Strip and financial support. So nothing would push Hamas to sever its relationship with Qatar or even reconsider it. Shaheen added, What bothers Saudi Arabia the most is Hamas strong relationship with Iran, which is far more important than its relationship with Qatar, because Iran provides direct financial support as well as military support either by providing training or developing the movements military resources. Ibrahim Abrash, a political science professor at Al-Azhar University, told Al-Monitor that the Gulf crisis proved that the map of alliances in the region is beginning to change, and these changes will cast a shadow over the Palestinians especially Hamas. He noted that the Saudi stance against Hamas has not been positive so far, in light of the remarkable rapprochement between the movement and Iran. After some Arab states took a stance against Hamas and have hinted at their intentions of becoming closer to Israel, the movement's options seem limited, which could prompt it to restore its relations with Iran and Hezbollah especially after the election of Hamas new leadership, which supports such ties. June 10, 2017 A cultural organization formed by Iraqi poets is reaching young Iraqis in university campuses, cafes and the streets. The director of the House of Iraqi Poetry, Hossam al-Saray, told Al-Monitor that over the last 12 months his organization has set up a series of campus and street events to promote social progress and resistance to archaic customs through the work of contemporary poets. The project started a year ago at several university campuses to expose students to Iraqi poets such as Sargon Boulus, Jean Dammu and Siham Jabbar. Their humanistic style, said Saray, contrasts sharply with folk poetry, which often presents sectarian views. Various graphic designers also volunteered to make posters and flyers for the House of Iraqi Poetrys project to put up poems in the streets, schools, cafes and other public places, calling for resistance to some outdated customs in Iraq. The poster campaign, called The Walls are not for the Clash of Clans, turned the tribes and clans' practice of writing threats to one another on its head, employing art to promote unity and progress instead, according to Saray. He said that the message behind the campaign is that tribal values and clashes lead Iraqi society backward. The House of Iraqi Poetrys work has moral dimensions as well. It aims to change Iraqi society and culture, especially in Baghdad. For example, the group honored the 2016 Karrada bombing victims with poetry about the disaster. As part of a project called An Act of Loyalty to Karrada, they hung posters in the Department of Forensic Medicine, where the bodies of the victims were kept, as well as in nearby streets. Saray said, We were trying to use culture and poetry to express a moral position, in solidarity with the victims and their parents. The House of Iraqi Poetry, founded by Iraqi poets in 2009, is always changing and holds periodic elections to its administrative body. In the early days, it organized events for Iraq's elite cultural circles, but over the past couple of years, it has began to target ordinary people to introduce them to the richness and creativity of Iraqi poetry. In Iraq, there are three main streams of poetry: One is folk poetry, known as the poetry of the uneducated whose tradition dates back centuries. The folk poetry tradition has experienced a resurgence and is often used by Iraqi political parties who pay poets to write material supporting them. Another is classical poetry, which is written very formally and in rhyming verse. The third is Iraq's modern poetry, whose accessible prose the organization is using to reach the people. This form of writing is the best suited to convey our message to the community, said Saray, adding, With it, we confront the classical poets who try to raise their voices above our beautiful words, with which we call on the audience to truly contemplate their situation." Over the past year, the House of Iraqi Poetry has received praise in the press and on social media. At first, we were concerned about how people might react, but the immediate support our initiative found urged us to continue with our work. Ordinary people started sharing pictures of our flyers online, encouraging us, said Saray. He made it clear that the House of Iraqi Poetry has received no support from the government, enabling the organization to maintain its independence. On the other hand, he said that some of the group's initiatives have faced obstacles for that reason. Bureaucracy in several official institutions sometimes prevents the House of Iraqi Poetry from hanging posters, he said. The posters themselves are modern, designed simply in contrast to the ornate classical style. Saray explained, One of our aims is to convey our message using good design along with the content in our posters, in contrast to an environment of backwardness, in which both political parties and governmental authorities do not even know how to create attractive and impactful posters. Saray added that many passers-by express suspicion that influential people or parties are behind the House of Iraqi Poetry and wonder at the hidden motives of the project. This doubt on societys part is one of the consequences of the distortion created by the current political elite in Iraq, he said. Today, the House of Iraqi Poetry is working on new initiatives outside of Baghdad. We plan to run similar projects in other provinces, as part of our organizations intent to reach everyone in Iraq, said Saray. For the poets involved, the House of Iraqi Poetry's projects are a hopeful sign that despite its misuse in spreading sectarianism and hatred, Iraqi poetry can also promote peace, social solidarity and inclusivity. To them, it means everything that institutions with so little funding can create such beauty in the midst of the numerous crises plaguing the Iraqi community. June 13, 2017 In a sign of improving relations, Moscow will be hosting this years Turkey Festival, which runs June 16-18. The event is being organized by Turkish authorities, civil society organizations and businesspeople in cooperation with Moscow city authorities. The festivals budget is pegged at $1.2 billion, and organizers hope more than 100,000 Russians will participate. Many of the events organizers are tourism business associations and organizations. We want to present Russians with our history, culture, sights and our country, festival coordinator Haluk Ozsevim told Al-Monitor. We should keep in mind that Russian and Turkish peoples have been good friends for many years. And both miss each other. Relations between the countries have been tense since Turkey shot down a Russian jet in November 2015. Russia subsequently imposed sanctions that severely hurt Turkeys trade and tourism sectors. The restrictions forbade sales of organized tours and charter flights to Turkey, and tourists who made their own arrangements had to pay twice as much as before. The number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey plummeted: In 2016, only 500,000 Russians came, compared with 3.3 million in 2015 and 4.1 million in 2014. Overall, according to the Turkish Association of Travel Agencies, the number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey plunged to 31.4 million in 2016, from 41.6 million tourists in 2015. There were many reasons, in addition to the jet downing, for the loss of 10 million tourists. The July 15 coup attempt, along with several big terror attacks in 2016, raised security concerns among European tourists. Between 2011 and 2015, Turkey had seen a gradual rise in arrivals from Germany. But in 2016, there was a sharp decline, according to a Hotels Association of Turkey statement. The drop-off in the number of European tourists is expected to continue this year. We expect a dramatic decrease in the number of arrivals from European Union markets, mainly from Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain and Italy over this year due to ongoing concerns and some political tension, Hotels Association President Timur Bayindir told Turkeys Hurriyet Daily News. In addition to fears over security, some Europeans have stayed away in protest of the April 15 constitutional referendum that granted the Turkish presidency greatly expanded powers. However, Bayindir noted that he expects to see an increase in tourists from the Middle East, Iran and Russia. Figures from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that for the month of April, overall foreign tourist arrivals to Turkey rose 18% over April 2016 to just more than 2 million, the Daily Sabah reported. The largest increase was reported among Russian tourists, with that number surging almost 500%, to reach 181,865 people. Positive news has also come from the Russian side. According to an early May story in the Russian business daily Vedomosti, the biggest travel agencies confirmed the majority of their clients are booking May trips to Turkey, as opposed to other locations. One tourism executive attributed the increase to pent-up demand. Russian tourists have been waiting for this [the opening of Turkish destinations] since November 2015. We explain it as a deferred-demand effect, Pegas Touristik CEO Anna Podgornaya said in explaining Turkeys popularity to the Russian media. She added that Russian currency stabilization and discounts offered by Turkish businesses also play important roles. Dmitry Malyutin, the CEO of Moscow-based Level Travel Ltd., said more than 25% of his companys clients have already visited Turkey this year. The demand for Turkey among Russian tourists is high, and it is growing rapidly, he told Al-Monitor. Last year the most popular travel destinations were Russian resorts, Greece and Cyprus. This year we predict that Turkey will be the leader, although Greece and Cyprus remain popular as well. A recent public opinion survey also offers hope to Turkeys tourism sector. According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, many fewer Russians perceive Turkey as a hostile state this year. In 2016, 70% of the surveys respondents didnt look favorably on Turkey: 47% said Turkey-Russia relations were tense, and 23% said they were hostile. Today, according to the research center, those numbers have dropped to 24% and 4%, respectively. The survey reported that 21% said relations remain chilly. Almost one in four respondents described relations as neutral with 8% saying they were neighborly, 6% friendly and 5% quite warm. Overall, positive attitudes still trail negative ones, but the progress is evident: 51% of those surveyed agree the relationship is progressing; in 2016, only 6% saw progress. The 2015 crisis over the jet downing became a real test for Russian-Turkish relations, which showed how politics prevail over rational relations between the two peoples and how state media can easily create an image of the enemy. However, as recent news shows, Russian attitudes toward Turkey are changing and Russians are returning to Turkish resorts. Thus, the Turkey Festival in Moscow could be a great contribution not only to the ongoing process of normalizing bilateral ties, but also to overcoming bad and mostly wrong stereotypes between Russians and Turks. June 12, 2017 The recently revived push for an independent Kurdistan has many obstacles to overcome: its threat to the Middle East's always-fragile stability, Turkey's long-standing opposition, US uncertainty and just overall bad timing. Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), announced that a referendum for an independent Kurdistan will be held Sept. 25. An independent Kurdish state is a long-cherished goal for most Kurds, who are spread over mainly four countries: Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria making it the largest stateless nation in the world. Another goal accompanying the dream of an independent state is acquiring the disputed territories ranging from Sinjar to the west of Mosul up to Khanaqin on the Iran border, including the southeastern oil-rich province of Kirkuk. Kurdish peshmerga forces took part in the operation to liberate Mosul, which was coordinated by the United States with the Shiite-dominated Iraqi forces. The price tag for the Kurds participation in liberating Mosul was supposedly Baghdads and Washingtons acquiescence for an independent Kurdish state under Barzani. Yet such an achievement doesn't appear imminent. In December, a few days before Christmas, Masrour Barzani, the elder son of the president and chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, initiated a two-day symposium in Dahuk at the American University of Kurdistan. Attendees included international luminaries Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US ambassador to Baghdad; Bernard Kouchner, a former French foreign minister; and Peter Galbraith, a former US diplomat. Almost every high-level Kurdish official, including KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, a nephew of Massoud Barzani, was there. Their consensus was that the Kurds have the right of self-determination, which could lead to independence. However, the consensus held slight nuances. For instance, Khalilzad emphasized the importance of prudence. Hoshyar Zebari, the president's uncle and the longest-serving Kurdish official in Baghdad, reminded the audience that if it comes to proclaiming Kurdish independence, Baghdad will not be forthcoming. As a former foreign minister of Iraq, Zebari is more familiar with the Arab political elite in Baghdad (Shiite and Sunni alike) than any other Kurd. I was among the speakers at the symposium. Recognizing the legitimacy of Kurdish aspirations for an independent state, I stressed that as long as independence is achieved peacefully with the endorsement of Baghdad, the two neighboring big powers Turkey and Iran are likely to follow suit. Moreover, since the KRG is Turkeys only friend in the region which is paradoxical because Turkey has always been uncompromisingly hostile to the concept of Kurdish independence Erdogan would probably concede to Kurdish independence in Iraq. The issue is also a geopolitical one. A Sunni Kurdish buffer to Shiite-dominated Iraq might serve Turkish interests. Massoud Barzanis animosity toward the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Turkeys Kurdish adversary in Turkey and Syria could serve as another element in Ankaras acceptance of an independent Kurdish state. Notwithstanding the rationality of these arguments, the Turkish Foreign Ministry's initial reaction to Barzanis statement was to issue a moderately worded but critical statement June 9 about the Kurdish independence referendum. We have been conveying for some time Turkeys concerns about the independence referendum which the KRG has been planning to organize to the government of Iraq and the KRG, as well to the leading members of the international community. In this regard, we have been stressing that at a time when critical developments are unfolding in the region, such a move would benefit neither the KRG nor Iraq and that it would have negative consequences which will cause further instability, the statement said. Holding the referendum "runs counter to our advice and warnings" and would be a "grave mistake," the ministry said. "Preserving Iraqs territorial integrity and political unity is one of the fundamental principles of Turkeys Iraq policy. In this respect, instead of undermining Iraqs territorial integrity, it is necessary to act with a spirit of reconciliation, dialogue and inclusiveness among all different elements constituting Iraq, it added. An independent Kurdish state in Iraq would be landlocked, so it would rely on Turkey or Iran, as it would be seceding from Iraq, and Syria is already fragmented. But Iran isn't likely to support Barzani's plans, which would place an independent Kurdish state adjacent to its province of Kurdistan (also known as Eastern Kurdistan). Also, the feasibility, viability and survival of an independent Kurdish state in Iraq would require Western endorsement, especially from the United States. During a joint press conference April 20 with Barzani, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said his country does not support the Kurdish referendum. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert's statement during a June 8 press briefing reflects the ambiguity of the US position on Iraqi Kurdish independence: The United States and we have talked about this one before we support a unified, stable, democratic, and a federal Iraq. We understand and appreciate the legitimate aspirations of the people of Iraqi Kurdistan. We have expressed our concerns to the authorities in the Kurdistan region that holding a referendum, even a nonbinding resolution at this time, will distract from urgent priorities and that would be the defeat of [the Islamic State (IS)], the stabilization, the return of displaced people, managing of the regions economic crisis, and resolving the regions internal political disputes. We would also encourage the regional authorities to engage with the government of Iraq on a full range of important issues [on] the future of relations between Baghdad and Erbil." Kurds might interpret that ambiguity to mean Washington doesn't oppose an independent Kurdish state in principle. Yet the statement by no means indicates an American commitment, which is essential for the Kurds to move forward. Also, the timing of Barzanis referendum was touchy. It was announced June 7, just as the Gulf crisis with Qatar was unfolding. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Barzani have a type of overlord-vassal relationship that could prove problematic now, given the seemingly irreconcilable dispute between Qatar and a Saudi-led coalition that accuses it of supporting terrorism. Erdogan firmly took Qatars side. But Barzani made a big leap in placing himself, and the KRG, firmly in the Sunni camp of the Middle East with his rapprochement with Saudi Arabia. He was received in Riyadh in December 2015 at the highest level by King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, who was accompanied by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the most important members of the royal family. Such a reception was symbolic in regard to unwritten Sunni guarantees for Barzani against Iran. At the time, the Sunni camp of the Middle East looked though loosely united. Now, due to the Qatar-Saudi tension, it is undone. Geopolitically, Barzani cannot move away from Turkey. But as Ankara is already unsupportive of a Kurdish independent state, it's politically untenable to stand with Turkey against Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. It is also irrational to move closer to Tehran and Baghdad while pursuing the goal of divorcing the latter. Under the current circumstances, the referendum for an independent Kurdish state which would eventually lead to, if not a de jure, then a de facto breakup of Iraq would be adding a new volatile element to the already-chaotic Middle East and Gulf. Unless Turkey makes an unlikely U-turn, it will be almost impossible for an independent Kurdish state to survive, even if the referendum passes Sept. 25. June 13, 2017 Very little has gone the way President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wanted in the Middle East since the start of the now-defunct Arab Spring. His reaction to the Qatar crisis, where he threw his lot in with Doha at the expense of endangering ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, appears to be the latest episode in this enigma. This development is also likely to force Erdogan to ease tensions with Tehran, which also backs Qatar, to avoid facing a new bout of isolation in the region. Tellingly, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was in Ankara literally within hours of the Qatar crisis' breaking out. It is noteworthy that Erdogan was warning the Gulf states not so long ago against Irans regional ambitions, so we could be facing a new tack by him from one side to the other, depending on which way the wind is blowing. Many consider Erdogans reaction as a new example of his impulsive and erratic approach to foreign policy, and they note that this has left Ankara out of tune with the regional established order once again, facing more difficult choices. His stance has also left experts wondering about what is really driving Ankaras foreign policy. Erdogan, who was prime minister when the Arab Spring broke out, and Ahmet Davutoglu, his overambitious foreign minister, had great expectations for Turkey at the time. It was to be the historic moment that would make Turkey the principal regional player on the basis of shared Islamic values. Being the regions former ruler, Turkey knew best what was good for it and would provide this to the benefit of all. This oversimplification did not factor in Arab nationalism, latent historic antipathy toward Turkey, the inbred dislike by the regions established order for political Islam, and most important, the Sunni-Shiite divide that has always been a major fault line in the Middle East. Developments also showed that being Sunni is not sufficient to unite Sunni powers. When Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ousted Erdogans close friend Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood-dominated government in 2013, Erdogan was shocked. Subsequent developments, including the worsening situation in Syria, Ankaras deteriorating ties with the West and its growing suspicions about Irans regional ambitions, eventually forced Erdogan to swallow his dislike of Saudi Arabia for its support of the Egyptian coup and move to forge strategic ties with Riyadh. During a visit to Riyadh in 2015, he was keen to join the Saudi-led, 34-nation coalition against terrorism, which many in the region consider to be a predominantly Sunni and anti-Iranian alliance. Erdogan was back in the Gulf region again this February and also visited Saudi Arabia where he warned against Persian nationalism. During all this time, Qatar remained as the only regional country with which Turkey saw eye to eye on Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar also stood by Turkey when certain moves by Ankara were raising eyebrows in the region. Qatar became a major investor in Turkey. Ankara decided in late 2014 to open a military base in Qatar to signal that it was developing strategic ties with the Gulf state. The current crisis with Qatar caught Ankara unaware and threw another wrench in the works as far as Erdogans expectations in the Middle East are concerned. This crisis also left him on the horns of a new dilemma, caught as he is between Iran and Saudi Arabia. His dilemma is self-inflicted, though. Rather than stepping back to see the big picture, and by ignoring warnings of retired diplomats and foreign policy experts to remain neutral and try and act as a mediator between Doha and Riyadh, Erdogan went out on a limb again with his unequivocal support for Qatar. Many believe he was driven by what Amberin Zaman referred to in a recent Al-Monitor article as the increasingly conspiratorial and paranoid mindset in Ankara [that] has some worrying that Turkey may somehow be in the line of fire. Erdogans supporters believe the move against Qatar is an indirect warning to Ankara because, like Qatar, it backs the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas and has also been accused most vocally by the UAE of supporting radical Islamic groups. The belief that Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with US support, are aiming to topple the current rulers of Qatar is the main fear felt by Erdogan supporters and no doubt many of his advisers who are concerned that Erdogans Turkey is next. Retired Ambassador Suha Umar, whose past postings include Amman, argued that there is no foreign policy logic or vision to Erdogans approach to Qatar. It is based only on the need for one person to ensure his political survival and remain in power. There is no point in searching for a coherent strategy in this approach, Umar told Al-Monitor. Uma said that Ankara also needs to maintain the inflow of hot money provided by Qatar given that Turkeys economy faces uncertainties, and he indicated that this is also one of the short-term goals behind Erdogans strong support for Doha. Retired Ambassador Unal Cevikoz bemoaned the fact that by taking sides in this crisis, Turkey lost another chance to be a positive regional force. Turkey is involved in a strategic dialogue partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is regretful at a time when it has been developing multilateral ties based on trust that Turkey cannot use this to advantage in the Qatar crisis, Cevikoz wrote in Hurriyet. A less optimistic Umar said Turkey lost any chance of being a regional honest broker or mediator long before this crisis because of its serious foreign policy mistakes and miscalculations since the Arab Spring. Even if it tried to play this role today, Turkey has no credibility left. It is seen as an unreliable partner, which ensures that it has no clout left in the Middle East, Umar said. It remains to be seen if Erdogan can balance ties with Riyadh and Tehran while maintaining his strong support for Qatar and, on top of all this, ensure that this crisis does not have a negative impact on Turkey. There is also the question of what happens if Qatar bows to Saudi pressures, as many predict it will have to in the end, and where this will leave Turkey given its current stance. Many believe Erdogan lacks the diplomatic skills to juggle all of this and come out on top because he is embroiled in his domestic agenda, where he is trying to ensure his full transition to leadership after the constitutional referendum in April increased his powers and made him Turkeys executive president. Many like Umar and Cevikoz also believe that matters are unlikely to improve, and will continue to get worse for Turkey in the Middle East, until Ankara can develop a holistic approach to foreign policy that factors in the realities of the region and the broader world and balances these with Turkeys objective long-term interests. June 13, 2017 MOSUL, Iraq Civilians who had remained under siege in Islamic State-held areas of the city for months have flooded the streets of Mosul's Zinjili neighborhood in recent days, many injured and separated from family members as they ran to evade snipers bullets. Capt. Haider Kareem Sabri, deputy commander of first regiment of the federal polices sixth division, told Al-Monitor that the first "corridor" to get civilians out of the area was abandoned June 1 due to too many IS snipers and that a backup one was now being used instead. "We always have a plan B for the corridors," he said, noting that it was "part of the plan to liberate Mosul from the very beginning." He added, "We have intelligence officers working inside that inform the families of what route to use." Some were seen rushing barefoot out of the area on June 1, carrying what they could. Men in galabiyas soaked with blood ran as fast as they could amid women in long, dusty black cloaks, slowed by the heavy bags they were carrying. Severe dehydration was apparent on many of their faces, along with tension, fear and anger. In the vast confusion, the sound of mortar shells being fired nearby mixed with ambulance sirens and the cries of the injured. Those who could afford the yellow taxis waiting on a still passable main road paid to leave for other previously liberated areas, often piling children into the trunks to save money. Others began walking toward camps or were taken by ambulance to medical facilities. The densely populated, less affluent area of Zinjili is "more heavily booby-trapped than any other area we have seen here yet," Maj. Anas Ibrahim Abdullah, commander of the first regiment of the federal polices elite division, told Al-Monitor during a visit to the front line the next day. The area is one of the very few in the city with parts still remaining in IS hands, but retaking it without massive civilian losses is proving difficult. Al-Monitor traveled to the front in a federal police Humvee that was hit several times by snipers bullets as it raced over an area at a slightly higher elevation than the house-to-house fighting. Some improvised explosive devices could be found in the streets nearby, many of which were covered in a thick white dust from buildings that had collapsed in the fighting. Down the road, explosives, ammunition and weaponry were piled in a corner of what soldiers said had been a doctors home. A suitcase torn open in the bathtub bore a sticker showing that its owner had flown into Erbil in 2016. A weapons expert told Al-Monitor that a photo of one of the piles "shows an unopened tin of Bulgarian 7.62x54R mm ... ammunition produced by Arsenal JSCo. in 2016," indicating there were still effective channels to get weaponry from the Balkans to Mosul at least as recently as last year. On a visit to a nearby road the previous afternoon, Al-Monitor had seen federal police and emergency response division soldiers firing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and mortars and taking incoming fire. Now it was relatively calm, with only the occasional smack of a sniper bullet. A bulldozer outside was working to smooth out a huge crater in the road left by an airstrike by shoveling both cars and earth into the hole. Nearby lay the charred body of a man federal police said was an IS sniper. Al-Monitor has been told by officers in several trips to the front that they typically use bulldozers to cover IS bodies with dirt. The afternoon of June 2, Al-Monitor witnessed bright white smoke from what could have been the firing of white phosphorus on medical facilities in a neighboring area. The following day, footage shot by television crews filming in the area supported that possibility. In reaction to their claims, Human Rights Watch said the use of such munitions raises significant concerns about potential harm to civilians from fires and intense burns and called on Iraqi forces to protect civilians. On June 4, Iraqi forces issued a statement saying that the reports were inaccurate. In response to an email inquiry and photos of the brilliant white plumes produced by the attack, N.R. Jenzen-Jones, director of Armament Research Services, told Al-Monitor that what people may be observing is something being used as a smoke screen rather than as an offensive weapon in and of itself. "There is evidence that cargo projectiles employing white phosphorous as a smoke agent have been employed in Mosul during recent operations. Imagery suggests that these are M825A1 models or those sharing a similar design. The technical characteristics of these types of WP [white phosphorous] munitions which are generally used for screening and marking purposes and the methods in which they're employed are not comparable to offensive use of unitary WP munitions. Munitions in this former category are often inaccurately characterized by non-specialists, and the concerns associated with them are frequently overstated." The Iraqi army says that whatever munitions were used were employed as smoke screens to help civilians escape and that they had been used repeatedly throughout the fight for Mosul. US military officials have acknowledged using white phosphorus in "accordance with the law of armed conflict" but have not confirmed its use in Mosul, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to get the estimated tens of thousands of civilians left inside out safely. As the fight continues for the last few sections of the city, besieged IS fighters are using whatever explosives and firepower they still have at their disposal. Three Alabama Career Centers will be offering a series of job readiness workshops next week Monday through Friday. The free workshops will take place: Monday at the Anniston Career Center, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call (256) 832-0147 ext. 298. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at the Gadsden Career Center, 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (256) 546-4667 ext. 257. Wednesday and Thursday at the Talladega Career Center, 12 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday. For more information, call (256) 480-2109 ext. 2116. The workshops are to help area jobseekers prepare for a regional job fair to be held in Gadsden June 27 at 210 at the Tracks. Career center staff will conduct the four-hour training, which will cover topics like resume preparation, interview skills, how to "dress for success" and soft skills such as timeliness and proper communication skills. Workshop participants will receive a certificate of participation that they can present to employers at the job fair. Veteran specific training will be provided. The workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is strongly encouraged. For specific addresses, more information, or to register, please call the career centers. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card, provided by The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County. Employers looking to participate in the June 27 job fair and jobseekers looking to attend can register online. The event is free to both jobseekers and employers. There are currently more than 60 employers registered and nearly 1,500 available jobs. The head of the Birmingham Airport Authority didn't break the law when he had a workout room and shower built outside his office, the airport board said in a statement today. A complaint made against Al Denson, president and CEO of the airport authority, last year was dismissed by the Ethics Commission in April, Michael H. Bell, chairman of the Birmingham Airport Authority Board said in a statement. Last year, AL.com reported Denson built a shower and workout room for his personal use outside his office a few years ago. Denson reportedly did this without prior approval by the airport board. A spokesperson said Denson bought the exercise equipment with his own money. BAA Chief Legal Officer Kem Marks Bryant reported the issue to the Alabama Ethics Commission in late May 2016 to determine if Denson's actions broke the law. In a statement, Bell said: "At the April 5, 2017 Ethics Commission in Montgomery, the commission received and accepted the staff and investigators' recommendation that the complaint, such as it was, against Mr. Denson, be dismissed without further action. The BAA Board of Directors is pleased to learn of the Commission's decision. "As you know, this matter was commenced at the commission in late May 2016 through a filing submitted by BAA Chief Legal Officer Kem Marks Bryant, based on her interpretation of a duty she had arising from the Ethics Act, the statement continued. "Mrs. Bryant's filing was not specifically a complaint - it was a report, nor was it filed on behalf of the Board. However, the Commission treated the filing as a complaint, and conducted an investigation pursuant to its internal policies and procedures. The board, once it learned of the issue, conducted an extremely thorough investigation on its own, the results of which were provided to the Ethics Commission." In a statement to AL.com last year, Toni Herrera-Bast, the airport authority spokeswoman, said: "The allegations made against Mr. Denson are completely false. An internal inquiry is currently being conducted by the appropriate people. Mr. Denson is cooperating fully with the internal inquiry, and he is confident the results will be favorable to him." Bell today stated that the proceedings of the Ethics Commission are intended to the confidential. "Unfortunately, that was not the case here, but nevertheless, I believe that it is in the best interest of the board and the airport that we respect the intended confidentiality of the process, refrain from further comment, and allow the dismissal of the matter to speak for itself," he said in a statement. The investigation continued Tuesday into an accident at a Jasper car dealership that killed one man and injured four others. Jake Jennings, 39, was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital at 1:45 p.m., said Walker County Coroner Joey Vick.His body will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy, but authorities believe his injury caused his death. Though the incident was initially described as an explosion, Alabama State Fire Marshal Scott Pilgreen said Tuesday that it is better characterized as a flash fire, not an explosion. A flash fire is a sudden, intense fire caused by ignition of a mixture of air and a dispersed flammable substance such as a solid, flammable or combustible liquid, or a flammable gas. "The sound and effects of a flash fire can mimic an explosion, but I don't know if explosion is the term I would use,'' Pilgreen said. The flash fire happened just before 5:30 p.m. Monday at Carl Cannon Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC at 299 Carl Cannon Boulevard. All five of the injured were employees. Four of the injured were in critical condition and were taken to UAB Hospital. The fifth was taken to Walker Baptist Medical Center with minor injuries. Jasper police said Monday the fire happened at the customer service center. The state fire marshal's office responded to the scene, as well as Jasper fire and the Walker County Emergency Management Agency. Authorities have not released the names of the injured. Jasper police on Tuesday referred all questions to Pilgreen Efforts to reach officials at the car dealership have been unsuccessful, but said on Facebook Monday night that the business has received an outpouring of support. Pilgreen said two of his investigators are working with authorities in Jasper. He said they are not at a point where they can say what sparked the flash fire. There was no structural damage. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called the opening of the Council President Maxine Herring Parker Bridge in Collegeville a "great day for Birmingham." She said she was inspired by the work of the late council president who fought for the Collegeville community. "We appreciate her leadership," Ivey said. Parker, who died in 2013, earned a reputation for lobbying for revitalization and industrial cleanup in her district, which included the Collegeville, Harriman Park and Fairmont neighborhoods. She also lobbied for a railroad overpass in the neighborhood that would make it safer for residents of the Collegeville neighborhood. The $10 million bridge, which took more than two years to construct, officially opened on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting with state and local officials. The bridge is located on Shuttlesworth Drive adjacent to Maclin Park and the Collegeville Community Center. When asked about U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' testimony today before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ivey said she couldn't comment specifically, but she wished the former Alabama senator well. "I am hoping for the best," she said. Ivey said it's "still too early yet" to say whether she plans to run for a full term as governor. "I am trying to govern right now," she said. "There is still a lot to do." She said she hasn't made a decision on whether she will schedule a special session of the Alabama Legislature. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said this morning she is still not ready to announce a decision on whether she will seek a full term, saying it might not come until the fall. Ivey spoke to reporters at the first meeting of the Juvenile Justice Task Force at the State House. "I'm still trying to steady the ship and focus on governing," Ivey said. "We've still got some time to make that decision." The primaries will be June 5, 2018. But other candidates have already entered the race and could begin raising money on June 5, one year before the election. Other candidates for next year's Republican nomination are Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington; Birmingham youth pastor Scott Dawson; Birmingham businessman Josh Jones; and state Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan. Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh has formed a committee to raise money but has not made a formal announcement. Ivey moved from the lieutenant's office to the governor's office when Robert Bentley resigned on April 10. "There's a lot about running this state and I'm just devoted to governing for a while," Ivey said this morning. "I promise you I'll let you know soon as I make that decision but it will be sometime later this fall." Immigrants and advocates gathered at Birmingham City Hall on Tuesday to ask the city council to pass an ordinance declaring the city a sanctuary city. Adelante Alabama Worker Center Director and Attorney Jessica Vosburgh said the declaration provides some protections for immigrants and will ensure that Birmingham police officers won't be working as defacto agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The group submitted a proposed ordinance to council members, that Vosburgh said doesn't break any state or federal laws. She said the ordinance provides the "bare minimum" of protections for immigrants and will make Birmingham safer. City Council President Johnathan Austin said the proposed ordinance will be submitted to the city's law department for review. After review, the ordinance will be considered in committee before possibly coming back before the full council for a vote. In January, the Birmingham City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting undocumented immigrants. The council didn't officially declare Birmingham a sanctuary city at that time. Birmingham Mayor William Bell previously said that under Alabama law the city can't declare itself a sanctuary city. Under the state's Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, also known as House Bill 56, cities are prohibited from implementing policies in conflict with federal immigration law and the Beason-Hammon Act. Violating provisions of the Beason-Hammon Act could bring criminal or civil penalties and subject Birmingham and other cities to the loss of federal and state funding, according to the Birmingham Legal Department. Bell has said Birmingham police won't become an "enforcement arm" of ICE. Officers will never implement the controversial police procedure of "stop-and-frisk." Adelante argues that its proposed ordinance wouldn't violate state or federal law. According to the organization, neither state nor federal law authorizes or requires the police to carry out warrantless detentions or other actions to enforce federal civil immigration laws. The proposed ordinance blocks Birmingham's participation in illegal federal registries or surveillance programs that target individuals of Muslim faith or Arab, Middle Eastern and North African background, according to Adelante. It also denies the use of city resources to engage in joint operations with immigration agents or otherwise carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. The ordinance implements equal protections and confidentiality policies to protect privacy and access to services. The ordinance creates a community board to monitor implementation of these policies. Updated June 13 at 11:35 a.m. to show Smith has been found safe. A missing young woman believed to be endangered was found safe this morning in Lauderdale County. Alexandria Smith, 24, was reported missing Sunday by her father, sheriff's Sgt. Brad Bolton said. "Her dad had a bad feeling about her circumstances," Bolton said. "She usually checks in, and he hadn't seen her in about three weeks." Also known as Alex or Allie, Smith last was seen May 22 on the 21000 block of Lauderdale County Road 8 near Florence. Few details about Smith's disappearance have been released. Bolton said investigators aren't releasing information about where Smith was found or the circumstances of her disappearance. "We're just glad we found her safe," Bolton said. How educated is your county? About 24 percent of Alabamians have at least a college degree, a figure about 9 percentage points lower than the U.S. average. Only three Alabama counties - Shelby, Madison and Lee - have educational attainment levels higher than the U.S. average. Using federal data, here's a ranking of Alabama counties from those with highest percentage of people who hold at least a bachelor's degree to the least. Alabama counties ranked by percent with at least a college degree Shelby - 40.8 percent Madison - 39.4 percent Lee - 34 percent US average - 33 percent Montgomery - 31.1 percent Jefferson - 30.8 percent Baldwin - 29 percent Tuscaloosa - 28.5 percent Coffee - 23.9 percent Alabama - 23.5 percent Pike - 23.4 percent Limestone - 23.2 percent Autauga - 23.2 percent Mobile - 22 percent Lauderdale - 21.8 percent Elmore - 21.4 percent Morgan - 21.3 percent Houston - 20.6 percent Macon -19.3 percent Colbert - 18.6 percent Calhoun - 17.6 percent Tallapoosa - 17.3 percent Russell - 17.1 percent Marshall - 16.6 percent Henry - 16.5 percent Dale - 16.4 percent Sumter - 16.3 percent Etowah - 16 percent St. Clair - 15.6 percent Marengo - 15.3 percent Randolph - 15.1 percent Cullman - 14.6 percent Butler - 14.5 percent Covington - 14.3 percent Crenshaw - 14.3 percent Lowndes - 14.1 percent Fayette - 14.1 percent Chilton - 14.1 percent Dallas - 14 percent Hale - 13.9 percent Bullock - 13.9 percent Cherokee - 13.8 percent Perry - 13.2 percent Talladega - 13.1 percent Clarke - 12.9 percent Blount - 12.9 percent Escambia - 12.5 percent Barbour - 12.5 percent Wilcox - 12.5 percent Jackson - 12.4 percent Geneva - 12.3 percent Monroe- 12.2 percent Cleburne - 12.1 percent Choctaw - 11.8 percent Chambers - 11.6 percent Marion - 11.5 percent Lamar - 11.5 percent Franklin - 11.4 percent Winston - 11.4 percent DeKalb - 11.2 percent Lawrence - 11.1 percent Greene - 10.9 percent Walker - 10.8 percent Bibb - 10.6 percent Washington - 9.9 percent Pickens - 9.9 percent Clay - 9.6 percent Coosa - 8.5 percent Conecuh - 8.2 percent Interesting to note the comparison from yesterday's Wake Up Call: 67 Alabama counties, ranked from richest to poorest Welcome to Tuesday's Wake Up Call. Let's see what's going on: Illinois Congressman introduces COVFEFE act A Democratic Representative from Illinois has introduced an act that would make presidential tweets and other social media post official communications and therefore archived. Rep. Mike Quigley introduced the Communications Over Various Feeds Electronically for Engagement Act - or COVFEFE Act - this week. The act takes its name from a yet-to-be explained tweet from President Trump in which he referenced "COVFEFE." According to guidance from the National Archives, the White House was already asked to capture and preserve all tweets from the presidents, including those that are subsequently deleted. Teacher suspended for altering pro-Trump photos A New Jersey teacher has been suspended after two yearbook photos were altered to remove President Donald Trump's name from clothing. Wall Township School Superintendent Cheryl Dyer said the high school's yearbook supervisor has been suspended while an investigation is under way. The investigation is trying to determine who removed Trump's name from a sweater worn by one student and erased "Trump Make America Great Again" from another student's t-shirt in the yearbook photos. School officials said the only reason to alter a yearbook photo would be if the clothing was in violation of the district's dress code. Lincoln Memorial pool drained due to parasite The reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial is being drained after a parasite in the water killed 80 ducks in recent weeks. Chemicals treatments failed to rid the water of the microbe, which is found on snails that live in the pool. The same microbe can cause skin infections in humans. Draining the pool will take about two days after which it will be cleaned and refilled. Until tomorrow. The NATO member is turning to Russia to strengthen its defensive strategic military capabilities. Turkey and Russia have agreed on the technical details of a contract that would supply Ankara with the S-400 Triumf long-range anti-aircraft missile system, Victor Kladov, the director for international cooperation and regional policy for Russian state conglomerate Rostec, said last week. Turkeys ministry of defence has neither declined nor confirmed Kladovs statement. Numan Kurtulmus, Turkeys deputy prime minister said on Monday that two sides had not signed the contract yet, but the prior conditions were about to be finalised. No other NATO country has bought the advanced air defence systems before. The news about the deal raised questions as to why Turkey, which is a NATO member and hosts a base for the military alliance, decided to acquire Russian missiles that are believed to be incompatible with the systems used by NATO. Patriot systems Turkey stepped up its search for air defence systems after the eruption of the Syrian civil war in 2011, and its decision to back the armed opposition fighting President Bashar al-Assad. In 2013, amid rising tensions in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Iran, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands all NATO members decided to station two Patriot surface-to-air missile systems in the southern Turkish cities of Gaziantep, Kahramanmaras and Adana. The aim was to protect Turkeys border and territorial integrity, as well as prevent any potential threats NATO could receive from Turkeys southern border. Yet, in August 2015, Germany said it would end its contribution to the anti-missile mission in Turkey, saying the risk of such an attack from Syria was over. The US also said it would not renew the Patriot mission, which was due to end in October 2015. Before that, in August, the Netherlands said it was planning to pull its Patriot from Turkey, too. Their systems were later replaced by Spains. OPINION: Why Turkey might buy Russias S-400 defence system According to experts, the decision by NATO allies to pull their missiles legitimises Turkeys necessity to try to establish its own system in order to reduce its foreign dependency. In a report for Turkish think-tank SETA, Merve Seren, a security and policy expert, defended Turkeys efforts to strengthen its defence industry and modernise its armed forces. Seren said the security deficit that resulted from the need for NATO, to a large extent due to compulsory trust and a kind of strategic preference, has gradually evolved into a security vulnerability in conjunction with the change in the definition and perception of threats of high-priority risk. Technology-sharing After separate attempts by Turkey to find alternatives, including with the US, France and China, failed for various reasons, Ankara turned to Russias S-400 system. Turkeys ultimate goal has always been to develop its own defence technology system. Knowing that the Russian system was not compatible with the one used by NATO, Turkish officials stressed the importance of a technology-sharing principle with Russia. On June 7, Kladov said Russia and Turkey had reached an agreement on the technical specifications of a contract that would supply Turkey with the air and missile defence system. There are commercial issues, there are monetary and financial issues, there are political issues, Kladov said. Following Kladovs statement, a Turkish media report claimed that Turkey and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Interest. According to the report, the two countries agreed on a two-battery system with 240 warheads, and search-detection-tracking and baffle radars for $2.5bn. That sum will be split by Ankara and Moscow, and Turkey will receive the system within two and a half years. According to SETAs Seren, the S-400s, which use a very new technology, have not yet been tested. She also said that Turkey has mostly received short-range threats, meaning that the stationing of the S-400s could end up being useless. The resistance movements options in the post-Gulf crisis period seem to be extremely limited. The Gaza-based Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, is facing a new and harsh reality in light of the recent Gulf crisis between Qatar and several Gulf countries. The resistance movement, which has administered Gaza since 2007, did not previously anticipate that the presence of some of its leaders in Qatar would constitute a matter of concern. Qatars embrace of the movement, by hosting some of its political leaders in Doha, provided some security and stability for Hamas to build its political platforms and regional relations. Over the past few years, Hamas has been able to adapt to the Arab regions reality, in light of the popular uprisings that swept the region, and it survived albeit with many losses the sharp turning points that exhausted the movement and affected its alliances and capabilities. The current crisis, however, seems to be the most difficult in the movements history. For the first time since its inception, Hamas is facing both an internal and an external crisis, and finds itself facing a barrage of events, like a storm, without having the power to secure its place. Internally, Hamas is facing mounting pressure with the deteriorating living situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, compounded by the Palestinian Authoritys recent decisions to cut electricity supply and medicine as a result of the stalled political crisis between Hamas and the PA. READ MORE: Gaza power cuts When fuel runs out, babies will die When the US President Donald Trump made his remarks last month, labelling Hamas a terrorist organisation during a summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Hamas mistakenly thought it was nothing more than a conventional statement in the world of politics. But the movement was taken aback by the Gulf crisis that has placed the expulsion of its leaders from Qatar on the top of the agenda for solving the crisis. Hamas officials were also shocked by the recent Saudi foreign ministers statements which characterised it as a terrorist movement. Hamas has realised that a preplanned campaign was being implemented and that a new reality was being created in the region forcing it to re-examine its presence and political position on the external level. In the new anti-Hamas atmosphere forming in the Arab region, Hamas options are dwindling in an unprecedented manner. Hamas has lost its Islamist allies, which formed the backbone of its future hopes and aims; the movement lost its Iranian ally when the Syrian uprising broke out and Hamas chose to ally with the anti-government camp, leaving the movement with its Qatari ally. it also lost its financial resources by the closure of the tunnels and the tightening of the Israeli blockade on the Strip. Despite that, Hamas perseverance and its military might in Gaza have allowed it to maintain its momentum over the years. But Hamas may no longer be able to sustain itself, for the factors which allowed it to continue may no longer be sufficient in the face of a multi-pronged plan. Possible scenarios Hamas is aware that the Gulf crisis may stifle the movement, but the presence of the movements upper echelons in Gaza after the recent internal elections, in which Gaza-based Ismail Haniya was elected head of the movements political bureau, gives Hamas a margin it can rely on to circumvent the current crisis and come out of it with minimal losses. The movements options in the post-Gulf crisis period seem to be extremely limited. Previously, Hamas was not prepared to entertain any idea related to the normalisation of relations with Abbas and Fatah in recent days. The political and media wars between the two parties have reached a dangerous level. This comes against the backdrop of pressure exerted by Abbas to give up governance in Gaza to the PA, and allowing the unity government to perform its functions in Gaza without obstacles. READ MORE: Gaza pay cuts deepen rift between PA and Hamas But turning to Abbas and Fatah no longer seems to be a matter of choice for the resistance movement. Resolving the conflict between Fatah and Hamas could cast a positive light on the external crisis that Hamas is facing. The Hamas delegations visit to Egypt, headed by Yahya al-Sinwar, the movements leader in Gaza, could offer an opportunity to restore its national balance and internal stability. The Egyptian advice given to the movement was focused on ending the division between Fatah and Hamas as quickly as possible. There is no doubt that the negative legacy of the internal Palestinian division is complex. However, the complication of the regional and international scene makes reconciliation with Abbas and Fatah the better of two evils for the movement, according to its vision. Despite the risks associated with its alliance with Iran, Hamas is not in a position to abandon its Iranian ally, which is expected to provide financial support for its programmes and activities. The relations are expected to grow even warmer in the coming period. There are two potential scenarios that may arise for Hamas in the current stage. READ MORE: Qatari FM For Arabs, Hamas is a resistance movement The first scenario would see Hamas completely depend on Iran and make no moves to emerge from the current political deadlock by reconciling with Abbas and Fatah. There is no doubt that this scenario completely disregards the regional and international changes taking place, and contains challenges that the Hamas movement would not be able to take on. In this case, it would not be unlikely to see a tightening of the blockade on the movement, and the possible official designation as a terrorist movement, to the point where it would be subject to a painful Israeli military attack in Gaza. As for the second scenario which is the most likely one is that Hamas will lean towards political accommodation and reach a compromise deal with Abbas and Fatah that will allow the return of PA power in Gaza again. This option will not mean a disintegration of Hamas alliance with Iran. Instead, it could ease regional and international pressures against the movement to the lowest possible level, and avoid the disastrous consequences of an Israeli military raid on Gaza. In short, Hamas today is in a race against time to escape the coming storm and to rectify the dangers of the recent developments. It will now be forced to determine the direction it will take in dealing with the current political circumstances and its repercussions. The United Arab Emirates is playing a destabilising role in Libya, analysts say, days after the release of a UN report that accuses the Gulf nation of repeatedly violating an international arms embargo. The UNs Libya Sanctions Committee report, released on Friday, reveals the UAE has supplied attack helicopters and other military aircraft to the Libyan forces of renegade General Khalifa Haftar, in violation of UN-backed international sanctions against the regime. The United Arab Emirates have been providing both material support and direct support to LNA, which have significantly increased the air support available to LNA, said the report by a UN panel of experts. Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), which is aligned with the Tobruk-based House of Representatives and refuses to recognise the UN-backed government in Tripoli, has taken significant ground in eastern and central Libya over the course of the past year, including military bases, cities and oil facilities. Analysts say air power played a role in those advances. READ MORE: Libya Today From Arab Spring to failed state The report provides rare insight into foreign funding of armed groups in Libya, which many say has exacerbated the conflict. It shows there has been an uptick in direct foreign support to armed groups in Libya, despite a UN embargo imposed on the country during the 2011 uprising and tightened in 2014. The panel traced deliveries of Belarus-made attack helicopters back to the UAE and provided satellite imagery of the LNAs Al Khadim airbase, about 105km east of Benghazi, which shows a gradual build-up of infrastructure and aircraft, and drones most probably operated by the UAE. Belarus confirmed to the panel that four helicopters were sold to the United Arab Emirates in 2014. The report also confirms an April 2016 delivery to the LNA in the eastern city of Tobruk of 93 armoured personnel carriers and 549 armoured and non-armoured. The personnel carriers, delivered by ship from Saudi Arabia, are likely to have included Panther T6 and Tygra models, both manufactured by UAE-based companies, the report said. It also raised concerns over large deliveries of Toyota pickup trucks and armoured 44 cars to Tobruk in January and April this year. UN requests to the UAE for clarification remain unanswered, the report said. Mohammed al-Dharat, a Libyan MP who is currently boycotting parliamentary sessions, told Al Jazeera the UAE would not have been able to get anything into Libya without the help of other countries. Dharat said the UAEs actions in Libya were largely directed by Saudi Arabia, arguing the Gulf nation had become the primary face of counterrevolution that Saudi stands behind and directs. Political analyst Mohammed Fouad agreed, adding that Saudi Arabia plays a largely hidden role in Libya through cover of the UAE and Egypt that had only recently become apparent during the Gulf crisis. The UAE is a small country and has no real weight in international politics, nor does it have strategic goals other than pushing all the Arab Spring countries back into military dictatorship, serving the Zionist agenda, he said. Sulaiman al-Faqih, a member of the Libyan Political Dialogue Committee, said the UAEs violation of the arms embargo on Libya was a blatant breach of international law. He called on the countrys Presidential Council to submit an official complaint at the UN Security Council protesting the UAEs violation of Libyas sovereignty. READ MORE: Who is Saif al-Islam Gaddafi? The Benghazi Defence Brigades, a group that supports the UN-backed government in Tripoli, said in a statement that the UAE was playing a dangerous role in Libya. It is no secret to anyone following the Libyan situation that the UAE is actively trying to blur the hallmarks of the February revolution, the group said. The fact is, the role of the UAE in Libya is to obstruct and thwart all efforts of national reconciliation, fuel the war between the Libyan people, violate national sovereignty all for control and the extension of influence and domination. Since late 2014, at least 117 people with albinism have been attacked in Malawi. Children and adults have had their limbs hacked off with kitchen knives and machetes. Around 20 have been killed. About nine people have been attacked so far this year, at least two fatally. Their attackers often believe that their bones possess magical powers and can be sold for large sums of money. A recent Al Jazeera investigation found that a toxic mix of witchcraft and poverty together with the inability of the courts to successfully prosecute many of the cases is allowing the attacks to continue. READ MORE: Killed for their bones on the trail of the trade in human body parts According to Amnesty International, few cases result in a conviction. Despite stronger legislation to tackle attacks against people with albinism, we are seeing an alarming resurgence of killings and attacks against this vulnerable group in 2017, Deprose Muchena, Amnesty Internationals regional director for southern Africa, said in a statement on June 13. The authorities must take decisive measures to end these attacks once and for all. Malawis government insists that it is continuing to look for ways to safeguard the community, and Nicholas Dausi, the minister of information, told Al Jazeera that his government has noticed a reduction in attacks on people with albinism. In the latest incident in May, a nine-year-old Malawian boy, Mayeso Isaac, was abducted during a trip to Mozambique. Amnesty International said both the Malawian and Mozambican authorities have an obligation to ensure a speedy and effective investigation into his disappearance. Dausi told Al Jazeera that the police were investigating the case. Albinism is a genetically inherited condition that often results in a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. Between 7,000 and 10,000 Malawians have albinism. The current GCC crisis has purely regional dimensions that lie in the very nature of the relations between Riyadh and the five monarchies of the Gulf. As such, Russia sees that an intervention in an internal GCC conflict would be very impractical. Taking a side officially could endanger Russias energy interests and, with that in mind, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on June 5, 2017: These are bilateral relations of the states. We do not interfere in these decisions. But despite Russias official neutrality necessary to maintain good relations with key energy partner Saudi Arabia Qatar does enjoy much sympathy in Moscow. Furthermore, the current crisis has given the Kremlin a chance to get closer to an important ally of the United States and strengthen its partnership with Turkey and Iran. Why Russia cannot officially take sides Relations between Russia and Qatar have improved significantly in recent years. Qatar began actively to invest in Russia at a time when the Russian economy was experiencing a deficit of foreign investment. For example, Qatari investors bought large stakes in Russian-owned VTB Bank and Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg. And at the end of last year, 19.5 percent of Russian state-owned Rosnefts shares were privatised. The buyers were the Swiss trader company Glencore and Qatar Investment Authority. This gave the Russian budget 700bn rubles ($12bn), which allowed the Russian Ministry of Finance to avoid having to dip into the Reserve Fund to finance the state budget. In addition, Qatar, Russia and Iran are the countries with the biggest natural gas reserves. Qatar shares the largest gas field in the world, the South Pars/North Dome, with Iran. The headquarters of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which was established in 2008, is located in Doha. Not surprisingly, Qatar, Iran and Russia are the main lobbyists for the creation of the so-called Gas OPEC, which Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States are actively working against. READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis All the latest updates Saudi Arabia is an equally important energy partner for Moscow, at least in the area of maintaining agreements on the volume of oil production. On the eve of the May OPEC summit in Vienna, the energy ministers of Russia and Saudi Arabia, Alexander Novak and Khalid al-Falih, agreed to stabilise the oil market and extend previously reached agreements on limiting oil production until March 2018. Subsequently, the Russian-Saudi initiative was supported by the remaining members of the cartel. For the Kremlin, these agreements are highly important owing to the dependence of the Russian budget on oil prices and are the result of lengthy and difficult negotiations with the Saudis. However, the agreements reached within the framework of OPEC are not binding and have the character of a gentlemans agreement. Therefore, given the key role of Saudi Arabia in OPEC, for Moscow maintaining the partnership with Riyadh is extremely important. This is largely due to the deficit of the Russian budget which is highly dependent on oil prices. The Kremlins m oral support Despite the fact that Russia has taken a neutral position from the very first days of the conflict, it still sympathises with Qatar rather than with Saudi Arabia and its allies. Throughout last week, Moscow and Doha maintained a close dialogue at all levels. Already on June 5, Russias deputy foreign minister and the Presidents special representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, received Fahad Al Attiyah, the Ambassador of Qatar to Moscow. The next day, a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, took place, during which the Russian president stressed the need for a political settlement of the conflict. After this, the Russian Minister of Agriculture, Dzhambulat Khatuov, announced Moscows readiness to start supplying food to Qatar. Finally, on June 10, Qatars Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, arrived in Moscow for a meeting with Sergey Lavrov. Such an active dialogue between Russia and Qatar sharply contrasts with the lack of a dialogue on the GCC crisis between Moscow and the opposite side of the conflict, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. There are three reasons for this. First, Qatar won the media battle in the Russian media space. Even though Russias state media presented a very neutral coverage of the conflict, Russian politicians and the expert community still expressed sympathy with Qatar. This is largely owing to a very active Qatar position aimed at maintaining a permanent dialogue with the Russian authorities. Secondly, Qatar is much more of a convenient partner for the Russian leadership than Saudi Arabia. The very pragmatic position of Doha, for example on Iran, is much closer to Moscows than the deterministic policy of Riyadh. Russia, like Qatar, advocates utilitarianism in foreign policy, trying to minimise the dependence of national interests on ideological attitudes. Finally, in the current situation, there are elements of geopolitical rivalry between Moscow and the United States. While Washington took a pro-Saudi position, Moscow did not fail to use it to get closer to Qatar. Moreover, among the countries that expressed support for Doha were Turkey and Iran, with which Moscow has recently maintained partnership relations. However, all this is only a manifestation of indirect support for Qatar from Moscow, and one should not expect more from Moscow. Recently, relations between Moscow and the Gulf countries have progressed significantly, and only the escalation of the conflict into the military phase can harm them. However, so far this scenario seems quite implausible. Leonid Issaev is a Lecturer at the Higher School of Economics. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Qatari news broadcaster will not be discussed in any negotiations to end blockade against Doha, says foreign minister. Al Jazeera Media Network is an internal affair and there will be no discussion about the fate of the Doha-based broadcaster with nations that imposed a blockade on Qatar, its foreign minister says. Reports have suggested countries behind the economic sanctions on Qatar Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and others are demanding the closure of Al Jazeera, a media group that has been targeted in the Middle East because of its critical reporting. Speaking at a news conference in Paris, France on Monday, Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said he had no idea why the Saudi Arabia-led bloc of nations imposed a blockade on Qatar. Its not about Iran or Al Jazeera, he said. We have no clue about the real reasons Qatar is willing to sit and negotiate about whatever is related to Gulf security. READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis All the latest updates But he said Qatar does not accept foreign dictations. Doha rejects discussing any matter related to Al Jazeera channel as it considers it an internal affair, Qatar News Agency quoted the foreign minister as saying. Decisions concerning the Qatari internal affairs are Qatari sovereignty and no one has to interfere with them. After the crisis erupted last week, Saudi Arabia closed Al Jazeeras bureau in Riyadh and halted its operating licence, accusing the network of promoting terrorist groups in the region. Jordanian officials quickly followed, announcing the closure of the Al Jazeera bureau in Amman and the withdrawal of its operating licence. Egypt long ago kicked Al Jazeera out of the country after confiscating its Cairo bureaus equipment. The government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has locked up several Al Jazeera journalists for months. Producer Mahmoud Hussein has been jailed in Egypt now for 175 days. Journalist watchdog Reporters Without Borders has condemned the crackdown on Al Jazeera. READ MORE: Qatar Airways urges action against Gulf boycott Al Jazeera denounced the Saudis restrictions against it, saying, We call upon the government to respect the freedom of the press and allow journalists to continue to do their job free of intimidation and threats. Writing last week in the Hindustan Times, former online Al Jazeera editor Ruben Banerjee said it was clear why some nations are going after the media network during the Qatar crisis. To stifle the voice of Al Jazeera, which prides itself for being the voice of the voiceless, will be criminal, wrote Banerjee. Like every other organisation, Al Jazeera suffers from cliques and cabals But these blemishes notwithstanding, Al Jazeera remains a beacon in a region where freedom of expression is at a premium. Rescuers search for survivors after a seven-storey building collapses in low-income residential area of Kenyan capital. At least five people were missing after a seven-storey building collapsed in a residential area of Kenyas capital, Nairobi, rescue services said on Tuesday, and the citys governor appealed to its owner to come forward and provide architectural plans to help rescuers. Officials said the buildings tenants had been asked to leave on Monday after residents reported cracks in the walls. People [were] evacuated but we might have some people who might have been left behind, Pius Masai, deputy director of the National Disaster Management Unit, told the Reuters news agency at the site of Monday nights collapse. The incident occurred in a very low-income neighbourhood near Nairobis international airport southeast of the capital, Red Cross spokeswoman Noellah Musundi told the AFP news agency. Kenya has experienced similar tragedies in the past. A total of 49 people died in the middle of last year when another building collapsed during a heavy, nighttime downpour in a poor neighbourhood. The government ordered the demolition of many other buildings after that incident. We hadnt got to a point where we were going to demolish it, Governor Evans Kidero told Reuters of the collapsed building which he confirmed had been listed for demolition. WATCH: Kenyas slum DJ shows us around Kibera Residents of the building said they had noticed cracks a week earlier and that they were plastered over with cement by its owners, before re-emerging again on Monday morning, prompting the call to leave. Pius Masai, a spokesman for the National Disaster Management Unit, told AFP that 128 tenants had been rescued and accounted for by midday on Tuesday. The rescue operation Rescuers drawn from various government departments, including the youth service, dug through the rubble of the building with bare hands, pulling out personal items such as broken beds, mattresses and television sets, after a specialist unit from the military cut through walls and floors at the top. Distraught relatives stood nearby and watched. They included David Kisa, who said he got a call while at work on Monday night about the collapse. His wife and three children were still missing at lunchtime on Tuesday. #KwareBuildingCollapse briefing. Collapsed seven storey building in Kware, Embakasi. https://t.co/V7gHV8S8Vi Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) June 13, 2017 Quoting City Hall, The Star newspaper said the structure was built in 2007 without planning permission or approval. Kware area was unplanned. No developments are allowed there. But you find that most of these developers were brought by politicians, Nairobi Lands executive Christopher Khaemba told the paper. Most of the risky buildings are usually in the poorer sections of the city. Attempts to deal with the problem in the past have been stymied by owners of the buildings, who rush to court to stop demolition or other actions. Kidero asked magistrates and judges to consider the human cost of unsafe buildings before issuing court orders against demolition. Most of Nairobis four million people live in low-income areas or slums. Kidero said at least 30,000 to 40,000 buildings constructed without approval in the Kenyan capital were at risk of collapse. There are more than 124,000 cases in the latest cholera outbreak in war-torn Yemen and more than 900 people have died. The number of deaths from cholera in war-torn Yemen has risen to 923, nearly doubling in the past two weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease is now affecting 20 out of Yemens 22 provinces, with more than 124,000 suspected cases, said the WHO on Monday. The WHO predicted in May that the cholera outbreak could affect as many as 300,000 people within six months. A state of emergency was declared in Sanaa in May in response to the outbreak. The international charity group Oxfam says the disease is killing one person an hour in Yemen. READ MORE: WHO Speed of Yemen cholera outbreak unprecedented Two years of war have put a huge strain on Yemens healthcare system, and thousands of those infected with cholera are not able to access treatment. Medicines and intravenous fluids are rapidly running out, and many health workers have not been paid for nearly nine months, according to UNICEF. My sister is sick and pregnant. She is about to die because there are no doctors or clinic. We cant even get any vaccinations, Eman Al-Bouraee told Al Jazeera. More than 400 families who escaped fighting from different parts of the country and have taken shelter near a sewage treatment plant on the coast of Yemens Red Sea, now fear that the epidemic might hit them. Having people living in the sewage plant ground is a disaster. Women and children can easily fall victim to the disease. I want a charity or humanitarian organisations to take these people away from here, treatment plant engineer Ameen Kasem Heggy told Al Jazeera. This is the second outbreak of cholera in less than a year in Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest country in the grip of a war with no end in sight between government forces, which are backed by an Arab coalition, and Houthi fighters. READ MORE: State of emergency in Yemens Sanaa over cholera crisis On the second anniversary of the war the UN said that an average of 100 people lose their lives monthly owing to the war, meaning that cholera is now killing people at a significantly faster rate. An acute diarrhoeal infection, cholera is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. More than 10,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in more than two years of war, which has also destroyed much of the countrys infrastructure. Only a few medical facilities are still functioning and two-thirds of the population are without access to safe drinking water, the UN has said. Death toll could rise, warn officials, after houses in southeast Bangladesh were buried by landslides. Scores of people have been killed in landslides and flooding after heavy monsoon rains battered southeast Bangladesh, police and medical officers said. The death toll climbed to 134 on Tuesday, according to local officials. Many of the victims were from tribal communities in the remote hill district of Rangamati, close to the Indian border, where 98 people were killed when mudslides buried their homes. The recovery work is still going on. The death toll could rise as many areas still remained cut off, the head of the Department of Disaster Management Reaz Ahmed told AFP news agency. Ahmed said disaster response teams had been deployed to the affected areas to reinforce recovery work. Seven people, including three children, were killed in the hilly town of Bandarban, after their homes were buried in mud on Monday night, according to police officer Rafiq Ullah. Some of them were sleeping in their homes on hillsides when the landslides occurred, district police chief Sayed Tariqul Hasan said. Another 30 of the casualties were in the neighbouring district of Chittagong. This particular mudslide tragedy is one of the worst in recent years for Bangladesh, Al Jazeeras Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from the capital, Dhaka, said. READ MORE: Cyclone Mora batters Bangladesh, displacing 500,000 The latest disaster came weeks after Cyclone Mora smashed into Bangladeshs southeast, killing at least eight people and damaging tens of thousands of homes. Monsoon rains and deforestation in Bangladeshs southern hill districts frequently trigger deadly landslides. Experts think the government could do much more to prevent the loss of life by evacuating people living in the hilly areas during the monsoon season, said Chowdhury. Heavy rains also pounded the capital and the port city of Chittagong in the district of the same name, which experienced 222mm of rain, disrupting traffic for hours. Among the victims were four soldiers who had been sent to clear roads in Rangamati district after an earlier landslide. Thousands of troops are stationed in Rangamati, where a tribal insurgency raged for two decades, and which still suffers sporadic violence. The soldiers were sent to clear roads hit by landslide in Manikchhari town when they themselves buried by a second landslide, armed forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rashidul Hassan said. Bangladesh experienced heavy monsoon rains throughout Monday because of the influence of a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal. The Dhaka Met office said Tuesday morning it had recorded 343mm of rainfall in Rangamati over the course of 24 hours. Violence erupts after committee agrees Cairo to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia after heated debate. Egyptian protesters opposed to a 2016 agreement to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia clashed with police in downtown Cairo, just hours after a parliamentary committee approved the deal. Witnesses said plainclothes policemen moved late on Tuesday to disperse dozens of protesters soon after they emerged from inside the headquarters of the Egyptian Press Syndicate, the Journalists Union, and gathered on the steps outside chanting anti-government slogans. Before the violence broke out, the protesters were chanting slogans against Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, Egypts general-turned-president. Down with military rule, they screamed. They were on the steps for several minutes before police attacked them with witnesses saying the officers punched and kicked protesters and beat them with sticks. The controversial agreement for Cairo to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia passed an Egyptian parliamentary committee on Tuesday, setting the stage for a vote in the house. Parliaments legislative committee agreed the treaty after heated debate, with opponents even interrupting one session with chanting. The agreement passed with 35 lawmakers for and eight against, member of parliament Mostafa Bakry told AFP news agency. Parliaments defence committee will also examine the accord before it goes to a general parliamentary vote. INTERACTIVE: Islands of contention Tiran and Sanafir Courts had struck down the agreement, signed in April 2016, but a year later another court upheld it. The government has said the Tiran and Sanafir islands were Saudi to begin with, but were leased to Egypt in the 1950s. Opponents of the agreement insist the islands are Egyptian and argue that the accord violates the constitution, which bars the surrender of any territory. The accord had sparked rare protests in Egypt, with President Sisi accused of having bartered the islands of Tiran and Sanafir for Saudi largesse. The agreement was announced during a high-profile visit to Cairo in April 2016 by Saudi King Salman, during which the monarch announced a multibillion-dollar package of investments and soft loans to Egypt. The governments decision to take the April 2016 agreement to parliament came at a time when relations between Cairo and Riyadh had just emerged from months of tension over differences in approach to regional flashpoints like Syria and Yemen. Over the past two months, Sisi visited Saudi Arabia twice. Last week, the two regional powers joined allies the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar and closed their air, sea and land borders to the country, accusing it of supporting extremists and Iran, charges Qatar calls baseless. The decision to cede control of the islands to the Saudis sparked street protests in April last year, the largest since Sisi took office via military coup in June 2014, and a parliamentary vote to ratify the deal is likely to lead to a fresh round of unrest and could set the legislative and judiciary on a collision course. Dana Shell Smith takes to Twitter to say that her posting in Doha will come to an end in June. The US ambassador to Qatar took to Twitter on Tuesday to confirm that her posting will come to an end this month. This month, I end my 3 years as US Ambassador to #Qatar. It has been the greatest honor of my life and Ill miss this great country, Dana Shell Smith said on Twitter on Tuesday. 1/2 This month, I end my 3 years as U.S. Ambassador to #Qatar. It has been the greatest honor of my life and I'll miss this great country. CdA Ambassador Greta C. Holtz (@USAmbQatar) June 13, 2017 Many US ambassadors leave their posts after serving about three years. Yet, there were some suggestions in the US media that Shell Smith was leaving her post because of US President Donald Trumps comments last week that signalled support for Saudi-led moves against Qatar amid a major diplomatic crisis. But the Department of State said later on Tuesday that the ambassadors decision had been taken earlier this year. Ambassador Dana Smiths assignment as Ambassador comes to an end this month and she will depart Qatar later this month as part of the normal rotation of career diplomats throughout the world, a spokesperson said. Her decision to leave the Foreign Service was made earlier this year and we wish her the best as she moves on from the Department of State. Al Jazeera also understands that Shell Smiths decision was taken before the Gulf diplomatic crisis erupted last week. Gulf Cooperation Council members Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, along with Egypt, cut diplomatic, trade and transport ties with Qatar on June 5 claiming that Doha supported extremist groups. Qatar strongly rejects the allegations. Shell Smiths departure comes with Washington sending mixed signals, as senior US officials have been more cautious than Trump and called for dialogue to end the crisis. Qatar has hired a firm run by former Attorney General John Ashcroft as it works to push back against Trumps claim that it provides support to terrorist groups. Hours after the Saudi-led moves were announced against Qatar, Shell Smith had taken to Twitter to repost some of her previous statements praising Dohas efforts in fighting terrorism financing and its role in countering the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group. Seems a good time to RT this one. https://t.co/AJ1BA29UnU CdA Ambassador Greta C. Holtz (@USAmbQatar) June 5, 2017 And this https://t.co/226bFZw83B CdA Ambassador Greta C. Holtz (@USAmbQatar) June 5, 2017 Criticism by the envoy Shell Smith was appointed ambassador to Qatar by ex-President Barack Obama in 2014. Last month, she appeared to express dissatisfaction with political events back home in another message posted on social media. She took to Twitter in the hours after Trumps dramatic sacking of FBI director James Comey, tweeting: Increasingly difficult to wake up overseas to news from home, knowing I will spend today explaining our democracy and institutions. Qatar is home to Al-Udeid, the largest US airbase in the region, which houses around 10,000 troops. New law that forces foreign-funded groups to register with authorities slammed by critics as attempt to stifle dissent. Hungarys parliament has approved strict new regulations for foreign-backed civil society groups despite calls from the European Parliament and rights groups for the bill to be dropped. The legislation, drafted by Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government and pushed through by the ruling Fidesz on Tuesday, compels groups that get more than $26,200 a year from abroad to register with the authorities and declare themselves as foreign-funded, or risk closure for non-compliance. The government said the measures were aimed at improving transparency, as well as fighting money laundering and terrorism funding. But the European Commission and the United Nations have condemned the law, saying it could discriminate against and delegitimise non-governmental organisations. READ MORE: Court rules against sending asylum seekers to Hungary John Dalhuisen, Amnesty Internationals European director, said the new rules were aimed at obstructing and discrediting critical civil society voices. Orban, 54, who will seek re-election for a third consecutive term in April 2018, has been campaigning hard against NGOs funded by Hungarian billionaire George Soros, saying they were a mafia-like network employing paid political activists who posed a threat to national sovereignty. Orbans Fidesz party has a firm lead over the opposition in opinion polls. On Monday, Soross Open Society Foundations, which disburse funding to several prominent NGOs in Hungary, said the bill seeks to suppress democratic voices in Hungary and attacks Hungarians who help fellow citizens challenge corruption and arbitrary power. Earlier this month the EUs rights watchdog, the Venice Commission, said the NGO bill was excessive despite pursuing legitimate aims, and accused some state authorities of staging a virulent campaign against NGOs. Amendments to the bill took into account some of the commissions recommendations, such as dropping a requirement for the details of all foreign donors to be named on a groups publications. Tuesdays vote follows the hasty approval of another law in April that threatens to shut the Soros-founded Central European University in Budapest. The crackdown on the CEU and NGOs sparked a large protest in April in the Hungarian capital. The European Parliament adopted a resolution last month condemning Hungary for the serious deterioration in the rule of law and fundamental rights and called on the government to withdraw the bill on foreign-funded NGOs. Irans Zarif says Tehran has intelligence that Riyadh supports terrorist groups operating on Irans eastern region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorist groups inside Iran, days after the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group claimed attacks in Tehran. We have intelligence that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in promoting terrorist groups operating on the eastern side of Iran in Baluchestan, Zarif said on Tuesday at a news conference on the sidelines of an annual peace mediation in Oslo. He said the armed groups were using the territory of one of our neighbours against its will to launch attacks against Iran which only two months ago led to the murder of nine Iranian border guards, referring to Pakistan. On the Western side the same type of activity is being undertaken, again by using the diplomatic hospitality of other neighbours, Zarif said. Call for a regional forum Zarif also called for establishment of a regional forum to resolve differences, which has become more necessary after tensions between Qatar and the Saudi-led group of countries that took actian against Doha. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been accusing each other of subverting regional security and support opposite sides in conflicts including those in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. READ MORE: Irans Khamenei blames US for regional instability Relations between the two neighbours are at their most tense in years. Last week Riyadh, along with other Arab governments, severed ties with Qatar, citing its support for Iran as one of the main reasons for the move. Iran also accuses the United States for promoting armed groups in the region. Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated further as Irans Revolutionary Guards blamed the deadly June 7 attack in Tehran, which killed 17 people and wounded 52 others, on Saudi Arabia. ISIL claimed responsibility for the twin attacks that killed 17 people and wounded dozens. United States is a terrorist country so no chance of normalising ties, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the United States for instability in the Middle East and said Washingtons fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was a lie. You [the United States] and your agents are the source of instability in the Middle East Who created Islamic State? American Americas claim of fighting against Islamic State is a lie, Khamenei said on Monday in a meeting with high-ranking Iranian officials, according to his official website. Iran and the United States cut diplomatic ties shortly after Irans 1979 Islamic revolution and enmity to Washington has long been a rallying point for hardline supporters of Khamenei in Iran. Khamenei has made several statements denouncing the United States since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, while US President Donald Trump has spoken out against Iran in harsh terms since taking office, indicating he will reverse the previous administrations attempts at rapprochement with Tehran. READ MORE: Iran Trumps reaction to deadly attacks is repugnant The Iranian leader has accused the United States and its regional ally Saudi Arabia of funding hardline groups, including ISIL, which carried out its first attack in Iran on Wednesday in Tehran, killing 17 people. Riyadh has denied involvement in the suicide bombings and gun attacks on Irans parliament and the mausoleum of the Islamic Republics founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who favours opening up to the world, has condemned the attacks without pointing a finger at any country. The pragmatist president championed a nuclear deal with the United States and five other powers in 2015 that led to the lifting of most sanctions against Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the deal has not led to normalisation of ties between the two countries that Rouhani hoped for. Trump has called the agreement one of the worst deals ever signed and said Washington would review it. OPINION: Trump and Iran Scenarios of escalation Khamenei said Iran had no intention of normalising ties with the United States. The American government is against an independent Iran They have problems with the existence of Islamic Republic of Iran Most of our problems with them cannot be resolved, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted him as saying. Khameneis hardline loyalists, drawn from among Islamists and the Revolutionary Guards, fear normalisation of ties with the United States might weaken their position. America is a terrorist country and backs terrorism therefore, we cannot normalise ties with such a country, he said. Gaza residents will live on four hours of electricity, as the Palestinian Authority and Hamas continue power struggle. The Israeli government has agreed to cut down its electricity supply in the Gaza Strip, at the behest of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA), Israeli officials said. According to Yoav Mordechai, the Israeli head of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), President Mahmoud Abbas requested Israel to stop supplying electricity to Gaza back in April. The PA declined to comment to Al Jazeera. Khalil Shaheen, a Ramallah-based political analyst, said the PA was applying heavy pressure on the Hamas government to relinquish its control over the Gaza Strip. The PA is trying to whip up public anger from Gaza residents towards Hamas by various means, Shaheen told Al Jazeera. The decision to slash the salaries of PA employees in Gaza by 30 percent in addition to not paying for Israeli electricity is designed for Gaza to reach its breaking point, and for people to turn against Hamas, Shaheen said. He also pointed out that these measures could be connected to Abbas willingness to prove to the US and international community that the PA is with them in opposing Hamas. WATCH: ALJAZEERA WORLD Fish Out of Water Gazas First Fisherwoman In comments made to local radio, Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said that the decision to limit the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip was to cripple the Hamas government. A senior official in the Fatah-led government said last month that the aim behind the PAs move was to dry up Hamas financial resources. Since 2006, the PA has been paying 40 million shekels ($12m) a month for electricity to be delivered from Israel to Gaza, which is deducted from tax revenues collected by Israel on behalf of the PA. The daily amount of necessary electricity power usage is between 450 and 500 megawatts. Gazas population of two million receives less than half of that. Israels power plant, which supplies 125 MGW, or 30 percent of the total electricity needs of the Gaza Strip, will scale back to at least 40 percent. The enclave, which operates on a rotational system of six to eight hours of electricity followed by 12-hour blackouts, will now face a rationed two to four hours of electricity a day. Gazas sole power plant, which used to provide 60 MGW, was forced to shut down in early April after it ran out of fuel. This came after the PA scrapped a tax exemption on diesel fuel, thus doubling the price. Egypts three electricity lines provide only 27 MGW per day but are rarely operational. In a statement on Monday, Gazas health ministry said that the medical sector is already struggling to provide diesel fuel to operate the 87 generators that supply electricity to hospitals during blackout hours. READ MORE: Gaza power cuts When fuel runs out, babies will die Gaza is beset with humanitarian crises as a result of a decade-old Israeli and Egyptian blockade combined with the consequences of three Israeli wars. In 2015, the UN released a report warning that the besieged enclave will become uninhabitable by 2020. More recently, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned of a systemic collapse of an already battered infrastructure and economy. Hamas has been in control of the Gaza Strip since 2007, following an attempted coup by its main political rival Fatah after Hamas won general elections in 2006. The two parties remain at odds with each other, despite several Arab-brokered reconciliation efforts. Defence secretary Mattis says Qatar moving in the right direction but common ground needs to be found in crisis. The blockade against Qatar by Gulf states was a very complex situation and an area where common ground had to be found, US defence secretary Jim Mattis said. Mattis spoke on Monday before talks between the US and Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir in Washington, DC, as the Gulf crisis entered its second week. The former general told the House Armed Services Committee that Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani had inherited a difficult situation and was moving in the right direction. I believe that Prince Thani inherited a difficult, very tough situation, and hes trying to turn the society in the right direction, Mattis said. But we all agree that funding of any kind of terrorist group is inimical to all of our interest. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed relations with Qatar last Monday, accusing it of supporting extremists and Iran charges Qatar calls baseless. Mattis added that he believed Qatar is moving in the right direction when it comes to curtailing its funding of terrorism. During the hearing, Congressman Adam Smith said he was not clear on the administrations strategy concerning Qatar, accusing President Donald Trump of being unhelpful on Friday when he lashed out against Qatar and sided with Saudi Arabia. We should be finding ways to solve that problem, not throwing gasoline on the fire, Smith said. Qatars Al-Udeid Air Base is the largest American air base in the Middle East, serving as the forward operational headquarters of US Central Command and the host to about 10,000 American troops. Meanwhile, the Emir of Kuwait, who is leading mediation efforts to resolve the Gulf crisis, said the dispute could lead to undesirable consequences. READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis: All the latest updates Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah was quoted by Kuwaits state news agency as saying on Monday that it was difficult for him to see the division among GCC member states. It is quite difficult for us, the generation that built the GCC 37 years ago, to see the divisions among its members which may lead to undesirable consequences, Sheikh Sabah said. I lived the first moments of building the GCC and this is why I cannot stand silent without trying to mediate for the rapprochement among the brothers. It is a duty that I cannot walk away from. No matter how difficult the efforts, I will do my best to mediate among the brothers, he said. In addition to the cutting off diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt also closed their airspace to Qatari aircrafts last week and banned all Doha-bound flights. Saudi Arabias aviation body said closing its airspace to flights from Qatar was within its sovereign rights to protect its citizens from any threat. The UAE, however, confirmed that its airspace was blocked only for airlines from Qatar seemingly suggesting that only Qatar-based carriers posed the security risk identified by Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker says the measures taken against Qatar air traffic should be declared illegal. He called on the UNs aviation body, the International Civil Aviation Organization, to declare the boycott illegal and a violation of a 1944 convention on international air transport. We have legal channels to object to this, Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker told CNN. International Civil Aviation Organization should heavily get involved, put their weight behind this to declare this an illegal act. The UAE and Bahrain have signed the 1944 convention, but Saudi Arabia has not. Emir of Kuwait received Moroccan foreign minister who delivered a message from King Mohamed, hailing Kuwaiti efforts. Moroccan King Mohammed VI has expressed his full support for ongoing efforts by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah to resolve the Gulf crisis. The statement came in a verbal message conveyed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Sheikh Sabah, who received him in Kuwait City on Tuesday. The Moroccan king stressed the importance of containing the Gulf crisis and resolving differences through dialogue between brotherly countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the statement said, according to Kuwaits official news agency. On Tuesday, Bourita arrived in Kuwait from the UAEs Abu Dhabi as part of ongoing Moroccan efforts aimed at encouraging comprehensive and honest dialogue between countries involved in the dispute. One Monday, Moroccos foreign ministry said in a statement that Bourita had delivered a verbal message from King Mohammed VI to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The ministry did not provide any further details. On Sunday, the Moroccan king called on all parties to the Arab diplomatic Gulf crisis to exercise restraint and show wisdom with a view to easing tensions and resolving the crisis. The following day, Morocco sent a number of planes bearing humanitarian aid including food to Qatar. On June 5, five Arab countries Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Mauritania followed suit shortly afterwards, while Jordan downgraded its diplomatic relations with Doha. Saudi Arabia has also sealed its land border with Qatar, geographically isolating the Gulf state. Qatar denies accusations, calling recent moves to diplomatically isolate it as unjustified. Taiwan says Chinas luring of Panama is an open threat and provocation to peace and stability. Panama has established diplomatic ties with China while breaking off with Taiwan, dealing a victory to Beijing which claims the self-governing island as its own territory. Panama President Juan Carlos Varela announced the change in a televised address on Tuesday, saying it represents the correct path for our country. Taiwans government said it was sorry and angry over Panamas decision, but would not compete with China in what it described as a diplomatic money game. We strongly condemn Beijing for manipulating the so-called One China policy to continue to suppress Taiwans international space through various means, Taiwans presidential office said. This kind of action is not only an open threat to Taiwanese peoples survival and welfare but also an open provocation to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region. Panama is the second country to switch its recognition to Beijing since President Tsai Ing-wen took office last year, following a similar move by Sao Tome and Principe in December. The island now has just 20 formal diplomatic partners. Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi met his counterpart from Panama, Isabel de Saint Malo, in Beijing on Tuesday and signed a joint communique establishing ties. Wang said he was sure relations between the two countries would have a bright future. Saint Malo said she hoped the new relationship would lead to trade, investment and tourism opportunities, in particular, exporting more goods from Panama to China. Panamas decision to dump Taiwan comes just days after Beijing began the construction of a container port, with natural gas facilities, in its northern province of Colon. No match Carl Thayer, an emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales Canberra College in Australia, told AFP news agency that Panamas switch was about who can give the most help Taiwan has resources, but it cant match China. Chinese ships have the highest use of the Panama Canal, the Central American countrys main source of budget revenue, after the United States. China and Taiwan split after a civil war in 1949 and Beijing has vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary. READ MORE: Trump supports One China policy in call with Xi China has ratcheted up the pressure on Taiwan in the past year, cutting off contacts with Taiwanese government bodies and barring the islands representatives from attending the World Health Organizations annual conference and other international gatherings. In recent months, China has also sailed an aircraft carrier strike force around the island in a display of its growing military power. Zhang Baohiu, director of Centre for Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, said the loss of Panama is intended to show Tsai that continued defiance of Beijing will harm Taiwans overall interests. Panama was one of the more significant countries that still maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Zhang told the Associated Press. By taking away Panama, it once again teaches Tsais government the lesson that if she doesnt accept the One China principle there will be consequences. Ricardo Martinelli detained on extradition warrant from Panama, where he is accused of political espionage and graft. Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli has been arrested in Florida on an extradition warrant from his country, where he is accused of political espionage and corruption, the US Marshal Services said. Martinelli, 65, was taken into custody near his home in Coral Gables, Florida, according to Manny Puri, a spokesman for the agency. The former president was transported to a federal detention centre in Miami and was expected to appear before a judge for an extradition hearing on Tuesday. Panamas government had requested Martinellis extradition last September to face accusations that he spied illegally on his political rivals and intercepted the telephone calls of more than 100 people, including politicians, business and labour leaders, and critical journalists, during his 2009-14 term as president. Interpol also issued a notice for Martinellis arrest last month. READ MORE: Manuel Noriega, ex-military ruler of Panama, dies at 83 In Panama, lawyers on Martinellis defence team said the extradition process would proceed normally. The defence for ex-president Martinelli is going to exercise all the rights and guarantees offered under the rule of law, said lawyer Carlos Carrillo. It is totally false that a request for political asylum was denied. Martinelli has denied wrongdoing and contends that the case is political persecution by his successor, Juan Carlos Varela. Varela served as Martinellis vice president but they have sparred bitterly since the transfer of power. Martinelli, a supermarket tycoon, presided over an infrastructure boom and Latin Americas fastest economic growth in recent years, but his administration was tainted by allegations of corruption. Graft charges have been brought against the former president in Panama, but the cases have stalled in the courts. In February, prosecutors in Panama said they were seeking international help in detaining two of Martinellis sons in relation to an alleged scheme to launder bribes from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. In a phone conversation with the Saudi king, the Russian leader cautioned against anti-Qatar measures. Russias President Vladimir Putin has warned in a phone conversation with the king of Saudi Arabia that the blockade against Qatar by its neighbours will make it harder to reach a peaceful end to the war in Syria. The comment came in a statement issued by the Kremlin after the call on Tuesday, more than a week after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and closed their air, sea and land borders for the country, accusing it of supporting extremists and Iran, charges that Qatar calls baseless. Putin and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud touched on the aggravated situation around Qatar, which unfortunately does not help consolidate joint efforts in resolving the conflict in Syria and fighting the terrorist threat, the Kremlin said. Syrian conflict Russia is involved in the Syrian conflict, providing military support to Syrias President Bashar al-Assad. Saudi Arabia and other Arab states support the rebels who want to see Assad removed from power. The Syrian conflict started in 2011 with peaceful anti-government protests. More than 465,000 Syrians have been killed in the fighting and more than 12 million Syrians half the countrys pre-war population have been displaced from their homes. On Tuesday, the Kremlin said Putin and Salman also discussed developing ties in various areas and expressed an intention to activate bilateral cooperation. Late last month, Putin met the Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Russian capital of Moscow for talks on the Syrian conflict as well as cutting oil production. State Department says worst is behind us after top US and Saudi diplomats discuss Gulf diplomatic rift in Washington. The US State Department has said efforts to resolve a major diplomatic crisis between a group of countries led by Saudi Arabia and Qatar are trending in a positive direction. Spokesperson Heather Nauert made the statement at a news conference on Tuesday after a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington. She told reporters that the dialogue between the top diplomats over the situation in the Gulf was hopeful. Together they talked about the need to come together, to work together. I would characterise the mood and the approach to that as being one that is hopeful, that believes that the worst is behind us, Nauert said. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain and a number of other countries severed relations with Qatar last week, accusing it of supporting armed groups and Iran. Qatar rejects the accusations. READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis All the latest updates Riyadh also closed its border with Qatar, the only land border the emirate has. In addition, closure of Saudi, Bahraini and Emirati airspace to Qatar-owned flights has caused major import and travel disruptions. Before the meeting, Jubeir told reporters that measures taken against Qatar did not amount to a blockade. He also said that his government was exercising its sovereign right by blocking Qatar from using Saudi airspace, territorial waters and their mutual border. There is no blockade of Qatar. Qatar is free to go. The ports are open, the airports are open, Jubeir said alongside a silent Tillerson, who had called last week for the embargo on Qatar to be eased. The limitation on the use of Saudi airspace is only limited to Qatar Airways or Qatari-owned aircraft, not anybody else, Jubeir said. The seaports of Qatar are open. There is no blockade on them. Qatar can move goods in and out whenever they want. They just cannot use our territorial waters. Tillerson on Friday had called the measures imposed on Qatar a blockade. We call on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt to ease the blockade on Qatar, Tillerson said. Import-dependent country Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeeras senior political analyst, said that Saudi Arabia seemed to be toning down its rhetoric against Qatar through Jubeirs statement. Instead of backtracking on previous Saudi threats to Qatar, [Jubeir] tried to clarify that Qatar is not under blockade and Riyadh was only exercising its sovereign rights with the measures it took, he said. He tried to express that Saudi Arabia is not imposing aggressive draconian punitive measures against Qatar. Qatar is a country that heavily relies on imports of food and water, among other products. The Gulf state, which imported the vast majority of its food from Gulf Arab neighbours before the diplomatic shutdown, has been cooperating with Iran and Turkey to secure food and water. The three Arab Gulf countries also ordered Qatari nationals to leave within 14 days, while Saudi, UAE and Bahraini citizens were also given the same timeframe to leave Qatar. Qatar has condemned the boycott declared by its neighbours as collective punishment. Aviation authorities in the kingdom, Bahrain and the UAE say the flight ban is to protect its citizens from any threats. Saudi Arabias civil aviation authority has rejected the opening of airspace for flights to and from Qatar, a day after the chief executive of Qatar Airways called for international action against the boycott imposed on Doha amid a major diplomatic rift in the Gulf. The agency said in a statement on Tuesday that the decision to impose the air blockade against Qatar was a precautionary measure and was within the kingdoms sovereign right to protect its citizens from any threat. Aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, which along with Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic, trade and transport ties with Qatar last week, issued similar statements on Tuesday. These came in response to remarks made by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker that the three countries were violating international law by shutting out Qatari flights. Al-Baker on Monday appealed to the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations body which regulates international air travel, to declare the measures against Qatari air traffic illegal. The airspace that they have blocked does not belong to them, he told Al Jazeera on Monday. It belongs to the international community. OPINION: Qatar, the UAE and the Libya connection Gulf Cooperation Council members Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, along with Egypt, severed ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of fomenting regional unrest, supporting terrorism and getting too close to Iran, all of which Doha denies. The UAE and Qatar have long been major proponents of open-skies air transport agreements which remove restrictions on flying between states. These policies helped the regions largest airlines Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways to develop their home airports as hubs linking long-distance travellers. Overall, 18 destinations in the region are now out of bounds for Qatar Airways, which has also been forced to close its offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis: All the latest updates Qatar Airways will now use the aircraft that had been operated on those 18 destinations to fast-track its expansion plans, al-Baker told Al Jazeera. The Qatar Airways boss, warning that the blocking of airspace would also hurt competitors by undermining confidence in the regions air connectivity, did not say which markets the airline would expand to. The UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority said it was fully committed to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, but reserved the sovereign right under international law to take any precautionary measures to protect its national security if necessary. The three countries aviation authorities also said that non-Qatari private and chartered flights from Qatar must submit requests to them at least 24 hours before crossing the airspace. Another US appeals court stomped on President Donald Trumps revised travel ban, saying the administration violated federal immigration law and failed to provide a valid reason for keeping people from six mostly Muslim nations from coming. The decision by a unanimous three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals helps keep the travel ban blocked and deals Trump a second big legal defeat on the policy in less than three weeks. The administration has appealed another ruling against the ban to the Supreme Court, which is likely to consider the cases in tandem. The White House said it is confident the high court will uphold Trumps executive order. The Fourth US Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia last month cited the presidents campaign statements calling for a total and complete shutdown on Muslims entering the US as evidence the 90-day ban was unconstitutionally steeped in animus and directed at a single religious group, rather than necessary for national security. OPINION: The Muslim ban and the ethnic cleansing of America The Ninth Circuit, which heard arguments in Seattle last month in Hawaiis challenge to the ban, found no need to analyse Trumps campaign statements. It ruled based on immigration law, not the Constitution. Immigration, even for the president, is not a one-person show, the judges said. National security is not a talismanic incantation that, once invoked, can support any and all exercise of executive power. Judges Michael Hawkins, Ronald Gould and Richard Paez all appointed by President Bill Clinton said the travel ban violated immigration law by discriminating against people based on their nationality when it comes to issuing visas and by failing to demonstrate their entry would hurt American interests. The presidents order did not tie citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to terrorist organisations or identify them as contributors to active conflict, the court said. It also did not provide any link between their nationality and their propensity to commit terrorism. In short, the order does not provide a rationale explaining why permitting entry of nationals from the six designated countries under current protocols would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, the ruling said. The judges pointed to a June 6 tweet by Trump saying the order was aimed at dangerous countries. That helped demonstrate he was not assessing whether the roughly 180 million citizens of the six countries had ties to terrorism, they said. Because of the conflict with immigration law, the judges said they didnt need to consider whether it also violated the Constitutions prohibition on the government favouring or disfavouring any religion. The Fourth Circuit found the policy unconstitutional on that basis. OPINION: Trumps Muslim ban is a dangerous distraction Attorney General Jeff Sessions denounced the ruling. Recent attacks confirm that the threat to our nation is immediate and real. Certain countries shelter or sponsor terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, and we may be unable to obtain any reliable background information on individuals from these war-torn, failed states, Sessions said in a statement. Trump also criticised the ruling on Twitter, saying it came at a dangerous time in history. Well, as predicted, the 9th Circuit did it again Ruled against the TRAVEL BAN at such a dangerous time in the history of our country. S.C. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2017 The White House predicted a win at the Supreme Court. Frankly, I think any lawyer worth their salt 100 percent agrees that the presidents fully within his rights and his responsibilities to do what is necessary to protect the country, spokesman Sean Spicer said. Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said the new ruling proved that our system of checks and balances, enshrined in the Constitution for more than 225 years, remains in place. Turkish President Erdogan calls moves against Qatar a grave mistake which is inhumane and against Islamic values. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the isolation of Qatar as inhumane and against Islamic values, urging Saudi Arabia to take a leading role in resolving the ongoing crisis among Gulf Arab nations. Qatar has showed the most decisive stance against terrorist organisation Daesh alongside Turkey. Victimising Qatar through smear campaigns serves no purpose, he said during a parliamentary address, using the Arabic abbreviation for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt and a number of other countries severed relations with Qatar last week, accusing it of supporting armed groups and Iran. Qatar rejects the accusations. Erdogan said that it appeared some countries had decided to hand down the death penalty to Qatar and urged Saudi Arabia to reconsider the harsh steps against the Gulf country. The king of Saudi Arabia, as leader of the Gulf, should solve this issue. I especially think that he should lead the way towards resolving this crisis, Erdogan told members of his ruling Justice and Development Party in Ankara. A very grave mistake is being made in Qatar, isolating a nation in all areas is inhumane and against Islamic values. Its as if a death penalty decision has been taken for Qatar. Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said that the isolation of Qatar is unexplainable to the international community. Ankara is trying to involve other actors in order to end the isolation of Qatar as the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Conference. Turkey has maintained good relations with Qatar as well as several of its Gulf Arab neighbours. Blockade on Qatar Saudi Arabia which has closed its land border with Qatar the UAE and Bahrain have also closed their airspace to the country that heavily relies on imports of food and water, among other products. The measures against Qatar have disrupted imports of food and other materials and caused some foreign banks to scale back business. Qatar, which imported the vast majority of its food from bigger Gulf Arab neighbours before the diplomatic shutdown, has been cooperating with Iran and Turkey to secure food and water. READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis All the latest updates Moreover, the three Arab Gulf countries ordered Qatari nationals to leave within 14 days, while Saudi, UAE and Bahraini citizens were also given the same timeframe to leave Qatar. Qatar has condemned the boycott declared by its neighbours as collective punishment, as hundreds of mixed-citizenship couples with one Qatari spouse are facing the grim prospect of being split up. Amnesty International also criticised the blockade on Qatar, saying it was splitting up families and destroying peoples livelihoods and education. Country is among many to have seen an enormous increase in the number of phishing sites, designed to steal users financial information. A Gainesville woman was arrested on DUI charges Saturday night after driving with her two-year-old and four-year-old children in the backseat. Her blood alcohol content was nearly four times the legal limit, according to a Gainesville Police arrest report. Jehan Daniels, 23, is accused of driving recklessly while under the influence and with a suspended license, causing a car accident and putting her children in danger, according to the report. Police first received word of Daniels at about 10:30 p.m. when Gainesville resident Aaron Kahn called 911 and said he was following a 2007 blue Mazda5 near the intersection of Northwest Sixth Street and West University Avenue, according to the report. As Daniels traveled toward UFs campus, Kahn told police the car had driven on the sidewalk and swerved in and out of its lane multiple times, according to the report. Kahn stopped following Daniels when she sped through the changing streetlight at the intersection of Northwest 13th Street and West University Avenue. Gainesville Polices helicopter, AIR-1, was in the air at the time and followed Daniels car as she swerved along the road near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, said GPD spokesperson Officer Ben Tobias. Tobias said Daniels then continued driving on Southwest Second Avenue before turning on Northwest 25th Street and heading back for West University Avenue. She stopped at the intersection but nearly drove into oncoming traffic. Daniels spontaneously tried turning left onto West University Avenue, pulling forward and colliding with another car, according to the report. When police arrived, Daniels asked if she could drive herself home, not realizing her car was wrecked, according to report. Police noticed a heavy smell of alcohol from Daniels as she spoke and conducted field sobriety tests. Her blood alcohol content was 0.318, Tobias said. The legal limit in Florida is below 0.08, nearly four times less than Daniels level. Police said Daniels went through intense mood swings and called the arresting officer a dumba-- kracka and said his people used to own her people, according to the report. Daniels two children were in the backseat during the accident, according to the report. Both were uninjured and were later picked up by their grandparents, who responded from out of town, Tobias said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now GPD rarely sees cases of drunk driving that involve children as passengers, he said. Daniels faces a charge of DUI and driving with a suspended license, as well as two charges of child neglect. As of Monday evening, she remains in the Alachua County Jail in lieu of a $150,000 bond. Tobias said police cant be everywhere at once and is glad Khan took initiative when he did to call the authorities. We thoroughly appreciate the public acting as extra eyes and ears for us, Tobias said. The safety of the city depends on all of us working together. Contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter: @hoffdavid123. Jehan Daniels, 23. Trung Tran remembers June 12, 2016, clearly. As a night owl, Tran recalls his phone continuously ringing as friends and loved ones called to make sure he was OK after a shooting took place at Pulse nightclub, a popular LGBTQ+ club in Orlando. Tran, a 21-year-old UF computer engineering senior from Orlando, said he was glad he was in Gainesville at the time. It was really scary because a lot of my friends were worried something happened to me, he said. On Monday night, about 50 UF students, faculty and Gainesville residents came together in Ustler Hall to sing, talk and recite a poem about how the shooting affected them as either allies for the LGBTQ+ community or members of it. Vice President for Student Affairs David Parrott spoke to the audience about love and unity defeat ing hate. In the aftermath of the attack, it is love that would and will help us overcome, he said. In the face of these tragic events, our students, faculty, staff and the community band together to respond to the hate with reaffirming care, support and love. After Parrott gave his speech, UF alumna Jessica Grobman spoke to the audience. Today I stand here with a heavy heart and a saddened spirit, she said. My soul is weary for a community that gives so much in culture, education, beauty, power and knowledge, but is yet time and time again met with hatred and tragedy. Grobman read the names of the 49 victims of the shooting, stopping several times to catch her breath and wipe away tears. She also sang a song about the injustice the queer community of color faces on a regular basis. The song included lyrics such as, I was here, I lived, I loved and I will make my mark so everyone will know I was here. Once Grobman finished singing, Dr. Zully Rivera-Ramos, who works at UFs Counseling & Wellness Center, read an excerpt from a message the National Latina/o Psychological Association (NLPA) sent out Monday and asked the audience to reflect on the passage. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now The remembrance ended with speakers and audience members hugging and crying tears of both sadness and joy. UF President Kent Fuchs attended the ceremony as well and said he felt the need to support our wonderful community that has been affected. He said he has a picture of Century Tower lit with rainbow colors framed in his office. One of my favorite memories as president was when Century Tower was lit with rainbow colors, he said. The North Central Florida YMCA will celebrate its 50th year in Gainesville this month, an achievement that comes after a financially stressful year. In December, the organization announced it would be closing its doors after struggling with debt for more than 15 years, according to Alligator archives. By March 14, the organization raised $1.3 million, settling its debt, mortgage and renovation costs. If closed, the organization would have left seven full-time and 82 part-time staff members without work and nearly 5,000 members without multipurpose facilities, including affordable child care. Hundreds of community members dove into trying to help the organization remain open. Using every outlet possible, the organization was able to reach their goal and remain open, said the chapters CEO John Bonacci. Bonacci said continued fundraising would be very beneficial to help the organization maintain scholarship funds for at-risk families and for future renovations to the facility. The 50th anniversary celebration will take place June 24 at the North Central Florida YMCA, located at 5201 NW 34th Blvd., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bonacci said there will be activities that cater to people of all ages, including a bounce house and silent auction. I think its going to be one heck of a party, Bonacci said. Weve got a lot to celebrate. Bill Foster, the events and fundraiser coordinator for the YMCA, said he is hoping the turnout will be good. We feel after everything the Y has been through over the past year with the threat of the doors being closed this particular 50th anniversary event is to give back to the community for helping us, Foster said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now CodeRED is shutting down June 30, and AlertAlachua will become the primary emergency notification system for Alachua County. Jeffery Bielling, the assistant director of Alachua County Emergency Management, said the switch was made because the Florida Division of Emergency Management offered it at no cost. That saved us $45,000 a year, he said. John Shaw, the director of Alachua County Emergency Management, said AlertAlachua is also more user-friendly. He said subscribers can customize what alerts they receive and prioritize how they receive them. AlertAlachua provides the option to receive missing person alerts, boil notice orders and 22 different weather alerts. It provides the option to receive these alerts via email, text message, phone call, TTY (a text telephone) or the ContactBridge app. The app also provides messages and a map, which shows every alert in the U.S. Residents of Alachua County are encouraged to sign up for AlertAlachua because of the severe weather alerts and targeted location warnings, Bielling said. Students, especially those who live off-campus, are also encouraged to sign up, even though UF has its own alert system. UF Alert is designed for university facilities, but AlertAlachua is designed for the entire community, said Kenneth Allen, the director of UF Emergency Management. It is important to have a way and a method to be notified when an alert is sent out. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Former FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee last Thursday regarding possible obstruction of justice by President Donald Trump in the FBIs investigation of collusion between his campaign and the Russian government. Trumps political opponents desperately hoped Comey would show that Trumps behavior provided grounds for impeachment. While Comeys words showed he did not trust the president and believed the president wanted to dismiss the investigation of Michael Flynn, a former national security advisor, I believe it yielded nothing incriminating. In fact, I think it did more to clear Trumps name. Comey assured the president three times that he was not the subject of any FBI investigation, although Comey refused to announce this publicly out of an irrational fear of having another former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton investigation fiasco on his hands. He also added that there was no evidence of any collusion between Trump and Russia. Trump was so pleased with this testimony he called it a complete vindication. While testifying, much to the pleasure of Republicans, Comey shifted the spotlight from Trump to the Department of Justice under former President Barack Obama. His testimony raised more questions about possible political influence by former Attorney General Loretta Lynch on the investigation of Clintons emails. According to Comey, Lynch directed him to call the Clinton investigation a matter (the word the Clinton campaign used to downplay the investigation) rather than an investigation. This directive reportedly made Comey feel queasy but did not stop him from obeying. The DOJ is supposed to be an impartial, apolitical body that can independently assess possible criminal behavior regardless of its employees political beliefs. Asking the director of the FBI to soften the rhetoric regarding an active criminal investigation of a presidential candidate seems anything but apolitical. If there was reason to suspect Trump had obstructed justice by hoping the investigation turned out the way he wanted, there is more reason to suspect the same from Lynch, who actually took action to alter the Clinton investigation. While on the surface this is not incriminating behavior and does not qualify as obstruction of justice, not all of the facts are known. Recall that Lynch met with former President Bill Clinton on a tarmac in Phoenix in June 2016 days before Comey announced publicly that the FBI did not recommend a further investigation of Hillary Clinton. This shady meeting, which Lynch forbade any government witnesses to speak of, was highly inappropriate because of the obvious conflict of interest and suggests that Bill Clinton could have influenced the investigation. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has already declared that he wants to hear from Loretta Lynch in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Even Democrats acknowledge the clear problem with Lynchs behavior, as Sen. Dianne Feinstein called for Congress to investigate Lynch as well. Instead of finding evidence incriminating Trump as Democrats expected, Comeys testimony uncovered reasons to investigate Lynch. Unfortunately, there are still people who will oppose this purely for political reasons despite the seriousness of its ramifications. If the DOJ has been influenced by politics, the legitimacy of every one of its decisions will be undermined and called into question. Both sides of the aisle should agree that a politicized DOJ is a threat to our political system, not on the Trump and Russia collusion charges, which have proven completely baseless. Jack Story is a UF graduate. His column appears on Tuesdays. Both the railroads and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division say the extension will help all parties make the best decision on how to proceed with the outstanding tentative labor agreements. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has entered into a contract with Kapsch Traffic Com IVHS to design and build electronic tolling facilities and related infrastructure for the states controversial truck-only tolling program. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has entered a contract with Kapsch Traffic Com IVHS to design and build electronic tolling facilities and related infrastructure for the states controversial truck-only tolling program. Kapsch will also operate and maintain all the tolling facilities, which will take two years to build at a cost of $68.9 million. We look forward to breaking ground in the fall and getting the first tolling locations operational by the end of this year, Peter Alviti Jr., the states DOT director, said in a statement. Construction of the tolling facilities will be ongoing through the end of 2018, with tolling locations coming online as they are built. The first two tolling locations will be built along Interstate-95 in southern Rhode Island, and are expected to be operational and collecting revenue by the end of 2017. Part of the states 10-year RhodeWorks program, the truck-only tolling program will help fund the reconstruction of aging bridges. Through the program, the state will repair 150 structural deficient bridges and keep another 500 from becoming deficient. This approach avoids more costly and time consuming rehabilitation or total replacement projects which could cost three to four times as much money a strategy that will save Rhode Island $950 million over 10 years, the state said. The plan, however, has been met with strong opposition, both from trucking groups and lawmakers within the Rhode Island legislature, since it was announced in mid-2015. Kapsch, based in Vienna, Austria and with its U.S. office in McLean Va., was picked from among six firms representing the electronic tolling industry. Rhode Island issued the request for proposals back in December. "We are our beliefs," it is said. Beliefs steer people in life. Some beliefs are harmless, some are the motive force for good, and yet others are delusional, misguided, and even outright dangerous. Every version of the belief called "Islam" ranges from the delusional to the dangerous. Islam is a Grand Hallucination, birthed by Muhammad's hallucination that he relayed to his first wife and employer, Khadija. Greatly frightened, he told Khadija that he was visited bya jinn (devil) in the Hira cave. Khadija comforted the distraught man by assuring him that the episode was Allah's way of choosing him as his messenger. Muhammad believed his rich wife-employer who was 15 years his senior and the hallucination became a belief -- Islam. Remarkably enough, under the early tutelage of Khadija, Muhammad succeeded in attracting a number of influential followers. Before long, the movement gathered more and more power through violent campaigns and the faith was taken to new people and alien lands. This grand hallucination, Islam, presently has in its stranglehold over a billion humans, posing an existential threat to all non-Muslims. Islam is rooted in the primitive tribal mentality of "We against Them," "We the righteous against the heathens," "We the servants submissive of the Great Allah against the rebellious enemies of Allah." Islam is a polarizer. Islam is an enemy-maker. To Islam, a non-Muslim is a combatant against Allah and he is fair game to be subjugated and killed. When some billion and a half adhere to the pathological belief of Islam and use it as their marching order of life, the rest of humanity can ignore the threat only at its own peril. Once again, a resurgent Islam is on a campaign of conquest throughout the world. Hordes of life-in-hand foot-soldier fanatical Muslims are striving to kill and be killed. All they want is the opportunity to discharge their homicidal-suicidal impulse, on their way to Allah's promised glorious paradise. And in the background, granting the foot soldiers' wishes, are their handlers, the puppeteers, who pull the strings and detonate these human bombs. Those who cherish life must recognize these emissaries of death, what makes them, what motivates them, and how best to defend against them. The campaign of death waged by the Islamist-jihadist, be he a puppet or a puppeteer, is energized by the belief of delectable rewards that await the faithful implementer of Allah's dictates. Through a highly effective indoctrination, the jihadist has come to believe firmly in Islam's grand hallucination. He believes that Allah is the one and only supreme creator of earth and heavens; that it is his duty and privilege to abide by Allah's will and carry out his plans at all costs. He believes firmly in a gloriously wonderful immortal afterlife in paradise, for which a martyr's death is the surest, quickest admission. Although the dominating theme of the delusion is quasi-spiritual, the promised rewards of the afterlife awaiting the martyr are sensual and material. All the things and activities that the jihadist desires and cannot attain or practice, and rejects in his earthly life will be purified and proffered to him in the paradise of the next life. Thus goes the hallucination. It is important to understand that the human mind is not a perfect discerner of objective reality. In actuality, reality is in the mind of the beholder. The outside world only supplies bits and pieces of raw material that the mind puts together to form its reality. Depending on the type and number of bits and pieces that a given mind receives, its reality can be very different from that of another mind. The more prescribed and homogeneous a group, the greater is the group's consensual reality, since the members share much in common experiential input and reinforce each others' mindset. Thus, members of a given religious order, for instance, tend to think much more similarly to one another than to members of other groups with different experiential histories. Various approximations of objective reality, therefore, rule the mind. The degree to which these approximations deviate from the larger group's consensual reality determines its delusional extent and severity. A cocaine mainliner, for instance, under the influence of the drug, may become convinced that a bug is burrowing under his skin. In his absolute, although clearly false, certitude of the reality of his perception, cocaine users are known to take a knife to their own body to dig the burrowing bug out before it has penetrated too deeply. A methamphetamine user's reality is often distorted in a different way. Under the influence of the drug, an intense paranoia overtakes him. His reality is dominated by the belief that one or more people are lurking about to harm or kill him. He may wield a deadly weapon, going from room to room, from closet to closet, in search of the assailants. If you believe that a bug is camping deep in your body, then you might go ahead and try to dig the nonexistent bug out. If you believe that people are lurking around the house to harm or kill you, you go after them before they get you. If you believe that all the troubles of the world are due to the evildoings of the non-Muslims who war against Allah, then you do all you can to fight and kill them, particularly since Allah tells you to do so in the Quran. Drug-induced delusions are hallucinations. They are dramatic and usually transitory, while religiously-based implantation of ideas program the mind with lasting delusions. Hallucinations, even when they are at great variance from objective reality, can rule the mind without the need for drugs, or as a result of neurological dysfunctions or other factors. The young and the less educated are most vulnerable to believe the claims of charlatans, con artists, and cunning clerics, as truth and reality. A tragic example of the young's susceptibility to induced delusion is the case of thousands of Iranian children who were used as human minesweepers in the last Iran-Iraq war. The mullahs issued made-in-China plastic keys to paradise to children as an enticement to go forward and clear the minefield with their bodies ahead of the military's armored vehicles. The children believed the murderers and rushed to their death, thinking that they were headed for Islam's glorious paradise. The repeated intense indoctrination of the children even changed the perception of some of the charlatan mullahs so that they, themselves, believed their own lies, took their own keys to Allah's paradise and rushed to their death clinging to the plastic trinkets. Hence, some of the puppeteers, in this instance, became puppets themselves. Such are the follies and fallibilities of the human mind. It is, therefore, understandable that many of the higher-up Islamic puppeteers, who are usually brainwashed from early childhood, devote their fortunes and persons to the implementation of their deeply ingrained hallucinations. Deluded by the threats and promises of Islam, Muslims, poor or rich, vie with one another in furthering the violent cause of Allah. Many non-Muslims are also victims of a different, yet just as deadly, delusion. They believe that Islam is a religion of peace, that only a small minority of Muslims are jihadists, and Muslims can be reasoned with to abandon the Quran-mandated elimination of non-believers. These well-meaning simpletons are just as deluded as the fanatic jihadists by refusing to acknowledge the fact that one cannot be a Muslim and not abide by the dictates of the Quran. As liberal McCarthyism continues searching for Russian monsters under Trump administration beds, it might serve us well to remember the Obama administration scandals, for which there were no special prosecutors appointed, no grand juries convened, not even a leaked memo to the New York Times via a friendly professor at Columbia University. A few years ago, President Obama called the scandals swirling around his administration phony scandals. As The Hill reported in 2013: With an endless parade of distractions, political posturing and phony scandals, Washington has taken its eye off the ball, Obama said in an economic address at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill... Obama on Wednesday did not specify which controversies were phony, but the administration has been attacked over National Security Agency surveillance programs leaked to the public, the IRSs targeting of conservative groups, the Department of Justices seizing of media phone records, and last years attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya. Phony scandals are those that do not have a smidgeon of evidence of a crime, like alleged Trump collusion with the Russians or obstruction of an investigation that was never stopped or even slowed down. Phony scandals do not produce body bags as the Obama administration produced in Benghazi and during Operation Fast and Furious -- the Obama administrations gun-running operation in which it armed Mexican drug lords and cartels with heavy weapons for which the U.S. Border Patrol had no match or protection. That gun-running operation led to the murder of U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. On Wednesday, in the shadow of the Russia investigations and the testimony of former FBI Director James Comey, the House Oversight Committee produced a fact-laden report documenting the collusion between the administration of President Barack Hussein Obama and Mexican drug cartels and the obstruction of justice by Attorney General Eric Holder in this, er, matter. As Fox News reported: Members of a congressional committee at a public hearing Wednesday blasted former President Barack Obama and his attorney general for allegedly covering up an investigation into the death of a Border Patrol agent killed as a result of a botched government gun-running project known as Operation Fast and Furious. The House Oversight Committee also Wednesday released a scathing, nearly 300-page report that found Holders Justice Department tried to hide the facts from the loved ones of slain Border Patrol Brian Terry seeing his family as more of a nuisance than one deserving straight answers and slamming Obama's assertion of executive privilege to deny Congress access to records pertaining to Fast and Furious. Terrys death exposed Operation Fast and Furious, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) operation in which the federal government allowed criminals to buy guns in Phoenix-area shops with the intention of tracking them as they were transported into Mexico. But the agency lost track of more than 1,400 of the 2,000 guns they allowed smugglers to buy. Two of those guns were found at the scene of Terry's killing. More than five years after Brians murder, the Terry family still wonders about key details of Operation Fast and Furious, the committees report states. The Justice Departments obstruction of Congresss investigation contributed to the Terry familys inability to find answers. That executive privilege was even -- we are not making this up -- extended to cover Eric Holders wife. The extent of the coverup and the obstruction of justice in Fast and Furious is mindboggling. The statute of limitations has not run out and perhaps it is time to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate those, President Obama and Eric Holder, who are arguably guilty of criminal negligence in the death of agent Brian Terry and hundreds of Mexican nationals. As former ATF agent John Dodson wrote in 2015 in the Washington Times: A political firestorm erupted when it was revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as part of a program dubbed Operation Fast and Furious, had provided Brian Terrys murderers with the weapons used to take his life. The details of Operation Fast and Furious in the nearly five years since the Terry murder have been documented through congressional investigations, committee hearings and Office of the Inspector General reports revealing government retaliation against whistleblowers, lies, stonewalling, cover-ups, email and document scandals, President Obamas assertion of executive privilege, and the first-ever citation for contempt of Congress levied against a sitting U.S. attorney general. Brian Terrys mother, Josephine testified to the extent pf the coverup, lies and obstruction by the Obama administration and Eric Holder before the House Oversight Committee on June 6, 2017. Her statement reads, in part: 16. From the moment a bullet was fired from one of those Fast and Furious guns, from the moment that bullet entered Brians body, and ended his life -- Brians government, my government, your government -- began to hide the truth. 17. One of ATFs Fast and Furious leaders dismissed Brians death by saying, You have to scramble a few eggs to make an omelet. 18. That man has since been promoted by ATF and given awards by the Justice Department. Did you know that? 19. ATF and DOJ made sure that all those involved were given new jobs or allowed to retire with their government pensions and benefits. 20. No one was punished or prosecuted. 21. When I pay my taxes and when you pay yours, we are funding the comfort of those who helped murder my son. 22. We know that Brian encountered bad people the night he was killed. 23. We know there was a gun battle. 24. We know Brian was shot and killed. 25. We know the gun used to kill him was fired by a drug trafficker. 26. We know the gun was put in the murderers hands by our government. 27. But, there is so much more that we dont know. 28. I need you to have overturned President Obamas executive privilege order that hides many of the of facts from Operation Fast and Furious. 29. I need you to ask President Trump to keep the promise he made to my family on his campaign trail and let you see those documents. 30. Only one possible motivation remains for all of those involved who have covered-up Operation Fast and Furious. 31. That is to conceal their own shame and disgrace; quite possibly their crimes. The operative word here is crimes. Real crimes, not fantasy crimes as in the Russia, Russia, Russia Democrat witch hunt. More interesting than the Comey memo would be the release of all the documents withheld under the Obama administrations claim of executive privilege. President Trump should revoke the claim of executive privilege in Fast and Furious and grant the Terry family both closure and the truth as they have requested: In testimony Wednesday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Robert Heyer, a cousin who oversees the foundation named for agent Brian Terry, said it is "time for the dirty little secrets of Fast and Furious to be exposed." "We urge the Trump administration and the Department of Justice to revisit the claim of executive privilege," Heyer added in his written statement. "The American public deserves to see the documents previously sealed by executive order, and for those documents to be turned over to congressional investigators." Although many key documents are still missing, the report says, new records show Justice Department administrators sought to cover up the Fast and Furious scandal while viewing Terry's family members as a "public relations nuisance" rather than victims. ATF agent Dodson has long tried to reveal the truth about Fast and Furious and the running of deadly weapons to Mexican drug lords. Investors Business Daily editorialized on Dodsons attempt to spread the truth on the Obama administrations effort to supply Mexican drug lords with semiautomatic weapons: ATF Special Agent John Dodson is a national hero who in 2011 blew the whistle on Operation Fast and Furious, the Obama administration's gun-running operation to Mexico. Testifying before Congress, he disclosed that his supervisors had authorized the flow of semiautomatic weapons into Mexico instead of interdicting them, weapons that found their way into the hands of Mexican drug cartels with deadly results. Dodson has put his intimate Fast and Furious knowledge into a book titled "The Unarmed Truth." It provides the first inside account of how the Obama administration permitted and helped sell some 2,000 guns to Mexican drug cartels, guns used in the murder of two federal agents and hundreds of Mexican citizens.. The operation was exposed when Brian was killed in December 2010 by an illegal immigrant working for the Sinaloa Cartel near Nogales, Ariz., just 10 miles from Mexico. Two Fast and Furious weapons were found at the murder scene. Two such weapons also were used to murder Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Jaime Zapata in Mexico on Feb. 15, 2011, came from suspects who were under ATF watch but not arrested at the time "Allowing loads of weapons that we knew to be destined for criminals, this was the plan. It was so mandated," Dodson, then attached to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) Phoenix office, testified before Rep. Darrell Issa's House Government Reform and Oversight Committee on June 15, 2011. "Rather than conduct enforcement actions, we took notes, we recorded observations, we tracked movements of these individuals for a short time after their purchases, but nothing more," Dodson testified. "Knowing all the while, just days after these purchases, the guns that we saw these individuals buy would begin turning up at crime scenes in the United States and Mexico, we still did nothing." The Obama administration has done its best to hide the truth about Fast and Furious, with AG Holder arguably lying to Congress about his knowledge and involvement and repeatedly saying he didnt get the memo. American citizens and Mexican nationals to this day are in jeopardy from criminals using weapons the Obama administration funneled to them. As Fox News reported about Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo: A .50-caliber rifle found at Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmans hideout in Mexico was funneled through the gun-smuggling investigation known as Fast and Furious, sources confirmed Tuesday to Fox News. A .50-caliber is a massive rifle that can stop a car or, as it was intended, take down a helicopter Federal law enforcement sources told Fox News that El Chapo would put his guardsmen on hilltops to be on guard for Mexican police helicopters that would fly through valleys conducting raids. The sole purpose of the guardsmen would be to shoot down those helicopters, sources said. As for Holders claim that he wasnt in the loop, Investors Business Daily noted the paper trail indicated otherwise: Somewhere, Scooter Libby must be scratching his head. He was indicted and convicted simply because his recall of when a meeting occurred differed from others. He didn't lie about a gun-running operation that led to the deaths of two American agents and at least 200 Mexicans. But Attorney General Eric Holder did, according to memos obtained by CBS News and Fox News. They show Holder lied to Congress on May 2, 2011, when he was asked about when he knew about the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Fast and Furious gun-running operation. He told House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa he was "not sure of the exact date, but I probably learned about Fast and Furious over the last few weeks." Holder learned of the operation as early as July 2010 in a memo from the director of the National Drug Intelligence Center informing him of an operation run by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force out of the Phoenix ATF office, under which "straw purchasers are responsible for the purchase of 1,500 firearms that were then supplied to Mexican drug cartels." So Eric Holder knew about Fast and Furious months before Brian Terrys murder. He not only knew about it, he even bragged about it to Mexican officials during a trip to Mexico: A 2-year-old video shows a high Justice official saying "the president has directed us," including the attorney general, to speed up Project Gunrunner and the offshoot that got a border agent killed The video shows Deputy Attorney General David Ogden, who would resign nine months later after less than a year's service, telling reporters at a Department of Justice briefing of major policy initiatives to fight the Mexican drug cartels. "The president has directed us to take action to fight these cartels," Ogden begins, "and Attorney General Holder and I are taking several new and aggressive steps as part of the administration's comprehensive plan." At the president's direction, Ogden said, the administration's plan included DOJ's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives "increasing its efforts by adding 37 new employees in three new offices, using $10 million in Recovery Act funds and redeploying 100 personnel to the Southwest border in the next 45 days to fortify its Project Gunrunner," of which Operation Fast and Furious would be a part. As we have noted, Attorney General Eric Holder himself gave a speech to Mexican authorities in Cuernavaca, Mexico, on April 2, 2009, taking credit for Gunrunner as well as Fast and Furious for himself and the Obama administration. Holder told the audience: "Last week, our administration launched a major new effort to break the backs of the cartels. My department is committing 100 new ATF personnel to the Southwest border in the next 100 days to supplement our ongoing Project Gunrunner." Project Gunrunner was the precursor for Fast and Furious. The cartel member who actually pulled the trigger of the gun that killed Brian Terry has been captured and will get his final justice. Eric Holder, whose department knowingly and willfully put the murder weapon in his hands while running guns to Mexican drug cartels, has not. But that may change under the new sheriff in town. As the respected gun news website AmmoLand reports: The brother of a slain Border Patrol agent says Donald Trump has promised answers about the Operation Fast and Furious gunwalking program leading to Brian Terrys death. Kent Terry met with Trump, and says the presumptive Republican nominee will use his authority to act if hes elected president, Terry said in a Twitter post Tuesday. Mr. Trump said It's a shame Fast and Furious started and shame on them for what they are doing about it, Terry explained to this column, referring to an event at a community college in Michigan (see photo). When I become president I will open the books on Fast and Furious and Brian. God bless your family Kent. Then at end of campaign speech when he got off stage he remembered me again, Terry elaborated. First time in Brian's death I honestly believe Mr. Trump will get answers. Final justice will happen when Eric Holder and Barack are held accountable for their lies on Fast and Furious, the withholding of documents under the guise of executive privilege, something even extended to Holders wife, and the entire coverup on why Brian Terry had to die. Eric Holder has never been prosecuted for his contempt of Congress citation in this matter. Attorney General Sessions, call your office. President Trump, keep your promise. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. This may sound like it, but its not a journal of winetasting. Its about the undue, horrific influence of a man named Howard Zinn. He became a famous, or accurately infamous, historian. Zinn, more than any other man, turned our history books on their heads, and in a way, changed the contemporary course of history. Who controls the past, controls the future. He excelled at this task. He was somewhat wispy and vulnerable looking in spite of being tall. He could not debate well and he spoke slowly, as if he was in a mildly drugged high. He had a following of female students that was obvious, with lots of student rumors swirling around about his character. He was liked by the majority of his students, who like myself, wanted to take his classes. He was edgy and cool. He was one of the fathers of the new left back in the late sixties and seventies. He inspired the SDS, coupling with them, making up many of the stories of why America was such a horrible place. The stories became his famous book A Peoples History of the United States. In hindsight, it was obvious he made them up (being kind, lets just say he slanted things), because he was a Marxist. During those years he spoke of the importance of revolutionary thinking in his classrooms. Its hard to believe his influence grew so much. Oddly enough, he claimed to be a pacifist, often railing about the atrocities done by Americans, yet oddly would never respond to students who stood up and challenged him about the far greater atrocities of the Viet Cong, North Vietnam, or China. He wouldnt even acknowledge that these atrocities happened. In that way, he was the perfect communist sympathizer, the perfect true believer. Intellectual, soft spoken, and in the multiple classes I took, he never criticized communism. I often wonder what he later thought when the North Vietnamese savaged the South, or even worse what the Khmer Rouge did in the killing fields. I have to believe he remained silent, metaphorically taking the Fifth, much like he did when asked about the Viet Cong. He was, if nothing else, a master at evading uncomfortable truths about the things he so passionately endorsed. In that sense, he was never a historian; rather he saw it the way a Soviet historian would have, through the lens of his polemics. He was not interested in the truth, but rather in those things that would advance his own socialist agenda. History was a means to be used in doing so. I know this because of the classes I took with him. I witnessed what he was like, what he taught, how he acted, and during my post student (and very apolitical) twenties, began to understand just how flawed he was. The recognition of his triumph happened some decades later when we had some of our daughters college classmates to dinner. One kept waxing eloquent about all the hidden histories (bad stuff) he had been reading about the United States. As he ticked off his list, they sounded very familiar. I laughed and suggested he was taking classes with my old crazy professor. He said, No, its from a history book written by Howard Zinn. I then told him the name of my professor. He became flushed, as if the dog ate his homework. After explaining who I thought Howard Zinn was up close and personal, we thankfully shifted to another conversation. I had finally understood just how powerful the polemics of Howard Zinn were. He wrote the number one history book sold in America, and he is feted on the left and by our educators as the one who exposed the dark side of America. Much of what is seen in todays left started with Howard Zinn. He stoked the anger, he leveled the charges of institutionalized, never-ending, and unforgivable racism. He pushed the narrative of white superiority, now morphed into white privilege. He pressed the foolish notion that socialism was the superior political system. He made up the narrative of purposeful, indiscriminate, racist genocide of native Americans. He made up the narrative of America being founded unjustly, by greed, so flawed that it had to be remade in his image of a Marxist paradise. He virtually invented the anti-American outrage so prevalent today, persuading our celebrities, our media, and an entire generation that America is, and has always been, awful. This from a man who excused Castros Cuba, exalted Maos China, praised North Vietnam, and to my knowledge has never uttered a negative word concerning the hundred million plus people slaughtered by socialist regimes in the twentieth century. There is no doubt that we as Americans have had our share of wrongdoing. People are flawed -- read the Book of Genesis. There is no doubt the Indians got the short end of the stick, or that slavery was a horrid institution. We need not hide our flaws, but unlike Howard Zinn, neither should we hide so many of the examples of excellence, honor, courage, justice, and the triumph of so many good things we have in our culture. We need not be ashamed of the many great things we have brought to the world. We also need not be ashamed because we are fortunate to live in one of the finest nations to grace the earth. We are far better in so many ways than any nation has been, yet Howard Zinn missed it entirely. If you took Howard Zinns works as gospel, you would think we were horrible. Oliver Cromwell was once asked if his portrait painter should leave his warts in, and he famously replied Warts and all! Zinn paints a picture of America as nothing but warts. His success in bringing the left its dark vision of America is astonishing. How in the world did we get from this mans contrived polemical history published in 1980 to a place where so many have not only believed him uncritically, but have assimilated his myopic vision? Look at what he has succeeded in getting the left to profess: The left has adopted his uncritical belief in socialism. They will not look at socialisms clear and present historical mountain range of flaws. The United States has no trait worthy of praise. We have such a poisonous system, that it must be destroyed. At any price. They will continue to believe that they, the left, can do no wrong. They can overlook a hundred million people being slaughtered as a trifle not to be mentioned. They can allow narratives to be made up in order to further their cause. Truth need not apply. Look at the past few months and youll see his influence. Hillary Clinton only lost the election because of Russia, Russia, Russia. And James Comey. A narrative so contrived, Howard Zinns ghost must have helped. After all, it couldnt have been anything she did, didnt do, her weak campaign, or unlikability. Socialists cant do anything wrong. Trumps greatest sin was suggesting America was ever great, or could be great again. What a horribly wrong thing to say. Ergo, he must be racist, hate women, and must not stand for anything else worthwhile. Hes not even human. Trump must be brought down at all costs. He must be destroyed by the revolutionary resistance. Nothing the leftwing democrat/media complex has done against Trump is wrong. Making up sources, narratives, literally lying, all that is okay. Because it furthers the agenda. Just ask James Comey, or Reality Winner, the other leakers, CNN, MSNBC or Chuckie Schumer. Burn down the house. Ignore the malfeasance. Its for the cause. Howard would be proud. To defeat terrorism, the United States should use federal criminal laws to aggressively target narco-terrorists. While narco-terrorism is frequently mentioned in the news, it is rarely explained properly, and as a result, many skeptics doubt its impact. Understanding how drug trafficking fuels terrorism is necessary to craft effective counterterrorism policy and to triumph in the global war on terror. Narco-terrorism describes the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism. This term covers a wide spectrum of behavior, but there are four primary types of narco-terrorism. As a special agent with the DEA, I investigated narco-terrorism for over a decade. After the narco-terrorism law was enacted in 2006, I made the first, precedent-setting arrest for narco-terrorism and I was the case agent for the first two narco-terrorism convictions. The link between narcotics trafficking and terrorism is significant and has been repeatedly proven in court. The Basics The crime of narco-terrorism is prosecuted under Title 21 US Code 960a -- Foreign Terrorist Organizations, Terrorist Persons, and Groups. To summarize, it is illegal for anyone to violate federal drug law then provide anything of pecuniary value to a person or organization engaging in terrorist activity or terrorism. Federal drug laws, as defined under 21 USC 841, cover the possession, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances, which meet a minimum weight threshold. Terrorist activity, as defined in 8 USC 1182, includes crimes such as hijacking, assassination, kidnapping, and use of weapons of mass destruction. Terrorism is defined, under 22 USC 2656, as politically motivated violence against noncombatants. So, narco-terrorism can involve people engaged in terrorist acts or those belonging to groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. Department of State. Four Types of Narco-Terrorism 1) Narco-terrorism describes drug traffickers who engage in terrorist activities to protect their business. Pablo Escobar is an example of this type of narco-terrorist. Under Escobars leadership, the Medellin Cartel in Colombia systematically targeted judges, prosecutors, and police, with the goal of furthering the cartels cocaine trafficking. Under this type of narco-terrorism, violence is used to further business interests, not ideology. 2) Narco-terrorism also characterizes terrorists who sell narcotics to fund terrorist activities. For example, I investigated a Taliban commander who purchased and resold a multikilogram shipment of heroin to generate funds for the purchase of expensive military weapons. This commander was normally a terrorist, not a trafficker, but he engaged in this profitable heroin deal to facilitate his operations. 3) A less common type of narco-terrorism involves criminals who have an equal interest in both terrorism and drug trafficking. Khan Mohammed, the first person arrested for narco-terrorism, was a successful opium trafficker and also a Taliban operative targeting U.S. troops. Khan Mohammed was both a terrorist and a drug trafficker, motivated by both profit and ideology. 4) The most common type of narco-terrorism is expressed by the symbiotic relationship between drug traffickers and terrorists. In this form, traffickers only deal drugs and terrorists only commit acts of terrorism, but they mutually support each other. Haji Bagcho, the worlds most prolific heroin trafficker, provided drug proceeds, weapons, and logistical assistance to Taliban leadership. In return, the Taliban protected Haji Bagchos drug production laboratories, attacked police and military, and murdered people cooperating with the government. The Taliban and Haji Bagchos organization committed different crimes, but they both engaged in narco-terrorism. There are other variations of narco-terrorism. State-sponsored drug trafficking, by a government using terrorism as an instrument of national policy, may be considered narco-terrorism. Another variation is when drug trafficking by itself is used as a form of terrorism. Khan Mohammed said, May God eliminate them (infidels) right now and we will eliminate them too. Whether it is by opium or by shooting, this is our common goal. Why its Important A significant percentage of the worlds terrorist organizations are tied to drug trafficking. In 2016, the DEA determined that 22 of 59 designated terrorist organizations were involved with narcotics. That is 37 percent of the worlds most dangerous terrorist organizations and it doesnt even address two groups officially designated in 2016. The percentage of terrorist organizations associated with drug trafficking is likely much higher than 37 percent, because many groups engaging in terrorist activities are not officially designated as terrorist groups by the State Department. The Afghan Taliban is one example of an undesignated terrorist group, which is heavily involved in drug trafficking. Terrorism is an existential threat to the United States and is a priority in our national policy. Drug trafficking directly supports terrorism and counterterrorism efforts cant be effective if the funding is ignored. Apart from the connection to terrorism, drug trafficking alone damages the rule of law and destabilizes countries. Directing intelligence and enforcement efforts towards narco-terrorism has the dual benefit of targeting both traffickers and terrorists. Using the narco-terrorism law to arrest terrorists and the traffickers who support them is an effective tool for incapacitating both types of criminals. Prosecuting narco-terrorists in the judicial system allows transparency in the process and provides a long-term solution for two of the most serious threats to our national security. Jeffrey James Higgins is a retired DEA supervisory special agent and expert in narco-terrorism. In the wake of every terrorist act, there is the same argument. The voices-in-the-wilderness on the right will say, insofar as theyre not muzzled by hate-speech laws, that Islam is the problem. In contrast, a leftist drumbeat of media and mainstream politicos will assert that the Muslim terrorists arent really Muslim terrorists, that theyve perverted the faith. As to the truth, its as with any other debate over a things true meaning (e.g., the Constitution): it only makes sense to look for answers in original sources. This brings us to a simple question: Was Mohammed a true Muslim? Its a rhetorical question, of course. As Islams founder the religion was born of revelations he supposedly had in the early seventh century Mohammed was the very first Muslim. Moreover, since Muslims view him as The Perfect Man, the ultimate role model, hes not just the truest Muslim but the yardstick by which other Muslims may measure themselves. So what was Mohammeds perfection? He was a warlord who launched approximately 30 military campaigns, many of which he led himself. He was a caravan raider (a bandit) and captured, traded in and owned slaves (by the way, will liberals suggest slave-owning Mohammed be diminished, as theyve done with our founders?). He ordered massacres, used torture and had dissidents assassinated. In 627 AD, he beheaded more than 600 men and boys of the Qurayza tribe in Medina, Arabia, thus wiping it off the map. He also was a polygamist and made it lawful for masters to have sexual relations with their female captives. So, clearly, if todays Islamic jihadists arent true Muslims, neither was Mohammed. But since we know the Perfect Man was the truest of Muslims, thenwell, you can finish the sentence. Yet when analyzing Muslim motivations, the influence of Mohammeds character is generally subordinated to that of Islamic teachings (most of which come from Mohammed). And even here, people generally make the mistake of focusing only on the Koran, unaware that its a mere 16 percent of the Islamic canon. The majority of it comprises the Hadiths and Sira. This is noteworthy because while 9 percent of the Koran is devoted to jihad and political violence, 21 percent of the Hadiths is and a whopping 67 percent of the Sira is devoted to it, according to Bill Warner, Director of the Center for the Study of Political Islam. This is why Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut wrote in 2015 that violence and domination are deeply rooted...and sanctioned with promises of rewards in Islam, and, consequently, fundamentalists will always find people to excite and people to persecute. The distribution of violent injunctions in these books helps explain something else. A German study involving 45,000 teens found that while increasing religiosity made Christian youth less violent, increasing religiosity made Muslim youth more violent. This makes sense. A nominal Catholic may know a few verses from the Bible, but only a devout one scours it and, in addition, will read his catechism. Likewise, a casual Muslim might know a little bit from the Koran. A serious one will soak it all in and delve into the Hadiths and Sira as well and be exposed to all the violent injunctions therein. Even more to the point here, however, these two sets of works together comprise the majority of the Sunnah, which is, as Islaamnet.com explains, The legal way or ways, orders, acts of worship and statements of the Prophet, that are ideals and models to be followed by Muslims (emphasis added). It is all about Mohammeds words and deeds. The significance of this cannot be overemphasized. Virtues (and vices) are caught more than theyre taught; actions speak louder than words. Thus are Christians more likely to ask What would Jesus do? than What does the Bible say? Thus are they more likely to counsel Reflect Christ than Reflect Matthew 22:37. Oh, the Bible is wonderful, and Matthew 22:37 is one of its most memorable parts. But examples are more powerful than instructions. Muslims role model, their Perfect Man, is very different from Jesus in type of influence but not in degree of influence. As Warner points out, The Koran says 91 different times that Mohammed's is the perfect pattern of life. It is much more important to know Mohammed than the Koran. Thus is Mohammed (and its spelling variants) the worlds most common male name, belonging to approximately 150 million men and boys. And theres a reason why pious Muslims write PBUH (Peace be unto him) after his name and why theyll riot if hes portrayed in a cartoon. He is, in a sense, the human face of Allah. Islaamnet.com makes this clear, writing that when Allaah says: Whosoever obeys the Messenger [Mohammed], has indeed obeyed Allaah (Surah An-Nisa 4:80), it should be clear that one has obeyed Allaah by obeying the Messenger. Islaamnet also informs that Allah commanded, It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decreed by Allah and His Messenger to have any choice in the matter. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger he is clearly astray (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:36). This Messenger is, again, that warlord, bandit, mass murderer, employer of torture, polygamist and slaver trader and master. Worse still, its not that Muslims always rationalize away or attempt to whitewash this history. The truly devout ones may consider these actions when directed toward non-Muslims to be good because the actions have been sanctioned by their perceived author of right and wrong, Allah, and his messenger. So people sometimes talk about reforming Islam, but this would require reforming Mohammed himself. How? You cannot resurrect him and have him live his life over. Among the founders of extant major or quasi-major religions/philosophical systems Lao Tzu, Confucius, Buddha, etc. Mohammed stands alone, being a tyrant-cum-teacher. Of course, he doesnt stand alone in history; Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane and many others paved similar bloody paths. As with them, he was largely a man of his time and place. But to more than a billion people, hes also the perfect man even in our time and place. And thats the point. After all, if someone told you Attila the Hun was the perfect man and his role model, would you turn your back on that person? Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter or log on to SelwynDuke.com CARACAS -- With 65 dead in the last 60 days of marching in the streets, it's worth looking at what these protests are really about: a constitutional crisis that strikes at the heart of rule of law in Venezuela. This is more important than the food shortages, the dissident harassment, the crime and corruption or any of the other factors that also fuel the protests. Basically, freedom itself is at stake. Venezuela's constitution, which is the basis of its rule of law, is under fire as never before. To take one example, Venezuela's attorney general declared a Constitutional Court sentence unconstitutional, and thus ruptured the country's long constitutional tradition. After that usurpation of power, the constitution was effectively rewritten on President Nicolas Maduro's intervention, putting an end to the separation of powers that has always been integral to rule of law in Venezuela. For that alone, Venezuelans are protesting, and Maduro finds himself rejected by 80% of Venezuelans according to polls. But the constitutional crisis has more than one dimension. Despite the judicial meddling described above, Maduro also proposed drafting an entirely new constitution even though a simple reading of three of the articles of the present one do not let him do it unauthorized. But, Venezuelas Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court confirmed he can do it on the grounds that "he is the people. It shows that Venezuela's constitutional crisis has come a long way from its orgins as an apparently normal document. How did it come to this? It happened when the late President Hugo Chavez in 1999 first asked Venezuelans if they wanted a new constitution and held a referendum about it. In that vote, the people said 'yes' and after it was drafted there was an Approval Referendum. Because the people said 'yes' again, that is how the current constitution came to be. Then in 2007, when Chavez submitted changes to the 1999 Constitution, in another approval referendum, the people said 'no' to his proposal. Whatever its merits, it worked tolerably well institutionally. There are three constitutional articles at stake in this current crisis: Article 5 that says the power belongs to the people by their votes and its not transferable. Article 348 says the president has the initiative to ask people if they want a new constitution accompanied by basic considerations such as how many people are going to be elected to the Constitutional Assembly, or the time they are going to be deliberating among other matters. Then a third article, number 347, says the people are the ones who decide if they want a new constitution. Only after people say 'yes' to a Consultation Referendum, can the process continue. The president changed all of these norms when he said he did not need to ask people if they wanted a new constitution. After the Electoral Boards silence, the seven Magistrates of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, the judges who interpret the constitution, sided with the president, ruling that the president represents the people so there is no need to ask. After this decision, the attorney general asked the magistrates to clarify and explain how they interpret the constitution so as to transfer the power of the peoples voting rights to decide to draft a new constitution to the president. There is little chance the magistrates are going to respond because they are not obligated. The two constitutional breaches described are so ridiculous that even fifth-grade elementary textbooks, which currently say that to have a new constitution there must be two referenda, one to ask the people if they want a new one and another to get their approval with the draft, will need to be rewritten. Maduros route was to go directly to the Electoral Board, which is in theory an independent branch although it has significant ties to the government, asking them to go ahead with his proposal. The board said 'yes, Mr. President lets do it,' failing to use their criteria and powers to block the presidents wish because he wasnt asking the people first, just as any fifth grader would have been taught. Making things worse, Maduro said that after he got the changes he wanted, there would be a Consultation Referendum instead of an Approval Referendum, the difference being that the first is not binding in case people say 'no.' People are not dumb. They know Maduro is backed by a bought-and-paid-for military directed by Cubans and another army of seven magistrates of whom nobody knows how they got their law diplomas, their masters' degrees, and their doctorates. This is why at least 50% of the 80% of the people that are against Maduro have gone out at least one day during the last two months to protest in the streets and many have gone out much more. What's at stake now is the last chance to keep Venezuelans' freedom and not be another Cuba or communist-style country. Venezuela's protestors don't want a country whose contitutions can be manipulated and changed at will, and where the only solid reality is that the countrys rulers are chosen by Cubanized party elite inside the government. That is a privilege that belongs to the people alone, and by their marching, the Venezuelans are showing that they know it. Javier Caceres is the editor of notiven.com, a leading opposition Internet site located in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1604, Shakespeare presented Othello to the world. The year before, in 1603, the Scottish king, James, ascended the throne of England. Othello is an adaptation of earlier stories, but Shakespeare applied his genius to greatly deepen the human drama. Shakespeare needed to create a villain who was the ultimate evil. At the time, Spain was England's mortal enemy. Therefore, the villain must be Spanish. If the wise, benevolent, and pious James was the epitome of rectitude, why, then, the Spanish villain must be the polar opposite of James. The name "James" is the Scottish (and sometimes English) equivalent of the Hebrew Jacob. In Spain, James is "Iago." Othello's Spanish villain must therefore be Iago the antithesis of James. Throughout the play, until the very end, Iago does no physical harm to anyone. His wounds, deep though they are, are made with words. Iago lies. Iago misdirects. Iago plants false evidence. Iago is slippery as slime. In all this, Iago pretends to be everyone's friend and counselor. James Comey's intentions and methods are remarkably similar to Iago's. Like Iago, Comey, all along, evidently intended to block Trump's election. During the presidential campaign, Comey did everything in his power to shield Hillary. After the election, slippery Comey switched to a campaign to destroy his new boss President Trump. Now, Othello is a Moor, an African. For all his military brilliance, Othello is an outsider not a member of the club. Othello is elected by the Venetian Senate to shepherd Venice through an existential crises posed by the army and navy of the Turks. Many in the Venetian aristocracy must have resented outsider Othello's rise to command. Iago would likely have many sympathetic friends who would listen to his poisonous thinking. These people could be easily manipulated, as they are. Donald Trump is an outsider. Trump was elected to shepherd our nation through an existential crisis promulgated by his predecessor. Although he is a phenomenally successful self-made businessman, and therefore exceedingly intelligent, he is not a member of the Washington Club. The Club has, from the beginning of his campaign, violently rejected him. Like Othello, Trump must be metaphorically assassinated. So Comey plans and plots. He enlists the press with carefully arranged leaks. In this, like Iago, Comey enlists his friend to do the dirty deed. Comey lies by commission and, much worse, by omission. Comey censors information. He knows that Trump is innocent of any wrongdoing but refuses to tell this essential fact to the world. President Trump is hung out to dry with the media's fantastical fabrications. In the end, after he has done the maximum possible damage to Othello, Iago is shown to be a coward. Comey too, in his testimony before Congress, has shown himself to be a coward a whining coward. Shakespeare had deep insight into the many types of humanity. In Othello, he left us a model to understand what is happening today. It is remarkable that the same patterns of courage and villainy that Shakespeare knew appear today in different individuals. James Comey has proven himself a villain in the mold of Iago. Iago is just another name for James. I believe that it is appropriate, therefore, to start calling Comey Iago Comey. May this name stick and bring him everlasting shame. "Personnel is policy" is an old truism that applies to the staffing decisions of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Jonathan Turley, an esteemed constitutional scholar who is an honest liberal, examines a telling hire, Michael Dreeben, a deputy in the solicitor general's office. Dreeben, Turley informs us, argued to the Supreme Court for an expansive interpretation of obstruction of justice, one that would blur intent. The details are technical, and Professor Turley's explanation is characteristically lucid. He sums it up at the end with a vivid analogy: Dreeben's selection is a lot like seeing an opposing kingdom hiring designers of seige [sic] or breaching towers in the Middle Ages. It is hard not to assume that they are meant to overcome your walls of defense. Indeed, from the perspective of defense counsel, bringing in Dreeben at this point is like sitting outside of the Trump castle building a breaching tower and insisting that there is nothing to see here . . . it is just for the view. Brendan Kirby at Lifezette notes a number of substantial Democrat donors on the small staff: Four top lawyers hired by Mueller have contributed tens of thousands of dollars over the years to the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates, including former President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump's 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton. There is an actual member of The Clinton Machine: One of the hires, Jeannie Rhee, also worked as a lawyer for the Clinton Foundation and helped persuade a federal judge to block a conservative activist's attempts to force Bill and Hillary Clinton to answer questions under oath about operations of the family-run charity. Campaign-finance reports show that Rhee gave Clinton the maximum contributions of $2,700 in 2015 and again last year to support her presidential campaign. She also donated $2,300 to Obama in 2008 and $2,500 in 2011. While still at the Justice Department, she gave $250 to the Democratic National Committee Services Corp. Now that James Comey is part of the investigation, Mueller has a conflict of interest. Byron York in the Washington Examiner: Comey is a good friend of special counsel Robert Mueller such a good friend, for about 15 years now, that the two men have been described as "brothers in arms." Their work together during the controversies over Bush-era terrorist surveillance has been characterized as "deepening a friendship forged in the crucible of the highest levels of the national security apparatus after the 9/11 attacks," after which the men became "close partners and close allies throughout the years ahead." People's Pundit Daily points out that the Justice Department's ethics code prohibits such an appointment: According to Section II(c) of the DOJ Government Ethics Outline: No DOJ employee may participate in a criminal investigation or prosecution if he has a personal or political relationship with any person or organization substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution, or who would be directly affected by the outcome. It is well-established that Mr. Comey and Mr. Mueller have a close professional and personal relationship. In 2013, The Washingtonian detailed that close professional and personal history in Forged Under FireBob Mueller and Jim Comey's Unusual Friendship. I hope A.G. Sessions will address this in his testimony today. Prepare yourself for the coming debate over whether Mueller should be let go if he doesn't recuse himself. The overwhelming consensus is that it would raise Watergate and convulse the country. One must note that the overwhelming consensus has been wrong on what Donald Trump should do more often than not. But I will leave that topic for another post. The latest confirmation of the Obama administration's support of Iran's terrorist activities was provided to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 8, 2017 by David Asher, who for many years worked with the United States government on counter-terrorist financing-related issues. According to Asher, "[i]n narrow pursuit of the P5+1 agreement, the administration ... systematically disbanded any ... action ... to dismantle Hezb'allah and the Iran 'Action Network' ... [for fear these would] derail the administration's policy agenda focused on Iran." Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), who chairs the committee, denounced the Obama administration in April 2016 for allowing Iran "to launder dollars while the administration looked the other way." The hearing he held last week aimed at finding new ways to curb Iran's and Hezb'allah's international crime syndicates that fund its terrorist activities. One day before the Senate voted on advancing the "Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017," former secretary of state John Kerry argued against "the danger" of new sanctions. "Our bellicosity is pushing them into a corner," and the imposition of new sanctions after old ones were relaxed with Obama's deal with Iran could be seen as a "provocation" by Iran, he warned. His former counterpart, Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, followed suit, calling the newly proposed sanctions "repugnant." Obama is no longer the president, but Democrats in Congress continue his "Iran first" legacy. Last week, 92 senators voted to advance with the Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 to impose new sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, enforce arms embargoes, and block assets of individuals engaged in terrorism and human rights violations in Iran. The six senators who voted against, Carper (D-Del.); Durbin (D-Ill.); Feinstein (D-Calif.); Gillibrand (D-N.Y.); Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sanders (I-Vt.), argued in favor of postponing the vote "as a goodwill gesture" to the Iranians after last week's ISIS attack on the Parliament and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's shrine in Tehran. Incredibly, Sen. Carper called to "hit the pause button," suggesting that the sanctions would be akin to "rubbing salt into a wound[.] ... [L]et's wait a few days and consider what to do." Displaying his lack of minimal understanding of the mullahs' terrorist regime, he argued, "If we were in their shoes, I think we would appreciate that gesture." One wonders why Sen. Carper and his colleagues continue to call for "goodwill gestures" toward Iran, which has unfailingly proven its hostility to the U.S. The Obama "Iran first" policy followers in Congress have been demonstrating a dangerous delusion that Iran, which supports global terrorism; advances its own and North Korea's nuclear agendas; and encourages mobs chanting "Death to America," "Death to Israel," and "Death to Saudi Arabia" is a friend, not a cunning, maniacal enemy of the U.S. The savvy Iranians are quick to adopt the pro-Iran Democrats' phrases when protesting U.S. sanctions. On Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, echoed Sen. Carper, saying the new sanctions show "lack of goodwill." Another Iranian official, like former secretary Kerry, claimed that Iran sees the new sanctions as "shameful" and in violation of "the principle of goodwill and successful implementation of the JCPOA." To ease economic sanction and payments to Iran and to sidestep Congress, James Clapper, Obama's director of National Intelligence, removed Iran and Hezb'allah as sponsors of terrorism from the "Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Communities" in February 2015. The loud criticism of this report, apparently, kept both on the U.S. government designation as terrorists, but the money to Iran kept flowing. On January 16, 2016, when Obama announced the signing of the JCPOA, he did not mention that Iran will be allowed to trade in U.S. dollars through offshore dollar clearing. "The president instructed to change the venue through which Iran could access and launder the U.S. dollar, all the while admitting that some of that money will be used to advance the terrorist agenda of terrorist-designated Islamic Republic of Iran." John Kerry has acknowledged publicly that money given to Iran would be given to terrorists. On October 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department updated its "Frequently Asked Questions Relating to the Lifting of Certain U.S. Sanctions Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," which allowed foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) financial institutions to engage in offshore U.S. dollar clearing "as long as U.S. financial institutions were not involved" and as long as they "ensure[d] that a counterparty is not owned more than 50% by the IRGC or its affiliates/agents." The new sanctions on Iran should prevent any money going to any business, organizations, and individuals involved in the regime's overt and covert military operations. The Trump administration's efforts to curb Iran's activities would also be helped by finding out how much money the Obama administration funneled to Iran and its proxies since he took office in 2009. Sometimes, it's hard not to get depressed about events unfolding around us. Partisan hate, scheming politicians, crony capitalists, implacable terrorists, and loony lefties all conspire to instill a sense of dread when we peruse the news every morning. But every once in a while, an inspiring story comes to our attention that temporarily banishes feelings of desolation and gives us hope that all is not lost that what we are fighting for is good and just and that the world will be better if we prevail. Seven-year-old Rosalyn Baldwin of Hammond, Louisiana is on an epic mission of courage and love. She plans to hug a police officer in all 50 states. Her reason is as simple and pure as only a child can fathom. Chicago Sun-Times: "I'm here to hug the police officers," Rosalyn Baldwin told reporters gathered at the scene. "Because of what they've done for us some people are, like, mean to them and I want to make them feel better." Rosalyn walked through a swarm of reporters, occasionally hugging one by accident, before finding her intended targets. The bit of positive media comes on the heels of a warm weekend in which six people were killed and at least 37 others were wounded in shootings across the city. Rosalyn, unable to hug mounted officers on their horses, blew them kisses. Mounted Officer Robin Popelka was touched by the girl's kindness. "It's wonderful, such a brave young little girl who cares so much to travel so far and share love with us and let us know that we are loved," she said. What motivated Rosalyn to travel the country hugging cops? Rosalyn's mother, Angie Baldwin, said Rosalyn began asking to go around the country to hug cops after she learned that six officers had been shot in Baton Rouge last year three fatally and saw protests against police roil parts of the country. "She'd tell me, 'just because there's one bad apple in the bunch doesn't mean the whole bunch needs to be thrown out," Baldwin recalled. And a child shall lead them. "She said, 'Momma, I prayed and God told me I need to hug all the officers," Baldwin said. "I said, "Can we maybe send some post cards?' But then I realized I was lessening her mission and I shouldn't do that." "I have to practice what I preach," she said. All of us can be pretty cynical at times, especially when it comes to kids and politics. Our children have been manipulated and used as props in political theater, not to mention the constant invocation of their well-being by politicians who want us to spend this or enact that "for the children." It's difficult to see where there's any artifice involved in Rosalyn's courageous kindness. In case you were wondering, at least part of her trip is being financed through a GoFundMe page. She has raised about $4,000 of her modest goal of $7,000. She's going to need more than that to travel to all 50 states. I urge you to post to your Facebook and other social media pages, urging everyone to donate. And Rosalyn, hug a cop for me, please. There was an extremely important hearing in Congress a day before the James Comey hearing last week that almost no one heard about, because the majority of newspapers and networks didn't cover it. It was not about fictional Russian collusion or non-obstruction (the investigation went on unimpeded). It concerned the death in 2010 of a border guard, Brian Terry, at the hands of a criminal whose gun was sold to him by the Obama administration. The ATF, Justice Department and White House colluded for years to block (obstruct) the public and the family of Terry from learning the truth. Then-attorney general Eric Holder even committed perjury. There was a whistleblower at the hearing. The media and the Democrats showed throughout that hearing that they never cared about the man's death, and their lack of interest in this hearing shows that their apathy continues. From the following article: The House Oversight Committee let loose with a scathing assessment of Eric Holder in a recent report, accusing the Barack Obama-era attorney general of outright misleading Congress on its investigation of the "Fast and Furious" gun-running scandal. And get this. Among the report's 300 pages is the committee's finding that Holder regarded the family of murdered Border Patrol agent Brian Terry as a "nuisance." Terry, of course, was killed in December 2010 by a firearm believed to be part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Operation Fast and Furious program. But key details of his death are fuzzy like the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. "More than five years after Brian's murder, the Terry family still wonders about key details of Operation Fast and Furious," the report reads, Fox News reported "The Justice Department's obstruction of Congress's investigation contributed to the Terry family's inability to find answers." Terry's death was supposedly the incident that led to revelation of Fast and Furious the program that saw the feds turn blind eyes to 2,000 or so firearms illegally purchased by drug smugglers, in hopes of tracing them to cartel big-wigs. Sadly, the feds then lost track of 1,400 or so of these weapons two of which turned up at Terry's crime scene. Holder told investigators he didn't know of this program before Terry's murder. But report authors say that's just not true. Obama did everything he could for four years to keep the public and the family of Brian Terry from seeing documents from Operation Fast and Furious. From the following article: "Four years after asserting executive privilege to block Congress from obtaining documents relating to a controversial federal gun trafficking investigation, President Barack Obama relented Friday, turning over to lawmakers thousands of pages of records that led to unusual House votes holding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt in 2012," Politico's Josh Gerstein wrote on Friday. Fast and Furious remains the only scandal over which this president has used executive privilege power to hide documents from congressional investigators. Obama did not use the highly controversial power in any other scandal, including the following: Benghazi, IRS, Department of Justice phone-tapping, Pigford, General Services Administration (GSA), Solyndra, LightSquared, or EPA administrator email aliases. In the Operation Fast and Furious scandal, the Obama administration let guns "walk"or be trafficked without surveillance or any plan to regain control of them into the hands of Mexican drug cartel criminals. As many as 2,000 high-powered rifles walked into Mexico as part of the scheme, and they were used to kill many Mexican citizens and even U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. Now, after House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) investigators have been litigating for years after Obama's now former Attorney General Eric Holder was held in both criminal and civil contempt of Congress, the president has dropped his executive privilege claim over the documents. The civil contempt of Congress resolution sparked this lawsuit against the administration while the criminal contempt resolution would have led to charges against Holder, but the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia declined to press forward with prosecution. Holder has since resigned at Attorney General. Several other administration officials resigned over this scandal. There was an obvious theme through Obama's eight years that some lives didn't matter. If your death interfered with Obama's legacy or agenda, it just wasn't important. He had a sycophant media and Democrats who went along. Whether you were a Border Patrol agent, or a DNC staffer shot in the back, or people killed by illegal immigrants, or people killed by terrorists, or a U.S. ambassador and his staff killed in Libya by al-Qaeda, the media and Democrats showed little interest, since these atrocities never advanced the Obama agenda. With the border guard, the A.G. actually committed perjury, and no one asked him to resign. With the DNC staffer, there has been little interest so far in what seem to be legitimate questions about why he was shot dead. When people are killed by illegal immigrants, the media mostly ignore the story because sanctuary cities are safe. When an ambassador is killed by terrorists, the president, his secretary of state, and others literally made up stories about a video. The truth would hurt because an election was coming and Obama had said terrorists were on the run. A couple months after the attack, then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton asked "what difference, at this point, does it make" how they died. (It is a shame that the smartest woman in the world didn't know why it mattered.) To this day, the media and the Democrats have not cared what Obama did on the night of Sept. 11, 2012, when he didn't lift a finger to help Americans under attack. As for general attacks by terrorists, which were up throughout the world during Obama's eight years, we were told climate change is more dangerous than terrorism. I am sure the people who died wouldn't agree. Obama and the media did put some deaths to use. When Michael Brown was shot in Ferguson, Mo., in a clearly justified killing by a white police officer, a fictitious "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" narrative began. The Obama administration and the media were able to foment racial anger and hatred of cops even though the shooting was justified. We had riots, damage, and police shootings because of this false narrative that the media willingly spread. From the day of the shooting, the media sought to destroy the white police officer. The media, Obama, and the Democrats obviously didn't care about Darren Wilson (the police officer) or his family. They had a narrative to push. Today they are out to destroy Donald Trump and his family every day because they have an agenda to push, once again, not because of any illegality. Michelle Obama has said the Democrats take the high road when campaigning. That could not be farther from the truth. Democrats seek to destroy (they are the party of personal destruction) opponents of their agenda and stifle their speech. A few days before Obama was elected, he said he wanted to remake America. What is truly a danger to our freedom and democracy are the significant majority of reporters who also seek to destroy those who disagree with Democrats. The media pick and choose what to report, the slant to put on the story, and what not to report. The Terry murder and hearing should have been titillating to all investigative reporters (especially Watergate lovers), yet there was almost universal silence. That shows pure ideology, not an interest in the truth. We should all remember Brian Terry because the media and Democrats won't. It is too bad he wasn't killed by a Tea Party member who belonged to the NRA. Then we would have heard the story continuously. We know the type: aging feminist socialist spinsters who have nothing else to do but make other people's lives miserable with constant multi-cultural rants and harping on the male dominated hierarchy or some such. So where to find happiness in their frustrating and demented existence, outside providing coffee and donuts at an antifa riot? Well, the womyn social justice warriors in Sweden have come up with a solution. According to the Narrative Collapse, many of these womyn join the ranks of the social services agencies to have sex with immigrant men. These women are being called "Batikhaxor," which is sometimes translated into English as "Dye Witch." It is a derogatory Swedish slang term for an unattractive woman who is an outspoken advocate of feminism and political correctness. Similar to what is called a "Social Justice Warrior" in the USA, but specifically for older women. Some in the Swedish media are even accusing the womyn of exploiting the teenagers for sex. Something like this may normally be reserved for the supermarket tabloids, but in this case, it impacts Sweden's national security and the safety of communities and families, especially when the mentally ill Dye Witch snaps: The ongoing double-murder trial of Johanna Moller has brought the scandal to the forefront. Moller is accused of having an Afghan refugee murder her husband and father. During the trial, it has been alleged that she routinely plied underage refugees with drugs and alcohol and had sex with them. She even took naked pictures with them, which were leaked to the press. ... The communist website Black Spot published an explosive anonymous column from a female social worker stating that it is common to have sex with young male refugees. The anonymous columnist says that the males are traumatized and the sex is therapeutic for them. The ongoing scandal has sparked accusations that so-called "Batikhaxor" are not driven by ideological convictions, but by hedonism and lust. What could be a better deal for a young male refugee? Immigrate to Sweden, get a visa, a place to live, a welfare check, and have sex with your caseworker while you're waiting to scope out younger and prettier targets in town. So congratulations to the men of Sweden. The chickens of your passivity have come home to roost. John Smith is the pen name of a former U.S. intelligence officer. Suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the Iranian regime's parliament and the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, in Tehran on Wednesday morning, June 7. The so-called Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks. Despite ISIS claiming responsibility for the attacks, when the dust settles, they serve the interests of the theocratic regime. Several questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the attacks, which the Iranian regime must answer. For example, how could the attackers just walk into the parliament protected by the IRGC and plainclothes agents, when even journalists and visitors are not allowed to bring a pen or mobile phone? Why does the suicide bomber attacking the mausoleum detonate the suicide vest in an empty park? The Iranian regime needs to pretend to be a victim of terrorism. Considering the fact that the U.S. has increased pressure on the theocratic regime through a looming designation of the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization, the regime in Tehran needs to deceive the international community e.g., by diverting attention from Tehran's own terrorist activities in the region. Senior regime officials and IRGC commanders are already citing the attacks to increase Tehran's malign and destabilizing intervention in the Middle East by dispatching more forces to Syria and Iraq. It is worth pointing out that on the same day that the attacks happened, the U.S. Senate had planned to vote for new sanctions over the Iranian regime's ballistic missile program, human rights record, and funding of terrorist organizations involved in the Middle East. Not surprisingly, the proponents of appeasing the regime in Tehran and its lobbyists in the U.S. pointed to the attacks and demanded that the senators abandon the debate and cancel the vote that would put more pressure on Tehran to alter Iran's unacceptable behavior at home and abroad. However, the senators saw through this deceptive claim and voted 72 to 7 to move forward on the sanctions bill. President Trump in a tweet rightly distinguished between the Iranian people and their theocratic oppressors, highlighting that the regime is the main sponsor of terrorism and that the real victims of these attacks are the innocent people of Iran. The Iranian regime was furious and tried to deflect this reality by blaming the U.S. and its Gulf ally Saudi Arabia for the ISIS attacks. It is interesting to note that immediately after the attacks, one of the Iranian regime's staunchest lobby organizations in the U.S., officially known as the NIAC, begun to justify this line. "And you'll have a context that makes it possible for IRGC to seemingly connect Trump to Saudi, and Saudi to the #Tehran terror attack," Trita Parsi, NIAC president, said on Twitter. After the failure of the IRGC's favorite candidate in the recent presidential election in Iran, the entire theocracy is at an impasse, fearing upcoming uprisings and anti-regime protests by the Iranian people. Therefore, the IRGC, "the protector of the Islamic revolution and the theocratic system," needs to create a security atmosphere to suppress popular protests in order to crush the domestic dissent and manage the internal feuding among different factions of the regime. The ISIS attacks provide a timely pretext to do just that, especially at a time that has seen growing popular protests in various Iranian cities, in particular in front of the parliament in Tehran, against poor living conditions, the abysmal economic situation, and bankruptcy of Caspian, an IRGC-affiliated credit and financial institution that saw hundreds of thousands of ordinary Iranians losing their life savings. Now the Intelligence Ministry has banned any protests or gatherings in front of the parliament, citing the attacks. It is a known fact that during the civil war in Syria, only the Iranian regime has profited from ISIS's existence. Similarly, it is now a result of the claimed ISIS attacks in Tehran to intensify domestic repression and step up malign intervention in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the Iranian people are as usual the real victims of the theocracy's Machiavellian policy. The West should not fall for this deception and allow the regime to depict itself as a victim of terrorism. In the aftermath of the attacks, the international community must stand with the Iranian people and not their theocratic oppressors by supporting the former's democratic aspirations and holding the regime accountable for its support for terrorism. Freelance journalist Hamid Bahrami is a former political prisoner in Iran. He is a human rights and political activist. With the new U.S. administration blueprinting its Iran policy after escalating developments in Syria and the recent attacks in Tehran, one major battleground between the two arch-rivals is set to be Yemen. Sitting at the opening of a major waterway through which a significant amount of the world's seabound oil flows, this country of 27 million has been war-torn and desperately grappling with a famine currently risking the lives of 7 million people. All the while, Iran and its offspring terror organization, the Lebanese Hezb'allah, are escalating their meddling in a war that has already left more than 10,000 killed and literally leveled the country's already poor infrastructure. And while the United Nations has issued pleas for support to boost the efforts of humanitarian aid organizations, signs show that Iran and its Houthi proxies are ignoring these calls. The larger picture of the Middle East power struggle is casting a long shadow over this entire nation. It is, however, worth noting that the Saudi-led coalition welcomed a U.N. proposal to hand the port city of Hodeidah, currently the country's lifeline, to a neutral third party to supervise the urgent flow of humanitarian aid into Yemen. The Iran-backed Ansar Allah militia group, aka the Houthis, will most likely turn down the proposals. Such a handover would render the loss of their last remaining port in Yemen, choking the flow of Iran-supplied arms and ammunition. It is a known fact that Iran's involvement in Yemen is in line with its broader strategy of encircling the entire Arabian peninsula and upping pressure on its regional arch-rival, Saudi Arabia. Iran seeks the destabilization of the Gulf States and to ultimately obtain the capability of replacing these governments with rulers loyal to the Islamic Republic's doctrine. Iraq is a vivid example of how Iran usurped the opportunity of the 2003 invasion to cast its shadow over this nation, especially during the eight years of former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki and eight years of Obama's Chamberlain-style appeasement. This is the very philosophy behind establishing and procuring terror cells with the objective of purging government officials and staging attacks targeting the infrastructure of various states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Bahrain, particularly, in March busted a terrorist cell linked to Hezb'allah and Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). It is a known fact that the IRGC and Hezb'allah are present in Yemen, with their troops and foot soldiers fighting alongside Houthis, parallel to providing much needed training and advice to these forces. The number of Hezb'allah fighters being captured is on the rise, with such statistics in the first three months of 2017 matching the entire course of 2016. The death toll of Hezb'allah and IRGC forces also escalated in the first quarter of 2017. More Iranian equipment across scattered front lines in Yemen is being discovered by advancing Yemeni and Saudi forces. Further concerning is the fact that Iranian weapons convoys and shipments, consisting of drones and high-tech missiles, have been intercepted on the Yemen-Oman border. Maritime traffic snaking the Yemeni coast lengthwise has experienced a dangerous rise in attacks staged by the Iranian IRGC and Hezb'allah. Advisers to these two sources are busily training Houthis how to develop sophisticated drone boats packed with explosives and how to lay mines in Yemen's Red and Arabian Sea waters. Recent reports in the media shed light on the Houthis launching their first such attack, targeting an oil tanker in the southern Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Assailants of unknown identity fired rocket-propelled grenades a favorite tactic of insurgents at the 70,362-ton M.T. Muskie, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, using the strategic waterway heading into the Red Sea entrance, according to Reuters. Involvement in the attack was denied by the Houthis, despite a history of evidence showing these Iran-supplemented proxies staging attacks on various navy vessels using the narrow water passage. The Houthis are also known to have direct interest in disturbing the flow of Bab el-Mandeb's maritime traffic to provide Tehran unprecedented influence over the Red Sea and up north to the Suez Canal. As tensions continue to escalate in this vital corner of the globe, it becomes imperative for the international community, and especially U.S. allies in the region, to take urgent action against Iran's meddling, with the aim of curbing its dangerous influence and establishing peace and tranquility in the Middle East. Heshmat Alavi is a political and rights activist. His writing focuses on Iran, including human rights violations, social crackdown, the regime's support for terrorism and meddling in foreign countries, and the controversial nuclear program. He tweets at @HeshmatAlavi and blogs at IranCommentary. 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The DUP is the only mainstream party to oppose the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The Boston Globe told its readers in 2003 that the Good Friday Agreement was one of Bill Clintons foreign policy triumphs. The DUP were on the wrong side of histoy. Which bring us to WikiLeaks yes, I know which has published a cable it claims was sent to Hillary Clinton on May 7 2010. In it Sydney Blumenthal, an unofficial adviser to Ms Clinton, reportedly headlined the email to the then US Secretary of State H: HERE IT IS! WHATS REALLY GOING ON. SID. The sub-head added: The Downing Street meeting today. Gordon [PM Gordon Brown] is doing whatever he can to hold on to power. Shaun [Northern Ireland secretary Shaun Woodward], for his part, is working on an economic package for Northern Ireland to win support from the DUP and other parties for Laboura package to be proposed in the Queens Speech. The DUP, those crackpots albeit ones voted for in a free and legal election were in the near past Labours great hope. Spotter: Paul Gallagher Anorak Posted: 13th, June 2017 | In: Politicians, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink (ANSA) - Rome, June 12 - The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) flopped in local polls across Italy Sunday as the old centre-left and centre-right blocs returned to the fore in major cities. The centre left won Palermo with Leoluca Orlando and was ahead in Verona going into the second round in two weeks's time while the centre right was ahead in a long-time leftwing fief, Genoa, as well as in Taranto. In L'Aquila, the Abruzzo capital, the centre left was ahead while in the Calabrian capital of Catanzaro the centre right was in the lead. In Parma the ex-M5S mayor, Federico Pizzarotti, looked as if he will probably be returned over the centre left with his old party polling very low. In Palermo Orlando of the ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD) won his sixth straight term as first citizen of the Sicilian capital with 46% of the vote, benefitting from a winner's bar of 40% in Sicily, compared to 50% in the rest of the country. PD secretariat coordinator Lorenzo Guerini said "the PD held, we are satisfied" while acknowledging that a successful local alliance with ex-PD group the MDP will be harder to replicate at a national level. Rightwing populist Northern League (LN) leader Matteo Salvini said the results showed that a centre-right alliance with ex-premier Suilvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia (FI) was "possible, but only if the LN leads it". Salvini said that for the next general election "we will do our utmost to forge a coalition that is as compact as possible" with FI. "If Berlusconi wants centre right unity, he should choose the first-past-the-post system," Salvini added. The anti-immigrant, anti-euro FN is vying with FI as top party on the centre right and Salvini is vying with Berlusconi to lead the coalition. Salvini went on to claim "the only one defeated" was PD leader and ex-premier Matteo Renzi who, the FN leader said, "was forced to hide behind civic tickets." Salvini said "I don't understand why the PD is cheering the alleged defeat of the 5-Star Movement. "For me, they (the M5S), did better than them (the PD)." Salvini said the PD had gone down to a "crushing" defeat in one-time fief Genoa. M5S leader Beppe Grillo denied it had flopped, saying its opponents were "deluding themselves". "The M5S was the most present political force in this electoral round. The other parties camouflaged themselves, above all the PD (Democratic Party) which presented itself in around half the constituencies the M5S did," he said. "The results are a sign of slow but inexorable growth", Grillo said. Renzi retorted that the PD had had "good results" and wished elected mayors and second-round runners "all the best", but said that he had decided to visit the quake-hit Lazio villages of Amatrice and Accumoli instead of conducting an electoral post-mortem. Renzi's trip, along with Lazio Governor Nixola Zingaretti, was a surprise. Some nine million Italians went to the polls Sunday in over 1,000 municipalities. The turnout was low at just over 60%, sharply down on the last such elections. photo: Orlando Libya: fishing, 'Nicosia' cooperation initiative in Trieste Three days of meetings, promoted by the EU (ANSAmed) - TRIESTE, JUNE 13 - Developing fishing in Libya through the cooperation between the institutions of the north-eastern Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia and authorities in the North African country is the aim of a three-day event in Trieste which is part of the initiative on June 15-18 called ''Nicosia'' - from the name of the capital of Cyprus where it was organized - promoted by the EU through the committee of regions. The mayors of Tobruk, Tripoli, Sirte, Benghazi and other cities in Libya will attend the gathering. During the meeting and visits on the ground, participants will discuss issues including water culture, culture of mollusks, the preservation of the environment, the commercialization of products, the preservation of health. IPresenting the event, the president of the Regional Council, Franco Iacop, said the region is the ''first in Italy to host such initiative'' after Spain, Portugal and Belgium. According to Iacop, ''fishing can be an important occasion for economic development and a tassel of reconstruction of the territory and stabilization of Libya. If opportunities of development and earning an income will be created for the population on the coasts of Africa, it will also be possible to regulate migration flows''. Representatives of local communities called for strong economic cooperation in the fishing sector. Stefano Sotgia, a member of the EU delegation for Libya, has stressed the possibility of ''giving an alternative to youths thanks to the richness of the Libyan sea and Europe's need for imports''. (ANSAmed). Limit Rome migrant presence Raggi tells prefect 'Moratorium' on new arrivals (ANSAmed) - Rome, June 13 - Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi on Tuesday asked the interior ministry for a moratorium on new migrant arrivals in the Italian capital, given the "strong migratory presence and the continual flow of foreign citizens". Writing to Rome Prefect Paola Basilone, Raggi said "I find it impossible, as well as risky, to hypothesise further reception facilities, which would moreover have a significant impact...on the city area". In the letter, Raggi stresses the need to consider the "high migrant pressure Rome is subjected to". She said "for these reasons this administration, given the high flows of unregistered migrants, hopes the assessments of new facilities take into account the evident migrant pressure on Roma Capitale and the possible devastating consequences in terms of social costs as well as for the protection of the beneficiaries themselves." This year, Boeing and EgyptAir joined hands to double the number of volunteers to provide care packages for children and their families at the hospital. Our relationship with Boeing goes back many decades and we are delighted to partner with them in this volunteer activity which will bring smiles and happiness to many patients and their families during this Holy Month, said Safwat Musallam, Chairman, and CEO, EgyptAir Holding. We are pleased to share the same values as Boeing and prioritise the wellbeing of our community through Ramadan which gives us an excellent opportunity to fulfill our obligations at multiple levels to reach out and serve. It is our responsibility to give back as much as we can to the community and our employees jump at every opportunity to volunteer, said Bernard Dunn, president of Boeing Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. This year is special as EgyptAir is also participating, sharing the same spirit of giving. We have been able to distribute food boxes more efficiently to patients and families at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital thanks to the increased number of volunteers. We hope that this small gesture will give them some comfort during the holy month of Ramadan. On arrival at Luxembourg, the freighter was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute. Emirates SkyCargos freighter operation between Luxembourg and Dubai World Central is one of the first steps in the implementation of the strategic operational partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Cargolux Airlines announced in May this year. Emirates SkyCargo will operate its Boeing 777 freighter aircraft on this route providing a total cargo capacity of over 100 tonnes. The Boeing 777 freighter aircraft is one of the most modern and technologically advanced freighters available with one of the lowest fuel burn of any comparable size aircraft. At Luxembourg, ground handling of the Emirates SkyCargos freighters will be carried out at the same facility as Cargolux and at Dubai, Cargolux freighters are handled by Emirates SkyCargo allowing for seamless transit of cargo between the two air cargo operators. Smooth movement of cargo is also enabled by other factors including the common EU Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification of both hubs. Emirates SkyCargo is delighted to start our weekly freighter operations to Luxembourg, said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo. This is an important step in our operational partnership with Cargolux through which we will be able to offer our customers an enhanced reach across each others networks, as well as an enriched service offering building upon our compatibility in ground handling and standard operating procedures for cargo transportation, he added. Cargolux is proud to welcome Emirates SkyCargo at our home base in Luxembourg, said Richard Forson, Cargolux President & CEO. As the leading Gulf airline and one of the premier carriers worldwide, Emirates is as important a player in the industry as Cargolux is. With the arrival of SkyCargos first freighter here, we open a new chapter in our history and lay the foundation for a fruitful cooperation for the benefit of our customers. Our supplementary capabilities allow us to develop service offerings that both of us could not provide on our own. While Iran has struggled with putting together the systems needed to deploy a tactical attack drone, it has done a good job with affordable, reliable engines and airframes. Iran has one of the oldest drone development programmes in the world. It began in the early 1980s during its war against Iraq. Over the years, and in spite of crippling international sanctions, it has developed a colourful ecosystem of military unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). Though some of Irans past drones have been more credible than others, its hard not to be impressed by the quantity and diversity of unmanned aircraft produced over the past 30 years. The Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) appeared to mark a milestone in its UAV production when it rolled out the Shahed-129 in late 2012. Up until then, its drone fleet mostly included smaller aircraft with short range and endurance. IRGC minders claimed but experts have been unable to independently verify that the larger Shahed can fly for 24 hours straight. Making drones that can fire guided missiles appears to be a more difficult feat for Irans aviation industry. During the Iran-Iraq war, Iranian forces equipped early versions of the Mohajer UAV with RPG-7s rocket-propelled grenades. More recently, Iran claimed that its turbojet-powered Karrar drone could drop bombs as well as fire a type of homebrew guided missile called the Sadid. Iran shows no sign of slowing down its drone development programme, which hit an obsessive tempo after it captured a US Sentinel stealth surveillance drone in 2011. The country has also had success in exporting its drones to proxies, such as Hezbollah, where they mostly play the same intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) role. Hezbollah has experimented with suicide drones (not quite the same thing as Cruise missiles, but not that far off), and Israel can probably anticipate a more complex aerial environment in the next Lebanon conflict. Iran has used drones extensively in Syria and Iraq, supplying both countries governments with reconnaissance data and identifying targets for manned airstrikes. Iranian drones have been spotted flying over Syrian battle zones since the early days of the Syrian civil war. Altogether, Iran probably has more operational experience with drones than any country other than Israel or the United States. In 2015, Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, announced that his country had collaborated with Iran to develop and produce a fleet of surveillance drones to patrol the countrys borders. The Arpia-001 drones, which are based on Irans Mohajer series, will be used to seek out drug smugglers. Also, Iranian officials have told the media that Russia wants to import the technology of one of the Iranian-made drones. The official refused to unveil more details. Iran earlier gave Russia a copy of ScanEagle a US spy drone as proof that its elite forces have reverse-engineered and mass produced the American UAV. The first operational Iranian drone was the Ababil, which first saw service in 1986 during operations against Iraq. The Ababil is still in production today. Isfahans HESA produces several UAV types, among them the Ababil-1 and its scaled-down AM-79 derivative for operator training. The Ababil-1 weighs a little less than 440lbs. It can loiter for two hours at speeds up to 160 knots and a can operate at altitudes of up to 16,500 feet. A solid-fuel booster assists take-off from a rail-type platform. The main wing unfolds and the vehicles assume a canarded aerodynamic configuration. A rear-mounted piston engine driving a pusher propeller powers the vehicle during cruise and the design features optical sensors in the fuselage nose. The Ababil-1 follows a flight path loaded into its computer before take-off, but the operator can assume control or reprogram waypoints during flight. The operator uses a Panasonic portable computer and joystick-style device for manual trajectory control all of which he or she can carry in a normal-sized suitcase. While HESAs designs consist largely of aluminium alloys, Tehran-based Qods Aviation Industries prefers composites. The Mohajer, a medium-size surveillance drone, followed soon after the Ababil and also saw service in the Iran-Iraq war. Some versions were reportedly equipped with rocket-propelled grenades, making the Mohajer one of the first weaponised drones. The 118in Mohajer-2, featuring a 150in wingspan, weighs just 187lbs. Its twin-boom tail and a pusher propeller give it a distinctive look. The UAVs 25hp piston engine provides for 90 minutes of powered flight at a maximum speed of 108 knots and altitudes of up to 9,900 feet. In practice, operational range falls to less than 27nm (to maintain a radio link with the truck-based control post) if the operator needs real-time video imagery. Equipped with a flight control system and autopilot, the Mohajer-2 normally follows a preloaded flight path with up to 99 waypoints, using a GPS receiver for navigation. The vehicle lasts for some 20 to 30 flights. The Mohajer 4, the fourth iteration of the drone, remains in use today. During the Israel-Hezbollah war in the summer of 2006, Israeli forces shot down a Hezbollah-operated surveillance drone, the Mirsad-1, which is believed to be derived from the Mohajer. The Karrar (striker) is the latest in a growing line of indigenous Iranian drone offerings. It was developed as an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), becoming the first long-endurance, combat-capable Iranian drone of note. Externally, the vehicle resembles a World War II-era German V-1 terror rocket and US target drone designs of the 1970s. It makes use of a basic aerodynamic shape, which is stabilised by straight wing appendages. The Karrar is a turbojet-propelled drone capable of carrying a single bomb. Iran claims that it has a range of about 600 miles. With the Shahed 129, Iran became a pretender to the drone major leagues. Capable of carrying out 24-hour surveillance and strike missions, the Shahed 129 reportedly shares many of the capabilities of the US Predator and Reaper drones. The HESA Shahed 129 series is a dual-role platform capable of reconnaissance work and attack. It was developed by the Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center of Iran, with production handled by HESA. It appeared during September 2012, remains in active production and may have been procured by the Syrian Government for its long-running civil war campaign begun in 2011. The Shahed 129 was debuted in mid-2012. One of Irans most impressive drones is also one of its only non-military versions. Technology developer RTS Labs has created the Pars lifesaver drone. The Pars carries a stack of flotation devices, which it drops over people in emergency situations in the water. The Raad-85 is a hybrid between a drone and a precision-guided bomb. Technically, it is a UAV that is packed with explosives. The pilot can steer the Raad, kamikaze style, into moving targets. Upon its unveiling, the Raad garnered widespread ridicule, as the demonstration model appeared to be held together with brown duct tape. Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) manufactures Fotros. The vehicle is said to exhibit an operational endurance of some 30 hours with a range out to 2,000km. A service ceiling of 25,000 feet is reported. Of course, due to Iranian secrecy, these values can be considered suspect until formally proven. The Fotros can carry missiles for air-to-ground attacks. In theory, this makes it roughly equivalent to the drones that the US uses for targeted killing operations in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. As part of a well-established Kuwaiti tradition, young passengers en-route to their different destinations shared in the joy of candy and sweets giveaways aimed at spreading smiles all around during the most special time of the year. Rohit Ramachandran, chief executive officer at Jazeera Airways said: Girgean is a special occasion for us and we feel privileged to pass on a this rich heritage to our passengers and their children who will carry on this wonderful Kuwaiti tradition in the future. Small acts of kindness and generosity are a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can all have in society. On behalf of Jazeera Airways, we wish Kuwait and its people a blessed Ramadan. In a statement, company chairman Faisel Gergab said the program would cover Mitiga, Benina, Tobruk and Labraq airports. Further, the company would train airports staff in the use and maintenance of the equipment. He said LT would continue to develop the Libyan aviation sector by ensuring that all airports operate standard aircraft navigation systems. VOR is a short-range radio navigation system that uses very high frequency (VHF) band to enable receiver-equipped aircraft to determine position and maintain course using radio signals transmitted by a network of fixed ground radio beacons. The objective of the programme is to improve and safeguard the airworthiness of all RAFO aircraft for years to come by developing a new Continuing Airworthiness ruleset for RAFO. RAFO previously used a military regulatory system based on UK legacy requirements, but this will be updated to operate in line with international modern military standards. The programme is particularly pertinent following the arrival of new fleets of Typhoon and Hawk 200 aircraft in Oman. The Baines Simmons consultancy and training programme is based on the newly completed European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMARs), as well as their source European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. Mark Briffa, Group CEO of Air Partner said: When we acquired Baines Simmons in 2015, we knew its international role as a trusted advisor to more than 750 aviation organisations and more than 40 aviation authorities would fit well with Air Partners international blue chip client base. Since the acquisition, Baines Simmons has secured several new contracts, including a 10-year contract with the Isle of Man, and I am delighted that we are now working with the Royal Air Force of Oman too. We look forward to building what I hope will be the start of a long-term relationship. Pegasus received the Best Operational Excellence Award for Europe, Middle East and Africa A320 based on its successful performance across criteria of operational safety, fleet utilisation rate and average delay times. The Airbus Operational Excellence Awards ceremony is held every three years to reward successful A320 Family operators. Engineering and Planning Group Director Tahsin Istanbullu said: We are proud and delighted to receive this important award from Airbus. As Pegasus our ongoing aim is to continue to improve on all operational fronts with a view to ensure the best experience for our guests. The Award is recognition of the achievements of everyone at the Pegasus family in creating an outstanding airline at the forefront of global aviation. According to Reuters Qatar has sent a letter to the UN agency in an effort to resolve the dispute. It is calling on the ICAO council to resolve the conflict under the 1944 Chicago Convention. The matter is expected to be discussed at ICAO Council by Friday as they are meeting in Montreal this week, Reuters said. Chief executive of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker told CNN that ICAO should declare the measures against Qatari air traffic to be illegal. "We have legal channels to object to this," he said. "ICAO... should heavily get involved, put their weight behind this to declare this an illegal act." These include a contract to operate the new King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, operation of which had already been awarded to Singapore-based Changi Airports International (CAI) for a 20-year period. The contract to develop and operate the new Taif International Airport was signed with Asyad Holding Group in collaboration with Consolidated Contractors Company and Munich Airport. The contracts to operate Qassims Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz Airport, Hail International Airport and Yanbus Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdul Aziz Airport were signed with the consortium of Turkish TAV Airports Holding and Al Rajhi Holding Group. The contracts for the Taif, Qassim, Yanbu and Hail airports are based on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis, said the report. Once completed, these airports will together receive over 19 million passengers every year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At this years Wet n Wild Tour 2017, a fun wet and wild time was had by all. It began at registration, where participants were met by Miss Artesia, Ashly Letcher, who prompted folks to sign the all-important release form. Once they had their signed release form in hand, they proceeded into the Eddy County Fairgrounds exhibition barn to pick up their race shirt, race number, and other goodies, including a very nice aluminum water bottle. Handling registration were five of the Ride to Meet the Challenge scholarship winners, who took names and handed out race paraphernalia. These students included Destiny Lopez, 2013 winner and 2017 college graduate, Freddie Gomez, 2015 winner, Natalie Wallace and Brandon Reza, 2016 scholarship winners, and the new 2017 winners, Jalissa Berdoza and Emory Vargas. Also helping were Morgan Bristow and Hilda Moreno, whose daughter was being honored that day. They were led by Lupe Doporto, who made sure everything ran smoothly. The all-important warm-up was led by Tania and Page of the Faith Fit group. Music for the warm-up and background was provided by Richard Orosco. The stage and starting and finish gates were built by Roxanne Pando and her Echo Construction crew. They have come through all five years to help. The tour started off with the walkers departing around 9:20 a.m. The road blocks were supervised by Eddy County Sheriffs Office Deputy Jason Decker and Eddy County Road Manager Ruben Delarosa. This road blockage is vital to the safety of all the participants, and the local residents are to be thanked for their patience during the tour. The tour-goers walked, ran or biked their way north on 13th Street, where a water truck donated by Constructors Inc. hit them with a much-appreciated cold water spray. Then they got a water break from one of the three water and aid stations supplied by Austin Construction. Next, they turned west on Tumbleweed Road, and if they looked ahead, they could see things getting wetter. The water truck supplied by Hocker and Sons gave out a good, welcomed splash. In front of Artesia Lanes, many of those employees got into things with their Strike It obstacle course, which had inflatable bowling pins, squirt guns and spraying water. And that water was cold. Many folks ran by screaming in delight. Next up was 2013s Super Soaker Team award winner Cottonwood Fire Departments animated Fingers of Death. This obstacle has moving fingers that spray water and look quite intimidating. Again, the drenching was much appreciated. Now, they rounded the corner of Tumbleweed Road and 26th Street heading south. Austin had their second water and aid station located here. Due to the 100-plus-degree temperatures, many stopped to drink the cool water. Next up on the tour was the slide provided by Santo Petroleum and manned by Coats Plumbing called Royal Flush. This event was a tall water slide from Balloons-A-Poppin. Water was supplied by a water truck provided by M&R Trucking, who were having a great time spraying folks down. Folks were standing in line to slide down. The champion for the last three years, Boot Camp Bubble Bath, sponsored by the Artesia Elks Lodge, was next. As in years past, participants get down and crawl on their hands and knees through a camouflaged tub of soapy water. Kids were having so much fun diving in that many retuned for second or even third trips through the bath. The last event on 26th Street was local favorite the Artesia Fire Department. They had a run-n-slide sponsored by Santo Petroleum and provided by Balloons-A-Poppin. The Artesia team also wore great looking t-shirts commemorating Danielle Brady, along with tattoos. Lots of folks enjoyed taking a run at this event. Now people were entering the home stretch, and they made one last pit stop at the last Austin Aid station and knuckled down for that last mile. First up on Fairgrounds Road was the Navajo Fire Department and Loudon Electrics Surfs Up. Tour folks were greeted with a smiling Aloha and dancing hula girls, who handed out flowered leis just before you entered the dark dragons lair. Inside, you were soaked by nozzles spraying chilled water, but as you exited, you were confronted by a fire-breathing dragon. Almost last up was newcomer Mack Energy Corp. and their Mack Attack obstacle. This event was by far the largest and most elaborate event in the course. First, you have to crawl, slide and climb through a rigorous inflated obstacle course. After you made it (or didnt) you faced New Mexicos tallest water slide at 22 feet. You slid down and entered a pool at the bottom with an impressive splash. It was a fantastic if not tiring event. Now you thought all was done, but Hocker and Sons had pulled their truck back to the end of the course for one more try at getting you soaked, and they succeeded. After all was done, the tour-goers reentered the Eddy County Fairgrounds soaked and with big smiles on their faces. Everyone was given a blue poker chip to drop in the soaker team of their choices voting bucket. This vote was for the team they liked the best, and this years winner was newcomer Mack Energy and Mack Attack. They will receive the coveted Super Soaker Team award. This award is crafted by local vendors. Murdock Machine does the base, Artesia Fire and Safety provides the antique fire nozzle, and Jay Turner and company does the cork base. The 501(c)(3) public charity Ride for Bikes would like to thank all of the people that made this event possible. Almost 500 people participated, and we raised between $10,000 and $12,000. Please visit www.rideforbikes.com for more information. New York art patron Agnes Gund has sold a record-smashing $165 million Roy Lichtenstein painting to create a fund to help address mass incarceration in the United States. Some $100 million from that sale will establish the Art for Justice Fund, to be managed by the Ford Foundation, which aims to raise another $100 million over the next five years, partly from art sales. Gund has thus thrown down the gauntlet to other art collectors to unload their assets to address critical issues of social justice. In my latest Wall Street Journal Sightings column, which appears in the online edition of todays paper, I comment on a controversy that has the American theater community up in arms. (No, not that one!) Heres an excerpt. * * * Edward Albee spent most of his long life stirring up theatrical trouble, and he continues to do so eight months after his death. Just last month, the Shoebox Theatre, a small house in Portland, Oregon, was denied performance rights to Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Michael Streeter, the producer, wanted to cast a black actor as Nick, one of the plays four characters. This went squarely against the script, in which Nick is described as blond. (Another character broadly hints that he looks like a Nazi.) In addition, Mr. Albee reportedly said that since the play is set in the early 60s, a time when mixed-race marriages were uncommon, it was neither logical nor appropriate to cast actors of different races as Nick and Honey, his wife. Result: No show. What is now known as non-traditional castingis both commonplace and generally (if not universally) thought to be a good thing. Not only does the Public Theaters new Shakespeare in the Park version of Julius Caesar feature a woman, Elizabeth Marvel, in the part of Marc Antony, but another New York-based troupe, Pocket Universe, has just opened an all-female production of the same play. Not surprisingly, then, Mr. Albees refusal to countenance similar casting of his plays has been widely and passionately criticized as fuddy-duddy at best, crypto-racist at worst. Im interested, being a sometime playwright, in ensuring that the rights of any living author to control his own work are fully protected under the law. That isor should bea given. But I also agree with the film critic Mark Harris, who broke the Virginia Woolf story on Twitter and who has argued in an online essay that death is, Id argue, the point at which this aspect of copyright law should cede to a greater social and artistic good.Its hard to imagine a playwrights work long surviving him if its shackled to the unexamined enforcement of questionable decisions from another era, or constrained by the terror that it might be mishandled. No small part of the burgeoning vitality of modern-day Shakespeare productions, after all, lies in the freshness and immediacy that can be fostered by genuinely imaginative non-traditional casting (as opposed to the rigidly political kind). By far the best Julius Caesar Ive ever reviewed, directed by Amanda Dehnert at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2011, was a modern-dress production that featured a woman actor, Vilma Silva, in the title role. And while Virginia Woolf still feels fresh and immediate, a time will comeperhaps soon, maybe even nowwhen it will profit from an equally new spin. * * * Read the whole thing here. The trailer for Mike Nichols 1966 film version of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The IMG is meeting various telecom operators and banks this week to discuss the financial issues of the telecom industry. New Delhi: State-owned BSNL today asked the government to allot it the prized 700 MHz spectrum via equity route and sought moratorium on payment of licence fee for revenue earned from government projects. MTNL, on the other hand, sought government help in making Rs 8,000-10,000 crore capital available citing telecom tariff war being fought by private operators. It also sought urgent measures to bring down employee cost. Senior officials of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd met the inter-ministerial group (IMG) amid financial stress in the telecom sector. The two state-owned telecom PSUs sought government's support to become more agile, in the face of stiff competition from the private operators, especially aggressive new entrant Reliance Jio. The debt-ridden MTNL flagged "legacy issues" including its high employee cost and asked government to support, "in some form", its capital requirement of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore over a period of time. BSNL, on the other hand, has renewed its push for 700 MHz spectrum "through equity infusion route". In the spectrum auction last year, the telecom sector had ignored the premium 700 MHz band -- which was put up for sale for the first time -- at a reserve or base price of Rs 11,485 crore per MHz. However, BSNL has been asking for this premium spectrum for 4G and data services roll out. BSNL also wants a two-year moratorium on payment of licence and Spectrum Usage Charges for projects implemented in North Eastern states as well as in Left Wing Extremism areas. Essentially, BSNL wants the revenue from such projects to be excluded from overall licence fee calculation. BSNL has also sought compensation of Rs 1,520 crore for CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) spectrum it surrendered earlier. When contacted, BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava told PTI: "Last year we were able to address the stress, but this year we are feeling the pinch due to competition. Despite our data throughput growing three folds, the revenue (in mobility business) is under pressure." MTNL pointed out that Airtel, Vodafone and other private operators are being supported by their promoters. "The war between the operators is being fought on the strength of capital so the government should not be found wanting in its support in capital provisioning (for MTNL)," MTNL CMD P K Purwar said after the meeting with the IMG. He further said that the high employee cost - a tab of Rs 2800 crore - is creating a "non-level playing field" for MTNL viz-a-viz private operators. It urged the government to look at options like voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) to bring down employee expenses. The IMG is meeting various telecom operators and banks this week to discuss the financial issues of the telecom industry and mull measures that can be taken to ease the situation. The sector is reeling under Rs 4.6 lakh crore debt and its revenue as well as profitability are under severe strain following free voice and data offerings from Jio. But Jio in its meeting with the IMG yesterday had blamed the industry's financial woes on the reluctance of established operators to use equity for investing into new technology. The IMG is slated to meet banks including SBI, PNB, Axis Bank and HDFC on June 14, and the remaining telcos - Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular - on June 16. India currently has 6.8 million flyers which would go up to 8 million by next year. Mumbai: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha has said that the proposed international airport in Purnadar in Pune will open new area of growth for the city. He was speaking at "It's India's Turn Now", a lecture organised at Pune International Centre on Monday. The land we have received from the Air Force will let us build a new parking area, and help in managing the traffic flow. It will also let us build a new terminal," Sinha told indianexpress.com. Pune has witnessed a 25 per cent annual growth in aviation traffic ove rpast few years. According to Sinha, India currently has 6.8 million flyers. "The number is expected to touch 8 million by next year," he said. To handle that kind of air traffic, civil aviation should be ready for that, Sinha added. Construction of a new airport is a huge task that takes around six or seven years to complete. Right from acquisition of land to rehabilitation of the project-affected is a lot of work to do, Sinha added. According to Sinha, Indias Gross domestic product (GDP) is currently growing at 7 per cent. "If we look at it in the context of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), Indias economy is worth 9.5 trillion dollars. In the next decade, it will contribute 11 trillion dollars to the world economy." Kanwal Sadiq, the boy's father, hoped that other Pakistani nationals seeking treatment in India should receive medical visas too. Rohaan, who has a hole in his heart, was referred to the multi-speciality Jaypee hospital for treatment. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) New Delhi: Father of four-month-old infant, Rohaan, who arrived in the national capital on Monday for medical treatment, thanked External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj for her support and expressed hope that the other Pakistani families are also allowed to avail medical facilities in India. Kanwal Sadiq, Rohaan's father, said he is hopeful that now his child will recover from his ailment. "There are other Pakistani families waiting, I express my desire that they should get medical visas as well. The child has a severe heart problem. There are not adequate facilities for such kind of disease in Pakistan. I really appreciate Sushma ji. She has helped me a lot. I am very hopeful that my child will be absolutely fine after the treatment," said Sadiq. Read: 4-month-old Pak infant arrives in India for treatment after MEA grants medical visa Rohaan, will undergo treatment at the Jaypee Hospital in the national capital. Rohaan, who has a hole in his heart, was referred to the multi-speciality hospital for treatment. However, in the backdrop of cross-border tension between India and Pakistan, his parents were unable to get medical visa for their child's treatment in India. Owing to this, Kanwal Sadiq, approached the Indian External Affairs Minister and made a plea for a medical visa. Upon receiving the request, she immediately directed the authorities to grant medical visa to Rohaan's family, who arrived with him via Wagah Border. Sharif and Modi had last week met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation (SCO) meeting. New Delhi: The AAP on Monday attacked the Centre over the release of 11 Pakistani civilians, saying the government is following a dual policy towards Pakistan. Senior party leader Ashutosh said the one hand, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj says there cannot be talks with Pakistan alongside terror and on the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. He was referring to the interaction between the two premiers at Astana in Kazakhstan. "What was the pressing need that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to embrace Sharif. Pakistan is preparing to hang Kulbhushan Jadhav and India is releasing 11 of their citizens," Ashutosh said. Jadhav was sentenced to death on April 10 by a Pakistan military court for alleged espionage. India maintains that Jadhav, a forrmer naval officer, was kidnapped from Iran and brought to Pakistan by its security agencies. Sharif and Modi had last week met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation (SCO) meeting. Army's Northern Command said, the amount of weapons recovered indicated Pak's design to orchestrate 'high profile terror incidents'. Srinagar: The Indian Army has gunned down as many as 16 terrorists in the last seven days who were attempting to create unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said on Monday. Army's Northern Command has said that the amount of explosives, arms and ammunitions and inflammable materials recovered from the armed intruders, indicated Pakistan's design to orchestrate 'high profile terror incidents' targeting innocent civilian population and security forces during the holy month of Ramzan. The Indian Army successfully thwarted several infiltration bids and killed 13 armed intruders in the past 93 hours during an operation conducted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez, Machhil, Naugam and Uri Sectors, Northern Command had Tweeted on Saturday. "The sinister designs of Pakistan army to push-in multiple groups of armed intruders across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir continue to be defeated by proactive operations being carried out on the LoC. Relentless operations mounted by troops have successfully intercepted groups of armed intruders," said Northern Command in a tweet. The Patidar Andolan leader was accompanied by Janata Dal (U) leader Akhilesh Katiyar, who was also placed under arrest. Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel detained in Neemuch, on his way to Mandsaur. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Neemuch (MP): Quota stir leader Hardik Patel was arrested in Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh when he was heading to Mandsaur to meet the kin of the farmers killed in police firing last week. Patel was arrested from Nayagaon in Neemuch to prevent the commission of cognisable offences, City Superintendent of Police Abhishek Diwan said. The Patidar Andolan leader was accompanied by Janata Dal (U) leader Akhilesh Katiyar, who was also placed under arrest. The two were, however, released on bail later and transported out of Madhya Pradesh in police vehicles, Diwan said. Patel was picked up on his way to Mandsaur to express solidarity with distressed farmers and meet the kin of those killed in police firing during the agrarian unrest on the issue of loan waiver and several other demands. Lashing out on authorities after his arrest, Patel said, "I am not a terrorist. I have not come from Lahore. I am an Indian citizen and have the right to go anywhere in the country." He also criticised the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and said that 50 crore farmers have come together against the saffron party. The farmers' protest in Madhya Pradesh, which began on June 1, took a violent turn on June 6, when five of them were killed in police firing at Mandsaur. Subsequently, the farmers' protest witnessed bandh and arson as the agitation spread to other districts of western Madhya Pradesh including Neemuch, Dhar, Ratlam and Jhabua. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had launched an indefinite fast in Bhopal on Saturday with an appeal for peace and met farmer leaders. However, he ended his fast on Sunday saying peace has returned to the state. Before ending the fast, he had assured people that those involved in the deaths of farmers in Mandsaur would be punished severely. A high-voltage political drama was also witnessed on June 8, when Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was detained on his way to Mandsaur to meet the family members of the farmers killed in police firing. Sources in SIT claim investigation has revealed the company deposited the money into the bank account of his son, Gagan Baderiya. Bengaluru: Within hours of the special court hearing the Janthakal mining case refusing him bail, former chief minister and Janata Dal (S) state chief, H.D. Kumaraswamy, approached the Karnataka high court for anticipatory bail on Tuesday. Seeing the special court reject his bail application in the morning, Mr Kumaraswamys legal team swung into action and filed for anticipatory bail in the high court in the afternoon, urging for early hearing of the petition. Mr Kumaraswamy, who has been summoned by the Lokayuktas Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is looking into the case, has been accused of putting pressure on IAS officer, Ganga Ram Baderiya, when he was chief minister to renew the mining lease of Janthakal Enterprises in violation of various norms. The officer was arrested by SIT for allegedly receiving kickbacks to the tune of Rs 10 lakh from the mining company to renew its licence in 2007 when he was director of the Mines and Geology Department. Sources in SIT claim investigation has revealed the company deposited the money into the bank account of his son, Gagan Baderiya. It is alleged that not only was the companys mining lease renewed in violation of regulations, but it was also unduly favoured in the grant of a work permit to lift its old dump in Holalkere taluk, Chitradurga district. Jyotiraditya Scindia to sit on a 72-hour satyagraha starting today, to protest MP governments anti-farmer policies. Bhopal: Two days after chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ended his indefinite fast, saying peace has returned to Madhya Pradesh, high drama ensued on Tuesday as Opposition leaders tried to make their way to Mandsaur, the epicentre of the farmers stir, while the state authorities remained busy arresting and releasing them. While senior Congress leader and Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with former Union minister Kantilal Bhuria and MLA Mahendra Singh Kalukheda, were arrested in Jaora, nearly 20 km from Mandsaur, Gujarat quota activist Hardik Patel was arrested in Nayagaon. They were all on their way to Mandsaur to meet the families of farmers killing in the June 6 police firing. They were arrested under Section 151 CrPC (arrest to prevent the commission of cognisable offences) as the state police had imposed Section 144 in the region, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people. They were later released on bail. Taking strong exception to his arrest, Mr Scindia said: If the chief minister can visit (Mandsaur on Wednesday), why couldn't I? Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is due to visit Mandsaur today. Mr Scindia announced that he will sit on a 72-hour-long satyagraha starting today, to protest against the MP governments anti-farmer policies. The political wrangling came on a day when three farmer suicides, allegedly due to debt burden, were reported in Madhya Pradesh. The farmers have been identified as Kriparam Diggodi of Hosangabad district, Hari Singh Jatav of Vidisha district, and Dulchand Keer of Sehore district, hometown of the state chief minister. While Dulchand and Hari died by consuming poison, Kriparam was found hanging by a tree on the outskirt of his village, Bhairpur. The local police said the reason for their deaths was yet to be ascertained. Responding to questions about farmers suicides, state home minister Bhupendra Singh said: A total of five farmers committed suicide in MP in the last one year due to debt burden. Some farmers also committed suicide due to personal reasons. Talking to media before his arrest, Mr Scindia said he would go alone to Mandsaur as Section 144 doesnt prohibit a single persons movement. 144 laga hai to maine police ko kaha hai mai akele jaunga. Kaun rok sakta hai agar ek insaan akele jana chahta hai? (Section 144 has been imposed and, therefore, I told the police that I would go alone. Lets see who stops if someone plans to go alone?), he said. Madhya Pradesh farmers have been protesting since June 1, demanding loan waiver and better prices for their produce. The situation spiralled out of control as agitating protesters looted and set ablaze properties in several districts. In the June 6 police firing, five farmers were shot dead. One succumbed to his injuries later. In the wake of protests, the chief minister observed an indefinite fast to calm down the rising tempers. He ended his fast a day later, on Sunday, claiming that peace has returned to the state. The chief minister ended his fast saying that peace has restored in the state. If complete normalcy has been restored in the state, then why have prohibitory orders been enforced in the area. It clearly suggests that Mr Chouhans fast was a drama, Mr Scindia said. After his release, Mr Patel, Gujarats Patidar quota leader, said: I am not a terrorist. I have not come from Lahore. I am an Indian citizen and have the right to go anywhere in the country... I am only a social activist, not a politician. I am fighting for just causes of people. I wonder why I was barred from visiting Mandsaur to meet the family members of slain farmers. The June 6 police firing incident has sparked anger in farmers across the country, he added, before being packed off by police to the Rajasthan border. Meanwhile, the state government has cleared the way for the family of Kanhaiya Lal Patidar, one of the slain farmers, to get compensation of Rs 1 crore by dismissing charges of drug trafficking levelled against him. Refuting police charges that the slain farmer had four cases of drug trafficked registered in various police stations in the state, the state home minister said no such charges could be established against him. Inderjit Singh, known for his links with senior cops, was famous in the Punjab Police for catching large hauls of drugs. Initially limited to some regions, the problem has now spread in the entire state with Amritsar and Tarn Taran topping the list. Chandigarh: With the arrest of Punjab Police inspector Inderjit Singh on the charges of drug trafficking, the nexus between police and drug traffickers has surfaced once again. The Punjab Special Task Force arrested the accused on the charges of drug trafficking and seized a huge cache of drugs, arms and ammunition from his residence. During the raids at his Jalandhar Police Lines house and his Phagwara house, drugs as well as weapons worth over several crore were seized, said STF additional director general of police, H.S. Sidhu. The police seized 7kg of narcotics, including 4kg of heroin, an Italy-made .9 mm pistol, live cartridges of various calibers and Rs 16.50 lakh cash. Inspector Inderjit, close to many high-police officers, was famous for catching large quantities of drugs. Sources said he was under the scanner ever since he was posted as the CIA in-charge in Tarn Taran. The STF analysed total 13 cases of recovery by him in the district and found that despite huge recovery as high as 19kg heroin in one case all accused were freed. At that time, local Akali leaders came to his rescue. STF head Harpreet Sidhu said the accused used to tamper with witness records before presenting the case before the court. Courts raised questions over the probe in controversial cases, but they went unnoticed. We are analysing his other cases too, said Mr Sidhu. Sources added that five graft cases were registered against the accused since 1998. In one case, the accused stopped the attachment of a drug peddlers property. His style of helping peddlers was blunt, an STF member said. Even we were not expecting such a big recovery of heroin and smack, said the ADGP. His modus operandi was simple. He would nab smugglers with drugs and seek favours from them for their acquittal. Gangster Prince, arrested by the STF two months ago, is said to have given information against the accused. Sources said a case filed by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau under Sections 7, 8 and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, is also pending against him. Punjab is facing a huge drug trafficking problem for many years. The state, being a border state, has become a major transit point for drugs from Afganistan and Pakistan. In most cases, drug traffickers have the patronage of local cops and politicians. The issue of better co-ordination among different states on security matters will also be taken up. New Delhi: The Centre has convened a meeting of state home ministers on July 3 in the Capital to discuss various issues related to the countrys internal security scenario. The meeting, to be chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh, will discuss a host of issues including those of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, growing influence of ISIS, recent increase in Naxal incidents, cross-border terror and circulation of fake currency. The day-long conference is the first being organised by the NDA government in the last three years, while during the UPA regime it used to be an annual affair. Apart from state home ministers, senior officials from central intelligence and security agencies will also participate in the meeting. While the focus will remain on violence in Kashmir and increased Maoist activities, there will be detailed deliberations on activities of ISIS, which has been effectively using the social media to radicalise the youth in the country. In addition, increasing threats from subversive elements from the sea-route, particularly to the coastal states, will also be taken up. We will also discuss concrete strategies that can deal with emerging threats like ISIS and coastal security plan. On its part, the Centre will ensure that it gives all the adequate support to the state security units in further enhancing their capacity, a senior security official said. The issue of better co-ordination among different states on security matters will also be taken up. On some common issues, like say Naxal operations, the states can pool their resources instead of working in isolation. Same can be done by the border states also. These aspects will also be looked into, the official added. Lalitha visited the Ernakulam General Hospital complaining of irritation before the doctors found out the cause The worm is known to cause Elephantiasis but the was lucky to have got it removed before it affected her. (Photo: Pixabay) Doctors are surprised every single day with the kind of cases they get and most of the time involves a really complex surgery that could be crucial for the patient. A woman in Kerala recently visited the hospital complaining of irritation and the doctors conducted a complex surgery to treat it. There are all kinds of medical cases being reported everyday and while some of them are believable, there are many that are beyond the understanding of common man. Doctors in Kerala recently removed an unusual object from a womans eye when she reported irritation by doing a complex surgery. According to a media report, Lalitha visited the Ernakulam General Hospital complaining of irritation but little did she know that the uneasiness was caused because of a worm in her eye. The doctors removed a 70mm worm of the Dirofilaria genus in a 10 minute-long surgery from the womans eye. The 56-year-old woman was given a local anaesthesia before the surgery was conducted successfully to remove the unlikely visitor. The worm is known to cause Elephantiasis but the was lucky to have got it removed before it affected her. 'Junaid was allegedly hatching a plan to kill Pakistan born Canadian writer, liberal activist Tarek Fateh,' said DCP Pramod Singh Kushwaha. New Delhi: A Delhi Court on Tuesday sent gangster Chhota Shakeel's shooter Junaid Chowdhary to further three-day police remand. Chowdhary was arrested by the special cell of the Delhi Police near Gagan Cinema in Delhi earlier on June 7. "Junaid was allegedly hatching a plan to kill Pakistan born Canadian writer and liberal activist Tarek Fateh," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha. The police claimed to have recovered a country made pistol and four live cartridges from Junaid's possession. Earlier, he was apprehended on June 3, along with three other contract killers, identified as Robinson, Yunus and Manish following which they were sent to police remand and interrogated for five days. Later, they were produced in a court which sent them to judicial custody. Their plan was initially to kill Rajan while on transit to or from court before and after hearings, but that was later changed to attack him during his hospital visits. Earlier, the police had found many audio clips of Chhota Shakeel from Junaid's mobile phone. The air passenger had arrived from Doha and the gold was found concealed under dates, which he was carrying in a bucket. Chennai: Customs officials on Tuesday detained a man at the airport in Chennai for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth around Rs 35 lakh. The air passenger had arrived from Doha and the gold was found concealed under dates, which he was carrying in a bucket, airport officials said. He was found in possession of one kg of gold, they added. In another case, officials recovered undeclared $750 from a Colombo-bound passenger who was carrying the money in his handbag, they said. Claim only few would stand to gain from loan waiver. Nashik: Farmers are likely to go on strike again after getting a copy of the loan waiver GR, according to some farmer organisations. The organisations have objected to the words tatwataha (principle) and sarsakat (all), which according to them is the same package announced by the CM with Jayaji Suryawanshi, the mediator between the agitating farmers and the government. Organisations said that very few farmers would stand to gain from the waiver. The farmers strike, which began on June 1 was formally stopped on Saturday but markets had already began functioning before the strike concluded. The Shetkari Sanghatana (SS) has strongly opposed the present farmers loan waiver scheme announced by the state government, claiming that certain words used in the announcement had created confusion while there were certain conditions to be met by the farmers. SS president Anil Ghanwat on Monday said that they would minutely study the GR, whenever it is published, and then decide on another strike. Social worker Kalpana Inamdar, too opposed the scheme on Monday during a press meet. She said that a new farmers committee could be formed to discuss the issue. Kisan Kranti also said that it found the words confusing. The outfits publicity chief ACP (retd) Chandrakant Bankar said, We are curious about the conditions. Our major fight is for the needy and poor farmers, who genuinely need the loan waiver, he said. SS president Anil Ghanwat said that the words tatwataha and sarsakat have created confusion. There are certain conditions to be met before a farmer becomes eligible for the loan waiver. We dont know what conditions have been put forward, till the GR is published. Will the loan waiver be based on land holdings? Will the waiver cover the electric motor or pipe? What about loans on greenhouses, poultry and grape railings? Will they too get a waiver? Nothing is clear, he claimed. Ms Inamdar, while speaking during a press meet in Nashik on Monday, said that they were opposed to the loan waiver in principle as announced by the government. If the government fails to solve the farmers issues within 20 days, we will be constrained to form a new committee, she said. Mr Ghanwat said that the SS was very clear on farmers loans. We dont want waivers. We want to become capable and the government can put a moratorium on recovery of loans for 10 years. We dont want any government interference and we should be allowed to sell our produce anywhere, he said. Loan waiver committee The state government has declared that there will be a committee of farmer leaders as well as officers from the state government to finalise the criteria and details of loan waiver. The farmers' organisations will give five names from their side while the finance secretary, agricultural secretary and cooperative secretary will also be other members. The state has requested Yashvant Thorat, ex-chairman of NABARD to be member of this committee. Sudheer Kumar Goyal ex-secretary agriculture and Rajgopal Deora, secretary GAD will also be member of this committee. Mr Thorat, Mr Goyal and Mr Deora had worked on the 2008-09 farmer loan waiver. Sheikh, 28, a software engineer, was attacked and killed on June 2, 2014 allegedly by HRS members in Hadapsar area. Pune: Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam has withdrawn as special public prosecutor in the 2014 Mohsin Sheikh murder case in which members of the Hindu Rashtra Sena (HRS) are accused. The state government last month cancelled the appointment of Mr Nikam as prosecutor in the case based on his request, according to sources. A notification by Maharashtras law and judiciary department said it had withdrawn its order appointing Mr Nikam as special public prosecutor, on his request, in the case pending before a Pune court. Sheikh, 28, a software engineer, was attacked and killed on June 2, 2014 allegedly by HRS members in Hadapsar area. Mr Nikam, who was the prosecutor in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, refused to comment. According to sources in the government, the farmers who have received loans till June 2016, will benefit from the waiver. Mumbai: In a bid to bring down the burden on the state exchequer, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday, urged the financially sound farmers to voluntarily give up the loan waiver facility. Quite like the centres appeal on the subsidy for gas cylinders, the state hopes to save some funds, as well as ensure that only needy farmers receive the benefit. We could save around Rs 5,000 crore. Revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, who is one of the members of the committee appointed to decide on criteria for loan waiver, appealed to the financially sound farmers to give up on the waiver. When Prime Minister Narendra Modiji had appealed to the people to give up their subsidy on LPG gas cylinders, about two crore people heeded his call. After the appeal, I have received a few messages and calls from some farmers who are willing to let go the loan waiver, as they have other sources of income, he said. A BJP MLA, Rahul Kul from Daund in Pune district, has also written to the Chief Minister saying that he did not want the loan waiver. Former MLA from Amalner, Sahebrao Patil has also said no to the waiver, Patil said. Speaking on criteria for the loan waiver, the revenue minister said that tax paying farmers and four wheeler owners should not get the benefit. We are expecting to save Rs 4,000 crore by excluding tax paying farmers from the loan waiver bracket. Another Rs 1,000 crore can be saved if farmers with four wheelers are omitted. We will soon fix the criteria after talking with the farmers leaders, Mr Patil added. He said a government resolution would soon be released on giving Rs 10,000 advance to the farmers for the up coming sowing season. We will issue the resolution today so that the banks can give Rs 10,000 in advance to the farmers. The loan waiver will only come after the terms and conditions are finalised by the committee. According to sources in the government, the farmers who have received loans till June 2016, will benefit from the waiver. But agriculture minister Pandurang Phundkar said nothing had been decided as yet. We have sought information from our departments and also from the various farmers organisations. Let them also come up with suggestions on the loan waiver. As of now, there is nothing concrete about the waiver. We can only ensure that the needy farmers receive help, even if they have more land holding, he said. Trump invited Modi to Washington after the latter rang him in January to congratulate the new president on his inauguration. Washington: The maiden meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would "set forth a vision" to expand the US-India partnership in an ambitious way, the White House has said. The leaders of the world's two largest democracies, home to 1.6 billion people, will meet on June 26 to discuss a gamut of bilateral issues including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules. "I think you can expect the two of them to set forth a vision that will expand the US-India partnership in an ambitious and worthy way of both countries' people," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily news conference. Spicer said the two leaders were expected to set forth a "common vision" on expanding the US-India partnership. He cited fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as shared priorities. "President Trump and Prime Minister Modi will look to outline a common vision for the United States-India partnership that is worthy of their 1.6 billion citizens," Spicer said. Trump invited Modi to Washington after the latter rang him in January to congratulate the new president on his inauguration. "The president and the prime minister have had a number of positive phone conversations, and expect to further that discussion ... whether it's economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism, expanding our cooperation as major defence partners," Spicer said in response to a question. The bilateral talks appear to be no bed of roses as they come amidst thorny issues like US' plans to reduce the number of H-1B visa slots that are mainly used by Indian IT workers, and its withdrawal from the historic climate accord. The White House said that the US-India trade has grown six-fold since 2000, from $19 billion to $115 billion in 2016, despite the recent hiccups over the H1-B visa issue. "US energy and technologies, including natural gas, are helping to build Prime Minister Modi's vision for a new India and creating thousands of US jobs in the process," Spicer said. Notably, Modi's US visit, which would begin on June 25, comes in the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries. In his announcement of the decision for which he received a global condemnation, Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said. Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India said it signed the Paris deal not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect the environment. During his visit to France this month, Modi even said that India would "go above and beyond" the Paris deal to protect climate for the future generations. Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties. The President is expected to give Sipila a mandate to form a new coalition enabling him to govern until the end of the legislature in 2019. Helsinki: Finland's Prime Minister was to tender his coalition government's resignation on Tuesday after ousting a populist, anti-immigration and eurosceptic party whose new leader has been convicted of hate speech. Prime Minister Juha Sipila, who has headed a coalition made up of his Centre Party, the conservative National Coalition and the Finns Party since May 2015, announced Monday he wanted to end to the coalition after the Finns elected Jussi Halla-aho as party leader, saying a collaboration was impossible. Halla-aho, 46, replaces moderate Timo Soini, who has led the party for 20 years. Sipila was scheduled to meet President Sauli Niinisto on Tuesday at 1200 GMT to formally submit his government's resignation. The president is expected to give Sipila a mandate to form a new coalition, enabling him to govern until the end of the legislature in 2019. The Swedish People's Party, representing the Swedish-speaking minority, and the Christian Democrats have said they are willing to hold talks aimed at joining the government, while the left-wing opposition the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Left have insisted that new elections be called. Sipila appears to be opposed to a vote. "The goal is to have a viable government as soon as possible in line with the current government program," daily Helsingin Sanomat quoted him as saying. The head of the conservative party, Finance Minister Petteri Orpo, said the future government must be founded on the same principles as the current one. "We have had a turn of events in Finland. It would be a great pity if the political line would change," he said. After Halla-aho's election on Saturday, the conservatives swiftly rejected any cooperation with the Finns Party. "Undeniable human dignity is the foundation of Western democracy," Orpo said on Monday. The three coalition party leaders met on Monday, after which it was abundantly clear they would not be able to work together, especially on the subject of immigration. "All decisions are based on values, but compromises are needed when there are three parties in the government. The elastic couldn't be stretched any further to accomodate Halla-aho," Sipila said late Monday in an appearance on public broadcaster YLE. "The new leadership's view of justice, equality, human rights and so on are not the same as the Centre Party's." Defense and European affairs were other problematic areas, he said. Hallo-aho is expected to get what he has appeared to want all along: to return his party to opposition. Participating in the three-party coalition has come at a heavy price for the Finns Party. Its support has almost halved from 17.7 percent in the May 2015 general election to 9.0 percent in a poll published Thursday by public broadcaster YLE. A member of the European Parliament, Halla-aho has said he wants to steer the party further to the right and push for tougher immigration policies. Halla-aho has seen his star rise in recent years, in part because of his explicit writings against immigration and Islam. In 2012, Finland's highest court upheld a conviction and fines against him for inciting ethnic hatred and blasphemy in a 2008 blog post where he criticised Islam and made offensive remarks about Somalis. Earlier this year, he demanded that the European Commission penalise civic organisations which rescue migrants from drowning when their ships founder in the Mediterranean. Halla-aho is a father of five and a former lecturer in media eval languages. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The officers found the body in a pool of blood with stab wounds and furniture scattered all over the place. The woman was found dead in a flat in Khaitan area and her husband was nowhere to be found. (Representational Image) Dubai: An Indian woman was brutally beaten and stabbed to death in Kuwait and her body lying in a pool of blood was recovered from a flat, according to a media report. The woman was found dead in a flat in Khaitan area and her husband was nowhere to be found, the Arab Times reported. The flat mate of the deceased woman notified the Operations Room of the Interior Ministry about the lifeless body inside the house, and a team of rescue men went to the scene, a security source was quoted as saying. The officers found the body in a pool of blood with stab wounds and furniture scattered all over the place. The body was handed over to the forensics department and an investigation was in progress to determine the whereabouts of the husband and bring the suspect to justice. Railway spokesman Wijeya Samarasinghe said mobile phones accounted for most of the 28 deaths on Sri Lanka's railways so far this year. Police said the boy was decapitated and his head became lodged between two railway carriages. Colombo: Sri Lankan railway authorities announced a crackdown on selfies on Tuesday after a 12-year-old boy was decapitated and two other men also died while snapping themselves on a coastal track. The boy and his 24-year-old brother were killed as they took photographs of themselves on the picturesque section of track in Colombo on Sunday. Police said the boy was decapitated and his head became lodged between two railway carriages. Another man died as he tried to take a selfie with his new bride on the same day on another section of the line. The woman suffered serious injuries and is in intensive care. Railway spokesman Wijeya Samarasinghe said mobile phones accounted for most of the 28 deaths on Sri Lanka's railways so far this year. "We are launching a campaign this week to deploy our security staff to arrest those walking on the tracks and taking selfies in front of moving trains," he said. There are some who want to post videos and pictures of themselves in front of moving trains. "Unfortunately, some are unable to get out of the way in time and get killed." Police said the victims were often tourists from elsewhere in the country who had travelled to the seaside capital on holiday and wanted to pose for selfies with the Indian Ocean in the background. "They don't realise how dangerous it is," said a police official who asked not to be named. Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to introduce mobile phones in 1989 and has seen an explosion in smartphone use in recent years. But it remains behind neighbouring India when it comes to selfie-related deaths. The South Asian giant was ranked top of a global list last year, with 76 such deaths in a two-year period, according to a study by US-based Carnegie Mellon University and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accused of having accumulated huge private fortune. About 5,000 people took part in the Moscow march, 3,500 in St. Petersburg. More than 800 people were arrested in the capital. Moscow (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to a 30-day administrative detention for having again violated the law on demonstrations. The activist was arrested yesterday in his Moscow home before anti-corruption demonstrations took place in 169 locations throughout Russia. Navalny, who intends to run for the Russian presidency next year, was to have participated in yesterday's unauthorized demonstration in the capital, during which more than 800 people were arrested. Authorities say that around 5,000 people took part in the Moscow march, while the interior ministry claimed that around 3,500 people participated in the protests in St. Petersburg and 500 were arrested. Navalny had invited Russians to take to the streets yesterday - on Russia's National Holiday - to express their anger over alleged corruption at the highest levels in the ruling class. He accuses Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of having accumulated a great private fortune. Medvedev denies the claims made by his political opponent. The opposition leader had previously been authorized to hold a rally on Shakarova Avenue, but on the eve of the demonstration he moved it to Tverskaya Street, near the Kremlin, without authorities the permission. The procession was organized to protest the government's plans to demolish some blocks of apartments dating to the Soviet era in the city. Permission had been granted, as was the case for other protests in the country. The protests coincided with a series of official events, including festivals, concerts and military parades, which take place throughout the country to celebrate Russia Day, the national holiday devoted to the 1990 declaration of sovereignty. These demonstrations attracted thousands of people, including many teenagers. They were the largest national protests since 2012. The 5th Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children was held in Panama City. Participants agreed to a declaration to end violence against children. The family is basic cell of society". Married couples and the extended family of grandparents, relatives, and neighbours must be helped. Panama City (AsiaNews) Faith leaders from 70 countries, joined by representatives of governments, the United Nations, and international and grassroots organisations, met in Panama City, Panama, for the 5th Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), organised by Arigatou International. Here they made a solemn commitment to engage in greater effort and cooperation in the cause of ending violence against children Mgr Felix Machado, archbishop of Vasai (Maharashtra) was one of the participants. In his final Prayer for Children, he asked God, through my reaching out, to wipe away the tears of so many children who cry because they are sick, because they are forced to carry arms, because they are deprived of love they need [. . .] O God, please hear the voice of all children especially those who are suffering. The children have wisdom for building peace, capacity to bring happiness in our world, force of justice and joy of lasting friendship. [...] The children have wisdom for building peace, capacity to bring happiness in our world, force of justice and joy of lasting friendship. The bishop noted that "Children throughout the world desire peace," but increasingly they are the victims of moral and physical violence. For this reason, forum participants adopted the "The Panama Declaration on Ending Violence Against Children," which includes a set of strategies and mechanisms to curb child abuse, exploitation, torture and economic and sexual trafficking. Reiterating his commitment to children, the archbishop stressed that the family is the first domain in which to start. Indeed, children, he said, "cannot be isolated from the context of the family. [. . .] Our reflection on the plight of the children cannot be dissociated from the family. I firmly believe that if families can be strengthened and assisted to perform as they should, our children would grow with the care, love and protection they truly deserve. For this reason, citing Pope Francis, he reiterated the need to "strengthen the married couple" and the sanctity of marriage". Couples, guided on a path of education within each community, could themselves guide other couples in trouble in what the bishop calls "co-responsibility among couples." "[W]e need to think of the family as a wider reality," he added, not only in terms of the parents-children relationship. Grandparents, Mgr Machado noted, are our roots", they are "the living memory of a family. The stories they tell speak of " the lived history of the family and of the surrounding society" and do immense good to the children." Family relationships include brothers and sisters, cousins, and friends. The family is the first school to learn human values [. . .] where children learn to socialize [. . .] to listen, to share, to support, to respect, to help and to live together. [. . .] It is in the family that we are taught to break away from our naturally egoistic tendencies. The family can also be a protagonist of an integral ecology, because it is the first basic and social cell of society. It can be a school where people learn to promote peace-building, and the context for the integral development of every person. May children find in the family nurturing spirituality, real protection, strong comfort to grow in their humanity. May children lead us beyond all divisions. (Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article) The infant care assistant had been trying to marry a Jihadi and move to Syria since 2015. Her family was aware of her radicalisation but did not warn the authorities. Muslim leaders slam extremist propaganda. "One life lost to exclusivism and extremism is one life too many, said Singapores mufti. Singapore (AsiaNews/Agencies) Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari is the first Singaporean woman arrested for radicalism. She was detained earlier this month under the countrys Internal Security Act, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam Tuesday. The 22-year-old wanted to be an Islamic State (IS) martyrs widow. Minister Shanmugam noted hat the infant care assistant began to be radicalised in 2013 by online propaganda from the Islamic State terror group. Her parents, both freelance Quranic teachers, and sister had known of her radicalism in 2015, but did not alert the authorities. After her exposure to IS material, she "began to believe that ISIS represented the true spirit of Islam. Her radicalisation deepened over time. This was exacerbated by a wide network of foreign online contacts which she developed", said the ministry. This network included IS militants and supporters, some of whom had since been killed in Syria or arrested for terrorism activities. The ministry added that Izzah intended to join the group in Syria, and supported its use of violence to establish and defend its self-declared "caliphate", which in the past threatened actions against Singapore. She was "actively planning" to travel to Syria with her young child, said the ministry, adding that since 2015, Izzah had been looking for an IS supporter to marry and settle down with in Syria. She believed that she would reap "heavenly rewards" if her husband died fighting, and her resulting status as a "martyr's widow" would help her marry another ISIS fighter easily. News of her arrest has triggered a lot of soul-searching in the island-nation, especially among the countrys most important Islamic leaders. "I am deeply troubled by the news of the latest arrest - that someone so young could have been swayed by these nefarious beliefs, and would want to throw her life away, said Singapore's highest Islamic authority, Mufti Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram. "One life lost to exclusivism and extremism is one life too many, he added. The mufti concluded by encouraging the local community to remain united and work with the authorities in order to save their loved ones. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) also reminded the community to be "very wary" of ISs "carefully-crafted messages" on social media, adding that a radicalised individual's support structure may not be able to counter them. Muis added that "This incident is a reminder that there should not be any let-up in our fight against extremist and radicalised teachings." Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said that Izzah's case is a reminder of the serious threat of terrorism. He reminded Muslims to alert the authorities of any kind of suspicious behaviour or signs of radicalisation among their family and friends. "This is the best way for us to help the individual, our loved ones from harming themselves and others," he said. "We are not here to condemn the individual. We condemn the act, but we want to save the individual. We want to help him or her, who has gone astray." A joint statement signed between Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Isabel Saint Malo. Beijing's diplomatic war in the throes of economic favors. Taiwan, the only democracy in the Chinese world, is branded as "a rebellious island". Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The state of Panama has decided to cut diplomatic relations with Taipei and establish ties with Beijing. In a televised message, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced the diplomatic move, which rescues diplomatic and commercial relations with the second most important channel client. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterpart Isabel Saint Malo signed a joint statement last night confirming the step (see photo). Panama's decision makes Taiwan's position more difficult, only recognized by some twenty states in the world, including the Vatican. Taiwan is the only full democracy in the Chinese world, but Beijing regards the "Republic of China" (the official name of Taiwan) as a "rebel province" and forces all its economic and diplomatic partners to adhere to the principle of "One China", demanding that anyone who has diplomatic relations with China cut off those with Taiwan. For some time Beijing has launched a diplomatic war against "the rebel island", pushing the various states that recognize Taiwan to abandon it in return for economic favors. Last year Sao Tome and Prince and the Gambia chose to recognize Beijing. Beijing's grip on Taipei has become tighter since the presidential victory of Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (Dpp) in 2016. The Dpp is suspected of having independent leanings and Tsai herself, has kept silent on the principle of "One China". Beijing fears that the Chinese continent, inspired by Taiwan and its economic strength, will also demand greater democracy. According to analysts, the presence of Beijing in Central America reduces the US influence in the region. By Jonathan Roberts, Professor in Robotics, Queensland University of Technology Shutterstock/solarseven There are ten asteroids that the space organisation NASA said this month have been classified as potentially hazardous based on their size and their orbits in our Solar system. NASA has now identified 693 near-Earth objects thanks to the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer spacecraft thats been looking for potential threats to Earth since 2013. The organisation doesnt specify what kind of hazard these ten asteroids pose. But Earth has been hit by objects in the past, with devastating effects. Scientists largely agree that it was an asteroid or comet impact that started the chain of events that wiped out the dinosaurs around 60 million years ago. Every year several previously unseen asteroids whizz past Earth, sometimes with only with a few days warning. This year two of these asteroids came very close to Earth, with one in May sailing past only 15,000km away. On cosmic scales, that was a very close shave. But impacts from objects in space are just one of several ways that humanity and most of life on Earth could suddenly disappear. We are already observing that extinctions are happening now at an unprecedented rate. In 2014 it was estimated that the extinction rate is now 1,000 times greater than before humans were on the Earth. The estimated number of extinctions ranges from 200 to 2,000 species per year. From all of this very worrying data, it would not be a stretch to say that we are currently within a doomsday scenario. Of course, the day is longer than 24 hours but may be instead in the order of a century or two. So what can we do about this potential prospect of impending doom? We can try to avoid some of the likely scenarios. We should act to tackle climate change and we can develop new asteroid-tracking systems and put in place a means to deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. But the threats we face are so unpredictable that we need to have a backup plan. We need to plan for the time after our doomsday and think about how a post-apocalyptic Earth may recover and humanity will flourish again. A backup plan Some efforts to backup life on our planet have already started. Since the 1970s scientists around the world began to store seeds of potentially endangered plants. There are now dozens of seed banks or vaults scattered around the world. The most famous is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on a remote Norwegian island about 1,300km from the North Pole. The location was deliberately chosen to afford the project safe and secure long-term storage in cold and dry rock vaults. Flickr/Landbruks og matdepartementet, CC BY-ND But there were reports earlier this year that the vault had suffered issues with water from the surrounding melting permafrost (caused by global warming) gaining entry to parts of the structure. Less common are vaults for storing biological material from animals. There are a handful of so-called frozen zoos around the world. They store embryos, eggs, sperm and more recently DNA of endangered animals. So far, sperm, eggs and embryos that have been frozen for roughly 20 years have been shown to be viable. All of the storage methods that involve freezing have the same problem that the material is at risk of thawing out if the freezing methods fail. Storing frozen biological material for centuries or even millennia on Earth is not realistic. Humans can now sequence a whole genome of a living organism and the cost has reduced to the point where it costs less than US$1,000 to sequence the human genome. This process effectively turns the information from any organisms cells into data. If future scientists can create living DNA from the genome data and can then create living organisms from that DNA, then having the data alone may be sufficient to backup the Earths living organisms. Where to store the backups? But where should humanity store the backups? As French president Emmanuel Macron said recently, there is no plan B because there is no planet B, echoing 2014 comments from Ban Ki-moon when he was secretary general of the United Nations. Backing up on Earth seems a high-risk strategy, equivalent to having a computer backup on an external hard drive that sits right next to your computer. So given that the motivation for backing up Earths organisms is the likelihood of Earth itself suffering a catastrophe, it follows that our planet is not the best location for the backups. The partial flooding of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault illustrates that perfectly. Perhaps the obvious place to locate the backups is in space. Seeds have already been taken to space for short periods (six months) to test their viability back on Earth. These experiments so far have been motivated by the desire to eventually grow plants in space itself, on space stations, or on Mars. Space is a harsh environment for biological material, where cells are exposed to potentially very high doses of radiation that will damage DNA. Storage of seeds in low Earth orbit is desirable as Earths magnetic field provides some protection from space radiation. Storage outside of this zone and in deep space would require other methods of radiation protection. The other question is how you would get seeds and other biological material safely back to Earth after a global disaster. Now we get to the robotics that can help, as autonomous re-entry of biological material from orbit is totally feasible. The tricky part is for our orbiting bio-backup to know when its cargo is required and where to send it to. Perhaps we need a global limited robot crew such as David in the recent Alien films that would wake up the orbiter when it is needed. Alternatively, it could be staffed by a rotating crew of wardens similar to the International Space Station. These people could carry out other important scientific work too. Other locations in space for storage of biological material or data include the Moon, and the moons of our solar systems gas planets asteroids or deep space itself on free flying spacecraft. Such projects have been proposed and groups around the world have begun planning such ventures. So it seems that some people have already accepted the fate of humanity version 1.0 and that it will end sometime in the relative near term. The movement to create our backup ready for humanity version 2.0 has already begun. Jonathan Roberts does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above. Originally published in The Conversation. (robertprzybysz/Bigstock.com) (robertprzybysz/Bigstock.com) Young people in Australia on student and working holiday visas who spoke limited English were exploited by a sushi outlet which underpaid them and used false records to cover up what it was doing.The Fair Work Ombudsman has highlighted the case to warn young people working in Australia while travelling and studying that there are firms who will exploit them and they should be treated like any other worker.The director of Sushi Kuni in Brisbane and Ballina in New South Wales, Dai Il Kang, has been fined a total of $136,250 after the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane heard that five employees at the two outlets were underpaid by 29,166.Four of the underpaid employees were Korean nationals and one was an Australian while four were aged 26 or under.Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors discovered the underpayments at the Ballina outlet during a proactive audit. After receiving requests for assistance from workers, inspectors later discovered that there were underpayments of the minimum hourly rates, weekend penalty rates, overtime rates and casual loadings employees were entitled to under the Restaurant Industry Award.During the investigation, Kang and his company also knowingly provided inspectors with false time and wages records that purported to show employees were receiving much higher rates than was actually the case.Judge Michael Jarrett ordered the young people to be given the pay owed and described Kang's actions as 'deliberate and calculated', adding that providing false records to inspectors was particularly serious and an attempt to mislead the Fair Work Ombudsman in the course of its investigation.'I want to make it clear that the lawful obligations to pay minimum wage rates, keep appropriate employment records and issue pay slips apply to all employers in Australia and they are not negotiable,' said Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James.'We treat cases involving underpayment of overseas workers particularly seriously because we are conscious that they can be vulnerable due to a lack of awareness of their entitlements, language barriers and a reluctance to complain. I understand there are cultural challenges and vastly different laws in other parts of the world, but it is incumbent on all businesses operating in Australia to understand and apply Australian laws,' she pointed out.'To that end, the Fair Work Ombudsman is here to help with free advice and resources in a range of languages,' she added. V6 diesel-engine versions of Porsche Cayenne are now reportedly implicated in the Volkswagen emissions scandal. The Porsche Cayenne has been dragged into the Volkswagen Group emissions scandal, with the German Ministry of Transport ordering an investigation. German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that V6 TDI versions of the Cayenne are implicated, with emissions from the car in excess of the legal limit in Germany. Porsche was accused last year of using a device that manipulated the cars emissions based on how much steering input was detected, although a Porsche source previously said that no such system had been installed on any Porsche vehicle. Audi was last month pulled back into the scandal, following fresh accusations of cheating on the A7 and A8, with a steering wheel-based defeat device blamed. However, Porsche has refuted the allegations. It released the following statement on the issue: "Der Spiegel has conducted joint tests with TUV Nord on a Porsche Cayenne V6 TDI (Euro 6) and has reported on its findings in its latest edition. Porsche has obtained extracts of these results and considers them to be implausible. As a result of the Der Spiegel test, Porsche has conducted tests on a comparable Cayenne V6 TDI (Euro 6). The tests found that the vehicle was compliant with the legally stipulated nitric oxide limit values. Furthermore, Porsche has offered to conduct joint tests, but Der Spiegel has not accepted this offer. "Porsche cooperates fully with the authorities. We also liaise with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) on all current issues. "As the regulatory emissions authority responsible for the homologation of our vehicles, the KBA confirmed to us that the EU6-certified Cayenne V6 TDI vehicle model referenced by Der Spiegel is compliant with regulations. We provided the KBA with the information regarding the functions of the Cayenne V6 TDI that relate to emissions certification and will continue to take this approach." The stylish SUV comes loaded with tech and a long list of features; will initially come with two petrol engines, followed by a diesel in 2018. Hyundai has taken the wraps off the all-new Kona crossover thats intended to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke in international markets. The Kona features a fresh design for the brand and a range of new-to-Hyundai technology, including a head-up display and a revamped infotainment system. The Kona sits below the Santa Fe and Tucson in Hyundais SUV line-up, and the firm hopes that it will help expand its customer base, particularly in Europe. The all-new Kona is not just another car among Hyundai Motors established SUV range it is an important milestone on our journey to become the number one Asian automotive brand in Europe by 2021, said Thomas Schmid, Hyundai Europes chief operating officer. The Kona, which shares a platform with sister firm Kias forthcoming Stonic will go on sale in Korea next month, followed by North America and Europe. There will initially be a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, with a 1.6-litre diesel likely to follow in mid-2018. It will be available with front- and all-wheel drive. The Kona is named after a coastal region in Hawaii and, established by the Tucson and Santa Fe, continues Hyundai's trend of naming crossover and SUV models after travel destinations. The two petrol engines available at launch will be a 1.0L T-GDI with a six-speed manual transmission and a 1.6L T-GDI with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The 1.0L unit produces 119.6hp and 172Nm torque at 1,500-4,000rpm, and does 0-100kph in 12sec, with a top speed of 180kph. The more powerful 1.6-litre petrol unit has 176hp with 264Nm of torque at 1,500-4,000rpm. It can achieve 0-100kph in 7.9sec, with a top speed of 204kph. The 1.6-litre diesel is due to arrive in the European market at some point in 2018, although it's not yet confirmed. It will be available in two-wheel drive with 114.5hp and a six-speed manual. It produces 136hp in seven-speed DCT and all-wheel-drive guise. When fitted with the seven-speed box, both petrol and diesel models will feature two drive modes Normal and Sport, the latter of which holds onto gears for longer between shifts. Some markets will also be offered the Kona with a 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson engine, although this won't be coming to Europe. The Kona features a fresh design for Hyundai, with the adoption of the marques new cascading grille front. Hyundai says it is designed to merge high-tech looks with sophistication, to appeal to millennial buyers. There are slim LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlights a design similar to that of the Juke. The rear of the Kona features wraparound cladding that houses the indicator and reversing lights, slim LED rear lights, and a spoiler with an integrated LED brake light. There are large plastic areas which Hyundai says are styled on 'protective armour' that extend over the wheel arches to hint at the Konas off-roading capabilities; 16-inch wheels are standard, with 17-inch and 18-inch alloys available as options. Roof racks are also available as an exterior option. The Kona is 4,165mm long and 1,800mm wide, with a height of 1,550mm. That makes it slightly shorter and lower than the popular Nisan Juke, but 35mm wider. The Konas 2,600mm wheelbase is 70mm longer than the Juke's and it has a 170mm ground clearance to offer a true SUV experience. It features an all-steel body and has McPherson struts at the front. The 2WD model comes with a coupled torsion beam, with a multi-link system on the AWD model. The all-wheel-drive car also comes with traction control. Hyundais designers have tried to give the Konas interior a premium feel and a clutter-free cabin. The car comes with a 5.0-inch TFT screen as standard, with the availability of an optional 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. In a first for Hyundai, the Kona is available with a Display Audio system that features connected services, including smartphone syncing using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charging pad is available as an option. In another Hyundai first, the Kona is available with a head-up display, which the firm says has class-leading luminance. An eight-speaker sound system by American audio firm Krell is also available as an option. The Kona is available with a number of active driver assistance systems, which include autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot detection. Hyundai Kona images Action in the Aftermath of a Collision Just one collision, if it's serious enough, can sink a business. Having a plan for what to do in the aftermath of collisions can mean the difference between minimal impact to operations and a company-ending lawsuit. This white paper details how to build a plan to help protect your business from the risks you cant control. Learn eighteen specific steps to plan for, in four main categories: Direct Collision Response Investigation Management Settlement Operations Business Disruption By Lytx General Motors' European Opel division CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann has announced that he will step down from his position Monday, effective immediately, according to a report from Reuters. The resignation precedes the completion of Opel's sale to PSA Group, the French manufacturers of Peugeot and Citroen vehicles, according to The Washington Post. Neumann will remain as a part of the company's management board until the sale is finalized, Opel said in a statement. CFO Michael Lohscheller will take Neumann's place as Opel's CEO to handle the trasition to PSA Group. The 2018 Honda CR-V is one of the most anticipated SUVs to soon hit dealerships across the globe. Honda is known for its world-class vehicles and the CR-V is another addition. Honda certainly has done great again as represented by the latest CR-V. The 2018 Honda CR-V has quite a few surprises in store for its avid fans and loyal supporters. For one, it is expected to offer a seven-seat variant. This is especially an interesting feature, particularly for those who need more passenger space. It is ideal for larger families, with kids comfortably sitting at the back. Even better, the 2018 CR-V is bolder and more stylish than ever. It is oozing with versatility with more interior space, which includes the seven-seat option, according to Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins. Folks from the land down under get to experience the CR-V first hand as it goes on sale this July. The all-new CR-V range is available in either front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. There are two engines available. These are the 2.4-liter inline 4 (LX), which is capable of producing 184-horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Standard features include LED exterior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, and power driver's seat. Also included are blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and the impressive Honda Sensing. The Honda Sensing is a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist system, and lane departure warning. Its infotainment system also got a significant boost. It offers Honda's Advanced Display Audio, 7-inch Touch Screen, built-in navigation. It is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2018 CR-V is available in 2WD with the Touring and Sport 7 trims. The AWD models offering in Touring and Sport Sensing versions. The 2018 Honda CR-V does look stylish and updated compared to its predecessor. The upcoming CR-V is definitely one of the best SUVs in the market, especially as it makes it way in Australia and New Zealand next month. The problem at the U.S. Embassy in Romania wasnt that officials were saluting the flag. The problem was which flag they were saluting. In a tradition most Americans hoped was gone with President Obama, a handful of U.S. diplomats decided to fly the rainbow flag on par with the stars and stripes that millions have died defending. The jarring sight in Guatemala, Cuba, Macedonia, the Dominican Republican, and other countries was just more evidence of the politically correct mess left behind by the last administration. Although President Trump refused to declare June LGBT pride month, plenty of Obama holdovers are taking matters into their own hands. Out of respect for the voters who rejected that extreme agenda, its time for administration officials to step in and put a stop to a display that puts a sexual fringe on the same pole as Old Glory. And unfortunately, the State Department isnt the only agency bucking the White Houses values this June. Today, the Pentagon carried on a tradition President Obama began in 2012, holding a special pride event at the same time that other military leaders are ready to turn the page on eight years of social engineering. It was a disappointing development for conservatives, who thought they had an ally in new Defense Secretary James Mattis. FRCs Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (U.S. Army-Ret.) was vocal about his displeasure. I was hoping that the Trump administration would put less emphasis on everything that does not contribute directly to enhanced readiness and war fighting. Leaders of the Conservative Action Project echoed General Boykins frustrations. In a letter signed by dozens of organizations, the group calls on the White House to intervene. The Trump administration should discontinue funding and directing personnel resources for special-interest events, including LGBT-Pride Month events in June, which do not strengthen military readiness. We will support officials and initiatives taken to end politically-correct social agendas, and look forward to more changes that will strengthen the armed forces and restore Americas military readiness. The Obama administration worked from Kenya to El Salvador not to advance his countrys priorities but the 44th presidents radical social agenda. Its time for Donald Trump to take a wrecking ball to the LGBT distractions of his predecessor and turn the page on policies that offend more people than they honor. via Press Release from verified white supremacist connected hate group leader Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council St. Petersburg Police investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who they believe assaulted a 15-year-old girl on May 27. Assault victim initially reported as a runaway Girl found beaten, possibly sexually assaulted Have information? Call St. Petersburg Police Officials said on May 27 at 12:48 a.m. a mother called St. Petersburg Police to report her 15-year-old daughter as a runaway. At 4:26 a.m. police received a call about an injured young woman found dazed and walking on 22nd Avenue South near 12th Street. Investigators determined that the young woman was the runaway. The teen's mother, who asked not to be identified in order to protect her daughter, said it all started with an argument. We had a disagreement, she got upset and she went outside for a cool down and we checked on her probably about 30 minutes later and she was gone, the mother said. That was typical, because sometimes she would walk around the block, so I thought nothing of it because she was cooling down. But as a couple hours went by I got really concerned and I notified law enforcement. The teen had been beaten and possibly sexually assaulted. Her mother told us she was already imagining the worst, but she could not have prepared for the phone call saying her daughter had been attacked. When I saw my child I couldnt believe it was her," she said. "It was very hard to look at her. My baby face was all swollen up. Almost unrecognizable. He had broken her jaw in three places." I first told her I love her," she continued. "Thats the first thing I said to her -- I love her and then I asked her, 'Who did this to you?' Due to injuries to her face and jaw, she was unable to speak to detectives at the time. But when she finally could speak, she provided detectives with a description of her attacker and described to them what happened. She said that a man wanted her to do a sexual favor on him and she refused to do it," the mother explained. "And she said she tried to walk away and he kept following her, and then she said he grabbed her from the back and started choking her. She said she started screaming, she said. She said her daughter told investigators the man then pulled her into an alley, where he beat and raped her. Three detectives spent the next two weeks retracing the victim's steps and interviewing everyone she came in contact with that night. They also found surveillance video of the teen the night of the attack. Test results on DNA evidence are still pending. The victim's mother and aunt had a message to anyone who might know something about the attack. Please turn him in," the teen's mother said. "Please turn him in because he will do it again. He may do it to your sister, your daughter, your mother, hes going to do it again and we really need to get this man off the street. He nearly killed my child. And whats really sad, is people out in the community know who this man is, but theyre not talking and hes a monster that need to get off the streets because if he did it to her hes gonna do it again, she continued. The message I have to him is that Im angry," said the victim's aunt. "Im very angry. I am hurt. He needs to turn himself in and do it very quickly. It hurts that someone took that away from her. This is a baby. This is somebodys child and he took her innocence away from her and she didnt deserve it. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact St. Petersburg Police at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your information to TIP411. An area of high pressure to our north brings us an east to southeast wind. This brings us deep moisture and results in numerous showers and thunderstorms again today. A few strong thunderstorms are possible with heavy downpours, mainly this afternoon through this evening. Thunderstorms through evening Areas of heavy rain Very warm and humid Showers and storms are likely this evening then they will move out into the Gulf of Mexico and it will be mostly cloudy overnight. Low temperatures will be in the 70s. Wednesday features a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. A sea breeze will form and move a little farther inland with highs in the mid 80s at the coast to around 90 degrees away from the water. Later in the workweek, the highest rain chances will occur inland where the sea breeze collision will happen late each day, while scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in Tampa Bay. &amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Call it one small step for cardboard, one giant leap for creativity. MOSI has launched its new Cardboard Space Adventures. Interactive exhibit built from more than 16,000 pounds of cardboard Exhibit part of Rocket Red Glare Festival Festival included in MOSI admission, dads free on Father's Day weekend MOSI used more than 16,000 pounds of cardboard to create the interactive exhibit. It spans 2,000 square feet and took months to put together. "Cardboard Space Adventures is based on the idea that you got that present at Christmas or for whatever holiday, you take the present out, you put it away and you play with the box, Grayson Kamm, MOSI Communications Director, said. It includes a towering space station, mazes and an invasion video game that blasts aliens out of the skyall completely made of cardboard. The museum is also amping up the adventure for the next three weekends with its "Rocket Red Glare Festival." Guests can design and build their own cardboard rocket before launching it more than 100 feet in the sky. The festival will also feature live demonstrations lead by MOSIs STEAM team on the science of fireworks. The festival lifts off June 17-18, 24-25 and July 1-2. It is included with MOSI admission, and dads get in free on the festivals opening weekend for Fathers Day. You can also meet real rocket engineers from NASAs Kennedy Space Center on the festivals first day, Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Cardboard Space Adventures" is up at MOSI through August 13. The Manatee County school community is still healing from the shocking death of a student. Charles Small wins $15,000 scholarship It's named for Janiyah Thomas, killed at age 11 Her mother faces trial in November Janiyah Thomas, 11, was found dead and stuffed in a freezer in 2015. Her memory will now live on through a scholarship. "Janiyah is a very special student and holds a very special place in my heart," said Manatee Elementary School counselor Jill Hougland. Hougland and colleagues asked the community to help build a scholarship in Janiyah's name. "We wanted to do something to honor her," Hougland said. "We felt that a college scholarship was the best way in order for us to help the future youth of this community." In order to qualify for the scholarship, applicants are required to have graduated from Manatee Elementary. Out of the 99 students who qualified, the winner was Charles Small. "It means a lot to me, you know financially, but also being the face of it is something good," Small said. He will be attending Notre Dame College in Ohio next year, pursuing his passion in wrestling. Small will receive $15,000 from the scholarship, which combined with his other wrestling scholarships will pay for the first two years of college. Janiya's mother, Keishanna, is charged with murder in her daughter's death. Her trial is scheduled for November. "We will never know what she would have become," Hougland said. The last time 18-year-old Kacie Lane and her family stepped inside Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, she was just four years old. Kacie Lane, 18, born with heart defect Had 3 surgeries by age 4 Kacie returned to St. Pete to reunite with doctors Born with a heart defect, Kacie had three heart surgeries at the hospital. One at seven weeks, one at 18 months and the last one at age four. The recent high school graduate, who now lives in Georgia, returned to St. Petersburg to reunite with some of the doctors who treated her as a child, and to share her accomplishments and appreciation. "Theyre the reasons I can wake up in the mornings without any problems and theyre the reason that I can put a smile on my face, so I wanted to come back and thank them for all that theyve done in my life," said Kacie. The now-healthy teen got the opportunity to extend that thank you to Dr. Alfred Asante-Korang, her Cardiologist and Dr. Jeff Jacobs, her surgeon. "Nothing could be more exciting or more rewarding than seeing a patient who we operated on when they were a little baby and now theyre graduating from high school and getting ready to go to nursing school," said Jacobs, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital's Chief of Cardiac Surgery. It was an emotional reunion for the doctors and their former patient. "Were very proud of you, this is what keeps us going, when our patients do so well," said Dr. Asante-Korang. "Thats what its all about," added Jacobs. Kacie was able to hold it together until after the doctors left the room. "I just started crying because its just like, you think about it and it's like, 'Wow, theyre the reason Im walking and breathing right now and theyre the reason I can enjoy life the way I was meant to, with my sisters and my mom and my friends,'" said Kacie. It was a moving moment for Kacie's mother, DeDe, as well. "Its awesome just to be able to be here and experience this with Kacie," said DeDe. The scar visible on Kacie's chest so many years later, is a reminder of her heart condition as a child. "Its a symbol of strength," said Kacie. Kacie plans to study nursing and wants to work with hearing-impaired children. Attorney General Jeff Sessions got his turn to testify before the Senate intelligence committee Tuesday, saying he never met with any Russians or foreign officials concerning any election or campaign. AG Jeff Sessions appears before Senate intelligence committee Takes questions on Russia, former FBI Director James Comey MORE: News from Washington in our D.C. Digest Sessions also said he never had conversations with FBI Director James Comey about his job performance before Comey's firing. The hearing started just after 2:40 p.m. Tuesday and lasted more than two hours. Senate Democrats had raised questions about whether Sessions privately met with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak at an April 2016 foreign policy event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. Sessions says he was there for a speech by then-candidate Donald Trump, and members of Sessions' staff were also in attendance. During his opening statement, Sessions said he did not have any undisclosed meetings with Russian officials. He called accusations of collusion with the Russian government "an appalling and detestable lie." Sessions defended his 35 years serving his country and said he had no knowledge of "any such conversations by anyone connected to the (President Donald) Trump campaign." JUST IN: Department of Justice releases Attorney General Jeff Sessions' prepared remarks https://t.co/OOKrWQp9jG pic.twitter.com/ATYt7xPYfi CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 13, 2017 Answering a series of questions from the committee, Sessions said he recused himself from the investigation into Trump campaign ties to Russia because he was involved in the campaign. He says he stepped aside because Justice Department rules prevent such a conflict of interest. Sessions became attorney general in February but did not recuse himself from that probe until March. Sessions later contradicted Comey's testimony about his concerns over a meeting he had with Trump. Comey testified last week that Sessions did not respond when he complained that he did not want to be left alone with Trump again. This was after a February meeting in which Comey said Trump told Sessions and others to leave the room before asking him to drop a probe into National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia. Sessions says he was not silent, saying he stressed to Comey the need to be careful about following appropriate policies. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Ryan Hearn said he heard a lot going on in the waterway behind his Treasure Island home Sunday night. "I heard the engine rev up, high RPMs and I said, 'Man, those jet-skiers need to be careful,'" said Hearn. Thomas Hamilton pulled to safety after Sunday crash Ryan Hearn, another good Samaritan helped Florida Fish and Wildlife is investigating Hearn said he then heard several banging sounds. The noise wasn't from jet-skiers -- it was from a boat crashing through what used to be Hearn's dock. Hearn ran out to see what was going on and didn't see anyone on the 18-foot boat that was now against his seawall, so he kept looking. "I saw the man right here face down, I called 911, and she asked me not to jump in. I said, 'He's going to die if I don't,' said Hearn. "So, I got a pool stick and tried to move him, and that wasn't working and I said, 'I'm going in.' So I jumped in." Hearn jumped in to get 73-year-old Thomas Hamilton of St. Pete Beach to safety. A second good Samaritan helped. The boater was taken to Bayfront. "He was pretty banged up," said Hearn. "I felt for him, but he was talking, then he would lose consciousness but then he would talk a little bit. Hes a tough guy, Ill tell you that," said Hearn. Hearn hopes the best for Hamilton. "I'm glad we were here. I'm glad we were here," said Hearn. Florida Fish and Wildlife is investigating the crash. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After a decade of planning and two years of construction, the Beaumont-based Islamic Society of Triplex has opened the doors on its new $2 million mosque on West Cardinal Drive. The center with a dome top will be open to the entire Southeast Texas community, not just Muslims, said Imam Taha Khan, the director of religion for Islamic Society of Triplex. The mosque and adjacent community center - a $1 million project completed four years ago - were part of an expansion plan to address the growing Muslim population in the area, Khan said. He said about 300 to 400 people regularly attend services and estimated about 1,500 Muslims live in the greater Beaumont area. "The community grew so much. We wanted to make room for future growth," he said. The 9,000-square-foot, red-brick mosque has separate entrances and prayer rooms for men and women. Visitors are required to take off their shoes before entering the carpeted prayer rooms. Read more in today's print edition of The Enterprise. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Stephanie Jones loves taking her dogs - a pit bull mix and a Rottweiler - out in public to demonstrate that so-called "aggressive breeds" can be well-behaved and friendly. But when Ashley Phillips sees a dog that looks like a pit bull at a store or a restaurant, she tenses up, recalling the two dogs that killed her 5-year-old son two years ago. The women are two of the faces of the fierce debate over the dog breed, known both as vicious attackers and gentle family pets. "Bully breeds," including varieties of bull terriers and the American bully, often are classified as "pit bulls." Such animals are frequently assumed to be innately aggressive and inclined to attack, leading to bans in apartment complexes and stores and higher insurance premiums. While not all pit bulls are aggressive, high-profile attacks help fuel a blanket view that the dogs are dangerous, which creates a variety of unanticipated challenges for owners. When pit bulls attack Fueling the breed's bad reputation is the harsh reality of pit bull attacks, which are often extremely violent and highly publicized, even though they're relatively uncommon. Phillips' 5-year-old son, Tanner Smith, was mauled to death in Vidor by two pit bulls in 2015 while she visited a friend. Phillips believed Tanner was outside with her friend's father but later learned he was not at home at the time, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Tanner was found in the yard after he was attacked. Two years later, Phillips is still nervous around dogs and said she supports keeping all dogs out of public places, especially pit bulls. "Any breed that could kill someone should not be welcome in a public place," she said. "People will say Chihuahuas, weenie dogs, are more aggressive, and they might be more aggressive, but they're not going to kill someone." The breed's popularity in Southeast Texas worries her as well, she said. "I can't say that I enjoy going to the grocery store, Wal-Mart or anywhere like that, because every time I turn my head, there's a pit bull, and it brings back all those things I had to personally see of my own child." Michelle Watts, who lives in Orange County, spent part of Memorial Day weekend in the hospital with her son, Tyler, after a neighbor's pit bull attacked him. The 11-year-old was riding his bike when he had his third run-in with the dog in two months, which escalated from biting his pants, to a minor cut, to severe wounds that required stitches. She reported the bite to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and the dog is currently quarantined. OCSO did not respond to requests for comment. Watts said Tyler is still recovering and worries that the owner is not required to enclose his yard with a fence. The owner defended his dog and said it was secured, but declined to be quoted. "All dogs can bite," Watts said, "but when this one does, it's a lot worse. Why risk somebody's life because you can't put your dog up?" Facts and myths Most dog bites that Beaumont Animal Services responds to involve bully breeds, said supervisor Matthew Fortenberry, but that's not necessarily because they're naturally more aggressive than other breeds. "They're a very common breed for ownership in this area," he said, "so the percentage (of bites) by nature, is going to be higher." Bully breeds' physical characteristics, including their boxy heads and stocky builds, can make them look inherently aggressive and can fuel misconceptions like their jaws "lock" when they bite or they're bred to kill. Their size and strength also make their bites more damaging than small dogs, like Chihuahuas, which are more prone to bite people but inflict fewer serious injuries. I. Lehr Brisbin, an animal behavior specialist and researcher at the University of Georgia, said there is no proof of any "locking mechanism," based on examinations of the breeds' skulls and teeth, and their strength is not disproportionate to their size. Pit bulls are the most commonly chosen breed to be trained to fight, a characteristic that can be passed on through generations, said Jen Robinson, a trainer at Beaumont Animal Services. She said that creates "fighting bloodlines" among some, but not all, pit bulls. It's not always immediately clear which dogs aren't from "fighting stock," which is why temperament testing is necessary. Beaumont Animal Services shelter director Susan Toney said they monitor dogs' behavior, their interactions with staff and other animals and look for triggers that set them off to determine their temperament. Costs of ownership Those who own and love their pit bulls face unanticipated challenges because of the breed's reputation. Texas prohibits breed-specific bans, so cities and towns can't pass local ordinances outlawing pit bulls, but companies that set their own policies often consider pit bulls a risk. Heather Holcombe bought her dog, Sapphire, a bright blue-eyed bully breed, six years ago. "She's been my baby ever since," she said, watching the dog calmly trot alongside her at Beaumont's Ida Reed Dog Park. As Holcombe looked for a place to live that would accept Sapphire, she ran up against restrictions on "aggressive breeds," until she found a rental house in Beaumont whose owner was willing to take them after meeting Sapphire. "Ninety-nine percent of apartment complexes or rental properties won't allow pits," said Beaumont Animal Services' Toney. Those restrictions frequently stop people from adopting the dogs, she said. A number of local apartment complexes have broad "no aggressive breed" policies, which typically include Rottweilers, German shepherds and chows, along with pit bulls. Others require that the owner bring the dog in for a meeting or ask for a picture of the dog before being approved as a renter. While homeowners can choose to own any dog they please, they will likely pay more for insurance if they own a pit bull. "Certain breeds are identified as being potentially more aggressive," said Wade Maclean, an agent with Farmers Insurance in Beaumont, "so there may be a surcharge on somebody's homeowner's policy" because they present an additional risk to the company. Charles Cole, owner of Beaumont's Cole Insurance TWFG, said that insurance premiums can go up 10 to 40 percent for pit bull owners, depending on the company. In other cases, an insurer might provide a policy that excludes coverage of anything related to the dog, requiring owners to carry a separate liability policy, he said. Toney said the Beaumont Animal Shelter tries to address the possible restrictions before the dogs are adopted so they won't be returned. The shelter makes potential owners check their relevant insurance policies before taking a bully breed home. They also conduct home visits, because not all owners or families are suited for the powerful, energetic breed, she said. Most Southeast Texas dog-friendly businesses don't have prohibitions on specific breeds, though the national PetSmart chain has been widely criticized for banning "dogs of the 'bully breed' classification" from its Doggie Day Camp programs, including "mixed breeds that have the appearance or characteristics of these breeds." Cuddly or killers? While banning the breed from public places might seem an obvious solution for those who fear running afoul of a fighting dog, it wouldn't cut down on at-home attacks like Watts' or Smith's. Nor have bans been found to be effective, according to experts. A 2010 study in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association found that breed-specific legislation is ineffective, because it would require removing too many dogs from a community to actually prevent bites. Cities and towns would have to remove 100,000 dogs to statistically reduce the risk of one dog bite, according to the study. Restrictions raise questions about their value because they require classifying the dog based on its appearance, which isn't always a guaranteed way to identify pit bulls, especially with the popularity of mixed-breed dogs. Pit bull enthusiasts like Jones, who has owned bully breeds for more than 20 years, say the bans perpetuate negative stereotypes and make it harder to prove that not all pit bulls are "bred to kill." "I love to bring them out wherever I can to shed good light on the breed," she said. "They're smart, gentle dogs, very driven to please." Some pit bulls are "cocker spaniels in disguise," Toney said, while others have been mistreated or not socialized properly, especially if they're owned as guard dogs or for dogfighting. "What they're taught, how they're brought up, and if they're trained and socialized" have more to do with their behavior than their breed itself, Toney said. Watts, whose family has a labrador, said she's been accused of bashing pit bulls but said the bigger issue is ensuring owners follow leash laws and ordinances. "It doesn't matter what kind of dog it is, it's being a responsible animal owner," Watts said. LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz A late night fire in Beaumont has damaged a long-time Southeast Texas business. Firefighters were called to Ace Safety Apparel, 700 block of Liberty Avenue in Downtown Beaumont, late Monday night. The structure was being used primarily for storage, and no one was inside at the time of the fire. Ace Safety Apparel, which cleans industrial uniforms, has been in Beaumont since the 70s. Rutland (Vt.) Regional Medical Center President and CEO Tom Huebner penned an article in the VT Digger illustrating how The Green Mountain Care Board approving a new ASC in Colchester, Va., would impact community hospitals throughout Vermont. The ASC in question is a proposal that a group of independent physicians filed nearly two years ago. The Green Mountain Care Board is set to decide on the proposal but has faced several delays due to a gap in board members. However, Governor Phil Scott appointed new board members in May, which may speed up the decision regarding the approval. Mr. Huebner said his primary concern is if regulators approve this ASC, Rutland regulators may approve a similar proposal, which could negatively impact mid-sized and critical access hospitals like Rutland Regional Medical Center. He said, "[For such hospitals that] operate tight financial ships, there is little margin to manage the impacts of new and unregulated competition." He said ASCs can pick the patients which may be "more profitable," while Rutland Regional has to accept all patients even if they are unable to pay for the services rendered. The ability to select patients that may turn a profit gives ASC an edge over community hospitals that may fail to stay afloat in this environment. Additionally, Mr. Huebner explained surgery centers will not have to pay the state's annual tax that pays for the Medicaid program nor would ASCs be subject to the Green Mountain Care Board's financial oversight or budget process. The ASC would not have to abide by licensing requirements or reporting requirements, said Mr. Huebner. In an April Green Mountain Care Board Member board meeting, Amy Cooper, executive director of Burlington, Vt.-based health insurance company Healthfirst, said the ASC would save payers $5.5 million annually and the center would pay income and property taxes due to its for-profit status. Rutland does not need additional facilities to meet patient demand in Mr. Huebner's opinion. He said, "We have expanded our capacity to meet demand and done so within the confines of the certificate of need process. We had to prove that there was a genuine unmet need in our community. Any ambulatory surgical center should do the same." At the aforementioned April hearing, Ms. Cooper said, "This project is not against the hospitals. This project is for the patients. We in the independent practice community here believe there is space for all providers in the healthcare landscape." Providing a positive patient experience is essential to a hospital's bottom line, brand and reputation. As healthcare leaders increasingly seek ways to enhance care, many have realized that providing comfortable and convenient accommodations for patients' families and other visitors during the hospital stay represents a new opportunity to improve the overall experience. Dallas-based Gatehouse Capital, founded in 1997, has emerged as a pioneer in medical hospitality development. In addition to its medical hospitality platform, the company also operates a luxury and lifestyle properties platform and a regional hotel/conference center platform. Its entrance into the hospital arena will be marked by the October opening of a Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel adjacent to Baylor Scott & White's Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, a five-story hotel with 132 keys. "Having a hotel directly on a hospital campus provides that hospital with a tremendous advantage," says David Messersmith, who leads the medical hospitality platform at Gatehouse Capital. "It provides a more convenient experience for patients' families, as well as a competitive advantage for the hospital brand." In addition to Baylor University Medical Center, Gatehouse Capital has contracts out with several other hospitals in various stages of negotiations. They are primarily establishing deals with large hospitals in metropolitan areas, where patients and their families presumably have broad choice when it comes to selecting overnight accommodations. With a hotel on campus, visiting nurses and physicians, as well as patients' family members, are conveniently located close to the hospital and their loved ones, but have the opportunity to experience the comfort of a hotel. The hotels which are all Marriott, Hilton, Starwood or Hyatt brands will offer a variety of amenities that are specifically tailored to hospital visitors, such as a concierge to help them navigate through large hospital buildings, restaurants, bars and a fitness center. They are also suited for hospital patients themselves. For example, the rooms will be furnished with comfortable bedroom furniture that would be safe for recovering patients. They will also house clinical retail space, where patients can check in prior to surgery, do blood work and other tests and fill out insurance paper work. Patients who have to travel a considerable distance to the hospital for a procedure or follow-up care may also find it more conducive to stay near the hospital overnight. Building a hotel on campus expands hospitals' opportunities to increase revenue. Many large facilities already cater to patients' families by offering hospitality suites inside the hospital. However, these are typically not ideal for visiting family members, who could benefit from the respite of a private hotel suite. With a hotel on campus, hospitals can convert these hospitality suites into patient rooms, where they can treat more patients and earn significant revenue. "A lot of what we're doing is freeing up hospitals' space to create and better utilize the facility," says Mr. Messersmith. "On top of the suites, the hotels offer two things every hospital wants: More parking and more meeting space." The hotels offer ample space for hosting conferences, medical sales reps or continuing medical education seminars, according to Mr. Messersmith. As emphasis on the patient experience grows, and as hospitals operate in an increasingly competitive environment, Mr. Messersmith anticipates more facilities will seek to build hotels on their campuses. "My guess is in the next few years, every large hospital will have a hotel on its campus," he says. Sarah Knodel, system vice president of revenue cycle for Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Health, is responsible for the strategic management and direction of the revenue cycle department for the nearly 50-hospital system, which includes responsibility for more than 1,700 employees spanning across access services, revenue integrity, utilization review, denial resource center and the central business office. Ms. Knodel previously worked for Stockamp & Associates, now Huron Consulting Group in Chicago, where she focused on revenue cycle improvement initiatives for large, multifacility acute care hospital systems. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from The University of Texas at Austin - Red McCombs School of Business. Ms. Knodel recently answered questions from Becker's Hospital Review about her greatest challenges as a revenue cycle leader and how she would improve the revenue cycle process. Note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Question: What's your favorite part about being a revenue cycle leader for a healthcare system? Sarah Knodel: I love that no day is the same and the variety of the work we do and the challenges that come with it. It is exciting to lead a department that has a tangible impact on the patient's experience and the financial success of the organization. I enjoy getting to work with many talented individuals inside of the revenue cycle and across the numerous departments, facilities and clinics we interface with to help the organization achieve its strategic goals. As the saying goes, "care takes cash," and I enjoy serving in a role closely aligned with our clinical, operational and financial leaders so we can continue to deliver high-quality care to the patients and communities we serve. Q: What is the biggest challenge you're facing as a revenue cycle leader? SK: The biggest challenge is the sheer number of priorities we are trying to manage at any given time. People laugh at the whiteboard in my office that has a list of over 100 projects we are working on as a department. Since the merger of Baylor Scott & White Health, we've had challenges related to trying to standardize revenue cycle processes, systems and organizational structures between the two legacy healthcare systems. This integration work, coupled with work related to constantly improving our key performance indicators, increasing price transparency, improving the revenue cycle patient experience, reducing our cost-to-collect, integrating new business from organic growth and acquisitions and optimizing workflows in anticipation of future electronic health record conversions, leaves very little time to breathe. It's an exciting time but certainly challenging given the pace of change and the speed at which we need to get a number of important things completed in a relatively short amount of time. Q: What is one of your goals this year? SK: Continuing to improve the revenue cycle patient experience. While we have made strides in different areas related to the financial experience, the key for us is being able to string everything together in a more cohesive manner from scheduling to post-discharge collections. So many industries have a simple yet robust way of engaging and interfacing with their consumers, but in healthcare we still have a lot of opportunities for improvement in this area. We have various revenue cycle bolt-on technologies and patient portals that have all provided improvements in our overall process and experience, but we need to continue to focus on making further improvements. Q: What is one thing you'd do to improve the revenue cycle process? SK: One thing I would do is improve collaboration with payers to reduce administrative costs for both sides. Driving out nonvalue added costs is critical for financial sustainability. Throughout the entire revenue cycle we have an opportunity to drive out costs associated with our third-party payers but unfortunately, we are faced with constantly changing pre-certification and medical necessity requirements that are unique to each payer, and a lengthy process on the back-end related to retrospective appeals for denials and underpayments. Despite more and more upfront requirements, it isn't translating to improved processing time on the back end. Although traditional methods for addressing some of these issues have been successful, those methods still require a significant amount of time and resources on both sides to arrive at the correct outcome. Ultimately, the member-patient is hurt by these delays and they can slow down our ability to provide timely care, to be paid timely and to timely bill the patient for their amount due. We want to explore what opportunities exist to pilot new strategies or models that could work on addressing some of these issues. Here are the top six gifts and pledges from individuals to hospitals or healthcare organizations to date in 2017. The Chronicle of Philanthropy maintains a database of gifts of $1 million or more made by individuals to various charitable institutions. This particular list includes gifts under "health" and "medical research" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Please note that many of the gifts are of equal value, meaning more than six are listed. 1.$100 million to University of Chicago Medicine Donor: Craig and Janet Duchossois. Mr. Duchossois is the chairman of Duchossois Group, a holding company. Details: The pledge will establish the Duchossois Family Institute, focusing on research regarding how the immune system, genetics and microbiomes interact to maintain human health. 2. $25 million to Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, Fla.) Donor: A. Dano and Brenda Davis. Mr. Davis' family founded the Winn-Dixie grocery store chain. Details: The donation will be used to fund an expansion of the medical center in Jacksonville, Fla., recruit physicians and advance medical research. 2. $25 million to Boston Medical Center Donor: John and Eilene Grayken. Mr. Grayken owns Lone Star Funds, a private equity fund. Details: The gift will establish the Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine. The center will focus on drug research, treatment and addiction prevention. 2. $25 million to Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (Manhasset, N.Y.) Donor: Leonard and Susan Feinstein. Mr. Feinstein co-founded Bed Bath and Beyond. The couple also gifted $25 million to the institute in 2005 in honor of their son, who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Details: The donation will advance research in neuroscience, autoimmunity and bioelectronics. 2. $25 million to Feed the Truth (New York City) Donor: Daniel Lubetzky. Mr. Lubetzky is the founder and CEO of Kind Health Snacks. Details: This pledge will create the Feed the Truth Organization, a public health oriented organization focused on increasing transparency in food and beverage companies. 2. $25 million to University of Texas Health San Antonio Donor: Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long. Mr. Long is a retired banker and lawyer. He was formerly the Chief of the Enforcement Division in Texas and organized First State Bank and Community National Bank. Details: Most of the donation ($20 million) will go toward faculty recruitment, $4 million will be used for scholarships and $1 million will endow the medical school dean's position. 3. $21 million to Chicago Biomedical Consortium Donor: Searle Funds (Searle family). The family sold their pharmaceutical company, G.D. Searle & Company, to Monsanto in 1985. Details: The pledge will support joint medical research at Evanston, Ill.-based Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Chicago. 3.$21 million to University of Pennsylvania, Basser Research Center for BRCA (Philadelphia) Donor: Jon and Mindy Gray. Mr. Gray oversees real estate at Blackstone, a global investment firm. Details: The donation will advance research, clinical trials and educational outreach for patients with hereditary cancers. 4. $21 million to Rehabilitation Institution of Chicago Donor: Lester and Renee Crown. Mr. Crown is the president of investment firm Henry Crown and Company and the chairman of the Material Service Corp., which is a stone, sand and gravel company. Details: The gift will go toward maintaining the Renee Crown Center for Spinal Cord Innovation. 5. $15 million to Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) Donor: John and Laura Potocsnak. Mr. Potocsnak is the CEO of Corrugated Supplies Co., which manufactures cardboard. Details: The donation will establish a biomedical research center, which will focus on cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders and genetics at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. 6. $12.5 million to Weill Medical College of Cornell University (Ithaca, N.Y.) Donor: Jeffery Feil, a real estate investor in New York. Details: The gift will establish a new student center to create more space for classes, collaborative projects and advanced patient care training. Sayre (Okla.) Memorial Hospital, which abruptly closed in February 2016, will reopen under new ownership, according to KGOU. Sayre Memorial faced financial troubles for years before ceasing operations Feb. 1, 2016. Hospital officials said the closure was due to a number of factors, including Oklahoma's decision not to expand Medicaid under the ACA and a reduction in Medicare reimbursements. The Sayre Memorial Hospital Authority finalized the sale of the hospital to Healthcare Properties Transaction Group of Oklahoma, which is made up of a group of investors, in January. HPTG plans to reopen the facility under a new name Sayre Community Hospital at the end of June. HPTG is currently finalizing contracts with surgeons and some of the hospital's former employees will rejoin Sayre Community Hospital, according to the report. More articles on healthcare finance: CHI Health closes Nebraska hospital, opens new ED UHS hospital in Oklahoma faces Medicare termination on heels of Buzzfeed News investigation Southcoast Health's operating loss doubles as federal reimbursement declines Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein and two Citigroup executives CEO Michael Corbat and CEO of global consumer banking Stephen Bird are the latest victims of an email hoax conducted by a self-proclaimed email prankster, according to fnlondon.com and cityam.com. The email impersonator has been contacting corporate executives, masquerading as senior executives within their companies and posting the exchanges on Twitter. One of the latest targets, Mr. Blankfein, responded to emails sent by the email impersonator pretending to be Harvey Schwartz, co-COO of Goldman Sachs. On June 11, the two joked about a trip to Vegas and briefly discussed President Donald Trump's Twitter usage. Minutes after the exchange, the impersonator released screenshots of the conversation on his Twitter account, @Sinon_Reborn, according to cityam.com. This exchange was later referenced in another hoax sent to Mr. Corbat and Mr. Bird, when the impersonator pretended to be Citigroup Chairman Michael O'Neill June 11, fnlondon.com reported. The impersonator sent a link containing a news story detailing the Goldman Sach's email scam to the two Citigroup executives and he told them he felt the bank should improve its email security moving forward, to avoid being hit by a similar hoax in the future. "Can never be too careful Mike. Hope that's our real Chairman!" Mr. Bird replied before discussing Citigroup's current e-mail security. Goldman Sachs and Citigroup both confirmed the exchanges, according to fnlondon.com. However, they declined to offer additional comment. Barclays CEO Jes Staley, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and Shadow Home Secretary of the British Labour Party Diane Abbott have all recently been tricked by the email impersonator, according to cityam.com. More articles on health IT: This is why some physicians 'hate' EMRs Senior US cybersecurity specialists' Q1 salaries average $118K: 4 study insights DHS investigates malware targeting critical infrastructure Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center joined forces with Tempus, a health technology company focused on personalized oncology care, to improve breast cancer treatment. Tempus will use bioinformatics and machine learning to analyze molecular, phenotypic, therapeutic and outcomes data for hundreds of breast cancer patients. Tempus and U-M researchers will analyze this data alongside the university's patient-derived biological models, which alert providers to the drugs that will prove most effective for individual patients. This agreement marks U-M's second collaboration with Tempus. The organizations partnered to bring U-M's DNA-sequencing panel, MI-ONCOSEQ, to cancer patients across the country in October. Bayfront Health-St. Petersburg (Fla.) CEO Kathryn Gillette is planning to retire in August, according to a Tampa Bay Times report. Here are five things to know: 1. Ms. Gillette served as CEO of the organization since 2013. 2. She led the organization's transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity. She also played a key role in establishing a partnership with the University of South Florida in Tampa. 3. Prior to joining Bayfront, she worked for Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corporation of America, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including CEO of Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee, Fla., according to LinkedIn. 4. She also served in senior finance roles, such as CFO, at Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital. 5. The hospital's board is working with Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, Bayfront's parent, to find a successor. New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian named Wilhelmina M. Manzano, RN, chief quality officer. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and chief nursing executive at NewYork-Presbyterian. Ms. Manzano joined NewYork-Presbyterian in 1998, where she held numerous roles, including vice president for patient care services at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and COO at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital. Both hospitals are based in New York City. Prior to joining NewYork-Presbyterian, she held leadership positions at a number of hospitals, including at New York City-based Mount Sinai Hospital. Ms. Manzano is a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine and a member of the American Nurses Association as well as the American Organization of Nurse Executives. The hospital C-suite is always evolving, with new roles constantly being added to oversee top strategy, financial, IT, population health and people initiatives. Here are 38 hospital and health system c-suite executive positions traditional and nontraditional including descriptions of responsibilities and some of the key people who hold them. 1. Chief administrative officer. The chief administrative officer has similar responsibilities to the chief operating officer, and is sometimes considered the same position, according to Learn.org. The CAO is responsible for keeping the organization running smoothly and aligning the organization's goals. This individual may also oversee and prepare the organization's budget and assist in business deal negotiations. In some cases, the CAO serves as the middle-man between hospital department heads and the CEO. 2. Chief business development officer. The chief business development officer oversees business growth and development across all departments, according to Cleverism. This individual investigates new business opportunities and is responsible for building relationships that can help identify and execute new business deals in the future. The CBDO may also oversee key member recruiting and training, and play a mentorship role for business development personnel. 3. Chief clinical officer. Chief clinical officers are becoming more common for hospitals and health systems, and physicians often fill this role, according to Health IT News. These individuals are primarily tasked with overseeing patient engagement and clinical quality outcomes. The CCO is often a "systems thinker" that prioritizes lean system performance requirements to reduce waste and improve care quality. This individual should be familiar with EHR and data integration. Depending on the organization, a CCO may also assist in medical staff development, clinical integration and physician partnerships. 4. Chief compliance officer. Chief compliance officers typically oversee the organization's regulatory compliance initiatives and internal policies and procedures, according to the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals. The CCO may be asked to develop standards and implement procedures to ensure the organization is efficient and effective in identifying, preventing and correcting issues of noncompliance. CCOs often report to CEOs directly and inform senior leaders, including the board of directors, about violations. They also report on compliance updates, ongoing policy implementation and compliance education to the board. Finally, the CCO typically monitors any external audit reviews and responds to administrative inquiries on compliance issues and audits. 5. Chief development officer. Chief development officers are often responsible for developing and coordinating the hospital or health system's fundraising or philanthropy projects. This individual supports the organization's strategic direction and establishes goals for high level philanthropy. The CDO often has previous fundraising experience and is familiar with the hospital's research and community impact. 6. Chief executive officer. CEOs oversee the implementation of long and short term strategic plans, and serve as a key decision-maker among senior leadership. The CEO is charged with overseeing or approving the budget and managing risk. CEOs should know about all undertaking and activities at the hospital or health system and provide expertise to managers as well as the board of directors. This person stays abreast of important industry trends and empowers others in the organization to move forward strategically. 7. Chief financial officer. Chief financial officers lead the hospital or health system's financial team and are responsible for ensuring a positive financial future. This individual can create new policies for financial improvement in addition to balancing the books. CFOs advise on capital planning projects, mergers and acquisitions and large growth initiatives. Finally, CFOs take part in commercial payer negotiations and must have an understanding of how new risk-based payment models will affect their institution going forward. 8. Chief government relations officer. As government officials take an increasingly active role in developing healthcare policy, health systems like Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White are appointing individuals to cultivate relationships with local, state and federal government officials. BSW appointed Kristi Hoyl as chief government relations officer in March 2014 with the goal of educating representatives and leaders about the health system's care and issues related to access to care. Cleveland Clinic appointed Kristen Morris to this position in 2013 as well. Her overall responsibilities aim to influence legislative outcomes that affect the health system's mission and develop partnerships with government agencies. 9. Chief health information officer. Healthcare organizations are hiring chief health information officers to become more strategic about EHR implementation and health informatics, including Durham, N.C.-based Duke Medicine, Arlington-based Texas Health Resources and Irving, Texas-based Christus Health, according to Health Informatics. The CHIO may report to the CIO, COO or another C-suite executive and manages health informatics, telehealth, business and clinical intelligence and predictive analytics initiatives. Last year, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare appointed Vivek Redd, MD, CHIO for the purpose of leading the system's health IT and informatics strategy. 10. Chief human resources officer. The chief human resources officer develops and executes the hospital or health system's human resource strategy to support the overall organization's strategic direction, according to the Society for Human Resources Management. This person oversees succession planning, talent management, performance management, training, development and compensation. Last year, Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare appointed Robert W.K. Webb senior vice president and chief human resources officer responsible for the company's people strategy. He leads human resources functions including labor relations, HR services, talent, culture, performance, compensation and overall benefits. 11. Chief information officer. A healthcare organization's chief information officer oversees the IT department and makes technology-related purchasing decisions, according to TargetTech. This individual works with other C-suiters to plan for the growing amount of digital data collected at hospitals and health systems and to support other health IT initiatives, including telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. The CIO determines where to invest the hospital's resources, how to train staff and the most efficient workflow for implementing new technology. At the system-level, the CIO plays a role in interoperability. 12. Chief information security officer. The chief information security officer is responsible for developing the hospital or health system's policy on IT security, handling remediation and breach notification and interacting with compliance authorities on information security, according to Health IT News. The CISO has strategic and advisory responsibilities and must communicate across departments about technological issues to medical providers and staff. This person manages data security and promotes security risk awareness around the organization. 13. Chief innovation officer. Chief innovation officers are tasked with creating an innovation-friendly organization. This individual supports best practice, creative thinking, and initiatives to train managers, according to the Harvard Business Review. The chief innovation officer is responsible for staying abreast of industry trends, market disruptions and new opportunities. This person also helps generate new ideas and allocate resources for potentially disruptive innovation. Last year, Mercy Health appointed Jeffrey Carr its first chief innovation officer with responsibilities for fostering a culture of innovation and investment systemwide. 14. Chief integration officer. The chief integration officer, which may also be known as the vice president of population health or chief accountable care officer, is responsible for organizational design in population health initiatives, according to Healthcare Informatics. As hospitals and health systems seek to align with other healthcare organizations and acquire physician practices, the chief integration officer oversees the alignments and facilitates ACO creation. This person may also have responsibilities negotiating payer contracts and developing clinical strategies. In January, RWJBarnabas Health in West Orange, N.J., named John Gantner executive vice president and chief integration officer responsible for overseeing managed care, information technology and systems, supply chain functions and the integration management office. 15. Chief integrity officer. Both Cleveland Clinic and Maywood, Ill.-based Loyola Medicine, have chief integrity officers. Cleveland Clinic's chief integrity officer Don Sinko oversees audit and compliance programs focused on risk management, regulatory compliance and business ethics for the health system. Loyola named John Heart vice president and chief integrity officer in December 2016 with responsibility for overseeing auditing and compliance functions for Loyola University Health System. He has a background in internal audits, compliance and privacy and security functions, previously serving with Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University and UNC Health Care System in Chapel Hill, N.C. 16. Chief investment officer. A chief investment officer manages the hospital or health system's investment portfolio, developing short- and long-term investment plans and overseeing staff members responsible for managing assets and pensions. This person often reports to the organization's board and makes investment recommendations. Mercy's chief investment officer Tony Waskiewicz is responsible for generating strong risk-adjusted returns for the health system and developing its investment structure around current economic conditions. 17. Chief learning officer. As a relatively new position for hospitals and health systems, chief learning officers are joining the C-suite to oversee professional development and educational programs for hospital administrators and managers. New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health's Kathleen Gallo heads the hospital's Learning and Innovation and Patient Safety Institute, focusing on transforming the health system through workforce development. This person may also have responsibilities in succession planning, performance and talent review and support for managers moving between leadership roles. 18. Chief legal officer. Chief legal officers often oversee the business aspects of the hospital or health system. This person is the "head layer" and advises on any legal updates or matters regarding employees, according to Legal Career Path. The CLO is responsible for investigating noncompliance issues and suggesting measures to take with offenders. In some instances, this person may also act as a chief litigator. In March, Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care hired Michael Grebe, JD, as chief legal officer where he is responsible for helping the health system navigate the changing healthcare regulatory environment. 19. Chief marketing officer. The chief marketing officer oversees the hospital's branding and communications efforts. The CMO's role has been evolving from traditional marketing efforts, including billboards and community outreach, to include social media and other digital platforms. This person advises on marketing strategy and targeting the right audience to optimize resources. For example, Cleveland Clinic's CMO Paul Matsen oversees the global brand and service line-specific marketing and digital marketing. 20. Chief of managed care. The chief of managed care oversees the hospital or health system's managed care strategy, planning and implementation. This individual also participates in establishing quality and financial performance standards for the managed care products and tracks the benchmarks. The chief of managed care may also negotiate the hospital's contracts. Howard Gold is the chief of managed care and business development officer at Northwell Health, overseeing the hospital's contractual relationships and all business matters associated with managed care. 21. Chief medical information officer. The chief medical information officer historically oversaw the selection and implementation of EHR as the IT department's liaison with the clinical staff, according to Top Master's in Healthcare Administration. However, that role is shifting to focus on using IT in transformative and innovative ways to create value for the healthcare organization with its current IT systems. 22. Chief medical officer. The chief medical officer is a senior level executive acting as a liaison between the physicians and hospital executives. This individual oversees quality of care at the hospital and manages the hiring, training and performance evaluation of physicians on staff. The CMO's role is evolving to include supporting new cost-effective strategies for the clinical staff and ensure medical interventions are efficient and medically necessary. 23. Chief nursing officer. The chief nursing officer supervises nurses and nurse managers across hospital departments and service lines, according to American Nurses Association. This individual oversees patient care delivery design and implementation and serves as a liaison between the nursing staff and hospital executives. In November 2016, St. Louis-based Ascension named Amy Wilson the CNO of Nashville, Tenn.-based Saint Thomas Health responsible for working with the hospital's chief clinical officer and COO to ensure nursing, medical and operational strategies aligned and are performed efficiently and effectively. 24. Chief nursing informatics officer. As a relatively new role for most hospitals and health systems, the chief nursing informatics officer's responsibilities vary between organizations. Broadly, this individual is the strategic liaison for health IT efforts with the nursing staff and will develop nursing and clinical informatics strategies related to health IT. The CNIO is a "change agent" in identifying, planning, implementing and measuring the value of informatics strategies. CNIOs collaborate with other nursing and IT leaders to implement systems that will improve patient care and services. 25. Chief operating officer. Chief operating officers provide leadership, management and vision for the hospital to ensure all procedures and systems are in place for effective growth, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. This individual also ensures the hospital or health system has the financial strength and operational efficiency to carry through its vision. The COO is a motivator and leads the high performance management team to attract, recruit and retain the best leaders. As the senior vice president and COO for Concord (N.H.) Hospital, Timothy Jones is responsible for keeping the hospital running efficiently, integrating the organization's strategic plan and providing management oversight for high quality, cost-effective and integrated clinical programs. 26. Chief patient experience officer. The chief patient experience officer is typically responsible for driving a culture of patient- and family-centered care as well as service excellence for hospitals and health systems. This individual works with executive teams to communicate performance initiatives and create change at all levels of the organization. HCA's chief patient experience officer, Lyn Ketelsen, RN, is responsible for leveraging best practices across the system's hospitals to ensure patients have the best experience possible. 27. Chief patient safety officer. The chief patient safety officer oversees the hospital or health system's patient safety initiatives. Ken Bachenberg, MD, chief medical officer and patient safety officer at Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth, leads the team that includes the medical staff, medical staff services office and patient safety consultants, and oversees clinical quality enhancement at PeaceHealth St. Joseph. In March, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare named Shannon Connor Philips, MD, chief patient safety and experience officer. She is responsible for working with system leaders to improve care outcomes and the patient experience. 28. Chief people officer. Chief people officers head the human resources department, managing the hospital or health system's culture in addition to staffing function. This individual is responsible for creating a working environment where staff members and physicians can thrive. Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System's CPO David Beach provides leadership and guidance in developing and implementing policies, plans and programs related to people services. Seattle Children's Hospital named Myra Gregorian senior vice president and chief people officer in May, effective July 24, and she'll oversee the hospital's human resources, workforce diversity and inclusion efforts as well as talent acquisition and development. 29. Chief population health officer. The chief population health officer leads the development and implementation of the hospital's population health management strategy and fosters payer relationships and community partnerships. As the senior vice president and CPHO of Madison, Wis.-based UW Health and the president of UW Health ACO, Jonathan Jaffery is responsible for development, coordination and implementation of UW Health's population health strategy. He oversees community improvement efforts and promotes the triple aim throughout the health system. 30. Chief quality officer. The chief quality officer is responsible for quality data collection and supports patient safety efforts. The CQO advises on quality initiatives and holds clinicians accountable for meeting specific quality indicators. This individual may also help develop a culture of continuous improvement, identify areas to enhance efficiency and strengthen information capabilities while championing a data-driven environment. In November 2016, Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare Health System named Teri Sholder senior vice president and chief quality officer responsible for overseeing the hospital's patient safety, clinical quality and patient satisfaction programs. 31. Chief research officer. A hospital or health system's chief research officer oversees research activities including clinical trials, internal investigator-initiated research programs and sponsored studies. Akron (Ohio) Children's Hospital in May hired Michael E. Kelly, MD, PhD, as chief research officer to oversee the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute. He is tasked with defining the vision, clinical trial strategy and research management for studies systemwide. 32. Chief revenue officer. The chief revenue officer oversees the hospital or health system's revenue cycle and revenue-related processes. This individual may also oversee all of the managed care operations, payer relationships, government reimbursement, chargemaster operations, charging practices and regulatory analysis for the health system. In April, Loyola University named Frank Massi CRO, who is tasked with identifying opportunities to improve patient collections, driving operating efficiencies, building patient relationships and leading the patient financial engagement consultants team. 33. Chief strategy officer. The chief strategy officer clarifies the hospital or health system CEO's vision and imparts it to the clinical team and staff members. This individual communicates with each department and unit to implement the corporate strategy. Cleveland-based MetroHealth's Vice President and CSO Karim Botros oversees the health system's business and corporate development, provider recruiting, integration and market research. He will be overseeing the two new community hospitals that MetroHealth is building, slated to open by the end of the year. 34. Chief technology officer. The chief technology officer oversees the hospital's technology capabilities. This individual is responsible for leading the IT team and contributes to the hospital or health system's strategic plan. Navicent Health System in Macon, Ga., hired Rick Allen as CTO in 2015 to stabilize and modernize the health system's technology infrastructure. 35. Chief transformation officer. Chief transformation officers take on responsibility for driving organization forward and holding team members accountable. CTOs inspire others and exhibit model behavior to encourage and embed change within the organization. These individuals set the tone for transformation and are enthusiastic about change. As the senior vice president and chief transformation officer of Pensacola, Fla.-based Baptist Health Care, Dan Sontheimer, MD, is responsible for increasing care standardization, developing physician leadership and governance and advancing population health management. He is also president of Baptist Medical Group. 36. Chief experience officer. Hospital chief experience officers, or CXOs, are responsible for overseeing a team that solves gaps in the "human experience of care." This individual is responsible for patient experience strategy and managing complaints, compliments and performance improvement. The CXO also builds a relationship-based culture at the hospital or health system. As chief experience officer of Cleveland Clinic, Adrienne Boissy, MD, leads the patient experience office and initiatives to improve the patient experience across the health system. 37. Executive vice president. The executive vice president typically assists with creating and achieving financial goals and objectives. This individual also oversees the hospital or health system's operating performance, prepares budgets and creates business plans. The executive vice president is responsible for communicating the company's strategy to the board of directors and overseeing revenue generation. As executive vice president of St. Louis-based Ascension and president and CEO of Ascension Holdings and Ascension Holdings International, John Doyle is responsible for innovation services as well as overseeing solutions and relationships to accelerate the health system's strategic direction. He provides alternative revenue sources domestically and internationally. 38. Physician-in-chief. As the hospital's top physician, the physician-in-chief is responsible for working with the senior leadership team to maintain standards of care and customer service. This person may also oversee operational efficiency and support organizational transformation. As executive vice president and physician-in-chief of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, Lawrence Smith, MD, serves as the senior physician on all clinical issues. Twenty-one health organizations, led by the Association of American Medical Colleges, filed an amicus brief arguing against the Trump administration's attempts to reinstate the executive order that would place a temporary ban on travel from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The brief, filed in Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project and Trump v. State of Hawai'i, argues non-U.S. professionals are critical to patient care and research, which contribute to national security. "For decades, health professionals from other countries have filled critical gaps in the physician workforce, especially in rural and other medically underserved communities," AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, MD, said in a statement. "Suspending entry of highly talented and skilled medical and research professionals into the United States on the basis of their nationalities would ultimately undermine the health security of our nation, especially as we face a looming physician shortage. When we close our borders to highly skilled health professionals, we also are closing them to collaboration, discovery and better national and global health." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled unanimously Monday to continue to suspend the travel ban, according to a report from USA Today. It is the second federal appeals court ruling to find the travel ban discriminatory, according to the report. The following 21 organizations, in addition to the AAMC, filed the brief: American Academy of Family Physicians American Academy of Pediatrics American Association of Colleges of Nursing American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy American College of Healthcare Executives American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists American College of Physicians American Dental Education Association American Nurses Association American Psychiatric Association American Public Health Association Association of Academic Health Centers Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Association of University Programs in Health Administration Greater New York Hospital Association Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools National Medical Association National Resident Matching Program Physician Assistant Education Association Society of General Internal Medicine More articles on leadership and management: Price testimony on HHS budget: 7 highlights Michelle Obama: To be a good leader, 'live your values everyday' Week in review: 8 biggest healthcare stories this week Republican senators are almost done drafting the AHCA and will soon submit it to the Congressional Budget Office, but will not make the bill public until it is scored, according to Axios. Two senior Senate aides revealed that lawmakers will continue to discuss details of the bill even after the draft is submitted, but will hold off on making the bill public until all details are settled. The CBO will take roughly two weeks to evaluate the bill, and GOP senators hope for a full Senate vote on it before the July 4 recess. More Articles on Leadership: Senate needs simple majority vote to pass House-approved AHCA Trump to keep Dr. Francis Collins as NIH director Study: Few college students graduate as better critical thinkers Amid talks that the AHCA is nearing completion, President Donald Trump will hold a lunch Tuesday to discuss the bill with thirteen Republican senators, according to The Hill. The group includes legislators such as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, who have critiqued the bill for not being conservative enough, and more moderate lawmakers such as Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who has sought to extend some of the ACA's Medicaid funding in the replacement legislation. It was reported yesterday that senators would soon send a draft of the AHCA to the Congressional Budget Office for review and evaluation, but this draft would not be publicly released. Mr. Trump has repeatedly pressed the Senate to pass the bill before its July 4 recess. More Articles on Leadership: The healthcare executive's 2-minute read on priorities in 2017: Physician operations, clinical performance, physician engagement and clinical integration Senate Republicans won't release AHCA draft before CBO scores it The following healthcare mergers, acquisitions and general partnerships took place or were announced the week of June 5. 1. Northwestern Medicine in talks to finalize partnership with Centegra Health System Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine will likely finalize its partnership agreement with Crystal Lake, Ill.-based Centegra Health System by the end of the year. 2. White River Health System, University of Arkansas affiliate on research, telemedicine Batesville, Ark.-based White River Health System partnered with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock to collaborate on research and clinical education initiatives. 3. Salem Health, OHSU renegotiating affiliation Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and Salem (Ore.) Health executed a transition agreement while the organizations renegotiate their affiliation. 4. UCHealth, Yampa Valley Medical Center formalize integration Yampa Valley Medical Center, a 39-bed acute care hospital in Steamboat Springs, Colo., and the eight-hospital University of Colorado Health system in Aurora finalized their integration agreement June 7. 5. MaineHealth plans to combine 10 affiliates Portland-based MaineHealth revealed plans to integrate its affiliates under a single umbrella organization. 6. 3 healthcare organizations ink deal to develop Houston residential care complex Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System, Mechanicsburg, Pa.-based Vibra Healthcare and Medistar, also in Houston, declared plans to collaborate on a post-acute care facility. 7. Prowers Medical Center, Spanish Peaks Regional Health, 3 others partner to improve clinical services Five Colorado hospitals teamed up to improve clinical care services for patients in the southeastern region of the state. 8. Billings Clinic finalizes affiliation with Central Montana Medical Center Lewistown-based Central Montana Medical Center finalized an affiliation agreement with Billings (Mont.) Clinic after three years of negotiations. 9. Texas A&M, Houston Methodist collaborate to address acute care health outcomes The Texas A&M School of Public Health in College Station will collaborate with the Houston Methodist Research Institute and the Center for Outcomes Research to improve health outcomes of patients in acute care settings. 10. LSU Health to deepen ties with VA medical center LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor and Dean G. E. Ghali, MD, and Rep. Ralph Abraham, MD, R-La., met with top officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs June 6 to discuss how the university can improve veterans' healthcare access. 11. Tennessee county commissioner proposes selling Williamson Medical Center A county commissioner in Tennessee floated the idea of selling Franklin, Tenn.-based Williamson Medical Center. 12. Shuttered Louisiana Heart Hospital sells for $22M A Louisiana real estate company purchased the former Louisiana Medical Center and Heart Hospital in Lacombe for $22 million. 13. Jefferson Health, Main Line Health team up to purchase Pennsylvania surgical hospital Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health and Main Line Health in Bryn Mawr, Pa., teamed up to purchase a majority stake in Royersford, Pa.-based Physicians Care Surgical Hospital. 14. DuPage Medical Group adds 5 physicians with acquisition of Female Healthcare Downers Grove, Ill.-based DuPage Medical Group, one of the largest multispecialty physician groups in Illinois, added five physicians through its recent acquisition of Female Healthcare in Bloomingdale, Ill. 15. Quorum Health to divest 2 Pennsylvania hospitals Brentwood, Tenn.-based Quorum Health, the 35-hospital spinoff of Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, signed a definitive agreement to sell two Pennsylvania hospitals to Williamsport, Pa.-based UPMC Susquehanna. 16. Olean General, Bradford Regional enter final steps of merger process After initially integrating under the umbrella organization Upper Allegheny Health System, Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center submitted a certificate of need application to officials in New York and Pennsylvania to formally merge. 17. Florida OKs Acadia Healthcare, University of Miami partnership to build psychiatric hospital Florida officials approved a joint certificate of need application from Franklin, Tenn.-based Acadia Healthcare and the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., to build a $48.2 million psychiatric hospital. 18. Walgreens, Susan G. Komen Chicago partner on breast cancer screening initiative Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens and other Chicago-based healthcare providers partnered with Susan G. Komen Chicago to reduce U.S. breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026. Williamson County commissioners will not pursue a proposal to create a task force to determine if selling Williamson Medical Center a 185-bed facility in Franklin, Tenn. is a feasible option to bring more money to the county, according to The Tennessean. County Commissioner Gregg Lawrence submitted the proposal to the Williamson County Budget Committee June 5. The proposal called for the creation of a task force to determine if state law could be amended so that any potential funds received from the sale of a county-owned hospital may be used for other purposes. During Monday's meeting, 16 commissioners voted against the proposal, while seven voted in favor of it. Several citizens voiced their support of creating a task force during the meeting's public comment period. Others asked commissioners with ties to the medical center to abstain from voting on the resolution, though no commissioner did so. While the county owns Williamson Medical Center's building and land, it does not receive tax revenue from the hospital's operations. The hospital's operations also do not rely on taxpayer funding. From the U.S. Supreme Court exempting church-affiliated hospitals from federal pension law to a hospitalist group settling a billing fraud case for $4.2 million, here are the latest lawsuits and settlements making headlines. 1. Lawsuit claims Houston Methodist secretly taped patient calls Eric Haufrect, MD, filed a lawsuit against Houston Methodist Hospital, alleging the hospital secretly recorded telephone conversations for as long as eight years without the consent of patients, nurses or physicians. 2. California hospital sues Alecto for $30M Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, Calif., filed a lawsuit against Irvine, Calif.-based Alecto Healthcare Services, alleging Alecto engaged in "egregious malfeasance and/or outright fraud" in its management of Antelope Valley Hospital. 3. Physician pleads no contest to manslaughter of former colleague A physician received a 32-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to four charges related to the shooting of a former colleague from New York City-based Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. 4. Southern Baptist Hospital of Florida asks US Supreme Court to take on medical records case Jacksonville-based Southern Baptist Hospital of Florida wants the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case involving the privacy of medical records in malpractice lawsuits. 5. Kentucky physician sentenced to 4 years in prison for billing fraud, unlawful opioid prescribing A district court judge sentenced a physician from Louisville, Ky., to 48 months in prison for the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and healthcare fraud. 6. Concurrent surgeries at Mass General caught in crosshairs of new lawsuit A whistle-blower suit recently filed against Massachusetts General Hospital claims orthopedic surgeons at the Boston-based hospital kept patients under anesthesia longer than necessary so they could complete two or three surgeries simultaneously. 7. Woman arrested for posing as employee at Indiana hospital A woman was arrested for impersonating an employee of Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, Ind. 8. Plastic surgeon imposter sentenced to 6 years in prison A man who pretended to be a plastic surgeon and performed surgeries on multiple patients at a Denver medical clinic was sentenced to six years in prison. 9. Man faces federal charge after making bomb threat at Illinois hospital A 57-year-old man was charged June 1 with felony disorderly conduct after making a bomb threat at Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Ill. 10. Dayton mayor files suit against physicians, drugmakers and drug distributers for role in Ohio opioid crisis The mayor of Dayton, Ohio, filed a lawsuit against physicians, drug manufacturers and drug wholesalers for allegedly contributing to the city's ongoing opioid crisis. 11. Supreme Court exempts church-affiliated hospitals from federal pension law: 5 things to know The U.S. Supreme Court held that church-affiliated hospitals do not have to comply with the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which governs employee pensions. 12. Hospitalist group settles billing fraud case for $4.2M Fredericksburg (Va.) Hospitalist Group and 14 of its member physicians agreed to pay $4.2 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations. 13. Kentucky ambulance service accused of billing fraud: 6 things to know Arrow-Med Ambulance, an ambulance service in Jackson, Ky., allegedly submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. 14. Privacy lawsuit against MDLive dismissed: 3 things to know The lead plaintiff in a class-action privacy lawsuit filed against MDLive, a Sunrise, Fla.-based telehealth provider, voluntarily dismissed the suit June 2. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: More Delnor Hospital nurses join lawsuit against county over hostage situation Kansas lawmakers pass bill permitting public hospitals to ban guns EHR vendor, executives to pay $155M for allegedly misrepresenting software's capabilities Eric Haufrect, MD, has filed a lawsuit against Houston Methodist Hospital, alleging the hospital secretly recorded telephone conversations for as long as eight years without the consent of patients, nurses or physicians, according to the Houston Business Journal. Dr. Haufrect, who has been with Houston Methodist since 1977, claims he complained to top hospital executives after a nurse told him about the secret recordings in October 2016. Dr. Haufrect alleges he was concerned the recordings of "confidential and privileged communications between patients and nurses that were intended for the ultimate use and consideration of physicians" were a violation of HIPAA or other privacy laws, according to the report. Dr. Haufrect claims that less than two months after he raised concerns about the recordings, hospital officials retaliated against him by asking him to step down as vice chairman of the obstetrics and gynecology department. Houston Methodist President and CEO Marc Boom, MD, told the Houston Business Journal there was no retaliation against Dr. Haufrect. "Let me assure you that there was no campaign to impugn Dr. Haufrect, who lost his leadership position because he did not fulfill his duties," Dr. Boom said in an emailed statement to the Houston Business Journal. Commenting on the alleged secret taping of phone calls, Dr. Broom said, "Recordings, which are legal under Texas law, are made on some appointment lines at Houston Methodist to improve patient service. However, after Dr. Haufrect raised this concern, an investigation was immediately conducted, and appropriate actions were taken." More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Concurrent surgeries at Mass General caught in crosshairs of new lawsuit Woman arrested for posing as employee at Indiana hospital Man faces federal charge after making bomb threat at Illinois hospital When President Donald Trump's special opioid commission issues its interim report in a few weeks, it will likely include a proposal for a workaround to federal patient privacy law in cases involving opioid overdoses, according to a report from nj.com. Here are three things to know. 1. Following a speech Monday at Morristown (N.J.) Medical Center, Governor Chris Christie, R-N.J., told reporters at he's in talks with lawyers from the Department of Justice and HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, about possible changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, according to nj.com. Under HIPAA, physicians are not permitted to disclose whether a patient has experienced a drug overdose to the patient's parents or spouse. 2. In New Jersey alone, the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan has been deployed 25,000 times since 2014, the governor said. Mr. Christie believes loosening HIPAA would help individuals with substance use disorders seek treatment. "There's gotta be a way that we can let parents and loved ones know when people have been reversed with Narcan," Mr. Christie said on Monday, according to the report. "Overdose is often a cry for help, whether it's intended to be that or not ... We've got to find a way around [HIPAA's restrictions]." 3. Arthur Caplan, PhD, director of the division of medical ethics at NYU Medical School in New York City, expressed concern over a potential HIPAA workaround. Dr. Kaplan who favors protecting patient privacy said it would be best to make disclosures to providers, rather than family members, as they are better equipped to usher the patient toward treatment, according to the report. "I still believe it's important to leave the disclosure to the individual, but there may be a case to be made for doctors or public health authorities to be informed," Dr. Caplan told nj.com. "The moral basis on giving up on privacy is that you can provide an intervention. The goal here isn't who knows, it's who's going to help the patient." More articles on opioids: Opioid addiction treatment varies by state: 7 things to know Heroin use costs US more than $50B, study suggests NYC family physician arrested for prescribing 2.2M oxycodone pills Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards signed three bills into law on Monday collectively aimed at curbing the rising rates of opioid overdoses in Louisiana, according to The Advocate. House Bill 192 limits first time opioid prescriptions to seven days. House Bill 490 establishes a 13-member council on opioid abuse prevention and education. Senate Bill 55 is designed to limit physician shopping by requiring prescribers to check the state's prescription monitoring database prior to writing an opioid prescription. From 2014 to 2015, Louisiana's rate of opioid overdoses increased by 12 percent, according to data from the state health department cited by The Advocate. More articles on opioids: Gov. Chris Christie in talks with HHS, DOJ to loosen HIPAA in cases of opioid overdose Opioid addiction treatment varies by state: 7 things to know NYC family physician arrested for prescribing 2.2M oxycodone pills Medical interventions for opioid-related diagnosis vary by state, according to a new white paper released by Fair Health, a nonprofit provider of health industry cost information. To assess the regional variations in opioid misuse and addiction treatment, Fair Health researchers analyzed data on privately billed health claims compiled in the nonprofit's database for patients from the country's five most populous cities Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia and their respective states, according to the report. Here are seven things to know. 1. Philadelphia had the largest percentage of opioid-related claim lines of any city compared to its corresponding state. 2. In California, the most common claim procedure codes were for outpatient services and drug tests. 3. Illinois' most common codes included two office visit codes, which made up 41 percent of the distribution. Claims involving naltrexone, which is used to treat opioid dependence, represented 22 percent of the distribution and 71 percent of the expenditures. Group counseling and group psychotherapy rounded out the top five procedure codes for the state. None of these codes ranked among California's top five procedures. 4. New York State's top five procedure codes differed from both California and Illinois. The number one procedure code in New York was the administration of methadone. 5. All of Pennsylvania's top procedure codes consisted of laboratory tests, differing from California, New York and Illinois. 6. Like Pennsylvania, Texas only had laboratory tests in its top five procedures. Contrasting from all the other states, Texas' top five expenditures were all drug tests. 7. "[The variations may] reflect general attitudes, access to the health system and the services most readily available," said Robin Gelburd, president of Fair Health, according to a report from Kaiser Health News. In Texas and elsewhere, Ms. Gelburd said experts should determine whether the rate of drug testing is indicative of these tests "being done too frequently or not enough" and whether treatment for addiction is "focus[ed] too heavily on screening and detection or coupling that screening with intensive therapies." More articles on opioids: Heroin use costs US more than $50B, study suggests NYC family physician arrested for prescribing 2.2M oxycodone pills Maryland drug overdoses up 66% in 2016: 7 report findings Drones were faster than ambulances in delivering an external defibrillator to the site of simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, according to a research letter published in JAMA. The drones were 16 minutes faster than emergency medical services, the study found. Swedish researchers built a drone equipped with defibrillators and tested how long it would take a drone to deliver the automatic external defibrillator compared to traditional emergency medical response teams in ambulances. The drone was placed at a fire station near Stockholm and was dispatched in October to 18 locations in a 6.2 mile radius where out-of-hospital cardiac arrests had occurred between 2006 and 2014. The drone's median time of arrival was 5 minutes and 21 seconds, while EMS' median time of arrival was 22 minutes. "Saving 16 minutes is likely to be clinically important," the study authors wrote. "Nonetheless, further test flights, technological development and evaluation of integration with dispatch centers and aviation administrators are needed." Shattuck, Okla.-based Newman Memorial Hospital reopened its surgical unit after closing it in May 2015 to cut costs, according to a Woodward News report. At the time of the unit's closure, Newman Memorial also stopped accepting maternity patients, implemented an EHR system and required building repairs. Administrative Assistant Rhonda Hayes told Woodward News the financial pressures and ultimate closures were "a huge blow to the hospital. We lost OB, we lost cataract surgeries, it cut off that entire revenue stream." However, in the last two years since the hospital affiliated with Oakbrook, Ill.-based People's Choice Hospitals a firm that helps turn around financially distressed hospitals the facility has begun reinstating services, the report states. Newman Memorial will host an open house of the surgical unit June 15, according to the report. The Iowa Insurance Division submitted a proposal to HHS under the ACA's 1332 wavier section seeking widespread change to its 2018 individual exchange Monday. Following Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna's and Des Moines, Iowa-based Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield's exit from the 2018 exchange in April, 94 out of 99 counties in Iowa will have one insurer selling individual plans on the exchange. State officials assert extensive and quick change is the only means to "avoid a total collapse of Iowa's individual health insurance market." Here are seven things to know about the proposal. 1. Dubbed the "Stopgap Measure," the proposal would eliminate Iowa's ACA exchange and provide federal assistance to eligible individuals buying health coverage off the exchange, The Washington Post reports. 2. Stopgap also would end the ACA's premium assistance and out-of-pocket cost subsidies and establish tax credits based on age and income. 3. Additionally, the proposal calls for a single level of insurance for individuals purchasing health plans on their own, rather than the ACA's tiered plan system. 4. To incentivize insurers to remain on the exchange, Iowa proposed revisions to its reinsurance program to provide 85 percent coinsurance protection for claims between $100,000 and $3 million. 5. Timothy Jost, an emeritus professor at Lexington, Va.-based Washington and Lee University School of Law, told The Washington Post the proposal would not be legal. He said the government may grant exceptions through a 1332 waiver, but the process entails specific data, public engagement and steps that are not feasible before the 2018 open enrollment begins in November. 6. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said he met with CMS Administrator Seema Verma last Wednesday to discuss the state's individual market, which he told The Washington Post "is collapsing, so the normal rules don't really fit the circumstance." 7. The proposal comes a week before Iowa's deadline for insurers to file 2018 ACA exchange participation plans. In the wake of Anthem's exit from Ohio's 2018 marketplace, a move that will leave over 10,000 residents throughout 18 counties without insurance options, state lawmakers want solutions to provide people with affordable healthcare, according to Governing. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has enacted regulations that threaten to end the Medicaid contracts of any providers that exit the private marketplace, similar to slightly less drastic provisions enacted in Nevada stabilized the market and left five providers in the state. However, state officials in Ohio instead are exploring requesting a federal Medicaid waiver that would help residents buy plans. Though if cost-sharing reductions from the ACA are eliminated in the AHCA, plans may still be too expensive. "I think states are trying, but the answers are really at the federal level," says Sandy Ahn, an associate research professor at Georgetown University's Center on Health Insurance Reforms. As rural hospitals continue to close across the country, communities in need of healthcare services may turn to more cost-effective alternatives such as telemedicine, according to a report out of the College Station-based Texas A&M Rural and Community Health Institute. The report titled "What's next? Practical suggestions for rural communities facing a hospital closure" and sponsored by the Episcopal Health Foundation examines rural hospital closures and alternative healthcare resources. The findings may prove particularly relevant for Texas A&M University's surrounding community, as more than 15 percent of all U.S. rural hospital closures since 2010 have occurred in Texas. Researchers suggested community leaders facing an impending hospital closure ask residents where they access healthcare services. Leaders can use this information to inform how at-risk hospitals develop alternative, cost-effective modes of healthcare delivery, such as converting a former facility into a freestanding emergency room or engaging with mid-level providers and community health workers. Another alternative to traditional hospital care is expanding telemedicine services, the report states. These services may provide patients with 24/7 access to primary, follow-up and specialty care. "One of the reasons for closure is the limited range of service that has been/can be rendered by the small number of providers at a rural facility," according to the report. "If the providers in a community could address the needs of a wider range of patients, it is possible that a larger number of individuals would seek their care at that site." Click here to view the full report. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below Two-thirds of company bosses in Northern Ireland are planning to recruit new "specialist" staff to deal with political risks such as Brexit. The survey of chief executives here, by KPMG, has also found that 84% expect major disruption in their sector as a result of technological innovation. Around 80% say political uncertainty is having a greater impact than previously seen. The survey also shows that almost all chief executives see investment in cyber-security as "an opportunity to find new revenue streams and innovate, rather than as an overhead cost". But just 20% that their firm was "fully prepared for a cyber event", with the remaining 80% claiming to be "somewhat prepared". Johnny Hanna, who is head of tax at KPMG in Belfast, said: "Many Northern Ireland chief executives are frustrated that there is currently no coherent plan in relation to NI and Brexit. "However, it is encouraging to note respondents' 'getting on with business' approach to current uncertainties, with many anticipating opportunities from Brexit as well as challenges," Mr Hanna added. A not-for-profit brewery founded by a Belfast beer fanatic has struck a deal to supply one of the UK's biggest supermarket chains. Brewgooder's Clean Water Lager will be stocked in Asda stores across Northern Ireland over the next few weeks. The firm, which was founded by Belfast-born entrepreneur Alan Mahon (27) in March 2016 is the world's first craft beer brewery to donate 100% of its profits to clean water projects in developing countries. Brewgooder's brew will hit more than 350 Asda stores across the UK, including 16 in Northern Ireland. Already, the brand - which was founded just 14 months ago - has sold 250,000 cans and has helped bring clean drinking water to more than 4,000 people. Alan grew up in Belfast but moved to Ballycastle aged 11, where he lived until he moved to Scotland for university. However, he makes regular return visits to Northern Ireland to see his family, who now live in Mallusk. "It's of huge personal significance that Brewgooder is now stocked in Asda in Northern Ireland," said Alan. He struck a deal with Asda a few months ago to list the product in some British stores, but for Alan, his real excitement was to see the product stocked somewhere his mum could pick it up. Since October 2016, when it was first listed in Scottish Asda stores, the Brewgooder brand has established itself as the front-running social enterprise beer brand, selling nearly 100,000 cans in stores in just six months. Alan worked alongside Scottish craft beer firm Brewdog to create the right taste, but working with an established brewery also had other advantages, meaning production could be quickly ramped up to service large retailers. As a result, Brewgooder has facilitated two wells in Malawi, including the Nora Docherty Well in Dedza, giving more than 5,000 people clean water. A further four wells are in the pipeline due to the increased listing. Alan added: "Seeing first-hand the impact our wells are having on communities was motivating and inspiring and it's thanks to support from Asda that we have truly been able to make a difference. "Giving people the unique opportunity to enjoy a great product while at the same time helping others is a powerful combination, and by working closely with our customers and consumers we are helping to transform thousands of lives for generations to come." Alan met co-founder Josh Littlejohn at a festival in Edinburgh and was amazed by his work founding Social Bite, a charity which employs homeless people to make sandwiches and reinvests its profits in helping homeless people. Alan got involved in Social Bite, but an incident which left him sick after drinking dirty water when he was traveling in Nepal left him wanting to help make clean water available everywhere in the world. "I had all the drugs and treatment to make me better. I realised that for me this is a risk I take when I'm traveling, but for 650 million people this is a chance they are taking every single day. Around 900 children die every day due to cholera, malaria and related illnesses." Brewgooder's first project saw a 3,000 litre solar-powered water tank fitted at the Nora Docherty School in Malawi. The tank is replenished every four hours. The second project saw a well fitted in Phirilongwe, an isolated village of almost 2,000 people. Alan said: "My mum always told me to use my talents to help other people. I figured I could do that either in working for the government or working for a charity, so I put my eggs in one basket and applied for one job in the Department of International Development - I didn't get it. I grew up not really knowing what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to do things for other people, so when I met Alan and came up with the idea for Brewgooder it seemed to really click for me. "I decided to make a craft beer because it was something I really loved - if you can drink beer and at the same time help others to get clean drinking water, it makes sense to consumers." Dunnes is set to close its Bangor store this weekend (stock picture) Irish chain store Dunnes will close one of its branches for good on Saturday as the chain reduces its footprint in Northern Ireland, the Business Telegraph can reveal. It's thought dozens of jobs will be lost as a result of the closure of the Flagship Centre store in Bangor. Dunnes has closed a number of its other stores around Northern Ireland. The family-run retailer shut its store in Connswater Shopping Centre in east Belfast in March 2015 and later the same year axed 50 jobs with the closure of its food hall in Park Centre, west Belfast. Stores in Ballymoney, Antrim and Portadown also closed. However, Dunnes has also recently revamped its Forestside store in south Belfast and is also extending its store at the Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey. The closure at the Flagship Centre is another setback for the retail destination, which has struggled to attract new retailers for several years. The store had been an anchor tenant at Flagship. Last year, the Belfast Telegraph revealed the struggling Co Down shopping centre had been sold twice in two months - including a deal involving former owner and KFC tycoon Michael Herbert. When Manchester firm North Hold Group took over the centre around a year ago, it had only eight tenants - including then-anchor retailer Dunnes - out of a possible 30 units. The deal was made just months after Stewart Millers, another major retailer occupying the centre, closed its store. At the time, it was understood North Hold Group - a commercial property firm in Manchester specialising in retail and leisure schemes - had secured new tenants including an opticians, a gym and a jewellers. Game Stop, Woodside's Department Store, Focus men's clothing shop, D2, Ethel Austin, Peacock's and Bon Marche were among those to leave. And since then, several units in the centre have remained vacant. Flagship Centre Ltd, the company owned by KFC tycoon Mr Herbert, bought the centre back from US vulture-fund Cerberus at the end of May last year. The sums paid by Flagship Centre Ltd or North Hold Group have not been revealed, but the complex had an asking price of 1.5m when on sale through Osborne King. Neither Dunnes nor The Flagship Centre were available for comment. In its latest accounts, Dunnes Stores (Bangor) Ltd - Dunnes' trading company for its UK stores - reported turnover of 127.57m, down from 136.92m. But pre-tax profits in the year ending January 20, 2016, were up from 11.2m to 13.2m. A strategic report defines its principal activity as the "retailing of textiles, grocery and homeward goods," but described the retail industry as "highly competitive" with risks and uncertainties from the "current economic climate". BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 12: DUP leader Arlene Foster holds a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives at 10 Downing Street in London for a Cabinet meeting. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 13, 2017. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she arrives at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (R), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Prime Minister Theresa May could be pressed to reduce air tax in Northern Ireland and provide additional cash for farmers, as part of talks with the DUP. Party leader Arlene Foster will meet Ms May today, following a narrow General Election result last week, which left the Conservatives short of an overall majority, and requiring help from another party to get legislation passed. Meanwhile, former Irish taoiseach John Bruton warned of the risk of clashes on the high seas in the wake of Brexit. Mr Bruton said it is easy to imagine physical confrontations over fishing rights in the seas around the UK and Ireland. And he urged the DUP to get the Customs Union and jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice onto the Brexit negotiating agenda. Mr Bruton said fishing rights are a highly emotional and symbolic issue. Businesses have begun to hire fewer staff amid "uncertainty surrounding the general election", a new survey has claimed. The run-up to the snap election "has driven employers in Northern Ireland to become more cautious about hiring", according to ManpowerGroup. The outlook dropped three points during the last quarter - but is still up at 4%. However, it has now fallen below the UK average, with more firms elsewhere seeking to hire additional staff. Amanda White, head of specialist markets at Manpower, said: "The political uncertainty we have seen across the UK in the past few months is even more pronounced in Northern Ireland due to questions about what happens about the border after Brexit. "As a result, we're witnessing an especially cautious market here, most notably within the public sector and the supply chains that feed into the sector. "Often, during times of caution, we see a switch from permanent to temporary hiring, but right now even temporary opportunities remain static on the whole." But she said that despite the fall in optimism this quarter "we are still in positive territory and there are some sectors that continue to demonstrate hiring optimism". "The region's 1bn hospitality sector remains buoyant, and we have not seen any slowdown in the ongoing need for restaurant and hotel workers. "Some commentators have expressed concerns about the long term health of the hospitality sector if a border was reinstated between Northern Ireland and the Republic, but so far employers in the sector remain confident." US doughnut giant Krispy Kreme looks set to open up its first store in Northern Ireland. The well-known coffee and doughnut brand is now seeking staff here, including a shift leader and 'team member' role. And while it hasn't revealed the location, it's advertising the new posts for the North Down area. A spokeswoman said: "We are currently actively scouting a number of locations to open our first Irish store. "Although nothing is confirmed at this stage, were very excited to spread the joy of Krispy Kreme across the Irish sea in the near future - so watch this space." It's the latest US chain to eye up Northern Ireland. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the fastest growing restaurant business in the US, arrived at Victoria Square in Belfast at the end of 2015. Mobile roaming charges across the EU are to finally end this week amid warnings for consumers to check their tariffs and remain aware of unexpected costs. The charges will be abolished from Thursday, meaning UK mobile phone users can use their regular allowance of calls, texts and data for no extra cost from anywhere in the EU. The Roam Like Home legislation aims to prevent consumers receiving huge bills after downloading films or other data while travelling in Europe, but watchdog Which? has warned that differences between providers when it comes to the details of tariffs could lead to unexpected costs for customers. So-called 'bill shock' from holidaying in the EU affected more than nine million UK mobile users a year, according to research by comparison website uSwitch, with consumers especially vulnerable since the smartphone market exploded and mobile data consumption soared. UK consumers will benefit from the agreement while the country remains a member of the EU, but there is uncertainty as to whether or not it will continue following Brexit. Which? warned consumers to remember that, even though the UK is still part of the EU, the regulations only apply to roaming, not to calling EU countries from the UK and prices vary significantly. It found calling Spain from the UK can cost between 9p with provider Giffgaff to 1.50 per minute on O2. Exceeding agreed minutes, texts and data will still be charged in the EU as it would in the UK, with all providers charging different rates. And companies include different countries in their roaming territories, which can vary further depending on whether the tariff is pay as you go or pay monthly, with O2 pay as you go customers continuing to incur roaming charges in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Monaco and Switzerland, whereas O2 pay monthly customers will not. Which? urged consumers to check if their provider is including Turkey in the ban, finding that Vodafone is the only one to include the popular non-EU tourist destination in its roaming bundle, while others are charging between 69p and 1.65 a minute to call home. Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, urged users "to take a close look at what is or isn't included in your current mobile deal". European Commissioner Gunther Oettinger has said the agreement showed the EU could deliver tangible results to improve the daily life of Europeans. Premium Margaret Canning Opinion Conservatives have gone back to traditional territory with a mini-budget that just might cost the party the next election Many of the measures in Kwasi Kwartengs first big statement as Chancellor had been trailed in advance changes to stamp duty, the cancellation of both the rise in National Insurance and the rise in corporation tax, and bringing forward a cut in the basic rate of income tax to 19 pence. More serious allegations of vote stealing, fraud and impersonation have emerged in Londonderry, just five days after Sinn Fein's historic general election win in the SDLP stronghold of Foyle. Police say they are investigating a number of reports of electoral fraud and the SDLP's Mark H Durkan is set to meet with the electoral office this morning. He is set to show them evidence of "vote stealing" he alleges occurred in the Foyle area in the run-up to and during Thursday's vote in which Sinn Fein won the seat held by the SDLP since its creation for the 1983 general election. "This is deeply troubling," Mr Durkan told the Belfast Telegraph. "Prior to the election the SDLP expressed similar concerns to the electoral office and to the PSNI. "I am meeting with the chief executive of the electoral office to present evidence of constituents who have contacted me about their votes being stolen and other incidents of a breach of the electoral rules." On Thursday night, Sinn Fein's Elisha McCallion snatched the seat held by former SDLP leaders Mark Durkan and John Hume to become the first Sinn Fein MP in the city for almost a century and the first female MP in Foyle. Mrs McCallion secured 18,256 votes to beat Mr Durkan's tally by just 169 votes. However, the monumental victory has been overshadowed by claims of irregularities at polling stations and numerous complaints by furious members of the public over alleged fraud, impersonation and vote stealing. Several people have lodged complaints with the electoral office after they attended their assigned polling stations in the city, only to be told that their vote had already been cast. Expand Close Patsy Doherty from Derry, who discovered his vote had already been used / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Patsy Doherty from Derry, who discovered his vote had already been used Michael McLaughlin (43), who was due to vote at Good Shepherd Primary School in the city, said it was "fraud - pure and simple". "I went down on Thursday night to vote and they told me my vote had already been used," he said. "I said it couldn't have been used as I hadn't been down. "I said that it was electoral fraud. Staff were explaining to me that sometimes some people get their vote stolen. "I was livid. They asked me to fill in a pink slip, a draft vote, which I told them made a mockery of the whole system. It was fraud, pure and simple." Catherine Quigley (38) said she arrived to vote at Holy Family School in Derry and was told that her vote had been cast earlier in the day. She was told that another person claiming to be Catherine Quigley showed ID, gave her address and voted for her. "I was really shocked to think someone has posed as me," she said. "I asked the lady behind the desk if there was another Catherine Quigley on the list, that perhaps there was an error at the station, that they maybe crossed me off instead of her. She was confident that the error was not with them. "I think the electoral office should definitely review their policies. They should demand ID with dates of birth or something unique to the individual included to stop this. "I want answers from the electoral office about how my vote was lost. I am absolutely furious." Catherine was also given a pink voting form to fill in and place in the box, which she was told would not count in the election, and sent a letter of complaint to the electoral office, to which she is still awaiting a reply. Patsy Doherty (68) said that he was shocked to hear that his vote had also been cast before he arrived at Lenamore Primary School polling station on Thursday afternoon. "The man behind the desk said that he was sorry, but I had already used my vote," Patsy said. "I told him I hadn't voted, but I was here now to do it. "I was so angry, I told him that I wanted my vote. He gave me a pink slip to vote on, but I knew that it was only to keep me happy, that it didn't really count. "But I filled it in and put it in the box anyway. I am so annoyed. I want to know who stole my vote." Damien Doherty says that he was turned away from his polling station by staff who told him he had already voted and when he returned, embarrassed, to his car a woman told him that the same thing happened to her father earlier in the day. "I don't really vote that often," he said. "But I wanted to this time. The girl at the desk said that my name was already struck off the list. "The lady said she didn't know what had happened, but it appeared that I had already voted. "It was embarrassing. "The girl said that I could vote on a pink slip, but that it wouldn't count. "There was no point, I just went on out to my car. "Then a lady knocked on my window and said that the same thing happened to her father earlier that morning when he came down to vote, his vote had been cast already. So I wasn't the only one this happened to." On the day of the election, former Foyle MLA Eamonn McCann sent a letter of complaint to the electoral office, seeking an urgent meeting with bosses over claims of "malpractice" he claims to have witnessed at polling stations. A PSNI spokesperson said that they are investigating a small number of reports of electoral fraud, following a referral from the electoral office, and that enquiries are ongoing. Chief Superintendent Karen Baxter said: "We work closely with the electoral office and where information becomes available in relation to criminal activity, we take action." Anyone with concerns about electoral fraud should contact the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland. The electoral office could not be contacted for comment about the allegations. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 12: DUP leader Arlene Foster holds a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives at 10 Downing Street in London for a Cabinet meeting. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 13, 2017. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she arrives at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (R), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) The DUP has insisted Sinn Fein must decide whether it wants Stormont to return - or face direct rule from Westminster. DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill held their first meeting yesterday since before the seven-week general election campaign. The meeting came as it emerged that the Queen's Speech - which is likely to contain more detail about any deal between the Conservatives and the DUP - has been delayed by up to a week. Amid ongoing speculation, DUP MP Gregory Campbell hinted that his party's demands on the Government could include job creation in the province. "Government doesn't create jobs, but it creates the conditions which allow employers to grow. Our manifesto set out a roadmap for improving economic conditions and I want to deliver on that," the re-elected East Londonderry MP said. "I don't want any more of our young people leaving our shores in search of work. "Growing our private sector will ultimately reduce our dependence on the Block Grant and give us more money to invest in public services." Sinn Fein has been critical of the proposed DUP-Conservative alliance, saying it could scupper the talks because Theresa May's party would be beholden to the unionists and unable to chair negotiations from a neutral position. But Mrs Foster insisted she could see no reason why the deal talks with the Tories, which will see her in London today, would put the restoration of a Stormont Executive in greater jeopardy. She added: "If others decide they are not coming back into the devolved administration here in Northern Ireland then those issues will have to be dealt with at Westminster. "It is really for Sinn Fein to decide where they want those powers to lie." DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds also challenged Sinn Fein to rule out taking a role in the Irish government, should the opportunity arise. He said the Irish people would be "very, very interested" to know whether Sinn Fein would rule themselves out of government on the basis it would breach the Good Friday Agreement "because if that's what they say about us, it applies to them equally". Mrs Foster added: "Parliamentarians would like to play as full a role as they possibly can in our national parliament, just as some in Sinn Fein would like to play a role in the Irish parliament." But Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill said the Irish government and the new taoiseach must "resolutely defend the Good Friday Agreement in the context of the emerging Tory-DUP alliance". Ahead of new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar taking up office tomorrow, she added: "The Irish government should now insist on a joint commitment from both governments to the Good Friday Agreement and the international treaty which underpins it. "This should be the immediate priority of the incoming taoiseach." A Catholic priest has said he welcomes the DUP's imminent role at the heart of Westminster - as the party shares some of the moral values of his church. And Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith - a doctor of moral theology and consulting editor of The Catholic Herald - said that former party leader Ian Paisley was now "laughing in heaven" at the fact that the DUP was keeping republican sympathiser Jeremy Corbyn out of Downing Street. Separately, anti-abortion campaigners have launched a petition calling on Theresa May to condemn attacks on DUP MPs for opposing abortion and same-sex marriage. Writing in The Catholic Herald, Fr Lucie-Smith wrote that DUP leader Arlene Foster "represents a new type of politician in Northern Ireland, and a new type of unionism". While he noted how original DUP leader Rev Paisley - later Lord Bannside - "became something of a national treasure" in his old age, he recognised that "there are many who grew up in the province who remember him as someone who contributed greatly to the atmosphere of sectarian hatred, which made the lives of many Catholics a misery". Fr Lucie-Smith - the parish priest at St Hugh's Church in Knaphill in Surrey - suggested Mrs Foster represented a post-Paisley unionism. The Catholic commentator observed that Mrs Foster "as a woman, is not able to join the Orange Order, and who has a track record of making gestures that show she is not sectarian". "As chief executive of the Stormont government she indicated she would meet the Pope, should he visit in his capacity as head of state. She attended Martin McGuinness's funeral, which was a Requiem Mass," he wrote. He said that while Mrs Foster had her political problems, the DUP and Catholic Church shared some common beliefs. "Catholics can welcome the advent of the DUP into government for the very same reasons that certain other people will regard it with horror: the DUP is the only party in the United Kingdom that is against abortion and which is opposed to same-sex marriage, and the extension of either to Northern Ireland," Fr Lucie-Smith wrote. "DUP MPs have a consistent pro-life record in the British parliament, and have had for years. This is one matter on which they have agreed with Catholics for a long time." The priest added that Ian Paisley once "was a thorn in the side of 'that Jezebel' Mrs Thatcher". "Now his party will be propping up her successors," he wrote. "Once Jeremy Corbyn associated with the as-yet uncommitted to peace members of Sinn Fein. "Now Sinn Fein's opponents in Northern Ireland will be keeping Jeremy Corbyn away from the levers of power in Westminster. "Paisley, who, as I remarked earlier, had a sense of humour, would have relished that. Perhaps he is laughing in heaven. Mrs Foster and her colleagues will certainly be laughing at the thought of the political leverage they will now enjoy." Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has been urged to speak out against criticism of the DUP. A hard-hitting petition has been launched by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC). It states: "We the undersigned call upon the Prime Minister to reject the anti-Christian bigotry of the vicious attacks on Northern Ireland's MPs. "The hostility directed at Northern Ireland MPs is an attempt to silence anyone in public life who seeks to defend marriage based on Christian principles and the right to life of unborn babies. "The United Kingdom is founded on Christian principles and those who uphold Christian values are not extremists. As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, it is your responsibility to ensure that anti-Christian prejudice has no place in British politics." Liam Gibson, SPUC's NI development officer, said: "The DUP is solidly pro-life and has consistently voted to defend all human life, not only in Northern Ireland, but at Westminster and in Europe as well. "They have also defended marriage as the lifelong union of a man and a woman. This position reflects the views of the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland as well as a solid block of opinion in Britain." He is banned Portrush and has a 7pm-7am curfew. A man who is accused of stealing a charity box from a shop called Blue Moon in Portrush has been banned from entering the seaside resort as part of bail conditions. David Leighton (24), of Eglinton Street in the town is alleged to have also stolen jewellery from the shop on Saturday June 10. On the same date he is also accused of the burglary of properties at Coastguard Cottages in Portrush and stealing two mobile phones and fishing equipment. He is also charged with burglary of another property at Coastguard Cottages with intent to steal. He is further charged with stealing a paint sprayer from a communal washroom at Coastguard Cottages. Leighton had his right arm bandaged when he appeared in the dock at Coleraine Magistrates Court where a police officer said she believed she could connect him to the charges. Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey asked the court to release his client on bail which was agreed by District Judge Peter King. Leighton will reside at Larrybane Park, Ballintoy, and is banned from Portrush and has a 7pm-7am curfew. He will be electronically tagged and is not to take alcohol, illegal drugs or 'legal highs'. He was released on his own bail of 500 and the case adjourned until July 10. It comes as a new round of talks got underway at Stormont on Monday aimed at forming a new Executive. Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry has said there will be no all-party roundtable Stormont talks until Thursday at the earliest - leaving just a fortnight to complete a deal. It comes as a new round of talks got underway at Stormont on Monday aimed at forming a new Executive. The deadline for an agreement to be reached is June 29. It was the first meeting held with DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill since before the seven-week general election campaign. Mrs Foster travelled to London on Tuesday where she will meet with Prime Minister Theresa May for talks on the terms of the DUP's backing for her minority government. No round-table talks at Stormont envisaged until Thursday, according to Alliance - leaving just a fortnight to complete a deal. Noel McAdam (@NoelMcAdam) June 13, 2017 Sinn Fein's seven MPs have also travelled to London for a two-day series of meetings. Exchanges at Stormont Castle on Tuesday are expected to be limited discussions between party officials. Read More Mr Farry said the lack of all-party roundtable talks doesnt inspire confidence in the ongoing process and said there remains "no impetus to this process". He said: "This has been branded an intensive three-week process. However, no roundtable between the parties until Thursday at least means the first week will have effectively passed by without meaningful discussions between the parties at the same table. Alliance has met with the two Governments and also asked each of the main parties to meet as well. While separate bilateral meetings are useful, its not until you get an all-party meeting around the same table that you get a true sense of everyones intentions. I understand there is a new UK Government and changes in the Government in the Republic but there remains no impetus to this process, which doesnt inspire confidence. We need people to step up to the plate and do so without delay. The consequences of not doing so are too severe. BACKGROUND Northern Ireland has been without a powersharing executive since March and without a first and deputy first minister since January. Developments at Westminster have placed another question mark over the already faltering process. Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance insist Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire can no longer chair the efforts to restore powersharing. They are adamant the UK government can no longer cast itself as a neutral facilitator in the process, given the Prime Minister's likely deal with the DUP. The dispute has prompted renewed calls for a chairman from outside the UK and Ireland to be appointed. Mr Brokenshire has rejected the criticism, claiming Westminster affairs were "entirely separate" from the Government's responsibility to act with impartiality at Stormont. A number of deadlines to reach an agreement have already fallen by the wayside since March's snap Assembly poll, which was triggered by the implosion of the last DUP/Sinn Fein-led administration over a dispute about a botched green energy scheme. The Assembly election campaign exposed many divisions between the two main parties on issues such as legislative protections for Irish language speakers and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Richard Brown, brother of Marian Brown leaves her inquest yesterday along with other family members and their solicitor (second left) Northern Ireland's former state pathologist carried out at least one autopsy on someone shot dead every single day of 1972. Professor Thomas Marshall appeared as an expert witness before a new inquest into the fatal shooting of a pregnant teenager in west Belfast on a June 10, 1972. Marian Brown (17) was struck by a number of bullets on Roden Street just after midnight as she kissed her boyfriend good night. A new inquest into her death is seeking to discover whether she shot was by soldiers or paramilitaries as well as establishing other facts around the shooting. Painting a picture of Northern Ireland in 1972, Professor Marshall said there had been 310 deaths by shooting that year. "In 1972 we were performing autopsies on deaths by shooting almost once a day, we would get them in groups, three, one, two, four," he told the inquest on Tuesday morning. Professor Marshall carried out the autopsy on Marian Brown on June 11, 1972 at his former base in Laganbank Road in Belfast, He described that facility as "rather primitive", describing it as consisting of just three rooms in a stone building with no room for X-ray facilities. Professor Marshall's original autopsy report described the clothes Marian had been wearing on the night she died as a black and yellow dress with black tights and beige shoes. Her clothes had been left covered in bullet holes. He recorded she had been struck by three or four bullets. The fatal wound is recorded as being to her neck. She also had wounds to her arms and right knee. Professor Marshall added the commentary to the autopsy reports that he felt it was more likely that she had been shot by a Thompson submachine gun than an SLR rifle. The inquest previously heard that soldiers at that time used SLR rifles. However Professor Marshall said he had changed his view in the last two years after receiving information that was new to him, that there had been a lot of bullets and fragments of bullets ricocheting at the scene where Marian had been shot A number of other expert witnesses are expected to give evidence to the inquest on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, including HET pathologist Dr John Clark as well as pathologists Dr Nat Carey and Dr Russell Delaney. Soldier H is also scheduled to give evidence by video link on Tuesday afternoon. One of the objectives of the fresh inquest sitting at Belfast Coroners Court is to ascertain who shot Marian. Her family initially believed she had been killed by loyalists, there were also rumours she was shot by the IRA but on Monday the first day of the inquest heard a fragment of a bullet retrieved from one of the three others shot on the same night was similar to the type of bullet used by soldiers in Belfast at that time. Marian's family has attended every day of the inquest so far. The previous inquest in 1974 at Crumlin Road court house lasted just a few hours and recorded an open verdict. A new inquest into Marian's death was ordered by Attorney General John Larkin following a re-examination of the case by the Historical Enquiries Team, which included a review of ballistics and forensic evidence. Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of vote theft in Foyle, days after Sinn Fein dramatically snatched the seat from the SDLP, and Colum Eastwood's party is set to raise concerns about a second constituency. Mark Durkan lost his Foyle seat to former city lord mayor Elisha McCallion by 175 votes, and SDLP veteran Margaret Ritchie was defeated in South Down by Sinn Fein's Chris Hazzard by 2,446 votes. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan is due to meet the Electoral Office on Tuesday in a bid to determine how widespread the potential electoral fraud was during last week's General Election. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said officers are investigating "a small number of reports of electoral fraud, following referral from the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland". Chief Superintendent Karen Baxter said: "We work closely with the Electoral Office and where information becomes available in relation to criminal activity, we take action." Police have asked anyone with concerns about electoral fraud to contact the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland. Mark H Durkan claimed that on polling day and in the days following he and a number of others were contacted by people who said that when they went to vote they were told they had already voted. He said: "It's difficult to gauge how widespread it may be. Part of my meeting with the Electoral Office is to try and establish how many people this did happen to. "It is vitally important to all parties that we have an electoral system that people can have faith and confidence in. "We need to know what steps are going to be taken to eradicate these type of incidents in the future." In South Down, SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said he had been made aware of "at least a dozen" similar incidents. "We can't say at this stage if votes had been stolen or anything like that but it is very strange," he said. "We need to find out how many times this happened and I will be meeting with the Electoral Office to try and determine exactly what happened." Nobody from the Electoral Office was available to comment. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 12: DUP leader Arlene Foster holds a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives at 10 Downing Street in London for a Cabinet meeting. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 13, 2017. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she arrives at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (R), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Arlene Foster has said that a deal between the DUP and the Conservatives offers a "tremendous opportunity" - not just for her party but for the whole of Northern Ireland. The DUP leader flew to London last night where she will today hold negotiations with Theresa May at Downing Street about keeping a Tory government in power. Speaking alongside her party's deputy leader, Nigel Dodds, Mrs Foster pledged to use her newly-acquired influence wisely and she defended the DUP's role as kingmakers at Westminster. "Parliamentarians would like to play as full a role as they possibly can in our national parliament, just as some in Sinn Fein would like to play a role in the Irish parliament," she said. "I think this is a tremendous opportunity not just for this party but for Northern Ireland in terms of the nation, and we're looking forward to playing our part in that." Mrs Foster's meeting with the Prime Minister comes as Mrs May desperately attempted to shore up her weak position within her party yesterday. Appearing before her party's backbench MPs for the first time since the results, she accepted the blame for the Tories election disaster. Members of the 1922 Committee banged tables and cheered as she arrived. "I'm the person who got us into this mess and I'm the one who will get us out of it," she said as she vowed to remain as party leader for "as long as you want me". Tory MPs said that Mrs May had spoken well with a "contrite and genuine" response which made an imminent challenge to her leadership less likely. With talks between the Tories and the DUP expected to continue over coming days, it emerged last night that the Queen's Speech, which is due to take place next Monday, may have to be delayed. The DUP may insist on several Tory manifesto pledges being watered down or axed completely. First Secretary of State Damian Green said he couldn't "confirm anything" when asked if the Queen's Speech was still on the cards. "We know those talks (with the DUP) are going well and also we know that, at this very important time, we want to produce a substantial Queen's Speech," he said. The Queen may have to miss part of Royal Ascot - one of her favourite annual events - if her speech is delayed. Meanwhile, Mrs Foster told Sinn Fein leaders that if they were concerned about her party's enhanced influence at Westminster, they should move to restore devolution at Stormont. "If others decide that they are not coming back into the devolved administration here in Northern Ireland then those issues will have to be dealt with at Westminster," she said. "It is really for Sinn Fein to decide where they want those powers to lie." Her remarks came after Sinn Fein and other parties insisted that Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire could not chair the discussions to restore power-sharing. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood warned that the future of Northern Ireland must not be left "in the hands of a Tory-DUP government". The Foyle MLA added: "If James Brokenshire thinks for one second he can be an independent chair of these talks, he is absolutely wrong. "This talks process needs an independent chairman to get things done." Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams also insisted that Mr Brokenshire was "not an acceptable chair". He predicted that any future Tory-DUP government would be a "coalition for chaos". Mr Adams said: "I would hardly call that sort of arrangement stable. "We don't believe that any deal with the DUP and English Tories will be good for the people here. "Any deal which undercuts in any way the process here, or the Good Friday and other agreements, is one which has to be opposed by progressives." However, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds raised the question of whether Sinn Fein was now ruling itself out of any future coalition government in the Republic because it would be "a breach of the Good Friday Agreement". Mr Dodds added: "If that's what they say about us, then it applies to them equally." Mr Brokenshire said that the Government remained "four square" behind the Good Friday Agreement and again warned that the June 29 deadline was "final and immovable", with direct rule on the cards if a deal wasn't reached. Grassroots SDLP members in Mid Ulster are to discuss merging with Fianna Fail in the Republic after the Northern Irish party lost all three of its seats in the General Election. The SDLP now faces hard questions about its future and over how to win back voters after it was wiped out at Westminster. Tomorrow night, the SDLP's Mid Ulster constituency council will hold a post-election debriefing in Maghera. Among the items up for discussion is joining forces with Fianna Fail, the Republic's main opposition party. The SDLP and Fianna Fail have had an informal association in the past, with the parties' members helping each other canvass at elections. Martin Kearney, an SDLP councillor in Mid Ulster, said the Fianna Fail question had not been officially added to the meeting's agenda but would be discussed. "These are normal discussions which happen after every election," he said. "This is something every party will be doing. "We've a great variety of old members and the young SDLP branch in Maghera is very active. "We want to listen to them, there's been such a lot of change." Asked if he personally supported a merger with Fianna Fail, he said: "All options are on the table. "There have been many times this has been discussed before, this is not something new." Despite the SDLP's performance in the General Election last week, Mr Kearney said the mood among colleagues was one of reflection rather than despair. "It's easy to turn your head and take the hump over these things," he said. "But there will soon be council elections and the possibility of another Assembly election so it's a good time to re-evaluate. It's a meeting we're all looking forward to." South Belfast SDLP MLA Claire Hanna has already said there is no need to join with Fianna Fail. "I don't see what that solves, it doesn't appeal to me," she said on the BBC Stephen Nolan show last Friday, hours after the election results were announced. Fianna Fail have long talked about expanding into Northern Ireland, although the plans were put on ice after a poor election in 2011. In September, the party leader Micheal Martin said he saw the 2019 council elections as a realistic target. He added that his party was already registered in Northern Ireland. "I think work needs to be done before I make any declarations in that regard. We're looking to contest the 2019 local elections. That remains a target," he said at the time. Mr Martin also disclosed Fianna Fail was planning to spend at least a year preparing a document of what a united Ireland might look like. Among the issues to be addressed would be keeping two parliaments in Ireland and merging the health and education systems. "The SDLP say they believe in that, so do Sinn Fein. So it's not the only idea that Dublin rules Ireland," he said. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 12: DUP leader Arlene Foster holds a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives at 10 Downing Street in London for a Cabinet meeting. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 13, 2017. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she arrives at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (R), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Former prime minister John Major, who was one of the architects of the peace process in Northern Ireland, has expressed his concern about the DUP government deal. Sir John Major was speaking on BBC Radio 4's programme The World At One as the DUP's Arlene Foster arrived at Downing Street for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May on a deal to prop up a Tory minority government. The Prime Minister will be desperate to get agreement from the DUP to back her legislative programme in the House of Commons or risk her government falling. Sir John said he was "dubious and wary" about the potential deal and said that peace process must be protected. He highlighted the danger that the UK government will not be seen as "impartial" if it is "locked into a parliamentary deal" with one of Northern Ireland's parties. He said: "The peace process is fragile. People shouldn't regard it as a given, it isn't certain, it is under stress, it is fragile. "And although I don't expect it suddenly to collapse - we have to take care with it and that everything we do does not exaggerate the underlying differences that are still there in the Northern Ireland community." Sir John said Mrs May had his support and that he wanted her to succeed and stay as Prime Minister but that governing without the DUP was an option "well worth considering" as his "main concern" was the peace process. He said: "A fundamental part of that peace process is that the UK government needs to be impartial between all the competing interests in Northern Ireland. "The danger is that however much any government tries they will not be seen to be impartial if they are locked into a parliamentary deal at Westminster with one of the Northern Ireland parties. "You never know in what unpredictable way events will turn out and we cannot know if that impartiality will be crucial at some stage in the future. "It is very important there is an honest broker and the only one can be the UK government, "If they cease to be seen as such, one can't be quite certain how events will unwind and that worries me a great deal." Sir John said from the outset he sees difficulties in Northern Ireland getting the Executive back together and for issues arising during Brexit negotiations. He added that the deal could "create friction" across the rest of the UK which "could cost votes for the Conservative party". He said: "The reintroduction of anything that resembles a hard border will be catastrophic for the peace process and for relations between Northern Ireland and the South. "You have to be wary of what could happen and cautious of what you do. "With the peace process we need be prepared for the unexpected, we need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst." He said his fear was that if one community is "aggrieved" that that would allow the "hard men lurking in the background to emerge again". Sir John said: "The last thing anyone wishes to see is one or other communities to feel so aggrieved that the hard men who are still there lurking in the corner of the communities, decide they wish to return to some form of violence. "We need to do everything we conceivably can to make sure that doesn't happen. And that does require an impartial UK government and that is my first but not only concern. Sir John said governing without the DUP is an "option well worth considering". He added: "I think that is an option that is well worth considering that doesn't carry the baggage with it for the future - that a deal with the DUP undoubtedly would carry." Sir John Major has said he is "concerned" about the impact a deal between the Democratic Unionist Party and Conservatives could have on the Northern Ireland peace process, and warned that "hard men" were still "lurking in the corners of communities". The former prime minister, who began work engaging with the IRA to end the Northern Ireland conflict, said the peace process was still "fragile" and cautioned an agreement could mean the Government will no longer be seen as impartial. He told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme that he was "wary" and "dubious" about a deal "both for peace process reasons but also for others reasons as well", and said that events in Northern Ireland tended not to unwind as expected. Sir John said: "W e need to be prepared for the unexpected, we need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. "The last thing anybody wishes to see is one or other of the communities so aggrieved that the hard men, who are still there lurking in the corners of the communities, decide that they wish to return to some form of violence. "We really need to do everything we conceivably can to make sure that that doesn't happen, and that does require an impartial UK government." He said that while he did not expect the peace process to "collapse" suddenly, he cautioned: " I think we have to take care with it and take care that everything we do does not exaggerate the underlying differences that still are there in the Northern Ireland community." Sir John said he wanted Theresa May to "succeed" and "stay" as Prime Minister, and that he understood and sympathised with her wanting to "shore up her parliamentary position" but said his "main concern" was the peace process. "A fundamental part of that peace process is that the UK government needs to be impartial between all the competing interests in Northern Ireland." He added: "The danger is that however much any government tries they will not be seen to be impartial if they are locked into a parliamentary deal at Westminster with one of the Northern Ireland parties, and you never know in what unpredictable way events will turn out, and we cannot know if that impartiality is going to be crucial at some stage in the future." Sir John said it was "very important" that there was an "honest broker", stating that the "only honest broker can be the UK government". "The question arises, if they cease to be seen as such by part of the community in Northern Ireland, then one can't be quite certain how events will unwind and that worries me a great deal about the peace process." He said he could see problems "getting the Northern Ireland executive together", and expressed concerns over "the reintroduction of anything that remotely resembled a hard border", saying such a move would be "catastrophic" for the peace process and the relationship between Northern Ireland and Ireland. "I simply think you need to be very wary of what could happen and therefore be very cautious about what you do, so that does concern me quite apart from my other concerns about an agreement with the DUP." A crowdfunding campaign launched to repatriate the body of a Syrian refugee who was murdered in Belfast has raised more than 3,000 in just a week. Hazem Ahmed Ghreir, who was in his 30s, was stabbed in the Downshire Place area of Belfast last Sunday, June 4, and died in the Royal Victoria Hospital. An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder and remanded in custody. With Hazem's parents and extended family living as refugees in Turkey, a crowdfunding appeal was launched last week to raise 6,000 to send Hazem's body for burial in a town on the Turkish/Syrian border. Last night 3,030 had been raised in just seven days. The campaign is being spearheaded by Dr Romana Khaoury, who has undertaken voluntary work with support groups for refugees in Northern Ireland. "I didn't know Hazem personally, but a mutual friend told me the family were devastated and they wanted to take the body to Turkey," she revealed. "I asked how I could help and then set up the fundraising campaign, and the family are supportive of it. "I work for the Department for Communities and as part of that we interviewed the first wave of Syrian refugees to come through a welcome centre and settle in Belfast. "They were lovely people and now I wonder if Hazem was among them. When something happens in such close proximity and you actually meet members of that community you realise that that's somebody's son who has escaped a terrible situation. It's so unfortunate and heart-wrenching that such a terrible thing could happen." She added: "We are aiming to raise 6,000 to get his body to where his parents are and we have had a good response since we started last Monday." Language teacher Rym Akhonzada, who is acting as a go-between for Romana and Hazem's family, said that Hazem had come to Belfast with his brother two-and-a-half years ago and was studying English. "He had a bright future in front of him and so much to give back to Belfast and Northern Ireland," she stated. l To donate search for Hazem Ahmed Ghreir's page created by Ro Mie on www.justgiving.com The defendant broke down in tears several times during the hearing The director of a Northern Ireland haulage company who committed VAT fraud has been given a suspended prison sentence at Dungannon Crown Court. Janet Lyons (48) of Crevenagh Road, Omagh pleaded guilty to committing the offence between September 2012 and January 2014. The total loss to HMRC was 184,185. The court heard Lyons took over directorship of the company Lyons Haulage Limited - in 2012. Her husband had previously held the position but he was disqualified as a director in 2008 for a period of eight years. Lyons had previously been the company secretary and had very limited involvement in the business. On becoming director she continued to have no involvement in the daily running and her husband remained the boss. Although she covered a period of maternity leave in the office, Lyons had no role in filing VAT returns, as this was carried out by another person. Concerns were raised when VAT returns were submitted suggesting there was no business in or out of the company. This occurred despite customers continuing to be charged 20% VAT on invoices. A prosecuting barrister, who described the matter as neglect rather than deliberate said overall 380,000 in unpaid VAT is owned by the company, of which 184,185 relates to Lyons term as director. Defence counsel said his client is attempting to gather funds toward paying off the loss. He further accepted she had sent out company invoices but insisted she had no role in filing VAT returns. Lyons also accepted benefitting from the lifestyle afford. The defence pointed out at interview Lyons had said, I let him (her husband) do it all Judge Stephen Fowler QC commented, This case is characterised by the defendant taking over headship of the company during her husbands disqualification as a director. She unfortunately allowed herself to be used. Whilst Judge Fowler said the custody threshold had been met due to the amounts of money involved, he decided to suspend a 12 month prison sentence for three years. Lyons, who broke down in tears several times during the hearing, was also disqualified from being a director of any company for five years. The 26-year old, from Albert Street, was part of a gang that ram-raided Rio Menswear at Wellington Place and stole expensive clothing which was never recovered. A west Belfast man was handed a five-year sentence on Tuesday for his involvement in the early morning ram raid of a men's clothing store. Patrick O'Rawe was informed he will spend half his sentence in prison, followed by two and a half years on licence when he is released from custody, after he admitted four charges arising from the incident. The 26-year-old, from Albert Street, was part of a gang that ram-raided Rio Menswear at Wellington Place and stole expensive clothing which was never recovered. Belfast Crown Court heard the total loss to the business owner - including the value of the stolen clothes and damage caused to the premises - amounted to just over 30,000. Saying ram-raiding was a serious offence which required deterrent sentences, Judge Patricia Smyth branded the incident as "an afront to the public". The court heard that around 3am on September 20, 2015, a stolen car with false number plates was driven into the window of the clothes store. Following the ram raid and theft, the stolen vehicle was driven a short distance from the city centre to Divis Street, where it was crashed into a lamppost and abandoned. Damage was caused to the central reservation as well as to a basket pole and plant holder. O'Rawe was linked to the car after his DNA was located on the driver's airbag, which inflated when the car collided with the lamppost. Judge Smyth accepted that while O'Rawe was driving the car after the ram raid, there was no evidence to suggest he had been behind the wheel during the ram raid, but rather he was a passenger. He did, however, plead guilty to burgling Rio Menswear and stealing clothes, as well as three driving offences. Passing sentence, the Judge spoke of O'Rawe's "relevant record for burglary and theft" and the cost to the business owner, branding the ram raid as "pre-planned and pre-meditated". Outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny arrives at Government Buildings, Dublin, for his last day in the role Outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he hopes his legacy adds to the quest for freedom and independence for Ireland. Mr Kenny formally announced his long-awaited resignation as leader of the minority government after six years in the role. "This has never been about me... it has always been about the problems and challenges that the people of our country face," he said. The veteran Fine Gael politician hosted a cabinet meeting for the final time in Government Buildings before taking to the floor of the Dail for a valedictory address. He will later meet President Michael D Higgins in Aras an Uachtarain to discuss his departure. In a relatively brief statement to the Dail, Mr Kenny recalled the will of Michael Davitt, the republican and agrarian campaigner who founded the Irish National Land League in the 19th century, who said he left "kind thoughts" to his friends, to others forgiveness and to Ireland "my undying prayer" for "absolute freedom and independence". "I hope that in the two governments I have led that we have made a modest contribution towards that ambition," Mr Kenny said. The outgoing Taoiseach secured the job in early 2011 and led a coalition government with Labour as Ireland exited the multi-billion euro bailout brought on by the crippling banking and economic collapse. He oversaw several years of painful austerity as part of attempts to stabilise finances. Among his other legacies will be leading the country when same-sex marriage was introduced and attempts to bring closure to victims of clerical abuse. Mr Kenny reflected on his career. "For my own part I am the first to acknowledge I have not got everything right. But I can honestly say my motivation was always what I believed to be in the best interest of the Irish people," he said. Mr Kenny said he understands people's disillusionment with politics. But he added: "I really do believe that politics is work worth doing, a noble profession. Despite the many scandals and disappointments, I believe that the vast majority of people elected to this House are here because we've an interest in and a love for our communities and our country and we wish to make a difference." Mr Kenny urged more respect among politicians. He added: "We can argue vehemently the merits of issues or measures without questioning each other's motives or intent. "Politics is always about people and government is always about making decisions." Mr Kenny resigned as Fine Gael leader in May to make way for his successor. Although long-awaited, the transition of power has been relatively smooth with Leo Varadkar securing resounding support in a leadership contest, including huge backing among his parliamentary colleagues. He was confirmed as the new Fine Gael leader in the Mansion House in Dublin on June 2. Mr Varadkar, the first openly gay cabinet minister and the son of an Indian doctor, will be nominated as taoiseach in the Dail on Wednesday before he travels to meet Mr Higgins in Aras an Uachtarain, where he will be given his seal of office. Mr Kenny paid tribute to the Labour Party who supported his first coalition government. And he noted backing from the main opposition party Fianna Fail as it supports the current minority government. Mr Kenny said he would have preferred to leave quickly and quietly after confirming that he was to visit the president. "The prospect of making a speech or listening to them, either of glorification or flagellation, is not something that I really relish," he added. Mr Kenny, from Castlebar, Co Mayo, took over as Fine Gael leader in 2002 when the party suffered near annihilation at the polls. He is credited with steadily rebuilding the party across the country and after surviving a leadership heave in 2010 he led it to its best ever election result in early 2011. Mr Kenny is also the only Fine Gael leader to be re-elected taoiseach. Among some episodes that will be remembered are his unprecedented attack on the Vatican over clerical child abuse cover-ups. But the last two governments will also be marked out for the failure to comprehend and reverse the fear over water charges and the inability to react quickly and efficiently to a spiralling homelessness crisis which has left unprecedented numbers of families living in hotel rooms. Mr Kenny's tenure will also be known for the welter of controversies which have rocked the Garda, none more so than the controversial departure of commissioner Martin Callinan who announced his retirement after a late-night call to his house by a senior civil servant. Gerry Adams said incoming Irish premier Leo Varadkar needed to put his efforts into restoring powersharing north of the border Restoring powersharing at Stormont will provide a strategic route to a united Ireland, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said. Mr Adams dismissed suggestions the republican party was no longer interested in getting a devolved administration back up and running in Belfast. His remarks came as the resumed talks process took a back seat as the political focus largely shifted to Westminster and the anticipated parliamentary deal between the DUP and the Conservatives. Mr Adams, addressing claims of Sinn Fein disengagement, said: "We want into the institutions, because that is what the people desire, that is what the people voted for. "But also because we think strategically that is the way to a united Ireland. "The way forward is not to be in a vacuum, to have stagnation, the way forward is to have that forum working on the basis on which it should have been established." As he arrived at the Dail in Dublin ahead of Enda Kenny's formal resignation as taoiseach, Mr Adams said incoming Irish premier Leo Varadkar needed to put his efforts into restoring powersharing north of the border. "The focus has to be on plan A, which is to get the institutions in place, that is our focus and we would like to think it will be the focus of the incoming taoiseach," he said. The Alliance Party has warned that the Stormont talks process is bereft of "impetus and momentum". Exchanges at Stormont Castle on Tuesday were limited to bilateral meetings between local parties and discussions among officials. Secretary of State James Brokenshire and DUP leader Arlene Foster were both in London for talks on the confidence and supply deal that would enable Theresa May's minority government to function. The Stormont parties have until a June 29 deadline to reach consensus and re-establish a ruling executive. Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry said the first roundtable talks in the process were not expected until Thursday at the earliest. "I understand there is a new UK government and changes in the government in the Republic but there remains no impetus to this process, which doesn't inspire confidence," he said. "We need people to step up to the plate and do so without delay. "The consequences of not doing so are too severe." Northern Ireland has been without a powersharing executive since March and without a first and deputy first minister since January. Developments at Westminster have placed another question mark over the already faltering process. Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance insist Mr Brokenshire cannot chair the efforts to restore powersharing. They are adamant the UK government can no longer cast itself as a neutral facilitator in the process, given the Prime Minister's likely deal with the DUP. The dispute has prompted renewed calls for a chairman from outside the UK and Ireland to be appointed. Mr Adams said he had never had any faith in the impartiality of the UK government. "I never said the British government are not honest brokers because they are putting together a deal with the DUP," he said. "The English government have never been honest brokers - ever. They have never been referees, never been objective, never been neutral. "They are obliged to be so in the wording of the Good Friday and other agreements but unless an Irish government is keeping them to that responsibility, they will behave as they have behaved for as long as I have lived and longer than that." Mr Brokenshire has rejected the criticism, claiming Westminster affairs were "entirely separate" from the Government's responsibility to act with impartiality at Stormont. A number of deadlines to reach an agreement have already fallen by the wayside since March's snap Assembly poll, which was triggered by the implosion of the last DUP/Sinn Fein-led administration over a dispute about a botched green energy scheme. The Assembly election campaign exposed many divisions between the two main parties on issues such as legislative protections for Irish language speakers and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. A leading Channel 4 news presenter has been heavily criticised after he was accused of posting 'fake news' about the DUP. Jon Snow posted on social media that the DUP is demanding "the unbanning of sectarian" marches as part of their deal to support a minority Conservative government. The misleading tweet posted yesterday came after the Drumcree parade controversy emerged again. Portadown Loyal Orange Lodge 1, which is currently prevented from marching down the flashpoint Garvaghy Road, had issued a statement before the DUP and Tories met to discuss a deal. In it, the Orangemen indicate that they want Theresa May to allow the banned loyalist march as part of the agreement. In a statement, the lodge had said: "We trust that the parading issue, especially in Portadown, will be high on the agenda for the new Government." It also urged the DUP to promote the values of the "unionist people and the Orange fraternity". Mr Snow, however, claimed it was a DUP demand for "sectarian marches" to be allowed, after he re-tweeted a comment from an account holder known as 'wee round Ian'. No-one from Channel 4 News was available for comment last night. The post was criticised by other users - and despite the mistake being brought to his attention, Mr Snow did not remove it from his account. Martin Hoscik, a political commentator and journalist in London, also posted a reply to Mr Snow saying: "The DUP have demanded no such thing. "A lodge that one DUP MP belongs to has called for it. That's not the same thing at all." Conservative MP James Cleverly added: "We need accurate reporting and analysis from journalists rather than echoing ill informed and partisan tweets. "Anyone can do that. "A DUP supporter saying he 'trusts it will be a priority' is not the same as 'DUP demand'. Details like this matter." The ongoing talks between the Tories and the DUP has sparked huge interest globally. While the socially-conservative party's policies have been under a media microscope, disinformation about the DUP is also being spread. Writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, DUP MLA Simon Hamilton hit back at some of the criticism in the national media. He said: "Much has been said about the DUP over the last number of days by commentators on the mainland. "A lot of it has been totally inaccurate and a downright disgraceful attempt to besmirch the DUP. "If they actually took the time to read our manifesto they would discover for themselves that the DUP is a party who unashamedly want the best for Northern Ireland but also have the nation's interest at heart." Kathryn Johnston, secretary of the Northern Ireland branch of the Labour party, said there was "hysteria" surrounding the DUP and criticised the 'fake news' being disseminated. She tweeted: "For all the many political difficulties I have with (the) DUP, they are NOT terrorist sympathisers, contrary to British media demonisation." A number of doctored images and videos denigrating the DUP have also been circulating on social media. A 'photoshopped' image of a UDA mural was altered to include a caricature of DUP leader Arlene Foster. The edited image was shared hundreds of times. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 12: DUP leader Arlene Foster holds a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives at 10 Downing Street in London for a Cabinet meeting. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 13, 2017. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she arrives at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (R), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Documents have been revealed outlining the deal the DUP and the Conservatives struck ahead of the 2015 General Election should the Northern Ireland party have held the balance of power. The Daily Telegraph reports on the "confidence and supply" deal David Cameron's Tory party struck with the then Peter Robinson led DUP. The paper says representatives for Prime Minister David Cameron held secret talks with the party over several days in the run up to the election and drew up a draft agreement. And in the DUP manifesto at the time, it outlined what it could look for in the event of a hung parliament. The revelations come ahead of DUP leader Arlene Foster's meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, former DUP Spad Richard Bullick said economic considerations would be the focus of the discussions. Read More He said the party needed to be cautious on its deal with the Conservatives. "I think the notion of writing blank cheques and then being asked to stand over every decision would be an incredible deal. The reality is it would not be long before there is another election for people to answer for those decisions." However, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd said no deal should be done that affects power sharing in Northern Ireland. The Union is my guiding star so we would be looking to make sure the Union stays strong. Arlene Foster Sky News reported that the DUP delegation had "not taken overnight bags" as they expected a deal to be done during Tuesday's meeting. Arlene Foster told the broadcaster: "I'm now looking forward to having a face-to-face conversation with the Prime Minister. "We enter these talks in a positive manner but we are first and foremost unionists and we want to secure the Union. We do want to do so in the national interest and for the stability of the government and that's the spirit with which we will be entering these negotiations. Read More The documents - marked 'official sensitive' - leaked to the Daily Telegraph reveal: The DUP would: Support Government in any no-confidence motion as long as deal was in place. DUP would vote on all matters along government lines except on matters of welfare reform or exclusive Northern Ireland issues or the devolution of powers. In exchange the Government would: Examine adjustments on corporation tax in Northern Ireland which would, among other caveats, be acceptable to other local parties. Discuss Northern Ireland tax changes to promote economic growth. Agree measures on foreign direct investment and ensure Northern Ireland would receive "fair share" of Government contracts and of infrastructure investments to enhance communication and transport between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Discuss matters relating to military covenant Implement commitments in Conservative manifesto. There are also commitments on strengthening national defence, the size of the armed services as well as increasing reserve forces and maintaining defence spending. "The DUP and the Conservative party agree that the UK's standing in the world is of paramount significance," the document states. "The DUP will accordingly support the government's determination to maintain the scope and reach of our diplomatic effort, the scale and effectiveness of our traditional aid programme (including in relation to conflict resolution and stabilisation) and the strength of or national defence." BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 12: DUP leader Arlene Foster holds a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with a hardline Northern Irish party on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives at 10 Downing Street in London for a Cabinet meeting. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 13, 2017. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark arrives at Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. The Prime Minister has re-shuffled her cabinet after the snap general election which failed to return a clear overall majority winner. Theresa May is set to meet Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster later today in hope of making an agreement to form a minority Government. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she arrives at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (R), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (L), and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in central London on June 13, 2017, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday was heading into difficult talks with the DUP on securing a working majority after a crushing electoral setback. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds arriving at 10 Downing Street in London for talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: DUP leader Arlene Foster checks her watch as she and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist party's ten Westminster seats. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street on June 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) DUP leader Arlene Foster has held her Downing Street meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May on a deal which could prop up a Tory minority government, with sources saying there has been "significant progress" made. The DUP leader entered Downing Street just after 12.30pm on Tuesday. She smiled at the waiting media as she and the DUP's leader at Westminster Nigel Dodds entered Number 10. At a photocall ahead of the meeting with her 10 members of parliament, Arlene Foster said: "The future's bright" to which MP Ian Paisley added: "The future's orange". Shortly after 2pm Theresa May left Downing Street in a waiting car. Sky News reported that the DUP delegation left via a side door. Talks are set to continue after the election of a speaker in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon. In a tweet, Mrs Foster said discussions were going well and she hoped to bring the work to a successful conclusion. Downing street described the talks as "constructive". Later speaking in the Commons on the election of the Speaker John Bercow, Nigel Dodds said he "looked forward" to this Parliament. He said, given the SDLP and UUP absence, he and the other Northern Ireland MPs bore a "huge responsibility" and they will carry out their responsibilities "very carefully". He said he looked forward to devolution being restored in Northern Ireland "so all can take part in governing Northern Ireland". "We have interesting times ahead and I look forward to playing a full role in this Parliament," he said. In his opening remarks Jeremy Corbyn said: "I'm sure we all look forward to welcoming the Queen's Speech, just as soon as the coalition of chaos has been negotiated." We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The Prime Minister will be desperate to get agreement from the DUP to back her legislative programme in the House of Commons or risk her government falling. Mrs Mays authority has been severely diminished after a disastrous general election which saw her lose her Commons majority and a deal with the DUP looks vital for the continuation of Tory rule. There has been much speculation on what could be on the DUP wish list as part of the negotiations. Read more: Read More A failure to gain support from the Northern Irish party would risk the Queens Speech being voted down next week, and Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour will be pushing hard for that outcome. The Tories and the DUP are considering a confidence and supply arrangement which would see the Northern Irish party back the Government to get its Budget through and on confidence motions. It comes after Mrs May told Tory MPs: Im the person who got us into this mess and Im the one who will get us out of it. Her most senior minister Damian Green has confirmed the Queens Speech setting out the Governments programme could be delayed if a deal is not reached in time for it to go ahead on Monday as planned. Tents being used as a shelter for refugees in overwhelmed Greece (AP) The European Commission is launching legal action against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland for failing to take refugees under a legally binding sharing plan agreed by the European Union. The Commission said in a statement that it has repeatedly urged the three countries to relocate refugees or at least pledge to do so. But it said they have not taken action "in breach of their legal obligations," and that it "has decided to launch infringement procedures" on Wednesday. The scheme to share 160,000 refugees in overwhelmed Italy and Greece among other European countries over two years was endorsed in September 2015 by a qualified majority vote. The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have until Wednesday to change their minds. Three months before the September 2017 deadline, fewer than 21,000 people have been relocated. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia voted against it. Hungary and Slovakia had previously launched their own legal action against the scheme. EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said: "There is still time ahead. Let's hope that not only reason but also the European spirit will prevail." But Poland said it stands ready to take legal action of its own. "Poland is ready to defend its standpoint before the Court of Justice," deputy foreign minister Konrad Szymanski said. He warned that the commission's action "may deepen the divisions within the EU". Mr Avramopoulos praised Austria and Slovakia for recently pledging to do more. But as of June 9, Austria had still not relocated a single refugee. Slovakia had taken in 16. The refugee scheme was seen as a major plank of the EU's migration policy, and was lauded as a pan-European show of solidarity in 2015 when more than a million people arrived in Europe seeking sanctuary or jobs. AP My disputation and difficulties with the DUP go back over 40 years, yet I have won every battle where gay rights are concerned. The list is long and includes reducing the age of consent in 1994 (enabled by a Kate Hoey amendment) and in 2000, equality under the criminal law in 2003 and civil partnership in 2004. Indeed, I was instrumental this year in getting the gay pardon and disregards legislation extended to Northern Ireland with the assent of the Assembly. That was a first for the DUP, in that the party enabled a gay reform, albeit indirectly, by tabling a Legislative Consent Motion in the Assembly, so Westminster could include Northern Ireland in the Policing and Crime Bill's gay pardon aspects. The circumstances are interesting and tell of the change in the DUP under Arlene Foster, a former Ulster Unionist. The then Justice Minister, Claire Sugden, first told me that, on the advice of officials, it was impossible to get Northern Ireland included in the Bill then going through the House of Lords. I said it could be done and had been several times in the past, but urgent action was needed. This she then organised, getting Arlene Foster and the late Martin McGuinness to agree to it over a weekend. Unprecedented speed for Stormont. The DUP would have had to vote for the motion had not the sole opponent, Jim Allister of the TUV, failed to force a division when he could not get a second teller. The DUP MLAs may have looked uncomfortable, but it reflected their acceptance of the modernisation required to govern a very mixed province. Until this election result, I had hoped and expected that a longer period of direct rule, or "stealth rule", as it is now called, would have enabled the marriage reform to be legislated by Order in Council at Westminster. Gay marriage legislation, however, can proceed at Stormont given a majority of MLAs, since the March election, favour the reform. The DUP no longer has sufficient votes to veto change through the Petition of Concern procedure. But that first requires the Assembly back up and running. In effect, Sinn Fein is now delaying equal marriage by holding back Stormont's return. I can only take the long view. For young people, events before, say, 2010 are history; for me, I lived through them. I observe the developments and can trace the progress. Changes come better incrementally, even if you don't believe in that when campaigning. However, I have first to say that, when it mattered, not a single political party in Northern Ireland - not even the virtue-signalling Sinn Fein and Alliance parties - gave any assistance in the long and bitter campaign to decriminalise homosexuality. This was the case even when all 25 Northern Ireland gay campaigners were arrested in 1976 on suspicion of conspiracy. Gay people here did it on their own, with the assistance of the Strasbourg court, some lawyers and journalists, and the poet John Hewitt, but no politicians helped. Indeed, in 1977, when Jim Callaghan's Labour government was in difficulty and needed parliamentary support, part of its deal with the unionists was to dump the proposed gay law reform. (The deal also gave 50% more representation to the province as it went from 12 to 18 MPs.) So, Ian Paisley's "Save Ulster from Sodomy" campaign of that year looked like it had won. This betrayal obliged us to press our ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) case at Strasbourg to the end. It lasted seven years and was judged in my favour in 1981. The Tory government, unusually rapidly, in 1982, implemented the necessary Order in Council. No unionist or SDLP MP voted in favour, not even the three unionist MPs now known to be gay, or who had a gay sensibility. It is interesting to note that the most prominent campaigner for implementation of the Wolfenden Report on homosexual law reform in England was the MP for North Belfast, Montgomery Hyde, who was deselected in 1959 in a campaign where Rev Ian Paisley cut his political teeth. And Hyde wasn't gay, marrying three times. Now 45 (or 7%) of the MPs at Westminster are gay, or lesbian, or bisexual - a high representation for a community of about 2%, according to ONS survey figures. (They take no account of a greater fluidity in sexual orientation so noticeable today.) The world has turned upside down, although none of these MPs comes from Northern Ireland. However, 5% of Belfast City Council is now LGBT, including this author. I have to say, working alongside the dozen DUP councillors in City Hall that I hear and experience no anti-gay sentiment. They do draw the line by opposing equal marriage, as do all the Churches here, Unitarians excluded, yet I have listened to young DUP members who cannot comprehend how anyone would be opposed to gays marrying. The DUP is no longer dominated by Free Presbyterians, although they are disproportionately represented at its core. That Church's membership of 20,000 is small, but the key body when it comes to major decisions on change. It is not so powerful since Ian Paisley went into coalition with Sinn Fein and lost his position in the Church he founded. Arlene Foster is a Fermanagh Anglican, while in Belfast the DUP is increasingly reflective of the population that votes for it, which includes thousands of non-Church-going Protestants. Gay marriage was voted through in a 2016 referendum in the Republic of Ireland by 60%, despite homosexual acts only being decriminalised there in 1993 after David Norris's Strasbourg case. Interestingly, heading into the border counties, that referendum majority began to ebb away. However, the marriage issue was much more than about homosexual couples - it was a youth issue, and throughout the island is now a test of modernity. The question has put some older gay campaigners, me included, in a quandary. I successfully led the campaign to get Northern Ireland included in the 2004 civil partnership law, which the Labour government eventually conceded. But their position was that civil partnership would stand in for marriage and nobody then, bar Peter Tatchell, argued that gay marriage was needed. Hardly a decade later, MPs led by David Cameron legislated for such marriage in England and Wales. The abortion issue is the other big moral dispute in Northern Ireland, and the law is devolved, unlike in Scotland. Until only a couple of years ago, no party supported any reform and certainly not the extension of the 1967 Act to Ulster. Now, the SDLP has split on the issue and even the DUP is no longer holding the line on aspects of "reproductive health". Some minor change could be introduced, not least getting the NHS in Belfast to agree to pay for abortions carried out in Britain. With the advent of the medical abortion, the debate will have to change, although it is currently in the blind alley of abortion on rape, or fatal foetal abnormality, grounds. In the meantime, attempts to convict women for using imported pills seem to be on hold. Distress in Britain among liberals and socialists at the imminent "supply and confidence" arrangement between Theresa May and the DUP is understandable, if exaggerated. Northern Ireland is in the UK, so why shouldn't our MPs be involved in government? Indeed, the notion that London is a neutral broker on Northern Ireland - where Dublin never was, or is - played an important role in extending the IRA "war" by giving them a psychological sense of imminent success. London (and Dublin) oblige the DUP to sit in a mandatory coalition with Sinn Fein in Belfast, which is vastly more difficult to thole than the DUP extracting occasional financial concessions at Westminster. Hopefully, some other reforms will also be involved in the deal, like compensation for all Libyan Semtex victims and a fair and balanced legacy arrangement that includes, or subsumes, inquests into the notioned historical investigation unit. Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservatives leader, can rest assured things won't be going backwards on LGBT rights in Northern Ireland. In fact, devolution (although it never brought about a return to saving Ulster from sodomy) made progress more difficult, until perhaps this year. But it has and will continue to happen, deal or no deal with Theresa May. Shutterstock.com The Bible is universal.The Bible is available in 426 languages and the New Testament is available in 1,115 languages, but there is more work to be done according to christianresearch.org. There are "Over 4,500 languages still wait for even one book of the Bible. This means millions either have no access to the Bible at all or can only encounter it in something other than their heart language." There are 17 historical books.There are 17 historical books of the Bible. There is Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. The oldest men in the Bible.The oldest man in the Bible was Methuselah, a descendant of Adam and Noah's grandfather. According to Genesis 5:27 he "Lived 969 years and then he died." The second oldest man of the Bible was a sixth-generation descendant of Adam and Eve named Jared. He at the age of 962, making him the second-oldest person mentioned in the Bible. There are specific ways to approach prayer.Did you know there are 9 ways to approach prayer according to the Bible? They can be found in the New and Old Testament. There is the act of praise, confession, thanksgiving, petition, commitment, intercession, benediction, confidence and forgiveness. God miraculously helped Hezekiah.Hezekiah was struggling on how he would be able to defeat the king of Assyria. He cried out to the Lord at the temple. Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God." The Lord answered by sending an angel to put 185,000 Assyrian soldiers to death overnight. Jesus and John the Baptist were second cousins.Jesus' mother, Mary and John's mother, Elizabeth were second cousins. However, the word "cousin" can mean "relative" as it was interpreted by 17th Century scholars for the King James Bible published in 1611. John the Baptist and Jesus could be second cousins as indicated in Luke 1:36. "What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her 6th month." The sun moved backward.Hezekiah had great moments with God for sure. He witnessed another miracle in Isaiah 38:8, "I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the 10 steps it has gone down on the stairway on Ahaz." So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down." The sun stopped.The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down for about a full day when Joshua asked the Lord for help as he needed aid against his attackers. "The sun stood still, and the moon stayed until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded a voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel." There was a really tall man.Okay, did you know that there was a man so tall that he needed a 13-foot bed? According to Deuteronomy 3:11, King Og of Bashan was the last survivor of the giant Rephaites. "His bed was made of iron and was more than 13-feet long and 6-feet wide. It can still be seen in the Ammonite city of Rabbah." A talking donkey.According to Numbers 22, Balaam was paid by King Balak to curse the Israelites. But God had other plans and it was through his talking donkey. The angel of the Lord said: "What have I done to make you beat me these 3 times?" Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now." But the donkey responded "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" "No," Balaam answered. Then Balaam saw the angel of the Lord and bowed to him and said, I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back. Balaam never got to curse the Israelites and repented. The Bible is enthralling whether it's on the pages or how it has impacted the world. No wonder it endures as a best-seller. 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. The word "Bible" comes from the Greek and Latin words which mean "the book" and it's the hottest book ever to be sold and it remains true today. A survey by the Bible Society concluded that around 2.5 billion copies were printed between 1815 and 1975, and it is estimated that the Bible has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. According to Pew, "Christianity is the world's largest religion , with an estimated 2.2 billion adherents, nearly a third (31 percent) of all 6.9 billion people on Earth." If this is true we should know everything about the Bible, correct? Let's be straightforward, most of us never read the entire Bible and we just scan over it for the most part. There are things we don't know about the Good Book inside and outside the pages, however. Here are 10 intriguing facts about the Bible. Shutterstock.com The Bible tells us, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A Christian fathers first and greatest responsibility is to acquaint his children with God through Scripture. One of the reasons this is so important is because what children learn about God will put them in good standing throughout their lives, no matter what they do and where they go. God uses the Christian father as an instrument for instruction and discipline, in which God commands and administers. Ephesians 6:4 is a summary of instructions to fathers. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). A wise father seeks to make obedience desirable and attainable by love and gentleness. We know from history that the father was to be diligent in instructing children in the ways and words of the Lord for their own spiritual development and well-being. The father who was obedient to the commands of Scripture did just that. Proverbs 22:6 says, Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. To train indicates that the first teaching that a father and mother give a child. This training is created in a way to make clear to children the life they are intended for, a life of great importance. The truth is, it isnt easy to be a good father. However, there are a few principles that can help. Successful Christian fathers have found that he and his family benefits when he follows the wisdom found in the Bible. Here are five principles Christian fathers live by: They Make Time for Their Family A good Christian father makes time for his family and anchors his family in Christ. He provides the needs of his family. No other teacher can affect a child as much as their parents. For this reason, its important that fathers teach their children both by their example and their words. A Christian father not only meets the physical needs of his family, but also the emotional needs of his family as well. The family turns to him as a support in all areas of need and he provides as best he can. They Love and Respect Their Wives A Christian father loves and respects his wife. He serves as an example to his children of what a loving relationship looks like so that they may also reflect it in their lives, particularly when it comes to their marriages. When a man enters into a covenant relationship with his bride, he commits to the responsibilities of loving, honoring and cherishing her. The strength a Christian husband needs in order to carry out these responsibilities flows out of his relationship with God. This requires dependence on Gods Spirit. The beautiful thing is we have the assurance that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). A Christian father should ask God to empower him so that they can give their children not just an inheritance, but a heritage. They ultimately give their wife what she needs most to be loved, honored and cherished. They Give Loving Discipline and Commendation The Bible tells us, You fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted (Colossians 3:21). A Christian father doesnt just discipline. He disciplines lovingly and commends his children in the process. No matter how frustrated or angry he gets, he expresses loving concern for the welfare of his children. This includes advice, correction, education and chastisement when needed. In addition, he recognizes that discipline is way more effective when a father commends his children regularly. This enriches a childs character as they will know when they are acknowledged and appreciated. They Are Good Communicators A Christian father should be a good communicator, not only communicating biblical principles to their children, but also being a careful listener. Instead of being a reaction waiting to happen, they have the ability to listen calmly without being judgmental. When a child knows their father will lose their temper quickly, they are less likely to communicate their inner feelings to him. But when they know their father listens calmly, they believe they are respected and that there is a genuine interest in what is being said. The Bible tells us, Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath (James 1:19). We know from Scripture that fathers who apply this biblical principle communicate better with their children. They Apply Gods Practical Wisdom A Christian father will apply Gods practical wisdom to their everyday life and guide their children in the same way. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Fathers who are in a committed relationship with God can guide their children in the greatest relationship they will ever have an intimate relationship with their heavenly Father. The greatest example of what a father should look like is God, Himself. The Bible reveals that there is only one perfect Father who is God. The pages of the New Testament give us an incredible glimpse of the marvelous relationship between God the Father and Christ the Son. On three separate occasions, the Bible records these words of the Father to His Son: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 17:5). This is the kind of relationship fathers should strive for with their children. There is no greater source than God, the greatest Father of all. Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council. shutterstock.com There are no easy solutions, outside of a magic pill or a magic wand. This dirty little devil is called "anxiety" and it is fierce. With all the emotional upheaval, media input and dealing with our own body chemistry and hormones, it's most certainly a war on our own and sometimes shattered world. We can't really point to what anxiety is--we just need to accept that it remains a mystery. News from the University of Chicago Medical Center offered some solace. "By testing the controversial role of a gene called Glo1 in anxiety, scientists uncovered a new inhibitory factor in the brain: the metabolic by-product methylglyoxal. The system offers a tantalizing new target for drugs designed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorder." In the meantime, until there are further breakthroughs with Glo1, we can crack the mystery of anxiety by taking action to put back together our lives. Here are 8 suggestions for coping with the condition. Learn acceptance. Lower your expectations. Change your mindset. Distract yourself. Avoid stress. Release your tension through writing. Find treatment. Watch what you eat and drink. 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. You know the painting "The Scream" by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch? The modern art painting from 1893 shows a person with both hands on their face in a panic with darkness surrounding the figure. This is what anxiety is like for most people, where they just want to scream due to the anxiety that they are feeling within their bodies. If this is you, know that the symptoms that you are dealing with don't reflect you as a person. We need to accept we are still human and mental illness does not discriminate. We can find acceptance that we are all flawed.In this, we find our truth and even hope.If you are more prone to anxiety and even depression, you don't need to add ridiculous expectations on yourself. If there are high expectations, it puts you more at risk for disappointment if you fail to meet then. What happens is that people become perfectionists. Unrealistic expectations are potentially damaging because they set us and others up for failure, said Selena C. Snow, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Maryland. When we or someone else naturally falls short, we draw false conclusions, feel negative feelings and act in negative ways. You should take risks in life to attain goals and to grow. But the point here is to not add pressures that don't need to be there.We need to trap those "what-ifs" in order to remain calm and to deal with anxiety better. Author Karen Young explained we need to catch those thoughts when they come as they spark anxiety in people. She recommended remaining in the present. "Stay with what is actually happening, rather than what might happen. If this feels uncomfortable, put a time limit on it, lets say, 2 minutes to start with." In order for this to work, you need to practice this for a month to help retrain the brain. If you need more time, so be it.Distract yourself when you are feeling off center. Listen to music, download audiobooks, podcasts, or a guided meditation. Read a magazine, go walking, take a bike ride or anything that will take you out of the uneasiness.Linda Andrews, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston said that anxiety can start to take on a life of its own. "Everything becomes a potential crisis. The unthinkable has happened. So around every corner, there's the next possible disaster." Change your focus by getting out of your head and staying in the present. Reminiscing on what worked and what did not work, will not bring you joy.If youre constantly stressed out, take a step back and remove yourself from toxic situations and consider making changes if you are drawn to drama. You can't avoid traffic, rude people or the bad weather. But you can avoid toxic people, situations and an overloaded schedule that feed your anxious thoughts.Writing will help release the tension that is felt through the body during and after a bout with anxiety. "Expressive writing promotes healing and can help us to better control our emotions, to stop ruminating or obsessing about a traumatic event and instead derive meaning from what happened," author Lynda Monk shared. Writing helps frame up the events of the day and allows you to have a sense of control.Anxiety disorders are highly treatable and medication could help you. Additionally, you could benefit from therapy to help you develop a plan. Therapy in itself can't cure you because you need to do the work, Psychologist Ryan Howes, Ph.D.explained to Buzzfeed. Its pretty disappointing for clients when they think thats the way it works, he said. They want the therapist to ask them a bunch of questions and its like a treasure hunt. Therapists wont have all the answers, but they are there as a guide.For people dealing with anxiety, limiting caffeine is a good option. Getting the jitters after drinking caffeine will make the condition worse. Processed foods especially tend to perpetuate a "Vicious cycle of guilt, anxiety, cravings and overeating, making it hard to stop eating them once you start,"reported. Avoid coffee, sugar, artificial creamers, beef jerky and alcohol.As scientists unravel the mystery of anxiety, we can do what is needed to cope with the aftermath by being proactive and diligent in our efforts. We dont know where you're at this moment. It may be in the kitchen, the office at work or maybe you're reading this at a coffee shop. No matter where you are, you don't have to live in the darkness solely. Reach out to a medical practitioner today. Police take Imran Ahmed (center), into custody over allegations he provided funds to Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh, June 11, 2017. Bangladesh authorities said they arrested at least 10 people suspected of links to Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) since Sunday, including a garment manufacturer accused of providing funds to the extremist group and other militants. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers arrested Imran Ahmed, 37, early Sunday over his alleged funding of the Islamic militant group. Ahmed is managing director and owner of Jim Tex Linkage Industries Limited, an exporter of sweaters and other knit products to the European Union, Australia, Canada and the United States. RAB officials said Ahmed told them that he gave 400,000 taka (U.S. $4,960) to a militant who, they believe, joined IS in Syria in 2015 and 200,000 taka ($2,460) to the wife of a JMB leader who was arrested in November 2016. The arrests of Ahmed and the other suspects cast doubts on reports that JMB and its Islamic State- (IS)-linked offshoot, Neo-JMB, are losing support, police officials said. Government officials have blamed Neo-JMB for a terrorist siege at a cafe in Dhaka in July 2016 that left 20 hostages, including 17 foreigners, dead. We are not yet sure whether Imran knew anyone of those cafe attackers, RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told a press briefing on Sunday, referring to five gunmen who were killed as Bangladeshi security forces stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery to break the siege on the morning of July 2. Monday arrests On Monday, the police counter terrorism and transnational crime unit (CTTC) arrested six suspected Neo-JMB members in the New Market area of Dhaka, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Masudur Rahman. The arrests disrupted their alleged plan to kill progressive Islamic scholars. Those arrested were identified as Zahidul Islam, Abu Bakr Siddique, Mohammadullah Adnan, Mehedi Hasan Emon, Shamsuddin al Amin and Khalid Saifullah. Meanwhile, police arrested three suspected militants from Dangapara village in the Rajshahi district on Monday following a Sunday morning raid of their house. The suspects are identified as Israfil Alam, his brother, Ibrahim, and brother-in-law Robiul Islam. Family members including women and children were taken to the local police station for interrogation. Rajshahi police superintendent Moazzem Hossain Bhuiyan said a bomb disposal unit was called to the scene after the suspects allegedly told officers they had suicide vests and ammunition inside the house. JMBs focus Regarding the arrest of Ahmed, officials said he told interrogators about ongoing efforts to merge JMB and its offshoot into one organization. We are getting information that regardless of a series of operations (by law enforcement agencies) JMBs activities havent been stopped. They are now mainly emphasizing and focusing on recruiting new members, Khan said. Khan told reporters that a JMB organizing meeting held in Bogra district in April resulted in the formation of a 10-member executive committee. Someone named Abu Muharib, who is leading JMB, approved the executive committee. We cannot confirm the identity of Abu Muharib, including his nationality, RAB officer Alep Uddin told reporters. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo (center), military chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (second from left) and other military officials watch a rapid-response training exercise in the Natuna Islands, May 19, 2017. The Indonesian military says it is beefing up security along the nations sea border with the Philippines, where Islamic State-inspired (IS) militants are locked in ferocious battles with Filipino government forces in the southern city of Marawi. The building of military bases in some of the countrys outermost northern islands, such as on Morotai island (see map), to block extremists who could potentially travel there from the southern Philippines was part of a strategic plan presented to Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo, Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo told reporters on Monday. Gatot spoke during a dinner with journalists in Jakarta, three days after reviewing the construction of a submarine dock at a naval base in Palu, Central Sulawesi province. After visiting the base on Friday, Gatot said in a press release that Indonesia had deployed submarines off Marore and Miangas islands along the northern end of Sulawesi Island because the military was anticipating security-related possibilities as a result of the ongoing fighting in Marawi. Gatot said the militants could travel easily from Marawi to Indonesias northernmost territories, such as Bitung and Sangihe, in North Sulawesi, and Morotai, in North Maluku province. This is why we together have to be cautious, he said. Do not let the conflict in Syria move to Indonesia. We must prevent them from coming to our place because the seeds in our place already exist. Other than Morotai, the Indonesian military will bolster its presence around the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea, Biak Island in Papua and the Tanimbar Islands in Maluku, the general said, emphasizing that construction of military bases on the islands would depend on economic conditions in Jakarta. Together, Indonesia and the Philippines have more than 18,400 islands and share a little-patrolled ocean border. Gatot also told reporters that the Indonesian military had found dormant IS cells almost everywhere in the country. A possible infiltration of militant groups from Marawi could wake up those cells, he said. Almost all provinces in Indonesia, except Papua, have existing ISIS cells but they are sleeping, Gatot said, using a different acronym for IS. Weve put people there Maj. Gen. Ganip Warsito, the commander in North Sulawesi, Gorontalo and Central Sulawesi provinces, said the military had strengthened security forces in Indonesias outermost islands, including in Marore, Kaiwo and Matatuang in the waters of North Sulawesi and Morotai Island, in North Maluku province. He did not provide details. Weve put people there. We must be careful not to get infiltrated, that can be also weapons, because that is the possible route that can be used for infiltration, Warsito said, explaining that the outcome of the Marawi conflict would impact Indonesia either way. If the militants win, the Southeast Asian region would be their strong base, he said, but if the Philippine military ends up defeating the extremists, they would be expected to regroup in Indonesia. And here there are dormant cells that are ready to accommodate them, Warsito said as he emphasized that Filipino troops were battling local extremists from the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups who are backed by foreign militants, including fighters from Indonesia and Malaysia. Khairul Fahmi, a researcher from the Jakarta-based Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS), said the plan to build a military presence on Morotai Island was part of Indonesias old maritime defense concept. Maybe now there is momentum, but the threat is already in front of us, so the TNI should have another plan while there is no base with a permanent force, Fahmi told BenarNews. Terrorist designation, trilateral patrol In other news related to terrorism, the U.S. State Department on Monday declared an Indonesian militant group, Majelis Mujahideen Indonesia (MMI), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Formed in 2000 by jailed cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, MMI has claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks in Indonesia, including a May 2012 attack at the book launch of Canadian author Irshad Manji that injured three attendees, according to the State Department. The special designation alerts the American public and the international community that MMI has committed or pose[s] a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism, the department said in a news released. Designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other U.S. agencies and other governments, it said. Also on Monday, a spokesman for Indonesias Defense Ministry, Brig. Gen. Totok Sugiharto, confirmed that Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines would launch a joint maritime patrol in the Sulu and Sulawesi seas early next week. The launching of the patrol will continue the plan that previously has been delayed, Sugiharto told BenarNews. The launch is scheduled from the town of Tarakan, in the Indonesia province of North Kalimantan, on June 19, he said. The three nations have been talking for more than a year about joining forces in trilateral patrols to prevent acts of piracy and kidnappings of sailors at sea by suspected Islamic militants operating out of the southern Philippines. Muslim policemen said they protected Christian civilians in the southern Philippine city of Marawi from marauding militants linked to the Islamic State as battles between the gunmen and government forces spilled into a fourth week on Tuesday. The five police officers told reporters they felt compelled to protect the Christians in the village of Monkado Kadilingan as militants with the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Maute gang, who were backed by foreign fighters, searched every house and demanded to see non-believers. The officers and civilians had been trapped in the city for nearly three weeks since the fighting erupted, but they got out and were able to reach the safety of a military-controlled sector. We had a chance to escape because we were Muslims, but, as cops, it was our duty to protect the people. We decided to stay because the gunmen would execute the civilians, officer Lumlan Lidasan said Tuesday. Three of us had long firearms, so the Maute could not just penetrate the house where we were hiding. Lidasan said he and his colleagues were manning an outpost on May 23, when the violence broke out and people panicked. The village chief hid them along with five Christian construction workers in a basement where they survived on dwindling food rations as bombs dropped by government airplanes exploded outside. The men were in touch with army officers but they were pinned down because Maute and Abu Sayyaf fighters were shooting in their direction. On Monday, they were told that an airstrike was expected to target their area, so they decided to leave. The Maute gunmen were shooting at as we ran toward the next building, where we spent the night. My colleague and another civilian were injured, he added. At the break of dawn Tuesday, they said they left their hiding place in the building and started walking toward a bridge connecting the rebel-held Bonggolo district to an area considered safe. One of the civilians, Jenever Velasquez, 26, said they were thankful to the policemen for protecting them. If not for them, we would all be dead by now, she sobbed. Authorities said more than 70 policemen were believed to be missing throughout Marawi, but they were mostly Muslim and likely still alive and in hiding. 3 weeks and counting Fighting broke out three weeks after the police and military set out to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the acknowledged leader of the Islamic State in the Philippines. They were surprised when he was backed up by Maute fighters and militants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Middle East and elsewhere. The gunmen torched buildings in Marawi, and took over large swathes of the city of 200,000 and capital of Lanao del Sur province, in what has become the biggest crisis in President Rodrigo Dutertes barely year-old presidency. By Tuesday, the military placed the death toll at more than 200 gunmen, 58 government troops and 26 civilians, according to a government tally. The military already has missed its earlier deadlines to end the fighting. The battles have displaced tens of thousands, in what aid agencies said was a growing humanitarian crisis. Reinforcements of military trucks, personnel and other vehicles arrive in Marawi to aid in the battle against Islamic State-linked militants, June 12, 2017. [Mark Navales/BenarNews] American aid Duterte has been forced to accept help from the United States whom he had earlier criticized and whose military he had vowed to kick out of the Philippines during his term. Over the weekend, the U.S. embassy in Manila announced U.S. Special Forces were assisting the Philippine military in its efforts against the militants of Marawi, where they were still clinging to parts of the city. Although Duterte later said he was unware of the American assistance, officials in his government have since said U.S. military personnel were only providing technical assistance with no boots on the ground. Footage taken of non-Philippine personnel at a military camp in Marawi and of a U.S. spy plane overflying the city (see video) has stirred chatter on social media in the country. On Monday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was quoted as saying that the U.S. had been helping the Philippines since 2002, and that American assistance in intelligence and surveillance work was vital to the militarys efforts to oust the militants from Marawi. Thats because they are already here. We no longer have to ask for their help because they are already here helping us. We just utilize them. Theyve been helping us since 2002, theyve been helping us in Zamboanga, Lorenzana told a press conference, according to the SunStar, a local news website. The fighting has displaced tens of thousands, in what aid agencies said was a growing humanitarian crisis with the military already missing its earlier deadlines to end the fighting. Sabah on alert In neighboring Malaysia, Wan Abdul Bari Wan, who heads the security command in the eastern part of Sabah state (ESSCOM), said there were growing concerns that Filipino militants who were trying to escape from Marawi might be heading across the sea border to Sabah or Indonesia. There have also been concerns about Islamic State reinforcements trying to make their way into the Philippines via Sabah to join in the fighting, he said. Malaysia has placed 15 vessels at strategic locations and the police in the two countries have vowed to cooperate to stop the movement of militants between the two countries, the ESSCOM chief said. Colin Forsythe in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, contributed to this report. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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For Immediate Release, June 13, 2017 Contact: Amey Owen, Animal Welfare Institute, (202) 446-2128, amey@awionline.org Andrea Santarsiere, Center for Biological Diversity, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org Brooks Fahy, Predator Defense, (541) 520-6003, brooks@predatordefense.org Camilla Fox, Project Coyote, (415) 690-0338, info@projectcoyote.org Erik Molvar, Western Watersheds Project, (307) 399-7910, emolvar@westernwatersheds.org Kristin Combs, Wyoming Untrapped, (307) 201-2422, kristin.combs@wyominguntrapped.org Michelle Lute, WildEarth Guardians, (406) 848-4910, mlute@wildearthguardians.org Natalia Lima, Animal Legal Defense Fund, (201) 679-7088, nlima@aldf.org Immediate Ban Sought on M-44 'Cyanide Bombs' in Wyoming CHEYENNE, Wyo. A coalition of conservation and wildlife organizations today formally petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services animal-killing program for an immediate ban on the use of M-44 cyanide devices in Wyoming. Also known as cyanide bombs, M-44s recently killed two family dogs in Wyoming and hospitalized an Idaho teenager after killing his pet dog. A similar petition was filed in Idaho in March, after which Wildlife Services agreed to remove M-44s from all lands in Idaho. We're not at war with native wildlife, and it is irresponsible to allow poison landmines to be sown anywhere in Wyoming, said Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project. Wildlife Services got rid of M-44s in Idaho, and they should do the same in Wyoming before more pets, and even people, get hurt or killed. The organizations requested the immediate removal of all existing devices from Wyoming. M-44s, also called coyote getters, lead to the agonizing death of thousands of animals every year, many of them nontarget animals. Between 2000 and 2016, M-44s in Wyoming killed 5,973 target animals, 112 nontarget animals, including eight dogs, and 447 unclassified animals, according to the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which oversees the Wildlife Services program. In addition, at least two dogs have been killed in 2017. There is absolutely no reason for a government agency to be placing poisonous gas anywhere, much less mere yards from where people and pets live, said Tara Zuardo, wildlife attorney with the Animal Welfare Institute. Devices like these are not only extremely dangerous, but they also represent wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars and are the cause of tremendous suffering for both people and animals. The incredibly dangerous devices kill indiscriminately, and deaths of pets are common, said Brooks Fahy, director of Predator Defense. Unless there are witnesses, agencies often don't record the poisonings. Families are than left to wonder what happened to their dog. These incidents display the extremely dangerous and indiscriminate nature of M-44 cyanide bombs and Wildlife Services negligence, said Michelle Lute, wildlife coexistence campaigner for WildEarth Guardians. Federal employees should not be placing deadly devices anywhere on our public or private lands, which should be safe for families to recreate with their companion animals. Cyanide bombs are indiscriminate killers that must be banned, said Andrea Santarsiere, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Any animal that might pull on the baited trigger is at risk, including endangered wildlife like grizzlies, as well as people and pets. And in just the past few months, these cruel devices have injured a child and killed an endangered wolf and several family dogs. Enough is enough. Federal law requires Wildlife Services to provide a final decision in writing to the petitioners. Wyomingites place a high value on wildlife, as tourism is the second largest industry in the state with many visitors coming to see and photograph predators like foxes, wolves, bears and coyotes, said Kristin Combs, program director for Wyoming Untrapped. To allow these devices to continue to wantonly kill our wildlife and beloved pets is both morally and financially reckless and irresponsible. There is no scientific evidence that M-44s are effective in reducing predation of livestock. It's way past time to ban these devices. Taxpayers should not be expected to continue funding the cruel slaughter of wildlife at the behest of agricultural producers' profits, said Stephen Wells, executive director of Animal Legal Defense Fund. Cyanide bombs are indiscriminate and inhumaneand are a proven danger to humans and companion animals. These devices have no rightful place in wildlife policy. Many effective nonlethal alternatives exist to eliminate or reduce conflicts between livestock and predators, said Camilla Fox, executive director of Project Coyote. It's time our federal government followed the lead of Washington, California and other states in banning these deadly poisons once and for all. Click here to view the petition. Starting your day with a cup of mushroom coffee can give a much-needed twist to your daily regimen. Many speak of its benefits, and some even prefer it to regular coffee. But given its unique The companys core focus is on providing affordable, personal hygiene care to women while travelling and in other areas of their lifestyle such as while attending gym sessions. PeeSafe has announced a fundraise of $1 Mn from Venture Catalysts, global VC firm Alfa Capital, Green Shots Capital, and Real Time Ventures. Angel investors such as ex-FreeCharge CEO Govind Rajan, Motilal Oswal PE Partner Amit Choudhury also participated in the round. The funding will be used to expand the product line of the parent company Redcliffe Hygiene and to expand to global markets starting with the US, Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. PeeSafe was founded by the husband-wife duo of Vikas and Srijana Bagaria in 2015 and is now run by Redcliffe Hygiene Pvt. Ltd. PeeSafe is a clinically approved, isopropyl, alcohol-based, quick-drying toilet seat sanitizer, as per a company statement. The company claims to have sold 200K units of PeeSafe since inception, across retail stores at an MRP of INR 180. The companys core focus is on providing affordable, personal hygiene care to women while travelling and in other areas of their lifestyle such as while attending gym sessions. For this purpose, Redcliffe has also introduced products such as GymSafe, MoskitoSafe, and PalmSafe along with PeeSafe and is exporting globally to Nigeria, Australia, and Singapore and the UAE. PeeSafe was started with the idea of saving over 150 Mn women globally from Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and other diseases caused by unhygienic public washrooms. This agreement signing is the follow-up action of the execution of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between Metal Industry Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into an agreement with the Metal Industries Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia to implement a twinning programme. The same is aimed at R&D capacity building of MIDI. CSIR has clinched this multi-million US dollar assignment through a process where many international organisations were considered. The twinning is one of the largest programs (in terms of contractual amount) between a CSIR institute and a foreign entity. It should also facilitate CSIRs future collaborations with African Organisations. Dr. Girish Sahni, Director General, CSIR on the occasion said, The knowledge base of CSIR in the identified areas could be of immense importance for leveraging the technology capacity of African countries. He invited the industry to join hands with CSIR and its counterparts in respective African countries to deploy the technology for benefitting the masses in the region. The agreement was signed by the Director of National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur (CSIR-NML) on behalf of the participating CSIR Laboratories, and the Director General of Metals Industry Development Institute (MIDI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. CSIR will enhance the capacity and capability of MIDI under the twinning arrangement and MIDI will be positioned to emerge as a globally competitive center of excellence in the field of Metals and Engineering, through the twinning programme. This agreement signing is the follow-up action of the execution of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between Metal Industry Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India. Opinion | 04 November 2022 | Interviews India needs to connect OPD with the cashless insurance network to bring them into the digital economy After having raised $1.2 million from Entrepreneur First and GrowX Ventures in 2021, how do you see the perfor...Read more Richard Curtis will be honoured with the Cannes LionHeart Award in recognition of his continued and significant involvement in charitable initiatives that include Comic Relief, Red Nose Day and the Make Poverty History campaign. Most recently, in his role as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advocate, Curtis founded Project Everyone, which along with the United Nations, helped to launch and promote the Global Goals, a series of ambitious targets to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and combat climate change by 2030. Project Everyone exists to encourage action, awareness and accountability for the goals so that they stand the best chance of being achieved. Terry Savage, chairman, Cannes Lions, cited this specifically as being the true embodiment of the Cannes LionHeart Award. Jose Papa, MD, Cannes Lions, added, Over more than 25 years, Richard Curtis has created a series of powerful, recognised brands that are significant in their humanitarian achievements, changing the lives of thousands of people across the world. As an organisation we believe that creativity is a force for good and this is palpable in Richards endeavours. Curtis is co-founder and vice-chair of Comic Relief, which he started after visiting Ethiopia during the 1985 famine. In 1988, Comic Relief launched its Red Nose Day fundraising initiative, which has gone on to raise more than 1bn for projects in the UK and around the world. Curtis is also a founding member of Make Poverty History. As part of the campaign he wrote three times Emmy winning television drama, The Girl in the Cafe, as well as writing TV movie Mary and Martha, which has been shown in 50 countries and is now used as a campaigning tool by many organisations committed to ending malaria. Commenting on the award, Curtis said, When I attended Cannes Lions a couple of years ago I was struck by this shared belief between all of us there that creativity has the power to change the world. I am a strong believer that you have to create things, to make things happen. I know first-hand that films, television and writing all have the ability to make people empathise with others - and drive people towards social action. I hope the Cannes LionHeart continues to encourage people to use their creativity and their access to challenge peoples hearts and minds to focus on solving the greatest challenges to the world today. Introduced in 2014, the Cannes LionHeart is an honorary award, presented to an individual that has innovatively harnessed commercial brand power to make a significant and positive difference to people or the planet. Curtis will be presented with the award at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on the night of 24 June 2017. For more information, click here. Despite the fact that we're all drowning in a sea of video - and despite the fact the advertising industry clevers will tell us that moving images are the future of humankind - still photographs or images still have the power to fascinate. More importantly, that ability to capture attention still works for advertising, because it is not the sort of fleeting wallpaper, which flicks momentarily across the mind of a consumer. Thats why I love good print ads. A good print ad will be simple, it will contain a basic human insight and will, in the best of senses, be humorous because humour helps the human brain retain and remember messages. It is good when you see an ad where all of these aspects come together. An example recently was a series of print executions we ran in The Citizen for NetFlorist. Now, this brand has always been about humour, some of it sometimes a little risky and risque. A lot of its work has been done in radio and has attracted Orchids from me in the past. So, to see it in print is a breath of fresh air. The ads didnt disappoint on any one of the three criteria I mentioned. The premise behind them is that people often regret things they say and do almost immediately after they have said and done them but the apology process can take time and can even make things worse. So, what if you had really put your foot in it and someone (like NetFlorist) was able to come to your rescue with a personally delivered bouquet of flowers, or a gift, on the same day? Both of the ads are laid out to look like text messages the top one sent first (check the time) and the bottom one sent later, after the whoops, Im in trouble moment. One says: Youre just like your bloody mother And then: Kind, loving and beautiful. The other says: I never want to see you again and then: wearing so much clothing! Its funny, its simple and it gets across the message that NetFlorist is there to save you from yourself and who doesnt need someone like that every now and then? An Orchid to NetFlorist and its agency, FCB Joburg. One of the most amazing things about the Knysna fire disaster was the role played by social media in keeping people informed and in getting out the latest news and images from what many described as a war zone. I was one of those keenly following Twitter on the Wednesday night, because my sister-in-law and her friends live in Knysna. They were on holiday in Kruger National Park and were on their way home when the news reached them at their overnight stop at Gariep Dam in the Free State. The news was grim. My sister-in-law and her friends had both lost their houses but friends had managed to salvage some possessions. I still followed the feeds on Twitter, because I was also monitoring what was happening so I could send through a late-night update to our Page 2 story for Thursday. But I, and scores of other users perusing the material under the #KnysnaFire hashtag, was angered by the regular appearance, in the feed, of advertising for an employment website called tolajobs.co.za. It was not only irritating; it also took up valuable communication space space which was being used to communicate urgent information. I do not know how the ads ended up there, but they were crass and insensitive at a time when people had died and homes were being gutted. A number of people turned on tolajobs.co.za and attacked them. That basically defeated the entire object of having the ad there in the first place. So tolajobs.co.za, you get an Onion from me. But there is a warning there of the danger of placing your ads simply in places where there is traffic. It can backfire badly. My guess is that this ad was placed with clever ad technology the most prominent is programmatic buying which looks for number and not context. It can badly damage a brand (My sister-in-law arrived home in Knysna to find her house had been spared and her friends house had been saved by her other friend. But thats another amazing story) *Note that Bizcommunity staff and management do not necessarily share the views of its contributors - the opinions and statements expressed herein are solely those of the author.* It's never a good sign when shares in the company you lead rally on news of your departure. Investors in Life Healthcare took Monday's unexpected resignation of CEO Andre Meyer in their stride, initially pushing the stock 1.4% higher, before it dribbled back down to close flat. Andre Meyer, former CEO at Life Healthcare In the top post for just three years, Meyer had the job of diversifying Life across geographies and "practice areas". In this, he appears to have been only partly successful. While Life now has a foothold in the UK, Poland and India, business in the latter two regions does not appear to be going to plan. Poland has a fragmented hospital sector. A cut in cardiology tariffs in the past set of financials caused margins to dwindle to just 5.1%, from 13.5%. India's listed Max Healthcare, in which Life owns just more than 46%, appears to have a perennial issue with costs. Some analysts say the two businesses should be cut loose, despite their short lives in Life's portfolio. While Life Healthcare did rally to a record high of R47.81 in September 2014, shortly after Meyer's incumbency, the stock has proved a disappointing hold under his watch, now languishing at about R26. It has, admittedly, undergone a massive capital-raising exercise to fund its acquisition of Alliance Medical, a British provider of medical imaging services. In this, Life Healthcare may have found a winner, though at 800m, it is not cheap. Life's three biggest shareholders are the Public Investment Corporation, Allan Gray and the Industrial Development Corporation. Allan Gray appears to have had a slight change of heart though, having sold its interest down to 6.85% by end April, after raising its exposure to 10% just last November. South African children are simply not equipped to manage their money. Financial management is not something that is taught at school, and money is one of those dirty subjects parents avoid talking about with their children. Wavebreak Media Ltd 123rf.com Financially illiterate Studies show that 74% of youth are not involved (or included) in the daily financial management of their household. However, the benefits of involving young people in the households financial matters are clear. Because of their lack of involvement with money matters at home, our youth are financially illiterate. The results of the financial literacy section of the 2015 South African Social Attitudes Survey showed that the level of financial literacy among adult South Africans is in the low to moderate range (55 out of 100). The score was even lower for the youth says Kathryn Main, MD of Money Savvy Kids. Children who are involved or included in their household financial management display a higher propensity to save, more cautious spending behaviour and a better understanding and knowledge of financial products. Creating a debt trap It means our youth have to be equipped because financial illiteracy has serious consequences. Firstly, they get trapped by debt. Whats happening at the moment is kids are going to university, and the banks are there offering them these student loans and they start their adult life in debt. They drown in interest because they dont understand it and are then unable to make wise investment choices in the future. Its bad enough that 50% of South Africans are in debt, we dont have to allow our kids to get sucked in as well. Credit rights Secondly, they dont understand their basic credit rights. Because they are drowning in debt and interest from student loans, their credit score gets messed up. They cant buy a car, a house or even get a cell phone to their name. And so they struggle along for 10 or 20 years, trying to get rid of the debt and improve their credit score often to no avail She says that financial illiteracy also undermines saving. Ask yourself - Why would someone put money aside to invest in something they dont understand? Financial illiteracy undermines saving as simple as that. In addition, South Africa is a buy-now, pay-later society. The effects on young peoples financial literacy are thus characterised by the same behaviour patterns as parents and society as a whole. These are high credit and high consumer behaviour with very little savings, and in turn high social risk behaviour. With the transport sector still savouring the expected benefits of the announced scrapping of VAT on transit cargo, a move that is likely to increase volume of consignments at the Dar es Salaam Port, the harbour has received yet another shot in the arm. The government through Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), signed a 36-month contract with a Chinese firm for the designing, construction, deepening, and strengthening of the Dar es Salaam Port. According to the contract, China Habour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) will design, construct, deepen, and strengthen Dar es Salaam Port's berths numbers 1 up to 7. Will be able to compete The upgrading of the berths will enable the Port to receive large cargo ships, hence will be able to compete with the rest of the ports along the Indian Ocean coast. Dar es Salaam Port currently competes with Mombasa in East Africa region, Beira in Mozambique, and others in South Africa. Speaking during the signing ceremony at Dar es Salaam Port, minister for works, transport and communications prof Makame Mbarawa said that in the first phase of project implementation, the government expects to spend 336bn/-. According to the minister, the seven berths will be deepened from the current depth of eight metres up to 15 metres. "These measures will enable the Port to receive large vessels capable of carrying up to 19,000 containers." Implementing other infrastructure projects Mbarawa explained that the government will throw its weight into implementing other mega infrastructure projects such as railways and roads to speed up the clearing and transportation of cargo from the Port to the respective destinations. "We don't need shipped containerised items and other cargo to spend much time at the Port after arriving that's why we are also focusing on constructing railway lines and roads to speed up transportation," he insisted. He added: "The construction of standard gauge railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to the Lake Zone and Kigoma and the upgrading of Tanzania -Zambia Railway (Tazara) will facilitate good and quick performance of the Dar es Salaam Port." The minister is of the view that the construction of the two railway lines and upgrading of Dar es Salaam Port will attract a good number of importers from landlocked countries. He also asked Port employees to work diligently. $421m will be raised Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) director general, Eng Deusdedit Kakoko said $421m (945.2/-bn/-) will be raised to cover the whole project out of which $345m (774.5/-bn/-) will be provided by the World Bank as a soft loan. He said that the completion of the construction will help do away with time wastage whereby cargo ships are compelled to wait to dock at the Port to offload cargo due to small space. Dar es Salaam Port clears cargo destined for Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The upgrading of the seven berths of Dar es Salaam Port comes at a time when importers are rejoicing following the government's decision to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on transit goods. The business community has warmly welcomed the government decision, saying importers from landlocked countries who avoided the Port will no doubt return to use it. The City of Cape Town has released its draft Harbour By-law for the public to comment and submit their comments before 8 July 2017. It proposes to reverse the long-running, systemic mismanagement of the citys harbours under the national departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Public Works (DPW). The draft Harbour By-law was drawn up in terms of the constitutional mandate of municipalities to administer harbours within their jurisdiction. This would enable the City of Cape Town to regulate how the national DPW, as owner of the harbours, manages them. The City has been engaging with representatives of both the DAFF and the DPW for several years with a view to establishing a cooperative basis for the proper administration of the harbours within the Citys jurisdiction. These include the Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Murrays Bay, Granger Bay and Gordons Bay Harbours. Despite trying to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the two departments, the DAFF refused to participate and the DPW withdrew after initial engagements, despite having arrived at a draft memorandum of understanding and an implementation protocol under Operation Phakisa. Harbours continue to decay This has left the City no choice but to forge ahead with the proposed By-law. Our harbours cannot continue to be neglected and mismanaged, falling ever further into disrepair. Their dilapidated and dysfunctional state has a serious impact on those who use them, in particular the workers and communities who depend on the harbours for their livelihood. Lack of professional management and maintenance has resulted in the serious degradation of these public assets, an increase in crime and a failure to develop their economic potential. The DPW has failed to maintain these assets as required in terms of the Government Immoveable Asset Management Act. The Hout Bay and Kalk Bay Harbours are currently managed by the DAFF under the purported authority that they have been declared fishing harbours under the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998, and accordingly authorised by the Control over and the Management of Fishing Harbours Regulations. The City has taken senior counsels opinion on the constitutionality of this assertion and that opinion concludes that the assertion of authority, and the regulations that purportedly authorise this, did not survive the repeal of the Sea Fisheries Act. Alternatively, even if they did, this would be unconstitutional as it encroaches on the constitutional mandate of municipalities to manage harbours (other than national ports) within their jurisdiction. In view of the failure to establish a cooperative arrangement with the two departments, the City intends to take over their administration by means of a Harbour By-law. This will authorise the City to administer these harbours, to regulate harbour and other municipal matters in the harbour precincts, and to set standards for the repair and maintenance of the harbours to be implemented by the DPW. No reply from national departments The City notified the DAFF and the DPW of this intent and forwarded them a copy of the draft By-law for their consideration on 29 May 2017. The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was also invited to withdraw or amend the contested regulations in order to avoid an intergovernmental dispute. To date, the City has received no response from either department. Nevertheless, the City will not be deterred in its efforts to finalise and publish the By-law. The sooner the Harbour By-law can be enacted, the sooner we can begin to reverse the rot in our harbours. Interested parties can view the Draft Harbour By-law here. With various accolades, destinations, and positions at some of the world's finest establishments under his toque, Chef Tyron Lumley, has been appointed as the executive chef at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Sandton. For him, it has always been about food - respecting food and paying homage to and preserving pure flavours and ingredients. Chef Tyron Lumley Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Lumley spent a large portion of his life growing up in this province, after which he moved to Johannesburg. Straight out of school, he entered the working world as a Commis Chef at Chaine des Rotisseurs Manna House in Hilton. During this time, Lumley bravely did his formalised training an International Diploma in Hotel Management through Varsity College and received prior learning to the Swiss hotel school in Adelaide, Australia while simultaneously undergoing gruelling in-house training through HITB. At the time, Chaine des Rotisseurs was the equivalent of Michelin Star the hallmark and benchmark of French cuisine and fine dining the world over. After he completed his studies and his time at Manna House, Lumley spent two and a half years at the esteemed Browns of Rivonia. One fateful night It was during this time, on one fateful night, that Lumley met a troop from Kerzner International, who interviewed him to work in Dubai. Two days later, a formalised offer landed in his inbox. The rest, as they say, is history. When I started my four-year tenure as a junior sous-chef at Sun International in Dubai now called The One and Only Resort I was the youngest chef in the brigade, cooking alongside some of the top chefs from around the world. When I left this particular establishment, I left as a Chef de Cuisine, says Lumley. After leaving The One and Only in Dubai, Lumley returned to South Africa for a brief respite, facilitating and overseeing the opening of various restaurants across the country. It wasnt long before he returned to Dubai, opening 15 branches of the famous More Cafe across the UAE. This experience, in particular, taught him the ins and outs of financing and costings and what running a tight ship entails. It wasnt long before Lumley was commissioned to open up Omans first More Cafe at the Royal Opera House. Here, he and his team catered to the needs and whims of Muscats wealthiest and most famous, often dealing with high-level presidential affairs and handling all the catering prior to and after the unique Opera Houses shows. Before returning to South Africa, Lumley worked for high profile boutique cafe dining chain, Bateel International, for two and a half years. During this time, he was the executive chef of the chains production facilities, supplying all the food for 13 outlets. Returning to his first love Prior to my return to South Africa, I was approached to head up the opening of the esteemed Pauls Bakery in Melrose Arch. This involved everything from recruitment and staffing for the restaurant, to adjusting and testing recipes, because while something might work in Singapore and Dubai, for example, there is no guarantee that it would also work in a South African market and context, adds Lumley. Soon afterward, Fairlawns presented me with an opportunity to return to my first love the boutique hotel environment. Some of the happiest days of my life and career have been spent working at hotels, and to have the opportunity to return to this, was an offer I absolutely couldnt refuse. Michael Kewley, managing director of Fairlawns, says, Not only is Lumley an excellent and highly sought-after chef, but he is also someone who knows, can identify with and adapt to the market he finds himself in. I count his fluidity in food, his unwavering passion for his trade and his wealth of knowledge and experience at some of the finest establishment in the world, as an asset." No fewer than 26 airlines have discontinued the process for the acquisition of the air operator certificate (AOC) over stringent conditions set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), it has been revealed. anyaberkut via 123RF This is just as the NCAA debunked insinuations in some quarters that some airlines borrowed aircraft to complete their certification process. Spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, disclosed that there were five phases an airline underwent before completing the certification process and many airlines faltered on the way. Phases There is the pre-application phase when the airline makes enquiry about the processes, followed by the document compliance phase which involves a certification team reviewing applicant's documents for compliance acceptance/approval. The others are AOC process, also called demonstration and inspection phase, which involves evaluation by a certification team and applicant's demonstration of compliance evaluation of management effectiveness, inspection of station(s) facilities, flight operations, maintenance and records. The next is called certification phase which allows the intending operator for approval of AOC and operation specification with coordination with director for safety oversight and DG NCAA. In the case of Omniblu Aviation limited, the airline got its AOC certification in 2015 and as at today, referencing the NCCA document and Omniblu operational specification, Omniblu has five helicopters and three aeroplanes on her AOC - HS123-850XP (5N-SPL); Challenger 604 (N880ET); and Boeing 737 Freighter (5N-IZB). Terminations The operators that have terminated their AOC processes are Jet Support Services, Air First (abandoned since 2015) got to stage two. Air Taraba, Air Jupiter, Continental Aerospace, Jet Leasing Support, Quorum Aviation, Tropical Arctie, Xejet, Revillo were in stage three. Glory Airlines, Dominion Air Limited, Mounthill Aviation Resources Limited got to phase one until they stalled the processes. Others in exploratory phase are Air Stream Aviation, Baltic Airlines, Millennium Travels and Tours, New Okada Air, Onedot Aviation, Oriental Airlines, Prime Air Services, Private Airline Services, and Trebet Aviation Aerospace Nig. Limited. Standing its ground Adurogboye said NCAA had consistently stood its grounds in maintaining its 'strict' policy of granting intending airline operators the all-important AOC. NCAA also included a minimum of 50 hours demonstration flights for intending operators. An intending operator in the country's aviation industry is expected to fly empty with full crew members and NCAA inspectors for a minimum of 50 hours. The last stage is when the intending carrier carries out 50 hours demonstration flights which the NCAA included to ensure that the applicant could carry out scheduled operations with all the safety standards without compromise. As part of the requirements, an intending operator is expected to have sufficient personnel with the required experience for the type of operations requested, airworthy aircraft, suitable for the type of operations requested, acceptable systems for the training of crew and the operation of the aircraft (Operations Manual). Managing director of Med-View Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, lauded the NCAA for ensuring compliance with the requirements. The SA Taxi Foundation Art Award prepares local emerging artists and designers to participate professionally in the global art market, through its encouragement of multi-disciplinary creative capabilities. Ours is the only South African award that requires artists not only to create an original work but translate it into a decal that can be wrapped around a minibus taxi, says SA Taxi Foundation director, Lishani Letchmiah. In the process, artists and designers must work to an external brief and a deadline, as they would in the corporate sector. For artists, this exposes them to a different process from the one used in creating an artwork, where the parameters and creative expression are self rather than client defined. From the perspective of designers, the competition allows for freer expression than they usually experience in their professional lives. Entrants are also working in more than one medium in order to deliver a product that works as well in 3D format, on the taxi, as it does in its original medium. In addition, they have to think beyond the still gallery format to a mobile, public format. These skills are vital if South African creatives are to benefit from a global art market industry that, according to the 2016 Art Market Report issued by the worlds pre-eminent art and antique fair, Tefaf, achieved total sales of $63.8bn in 2015. Consistently participating in even a small section of such a market would contribute significantly to our economy overall and it would put our own art sector on a sustainable footing. In principle, art is globalised anyway because art lovers are not confined to a given country. However, as with most other industries today, technology makes it possible for a local artist to market his or her work anywhere in the world. The challenge is often professional practice within the industry, which is where our partner, Lizamore & Associates, provides a necessary support structure to the artists as intermediaries. They provide artists with guidance on the preparation they need to do to engage an audience and an art market. This includes, for example, setting up of exhibitions, the way they package their work for proposals and presentation, and how to put together marketing collateral such as catalogues and brochures. Professionalism is key Short of a stroke of luck, no artist can break into a global market worth billions of dollars without developing some level of professionalism. Our Award helps to get them started down that road. Teresa Lizamore, owner of Lizamore & Associates Gallery, says that there are relatively few professional career artists in South Africa. Being able to live off your work as opposed to doing it on an ad hoc basis and trusting luck to sell it does call for a focused, business-like approach. For many artists, art and business are mutually exclusive activities. However, for those who do concentrate on systematically building their careers and reputations, the financial payoff can be substantial. The structure and intent of the SA Taxi Foundation Art Award enables us to provide some encouragement and focused advice related to taking a more professional approach to ones art career. In that context, these early career artists have limited exposure to the business side of the art sector, Letchmiah adds. The Award is, therefore, all the more important as a part of their professional development. Encouraging this development, SA Taxi Foundation sponsored attendance by the 2017 finalists at a two-day seminar presented in April by art consultants, Art Source South Africa, and hosted at the Lizamore & Associates Gallery. The seminar looked at professional practice and arts development for those wanting to become career artists. The SA Taxi Foundation Art Award has grown from 75 entries in its first year (2014/15) to 163 this year. For 11 days Grahamstown will become the cultural mecca of South Africa when the National Arts Festival draws artists, dancers and musicians from around the world to perform on its stages from 29 June to 9 July. The National Arts Festival has become a homecoming pilgrimage for many South African artists living and working abroad and this year is no different: Cellist Abel Selaocoe, the 2017 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music, returns from the UK to present an excitingly diverse recital at the Festival as well as to perform as a soloist at the Festival Gala Concert on Saturday, 8 July. Soweto-born dancer and choreographer Vincent Mantsoe returns from his home in France to perform Konkoriti. Described by The Guardians dance writer Sanjoy Roy as a magnetic soloist, Mantsoe is best known for his work around spirituality and African and indigenous heritage. In KonKoriti, he takes on the foolishness of pride and arrogance. UK comedian Stephen K Amos is including Grahamstown in his World Famous tour with two unmissable shows. I want you to laugh and then I pull the rug from under your feet by making you think about quite important points, Amos has said of his brilliant brand of observational comedy. The fascinating Its Only Birds is another sure-fire Festival hit. Comic Louise Reay, fresh from the Adelaide Fringe (Best Emerging Artist 2017) and Edinburgh Fringe (Groundbreaker Award 2016), performs the play in Mandarin. The artists challenge to her audience is that they will still understand the play through non-verbal communication, with astonishing results. One-woman show, a physical performance and cop parody Excavating history, faith and cultural integration, the one-woman show from the UK, The Crows Plucked Your Sinews is performed by Subaan actress Aisha Mohammed, with the accompaniment of Oud musician Abdulkader Saadoun. The play weaves the narrative of a young Somalian woman living in London in 2011 with the war in Somalialand in 1913. Described by North West End press as an important piece of theatre that needs to be seen, the production runs from the 5 to 8 July. In partnership with Business and Arts South Africa and the World Fringe Alliance, Macho Macho (Best of Amsterdam Fringe 2016) will be presented as part of the Arena programme, a collection of works that have won a Standard Bank Ovation Award, a Cape Town Fringe Fresh Award or a jury award at an international fringe festival. Macho Macho explores ideas of masculinity from bromance to beer drinking through intensely physical and vibrant stagecraft. With sell-out runs at Londons Soho Theatre and at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Police Cops is a slightly different spoof on masculinity and epic cop movies. This highly entertaining and energetic piece has taken home a string of theatre awards, including the Cape Town Fringes Best International Show Fringe Fresh Award in 2016. Dance performance with lights, Think!Fest and Jazz Performance art lovers are in for a treat with a double bill by Swiss choreographer Philippe Saire. Neons and Vacuum form part of a series called Dispositifs, where the visual concept leads the creative process. Neons tells of the intensity of a relationship through contrasts in light, while Vacuum is an interplay of black holes and dazzling lights. International guests on the Think!Fest programme include Galen Bresson (CEO of Creative Industries and National Events Agency in the Seychelles), Natalie Kombe (Shoko Festival Coordinator in Zimbabwe) and Jiggs Thorne (Director of the Bushfire Festival in Swaziland). They will be participating in several events including #ArtOut and a panel discussion on curation. Professor Emmanuel Dandaura vice president of the International Association of Theatre Critics (IATC) will be attending the Festival for the launch of a local chapter of IATC and, along with dancer/choreographer, Hannah Ma from Germany, all of these international guests will participate in an International Arts Symposium open to artists to be held at Nelm on Thursday, 6 July. The Standard Bank Jazz Festival will present an array of international artists including Australias James Morrisson Quartet, Brazilian bass prodigy Michael Pipoquinha (performing solo and with Swiss pianist Malcolm Braff) and US steel pan master Andy Narell. A hallmark of the Jazz Festival is the SA/international collaborations. Among those on the bill this year are former Standard Bank Young Artist winners Shane Cooper and Bokani Dreyer performing with phenomenal international musicians Christoph Iringer (CH) and Ziv Ravitz (US). In a first for the Festival, Grahamstown audiences can attend screenings of two of the UKs National Theatre productions; Twelfth Night and Amadeus. According to National Arts Festival Executive Producer Ashraf Johaardien it has been particularly tough to programme international work in the current economic climate. The Festival is very fortunate to have a network of strong diplomatic relationships who along with the World Fringe Alliance, have stepped up once again this year to help us bring some of the best of the world to the Festivals stages and platforms, Johaardien said. In addition to bringing this work to the Festival audiences, we are particularly keen for our artists to meet artists from around the world as the Festival has an important legacy of forging opportunities for artists to create incredible work together, he added. The IHeartKnysna Music Festival's organisers say the ethos of spreading love, compassion and donating the profits to charity is what this festival is about. Here follows some useful information if you are interested in attending and donating. Please visit the website for tickets and info on how you can sponsor, donate or offer any extra help. Details: Date: Sunday 25 June Venue: Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria Gates Open: 10:30 First Act: 12:00 Line-up: Goodluck Majozi Rubber Duc Jo Black Roan van As Dawie de Jager + Special guest performances Ticket Prices: Early Bird - R80 Pre-Sold - R120 Gate - R150 Please open your hearts and support this very worthy cause of thousands of people being affected by the #KNYSNAFIRES and who have lost everything they have. More details on the website on how you can support, sponsor, donate, for advertising space or to offer help in Knysna and surrounding areas or at the event. You can also email if you would like to help. Sponsors needed to make this day a success: Do you remember what you were doing in 2012? Chad le Clos brought home the gold from the London Summer Olympics, and the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS won the Wesbank SA Car of the Year competition. I remember finding the Elantra a little bland, much like the other Hyundai offerings. They were good, solid cars - but entertaining to drive? Hardly. The outgoing Elantra sorely needed some power - the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine had long been discontinued, and the 2014 facelift left the Elantra with only a 1.6-litre powerplant, sans forced induction. With the latest Elantra, Hyundai had the good sense to add some more coals to the fire with their turbocharged 1.6TGDI-engine, currently on duty in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Exactly how sporty is it? Before we get to the kiloWatt, its not just the numbers that make a car sporty. Suspension, steering, chassis - they all add to how smoothly you can fly around that corner. Hyundai went the whole hog with the new Elantra Sport. They added a new multi-link suspension setup in the rear and lashings of high-tensile steel (manufactured by Hyundai itself) for a more rigid body. It has dropped a few kilos as well and is more aerodynamic than ever. Imagine an overweight guy in a bobsled - how he would corner? To be mean, you gotta be lean. The 7-speed transmission in the Sport is of the dual-clutch variety, and there are some flappy paddles on the steering wheel for full-fun control. As for the performance numbers: 150kW with 265Nm is almost unheard of in this price range. At R399,900, the big-name German and Japanese sedans should be shivering in their low-profile rubber. And then theres Hyundais class-leading warranty and service plan*. The Elantra Sport is taut like a tiger...and the difference could clearly be felt around the hair (-raising) pin bends of the Franschhoek Pass. The Sports flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel with red accents also seems to offer a more engaging drive than many of its rivals - the Elantras motor-driven power steering is quite direct and not too light. Cabin comfort? The SA-version of the Elantra Sport is issued with gorgeous leather seats in a deep mulberry red, where the other Elantras get black leather at no extra cost. It looks bright on the photos, but in reality, its quite subdued. The interior is both ergonomic and stylish. Theres no screen sitting on top of the dash like youd find in the German sedans - instead, its a touch-enabled 8-inch screen, neatly integrated into the fascia. Every new Elantra also gets SatNav as standard, as well as Bluetooth / music streaming / USB & AUX ports and smartphone screen mirroring. Electrically operated side mirrors and windows, cruise control and rear park assist are also standard features. The Elite variants have automatic air-con, rain sensing windscreen wipers, and a push-button to start the engine. Oh, and theres a CD player for those who havent donated their Hits from the 90s to charity yet. Safety is rated at five stars and there are six airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, as well as ABS with EBD. An impact sensing door unlocking system (standard on all models) will kick in to free inhabitants, in the worst-case scenario. Stability control is available in the range-topping 2.0-litre Elite and 1.6 TGDI Sport, and all Elantras have LED daytime running lamps. According to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey released today, there are limited South African hiring prospects for the third quarter of 2017, declining 3% when compared with the previous quarter and 4% weaker year-on-year. pixelrobot [[www.123rf.com 123RF.com] Opportunities for job seekers are expected to be strongest in electricity, gas & water supply and the finance, insurance, real estate & business services sectors; and weakest within the agriculture, hunting, forestry & fishing and the mining & quarrying sectors. Provincially, employers in KwaZulu-Natal report the strongest hiring intentions for the third quarter of the year, while employers within the Eastern Cape and Free State report the weakest hiring intentions. Of the 750 employers who participated in the survey, 9% anticipate an increase in staffing levels, 7% expect a decrease and 83% forecast no change. Lyndy van den Barselaar, MD of the ManpowerGroup SA, provides insights into why South African employers are reporting limited hiring intentions for July to September. As both global and local economic uncertainty continues, many businesses remain cautious about increasing staffing levels. South Africa faced two economic downgrades in recent months, which further demonstrates market uncertainty and has resulted in businesses being more cautious in their spending and hiring activity. This is reflected in the fact that the majority of local employers said they anticipated no change in staffing levels for the upcoming quarter. Regional comparisons Employers in all five regions anticipate an increase in staffing levels during 3Q 2017. KwaZulu-Natal employers report the strongest hiring prospects with a net employment outlook of +7%. Elsewhere, outlooks of +6% and +5% are reported in the Western Cape and Gauteng, respectively. Meanwhile, employers in both the Eastern Cape and the Free State report cautious hiring intentions with outlooks of +1%. KwaZulu-Natal remains a promising region for business development, with many local and international businesses looking to the region for expansion, especially those making use of its ports. A good example is Nestles launch of its newly-renovated coffee production facility in Estcourt, which has reportedly created 490 indirect and permanent jobs. When compared with the previous quarter, hiring plans weaken in four of the five regions. The outlook for the Western Cape declines by 7%, while employers in the Free State report a decrease of 6%. Outlooks are 5% and 2% weaker in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, respectively, but employers in Gauteng report relatively stable hiring prospects. Year-on-year, outlooks also decline in four of the five regions. The most notable decrease of 7% is reported in the Eastern Cape, while outlooks are 5% 4% weaker in the Western Cape and the Free State, respectively. Meanwhile, employers in KwaZulu-Natal report no change. Sector comparisons Employers in eight of the 10 industry sectors expect to increase staffing levels during the coming quarter. The strongest labour markets are anticipated in the electricity, gas & water supply sector and the finance, insurance, real estate & business services sector, with employers in both sectors reporting net employment outlooks of +10%. A moderate hiring pace is forecast for the wholesale & retail trade sector, with an outlook of +7%, while the outlook for the construction sector is +5%. However, employers in two sectors report uncertain hiring intentions, with outlooks of -1% reported in the agriculture, hunting, forestry & fishing sector and the mining & quarrying sector. As water shortages continue to plague parts of the country, individuals and businesses are investing in systems and technologies that enable them to save water, and lessen their environmental impact. This means that those individuals and organisations who are creating, installing, and maintaining these kinds of systems and technologies are more than likely experiencing an increase in demand, and are therefore looking to hire, explains van den Barselaar. When compared with the previous quarter, hiring plans weaken in six of the 10 industry sectors. Considerable declines of 11 and 10% are reported in the transport, storage & communication sector and the agriculture, hunting, forestry & fishing sector, respectively. Elsewhere, outlooks are 4% weaker in both the restaurants & hotels sector and the wholesale & retail trade sector. Meanwhile, hiring prospects improve in three sectors, most notably by 5% in the manufacturing sector. Employers in seven of the 10 industry sectors report weaker hiring intentions when compared with this time one year ago. The most noteworthy decline of 13% is reported in the public & social sector, while outlooks are 6% weaker in three sectors the agriculture, hunting, forestry & fishing sector, the transport, storage & communication sector and the wholesale & retail trade sector. However, outlooks strengthen in two sectors; with construction sector employers reporting an increase of 10% and an improvement of 7% reported by mining & quarrying sector employers. Organisation-size comparisons Participating employers are categorised into one of four organisation sizes: micro businesses have less than 10 employees; small businesses have 10-49 employees; medium businesses have 50-249 employees; and large businesses have 250 or more employees. Staffing levels are expected to increase in three of the four organisation size categories during 3Q 2017. Large employers report upbeat hiring prospects with a net employment outlook of +20%, while outlooks stand at +6% and +2% for micro- and medium-size employers, respectively. Meanwhile, small employers anticipate a flat labour market, reporting an outlook of 0%. Quarter-on-quarter, outlooks decline by 6% and 3% for medium- and small-size employers, respectively. However, large employers report an improvement of 2%, while the outlook for micro employers is unchanged. When compared with this time one year ago, small- and medium-size employers both report declines of 7%, but the outlook for large employers is 4% stronger. Meanwhile, micro employers report relatively stable hiring plans. Global outlook Globally, the strongest hiring plans are reported by employers in Japan, Taiwan, Hungary, the US, Hong Kong and Turkey. Meanwhile, employers report the weakest hiring prospects in Italy, the Czech Republic and Finland. The next ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey will be released on 12 September 2017 to report hiring expectations for the last quarter of 2017. During his speech delivered at the United Nations, President Ali Bongo Ondimba announced that his government created a network of 20 marine protected areas in Gabon. The protected areas include nine marine parks and 11 aquatic reserves covering 26% of Gabon's territorial waters. President of the Republic of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba, announces the creation of 20 marine protected areas during his speech at the headquarters of the United Nations As I have often argued, we cannot approach sustainable management solely from the point of view of conservation. On the contrary, we must also tackle this issue through rational use of the environment in order to give more meaning to its preservation by the people who live in it, said the president. The creation of these areas had been preceded by the approval of the project by the Head of State, who is also President of the Strategic Committee of the National Marine Council, the body created in April 2014 with responsibility for formulating national marine policy. An innovative initiative on the African continent, the creation of this network of marine protected areas confirms Ondimba's commitment to preserving the environment, as well as to implement effective and sustainable management of the nation's marine natural resources. The policy aims to rehabilitate fish stocks, increase the sustainable production of the available fishery resources and protect the marine environment, with multiple positive outcomes for the people of Gabon. Significant acceleration of sustainable development With a network of 13 national parks, representing true treasures of global biodiversity, and more than 800 kilometres of coastline, Gabon more than 90% of which is covered with forest is seeing a significant acceleration of its sustainable development policy under the determined drive of Ondimba. This policy is based on a new model of socio-economic development that is beneficial both to the Gabonese population and to the international community. Its practical implementation can be seen, in particular, in the signing of major environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement, signed in the context of the COP21 summit. An exemplary country in the field of sustainable development, Gabon had the honour, in January 2017, of being chosen to coordinate the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). During his term in office at the head of CAHOSCC, Ondimba intends to continue the work of his predecessor, the Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, and to open up new areas of development in this field that are so crucial to our future in the face of climate change. KwaZulu-Natal judge president Achmat Jappie has told the annual general meeting of the South African National Editors' Forum that it is the media and judiciary's responsibility to safeguard South Africa's open democracy, with an emphasis on the information disseminated to citizens and the government. The AGM discussions comprised the so-called threat of fake news, cyber bulling, and physical threats to journalists. Following death threats received by investigative journalists Sipho Masondo of the City Press and Mzilikazi wa Afrika of the Sunday Times in recent months, Sanef has encouraged journalists to report online and physical abuse and harassment to @SAEditorsForum via Twitter, by contacting the Sanef office, or through their title editors. A selection of works by Albuquerque sculptor and architect Bruce Warren Davis and multi-disciplinary artist and professor at the University of New Mexico, Mary Tsiongas. Runs through 6/30. Repurpose/Revision/Reconstruction Bruce Warren Davis and Mary Tsiongas What The Color Blue Sounds Like Mick Burson May 30July 14 Gallery Reception: Saturday, May 27, 68 pm Richard Levy Gallery is pleased to present Repurpose/Revision/Reconstruction, a selection of works by Albuquerque sculptor/architect Bruce Warren Davis and multi-disciplinary artist and professor at the University of New Mexico Mary Tsiongas. Davis constructs three-dimensional artifacts that explore space and material. Tsiongas projects landscape paintings onto found architectural models to create mesmerizing photographs. As an architect, Davis has completed hundreds of projects throughout the Southwest and has recently turned his attention to sculpture. Davis focuses on objects like frames and boxes that normally serve to contain. He creates wooden assemblages and loosely painted colorful frames from raw and reclaimed construction materials. Born and educated in Illinois, Davis moved to New Mexico in 1972 and has maintained a private architecture practice since 1975. He has exhibited artwork in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. In her recent work entitled Aporia, Mary Tsiongas creates dimly lit sets by using small architectural models and old slides of landscape paintings. The projections are then photographed and printed digitally. Aporia comes from the Greek work meaning an impasse, a puzzlement, a contradiction. Born in Greece and now based in Albuquerque, Mary Tsiongas has performed, exhibited, and lectured extensively for the past twenty years. Her work has been shown in over fifty solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally. She is currently a Professor of Experimental Art and Technology in the Department of Art at the University of New Mexico. In the Project Room the gallery presents What The Color Blue Sounds Like, a sculptural installation made from wood, metal, and paint by Mick Burson. He is also showing lithographs printed at the Tamarind Institute. The gallery commissioned Burson to paint a mural on the outside back wall of the building. It will be unveiled at this event. Originally from Waco, TX, Burson is currently in the masters degree program in studio art at the University of New Mexico. Gallery Reception: Saturday, May 27, 68 pm The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers elected several new board members during its 69th annual congress that was held in Durban. New York Times vice chairman Michael Golden was elected as the new WAN-IFRA president, Paul Verwilt was named as the association's new treasurer and 16 news media executives were elected as WAN-IFRA and World Editors Forum board members. David Callaway from The Street in the USA and Kevin Beatty of Daily Mail Group will form the new WAN-IFRA presidency for the two coming years. Rakhine nationalists staged a protest last week against the governments ongoing citizenship review process and recent allotment of national verification cards to residents of the state. Around 500 people gathered at the Aye Zedi Monastery in Buthidaung township in the afternoon of June 9 to demonstrate against resumption of citizenship scrutiny, which they claim has not been conducted lawfully. The protesters marched through the Muslim-majority township to the Department of Immigration and Population in order to lodge their complaint. The protesters said the verification cards are not in line with the controversial 1982 Citizenship Law. Human rights groups have criticized the 1982 law, which was instituted by the junta, for ensuring a sclerotic interpretation of citizenship that deprives some minorities, such as Rohingya, of statehood. Human Rights Watch and the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar have repeatedly called for the law to be appealed or amended to meet international standards. The protesters called for the government to stop issuing national verification cards to Bengalis, a term widely used to refer to the Muslim population in the state who self-identify as Rohingya. The protesters also urged the existing Citizenship Scrutiny Committee to resign. Citizenship is being granted without proper scrutiny in line with the law, said U Maung Win Naing, one of the protest leaders. More than one million people in Rakhine State mostly Muslim Kaman and Rohingya are stateless, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. A pilot project was started in 2014 to review citizenship applications through a process that included granting so-called national verification cards to those whose eligibility for citizenship would be scrutinized under the 1982 Citizenship Law at a later stage in the process. The program was suspended amid protests, and the cards were revoked. The National League for Democracy-led government announced last year that a citizenship verification pilot would resume, again prompting backlash from the ethnic Rakhine community. National verification cards and naturalized citizen cards have reportedly been issued to over 30 residents in Buthidaung township in February this year. Over two dozen Sittwe farmers have rejected compensation offered for their confiscated farmland, demanding either payment at market value, or the restitution of their plots. The land dispute dates back 25 years, when the farmers say their 160 acres in Set Yoe Kya Ward near the Rakhine State capital was illegally seized by government officials for an intended industrial zone. As the zone failed to materialize, the farmers continued to plant crops on the disputed turf until March 2015, when they said fences were erected. Last year, U Kyaw Lwin, Rakhine States minister for mining, agriculture and livestock, told the Irrawaddy that just before the end of former president U Thein Seins administration, he transferred the contested land, allotting the property for residential quarters. The explanation was hardly satisfactory to the farmers, who continued to demand fair back pay for the land now occupied by buildings, and return of the vacant plots. On May 15 this year, the farmers staged a protest in Sittwe, after which the Kyay Taw Village administrator summoned them to discuss the issue. The official reportedly offered the farmers K3 million per acre. After mulling the proposal, the farmers declined the offered compensation, and staged another protest on June 9. We have seen that the state government has a good-will towards the farmers, but the market value of the land around the industrial zone in Set Yoe Kya Ward is around K150 million per acre, said U Yan Myo Aung, a local farmer. We have been officially working on this farmland since the days of our great-grandparents. The land was seized in 1992-1993 to build an industrial zone, he added. We are happy if the government wants to build buildings and do business on the land to develop our countrys economy. But no industries have been established there and only houses are have been built. The farmers submitted a letter of appeal to Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu on April 20. Farmers said they have been given verbal instructions to fence off any property they can prove their ownership of, but they said such a move has only escalated the disputes, in some cases leading to threats on their life. The government is unable to resolve the indirect sale of farmland that was seized for the industrial zone due to corruption, U Yan Myo Aung added. A total of 27 farmers have staked a claim over the contested parcel of 160 acres. June 11 The curfew has been extended in Rakhine States Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships now eight months after the government launched a counter-insurgency campaign in the area. The evening curfew remains in effect from 9pm through 5am in Maungdaw, and between 10pm and 4am in Buthidaung. Narinjara News interviewed Maungdaw Township Administrator U Myint Khine to ask about the two-month extension of the night curfew, which was ordered on June 9. Q: Why has the night curfew been extended in these areas? A: The reason is a lack of regional stability. These areas dont have 24-hour electricity. The night curfew was issued as we dont have full [visibility] at night. Q: What has caused the instability? A: Everyone already knows about the incident on October 9 [when an insurgent group staged lethal, pre-dawn attacks on three border guard posts]. After the October 9 incident, there are still killings in the villages at night. You must have heard about the Bengali people who are being killed at night in retaliation for cooperating with the government and relying on the administration. We will need to impose the night curfew as long as these issues continue. Q: Who is responsible for the killings? Which organizations are they from? A: The killings are related to the October 9 incident. In the past, there was an insurgent group called the RSO [Rohingya Solidarity Organization]. Now, there is a group called the Arakan something [Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army]. These Bengalis are killing members of their own community. *Editors note: Social media accounts that self-identify as representing ARSA have repeatedly issued denials about attacking civilians. Q: Have there been any more attacks against security forces? A: They havent attacked the Tatmadaw or the Border Police forces. They are only staging attacks among their own community. They havent attacked the [Rakhine] ethnic people, government officials, the Tatmadaw or the police. They are only attacking [Bengalis] who have assisted the government. Q: What is your opinion about these killings among the Bengalis? A: I believe they are doing it to disturb the mechanisms of the administration and to attempt to scare the public to prevent further cooperation with the government. Q: What security measures are being carried out by the township administrators to improve stability in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships? A: Tatmadaw and Border Police forces continue to operate in these areas. We have been discussing the issue [of the murders] at meetings that are held twice a month. When these incidents happen, we try to find out the truth. But because the murders are happening within their community, we are unable to discern the whole truth. They tend to keep things among themselves. Its not good for them to be united in such a bad way. Even when they know about someone breaking the law or know who is responsible for the killing, they are very afraid to act as a witness. So, its difficult to reveal the truth. We are doing our best but we still need to impose the night curfew as long as instability exists. Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION While some African countries are seen to be developing faster, jobs and inequality have become critical challenges for Africa. According to World Bank, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa slowed markedly in 2016 to 1.5 percent and it is projected to recover in 2017 to 2.6 percent and will continue to strengthen in 2018. However, African policy experts have projected that economic growth in Africa will likely continue to occur alongside limited decent job opportunities and stark inequalities in income, wealth and access to social services. Speaking during African Policy Circle Workshop last week, Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) President, Mpho Moruakgomo said in many countries, the current growth pattern has actually increased the dependence on the export of primary commodities and minerals and often led to premature deindustrialisation and stagnation of agricultural productivity. The growth therefore has often translated in increased import of food and manufactured products and the virtual export of African jobs and human capabilities. Now in Botswana we import about 90 percent of our food, said Moruakgomo. He explained that trends of decreasing African ownership of its assets as well as shrinking retention of the benefits of its growth are of great concern and are the core issues of the global inequality problem. Moruakgomo said that it is critical that African economies transform in a way that puts inclusive growth at the centre to address enduring inequalities. Importantly, a move to diversify economies, and add-value in specific sectors, should not rely on an assumed positive relationship with equality. An Africa with a larger share of global GDP, diverse imports and a larger tax-base is not necessarily a more equal continent in which prosperity is shared, he said. It is important, he said, to craft a vision of structural transformation that has inclusive growth as its most central rationale. In her presentation, Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD) Head of Advocacy and Policy Development, Salina Sanou said African countries need to expand their domestic resource mobilisation capacities and enhance prospects for alternative development financing in order to implement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). She explained that in an attempt to attract foreign direct investment, many African countries have sometimes encouraged unhealthy tax competition whilst granting undue tax incentives such as the tax holidays allowed to multinational companies. These practices result in loss of government revenues and are unlikely to provide a stable base for the accumulation of public finance on the scale needed to realise the Special Development Goals across all of Africas fifty-five countries, she said.Sanou also explained that African countries need to create an international tax body at the United Nations level that will police and punish countries and individuals that practice illicit financial flows. Engen Botswana, the countrys only-listed oil company, is delighted that government has established an energy regulatory authority, BERA, to level the playing field. The Act to establish the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) was passed by parliament last year. The Authority could not begin operations in the same year due to non-availability of funds. BERA is among others tasked with ensuring fair competition within the industry. Engen Botswana welcomes the recently established Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA), hoping that this body will stabilise the local petroleum product market, and ensure that technical and economic standards are followed, Chairman, Dr Shabani Ndzinge wrote in the groups latest annual report. He said his company is looking forward to seeing how this BERA unfolds in 2017, especially as the proliferation of retail petrol stations continues to grow Meanwhile, Freddie Motlhatlhedi an energy advisor, in the department of energy has told governments Daily News that, BERA is expected to start operations this month (June). Over the years, players in the energy sector, especially in the industry have complained that government setting of prices for their petroleum products in most cases works against them, resulting in limited profit margins. According to Ndzinge, the growth in the energy sector provides challenges, which comes with new and varied competition. Engen, which has a market capitalisation of P1, 5 billion will not sit down and let players overtake it. It (competition) also allows Engen Botswana Limited to showcase its industry-leading distribution logistics capability, retail excellence and innovation factors that we believe will continue to differentiate us from the competition, wrote Ndzinge who is also Vice Chancellor (finance) for Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST). Engens Managing Director, Chimweta Monga wrote in the 2016 annual report that more and more retail filling stations for well-known brands and independent entities are mushrooming, thereby keeping them on their toes. The closure of some mines, such as BCL and Tati Nickel mines has affected commercial sales at the company. Retail sales were also affected in these areas due to a decline in purchasing power by local residents as a result of the difficulties encountered by the mines, said Monga. In the past year, Engen piloted the 1Card system to a number of selected customers. The system, which will be launched countrywide this year, will enable individuals and companies to load credit on to a swipe card, and use it to pay for fuel and related services at any service station in the Engen retail network. The company remains strong despite the fragile economic recovery which has dampened consumers confidence. For the year under review, Engen recorded a profit after taxation of P132million up , by 21 percent year on year. Botswana, a mineral resources-based country has an opportunity to create more jobs within the mining sector, which is capital-intensive by nature, Bank of Botswanas director for Research and Financial Stability, Dr. Tshokologo Kganetsano has told the press. He made the observation when presenting a theme topic for the central banks annual report titled Botswanas trade patterns, international investment and regional economic-integration: Opportunities for industrial development and inclusive growth recently. Downstream beneficiation within the mineral sector is perhaps the major route for Botswana to take if it is to benefit from the multi-billion Pula sector, especially in the diamond sub- sector which contributes in majority to the countrys exports. The relocation of the De Beers aggregation in 2012 and sales activities from the UK (United Kingdom) to Botswana and further development of polishing and manufacturing offer the potential for higher employment and greater positive spillovers, said the report which was launched last week. According to a recent report from Statistics Botswana, the mining and quarrying industries employed 12, 447 workers up to March 2016. However, this was before thousands of jobs were shed after BCL ceased operations months after the report was published. More than three years ago, De Beers moved its aggregation and sales activities to Botswana following the signing of a ten year sales, sorting and valuation of Debswana-produced diamonds in 2011. The aggregation of diamonds to the 50-year old country was to have benefits to other sectors of the economy such as property, hospitality and financial services. However, the domestic economy is yet to fully benefit from such development, except for the coming in of diamond imports from De Beers diamond mines and the subsequent export of such parcel to outside markets. Kganetsano, who is new in the post, pointed out that, the success of the diamond polishing sector would depend on proper alignment on labour productivity and relative wages. Recently, some diamond polishing and cutting companies have closed and retrenched workers citing higher costs of production when compared to other players in developed markets such as India. The report, which is contained in the main 2016 BoB annual report, further states that Botswana has coal resources in abundance, but its potential to create industries and subsequently employment is yet to be fully exploited. There is potential for coal to support economic activity (including employment opportunities) through direct export, use in generation of surplus electricity for export and production of gas, petroleum and associated chemicals, said the report presented by Kganetsano. Botswana Oil, a government company, plans to create hundreds of jobs through its coal-to-liquids projects. The project is however at an infancy stage, Chief Executive, Willie Mokgatlhe has previously disclosed. The BoB report which suggests that Botswana can create more jobs especially in the downstream stage comes at a time when BCL is currently under provisional liquidation after it became apparent that it was no longer economically-viable to continue with its operations. Before mining was halted at the copper mine, the companys executives were in the process of developing value-added production from copper under the much-hyped Polaris 2 strategy. As a result of BCL closure, more than 5000 workers have been ejected from the mining pits in Selebi Phikwe. The Paramount Chiefs of the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu were at odds this past weekend in their narration of the two tribes history. The two tribal leaders who in a rare occasion appeared together for an event varied in their narration of the two tribes history especially on how they were affected by the German genocide of 1904. They were both invited to speak at a Herero Cultural Day in Mosu over the weekend organised under the theme: Our Culture our Unity. Paramount Chief of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority Kilus Karaerua Munjuku III Nguvauva who was the first to speak, acknowledged that there is rivalry between the two tribes. The Ovaherero and Ovambanderu speak the same language and have the same cultural practices. According to Munjuku III, the rivalry between the two tribes that we observe today amongst our people was brewed and promoted by the German colonialists through their super policy of divide and rule. That was a narrow selfish tactic intended to advance the Germans own benefit and not for any of the two tribes. He pleaded that, we have a duty to collectively cleanse and rinse and erase the rivalry from all our systems with the ultimate aim of going back to our olden days of peace and harmony. Our greatness as Ovambanderu and OvaHerero leaders should not be measured by the number of fights we have won within or against each other, but by our ability to build peace and harmony within our people, he said. Speaking about the German/Herero war of 190407, that resulted in the deaths of about 80 percent of the Herero population, and considered by most scholars to be genocide, the Ovambaderu Chief said the Ovambanderu people suffered tremendously under the German colonial rule because they were the first to be targeted by the Germans. However, the Germans first came into contact with the Ovaherero as they arrived on boats from the coast through Otjimbingue, Omaruru and Okahandja. When they trekked further east of Windhoek, they came across the Ovambanderu and realised the similarities in the language the Ovambanderu and Ovaherero were speaking, he said. Furthermore, according to him, the German atrocities started in areas under the jurisdiction of the Ovambanderu people and the first battle was waged at Epako (Gobabis) in 1896, which culminated in the death of a German Lieutenant named Lt. Lampe. This incident led to the battle at Otjunda and the public execution of my great grandfather, King Kahimemua Nguvauva. Said the Chief, Thus, it all started with the Ovambanderu people as usual who were the first to suffer the consequences of the German forces of colonisation. He further noted that after the execution of his great grandfather, the Ovambanderu were subjected forcefully under the rule of Chief Samuel Maharero of the Ovaherero. The Ovambanderu people were persecuted and made to pay for war damages, which later forced them to claim to be Ovaherero in order to save their lives and property as about 12, 000 cattle were confiscated from the Ovambanderu people. This is how the language spoken by the Ovambanderu people came to be referred to as Otjiherero due to the German insistence. He said during the battles of 1904 that led to the declaration of genocidal activities by the German Schuttstruppe the Ovambanderu were brutally killed under the auspices of Ovaherero, because the Germans regarded Ovambanderu as Ovaherero people hence the exclusion of the Ovambanderu people from the extermination orders of Lothar Von Trotha (German military commander.) Munjuku III speech prompted Advocate Vekuii Rukoro, the Ovaherero Paramount Chief to call his group of advisers to what looked like a short caucus meeting. When it was his turn to speak Chief Rukoro first gave the platform to the secretary of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, Bethuel Katjimune who went on a rebuttal mode stating that the Ovaherero are the ones who through a conference at Otjikururume in Namibia made a resolution to fight the Germans. The resolution was made because the Ovaherero noted that the Germans were taking their land and cattle. By then we had only one paramount chief, the leader of the Ovaherero people, Samuel Maharero. He is the one who advised that people should get livestock and buy arms in Cape Town. Unfortunately in January 12, 1904 the war started in Okahandja, a Herero territory. For his part Chief Rukoro said Ovaherero is just one tribe with different clans or communities. We are one tribe, our culture is the same, he said Botswana Democratic Partys (BDP) aspirant for the position of Secretary General, Jacob Nkate finds himself between a rock and a hard place as he has been pushed into a corner by BDP top brass, Botswana Guardian has learnt. Nkate a former Botswana Ambassador to Japan this week was at pains to explain to his supporters across the country and in Ngamiland his ambitions for the partys central Committee position. Botswana Guardian is reliably informed that during his campaign meeting in Ghanzi on Sunday, Nkate had to explain to those who had pledged support for him to contest for the Secretary General position as to why he had pulled out. This followed the Ngami Branch Congress this past weekend in Kareng where party chairman and Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi told the congress to vote Nkate for additional member position in the Central Committee. Masisi who will be defending his position as party chairman in the coming elective congress billed for Tonota from 7th to 9th 2017 endorsed Mpho Balopi for the position of Secretary General. During the early days of campaigns Nkate was associated with Masisis lobbylist but the relationship between the two broke down following media reports that after the BDP Tonota Congress Nkate would run for presidency. Early this year Nkate and Masisi were said to be in talks with the aim of rejoining forces. During this past weekend Ngami Congress Masisi made it clear who his favourite for the Secretary General position was. According to reports by government publication The Daily News Masisi told delegates that Balopi is a team player and would be able to connect BDP with other parties internationally. He asked democrats to vote Nkate as additional member. According to sources Nkate who was present at the meeting was shocked to hear the Vice Presidents statement. It was after this meeting that Ngami councillors who support Nkate and not Balopi for secretary general position, demanded answers. During the Womens Wing Congress in Maun this year Ngami councillors were among the democrats that brokered a deal between Nkate and Masisi to work together. The statement is said to have taken them by surprise, as Nkate had not communicated this with them. A campaign team meeting is said to have been held on Tuesday night where Nkate had to give reassurance about his position. It was after this meeting that it was further discovered that the party top brass is pushing Nkate out of Ngami Constituency. An impeccable source revealed to this publication that Masisi and other BDP members had a meeting with Nkate where he was asked to relocate to Gaborone Bonnington North. It is said that he was promised not to be subjected to Bulela-Ditswe primary election if he agrees to relocate. The plan according to sources is for Nkate not to challenge area MP who is also Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Thato Kwerepe. Kwerepe is a staunch supporter and associate of the Vice President. Nkate is said to have made it clear that he has made groundwork in Ngami and that is where he would be contesting for the Parliamentary seat. Nkates bid for the constituency is expected to come with hurdles as Kwerepe enjoys the support of the party president Ian Khama and Masisi while Nkates relationship with the party president which has for a long time been on rocky grounds, is said to not have improved. Information gathered by this publication is that even if he relocates to Gaborone Bonnington North he would not enjoy the support of structures and would get a humiliation against Umbrella for Democratic Change President and current MP Duma Boko. The party structures in this constituency are said to have decried lack of support from the party leadership since losing the constituency in 2014 when Robert Masitara represented the party. Contacted for comment Nkate said as far as he knows he is still in the race for Secretary General position. He stated that he does not know why the vice president called on fellow democrats to give him a vote for additional member. I am contesting for the position that I have forwarded my name for and nothing has changed. I would not speak for the VP. My focus is on my campaign as the congress is around the corner, said Nkate. Nkate declined to discuss the Gantsi meeting saying it is an internal party matter. He would also not be drawn into discussing his parliamentary candidacy. Look my focus is on Tonota. It would also be premature for me to be talking about Bulela-Ditswe because it would be outside the party protocol and procedure, said Nkate. At the Ngami congress Masisi allegedly revealed that he has asked Nkate and Kwerepe not to contest against each other. He is said to have challenged the duo to publicly support the one who would be standing in the constituency. Nkate is the former area MP and after losing during the party primaries he was later given the diplomatic post. Masisi could not be reached at press time as his mobile phone was off. BDP Secretary General Botsalo Ntuane said the party top leadership does not push out anyone as all members are protected by the BDP Constitution to contest for any leadership position or participate in Bulela-Ditswe for parliament or council seat. He said as long as rules and regulations are followed there shouldnt be any problem. The issue of consensus came as a resolution during our special congress in Mogoditshane. We do not impose that on our members because it would be a violation of our constitution. Consensus is taken by interested candidates through dialogue and as the party leadership we do not and must not get involved. If they agree that is well and good for the party and if they do not then it is their right to contest and let democrats decide, explained Ntuane. Ovaherero and Nama in Botswana have formed the Botswana Genocide Foundation, which will be tasked with among others, demanding reparations from the German government for the Ovaherero/Nama genocide. Known as the First genocide of the 20th century the extermination of tens of thousands of Ovaherero and Nama people by Germany as punishment for a revolt against colonial rule, not only led to deaths but displacement as many others fled to countries such as Botswana and South Africa when the war intensified. From 1904 until 1908 German soldiers brutally massacred ethnic Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama in Namibia, then known as South West Africa. Different German governments have previously tried to ignore the atrocities committed by Germany. However in 2015 the German government acknowledged that what happened between 1904 and 1908 was genocide. An estimated 80 percent of Herero people were killed together with half the Nama population. Now, the direct descendants of the 1904 genocide are telling the German government that it is payback time. The committee, which was elected in Mosu over the weekend during a Cultural Day celebrations attended by the Paramount Chiefs of the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu, is chaired by Reverend Rupert Hambira. In an interview, Hambira said for quite sometime now the Ovaherero and Nama people in Namibia have been very actively involved in dialogue with various authorities in trying to force Germany to pay reparations. The Namibian government had in the past maintained that it will negotiate for those who were affected by the war, but tribal leaders and the Ovaherero Genocide Foundation in Namibia were against the idea arguing that those who were affected need to sit at the table with the Germans as part of the negotiations. Recently the Namibian government backed down on their stance and accepted the fact that all parties should be part of the negotiations. Hambira said Ovaherero and Nama in Botswana took a laid back stance. But we feel that we need to present the Botswana case because we have a special case to present and it cannot be the same as that of Namibia, he said. He said in Botswana the descendents of the genocide have suffered the worst because they have lost a lot. We lost our property, our language and culture. Hambira - an archetypal example of a Herero who lost his language - argued that, nothing can be done for us without us. We need to be present to present our case. We rightly demand some form of reparations for what happened. Hambira however said his committee will work hand in hand with their counterparts in Namibia; the Ovaherero Genocide Foundation together with the Ovaherero Paramount Chief Advocate Vekuii Rukoro who is also based in Namibia. Rukoro mobilised Herero chiefs in Botswana to work together with communities to formulate the committee. We are working closely with Herero chiefs in Botswana. Our mandate is justified by the fact that we have the blessings of the chiefs, Hambira stated. Speaking in Mosu, Rukoro said Ovaherero and Nama and many in the Diaspora should not be left out of the negotiations. He said he fought with the Namibian government to let Hereros in the Diaspora be part of the negotiations. Herero in Botswana and South Africa will be members in the negotiations with the Germans led by the Namibian government, he said. He welcomed the Botswana committee and urged them to work hard. Utjiua Muinjangue, chairperson of the Namibia Ovaherero Genocide Foundation expressed happiness that there is now a genocide committee in Botswana. This is a just cause that we are fighting so we need a lot of sacrifices, she said. The Botswana committee has among others, Philip Tjijapa as Deputy Chairperson, Kavekotoka Mureti as Secretary, Christine Nangaro as Treasurer, Ujama Tjandero for International Relations, Joy Norman as Legal Advisor and Mutjise Tuahuku for Local Relations. Since the 2011 public sector unions strike, BOFEPUSU has never shied away from participating in the factions or affairs of some opposition political parties. The BOFEPPUSU involvement has created enemies and darlings in opposition activists. The Orange Movement is going through a rough patch as a result of BOFEPPUSUs interference in the partys internal strife - a strife that has nothing to do with principle but is all about control of the party. When the war between Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) and BOFEPPUSU reached the courtroom both parties decided to outsmart each other through legal representation. BOPEU chose Martin Dingake, who happens to be the spokesperson for President of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Dumelang Saleshando - a partner in Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). This did not go down well with BOFEPPUSU who decided to enquire from BCP leadership why they allowed Dingake to represent BOPEU while it has betrayed the workers struggle. But they received a cold shoulder, which fuelled the love-hate relationship between them. When UDC president Duma Boko was invited by BOPEU to their May Day celebrations in Selibe Phikwe, BOFEPPUSU again advised Boko to turn down the offer but he did not listen to the federation. That is when they invited BMD president Ndaba Gaolathe to their celebrations in Serowe. And ever since that time, BOFEPUSU has protected Gaolathe as it was evident recently when they vowed during a meeting at Letlhabile primary, to take the political fight to whoever undermines Gaolathe. The unions labour secretary who also doubles as Manual Workers Unions chief executive, Johnson Motshwarakgole used the platform to hurl obscenities at Gaolathes antagonists. An insider explained that since the 2011 public sector union strike, BOFEPPUSU has always viewed the umbrella project as their own baby. This is why they fell out with BOPEU in 2014 because BOPEU does not believe in partisan politics. However, BOFEPUSU does not view itself as a silent partner in the project, but the captain of the ship in UDCs pursuit for state power in 2019. Already this hunger for power by the federations leadership is threatening to tear the workers movement asunder. In fact by involving themselves in opposition party factional wars, BOFEPUSU risks alienating some of its members as well as the opposition party cadres they call allies today. It is not too late for BOPEU, BFTU and BOFEPUSU to sit down together and resolve their differences and begin to advance the workers struggle, says another insider. Members of BOPEU, BFTU and BOFEPUSU are to blame because they have allowed their leaders to hijack their organisations under the false pretence that they are fighting for their welfare, he said. Politicians and unionists can never work together, since one has to be dominant over the other. This is what union leaders have been failing to understand for a long time. As former Secretary of Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Zwelinzima Vavi once said; worker control and trade union independence are two sides of the same coin. Workers power is based on the ability to forge unity around class-based demands. Writing in 1963, Jean Meynaud and Anisse Satah-Bey described the idea of principled non-alignment as a widespread position among African unions at the time. The Kenyan labour leader, Tom Mboya was a leading proponent of this idea. Advocates of this position warned that when unions choose to affiliate to parties, unions would in fact have less freedom of action and their natural function - the defence of the workers professional interests - could not be fulfilled, the workers would then be at the mercy of the government. This is what is going to happen to workers in Botswana because their struggle has been sold out by their leaders because they have allowed partisan politics to divert their mandate. In their book titled COSATU in Crisis, Dr Ben Scully argues that attempts to create union aligned parties for example in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria have failed as have attempts to align with opposition parties for example in Senegal in the 1990s. Where unions have adopted a stance of explicit autonomy such as in present day Senegal, Zambia and Ghana, they have largely been unable to overcome neoliberal policy initiatives of states and they have often experienced a weakening of their institutional base and overall public stature. BOFEPUSU is advised to stay away from BMD factional wars because this will not help the workers and could lead to the public viewing them as opportunists and power hungry. Most workers especially in the public service have decried lack of financial literacy, an area which unions could embark on especially given that they have multiple financial schemes Trade unions are now fighting each other for what is seen by many as egos for power control especially in the public service. As the unions continue in their bitter war, the ordinary member who pays monthly subscription is the hardest hit. BMD should be left alone to solve their internal factional wars. Even though the two federations are still fighting about who reported the country to International Labour Organisation (ILO), Botswana has made it to the top 24 which violate ILO Conventions. Botswana Federation of Public, Private Sector Unions (BOFEPPUSU) and Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) are currently attending the ongoing ILO meeting in Geneva, Switzerland but they are bickering over who reported the matter to ILO. Last month, Botswana made it to the last 40 countries earmarked to appear before the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) during the ongoing 106 session of ILO. The listing of Botswana comes after it violated Convention 87 of the ILO by enacting the controversial Trade Dispute Act that banned the right to strike to a large portion of workers among them diamond sorting and cutting, teachers, immigration and customs services. Minister of Labour, Tshenolo Mabeo is expected to appear before the committee next week when Botswanas case will be called for hearing. The report has raised several issues such as right to organise for prison service, which the government currently prohibits because they are part of the disciplined forces. The Committee observes that while the prison service does form part of the disciplined force of Botswana together with the armed forces and the police (Article 19 (1) of the Constitution), each of these categories is governed by separate legislation, the Prison Act, the Police Act and the Botswana Defence Force Act and the Prison Act as a separate statute does not appear to provide members of the prison service with the status of the armed forces or the police, states the report verbatim The Committee also requests that government should take the necessary measures, including the pertinent legislative amendments to grant members of the prison service all rights guaranteed by the Convention. On the controversial issue of some cadres being declared essential service by Bill No. 21 of 2015 of the new Trade Disputes Bill, the government has been requested to take necessary measures to amend the draft Trade Disputes Act to reduce the list of essential services. Malaysia appears first in the list while Botswana appears at number 20. There are eight African countries on the list. In their report BOFEPUSU had written to ILO that the Bill will make it more difficult to engage in collective bargaining and exercising their right to strike. The Bill was last discussed in Parliament on July 4th 2016. The response to the Bill was mixed, with the opposition Members of Parliament and some ruling party MPs opposing it. For his part, leader of Opposition Duma Boko slammed the Bill on the basis that it takes away the right to strike. Other MPs considered that teaching, services, Diamond and Cutting services were not essential. The Committee had also previously requested the government to provide information on the progress made in relation to the amendment of section 48B (1) of the Trade Union and Employers Organisation Act (TUEOA). It grants certain facilities only to unions representing at least one third of the employees in the enterprise and Section 43 of the TUEO Act that provides for inspection of accounts, books and documents of a trade union by Registrar at any reasonable time. The Committee notes the governments statement that the amendments process of the TUEO Act is ongoing and that the social partners have submitted their proposals for amendments, reads the report. It added, The Committee trusts that, in the framework of the ongoing amendment process of the TUEO Act and in consultation with the social partners, the abovementioned provisions will be amended taking fully into account the Committees comments. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard and to provide the text of the amended TUEO Act once adopted. The Committee has also requested Botswana to provide updated information on the steps taken to amend the Employment Act of 1982, including measures taken to ensure that section 23 (d) of the Employment Act expressly prohibits discrimination based on political opinion and national extraction and covers all aspects of employment and occupation, including recruitment and terms and conditions of employment (and not only termination). The Committee repeats its request to the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 23 (e) of the Employment Act, including any interpretation by the administrative or judicial authorities, states the report. BFTU filed a report with Committee of Experts on Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) in September 2016. Our report was considered by the CEACR in November 2016 and is captured by the 2016 CEACR Report, said Secretary General Gadzani Mhotsha. In March 2017 BFTU was among the African Trade Unions who gathered in Grand Bassam, Cote dVoire to discuss the short-listing of African countries to appear before the CAS during the 2017 ILC. We successfully managed to have Botswana listed among the top countries in Africa. It is this ranking that has influenced the social partners in the ILO supervisory system to agree to have Botswana listed among the top 40 rogue states. The list of 40 is a preliminary list which will have to be trimmed down to 25 by the CAS, he said adding that only the last 25 countries will have to appear before the CAS. BFTU believes it has a very strong case against the Botswana Government and we are positive that Botswana will make the last 25, said Mohotsha. Convention 87 which Botswana has contravened is on the fundamental rights of workers on the freedom to associate and the right to organise. This includes their right to organise their administration and activities. The new TDA has banned workers from taking part in strike action in furtherance of their collective bargaining efforts, thus taking away their fundamental right. We are grateful to those who have worked with us and continue to do so especially our colleagues from Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) and the support we have been getting from international organisations such as Southern African Trade Union Coordinating Council (SATUCC), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the ILOs Decent Work Team and other sister federations in the region, said Mhotsha. Sometimes viewed as the witty schoolmaster of the Dail with a razor-sharp tongue capable of putting down any on the benches, the Limerick man will leave a mixed legacy, suggests Political Correspondent, Juno McEnroe. Seen as the godfather of Fine Gael who steered the country out of the bailout, Finance Minister Michael Noonan today fulfilled his final acts as the man in charge of the states purse strings. Sometimes viewed as the witty schoolmaster of the Dail with a razor-sharp tongue capable of putting down any on the benches, the Limerick man will leave a mixed legacy, full of drama, struggles, scandals but also humour and political command. Having taken the reins at the department of finance on Merrion Street, Dublin, during the fraught bailout days when Ireland was close to going bust, Noonan, after adroitly overseeing the escape from the Troika paymasters, will likely be remembered for helping mend the damaged economy. Equally though, his success has left behind a litany of inquiries and unanswered questions about state asset sell-offs, banking decisions as well as Irelands tax arrangements for foreign firms here. Michael James Noonan, the son of a schoolmaster, was born in Loughill, Co Limerick, close to the Kerry border. He studied primary school teaching at St Patricks College, Drumcondra, followed by economics at University College Dublin. It was here while teaching that he met his future wife Florence Knightley. Former Minister Michael Noonan TD with his mother Mrs. Anne Noonan, Mount Trenchard, Foynes, Co. Limerick, and his wife Florence, in a file picture from 1983. Having taken an interest in politics from his mother who was involved in Fine Gael, Michael Noonan later took up teaching at Crescent College in his home county before canvassing for Fine Gael in the Limerick East by-election. After several years as county councillor, Noonan won a seat for Limerick East in the 1981 general election. He went on to hold that for another 10 Dail elections, a feat not many TDs can claim. Beyond chairing the Public Accounts Committee between 2004 and 2007, he was justice minister in the 1980s, industry and health minister in the 1990s. In Health, some of his greatest troubles emerged, including the blood contamination scandal. When back in opposition, Mr Noonan won a race for the party leadership in 2001, seeing off competition from Enda Kenny for the job, clinching 44 votes compared to the Mayo TDs 28. But it was a short lived tenure as leader. The 2002 general election saw Fine Gael drop from 54 seats to 33. Noonan even announced his decision to step aside before all seats were filled, with Enda Kenny later taking over as leader. It was also around this time that the tenacious TD was worrying about his wifes eroding mental health. Flors condition continued to deteriorate but Noonan waited a decade before going public in a media interview about her battle with Alzheimers disease. Enda Kenny helped Fine Gael recover in 2007 and later gave Mr Noonan the powerful role of finance minister in the 2011 Fine Gael-Labour government. With the IMF camped in government buildings, it was no easy task. It was all about millions and billions, as admirers might say of Mr Noonans characteristic voice. A decade after the meltdown of the party and Noonans brief leadership spell, he was now back at the apex of political life. And he had his hands full when he took over finance in 2011 with the banks, Irelands debt, unemployment as well as the fact the country was being run by the Troika and key decisions were being made in Brussels, Frankfurt and Washington as opposed to Dublin. Almost immediately, one of the incoming Fine Gael-led governments ambitions to burn the bondholders of Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide was shot down by ECB. Michael Noonans wife Flor also passed away after 14 years with Alzheimers in 2012. Nonetheless, the widowed father-of-five carried on relentlessly. He took charge of introducing austerity budgets in order to stabilise finances, a task that reduced the popularity of the coalition government. By early 2013, there was a break for the government with the reconfiguring of the promissory note system by which the State was propping up Anglo. Noonan during those years though had kept his focus on a key goal, at one stage saying: Well pop the champagne corks the night the Troika leave town. Indeed, the outgoing finance minister recalled this week colourfully how he was able to ring Enda Kenny in late 2013 the day the news came that Ireland would be leaving the bailout. "He [Enda Kenny] was touring Donegal at the time and he still talks about pulling the car off the road and that being the start of a great 48 hours. "The Irish people first of all didnt think it would happen so soon and there was a real celebration that we got our sovereignty back." Still, during these troubled years and before them too, the witty Limerick man often had time for humour, put downs and straight-talking that will be fondly remembered. Noonan had at one stage backed proposals to ban teenagers wearing hoodies in shopping centres in order to stop shoplifting; he caught out Sinn Fein in the Dail, quipping that the party was like an auld fella walking up and down the boundaries of the ballroom of romance and nobody wants to dance with him. There was an unique moment when Noonan rang into the Late Late Show where comedian and performer Dermot Morgan was mimicking him. Noonan brought the house down with laughter, inviting Morgan to Thomond Park and threatening to collapse a scrum on him. But the initial successful exit from the bailout and Anglo promissory note changes have been overshadowed in recent years. Stories of vulture funds snapping up cheap assets, of shortcomings by Nama and of questionable actions by Mr Noonan in the sale of Project Eagle have caused the Limerick TD problems. Decisions Mr Noonan took in relation to the care of Grace, a disabled girl in foster care, are also the subject of a commission investigation. Not all ends well in politics. But the respect Mr Noonan, 73, will take from the Dail, his colleagues, his own party and from his department will cushion any criticism. Furthermore, he was the minister in charge when Ireland exited the bailout and history will always remember that. Cork city-centre music store Plugd and its sister cafe Gulpd are to cease their operations in the Triskel Arts Centre at the end of the month, writes Joe Leogue After six years here, it has been a difficult decision to make, but we feel it is the right one at this time. We have taken things as far as we can with our current set up and location, a post on Facebook read. Founded in 2002, Plugd is run by Jimmy Horgan and Albert Twomey, and originally operated from a premises on Washington Street before leaving the store in 2009. In 2010 it operated from the ESB Substation on Caroline Street before moving to the Triskel Arts Centre in 2011. Its been quite a ride from hawking vinyl with Albert, to bangin out coffees with the crew, learning so much about food from our amazing chefs and suppliers, working with incredible musicians and artists from near and far, Mr Horgan wrote on Facebook. None of this would have been possible without the support of everyone who came through the doors since 2011. Thanks everyone, he said. To see this post on Facebook, click here. Mr Horgan also said the store plans to return in some form or another. Thanks also to the Triskel for inviting us in and we wish them well in the future. Now more than ever Cork needs a vibrant, welcoming space for Corks arts community, and I hope Triskel becomes that, he said. This isnt a goodbye We will be back in some form or another in the future. But for now we are taking some time off to regroup and come back better, Mr Horgan said. Both the store and cafe have events planned for the month of June before they close their doors. Brian F Burns has reportedly withdrawn his name as Donald Trumps nominee for the position of US Ambassador to Ireland. IrishCentral reports that Mr Burns cited health issues when withdrawing his name. A total of 42 public representatives have disclosed donations to Standards in Public Office totalling 72,969. Of the 259 TDs, Senators and MEPs, 217 did not disclose receiving any funds up until the end of January last. In its report issued today, SIPO says a number of the politicians were late filing returns. This amount is more than double the 2015 donation total of 33,870.00 - however the office says this can be explained by the General Election. Under the Electoral Act, 1997, public representatives may not accept donations in any year of more than 200 in cash, and not more than 1,000 in total value from a single source. They must disclose any donations valued at (or totalling) 600 or more received from an individual source. Donation statements furnished by TDs Paschal Donohoe, Martin Ferris, Alan Kelly, Denis Naughten and Fergus ODowd disclosed donations from persons who were not resident in the island of Ireland. The donors in question are Irish citizens as required by the legislation, however. Update 7.04pm: Enda Kenny has left Aras an Uachtarain this evening after resigning as Taoiseach. He arrived just after 6pm this evening to visit President Higgins and inform him of his resignation. He will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a successor is elected. "The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D., this afternoon placed his resignation in the hands of the President, Michael D Higgins, in accordance with Article 28.9.1 of the Constitution," a Government statement read. The Dail is due to reconvene at 12 noon tomorrow to vote on Leo Varadkar's appointment. Update 5.14pm: Taoiseach Enda Kenny has left Government Buildings after spending time with his family this afternoon. Taoiseach @EndaKennyTD leaves Government Buildings on his way to Aras an Uachtarain. pic.twitter.com/UkjUvNQPIl Fine Gael (@FineGael) June 13, 2017 The outgoing Taoiseach is due to officially offer his resignation to President Michael D Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain within the next hour. He tweeted that he also met with local north inner city Dublin representatives this afternoon. Called to North InnerCity on my way to Aras to assure community I may be moving on but Govt remains committed to area pic.twitter.com/JyZNGSvtI3 Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) June 13, 2017 He received a standing ovation from TDs as he left the Dail chamber earlier today, having given his final speech to the Dail as Taoiseach this afternoon. He made a nine-minute speech to the Dail confirming his resignation as Taoiseach, followed by comments from party leaders on his legacy. Update 3.03pm: The vast majority of TDs from all parties lined up and shake Enda Kenny's hand as he left the chamber. He will remain on in a caretaker capacity until tomorrow lunchtime, when the Dail votes on the appointment Leo Varadkar. Enda Kenny with Taoiseach-in-waiting Leo Varadkar. Picture: RollingNews.ie Update 2.58pm: Independent Alliance TD and Transport Minister Shane Ross - who just a year ago called Mr Kenny a "political corpse" - now says he has "achieved great things" in his "latter years". "I have been very critical of the Taoiseach on many occasions both in an out of government, but I am happy to say today I salute the Taoiseach particularly in latter months on Brexit and global issues," Mr Ross said. Shane Ross pays tribute to Enda Kenny, says he is widely recognised as 'a great achiever who has done a fantastically noble job for Ireland' pic.twitter.com/dH5GoU5rYO RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 He added it would be "wrong" not to recognise Mr Kenny's ability to change his views on social matters such as gay marriage over the decades, and that people should acknowledge how his has spoken up for Ireland on certain issues. On the current coalition, he joked: "He [Mr Kenny] found himself in a bit of a jam after the election in that he found us in Government." Saying the arrangement was initially difficult and one of "cultural issues without any culture", Mr Ross said Mr Kenny was "the glue" that kept the coalition together. He added: "The morale of the country is in a better place now than when he took office. And nobody should fail to recognise that." Update 2.49pm: In probably the best tongue-in-cheek remark so far, Independent TD Michael Healy Rae joked with Mr Kenny that he is "going to a better place"... and that that place is Kilorglin for the Ring of Kerry race. Michael Healy Rae wishes Enda Kenny well on his retirement and encourages him to have a pint in Kerry pic.twitter.com/hNWlcuuiHz RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 Mr Healy Rae says he can "go as fast or slow as you want", and might want to pop into a nearby pub while he is there where he can pick up some tips on how Mayo could win an All-Ireland. Social Democrats TD Roisin Shortall says "while we have frequently clashed" she respects Mr Kenny as he has "devoted practically your entire adult life" to Irish politics. After a lengthy tribute, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan says "we stabilised the economy but we did not reform", and called for this to be addressed by Leo Varadkar. Update 2.47pm: Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger broke with the atmosphere of the day by heavily criticising Mr Kenny over a recent controversy involving a young woman who was detained after seeking an abortion. Ruth Coppinger TD criticises Enda Kenny, saying his legacy includes an Ireland which a young girl can be locked up for wanting an abortion pic.twitter.com/WOjnxtLD2g RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 Saying she does not want to take part in the "back-slapping" of the day, Ms Coppinger is interrupted by ceann comhairle Sean O Fearghail, before adding: "You've had your time, hopefully we'll have a different time" and saying the current Dail "cannot be trusted" to tackle Ireland abortion laws. Update 2.38pm: Labour leader Brendan Howlin paid tribute to Enda Kenny's "boundless enthusiasm" today, saying that he "stepped down today untainted by corruption". "You are of course a politician of great skill and determination," he said. "But I think it is the hopeful, happy Enda Kenny that the Irish people most readily identify with." Leader of the Labour Party Brendan Howlin pays tribute to Enda Kenny pic.twitter.com/eSFNZ0eCC3 RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 He also paid tribute to Mr Kenny's speech in reaction to The Vaticans reaction to the Cloyne Report. "For a man who is sometimes derided for your folksy charms, you have certainly known how to speak with impact when you want to," he said. "Abortion and marriage equality were difficult issues for you ... but it is to your credit that once you changed your view, you stuck to it, regardless of the political cost." He added: "You have done the state, and the people of Mayo much service for many years." Update 2.27pm: Gerry Adams silenced the Dail today by telling Enda Kenny: I will miss you. Gerry Adams says him and Enda Kenny didn't always see eye-to-eye but says he will miss him and his optimistic energy pic.twitter.com/vRruVJ4vRK RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 He went on to say he would miss Mr Kennys optimistic energy, sense of mischief and your ability to field questions without giving the smallest clue as to your attitude on those questions. This last raised a laugh across the Chamber. Mr Adams said Enda Kenny was probably the best leader Fine Gael has ever had, and that he could look back on 42 years in the Dail with some sense of achievement, including securing marriage equality and capturing the mood of the nation in respect of the Catholic church and the abuse scandals. However, Mr Adams added: There were failures too - the failure to recognise Palestine, a deep crisis in policing and justice and saddling the people of the state with billions in debt. He said the biggest challenges remained in achieving a united and equitable Ireland. Update 2.23pm: Fianna Fail leader and long-time political opponent Micheal Martin paid tribute to Enda Kenny as he stepped down as Taoiseach today. Micheal Martin wishes Enda Kenny well in his retirement on behalf on Fianna Fail pic.twitter.com/SeBYwlcgA7 RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 "The Taoiseach came to this House as a young man, and has witnessed many major figure here in the years since," he said. He added: "Throughout your time in elected office, and in Government, you have been a proud representative of your community, your political tradition, and of your country. "You are today, as you always have been, an Irish patriot and an Irish democrat." In a light-hearted moment, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin commiserated with Mr Kenny, saying: "Sport has always been important to you, and I know the failure of Mayo to lift Sam Maguire during your tenure brings great disappointment". Update 2.13pm: In a short statement to the Dail, Mr Kenny said he did not want today to be about "glorification or flagellation" as it "has never been about me" but "about the country". "I am the first to acknowledge that I didn't get everything right," he said. Enda Kenny says it's been a privilege to lead FG & the country and thanks the Irish people, his opposition party and his party colleagues pic.twitter.com/mLGvM6cd4N RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2017 He said that he was always motivated by what I believed was in the best interests of the Irish people. Mr Kenny said despite six years as Taoiseach, 15 years as Fine Gael leader and 42 years in the Dail - a reference appearing to indicate he may soon step down as a TD - he still believes politics is "a noble profession". He recalled the will of Michael Davitt, the republican and agrarian campaigner who founded the Irish National Land League in the 19th century, who said he left "kind thoughts" to his friends, to others forgiveness and to Ireland "my undying prayer" for "absolute freedom and independence". "I hope that in the two governments I have led that we have made a modest contribution towards that ambition," Mr Kenny said. Saying "true heroism" is about "keep trying again and again", he said while he acknowledges "I did not always get everything right" the interests of Ireland were "always my motivation". Mr Kenny said he understands people's disillusionment with politics. But he added: "I really do believe that politics is work worth doing, a noble profession. Despite the many scandals and disappointments, I believe that the vast majority of people elected to this House are here because we've an interest in and a love for our communities and our country and we wish to make a difference." Mr Kenny urged more respect among politicians. He added: "We can argue vehemently the merits of issues or measures without questioning each other's motives or intent. "Politics is always about people and government is always about making decisions." Outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny arrives at Government Buildings, Dublin, for his last day as Taoiseach. Mr Kenny thanked Fianna Fail, Labour and his own Fine Gael colleagues for their work in putting a government together in recent years for their contribution to the success of the last Government. However, in a subtle swipe at his critics, he concluded to applause that "to all my friends I leave kind thoughts, to others... my forgiveness." Long-time party colleague Michael Noonan will be ending his 35-year cabinet career when a new Minister takes over in Finance from Wednesday. Noonan today told reporters that being Minister for Finance was the best job he ever had across his political career. Earlier: Members of the Dail have gathered to say farewell to Enda Kenny on his final day as Taoiseach. The Mayo native steps down after six years in charge, and has already chaired his final Cabinet meeting. Mr Kenny will make a speech to the Dail confirming his resignation in the coming minutes, with the speech expected to last about 10 minutes, after which there will be comments from other party leaders. The Dail will then adjourn until 12 noon tomorrow. This will likely be followed by short farewell speeches before the House adjourns and he travels to Aras an Uachtaran and resigns. By Amy Ryan The State Examinations Commission has launched an investigation into a breach of protocol following the publication of LC Irish Paper 2 in a Facebook group. The paper was posted almost one hour into the exam, according to Cathal McDonagh, spokesperson for the State Examinations Commission. The Facebook group is a closed group called 'Muinteoiri Gaeilge ag roinnt cabhrach, acmhainni agus smaointi'. The State Examinations Commission was promptly notified of the breach of custody arrangments for the paper and the post has since been removed. "The SEC is investigating the circumstances surrounding the issue as the release of examination papers before the end of examinations is in breach of SEC protocol for the custody of examination papers," said Mr McDonagh. "As candidates are not allowed enter examination centres after the first 30 minutes of an examination, the SEC is satisfied that the release of the paper after the start of the examination has not compromised the integrity of the examination," he added. Politicians are failing to take growing poverty levels seriously, according to Kieran Stafford, the national president of the Society of St Vincent De Paul. The organisation says there has been a 25% rise in families that qualify for social housing - and a quarter of single-parent families are now living in constant poverty. A third of Irish consumers claim to still be on broadband speeds of equal to or less than 30Mbp. A new study carried out by Switcher.ie shows a major decline in satisfaction with broadband speeds across Ireland, with only 44% happy with their current home speeds - down from 51% year-on-year. The research also found that one in three people have checked their speeds and are sometimes or always getting lower speeds than they pay for. Some 8% claim to have speeds of less than 3Mbps - not considered fast enough to watch Netflix in standard definition, according to Switcher.ie. Eoin Clarke from switcher.ie says some areas are still experiencing speeds of 30Mbp or less: "We now have speeds of 1,000MBPS in Ireland, so 30 is the minimum target set out by the National Broadband Plan, "Around 16% of people say that their broadband speed is less than 8Mbp, and this would mean that it would take about an hour to download a HD movie." He added: "Despite all of the talk about addressing the issue of sluggish broadband across the country, Irish broadband is still stuck in the slow lane. In an increasingly digital world, broadband is now considered a household essential, alongside energy, so its very disappointing to see a drop in the average speed people say theyve got in the home, and a corresponding decline in customer satisfaction. "If you are not getting the speed you are paying for, you should contact your provider as they may be able to help, by either advising you on ways to optimise your speeds, or replacing your modem. If youre still not happy, it might be time to shop around for another provider who can deliver the broadband speed you need." Gardai investigating the murder of Mark Desmond in the Lucan area on December 2 have arrested two men. The pair were arrested in the west Dublin area this morning and are detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at stations in the DMR West. The UN Human Rights Committee has ruled against Ireland's abortion laws for the second time in just over a year. They said the treatment of a woman who was denied an abortion in 2010 was cruel, inhuman and degrading. An R2-D2 droid that has appeared in several of the Star Wars movies is to go on auction in the US. Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, Darth Vader's helmet and shoulder armour, as well as imperial and rebel weapons will also go under the hammer, but the centrepiece is no doubt the squat blue, white and silver droid famous for communicating in a series of electronic beeps and squeaks. Representing "the pinnacle of the Star Wars collecting universe", it could fetch up to two million US dollars in the June 26-28 auction, according to California-based auction house Profiles in History. The bidding is being handled by Boston-based online auction marketplace Invaluable. The 43-inch tall R2 unit for sale is sort of a Frankenstein's monster of droids, pieced together over several years from different original components used in the first five Star Wars movies. There is no known complete original R2 unit, according to the auction house. For the sequels after the original Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, production designers took the aluminium, steel and fibreglass R2 units, retired old and worn-out parts and added new features to save time and meet production deadlines. Fans outbid for the droid may want to take a shot at landing the lightsaber. Carried by actor Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in the first two Star Wars movies, it is expected to sell for anywhere from 150,000 dollars to 250,000 dollars. Unfortunately, the prop does not emit a blade of blue light. The 10.5-inch lightsaber comes directly from the archive of Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by Mr Kurtz. Props from some of Hollywood's other world-famous movies are also for sale, including the illuminated disco dancing floor from Saturday Night Fever, which is expected to get as much as 1.5 million dollars, and the clothes worn by Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson in Titanic. Police have seized a shotgun and ammunition after a report that a teenager was in possession of a firearm at a secondary school. Warwickshire Police said a teenage boy had been arrested after officers were called to Higham Lane School in Shanklin Drive, Nuneaton, at 9.15am on Tuesday. Superintendent David Gardner said: "We responded promptly and the boy was quickly isolated and the incident contained to ensure there was no risk to pupils and staff. "The initial report was received from the suspect himself and he was co-operative with police throughout. Officers were on the scene quickly and he was placed under arrest." Mr Gardner added: "I would like to thank staff and pupils at the school for their assistance while we managed this incident. Officers will be at the school for the rest of the day to provide reassurance. "We will now carry out inquiries to establish exactly what happened and address any issues around the firearm." In a message to parents issued on the school's website, headteacher Phil Kelly confirmed a pupil had been arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm. Mr Kelly said: "Staff and police responded promptly, the pupil was quickly isolated and the incident contained to ensure there was no risk to pupils or staff. "The pupil has been removed from the school site by the police and the police have confirmed that they are happy for the school to remain open as normal. "We reiterate that the incident was responded to very promptly by staff, who worked effectively with the police. "The school will not be commenting upon this matter any further at this stage." PA The man nicknamed Jihadi Jack who fled Britain to fight for the Islamic State in Syria is reportedly being held by Kurdish forces opposing the terrorist group. Jack Letts converted to Islam and travelled to Syria in 2014 where he is suspected of joining Islamic State (IS). The 21-year-old, from Oxford, told the BBC he was now in solitary confinement in a jail in Kurdish-held north-east Syria. Last year he said he was no longer fighting for IS and did not agree with a lot of what the group stood for. Mr Letts told the BBC: "I found a smuggler and walked behind him through minefields." He said he and the smuggler "eventually made it near a Kurdish point where we were shot at twice and slept in a field". The former Oxford A-level student told the BBC he became disillusioned with the group about a year ago after it killed its former supporters. "I hate them more than the Americans hate them," he said. "I realised they were not upon the truth so they put me in prison three times and threatened to kill me." Mr Letts' parents, John Letts and Sally Lane, are facing trial accused of sending hundreds of pounds to their son between September 2015 and January last year. Ms Lane said that having not heard from her son for several weeks she suddenly received a message saying he was in a safe zone. "It was the news we've been waiting for for three years - ever since he went out there - and now we just want to get him home," she told the BBC. Mr Letts said: "He will have to account for himself and I completely understand that. If he's had anything to do with IS, I want nothing to do with him, to be quite honest. I really despise this sort of group." The UK government advises against all travel to areas of conflict. A Foreign and Commonwealth spokeswoman said: "The UK advises against all travel to Syria and parts of Iraq. "As all UK consular services are suspended in Syria and greatly limited in Iraq, it is extremely difficult to confirm the whereabouts and status of British nationals in these areas." PA A policeman has been injured in an explosion at the police headquarters of a UK military base on the southeast coast of Cyprus. Authorities are treating the pre-dawn explosion at the Dhekelia garrison as a criminal matter, spokesman Kristian Gray said. Mr Gray said authorities are investigating what caused the explosion and cannot provide further details immediately. Cyprus state broadcaster RIK said that an explosive device was hurled at the police headquarters' entrance from a passing motorcycle. The broadcaster said the headquarters' CCTV system captured grainy images of the motorcycle speeding off shortly after 3am local time. Cyprus' criminal underworld has used drive-by bombings to send messages to rivals or authorities that are hurting their business interests. British Bases police at Dhekelia have been active in trying to stamp out illegal songbird trapping which is popular with area residents and supplies an illicit restaurant trade that is worth millions of euros annually. Many Cypriots consider the songbirds, known as ambelopoulia, as a delicacy that has been part of local tradition dating back centuries. Officials said a plate of a dozen pickled or grilled birds can fetch 60. Britain retained two military bases after the east Mediterranean island gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. AP US Attorney General Jeff Sessions is expecting sharp questions from his former Senate colleagues about his ties with Russia. The public evidence before the Senate Intelligence committee should yield Mr Sessions' most extensive comments to date on his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to step aside from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. The questions have dogged his tenure as attorney general and led him three months ago to recuse himself from the Russia probe. Senators for weeks have demanded answers from Mr Sessions, particularly about meetings he had last summer and autumn with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Those calls have escalated since fired FBI director Mr Comey cryptically told senators last week that the bureau had expected Mr Sessions to recuse himself weeks before he did from the investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia during the 2016 presidential election. Mr Sessions, a close campaign adviser to Mr Trump and the first senator to endorse him, stepped aside from the investigation in early March after acknowledging he had spoken twice in the months before the election with the Russian ambassador. He said at his January confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign. Since then, questions have been raised about a possible third meeting at a Washington hotel, though the Justice Department has said that did not happen. Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com Mr Sessions on Saturday said he would appear before the intelligence committee, which has been doing its own investigation into Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. There had been some question as to whether the hearing would be open to the public, but the Justice Department said he requested it be because he "believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him". Mr Sessions is likely to be asked about his conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and whether there were more encounters that should have been made public. And he can expect questions about his involvement in Mr Comey's May 9 firing, the circumstances surrounding his decision to recuse himself from the FBI's investigation, and whether any of his actions - such as interviewing candidates for the FBI director position or meeting with Mr Trump about Mr Comey - violated his recusal pledge. As attorney general, Mr Sessions is unlikely to answer in detail questions about conversations he has had with Mr Trump. National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers and Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, both declined to discuss their own Trump communications during a hearing last week. White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined to say if he thought Mr Sessions should refrain from revealing his conversations with the president, saying it "depends on the scope of the questions". He did not explicitly endorse Mr Sessions' appearance, saying in response to a question: "We're aware of it, and we'll go from there." Mr Comey himself had a riveting appearance before the same Senate panel last week, with some key moments centred on Mr Sessions. In a February meeting, Mr Comey said, Mr Trump told Mr Sessions and other administration officials to leave the room before asking him to drop a probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia. In addition, Mr Comey has said Mr Sessions did not respond when he complained that he did not want to be left alone with Mr Trump again. The Justice Department has denied that, saying Mr Sessions stressed to Mr Comey the need to be careful about following appropriate policies. The former FBI director also testified that the agency had believed Mr Sessions was "inevitably going to recuse" for reasons he could not elaborate on. "We also were aware of facts that I can't discuss in an open setting that would make his continued engagement in a Russia-related investigation problematic," Mr Comey said. Mr Sessions' appearance before the intelligence committee is an indication of just how much the Russia investigation has shaded his tenure. White House frustrations with the Justice Department spilled into public view last week, when Mr Trump on Twitter criticised the legal strategy in defending his proposed travel ban. Mr Spicer declined to say then that Mr Sessions enjoyed Mr Trump's confidence, though spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said later in the week that the president had confidence "in all of his cabinet". Though the Justice Department maintains that it has fully disclosed the extent of Mr Sessions' foreign contacts last year, he has continued to be pressed for answers about an April 2016 event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, where both Mr Sessions and Mr Kislyak attended a foreign policy speech by Mr Trump. Senate Democrats have raised the possibility that Mr Sessions and Mr Kislyak could have met there, though Justice Department officials say there were no private encounters or side meetings. Senators, including Al Franken of Minnesota and Patrick Leahy of Vermont, have asked the FBI to investigate and to determine if Mr Sessions committed perjury when he denied having had meetings with Russians. AP Two Ohio senators are denouncing North Korea after a resident of their state was said to be in a coma after being released from a prison in the country. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced the release of Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student. Mr Warmbier was serving a 15-year prison term with hard labour for alleged anti-state acts. Mr Warmbier's family said in a statement that he is in a coma and on his way home. Republican Senator Rob Portman says North Korea should be "universally condemned for its abhorrent behaviour". Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Cleveland said the country's "despicable actions ... must be condemned." The parents of the 22-year-old college student said he is on a Medivac flight on his way home. Fred and Cindy Warmbier said they have been told their son has been in a coma since March 2016, and they had learned of this only one week ago. They said "we want the world to know how we and our son have been brutalised and terrorised by the pariah regime" in North Korea. They also said they are grateful Mr Warmbier "will finally be with people who love him". The president of the University of Virginia said the school is "deeply concerned and saddened" to learn that their student is in a coma. Mr Warmbier was supposed to graduate from the university in May. University president Teresa Sullivan said in a statement that the school is relieved to hear Mr Warmbier was released, but is concerned about his condition. She said the university community has his family in its thoughts and prayers as he returns home. PA Theresa May and DUP leader Arlene Foster will hold critical talks on a deal to prop up a Tory minority administration after the British government admitted the start of the new session of parliament could be delayed. The British Prime Minister will be desperate to get agreement from the DUP to back her legislative programme in the Commons or risk her government falling. Mrs May's authority has been severely diminished after a disastrous general election which saw her lose her Commons majority and a deal with the DUP looks vital for the continuation of Tory rule. A failure to gain support from the Northern Irish party would risk the Queen's Speech being voted down next week, and Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour will be pushing hard for that outcome. The Tories and the DUP are considering a "confidence and supply" arrangement which would see the Northern Irish party back the Government to get its Budget through and on confidence motions. It comes after Mrs May told Tory MPs: "I'm the person who got us into this mess and I'm the one who will get us out of it." Her most senior minister Damian Green has confirmed the Queen's Speech setting out the Government's programme could be delayed if a deal is not reached in time for it to go ahead on Monday as planned. The PM told the backbench 1922 Committee on Monday that a deal with the DUP would not affect power-sharing talks in the North or LGBT rights. Mrs Foster has also rejected suggestions that the mooted agreement could undermine a return to power-sharing arrangements at Stormont amid claims from political rivals that the Government's stated impartiality as a mediator would be fatally undermined. The DUP leader declined to give details of what she termed a "positive engagement with the Conservative Party", but said she would be travelling to London late on Monday for discussions with her team of 10 MPs before a meeting with Mrs May at Downing Street on Tuesday. Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams turned Mrs May's own slogan against her to brand it "a coalition of chaos", adding: "Any deal which undercuts in any way the process here or the Good Friday Agreement is one which has to be opposed." It is thought Mrs Foster, despite being a Brexit supporter, could seek assurances from Mrs May that she will pursue a softer exit from the EU, given Northern Ireland's 56% Remain vote and the DUP's desire not to see a return to a hard border with Ireland. The DUP leader is almost certain to ask for greater investment in Northern Ireland as the price of a deal. Any demands on maintaining the pensions triple-lock and the universal winter fuel allowance could give Mrs May a convenient excuse to drop manifesto pledges which appeared to be deeply unpopular with voters. Movement on security and legacy issues from the Troubles may prove more difficult for Mrs Foster to extract from the Government. The unexpected snap election has already forced the Queen to cancel an Order of the Garter service and to accept a stripped-down State Opening of Parliament. Any further delay could mean her missing planned attendance at Royal Ascot. Additional delay may be caused by the fact the Queen's Speech is written on goatskin parchment paper, which requires several days for the ink to dry. The paper does not contain any goatskin but is high-quality archival paper guaranteed to last for at least 500 years. Pen cannot be put to paper until the exact contents of the speech are finalised, which appears to be dependent on the outcome of Tory talks with the DUP. While Mrs May appears to have seen off the threat of an immediate leadership challenge, her weakened grip on power has put her under pressure on several fronts. Her new chief of staff Gavin Barwell has suggested she should take a different approach towards public spending after Labour unexpectedly denied the Tories a majority after running an anti-austerity election campaign. The PM also faced calls from Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson, whose influence has grown dramatically with the election of 13 Tories north of the border, to pursue a softer Brexit with greater focus on the economy and more cross-party input. In another sign of Mrs May's weakening grip on power, MPs who attended the 1922 Committee revealed she was open to more backbench input on policy and a greater role for Chief Whip Gavin Williamson. Two prison guards have been killed by inmates during a bus transport in the US. Police are searching for two men, aged 24 and 43, after it happened in Georgia this morning. A Canberra teenager part of a scam that threatened to expose a man as a sex offender unless he handed over money after luring him with gay hook-up app Grindr has avoided time in detention. The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, uploaded his photo to a Grindr account used by a group of teens to attract a man they later extorted. A teenager received a suspended sentence of imprisonment for his role in an extortion ring that targeted users of the gay dating app Grindr. Credit:Getty Images ACT Children's Court chief magistrate Lorraine Walker said the offence "preyed on the vulnerability of a particular section of the community" and described the scheme targeting gay men as "vicious". She handed the boy a four-month term of imprisonment, suspended on condition he entered a good behaviour order, saying his offence was at a "lower level" compared to one of his accomplices. It says plenty about the mess at organic formula vendor Bellamy's Australia that almost half the cash raised from its $60.4 million entitlement offer will be used to pay off its partner Fonterra. It will cost $27.5 million cash to extract Bellamy's from the onerous contract with Fonterra, which looked fabulous when the Chinese market could not get enough of its infant formula, but looked ridiculous when the bottom fell out of the market last year. In a boom market, it did not matter that the company risked "shortfall payments". These are the cash payments it would be forced to make to Fonterra if demand fell short and it did not meet the sales volume commitments it made to the Kiwi dairy group. The Faustian bargain with Fonterra was needed due to a fact that no one paid that much attention to at the time Bellamy's did not actually make its products, or own any of the raw materials used to make it. I returned to the glorious surrounds of the national capital recently after several years away in the black-garbed, hipster-infested cafes of Melbourne working in the troubled hallways of the Victorian Parliament. It's funny how getting some distance on a city, and its people, can give you a whole new perspective. As I settle back into the world of roundabouts and awful diplomatic drivers, the city feeling like a comfy pair of tracksuit pants that I refuse to throw out even though the bum area is nearly worn through, I find myself reflecting on how blissfully unaware Canberrans, and those who market our city, are to an outsider's view. News flash: Australia doesn't think Lonsdale Street is that amazing. Credit:Graham Tidy After the city was ranked as a cool "new" destination by some travel website and a New York magazine in the last few years (as a result of smart lobbying by local tourism representatives, no doubt), it seems Canberrans now believe the hype about their city, even if no one else does. It's as though as soon as some bearded guys in ironic T-shirts started making coffee in new cafes named after old car garages, and paleo gluten-free bakeries at the foot of million-dollar apartments in "architecturally designed precincts" became a thing, Canberrans suddenly started to think of their city as some sort of "new Melbourne". People behave as though the city suddenly transformed into the "it girl" as soon as it got a few five-star Yelp reviews the cool chick who dyed her hair pink and became instantly popular. But I'm afraid the interstaters I've dealt with recently don't see it that way. My multi-year straw poll of interstate cool kids shows me that old views of the city remain almost hopelessly entrenched. With disposable incomes in their pockets and always "getting away for the weekend", none of them would dare to think about a few days in and around the ACT. They still think we're a city of pollies, porn and fireworks, and most of them haven't been here since their mandatory primary school trip of 20 years ago. The ACT government might want you to believe that the rest of the nation is breathlessly embracing brand "CBR" as an "exciting, new tourist destination", but it's not. The Lindt siege inquest, the Manchester bombing and the London terror attack have all put terrorism front and centre in recent days. It is hardly surprising therefore that immigration minister, Peter Dutton, on the one hand, is trying to make it easier to boot suspected terrorists out of Australia while, on the other, ASIO wants expanded powers to monitor their activities. It is, after all, sensible and appropriate to offer practical solutions to perceived problems at times of heightened public concern. That said, given the relatively low scale of our terrorist threat which has seen more Australians killed abroad than in attacks on our own soil, and the implications many of these measures have for all citizens, it is equally sensible to subject all such proposals to close scrutiny. Terminally ill patients will get faster access to medicinal marijuana and be able to import their own personal supply after the Greens teamed up with Labor and One Nation to deliver a shock Senate vote to kill off government restrictions. The Senate vote means terminally ill patients with a doctor's prescription will be able to personally import up to three months' supply of the drug from regulated overseas markets. A furious Health Minister Greg Hunt called the move "reckless and irresponsible", saying it would put lives at risk by paving the way for dodgy unregulated products, and also make it easier for criminals to get their hands on drugs. Greens Leader Richard Di Natale spearheaded the motion, which failed when he first put it to the Senate in May. On Tuesday, he used a procedural loophole to force a re-run - despite frantic government efforts to stymie it - and won the support of the opposition and much of the crossbench. Convenience is a sneaky concept. It seems such a positive word, speaking of ease and time-saving. Convenience food saves us the bother of cooking. Convenience stores allow us to buy we want when we want it (a plastic bottle of coke, a packet of sweets, a microwave burger) without having to be inconvenienced by a pesky little thing like the time of night. Who doesn't want more convenience in their lives? Well, me actually. Because the dark side of convenience is our throwaway society and increasing disconnect with the processes by which so many of our modern necessities came to be. Tim Silverwood wants us to Take 3 for the Sea. "I'm a fan of the Japanese word mottainai," says Karina Holden, director of a new documentary about ocean conservation called Blue. "It means respecting the process via which something comes to you, and therefore the importance of valuing it and not wasting it." Holden says we can apply that concept to food and consumer goods. "In order for something to arrive on your plate or in your cupboard, what commodities has it taken to be grown, nurtured, harvested, traded, travelled? In our amazing modern world, where things seem to come so easily and casually, it's too easy to forget that." The woman remembered leaning against a street sign outside a Kings Cross nightclub, wearing a blue dress and taking off her high heels. Soon she was in a car, which she thought was a taxi delivering her home after a day partying with friends at the races, the casino, and bars in Sydney. The car was actually an Uber, driven by Muhammad Naveed, who picked up the young woman while he was taking a break. Naveed, 41, stopped at a service station in the eastern suburbs to buy condoms, before parking in a dark side street and moving the woman to the back of the car. The family of a Central Coast girl who died in 2013 after her leukemia went undiagnosed while she was incorrectly treated for another serious condition is suing a hospital and NSW Government pathology service for negligence. Kate McCartin, 18, of East Gosford, was misdiagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma a cancer of the lymphatic system - in October, 2012 by the NSW Government service NSW Health Pathology and staff at Gosford Hospital. She underwent repeated chemotherapy without success. Kate McCartin, right, with little sister Amy. Credit:Leukemia Foundation The misdiagnosis was identified nearly one year later, in September, 2013 when Ms McCartin was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney for a bone marrow transplant and was correctly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was treated but died in December, 2013. Despite the Queensland budget being described as a "jobs bonanza", with predictions of 40,000 new jobs in the next year, Treasury is not predicting a substantial decrease in the unemployment rate. Treasurer Curtis Pitt handed down his third budget on Tuesday, the last before the next state election, which was described by the premier as a jobs budget for battlers, builders and Queenslanders. But the budget papers say the unemployment rate will be 6.25 per cent in 2016-17, it is predicted to be 6.25 per cent in 2017-18 and then 6 per cent until 2020-21. Mr Pitt said there were pressures facing the national economy, including potential subdued growth. Visit our Facebook page from 5pm for live analysis of the budget by our state political reporter Felicity Caldwell and senior reporter Tony Moore. The 2017-18 Queensland state budget includes $42.75 billion in infrastructure projects over the next four years. Treasurer Curtis Pitt said those infrastructure projects would support 40,000 jobs in 2017-18 and 22,000 jobs outside the south-east corner of the state. In addition to those projects in the south-east corner, listed below, there is $70 million to begin the Mackay Ring Road, $200 million to expand Rockhampton's Correctional Centre, $176 million to expand the Cairns Convention Centre and $225 million for long term water supplies for Townsville. As Brisbane residents got their feet wet on Tuesday, the coastal areas in the south-east were hammered by strong winds and heavy rain. On the Gold Coast, beaches were closed, the strongest winds of the day were recorded and almost 900 homes were left without power. It has been a wet day in Brisbane. Credit:Jorge Branco As the first batch of wet weather gradually disappeared from radar, a second wave followed closely behind and continued to move north-west over the Gold Coast and up towards Brisbane. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Rick Threlfall said patchy rain was expected to continue overnight, with showers also expected throughout Wednesday. They are the valuable connections that lead to better opportunities for students and potentially millions of extra dollars for schools. But until now, alumni networks have largely been confined to private schools and universities. A new alumni service has been created for state school students who want to stay connected to their old school and give back. Former Sunshine College student Dr Vu Le meets current students Josie Pham, Khadija Acone and Rhovie Parco. Credit:Jason South A new service, the first of its kind in Australia, hopes to change that by helping state schools build alumni networks and encourage former students to give back through work experience placements, volunteering and donations. Ourschool, which is funded by the Education Department and philanthropists, has launched a two-year pilot that will involve alumni experts spending one day a week in eight Victorian state schools. A young Hobart woman is fading in and out of consciousness in hospital, with severe burns to more than half of her body, as her boyfriend faced court charged with her assault. Nicole Evans, 20, was allegedly doused with flammable liquid and set alight on April 24 in a shed in the Hobart suburb of Chigwell. Nicole Evans is being treated for 'full thickness burns to 65 per cent of her body'. Credit:The Examiner She was airlifted in a critical condition to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne. Seven weeks after the alleged assault, "[she] remains in a secure room in a Victorian hospital where she continues to be treated for full thickness burns to 65 per cent of her body," a Tasmanian Police statement issued on Tuesday said. Police are appealing for information about a number of burglaries targeting veterinary clinics in Perth's east. Armadale Detectives said the incidents in May and June of this year saw night time break-ins to vet clinics in the Kelmscott area, with animal medication, vaccines and diagnostic equipment stolen. Alfaxan is a steroid and anasthetic for animals. Images from police of the drugs believed to have been taken include the painkiller tramadol, and alfaxan, a steroid and anaesthetic. Police warn the medication is not for human use and could be potentially harmful if consumed. Beijing: Within two days of being sentenced by a Chinese court last October, South Korean casino staff were on the plane home. Crown no longer has any staff in mainland China. Credit:Bloomberg With a court date of June 26 set for 14 Crown staff, including three Australians, Crown will be hoping the cases of the South Korean casino marketers, similarly caught by China's crackdown on gambling, serve as a guide to what comes next. Chinese investigators swooped on Crown's staff on October 14. Three days later, five South Korean casino staff were sentenced to 16 months imprisonment in a Chinese local court. Washington: Democrats are set to cast a protest vote in droves against US President Donald Trump's proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia, a move that may not prevent the deal from going through but nonetheless represents an unprecedented rebuke of Saudi Arabia's activities in war-torn Yemen. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer announced on Monday that he would vote against a sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, clearing the way for many other Democrats to follow suit. That means they and the resolution's sponsor, Republican senator Rand Paul, may only need a few more Republican votes to throw an obstacle in the path of Trump's plans to see through a contract worth more than $US500 million. The measure is expected to come up as soon as Tuesday. If critics of the sale are successful, it would mark the first time in decades that a body of Congress summarily rejected an administration's attempt to conclude a defence deal with Riyadh. Latest News Sydney records highest auction clearance rate in six months Almost 70% of properties sold in first week of November ScotPac opens new broker portal System aimed at speeding up approvals Melbourne-based brokerage and financial planning group RateOne has announced it has broken $100m in monthly submissions. The milestone comes four years after the company launched.Co-founder, Martin Fedmowski, said an overhaul of the businesss processes two years ago was behind this rapid growth trajectory.We implemented a back-end team of six in Melbourne and Manila who do all our processing everything from submissions to data entry, settlements and tracking and we provide that service to the 28 brokers on our team, he said.It has been hard work getting there with a lot of planning and training involved but now the system is working really efficiently. We have seen significant increases in loan volumes from the brokers that have recently joined us as a result.RateOne has also worked hard on building relationships with residential real estate partners and benefits from the use of data mining, Fedmowski said.We enter everything into our systems, from car loan expiry dates to anniversaries for fixed rate loans and ensure we get in touch with clients whenever there is a key milestone approaching.As a member of Choice Aggregation Services, RateOne has worked closely with the groups business development team to create streamlined processes and improve client services.A recent development was the formation of a journey builder for residential pre-approvals which guides clients through the property buying process with tips and information.We have worked consistently with Choice and their IT team on these initiatives and they have provided excellent support, helping us to enhance the client experience, Fedmowski said.The firm has also expanded rapidly and will soon move into larger premises which can accommodate up to 70 mortgage brokers and 10 financial planners.The new office will be fantastic as we will be able to provide more seminars and events for clients, as well as facilitating increased collaboration with our lenders and Choice, so we are really looking forward to that, Fedmowski said. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams They were not too proud to forget. A small crowd gathered outside Old Stone House in Park Slope on Sunday, on the eve of the anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, to remember the victims of the senseless act and those who attended the intimate vigil were moved by its humble display of grief, according to organizers. We would have liked more people, but the ones who came were really moved, said Mickey Heller, co-chair of Brooklyn Pride. There was a wonderful response from people who attended. They thanked us for having the event. Mourners held candles and their loved ones as they reflected on the brutal attack, which left 49 people dead and another 58 wounded after a 29-year-old security guard opened fire inside the club last year on June 12. The brief memorial ended on a hopeful note, however, with words delivered by a clergyman from East New Yorks Unity Fellowship Church. Bishop Zachary Jones brought the people together, left them feeling good about themselves, Heller said. He encouraged them to continue on in joy and in love. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Its their first step toward first mate! City students sailed into the East River on their own hand-crafted wooden vessels on Friday to mark their graduation from an eight-month boat-building course, and even the biggest landlubbers among them earned their sea-legs, according to program organizers. Very few, if any of the students had been on a sailboat before, so being in boats that were separated from the water with one sheet of plywood was a great experience, said Marjorie Schulman, the executive director of Brooklyn Boat Works. They got to see New York in a different way. The sailboats, which pushed off from Brooklyn Bridge Park, were built by middle-schoolers from seven schools across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, who began their nautical education last October by learning the science of boat-making. The sailors-to-be then worked together to craft their 7-foot-6 Optimist dinghies out of four pieces of plywood. All of the vessels turned out to be seaworthy when they took to the water not that Schulman ever had doubts. Nothing sank, she said. Although we knew that would not happen. It was great. The boat works rep said that, in addition to their new sea-legs, she hopes the students will float away from their voyages on the murky waterway with a deeper appreciation for education. The most important thing is we instilled a love of learning, she said. Bucks Democrats expect to have majority in state House Democrats expect to gain one more seat in state Senate, but still be in minority there. latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... Now that Blair has been taken care of (at least for now), the Stitchers team gets back to work in this episode. A woman is found dead in her boyfriends pool, and its up to them to figure out what she was hiding and if the boyfriends father was involved in her murder. Also in For Love or Money, Cameron realizes that he and Kirsten may need to have a talk (but thats not necessarily a bad thing for this new relationship), Camille meets the new ME working with the program, Linus wants to get closer to Ivy and, in her new position, Maggie has a decision to make at work. In other words, its an episode filled with questions of trust and canoodling. The 10 Sexiest Male TV Characters of Summer 2017 >>> Pool Sex and Secret Phones The victim is Sabine, whose boyfriend, Nick, found her dead in their pool. But murder isnt the only thing that went down there, as Kirsten sees in Sabines romantic, sweet and very sexy memories with Nick. (However, as Tim informs everyone, pool sex is completely overrated.) However, thanks to a memory hotspot that Kirsten describes as foggy, they learn that Sabine was providing inside information about Nicks father to someone via a secret phone. Victors company just landed a huge contract with the Russian military, and its possible that he was involved in her death. Due to his paranoia after multiple attempts on his life, he never leaves Russia. Did he hire someone? Does his son, the only person he trusts, know something? Nick didnt know about the secret phone that Sabine had, but thats all hell tell them. And hes already planning to head to Russia because even though hes a suspect in a murder investigation, his father has the connections to make that happen. While Kirsten and Cameron do find the secret phone, thanks to clues from the stitch, none of the unlock codes she remembers work. They do have a possible motive for Sabine to spy on her boyfriends father: her family was broke. Was she killed for something she didnt want to do? And what was she doing with a bag of cocaine? Despite Maggie insisting that they cant trust Ivy because shes Stingers daughter, Ivy says shes not still working with him, and Linus trusts her to help him crack the code on the phone. That just leads to the body of the man, Jack, that Sabine was reporting to, meaning another stitch for Kirsten. The stitch confirms an insider trading scam and reveals that another man, Bulldog, got wind of it and wanted him to get Sabine to plant drugs on Nick. She refused. Jack was killed. Planting the drugs on Nick would have gotten him detained, which killing Sabine and making him a person of interest accomplished as well. Detaining Nick was the only way for Bulldog to get Victor to come to LA so he could kill him. Hed also have to hire local security since he couldnt bring his own protection, and like Linus, Kirsten too turns to Ivy for help with their investigation since she worked in banking and can navigate the international banking system to figure out the company Victor hired. While Camille sides with Linus and Kirsten, Cameron doesnt think its a good idea. Maggie agrees to let her help but tells Ivy to leave after she successfully finds them the information. The team arrives at the firms headquarters in time to stop Bulldog from killing Victor. He was targeted by a competitor in the Russian steel business who lost out on the military contract and thought killing him would reopen negotiations. Bar and School Meetings The investigation in this episode also provides excuses for Linus and Camille to grow close(r) to new people in their lives. Early in the episode, Linus approaches Maggie about Ivy, but while she may have helped him find out about his father, Maggie just doesnt trust her. That doesnt stop him from going to Ivy at her work and, after she says shes not still working with her father, asking her out. Though he ends up having to work, he goes to get a rain check in person and mentions that he has a code to crack, leading to her commenting that she loves codes and him trusting her to help. Meanwhile, Maggie sends Camille to meet with the new ME about DNA results, and since Amanda cant rush them she got the rundown of the program, and if she puts a rush on the order, people will ask why she writes her number down on Camilles hand. (Because wheres the fun in just texting it to her?) Step one light flirtation leading to Camille smiling afterwards complete. And when Amanda gets the DNA results, she has Camille meet her at the bar where she DJs. Sure, Amanda could have told her over the phone, but then Camille wouldnt be there drinking with her. But while Camille may be having fun with Amanda it takes her a moment to trust people she tells Linus after he comments on the telephonic flirtation he overhears. Everyone deserves to be trusted until proven otherwise, he argues. In their line of work, however, that might not be the best advice. And it backfires for Camille when she cites it as a reason why the team should trust Ivy to help with their case. With Maggie taking on Blairs duties, shes going to have to be in Washington occasionally, meaning she needs someone to take on her responsibilities in the lab then and she picks Cameron. Camilles obviously disappointed, but Maggie reminds her that their first job is to protect the team and everyone deserves to be trusted until proven otherwise can get people killed. Camille then goes to meet Amanda at the bar again and kisses her. Quiz: Who is Your TV Boss? >>> Good Talk? Good Talk. Kirsten and Cameron may have kissed and may be together, but Camille advises him to be careful. After all, Kirsten is a virgin emotionally, and this is her first real relationship where shes connected and available. And with that, Cameron is both a good scientist and a worried boyfriend with Kirsten. He confirmed with video that he didnt say, You cant help me, which means there are three possible explanations: Stinger said it, her days in the stitch affected her or she imagined it. He wants to run tests, but she just wants to keep stitching so they can perfect the tech. His concerns only grow after she reports that things are a bit foggy in Sabines stitch. Everything I do is because I care about you deeply, he assures her near the end of the episode. He needs to make sure stitching is safe for her. As for the personal side of their relationship, Cameron points out that they have to figure out what this being her first real emotionally connected relationship borrowing words from Camille means for them. She realizes that when he invited her to dinner earlier to talk about them, he meant having the how we feel about each other talk. And while shes never had it, he has, and its horrible. But that doesnt mean it has to be horrible for them. In fact, instead of having the talk over dinner after their work is done, Kirsten brings him with her when she goes to visit her mother. Good talk, he says. How do you think Stitchers is handling Kirsten and Camerons relationship so far? Do you want to see more of Linus with Ivy, and Camille with Amanda? And do you think Maggie was right in choosing Cameron over Camille? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Stitchers season 3 airs Mondays at 9/8c on Freeform. Want more news? Like our Facebook page. (Image courtesy of Freeform) Nigerian scientist receives CIGBS award to study drug development UBs Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences (CIGBS) has awarded the HIV Research Trust Award to Waheed Adeola Adedeji, a physician scientist at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. The award supports six months of clinical pharmacology and drug development training at the CIGBS, an international hub that brings together faculty from research, clinical and applied programs to tackle the worlds most pressing health issues. The HIV Research Trust is a charitable foundation that provides financial support to physicians, nurses, scientists and other health care professionals who are early or mid-career, located in low-income or lower-middle-income countries, and work in the field of HIV infection. With UB faculty members who work in fields ranging from pharmacology and medicine to engineering and chemistry, the CIGBS uses education and research to promote drug discovery, advance nanotechnology applications and develop sustainable business models for products and services for the global health market. In addition to HIV research, the center partners with universities around the world to study viral infections such as the Chikungunya and Zika viruses, and viral hepatitis. For more information, visit the CIGBS website. NJ Weedman got a license to sell NJ legal weed. He almost said no. This brand new air ambulance is set to become a familiar sight in the skies over the Burnham-On-Sea area as it goes into operation this week. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance announced on Monday that its new AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) helicopter has entered into service. It becomes the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK and is the culmination of several years of planning and development. The aircraft was selected following an extensive evaluation process and the charity says it picked it for its outstanding characteristics, superior capabilities and high safety standards. Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: It has always been the Charitys aim and clear vision to pursue clinical excellence; pairing Critical Care Teams with the outstanding capabilities of the AW169 is a natural development of that vision. Patient benefit remains our top priority and this was the single biggest criteria in selecting the new aircraft. Our ambitions and clinical aspirations determined a particular requirement from whichever aircraft we selected. The capabilities and flexibility offered by the AW169 made it a clear winner and in our view it was the only aircraft which fully met our criteria. Another major plus in selecting a new mark of aircraft is that you are taking advantage of the latest advances in technology. That means that it is safer and easier to maintain and operate. The medical equipment in the AW169 will not be hugely different to that which was carried on the charitys previous aircraft, however the biggest difference is the space inside the cabin. It allows the Critical Care Team to have complete access to a patient, head to toe; a significant benefit if a patient needs further intervention or treatment on-route to hospital. Over the past few months, the life-saving service has increased its operating hours from 12 to 19 hours a day (7am-2am). During this time and in the hours of darkness, the crews have been deployed using a Critical Care Car. Bill added: We are most grateful to Specialist Aviation Services who operate the AW169 helicopter on our behalf. They have worked closely with our clinical team to develop a medical interior that will enable them to more fully meet the needs of our patients than ever before. The AW169s night flying capabilities mean that we can now move forward into providing full night HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) missions. Our team will have the ability to fly directly to the patient without the need of any fixed or pre-established lighting which is a significant advantage. We are now looking forward to completing night HEMS training and subsequently operating the new aircraft for 19 hours a day. Our approach has been truly innovative and as a result the AW169 has had to undergo very intense scrutiny by the European Aviation Safety Agency. This is why it has taken a little longer than we had hoped for the aircraft to become operational, however it has certainly been worth the wait and we are delighted to now have clearance to fly. He continued: The standard of clinical provision delivered by our Critical Care Team is arguably the best available anywhere. That is a bold claim but one that I make quite confidently. In the past year we have enhanced our team clinically, enhanced the service with the carriage of blood products increased our operational hours and can now ensure that these are all delivered in one of the most advanced helicopters available. This, however, does not mean that we can rest on our laurels; our crews strive continuously to develop their knowledge and skills to ensure that the patients they attend receive the best treatment possible. Their challenge to the Charity is to provide them with the right tools for the job. I am proud to say that we can meet that challenge head on because of the incredible support of the people of Dorset and Somerset. Through their support, as members of our Flight for Life Lottery, individual or group donations from events and even by remembering us in their wills, they enable us to be everything that they want from their air ambulance. Since launching in March 2000, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has flown nearly 12,000 missions. Its operational costs are over 2 million a year. The approximate cost per mission is 2,500. With no direct Government or National Lottery funding, it relies on the generosity of the public for support. It is tasked as part of the normal 999 emergency process by a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk located at Ambulance Control (paid for by the South West Air Ambulance Charities). The airbase is situated at Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset/Somerset border. From there, it can be at any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. More importantly, the helicopter can, if required, then take a patient to the nearest Major Trauma Centre in the South West within a further 20 minutes. Its clinicians include a mixture of Senior Emergency Physicians, Intensive Care Consultants and Anaesthetists, Specialist Paramedics (Critical Care) and a small number of Paramedics and a Nurse who are working towards the Specialist qualification. The charitys pilots are provided by Specialist Aviation Services Ltd, who operate the aircraft. They are carefully selected because air ambulance flights are typically more challenging than regular non-emergency flight services. They will have a great deal of experience in low-level operations and instrument flying. More information on Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk. Pictured: The new Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance AW169 helicopter; the larger cabin area giving full access to the patient; and inside the front seat Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Indias information technology (IT) services is hiring engineers with skills in cloud computing, analytics and digital -- the segments that clients are spending money on even as tighten performance appraisals of employees working on legacy services where budgets are shrinking. Online retail giant Amazons India marketplace has doubled its base of sellers to 200,000 in a little over eleven months as it looks to penetrate deeper into the countrys smaller towns to beat local rival Flipkart. In order to cope with the financial stress it is facing, state-run telecom player BSNL has presented an 18-point wishlist to an inter-ministerial panel. Its demands include temporarily allotment of 2100 MHz spectrum for 6 months to a year, allocation of 700 MHz airwaves and reduction in license fees. has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase TMG Health for an undisclosed amount. TMG Health is a subsidiary of health insurance major Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and a business process services provider to healthcare firms in US. A debt-ridden farmer in Sehore, the home district of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, allegedly committed suicide by consuming the poisonous substance. The 55-year-old farmer Dulchand Keer, consumed poison on Monday after which a case was registered at Rehti Police Station, police said on Tuesday. However, the reason behind the suicide is still not clear, said District Collector Sudam Khade. Rehti police station in-charge, Pankaj Geete added that, "The cause behind farmer's death is a matter of investigation but he was having a debt of Rs six lakh on him." Keer's son Sher Singh claimed that his father ended his life due to mounting debts. He said that at time of the incident, his father was alone in the house. When Singh saw him lying unconscious, he was rushed to the government Rehti hosptial where doctors declared him brought dead. Singh said that his father had borrowed Rs four lakh from banks and another Rs two lakh from other sources due to which he remained disturbed. The suicide comes days after Chouhan announced a slew of measures to end farmer woes in the state, which witnessed violent protests over loan waiver and other demands. The concept of Human Library is about to make its way to Delhi on June 18 which will allow readers to borrow real people and learn from their life experiences over a 30-minute meaningful conversation. The Centre is set to amend controversial rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that banned the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets. The changes could clear the confusion over several issues, including whether buffaloes should be kept out of the ban. The issue is being politicised and the notification has been misconstrued, misinterpreted and misunderstood. If the misinterpretation is because of particular words or sentences, we will make efforts to remove that confusion, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan told Business Standard. The rules, notified on May 23, laid down several preconditions. including an undertaking from a buyer that animals bought were meant for farming and not for slaughter. The notification had brought livestock markets across the country to a halt. The trade in buffalo meat collapsed as over 90 per cent of the animals are bought by slaughter houses from cattle markets. Cattle as defined by the rules included bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves, including camel. Apart from the buffalo meat trade, the notification rattled the countrys livestock and dairy industry. The Opposition Congress termed the rule as an assault on the peoples eating habits as beef is consumed in the southern states. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the move as an effort to impose the RSS agenda over the country. Beef fests were organised on a large scale in the southern states. In one instance, Youth Congress workers publicly killed a cow, sparking protests from the BJP and other parties.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the notification was not meant to regulate slaughter while Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said cattle was the engine of growth in rural areas. It was never the intent of the government to directly or indirectly adversely affect the slaughter business or harm farmers or even influence the food habits of people, Harsh Vardhan said. He added the government was studying representations from all sections and would take remedial measures soon. Officials said there could have been some drafting flaws in the notification. It was never the governments intent to harm business and food habits, an official remarked. Reacting to Harsh Vardhans statement, DB Sabharwal, secretary-general of the All-India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association, said exporters would wait for the amendment as also the Supreme Courts ruling on the matter, expected on June 15. India is a global leader in buffalo meat exports, which grew at 29 per cent annually between 2007-08 and 2015-16 to ~26,685 crore. The country is also the largest producer of milk, of which over half is buffalo milk. Some reports said Agriculture Produce and Export Development Authority under the ministry of commerce had written to the ministry to of environment to exempt buffalo from cattle slaughter rules. Notwithstanding massive security arrangements, several state government offices were torched, vandalised or forcibly shut by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters on Monday day one of the indefinite shutdown called by the party to press for a Gorkhaland state in the northern West Bengal hills. The GJM termed the shutdown "successful and spontaneous" and demanded central intervention on the Gorkhaland issue. However, the state government claimed the attendance in government offices was normal, but called the disruption "suicidal". On the other hand, police claimed the situation was "peaceful". The shutdown call given by the GJM was mainly targeted at the central and state government offices, and those of the hill development body, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. Educational institutions and transport were kept outside its purview. The violence began early in the morning with the torching of Block Development Office (BDO) in Darjeeling's Bijanbari, allegedly by a group of GJM activists. Three GJM workers were arrested after the incident. Several others were detained. "The situation is under control. Three persons have been arrested for trying to incite violence. We have detained a few people also," a senior police officer said. In the afternoon, the PWD office in Darjeeling town was allegedly set on fire, while another BDO in Darjeeling district's Pulbazar was vandalised by pro-Gorkhaland activists. A hydro project in Sonada -- a small town around 17 km from Darjeeling -- was ransacked by the shutdown supporters, who also forcibly shut a panchayat office at Sukna. However, police rushed in and reopened the panchayat office. The famous Toy Train service -- the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which figures on the Unesco Heritage list -- was kept shut considering the possible security threats to tourists, a railway official said. "There are no major incidents of violence. But we are on alert because there are many offices in the area. Our forces are patrolling and picketing everywhere," a senior district police officer said. To avert any ugly turn of events, massive security arrangements have been put in place at all important roads and public offices. Six columns of army have been deployed in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong towns since Thursday. The state police, along with the CRPF and combat force personnel, were seen manning the important and critical points in Darjeeling, wearing protective body armour and helmets. "The shutdown is successful. It is a spontaneous shutdown. The people of the hills have made it a success," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told IANS. "We want central government's intervention and concrete steps on our long-pending demand for Gorkhaland," he said. Denying any role of the party in violence targeting government offices, Giri said: "Had we wanted, we could have stopped all offices by rallying thousands of our supporters." State Tourism Minister Gautam Deb said the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had instructed the state administration to "combat the shutdown". "The attendance in the government offices was normal. This is a suicidal shutdown. Our government and particularly our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed the administration to combat this illegal shutdown," Deb said. The minister said efforts are on to ferry thousands of stranded tourist out of the hills. "So far 45 buses, small, medium and large, have been operating to ferry stranded tourists to the plains in Siliguri and to the nearest airport (Bagdogra) and railway station (New Jalpaiguri). "There are still thousands of tourists there. We appeal to tourists not to panic, as we have stepped up security measures for them. Hotels and shops are still offering their services," Deb told IANS, but could not give approximate number of the stranded tourists. Besides pressing for Gorkhland, the GJM has accused the state government of "high-handedness and committing atrocities" on the people of hills. The party is also protesting what it calls the state government's "attempt" to impose Bengali on the Nepali-speaking people of the region, even though Banerjee has asserted there are no such plans for the hills. Although the party had on Saturday announced that tourism would be outside the ambit of the movement, a day later GJM chief Bimal Gurung "advised" tourists to leave the hills, saying the situation could deteriorate. To highlight agrarian distress, farmer unions plan to mark the on June 21 by performing shavasana, or the corpse pose, across the country. On the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be in Lucknow and perform yoga with an estimated 50,000 people. Besides financial issues, which push many farmers to commit suicide, especially during economic crises or periods of extreme weather, there also are several other factors that might drive farmers to take the extreme step, shows a study. At a time when there has been a string of suicides by farmers in India, some of them during the ongoing stir across many states to demand loan waiver, a study co-authored by Corinne Peek-Asa, professor at the University of Iowa, College of Public Health, in the US, lists occupational factors like poor access to health care, isolation, and financial stress as some of the main drivers of farmer suicides. These factors continue to place farmers at a disproportionately high risk for suicide," the study says. The ongoing farmers' stir in India began in Uttar Pradesh, demanding for huge farm loan waivers, and slowly spread to other states. After UP CM Yogi Adityanath announced a Rs 30,000-crore farm loan waiver, Maharasthra followed suit with an even bigger loan waiver, estimated at Rs 35,000 crore. Protests in Mandasur district of Madhya Pradesh, however, turned violent and five people were killed in police firiing. Farmers face an array of stresses, other than financial issues, that put them at high risk of suicide -- physical isolation from a social network leading to loneliness, physical pain from the arduous work of farming and lack of available health care in rural areas, especially mental health care, according to the study published in the Journal of Rural Health. Other research also suggests that exposure to chemical insecticides causes depression in some people, Peek-Asa said. In addition, she said, farm culture dictates that farmers who may have physical or psychological needs should just suck it up and go about their work. Finally, farmers have access to lethal means because many of them own weapons. The rifle they use to chase off animals can easily be turned on themselves. Moreover, farmers are different from workers in most other fields in that their work is a significant part of their identity, not just a job. When the farm faces difficulties, many see it as a sign of personal failure, Peek-Asa said. "They struggle with their ability to carve out the role they see for themselves as farmers. They can't take care of their family; they feel like they have fewer and fewer options and can't dig themselves out," Peek-Asa said. "Eventually, suicide becomes an option," she added. The study examined suicides and homicides among farmers and agricultural workers across the US from 1992 to 2010 and found 230 farmers committed suicide during that time, an annual suicide rate that ranged from 0.36 per 100,000 farmers to 0.95 per 100,000. The rate is well above that of workers in all other occupations, which never exceeded 0.19 per 100,000 during the same time period. Policy solutions to prevent farmer suicides should include improving rural economies, increasing social networks, and improving access to health care and mental health services in rural areas, according to the researchers. The Indian Patent Office has refused to grant a patent to Google for its invention of providing text messages using voice command. The internet giant offers voice-to-text message in Google Voice which can transcribe voicemail into text, among others. (IS) terrorist group has called for more terror attacks during the holy month of Ramadan by sending an audio message using secretive messaging app Telegram. The audio message distributed on Monday was reportedly issued by IS official spokesman Abi al-Hassan al-Muhajer, the Mirror reported on Tuesday. The message praised the attack in the Iranian capital last week when suicide bombers and gunmen left 17 people dead after targeting the parliament building and a mausoleum in Tehran. "O lions of Mosul, Raqqa, and Tal Afar, God bless those pure arms and bright faces, charge against the rejectionists and the apostates and fight them with the strength of one man," al-Muhajer was quoted as saying. "To the brethren of faith and belief in Europe, America, Russia, Australia, and others. Your brothers in your land have done well so take them as role models and do as they have done." Telegram Messenger has become a favoured tool of terrorists to disseminate propaganda due to its impenetrable security. Calcutta High Court judge Justice C.S. Karnan, who is facing six months imprisonment for contempt of the Supreme Court, retired on Monday, probably escaping the odium of a sitting judge being arrested while in office. Justice Karnan, who was transferred to Kolkata after he had kicked up a row by raking up issues against other judges of the Madras High Court, including the Chief Justice, has been untraceable ever since the apex court sentenced him for contempt on May 9. A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar held Karnan guilty of contempt and ordered six months imprisonment for him. A team of West Bengal police had rushed to Chennai and other places in Tamil Nadu looking for him but without success. Probably the police may lay its hands on the controversial judge now that he has retired. Reacting to the situation, senior counsel and former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Dushyant Dave told IANS that "it reflects failure on the part of the police in not having found him. .. It shows complete lack of respect of the Supreme Court by the Executive." "Right or wrong the Supreme Court judgment has to be implemented and the state is fully responsible for the lapses and must be held accountable," Dave said, pointing out that "The whole saga reflects the sorry state of affairs in the judiciary." However, well-known lawyer Kamini Jaiswal says that may have escaped arrest so far but now he will be arrested. Unlike what happens in the case of the common man, in the case of they have to follow procedures and take the help of Tamil Nadu police in arresting him, Jaiswal said. "They (West Bengal police) have to follow procedure" and can't be seen to be "high handed" as knows the law and there are lawyers around him. Justice Karnan had left Kolkata on May 9 itself and remained elusive thereafter even though Director General of West Bengal Police constituted teams of police personnel which went to Chennai and other places looking for him. He moved the top court for the suspension of his sentence and sought review of the May 9 order but he did not get any relief. His plea for review was declined on technical grounds without its coming before the seven judges bench. Justice Karnan's counsel Mathews J. Nedumpara had repeatedly told the top court that the detailed order holding him guilty of contempt was never made available to him after May 9 - something he was entitled to like any other litigant. The failure of West Bengal police to arrest Justice Karnan in the last one a half months has saved a situation of a serving judge of a High Court being arrested and sent to jail. Now, if Justice Karnan is arrested in pursuance of the top court order then it would be an arrest of a former judge of a High court - who post retirement is like any other ordinary citizen. It is not only that Justice Karnan has retired on Monday without being given a formal farewell by the Calcutta High Court, but any relook into his case has to go through a fresh process as one of the seven judges, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, has since retired. Besides Chief Justice Khehar, other judges on the bench were Justice Dipak Misra, Justice J. Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B. Lokur, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Kurian Joseph. Justice Ghose retired from the Supreme Court on May 27 and any hearing of Justice Karnan's case has to be by a seven judges bench and the same has to be reconstituted to have another judge in place of Justice Ghose. Even if other six judges Chief Justice Khehar, Justice Dipak Misra, Justice J. Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B. Lokur, and Justice Kurian Joseph continue to remain on the bench, change of one judge as per the top court practice, would necessitate fresh hearing of the matter. India's Prime Minister will hold talks with US President in Washington on June 26, the Indian foreign ministry and the White House said on Monday, the first meeting between the leaders. Ties between the two big democracies grew rapidly under the administration of former President Barack Obama which saw India as a partner to balance China's growing clout in Asia. But Trump has focused on building ties with China, seeing it as key to tackling regional problems such as North Korea's nuclear programme. The Indian ministry said Modi's talks with Trump would lay the ground for a further expansion in ties, allaying some of the anxiety that had crept in about a drift in relations. "Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of a multidimensional strategic partnership between India and the US," the ministry said in a statement. In Washington, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the two leaders will discuss topics including economic growth, the fight against terrorism, expanding defence cooperation and growing US-India trade. "You can expect the two of them to set forth a vision that will expand the US-India partnership in an ambitious and worthy way," Spicer said. The United States has emerged as a top arms supplier to India and the two sides will be looking to move forward with deals such as unarmed drones that India wants for its Navy, sources said. One issue that the two leaders face is resolving conflict arising out of the push they are both making at home to boost industry and create jobs. Modi has been driving a make-in-India campaign to press foreign arms suppliers to set up factories in India and transfer technology instead of selling off-the-shelf, which has made India one of the world's biggest arms importers without any domestic production base. Trump, on the other hand, has rallied against firms moving factories outside the United States and has demanded US companies invest at home as part of his "America First" campaign. Trump's review of a visa programme under which thousands of skilled Indian workers go to the United States is also a top concern for India. President and Prime Minister during their first meeting would set forth a vision to expand the US-India ties in an ambitious manner and discuss ways to advance common goals like fighting terrorism and expanding security cooperation in the Indo- Pacific region. Vijay Mallya, appearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court, said, "I deny all allegations, I have enough evidence to prove my case in court." He said he does not like being called a 'chor' and that media is exaggerating the issue. In the video, Mallya can be seen denying all the allegations against him. #WATCH I deny all allegations, I have enough evidence to prove my case in court,says Vijay Mallya on arrival in London court pic.twitter.com/n5U0sNHIhY On June 9, the Supreme Court, while deciding three writ petitions filed by citizens who claim themselves to be public-spirited persons, upheld the constitutional validity of Section 139AA of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 (IT Act), which makes it mandatory to link an individual assessees Aadhaar number with his/her PAN number. Much to the relief of the petitioners, the court also held that those assessees who are not Aadhaar card holders need not comply with the said provision. However, while arriving at such a conclusion, the court made a few uncharacteristic observations which may inadvertently help the government in its mission to make Aadhaar an inseparable part of our lives. It is easy to mistake Keshav Patidar (name changed), a 40-year-old farmer in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district, to be an activist of a militant Hindutva outfit. He wears an expansive red tilak on his forehead and is attired in a crisp half-sleeved kurta-pyjama, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his trademark. However, Keshav is no fan of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nor is he a Congress supporter. We will side with neither and support only those who talk of farmers and farmer issues, Keshav says. He requested his real name not be printed, as police have taken to detaining his colleagues whod spoken to journalists. Keshav is a leader of the dominant Patidar community of the Mandsaur-Neemuch region. Theyre a landholding community and traditionally BJP supporters. However, they are increasingly disillusioned with the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state. And, disappointed that Modi hasnt delivered on promises he made to farmers during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign. I sat beside Shivraj Singh Chouhan the day he announced a big sum for a hostel for Patidar girls. Three years have come and gone. Nothing has happened, Keshav says. The farmer leader was one of several local politicians who the homes of those killed in police firing at Mandsaurs Pipliyamandi. Anant Jauhari is head of Kisan Adhikar Manch, an apolitical grouping of farmers working in 11 districts of MP. He says farmers are increasingly turning away from political parties. Whether Congress, BJP or others, he says, they have only fostered the interest of big business houses and middlemen whenever they come to power. There were political parties in the past which fought for our cause. Now, most are handmaidens of corporate groups. This trend of thought is evident in the trade union (TU) movement as well. On May 30, as many as 10 central TUs met in Delhis Gandhi Peace Foundation. They decided to hold a bigger meeting on August 8 at Talkatora Stadium in the capital, to announce protests in the coming months against the Modi governments disinvestment policy. According to one of the leaders, there were suggestions from the Congress-affiliated Indian National Trade Union Congress, and also from Left affiliated unions, that some political leaders be invited. We resisted this. These are workers movements. We are raising issues that concern all workers, across party lines. We dont want the movement to be given any political colour. These leaders are welcome to show solidarity with us, said the chief of one of the other TUs. The unions plan to organise massive strikes in November and February, to protest privatisation and disinvestment of public sector units. Farmers in Mandsaur, elsewhere in MP or even neighbouring Maharashtra where demonstrations have continued for over a fortnight have kept away from aligning with political parties. There were a few Congress flags in sight at these demonstrations. Neither have protestors carried the red banners associated with Leftist political parties or its affiliated peasant and worker unions. The BJP leadership has repeatedly pointed an accusatory finger at the Congress and other parties for fanning the fires but has found it difficult to convince people. It is not that opposition parties are not keen to jump. But, the respective leaderships have learnt important lessons after their failed anti-demonetisation campaign. The opposition mounted a challenge during the note ban decision but discovered that it lacked Modis credibility. Yet, shouldnt the Congress exploit this moment? For, the MP assembly poll is slated for end-2018. Mohan Prakash, one of the partys national general secretaries and in charge of the MP unit, rejects such assessments. It is our political duty to stand with people who are in pain and fighting for their rights. We arent looking at elections, he says. And, contends that Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tried to visit Mandsaur only to express solidarity with farmers. The CPI(M)-supported All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and Bhumi Adhikar Andolan have also expressed support to the movement. But, local outfits have led the movement. It is foolish for the BJP to be accusing us. We do not have that kind of cadre strength in Mandsaur and adjoining districts, says eight- time former Lok Sabha member and AIKS general secretary Hannan Mollah. An AIKS delegation will visit Mandsaur on Tuesday. Similarly, there are those in the Congress who concede the party lacks the cadre strength to sustain the movement until the next assembly poll. It also does not want to give the movement a political colour which could lead the ruling party in the state and the Centre an opportunity to malign it. In Madhya Pradesh, non-party leaders like Medha Patkar, Sunilam and Yogendra Yadav have expressed solidarity with the protests. The police detained them on Sunday as they tried to visit Mandsaur. The Bharatiya Kisan Union has announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Thursday. On Saturday, several of the farmers outfits met in Delhis Gandhi Peace Foundation to decide a course of action. They decided to organise protests in Delhi in the coming week. Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan leader Shiv Kumar Kakkaji led 62 other outfits to agree to a nationwide protest against the firing in Mandsaur on June 16. For the Modi government, the challenge is evident. A Modi-led BJP might be unvanquished against caste arithmetic but its next big test is the putative class unity of peasants and workers. Union Agriculture Minister on Tuesday declined to comment on farm loan waivers, but accused the Congress of instigating and politicising the farmers' stir in Madhya Pradesh. "The role of Congress leaders in farmers' agitation in Madhya Pradesh has proved that they are instigating the farmers. The party and the family (Gandhi family) which has ruled the country for more than 60 years is talking about welfare of farmers. What have they done for all these years? Were they sleeping?" Singh wondered. He alleged that three congress MLAs were involved in the violence in Madhya Pradesh and were trying to score political brownie points on the issue. While the Narendra Modi government was working for the speedy development of villages and welfare of the poor and the farmers, the Congress was feeling frustrated and scared, he said. "Rahul Gandhi is expressing solidarity with farmers. Where was he when farmers were deprived of basic amenities for irrigation? It is the Narendra Modi government which took steps for the development of farmers," he said. To a question whether the Centre will waive loans of the farmers, Singh declined to give a direct reply and said, "A lot of schemes were just on paper. We gave a lot of funds so that these schemes can be properly implemented." Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday said the Union government would not partake in states' fiscal leverage in waiving farm loans and made it clear that the cost has to be borne by them. Air India is on the block, finally. With accumulated losses of over Rs 50,000 crore, a debt overhang of around Rs 55,000 crore, and an annual interest burden of Rs 4,500 crore which chews up more than a fifth of its revenues, this decision should ordinarily have been a no-brainer. But it has taken the Modi government three long years to come to this conclusion. Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. They do not reflect the view/s of Business Standard. With call for protectionism growing across the globe, domestic markets are also required to be protected against unfair trade practices, a senior steel ministry official said on Tuesday. "When big and established economies are protecting their industries, we need to be clear that our domestic markets are also required to be protected against unfair trade practices," said Syedain Abbasi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel. He said the steel ministry has gone the extra mile to protect the domestic players from cheap imports. "Steel industry is very clear about it which is why after the issue of MIP...Antidumping duties, what we have in place is a policy for providing preference to domestically manufactured iron and steel products," he said. On May 3, the government approved the National Steel Policy that aims to achieve steel making capacity of 300 million tonnes by 2030 with an additional investment of Rs 10 lakh crore. The Cabinet has also approved a policy for use of domestic steel products in government organisations. Abbasi said that the budget for infrastructure has also gone up this year. Huge investments will be made in oil & gas, slurry pipelines, ports shipping, airports etc. However, these are also the areas affected by unfair foreign competition. For the protection of domestic players, the government has imposed antidumping duties on certain steel products so cheap items cannot enter the country, he said. "Steel industry is poised...The only country which is showing growth in terms of market growth is India. Two years back we were fourth largest steel producer, now we have become second largest, overtaking Japan," the official said. Indian steel sector is growing at a rate of 6-7 per cent per annum in terms of production. India and Israel on Monday signed a "white shipping" agreement to improve data sharing on non-classified merchant navy ships or cargo ships, as Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba met with top brass of Israeli defence forces to further deepen bilateral military ties. All along the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, a couple of things stood out during my two-day trip to the region in the midst of the state-wide farmers agitation. The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said on Tuesday that their meeting would provide a new direction for a deeper bilateral engagement "on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership." In Washington, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Trump "looks forward" to his meeting with Modi on June 26 and discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral ties to "advance our common priorities: fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms, and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region." "President Trump and Prime Minister Modi will look to outline a common vision for the US-India partnership that is worthy of their 1.6 billion citizens," Spicer said. He said they are expected to set forth a vision that will expand the bilateral partnership "in an ambitious and worthy way of both countries' people." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in her annual press meet last week, however, said Modi would also raise the issues surrounding the US' plans to reduce the number of H-1B visa slots that are mainly used by Indian IT workers. Prime Minister will, on June 26, hold talks with President on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H1B visa rules, in their first bilateral meeting after the new administration took over in the US.Trump invited Modi to Washington after the Indian leader rang him in January to congratulate the new president on his inauguration."The president and the prime minister have had a number of positive phone conversations, and expect to further that discussion ... Whether it's economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism, expanding our cooperation as major defence partners," Spicer said in response to a question. The bilateral talks appear to be no bed of roses as they come amidst thorny issues like US' plans to reduce the number of H-1B visa slots that are mainly used by Indian IT workers, and its withdrawal from the historic climate accord. The White House said that the US-India trade has grown six-fold since 2000, from $19 billion to $115 billion in 2016, despite the recent hiccups over the H1-B visa issue. "US energy and technologies, including natural gas, are helping to build Prime Minister Modi's vision for a new India and creating thousands of US jobs in the process," Spicer said. Notably, Modi's US visit, which would begin on June 25, comes in the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries. In his announcement of the decision for which he received a global condemnation, Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said. Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India said it signed the Paris deal not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect the environment. During his visit to France this month, Modi even said that India would "go above and beyond" the Paris deal to protect climate for the future generations. Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties. Modi's visit will come while Trump is under political stress because of alleged Russian interference in US elections last year and contacts by member of his inner circle with Kremlin-connected figures. Imports are likely to remain 5-6 per cent cheaper than locally made apparel, despite the goods and services tax providing input credits to the textile industr. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday said its internal advisory committee (IAC) had identified 12 accounts that covered about 25 per cent of the banking systems non-performing assets for immediate resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. in India continue to struggle with the quality of their customer service. The overall average code compliance score on customer service based on parameters such as grievance redressal, transparency and information dissemination fell to 77 in 2017 from 78 in 2015. According to compliance ratings by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI), State Bank of India improved its credit score to 76 from 70 in 2015. has got shareholders' approval to issue equity shares to bring down the government's shareholding in line with the Security and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)'s norms. On the eve of Monday's nationwide anti-corruption protests, that was scheduled to coincide with Russia Day, hackers broke into the Yaroslavl Region Prosecutor's Office's website and posted a joking message: Stay at home. Or we'll put you in jail instead of Dimon. The visa ban is about national security and not against any religion, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has said after a US appeals court upheld a decision blocking President Donald Trump's revised executive order imposing a travel ban on six Muslim-majority nations. "President Trump knows that the country he has been elected to lead is threatened daily by terrorists who believe in a radical ideology, and that there are active plots to infiltrate the US immigration system -- just as occurred prior to 9/11," Sessions said in a statement yesterday. He was reacting to the yesterday's ruling by a three- judge bench of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit against the revised travel ban. The bench had unanimously ruled against the ban, saying the executive order signed by Trump "exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress" to oversee immigration. "The President is committed to protecting the American people and our national security, and we are proud to support his mission to put America first by defending his right to keep us safe," Sessions said, adding : "This is the reason why the Department of Justice will continue to seek further review by the Supreme Court." Sessions said that the president's executive order is "well within his lawful authority to keep the nation safe". "We disagree with the Ninth Circuit's decision to block that authority," he said. The recent attacks confirm that the threat to the nation is immediate and real, he said. "Certain countries shelter or sponsor terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and we may be unable to obtain any reliable background information on individuals from these war-torn, failed states," he said. Sessions cautioned against placing "our nation at risk until we have the have the ability accurately and responsibly to vet those seeking entry here". "The president was clear in his landmark speech in Saudi Arabia: this is not about religion; it is about national security. In fact, he called upon leaders in the Muslim world to join the United States in protecting religious freedom for all, including the freedom to be free from violence and terror," Sessions said. He said that the executive branch is entrusted with the responsibility to keep the country safe under Article II of the constitution but "unfortunately, this injunction prevents him from fully carrying out his Article II duties and has a chilling effect on security operations overall." Yesterday's ruling was the latest in a string of judicial blows to Trump's efforts to prohibit the entry of citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days while the US government reviews their screening procedures. The executive order also called for a 120-day ban on all refugees. The Obama administrations frustration with the lack of success against the IS was one factor in its effort to oust Admiral Michael S Rogers, the director of the NSA reuters Ministers from Japan and the United States on Tuesday reiterated their opposition to North Korea's weapons programme and urged China to pressurise the Kim Jong-un-led regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions. US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon met the Japanese National Security Advisor, Shotaro Yachi, after which he said that North Korea's nuclear and missile tests are a global threat, reports Efe news. Shannon said that both countries have agreed to urge China and the community to convince Pyongyang that its nuclear programmes "do not create any hopeful path to the future". "We underscored the important role that China can play in this process, and also the important role that the UN Security Council and other organisations within the community can play in bringing this message home to North Korea loud and clear," Shannon added. After his two-day visit to Tokyo, where he also met Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama, Shannon is scheduled to travel to Seoul to discuss the US-South Korea alliance. The visit comes amid heightened military tensions in the region, with Pyongyang's repeated weapons tests, the latest that took place last week. is locked in its upper circuit of 20% at Rs 544 on the BSE after the specialty chemicals company said its board has approved the disposal of Mumbai land. Srei Infrastructure Finance-promoted Bharat Road Network (BRNL) is looking to raise Rs 1,200 via an initial public offering (IPO) in mid-July. We got approval in May and by mid-July we should be able to bring the IPO, Bajrang Kumar Choudhary, managing director, BRNL, told Business Standard. Increasing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan has given China an opportunity to acquire leadership role by mediating between the two Islamic countries and also to keep India away. China has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan so as to improve strained relations between the two countries that have dipped to an all time low after a deadly blast in Kabul on May 31 that killed over 150 people. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit Kabul soon, where he will meet Afghan officials to discuss ways to improve Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, President Ashraf Ghani's Office said in a statement on Monday. Wang will work to discuss the possibility of organizing a meeting between Afghanistan, Pakistan, U.S and China, according to the statement, Tolo News reported. "It is the first time that China wants to be a mediator in Afghanistan's peace process. Peace with Pakistan was our demand and this must be solved between government-and-government," Ghani said at the meeting. After the investigations into the May 31 Kabul's Zanbaq Square blast, the Afghan Ministry of Interior has accused Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of supplying explosives to the Haqqani network. May 31 Kabul truck bombing was the worst attack in 2017, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the Afghan capital since the ouster of the Taliban in 2001. Talking about its ongoing investigations into the bombing, the Afghan Ministry of Interior had claimed, "initial investigations show that Pakistan's ISI supplied Haqqani with the explosives". "Pakistan is the key planner of this incident like in the past, but our security team is investigating the incident and these investigations have not been completed," Tolo News quoted Ministry of Interior spokesman Najib Danish as saying. Chinese foreign minister would also work to discuss the possibility of setting up a meeting between the four members of the Quadrilateral Coordination Committee - Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China. The four-nation group was formed in January 2016 for reconciliation process in Afghanistan through the direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. "This time the quadrilateral meeting would be different compared to past meetings. At this meeting, Pakistan must support Afghanistan's policy over fighting insurgency," said Najibullah Azad, deputy spokesman for Ghani. He also said that Kabul has gathered evidence showing that Pakistan is supporting insurgency in their country and it has shared the info with NATO and the U.S Congress and other organizations. "When needed, the evidence will also be provided to the U.N," Azad told the media. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) American university student Otto Warmbier has been released after more than 17 months of detention in North Korea, but has been in coma for over a year. 22-year-old Warmbier is due to arrive home in Cincinnati on Tuesday evening, after a stop at a U.S. military facility in Sapporo, Japan. The 22-year-old contracted botulism and is in "bad shape", the CNN reported. "At the direction of President Donald Trump, the Department of State has secured the release," CNN quoted U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's statement. No further details were provided. Warmbier's parents, Fred and Cindy, said that they have been told their son has been in a coma since March 2016, and they came to know this only one week ago. "Otto has left North Korea. He is on Medivac flight on his way home. Sadly, he is in a coma and we have been told he has been in that condition since March of 2016. We learned of this only one week ago," said Fred and Cindy Warmbier in a statement. They said, "We want the to know how we and our son have been brutalised and terrorised by the pariah regime" in North Korea. They also said they are grateful he "will finally be with people who love him." Warmbier went with a tour group from Beijing to Pyongyang in January 2016 despite U.S. State Department's travel warnings. Warmbier was detained in January 2016 at the airport in Pyongyang while on his way home. North Korea had accused him of committing "hostile acts" against the regime as Warmbier was found guilty and sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years hard labor. Three more Americans are detained in North Korea but their fates have been hanging in the balance as Washington does not have a diplomatic mission in Pyongyang. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Condemning Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat for extending support to Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit's remark that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat was behaving like a street thug, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir on Tuesday said such "statements are against the nation and are an unforgivable crime." Talking to ANI, Ahir said the Communist Party of India (CPI), in order to oppose the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has gone against the entire nation. "Rahul Gandhi has himself condemned the statement made by Sandeep Dikshit. It is wrong that after the entire nation has disregarded Sandeep Dikshit's statements, the CPI is supporting that ideology. Nothing can be expected from them," he said. "The Army Chief should be supported by the citizens of India on his actions and steps taken in order to protect the nation. While trying to oppose the BJP, they have opposed the entire nation. These statements are against the nation. I think this is against the country. This is an unforgivable crime," he added. Karat yesterday defended Dikshit's comment that Army Chief Bipin Rawat is a "sadak ka gunda" . "I think Sandeep Dikshit has already apologised for the comment he made. That comment was made in a specific context and the matter should end there. But it is a matter of concern generally that the present Army chief's statement result in controversy because the statements itself are quite objectionable," Karat told ANI. Karat further said that General Rawat was undermining the status of his post while making such controversial statements. "I think there is a need for self restraint as far as the chief of our army is concerned," she added. Sandeep Dikshit came under the scanner after he remarked that General Rawat was behaving like a "sadak ka gunda" (street thug). His statement came in response to General Rawat's remark that the Army was "fully ready for a two and a half front war". Meanwhile, the Centre has demanded an apology from the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and asked her to clarify her stand on remarks against the Indian Army. "It shocks us. It did not come from a somebody from Congress, but from a very eminent Congress leader," Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said However, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has tendered an apology for the second time, saying he shouldn't have used "uncivilised" words to convey his message. "It was a statement given to you only and it was in the context of the constant statements that the Army Chief has made with regard to the army's preparation and Pakistan. I thought Indian Army chiefs normally don't make these statements and they have a different manner in which they approach," Dikshit told ANI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre on Tuesday said it will consult all the political parties and build a consensus on Presidential polls. Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said, "We will talk to all political parties. We will make efforts in direction to evolve broad consensus and try to seek support." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yesterday constituted a three-member committee, including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Law and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Naidu to consult with other political parties on the Presidential election. According to a party statement, the committee will consult leaders of different political parties over the Presidential poll and try to evolve a consensus. Party president Amit Shah had indicated earlier that other parties will be consulted "at the appropriate time". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senate Democrats are joining hands with Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky to oppose a segment of U.S. President Donald Trump's arms deal with Saudi Arabia. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer on Monday said he supported the resolution put forth by Rand Paul. Democratic Senators Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Al Franken of Minnesota would block the sale of USD 510 million of precision-guided ammunition to Saudi Arabia, CNN reports. According to reports, Paul and Murphy are expected to force a vote on their resolution plausible under Senate rules for arms sales by Tuesday. Schumer, in a statement, said that he supports Murphy's resolution of disapproval. He condemned the Saudi Arabia Government for aiding terrorism via its relationship with Wahhabism and the funding of schools that spread extremist propaganda throughout the . Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee spoke against the ammunition sale to Saudi Arabia, saying the Trump administration's decision to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia instead of trying to find a solution to the civil war in Yemen where the Saudi-led coalition is accused of bombing civilians. Earlier in May, the White House announced that the United States has sealed an arms deal worth USD 350 billion with Saudi Arabia, when President Trump began an official visit to the Muslim-majority nation. The agreement, which will take effect immediately, was hailed by the White House as "a significant expansion of the security relationship" between the two countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Finance Minster Arun Jaitley will address a seminar, organised by FICCI along with Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) from June 14-15 in South Korea. Jaitley will be accompanied by Rashesh Shah, Senior Vice President, FICCI, and Chairman and CEO, Edelweiss Group who will lead a high capacity FICCI delegation to South Korea. Indo-Korean relations have been growing over the past few years and this visit shall further strengthen mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between the two nations. The meeting is expected to enhance the bilateral economic engagement and co-operation between India and South Korea. This visit shall further strengthen mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between the two countries. Today, India is one of the most attractive investment destinations for global investors and there is a potential for much greater investments from various countries, including South Korea. "This visit to South Korea will provide a good opportunity for CEOs to talk about the enabling policy environment available for corporates in India as well as to highlight the advantages that India offers to foreign investors," said Shah. The FICCI delegation will get an opportunity to highlight to stakeholders the progress made across various development programmes and various measures taken by the government to steer the economy to higher growth path. It will be an opportunity to highlight the potential areas for further co-operation, especially in areas like manufacturing, ship-building, defence, infrastructure, etc. The delegation visit to Korea comes at a time when the ruling government in India has completed three years. During the last three years, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made significant progress and undertaken various structural reforms, the latest being the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Besides Shah, Dr. A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI, Harshavardhan Neotia, Immediate Past President, FICCI and Chairman and others, the FICCI delegation will be represented by industry and heads from diversified sectors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 22-year-old infant care assistant, Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari, has been detained on charges of radicalisation in Singapore. She is the first woman in Singapore to be taken in custody on a radicalisation charge. According to the country's Ministry of Home Affairs, Ansari fell in the trap of radicalisation in 2013 through online propaganda related to the Islamic terrorist group- Islamic State (IS). Her radical nature aggravated with the passage of time due to the huge network of foreign contacts she had developed. Her contacts included IS militants who had either been killed in Syria, or been arrested for conducting acts of terrorism. She had been actively posting pro-ISIS content on different social media platforms. "Izzah was intent on joining ISIS and was actively planning to make her way to Syria, with her young child. She supported the IS' use of violence to establish and even aspired to live in it," the ministry statement said. Since 2015, she was even in search of an IS supporter to settle down with in Syria. Izzah believed she would reap "heavenly rewards" if her husband died in battle fighting for Islam. Ansari's family learned of her radical behaviour in 2015, but they continued to refrain from reporting the same to the Singaporean authorities. They tried to dissuade her on their own, but were unsuccessful. "The heightened terrorism threat worldwide and in Singapore makes it imperative for family members and friends to alert the authorities if they suspect anyone is being radicalised or planning terror activities", the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four-month-old infant, Rohaan, who was slated to come to India for medical treatment banking on the assurance by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, arrived in Noida on Monday evening, and will undergo treatment at Jaypee Hospital in the capital. Rohaan, who has a hole in his heart, was referred to the multi-speciality hospital for treatment. However, in the backdrop of cross-border tension between India and Pakistan, his parents were unable to get medical visa for their child's treatment in India. Owing to this, Rohaan's father Kanwal Sadiq, approached Sushma Swaraj and made a plea for a medical visa. Upon receiving the request, she immediately directed the authorities to grant medical visa to Rohaan's family, who arrived with him via Wagah Border. To this, the Indian minister swung into action and replied with a tweet, "No. The child will not suffer. Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa." Dr. Ashutosh Marwah, an eminent pediatric cardiologist along with pediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. Rajesh Sharma will investigate and treat Rohaan. Dr. Marwah will examine the disease and condition of the baby and Dr. Sharma will operate Rohaan. "Rohaan has a hole in the heart along with a condition called D-TRANSPOSITION OF GREAT ARTERIES. In this condition, the heart and lung nerves come from the opposite direction and there will be flow of no oxygen-rich blood in the body. Due to the same, there would be complication in breathing from first month onward, hence the child starts breathing heavily. Weight of the child does not increase and due to repeated pneumonia, the chances of survival become less. The most important thing is that the disease should be treated soon enough, because after 8 months the disease becomes untreatable and the chances of death increases," said Marwah. "Rohaan is suffering from a critical condition. He has hole in his heart and aorta, which should be on the left side of the heart, is coming from the right and pulmonary arteries are coming from the left which is exactly opposite to the general structure of the body. Due to this disease, Rohan's pressure of lungs goes up very quickly and there is shortage of clean blood in different parts of his body. This disease will be treated with the arterial switch with vsd closure method, in which aorta and pulmonary arteries will be removed from its place and adjusted to the right place. If this disease is treated within 4 month of birth, the chances of survival will be 100 percent. Since Rohaan has already completed 4 months, therefore the surgery will have 5 to 10 percent risk," added Sharma. Rohan's parents, who reached the Jaypee Hospital said after preliminary investigation in Pakistan, it was discovered that there is a hole in the heart along with the problem with the heart's nerves. The treatment for such a major disease could not be done in Pakistan or other small hospital without inadequate facility or infrastructure. Therefore, the family was referred to Jaypee Hospital. The operation is expected to take place on June 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Inculpating the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Party for the ongoing protest in Darjeeling by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) over the formation of 'Gorkhaland', the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday accused the state government of alienating the community, which resulting in them facing an identity crisis. "Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they lost their belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI. Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). "Both the Left front for 34-year and the TMC party for the last six years are responsible for this identity crisis of the Gorkhas. We need to give the Gorkhas respect and understand their problem," he said. Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) leader Pavan Varma told ANI that law and order should first be restored in the hills, which is the need of the hour, and that violence cannot be a solution to any problem including difference of opinion. "I would join other voices in urging return to peace and normalcy after which a dialogue should take place, in which a resolution should be sought to be found," he said. Earlier on Monday, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said that normalcy is returning in Darjeeling, as the strength of the force has been increased to tackle the indefinite strike called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha for a separate Gorkhaland. Paramilitary jawans of the CRPF and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in Darjeeling in large numbers. CRPF Commanding Officer Sunil Kumar Savita told ANI that "more companies have been called in controlling the agitation in the state. Everything is getting back to normalcy and people have already started arriving at offices. We have the paramilitary forces and police officers patrolling the streets 24X7". The officer also said that the women battalions have also been deployed to beef up the security. However, GJM president Bimal Gurun has warned tourists asking them to leave Darjeeling immediately as "the situation is turning worse, and anything can happen". The GJM general secretary Roshan Giri earlier sought the Centre's intervention in the political turmoil in the state. Giri had said that a delegation of members of the GJM would call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to apprise them about the ' Gorkhaland movement'. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills. The agitation arose from an announcement made by Mamata Banerjee earlier that Bengali would be taught compulsorily up to Class 10 in the state schools. After the GJM cadres clashed with the police following their protests against Mamata's visit to Darjeeling and her decision to make Bengali compulsory in syllabus of schools across the state, the Army was called in to control the situation. The protest led by the GJM turned violent after protesters resorted to vandalism as they torched police vehicles and attacked policemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 12,000 school bags were distributed by the Gujarat education department carrying pictures of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav in the tribal district Chhota Udaipur. This took place during an enrolment drive. It also carried a punch line 'Khub Padhao, Khub Badhao'. According to reports, after the picture of school bags embossed with Yadav's image went viral on social media, the state government called for an investigation into the matter. Reportedly, a local official claimed that the bags were supplied by a firm in Surat called Chotala. There were stickers pasted on the bags but the photo of Yadav was bared when the students removed the stickers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya will today face extradition hearing in London's Westminster Magistrates Court where the Crown Prosecution Service will be arguing the case on behalf of India. The absconding businessman was arrested by the Scotland Yard on fraud allegations, which triggered his extradition process in the British courts. Mallya was, however, released on bail, within hours of his arrest, as he assured the court to abide by all conditions associated with extradition proceedings, including surrendering his passport. Despite the extradition treaty signed in 1992 between India and the U.K., only one successful extradition has taken place - Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in October 2016 to face trial over his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002, the report says. In April this year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that Mallya's extradition was stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him. Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines allegedly owes more than Rs. 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016. India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the extradition treaty between India and the U.K. through a note verbale, a diplomatic communication, on February 8. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) court on Tuesday rejected further extension of anticipatory bail to former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in connection with a money laundering case. A complaint has been registered with the Income Tax (IT) investigations wing against Kumaraswamy. The complaint acknowledged by the department accused the former chief minister and former prime minister H. D. Deve Gowda's family of indulging in money laundering case. The IT department also questioned the various investments made by his family members in India and countries abroad. The complaint has 600 pages annexure details the allegations with specifics. Reportedly, last week Kumaraswamy appeared before a Lokayukta Special Investigation Team after he was issued a notice to appear in connection with the Janthakal case. On March 29, the Supreme Court asked the Special Investigating Team (S IT) of the Karnataka Police to probe allegations against two former chief ministers N. Dharam Singh and H. D. Kumaraswamy in connection with an iron ore mining case. The apex court, however, granted relief to former chief minister, S. M. Krishna in the case. The apex court also stayed all High Court proceedings and asked all not to pass any order on it. This has been another trouble to Kumaraswamy after illegal mining case summons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has ruled out the possibility of holding local elections in the plains in a third phase. Yadav told reporters that the Election Commission would not accept a third-round election at the local level. He argued that it would be undemocratic to postpone the election date yet again, after the government has deferred it thrice already, reports the Kathmandu Post. He added that the vote would not be rescheduled even if the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal boycotted it. As the election law has been amended, the RJP-N can take part in the polls. The first amendment bill of the Local Level Elections Act in Nepal has paved way for the participation of the ethnic minorities in the second phase election slated for June 28. The first phase of the historic local-level elections in Nepal was conducted on May 14. The polls are Nepal's first since the country adopted a new Constitution in September 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man of the Turk community has been fined Rs. 2 lakh as penalty and Rs. 60,000 as a Mehr for allegedly divorcing his wife through triple talaq in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. The father of the woman says she got married two years ago to a man of Hayatnagar village. The groom on June 1 divorced his wife and she went back to her father's home. The matter later went to the Panchayat. The Panchayat gave the verdict in the woman's favour, stating that triple talaq was banned in the village, and hence, the groom was accused of violating the rules. "The decision taken in the meeting is right" said a villager. The member of the Panchayat also helped the bride's family get back dowry given to the groom. "The amount of money received as penalty has been given to victim bride so that it would be helpful for her in future" said a leader of the Turk community. The incident reportedly took place after a fight, prompting the man to pronounce talaq thrice in a fit of rage and asking his wife to return to her parental village. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pentagon released its annual report to the US Congress entitled Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2017 on 6 June. The highlight of this report is that in the Pentagon's view the People Liberation Army ( PLA ) is expanding its global footprint. China's expanding global economic interests make this inevitable, and it will do so "in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and in which there is a precedent for hosting foreign militaries," the report says. Indeed, Gwadar in Pakistan is touted by many as the likely location of a second Chinese base after one currently under construction in Djibouti, although the Pentagon report did not mention Gwadar by name at all. Certainly, the report underscores China's movement towards, and beyond, the Indian Ocean. Work on China'sbase in the Horn of Africa commenced in February 2016 and should be finished "within the next year". The report elaborated that Beijing may opt for "a mixture of military logistics models, including preferred access to overseas commercial ports and a limited number of exclusive PLA Navy [PLAN] logistic facilities - probably collocated with commercial ports..." The Department of Defense (DoD) document added, "A more robust overseas logistics and basing infrastructure would also be essential to enable China to project and sustain military power at greater distances." However, China will face headwinds in creating a global network of bases for it "may be constrained by the willingness of countries to support a PLA presence in one of their ports". While the report is a handy compilation serving as a good go-to guide on China's military developments, it did not meet everyone's expectations. Some thought it did not go far enough, while China bitterly complained it went too far. Shephard Media, a United Kingdom-based defense publisher, was critical, saying it contributed "few points of importance or shock value". An article summarizing the report said, "With its non-offensive pastel maps and cover pages, the overall feeling is that China is cozy like a teddy bear.Since the report's creation by the US National Defense Authorization Act in 2000, it has become increasingly weak and soft, like the soft tissue of a leech." While a couple of new items were added to this year's edition, Shephard was critical because these issues have been widely reported on for years by academia, think tanks and media. One example was the first ever reference in the report to the China Maritime Militia (CMM), an armed reserve force that the military can mobilize for support and coercive duties, such as has occurred in the South China Sea to harass foreign vessels. Highlighting the importance of this "state-organized, state-developed and state-controlled force operating under a direct military chain of command to conduct Chinese state-sponsored activities", Andrew Erickson, a professor of strategy at the US Naval War College, wrote: "Together with the world's largest coast guard, and with China's navy backstopping in an 'overwatch' capacity, China's maritime militia plays a central role in maritime activities designed to overwhelm or coerce an opponent through activities that cannot be easily countered without escalating to war." Erickson continued, "Here's why the Pentagon's publicizing of China's maritime militia matters: it is strongest - and most effective - when it can lurk in the shadows." He added, however, "By revealing the maritime militia's true nature and 'calling it out' in public, the US government can remove the force's plausible deniability, reduce its room for maneuver and reduce the chances that China's leaders will employ it dangerously in future encounters with American and allied vessels at sea." The question is why has it taken so long for the Pentagon to highlight the role of the militia? This question is especially pertinent given the close link between the PLA and CMM. Another area where the report lags is in detailing the tremendous gains that China has made to retake Taiwan by force. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has already acknowledged that China has the ability to conquer offshore islands such as Matsu and Penghu. It has notedthat China will have the airlift and sealift capability to invade the island in 2020, and enjoy complete domination of the air and sea domains for both the east and west coasts by 2025. Yet the US report only uttered bland generalities such as this: "A PLA invasion of a medium-sized, better-defended island such as Matsu or Jinmen is within China's capabilities." While there was a whole chapter on Taiwan's dilemma, far less attention was paid to India. One paragraph described China-India border tensions, including mention of a September 2016 incident when an "Indian patrol observed that more than 40 Chinese troops had set up a temporary shelter within Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh". Power projection is most definitely a focus for the PLA, with the Pentagon saying, "China's leaders remain focused on developing the capabilities to deter or defeat adversary power projection and counter third-party intervention - including by the United States - during a crisis or conflict." New warships for the PLAN continue to churn out at a prodigious pace, including Type 052D destroyers, Type 054A frigates and Type 056 corvettes. While the DoDmentioned the Type 055 cruiser, it failed to acknowledge that at least four of these 10,000-ton ships are already under construction at two shipyards. The report summarized, "This modernization aligns with China's ongoing shift from 'near sea' defense to a hybrid strategy of 'near sea' defense and 'far seas' protection, with the PLAN conducting operational tasks outside the so-called 'first island chain' with multi-mission, long-range, sustainable naval platforms that have robust self-defense capabilities." Indeed, Beijing "expects significant elements of a modern conflict to occur at sea". A second aircraft carrier should be ready around 2020, and the current fleet of 63 submarines will grow to 69-78 by 2020. The PLAN will begin constructing the next-generation Type 096 ballistic-missile submarine by the early 2020s, and the new Type 093B nuclear-powered attack submarine will be armed with land attack cruise missiles "over the next decade". However, the report contained outdated information. It failed to confirm that the J-20 stealth fighter is already in low-rate initial production for the PLA Air Force (PLAAF).It pointed out that a new-generation bomber will debut around 2025, and "will have additional capabilities with full-spectrum upgrades over the current bomber fleet, and will employ many fifth-generation technologies in their design." In summary, Asia's largest air force with more than 2,700 aircraft "continues to modernize and is closing the gap rapidly with Western air forces across a broad spectrum of capabilities. This development is gradually eroding the significant technical advantage held by the United States".For example, improved early-warning aircraft and fighters are strengthening an air defense system offering "credible" coverage more than 500km from China's shores. Missile development shows no sign of diminishing pace either. The PLA Rocket Force began fielding the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile last year, apparently. Alatent ballistic missile defense system will include both ground- and sea-based assets, including a midcourse interceptor identified as the HQ-19. The DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, meanwhile, "gives the PLA the capability to attack ships, including aircraft carriers, in the western Pacific Ocean". This year more information was included about the PLA's Strategic Support Force, whose function and structure remain rather shadowy. In 2016 the report allocated just 30 words to this force encompassing space, cyber and electronic warfare (EW) realms. This time it stated, "China believes its cyber capabilities and personnel lag behind the United States. To deal with these perceived deficiencies, China is improving training and domestic innovation to achieve its cyber capability development goals." It added, "PLA writings suggest EW, cyberspace, deception, counter-space and other operations during wartime could deny an adversary's use of information." Indeed, the PLA would seek to use cyberwarfare to collect data for intelligence and cyberattack purposes. This would "constrain an adversary's actions by targeting network-based logistics, communications and commercial activities" and "serve as a force-multiplier when coupled with kinetic attacks during times of crisis or conflict". The DoD noted that US government computer systems worldwide continued to be targeted by China-based intrusions in 2016. China is also pursuing quantum communications satellites, with the world's first example launched last August, which will afford cryptographic and secure communication capabilities. Unfortunately, the Pentagon report failed to include many of the space and counter-space specifics revealed by Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats' testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on 23 May 2017. China's civil space program, for instance, is solidly intertwined with and even subservient to the PLA's space program. Instead, the DoD just skimmed the surface. It did not go into any detail about soft-kill and hard-kill anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities, for instance. If people want to learn more about space capabilities, the recently released Senate Armed Services Committee statement for the record entitled 'Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community' is a better bet. It revealed that, due for development completion in "the next several years" are Russian and Chinese ASAT weapons. Also, "Ten years after China intercepted one of its own satellites in low-earth orbit, its ground-launched ASAT missiles might be nearing operational service within the PLA. Both countries are advancing directed-energy weapons technologies for the purpose of fielding ASAT systems that could blind or damage sensitive space-based optical sensors." Furthermore, China continues to conduct sophisticated on-orbit satellite activities, such as rendezvous and proximity operations. This poses a threat, for, "Such missions will pose a particular challenge in the future, complicating the US ability to characterize the space environment, decipher intent of space activity and provide advance threat warning," warned US intelligence agencies. Interestingly, returning to the Pentagon report, it calculated that China's 2016 defense budget exceeded USD180 billion, as opposed to Beijing's announced figure of USD144.3 billion. However, the department offered no methodology on how it reached this figure. The DoD document addressed defense exports too, with China emerging as the world's fourth largest defense equipment supplier in 2011-15 with sales of about USD20 billion. It assessed, "From the perspective of China's arms customers, most of which are developing countries, Chinese arms are less expensive than those offered by the top international arms suppliers. They are also of lower quality and reliability, but they still have advanced capabilities." Sadly, some information in the Pentagon dossier was out ofdate even before publication. Cuts and changes in the PLA's group armies, for example, were totally ignored.There are errors in it too, with Defense News noting "two of the navy's key air bases on the island of Hainan [were] omitted while another navy air base for special missionaircraft in China's Northern Theater Command was wrongly identified as an air force bomber base". For all its softness, China responded angrily to the report's release. Zhao Weibin from the PLA Academy of Military Sciences complained it was "full of cliches in exaggeration and criticism about China's normal military development". Zhao specifically complained about the USA hyping territorial and maritime rights disputes; subjectively assuming invisible military spending; slandering China by accusing it of stealing foreign technologies; and distorting normal foreign military exchanges into an opportunity for expansion. China's MND also accused the report of being speculative. MND spokesman Wu Qian said, "China is committed to peaceful development and defense-oriented security policies" and that it "neither seeks military expansion nor a sphere of influence, and [it] will always be a firm force in maintaining peace". "We hope the US will view China's defense construction and military development in a rational and objective manner," Wu pointedly concluded. Like it or not, however, the report warned, "Over the last decade, China has increased its capability to address regional and global security objectives beyond its continued main emphasis on Taiwan contingencies. PLA ground, naval, air and missile forces are increasingly able to project power through peacetime operations and are expanding capacity to contest US military superiority in the event of a regional conflict." The report makes this clear, even if some hawks believe the Pentagon did not go nearly far enough. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prominent Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been jailed for 30 days by a court in Russia, on charges of aiding in organising of mass public protests. The arrest came early on Monday before a nationwide protest against corruption, which ended with hundreds of demonstrators taken into police custody. Navalny was taken away by the police from his home on Monday and his wife wrote on his Twitter account, posting a photo of him getting into a police car. Navalny had called on his supporters to mark Russia Day with protests against the 'corrupt system of rule' by Russian President Vladimir Putin. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday took a dig at Rahul Gandhi after he announced his vacation in Italy and said that the Congress vice-president does not take politics seriously. BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said that Rahul does not care about the farmers and that much should not be expected from him. "We also used to go to our grandmother's house in the summer holidays and so Rahul Gandhi is also visiting. It hardly matters. Do not expect farmers' concern from Rahul Gandhi. He does politics like picnic. Not much should be expected from him," said Vijayvargiya. Echoing similar sentiments, BJP spokesperson G.V.L Narasimha Rao mocked Rahul and said that the Congress vice president visits India in between his foreign visits. "Rahul Gandhi visits India in between his foreign vacations. He is a front ranking leader of the Congress party and the veil of secrecy about his foreign visits make him suspect and his party in the eyes of the people," said Rao. However the Congress Party slammed the BJP for creating an unwarranted hype around Gandhi's visit. "The people who are trying to misinterpret his visit we condemn those people. Meeting his maternal grandmother and asking for her health is a part of our culture & tradition. Some people who go and meet their mothers take cameras with them. There is an ongoing farmers' agitation that Rahul is leading and wherever he is he will lead it," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI. "He will make the farmers' agitation more intense. We totally reject the BJP'S conspiracy. Those who does not know the importance of family only those will condemn this. The whole nation & every congress worker will make the voice of the farmers to expose the BJP of its anti farmers mindset," he added. The Congress vice president, earlier in the day, said he would be travelling to Italy ahead the monsoon session of the Parliament to visit his grandmother. Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, "Will be travelling to meet my grandmother & family for a few days. Looking forward to spending some time with them." He had last travelled abroad in March, when his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi was undergoing medical treatment abroad for an undisclosed illness. Prior to that, he had travelled abroad at the end of December 2016 and the beginning of January. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Responding to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's take on Sandeep Dikshit's 'sadak ka gunda' remark, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday while terming it to be 'too little and too late', claimed that it was the former himself who started the criticism against the Indian Army with his 'khoon ki dalali' comment. "Rahul Gandhi opposing Sandeep Dikshit is not enough; he must be expelled from the party. What he said is too little and too late," BJP leader Sambit Patra told ANI. While the BJP continued to stress on the necessity of Congress President Sonia Gandhi's apology, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge while defending the party vice president lashed out at the saffron party saying this is not a matter to be politicised. "Many BJP leaders have said similar things. Has Narendra Modi apologised? We stand by Rahul Gandhi. He has rightly said no such comments can be made about the armed forces, who protect our country. This matter is not political," he said. Earlier on Monday, Rahul chastised the comment made by Sandeep Dikshit on Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and insisted that politicians should refrain from making such statements. Gandhi further said that the Indian Army serves the nation and, therefore, no political statements should be made against them. "I dub the statement as wrong. Politicians should not comment on the Army Chief. I want to make this clear today. The Indian army works for the nation, safeguards our nation and the person who leads the army, their chief, no politician should not comment about him," he added. Gandhi's remarks came after Dikshit said that General Rawat was behaving like a 'sadak ka gunda', in response to the latter's remark that the army was "fully ready for a two and a half front war". However, Dikshit has tendered an apology for the statement, saying he shouldn't have used "uncivilised" words to convey his message. "It was a statement given to you only and it was in the context of the constant statements that the Army Chief has made with regard to the army's preparation and Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain's prosecutor's office in Madrid has filed a tax fraud lawsuit against Real Madrid star striker Cristiano Ronaldo of allegedly defrauding Spanish tax authorities of 14.7million Euros. As per mirror.co.uk, the prosecutor's office, in a statement, said Ronaldo had knowingly used a "business structure" created in 2010 to hide his income in Spain from his image rights. As per reports, the alleged irregularities were in relation to money the Portuguese star had in the Virgin Islands, although officials acknowledged adjustments to this structure in 2014, where the player paid back an extra 7 million Euros in tax. Last summer, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi also faced similar charges for which he and his father convicted. Messi and his father Jorge Horacio Messi were handed the jail term last July after they were charged with three counts of tax fraud, which amounted to 4.1 million Euros. Besides the prison sentence, the court had also ordered the Barcelona talisman and his father to pay a fine of around 2 million Euros and 1.5 million Euros respectively. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In another case of hospital negligence, a four-day-old baby was found nibbled by rats at a government-run hospital in Rajasthan's Banswara district. As per reports, there were no lights in the ward when the incident took place at 5 a.m. on Monday. The family members noticed it once the lights came and lodged a complaint with the hospital authorities. The mother of the baby, Priyanka, gave birth to a baby boy four days ago. However, it has been informed that a committee, consisting of hospital stuff and nurses, has been formed to look into the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as six parties including the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not attend the meeting. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation developing in Darejeeling, sources said. The GJM is plying to intensify its stir over the formation of the 'Gorkhaland'. Inculpating the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the ongoing protest in Darjeeling by GJM, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the state government of alienating the community, which results in them facing an identity crisis. "Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they lost their belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI. Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). GJM general secretary Roshan Giri has sought Centre's intervention in the political turmoil in the state. Giri had said that a delegation of members of the GJM would call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to apprise them about the 'Gorkhaland Movement'. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills. The agitation arose from an announcement made by Banerjee earlier that Bengali would be taught compulsorily up to Class 10 in the state schools. After the GJM cadres clashed with the police following their protests against Mamata's visit to Darjeeling and her decision to make Bengali compulsory in syllabus of schools across the state, the Army was called in to control the situation. The protest led by the GJM turned violent after protesters resorted to vandalism as they torched police vehicles and attacked policemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Richard Linklater's 'Last Flag Flying' is all set to open this year's New York Film Festival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Amazon title will make its world premiere at Alice Tully Hall on September 28 as the opening-night film of the fest. The movie stars Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne in pivotal roles. The story focuses on three aging Vietnam-era Navy vets - soft-spoken Doc (Carell), unhinged and unfiltered Sal (Cranston) and quietly measured Mueller (Fishburne) - as they reunite to perform a sacred task: the proper burial of Doc's only child, who has been killed in the early days of the Iraqi invasion. Director of NYFF and chairman of selection committee Kent Jones, shared, "Last Flag Flying is many things at once - infectiously funny, quietly shattering, celebratory, mournful, meditative, intimate, expansive, vastly entertaining and all-American in the very best sense." Adding, "But to isolate its individual qualities is to set aside the most important and precious fact about this movie: that it all flows like a river. That's only possible with remarkable artists like Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne and Bryan Cranston, and a master like Richard Linklater behind the camera." Meanwhile, Linklater feels that it is an honour for him to present his film on the opening night of the festival. "It's always special to be at the New York Film Festival, but to be premiering our movie on opening night, when you look at the half-century of films that have occupied that slot, is a wonderful honor," noted Linklater. The 55th New York Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, is set to run September 28 to October 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reacting furiously on twitter to the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against reinstating his revised executive order limiting travel from six-Muslim majority countries, President Donald Trump emphasized that the travel ban is essential at such a dangerous time in America and the . Trump tweeted "Well, as predicted, the 9th Circuit did it again - Ruled against the TRAVEL BAN at such a dangerous time in the history of our country. S.C." The ruling from a unanimous three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is yet another stinging loss from a court that similarly refused to reinstate Trump's original executive order on travel in February. The ruling said the president has violated U.S. immigration law by discriminating against people based on their nationalities and by failing to demonstrate that their entry into the country would hurt American interests. "We conclude that the President, in issuing the Executive Order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress," the three judges, all appointed by President Bill Clinton, wrote. "(I)immigration, even for the President, is not a one-person show." In January, Trump had issued his initial travel ban, bringing chaos and protests to airports around the country. A Seattle judge blocked its enforcement nationwide in response to a lawsuit by Washington state, decision that was unanimously upheld by a different three-judge 9th Circuit panel. The president then revised his executive order and named six countries instead of seven Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, with Iraq dropped and cited more of a national security rationale. "That's right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that won't help us protect our people!" Trump tweeted on June 5. "In conclusion, the Order does not offer a sufficient justification to suspend the entry of more than 180 million people on the basis of nationality," wrote the panel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump will visit Wisconsin on Tuesday to fill the skills gap in manufacturing jobs. Fed up with the fake news reporting, Trump tweeted, "Heading to the Great State of Wisconsin to talk about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! Big progress being made as the Real News is reporting." Heading to the Great State of Wisconsin to talk about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! Big progress being made as the Real News is reporting. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2017 Trump will be accompanied by his daughter Ivanka Trump. Governor Scott Walker said that President Trump's visit to Wisconsin highlights alternative education to fill the skills gap in manufacturing jobs. "We've got jobs, but we just need people with the skills, and the qualifications and the education needed to fill them," the Washington Times quoted Walker as saying. The Republican governor said Trump is genuinely interested in filling this gap and not just bringing attention to the issues. Walker said he and Trump both want states to have more power in fixing this problem. "When I talked to the president about this, it wasn't just using the bully pulpit, for which he's got the biggest bully pupil in the . It was looking at all these workforce investment programs, even welfare reform, and he said give more power to the states," Walker said. Trump is likely to visit Waukesha County Technical College. Wisconsin has many employment opportunities but providing on-the-job training to workers in industries is needed. Wisconsin was the first state in the country to pass a law establishing apprenticeship programs in 1911. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Axis Bank rose 0.81% to Rs 511.50 at 9:24 IST on BSE after the bank said it proposes to raise funds aggregating to Rs 5000 crore via issue of non-convertible debentures. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 12 June 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 66.61 points or 0.21% at 31,162.31. On the BSE, 10,000 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 2.24 lakh shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 512.25 and a low of Rs 509.20 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 638 on 7 September 2016 and a 52-week low of Rs 424.60 on 10 January 2017. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 12 June 2017, advancing 0.96% compared with the Sensex's 3.01% rise. The stock had also underperformed the market over the past one quarter, sliding 1.58% as against the Sensex's 7.43% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market over the past one year, declining 6.26% as against the Sensex's 16.74% rise. The large-cap bank has equity capital of Rs 479.36 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2. Axis Bank said it proposes to raise funds by issuing unsecured redeemable non-convertible subordinated debentures, Basel-III Compliant Tier 2 debentures aggregating to Rs 5000 crore. The board of directors of the bank will consider the proposal to issue and allot the aforesaid securities through circular resolution. Axis Bank's net profit fell 43.1% to Rs 1225.10 crore on 4.3% growth in total income to Rs 14181.31 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016. Axis Bank is one of the biggest private sector banks in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Of Rs 2.5 per share Kovai Medical Center & Hospital announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 29 May 2017, inter alia, have recommended the final dividend of Rs 2.5 per equity Share (i.e. 25%) , subject to the approval of the shareholders. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Till 31 December 2017 Neuland Laboratories has been granted approval for extension of time for holding its Annual General Meeting for the financial year 2016-17, till 31 December 2017, by the Registrar of Companies, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh. The extension has been sought by the Company as it is in the process of the obtaining requisite approvals for the Scheme of Amalgamation and Arrangement between Neuland Laboratories (Transferee Company) and Neuland Health Sciences(First Transferor Company) and Neuland Pharma Research (Second Transferor Company) and their respective Shareholders and Creditors ('Scheme'), filed with the Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal and the timelines involved for the proposed merger. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shreyas Shipping & Logistics rose 9.30% to Rs 348 at 10:31 IST on BSE after the company said it signed a joint venture agreement with Japan's Suzue Corporation. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 12 June 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 78.68 points, or 0.25% to 31,174.38. On the BSE, 17,000 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 15,348 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 364.75 and a low of Rs 345 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 464.55 on 11 July 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 193.10 on 26 December 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 12 June 2017, falling 11% compared with 3.01% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 13.82% as against Sensex's 5.61% rise. The scrip had underperformed the market in past one year, falling 19% as against Sensex's 17.80% rise. The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 21.96 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. Shreyas Shipping and Logistics (Shreyas) and Suzue Corporation of Japan signed the joint venture agreement wherein a joint venture company would be formed, which will capitalise on the possibilities in international freight forwarding, customs clearance service, warehousing services, land transport services and other related logistic services with additional focus on land bank development for commercial purposes in Indian Sub-continent and Japan. The geographies covered by the agreement initially include Indian sub-continent and Japan, with the possibility of extending to South East Asian nations. On a consolidated basis, Shreyas Shipping & Logistics reported net loss of Rs 9.94 crore in Q4 March 2017 as against net profit of Rs 15.11 crore in Q4 March 2016. Net sales rose 4.69% to Rs 184.31 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016. Shreyas Shipping & Logistics, the Indian flagged vessel owning unit of Transworld Group, is a pioneer and market leader in domestic coastal container shipping covering all main ports and container terminals on the Indian coast. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twelve militants were killed when government aircraft pounded Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan's Kunduz province on Tuesday, the army said. The aircraft conducted sorties against Taliban hideouts in Kygyz village of the beleaguered Imam Sahib district early on Tuesday morning, Army spokesman Abdul Khalil Khalili said. Six militants were injured in the air raid, Xinhua news agency reported. Government forces recaptured Imam Sahib district on Saturday and since then cleanup operations were continuing to ensure lasting peace in the restive district. Taliban militants were yet to make comments. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has told police that 26 lockers at its Modinagar branch have been burgled and the loss could total crores of rupees. The bank manager initially told the police on Monday -- when the burglary was discovered -- that 11 lockers had been broken. He later said 26 of the total 30 lockers had been stripped of cash and other valuables. Four lockers were empty when the crime took place either on Saturday or Sunday when the bank was shut, Senior Superintendent of Police H.N. Singh said on Tuesday. The bank is located in the Modi Cloth Mills in Modinagar, a town in Ghaziabad district. The police found that the burglars entered the bank by first boring through the concrete wall. They then forced their way into the locker area. The criminals apparently went about demolishing the wall by hiding in the dense brushes at the back of the bank, the police officer said. "I visited the crime spot and found that the bank lacks security measures. If any attempt was made to intrude into the bank, a siren should have gone off. But the siren did not work," Singh said. "The CCTV cameras were not found functional. There was no security guard either," he added. --IANS sps/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 51 people were killed and 11 others injured in landslides in Bangladesh following three days of heavy rainfall across the country, a top disaster management official said on Tuesday. Rangamati district reported 29 deaths, Chittagong 16 and Bandarbad six, Director General of Bangladesh Disaster Management Department (DMD) Reaz Ahmed told Efe news. Earlier, Rangamati additional police chief Mohammad Shahidullah said the heavy rain was disrupting rescue operations. "The weather is very bad here and the area is hilly, so it has become very difficult for us to conduct rescue operations," he said. Dijen Roy, a spokesperson from the Chittagong office of the Meteorological Department, said they have recorded 131 mm of rain in the district in the past 24 hours, and the rain is expected to continue due to a persistant depression in the Bay of Bengal. Dhaka's flood forecasting centre said water levels in all major rivers are rising, while some rivers were already flowing over their respective danger mark. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an aim to clean the Anganwadi system in the national capital, around 1,600 Anganwadi centres in Delhi will be inspected by IAS officers on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Tuesday. Addressing the media, Sisodia said there were around 800 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) officers in Delhi and each officer would have to inspect at least two Anganwadi centres on Saturday. "Under this campaign, officers will have to visit the houses of each child or women whose name is registered in an Anganwadi," the Deputy Chief Minister said. The officers would enquire from children whether they were getting proper food, what was taught in these centres and whether students were actually visiting the Anganwadi centres, Sisodia said. He said there were about 10,000 Anganwadi centres in Delhi and after reviewing the first phase, the inspection would be extended to other centres. The Deputy Chief Minister said that he has visited many centres over the past few days and noticed an insensititve attitude towards pregnant women and children at many places. "The government is spending around Rs 400-500 crore and I won't allow it to be spent insensitively," he said. "In many Anganwadis, the survey registers had been filled with pencil for many years," Sisodia said. "If we don't care about children or their education, then it will affect the future of the country." The Deputy Chief Minister added that some Anganwadi centres were doing a good work and the government would reward workers who were running these centres. --IANS nkh/nir/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Civil society members and leaders of opposition parties on Tuesday dubbed the killing of five farmers in police firing in Madhya Pradesh "murder by state machinery" and demanded an inquiry by a sitting High Court Judge. A delegation comprising social activists Medha Patkar, Swami Agnivesh, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav and politicians Kalpana Parulekar of the Congress, and Paras Saklecha of the Aam Adami Party was detained at Dhodhar in neighbouring Ratlam district when it tried to visit Mandsaur to meet the kin of the farmers killed in the June 6 police firing. The Madhya Pradesh government had on Monday appointed a one-member judicial commission of Justice J.K. Jain (retd) to probe the police firing. The commission has been mandated to submit its report within three months. "Independent persons and agencies are denied entry while the full might of the state appears to be influencing and torturing witnesses to the murder of farmers by police, causing disappearance of material evidence and running an extortion racket by intimidation," a statement issued by the delegation members said. They demanded that all civil and police officials responsible for the firing should be booked and cases against protesting farmers withdrawn. They said the government's failure in ensuring adequate remuneration for agricultural produce seemed to be the reason for the widespread discontent among Madhaya Pradesh farmers and the state government's inaction has further fuelled the unrest. A 'Shaheed Kisan Mahapanchayat' will be held in Madhya Pradesh on July 6 to support the farmers' protests across the country, the delegation members said. A plan is also afoot to set up a people's tribunal on police firing and alleged torture of farmers at Mandsaur. --IANS spk/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following Pakistan's win in the do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka in the ICC Champions Trophy, captain Sarfraz Ahmed has credited the victory to their front-line pacer Mohammad Amir and his temperament with the bat. In pursuit of Sri Lankan's 236, Pakistan were 7-162 against Sri Lanka when Amir joined captain Sarfraz in the middle on Monday. Amir scored 28 not out as he maintained his calm to help his side cross the 200-run mark, forming a 75-run crucial unbeaten partnership with Sarfraz. Sarfraz revealed the key conversation he had with Amir in between the wickets that helped the bowler keep his nerves. "I was thinking that if I play 50 overs, we would win," he explained. "Credit goes to Amir, he played really well. I just told him to play ball by ball. 'Don't look up, don't look at the scoreboard'. I told him to just play his game. We just played our normal games," he said. Sarfraz also admitted to having felt the pressure when all-rounder Imad Wasim got out on four runs, leaving Pakistan at 6-137. "When Imad Wasim got out, I felt the pressure. He can bat and bowl, he is a good batsman and we were confident when he was there. But hats off to Amir... The way he played was outstanding," conceded Sarfraz. "When we had 40 to win, I was feeling the pressure but Amir was calm. We just played our natural games. Yes, we were lucky with dropped catches but we held our calm." --IANS sam/pur/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A high-ranking Bangladeshi diplomat based in New York, accused of forcing his servant to work for up to 18 hours a day without pay, was charged on Monday with labour trafficking and assault, CNN reported. Shahedul Islam, Bangladesh's Deputy Consul General in New York, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. For his bail, which was set at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash, Bangladesh's Consul General in New York Shameem Ahsan, other colleagues and relatives arranged a $50,000 bond. But it will take a day for him to be released, bdnews24 reported. Shahedul, 45, brought another Bangladeshi, Mohammed Amin, to the United States between 2012 and 2013 to work for his family in Queens as a household helper, an arrangement common among South Asian diplomats. "Soon after Mr Amin's arrival, the defendant allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day... Even though Mr Amin had a contract which outlines his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. "If the victim disobeyed the defendant's orders, Mr Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the defendant, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe," it said. Shahedul has limited diplomatic immunity and was ordered to surrender his passport when he appeared before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, Brown said in a statement. The Queens grand jury hit Shahedul with a 33-count indictment on Monday that includes labor trafficking, assault and other charges. He was arraigned later Monday. His next court date is June 28. A spokesman for the Bangladesh embassy in Washington said it believed Amin had filed the case in bad faith and the allegations were "fabricated" and "baseless". Shahedul had reportedly decided to cancel Amin's contract and was preparing to send him back to Bangladesh. Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Khaleda Begum confirmed that their embassy in Washington and the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry have been officially notified of Shahedul's arrest and the charges against him. According to the charges, Amin's only form of income came from tips from guests at parties and a "miniscule" amount of money Shahedul sent to Amin's family in Bangladesh. On several occasions when Amin sought to leave, Shahedul hit him and threatened to harm his mother and young son in Bangladesh, according to the statement. On occasions, Shahedul also stated that he would have Amin's college-age daughter "shamed" if he did not continue to work as his servant, the statement said. The statement did not make clear what Shahedul meant by shaming. The statement also said that in 2014, shortly after an Indian diplomat in New York was charged with labour trafficking, Shahedul wrote a cheque for Amin's cash-tip earnings that the latter then had to deposit in a bank account to create the appearance of a paycheque. "The long list of 33 charges in the indictment is a clear indication of the shocking depth of the deprivation and abuse allegedly meted out by this diplomat against his helpless domestic worker," said Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch, in a statement. "Bangladesh should make an example of this diplomat by publicly washing their hands of him, and ensuring this never happens again." In a similar case, in late 2013, Devyani Khobragade, who was India's Deputy Consul General in New York, was arrested and subsequently accused of visa fraud and forcing her housekeeper and nanny to work 100-hour weeks for just over $1 an hour. Khobragade's arrest and strip search provoked outrage in India and caused a major diplomatic rift between the US and India. The charges against her were dismissed because she had diplomatic immunity. After she left the United States, a New York grand jury later issued a new indictment for visa fraud. --IANS him/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of conservancy workers in Bengaluru on Tuesday called off their indefinite strike after an assurance from the government that it would look into their demands, including for regular employment to contract workers. "We have called off the strike after Minister for Social Welfare H. Anjaneya assured to arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 20 to finalise the modalities to regularise the services of contract conservancy workers," Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Contract Workers' Association Vice President Vinay Sreenivasa told reporters on Tuesday. Around 6,000 contract conservancy workers of Bengaluru civic body went on an indefinite strike since Monday to press their demands. "About 45,000 conservancy workers are engaged on contract basis in 240 urban local bodies across the state, and around 22,000 of them are on contract basis in Bengaluru," Sreenivasa said. Besides regular employment, the conservancy workers are also demanding direct transfer of salary to their bank accounts instead of authorising garbage contractors to disburse the monthly pay. "Most of the conservancy workers are getting only Rs 4,500 from the garbage contractors. They will get Rs 12,500 if the urban local bodies credit salary to their bank accounts," Sreenivasa said. Social Welfare Minister Anjaneya, accompanied by Minister for Municipal Administration Eshwar B. Khandre, met the leaders of agitating workers at Bannappa Park in the city centre. "The conservancy workers need not depend on garbage contractors for their salary. The government will make arrangements to credit salary to their bank accounts. A meeting will be held to discuss abolishing the contract system in urban local bodies, including Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike," Anjaneya said. Tonnes of garbage has piled up at various locations after the conservancy workers went on strike on Monday. On an average, Bengaluru generates 4,000 tonnes of garbage daily. Residents in areas such as Yelahanka, Byatarayanapura, Hebbal in Bengaluru north suburb; KR Market, Kalasipalya, Chamarajapet, Malleswaram and Palace Guttahalli in city centre; and Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Laggere, Peenya Dasarahalli in Bengaluru south have suffered the most due to the conservancy workers' strike. --IANS str/nir/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress party on Tuesday accused the Pinarayi Vijayan government of attempting to create a "smokescreen" of corruption in the Vizhinjam port project and dared the ruling LDF to scrap the deal and ink a new pact if it indeed was corrupt. Kerala Congress chief M.M. Hassan said that Vijayan's assertion that the project would not be scrapped but the probe will be on exposed his "double standards". "There is a clear clause in the agreement that the state government can at any point of time cancel the agreement without any loss. But what Vijayan is trying to do is while taking credit for the project is he wants to create a smokescreen of corruption in the deal for political needs. This is not acceptable," Hassan told reporters after a meeting of the Congress high power committee here. He said former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the Congress party "whole-heartedly welcome the probe but this double standards by Vijayan will not be accepted". "So, he (Vijayan) can go ahead and cancel the deal," he added. Hassan also pointed out the replies given by the Vijayan government to the CAG clearly show that the agreement was a "clean one". "The CAG report is not factual and Chandy himself has filed a complaint before the CAG citing all the discrepancies," he said. The Chief Minister, however, brushed aside the points raised by the Congress in its meeting. "Let the probe go ahead," Vijayan told reporters in Kozhikode. The previous Oommen Chandy-led UDF government had inked the agreement with Adani Ports in 2015 for the Rs 7,525-crore Vizhinjam project. Adani Ports, which was the lone bidder, sought Rs 1,635 crore as grant for it. It had committed that the first phase of the port would be operational in 1,000 days from the date of commencement of work, which began in 2015. The Kerala cabinet announced a judicial probe into the Vizhinjam port agreement earlier this year after the CAG report, placed in the state assembly, came out with certain anomalies. Meanwhile, the CAG has reportedly called up the officials who took part in the Vizhinjam audit and finalisation of the report. --IANS sg/amit/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Messina (Italy), June 13 (IANS/AKI) A court in this Sicilian town on Tuesday found two state prosecutors guilty of "grave inertia" in their failure to prevent the 2007 murder of Marianna Manduca by her husband after she reported him twelve times for domestic violence. The Messina court ordered the two unnamed prosecutors and the Italian Prime Minister's Office to pay unspecified damages over Manduca's slaying by her spouse, Saverio Nolfo, in the town of Palagonia in the province of Catania. Manduca, who was 32, was killed by Nolfo in a frenzied knife attack during which he stabbed her a dozen times on 3 October, 2007. Nolfo, a father of three, is serving a 20-year jail term for his wife's murder. At the time of Manduca's killing, the two magistrates were working at the public prosecutor's office in Caltagirone. --IANS/AKI vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump went after the "fake news media" on Tuesday, accusing the country's press of publishing false stories. He said the press had descended to a "new low". "The Fake News Media has never been so wrong or so dirty. Purposely incorrect stories and phony sources to meet their agenda of hate. Sad!" Trump wrote on Twitter. The President did not specify which particular story had triggered his online fuming. Trump had repeatedly accused the country's media of printing incorrect stories related to his administration. Trump's latest tweet came hours before Attorney General Jeff Sessions was set to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Politico reported. Sessions's testimony followed former FBI Director James Comey's highly-anticipated appearance before the same panel last week over possible ties between Trump's campaign and Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential race. Sessions will likely face tough questions over his dealings with Russian officials during the poll campaign and whether he had a role in the firing of Comey. Comey said that Sessions may have had an undisclosed third meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. --IANS soni/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said on Monday that his government will submit a formal resignation soon. Sipila told a press conference in Helsinki that the Centre Party and National Coalition Party could not be assured of cooperation with the Finns Party on future issues, Xinhua news agency reported. The prime minister made the announcement following talks with other coalition party leaders on Monday morning. Sipila said the value difference with Jussi Halla-aho, new leader of the Finns Party, was too large. National Coalition party leader Petteri Orpo underlined that no hatred speech or discrimination was acceptable. "We believe in international cooperation and want to develop an open and permissive society," he said. Sipila and Orpo said Halla-aho's views on Finland's relationship with the European Union are not compatible with the government programme. They said Halla-aho would have liked to keep the Finns Party inside the government. Halla-aho said on Monday afternoon that Sipila could not accept making the Finnish immigration policies tougher. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates clarified on Tuesday that the closure of their airspace only applied to Qatari commercial airlines, so flights to Doha for carriers from other countries were allowed. Airlines from other countries and private flights are to be permitted to cross their airspace if they request for a permission 24 hours in advance and can provide a list with the names and nationalities of the crew and passengers, reports Efe news. However, in their statements, the three countries warned that they reserved the sovereign right to take precautionary measures to protect their national security if they deemed it necessary, citing a UN Security Council resolution that warned that civil aviation could be used as a means of transporting terrorists. On June 5, these three countries, in addition to Egypt, broke diplomatic relations with Qatar and implemented a series of economic reprisals after claiming that Doha funds terrorist groups. More Arab and Muslim-majority African countries later joined the diplomatic blockade, even as several powers have called for resolving the crisis. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four people were injured on Tuesday in a shooting at an underground train station in the German city of Munich, police said. The suspect was detained, police said adding that the incident occurred when officers were sent to the Unterfohring station amid reports that a fight had broken out between passengers on a train, Efe news reported. After the police arrived at the scene, one of the assailants allegedly tried to push an officer onto the train tracks. The aggressor then managed to disarm one of the police agents and began to shoot. One female officer was hospitalised due to a critical gunshot wound to the head, while the assailant, who was shot, also was in a serious condition. Two others also sustained minor injuries in the altercation. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France's Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler on Tuesday inaugurated Michelin India's state-of-the-art R&D Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana, which he said will contribute to the Indian government's Make in India and Skill India initiatives, a statement said. During the inauguration, Ziegler said: "Our vibrant economic partnership with India is boosted by France's leading companies such as Michelin which actively contribute to "Make in India" and bring research and development technology expertise here. Along with providing innovative products to India and other emerging markets in the region, this technology centre will also help augment skilling, thus contributing to the Indian government's National Skill Development Mission, a key parameter for global competitiveness for India." The sprawling 3,800-sq m Materials test laboratory at Manesar is an essential resource, providing support to the Michelin Technology Centre in Gurgaon. This Technology Centre is focused on radial truck and bus tyre R&D and provides technical support to the company's manufacturing facilities in Chennai, China and Thailand, a statement from the French embassy said. With an annual R&D budget of more than euro 700 million, Michelin has over 6,000 employees engaged in research, development and process engineering at Technology Centers in Europe, North America and Asia. --IANS rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters clashed with police during a protest rally here on Tuesday -- day two of the indefinite shutdown called by the party in the northern West Bengal hills pressing for a separate state of Gorkhaland. The GJM also convened an all-party meeting where six parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), participated and lent unanimous support to the demand for Gorkhaland while condemning the "police action" on GJM activists on June 8. The slogan-shouting protestors turned violent when they were stopped at Chowk Bazar, and pelted bricks at the security forces, prompting police to resort to baton charge to disperse the crowd. Dividing themselves into small units, the Morcha activists used narrow lanes and bylanes of Darjeeling to take out the rally in order to bypass the tight security on main roads. Senior police officers, including newly-appointed Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Chaturvedi, were seen patrolling the streets, alongside the army, counter-insurgency force and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. "The activists became violent and indulged in stone pelting our forces near Chowk Bazar. But the mob has been dispersed. We have to check if any of the officers got injured," Chaturvedi said. A group of tourists from Mumbai faced the ire of the shutdown supporters, who stopped their vehicle and asked them to return. Roads were deserted and schools and colleges -- despite being outside the purview of the shutdown -- remained shut. Private cars did not hit the roads, while a section of shops did not roll up their shutters. Additional Director General of Police (North Bengal) N. Ramesh Babu said the situation was under control in Darjeeling and Kurseong districts. Six more companies of central forces are being rushed to the hills to prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, police on Monday night arrested the GJM-run hill development body Gorkhaland Territorial Administration member Satish Pokhrial in connection with the violence in the area since last Thursday. A massive force was posted outside the GJM party office in Darjeeling's Singmari. The all-party meeting at Gymkhana Club was boycotted by major state parties, like the ruling Trinamool Congress, CPI-M and the Congress. Besides, hill-based outfits Jan Andolan and Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League also stayed away. Apart from the GJM and the BJP, the Gorkha National Liberation Front, Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists, Gorkha Rashtriya Nirman Manch and the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh took part in the deliberations. "All the parties are unanimous on creation of Gorkhaland state. The next meeting will be held on June 20 when there will be further discussions on the future course of action in a united way," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told the media here. The parties also demanded written clarification from the state government on the language issue in Darjeeling hills, Dooars (foothills of the Himalayas) and Terai (the plains close to the hills). The West Bengal hills have been on the boil for nearly a week after the GJM launched an agitation against what it called the state government's "attempt" to impose Bengali on the Nepali-speaking people of the region, even though Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that there are no such plans for the hills. As the movement gathered steam, the GJM revived the Gorkhaland demand. A violent clash ensued between police and Morcha activists last Thursday during a protest rally, right after the state government's cabinet meeting in Darjeeling, in which several activists and at least 50 police personnel received injuries. --IANS str-mgr-sgh/nir/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Atletico Madrid star forward Antoine Griezmann has extended his contract and will remain with the Spanish club until June 30, 2022, sources close to the negotiations have said. Efe reported on Monday that the extension will end a period of uncertainty about the future of the Frenchman amid speculation about a possible $100 million move to Manchester United. The deal was reached after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld a transfer ban on Atletico Madrid. The club won't be able to do transfer deals until January 2018. Atletico Madrid finished third in La Liga last season and is to compete in the next edition of the Champions League. --IANS pur/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel was detained in Neemuch on Tuesday while he was on his way to Mandsaur to meet the families of the farmers killed in police firing. Police also used mild force to turn away Patel's supporters. "Hardik Patel was not granted permission to visit Neemuch. He was stopped at Nayagaon barrier along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border," Neemuch Superintendent of Police T.K. Vidyarthi told IANS. "His convoy included 20 vehicles and at least 150 people. Patel, along with four others, has been detained while the rest have been turned away," Vidyarthi added. According to Patidar Navnirman Sena General Secretary Akhilesh Katiyar, Hardik left for Mandsaur from Udaipur in Rajasthan. He planned to meet the kin of the deceased farmers along with other farmer leaders. "Hardik Patel neither sought permission to visit Mandsaur, nor was he allowed by the administration. That's why, he was not allowed to enter Mandsaur," District Magistrate O.P. Shrivastava said. Heavy deployment of police is in place at the Nayagaon barrier along Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border. Vehicular movement has been halted as well. --IANS hindi-pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hong Kong on Tuesday said that it has become a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). In May, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved the funding for subscription of 7,651 shares of the AIIB's capital, including 1,530 paid-in shares that amount to about 1.2 billion Hong Kong dollars ($150 million) and payable over five years, and 6,121 callable shares, reports Xinhua news agency. Having completed the subsequent legal procedures, Hong Kong was admitted as a new member of the AIIB. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that "the early completion of our accession process demonstrates Hong Kong's readiness to support the operation of the AIIB." "As the leading international financial centre, Hong Kong has a sophisticated, robust and highly liquid financial market, and an abundance of top professionals with global experience, coupled with the unique advantage of 'one country, two systems'," Chan said, adding that the region is "well placed to help the AIIB to raise funds to finance various infrastructure projects." The AIIB will hold the second annual meeting of its Board of Governors in Jeju, South Korea, from June 16-18. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, whom India has sought to be extradited for trial in a Rs 9,000-crore bank loan default case, on Tuesday appeared before a Westminster magistrate court and later told media outside that he was delighted that he would be able to put up his case before a fair and impartial court here. Accompanied by his son Siddharth, the 61-year old industrialist who fled India 15 months ago rejected all allegations of default of loans against him and denied that he was called a thief inside the court. This was the first hearing before a magistrate in what is called "management" proceedings before the actual trial begins. Mallya was asked to sit in the place where people facing trial are made to sit. His name was called out and his date of birth mentioned by way of confirming his identity. Mallya, who owes as much as Rs 9,000 crore to a consortium of Indian banks, fled to Britain in March last year. India is seeking his extradition for which the procedure has already begun and a team of the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation is chalking out the process. When he sought a barrier to keep away inquisitive television reporters from thrusting their mikes before him outside the court, the judge permitted that he may not be present at the next hearing on July 5. During the proceedings, Mallya's lawyers told the magistrate that the Indian government was coming up with a second extradition request which he would like to go through before giving his submissions. They wanted that the case be deferred till next year. The magistrate, however, indicated that the case could be placed for regular trial in December. When the magistrate enquired with the crown prosecution service about cooperation from India, he was told that there was good cooperation and coordination between the two sides. Outside the court, the chairman of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines by and large remained composed while answering media questions except when reporters tried to provoke him a couple of times. "I am not going to answer any questions. There is a court of law. We will make submissions before the appropriate court of law," he told reporters. "You can keep dreaming about billions of pounds, provided you have facts to justify your questions. Otherwise, don't put questions. So don't ask irrelevant questions," he said. When a British reporter asked him about the multiple flats he has in the UK, he shot back, "Multiple homes in UK, I have been living here since 1992." Mallya said that he was here to defend himself as was expected. "Were you in the court? Did you hear what the prosecution said, what my lawyers said and what the judge said?" he asked, refusing to go into what happened inside the court. But when a reporter asked him about his being called a thief inside the court, Mallya said: "I was not called a thief. As two people in a drunken state yelled at me, didn't you notice that there were several others who wished me well." Asked if he was relieved at being told by the court not to come for next hearing on July 5, he said: "I do not want to say anything about what happened inside the court." "I am delighted that I can put forward my case before an impartial court," he said. Earlier before going into the court, Mallya said he had not eluded any court of law and denied all alegations levelled against him. When a questioner noted that he has been in Britain for the last 15 months and was eluding courts in India, he said: "I have not eluded any court. It is my lawful duty to be here and I am here (London court)." "I have nothing to say as the court proceedings are on and I deny all allegations that have been made and I will continue to deny them," Mallya said before appearing in the court. Asked what he expected would happen in the court, he said: "I have no expectations and you can hear what the court says." Mallya also said he had "enough evidence" to fight the case, but parried a question whether he fears that a trial in India would be unfair to him. --IANS aks/vsc/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress-filmmaker Elizabeth Banks, who will soon start shooting for "Charlie's Angels" reboot, says she always wanted to be a director because of her bossy attitude. "It's (direction is) something I've always wanted to do. I directed plays in college. I'm very bossy, and I got to a point as an actor where I'd been on 65 or 70 sets," Banks told hollywoodreporter.com. "I always find video village. I'm that annoying actor. I never stayed in my trailer. Doing TV and film, it's always been a learning experience. "I love now -- with a movie like 'Charlie's Angels' -- getting to do action and visual effects, and I loved on "Pitch Perfect" the huge challenge of making a movie musical. I mean, that's no small feat. It's a big job, and I like the constant challenge," she added. --IANS sas/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twice in two weeks the US has taken steps that will have dire repercussions on a global scale. First, it was the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the effects of which can only be catastrophic. More recently, the US House of Representatives passed an act to roll back the 2010 Dodd Frank Act that was introduced to plug the financial irregularities that led to the 2008 financial crisis. The Act took a holistic approach in regulating every aspect of financial markets from the trading of bonds and stocks to the way in which large banks operate. The importance of regulation can be realised by gazing through a historical lens into the Great Depression of 1929. In the decade before the depression, the United States entered a period of economic prosperity famously known as the Roaring Twenties. It was a time of rapid innovation, accelerated industrial growth and high consumer demand. Corporate profits skyrocketed and stock markets boomed. Manipulation became rampant and even banks began offering securities backed by dubious assets. When the music stopped in 1929, the stock markets crashed, assets became worthless and households found themselves burdened with debt. In 1933, the Congress passed the Glass-Steagall Act in response to the market manipulations. It effectively separated investment and commercial banking activities of banks. Banks were allowed only to take deposits and make loans while brokers were allowed only to underwrite and sell securities. This would prevent banks from taking too much risk with the depositors' money by investing in the stock market. From 1933 until it was repealed in 1999, there were no instances of large bank failures or a crisis comparable to the one that occurred in 2008. Regulation played a vital role in curbing economic miseries across the world. There is a lot of debate around the veracity of that statement and the importance of Glass-Steagall, but there is no second opinion on the fact that the act had prevented the formation of "too big to fail" organisations. Post-Glass-Steagall, the floodgates were opened for big ticket mergers like the one between J.P. Morgan and Chase Manhattan in 2000. The coming up of such firms creates incentive problems as the stakeholders know that they will be bailed out in times of crises. This was one of the major reasons for the financial crisis of 2008. Dodd-Frank had three important aspects to prevent a repeat of 2008. First was the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is a regulatory agency charged with overseeing financial products and services offered by firms. It protects consumers from misleading or fraudulent financial sales pitches and predatory mortgage lending. The second major component of the Dodd-Frank Act is the Volcker Rule, which brings back the most crucial feature of Glass-Steagall of separating the investment and commercial functions of banks. It restricts the way banks can invest, limits speculative trading and eliminates proprietary trading. The act also carried a provision to regulate derivatives like credit default swaps that were the major contributors of the 2008 financial crisis. The third is the establishment of the Orderly Liquidation Authority (OLA) that aimed to address the incentive issues with "too big to fail" institutions. The idea was that government would seize institutions that it bails out so that it can keep them running without rewarding stockholders out of turn. In the 2008 crisis, it was unclear whether the Treasury Department had the legal authority to do so. The Dodd-Frank awarded that authority to OLA. Also, OLA is so designed that all costs are borne by private actors and not the taxpayers. It is limited to temporary funding of firms and does not hand out funds as permanent capital by having first claims on the firm's assets. The recent act passed by the House aims to eliminate all the positives of the Dodd-Frank Act on the ground that it harms business activities in the US. It restructures the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by gutting its supervisory role and its ability to curb abusive financial practices. It also repeals the Volcker Rule, which would allow banks to reload on risks and does away with the OLA that would make managing big banks difficult. Thus, the act is a regressive move away from financial regulation that would have repercussions beyond US borders and into future generations. Hopefully, the act will not pass the Senate as it will not get all the 60 votes needed, but some provisions that need only Senate reconciliation, that is 51 votes to pass, might get through. Any move that dilutes the Dodd-Frank will strengthen the chances of an avoidable economic crisis and force billions around the globe to relive the miseries that they have just endured. It is in the best interests of both Americans and economies around the world that the country's legislators reconsider the act and move beyond narrow political aims. (Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness, India. He can be contacted at amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in and tweets @kautiliya. Chirag Yadav, researcher, Institute for Competitiveness, has contributed to the article.) --IANS amit/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday signed an agreement for India's participation in ANUGA, an international exhibition for food industry in Germany in October. "It gives us the opportunity to showcase our strengths and opportunities to an international audience," a release quoted her as saying. "Food diplomacy will bridge many differences and transform the lives of the farmers." She said development of food processing industries will help achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. "We need to upgrade our farming techniques and need investment not only in food processing but also in farming technologies. We also need to learn from the West on how to control waste at harvest and transportation stages," the Minister said. While ANUGA 2015 had 135 Indian exhibitors, more than 200 Indian companies are expected to participate in ANUGA 2017. In ANUGA 2017, e-commerce in food industry will be focused for the first time. ANUGA (General Food and Non-essential Provisions Exhibition) is the world's biggest and most important trade fair for food and beverage trade. --IANS spk/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, along with a university professor, has initiated the establishment of a code of ethics that would prevent professors from expressing political opinions in universities. The move has attracted criticism from politicians, including Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and unions like the Committee of University Heads and the National Union of Israeli students, Times of Israel reported on Tuesday. The Union had even threatened to have students go on strike if the code comes to pass, marking an escalation since the contents of the document were reported on last week. In the wake of this threat, Bennett needs the support of Israel's Council for Higher Education and the national governing body for academic institutes. According to Haaretz daily, it appears that Bennett will not have a majority of the votes to get the code implemented in colleges. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hollywood star Johnny Depp has been added to this year's Glastonbury line-up. Depp has been known to sing, but he won't be sharing his vocal talents on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. The "Pirates Of The Caribbean" star, 54, is the guest of honour at a new drive-in movie area, Cineramageddon, reports mirror.co.uk. He is the first guest presenter for the festival's inaugural event, which will screen films throughout the five-day festival. Depp will introduce his personal choice of films, which will be screened through the night on June 22, and discuss his selections with filmmaker Julien Temple. These include his 2004 film "The Libertine", in which he stars as hedonistic 17th-century poet John Wilmot. Depp said: "This is one of those films that got lost in the shuffle. It's a film on which a lot of people worked very hard, and one that I am very proud of." His other film choices include "Withnail & I", of which Depp said: "No film has ever made me laugh more, or filled me with so much joy and dread." The actor is also known for films like "Sleepy Hollow", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Alice Through the Looking Glass", which will beam on Indian small screen on June 24 on Star Movies Select HD. --IANS sug/vgu/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday encouraged government employees to lead a healthy and good lifestyle. At the Mantralaya here, Fadnavis, wife Amruta, film producer Smita Thackeray, actor Dino Morea and wellness expert Rekha Chaudhari were present for Global Wellness Week celebrations. Thackeray said, "I think whether it is all the cabinet ministers or regular (government) employees, they are dealing with so much work pressure every day and not leading a well-disciplined life... It is important to take out some time from everyday life and take care of their body, mind and soul." "Unless you are happy from within, you cannot perform well in your professional life." Chaudhari told IANS: "Often we have observed how the urban life has given us such a stressful lifestyle that we are at times not connected to ourselves. So many meditation centres are opened, Ayurveda treatments are given, and people know that they should live a good and stress-free life, but it is not happening." Global Wellness Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of June every year. --IANS aru/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It was a chilly February day and Dangwen and his wildlife monitoring team were on patrol along the upper reaches of the Yangtze river. The river was frozen solid -- easy for poachers to walk over. That day they encountered 220 blue sheep, five white-lipped deer, and a line of otter footprints. On the infrared camera traps they had set up throughout the valley, three snow leopards appeared -- a mother and two cubs. Dangwen comes from Yunta, a village located in Sanjiangyuan, Qinghai Province on the Tibetan plateau. The 400,000 sq km Sanjiangyuan area serves as an important habitat for rich and unique biodiversity, and is a watershed of the three largest rivers in Asia: the Yellow, the Yangtze and the Mekong, which serve one billion people downstream. Dangwen isn't officially a researcher or an activist, but he has taken it upon himself to monitor local wildlife with a team of other villagers as part of a conservation project driven by the Shanshui Conservation Centre, a Beijing-based NGO. A mining company attempted to prospect the area almost a year before wildlife monitoring in the region started. The villagers were deeply disturbed because mining the mountains would go against the spiritual values of Tibetan Buddhism and threaten their safety. When the Shanshui NGO proposed the idea of organising villagers to monitor wildlife and protect their lands in 2013, Dangwen volunteered without hesitation. Having grown up in the village, he is familiar with the land, the river and the wildlife, and he is proud of the sacred mountains surrounding them. This is the fourth year that Yunta villagers have carried out this monitoring, patrolled the village to spot poachers, and managed rubbish to keep the land and rivers clean. Monitoring data shows that local wildlife populations, including snow leopards, are increasing. The villagers' conservation is officially authorised by the local government -- and the mining company never returned. Inspired by Yunta, four neighbouring villages began their own wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching patrols. With encouragement from local authorities, a village-based conservation network is being formed along the Tongtianhe Valley. Recognised as a conservation priority, the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve was set up in 2003 and designated a national park in 2016. But the area faces big conservation challenges: Government agencies have limited manpower to manage this vast area, and grazing rights at all its grasslands were given to households in the 1990s. This means that conservation would not be possible without support from local Tibetan communities. As Buddhists, these communities embrace the value of respecting nature and caring for other living beings. Their system of sacred lands is similar to modern protected areas. That makes them natural allies for conservation. Yunta's experience has proved that with proper training, villagers can become qualified conservationists. Essentially, they are providers of ecological services and should receive benefits from conservation in return. Based on this experience, a policy recommendation was made to the government, and the newly designated Sanjiangyuan National Park quickly responded. A total of 16,400 jobs as guards, with monthly salaries of around $260, are to be offered to villagers living inside the park -- one per household. The next step is to explore the possibility of reducing grazing in key habitats to allow wildlife -- especially large carnivores such as snow leopards -- to thrive, and to slow down grassland degradation. The Tibetan plateau is the last place in Asia to maintain an ecosystem that is relatively intact, and where large carnivores and ungulates roam freely. Many of these -- such as the snow leopard, the Tibetan brown bear, the Tibetan antelope, the wild yak, the Tibetan wild ass, the Tibetan gazelle, and the blue sheep -- are unique to the region. Maintaining this vast ecosystem is challenging because the local population of pastoralists is rapidly increasing. The human population of Sanjiangyuan has doubled since 1980. Meanwhile, global climate change may have added to pressures on the grassland. Is it possible, under these conditions, to protect the ecosystem successfully while supporting the cultural and economic well-being of Tibetan communities? After three decades of fast economic development, a better environment is becoming a higher priority. Several large ecological programmes have been initiated -- perhaps among the largest financial schemes in the world -- to pay for protecting and restoring forests, grasslands and wetlands. Public participation in conservation is now protected by environmental laws. Political will, the interests of society, and traditional values are all coming together. This makes us believe that coexistence between humans and nature is not just wishful thinking. Yunta offers a strong starting point. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday that migrants needed to fully embrace "Australian values" if they wanted to become citizens. Speaking in parliament, Turnbull urged the opposition to pass a legislation which would result in the creation of a revamped citizenship test, reports Xinhua news agency. Under the changes proposed in April, migrants would be required to pass a tougher English literacy test, while they would also be questioned on their values - on topics such as forced marriages, sexism and gender equality. "There is no more important title in our democracy than Australian citizen and we should make no apology for asking those who seek to join our Australian family to join us as Australian patriots committed to the values that define us committed to the values that unite us," Turnbull said. "We are introducing legislation to change our visa and citizenship requirements to ensure that new members of our society will embrace our values and positively contribute to our Australian society, regardless of background or religious belief." The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to announce that the government would be pushing for changes to metadata laws, which would allow Australia's security agencies to access data of those deemed to be a legitimate terror threat. He said the latest technologies which are being used by terror organisations to recruit and send messages to potential recruits, require new-age laws. "Not so long ago, only states and large corporations had megaphones powerful enough to address a nation. Now a tweet or a YouTube video can reach millions, if not billions, in seconds," Turnbull told the parliament. Later, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said his party would consider supporting the metadata legislation, so long as the details are revealed in parliament for all to consider. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The monsoon session of Parliament may be convened for a month from July 12, five days before the date of President's election in which over 776 MPs are eligible to vote. Sources said that the government has various proposals on dates for the monsoon session, which is usually convened towards the end of July and carries on till August end. This time, they said, the session was slightly being advanced because of the Presidential election in which MPs and MLAs are voters. A session at that time will ensure that all the MPs are in Delhi, where they usually vote in Parliament. An MP can also vote in his home state where MLAs generally vote. It is most likely that the session may begin on July 12 and end around August 10-11, the sources said. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is likely to meet in the coming days to take a final call on the dates, the sources said. --IANS bns-vsc/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A leading Pakistani newspaper on Tuesday urged the government to immediately end its involvement in the Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance (IMA). "There may be many strands to the latest crisis engulfing the Middle East, but there is only one conclusion for Pakistan: this country cannot afford to get embroiled in conflict in the Middle East," the Dawn said in an editorial. While Pakistan should help defuse tensions among the various state actors in the Middle East, it also needs to withdraw from the IMA, the daily said. "The bizarre and patently false assertion by a section of the Turkish state-run media that the Pakistani Parliament is considering sending thousands of troops to Qatar underlines the risks involved in a conflict in which the media has become a weapon." The Pakistan Foreign Office has denied the reports. The editorial said Pakistan's national interest require it to stay neutral in the current crisis in the Gulf that has pitted Qatar against Saudi Arabia and its allies including the UAE and Bahrain. "That ... would require Pakistan to suspend its military participation in the IMA and withdraw retired Gen Raheel Sharif from his command of future IMA forces. "Simply, recent events in the Middle East have shattered the assumptions on which Pakistan's original inclusion in the IMA was premised. "The IMA was supposed to be a counterterrorism force and there was no threat greater than the militant Islamic State group that Muslim-majority countries could jointly fight. "But the Saudi leadership has made clear that it primarily wants to contain Iran and, now, cut Qatar down to size, effectively destroying any possibility that the IMA can become a platform for all Muslim-majority countries... Withdrawal from the IMA has become essential." --IANS mr/soni (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah is in Sri Lanka on an official visit, it was announced said on Tuesday. The Admiral was warmly received by the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Xinhua news agency reported. During his visit, Admiral Zakaullah exchanged views with the Sri Lankan side on issues of bilateral importance and mutual interest and called on top military officials in Sri Lanka. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China and Panama on Tuesday signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations, a day after Panama severed ties with Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Panamanian counterpart Isabel de Saint Malo, who is also Panama's Vice President, signed the joint communique. According to the communique quoted by Xinhua news agency, China and Panama will establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. It said Panama recognised the One-China principle and Taiwan as an inalienable part of Chinese territory. It also said that Panama had severed "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan and undertook not to have any more official relations or exchanges with Taipei. Panama's decision has dealt a blow to Taiwan, which now has only 20 countries that recognise it. Taiwan has expressed anger over the Panama's move, accusing Beijing of doing "money diplomacy". To the south of China, Taiwan is an English-speaking democracy, which Beijing sees it as a breakaway province. After being defeated by the Communists in 1949, Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, better known as Formosa for hundreds of years. Since then Taiwan, which means beautiful land, has maintained a sort of independence from China but never proclaimed it. Ties between China and Taiwan took a hit last year when the island elected Tsai-Ing We, whose Democratic Progressive Party has been traditionally pro-independence. China vows to unite the island with the mainland even if it came to resorting to violence. The latest development will certainly bolster China's claim over Taiwan. Beijing does not mince words in slamming or threatening any country which tries get close to Taiwan. --IANSA gsh/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lampedusa (Italy), June 12 (IANS/AKI) Giusy Nicolini, the award-winning Mayor of Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa - one of the chief gateways to Europe for migrants arriving from Africa - lost her bid for re-election, final results showed on Monday. Nicolini, who hails from the ruling centre-left Democratic Party, gained 24.28 percent of votes in Sunday's polls, losing to the civic list of party rival Salvatore Martello who won with 40.30 percent of votes. In second place was grassroots Five Star party candidate Filippo Mannino with 29.39 percent of ballots, while Nicolini came third. The only mainstream candidate who did worse than Nicolini was the anti-immigrant Northern League party's Angela Maraventano, who got 6.03 percent of votes, the results showed. Turnout was 79 percent on Lampedusa, home to 4,000 islanders and where many thousands of migrants arrived by boat across the Mediterranean from North Africa and were welcomed by Nicolini in recent years, a policy that looks set to change under Martello, a hotel owner and leader of Lampedusa's fishermen. "Our arms remain outstretched but first and foremost we want to know what the rules are: how many people can land here, how long they should stay for and where they stay...we can't have migrants swarming all over the place," Martello said on Monday. In April this year, Nicolini was the joint recipient of the UNESCO's prestigious peace prize together with migrant rescue association SOS Mediterranee. Nicolini was recognised for "her boundless humanity and unwavering commitment to refugee crisis management and integration in response to the arrival of thousands of refugees on the shores of Lampedusa and elsewhere in Italy," UNESCO said. Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi made Nicolini a member of its national secretariat in May and took her with him in October to the last formal dinner of Barack Obama's presidency, along with Oscar winning Roberto Benigni, film director Paolo Sorrentino and fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Nicolini also met Pope Francis when he travelled to Lampedusa on his first official trip outside Rome in July 2013. --IANS/AKI vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea on Tuesday warned South Korean President Moon Jae-in of potential "brain-washing" efforts by US President Donald Trump during their upcoming summit in Washington. "The US has buckled down to taming the South Korean authorities in an undisguised manner," Xinhua quoted Korean Central News Agency as saying. North Korea has criticised Moon for submitting to US pressure and maintaining a hardline policy toward Pyongyang. "What matters is that the present chief executive of South Korea (Moon), who caught the interest of the public for his remarks that 'he would always say no to the US,' has now gone servile to the US," said the commentary. The US has engaged in a "cynical ploy" against moderate governments in Seoul in the past to pressure them into accepting U.S. policy and maintaining an alliance with Washington, it said. "The US has tamed the democratic forces to keep pace with it with utmost vigilance whenever they rose to power in South Korea," said the commentary. North Korea has urged Moon to revive the reconciliation process in accordance with two joint declarations signed by leaders of the two sides in early 2002. Pyongyang also urged Seoul to dismantle the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and get rid of pro-US forces in the new government. Last month, South Korea's presidential Blue House said that South Korea and the US had agreed to hold a summit meeting in late June in Washington. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will take a break from the rough and tumble of Indian to visit his 93-year-old maternal grandmother in Italy. "Will be travelling to meet my grandmother and family for a few days. Looking forward to spending some time with them," Gandhi said on Twitter. Rahul Gandhi, whose maternal grandmother Paola Maino lives in Italy, did not mention how many days he will remain out of the country. He will celebrate his 47th birthday on June 19. The Congress leader's latest foreign visit comes amid hectic over the July 17 presidential election and other developments like the farmers unrest and protests in various states across the country. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "Rahul Gandhi is travelling abroad to meet his 93-year-old grandmother and family. To take care of the well-being of elders is part of our culture." He said Rahul Gandhi will continue to lead and guide the ongoing farmers' agitation and every Congressman is committed to fight for the farmers rights. Rahul Gandhi visited the US in March after his mother and congress chief Sonia Gandhi went there for a health check-up. This is not the first time that Gandhi had announced his plans to go abroad on Twitter. He did the same when he earlier visited London in December 2016. Moreover, it is not the first time Gandhi will go abroad when presidential election and farmers unrest looms large over the country, and six farmers have been killed in police firing on June 6 in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. He went abroad ahead of New Year celebrations in December 2016, when the country was in economic and political turmoil owing to the government's November 8 decision to demonetise currency notes and infighting in the Samajwadi Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. He drew criticism from political opponents when he went abroad in 2016-end, leading to his absence from Parliament in the first few days of the Budget session. He again drew flak when he attended the Aspen conference in September 2015 amid assembly election campaign in Bihar. --IANS sid/tsb (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.) More than 23,000 firefighters and rescue workers will ensure security during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, an official said on Tuesday as he presented a report to Deputy Emergencies Minister Vladimir Stepanov at a board meeting at the National Crisis Management Centre. "The Russian Emergencies Ministry has completed preparations for ensuring security during the Confederations Cup," Tass news agency quoted Anatoly Yelizarov, Director of the Operative Management Department at the Russian Emergencies Ministry, as saying. "We have exercised emergency response activities and arranged a management and interaction system included in the Unified State System aimed at emergencies prevention and response," Yelizarov added stressing that "the ministry's management bodies, as well as its personnel, are ready to ensure security during the Confederations Cup". According to him, in order to ensure security during sporting events, the Emergencies Ministry has formed a group comprising more than 23,000 people, around 2,000 units of equipment and 22 aircraft. "Firefighters and rescue workers will receive instructions from the Russian Emergencies Ministry's operative headquarters set up at the National Crisis Management Centre and regional crisis management centers," he added. The Emergencies Ministry has also appointed its officials to supervise every stadium and hotel where delegation members will stay, as well as transport facilities and fan zones. "The Emergencies Ministry's staff have already been deployed to planned locations," Yelizarov went on to say. "Besides, the National Crisis Management Centre and regional crisis management centres will also employ students from the ministry's colleges, who speak foreign languages," he added. The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup will take place in Russia from June 17 to July 2. Group A will feature hosts Russia, as well as New Zealand, Portugal and Mexico. Group B will include Germany, Chile, Australia and Cameroon. Matches will be played in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi and Kazan. --IANS pur/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny was found guilty of repeatedly calling for unlawful protests and sentenced to 30 days of detention, following a day of nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations, the media reported. Navalny, in court in Moscow, on Monday night accused the judge of helping the police write the justification for his arrest, reports CNN. His wife, Yulia, reported Navalny was detained at his Moscow home. "30 days", Navalny tweeted after the sentencing. "Not only they robbed the whole country, but I'll miss Depeche Mode (British rock band) concert in Moscow because of them." The opposition leader, who plans to run against Vladimir Putin in next year's presidential election, had mobilised support on social media platforms for the protests. The arrest of Navalny came as thousands of protesters clashed with police in Moscow and St. Petersburg earlier on Monday, reports CNN. Nearly 1,400 people were arrested in Moscow and St. Petersburg, according to OVD, an independent group monitoring arrests. The group said 825 people were detained during protests in the capital and 548 arrested in St. Petersburg. Russian authorities warned the public and declared the planned rally in the capital was illegal. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer condemned the arrests and called on Russia "to release all peaceful protesters". "The United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters throughout Russia," Spicer said, calling it "an affront to core democratic values". --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit Mandsaur on Wednesday to meet the families of farmers killed in police firing, officials said on Tuesday. According to officials, the Chief Minister is also expected to meet the farmer leaders. On Sunday, Chouhan ended his day-old indefinite fast which he started here for the restoration of peace in his state rocked by violence during a farmers' agitation. The farmers in Madhya Pradesh are on strike since June 1 demanding loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce. At least five persons were killed in police firing in Mandsaur on June 6. Farmer leaders, however, put the number of deaths at eight. One farmer died later of injuries sustained in clashes with police. The violence by farmers in Mandsaur had spilled over to several other districts, including the Malwa-Nimad area and even reached the state capital. --IANS hindi-pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Metro's Blue Line (Dwarka 21-Noida City Centre/Vaishali) services came to a grinding halt on Tuesday when it developed a snag near the Indraprastha station, stranding thousands of commuters along the stretch. "Some strands of Over-Head Equipment (OHE) wire reportedly sagged between Indraprastha and Yamuna Bank section on the line going towards Noida/Vaishali at 4.55 p.m.," a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official told IANS. "The OHE team is taking remedial measures and train movement is being regulated on this section for the time being," he said. The snag forced many people to wait for an inordinately long time at the stations. "I waited for the train at Dwarka station for 40 minutes. But when it didn't turn up, I took the Airport Line, which is still a fair bet to reach ITO," a commuter told IANS over phone. It took another commuter more than an hour to reach Rajiv Chowk from Noida's Sector 16 Metro station. "The train halted for almost ten minutes at every station. At Yamuna Bank it remained still for 15-16 minutes. Even the AC stopped working many times," Ankita Sarkar, a student, told IANS. --IANS vn/vgu/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Greek captain of a cargo ship which hit a fishing boat off Kerala coast on Sunday said he was not aware of the collision, a shipping official said on Tuesday. Two fishermen were killed and the third is missing. "The captain of the ship claims that he was not aware of the collision. Now that the Kerala High Court has directed the seizure of the ship's documents, we will wait for directions from the court on the course of action to be adopted," Ajith K. Sukumar, an official with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), told media here. He added that it will take a few more days for the procedures to be completed in the ongoing probe of the collision. On Monday, top officials attached to the DGS -- accompanied by the Coast Guard, Coastal Police and Kerala Police officials -- finished a day-long inspection of the ship and took detailed statements from the 28-member crew of the ship. They also took documents which include the voice data recorder and the original logs of the ship. The authorities on Tuesday continued their search for the fisherman who went missing after the collision. The cargo ship, bearing a Panama flag and carrying fertilisers, was on its way from China to Israel. It is now berthed in the outer seas. According to the fishermen in the ill-fated fishing boat, "Carmel Matha", the accident occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday about 16 nautical miles from the Kerala coast. According to the fishermen, there was no warning by the cargo ship and after hitting the fishing boat, it sailed away without stopping, which according to maritime laws is a grave crime. --IANS sg/vgu/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An agreement for plying state-owned buses was signed between Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan here on Tuesday at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official residence. The agreement was signed by Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Swatantra Dev Singh and his Rajasthan counterpart Yunus Khan, in Adityanath's presence. As per the agreement, Uttar Pradesh-run buses would ply on 199 roads and 56,774 km in Rajasthan and the Rajasthan State Transport Corporation buses would ply on 56,558 km of Uttar Pradesh roads. Terming the agreement as a historic occasion, Adityanath said "it was a pleasure that the inter-state agreement was being signed between two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments for the convenience of people". The Chief Minister also hinted at similar agreements with other states as well, immaterial of which political party ruled it. He also warned people against rash and reckless driving and said that efforts would be made to ensure that those behind the wheel adhered to traffic norms and speed limits. --IANS md/pgh/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against reinstating President Donald Trump's revised executive order limiting travel from six-Muslim majority countries, the media reported. The ruling on Monday from the three-judge Judges Michael Daly Hawkins, Ronald Gould and Richard Paez panel is yet another stinging loss from a court that similarly refused to reinstate Trump's original executive order on travel in February, reports CNN. "We conclude that the President, in issuing the Executive Order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress," the three judges, all appointed by former President Bill Clinton, wrote in the ruling. "Immigration, even for the President, is not a one-person show." The judges cited Trump's latest tweets in the travel ban saga. "Indeed, the President recently confirmed his assessment that it is the 'countries' that are inherently dangerous, rather than the 180 million individual nationals of those countries who are barred from entry under the President's 'travel ban'," the judge wrote. They also cited White House press secretary Sean Spicer's confirmation that Trump's tweets are "considered official statements by the President of the United States". On June 6, Trump tweeted: "That's right, we need a travel ban for certain dangerous countries, not some politically correct term that won't help us protect our people!", reports CNN. The judges largely affirmed US District Court Judge Derrick Watson's decision from March which found the core provisions of the revised executive order likely violated the Constitution because its primary purpose was to disfavour Muslims, but on slightly different grounds. Spicer on Monday said the administration is reviewing the decision and said it believes the travel ban is "lawful" and will be ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. Unlike the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which shot down the President's revised travel ban on constitutional grounds last month, the Ninth Circuit was persuaded by statutory claims under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. "In conclusion, the Order does not offer a sufficient justification to suspend the entry of more than 180 million people on the basis of nationality," wrote the panel. A week after former FBI director James Comey's testimony, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions is to testify publicly on Tuesday before Congress, which is expected to be focused on his contacts with Russian officials during last year's presidential campaign. Sessions requested that the hearing at the Senate Intelligence Committee be public, Xinhua quoted a Justice Department spokesperson as saying. "The Attorney General has requested that this hearing be public. He believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him and looks forward to answering the committee's questions tomorrow," the statement read. Comey told lawmakers at last Thursday's hearing that he knew details that made Sessions's involvement in the FBI Russia probe "problematic." "We were aware of facts I can't discuss in an open setting that would make his (Sessions') continued involvement in a Russia investigation problematic," Comey said at the hearing. Comey also reportedly told lawmakers behind closed doors that one of those details included another unreported meeting between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyac. The attorney general was forced to recuse himself in March from the federal investigation into Russian interference in the US election after media reports that he twice met with Kislyak during the 2016 campaign and did not disclose that to the Senate during his confirmation hearing in January. Moreover, Democrats are also thought to be keen to press Sessions on his role in Comey's abrupt firing. Trump accepted a recommendation from Sessions and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein to fire Comey in May, according to a White House statement issued at the time. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Senate has approved new economic sanctions on Russia and placed restrictions on President Donald Trump's ability to lift them without being assessed by the Congress. The deal, sealed on Monday night, imposes new sanctions on those carrying out "malicious cyber activities" on behalf of Moscow, those supplying arms to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, or people linked to Russian intelligence and defence, reports Efe news. The measure also gives Congress 30 days to review or potentially block Trump in case he decides to lift or ease the sanctions. Moreover, the deal also complicates the lifting of sanctions already imposed on Russia by the administration of former President Barack Obama, and allows the present administration to extend them to sectors of the Russian economy. The senators presented the deal as a separate Iran sanctions bill, under debate by the Legislature. Both proposals could be voted this week, a significant shift from last month, when the Republican leaders seemed reluctant to move forward on sanctions against Moscow. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the deal and urged the House of Representatives to pass it as soon as possible. "By codifying existing sanctions and requiring Congressional review of any decision to weaken or lift them, we are ensuring that the United States continues to punish President (Vladimir) Putin for his reckless and destabilising actions," Schumer said. "These additional sanctions will also send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia," he added. The Senate deal comes amid a crisis afflicting the Trump administration aver a possible attempt to obstruct justice in the investigation of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has reminisced about the times when he was working in Yash Chopra's "Kaala Patthar", says being on the late filmmaker's set was like a picnic. "Working with Yash-ji was always a picnic... Informal, relaxed and filed with humour and eating delicious food. He encouraged the families of artists to accompany them at the shoot destination... Whether it was Pune or Kashmir or Amsterdam or Delhi, it was always the same," Amitabh posted on his blog on Monday night. He recounted how evenings were spent at a common place where everyone chatted, played games and enjoyed each others' company. "Antakshari was the favourite, along with dumb charades... Haha... What wonderful moments shared," added the actor, who is currently in Malta to shoot "Thugs of Hindostan". Big B, 74, particularly mentioned how shootings in Kashmir, where he shot for Chopra's romantic drama "Silsila", were a delight. "After pack up, we would all migrate to the Dal Lake, where several 'dongas' - boat platforms - would be tied together to make one floating large boat and all of us would spend the evening, moving about in the lake, eating, singing... Music by local folk musicians, until the late hours. "Now all forgotten... And in memories... Sad. Time waits for no one... And neither must we," he added on an emotional note. --IANS shi-rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two terror attacks in as many weeks in London, 80 killed in an attack in Kabul on 31 May. The global fight against terror will clearly be a long haul. The Central government is set to make major amendments to the controversial rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which bans animal markets from selling cattle for slaughter. Blaming the UPA policies for farmers' distress, Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday said the NDA government has rolled out several schemes like crop insurance and e-NAM to double their incomes by 2022. The government is confident of achieving the target of doubling farmers' income in the said time period though some may have doubts, she said. The schemes be it crop insurance, micro-irrigation, electronic agri-mandi or for that matter mega food parks announced so far will take some time to show its effects but will have substantial impact on the income of farming community. " is not that has been caused in the last three years. It has been inherited due to policies of the last 60 years. The nation knows which government had ruled for last 60 years," Badal told reporters on the sidelines of an event that announced India to be a partner in the forthcoming global ANUGA food trade to be held this year. She also attacked Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for visiting violence-hit Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where recently six farmers died in police firing during a protest and termed his visit as "issue-based tourism". Highlighting the NDA government's measures taken in the last three years, Badal said several measures have been rolled out in the farm, fertiliser, irrigation and food processing sectors so that to ensure farmers get better income. She further said the priority is being given on promoting food processing and more investments are being encouraged not only from the domestic market but also foreign. Had the previous government set up enough food processing units in the country, farmers today would not have sold their produce at a throwaway price, she said. Despite bumper production this year, farmers are not getting better price because they are unable to store till price improves in the absence of storage facilities and food processing units nearby, she added. Asked about loan waivers announced by some states, Badal said the states have the right to take steps for the welfare of farmers. But the central government believes in overall development of farming community and not giving one-time sop or relief by announcing loan waiver. Citi Group today announced 19 technology companies have presented their solutions in India in the "Citi Tech for Integrity Challenge (T4I)". T4I is a global program from Citi that encourages technology innovators from around the world to create solutions in the public sector. According to a press release issued by the global financial giant, this initiative from Citi, in collaboration with private and public sector partners, offered technology companies an opportunity to innovate in the areas of financial transactions, cyber security, financial education, grievance redressal, cutting red tape, and other such spaces. In India, T4I was supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Digital India Foundation, and several private sector companies including IBM, PwC, Microsoft, MasterCard, Facebook, Let's Talk Payments and Wipro. The tech solutions received were evaluated by a jury and the selected finalists then showcased their innovations to an audience at the 'Demo Day' here. Out of the +1000 applications received from across the world, 213 teams qualified for the accelerator program and 103 finalists are presenting across the six demo days being hosted in Mexico, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Singapore and Abu Dhabi, besides Hyderabad. India received 309 entries, it said. Anand Chopra, Head of Operations and Technology, Citi South Asia, said, "The presentations we've seen have been extraordinary. We believe that platforms such as these are in the best interest of all stakeholders as they not only lead to sophisticated problem-solving solutions that have real use cases, but also help further perpetuate a culture of innovation, dialogue and openness between all those involved. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Infosys has flagged actions by "activist shareholders" as a risk factor, which could potentially require the company to incur significant legal fees and public relations costs. In its annual filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Infosys said such activities could interfere with the company's ability to execute its strategic plan. Over the past few months, the country's second largest software services firm has been battling allegations by co- founder N R Narayana Murthy and other former senior executives of falling corporate governance standards. "Responding to actions by activist shareholders can divert the attention of our board of directors, management and our employees and disrupt our operations," Infosys said in the filing. The company, however, did not name any such shareholder. "This may also require us to incur significant legal fees and public relations costs. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction could affect client and investor sentiment, resulting in volatility in the price of our securities," it warned. The Bengaluru-based firm also highlighted that negative media coverage and public scrutiny may divert the time and attention of its board and management and adversely affect the prices of its equity shares and ADS. ADS or American depositary share is a US dollar- denominated equity share of a foreign-based company available for purchase on an American stock exchange. Besides, the company has stated that any restrictions on immigration may affect its ability to compete for and provide services to clients in locations like the US and Europe. The filing noted that the issue of organisations outsourcing work to Indian IT firms has become a topic of political discussion in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia and other regions. "Our reliance on work visas for a significant number of technology professionals makes us particularly vulnerable to such changes and variations," Infosys said. It added that many of these changes are making it more difficult to obtain timely visas and resulting in increased expenses. "These changes could negatively affect our ability to utilise current employees to fulfil existing or new projects and could also result in higher operating expenses," the filing said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) and other domestic airlines are "running in profit", Union Minister Jayant Sinha said today, even as the government mulls possible privatisation of the debt-laden carrier. He said the government would have to bring a "transformation" in to make it a "good" airline. The government's think-tank NITI Aayog has proposed total privatisation of the carrier, which is sitting on a debt pile of Rs 52,000 crore. However, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has favoured disinvestment of the loss-making carrier. Addressing a press conference here today, Sinha, who is the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said the government is currently deliberating on the issue of ownership of and Cabinet will take a decision in this regard. "The current numbers suggest that our airlines are running in profit. They are not running in losses. Even Air India too is in profit," he said. Air India, which is surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bailout package spread over 10 years announced by the Manmohan Singh government in 2012, is working on ways to improve its financial position. In 2015-16, the airline posted operational profit of Rs 105 crore on account of low fuel prices and increased passenger numbers. "We are fortunate that oil prices have come down. The cost of aviation turbine fuel has come down 40 to 50 per cent and because of that flying has become affordable," Sinha said. He said the government has undertaken efforts to further bring down various charges, including those related to airport and landing. Observing that the aviation sector has seen growth, the minister said that air tickets have become cheaper and affordable, as a result of which the common man too is flying. "As far as the passenger trips are concerned, in the last three years, there is a 70 per cent rise. So it is wrong to say that the aviation sector is running into losses, in fact they (airlines) are in profit," he added. Sinha said there are currently 500 commercial jets in the country and more than 850 new jets are on order. "The new order has been placed because they are in profitable business and sustainable too," he said. Responding to a query, the minister said that government aims to make Air India a "great global airline". "We want to make Air India a great global airline and to make it happen, we need to transform it. "We will have to change the operations, we will have to alter balance sheets, we will have to change the product's quality and we will have to make changes in route network also," he said. He said through the regional connectivity scheme 'UDAN', smaller cities are being connected to the aviation network. "The air fares too are becoming cheaper. We are also working to bring down the cost in the aviation sector to make it sustainable. "We have also put a price cap in UDAN scheme to make the ticket more affordable to the common people. Our aim is to connect 200 more airports in the next few years as our goal is to provide airport to every person within the radius of 150 km," he said. When asked about the expansion of existing Lohegaon airport in Pune, Sinha said there is good coordination between the Air Force and the Airport Authority of India when it comes to acquiring more land for the civil airport. He said they are also working on the extension of the runway at the airport. "We have the runway of about 2 km on which we can land narrow body planes, which have flying range of about 5 hours but if we have to get to Frankfurt or London, we need to be able to land long haul jets. For that we need runway of three km and to acquire land, the discussions are going on," Sinha said. On the proposed international airport for Pune near Purandar, Sinha said the whole process will take five to six years. A Bangladesh diplomat has been indicted on charges he forced a foreign servant to work for his family in New York City without pay and assaulted him on several occasions. Prosecutors say 45-year-old Md. Shaheldul Islam was arraigned yesterday on grand larceny, assault, labour trafficking and other charges. A message left with his lawyer wasn't immediately returned. Prosecutors say Islam holds the post of Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh and has limited immunity. They say he brought the Bangladeshi servant, identified as Md. Amin, to New York between 2012 and 2013 to work as household help, but took away his passport. Prosecutors say Amin wasn't paid for his work, was threatened and beaten, sometimes with a wooden shoe. He escaped in 2016. Islam is due back in court June 28. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior Bangladeshi diplomat here has been indicted on charges of allegedly forcing his domestic help to work long hours without pay, with prosecutors saying he tried to cover up his illegal actions. Md Shaheldul Islam, 45, is the Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh in New York and holds "limited immunity" which pertains specifically to official actions only, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. Islam was indicted by a Queens County grand jury with 33 -counts of labour trafficking, assault and other charges. He was arraigned yesterday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, who set bail at USD 50,000 bond or USD 25,000 cash and ordered Islam to surrender his passport. Islam's next court date is June 28 and if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. According to the indictment, Md Amin was brought to Queens from Bangladesh around 2012 to work as household help for Islam and his family. Soon after Amin's arrival, Islam allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day in the family's home. Even though Amin had a contract which outlined his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work and if he disobeyed Islam's orders, Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the diplomat, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe. The Bangladeshi diplomat allegedly forced Amin to work for his family in their Queens home without financial compensation from approximately 2012 through May 2016, when the victim was able to escape. According to the charges, the victim's only source of income came from tips from guests when he was a server at parties and a minuscule amount of money that Islam sent to Amin's family in Bangladesh. However, Islam sought to "cover up" his own alleged illegal actions afterIndian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was then India's Deputy Consul General in the city, wasindicted in January 2014 on visa fraud and making false statements regarding the visa application of her domestic worker. Khobragade too was accused of underpaying her domestic help while making her work long hours and of intimidating her and her family. Manhattan's former top federal prosecutor Indian-American Preet Bharara had brought the charges against Khobragade, setting off a major diplomatic crisis between Washington and New Delhi. "However, in 2014, shortly after there was local coverage of an Indian diplomat being charged with labour trafficking, the defendant allegedly sought to cover up his own alleged illegal actions by taking most of the victim's cash tip money which he gave back in the form of a check. It is alleged the victim then had to deposit the check into his bank account, thereby creating the appearance that the employee was receiving a paycheck,"the Queens District Attorney statement said, referring to theKhobragade incident without naming the Indian diplomat. Finally, according to the criminal charges, when Amin asked to leave his job on several occasions, Islam in response, allegedly hit him or threatened to harm his family back home in Bangladesh. It is alleged that Islam specifically threatened to kill the man's mother and young son and, on occasion, stated he would have Amin's college-age daughter shamed if he did not continue to work as his servant. In May 2016, Amin was able to escape from the residence and reported his experience to the police. "The allegations in this case are very disturbing. A diplomat is accused of using both physical force and vile threats to control a person in his employment and whom he refused to pay," Brown said adding that Islam seized his domestic help's passport and, from the first day on the job, refused to pay wages due the employee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior Bangladeshi diplomat here has been indicted on charges of forcing his domestic help to work long hours without pay, with prosecutors saying he tried to cover up his actions after an Indian diplomat faced visa fraud charges and accused of exploiting her maid in 2013. Md Shaheldul Islam, 45, is the Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh in New York and holds "limited immunity" which pertains specifically to official actions only, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. Islam was indicted by a Queens County grand jury with 33 -counts of labour trafficking, assault and other charges. He was arraigned yesterday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, who set bail at USD 50,000 bond or USD 25,000 cash and ordered Islam to surrender his passport. Islam's next court date is June 28 and if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. According to the indictment, Md Amin was brought to Queens from Bangladesh around 2012 to work as household help for Islam and his family. Soon after Amin's arrival, Islam allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day in the family's home. Even though Amin had a contract which outlined his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work and if he disobeyed Islam's orders, Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the diplomat, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe. The Bangladeshi diplomat allegedly forced Amin to work for his family in their Queens home without financial compensation from approximately 2012 through May 2016, when the victim was able to escape. According to the charges, the victim's only source of income came from tips from guests when he was a server at parties and a minuscule amount of money that Islam sent to Amin's family in Bangladesh. However, Islam sought to "cover up" his own alleged illegal actions afterIndian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was then India's Deputy Consul General in the city, wasindicted in January 2014 on visa fraud and making false statements regarding the visa application of her domestic worker, Brown said. Khobragade too was accused of underpaying her domestic help while making her work long hours and of intimidating her and her family. Manhattan's former top federal prosecutor Indian-American Preet Bharara had brought the charges against Khobragade, setting off a major diplomatic crisis between Washington and New Delhi. "However, in 2014, shortly after there was local coverage of an Indian diplomat being charged with labour trafficking, the defendant allegedly sought to cover up his own alleged illegal actions by taking most of the victim's cash tip money which he gave back in the form of a check," Brown said. "It is alleged the victim then had to deposit the check into his bank account, thereby creating the appearance that the employee was receiving a paycheck,"the Queens District Attorney statement said, referring to theKhobragade incident without naming the Indian diplomat. Finally, according to the criminal charges, when Amin asked to leave his job on several occasions, Islam in response, allegedly hit him or threatened to harm his family back home in Bangladesh. It is alleged that Islam specifically threatened to kill the man's mother and young son and, on occasion, stated he would have Amin's college-age daughter shamed if he did not continue to work as his servant. In May 2016, Amin was able to escape from the residence and reported his experience to the police. "The allegations in this case are very disturbing. A diplomat is accused of using both physical force and vile threats to control a person in his employment and whom he refused to pay," Brown said adding that Islam seized his domestic help's passport and, from the first day on the job, refused to pay wages due the employee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aviation security watchdog BCAS has opposed a demand by airline operators to exempt pilots from the mandatory pre-flight briefing session by sky marshals. The agency is now awaiting the Home Ministry's views on the matter. At a recent meeting called by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the airlines demanded that pilots be excused from being briefed by sky marshals before take off, according to sources. Sky marshals are armed security personnel in plain clothes who travel in select flights to deal with mid-air security emergencies, if any. The briefing is part of the security drill but the carriers are opposing it on the grounds that on several occasions pilots do not have enough time to switch from one flight to another. Sources said the BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) is opposed to the demand from the airlines as the pilot-in- command is in charge of a flight and should attend the briefing. Airlines are of the view that in case of a security emergency on board, such as a hijack, the cabin crew would be directly in touch with the sky marshals and not pilots. Hence, pilots should not be compulsorily required to attend the briefing by sky marshals which is a standard orientation procedure, sources added. With differences persisting, the issue of whether to give exemption or not has been referred to the Home Ministry for a final call. Generally, sky marshals are drawn from the elite National Security Guard (NSG) and are also trained in anti-hijacking duties. These security officers are deployed on random basis on domestic as well as international flights. The practice of having sky marshals on board flights was started after the hijack of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi by terrorists in December 1999. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India needs to promote agricultural practices that need less water for crop cultivation and give thrust to water conservation and harvesting over the next one decade to avert crisis of shortage, according to an eminent scientist. Calling for a holistic approach towards water conservation, including recharging of structures, the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, K Kasturirangan said agriculture in India, particularly paddy cultivation, consumes substantial amount of water. "There are agricultural practices that are coming up now which needs much less water," the former Rajya Sabha member told PTI. "There are methods that are scientifically coming up where water requirements for agriculture is slowly brought down. We need to bring it down. It's an important area," the winner of civilian honour Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan said. The former member (Science) of the now-defunct Planning Commission said rainfall in the coming years is likely to be "highly skewed". "So, water precipitation will not be uniform across the country. Therefore you need strategies where, whenever you get excess rainfall in any place, you should have method to managing that," Kasturirangan said. "There has to be strategies to harvest it, keeping it with limited amount of evaporation," he said. There are systems to conserve water not just now but also in ancient times, and "we need to bring them up", Kasturirangan said. "There has to be something holistic about the way we want to manage our water". Noting that Indian subcontinent receives fairly good amount of rainfall, he said: "What is more important is how well we are able to manage this water by creating the right type of management system, conservation, preservation, optimal use of water and reducing the water for agriculture." "These are some of the things that has to be brought into the picture in the coming five to 10 years so that this (water shortage) will not become a crisis for the country," Kasturirangan added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Haryana Roadways bus driver, who rammed his vehicle into a motorcycle killing a Delhi Police personnel, has been sentenced to one year in jail by a court here. Special Judge Narinder Kumar dismissed the driver's appeal and upheld a magisterial court's order awarding one year jail term to Rohtash Singh, a resident of Sonipat. "The court finds that the metropolitan magistrate has rightly held that it was the accused (driver) who drove the bus in a rash and negligent manner," the court said. It also said the medical evidence has corroborated the prosecution version that constables -- Satbir Singh and Ombir Singh -- had sustained injuries due to the accident. Satbir later succumbed to injuries. The court upheld his conviction for the offences of causing death by negligence, rash driving, causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life of others under the IPC and under the Motor Vehicles Act. According to the prosecution, the accident took place on the night of January 16, 2002 when Ombir was riding a police patrolling motorcycle and Satbir was riding pillion. They were on duty in Burari area in north west Delhi. When they reached Burari crossing, a Haryana roadways bus came from the side of Karnal Bypass, jumped the red signal and hit the motorcycle due to which both policemen fell down and sustained injuries. They were taken to a hospital by a PCR van where Satbir died. The driver sought to set aside the magisterial court's order claiming that statement of injured policeman Ombir was not in consonance with the prosecution version. He also referred to the statement of bus conductor, who had stated that the motorcyclist slipped due to a stone and hit a footpath in front of the bus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mobile tower companies have written to telecom regulator alleging that coercive action by local bodies for taxes, retrograde orders and no benefit under GST are the key impediments facing them to run business. The mobile tower firms, under the umbrella organisation of Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association (Taipa) have sought abolition of property and other taxes imposed in states that are not in sync with central government rules. "Some of the municipalities and states consider telecom towers only as a source of revenue instead of critical infrastructure essential for the common public. They calculate property taxes based upon the rentals, not linked to the standard and well established guidance/rateable value for the area," Taipa said in its submission to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The industry body said that property tax on mobile towers should be dismissed as the state and local authorities including corporations have no competence to levy and collect such tax under Indian Telegraph Act. "The issue related to levy of arbitrary and exorbitant property tax on telecom towers at different rates or amounts by different local authorities including municipal corporations, municipalities and state governments coupled with coercive actions such as sealing of towers, disconnection of power supply, nuisance at sites, use of force and damage to telecom sites etc. Have again come to light in recent times," Taipa said. It said that more than 250 tower sites have been sealed, removed or demolished by various municipal corporations in Maharashtra resulting in huge impact on telecom services on over 3 million consumers. The industry body said that its members which include firms like Indus Towers, Bharti Infratel and American Towers, own 90 per cent of the telecom infrastructure in the country but still the government has not inlcuded them under Right of Way (RoW) Rules notified by the Department of Telecom last year. The RoW rules protects telecom companies from high rates charged from them by various government agencies and removes impediments of permits by different authorities. The industry body raised concerns over a government order asking mobile tower companies to either take a telecom licence or transfer ownership of some items like mobile antenna, feeder cable etc to telecom operators. "Government should enable faster provision of cost effective common telecom infrastructure for the benefit of public at large and not revenue generation from licenses... which has cascading effects and eventually leads to additional cost to public at large," Taipa said. It said that the government under GST has not allowed tax credit on the tax paid by telecom operators on bills generated by them. "With CENVAT credit not available (under the plant & machinery) to tower infrastructure business, the cost of services will rise considerably and billing by IP-1 to TSPs (telecom service providers) will need to include the component of additional tax implication in its overall cost structure," Taipa said. The Centre today despatched 600 paramilitary personnel to assist the West Bengal government in restoring normalcy in violence-hit Darjeeling hills which witnessed incidents of stone pelting on the second day of GJM-sponsored indefinite bandh. The Centre also sought a detailed report on the prevailing situation in the hill district from the state government. A Union home ministry spokesperson said that as many as 600 paramilitary personnel, including 200 women, were sent to Darjeeling. Around 400 personnel, already stationed in West Bengal, have also been deployed in the hill areas along with additional forces. The home ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and was ready to offer all assistance to the state government to restore normalcy there. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat in Kolkata that the situation in the hill district was 'peaceful'. She, however, said that the Centre did not seek any report on the Darjeeling situation from the state government. As their indefinite shutdown entered its second day today, protesters demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland hurled stones at the police at Chowkbazar area in Darjeeling after they were stopped from enforcing their shutdown in many government offices. Senior police officers were seen leading large police contingents in various parts of the hills. Police pickets and barricades were put up in front of the government and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices and various entry and exit points of the hills, while Rapid Action Force (RAF) and a sizable number of women police personnel were also deployed. Shops downed shutters as the violence broke out. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership, however, accused the police unprovoked lathi-charge on its procession. "The police resorted to unprovoked lathi-charge on a peaceful rally. The more they use force against us, the more intense will be the struggle for a separate Gorkhaland state," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told PTI. Yesterday too, Gorkhaland supporters vandalised government offices as the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown forced tourists out of the picturesque hill station due to threat of violence. The GJM, which controls the GTA, has called a shutdown of all state and GTA offices to press its demand for creation of a separate state. Giri said that a meeting of six political parties, including GJM and Gorkha National Liberation Front during the day, decided to strengthen the movement for a seperate Gorkhaland. Their next meeting has been scheduled on June 20 to discuss the future course of action, he said. GJM chief Bimal Gurung said that he was in constant touch with the Centre and was hopeful that its ally the BJP would consider its demand for a separate state "compassionately". "I am constantly in touch with the central government and various ministers. I am very hopeful that they will understand our pain and struggle and will consider our demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland. "The government at the Centre is our ally and they will surely consider our demand compassionately," Gurung said. BJP, he said, has always been in favour of small states. The GJM chief slammed West Bengal chief minister for calling out the Army to control the situation in the hills and advised her to stay away as "the people of Darjeeling are well equipped to take care of themselves". "My advice to Mamata Banerjee is please stay away from the hills. We don't need your charity. The people of the hills will not accept TMC's hegemony," he said. Hitting out at the chief minister for calling the Army to control the situation in the hills, Gurung said, "Mamata Banerjee is just pursuing opportunist politics. "In December last year she had accused the Army of trying to attempt a military coup. She can do anything for the sake of cheap politics," he alleged. "We are not like her. We respect the Indian Army. Every year hundreds of youth from the hills join the Indian army," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A clash between undertrial prisoners and convicts in the Dum Dum Central Correctional Home today left some of the inmates seriously injured. The injured were later shifted to the hospital inside the correctional home premises. West Bengal minister for Correctional Administration Ujjal Biswas told PTI that the clash began last night between two groups of prisoners following their differences on food served in the correctional home. The inmates shouted slogans protesting against the quality of food served in the correctional home. The undertrial prisoners even held a demonstration today demanding speedy disposal of their cases, Biswas said. The undertrial prisoners have lodged complaint with the correctional home authority against the convicts for regular torture on them. The minister has assured all inmates to look into their demands through discussion with his officials and the state Home (Police) administration. Vigil in and around the Dum Dum Central Correctional Home have been tightened, Biswas said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh today demanded an apology from the Congress for its leader Sandeep Dikshit's comment likening Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to a "goon on the street". Apologies and regrets expressed by individual leaders are not enough, said Singh, a former Army chief himself. "Congress as a political party should apologise for his (Dikshit's) remark, which is inappropriate and condemnable." The minister said the Army does not indulge in politics in any form and works for the nation with complete dedication and commitment. "Army men engage themselves sincerely to safeguard the country's frontiers and keep the people secure...The controversial statement should be condemned by all," he told newsmen. "I am deeply hurt by whatever has been said," he added. Dikshit, an ex-Congress MP and son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, had yesterday said: "Ours is not a mafia army like the Pakistani army which makes statements like goons. It looks bad when our Army chief gives a statement like a 'sadak ka goonda' (goon on the street)." BJP has lashed out at the Congress over the statement and demanded Dikshit's expulsion from the party. The Congress distanced itself from the remarks. Dikshit later withdrew his statement and tweeted, "I have reservations on a comment of the Army chief, but I should have chosen appropriate words. I apologise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress today alleged that the farmers unrest in certain parts of the country was a result of demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes. Describing the note ban announced in November last year as a "Himalayan Blunder", former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, MP and AICC Social Media in Charge Divya Spandana said farmers have been badly affected in various ways due to the note ban and "what we are facing now is its consequences". "We have seen certain connections to the farmers stir with the demonetisation", Tharoor said when asked about the farmers agitation in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Cash crunch following note ban had forced the farmers to sell their products at a low price affecting their livelihood, he said. "What we have began to see is actually, I am afraid, only one aspect of much larger nation wide problem the country is going to face", Thaoor said while charging the NDA government with total failure in all sectors. He condemned the ban of sale of cattle for slugger and said "definitely it is an assault on the freedom of the food habits of citizens". The Congress has decided to strengthen the campaign against the Centre by highlighting its failures, Spandana said. Index of industrial production, which was growing at 5.3 per cent in February 2016, has come down to 1.9 per cent in March 2017, Tharoor said. Gross Value Added (GVA) a true sub-measure of economic activity, has experienced a steep fall. The GVA growth of industry has fallen from 10.7 per cent in March 2016 to a low of 3.8 per cent in March 2017, a decline of nearly seven percentage points, the Congress leaders pointed out. "Beyond the slogans, advertising and hyper-rhetoric, sentiment is gloomy and nothing works on the ground", they said. They said some of the flagships programmes of previous UPA government has been renamed and implemented by the present government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three gangsters allegedly committed suicide when they found themselves surrounded by Punjab and Haryana police in a village in Haryana's Sirsa district today, police said. On a tip off, the gangsters were traced to a hideout and surrounded by the police teams early this morning. On being cornered, the gangsters fired several rounds at the police parties before committing suicide, Faridkot SSP, Nanak Singh told PTI over phone. He said gangsters Bunty Dhillon and Jaspreet Singh alias Jumpy of Faridkot district and Nishan Singh committed suicide. "While Bunty and Jaspreet died on the spot, Nishan Singh was declared brought dead in a hospital," Singh said. While two of the gangsters shot themselves dead, it was not immediately clear as to how the third gangster ended his life. Sirsa SP, Satender Kumar Gupta said the Haryana police team coordinated with their Punjab counterparts in the entire operation. Nanak Singh said Bunty and Jaspreet were dreaded gangsters of the Devinder shooter gang. Their involvement with the Vicky Gounder gang lately also came to the fore, he said, adding the trio had multiple FIRs registered against them in various police stations. They were also involved in a shootout incident at Poanta Sahib and Tarn Taran, besides in many murder cases, and many other heinous crimes. Police recovered a jeep and some weapons from the spot. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As more petrol pump dealers decided to strike on Friday, Indian Oil Corp (IOC) today stepped up efforts to explain implementation of the daily revision in petrol and diesel prices. Daily price revision, which follows successful pilot in five cities, is to be implemented from June 16, from when even the smallest change in international oil prices can be passed down to consumers. IOC Chairman Sanjiv Singh, who yesterday held extended parleys with petrol pump dealers from several states, said nothing is being done to the detriment of petrol pump operators. "Whatever they were doing at 15-day frequency, they will be required to do daily. That is the only change," he told PTI here. Delhi Petrol Dealers Association today decided to join the call given by the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders (FAIPT) for 'no-purchase-no-sale' day on June 16, saying the state-owned fuel retailers have "jumped into" the decision without checking the ground reality about automation system of pump. "Unless the price is pushed automatically through the automation system the petrol dealers are not ready to do it manually or fetch the price on a daily basis as being advised by the oil marketing companies. This manual intervention can lead to errors and delays in operation of the petrol pump," the association said. Singh, however, said about 10,000 out of IOC's 26,000 petrol pumps across the country are already automated, where prices can be changed remotely, and the remaining will be automated by 2018. "We are not saying that all petrol pumps have to change the price determined at midnight every day. All we are saying is that before you start your business, the price has to be adjusted. And that can be at 7 am in the morning," he said. He said currently petrol pumps change rates according to the price decided by the oil companies on the fortnightly basis. This now has to be done on a daily basis. "They have apprehensions of inventory losses in case prices drop but we do not anticipate international rates to go down steeply. In fact they have been stable and this is the right time to implement such a move," he said. The association, however, said a stringent fine of Rs 5 lakh and suspension of sales and supplies for 60 days are provisioned for manually altering rates at petrol pumps but in reality not even half of pumps are automated. IOC, the nation's largest fuel retailer, said it will provide information on daily price revisions through various means, including LED screens at petrol pumps, toll-free number, social media posts, mobile apps as well as through SMS. Singh, along with IOC Director (Marketing) BS Canth, explained daily price change with retail outlet dealers of 11 states -- Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Bihar. "The fear of dealers about inventory loss is unwarranted as the change of prices will happen both upwards as well as downwards, and thus both gain and loss would compensate each other," he said. The pilot was successful in the five cities where the price change has been implemented smoothly. Although daily price revision is effective from midnight, thanks to the advent of technology, the dealer is not required to be present at the retail outlet every day to change the price after 00.00 hrs at midnight, IOC said in a separate statement. In case of automated retail outlets, there is a provision for dealers to schedule the price change at 20.00 hrs for price change to take effect at 00.00 hrs. In case of non- automated ROs, manual change of price has to be done. "Retail Outlets operating during the night have already employed manpower. No additional manpower is thus required for the change of price. Changing of retail selling prices in the dispensing units (DUs) consumes very less time. "Moreover, as the same is effective at 00.00 hrs midnight when the rush of customers is minimum, inconvenience caused to customers will also be minimised," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It was an emotional moment for Nilakshi Elizabeth Jorendal, the India-born Swedish national, as she met her ailing biological mother in Yavatmal. Nilakshi (44), who was adopted by a Swedish couple when she was three-year-old, had managed to trace her biological mother through Anjali Pawar of Pune-based NGO - Against Child Trafficking. "It was an emotional reunion on Saturday at the government hospital in Yavatmal. The mother-daughter duo broke into tears," Pawar told PTI. "Nilakshi, who was on a mission to trace her biological parents, had met her mother briefly earlier but this was a more elaborate, public reunion," she said. Nilakshi biological father, a farm labourer, had committed suicide in 1973, the year she was born at Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission's shelter-and-adoption home in Kedgaon near Pune. Nilakshi's mother had left her there and later remarried and has a son and daughter from the second marriage. They too were present at the hospital on Saturday, Pawar said. The centre gave Nilakshi in adoption to a Swedish couple in 1976. "Nilakshi had been visiting India since 1990 to trace her biological mother. She visited India six times for this," Pawar said. Both the mother and daughter suffer from thalassemia, she said, adding, "During the meeting on Saturday, she assured her biological mother's kin of all help in her treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government has decided to construct 582 flats for the economically weaker section (EWS) under its rehabilitation scheme. The flats, to be built under the government's 'Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan' (houses in place of slums) scheme, will come up a few metres from a slum at Rana Pratap Bagh in south Delhi's Sangam Park area. According to an official, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) will build the flats, which will be ready in the next two-three years. Once the flats were ready, the slum-dwellers would be shifted there, he said. In February, DUSIB had approved a proposal to construct 6,178 flats for the economically weaker section at Lajpat Nagar, Bhalaswa, Dev Nagar, Mangolpuri and Ambedkar Nagar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The five-year integrated journalism course in Delhi University will now include Tamil as an optional language. Tamil is spoken in various South East Asian countries, including Singapore and Malaysia. Learning the language will help the students if they visit these countries, said Maharaj K Pandit, Chairperson, Admission Committee, Delhi University. Another Indian language, Bengali, besides foreign languages such as Arabic, Spanish, French and Mandarin, will also be made available for students who are interested. According to the university officials, there will be no entrance examination for the course and the admissions will be on the basis of merit. "The admission process for the programme will be deferred a bit. It will not take place simultaneously with the other programmes," said Pandit. The faculty of social sciences will be hosting the programme and a student can quit it after three years with a BA degree. "The course has been prepared in such a way that it produces experts in particular areas of journalism," said Pandit, adding that if a student is interested in business journalism, he will be taught accordingly. The course fee would be Rs 30,000 per semester and 60 students will be admitted in the current academic year. DU's Standing Committee on Academic Affairs, at a meeting last week, gave its approval to the integrated course. The proposal, however, needs to be approved by the Academic Council and the Executive Council of the university. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retirement fund body EPFO has enrolled over 82 lakh new subscribers under its Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2017 started on January 1 this year. Under the scheme, the employers got the opportunity to file the declaration of unregistered employees under the EPFO Act, with a nominal fine of Re 1 per annum on account of damages. According to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) statement, "82,01,533 workers enrolled as on May 31, 2017 under the Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2017." "With the enrolment of over 82 lakh subscribers under the scheme, now the total number of contributing members is about 4.5 crore," EPFO Central Provident Fund Commissioner V P Joy told PTI. Asked about extending the campaign beyond June 30, 2017, Joy said, "There is absolutely no chance to extend it as it was for six months. There is no proposal to extend the scheme also." The campaign was launched earlier to encourage employers to voluntarily come forward and declare details of all such employees who were entitled for membership between April 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016 under EPF & MP Act 1952, but could not be enrolled. Initially, the scheme was for three months till March 31, 2017 but later it was extended till June 30, 2017. Under the scheme, the employees share of contribution, if declared by the employer as not deducted, shall stand waived. Besides, the damages to be paid by the employer in respect of the employees for whom declaration has been made under this campaign is paid at the rate of Re 1 per annum. Moreover, no administrative charges is collected from the employer in respect of the contribution made under the declaration. Under the scheme, a declaration can be made under the campaign for the period till June 2017, for which no enquiry under section 7A is initiated. The EPFO also said that for the benefit of international workers, new instructions have been issued to all field functionaries regarding COC (Certificate of Coverage). The employer is advised to submit the application form for COC one month in advance and the COC is issued prior to departure of the employee from India. Also, the COC period should not exceed 60 months or the specified period in the social security agreement with that country. COC should not be issued for a period which commence much later than date of posting of the Indian worker in the host country for employment, it said. There should not be any overlapping of the period of coverage. There should not be gaps when more than one COC is issued to the same posted worker as these results in lack of Social Security coverage during the gaps, it added. It said that the EPFO e-court Management System launched on May 16, 2017 with objective of having a transparent and electronic case management system. All per/evidence/documents can be filed online and the status can also be viewed online. The body further said that the claim settlement period has been reduced to 10 days from 20 days and grievance redressal period is reduced to 15 days from 20 days. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today strongly criticised the decision of the authorities in Iraq's Kurdistan region to hold a referendum on independence, calling it "an error and a threat" to the country's territorial integrity. Turkey has prided itself on its good ties with the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq's north, with its leader Massud Barzani a frequent visitor to Ankara. But even as Turkish investment poured into the regional capital of Arbil, Turkey has always kept a wary eye on any moves towards full independence. Ankara is still battling a more than three-decade insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for autonomy in southeast Turkey that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. It also strongly opposes any autonomous region for Syrian Kurds in the north of Syria that might result from more than six years of civil war in the country. "Making a step towards independence in the north of Iraq is an error and a threat for the territorial integrity of Iraq," Erdogan said in a speech to his party in Ankara. Barzani announced on June 7 that a referendum would be held in Kurdish areas of Iraq on September 25 to ask voters if they want a separate state. The vote is nonbinding, but the move was greeted with irritation by Baghdad. "We have always defended the territorial integrity of Iraq and we will continue to do so," said Erdogan, adding that such a referendum "was in the interest of no one". Widely seen as the world's largest stateless people, most Kurds are spread between Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. But it is only in Iraq where they have achieved a recognised autonomy. Iraqi Kurdish oil is exported through Turkey, a key economic lifeline for the region. The PKK, for its part, maintains rear bases in the mountains of northern Iraq even though Barzani has repeatedly expressed discomfort at their presence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister V K Sing today suggested that ex-servicemen take lesson from Anna Hazare's dedication towards the country. The Union Minister of State for External Affairs said this during an interaction with about 300 ex-service men at an interaction session held on completion of three years in office by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh is a former chief of the Indian Army. While sharing his political journey from a retired army officer, Singh emphasised on the responsibility of ex- servicemen towards the society. "The society has a strong faith on army personnel," Singh said. Stating that the value of ex-servicemen is very important in the society, Singh lauded the activities of social worker Anna Hazare, who was also a retired soldier. Singh also listened various grievances of ex-servicemen who attended the interaction programme from across the state. They presented demands including permanent employment to the ex-servicemen who are working in government and private companies, impact on ex-servicemen after implementation of GST, setting up of Army Memorial Club in Odisha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Flooding in South America has forced almost 6,000 people to flee their homes along the Uruguay River, authorities have said. More than 5,700 people fled their homes in Uruguay along the major waterway, as well as along some creeks flowing into it, since flooding started on May 26, according to officials in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo. The bulk of those affected are in Salto department, a mostly rural area, as well as neighboring areas Artigas, Paysandu and Rio Negro, all on the country's western edge, the National Emergency System yesterday said. Flooding has grown increasingly common in Uruguay. And authorities fret that poor people often live close to rivers and streams for convenience -- only for the choice to cost them their lives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the PTI's top stories at 1700 hours today: FGN24 UK-LD MALLYA By Aditi Khanna London: Embattled Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India on loan defaults to several banks, claims that he has "enough evidence" to plead his case as he appears before Westminster Magistrates' Court here for his extradition case hearing. DEL15 PAR-MONSOON SESSION New Delhi: The month-long Monsoon session of Parliament is likely to commence from July 12. DEL20 DEF-RAWAT-KASHMIR New Delhi: Stressing that generations have been destroyed due to unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat exhorts students in the state to choose laptops and books to help end the cycle of violence. DEL6 CATTLE-GOVT FOOD HABITS New Delhi: The government does not want to "alter" the food habits of people and put businesses in the sector in "any kind of difficulty", says Union minister Harsh Vardhan. DEL11 MHA-WB-SITUATION New Delhi: Concerned over continuing violence in Darjeeling, the Centre is closely monitoring the situation in the hill district and is ready to offer all assistance to the West Bengal government to restore normalcy, says an official. DEL18 MHA-SECURITY New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh calls a meeting of all state home ministers on July 3 to assess the internal security situation in the country. BOM7 MP-FARMER-SUICIDE Sehore: A debt-ridden farmer in Sehore -- the home district of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan -- allegedly commits suicide by consuming poisonous substance. LGB1 MH-PROSECUTOR-WITHDRAWS Pune: Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam withdraws as special public prosecutor in the 2014 Mohsin Sheikh murder case in which members of the Hindu Rashtra Sena (HRS) are accused. LGM1 TN-HC-DMK Chennai: The DMK makes a special mention in the Madras High Court on reports of alleged payments to some ruling AIADMK MLAs belonging to rival factions before the trust vote was to be taken up against the K Palaniswami government in February. FGN6 US-LD INDIA By Lalit K Jha Washington: President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their first meeting would set forth a vision to expand the US-India ties in an ambitious manner and discuss ways to advance common goals like fighting terrorism and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories from the northern region at 1910 HRS: DEL12 NHRC-HAR-GANGRAPE New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issues notices to Haryana's director general of police and the Gurgaon police commissioner over the alleged gangrape of a 23 -year-old woman in the industrial area of Manesar. DES1 UP-TREES DEFECATION Gonda (UP): One of the dirtiest places in India - Gonda - is going green to stop open defecation with the administration planting trees having religious significance in the hope of putting an end to the menace. DES2 HR-GANGSTERS Chandigarh: Three gangsters allegedly commit suicide when after finding themselves surrounded by Punjab and Haryana police in a village in Haryana's Sirsa district, say police. DES4 HR-ROADWAYS-STRIKE Chandigarh: Over 4,000 Haryana Roadways buses remain off the road as employees call for a 'chakka jam' and strike work for a day to demand withdrawal of permits to private bus operators. DES8 UP-INMATES-ESCAPE Lucknow: Eight inmates of a juvenile home here remove an exhaust fan and use bedsheets to escape from the facility, say police. DES16 MHA-NDRF-KASHMIR New Delhi: For the first time, an NDRF team has been permanently based in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir - Srinagar - to undertake quick rescue operations in the event of an earthquake or floods. DES26 DL-KASHMIR-STUDENTS-IIT New Delhi: As many as 28 students from Kashmir belonging to economically weaker sections have made to top institutions like IITs and NITs with the help of the Army's 'Kashmir Super 30' initiative. DES24 MHA-UPHAAR-MERCY New Delhi: The Home Ministry is examining a mercy petition of realty baron Gopal Ansal, convicted in the Uphaar fire tragedy case, and has sought opinion of the ministries concerned before conveying its decision to the President. DES27 PB-WOMEN-RESERVATION Chandigarh: In a major decision ahead of the Budget Session, the Punjab Cabinet gives its nod for increasing the reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from 33 per cent to 50 per cent. NRG15 PB-GST Chandigarh: The Punjab Cabinet here gives the go-ahead for the draft model GST Bill to be put before the House during the budget session of the state assembly and also approved the report of the Fifth State Finance Commission submitted to the Punjab Governor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories from the southern region at 1745 HRS. MDS2 KL-FISHERMEN-PROBE Kochi: Officers from the Director General (Shipping) and the Mercantile Marine Department seizes all records, including digital data, of a foreign cargo ship suspected to have hit an Indian fishing boat off the coast here, killing two fishermen. MDS3 TN-LD PANNEERSELVAM Chennai: Hours after rebel AIADMK leader Panneerselvam sought his explanation, legislator S S Saravanan says the voice in the TV video footage on alleged horse trading involving ruling party MLAs was not his. LGM2 TN-HC-LD DMK Chennai: DMK moves the Madras High Court seeking a probe by CBI and DRI into alleged payoffs to some ruling AIADMK MLAs ahead of the trust vote sought by the K Palaniswami government in February last. MES6 PD-CEMENT SCHEME Puducherry: Puducherry government proposes to offer cement at subsidised rates to low and middle income groups people and name the scheme after Congress President Sonia Gandhi. MES9 KL-RIVER Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Government will soon file an interim petition in the Supreme Court listing out 'violations' by Tamil Nadu in the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project pact in the present water year. BES4 TL-GST Hyderabad: Telangana is ready to roll out the GST from July one from technology and preparedness perspective, according to a key government official. BES5 TL-KASTURIRANGAN Hyderabad: India needs to promote agricultural practices that need less water for crop cultivation and give thrust to water conservation and harvesting over the next one decade to avert crisis of shortage, according to an eminent scientist. BES6 TL-GIRL Hyderabad: A baby girl was hospitalised with injuries after she accidentally fell from the first-floor of a residential building in Bahadurpura area here, police said today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories from the western region at 2100 HRS: BOM 21 MP-FARMERS-LD SUICIDE Bhopal: Three farmers commit suicide in Madhya Pradesh in the last 24 hours even as government announced several measures to give relief to farmers. BOM 23 AVI-SINHA-AIRINDIA Pune: Air India and other domestic airlines are "running in profit", Union Minister Jayant Sinha says, even as the government mulls possible privatisation of the debt-laden national carrier. BOM 6 MP-FARMERS-MLA Shivpuri (MP): Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik booked for allegedly inciting people to set ablaze a police station amid violent protests by farmers in Madhya Pradesh. BOM 17 MP-LD FARMERS Ratlam/Neemuch (MP): Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and Gujarat's quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel stopped from entering Mandsaur, the epicentre of the agrarian unrest in Madhya Pradesh. LGB 1 MH-PROSECUTOR-WITHDRAWS Pune: Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam withdraws as special public prosecutor in the 2014 Mohsin Sheikh murder case in which members of the Hindu Rashtra Sena are accused. BES 26 MP-FARMERS-MANDIS Indore: Traders in mandis in Madhya Pradesh stop purchase of farm produce following the government's announcement that purchasing below the minimums support price would be considered an offence. BES 20 MH-GIRL-COWDUNG Mumbai: An 18-year-old girl from Latur district of Maharashtra beaten up and forced to eat cow dung by a 'Mantrik' as a remedy for her sickness. BES 7 GJ-CUSTODIAL DEATH Mehsana (Guj): Three persons arrested in connection with alleged custodial death of a 28-year-old man at Mehsana. BES 15 AVI-AIRINDIA-FLIGHT Mumbai: A Dubai-bound Air India flight from Calicut with 62 passengers on board diverted to Mumbai following a burning smell in the cockpit. BCM 12 BIZ-GST-RETAIL Mumbai: Leading retailers including Future Group, Trent Hypercity, DMart and Aditya Birla Retail meet in Mumbai to discuss issues related to the GST. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress general secretary B K Hariprasad today accused the BJP president Amit Shah of presenting "fake" statistics, and claimed that GDP growth declined after the demonetisation. "The economy has witnessed a steep decline due to the demonetisation. When the UPA government left the office, the GDP growth was 6.7 per cent which has now declined to five percent," Hariprasad said at a press conference here today. Asked about Shah's claims over GDP growth, the Congress leader referred to cases of fake encounters in Gujarat in which Shah had faced allegations, and added, "Shah is also good at presenting fake statistics." Hariprasad, who is Congress' in-charge for Chhattisgarh, was in Raipur as a part of his party's national campaign to highlight 'failures' of the NDA government. The BJP government at the Centre can not understand how to save the "falling" economy and is busy coining slogans, he said. The Narendra Modi government has given unlimited powers to the Income Tax department which is now raiding and harassing honest taxpayers for no reason, he said. Despite fall in the international crude prices, the government is keeping the petrol and diesel prices high, he said. Even seven months after the demonetisation, the government has failed to inform people about the amount of money which returned to the banks, he said. The law and order situation in the country has deteriorated, he claimed. "Murders and rapes are being reported frequently in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and other areas. Atrocities on Dalits have increased. The situation in Kashmir is out of control. For the first time in the history, curfew was imposed for 130 days in the valley. Our jawans were attacked brutally on the border," he said. "Prime minister Narendra Modi has no time to meet the families of farmers, but when Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tried to meet the kin of the affected farmers (in Madhya Pradesh) he was stopped," Hariprasad said. "Protests in Neemuch, Mandsaur and Dewas were not carried out by Congress workers...But it's a birthright of Congress to stand by farmers," he said, when asked about an FIR against Congress MLA for inciting farmers during the protests. He however added that Congress never defends any kind of violence, and asked why no action has been taken against senior BJP leaders for giving provocative speeches. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For the first time, the NDA government is planning to conduct a study for assessing the impact of corporate social responsibility projects undertaken by various public sector firms. The study, to be carried out by the Department of Public Enterprises, will cover 134 central public sector enterprises including BHEL, BPCL, Coal India, ONGC and NTPC, among others. It will identify the lack of initiative and implementation gaps by CPSEs in the projects and the reasons for such acts, besides tracking the status of unspent CSR funds in a year. Based on the study's findings, a report will be prepared by the Department of Public Enterprises that will recommend measures to be taken by defaulting CPSEs for bridging the gaps. "Under the present government, such a study is being carried out for the first time," Secretary in the Department of Public Enterprises Seema Bahuguna told PTI. The report will assess the CSR practices being followed by few leading private sector companies in India and some leading overseas companies and conclude whether they can be emulated by state-run firms in India. "We are carrying out the study to assess the on-ground impact of being undertaken by CPSEs and whether the funds earmarked by them for the purpose are being utilised in the right direction or not," a senior official said. Besides, the study will assess the development of areas around CPSE projects, units, factories and other parts of the country, including the North East. It will also document the best CSR projects which are sustainable in the long run. Under the Companies Act, 2013, certain class of profitable entities are required to shell out at least two per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in a particular fiscal. In case of non-spending, the company concerned has to clarify for the same to the ministry. The norms came into effect from April 1, 2014. Two more bodies were found today from the debris of a gurudwara which collapsed on National Highway 1 here, taking the toll to three, even as NDRF and Haryana Police teams were carrying out operations to look for some more trapped persons. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who visited the site and reviewed the relief work, announced an ex gratia of Rs five lakh to the kin of those killed and Rs two lakh to those who sustained grievous injuries and Rs one lakh to those who sustained minor injuries. The gurudwara, where some construction work was going on, had collapsed last evening, killing a 30-year-old man was killed and injuring eight others. It is situated on the busy GT road. After recovery of two more bodies, the toll in the incident reached three, a senior police official said. "Three people have died in the incident that include two labourers. Rescuers were still at the spot searching for more people who could be trapped under the debris," Karnal Range Inspector General of Police, Subhash Yadav told PTI over phone. Police today said they were assisting a NDRF team, which reached here from Delhi last evening, in carrying out the rescue operations. Following the incident, some of the injured had been referred to various hospitals including at Delhi and Karnal. Panipat DSP (City) Atma Ram said that rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident. Khattar, who visited collapse site, ordered a probe by a high-level committee, headed by Panipat Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Mehta, into the incident. Executive Engineer, Public Works (Buildings and Roads) Department would be member secretary, Executive Engineer, City Division, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN), Executive Engineer, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (headquarters), Panipat would be the members of the committee. It has been asked to submit its report within 15 days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories from the Eastern region at 1800 HRS CAL 1 WB-GJM SITUATION Darjeeling : Gorkhaland supporters pelted stones at the police in various parts of Darjeeling as they were stopped from enforcing their shutdown in many government offices in the hills, where their indefinite bandh entered its second day. CAL 2 WB-GJM GURUNG Darjeeling : Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung says he is in constant touch with the Centre and is hopeful that its ally the BJP will consider its demand for a separate Gorkhaland "compassionately". CAL 3 OD-PASSPORT Bhubaneswar : The Centre has decided to open passport service centres in all the 800 district head post offices across the country in two years' time to increase people's access to the facility, especially in remote areas. CAL 4 OD-SINGH DIKSHIT Bhubaneswar : Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh demands an apology from the Congress for its leader Sandeep Dikshit's comment likening Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to a "goon on the street". CES 1 WB-BSF SUNDARBANS Kolkata : The porous riverine border with Bangladesh at Sunderbans is shortly to be equipped with infrared pillars and smart sensors to prevent rampant infiltration and smuggling. CES 2 OD-DEPRESSION Bhubaneswar : The weather office predicts heavy rainfall in at least eight of the 30 districts of Odisha even as the deep depression over east Bangladesh and neighbourhood has weakened into a low pressure. CES 3 OD-SINGH-SPECIAL STATUS Bhubaneswar : Union Minister VK Singh says Odisha has failed to achieve desired level of development for which the state government is answerable even as he dismissed the demand for special category status to it. CES 6 WB-WETLANDS-STUDY Kolkata : The wetlands of Kolkata, a Ramsar site, which are gradually shrinking in size, have come under the focus of a study by a joint team of the IIT, Kharagpur and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Home minister Rajnath Singh today asked the Assam Rifles personnel to take extreme precaution while guarding the porous Indo-Myanmar border so that India's cordial relations with the neighboring country do not get hurt. Addressing a 'Sainik Sammelan' at headquarters of the 46 battalion of India's oldest paramilitary force, Singh said the country's relations with Myanmar are friendly and hence extreme precautions have to be taken while guarding the international border. "The Assam Rifles have to make sure that this relation does not get hurt. You have to take precautions so that the warmth in our relations is maintained," he said. The home minister said unlike a completely sealed border, guarding a boundary which is open or porous is a tough task and requires patience, determination and wisdom. "Specially in a situation where people are allowed to visit the neighboring country, the task of the Assam Rifles is tough. In such a situation, the Assam Rifles is doing a great job which should be appreciated," he said. Singh said the "brave soldiers" of the Assam Rifles guard the Indo-Myanmar border with courage and dedication. "I congratulate them for their service to the nation," he said. The home minister said the Assam Rifles has to play a multi-dimensional role while securing the border that include maintaining friendly relations with the people of the Northeast so that it can get various types of information. The home minister also referred to a recently launched mobile app where the paramilitary personnel can write about their grievances and seek redressal. "I have decided to check that platform personally once every month so that your problems are solved," he said. Singh said steps have been taken to provide at least Rs one crore to the next of kin of each of the martyred soldiers of the paramilitary forces. "We would make sure that the families of martyred solders get at least Rs one crore. A portal has also been launched to help the families of martyred soldiers," Singh said. The home minister said the Assam Rifles has also monitored and organised the return of around 300 Myanmar refugees, who had crossed the border recently. The Assam Rifles guard the 1,643-km-long Indo-Myanmar border which passes through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day-long workshop was held here for Goa Assembly MLAs to train them on legislative proceedings besides maintaining discipline and decorum on the floor of the House. "Delhi-based private agency PRS legislators research held an orientation for Goa MLAs yesterday on their conduct in the legislative assembly. They were also trained about the proceedings in the House," a state government spokesman told PTI today. Out of total 40 legislators in the Goa Assembly, 27 participated in the day-long session yesterday which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "The program was held in the run up for the upcoming monsoon assembly session which would be held sometime next month," the spokesman said. The private agency interacted with MLAs on matters related to the State Legislature, Parliament and how to table or raise questions, bills and motions. The workshop, held in two sessions, highlighted the importance of legislator's activism to bring to fore issues pertaining to the people through right mechanism like calling attention, zero hour mention or seeking for special debate. The second session was a training programme to MLAs on E-assembly, a concept which was introduced by the Goa in 2014. Goa became the first Assembly to go paperless in the country during the tenure of Speaker Rajendra Arlekar. The state government is said to have saved Rs 10 crore since then, which would have been spent on papers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Navies of India and Australia will participate in bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX-17 this week with an aim to enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the two forces. Indian naval ships Jyoti, Shivalik and Kamorta are on a port visit to Freemantle, Australia from June 13 to 17 and will join the exercise, the Navy said today. Vice Admiral and Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command HCS Bisht will be also visiting Freemantle during the period. During the harbour stay, various activities such as official calls, formal receptions on board ships which will also be open to visitors, guided tours for Indian naval personnel and professional interaction between naval personnel of the two sides, have been planned. This would be the second edition of the exercise with the maiden one having been conducted at Visakhapatnam in 2015. The exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability and is in consonance with the growing cooperation between the two countries. In pursuance of India's 'Act East' policy, the ships under the command of Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta are on an overseas deployment to the South East Asia and southern Indian Ocean regions. INS Shivalik, a muIti-role stealth frigate, INS Kamorta, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, and INS Jyoti, the fleet replenishment tanker, are a part of this venture. "The visit of the Indian naval ships seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and Australia," the Navy said in a statement. In April this year, Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull visited India and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance the partnership between the two countries. In May this year, Singapore and India held a maritime bilateral exercise SIMBEX in the disputed South China Sea. INS Shivalik, Jyoti and Kamorta were also a part of this exercise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India today ratified core International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions 138 and 182 on Child Labour to fight against the menace and achieve the objective of child labour-free nation. "It is a historic moment for India as we are going to take another giant step to affirm our commitment to a child labour-free India by ratifying the two Core Conventions of International Labour Organisation (ILO) -- Convention 138 regarding admission of age to employment, and Convention 182 regarding worst forms of Child Labour", Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said at the sidelines of an event held in Geneva at the ILO Conference, 2017, a statement said. According to the statement, at the event, Instruments of Ratification were handed over by India to ILO. With ratification of these two core ILO conventions, India has ratified 6 out of 8 core ILO conventions. The other four core ILO ratified conventions by India relates to abolition of forced labour, equal remuneration, no discrimination between men and women in employment and occupation. The worst forms of child labour prohibited under Convention 182 are all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. It also prohibits use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It also prohibits the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties. It also prohibits work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children. India has now also adopted the ILO Convention 138 that prescribes the minimum age of employment for children, which is set as 14 years or such age as may be specified in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, whichever is more. Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi has said that India's decision for ratification of Convention 182 and Convention 138 was "long overdue" in providing justice to the country's children. "After the total prohibition of child labour, this is yet another important step in protecting all our children from exploitation and abuse. It now remains a collective responsibility of everyone to do their bit to remove the scourge of child labour from the country," Satyarthi said. The minister said that India has been working in a concerted manner to eliminate child labour from the country by following a multi-pronged strategy by including both stringent legislative and project-based approach. A landmark step in the endeavour to have a child labour free society was the enactment of the Child labour (Prohibition and Prevention) amendment Act, 2016 in August 2016 that provides for complete prohibition on employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes and prohibits employment of adolescents (14-18 years) in hazardous occupations and processes. The age of admission to employment has been linked to the age of compulsory education under Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009. The minister also informed that besides the amendment in the Act, India has also notified the amendment in the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Central Rules after extensive consultation with the stakeholders. The Rules for the first time provide broad and specific framework for prevention, prohibition, rescue and rehabilitation of child and adolescent workers. The minister further informed that India was in the process of providing a digital platform 'PENCIL' which has components ensuring enforcement of the Act, mechanism for redressal of complaints, child tracking system and a monitoring mechanism. This platform would integrate all the State Governments with the Central Government for effective coordination and convergence of various measures being taken for compliance of the Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India to be a co-partner in a global food and beverages trade ANUGA to be held in Cologne, Germany from October 7-11, this year. The 34th edition of ANUGA is being organised by Koelnmesse GmBH and 7,200 exhibitors from more than 100 countries are likely to participate in the event. "Being the largest producer of food in the world, India cannot remain distant from such mega events, and to become global food market and global food factory, representation of India needs to grow by many times in the years to come," Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said after signing the memorandum of understanding for participation in ANUGA. She said that foreign investment and interest in India will also grow many times and therefore the country has to become an important partner of these events. Indian exhibitors at ANUGA have been on rise since 2005 and around 135 companies and individual traders had participated in the event last year. Badal also invited Germany to participate in the forthcoming global food investors trade fair to be held in November this year in the capital. An Indian woman was brutally beaten and stabbed to death in Kuwait and her body lying in a pool of blood was recovered from a flat, according to a media report. The woman was found dead in a flat in Khaitan area and her husband was nowhere to be found, the Arab Times reported. The flat mate of the deceased woman notified the Operations Room of the Interior Ministry about the lifeless body inside the house, and a team of rescue men went to the scene, a security source was quoted as saying. The officers found the body in a pool of blood with stab wounds and furniture scattered all over the place. The body was handed over to the forensics department and an investigation was in progress to determine the whereabouts of the husband and bring the suspect to justice. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Labelling vegetables with indulgent descriptions usually used to describe fatty foods may help promote healthy eating, Stanford scientists say. The study showed that more vegetables were consumed when they were described with words such as "dynamite," "caramelised" or "sweet sizzlin'". The findings may help provide guidance on how to make healthier foods more appealing and encourage people to make healthier dining choices. Previous research has shown that people tend to think that healthy foods are less tasty and less enjoyable than standard foods. Healthy foods are also perceived as less filling and less satisfying, according to prior work. To test how labelling could impact consumption of healthier menu choices, the researchers from Stanford University in the US conducted a study in a large dining hall. They changed how certain vegetables were labelled using four categories: basic, healthy restrictive, healthy positive or indulgent. Green beans, for instance, were described as "green beans" (basic), "light 'n' low-carb green beans and shallots" (healthy restrictive), "healthy energy-boosting green beans and shallots" (healthy positive) or "sweet sizzlin' green beans and crispy shallots" (indulgent). Research assistants monitored the number of diners who chose the vegetable and how much was consumed over the course of each lunch period for an entire academic quarter (46 days). There were no changes to how the food was prepared or presented throughout the study. The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that labelling vegetables with indulgent descriptions led more diners to choose vegetables and resulted in a greater mass of vegetables served per day. Diners chose vegetables with indulgent labelling 25 per cent more than basic labelling, 35 per cent more than healthy positive and 41 per cent more than healthy restrictive. In terms of mass of vegetables served per day, vegetables with indulgent labelling were consumed 16 per cent more than those labelled healthy positive, 23 per cent more than basic and 33 per cent more than healthy restrictive. "We have this intuition to describe healthy foods in terms of their health attributes, but this study suggests that emphasising health can actually discourage diners from choosing healthy options," said Bradley Turnwald, a graduate psychology student at Stanford. This simple and low-cost strategy of altering the descriptions of healthy foods could have a substantial impact on consumption of nutritious foods in dining settings. Turnwald said more research needs to be done to see if the effects would be similar when choosing off a restaurant menu, without the food being visible. However, these findings could be the basis for a potentially effective strategy to answer a challenging question, researchers said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uber was to release results later today of an internal investigation into misconduct and ethics, setting the stage for reforms at the ridesharing giant known for its no-holds-barred style of management. The results of the probe led by former US attorney general Eric Holder are aimed at cleaning up a corporate culture marred by accusations of harassment, discrimination, and cutthroat practices to thwart rivals and evade regulators. Uber has already parted ways with a handful of key executives -- including its number two Emil Michael this week -- but the fate of chief executive Travis Kalanick was not clear. Some reports said Kalanick could take a temporary leave of absence as part of the effort to restore confidence in Uber. But as one of the key founders, Kalanick holds a large number of voting shares which could potentially block an effort to sideline him. It remained unclear what further changes will be made at Uber, which is the world's richest venture-backed startup valued at some USD 68 billion. As part of the revamping at Uber, Nestle executive Wan Ling Martello was named as an independent board member, according to a source close to the company. Michael had been linked to a number of questionable practices at Uber, media reports said, including a visit to a South Korean escort-karaoke bar and an attempt to dig up embarrassing information on journalists. Last week, Uber said it had fired 20 people following preliminary results of the investigation, after examining 215 claims of discrimination, harassment, unprofessional behavior, bullying, retaliation and "physical security." The company also recently ousted Eric Alexander, who headed Asia-Pacific operations, after reports said he read and discussed medical information about a woman raped in India in 2014 during an Uber ride. Last month, Uber fired executive Anthony Levandowski, who came from Google's self-driving car unit now known as Waymo, for failing to meet a deadline to turn over information for an internal investigation. Waymo's lawsuit contends that Levandowski in December 2015 downloaded files from a highly confidential design server to a laptop and took the data with him to the startup. Uber's board met Sunday with Holder and consultant Tammy Albarran to discuss the findings and "unanimously voted to adopt all the recommendations" of the report, according to the source. The recommendations were not immediately known, but Uber is facing pressure to rein in its take-no-prisoners style led by Kalanick and to reform a workplace culture. Jack Gold, analyst at J Gold Associates, said Uber may have a hard time replacing Kalanick. Kalanick "has done some stupid things but he's the force behind what Uber is today," Gold said. "Kalanick can't leave, there's no one to put in" to replace him, Gold said. Uber also faces questions about its covert use of law enforcement-evading software and tactics apparently aimed at disrupting rivals in the ridesharing business. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will address businessmen from leading companies and institutional investors during a two-day visit to South Korea beginning tomorrow. As part of the visit, industry body Ficci, along with Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is organising a seminar, where Jaitley will address businessmen from leading companies and SMEs as well as corporate and institutional investors. The seminar will focus on the key achievements of the government and long-term investment opportunities in India. "Indo-Korean relations have been growing over the past few years and this visit shall further strengthen mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between the two countries," Ficci said in a statement. A business delegation led by Ficci Senior Vice President Rashesh Shah is accompanying Jaitley to South Korea. The delegation will get an opportunity to highlight the progress made across various development programmes and measures taken by the government to steer the economy towards the higher growth path. It will also highlight the potential areas for further co-operation, especially in areas like manufacturing, ship- building, defence, infrastructure, among others. "India remains an attractive investment destination in the world. This visit to South Korea will provide a good opportunity for CEOs to talk about the enabling policy environment available for corporates in India as well as to highlight the advantages that India offers to foreign investors," Shah said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia warned today that the blockade against Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies would make it harder to reach a peaceful end to the war in Syria, after President Vladimir Putin discussed the crisis with Saudi King Salman. In a phone discussion, the two leaders "touched on the aggravated situation around Qatar, which unfortunately does not help consolidate joint efforts in resolving the conflict in Syria and fighting the terrorist threat," the Kremlin said in a statement after the call. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt said earlier this month that they had suspended ties with Qatar over the emirate's alleged support for extremists, banning all flights to and from Doha and shutting down the offices of the country's national carrier. As well as cutting air, sea and land links with Qatar, the countries ordered its citizens to leave within 14 days. The Kremlin said Putin and Salman also discussed developing ties in various areas and expressed an intention to "activate bilateral cooperation." Late last month, Putin met the Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Moscow for talks on the Syrian conflict as well as cutting oil production. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Landslides triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 25 people in Bangladesh, authorities said today. A depression in the Bay of Bengal influenced the weather all over the country yesterday, bringing about incessant rainfall which inundated Dhaka and Chittagong cities. Ten people were killed in Rangamati, seven in Bandarban and eight in Chittagong, The Daily Star quoted a medic as saying. Many among them were women and children. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French President said on Wednesday that the door was "always open" for Britain to remain in the European Union after Prime Minister Theresa May said Brexit talks would begin next week. "Of course the door is always open as long as the negotiations on Brexit have not finished," Macron said in a press conference. But he also stressed that he respected the sovereign decision of the British people to leave the EU in their referendum a year ago, adding that the start of talks was an important milestone. "We need to be clear and organised and once it (the Brexit process) has started we need to be collectively clear that it's more difficult to reverse course," he said at the Elysee Palace. Macron's comments echoed others by German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. "If they wanted to change their decision, of course, they would find open doors, but I think it's not very likely," Schaeuble told Bloomberg Television. May repeated her plans to stick to her timetable of starting discussions next week despite ongoing negotiations to form a government. She was also asked if the loss of her parliamentary majority in a bungled snap election last week would alter her decision to withdraw Britain from the EU single market and customs union, a so-called "hard Brexit". "I think there's a unity of purpose among people in the UK. It's a unity of purpose having voted to leave the EU that their government gets on with that and makes a success of it," she said. May said the process would lead to "an arrangement for Brexit which will be the interests of the United Kingdom and the remaining 27 members of the EU." After the talks, May and Macron also announced a joint action plan to tackle online extremism which aims to increase the pressure on internet giants and social media companies to tackle terror propaganda and hate speech. It includes exploring the creation of new laws that would impose penalties on internet companies if they failed to act. The Maharashtra government today revised its land lease policy for gymkhanas that have been run by private players since the British period in Mumbai, its suburbs and across the state. The move will not only increase the revenue of the state but will also resolve the running disputes between such gymkhanas and the government over the lease rents, Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil said after the Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Cabinet has approved the policy. The revised policy will be enforced with a retrospective effect from January 1, 2017. As per this policy, gymkhanas are classified into three categories with varied rents, as per their areas of land. While the land areas admesuring 20,000 sq metre have been classified in 'A' category, the land areas below 20,000 sq meter up to 10,000 sq metre have been placed in B category and those less than 10,000 sq meter in C category. "The revised lease policy would be applicable from January 1, 2017 for those gymkhanas whose land lease was expired," Revenue department principal secretary Manu Kumar Srivastava said. He said that a lease contract of gymkhana, henceforth, would be entered as per the revised policy. A Revenue department official said there are ten gymkhanas in Mumbai alone whose land lease expired over the last two years. "Without the lease policy, it was difficult to renew the lease of such gymkhanas," he said. Under the revised policy, the rent would be charged on the 10 per cent of Ready Recknor (RR) rates. For A, B and C categories, the annual lease rent would be 1 per cent, 0.5 per cent and 0.25 per cent, respectively. "The rent is proposed to be increased by 4 per cent each year. Under previous government, the rent was charged on 15 per cent of RR rates and that was objected to by many gymkhanas who had termed it financially non-viable. As a result, they had approached court and the matter has been pending for years. Now, we have reduced the rates and I am sure the problem would be solved," the Revenue minister said. A total of 18 gymkhanas in Mumbai had been given land on the lease of 99 years or less during the British era. The annual revenue from these places could not be increased until the lease period ended in 1999, 2000 and 2001. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the third such incident in as many days, militants hurled a grenade at a CRPF camp in Pulwama district today, injuring three personnel. The camp was housed by troops of the 180th battalion of CRPF at Ladiyar village of Tral, 35 kms from here, a police official said. He said the grenade exploded inside the camp, causing splinter injuries to three jawans. They were taken to a hospital and the area around the camp was cordoned off to nab the unidentified militants, the official said. This was the second grenade attack in Tral within two days and third such incident in the valley since Sunday. Two CRPF troopers were injured in a grenade attack by militants on their camp in Tral town yesterday. A sub- inspector of the force and three policemen were injured in a grenade attack on a security picket at Saraf Kadal in downtown Srinagar on Sunday. No militant outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the grenade attacks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The HRD Ministry will soon call a meeting of officials from CBSE and 32 other boards to discuss the way forward on scrapping of the moderation policy. Moderation policy refers to a practice in which students get extra marks in subjects regarded 'unusually difficult', or if there have been differences in the sets of question papers. CBSE and 32 other boards had developed a consensus on scrapping of the moderation policy in a meeting on April 24. However, the Delhi High Court had asked CBSE to not scrap the policy, saying it is not advisable to implement the change mid-way. CBSE was earlier believed to have been considering challenging the high court order but was advised against it by legal counsel that moving the Supreme Court may be counter- productive and could also delay results. "The court had directed that the decision should not be implemented in middle of an academic session so to implement it from next academic session a decision has to be taken and the modalities need to be finalised before November when registration for the board exams takes place," a senior official said. "Boards have been asked to disclose their moderation policies and the HRD Ministry will convene a meeting of CBSE and other boards to discuss the way forward," the official added. The Centre has also set up a panel to ensure uniform marking for students giving the Class XII exam in 2018 by asking schools boards across India to stop "inflating marks" under the "often abused practice" of moderation leading to unusually high scores. The panel -- Inter Board Working Group (IWBG) headed by CBSE chairperson Rakesh Chaturvedi with members from Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Manipur and ICSE boards -- will address issues arising from the decisions taken in the April 24 meeting. HRD minister Prakash Javadekar had recently said that the states had mutually agreed on the scrapping and the ministry will not interfere in its implementation. Social activist Swami Agnivesh today said that the farmers' agitation in Mandsaur will not remain restricted to Madhya Pradesh but will spread to other states as similar conditions prevail there. He was part of a group of activists from different farmers outfits and social organisations who were stopped from going to Mandsaur on June 11, where five farmers were killed in police firing during a protest. The activists including Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav, convener of National Alliance of Peoples' Movement Sunilam, and Jai Kisan Andolan convener Avik Saha demanded an independent enquiry into the deaths of farmers by a sitting high court judge, besides demanding waiver of loans by the Madhya Pradesh government. The activists attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the alleged "violation of civic liberties" in the state. "The farmers everywhere are facing problems like that in Madhya Pradesh. We will work for holding peaceful farmers' agitation in the entire country by uniting different organisations," Agnivesh said. He alleged that the state government was not allowing people to go to Mandsaur since it was "hiding the truth" of the farmers' killings. Yadav said that a Mahapanchayat of farmers from all over the country will be held in Mandsaur on July 6 to commemorate the deaths. He claimed that the farmers' problem in Mandsaur and adjoining areas was related to a steep decline in agricultural produce including cumin, fenugreek, garlic, nigella seeds and carom but the government instead of helping the farmers chose to distance them, resulting in violence and deaths. "Now, the MP government is scared, it wants to hide the truth of Mandsaur firing and is preventing people from going there despite a week after the incident," he alleged. Sunilam, a former MLA from the state, alleged that the violence and arson was caused by the members of BJP's Kisan Morcha. The activists also demanded action against the "guilty police and administrative officers involved in the firing", and withdrawal of cases registered against the farmers in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Quota stir leader Hardik Patel was today arrested in Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh when he was heading to Mandsaur to meet the kin of the farmers killed in police firing last week. Patel was arrested from Nayagaon in Neemuch to prevent the commission of cognisable offences, City Superintendent of Police Abhishek Diwan said. The Patidar Andolan leader was accompanied by Janata Dal (U) leader Akhilesh Katiyar, who was also placed under arrest. The two were, however, released on bail later and transported out of Madhya Pradesh in police vehicles, Diwan said. Patel was picked up on his way to Mandsaur to express solidarity with distressed farmers and meet the kin of those killed in police firing during the agrarian unrest on the issue of loan waiver and several other demands. Lashing out on authorities after his arrest, Patel said, "I am not a terrorist. I have not come from Lahore. I am an Indian citizen and have the right to go anywhere in the country." He also criticised the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and said that 50 crore farmers have come together against the saffron party. In Rajasthan, SP, Udaipur, Rajendra Prasad told PTI that Patel is planning to go to Indore via Banswara in order to reach Mandsaur. The farmers' protest in Madhya Pradesh, which began on June 1, took a violent turn on June 6, when five of them were killed in police firing at Mandsaur. Subsequently, the farmers' protest witnessed bandh and arson as the agitation spread to other districts of western Madhya Pradesh including Neemuch, Dhar, Ratlam and Jhabua. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had launched an indefinite fast in Bhopal on Saturday with an appeal for peace and met farmer leaders. However, he ended his fast on Sunday saying peace has returned to the state. Before ending the fast, he had assured people that those involved in the deaths of farmers in Mandsaur would be punished severely. A high-voltage political drama was also witnessed on June 8, when Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was detained on his way to Mandsaur to meet the family members of the farmers killed in police firing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With consumers increasingly preferring ayurvedic and natural products, the natural segment accounts for 41 per cent of the total Rs 44,790 crore personal care market, according to market research firm Nielsen. "The pie of natural is increasing over the last few years. Roughly, every given year naturals is eating up a per cent point from the non-naturals in the personal segment. It has become 41 per cent of the total personal care segment in 2016 from 37 per cent four years ago," Nielsen South Asia Executive Director Sameer Shukla told reporters here. The natural segment in India's personal care market is growing at 6.6 per cent and is estimated to be Rs 18,500 crore in 2016, stated the Nielsen report - 'But Naturally! Going Back to Natural in India's Personal Care Segment'. The natural segment of personal care is growing at almost 1.7 times that of overall personal care and the value growth of the natural segment is racing ahead at almost 2.2 times that of non-naturals, it added. The report noted that hair oil is a leading category in the natural personal care space, constituting 34 per cent of the market, followed by toilet soaps (30 per cent), face care (13 per cent), toothpaste (11 per cent), shampoo (7 per cent) and hand and body (6 per cent). Among these categories, natural segment has been growing in category toothpaste at 20.1 per cent, followed by hand and body (17.5 per cent) and shampoo with 13.2 per cent growth. According to the report, South, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab are the primary markets for natural segment in India. Urban areas are fuelling the rise in the segment with a growth of 6.7 per cent in 2016 as compared to 1.4 per cent in non-natural, it said. Among the retail channels, chemists and modern trade are boosting growth for natural segment, it observed. Chemists as a channel registered 19.4 per cent growth in 2016 for the natural segment against 9.8 per cent growth for non-naturals. In case of modern trade, it was 19.4 per cent for naturals against 2.3 per cent growth for non-naturals. On the pricing front, it noted that natural variants in personal care are priced almost 17 per cent lower than average non-naturals. Indian origin companies contribute 79 per cent to the natural segment in the personal care category, while the multi-nationals account for 21 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was jailed for 30 days, and over 1,500 of his supporters were arrested after demonstrations across the nation against government corruption. The protests were the second mass action since March called by Navalny, who has announced his intention to run for president next year and has drawn a new generation to the streets through a relentless online campaign. A Moscow court, sitting late yesterday, found the 41- year-old Navalny guilty of organising unauthorised protests and sentenced him to a month in administrative custody, his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on Twitter. The OVD-Info rights group told AFP that more than 1,500 of his supporters had been arrested during the protests across the country yesterday, including 823 in Moscow where riot police tried to push the crowds back, sometimes by beating them with batons. As riot police grabbed people and led them to police vans others demonstrators shouted "Shame!", "Putin is a thief!" and "Freedom to Navalny!" Police held an estimated 600 protesters in Saint Petersburg, said the NGO, which tracks arrests and said more than 100 detentions had also been made in cities including Vladivostock, Kaliningrad, Norilsk and Sochi. Thousands of Russians, many very young, chanted "Russia without Putin!" in the streets of dozens of cities during yesterday's protests. The United States condemned the arrests, a rare criticism of human rights violations and the Kremlin from Donald Trump's administration. White House spokesman Sean Spicer called "on the government of Russia to immediately release all peaceful protesters," detained in nationwide marches. Navalny himself was picked up by police as he headed to the Moscow event. Thousands took to the streets in other cities across Russia, with the authorities sanctioning some gatherings and banning others. Some reports said authorities threatened university students with expulsion if they attended. Navalny's anti-corruption videos have needled the country's ruling elite and drawn crowds to the streets not seen since the protests against President Vladimir Putin's reelection for a third term in 2012. Navalny, who plans to stand against Putin in presidential elections in March, appeared before a judge yesterday evening. He faces up to 30 days in administrative custody for breaking rules on organising demonstrations, his lawyer said. European Parliament President Antonio Tajani voiced his concern after Navalny's arrest and an EU spokesman deplored "the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters and the violence used by Russian authorities against them". Rights group Amnesty International condemned "alarming scenes" of detentions and violence towards demonstrators, calling for their immediate release. The recent rallies were galvanised by a film released by Navalny in early March, which accused Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of controlling vast personal wealth through a shadowy network of foundations. It has been viewed over 22 million times. "Putin has been in power for 17 years and is not planning to leave. He has usurped all power," said protester Alexander Tyurin, 41. Another protester Yevgeny, 19, said he had been expelled from university after participating in a previous rally. "Our government shouts that enemies are everywhere and is becoming closed in on itself," he said. "We want turnover among those in power. Pressure on young people has increased." Navalny has brought a new generation to the streets through his embrace of YouTube. His team was broadcasting from a studio set up in Moscow, though the electricity was periodically cut, forcing the presenter to speak in total darkness. Moscow police said Navalny would be charged with administrative offences of resisting arrest and a second violation of demonstration organisation rules. The wave of protests called by Navalny coincides with a public holiday, Russia Day, when Putin hands out awards and holds a reception in the Kremlin. Turnout was difficult to calculate as ordinary people mingled with those protesting, but thousands filled the Tverskaya Street area in Moscow, many waving Russian flags and banners. On the eve of the event -- which was authorised -- Navalny announced the protest was changing location to Tverskaya because the authorities had blocked his efforts to set up a stage and sound equipment. They "are forbidding any contractors from getting us a stage and sound," he wrote on his blog Sunday. "We are cancelling the rally on Sakharov Avenue and moving it to Tverskaya Street," a main thoroughfare to the Kremlin, he said. The protest ended up coinciding with City Hall Russia Day events such as the reenactment of various eras in Russian history, from World War I trenches to a Renaissance fair and sword fighting. In surreal scenes, dozens of buses filled by policemen were parked nearby ahead of the rally while ordinary people gawked at actors in period costumes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba today paid floral tributes to the Memorial of Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery in Haifa, Israel. Haifa was liberated by Indian Army's Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers on September 23, 1918 in a famous cavalry charge that is now to become a part of the city's history books to be taught at the schools. The Indian Army commemorates September 23rd every year as Haifa Day, to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. Lanba, who is also the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, met Chief of the General Staff of Israeli Defence Forces Lt Gen Gadi Eisenkot and Major General Udi Adam, Director General of Israel's Defence Ministry yesterday. The Indian Navy chief's visit comes close on the heels of two major defence contracts between India and Israel and just weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Jewish state scheduled for July 4 to 6. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a re-run of the Dana Majhi incident, the uncle of a seven-month-old girl, who died during treatment at the district hospital here, had to carry her body on a bicycle as his plea for an ambulance fell on deaf ears. The incident, which took place yesterday, prompted the authorities to lodge an FIR against the doctor on duty and the driver of the ambulance today. The hospital too has launched an inquiry in this regard. Seven-month-old Poonam, the daughter of Anant Kumar, a daily wage labourer of Malak Saddi village in Majhanpur tehsil in the district, was admitted to the hospital two days ago after she started vomiting, accompanied by loose motion. After getting her admitted to the hospital, Kumar left for Allahabad to arrange money for her treatment asking his brother-in-law, Brijmohan, to look after her. "My niece died during treatment yesterday. Despite repeated pleas to the hospital, no vehicle was made available to carry her body. I had to borrow a bicycle and carry it for almost 10 km to reach the village," Brijmohan told reporters. When contacted, S K Upadhyay, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kaushambi, said, "We have taken cognisance of the incident. An inquiry has also been initiated. Once the report of the inquiry is available, we will take stringent action against the guilty." Hospital sources claimed that an ambulance could not be arranged as there was no budget for fuel. District Magistrate, Kaushambi, Manish Kumar, told PTI that an FIR was lodged against the doctor on duty, Vivek Kumar, and the ambulance driver, Ashish Kumar Pandey, who allegedly refused to carry the body. On May 20, the pregnant wife of a man from Chak Ahmadipur village in the district was declared "brought dead" by the hospital authorities. As he was denied an ambulance, the man carried the body of his wife on a stretcher for some distance. Subsequently, sensing trouble, the doctors at the hospital arranged for an ambulance to transport the body. In a similar incident, Dana Majhi, a tribal, had to carry his wife's body on his shoulder for over 10 km, with his daughter walking alongside, in Odisha's Kalahandi district in August, last year as the hospital authorities failed to arrange for a hearse. The incident had triggered a controversy and led to widespread criticism after it was reported in the media. Last month, a labourer had to carry the body of his 15- year-old son on his shoulders after allegedly being turned away by the doctors at a government-run hospital in Etawah. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is no dip in from legally approved abattoirs in India, Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said on Tuesday. The recent crackdown on illegal slaughter houses in Uttar Pradesh is in line with the Supreme Court order to curb environment pollution and protect people's health, she added. India is the largest exporter of buffalo meat and the country shipped nearly $4 billion worth meat in 2016-17. In April, fell by 7.62 per cent to $257.06 million, according to the official data. "As far as I know, the export (of beef) takes place from legal places as quality and standards have to be maintained. I doubt whether illegal slaughter houses were exporting. To say that in the last two months, exports have come down it is incorrect," Badal told reporters on the sidelines of an event. The government is taking strict action against illegal abattoirs because the Supreme Court had ordered shut down of these slaughter houses due to environment and health hazard. "Many governments had turned a blind eye (illegal abattoirs) due to political reasons," the minister said. However, the Modi-government is taking steps to implement the apex court order to protect environment and health of people, she added. In March, the UP government had acted against unauthorised abattoirs in the state, forcing the industry to go on strike in March. In May, the central government banned cattle trade in animal markets for slaughter. According to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the cattle trade ban would impact meat exports in the coming months. "There is a need to do necessary changes to address supply side constraints," FIEO Director-General Ajay Sahay had said recently. Allaying apprehensions of the opposition and business community, the J&K government has said it would not compromise fiscal autonomy of the state and no one would be put at a disadvantage under the new GST regime. "We have made changes in federal relations with the Government of India. Other states draw powers to tax from the Constitution of India while we draw our powers from our own Constitution. Those legislative powers have not been compromised, so there is no question of compromising fiscal autonomy," finance minister Haseeb Drabu said, addressing a meeting here. Last month, the business community in Kashmir had said that it is not against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but threatened a 'never-before' kind of agitation if the new tax regime affected the special status of the state for GST rollout. Opposition National Conference met Jammu and Kashmir governor N N Vohra on June 9 and apprised him about the party's apprehensions on the extension of Constitutional Amendment 101 to the state to facilitate the extension of the GST, saying "such a plan will have wider and irreversibly adverse ramifications on the state's fiscal autonomy and will impinge upon the residuary powers enjoyed by the state. "The opposition also sought deferment of the special session of the state legislature beginning June 17 and sought an all-party meeting to allay the fears and concerns of the "various parties and putting the entire concept in public domain so that there is an open debate with the stakeholders". The finance minister said it is for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir that a constitutional amendment was required to extend a Central law to the state which will be debated in the State Assembly. "People of J&K must understand what is at stake, which is why we are holding a special assembly session," he said adding, the state government has set precedent of discussing policy issues with stakeholders and in the assembly where people send their leaders to take decisions which impact their lives. "Article 370 is safe and modalities are safe. You should recognize that we are setting a precedent. If anything, it is my understanding that the union is sharing sovereignty with the states, in the taxation space," he said. The finance minister said "we can defer the GST implementation but it will impact the business of Kashmir more than the government. In the absence of GST in J&K, no one would want to trade with us. And if they do trade, the consumer will be penalised through double taxation. Let me assure you that no one will be put at a disadvantage under the GST regime. In fact, J&K will be the first state to do GST refund for shoppers on handicrafts." He added that GST is running successfully in 198 countries. "Let me assure you that there can be no better system for traders than GST. Besides, the system of exemptions will also continue in J&K. Modalities will be worked out in coming days as there is uncertainty all across India and J&K is not unique to it over internet and other operational issues which will have to be resolved," Drabu said. Drabu said that businesses of Jammu and Kashmir would be affected if GST is not extended to the State, "It is a federal tax where J&K will be a participant. In absence of GST, there will be two taxes which will hike the costs and impact the consumers. Trade will be hampered and no one will be willing to do business in J&K," he said. Drabu said the implementation of GST is being discussed since 2002 and the law has evolved over the years. "Earlier, GST was supposed to be a single rate, single tax with no GST Council. Today, not one decision has been taken without the consultation of other states which is why I have repeatedly said that GST council is India's first truly federal institution," he said. He also said that GST would ease businesses as inspection audits will fade away and assessments will be done by traders. "States have huge powers today. Our government has done nothing in the Constitutional Amendment which takes away the legislative powers of J&K," he said. The meeting was also attended by Commissioner Secretary Finance, Navin K Chaudhary, Commissioner, Sales Tax, Kashmir, Pervaiz Khateeb, representatives of business chambers of Jammu and Kashmir regions, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association, Kashmir Restaurant Owners Federation, Hoteliers and other business leaders of the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Looking to shed what it calls a "colonial tradition", the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has directed its students to wear for their convocation ceremony ethnic attire kurta-pyjamas, churidaars and such instead of the ceremonial black robes and head gear. The convocation ceremony will be held on June 15 and 16 in which some 1,600 students of graduate and post-graduate levels will receive their degrees from chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran. "For the first time, students will receive their degrees in the institute not in the British-time gowns and headgear but in kurta pyjamas (boys) and kurta-churidaars (girls) along with stoles in different colours to mark their specific courses," IIT-K Director, Professor Indranil Manna told PTI . He added that the students will be required to wear Indian clothes during all future convocations. Coinciding with the golden jubilee of the institute, the ceremony will also see professors donning golden coloured robes fully covering their suit. They will also not be needed to wear black leather shoes and will be free to go in for Indian footwear in leather, Manna said. Odisha government will assist in opening 340 brick and mortar branches and 337 fixed-location business correspondent (BC) and ultra-small branches in unbanked gram panchayats in the next three years. This was revealed by state Finance minister S B Behera while addressing a State Level Bankers Committee meeting here. "The state government will provide all required support to banks like space in the gram panchayat headquarters and power connection for opening of brick and mortar branches or fixed point BCs," Behera said. The minister urged Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited to provide Internet connection to banks in order to provide banking facility to the people in remote areas. The state has a total 4,253 unbanked gram panchayats. On the occasion, Behera inaugurated a web portal to map the banking system in Odisha by the use of GPS. The portal designed by the Odisha Space Application Centre (ORSAC) will provide information on branch details, unbanked gram panchayats, distance from one bank to another in a particular area among others. The portal will give information on unbanked gram panchayats, which will help in opening more brick and mortar branches in unbanked areas, Behera said. The minister expressed concern over the declining trend of CD ratio in the state. The comparative position of credit deposit ratio during 2015-16 and 2016-17 does not inspire confidence, he said adding, the CD ratio excluding advance sanctioned in other states and utilised in Odisha is 50.93 per cent against the benchmark of 60 per cent. The CD ratio in Odisha has declined by about 6 per cent in 2016-17 and the credit investment to deposit ratio has deteriorated by around 5 per cent, he said. Similarly, advance to the MSME sector has come down by 18 per cent in 2016-17 over the previous year, Behera said. The state of education loans and advances to weaker sections has declined marginally and these are disturbing trends, he said while calling upon bankers to make all-out effort to achieve the credit target of Rs 60,000 crore set for 2017-18. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua today briefed Islamabad-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation ambassadors on human rights violations in Kashmir. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Janjua discussed with them the repeated ceasefire violations at the Line of Control and the Working Boundary by India. She condemned the "ongoing human rights violations" in Kashmir, the foreign office said. The foreign secretary drew the attention of the OIC ambassadors towards the use of a Kashmiri man as a "human shield", which showed "utter disregard for human dignity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah is in Sri Lanka for a five-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and defence collaboration. Admiral Zakaullah was received by Commander Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport here. During his visit, Zakaullah, 59, called on top military officials in Sri Lanka and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and bilateral naval collaboration. Admiral Zakaullah said that the Pakistan Navy would go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between the two nations, The Express Tribune reported. The Naval Chief was also the chief guest at the passing out parade held at the Naval and Maritime Academy Trincomalee. He also looked forward to further enhancing the interaction between the two countries in fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration, it said. Zakaullah joined Pakistan Naval Academy in 1975 and was commissioned in the Operations Branch in 1978. He was appointed to the highest seat of the Pakistan Navy in 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AICC general secretary C P Joshi today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was responsible for the current plight of farmers in the country. He also criticised Union finance minister Arun Jaitley over his recent statement that state governments have to fund schemes like loan waivers through their own resources. "The prime minister is responsible for the current plight and woes of farmers. Modi has failed to implement his electoral promises like awarding better renumeration for crops and hike in the minimum support price (MSP)," the former Union minister told reporters here. He said the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government under Manmohan Singh had announced loan waivers worth Rs 77,000 crore during its tenure. "The Congress government never asked the state governments to fund loan waivers," Joshi said referring to Jaitley's statement. He said the country's economic growth has decelerated under the Modi regime. Recently, farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh held protests for their various demands, including a complete loan waiver. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite the "deteriorating" condition of the iconic General Post Office (GPO) building here, a Grade-1 heritage structure, the proposal to repair it has not been cleared by the Postal Directorate for the last 16 months, reply to an RTI query has revealed. The GPO, which is the city's central post office, also serves as the headquarters of the Maharashtra and Goa circle. It handles most of the city's inbound and outbound mail and parcels. "The proposal to repair, restore and preserve the structure that enjoys Grade-1 tag of the heritage building, has been pending for approval from the Postal Directorate for the last 16 months," the letter written by the Director of Postal Services, Mumbai to the Chief Postmaster General (Buildings), says. This letter was cited in the reply to the RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali. "This country's biggest postal building has 1,000 employees, who face the risk of ceiling collapse as it has never been repaired," the internal letter added. The Director of Postal Services (Legal & Buildings), in its reply to the RTI query said the proposal to sanction Rs 47.59 crore for preservation, restoration and repair of the GPO building was put forth on January 29, 2016. This plan was drafted by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage), an organisation empanelled by the postal department. "Although 15 to 20 per cent escalation of the project cost is expected per year, an amount of Rs 30 lakh has been sanctioned by the Postal Directorate, but the work has not yet started pending permission," reads the reminder letter written to the Chief Postmaster General (Building) by the Postmaster General office. "The condition of the Mumbai GPO is deteriorating badly and it needs large-scale preservation to prevent serious incidents. It is to point out here that a BMC agency has already declared it as a poorly maintained building in 1995," it said. Terming this delay is an example of the "bureaucratic maze", Galgali sought an inquiry into the "inordinate delay" in the project. "I have brought this apathy to the notice of Prime Minister's Office (PMO) requesting to expedite the restoration of the Mumbai GPO. Apart from the employees, the lives of thousands of visitors to the building are also at stake," the activist said. The GPO was designed by British architect John Begg in 1902, construction began in September 1904 and was completed in March 1913. The structure is modelled on the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India Foundation today handed over a new sanitation facilities to Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy to benefit over 700 visually impaired students. The handover of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project by the PwC India Foundation to Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy would also help the teachers and extended staff. The WASH project began in October 2016 with a commitment to build toilets that are hygienic, safe and in a comfortable environment set up for school going boys who are visually challenged. Dedicating the facilities to the school students, Jaivir Singh, Vice-Chairman, PwC India Foundation said, "Sanitation and hygiene go hand in hand with education. To empower and impart knowledge to them, we've organised trainings on how to use the new WASH facilities as well as conducted workshops around the health benefits they will derive by maintaining personal hygiene." Lauding the project, Biswajit Ghosh, Principal, Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy and Swami Sarvalokananda Maharaj, Secretary of the Ashrama, said that the WASH Project would provide a more congenial and comfortable environment to the children of their school. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel Peace laureate Kailash Satyarthi today lauded the government for ratifying two fundamental global conventions on combating child labour, saying the move would help the country end forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking. India today ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour and Convention 138 on the minimum age of employment at the United Nations. "This remarkable moment provides with an opportunity for the country to make renewed commitment for ending forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking. Let this be the last generation that has been exploited in the name of illiteracy, poverty or helplessness," Satyarthi said. The child rights activist said India is an emerging world leader and therefore in order to achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030, children must be put at the centre of the agenda. Satyarthi, who at present is in Brazil for his upcoming mega campaign '100 million for 100 million', is the honourary president of Global March against Child Labour, which has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the need for India ratifying the ILO conventions since 1998. With 180 countries having already done so, it has also become the fastest ratified convention in the history of ILO. The involvement of these countries in the Convention clearly shows that support for the movement against child labour is gaining momentum worldwide, he said. "Now after nearly two decades, I am overjoyed that India has also decided to ratify the Convention. I congratulate our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The decision to ratify Convention 182 and Convention 138 was overdue in providing justice to our children. After the total prohibition of child labour, this is an important step in protecting all our children from exploitation and abuse," he said in a statement. "It is now the collective responsibility of everyone to ensure its implementation," he added. Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said ratification of the two ILO conventions reaffirmed India's "commitment to a child labour-free society," according to an ILO statement. ILO Director-General Guy Ryder welcomed India among the member states party to the two fundamental conventions. "We all recognise the great progress India has made against child labour in recent years and the major role played by its convergence model of coherence between public policies and services, which was strongly supported by the ILO," he said. India, the second most populous country in the world, is the 181st member state to ratify Convention No 182, which calls for the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, forced labour and trafficking, the use of children in armed conflict, the use of a child for prostitution,pornography and in illicit activities (such as drug trafficking), andhazardous work. India is the 170th ILO member state to ratify Convention No 138, which requires states party to set a minimum age under which no one shall be admitted to employment or work in any occupation, except for light work and artistic performances. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie, is still "confused" over why EL James apparently did not like her and says she will never work with the author again. The 50-year-old director had a feud with the author while working on the movie adaptation of the book, reported The Sunday Times magazine. "I like everyone, and I get really confused when they don't like me. I was so confused by EL James. I don't understand when I can't navigate a person, when there's no synergy. "I'm not going to ever watch them (the sequels). I have literally zero interest. I can never say I regret it because that would just finish me off. (But) with the benefit of hindsight would I go through it again? Of course I wouldn't. I'd be mad," Sam says. The filmmaker's decision to take on the project came as a surprise but she says she was drawn to the "dysfunctional fairy tale". "It felt like a very dysfunctional fairy tale: a controlling prince and an unsuspecting young village girl. What I wanted to achieve is (for her) to usurp him against the odds," she says. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and Gujarat's quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel were today stopped from entering Mandsaur, the epicentre of the agrarian unrest in Madhya Pradesh, while on their way to express solidarity with distressed farmers. Scindia, his party colleague Kantilal Bhuria and a large number of supporters were detained by police at Nayagaon-Jaora toll booth in Ratlam while heading to the neighbouring Mandsaur, where prohibitory orders are in force. Before their detention, the Congress leaders and their supporters staged a sit-in at the toll booth demanding that they be allowed to visit Mandsaur. "Why the police is preventing me from going to Mandsaur? This is Hitlershahi," Scindia said. The farmers' agitation in the state, which began on June 1, took a violent turn on June 6 when five protesters were killed in police firing at Mandsaur. Subsequently, there was a bandh and several incidents of arson and stone-pelting as the agitation spread to Neemuch, Dhar, Ratlam and Jhabua in western Madhya Pradesh. Earlier in the day, Hardik Patel was arrested from Nayagaon in Neemuch. The Patidar Andolan leader, heading to Mandsaur to meet the kin of farmers killed in police firing, was accompanied by Janata Dal (U) leader Akhilesh Katiyar, who was also placed under arrest. Patel was arrested to prevent "commission of cognisable offences", City Superintendent of Police Abhishek Diwan said. They were released on bail later and taken out of Madhya Pradesh in police vehicles. Lashing out at the authorities, Patel said, "I am not a terrorist. I have not come from Lahore. I am an Indian citizen and have the right to go anywhere in the country." He also criticised the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and said that 50 crore farmers have come together against the saffron party. In Rajasthan, Udaipur SP Rajendra Prasad told PTI that Patel is planning to go to Indore via Banswara in order to reach Mandsaur. In a related development, Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik was booked for allegedly inciting people to set ablaze a police station, amid violent protests by farmers last week. A video, which went viral, purportedly showed Khatik inciting people to set a police station ablaze. The video was shot on June 8 when Khatik, who represents Karera Assembly segment in Shivpuri district, was holding a protest at Karera Police Station against the killing of farmers in Mandsaur. Karera's Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Anurag Sujania said the FIR was registered against Khatik, block Congress president Venus Goyal and others early today. They were booked under the IPC sections pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, punishment for obscene acts or words in public and assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, he said. Meanwhile, a debt-ridden farmer allegedly committed suicide by consuming a poisonous substance in Sehore, the home district of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The 55-year-old Dulchand Keer consumed poison yesterday. The reason behind the suicide is still not clear, said District Collector Sudam Khade. Keer's son Sher Singh claimed that his father ended his life due to mounting debts. The suicide comes days after Chouhan announced a slew of measures to end farmers' woes in the state, which witnessed violent protests over loan waiver and remunerative prices for farm produce. A high-voltage political drama was also witnessed on June 8, when Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was detained on his way to Mandsaur to meet the family members of the farmers killed in police firing. Chief minister Chouhan sat on an indefinite fast in Bhopal on Saturday with an appeal for peace. He ended his fast on Sunday, saying peace had returned, and assured people that those responsible for the death of farmers would be punished severely. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Tuesday, Shiv Sena said the loan waiver decision was due to its constant "throttling" of the Maharashtra government and that it has opted to remain in power to shake chairs of "lazy" persons. The Sena said the protests by farmers had its backing and the party's message was "either to announce a complete loan waiver or get strangulated to death". "The government adopted a dictator-like stand over farmer protests. Yet, their unity defeated the government. By announcing an in-principle loan waiver, the government has managed to loosen the noose that had tightened around its neck," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamna'. It said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should be congratulated for announcing a loan waiver without asking for a guarantee that farmers henceforth will not commit suicide. "We are not in power to merely warm (ministers) seats but shake the seats of lazy persons. Though we cannot give a guarantee about (what will happen) tomorrow," it added. The Sena said the government should also give in-principle approval to stop the construction of the Samruddhi corridor on the Mumbai-Nagur Expressway. "Farmers loan waiver should not get stuck in the intricacies of the word 'in-principle' or it will bear the brunt of breaching the trust of people. The government should immediately clarify the time period to fulfil the announcement," the Sena said. Two days ago, the Maharashtra government had announced a loan waiver for farmers and decided to form a committee to decide the criteria of debt relief, after which cultivators called off their protests. "The government has, in principle, decided to waive farmers' loans with certain stipulations. The loans with small and medium land holdings stand waived from today itself," Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil had said. A Senate panel has confirmed the nomination of President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, on a voice vote yesterday, backed approval of Brock Long. He previously ran Alabama's Emergency Management Agency and served as that state's on-scene incident commander during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. If confirmed by the full Senate, as expected, Long would take over the agency at the beginning of hurricane season. The agency has already managed 41 disaster declarations this year and the Trump administration has proposed cutting nearly $1 billion from the agency's budget. More than USD 500 million in proposed cuts would come from FEMA's grant programs, including the grants for pre- disaster mitigation efforts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Attorney General Jeff Sessions vehemently denied today that he colluded with an alleged Russian bid to tilt the 2016 presidential election in Donald Trump's favour. "I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States," Sessions told the Senate Intelligence Committee. "The suggestion that I participated with any collusion, that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has met Saudi King Salman and expressed hope that the current crisis in the Gulf countries involving Qatar will be resolved soon. Sharif, who returned today after a short visit to the Gulf kingdom, yesterday held talks with King Salman in Jeddah, which was focused on the "emerging situation in the Gulf countries", Radio Pakistan reported. The prime minister expressed hope that the current impasse in the Gulf countries will be resolved soon in the best interest of the Muslim community. Qatar has found itself isolated following a decision by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and others to cut ties with Doha over its support for "terrorism", a charge the tiny Gulf emirate vehemently rejects. Sharif also reaffirmed the strong commitment of the people and government of Pakistan to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and safety of the two grand mosques in Mecca and Media. While expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Sharif said the Gulf kingdom has a very special place in the hearts of Pakistanis. Salman thanked Sharif for his visit and appreciated the exceptional success of Pakistan against extremism and terrorism. He also reiterated strong commitment and support of the Gulf-nation for all issues of interest for Pakistan, including matters of national security. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A top Christian body in Singapore today cautioned against Islamophobia in the country, saying detention of a Singaporean woman for radicalism should not put the Muslim community in a negative light. The National Council of Churches (NCCS) here said it is "profoundly saddened" by the detention of a 22-year-old woman, the first Singaporean woman to be detained under the Internal Security Act for radicalism after she planned to join the Islamic State in Syria. "The Muslim community has contributed significantly to the progress of our nation, and has also done much to strengthen our multi-racial and multi-religious community," the NCCS was quoted as saying by Channel Asia. "The actions of a misguided few must never be seen as representing that of the majority of Muslims here," it said. Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari, a contract infant-care assistant with a pre-school programme, was detained in June this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said yesterday. Her radicalisation started in 2013 through online propaganda related to the Islamic State terrorist group, the MHA said. The NCCS' position on the matter was conveyed to the Mufti of Singapore and the chief executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) in a letter. The NCCS, which represents about 450 voluntary welfare organisations in Singapore, said it will continue to support and pray for the Muslim community. "Let us continue to work together to ensure that nothing will jeopardise the inter-religious harmony and peace that gives all Singaporeans a sense of security and mutual goodwill in the land we call our home," the NCCS was quoted as saying. According to the ministry, Izzah was not planning any attack in Singapore. However, she intended to travel to Syria to join the terrorist group ISIS, which has threatened attacks against Singapore. She was also prepared to take up arms in Syria on behalf of ISIS, said the ministry in the statement yesterday. "The authorities are looking into taking action against the family member who destroyed important evidence relating to Izzah's plans to join ISIS," said the statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Africa today called for a peaceful resolution of the Gulf crisis through dialogue, offering its support to the mediation process between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and its allies. "We strongly believe that there can be no substitute for dialogue and we thus call on the parties involved to commit to a peaceful resolution of the situation," Department of International Affairs and Cooperation spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement. The government said the Gulf region is very important for world trade, especially energy, as well as regional peace and stability. South Africa will support efforts by Kuwait and other countries that have already initiated a mediation process between the countries involved and will also throw its weight behind the mediation process, it said. "We support all efforts by countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League that are seeking to mediate a peaceful resolution. "We call on all sisterly states of the region to resolve their differences through constructive engagement and give dialogue a chance," it said. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are among several countries which last week announced the suspension of all ties to Qatar over what they say is the state's support for extremist groups and its political proximity to Shiite Iran. Qatar denies the allegations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan railway authorities announced a crackdown on selfies today after a 12-year-old boy was decapitated and two other men also died while snapping themselves on a coastal track. The boy and his 24-year-old brother were killed as they took photographs of themselves on the picturesque section of track in Colombo on Sunday. Police said the boy was decapitated and his head became lodged between two railway carriages. Another man died as he tried to take a selfie with his new bride on the same day on another section of the line. The woman suffered serious injuries and is in intensive care. Railway spokesman Wijeya Samarasinghe said mobile phones accounted for most of the 28 deaths on Sri Lanka's railways so far this year. "We are launching a campaign this week to deploy our security staff to arrest those walking on the tracks and taking selfies in front of moving trains," he told AFP. "There are some who want to post videos and pictures of themselves in front of moving trains. "Unfortunately, some are unable to get out of the way in time and get killed." Police said the victims were often tourists from elsewhere in the country who had travelled to the seaside capital on holiday and wanted to pose for selfies with the Indian Ocean in the background. "They don't realise how dangerous it is," said a police official who asked not to be named. Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to introduce mobile phones in 1989 and has seen an explosion in smartphone use in recent years. But it remains behind neighbouring India when it comes to selfie-related deaths. The South Asian giant was ranked top of a global list last year, with 76 such deaths in a two-year period, according to a study by US-based Carnegie Mellon University and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A baby girl was hospitalised with injuries after she accidentally fell from the first-floor of a residential building in Bahadurpura area here, police said today. A video of the incident that occurred on Sunday and was caught on a CCTV camera installed in the neighbourhood, shows the girl, around one-and-half-year-old, falling on the ground from a building. Bahadurpura Police Station Inspector T Laxminarayana told PTI that the incident occurred in the afternoon when the girl's parents and family members were sleeping in their house. The girl after waking up was playing on the first floor and she accidentally fell down on the ground and was injured. The video went viral on social media even as police dismissed certain reports that she was thrown from the building. "She is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. She fell down accidentally and it is wrong to link to reports that she was thrown from the building," the Inspector said based on preliminary investigation. However, city-based 'Balala Hakkula Sangham', an NGO working for child rights, demanded for a inquiry into the incident. "According to visuals of the CCTV, it seems someone threw the child with force. But whatever may be the reason, we demand for unbiased inquiry by police in this incident," NGO Honorary president Achyuta Rao said. No case was registered in connection with the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A drone attack in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region today killed a top commander of the dreaded Haqqani network, blamed for the attack in Afghanistan's capital Kabul that killed nearly 150 people. Two missiles fired by a pilotless aircraft targeted a house in Speen Tal, a semi-tribal area located on the border of Orakzai district and Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. A security official said militant leader Abubakar, who had links with the Haqqani network was killed in the strike. The house targeted by the drone was completely destroyed. The drone operation was yet to be officially confirmed. The drone attack comes days after Afghan officials blamed the Pakistan-based Haqqani network of carrying out the bombing in Kabul on May 31 in which 150 people died. The attackers detonated a tanker packed with explosives near the German embassy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Once the goods and services tax (GST) is rolled out, targeted from July 1, makers of fast-moving consumer goods should be able to cut prices by 2 to 20 per cent, said Kishore Biyani, group chief executive officer of the Future Group on Tuesday. He was attending a meeting of a dozen national and international retail chains, such as Walmart, DMart, Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail, and Trent in Mumbai. They were discussing the impact of the on retailers and customers. Biyani said the Future Groups consumer goods company, Future Consumer, would cut prices by 2-20 per cent. The CEO of another retail chain, who did not want to be named, said in the regime, retailers could lose up to 2-3 per cent of their margins if FMCG companies did not revise prices. Our net margins are 2-3 per cent. If we are not given input credit, we will incur losses, he added. Retailers said printing rates would also have a negative impact on consumers. According to the rules, retailers would have to display the GST rate for each item. Different invoices have to be produced for goods that are exempted and those that will be charged GST. Maximum retail prices include everything. Same should continue in the GST regime, the retailer quoted earlier said. Kumar Gopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, said there was no GST on unpacked and unbranded items, which packaged goods would attract a tax. From a hygiene point of view, items have to packed. We want the government to take a look into it. He also said if the retailers started printing double invoices, buyers would think prices had gone up. Jamshed Daboo, managing director, Trent Hypermakets said July onwards all retailers would aggressively cut prices. He also said most retailers have configured their information technology systems along with their FMCG partners. The meeting was held at the Future Groups office in south Mumbai. Price effect President Donald Trump and Prime Minister during their first meeting would set forth a vision to expand the US-India ties in an ambitious manner and discuss ways to advance common goals like fighting terrorism and expanding security cooperation in the Indo- Pacific region. The leaders of the world's two largest democracies with a combined population of 1.6 billion will meet on June 26 at the White House to discuss a gamut of bilateral issues, including India's concerns over possible changes in H1B visa rules. "I think you can expect the two of them to set forth a vision that will expand the US-India partnership in an ambitious and worthy way of both countries' people," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily conference yesterday. He cited "fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms and expanding security cooperation in the Indo- Pacific region" as shared priorities. The Indo-Pacific region includes the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbours in multiple disputes over islands. "President Trump and Prime Minister Modi will look to outline a common vision for the United States-India partnership that is worthy of their 1.6 billion citizens," Spicer said. Trump invited Modi to Washington after the latter rang him in January to congratulate the new president on his inauguration. "The president and the prime minister have had a number of positive phone conversations, and expect to further that discussion ... Whether it's economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism, expanding our cooperation as major defence partners," Spicer said in response to a question. In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said yesterday that the Modi-Trump discussions will provide a new direction for a deeper bilateral engagement. "Prime Minister will hold official talks with President Trump on June 26. Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US," the ministry said. The bilateral talks appear to be no bed of roses as they come amidst thorny issues like US' plans to reduce the number of H-1B visa slots that are mainly used by Indian IT workers, and its withdrawal from the historic climate accord. Notably, Modi's US visit, which would begin on June 25, comes in the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries. Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India said it signed the Paris deal not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect the environment. During his visit to France this month, Modi even said that India would "go above and beyond" the Paris deal to protect climate for the future generations. Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties. The White House said that the US-India trade has grown six-fold since 2000, from USD 19 billion to USD 115 billion in 2016, despite the recent hiccups over the H1-B visa issue. "US energy and technologies, including natural gas, are helping to build Prime Minister Modi's vision for a new India and creating thousands of US jobs in the process," Spicer said. Two Indian-origin men are among 900 Australians who have been recognised by British Queen Elizabeth II in her annual Birthday Honours list for their contributions to the community. The Queensland-based ProfessorRajiv Khanna was honoured with Order of the Companion of Australia for distinguished service to medicine in the field of immunology, through contributions to the development of cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, infectious complications and chronic diseases. Unnikrishnan Velayudhan Pilla from Queensland was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in the general division (OAM) for service to the Malayalee community in the state. The list for this year released yesterday recognised a diverse range of people including scientists, entertainers, lawyers, designers, community workers, performers and a psephologist. "To all recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation," Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said. Khanna is the founding director and group leader at the Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development at Brisbane based QMIR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and also the senior principal research fellow at National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Khanna, born in India, came to Australia 27 years ago and has authored and co-authored more than 200 scientific papers. Velayudhan Pilla, founder of Jvala Charitable and Cultural Society, has been a recipient of several community awards in the past including Bharat Gaurav Award, Lord Mayor's Australia Day Award, Multicultural community award for services to the Malyalee community in Queensland. Others who received the award this year were Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, eminent scientist Antony Colman and well know economist Ross Garnaut. The honours are awarded for service to the country to mark the Queen's official birthday in June each year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN envoy for Central African Republic has said the country is "on a path to incremental peace" that will be achieved if UN peacekeepers keep responding strongly against armed groups. But Parfait Onanga-Anyanga told the Security Council yesterday an upsurge in violence that erupted in May in several areas involving rival groups was very worrying, including "systematic aggression against peacekeepers." He was presenting Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' latest report which said Central African Republic has oscillated recently between consolidating gains achieved since President Faustin Archange Touadera's election in February 2016, primarily in the capital Bangui, and "a serious deterioration of the security situation in other parts of the country." Guterres warned that the latest spate of violence risks derailing progress achieved over the last year "and spreading with disastrous consequences. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Progress has been made towards resolving the crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours after senior US officials met leading players in the standoff, the State Department has said. "I would characterise the mood and approach as hopeful, which believes that the worst is behind us," spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters on Tuesday. Earlier, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, whose government accused Qatar of sponsoring extremist groups and had closed its border. Tillerson and US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis have been working the telephones attempting to de-escalate the crisis between Riyadh and Qatar, which hosts a huge US airbase. Nauert refused to say whether Washington regards Qatar as a sponsor of terror or whether the closure of the border and ban on Qatari flights in Saudi airspace amount to a "blockade." "Let's keep in mind that everyone has agreed or these parties are working toward an agreement on combating terrorism, and that is the main focus," she said. "And let's not get bogged down in all the details about who's calling what when. This is trending in a positive direction. And let's stay focused on that so that we can continue to fight the war on terror." Earlier, appearing alongside Tillerson - who last week had urged that the "blockade" be eased - Jubeir had insisted: "It's not a blockade." Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh will represent India at the two-day BRICS foreign ministers' meeting being held here from June 18 where China was expected to unveil its agenda for this year's Summit of the five-member bloc. Singh will be attending the meeting as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has not yet started foreign travel after her kidney transplant operation, Indian officials said. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said today that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will chair the meeting that will take place here from June 18 to 19. Lu was quoted by the state-run Xinhua agency as saying that the meeting will also be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes and Singh. The meeting is a precursor to the chain of meetings of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) officials including the National Security Advisors' (NSAs) meeting to be held later next month ahead of the Summit to be held in Chinese city of Xiamen in September this year. Incidentally, this is first time Foreign Ministers meeting has been called ahead of the Summit by the host country. China took over the rotating presidency of the BRICS from India after last year's Goa Summit of the group of emerging countries. The Ministers' meeting was regarded as significant from both the bilateral point of view for India as well as from this year's summit, the structure of which would be decided by the host country. Bilaterally, the foreign ministers' meeting comes in the backdrop of India-China discord over a host of issues, including the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) culminating in India's last month boycott of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) held by China to highlight the progress of the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China also continues to maintain that there is no change in its stand on India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as well as New Delhi's efforts to get Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Masood Azhar banned by the UN. Diplomatically, both the countries have been warming up after the BRF and the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting and the NSA's meeting was expected to provide a platform for informal exchanges to move forward, officials said. Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui has made some proposals during his address to United Services Institution in New Delhi last month emphasising that CPEC will not change China's stand that Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan under the Simla Agreement. His proposals have not been taken up for discussion by both the countries. Also, China was expected to outline its proposals for the BRICS summit, specially which are the countries it plans to invite. At the Goa Summit, India invited heads of the members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). Earlier this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke about BRICS Plus but gave no details. Officials expect China may unveil the details at the Foreign Ministers meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A village in Rajasthan's Mewat region will be named after US President Donald Trump, a top Indian sociologist and social worker has said, prompting the state government to rule out any such plan. "I announce to name one village in India as Trump Village," Sulabh International founder and chief Bindeshwar Pathak said at a community event organised in the suburbs of Washington DC. This, he said, is part of his effort to enhance India-US relationship. However, the Rajasthan government officials have said there is no such proposal with the government to rename any village after the name of the US president. "It is the government which renames a village and there is laid down procedures for that. As of now, there is no such proposal with the department to name a village after the us president. I have nothing to comment on what Mr Pathak has said," Alok, Rajasthan government's principal secretary of the revenue department, told PTI in Jaipur. Mewat region falls under Alwar district and the Alwar District Collector Rajan Vishal also said there was no such proposal. "The competence of renaming a village lies with the government and no private man can do that. We have no such proposal or request in this regard," Vishal said. Giving a presentation to local community and political leaders in the US, Pathak said that he is working to provide affordable sanitation and toilets to the masses and end the practice of manual scavenging. In his address, he urged the Indian-American community to help realise the goal of sanitation and cleanliness in India. The cost of one toilet ranges from $25 to $500, depending on nature of construction. Technology remains the same, he said. Republican leader from Virginia, Ed Gillespie, who is running for Virginia Governor, highlighted the role the Indian American community plays in the US, adding "the US has a very strong relationship with India." He and other local politicians also explored the option of adopting the technology of Sulabh international in Virginia and Maryland. "Rural areas of Virginia have a problem in building toilets and its maintenance cost is very high. Several officials from both Virginia and Maryland have expressed their interest in adopting it locally so as to bring the cost down," said Virginia Republican Puneet Ahluwalia. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock also felicitated Pathak on the occasion. Amid opposition to its move to select PhD and MPhil candidates solely on the basis of an interview, Delhi University today said it would just be an interaction to bring all students on the same platform. Till last year, the varsity gave 85 per cent weightage to the written test and 15 per cent to the interview. "It will be better to call it an interaction, where a student and the faculty will talk about each other's requirements," Maharaj K Pandir, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Admissions, said. The university had yesterday announced that PhD aspirants with a fellowship from UGC/CSIR/NET or a central government institute need not take the entrance exam, and those who do not have it will have to. However, they are all required to appear for interview. "Students who do not have a fellowship will take the entrance exam and then everyone will be on the same platform when they will appear for viva voce," Pandit told. Viva voce interaction will not leave any scope for discrimination, he said. The committee chief said the reservation policy will be followed strictly. Meanwhile, a section of students condemned the varsity's move to "make the written examination a mere qualifier". "It is a move which was ratified neither in academic council nor in executive council of the university," Vikas Bhadauria, president of Delhi unit of Students Federation of India, said in a statement. It will affect a number of students from marginalised sections, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) JKLF chief Yasin Malik was today detained while moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq placed under house arrest to prevent them from attending a programme here to pay homage to the 12th Mirwaiz of undivided Kashmir on his 50th death anniversary. Malik was taken into preventive custody from party office at Abi Guzar locality in the heart of the city, ahead of his visit to Eidgah locality in downtown Srinagar. He was scheduled to take part in a programme to pay homage to Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Yousuf Shah, a religious scholar who was the first to interpret the holy Quran in Kashmiri language. Shah, who went into exile in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 1947, died on December 12, 1968 at Rawalpandi but his death anniversary is commemorated in accordance with Islamic lunar calendar on 17th day of the holy month of Ramzan. The separatists had planned a programme at Aali Masjid to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of Shah who served two terms as the PoK president in 1952 and 1956. He had also served as an education minister there. The moderate Hurriyat Chairman was placed under house arrest last night and was not allowed to visit Aali Masjid today to attend the meeting. Prior to his arrest, Malik said, "Every peaceful political activity has been banned and this suppression is taking an extremely ugly turn as condolences meetings, social programs and even personal meetings between two people are being halted and barred by police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Rozanna Latiff and Nathan Layne KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Money misappropriated from a Malaysian state fund was used to partly finance the $2.2 billion acquisition of Houston-based Coastal Energy in 2014, the U.S. government alleged in a lawsuit filed last week. Proceeds from the Coastal Energy deal were then used to buy a property in London's glitzy Mayfair district, according to the lawsuit dated June 7. The United States is seeking to seize the London property, along with two others, the document showed. The lawsuit was filed as part of a U.S. Justice Department effort to seize about $1 billion worth of assets linked to funds it says were siphoned from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a Malaysian state fund under investigation in at least six countries for money-laundering. The justice department filed civil lawsuits last July alleging that about $3.5 billion had been misappropriated from 1MDB and used instead to buy assets, including luxury property and artwork in the U.S. and abroad. The latest lawsuit shows that Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, a central figure in the scandal, allegedly used 1MDB money to fund the Coastal Energy acquisition. Jho Low, as he is known, partnered with Compania Espanola de Petroleos SAU (Cepsa) to buy Coastal Energy for a total purchase price of $2.2 billion. Cepsa is the Spanish unit of Abu Dhabi's state investor, International Petroleum Investment Company. Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisor to Cepsa in the acquisition, according to a release announcing the deal in November 2013. 600 PERCENT RETURN Low invested about $50 million in the acquisition through a company called Strategic Resources (Global) Ltd, with Cespa funding the remainder of the $2.2 billion, according to the lawsuit. Shortly afterward, Cepsa transferred $350 million to Low's Strategic Resources, buying Strategic Resources' stake in the joint venture used to buy Coastal Energy, the lawsuit says. "The commercial basis for this nearly immediate 600 percent return on investment is not immediately apparent," the Justice Department said. Low's contribution was traceable to misappropriated proceeds of a $3 billion bond raised by Goldman for 1MDB in 2013, the lawsuit says. Goldman helped 1MDB, which was founded by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009, raise $6.5 billion in three bond sales in 2012 and 2013 to invest in energy projects and real estate to boost the Malaysian economy. Goldman was not immediately available for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported on Tuesday the allegations in the latest lawsuit. Goldman told the Journal that prior to the U.S. lawsuit it was not aware, nor was it involved in, any transaction in which Strategic Resources sold its stake in a joint venture back to Cepsa. Jho Low, whose whereabouts are uncertain, could not be reached for comment. He has denied any wrongdoing in the past. IPIC, Cepsa and 1MDB did not respond to requests for comment. LONDON PROPERTIES Proceeds from the Coastal Energy deal were used by Low to buy the Stratton Office in London for 42 million pounds ($53.15 million), according to the June 7 lawsuit. The justice department lawsuit says two other Mayfair properties -- a penthouse and a flat -- were also bought with misappropriated 1MDB funds. Low paid 35 million pounds ($44.29 million) in 2010 for the penthouse and the flat, part of a building known as Stratton House. The funds for those purchases were transferred from an account belonging to a company called Good Star. Low was the sole owner and beneficiary of Seycehlles-registered Good Star, a examination found. U.S. prosecutors have said more than $700 million of misappropriated funds from 1MDB flowed into the accounts of "Malaysian Official 1", who U.S. and Malaysian officials have identified as Najib. Najib has denied any wrongdoing and was cleared of any wrongdoing by Malaysia's attorney general. ($1 = 0.7903 pounds) (Nathan Layne reported from WASHINGTON; Editing by A. Ananthalakshmi and Bill Tarrant) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Benjamin Lesser and Elizabeth Dilts NEW YORK (Reuters) - In three years of managing investments for North Dakota farmer Richard Haus, Long Island stock broker Mike McMahon and his colleagues charged their client $267,567 in fees and interest - while losing him $261,441 on the trades, Haus said. McMahon and others at National Securities Corporation, for instance, bought or sold between 200 and 900 shares of Apple stock for Haus nine times in about a year - racking up $27,000 in fees, according to a 2015 complaint Haus filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Haus alerted the regulator to what he called improper "churning" of his account to harvest excessive fees. But the allegation could hardly have come as a surprise to FINRA, the industry's self-regulating body, which is charged by Congress with protecting investors from unscrupulous brokers. FINRA has fined National at least 25 times since 2000. As of earlier this year, 35 percent of National's 714 brokers had a history of regulatory run-ins, legal disputes or personal financial difficulties that FINRA requires brokers to disclose to investors, according to a analysis of FINRA data. McMahon did not respond to requests for comment. National declined to comment. National is among 48 firms where at least 30 percent of brokers have such FINRA flags on their records, according to the analysis, which examined only the 12 most serious incidents among the 23 that FINRA requires brokers to disclose. That compares to 9 percent of brokers industry-wide who have at least one of those 12 FINRA flags on their record. In total, the 48 firms oversee about 4,600 brokers and billions of dollars in investor funds. For a graphic with the complete list of firms and statistics on each, see: http://tmsnrt.rs/2rtbhOl FINRA officials acknowledged in interviews with that the longstanding hiring practices at certain firms are a threat to investors. But they also argued that they can do little to stop firms from hiring high concentrations of potentially problematic brokers because doing so is not illegal. That leaves investors like Haus vulnerable to a small group of brokerages that regularly hire advisors with blemishes on their backgrounds that would make them unemployable at most firms, former regulators and industry experts said. The dozen FINRA flags examined by Reuters include regulatory sanctions for misconduct, employment terminations after allegations of misconduct and payments by firms to settle customer complaints. They also include brokers' personal financial troubles, such as bankruptcies or liens for nonpayment of debts. [L1N1J9032] (For full coverage, including an explanation of Reuters methodology, see: http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-finra-brokers/ ) Last year, a FINRA official told Reuters, the regulator identified 90 firms as posing the highest risk to investors and flagged them internally for higher scrutiny. But FINRA declined to name the firms publicly or to release statistics showing the concentration of brokers with a history of FINRA flags within each firm. In an interview with Reuters, FINRA's executive vice president of regulatory operations, Susan Axelrod, declined to comment on any specific firm identified by Reuters. She would not directly address why the regulator will not publicly name the firms it identified as high-risk. "Let's just say those are not new names to us," she said of the firms identified by Reuters. FINRA Chief Executive Robert Cook, however, addressed its unwillingness to name names in a speech on Monday morning in Washington at Georgetown University, according to prepared remarks released by FINRA. "We must consider fairness and due process," Cook said. "FINRA does not possess a crystal ball - someone who we may identify as a high-risk broker for oversight purposes is not necessarily a bad actor." The regulator has created a dedicated unit focused on those high-risk firms, Axelrod told Reuters, but she declined to discuss its budget, staffing or specific duties. Cook on Monday said the unit included an unstated number of "examiners and managers" with experience dealing with high-risk brokers. FINRA makes data on individual brokers' backgrounds available through its Brokercheck website, which Axelrod said provides "unparalleled transparency" to investors. That site allows the public to search histories of complaints and sanctions against individual brokers - but only one at a time. The regulator will not release the data in bulk form, such as a database, that would enable researchers to identify firms with high concentrations of brokers with a history of FINRA flags. Reuters analysed the FINRA data after receiving it from researchers at Columbia University Law School DataLab, who wrote computer code to extract it from the regulator's website. Reuters sought comment from officials at all 48 firms. Some responded that many of the FINRA-mandated disclosures do not necessarily equate to misconduct by brokers, such as when a firm pays a client to settle a complaint without admitting wrongdoing. Cook, the FINRA chief, echoed that point in his speech Monday. "A broker who has an unpaid lien because of a debt accrued due to a medical issue in her family must disclose that lien," he said. "That event should not be treated the same as fraud or stealing money from customers." At least one executive from a firm identified in the Reuters analysis serves on FINRA's 24-member Board of Governors - Brian Kovack, president of Fort Lauderdale-based Kovack Securities Inc. Thirty-four percent of the firm's 388 brokers have a history of FINRA flags, according to the Reuters analysis. In a statement, Brian Kovack attributed those figures to the firm's decision to take on a large number of new brokers from another brokerage in 2014, which prevented the firm from using its usual vetting process for new employees. Asked why, three years later, the firm still has a high concentration of brokers with FINRA flags, Kovack said it took "considerable" time to ensure the review of new brokers' backgrounds was "fair and transparent." After the review, the firm asked some advisors to leave, Kovack said, without specifying how many or the reasons they were dismissed. SELF-REGULATION FINRA is not a government agency, but rather an industry-financed "self-regulatory organization" - as FINRA puts it - that is not subject to public records laws and receives no taxpayer support. Its annual operating budget of about $1 billion - supporting about 3,500 staffers in 16 offices - comes primarily from dues paid by member firms and individual brokers. FINRA has the power to fine, suspend and ban firms and brokers, and it can refer potentially criminal cases to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Last year, in an unlikely collaboration, Senators Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, and Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, sent FINRA a letter demanding the regulator do more to stop broker misconduct and to prevent those with troubled histories from concentrating in the same firms. "FINRA is not doing nearly enough to fulfil its investor protection mission," the letter read. The regulator responded with a letter on June 15 of last year saying that it closely oversees firms "to determine whether they present a heightened risk to investors." From 2013 to mid-2016, the regulator told the senators, it identified 279 "high-risk" brokers. After identifying them, the regulator permanently banned 238 brokers from the industry for subsequent violations. FINRA oversees about 3,800 brokerages and 630,000 brokers. In interviews with Reuters, Axelrod pointed to firms that FINRA expelled. The regulator shut down about 130 firms in the six years ending in January 2017, with many cited for securities fraud, misuse of funds or falsifying records. But the Reuters analysis of FINRA data found that the regulator did not expel the firm's chief executive in 58 percent of those cases, leaving him or her free to join other brokerages. The brokers at those banned firms typically were also able to continue working in the industry. Axelrod said that FINRA gives extra scrutiny to former executives of expelled firms after they show up with new jobs at other firms. 'OVERWHELMING' EVIDENCE Regulators in at least one state think more can be done to crack down on brokers and brokerages with track records of violations. Massachusetts securities regulators are considering changing their licensing practices after completing a review last year of brokerages with a high proportion of brokers with troubled histories. "The evidence is pretty overwhelming that there is a practice here - a history here - of people moving from one firm to another and re-offending," Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin told Reuters. "We can't simply stand by and say, 'The companies will do a better job.' They won't do a better job unless they feel some incentive." Some former regulators contacted by Reuters agreed with FINRA's policy of withholding its internal risk ratings of firms from the public. Susan Merrill - former head of enforcement at FINRA and now a partner with the law firm Sidley Austin LLP - said that releasing such ratings would be unfair to firms who have not necessarily broken laws or regulations. "If there is a finding by the regulator," Merrill said, "then that's fair game." FINRA's former CEO, Richard Ketchum, told Reuters last June that the regulator was considering publicly disclosing more information about firms with high concentrations of problematic brokers. "We are looking hard at questions about how we can appropriately and fairly provide that broader disclosure ... when firms have concentrations of persons that have similar problems," Ketchum said in an interview. Cook said Monday that FINRA was considering additional measures to rein in high-risk brokers, but he didn't go into specifics. WOLVES OF WALL STREET Many of the 48 firms identified by Reuters regularly cold-call customers on the phone with high-pressure sales pitches, according to regulatory complaints and sanctions against the firms and their brokers. Long Island, New York, has historically been a haven for boiler-room brokerages, which inspired the movie, "The Wolf of Wall Street," based on the true story of broker Jordan Belfort and his firm, Stratton Oakmont. Belfort pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering in 1999. FINRA warned in a release last year that boiler-room tactics were on the rise, particularly those targeting the elderly and other vulnerable investors. Brokers generally know which firms will hire them despite past sanctions, said Dean Jeske, a lawyer at Foley & Lardner and FINRA's former deputy regional chief counsel for enforcement in the Midwest. "When you get a mark on your (record), it's hard to get a job at Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch," Jeske said. Mike McMahon has had little trouble landing jobs at brokerages despite a trail of allegations and settlements. McMahon left National in 2014 and later joined a smaller firm, Long Island-based Worden Capital Management - where 43 percent of 79 brokers had a history of FINRA flags as of earlier this year. Forty-one percent of the firm's brokers had at some point in their careers worked at firms that were later expelled by FINRA, according to the Reuters analysis. Jamie Worden, head of Worden Capital, said in a statement that his firm's compliance team vets all prospective brokers and that FINRA-mandated disclosures do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. "The public disclosures only represent a sliver of the information surrounding any circumstance," Worden said. McMahon, National and another firm where he worked have agreed to pay a total of $1.35 million since 2007 to settle 10 separate client complaints involving McMahon, according to McMahon's record on FINRA's BrokerCheck website. In addition, McMahon currently faces four additional complaints to FINRA - which have yet to be resolved in a settlement or arbitration ruling - from clients he advised while working with National, the regulator's records show. McMahon denied any wrongdoing in several of the settled complaints. Haus - the customer who lost more than half a million dollars with McMahon and others at National - told Reuters that the ordeal made him contemplate suicide. "I was ashamed," said the soybean farmer and U.S. military veteran. "I didn't want to tell anyone I'm losing my life savings." Haus settled his complaint against National in November for an undisclosed amount of money. The settlement required him to sign a nondisclosure agreement, and he has since not responded to Reuters' inquiries. HIRING OPPORTUNITY In many cases, the firms identified by Reuters continue to operate after years of repeated run-ins with FINRA and other regulators. Take Los Angeles-based WestPark Capital Inc, where about half of the firm's 95 brokers have FINRA flags on their records. More than 47 percent of WestPark brokers once worked at firms that were later expelled by FINRA. Regulators including FINRA and the New Jersey Bureau of Securities have sanctioned WestPark six times in the past 11 years for a variety of alleged violations. In 2004, FINRA suspended WestPark's chief executive, Richard Rappaport, for 30 days from his management role and fined him and the firm $50,000 in response to allegations that WestPark omitted critical information from investment research reports and lacked supervisory controls. Without admitting wrongdoing, Rappaport agreed to the punishment in a settlement with FINRA. But he then ignored the suspension and continued to actively manage WestPark, according to FINRA disciplinary records reviewed by Reuters. His punishment for ignoring the 30-day suspension? Another 30-day suspension from FINRA and a $10,000 fine. In 2016, West Park saw a hiring opportunity. The firm started taking on dozens of brokers from Newport Coast Securities - a firm that FINRA banned from the industry that year for excessive trading in client accounts to rack up fees and for recommending unsuitable investments. Newport appealed the expulsion. By early 2017, WestPark had hired about 40 brokers from Newport Coast - including its former CEO, Richard Onesto. WestPark and Rappaport declined to comment. Onesto did not respond to requests for comment. PUMP AND DUMP Another firm Reuters identified in its analysis - Windsor Street Capital - has been fined 12 times by FINRA since 2000 but may now face much stiffer penalties from the SEC. Fifty-eight percent of the firm's 48 brokers had FINRA flags on their records, according to the Reuters analysis. Over the years, FINRA fines have cost the firm about $300,000, and Windsor has appealed two other fines totalling more than $1 million. In January, the SEC brought administrative actions against Windsor Street Capital and its former anti-money laundering officer, John Telfer, for allegedly facilitating a $25 million pump-and-dump scheme - in which investors promote or "pump" the value of a dubious stock they own just before selling, or "dumping" it. Windsor declined to comment to Reuters but denied any misconduct in an SEC filing. The SEC alleges that Windsor allowed clients to sell hundreds of millions of unregistered penny stocks through Windsor brokerage accounts and did not report the suspicious transactions to the U.S. Treasury Department. The Windsor clients bought stock in dormant shell companies, spread false information to promote the companies' products and then dumped the shares as other investors bought in at inflated prices, the SEC alleges in a case that is still pending. Windsor made about $500,000 in commissions and fees from transactions related to the scheme, according to the SEC. When asked if FINRA investigators contributed to the SEC's investigation, an SEC official declined to comment and pointed to the agency's press release, which only credits SEC investigators. FINRA did not respond to requests for comment on whether it had a role in the Windsor investigation. 'HAPPY NEW YEAR!' At Long Island-based Joseph Stone Capital, 71 percent of the firms' 59 brokers had FINRA flags on their records, according to the Reuters analysis. Joseph Stone was investigated by the state of Montana after one of its sales representatives, Lawrence Sullivan, cold-called the office of Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance to pitch an investment on January 15, 2016, according to a report on the incident by the regulator. The securities commission launched an investigation into the firm after the call, during which Sullivan quickly backtracked and denied he was pitching securities, according to the report. Reuters could not reach Sullivan for comment. The staffer he called - Patrick Navarro, an assistant analyst at the state regulator - did not respond to requests for comment. Investigators ultimately unearthed "fraudulent and unethical" practices, including excessive trading in client accounts - resulting in commissions totalling 28 percent of the $877,493 invested by clients in Montana, according to the regulator's report. The firm settled with the state on April 18, agreeing to pay $30,000 in restitution to clients without admitting wrongdoing. During the call that got the firm into trouble, Sullivan pitched Navarro on an investment in Paypal stock, the report said. After Navarro informed Sullivan that he worked for the state's securities regulator, Sullivan blurted out "Happy New Year!" and hung up. (Edited by Lauren LaCapra, Janet Roberts and Brian Thevenot) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Its not just in Google laboratories that the revolution in electric, driverless transportation is gathering pace: a Norwegian shipping company is aiming to be able to deliver cargoes by sea on unmanned vessels from 2020. Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative. The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles. For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in The government today emphasised that Good and Services Tax will be rolled out from July 1 and preparations are in full swing for its smooth implementation, as it sought to dispel rumours of a possible deferment. There have been demands from certain sections of the industry for a deferment of GST rollout. West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra too had proposed to postpone GST by a month. "The Government of India has emphasised that GST is scheduled to roll out on July 1, 2017. The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) in coordination with the state governments have increased their outreach programmes so as to reach the last trader," a finance ministry statement said. In a tweet, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said: "The rumours about GST implementation being delayed are false. Please do not be misled by it". The ministry said that preparations are in full swing for a smooth implementation of the landmark reform GST from July. The GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, had over the last three weeks decided tax rates on over 1,200 goods and 500 services and fitted them in either of 5, 12, 18 or 28 per cent slab. After the last meeting of GST Council, Jaitley had said the Centre and states have completed discussion on most of the issues. "Irrespective of the date in which it starts, some people will say they are not ready, so that have no option but to get ready. You require a honest intent for that," he had said, responding to a query that small traders and artisans were not technologically ready for meeting GST compliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on June 26, the Indian foreign ministry and the White House said on Monday, the first meeting between the leaders. Ties between the two big democracies grew rapidly under the administration of former President Barack Obama which saw India as a partner to balance China's growing weight in Asia. But Trump has focused on building ties with China, seeing it as key to tackling regional problems such as North Korea's nuclear programme. The Indian ministry said Modi's talks with Trump would lay the ground for a further expansion in ties, allaying some of the anxiety that had crept in about a drift in relations. "Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multidimensional strategic partnership between India and the U.S.," the ministry said in a statement. In Washington, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the two leaders will discuss topics including economic growth, the fight against terrorism, expanding defence cooperation and growing U.S.-India trade. "You can expect the two of them to set forth a vision that will expand the U.S.-India partnership in an ambitious and worthy way," Spicer said. The United States has emerged as a top arms supplier to India and the two sides will be looking to move forward with deals such as unarmed drones that India wants for its navy, sources said. One issue that the two leaders face is resolving conflict arising out of the push they are both making at home to boost industry and create jobs. Modi has been driving a make-in-India campaign to press foreign arms suppliers to set up factories in India and transfer technology instead of selling off-the-shelf, which has made India one of the world's biggest arms importers without any domestic production base. Trump, on the other hand, has railed against firms moving factories outside the United States and has demanded U.S. companies invest at home as part of his "America First" campaign. Trump's review of a visa programme under which thousands of skilled Indian workers go to the United States is also a top concern for India. A Pakistani counter-terrorism court has sentenced to death a man who allegedly committed blasphemy on Facebook, a government prosecutor said on Sunday, the first time someone has been handed the death penalty for blaspheming on social media. The conviction of Taimoor Raza, 30, follows a high-profile crackdown against blasphemy on social media by the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Blasphemy is a highly sensitive topic in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where insulting the Prophet Mohammad is a capital crime for which dozens are sitting on death row. Even mere accusations are enough to spark mass uproar and mob justice. Shafiq Qureshi, public prosecutor in Bahawalpur, about 500km (300 miles) south of provincial capital Lahore, said Raza was convicted for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad, his wives and companions. "An anti terrorism court of Bahawalpur has awarded him the death sentence," Qureshi told Reuters." It is the first ever death sentence in a case that involves social media." It is rare for a counter-terrorism court to hear blasphemy cases but Raza's trial fell under this category because his charge sheet included counter-terrorism offences linked to hate speech. Qureshi said Raza was arrested after playing blasphemous and hate speech material on his phone on a bus stop in Bahawalpur, where a counter-terrorism officer arrested him and confiscated his phone. The material obtained from the phone led to Raza's conviction, he added. "The trial was conducted in Bahawapur jail in tight security," Qureshi said Qureshi added that Raza belongs to the minority Shia community and in court he accused of spreading "hate speech" against the Deobani sect, which adheres to a strict school of Sunni Islam. Relations between Shia and majority Sunni communities have flared up at times in Pakistan, with some extremist Sunni groups such as Lashkhar-e-Janghvi trying to exploit sectarian tensions. Several other violent incidents linked to blasphemy accusations have alarmed human rights groups and activists in recent months. Police are currently investigating over 20 students and some faculty members in connection with the killing of Mashal Khan, a student who was beaten to death on April following a dorm debate about religion -- an attack that shocked the country. Since then, parliament has discussed adding safeguards to the blasphemy laws, a move seen as groundbreaking in Pakistan where political leaders have been assassinated for even discussing changes. As Raza's blasphemy conviction was under the counter-terrorism court, he will be able to appeal his sentence in the High Court and later in the Supreme Court. There have been at least 67 murders over unproven allegations since 1990, according to figures from a research center and independent records kept by Reuters. Robbers drilled a two-foot wide hole through a nine-inch wall of Modinagar branch of Punjab National Bank in Ghaziabad and stole valuables reportedly worth crores of rupees from its lockers sometime during the last weekend. The culprits also took a double barrel gun with them. The bank had been closed at 6 pm on Saturday, and remained so for the rest of the weekend. It is believed that the culprits carried out the robbery during this time. The incident came to light after the bank reopened on Monday when one of the bank officials saw light streaming from the hole in the locker room. Reports suggest that the robbers hug the hole six feet above the steel lockers. FIR was later filed at the Modinagar police station against unidentified individuals. Dog squads and forensic teams have been engaged in the search for burglars involved. Burglars got into 30 lockers out of the total of 435 ones available at the bank. Four lockers broken by them were not being used presently, however, they did try to break the locks on a few more, a Times of India quoted police sources saying. The exact value of item stolen in the heist is yet to be determined but the numbers are expected to run in crores. Meanwhile, worried customers kept pouring in at the bank all through Monday. As of now, bank officials are trying to ascertain how much of the valuables were taken by the burglars. Robbers entered the bank through an office at the adjoining plot which was used by Modi Rubber Ltd. They drilled a hole six feet from the ground and right above rows of steel lockers. The bank's building had also been rented from the same firm before it was sold to Haryana Distilleries which has continued the rent agreement. The bank strong room which houses the lockers has two security doors, which can be opened using two separate keys, kept in the care of bank officials, at once. The strong room is equipped with a burglar alarm and a CCTV camera. However, being a weekend, there was no guard on duty when the alarm went off. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage for clues about the burglars. Also watch: Nostalgia hung heavy at the re-launch of the once-ubiquitous Nokia 3310 in May. With many new features and marketed by a different company, HMD Global Oy, it was not quite the same model that had taken the country by storm in the early 2000s, but the look and feel were similar, and that was all that mattered. "It is not a comeback as Nokia never left India," says Arto Nummela, CEO, HMD Global. "Nokia branded feature phones have been selling in India all the while, but now we will be scripting a new chapter." Nummela may be factually correct but in fact, given the upheavals Nokia underwent in the last few years, its products had practically disappeared in India. It was a sorry comedown for a company whose handsets were used to make the first-ever mobile phone call in the country on July 31, 1995, and which, as late as 2007, held 60 per cent market share. Nokia suffered as its smartphone forays, using the Symbian 3 and Meego operating system and later Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system, could not keep pace with Apple and Samsung. With market share dwindling worldwide, it sold its devices and services business to Microsoft in late 2013, but even Microsoft - which dropped the Nokia brand and rechristened the phones Microsoft Lumia - could do nothing with it. It is rumoured that Nokia - whose telecom infrastructure business continued to thrive - never reconciled to the disappearance of its brand and from the day it was sold set about working on a new company to revive it. The terms of the sale restricted Nokia from selling smartphones for the next two years, but soon after the period expired, HMD Global - owned by former Nokia employees and nurtured by the company itself, though without any financial investment - was born. (Nummela himself spent 17 years with Nokia.) As it happened, Microsoft, disillusioned with the Lumia's failure, was soon ready to sell off its feature phones business, and in May 2016, HMD Global - along with Taiwan's Foxconn - snapped it up. A strategic agreement gives HMD Global exclusive rights to develop and market Nokia branded feature phones, smartphones and tablets till 2024 against royalty payments to Nokia, while the manufacturing will be carried out by Foxconn. The smartphones and tablets will use Google's Android operating system. Already the duo has launched two feature phones (including the Nokia 3310) and three smartphones, one of which, Nokia 3, will be available in India starting June 16, while the other two, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6, are scheduled to hit the market in July. "Our ambition is to launch Nokia Android smartphones and create a fresh portfolio of feature phones," says Ajey Mehta, Vice President, India, HMD Global. Three Pillars HMD Global executives say the new Nokia phones stand on three pillars - premium design and quality of manufacturing, improved life experience and pure Android OS. Some use the premium Corning Gorilla Glass and quality aluminium of the 6000 Series. Unlike with many other phones, customers will not have to choose between a second SIM card slot and a memory card - slots for both have been made available. The phones have a long battery life and the OS is pure Android with regular updates, not the custom user interface that many rivals provide. "We've partnered with the best," says Nummela. "We have Nokia for the brand, Foxconn for engineering and manufacturing, Qualcomm for chipsets and Google for Android." The smartphones are being launched almost simultaneously in 120 countries. "But India will be the most important market for us in the short to mid-term," says Nummela. The company still has a network of 400-odd exclusive distributors. "Most have worked with us for years," says Mehta. "They enable us to reach 80,000 retail outlets across the country. We have also roped in HCL to help us manage other channels such as online sales and organised retail chains like Croma and Reliance." Nokia 6 will be available exclusively through Amazon India. "We've been working closely with HMD," says Manish Tiwary, Vice President, Category Management, Amazon India. "Most people remember Nokia for its robust phones. There is a lot of anticipation for the Nokia Android smartphone." The 3 has been priced at Rs9,499, the 5 at Rs12,899 and the 6 at Rs 14,999. Nokia 6 will be available exclusively through Amazon India. The phones meant for India will all be assembled at Foxconn's facility at Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. HMD is also setting up Nokia Mobile Care outlets, with trained staff, across 300 cities and towns to provide after sales service. It will provide pick up and drop services for phones at another 100 urban centres. "Offline retailers will welcome this additional brand, though there will be pressure to ensure high margins and marketing development funding," says Rushabh Doshi, analyst at global technology market research firm, Canalys. "Maintaining the balance between online and offline retail will be critical. Managing price parity will also be important." Challenges Ahead Nokia emerged as India's most trusted brand in the mobile phone category in 2017 in a recent study by TRA Research. But will it attract the millennial generation? "Nokia's acid test in India will be whether it can win the millennial customer," says Doshi. "While its residual brand equity will have its devices flying off the shelf in the first few quarters, sustaining interest will need strong marketing, a well-designed product portfolio and a sound channel strategy." The marketing has already begun, with HMD Global setting in motion a high powered $500 million global campaign for three years. A good product portfolio will also require sequential launches of the kind Samsung and Xiaomi have excelled at. Samsung is the leader in the Indian smartphone market, but a number of Chinese competitors like Xiaomi and Lenovo are nipping at its heels. "Nokia must establish its USP quickly to stand out," says Doshi. The company claims that 37 per cent registrations for the phones, and 30 per cent of all traffic on its website, has been from India. But Indians are getting a little impatient. "HMD Global announced the phones in February and people have already waited a long time," says Manish Khatri, Partner, Mahesh Telecom, a Mumbai retailer. "Some are losing interest. But once all the devices are launched and if there is enough stock, Nokia might have an edge" @nidhisingal Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka today met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley amid industry-wide concerns around tighter visa norms in key markets like the US and layoffs in the sector. The 45-minute meeting, between Jaitley and Sikka accompanied by other top company officials, also assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the US later this month. Over the past few months, Indian IT companies are confronted with closer scrutiny and tighter visa norms in the US, a market that accounts for nearly 60 per cent of India's IT exports. According to sources, Infosys had sought the meeting. However, Sikka declined to comment on the proceedings after the meeting. COO UB Pravin Rao was also present at the meeting. Asked about concerns around layoffs in the sector, Sikka said the company has announced 10,000 jobs in the US and continues to hire in India as well. "We have announced 10,000 jobs in the US and we are continuing to hire lots of jobs in India. I think that the future is all about innovation," he said. He added that Indian IT companies are creating "tremendous amount of value" in the US. With rising protectionism across markets like Singapore and Australia, companies are beginning to adjust their business models to reduce their dependence on visas and hiring more locals instead. The ramp up in local hiring is also aimed at placating the Donald Trump administration in the US that has been critical of outsourcing firms. The US had accused Infosys and its peers TCS and Cognizant of unfairly cornering the lions share of US H-1B work visas, taking jobs away from American workers. The tightening of visa norms not only pushes up operational costs for these tech firms, but also makes movement of skilled workforce difficult. Infosys has already announced that it would hire 10,000 Americans over the next two years and set up four innovation hubs in the US. However, it wasn't clear if the discussions included GSTN at the meeting. Infosys had received the contract for GST Network (GSTN), which is responsible for providing the technology backbone for Goods and Services Tax and connecting the databases of states and the Centre. LOGAN A judge has given the maximum sentence to a 58-year-old Logan man, accused of molesting a five-year-old girl. First District Court Judge Brian Cannell sentenced Manuel L. Johnson to three-years-to-life in the Utah State Prison, saying the defendants behavior was appalling. Johnson was sentenced Tuesday morning, after being arrested in February. He was being held in the Cache County Jail on $20,000 bail. Prosecutors charged Johnson with aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. They later amended the charge to attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a child, after the defendant accepted a plea deal to plead guilty. The evidence showed he touched the girl, who was reportedly an acquaintance, on February 11. I hope this will change your behavior in the future, said Judge Cannell while ordering Johnson to be sent to prison. It is my job to protect the public and that is what I have done here today, to the best of my ability under the law. Earlier, Johnson told the court he took full responsibility for what he had done but that good people sometimes do bad things. He said he would spend the rest of his life making restitution to his family, whos hearts have been broken. Public defender Shannon Demler said Johnson had been a hard working man, supporting his family as a plumber. He explained that his client had never been arrested before and had lived a good upstanding life. State attorney Spencer Walsh said it was concerning and hard to fathom how the crime happened. He explained how the defendant groomed the victim and calculated when he would molest her. He asked the court for the maximum sentence, saying that it is important to send a strong message, that those who hurt the youngest members of society are given the severest punishments. In addition to prison, Judge Cannell also ordered Johnson to pay at least $1,520 to cover therapy for the victim.
will@cvradio.com
Under the direction of President Trump, the Department of the Interior gathered public comments over the span of two weeks on whether Bears Ears will lose its National Monument status. After having toured Bears Ears last month, meeting with Gov. Gary Herbert and other state leaders, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke made his recommendation to the Trump administration Monday.
Zinke recommended that the Bears Ears National Monument be scaled back in size, calling on Congress to designate how selected areas of the 1.3 million-acre site should be managed. Citing his respect for Native American tribes, Zinke said he wanted to preserve tribal cultures and suggested that Congress grant tribes the legal authority to co-manage portions of the land.
Utah State Senator Lyle Hillyard said the issue is not black and white.
We in the State of Utah, we readily admit that a substantial amount of that land should be protected, Hillyard said, and so its not really the desire of the Legislature or Utah, as I speak for the Legislature, to take all this land back and then somehow privately develop it, and thats kind of an image out there. I think weve all agreed theres like 200,000 acres of it that really is pristine and we ought to protect it, and I think the state can give the Native Americans the better protection they really want on that land.
Hillyard said it has never been the desire of the Legislature to take back state parks or national parks, but only to enhance them. He said in recent years, the state has been successful in making the state parks generate money, whereas they were costing money prior to the state taking them back.
Zinke said some of the Bears Ears National Monument should be designated for conservation or recreation. He also said he supports Native American efforts to restore sovereignty, respect and self-determination on land considered sacred by the tribes. Hillyard has expressed continued concern about Bears Ears, lambasting the unilateral use of presidential power in designating national monuments.
Chinese regulators will strictly limit construction of new car manufacturing plants in a bid to rein in a runaway buildup. Above, workers assemble engines in a car production line of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, on Feb. 7. Photo: Visual China
(Beijing) Beijing regulators will strictly limit construction of new car manufacturing plants in a bid to rein in a runaway buildup that has seen capacity greatly outstrip demand, according to a new announcement from the state planner.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) outlined three kinds of new projects that wont get its approval under the policy, covering most new investments for car production, it said in a posting on its website dated on Monday.
The policy also limits approval for expansion of existing car-producing ventures, laying out strict conditions that must be met before such addition will be approved. Those include a requirement that any producer looking to expand capacity must have a current utilization rate above the industry average over the last two years, and that new-energy vehicles must account for a greater percentage of their overall output than the industry average over the last year.
The new announcement provides greater detail following an NDRC announcement at the end of last year saying it planned to strictly control the addition of new capacity for traditional gasoline powered cars. At the same time, the NDRC said in its latest announcement that new-energy cars wouldnt be affected by the new limits.
China is now the worlds largest auto market, fueled by millions of new upwardly mobile middle class Chinese. Last year sales topped 28 million units, up 14% year-on-year, as buyers rushed to make purchases before the reduction of government incentives aimed at promoting cleaner energy vehicles. But the gains are slowing sharply this year following the reduction in incentives and as Chinas broader economy slows.
Despite the slowdown, China had annual car production capacity of 31.2 million vehicles, with capacity for another 6 million under construction at the end of last year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. It added the industry is already oversupplied, with some facilities producing at less than 60% of capacity.
Contact reporter Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com)
China COSCO Shipping Corp. Ltd. has agreed to take 15% ownership of Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd. from Shanghai Tong Sheng Investment Group Co. Ltd. for about 19 billion yuan ($2.8 billion). Photo: IC
(Beijing) Chinas largest shipping company is buying stakes in two more ports, one in Shanghai and the other in Spain, as it seeks to further diversify its conglomeration of business operations.
China COSCO Shipping Corp. Ltd. agreed to take 15% ownership of Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd. from Shanghai Tong Sheng Investment Group Co. Ltd. for about 19 billion yuan ($2.8 billion), the Port of Shanghai said Monday.
Shanghai International Port operates the public terminals in the Port of Shanghai, the busiest container port in world with a shipment volume of 37 million twenty-foot equivalent units last year.
Upon completion, COSCO will become the third-largest shareholder of Shanghai International Port, bringing together two maritime transportation giants.
The deal follows a partnership that COSCO secured with the Shanghai municipal government on Friday to promote cooperation among shipping and port industries to increase Shanghais standing as an international shipping hub.
A COSCO employee told Caixin that the deal will improve the companys port-operation capabilities. It will also expand its portfolio in upstream and downstream sectors, including shipbuilding, shipping, port operations, and logistics, according to COSCOs website.
In addition to Shanghai International Port, COSCOs acquired a 51% stake in Noatrum Port Holdings SLU in Spain for $227 million.
Cocso began buying European ports as early as 2004, when it took 20% ownership of the Antwerp Gateway in Belgium, and accelerated the pace of its purchases after the debt crisis broke out in 2009 that put some ports under financial difficulties. COSCOs European port assets include Piraeus Terminal in Greece, Euromax Terminal in the Netherlands, and the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium.
COSCO is not alone in the trend of closer ties between shippers and ports. Frances container ship giant CMA CGM SA in April partnered with Indian infrastructure developer Adani Ports for a new port in that Asian country, while Americas APL manages eight ports in the U.S., and in East and Southeast Asia, according to its website.
Contact reporter Coco Feng (renkefeng@caixin.com)
CAMEROUN :: Cameroon: CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ANGLOPHONE CRISIS
It all started in November 2016 when Common Law Lawyers and teachers of the two Anglophone Regions initiated a strike action which they pretended was pacific. According to the lawyers and teachers, the reasons for the strike action was the Francophonisation of the Common Law System and the English Sub-System of education in the two Anglophone Regions. It did not take long for the public to realize that the real motive for the strike action was the creation of an Anglophone State comprising the two regions. This meant that Francophones living in this part of the country would be considered persona non grata. The peaceful cohabitation which existed between the Anglophones and Francophones deteriorated and witnesses in the last five months an upsurge in vandalism, violence, and mistrust.
These acts of vandalism perpetrated on days baptized Ghost Town have forced some Francophones and persons from other countries to leave the region due to the poor economic climate in the region. Many Nigerians operating in the spare part business have left the region because the socio-political crisis have seriously affected their businesses.
A good number of Francophones who do business in Bamenda have equally left the town because business is dwindling and they are afraid of being attacked by pro-secessionist out laws who go around burning public and private structures especially those owned by persons who do not sympathize with their unconstitutional ideologies. To date, 40% of Francophones have left the region and many more could leave before September 2017 to enable their children resume school in their respective regions. The mass exodus of Francophones means that Anglophones would have to engage in the business activities that was formerly run by Francophones; furthermore, Anglophones schools shall be reserved only to Anglophones given a great majority of Francophones would have returned to the other regions.
It should be noted that threats are being perpetrated against the Francophones on a daily basis. The question that is begging for an answer is: who is marginalized? Another paradox, Francophones ostracized in the North West Region. While all of this is going on in the North West Region, a large majority Anglophones living in the Francophone Regions have moved their children from the Region to attend school in Francophone Regions. They are equally calling on their families and loved ones to send more children to attend school in Francophone Regions.
In my capacity as a humanitarian, I strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and recommend peaceful cohabitation of all Cameroonian irrespective of their linguistic, ethnic, or religious background. I equally call on the international community to look into the serious violation of human rights especially with regard to the right to education of the youth which is being violated upon and the unlawful treatment being given our brothers from the other regions who live here.
Together we can build a strong and prosperous Cameroon. If we discriminate against Cameroonians, what about Nigerians?
The National President of FFCI
Franklin MOHWA
| BY Ricki Green |
Lead by PHD, Bakers Delight has partnered with Foodora to create a virtual shop on its website where Bakers Delight fans can order new Cinnamon Scrolls straight to their door.
This is all part of a wider campaign to launch the new cinnamon scrolls from June 1, which will become a permanent addition to the range at Bakers Delight.
The scrolls will be available through foodora in both Sydney and Melbourne CBD for 1 week (Monday Friday) from today (13th June) until 19th June and will be delivered in a four pack for you to share. The intention is to help consumers overcome the 3pm snack attack, which is the ultimate time Australians crave a sugary treat.
Says Rosie Petrescu, campaign manager, Bakers Delight: We know consumer tastes and preferences have changed, and millennials in particular are demanding a more premium product offering from us. Our new Mini Cinnamon Scrolls really are a new generation product for our next generation shopper.
Says Christian Heath, communications manager, PHD Content: This is a fantastic opportunity for Bakers Delight to launch the cinnamon scrolls via a great mechanic, trial the food delivery market and own 3pm snack attack.
| BY Ricki Green |
Coca-Cola South Pacific has today announced the launch of Coca-Cola No Sugar its brand new sugar-free product in Australia. In development at the companys US headquarters for more than five years, the new Coca-Cola No Sugar recipe was carefully crafted to taste even more like Coca-Cola Classic but without the sugar.
The launch will be backed by the brands biggest investment in a new product launch since 2006, with the integrated marketing campaign via Ogilvy Sydney, encouraging Australians to Say YES to the Taste You Love by trying Coca-Cola No Sugar.
The massive sampling campaign of Coca-Cola No Sugar will leverage numerous connection points to offer free samples in more places and via more methods than ever before. This will include downloading vouchers digitally, on mobiles or via Shazam during the airing of the new TVC that is set to launch later this month.
Says Marina Rocha, group marketing manager, Coca-Cola South Pacific: Coca-Cola No Sugar is the product of years of extensive research, consumer testing and trials by our flavour experts and we are confident we have created our best tasting sugar-free Coca-Cola recipe ever. Now we want Aussies to give it a go and Say YES to Coke No Sugar it wont be hard to find.
We know many of those people who love the taste of Coca-Cola are looking for ways to watch their sugar intake. The new Coca-Cola No Sugar offers a great new choice for those who love the taste of Coke but are conscious of their sugar intake.
Trial will be driven by the largest free Coca-Cola sampling campaign ever undertaken in Australia which will see more than two million free samples of Coca-Cola No Sugar given away over two months.
At the same time, the sampling campaign will feature a new interactive outdoor advertising panel, featuring a LED screen where consumers can verbally Say YES to redeem a free sample vended directly from the refrigerated panel. The voice-activated panel will be deployed at selected high footfall CBD locations.
Australia is among the first markets to launch the new product, following its successful debut in Mexico where response to the taste has been overwhelmingly positive. Coca-Cola No Sugar will be available nationally in all major and independent retailers from June 16, 2017.
Connections Agency UM
Creative Agency Ogilvy Sydney
PR Agency Pulse
Experiential Agency Maverick
Social Media Agency Coca-Cola Social Centre & One Green Bean
| BY Ricki Green |
David Nobay (left), founder and creative chairman, Marcel, Sydney is sitting on the Outdoor Lions jury. In Gonzo style, he reports exclusively for Campaign Brief.
Part One:
Few non-medicated civilians can fully comprehend the seething pond of bubbling perversion that is Nice Airports international arrival lobby.
Viewed through a demi-carafe, rose wine tint, its possible for the festival virgin to tragically underestimate the awaiting carousels swerving, latent violence for an innocent, if slightly gauche suburban air strip.
But the alpha attack dogs of the advertising zoo know better. Banking hard onto the cote dazure and the last stop pre-med for the Gucci elite, this is no simple touch down to AUS$200 steak frites and a trump-orange tan. This is as hard core as it can possibly get. A jagged burn that chars ego and devours self-confidence. People, many of them innocent, will be eaten, soul and all, over the next ten days. And they will be the lucky ones.
For the rest of the hapless ghouls meandering around me in search of crucially vital luggage that is already heading to Uganda, via an Air Egypt A300 out of Charles De Gaulle, the following week bent double worshipping the Lion God will render them terminally mute and deaf; their minds literally cooked dry by the combined drone of 12,000 screaming, squeaking death-ravens bent on self-abuse at the very highest levels of VR pornography.
It doesnt get any better or the stakes any higher for your aspiring adman/data curler. Careers will be escalated and diffused with equal aggression. Only the most base, animal primate flavor of marketer will survive the onslaught of experiential overload that awaits all those sporting a laminated festival pass. The seminars alone will reduce thousands to dribbling lemmings: barbarically savaged by the crude genius and psychopathic lust of the 24/7, realtime, 360, media agnostic, tech-forward, bombastic onslaught. By dawn, the hapless carcasses of the fallen will pile up on FaceBooks private beach like sodden kelp on the jersey shore.
But this terror has no ceiling for those ill equipped to handle the harpie whistle of the mob. La Croisette de Cannes: A 2km strip of innocuous pebble wasteland, peppered with posh hotels masquerading as Monte Carlo casinos, bad coffee shops and, for ten, humid days in June, a searingly relentless display of hyper gore and corporate paranoia, as the advertising worlds most brutally Machiavellian tsars drag us all into a more connected brand future. Think Mogadishu with a better speaker system.
Only those with a weapons-grade tolerance for high-acidity bile and a voracious appetite for sunshine and cheese cloth will ultimately reign supreme by the ordeals blood-soaked seven day finale.
And now, even I, a battered veteran of this putrid crash and carry out, will be tested to the maximum of my remaining muscle groups. If I have any prayer of surviving the bug-eyed storm troopers masquerading as user-friendly, multilingual immigration officials standing post before me, it is essential I re-marshall my nerves and start aping the over-achieving marketing Jedi that the bloated CV on the Lions Festival website currently claims me to be.
Three months ago, back in Sydney, my Samoan attorney, Jay Furby, had made it abundantly clear:
They want you. Can you believe it? You! They think youre still in the business! Hysterical, yes, but I skillfully persuaded them youve stopped drinking and are taking all the properly prescribed and necessary medications. They bought it. And now, the predictable arrangements have been made. A conveniently located 3 star hotel room has been reserved in your name. Festival passes are being printed as we speak. A medium-sized sedan will pick you up at Nice airport. I have already accepted, on your behalf. And included my usual administrative percentage fee. Its legally binding you fool. Either Cannes or a cell in the Cross awaits you.
And so, now, here I am.
Staring down the barrel of a black-suited failed male model, as he holds up a card with my name, almost spelled correctly, and the bitter, greenish glint of an arch assassin who pines for the richer pickings and superior bone structure of the bona fide Film Festival judges: They, who truly lend this town its air of superficial bling, but who shot out of here in fat cat company jets back to LALA months ago.
Fuck you, ad scum pretender his eyes shout, as his mouth mumbles bonjour Monsieur Nobbly with all the enthusiasm of a back-bent, meth freak on the low slopes of a three day binge.
This blood thirsty lunatic has me down pat. Hes seen the genuine article. Hes smelt the real deal. And he recognizes my imposter stammer and clammy fist. In seconds, he will strangle the jet-lagged life from me. I know that look. The itchy, twitchy trigger finger. The polished loafers. The white-knuckle hatred of all that data-driven creativity holds dear. Between festivals, this Rottweiler no-doubt protects Marine LePen and her Nazi kin, as they plot the demise of the brown intruder, over blue-rare steak and chilled Sancerre, from her palatial, Provence pool-side retreat.
This twisted bastard will have me hog-tied in the back of his Mercedes E-class wagon in a petit-moment. Only laser-clear focus and rat cunning can save me now. If I have any hope at all, I must up my Cannes-Game substantially. By three notches; perhaps even more. I will need accessories at the double. Top drawer labels. Shi-Shi and foo-foo. Nothing less. No vin-ordinaire. No expense spared. Whatever the outrageous cost or criminally baked conversion rates this side of the world threatens. I have to shop hard, like my life depends on it. Or be devoured by this perfectly tailored man-lizard.
I will need suade. By the meter. And calf skin shoulder bags. White pants; a dozen, minimum, tapered like razor blades. And tangerine cashmere. As much as I can feasibly carry. Feather-lite linen suits. Deconstructed. Ideally, pink.
But the Publicis Comms overseas protocols are painfully clear on this subject: transcribed to me in person only days ago in Sydney, with ferociously forensic detail by their Regional CFO? There can be no infringements. He was adamant. Zero tolerance for unbillable extravagance. No wriggle room he stressed. Not after the London Incident. Shit damn! I am in a pickle, and given my drivers leaden right foot, it will only be a matter of minutes before we arrive at my prescribed hostel for the next ten days; The Grey Albion, a name that reeks of moderation, low intensity wifi and a minimal use of marble.
I will be undone, before I have even started. This is my bat-shit twisted attorneys fault. He knew full well he was sending me into the bowels of the beast with pitifully underpowered munitions. I am doomed. That beer soaked maniac has pulled this trick before, when he accompanied me to Dubai in 08 to co-chair their extravagant, diamond encrusted Lynx Award Festival. Then, only a wandering CNN news crew and the last minute intervention of the Deputy PM, Julia Bishop, saved us both from a thousand lashes, at a minimum. Now, here I am again. But where is he? Spending the last of my commission in Kings Cross, no doubt.
I reach for my company iPhone. At this rate, my Publicis international roaming package can only feasibly stretch another day, but to hell with it. No fucking emoji can do this nightmare justice. This more than spells full blown, global emergency, and Jay Furby, for all his demonic excesses, is the only man intellectually and morally ill-equipped to lift me out of this ensuing mire. He is a savage lion amongst fetid rabbits.
Jay, I can only speak for a moment, I spit out as the process blue coastline of the French Riviera looms into view ahead of us.
Go ahead Nobay, you have my full attention. But, I warn you, I am recording this conversation. Just in case.
Never mind that, Jay. I require a new wardrobe. ASAP. These Frenchies are onto me, I can feel it!
Relax, Ive thought of everything. Your time has been secured for the Lions Outdoor Jury, correct?
Of course! You secured it, you maniac?
Well, given the prevailing heat down there in June, and considering that, unlike the other 1,742 Lions juries, yours alone has the added pressure of being judged entirely outdoors, with no reliable air conditioning and zero practical shade supplied
Yes? Yes? I splurt out as the modest entrance of my reasonably priced hotel approaches
Well, as your formally retained attorney, I believe you have sound legal recourse to fully expense especially tailored outdoor clothing, specifically for said event.
Seriously? This zombie is my attorney for good reason. No-one else in his price bracket spots the angles like Jay.
Buy with absolute impunity! From a human-recourses perspective, I think were on very strong ground here, Jay adds, with a confident swagger that underlines the righteous swing of his club.
| BY Ricki Green |
DDB Melbourne Group has snared Stu Turner from Havas, Sydney to the role of group executive creative director, filling the void left after the departure of Darren Spiller to Host Sydney early this year.
Turner has worked in some of the worlds leading agencies and networks, creating and delivering truly integrated solutions for clients.On the way he has collected more than 50 local and international awards during his career, being recognized at every major award show with gold at D&AD, Clios, Effies, Award and two Spikes Grand Prix.
Kate Sterling, DDB Melbourne Group managing director, said shes thrilled to be working with Turner.
Says Sterling: We were really impressed with Stus clear and proven ability to get under the skin of businesses to drive exceptional, creative customer experiences.
Hes also been instrumental in helping build and pivot agencies ready for growth something were certainly focused on right now.
Turner previously worked at DDB in South Africa and is looking forward to joining the DDB family again.
Says Turner: Im very excited to be joining the Melbourne team. I loved my time at Havas and am saying goodbye to some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. However, after speaking with Kate and her team, it felt like too incredible an opportunity to pass up.
They have a real fire in their bellies, some amazing talent, and most importantly theyre just good people. They continue to produce fantastic work and Im looking forward to helping further grow the business and create ideas that Bill (Bernbach) himself would be proud of.
DDB Australia CEO Andrew Little said the DDB Group is growing, in a very deliberate way.
Says Little: Our focus on diversity across the board continues to attract top class international and home grown talent, and means we continue to deliver stand out work for our clients.
| BY Lynchy |
As the digital world becomes increasingly entrenched in millennials lives, Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore and agoda have responded with a new social-inspired campaign by putting the spotlight on Indonesian millennial travellers.
Tagged #CheckInStepOut, the campaign is the latest narrative to the ongoing #agodabasecamp platform. It was created following the outcome of an agoda-commissioned survey of 1,000 Indonesia millennial travellers, aged 25-35.
Results showed that not only are Indonesian millennials increasingly seeking more diverse, inspiring experiences, but they are also becoming more adventurous when on holiday. The study was piloted to uncover the exciting adventures Indonesian millennial travellers get up to after they Check In, Step Out of their agoda base camps.
To create the campaign, real stories were culled direct from the source. Indonesian millennials were encouraged to share videos and images of their travel experiences, many of which were edited directly into the final ads. The campaign generated more than 2,500 UGC entries from Indonesian millennial travelers.
The campaign also involved key online Indonesian influencers, such as Clairine Clay, Marissa Nasution, Keenan Pearce and Ernanda Putra to add a stronger millennial flavor to the various pieces of content.
Because the campaign is driven by user-generated content, we looked to the social behaviour of Indonesian millennial travelers as inspiration for the visual look. It is a new spin on that raw, authentic look weve been creating for the agoda Base Camp work, said Fajar Kurnia, then regional creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, who led the creative team from inception.
The wealth of shared materials provided rich foundation and inspiration for the creation of a 30-second TVC and 120-second online film. Harnessing social visual language and vernacular to connect with the millennial audience, Check In and Step Out has generated over 1.4 million viewers online and counting. Moreover, agodas Facebook and Instagram pages have grown by 13.13% and 18.54% respectively from the previous month.
Andy Edwards, Global Director Brand and Marketing Communications for agoda, said, Really, its a creative partnership between agoda, Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore and Indonesian millennial travellers. Its a ground-breaking partnership where we received thousands of pieces of content.
Edwards added, We didnt want the films to fall into the familiar trap of ugly social rip-offs but still wanted them to feel social and real, so weve played around with filters and the energy of the edit. We want people to feel as if they are there, stepping out of their agoda property into this exciting world.
Check In and Step Out is part of the second phase of the agoda Base Camp campaign. Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore was appointed creative agency in 2016.
The Indonesia-focused campaign is a collaborative effort with other partners such as Ogilvy Singapore PR and Pulse Communications Indonesia for generating press interest and press outreach; and Gushcloud for its counsel and engagement of the KOLs/influencers.
Credits:
Dominic Stallard Executive Creative Director
Fajar Kurnia Regional Creative Director
Jeremy Chia Regional Creative Director
Arvid Lithander Senior Copywriter
Dana Lim Art Director
Randy Raharja Art Director
Steve Walls Chief Strategy Officer
Shashank Hariharan Strategic Planner
Charlene Wee Senior Account Director
Antonia Tan Account Manager
Rica Facundo Senior Social Media Manager
Jessica Rovira Content Specialist
Shirlyn Lam Project Manager
Client Credits: Andy Edwards Global Director Brand & Communications
Huiwen Tow Global Demand Innovator
Catherine Francis Brand Marketing Manager
| BY Lynchy |
Publicis One Indonesia has appointed Shailesh Iyer as Chief Strategy Officer, effective as of 30th June 2017. The appointment of Iyer, most recently regional strategy director at Leo Burnett Dubai, will see him oversee the strategy function across all agency brands in Publicis One Indonesia including Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis, Starcom, Zenith, Performics, Blue449, SapientRazorfish and Arcade, a strategic alliance partner.
Iyer (pictured) has almost a decade and a half experience in the communication industry, leading strategy for some of the biggest global and regional clients. His experience spans, Ogilvy, Contract advertising, Jack in the Box Worldwide, Leo Burnett and now Publicis One Indonesia. Having worked with the industries top agencies, he has also worked on a diverse portfolio of clients including Marico, Cadbury, HSBC, Shoppers Stop, Tata Indicom, P&G (SK-II), IKEA, Friesland Campina, Samsung and more recently Philip Morris for MENA and Pakistan. As one of the most hybrid strategists today, Iyer has experience across digital and mainline with the right mix of creative, content and consumer behaviour. These skills helped Leo Burnett with some big wins over the past 6 years, including campaigns on Philip Morris.
Commenting on Iyers appointment, Brian Capel, Chief Executive Officer Publicis One Indonesia said, There is no better time than now for Shailesh to arrive. As Publicis One is strengthening its offerings and capabilities to clients, his strength and passion in data, insights and strategy to understand human behavior will enhance the creative business solutions Publicis One is able to provide its client partners. Having worked with Shailesh in his previous Asia Pacific role at Leo Burnett, it was an easy decision to have him on board as he brings an immense understanding of the Indonesian market. His role as Chief Strategy Officer for Publicis One Indonesia highlights the fundamental importance of strategy in driving Publicis Ones vision of Data Driven Creativity, Integrated Creativity and Effective Creativity.
Iyer said, No words can describe how excited I am to come back to Asia and join the leadership team at Publicis One Indonesia. I started in advertising at the young age of 19 and have had the opportunity to witness some paradigm shifts in the way people behave, consume brands and their services. In order to connect with people, we need to understand them and adapt and change our ways quickly and efficiently. Thats why I believe that Publicis One is the agency model of the future because we have changed the way we approach our clients business keeping them at the core of our offerings, making sure that we dont compromise on quality, creativity and business results,
Monday, June 12, 2017 at 11:49PM
Google Pixel XL review
Looks like Google wants to make a Pixel XXL, at least according to the latest rumours. Its being reported that Google is shelving one of its upcoming Pixel smartphones in favour of releasing a bigger version of Googles flagship device. A gadget codenamed Muskie was supposed to be the follow-up to the Pixel XL but Google is supposedly opting to release a device codenamed Taimen. Itll supposedly have a larger screen and chassis compared to the Muskie. Walleye, which is said to be the second-generation Pixel device, will reportedly still be debuted. In case you didnt know, Google has a thing for naming its upcoming smartphone and tablet releases as a water-dwelling creature. Keen-eyed reporters and Android followers have spotted these monikers on Android Open Source Projects code repository.
Source: Android Central
"It's your everyday people who have simple jobs that make a way to pay the fees so that their kid gets a leg up and their kid gets an education," Ms Walker said.
"You never really know what you're going to get thrown with. We see a lot of exotics at Inner South like snakes, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits, and on top of that we see cats and dogs and regular pets as well.
"Mr Redzic conceded that he has committed many offences of dishonesty, but said that these were related to his alcohol and drug use and to the dire circumstances in which he found himself," the tribunal found.
"The process of considering these options is still under way and no decision has been reached as to the most effective option, or combination of options that will provide a solution to anticipated future enrolment demand."
Nothing has changed and the major retailers (Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Kmart etc) have been allocated specific areas in the car parks, where they are required to store their shopping trolleys. These areas are not readily accessible to a disabled shopper when he or she parks and can involve quite a long walk (which is sometimes an impossible ask) and heightens the risk of the shopper falling. In all probability, shopping centre managements have not even considered the effect of their policies on the disabled and it is abundantly clear that whatever element of our so-called government is responsible for this state of affairs is equally, if not totally, to blame.
The USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service has released the requirements for its Export Verification program for packers to apply for exportation of beef to China.
The U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Marketing Service has released the requirements for its Export Verification program for U.S. packers to apply for exportation of beef to China.
The USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has also updated its online Export Library specifying Chinas requirements for certifying U.S. beef being shipped there.
These actions are part of the U.S.-China 100-Day Action plan announced on May 11 by the Trump administration to resume exports of U.S. beef to China.
China has emerged as a major beef buyer in recent years, with imports increasing from $275 million in 2012 to $2.5 billion in 2016, according to USDA figures. However, the United States has been banned from Chinas market since December 2003 due to a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease. Even without access to the Chinese market, the United States remains the worlds fourth largest beef supplier at more than $5.4 billion in exports for 2016.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Philip Seng said his members are eager to start exporting beef to China after being shut out of the market for more than 13 years.
However, he warned, It is important to note that the market-opening agreement includes requirements that will involve a period of adjustment for the U.S. industry. Meeting these requirements will add costs and this will mean that U.S. beef is priced at a premium compared to other suppliers in the market.
"Having run his own small business in country NSW for eight years before he was elected to Parliament, the minister felt it was important to start in the regions, because regional people have often not had the same access to different government agencies as small businesses in the cities do.
It is around 7 p.m. on the Saturday of U-M graduation weekend, and fourteen of the Fleetwood Diners eighteen seats are filled, plus four outside. Waitress Dayna Logerquist, the lone server on duty, keeps chaos at bay. The twenty-nine-year-old zips and darts around the twelve-by-twenty-foot eatery in a balletic performance of nonstop motion and diligent grace, bends over seated diners to pour drinks, wipes a table, and directs new arrivals. Never sit at a dirty table, she tells a party of five thats waiting. It takes me twice as long to clear it if youre there.
She ducks behind the counter to wash cutlery till the dishwasher starts, grabs a mop to clean up a spilled water glass, brings a party of four their water, cutlery, and menus, clears another table left by breakfast food eaters, dashes to the register to cash out customers, pivots to screw the lid on the jar of tzatziki sauce, pops it back in the fridge, and, while slamming the door with her hip, scans its contentsall the while monitoring the status of her orders as the cook places them on the counter. The pace doesnt stop, and neither does she.
The narrow boxcar of a restaurant has been at the southwest corner of Liberty and Ashley since 1949, when it started life as the Dagwood DinerLogerquists maternal grandmother, Myrtle Mabry, worked there briefly. Its been part of Ann Arbors restaurant counterculture for decades, frequented by hippies, professors, skateboard punks, the homeless, Wall Street Journal readers, and those simply craving its famous Hippie Hash.
Logerquist went to elementary school in Ann Arbor, moved to Baltimore with her family, and returned nine years ago. Her hair long and dyed bright magenta, she usually sports dark black rectangular glasses, deep red lip gloss, and leather wrist bracelets, today paired with blue jeans and a black scooped-neck T-shirt underneath a purple and black flannel shirt. Her look can bring to mind Bettie Page, and shes done some modeling as the 1950s pinup over the years.
Logerquist came by the job in an appropriately Fleetwood-ian manner: I was in there hungover one morning and learned they needed help. It took me two weeks to convince them to hire me. She says the toughest times are the crowded weekend breakfast shift and the thirteen-hour overnight marathon. Most nights, she averages somewhere between $170 and $250 in tips.
She juggles waiting tables with a second job selling clothes at Briarwoods Hot Topic. A lot of my friends think Im crazy to work the Fleetwood, she says, but it pays my bills. Im about to take my first vacation in ten years, and it also got me out from under $5,000 in debt that piled up while she was working less lucrative serving jobs and taking classes at Washtenaw Community College.
Logerquist commands the diner with her voice. She calls out a cheery hello to new arrivals and communicates quickly when there will be a wait. You have to know how to take a stage, she says, as if youre doing theater.
As for bad customersdrunk, rude or otherwiseLogerquists secret is elementary, literally so: You treat them like children. You have to know how much to put up with them, and I only put up with it to a certain level. Recently she had a six-top whose customers had beers in a cooler and got belligerent when she told them to put away the brews. When they threatened to trash her on Yelp.com, she let everyone know who was boss, telling them, Ive got some balls, wanna see them?
I hang out with a lot of guys, so thats where I get some of my attitude, she explains with gusto. I used to be a lot nicer before I started working at the Fleetwood.
Her stable of fans likes her just as she is. Shes high energy and awesome, says regular Kevin Brown, who works nearby at Pizza Pino. She always makes my day better. Watching Logerquist, he says, motivates him to deal better with the occasional off-key guest on his own job: If she can treat her customers great, so can I.
Tough as it is, she likes being the only server, with just her and the cook running the whole place. I cant work at other restaurants with other staff, she confides to a regular seated at the counter. I dont like sharing the responsibility.
When its one-on-one, you have to depend on yourself more, she explains. Shes got plenty of experience taking charge: By the age of thirteen, she was doing the laundry and getting dinner on the table for her family of five. Ive always been a hard worker, she says. Growing up, on my chore charts in my home I did all the kids choresmy own and my two other siblings.
At the Fleetwood, doing everything herself means that a lot of the time Im crazy with multitasking. And Im counting too. I count people walking in, see where they sit, and I go by who sat down first. Im always paying attention to what do we need, what needs to get done?' She always strives to leave the Fleetwood in better shape than she finds it, prepping coffee, filling ketchup bottles and salt and pepper shakers. Im not an asshole.
Asked how long shell keep it up, she guesses, Five years, but it depends on when Im sick of this state. I want to run my own restaurant someday. Diner-esque, but a little more modern. More chill.
Meanwhile, shell keep the Fleetwood on an even keel. Part of her motivation: I think of the beer at the end of the night, how good thatll be.
Armenia and Estonia plan to develop cooperation in various domains.
June 13, 2017, 12:46 Nalbandian: Armenia and Estonia plan to develop cooperation in various domains
STEPANAKERT, JUNE 13, ARTSAKHPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Tuesday said the abovementioned at a joint news conference with his Estonian counterpart Sven Mikser, who is in capital city Yerevan on an official visit, News.am reports.
In Nalbandians words, during their talk they exchanged views, a readmission agreement was signed, and they discussed the avenues for expanding trade and economic cooperation.
Also, the parties spoke about cultural cooperation, and agreed to enhance cooperation within international organizations and hold consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
In addition, the interlocutors reflected on the fight against terrorism and flow of immigrants.
Furthermore, the Armenian FM briefed his Estonian colleague on the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) peace process.
As per Edward Nalbandian, it is important that the Estonian FM is in Armenia ahead of Estonias assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) because Armenia plans to sign an agreement with the EU in November; that is, during this presidency. He noted that in this context, they conferred on the prospects for development of relations with the EU.
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.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has released an employment notification for the positions of Specialist Medical Officers (Deputy Commandant), Medical Officers (Assistant Commandant) and Dental Surgeon(Assistant Commandant) in Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles).
Vacancy details
Total posts: 762
Name of the posts:
Specialist Medical Officers (Deputy Commandant): 232
Medical Officers (Assistant Commandant): 428
Dental Surgeon (Assistant Commandant): 102
Junior Engineer: 4
Eligibility criteria:
Educational requirement:
For Specialist Medical Officers:
The candidates interested in applying for this post should be holding a recognized medical qualification of allopathic system of medicines included in the first or second schedule or Part-II of the third schedule (other than licentiate qualification) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and post graduate degree/diploma in the concerned specialty.
For Medical Officers:
The candidates interested in applying for this post should be holding a recognized medical qualification of allopathic system of medicines included in the first or second schedule or Part-II of the third schedule (other than licentiate qualification) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
For Dental Surgeon:
The candidates interested in applying for this post should be holding a degree (bachelor of dental surgery) from a recognized university/institution and should be registered with Dental Council of India.
Age limit:
For Specialist Medical Officers:
The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 40 years.
For Medical Officers:
The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 30 years.
For Dental Surgeon:
The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 35 years.
Pay scale:
For Specialist Medical Officers:
The selected candidates will be getting a monthly salary of Rs 67,700 to Rs 20,8700.
For Medical Officers:
The selected candidates will be getting a monthly salary of Rs 56,100 to Rs 17,75,00.
For Dental Surgeon:
The selected candidates will be getting a monthly salary of Rs 56,100 to Rs 17,75,00.
How is the Selection procedure done?
The candidates will be selected on the basis of an interview and medical examination.
How to apply?
The candidates interested in these posts are required to send their applications in a prescribed format along with all other relevant documents to 'The Deputy Inspector General (RECTT.), Medical Officer Selection Board (CAPFs) - 2016 HQ DG CRPF, Block N0. 01, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003.'
For more details, visit the official website.
Also read: CRPF Recruitment: Apply For Medical Officer Posts
After two years in felony drug treatment court, Brandon Hinman will be returning to Cayuga County criminal court.
Hinman was initially scheduled to appear before Judge Michael McKeon Monday morning for drug court. However, the 34-year-old Weedsport native will now have his case heard before Judge Thomas Leone in criminal court later this week.
Following the premature birth of his twin daughters and the unexpected death of his wife, Jenna, Brandon Hinman was convicted of stealing nearly $50,000 in funds in 2015 funds that were raised for his family's medical expenses. He was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation, provided he pay restitution, complete felony drug court and fulfill his duties as a father.
Now, two years later, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said Hinman has not held up his end of the bargain, violating the conditions of his probation several times.
Hinman's first violation of probation occurred only two months after his initial release from jail when he was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license in December 2015. Then, early last month, Hinman was remanded to Cayuga County Jail pending another violation of probation petition.
According to Budelmann, Hinman's latest petition consists of nearly a dozen violations, including missed probation meetings, continued drug use and failure to appear in court. Both the district attorney and Hinman's in-laws have said they now would like Hinman to serve prison time for the violation.
Hinman has been incarcerated at the Cayuga County jail without bail since May 15. He is due to appear in criminal court with Judge Leone at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, June 15.
Weve all raised an eyebrow or two while watching those Real people, Not actors commercials, where automakers try to convince us that regular folk really dig their products.
In order to offset all of that, this parody from Zebra Corner has this regular guy called Mark (or Maahk, since hes probably from Boston) call everyone out while poking fun at people born in the early 80s and mid 90s.
In other words, its Maahk against Millennials and hes not holding anything back. Hes going after their style, their hobbies and so on. Of course, its all stereotypical, but thats what makes it funny.
Finally, when the 2016 Chevy Cruze is revealed, he challenges the fact that anyone might like it, while blasting it for not being sufficiently stylish and fast, saying that it doesnt really have any redeeming features, among other things.
Having said that, our own Zac Estrada kind of liked the 2016 Cruze, so maybe we need to get those two guys in a room and see who wins.
VIDEO
Looking for something exotic, but dont have hundreds of thousands to spend? Then you might want to check out this Alfa currently up for grabs on Bring A Trailer.
Its a 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ one of the most unusual vehicles ever produced by the Italian automaker or by Zagato. Its one of only 1,036 made, and only 100 that were originally exported to Japan but has since made its way to Vermont (hence the green plates), and is now listed for sale in northern California.
Shorthand for Sprint Zagato, the Alfa SZ was based on the Alfa Romeo 75 sedan, but was fitted with far more unusual bodywork that could only have emerged from the early 1990s. Power came from a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 210 horsepower, driven to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual.
Presented in highly original (though not concours-quality) condition, this 585th example made has about 33,000 miles on the clock, and has undergone proper servicing. Bidding (as we write these words) stands at $40,000 with four days left to go before the virtual gavel drops.
Photo Gallery
Among the more anticipated feature screenings at Annecy this year is the world premiere of Mutafukaz, which will take place on Tuesday evening.
An English-subbed trailer for the film was released today:
Based on the work of French comic artist Guillaume Renard (aka Run), the hyperviolent sci-fi dystopia marks a unique collaboration between Frances Ankama (Wakfu, Dofus) and Japans Studio4C (Batman: Gotham Knight, Animatrix, Tekkonkinkreet).
Photo: RCAF
The pilot of a small plane that crashed in North Vancouver, Sunday, says he feels lucky to be alive.
Octavio Hernandez thanked those who came to his rescue, Monday, and recounted the dramatic events.
Hernandez tells Castanet he was flying from Tofino to Langley when he noticed a loss of power after passing the Lions Gate Bridge at about 2,000 feet.
That was followed "by a heavy, loud, rough sound on the engine."
He tried to restart the engine several times and declared a state of emergency over the radio while looking for a place to make an emergency landing.
"I thought to land on the highway ... at first, but since it took place right at rush hour, it made it very unsafe."
Hernandez started looking for a field or park to land in and spotted two, but they were "very busy with families having barbecues, picnics, and kids playing sports."
Rather than put people on the ground in danger, he attempted to land on West 1st Street, but at the last moment noticed electrical wires across his path and a fuel truck just turning the corner.
"We ended up getting hooked up by a cable ... which slowed us down, and we crashed into the fence. I believe now that actually helped us to absorb some of the impact."
He and his four passengers scrambled out of the plane through the broken windshield. One suffered a broken arm, the others were unhurt.
Transportation Safety Board investigators say the Cessna ran out of fuel.
Hernandez says he'll never forget the incident.
You know youre going to hit and youre just hoping its not going to be a horrible outcome, he told CTV. Something told me it was not going to end up bad.
Photo: North Vancouver RCMP
Five ducklings that were trying to cross the Trans-Canada Highway got a police rescue, Monday.
A passing motorist was concerned about the ducklings, as they were without their mother.
RCMP attended the scene to safely move the baby birds off the busy road.
The ducklings were scooped up and placed into the back of a police cruiser.
Officers took the ducklings to the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby, where they are in good health.
AUBURN A 26-year-old man will spend the next 14 years in prison for committing more than a dozen burglaries in Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
Steven Clark, of Baldwinsville, was sentenced to prison Tuesday morning in Cayuga County criminal court. Clark was one of four people charged in connection with 14 daytime residential burglaries.
Last summer, New York State Police arrested Clark and three others Ashley Tremaine, 27, of Baldwinsville; Laura Young, 34, of Elbridge; and Brian Vermette, of Baldwinsville for 11 burglaries in Onondaga County and three burglaries in Cayuga County, all of which occurred between May 31 and June 9, 2016.
In February 2017, Tremaine and Young each pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree burglary in Cayuga County, saying they acted as lookouts for Clark while he broke into homes in Sennett and Cato.
Then, in April, Clark pleaded guilty as well.
During his plea, Clark told Judge Mark Fandrich how he stole around $900 in cash from a home on County Line Road in Sennett. He also said he stole jewelry from two homes in Cato, one on Bonta Bridge Road and another on Jordan Road.
Clark was initially charged with four felonies and three misdemeanors. However, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann allowed him to plead guilty to three felony counts of second-degree burglary in full satisfaction of the indictment.
A second felony offender previously convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance in July 2012 Clark could have faced up to 15 years in prison. But, as a condition of his guilty pleas, Clark was sentenced to 14 years in prison and five years post-release supervision.
Fandrich said Clark's sentence would run concurrent to a 12-year prison sentence out of Onondaga County, where he pleaded guilty in March.
"I'd like to apologize to the victims and to the court," Clark said at sentencing Tuesday.
"You're a young man," Fandrich responded. "I hope you're able to turn your life around after you pay your debt to society."
Photo: Contributed Proposed site of compost plant in Marron Valley
Boundary Similkameen MLA Linda Larson has come out opposed to a regional compost and biosolids plant proposed for the Marron Valley.
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen recently wrapped up public consultation on the project, with a property on PIB territory in the Marron Valley being considered alongside the Summerland landfill.
The RDOS is looking to move the organic compost facility out of the increasingly cramped Campbell Mountain Landfill, with the possibility of moving wastewater treatment sludge compost operations with it.
Summerland council has received a barrage of emails opposed to the idea there, while residents in the Marron Valley, while fewer in numbers, are just as opposed.
My job is to represent those people, and the people have spoken quite clearly, and quite loudly, said Larson, whose constituents have been voicing concerns about odour and traffic in the area.
Larson says she sees the value in the facility, but would like to see the other options studied by the RDOS which did not make the shortlist.
There is bound to be other locations accessible by road that would be suitable for this, up and out of the valley, she said, implying that the plant doesnt fit in Summerland either.
If you cannot sit outside of your home, then your quality of life just got shot, she said.
The RDOS would need the approval of Summerland council if they wanted to place the facility there, so the Marron Valley location is viewed as the favourite.
Photo: Mike Biden Crews at work in Penticton on Sunday
While crews with the City of Penticton are still working to armour the waterfront of Okanagan Lake, preliminary planning is starting for the massive cleanup to follow.
Penticton Fire and B.C. Wildfire crews have placed well over 100,000 sandbags along Okanagan Lake, protecting infrastructure such at the walkway along Lakeshore Drive.
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Weeber says the city should be fully funded by the province for the cleanup, but logistical challenges remain.
For one, sandbags will need to be removed and trucked away to a dump site; a possible a gravel pit or other area of city property. Environmental regulations prohibit simply cutting open the bags and dumping the sand on the beach.
Weeber says the City of Penticton has two teams, one for the high-water response and another for demobilization, as the water starts dropping, they will start getting the resources together.
He says the city will start formalizing its cleanup plan next week.
Once the water is low enough, the city is also going to hold a community cleanup, allowing residents to help clear the beaches of debris.
In a news release Monday, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen also noted that advance planning for the removal of sandbags is underway. The RDOS also asks residents to stay off sandbag walls and tiger dams in the meantime.
Photo: Contributed View of proposed Sunset Drive development from Knox Mtn.
At one time, it was supposed to be a hotel.
Now, it's just a large mound of dirt, the only visible signs of not one, but two failed construction projects more than a decade ago.
The lot, at Sunset Drive and Water Street, is now home to party goers, drug users and the homeless.
That could soon change if council approves an application to rezone the property for a mixed-use development.
Council took the first step, giving the rezoning application first reading Monday. It now goes to a public hearing before rezoning becomes official.
The applicant, North American Development Group, is proposing two towers on the property stretching 29 and 36 storeys.
However, the size of the towers and the scope of the project were not up for discussion Monday.
"The intensity of development is under consideration with this rezoning application," said city planner Adam Cseke.
"Supporting this land use change does not necessarily show support for the applicant's proposed height variance. Those will all be analyzed at a future date."
That point was driven home again by both Mayor Colin Basran and Coun. Charlie Hodge later during the discussion.
In terms of zoning, Coun, Luke Stack said he's kind of encouraged to see the project come forward.
"Many, many years ago when Waterscapes was first proposed, I think the original concept was we would see multiple towers along Sunset," said Stack.
"We were disappointed only one tower was proposed at that time. We've been sitting, kind of waiting for many years for this street to develop and bring forth its potential."
Stack said changing the zoning, with towers, will be beneficial for downtown.
Stack said the big issues for him, if the towers are supported, is view corridors, and the interface between the lower podium and the street.
"To me, as a pedestrian, whether I'm looking at a 26, 27 or 28 storeys, it's actually the interface with the street that's the critical part in my mind.
"But, I think, having a more intense use on this site is appropriate for where it's located in our downtown core, and how it will fit in with the other towers that are proposed."
Basran said this is an exciting first step for a prominent piece of land that residents have been waiting a long time for something to happen on.
Photo: CTV
A landscaper told a Kelowna court about finding a gun in some bushes weeks after a gang leader was fatally shot nearby.
Bobcat operator Joel Whitsel testified in B.C. Supreme Court on Monday, saying he originally thought what he had found in the bushes on Nov. 1, 2011, was a badly rusted paintball gun.
"I stopped to relieve myself, went over to the junipers to do that, and noticed it in there," he said.
The landscaping crew examined the item and determined it was a real firearm, with a magazine still in the clip, Witsel said.
"It looked like an AK-47," he said, adding that his knowledge of what such a weapon looks like came from movies and video games.
He said the gun was then turned over to police.
Court heard that the site where Whitsel was working was about three kilometres from the hotel where Red Scorpion leader Jonathan Bacon was killed on Aug. 14, 2011.
Three other people were injured in the shooting, including a woman who was left paralysed.
Jason McBride, Michael Jones and Jujhar Singh Khun-Khun have been charged with first-degree murder in Bacon's death. Each of the men has also been charged with four counts of attempted murder.
Photo: Facebook
U.S. Senate candidate and outspoken same-sex marriage opponent Roy Moore is getting trolled on Facebook with hundreds of rainbow flag emojis.
Critics of the suspended Alabama Supreme Court justice flooded his campaign's Facebook page with the symbol for gay pride. The rainbow flag reaction emoji was unveiled on Facebook for LGBT pride month in addition to the "like" and other buttons. The symbol was attached to every recent post and most comments on his campaign's Facebook page.
Moore's campaign manager said he was not concerned about it.
"It's sad so many on the left want to attack him personally. But we're not worried about it. People know that Judge Moore believes that marriage is between one man and one woman and that he won't break under pressure. That's exactly why he's going to win this election," campaign manager Rich Hobson said.
Moore was suspended as chief justice of Alabama's high court after a judicial discipline panel ruled he urged 68 probate judges to defy the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing gays and lesbians to marry. He resigned to run for Attorney General Jeff Sessions' former Senate seat.
Photo: CTV
Animal advocates say they have opened an investigation into "absolutely sickening" alleged animal abuse by a chicken-catching service in Chilliwack.
B.C. SPCA spokeswoman Marcie Moriarty says the agency has launched a formal investigation after receiving undercover video that allegedly shows multiple workers throwing, hitting, dismembering and killing the birds, and forcing the animals into violent sexual acts with each other.
She says the workers were hired to round up chickens for transport to a slaughter plant in Port Coquitlam.
Moriarty says the footage was shot by a non-profit animal advocacy group between May 10 and June 9.
Investigators with the B.C. SPCA are now working on a report that will be forwarded to Crown counsel and Moriarty says they will be recommending multiple charges of animal cruelty under both the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
She says if the individuals are convicted, they face a fine up to $75,000, a maximum five-year prison sentence and could be banned for life from owning or being around animals.
Photo: Okanagan Rail Trail Construction on the Okanagan Rail Trail will begin in the fall.
The first phase of construction on the Okanagan Rail Trail will begin sometime this fall.
That, according to Andrew Gibbs, inter-jurisdictional development team project manager for the Rail Trail project.
Gibbs gave Kelowna city council an update Monday on where the project sits.
As per the purchase agreement signed two years ago, Gibbs says all deconstruction and remediation work have been successfully completed by CN Rail.
"Preliminary design is underway. We are expecting it to be complete by the end of July, and we will update the cost estimate at that time,"said Gibbs.
"As part of the preliminary design, we will have a public consultation process in each community."
He says following the design process, the project will be put out to tender.
"Construction will have to begin then (fall) because we have a number of grants, some of which are due at the end of November, and some at the end of March next year.
"It's very much a fast-track project for the first phase. It will be undertaken in phases, largely due to funding and permitting."
Gibbs says the scope of the trail remains the same. A basic trail, 4.6 metres wide, using compacted aggregate along the whole width and the whole length.
The first phase in Kelowna will run from Dilworth Drive out to Airport Way. And, while it will be done in compacted aggregate, Gibbs says the city's transportation group are contemplating a budget request for 2018 to asphalt that section.
As for fundraising, Gibbs says more than half of the anticipated $7.6 million required has been raised through the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative.
Photo: Weather Channel Tropical Storm Calvin has hit southern Mexico.
Tropical Storm Calvin lashed parts of southern Mexico with rains and high winds on Monday before making landfall along a coastal stretch near beach communities popular with tourists.
Mexico's National Water Commission reported that the storm touched land in the early evening just east of the town of Ayutla, in Oaxaca state.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm's centre was about 40 miles (70 kilometres) west-southwest of Salina Cruz late Monday, and it was moving northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).
It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) but was expected to weaken as it continued heading inland.
A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the coast from Salina Cruz to Laguna de Chacahua, and the centre said further heavy rains and flooding were expected.
Forecasters said Calvin is expected to dump 5 to 10 inches of rain across Oaxaca, Guerrero and Chiapas states with higher isolated accumulations possible, threatening landslides and flash floods.
Tropical Storm Beatriz soaked the same area with torrential rains in early June.
Calvin is the third tropical storm of the eastern Pacific season, which began May 15.
Photo: Contributed RCMP say the CRA scam has intensified in Kelowna.
RCMP in Kelowna are again warning the public about what is known as the Canada Revenue Agency scam.
Police says the scam has resurfaced in the Central Okanagan, and calls have intensified.
Callers, claiming to be from the revenue agency, threaten taxpayers, or scare them with aggressive and forceful language to scare them into paying a fictitious debt to the agency.
The caller will says they work for CRA and that taxes are owed. They will demand payment immediately with a credit card, or a pre-paid credit card.
The taxpayer is often threatened with court charges, jail, or deportation.
Police remind people these calls are fraudulent, and could result in identity and financial theft.
RCMP offer several tips about the CRA scam, including:
The CRA advises Canadians to confirm the status of their tax accounts before taking any action that may be the result of pressure from suspicious calls or emails, and to verify the legitimacy of the communication by contacting the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281
The CRA will never request prepaid credit cards or iTunes gift cards, and it will not send emails containing details of a tax refund or Interac e-transfer payments
The CRA will never ask for information about your passport, health services card or drivers licence
The CRA will never leave personal information on your voice mail service
If you've shared personal information, contact Equifax and Trans Union to place fraud alerts on your account
If youve shared banking information with a scammer, contact your financial institution to place alerts on your accounts
If you receive this call, you do not need to contact the RCMP, simply hang up the phone.
Contact local police only if you have been victimized by this scam.
Photo: CTV
Police are investigating the discovery of a body inside a Vancouver Island apartment building.
Ryan Hendrick Young, 36, was found dead in a hallway at the Gala Vista apartments in Duncan.
Police combed the scene all weekend and were seen Monday digging through dumpsters.
Young's family says he didnt live in the building.
Our family is grieving, and Ryan was loved. Ryan was a gentle giant, willing to literally give the shirt off his back, they said in a statement.
The death is considered suspicious, police say.
Our priority now is to try to piece together the day and hours leading up to Mr. Young's death, Sgt. John Ferguson told CTV.
with files from CTV Vancouver Island
The New York State Police is asking for the public's help locating two women and a child that have been missing since Monday.
The missing women are Jamie A. Bell, 34, and Melissa M. Avery, 26. Bell is 5 feet tall and weighs 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. Avery is 5 feet tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has hazel eyes and brown hair.
Maryssa F. Houston, a 5-year-old girl, is also missing. She's four feet tall and weigh 37 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair.
State police say Avery's mother reported her missing and called authorities. Avery, Bell and Houston were planning to attend a barbecue Monday on Song Lake in the town of Preble, Cortland County.
The trio were traveling in a gray 2011 Ford Explorer. The vehicle's license plate is GYX-7740.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Avery, Bell or Houston should contact state police in Oneida at (315) 366-6000.
Photo: Twitter
German authorities say the number of Britons granted German citizenship quadrupled last year as Britain voted to leave the European Union, though they were still only a small fraction of newly naturalized Germans.
The Federal Statistical Office said Tuesday that 2,865 Britons became German citizens in 2016. That's 361 per cent more than in 2015 and the highest annual number yet measured for Britons.
Britons were, however, still a relatively small group. In all, 110,383 people were given German citizenship, a 2.9 per cent increase.
Turks were the biggest group, with 16,290 becoming German a 17.3 per cent drop, following declines in previous years. Poles were the second-biggest, with 6,632.
Foreigners can apply for German citizenship after eight years' residence. Nationals of other EU countries and Switzerland can keep their existing passports.
Photo: The Canadian Press Defence Secretary Jim Mattis
Defence Secretary Jim Mattis blamed the inability of Congress to deliver an annual defence budget for what he called a shockingly poor state of combat readiness as the United States faces fierce rivals, including what he described as an "urgent and dangerous threat" from North Korea.
Testifying Monday night before the House Armed Services Committee, Mattis took aim at lawmakers for repeatedly approving short-term spending measures that provide too little money and lack the authority the service branches need to prepare their troops for the battlefield.
Congress has "sidelined itself from its active constitutional oversight role," Mattis said. "It has blocked new programs, prevented service growth, stalled industry initiative and placed troops at greater risk." Despite support from the committee, Mattis said "Congress as a whole has met the present challenge with lassitude, not leadership."
Mattis said North Korea's "continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them has increased in pace and scope." He called Pyongyang's programs to build weapons of mass destruction "a clear and present danger to all."
Photo: The Canadian Press A Bangladeshi woman mourns family members killed in a landslide.
Heavy rain triggered landslides that killed at least 68 people in southeast Bangladesh, officials said Tuesday, as police and soldiers struggled to reach the remote districts with aid.
It was not immediately clear if any villagers were still missing after large chunks of mud swept over thatched homes and settlements in three hilly districts on Monday.
Reports said scores of people were injured and the death toll could rise.
Military spokesman Rezaul Karim said several soldiers were killed while clearing debris and mud from a highway. Five injured soldiers were flown to a military hospital in Dhaka.
Rains that began early Monday had cleared by Tuesday, allowing rescuers to work faster in searching for survivors. But the firefighters, police and soldiers deployed to help were having trouble reaching some affected areas, said Reaz Ahmed, a senior disaster management official.
"The death toll could rise since many areas remain cut off," he said.
Photo: The Canadian Press Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and MP Dominic LeBlanc escort MP Arnold Chan in the House of Commons.
MPs in the Commons paused Monday to listen to an emotional speech by Ontario MP Arnold Chan, who spoke of his struggle with cancer while he appealed to his fellow parliamentarians for more civility.
As his parents, brother and wife looked down from the gallery, the Liberal from the Toronto-area riding of Scarborough-Agincourt delivered his moving remarks during what was supposed to be a debate on the economy.
"Use your head, but follow your heart," he told MPs during his remarks. "It is as simple as that."
"We can disagree strongly in fact we should," he said.
"That is what democracy is about ... When we listen, we listen to one another despite our strong differences, that's when democracy really happens. That's the challenge that's going on around the world right now. No one is listening."
Photo: The Canadian Press
A new poll offers some insight into how American respondents see foreign leaders, including Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Americans have a more favourable than unfavourable view of Trudeau, according to the survey by Public Policy Polling.
It says he's viewed positively by 31 per cent of Americans, negatively by 20 per cent, and is unknown to almost half of respondents.
Trudeau's net-favourable rating of 11 per cent matched that of Angela Merkel, who was better known to respondents.
Their net favourables were better than the other leaders in the survey, France's Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Theresa May, and far better than U.S. President Donald Trump whose net favourability in the poll was negative-14.
Photo: Denise Egan A dock washed up on Gyro Beach Monday.
The gradual recession of Okanagan lake continued again Tuesday.
As of 4:25 Tuesday morning, the lake level sat at 343.234 metres above sea level. That's a dip of six millimetres since Monday.
On Kalamalka Lake, the levels rose by about five millimetres to 392.414 metres.
The outflow from Mission Creek has picked up slightly from Monday, discharging water into the lake at about 20 cubic metres a second.
While lake levels and stream flows continue to lessen, officials with the Emergency Operations Centre continue to advise residents to leave all flood barriers in place.
Wind such as that experienced Monday and or a large rainfall, such as the Okanagan has seen over the past few months, could tax the strength of those barriers.
Cool temperatures are expected throughout the Okanagan for much of the week.
A few showers are forecast Tuesday evening with some rain again Wednesday, and Thursday.
Photo: Kate Bouey A city crew is fixing another sinkhole.
A City of Vernon crew is on the scene of a broken water main at 27 Avenue and 43 Street.
The break was reported Monday evening and was left overnight in a controlled state, according to a press release.
Members of the crew could be seen inside the large hole that looked at least 1.5 metres deep.
The westbound lane of 27 Avenue, between 41 Street and 43 Street, has been blocked while repairs are completed, with barricades and detour signs in place.
Drivers are asked to use 26 Avenue for travel and to obey all signs and flaggers.
Repairs are expected to be completed around 3:30 p.m.
Photo: Colin Dacre A taped off walkway between Woodlands Drive and Steward Place, June 12
The Penticton RCMP has released the female suspect arrested following Monday's domestic homicide on Woodlands Drive, without charge.
Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth said the victim, a 63-year-old man, was in a relationship with the woman at the time of the incident. Next of kin has not been notified yet.
Neighbours of the couple, who lived at 1154 Woodlands Drive, described the pair on Monday as reserved, who kept to themselves. Neighbours had never noticed police at the home prior to Monday morning.
They would squabble a bit, said a resident of the street. But nothing serious.
Police believe the homicide is an isolated incident, with no risk to public safety.
This is the third homicide of 2017 for the South Okanagan.
Photo: City of Vernon A new deputy chief has been hired at Vernon Fire Rescue.
There is another change at Vernon's firehall but this is good news.
The City of Vernon has hired a new deputy fire chief, Scott Hemstad, who fought during the Fort McMurray conflagration last year. He will be responsible for prevention, training and logistics with Vernon Fire Rescue Services.
Hemstad will be able to take some of the workload off of interim chief David Lind who was also hired as a deputy chief last November.
During his career, Hemstad served as a firefighter, rescue technician (high angle, confined space), paramedic and training officer. His most recent role was deputy fire chief for Stony Plain, Alberta.
Scott is well known amongst his colleagues as an effective fire service leader, said Lind. He has a reputation for enthusiastically transforming systems and programs with a focus on serving the community."
Hemstad holds a certificate in Fire Service Leadership as well as many other fire services credentials. He also also holds the designation of Safety Codes Officer and fire and life safety education.
During the fires in Fort McMurray, Hemstad led a team of firefighters in the early stages of the firewhen things were unpredictable, changing quickly and quite dangerous.
Meanwhile Fire Chief Keith Green remains on personal leave as he has since last autumn. Vernon's mayor said Green will be returning to his job.
Madison Erhardt
Kelowna's new downtown YMCA is almost ready for you to get your sweat on.
"We are excited to announce the opening of the new YMCA. It's an innovative strategic alliance between Interior Health and the YMCA. We are working together to help the community get more active," says general manager Karlene Sewell.
Sewell says IH and the YMCA are concerned that only 20 per cent of the population gets the required amount of physical activity.
"People should be getting 150 minutes per week. We both see this issue and we recognize the need to work more closely; and this is the perfect location for that," Sewell said.
The gym offers state-of-the-art equipment and is located inside the new IH office building on Doyle Avenue.
"We have treadmills, elliptical trainers, new cardio equipment, and a number of functional fitness areas for everyone to enjoy," Sewell added.
The downtown Y officially opens to the public on Thursday.
Photo: OK College CONNECT 2017 will run at Okanagan College Penticton on June 15
Okanagan College Penticton is hosting a public forum for immigrant job seekers and regional employers to meet, network and learn from each other.
CONNECT 2017 is being held by the South Okanagan Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership, and will include a workshop on diversity issues to the workplace, a resource and job fair, employer and immigrant panel discussions and a networking event.
Labour market studies show that the labour force in the South Okanagan Similkameen region is not growing fast enough to meet employers needs for workers and demonstrates that new immigrants are an important source of skilled and experienced workers, said Doug Holmes, SOSLIP Co-chair.
Employers and immigrants have indicated that they want to be part of the solution. CONNECT 2017 gives us the opportunity to bridge the conversation and learn more about newcomer barriers to employment.
The event is being held on Thursday June 15 from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
More information can be found here.
Photo: The Canadian Press
The Royal Canadian Air Force has resumed limited flights on its Cyclone helicopters after a software problem grounded the aircraft for nine weeks.
Col. Peter Allan, wing commander of the Shearwater base in Halifax, says the fleet of CH-148 helicopters that are used to train crew resumed flights on May 15 after being grounded on March 12.
The air force had said the Sikorsky-manufactured helicopters encountered a "severe bump" during a training flight on March 9, causing a sudden descent before the problem corrected itself and the pilot safely landed the plane.
Allan says the problem has since been determined to have been a software issue in the aircraft's flight control computer that caused a sudden restart of the system, and he says the problem will take about six months to remedy.
The colonel says while that is underway there are some limits on operations of the Cyclones, but they won't affect the ability of air crew to continue to train on them.
Overall, the air crew training has been set back one month, but Allan says he still expects the navy helicopters to start replacing the Sea Kings in the middle of next year.
Photo: PANow
Emergency officials say two children were injured in Northern Saskatchewan when they were doused with gasoline and set on fire.
Corey Ecarnot, with La Ronge EMS, says paramedics responded to a call on the Lac La Ronge First Nation early Sunday morning to treat an eight-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl.
Ecarnot could not say how serious the children's injuries were, but he noted that the boy needed to be flown to Saskatoon.
Police would only say that the two children were injured in an altercation with a third child, who was also under the age of 12.
They say the third child is too young to be charged, so officers are working with the Ministry of Child and Family Services.
La Ronge is about 380 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Photo: Steve O'Neil Waves pound into a wall of sandbags along Pebble Beach in West Kelowna on Monday.
Crews are starting to remove sandbags and protective measures from some areas but it does not mean flooding is finished.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre says crews are repositioning protective measures from locations that are no longer under threat to those that need bolstering.
Locations may include those on public and private properties where emergency crews initially installed flood protection measures to protect public infrastructure, the EOC said in a release.
The sandbags and sand will be assessed for quality and if they can be repositioned.
Residents are being advised not to move anything and to keep their protection measures in place.
Okanagan Lake was at 343.237 metres above sea level on Tuesday morning, with a three-millimetre decrease since Monday.
Levels are expected to fluctuate, and ground water will continue to increase. A lake level drop does not indicate the peak has been reached.
Photo: Darren Handschuh A sentencing hearing was held Tuesday for a man accused of a 2015 drug lab fire.
UPDATE: 3:35 p.m.
A provincial court judge has sentenced a man who was severely burned in an illegal drug lab fire in Vernon to three years on probation with strict conditions.
Clearly it was agreed the explosion and fire were not planned or deliberate, said Judge Edmond de Walle, during the sentencing of James Karl Iverson.
In March, Iverson pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing bodily harm and arson by negligence in the Aug. 14, 2015 incident at an apartment building on Okanagan Avenue.
I am satisfied the accused has shown genuine remorse for the impact (his actions) had on others, said the judge, referring to verbal and written apologies to the court earlier Tuesday.
Iverson stood before the court as the sentencing was read out, some of his injuries clearly visible, including patchy hair and damaged ears.
Following the fire, he was in hospital for eight months and received 187 skin grafts, the court was told.
He has experienced significant scarring on his body (and) will be dealing with this for the rest of his life.
A friend who Iverson was making the hash oil with was also injured, with burns to 25 per cent of his body.
De Walle said Iverson had clearly put others in the apartment building in danger and pointed to the quick action of fire crews who tackled the blaze in the apartment unit.
He said Iverson's friend was a willing participant in the manufacture of the hash oil.
The accused is at very low risk of reoffending, said de Walle, who pointed to Iverson's minimal criminal record and believed this was a case for rehabilitation.
Conditions of the probation order include house arrest for six months between the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day, 50 hours of community work to be done in the first year and payment of $200 victim surcharges to his friend and the owner of the apartment.
Crown counsel has stayed three other charges.
ORIGINAL STORY: 12:50 p.m.
A man severely scarred in a 2015 illegal drug lab fire that damaged a Vernon apartment building awaits the judgement of the court.
I'd like to express my deepest regret that other people were affected by my negligent actions, James Karl Iverson, 24, said while standing before provincial court judge Edmond de Walle Tuesday morning.
In March, Iverson pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing bodily harm and arson by negligence.
The Crown is seeking an 18-to-24 month prison sentence plus probation while the defence has asked for a three-year suspended sentence, partly under house arrest.
The fire took place in the bathroom of a unit at 3413 Okanagan Avenue on Aug. 14, 2015.
Iverson and another man were attempting to make hash oil, according to both lawyers.
The two were engaging in a process whereby they were extracting marijuana oil from marijuana shake, said Juan O'Quinn for the Crown.
The two were using butane to process the marijuana oil leading to a significant amount of the gas in the small space and, when someone turned on the fan, there was an explosion and fire.
The explosion was so great, it reached into the ceiling and blew off some of the eaves, O'Quinn said, adding that $170,000 damage was caused to the apartment. Other tenants in the building were put in jeopardy that day as were his girlfriend's children (who were in the apartment).
Both Iverson and the other man present were severely burned.
Iverson suffered third degree burns to 85 per cent of his body and damaged his esophagus and lungs, the court was told. After the fire, the accused was put on life support and into an induced coma for almost a month. His friend suffered burns to 25 per cent of his body.
The hash oil he was producing...was for their personal use only and had nothing to do with trafficking, said defence lawyer Nicholas Jacob, adding that Iverson's friend was part and parcel of producing the hash oil but is an unindicted co-accused.
Jacob said his client insisted he had no knowledge that children were in the apartment.
This fire has had a huge impact on his life, Jacob added. He requires constant care. There is visible scarring on his body, including his arms, legs and head....He's going to have those physical deformities for the rest of his life....He says he is in constant pain and says his skin is very brittle and sometime tears.
In a separate, written statement, Iverson said he was sorry for his reckless actions.
I never meant any harm. If I could take every moment back leading up to the fire, I would, he wrote.
The judge is expected to rule on the case this afternoon.
Alanna Kelly
The search for two missing B.C. residents last seen taking off in a small plane in Cranbrook is still active in its sixth day.
The four-seater plane was expected to land in Kamloops on Thursday, but never arrived.
Cloud cover is adding to the difficult search that is being led by the Royal Canadian Air Force out of Kelowna Airport.
The search area is 150 nautical miles long, 30 nautical miles wide, there are other areas outside of that that we are searching, but the cloud cover has returned and that is adding some challenges to the search, said Capt. Dennis Power, 19th Wing public affairs officer.
The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and RCAF are scouring a large region for the Piper Warrior, and the mountainous terrain is making the search quite challenging.
Photo: RCMP Traci Genereaux
RCMP are seeking the publics help in locating a missing Vernon teen who has not been seen in more than a week.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said on June 9, police received a request to locate 18-year-old Traci Genereaux.
Genereaux was last heard from on May 29.
Family report that this is unusual behaviour for Traci and investigators are requesting the publics help in finding her, said Moskaluk.
Genereaux is described as 18 years old, Caucasian female, 4'11", 95 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
If you have any information about Traci Genereaux or where she might be, please contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171, or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, said Moskaluk.
Photo: Contributed - Stacy RCMP block off Leon Avenue After a stabbing Thursday night.
Kelowna RCMP are investigating after a man was sent to hospital with stab wounds Thursday night.
Just after 8 p.m. Kelowna RCMP received a report of an assault with a weapon on Leon Avenue near Water Street. A Kelowna man had suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries after allegedly being stabbed by a Kelowna woman on the street.
Apparently, a verbal argument between the two precipitated the altercation. The two were known to each other from a prior relationship. The man has been taken to hospital for his injuries and the woman is currently in police custody.
The investigation is ongoing and no further details are available at this time.
Anyone with any information who has not yet spoken to police is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online or by texting to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
Growing sales and property tax revenue, money for law enforcement pay raises and the addition of 11 new full time positions will all be part of a final 2018 budget for Coconino County that supervisors will decide on later this month.
The nearly $193 million budget includes $2.7 million in projected tax revenue increases that will be funneled to employee pay increases, rising health benefit costs and several recurring service improvement requests, including a community cleanup voucher program, employee tuition assistance and voting system maintenance.
The primary focuses in this year's budget were employee compensation, and specifically law enforcement compensation, new facilities such as the downtown courthouse and technology improvements, said Mike Townsend, deputy county manager.
Next years budget will also seek to increase the amount of property tax revenue the county can collect by 2 percent, which is the maximum allowed by state statute each year. Taking into consideration an increase in assessed values, the countys increased levy amount means the owner of a $300,000 home would see an increase of about $4.20 in their primary property tax next year.
Among the 11.5 new positions the county is adding to its payroll of 1,073 employees will be a new economic development manager at an annual cost of about $77,000 and a part-time diversity and inclusion officer at an annual cost of about $30,000.
The need for an economic development manager has come to the fore with the impending closure of Navajo Generating Station, though that person would work on a variety of other issues across the county as well, said Townsend and Bonny Lynn, the countys finance director. Its a position that Arizonas major counties have as well, Townsend said.
A diversity officer will be involved in hiring and workplace culture with the aim of making the countys workforce more representative of community demographics, Lynn said.
Four of the other new positions will be in the county's health department, including a division manager and an injury prevention health coordinator.
The new positions are on top of 10 employees that were added to the countys workforce last year.
All county employees will receive a 2.5 percent market adjustment pay raise under next year's budget and will be eligible for another 2.5 percent merit increase. On top of that, the board approved an additional $90,000 to be spent on pay raises to help recruit and retain law enforcement officers.
There are shortages of law enforcement officers nationwide and Lynn said it can be even more difficult to recruit candidates for a job in this county because it often requires many hours spent alone, patrolling the remote reaches of the jurisdiction.
Of 43 uniformed field deputy positions, Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll said seven of those are currently unfilled. Another 11 are filled by newer employees who are still going through the 11 months of required training. Driscoll confirmed that his department struggles to hire and retain deputies and said many times it relates to pay.
In another effort to improve workplace culture, the county is putting $50,000 toward professional development training that promotes workplace fulfillment, individual leadership and employee ownership of the organizations work, Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta said.
Other budget expenditures include:
$35,000 more for Community Service's Rental, Mortgage, Move-in and Eviction Prevention program
$60,000 for a county youth program like summer employment
$500,000 for a new financial accounting system that will be added to $2.5 million set aside last year for the same purpose
$4 million more set aside for the city-county courthouse project, added to the $5 million the county set aside last year
$86,000 for a one-year contract with a lobbying firm in Washington D.C.
$18,000 for Community Services Senior Nutrition and Transportation to maintain service levels
The budget also accounts for about $500,000 in costs or unfunded responsibilities that state legislators have shifted from the state to counties since 2008 as well as a projected $500,000 property tax loss due to the expected closure of Navajo Generating Station. The elimination of federal funding under the Secure Rural Schools program, which has amounted to $3 million to $4 million in recent years, is another expected hit to the budget.
The public health services district, which has struggled to ward off an impending deficit, has pushed off going into the red to 2019. But a cap on the amount it is allowed to increase its tax collections along with a reduction in state and federal grant money has made it difficult for the health district to get on stable financial ground, said Megan Cunningham, assistant finance director with the county.
Decisions are having to be made year by year, she said.
India producers refute cartel allegations
13 June 2017
Representatives from various cement companies on Friday denied that they formed a cartel to artificially hike prices, saying market dynamics decide the prices, not the companies.
There have been allegations of cartelisation and unjustified prices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south of the country from builders after a steep hike in prices in the two markets recently.
"Price hikes have to be factored in the context of price volatility, escalating costs and low capacity utilisation, Rakesh Singh, Executive President, India Cements Ltd, told reporters on Friday. The industry costs have been much higher than the margins, he added. (Source: Business Line, India)
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Asia Cement denies Hualien mine expansion
13 June 2017
Asia Cement Corp has denied that it has been expanding mining operations in Hualien County, Taiwan, following accusations by a filmmaker that mining has intensified at the site, the Tapei Times reports.
Documentary filmmaker Chi Po-lin made the comments in May 2017 whilst filming a sequel to his aerial photographic documentary Beyond Beauty: Taiwan From Above. Chi subsequently died in a helicopter crash last Saturday but his aerial footage of the Sincheng site has resulted in widespread criticism of the Asia Cement's mining activities at the township which includes a 25ha quarry in Taroko National Park.
Asia Cement says it has slowly been reforesting the active mining site since 2012. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has also released time-lapse photography supporting the cement producer.
The quarry, which is partly located in a national park, supplies one of the countrys largest cement plants. Its mining lease was set to expire in 2017 but was extended until 2037. The Environmental Protection Administration has also issued assurances that quarry excavations will not occur within the national park area.
We have been conducting a large-scale afforestation project in the region for several years and the efforts have begun to bear fruit, the company said in a statement.
Asia Cement has been mining in eastern Taiwan for 60 years. Its mine once extended 25ha into Taroko National Park, but it said it reduced its mining area in the park at the end of last year.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs in March approved an extension of Asia Cements mining rights in Sincheng Township by 20 years, allowing it to bypass an environmental impact assessment.
The ministry has completed the draft amendment to the Mining Act and would require outdated projects to pass environmental impact assessments in the future, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, Shen Jong-chin, said yesterday.
The ministry is to discuss related details with the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), Mr Shen said.
The Department of Mines cautioned in a statement that the nations cement supply chains might be affected if Asia Cement halts production at its Hualien plant. The Hualien plant contributes nearly 29 per cent of Taiwans total cement production, it said.
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PHOENIX An Arizona utility can't escape being sued for anti-trust violations for the rates it sets solely because it's a quasi-governmental entity, at least not now if ever, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments by attorneys for Salt River Project that SolarCity cannot challenge its pricing system. The appellate judges said they have no authority to consider the finding of a trial judge in Phoenix who said the challenge should be allowed to go ahead.
While Monday's ruling is specific to SRP and its claims of immunity from suit, the implications could be broader.
Unless overturned on appeal, it means SRP ultimately could have to defend in court the rates it charges customers who want to generate their own electricity.
That could lead to rulings on how broad is the ability of utilities, all of who are monopolies, to set rates in a way that could harm other companies. And that, in turn, could impact efforts by other Arizona utilities to increase costs to solar customers.
SRP spokesman Scott Harelson said an appeal is possible.
We would argue that ours is a statutory pricing process and that the courts have no business setting rates, he told Capitol Media Services. But Harelson said if the case goes to court, the company believes its rate structure and the additional charges imposed on solar customers can be justified.
That's the same argument that is being advanced by utilities like Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy which have pending rate hike requests.
Arizona Public Service has reached a settlement with SolarCity and other solar companies. But that deal is contingent on review by a hearing officer and final approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Central to the debate is whether customers who install their own rooftop solar units and generate some of their own power are effectively being subsidized by others.
Attorneys for SolarCity contend SRP's new pricing plan approved last year amounts to a substantial penalty on customers.
Because solar customers are unable to completely disconnect from SRP's grid they still need power in the evening hours and at other times when their energy demands exceed what their solar energy systems produce they cannot escape SRP's penalty, the lawsuit contends.
That penalty, according to SolarCity lawyers, is about $600 a year, an increase of about 65 percent over prior rate plans. That compares with an average 3.9 percent increase for residential customers who buy all their power from SRP.
Customers recognize that SRP's new pricing plan leaves them with no choice: After the effective date of SRP's new plan, applications for distributed solar energy systems in SRP's territory fell by 96 percent, the lawsuit states.
All that, the lawyers contend, is part of SRP's illegal efforts to eliminate competition and violate anti-trust laws.
SRP, for its part, contends the fact that the rates were approved by its governing board precludes the SolarCity lawsuit. Its attorneys said there was the legally required notice and comment period, public hearings, a board vote and an opportunity to challenge the board's decision in state court, something SolarCity chose not to do.
Beyond that, Harelson said SolarCity can't rely on antitrust claims. He said those laws generally let businesses set their prices in a way that allows them to recover their costs, without regard to the impact of those prices on companies like SolarCity.
That contention, Harelson said, is backed by the policies adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission which regulates utilities other than SRP which concluded that utilities should be able to recover the cost of serving any particular group and avoid shifting costs from solar customers to the rest of the customer base. But the exact amount of what that figure is has to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
PHOENIX Citing state laws on epidemics, the state's top health official wants Gov. Doug Ducey to give her more powers to deal with opioid overdoses, including the ability to identify and track individual patients.
In a memo to the governor, Cara Christ wants daily reports of suspected cases of deaths from both prescription and non-legal forms of opiates. Christ told Ducey it will allow for real-time tracking of the severity of the epidemic.
But Christ also wants Ducey to order doctors to give her agency something on a daily basis it does not get now at all: reports of cases where someone has overdosed on the drug.
More to the point, Christ wants all health care providers to report patient-specific information about suspected opioid overdoses, including name, gender and date of birth if known.
This information will allow Arizona Department of Health Services to implement patient tracking, if necessary, she said in her memo to the governor.
Ducey is expected to sign the new executive order as early as today.
The request comes as health officials struggle to get a handle on not only the rapidly increasing use of the drug, both legally and otherwise, but a spike in deaths. Health officials report 790 people died of opioid overdoses last year, an average of more than two a day.
Thats a death rate per 100,000 people of about 11, but some parts of the state have less serious problems than others.
Coconino County was 12th among Arizona's 15 counties for opioid-related deaths in 2016. That year, there were a total of six opioid-related deaths countywide, or a rate of about 4 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the public health services district.
The district also reported that between 2010 and 2016, there were 49 opioid-induced deaths among residents in the county. Over those years, the number of opioid overdose deaths ranged from less than one per 100,000 residents in 2014 to about eight deaths per 100,000 2011.
Over the six-year period, 88 percent of opioid deaths involved a prescription opioid while 12 percent involved heroin.
State health agency spokeswoman Holly Ward said her boss believes that having more real-time data might help the health department figure out how to reverse the trend. But that still leaves the question of how having that information will make a difference.
That remains to be seen, that remains to be answered, she said. That's a fair question.
But Ward said it's a good starting point, particularly with data lagging as much as a year behind.
What we will be asking for will give us a much better picture that we just don't have right now, she said. And that, Ward said, should lead to some solutions that have so far eluded health professionals.
I don't think this is a situation where we already have the answer, she said.
We can try to make a lot of guesses, Ward explained. But she said that, without more data, they won't be very informed guesses.
That all deals with trends. But Ward said the nature of the problem and the number of deaths also requires individual patient tracking.
There is a solid correlation of how many times an opioid user has been admitted or taken to the hospital for an overdose before they die, she said. It's something like three times.
What patient tracking would do, Ward said, is enable someone to get to that patient sooner before they die.
That would help us to potentially have intervention sooner, she said. In a public health emergency response, our goal is to save lives.
Ward said it might not be anyone from her agency that intercedes.
But it could be one of the many partners that would have that ability based on that data, she said.
She said none of this would lead to public release of anyone's name, citing federal laws protecting individual health records.
What Christ wants and what Ducey is expected to order is based on a section of law that gives the governor certain emergency powers in situations of bioterrorism, pandemic disease, highly infectious agents or biological toxins. That also includes any health condition due to epidemic.
In the public health realm, it's a widespread occurrence of disease, Ward said. And she said Christ has concluded that opioid abuse, as an addiction to a highly addictive pain killer, fits that definition.
She acknowledged that health officials also refer to things like alcoholism and obesity as a disease. But Ward said there's one thing that makes this different: the sharp spike in deaths, more than double what it was in 2012.
Now, this is getting to an area or epidemic proportion that policy and laws can't change alone, she said. Ward said once her agency has better data Christ then can make concrete recommendations to Ducey and the legislature of what else they should do in a bid to combat abuse.
Ward also said that Christ is not alone in deciding that opioid abuse is an epidemic. She said the federal Centers for Disease Control also classify the problem of opioid deaths as epidemic.
Fusion Risk Management, a Rolling Meadows-based software company that helps businesses prepare for disasters and continue on afterward, has raised $41 million in funding, the company announced Tuesday.
Co-founder and CEO David Nolan said the company will use the Series C funding to expand, reinforce its sales team and beef up its engineering and product development capabilities. This fundraising round will likely be the company's last, as it plans to "quickly move toward profitability," Nolan said.
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"We're very excited for growth prospects and adding to the team so we can continue to take advantage of market opportunities," he said. "From a balance sheet point of view, we'll have plenty of capital."
Fusion Risk Management, which charges anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 a year for access to its software, helps businesses understand exactly how their buildings and people fit together as part of their overall operations. By dissecting how clients operate, Fusion is then able to help them avoid or minimize damages from tornadoes, fires, cyberattacks and other devastating events.
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When disasters do strike, the software also helps clients evaluate how they've been affected.
"If you have an organization, you have to understand how that organization actually works, so you can then understand how and where and why it might break," Nolan said. "Then you'll know exactly how to deal with and work around whatever happens."
In addition to its Rolling Meadows headquarters, Fusion Risk Management has an office in Chicago that it's currently expanding to better serve its growing business. In the past 30 months, the company has gone from 18 to 77 employees, according to Nolan; the company plans to add nearly 100 more employees over the next few years.
Fusion Risk Management has more than 165 clients, more than 70 of which are Fortune 500 companies, Nolan said. He said he could not name specific clients or comment on the company's revenue.
Nolan co-founded Fusion Risk Management in 2006 with a handful of partners who previously worked at a disaster-recovery firm called Comdisco before it was acquired by SunGard Data Systems Inc. Nolan and 10 angel investors provided an initial $2 million back when the company "was an idea and nothing more," he said. Those 10 other angel investors are now exiting with the Series C round, each walking away with roughly six times their initial investment, Nolan said.
SunGard is still among Fusion Risk Management's direct competitors, he said.
Catalyst Investors, a New York-based growth equity firm, led the Series C round, which was by far the company's largest. The company had previously only raised about $9 million.
Robert Holly is a freelance writer.
Twitter @robertwadeholly
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, left, speaks to the media accompaniedby House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on June 7, 2017, in Washington, D.C. They addressedhealth care and the Dodd-Frank Act. (Mark Wilson / Getty Images)
In Washington, a powerful movement is underway to kill the consumer protections and bank industry regulations that arose from the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis.
Perhaps you haven't heard much about it yet, considering some of the other political dramas and tweets dominating the news from our nation's capital.
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But it's time to pay attention.
Last week, the House approved a sweeping financial industry deregulation bill that guts the flawed, but necessary, 2010 Dodd-Frank law a measure designed to crack down on the big banks and Wall Street's bad behavior.
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Backed by aggressive financial services interests including Illinois' two largest banking associations, this proposal is a prime example of anti-regulation overkill and unvarnished industry clout.
Instead of thoughtfully fixing Dodd-Frank's problems, the bill goes another way. It opens the door to abusive consumer lending practices and allows bankers to invest in speculative, risky deals without much fear of regulatory restraint or retaliation.
"I've never seen so many bad ideas jammed into one bill," said Rep. Stephen Lynch, a Democrat from Massachusetts, during a committee hearing. Later from the House floor he labeled the legislation a "real stinker."
As you probably guessed, Lynch voted against the measure, but it passed 233-186. Only one Republican voted against it. No Democrats backed the effort, which now heads to the Senate, where some aspects are expected to be reworked.
There are so many unsettling aspects to this 589-page calamity, dubbed the Financial Choice Act of 2017, that it is a tough chore to describe all of them.
One of the most disturbing, however, is the essential dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The bill seeks to reduce the agency's independence by radically changing how the CFPB is funded. It also would greatly curtail its ability to discipline institutions for abusive behavior.
Instead of the bureau keeping its current financing through the Federal Reserve, it would be put into annual congressional appropriations and subject to the mercy of political whims and gyrations.
An effective "cop on the beat," the CFPB keeps a wary eye on lenders doing business with everyday people and stands apart from other banking regulators.
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CFPB's watchdog roster includes consumer banks, credit unions, credit card providers and small loan purveyors like payday and car title lenders. It also collects data on mortgage lending, which can identify redlining violations.
Last year, it fined California-based Wells Fargo Bank $100 million for its widespread, and illegal, practice of secretly opening unauthorized deposit and credit card accounts.
As we've seen with Wells Fargo, predatory lenders can surface anytime and anywhere.
Having an independent regulator dedicated to the multibillion-dollar business of consumer finance is an important hedge against taking advantage of people. It's also crucial to protecting the public's faith in the banking system, which has been rattled since the 2008 meltdown and is still recovering.
This legislation won't help folks on Main Street but it sure lends a hand to Wall Street's banks and investment houses.
On the bill's chopping block is the Volcker rule, named after former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, which insists that banks refrain from using a bank's money to back riskier investments like derivatives, commodity futures and options.
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The rule also curtails investing in hedge funds and private equity funds. These investments are typically where the big returns are found but they are also where the whopping losses can swiftly occur, notably when markets and the economy go into a tailspin and start racking up financial system casualties.
The idea behind the Volcker rule is to have a zone of safety for the banks' depositors, and ultimately the taxpayers, who had to back up the banks in 2008 when the stock market fell off the cliff.
I support the need to amend some of Dodd-Frank, especially as it applies to regional and community banks.
These lenders need greater relief from costly regulatory oversight and red tape. They should be encouraged to make solid loans to small and midsized businesses.
When it comes to finding workable solutions to improve Dodd-Frank, I think there's common ground between both sides of the political aisle.
This week, there's talk that President Donald Trump's Treasury Department will press for banking legislation that may be less sweeping than the Republican House bill's plan.
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But getting politicians to agree on a proper, middle course for anything is a rarity even when many involved knows that's the wisest outcome.
Instead we're starting with this excessive House bill which, if passed into law, could end up hurting many people and unleashing the worst instincts of the banking industry.
As the congressman said, that's a "real stinker."
roreed@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @reedtribbiz
Herman Miller, inventor of the cubicle and the Aeron chair, launched a new smart chair and desk at NeoCon that tracks and reports your sitting activity to employers. June 13, 2017 (Robert Channick / Chicago Tribune) (Videolicious - Chicago Tribune)
The office of the future features unconventional open spaces, ergonomic products, and coming soon from furniture designer Herman Miller smart chairs and desks that track your every movement and report back to your boss.
Introduced this week at the NeoCon commercial interiors show at the Merchandise Mart, the Fitbit for the deskbound connects office workers and their posteriors to the internet, harvesting such data as when you sit, where you sit and how often you rise on command to stretch your legs.
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It can even tell if you're slouching, standing in for mothers everywhere by reminding you to sit up straight.
"No one has made an interaction between a chair and a desk," said Greg Bylsma, North American president of Zeeland, Mich.-based Herman Miller, perhaps best known for its ergonomic Aeron chair, whose distinctive design has become an office staple since its 1994 rollout.
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The platform, dubbed Live OS, works with an interactive sitting and standing desk, which launched this week, and a specially wired Aeron chair, which will be available in January.
For the chair, a static discharging thread already woven into the Aeron fabric is turned into a sensor that takes readings on seat position.
Per sitting and standing desk, the technology adds a $100 one-time hardware cost, with a yearly subscription fee of $60. Prices for the smart version of the chair have yet to be determined.
When paired with an app, the chair and desk will monitor your position, automatically adjust preferred settings as you switch to other work stations and nudge you with vibrations and cajoling messages to stand up at intervals throughout the day.
The latest innovation in the internet of things encourages healthier desk habits for employees while collecting new data for their employers, who can maximize the efficiency of office space by determining where and how people actually work or don't.
Ryan Anderson, Herman Miller's director of commercialization for Live OS, said the data is "anonymized and aggregated," downplaying the notion that employers are watching your behind.
A Live OS sit/stand desk and chair are displayed June 12, 2017, in the Herman Miller space at the NeoCon commercial interiors trade fair at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. The desk and chair are designed to monitor workers posture and encourage them to stand up during the workday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
"If someone wanted to look at every desk and correlate (the data) with who sits there, they can do that," Anderson said. "The vast majority of folks we talk to want to measure the space, not the people."
Sales of the Aeron chair, which was "remastered" last fall, have been slumping in recent years as offices have evolved into unconventional open spaces with communal work areas.
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"What you're seeing is new modes of work popping up hot-desking, standing work, collaborative-type cafes," said Todd Bracher, 42, a Brooklyn-based design strategist. "It's no more glass conference rooms, no more work stations. The younger generation doesn't want to work in that old, gray, cold environment any more."
The showrooms at NeoCon reflected the open-office evolution while repudiating the cubicle farms of old, a concept that also was invented by Herman Miller more than 50 years ago.
"For the last 50 years, furniture companies have been giving us stuff that's kept us sitting in cubicles, at desks and chairs that don't move," said Robert King, founder and CEO of Humanscale, the 34-year-old New York-based furniture company. "Now we're finding out that sitting perfectly still in an isolated environment is one of the worst possible things you can do for your health and well-being."
Susan Lyons, president of Designtex, demonstrates a window-cloaking film at NeoCon that blocks LED screens. June 13, 2017 (Robert Channick / Chicago Tribune) (Videolicious - Chicago Tribune)
Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the Huffington Post, who left the news website in August to launch Thrive Global, a lifestyle and well-being website aimed at ending stress and burnout, was a keynote speaker at NeoCon on Monday.
"The connection between design and health and reducing stress is incredibly important," Huffington said in an interview after her speech.
Huffington touted everything from standing desks to green walls as beneficial to the modern office and its stressed-out workers. But she was most enthused about another innovation: napping pods.
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"People, if they are tired, can take a 10- or 20-minute nap instead of having another cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun," Huffington said.
Herman Miller executives are hoping the smart desk and chair platform will be the next big thing, but innovation sometimes can chart an unpredictable course.
Launched with high hopes as a user-friendly modular office solution in 1964, Herman Miller's cubicle concept descended into a dehumanizing layout parodied everywhere from "Dilbert" to "Office Space."
The cubicle eventually was disavowed by its creator, Herman Miller designer Robert Propst.
Herman Miller's Bylsma acknowledged the cubicle's tarnished legacy but didn't disown it, saying it provided a "great way to work" in decades past.
"We all know that 'Dilbert' has taken its fair shots at the cubicle, but like anybody, we're proud of our past innovation," Bylsma said. "And we think (the smart chair and desk) is another one that's going to take us to a new spot."
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Correction: An earlier version of this story gave the incorrect subscription price for the Herman Miller sitting and standing desk.
rchannick@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @RobertChannick
Leave businesses alone: How many times have your kids brought home letters from school saying that kids should go through the house to determine what shouldn't be there such as cigarettes, drugs and alcohol? Why should kids determine what should be in their house? By the same token, President Trump said that America will pull out of the Paris agreement. Why do we need the government to be involved in what businesses should do to combat global warning? It is not the government's function to dictate to businesses. If companies are going to follow the Paris agreement, we don't need to involve the government. Congratulations, President Trump. You got the government to leave businesses alone.
Correction about Nixon: I would like to say that President Trump's son-in-law was right. What Hillary Clinton said about President Nixon being impeached was wrong. Instead of being impeached, the coward resigned and ran.
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Riled about roundabouts: I totally agree with the person speaking about roundabouts. There is no place for pedestrians. Nobody knows how to use them. They stop when they are not supposed to stop or go when it says yield. It's a ridiculous situation. There was nothing wrong with putting up a three-way stoplight at the corner of Highland and Sullivan. It would have worked just fine. Has anyone tried to get through there when semis are using it? Whose bright idea was it that we should have roundabouts?
Stop singling out Aurora: I'm wondering why in the police blotter the only crimes listed are in Aurora. The Beacon-News goes to other cities along the valley. There have been things happening, especially something very bad that happened in North Aurora. It was never listed. Why can't they put in news about other cities along the river? Someone needs to check this out.
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Ticked off about TIF districts: The Beacon-News is not just for Aurora. We live in Batavia. I get The Beacon-News and read it every day except Saturday when it's not delivered. Batavia needs to be reported on. Batavia has five TIF districts. Aurora has a couple that I know of. Kane County has 120 TIF districts. The jig is up in Batavia. The TIFs are all broke, but Batavia has money that they give to developers while taxpayers are buckling under the pressure. Now Batavia wants to raise taxes to fix the storm sewers and do the work they should have been doing all along. The problem with TIF districts is any increase in taxes will mean an increase in TIF funds. Wake up, people. Start attending council meetings.
Vexed about Bull Valley drug bust: I just read about the drug bust in Bull Valley. I can't believe the guy had a 30-acre property and a 17,000 square foot mansion. They found all that cash and weapons, yet the bond was only $100,000. Who did he pay off? I'm a grandma, and I'm poor. I should have been a drug dealer. I could drive a Cadillac or Escalade and eat lobster every night. I could have an arsenal of weapons. This is a wake-up call for all you drug dealers. You are destroying our youth. The bond should have been $1 million.
Kudos to Carpentersville Fire Department: I want The Courier-News and all newspapers to know that there is nothing like the Carpentersville Fire Department. They are so efficient. I'm a heart patient and a diabetic. I have a lot of health issues. They gave me a Life Alert and showed me what to do. They are wonderful. I don't ever want to move now because I don't know what other villages are like and these guys are fantastic. Any time you need something, you better call them. They handle life and death situations all the time and they know exactly what to do. You will never find a better fire department than the one in Carpentersville.
Desire to drive: If there is climate change, you can be sure it is the billions of vehicles running day and night worldwide. No matter how advocates try to stop it, people will continue to drive.
Editor's note
Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
In Egypt, in the 70s and 80s as men grew beards and women covered their hair, onlookers were surprised but accepting. After all it was a positive thingwas it not? to adhere to the broader guidelines of religion.
Envious that some could follow Gods wishes better than themselves, many wannabes pursued the same look. Soon, the society as a whole opted for conservatism. Men and women stopped shaking hands with members of the other sex, and Al Salam Alekom replaced the usual Good morning, or Allo. At social gatherings, in Egypt and abroad, men, and women, prayed, while Copts and foreigners watched alienated.
Social clubs banned alcohol, and many restaurants did the same. Taxi drivers played verses of the Quran while a few years back Quran was played or recited during funerals. The traditional dress code for women became a long loose dress with a hair covering hijab, and women who didnt cover their hair stood out.
The less religious and more secular bystanders worried but could not do anything about ithow can one criticize modesty, and, at face value, that was what the shift meant. Aware of the constrictions, they were obliged to follow suitsleeveless dresses were abandoned and shorter skirts became a no no.
Even Copts and other Christians became less allowing: mass was conducted more frequently and many chose to prohibit alcohol.
Indeed, social norms shifted. The standard became different. The look and feel of society became different.
But soon enough the beards thickened, mens white galabias shrunk in length, the niqab established itself, and the six and seven year olds covered their hair, too.
It became unacceptable for a woman from the poor section of Cairo to enter the proximity of her home with her hair uncovered, so to protect herself, even if she preferred not to, she wore a headscarf. That went for many Christians, too.
As peculiar and estranging fatwas collided with reason: dont listen to music, dont stand up to the national anthem, and dont wish Christians well, bizarre fatwas left Egyptians swooning: Muslim women can breastfeed a male colleague but not touch bananas or cucumbers; Muslim men can drink the urine of a Muslim fighter to cleanse their souls but also have sex with a deceased wife.
Flagrant disdain of what was the norm and acceptable hit the society bulls eye.
The trouble was no one linked this fundamentalist and often grotesque change to Islamism whether it was in Salafi, Wahabi, or Muslim Brotherhood allegiance. No one saw the social change as a link to a systematic political power grab rooted in cultural and social dominance. What the Muslim Brotherhood gave in aid and support to the needy, it took back in compliance and agreement to a new set of cultural norms.
Few in Egypt, and elsewhere around the world for that matter, saw this slow but underlying shift for what it truly was: a method of keeping the masses in a subservient state, subdued into blind conformity.
It took a stolen revolution, an Islamist parliament, and a Muslim Brotherhood president to make matters explicitly clear: a fake facade to an inherent desire to dominate.
The current ongoing war against terrorism in Egypt exhibits the sheer magnitude of the change that had occurred in society, a change that brainwashed thousands of young Egyptians into betraying their nation and their people and dying willingly while massacring hundreds others.
Today the same Islamist facade that manipulated the unaware, complacent society for decades is utilized to threaten a people and to murder its innocent. One can ask, to no avail though: How can allegiance to an ousted Muslim Brotherhood president entice someone to kill? How can devotion to Islam incite terror? The answer to both questions is that neither those ready to kill nor those devoted fundamentalists are true Muslims.
Well, Egyptians have learned their lesson the hard way, so they are not taking the manipulation as lightly as they did before. As Egyptians see their innocent die, they are turning against Islamists with a shift in social and cultural norms, too.
Society is more accepting today. Some women are removing their headdress or preferring not to adorn the hijab from the start, and some men are shaving their beards, tooinsignificant in number, true, but noticeable nonetheless. As more scarfed women read the news and present programs, more women in sleeveless dresses are visible on television, too.
The concept of refusing to handshake a person of another gender is slowly eroding, and as I enter a taxi and say Good morning, the taxi driver doesnt assume Im not a Muslim anymore even if I dont cover my hair.
Egyptians not only remember the good old days when neighbours, classmates, and colleagues celebrated both Muslim and Christian festivals together but also restore the old norms again. Today Muslims speak out in unanimity with Copts who remain the prime target for terrorists.
But a more prominent change is in the hatred Egyptians feel towards Islamists as they inflict more pain on innocent souls.
And yet, Egyptians will remain devout Muslims through and through. As they follow the true pillars of Islam, charities boom with an influx of Zakat donations, Friday prayers are the focal point of any weekend, Ramadan is observed diligently and celebrated widely, and Hajj is a wish for all Muslims.
But if Egyptians have learned anything from the horrors they faced after the revolution when Islamists enveloped Egypt in a fake Islamist aura void of feelings for others and lacking in inclusiveness, it is the awareness of how entrenched Islamists were in society and how controlling the Islamist disguise was.
Egypt was bound to know at one point or another. As it suffers today, the only consolation is that it is better to realize matters now than later. The earlier Egypt discovers its enemies the faster it will be able to get them out of its system. Yes, many are dying in the processyoung fathers and sons leaving hundreds of orphaned children and mourning mothersbut it is a necessary war that must be fought.
Egyptians will hang in, holding their breath, until Egypt becomes a better place once more.
The makers of the original Kewpie Mayonnaise, left, have released a new version, right, for U.S. markets. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune)
First it was sushi, then Toyotas, and now Kewpie mayonnaise joins the list of iconic Japanese products made in the United States. Q&B Foods of Irwindale, Calif., a division of Kewpie Corp., is manufacturing a new formulation of the iconic popular brand -- one that subs a key ingredient.
I got word of Kewpies new U.S. mayo after the Japanese export version handily won last months Food & Dining blind tasting of 13 mayonnaise brands. Tasters enjoyed Kewpies pronounced umami element, which comes from monosodium glutamate.
Same great taste as the original from Japan, but without the MSG that many Americans tend to avoid, wrote Terry Dunseith, Q&B Foods director of sales and marketing, in an email about the new U.S. version. We use another Umami secret.
What might that secret be? Yeast extract. Yet despite the no-MSG claim, yeast extract is one of the ingredients (including tomatoes and cheeses) in which MSG "occurs naturally," according to the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration.
"While FDA requires that these products be listed on the ingredient panel, the agency does not require the label to also specify that they naturally contain MSG," reads the FDA web page on monosodium glutamate. "However, foods with any ingredient that naturally contains MSG cannot claim 'No MSG' or 'No added MSG' on their packaging."
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And, indeed, the US Kewpie bottle label avoids making those claims. Asked to elaborate on his early email about the no-MSG claim, Dunseith said there was a distinction between naturally occuring monosodium glutamate, like yeast extract, and manufactured MSG.
"What is MSG and what is not MSG has many points of view, some may be based on science, some based on perceptions," he wrote in a follow-up email.
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Maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure if I'd immediately think yeast extract is the equivalent of manufactured MSG, but there are surely people who will, particularly those who have a sensitivity or bad reaction to MSG, which is a form of glutamic acid, one of the protein-building amino acids.
The new mayo is being introduced to national retailers for distribution this summer, according to Dunseith. In the meantime, you can order it via Q&B's Kewpie website or Amazon.com. The Japanese export version can be found at Asian markets. (I get mine at Devon Market in Rogers Park.)
Let's compare!
What do the yeast extract substitution and other changes do for the taste of Kewpie? I decided to pit Kewpie against Kewpie with some bottles of the new version sent by Q&B Foods.
Looks
The U.S. Kewpie is sold in a 12-ounce container whose slender, tapering shape is similar to that of the larger Japanese 500-gram (17.64 ounces) bottle. The U.S. bottle is squeezable but not as squishy-soft as the Japanese version. Both bottles look as if they should hold body lotion rather than mayonnaise, especially the Japanese version, which is devoid of lettering but has an embossed image of the trademark Kewpie baby. (All the lettering and nutritional info is on the removable sleeve in which the Japanese mayo is packed.) The American version has lettering right on the bottle, the companys Kewpie doll logo and a photograph of a sandwich decoratively laced with mayonnaise.
List of ingredients
Japanese version: Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Soybean Oil), Egg Yolk, Vinegar, Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Spice, Natural Flavor.
U.S. version: Soybean Oil, Egg Yolks, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Sugar, Mustard Flour, Red Wine Vinegar, Rice Vinegar, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors.
Nutrition information
Calories per 1 tablespoon serving: Japanese, 100 calories, 90 calories from fat; U.S., 110 calories, 100 from fat.
Total fat: Japanese, 10 grams (saturated fat, 1.5 grams); U.S., 11 grams (saturated fat, 1.5 grams).
Cholesterol: Japanese, 20 milligrams; U.S., 25 milligrams.
Sodium: Japanese, 100 milligrams; U.S., 105 milligrams.
Cost
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Japanese, $5.99. U.S.: $4.99 (prices from Kewpies online shop).
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Taste
We conducted a very informal blind comparison in the Chicago Tribune test kitchen. The two mayos were set out in small containers to be sampled as-is.
My thoughts? I was running late for the tasting and thought the American Kewpie mayo looked more lemon-colored after being exposed to air. There was a nicely eggy smell. The taste was bright, bright, bright -- at once tangy, salty and strong.
In comparison, the Japanese version was a paler color, the nose was slightly more subdued. But the flavor was more complex -- less salty and more briny, with almost a seaweedlike quality. I have to say that savory umami note from the MSG has always been part of Kewpie mayo's appeal.
My Food & Dining colleagues tasted the mayos too. Most of them did not know which was which until afterward. Heres a sampling of some of their comments.
I thought they were fairly similar, said reporter Nick Kindelsperger. The non-MSG version still has yeast in it, which gives it close to the same meaty flavor. I still prefer the other one but probably wouldnt notice if the new one were swapped in a dish without my knowledge.
The difference was almost immediately noticeable on texture, reporter Joseph Hernandez said. Whereas the Japanese version was creamy and almost earthy, the American one was just a touch unctuous. The original had a little more overall depth of savoriness (hello, MSG), while the American version was brighter, with more pronounced lemony-ness.
Joe Gray, the Food & Dining editor, said the American version had a milder flavor: "Still very good, but missing the umami note so noticeable" in the Japanese version, which offered "a nice hit of umami flavor."
Flavor of new has distinctive aftertaste reminiscent of American brands with fatty feel, said reporter Louisa Chu, who did not taste blind. Classic has slightly tart taste, lovely balance.
Overall
All in all, the Tribune's Food & Dining team favored the original Japanese export version of Kewpie mayo. Was it that the taste was familiar? Or did the combination of flavor notes just play the right tune on the collective palate? As Hernandez said, "Hello, MSG."
wdaley@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter @billdaley
The Rev. Michael Pfleger (left) and actor Nick Cannon lead a peace march along West 79th Street in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood on July 8. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
"Wild 'N Out" host Nick Cannon is scheduled to host a summit and competition for Chicago youth who aspire to be business moguls Wednesday in Chicago.
Members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago participated in business plan training workshops hosted by Cannon's foundation. These students are set to present their business plans to compete for $5,000 in prizes at the Chase Tower auditorium.
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The event has previously been held in Cannon's hometown of San Diego.
Cannon, who starred in Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq," has become a familiar face in Chicago. He joined the Rev. Michael Pfleger and the families of murder victims in a peace walk on the South Side last summer.
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He welcomes Chicago's Chance the Rapper for a rap battle on the new season of "Wild 'N Out," which is scheduled to premiere 10 p.m. June 29 on MTV.
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Guitarists George Freeman and Mike Allemana listen to a recording of a previous live performance at the Green Mill during a mastering session for their upcoming album, "Live at the Green Mill," on May 8, 2017, in the West Rogers Park neighborhood. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Ninety-year-old Chicago jazz legend George Freeman settles into a comfortable chair, closes his eyes and says he's ready to listen.
So recording engineer Brian Schwab presses a button, and, suddenly, the voice of Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo resonates on the sound system in Schwab's Chicago recording studio.
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"George is when was your birthday, yesterday? 88 years old," Jemilo is heard telling the Green Mill crowd, during a show recorded live two years ago.
"How about that?" continues Jemilo on the recording. "Is he the hippest guy you know?"
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The audience roars, and then Freeman's voice booms forth.
"Hold it Dave," Freeman says on the recording. "Dave, I want you to know I'm still young at heart."
And the club bursts into a spontaneous chorus of "Happy Birthday."
"You gotta' leave that in there, because that's the Green Mill," Freeman calls out to engineer Schwab and guitarist Mike Allemana, both of whom nod approvingly.
Thus they begin their work, putting the final touches on an album to be released digitally and on vinyl Aug. 18: "Live at the Green Mill," featuring the George Freeman/Mike Allemana Organ Quartet with special guest Bernard Purdie.
That Freeman elder brother of Chicago tenor saxophone giant Von Freeman, who died in 2012 should be recording, performing and touring the world at his exalted age is a gift to anyone who values the glories of Chicago jazz and the enormous contributions of the Freeman family. The lineage includes Von and George's brother, drummer Eldridge "Bruz" Freeman, who died in 2006, and Von's son, tenor saxophonist Chico Freeman, who returned to the United States last year after more than a decade in Europe.
Guitarists George Freeman, left, and Mike Allemana listen during a mastering session for their upcoming album, Live at the Green Mill. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune )
Like his saxophonist sibling, George Freeman owns a resume few living musicians can match, the guitarist having performed with Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Coleman Hawkins, Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, Richard "Groove" Holmes well, you get the idea.
But Freeman's career was tapering down when Chicago drummer Mike Reed, who owns the Constellation arts center on North Western Avenue, in 2013 came up with the idea of teaming him with guitarist Allemana (who had played for years with Von Freeman).
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"Mike called me and said: 'George, man, Mike Reed had been over in Italy and the driver was playing (Freeman's) record in the car,'" remembers Freeman.
The driver said to Reed, "'You know who this is? George Freeman out of Chicago,'" adds Freeman.
"And Mike said, 'I know George Freeman.' And it progressed from there."
Indeed it did. Reed offered the Freeman/Allemana partnership an extended engagement at Constellation, and the first night "about three people" showed up, says Freeman.
"I started calling (Reed) a class act, because he paid us, regardless of empty or not, he paid the band.
"Am I lying?" Freeman says to Allemana, who nods his head to vouch for Freeman's veracity.
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The partnership quickly drew a following, however, Jemilo initiating annual birthday shows at the Green Mill and Freeman finding himself increasingly in demand.
"When they find out you're 90 years old it's totally different," says Freeman.
"They're surprised, me being 90 years old. I just got back from Key West, Fla. And the one who has the club there, he says (to the audience): 'And he's 90 years old!
"And the people said, 'Wow! But you sure don't look it.'"
Freeman doesn't sound it either, his antics on the recording they're mastering on this morning suggesting the energy and free-spiritedness of a much younger man.
At some points the recording captures Freeman shouting his famous exhortation to the crowd: "Everybody say, 'Yeah!'" At other moments he's heard turning up the power on his instrument, maniacally ascending the chromatic scale as if reaching for the heavens.
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But as Allemana and engineer Schwab listen to one musical snippet after another, Freeman gets a bit frustrated.
"I want to hear one song, at least, in its entirety," he protests. "I can't tell what's what. Let's hear something."
So Schwab plays the band's recording of Freeman's "Hoss."
"I'm just trying to make it right right George?" says Allemana.
"I'm just trying to figure out what's going on," responds Freeman.
The guitarist savors the music as "Hoss" plays from start to finish, Freeman nodding to the beat.
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Several hours later, when the day's work ends, Freeman seems pleased.
"I feel great," he says. "I feel great about the album. I like the sound of it. The engineer has a lot to do to bring that sound out," he says, the Green Mill sets having been recorded by David Zuchowski.
Adds Allemana, "My impression is I'm certainly happy that it's finally going to get released. I think the recording really captures the likeness of George's thing, and that's really hard to capture.
"I feel like the band is really speaking as one, we really are together on this, don't you George?" says Allemana, referencing an ensemble featuring organist Pete Benson and guest drummer Purdie, plus a vocal by Chicagoan Joanie Pallatto.
Freeman concurs, again tipping his hat to the engineers.
"You have a script," he says, "but it's the person that's believing the script that really enhances the script."
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To which Allemana responds, "You provided the script."
Meaning all but one of the compositions on the album were penned by Freeman, including "Birth Sign," which happens to have been the title track of his first album as leader, recorded in 1969.
As for the new album, "It's very important to me," says Freeman. "It took four years for it to come here."
Judging by the mastering session, it was worth the wait.
George Freeman and the New Apartment Lounge Trio play at 8:30 p.m. June 21 at Fulton Street Collective, 1821 W. Hubbard St.; $10 suggested donation; www.fultonstreetcollective.com/events or 773-852-2481. The George Freeman/Mike Allemana Organ Quartet plays at 7, 8:30 and 10 p.m. July 8 at Winter's Jazz Club, 465 N. McClurg Court (on the promenade); $20; 312-344-1270 or www.wintersjazzclub.com.
Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.
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hreich@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @howardreich
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There's a running joke at Side Street Studio Arts that every time Erin Rehberg hears a good idea, Elgin gets a new arts festival. Rehberg, an Elgin native, opened Side Street Studio Arts with her husband, Tanner Melvin, after moving back to the city about 35 miles west of Chicago in 2012. At 38, Rehberg was seeking a quieter, less saturated place to live and work, but has since produced or collaborated on numerous events and festivals, including the Elgin Fringe Festival and Battle of the Bands, and the city's annual Literary Festival. The two now run their business with four staff members and interns from a growing number of storefronts tucked in an alley in the heart of downtown Elgin (hence the name Side Street Studio Arts).
For 10 years, Rehberg was the artistic director of Core Project, an interdisciplinary company based in Chicago that was perhaps best known for Going Dutch: a showcase highlighting the female voice in dance, visual art, music and theater. Now in its seventh year, Going Dutch launches this weekend in its new home in Elgin for three full days of cutting-edge exhibits and performances featuring work by more than 60 female-identified artists.
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That's right, Elgin is getting another arts festival, but it wasn't always the hip and vibrant "City in the Suburbs" that earns its slogan today. Nestled along the Fox River at the terminus for the Metra's Milwaukee District West Line, the downtown district was practically empty when Side Street Studio Arts (SSSA) opened in 2013. It now boasts a gallery and theater space, co-working artists' studio and art supply store. While SSSA provides the space and opportunity for Rehberg and Melvin to keep up on their own artistic practices, the organization is really all about the community: hosting classes and workshops for people of all ages, plus gallery openings, live music and yes, festivals.
But in order for all that to work, the community must be willing. When I asked Rehberg if SSSA could be successful in a single artistic discipline, she gave an emphatic "no." Though willing to try almost anything, Side Street has implemented plenty of ideas that just didn't work. Following the community's lead and relying on the projects that are consistently successful have been vital to their sustainability. "I think a lot of people see that what we do is building community," Rehberg said. "Not just in the arts but by bringing humans together in the same place at the same time. Whatever happens then is up to those people."
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Combined with up-and-coming downtown real estate and restaurants, shops and cafes returning to the district, the topic of saturation and gentrification is on Rehberg's mind as SSSA continues to expand at a rapid pace. Each year has required a restructuring of the business to meet the demands of the community. At the forefront of that restructuring, Rehberg says, is the question of what Side Street is doing to and for the region.
"Are we the exact thing that starts the gentrification of an area? How can we maintain the integrity of the diversity, the history and then that kind of bubbling up talent of Elgin, while showing it off?" she said. "Because all of this talent has been here my whole life, I just didn't know it."
Each project is an effort to enhance, engage and beautify the community, raise the profile of local talent, as opposed to "head down, moving forward, progress for progress' sake." But Rehberg admits that where it all leads, and what it means for Elgin in the long term, remains unknown. While other small cities can and do experience the same sort of cultural renaissance, the unique formula for success in Elgin comes from its culturally curious and trusting residents, buy-in from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission (on whose board Rehberg now sits), local artists hustling to get the word out about their art in places other than Chicago and area businesses willing to collaborate plus a couple of founders with impressive resumes and a little luck.
A healthy contingent from Chicago's storefront dance scene will be venturing west this weekend, which includes choreography from J. Lindsay Brown, Connor Cornelius, Andrea Cerniglia (as dropshift dance), Sarah Olson and Tiffany Lawson, plus a long list of visual artists and musicians in a lineup that boasts 14 performances, opening and closing receptions, open art galleries and master classes.
Lauren Warnecke is a freelance critic.
ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com
Going Dutch Festival
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: The Professional Building, 164 Division St., Elgin
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Tickets: $10-25 at www.sidestreetstudioarts.org
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Alfred Jarry's 1896 absurd and grotesque "Ubu Roi" should be the perfect play for our current political moment. After all, it involves an impulsive vulgarian who, while utterly unacquainted with matters of state (or basic etiquette) manages to bully his way into power only to find that it's not as fun as he imagined.
Yet somehow Organic Theater Company's "King Ubu," despite incorporating some riffs for the age of "Make America great again," falls flat more often than not. "Freely adapted" by director Alexander Gelman, it's physically and vocally frenetic, with some inspired visual flourishes and a solid performance from Joel Moses in the title role. But it pulls its punches when it comes to fully mining the histrionic extremes of Jarry's "Foland" for contemporary nuggets of insight. (Jarry's close borrowing of "Poland" as Ubu's kingdom serves as both a commentary on the perpetually troubled nature of that country in the 19th century and as a sort of long-form Polish joke.)
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True, Jarry wasn't in the business of finely honed cerebral satire. His Ubu is all id and appetite. (Think of it as "Macbeth" as imagined by John Waters, a la "Pink Flamingos" and its contest for "the filthiest person alive.") But there still needs to be an underlying sense of unease and danger as Ubu's world spins out of control.
That's especially true if you're selling it as a story with ripped-from-the-headlines parallels. Moses channels the intonations of the president in delivering lines such as "Believe me!" and "I have words. I have the best words."
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Another character describes Ubu as "a short-fingered librarian" an odd gloss on the old Spy Magazine epithet calling Donald Trump "a short-fingered vulgarian." But not a lot here really works in invoking contemporary parallels, and not just because Jarry's Ubu declares war on Russia (though Ubu's whining that "I want a vacation" as the affairs of statecraft weigh on him does warrant chuckles).
Gelman's adaptation falls into a dispiriting rhythm of overselling the excess that wears down the points he's trying to make. At 60 minutes, it might work. At 95, it's a slog. While it's certainly true that one of the keys to understanding Ubu's kingdom is that it's a world where people don't become ennobled by their travails, seeing the ensemble act at the top of their lungs from the beginning gives them no place to go over the course of the show.
There is, however, some inspired stagecraft. The battle scenes involve life-size puppets on a pole skillfully manipulated by the actors. (Mazi Jurgenson is credited with properties design.) The Trump-like coiffure on Ubu's battle helmet feels obvious but the doormat reading "Welcome" that Moses dons as a breastplate offers a clever commentary on a man who is easily bought by those bearing gifts.
Like its title character, Organic's "King Ubu" seems to believe that more is more. But as a certain political potentate has learned, saying and doing everything that comes to mind has more drawbacks than pluses in the long run.
Kerry Reid is a freelance critic.
ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com
Review: "King Ubu" by Organic Theater (1.5 stars)
When: Through July 14
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Where: Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Running time: 95 minutes
Tickets: $25 at 773-404-7336 or organictheater.org
NBC's Megyn Kelly is under fire for her one-on-one interview with Infowars' Alex Jones.
One of the immediate critics is a mother whose daughter was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, a massacre that Jones has dismissed as a government hoax.
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Nelba Marquez-Greene saw the interview, scheduled to air Sunday - Father's Day - as an "egregious offense" to fathers whose children were murdered on Dec. 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut.
"To give Alex Jones a platform on Father's Day is especially cruel to me," she told The Washington Post.
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Jones' interview reignites a debate over whether interviewing polarizing figures on national television gives them a platform or places their controversial views under scrutiny.
A call to Kelly's publicist was not returned, but in a tweet responding to criticisms Sunday night, the host said the media needed to "shine a light" on who Jones is, particularly because of the layer of legitimacy he's receiving from the White House. Infowars was given a temporary press credential last month. President Donald Trump, who has appeared on Infowars, once called Jones a "nice guy" and hinted that their mind-sets align.
POTUS's been on & praises @RealAlexJones' show. He's giving Infowars a WH press credential. Many don't know him; our job is 2 shine a light. https://t.co/5e88BJyqnz Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 12, 2017
Marquez-Greene said Kelly's reasoning is misguided and would, instead, encourage Jones' army of followers to "double down" on their effort to label the massacre of 20 elementary schoolchildren a hoax.
"Shining a light works on cockroaches," she said. "It doesn't work on Alex Jones."
She added: "It's just a reminder that we really haven't found a way as a nation to really honor the loss. We really want to honor the loss, but we really don't know how to do that. Because this is not the way."
Efforts to reach Jones on Monday were unsuccessful. A message left to Infowars' media hotline was not returned.
Here you go @megynkelly - her name is Ana Grace Marquez-Greene. Say her name- stare at this & tell me it's worth it. @nbc #SandyHook pic.twitter.com/mKrU63KWmA Nelba Marquez-Greene (@Nelba_MG) June 12, 2017
Marquez-Greene took to Twitter after she found out about the upcoming interview. She posted a picture of her daughter Saturday night and tagged Kelly in a tweet:
"Here you go @megynkelly - her name is Ana Grace Marquez-Greene. Say her name - stare at this & tell me it's worth it. @nbc #SandyHook," she wrote.
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Marquez-Greene said her concerns weren't necessarily over Jones, but on "the people he inspires."
Just last week, a Florida woman who claimed the mass shooting was a hoax and sent death threats to a parent whose 6-year-old son was killed, was sentenced to five months in prison.
Marquez-Greene said her family frequently receives mails from hoaxers implying that the shooting is a government conspiracy, suggesting that actors had been involved and accusing them of making millions off an Obama hoax. Others tell her she should teach her son how to shoot. Marquez-Green said she found that most disturbing.
Marquez-Greene's son was 8 when his sister, 6-year-old Ana Grace, was killed. She said she's tried to keep the now-12-year-old boy away from social media, where he might learn of the conspiracy theories swirling around his sister's death.
"It's hard enough to deal with losing a sister in mass shooting. We are trying to protect him as much as we can," she said. "He lives in a world where people don't think his sister's death is real. I'm not ready for him to know that yet."
In a preview of the interview, Kelly asked about the Sandy Hook massacre and his conspiracy theory that the shooting was a government hoax to push for tougher gun laws. In answering the question, Jones seems to offer differing views.
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"Well, Sandy Hook's complex because I've had debates where we devil's advocates say the whole story's true," he said. "And then I've had debates where I've said none of it's true."
Kelly then went on to confront Jones, who seemed to move the conversation to other topics that he said the media failed to cover.
Kelly: When you say parents faked their children's death, people get angry.
Jones: Oh, I know. But they don't get angry about the half a million dead Iraqis from the sanctions. They don't get angry about all the -
Kelly: That's a dodge.
Jones: No, no, it's not a dodge. The media never covers all the evil wars that's promoted -
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Kelly: That doesn't excuse what you did and said about Newtown. You know it.
Jones: Here's the difference. I looked at all the angles of Newtown, and I made statements long before the media even picked up on it. We didn't really get into the really important stuff.
Kelly: What do you mean? We talked about all the important stuff.
Jones: Here's the big one they always make fun of me. You probably want to throw this in there. Thirty years ago, they began creating animal-human hybrids. Isn't that the big story that Megyn Kelly should be doing?
For Marquez-Greene, if Jones deserves a platform on national media, so do parents like her.
"If they're going to do the interview, fine," she said. "But then give us equal airtime to express how dismaying this is."
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She also said she wants to talk to Kelly, off or on the air, "mother to mother, woman to woman."
"And just talk about the personal impact this has had on our family and many others," she said.
The Jones interview is Kelly's second since NBC launched her "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly" last week. Her first interview was with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
Elizabeth Ralyea, who was born in Burkina Faso and now lives in Chicago, underwent female genital mutilation when she was a girl. Now 48, Ralyea refused to have her daughter cut and tries to stop others from continuing the practice. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Elizabeth Ralyea remembers people holding her arms and legs while she screamed and kicked at the woman who approached with a razor blade.
She thinks she was about 6, or maybe 8, and she was living with her family in the West African country of Burkina Faso.
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The elder woman began to cut between Ralyea's legs, she recalled. When she yelled at the woman, her mother grabbed a branch to swat her for being impolite, she said.
"It's a lot of pain," recalls Ralyea, now 48. "It's still just like yesterday."
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Ralyea, a nurse practioner who lives in Humboldt Park, is one of the estimated tens of thousands of women in Illinois who have undergone or are at risk for what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls female genital cutting or mutilation, the removing of all or parts of a girl's genitals.
The April arrests of three people in Michigan, including two doctors accused of coordinating and performing the procedure on girls about 6 to 8 years old, has shed new light on a ritual shrouded in secrecy. Women in Chicago say it has spurred conversations about a tradition in many African, Middle Eastern and South Asian countries that had often been kept in the shadows.
"It's happening, but no one talks about it," said Ralyea, who arrived in Chicago from Burkina Faso in 1990 when she was 21.
In Illinois, there are about 10,000 to 25,000 women and girls who have been cut or are at risk of being cut, according to the Washington-based Population Reference Bureau. Nationwide, 513,000 women and girls born into families who practice the tradition or who immigrated from those countries were at risk of female genital mutilation in 2012, more than double the number in 2000, according to the CDC, a rise attributed to an increase in immigration from countries where the practice is prevalent.
Women in Chicago said the tradition is a familiar one. They have friends who were cut as girls or friends who are considering the procedure for their own daughters.
One Chicago woman who is a member of the small Muslim sect Dawoodi Bohra of which the Michigan doctors are also members said she was asked recently by another mother if she was considering what she called circumcision for her daughter.
"I was appalled," said the woman, who asked that her name not be used because she did not want to receive criticism from her community for speaking out against a practice she said remains common within their sect. "I have a 7-year-old daughter. I would obviously tell her these things are assault in any other context."
The procedure has been illegal to perform in the U.S. since 1996, and it is outlawed in African countries including Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso. Still, according to a 2016 report from the Population Reference Bureau, "it remains a significant harmful tradition for millions of girl and women."
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After the Michigan arrests, an organization overseeing the Dawoodi Bohra community in Detroit released a statement saying it does not condone violating U.S. law.
States have considered implementing measures of their own. Last month, Minnesota's House approved a measure that would create new penalties for doctors. Legislation approved by the Michigan Senate would make genital mutilation punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The FBI created a tip line following the arrests in Michigan, requesting information on anyone suspected of assisting, facilitating or performing female genital mutilation. Earlier this year, after a 2016 Government Accountability Office report said federal awareness efforts should be improved, the Department of Homeland Security outlined a strategy to reach girls at risk of being cut, including brochures and tip lines.
Social worker Joanna Vergoth runs a Chicago-based group called Forma that supports women who have experienced genital cutting, which the World Health Organization considers a human rights violation. Her group provides individual and group counseling, and offers seminars to raise awareness of the dangers of the practice.
For most U.S. women and girls who have been cut, the procedure was performed in their home country before moving here, Vergoth said, or while they were sent abroad often called "vacation cutting."
In 2013 it became illegal in the U.S. to knowingly transport a girl out of the country for cutting.
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Ralyea said she has Chicago friends from countries like Burkina Faso and Mali who are nervous that if they send daughters back for a summer visit with relatives, a family member might allow the girls to be cut as a "favor," because it's considered a ritual and a milestone.
Female genital mutilation is an umbrella term used to describe various degrees of scraping or cutting female sexual organs, said Dr. Lori Post, a professor in emergency medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine who has researched female genital mutilation for decades.
The least invasive type involves removing all or part of the clitoris, said Post, who co-authored a column outlining the dangers and the wide spectrum of procedures for an upcoming issue of Lancet.
The most extreme procedure, which Post said also is the most common, removes the entire clitoris and labia, and stitches the vagina shut. A small hole remains to urinate and menstruate. In some cultures the woman's vagina is cut open again on her wedding night by their husband.
Post noted the practice happens in many countries for different reasons. Typically, it is considered necessary for girls to remain virgins until marriage and to control their sexual drives, Post said. The procedure is usually performed on girls ranging from infants to 7 years old.
Whatever the type, Post emphasized, girls are subjected to pain. The cutting is often done without proper anesthesia and with crude instruments.
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"The mutilation tools are god awful," she said. "It could be anything from broken Pepsi bottles to razor blades, if you're lucky."
Chicago doctors said they sometimes see evidence of a woman who has been cut, and some patients have asked to be sewn back up after delivering a baby.
For Ralyea's family, genital cutting was viewed as a rite of passage. Her four older sisters had undergone genital mutilation before she did, she said.
Ralyea recalls being lined up with other girls around the same age. After they were held down and cut, she said, they sat in holes in the ground, and dirt was packed around their groins to soak up the blood.
After a few weeks, when they had healed, they were feted. People danced. Many girls got a new dress or special hairdo and exuberant attention.
"It's just a celebration," said Ralyea, whose own daughter is now 27 and has never been cut. Ralyea is in the support group Vergoth runs for women who have undergone cutting, and their conversations often turn toward raising awareness and stopping others from doing this.
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When friends give birth to daughters, whether in Chicago or back home in Burkina Faso, Ralyea said she calls to say: "Make sure this doesn't happen to this girl."
abowen@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @byalisonbowen
Mother's Day was especially emotional for me this year, and now I'm mentally preparing for Father's Day knowing it's my turn to be strong for my husband.
On Mother's Day, I celebrated being a mom to my incredible, amazing and perfect 4-year-old son. Simultaneously, I mourned the loss of my other son, who passed away in my belly at five months in late February after my water broke spontaneously.
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I am at peace with what happened, and I know there's nothing anybody could have done to prevent the incident. I clearly remember going to the 20-week ultrasound with my husband and the doctor shaking our hands, firmly congratulating us on our healthy baby. We were told everything was perfect, and the chances of anything happening at that point were less than 1 percent.
We were the less than 1 percent, as my water broke the next morning.
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My first pregnancy went past 40 weeks. We had our son at a Chicago hospital. With him, my water never broke. But when it did break during my latest pregnancy, I knew exactly what had happened. I also knew it was way, way too early.
The doctors were all shocked, especially since I had no history of what's called preterm premature rupture of membranes, or PPROM.
My husband and I waited patiently at a suburban hospital for four days as I drank gallon after gallon of water, hoping the baby's amniotic fluid would replenish. We didn't know what to do. Ultrasounds showed there was no more water left in my belly for our sweet baby, whose heartbeat was strong. We waited for labor to begin naturally, but it didn't.
Slowly, I started to feel our sweet boy struggling. Every day, the kicking inside my stomach got stronger and stronger, and more intense. He couldn't survive without water. And even if any amniotic fluid were produced, it wouldn't accumulate because of the ruptured membranes.
Doctors told us the amniotic fluid is what develops the baby's lungs, brain, vision, hearing pretty much everything. Our baby still had 20 weeks to go. Outside of my belly, he wouldn't have been able to survive for more than a couple of minutes.
I had to prepare mentally and physically to give birth to our sweet boy. And I knew that baby would not be coming home with us.
Typically, babies need to be delivered within 24 hours of a woman's water breaking to avoid risking infection. Doctors informed us there were several women who waited a week or more after their water broke who were on their deathbeds due to fatal infections that compromise the life of the mom.
As I was feeling weaker, I felt baby kicking harder and harder, practically begging to end his misery. Eventually the intense, yet gentle, kicks stopped. Completely. I knew baby boy had passed away inside my belly.
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This led to my having to do the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. I delivered our sweet, angel baby. Autopsy results showed that he was indeed perfect, just as my doctor had said at the 20-week ultrasound.
My loving, supportive husband and I went home from the hospital a day later without our bundle of joy holding each other's hands instead of those of our new baby.
Despite our loss, we tried to focus on what we had: the most precious boy waiting for us to get out of the hospital and join him at home and to continue our fun-filled days together.
Our 4-year-old had lots of questions for us. It took all my courage and every single broken piece of me to tell him his baby brother really, really wanted to stay with us, but he instead went up to heaven and is playing in the skies.
"No way!" Our kiddo responded, completely shocked.
He then looked into my tear-filled eyes with utmost love.
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"Don't worry, Mommy," he said. "I will stay with you."
We did a small burial for our teeny, tiny, 1-pound, 13-inch-long precious boy, who will remain a part of our hearts forever.
After being home for only two days with just enough time to participate in the funeral, I became very ill with a 103-degree fever, infection and shaking chills. I was in the hospital for another several days for surgery and treatment. Preterm labor infections are no joke.
Finally, exactly two weeks after my doctor firmly shook our hands congratulating us on baby No. 2, we were home. I had a void in my heart and 20 pounds of pregnancy weight to lose.
I am at peace with what happened. I know we did everything we could to nurture, protect and care for our baby boy as any loving parents would. Loss is an entire emotion that I had thankfully never really encountered before. It's as if I now have a sixth or seventh sense, truly understanding loss.
I know my second son is in a much better place now. Throughout the past few months, my husband and I have become stronger individuals with an even more positive perspective on life. We've truly and graciously been enjoying every minute with our 4-year-old, but not a day goes by without thinking of our other sweet baby's short life.
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Life is a gift. I hope my husband and I remain blessed, well and able to celebrate and appreciate both of our precious boys every Mother's Day and Father's Day. We take solace knowing we were given the opportunity to be parents to two beautiful souls.
Whether you have kiddos or dads that make you smile daily, whether you've lost a child at any age, whether you've lost your dad, or if you're an aspiring dad, happy Father's Day to you from the bottom of my heart.
Hafsa Naz Mahmood is a freelance writer.
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When I first visited a fertility doctor because of pregnancy problems, I had no idea that the in vitro fertilization, or IVF, he was suggesting to help me was actually the "test-tube baby" technique that I'd heard about, an approach that had sounded scary, like something out of science fiction.
After I educated myself and started treatment, the concerns continued: Would the hormone-stimulating drugs have adverse effects on me? What would the drugs do to the fetus? And more important, would conceiving a child outside the womb (not actually in a test tube but in an embryology lab) have any long-term effects? Most important, would my child - if I would be lucky enough to give birth to one - be as physically and mentally healthy as naturally conceived children?
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Articles and blogs fed into my worries - not to mention the online "mommy boards" at pregnancy and fertility websites where women trade rumors, innuendoes and fears, often based on nothing more than a friend's experience.
Since the first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in England in 1978, about 6.5 million children have been born worldwide with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF. So there is now enough information to address my concerns. Overall, those findings leave me pretty confident that the risks are pretty small and well worth taking if, like me, you want to have a baby but can't.
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Although taking fertility medications drove me crazy - some hormones gave me nightmares, others kept me up at night, and the main ones made my mind race loopily - looking at studies allowed me to conclude that IVF probably has no long-term bad effects.
For instance, a 2013 study of 21,646 women in Australia concluded that "there is no evidence of an increased risk of ovarian cancer following IVF in women who give birth." Another study of 9,825 American women found no link between gonadotropins - the drugs I was taking to increase my egg production - and ovarian cancer for women who gave birth. There was one worrisome point: Both studies found an increased cancer risk for women with "resistant infertility" - i.e., those who did not give birth - although the researchers did not know why.
A recent study in the journal JAMA of about 25,000 women who had fertility treatments between 1980 and 1995 found that those who had gone through IVF had no greater risk of getting breast cancer in the subsequent 21 years than those who used other techniques.
Whew. I went through nine rounds of IVF before I got pregnant, which means I took a lot of ovary-stimulating drugs, so these studies are reassuring.
"Numerous studies and opinions from [the American Society for Reproductive Medicine] confirm low risk for ovarian and breast cancer from the use of fertility drugs, regardless of the number of IVF cycles performed," said Jeffrey Braverman, founder and medical director at Braverman IVF & Reproductive Immunology in New York.
So how about risks to the baby? Would he or she be affected by her medically assisted conception?
Two studies have raised concerns.
A 2016 study in JAMA Pediatrics found increased risk for birth defects in babies conceived through ART. The study, which involved more than 4 million infants, found that "singleton infants conceived using ART were 40 percent more likely to have a nonchromosomal birth defect (such as cleft lip and/or palate or a congenital heart defect) compared with all other singleton births."
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The researchers acknowledged that the study "did not account for some factors related to infertility that might explain the observed increases in risk for birth defects." In other words, IVF may not have caused the defects. They recommended further research.
A comprehensive review of a group of other studies suggested that the risk for developmental disabilities was greater with ART - which, in addition to IVF, includes egg freezing and surrogacy - than with natural childbirth. The review examined studies of IVF and autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sensory impairment, among others, and found conflicting information, no correlation or that the disabilities could have been caused by other factors such as preterm birth.
And a study published in March found an increased risk of neoplasms - tumors that can be benign or malignant - in children born through ART.
But I focused on a study that followed children conceived with ART into their teenage years. It offers a much more reassuring view. The study, published in January, compared 253 16- and 17-year-olds who were conceived with fertility treatments to a cohort of teenagers conceived naturally and found that "no differences were detected in general and mental health of ART adolescents or cognitive ability, compared with the reference group." The researchers, who said this was the first long-term study of such children, concluded that their "preliminary results provide reassurance that in the long run, health and functioning of ART-conceived adolescents is not compromised."
One of the researchers on the study, Mark Weiser, a psychiatry professor at Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine, said in an interview that the findings should be a relief to parents who used IVF and other assisted reproductive technology. "We show there is nothing wrong with these kids" when compared with children born naturally. "This is a very positive message to parents who are not able to get pregnant on their own. If you look down the line, the kids are perfectly normal."
As for me: After an uneventful pregnancy, my daughter was born full term nearly two years ago at a healthy six pounds, six ounces, with all her fingers and toes and brown hair that would soon turn to curls. She is a delightful, chatty, feisty toddler. Every parent worries about their child, and I know that I will be no different. But for now it seems clear to me that the risks of having used IVF were minimal - and the reward huge.
I didn't know Isaac Reed. But I do know that he didn't deserve to be killed especially not in front of his children.
I don't know the young men who shot him to death either. Witnesses say they were teenagers. But I do know that what they did was pure evil. It would not be fair to condemn them for life, but I feel no sympathy for them. Not right now.
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They are not among the young people I often write about the ones who I insist would do better if they had other life choices. The teens who walked up on Reed on Thursday afternoon and shot him in the head after he pleaded, "I'm with my kids," have some issues that society cannot fix. What they need is a conscience.
In the past, I have asked you to put yourself in the place of young people who are consumed by violence, to consider how social and economic forces beyond their control contributed to the people they've become. I have implored you to reach out whenever possible and offer encouragement to our youths, and to find in your heart a way to at least try to understand why they do the bad things they do.
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But this time, I won't. I cannot ask you do what I cannot do myself.
I'm not sure we have the power as regular citizens to help young people who have no regard for human life not the life of a father, not the lives of two young children and probably not even for their own lives.
There's something about killing a 25-year-old father in front of his children that goes beyond the typical gang shootings we are used to in Chicago.
Like a handful of others we've seen in the past, this shooting seemed darker and more sinister. It's the kind of thing that elicits a guttural reaction that both enrages us and renders us helpless at the same time. Shootings like this are more eye-opening than the others because they show us how deep into violence some of our young people have sunk.
Reed was standing on a street near a van, talking through the window to his girlfriend when he was shot. His 2-year-old son and his 5-month-old daughter were inside the vehicle. The family had been talking about going to the park, relatives said.
Then these two teenagers walked up, according to police. One of them asked Reed what he was "about," meaning what gang he belonged to.
Reed answered, "I'm with my kids."
One teen turned to the other and said, "Shoot that n-----, shoot that n-----."
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Reed repeated, "I'm with my kids." His girlfriend said it too. "He's with his kids."
But the teenagers didn't care. The younger of the two raised a pistol and shot Reed in the forehead.
Reed fell to the ground and the teenage gunman stood over him and fired two more times, all this as two children watched.
It's hard to imagine how anyone could be so heartless.
I'm not going to ponder whether having a job would have made these teenagers more sensitive. I'm not going to blame poverty or a weak school system or the lack of opportunities for depriving them of a conscience.
This time, I will do what so many others do whenever there is a shooting in Chicago. I'm going to wonder about their parenting, about the discipline, or the lack of it, they received at home. I am going to assume that these young men are just bad people.
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I don't care what events led to the shooting. It doesn't matter why they did it.
This time, I will only think of Reed's two children.
The 5-month-old is lucky. She's too young to comprehend what happened. But Reed's 2-year-old certainly did. The boy cried hysterically for nearly an hour, his relatives said.
Chances are the images of his father lying on the ground and his mother screaming, "Wake up, wake up" will be with him for a long time. He deserves a childhood much better than that.
dglanton@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @dahleeng
The grassy field at Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Drive, shows damage June 12, 2017, after the Museum of Contemporary Art's 50th anniversary gala was held recently in the park. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune) (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Some Streeterville residents have slammed the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for being a bad neighbor, pointing to the addition of mechanical equipment on the rooftop within eyesight of condo windows and damage to a nearby park where the MCA recently held a gala.
Residents in high-rise condos on Pearson Street, steps away from the historic Water Tower and overlooking the four-story museum at 220 E. Chicago Ave., have voiced their opposition to Ald. Brian Hopkins about the Lake Shore Park damage and equipment placed on the roof for a new museum restaurant. They've pushed for the equipment to be removed or relocated, and have raised concerns about potential problems such as odors, traffic and noise.
"We've got a museum here that doesn't care about the neighborhood," said Barbara Champion, who lives on the eighth floor of a condo across the street from the MCA. Champion, who moved into her condo in 1987, a few years before the MCA moved to its current home on Park District property, is worried that her property value will decline with the rooftop equipment facing her living room window.
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The museum said it is working to address the concerns of its neighbors, develop a feasible solution and improve the museum and neighborhood.
"The MCA has been a part of the Streeterville neighborhood for 50 years and we're committed to being a good neighbor, as well as an asset to the entire community," Teresa Samala de Guzman, the museum's chief operating officer, said in a statement. "We are confident we will address those concerns with an excellent solution, and look forward to sharing more information with our neighbors in the near future."
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Work is scheduled to begin this week to repair the field surrounded by a running track at Lake Shore Park, located a block east of the MCA. The museum's 50th anniversary gala earlier this month damaged the park's grass, according to the Chicago Park District. The MCA will cover the $49,000 cost to restore and improve the field with new sod, which will result in the temporary closure of some sections of the park, a park spokeswoman said.
The damage to the park followed a push by neighbors to get the MCA to remove the rooftop mechanical equipment that they say is unsightly. Residents say the building was intended to be a five-sided design meaning the roof is as architecturally significant as its other facades and say the addition of larger mechanical equipment ruins that concept.
The grassy field at Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Dr., is damaged Monday, June 12, 2017 after The Museum of Contemporary Art's recent 50th anniversary gala was held in the park. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune) (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune)
The new museum restaurant, called Marisol, is part of a $16 million museum renovation. It is expected to open in mid-August, according to museum officials, and to be run by Jason Hammel, the chef/owner of Lula Cafe in Logan Square.
The museum had proposed camouflaging the rooftop equipment with a vertical green screen enclosure a solution some residents found disappointing at a neighborhood meeting last month. Another meeting is tentatively set for June 23 to offer neighbors other options.
The upgraded mechanical equipment will comply with the city's noise level limit, and the MCA plans to turn exhaust fans away from Pearson Street to help mitigate odors, museum officials said.
The rooftop equipment meets current zoning rules, Hopkins said.
To help alleviate traffic concerns, the museum plans to test a valet parking program for the first two months on weekends, parking cars at the MCA's garage and others nearby.
We've got a museum here that doesn't care about the neighborhood Barbara Champion, MCA neighbor
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Additionally, the museum said it planned to upgrade landscaping along Pearson Street and Chicago Avenue, add more security cameras, and open its back gates in the summer during museum hours to offer access to its patio and green space.
But such improvements are mainly for the benefit of the museum, not the neighborhood, said Diane Cochrane, a Pearson Street resident since 2014. Residents want the MCA to take action about the noise and odor expected to come from the restaurant.
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There's a "lack of consideration in everything they do lately," said Cochrane, referring to the rooftop equipment and the closure of much of Lake Shore Park over Memorial Day weekend to erect the tent for the gala.
Last month, Hopkins asked the MCA to establish a new protocol for neighborhood relations.
"The museum is aware that Streeterville residents in general have high standards for what it means to be a good neighbor," the alderman said. "This situation has brought to light that perhaps the museum needs to do a better job at communication and outreach generally, not just this one issue."
lvivanco@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @lvivanco
: Lawrence Watkins, 53, of Midlothian, was charged in connection with a string of arson fires in that town. (Cook County Sheriffs office)
Bail was set at $250,000 Saturday for a Midlothian man accused of setting a series of fires in his hometown, police said.
Lawrence Watkins, 53, was charged with one count of residential arson, one count of aggravated arson and two counts of arson, all felonies, Midlothian police said.
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Police said no injuries were reported from the four fires, which were sparked late Thursday evening and early Friday morning.
Members of the Midlothian Police Department, Illinois State Police Fire Marshall and MABAS 22 Cause and Origin Task Force completed their investigation into the series of fires on Friday, police said.
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The first fire reported at 9:14 p.m. Thursday was inside a dumpster in the 3200 block of West 147th Street, police said. About 10 minutes later, firefighters responded to the 14600 block of Sawyer Avenue for an attached garage fire, police said.
Midlothian firefighters then were called at 11:11 p.m. that same night to the 14600 block of Spaulding Avenue for a reported porch fire, police said.
On Friday, firefighters were called at 2:13 a.m. to the 14600 block of South Kedzie Avenue for a large trash receptacle fire, police said.
Watkins was being held in Cook County jail.
He is scheduled to return to court Tuesday.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Internet pop artist Austin Jones was charged in federal court in Chicago on Tuesday with child pornography after allegedly coercing two underage female fans to send him sexually explicit videos.
Jones, 24, of west suburban Bloomingdale, faces two felony counts of production of child pornography. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years behind bars if convicted.
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Jones' original songs and covers of popular teen artists have earned him a huge online following. His YouTube channel has more than 500,000 subscribers, and some of his videos have received more than 1 million views.
A criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday alleged Jones had online conversations with two 14-year-old female fans in which he encouraged them to send him sexually explicit videos of themselves, including dozens of images of them performing graphic sexual acts.
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In one chat last month, Jones told one girl identified as Victim A to dance in a sexually suggestive manner and "make it clap super loud and talk about your age the whole time," according to the complaint.
Last year, Jones told the other girl Victim B in a Facebook chat that she was "so lucky" to have his attention and needed to "prove" she was his biggest fan, according to the complaint. At one point, he instructed her to remove her underwear.
"I'm just trying to help you!" he wrote, according to the complaint. "I know you're trying your hardest to prove you're my biggest fan. And I don't want to have to find someone else."
The conversations showed both girls appeared hesitant as Jones asked them to perform increasingly explicit dances.
At one point, Victim A told Jones her mom was "a little overprotective" and that she was tired and wanted to stop, according to the complaint. When Jones asked Victim B if she knew how to do one particularly vulgar move, she wrote back, "Okay lol and no."
Jones was arrested Monday evening after landing at O'Hare International Airport, prosecutors said. He was led into U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason's courtroom Tuesday dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit with a solemn expression on his face, staring at the floor as prosecutors read aloud the charges and possible penalties.
Mason ordered Jones held pending a detention hearing Wednesday.
The charges come two years after Jones was caught up in a social media firestorm over accusations that he had young fans send him inappropriate videos of themselves "twerking," a suggestive dance move made famous by pop star Miley Cyrus.
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After Jones was blasted online, he posted a lengthy YouTube video apologizing to the girls he'd asked to send videos, although he said the videos never crossed any sexual lines.
"I shouldn't have asked you to do that ... it was foolish of me," Jones said in the 16-minute video posted in June 2016. "But there were never any nudes, never any physical contact. It never happened."
Jones said he was an "insecure person" and grew suicidal after receiving death threats over the controversy. He was hospitalized and took a hiatus from touring and social media, he said.
But his career seemed rejuvenated recently. Just days ago, he was tweeting photos of rabid fans from his first tour of Europe, including shows in Germany and Poland.
In the last tweet before his arrest, Jones on Sunday sent a photo of fans from his latest show. "I have honestly never felt so alive," he wrote on the post.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter @jmetr22b
Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation is aiding a bald eagle June 14, 2017, after it flew into a Gold Coast hotel earlier this week. Unfortunately, the raptor have a face pre-existing health condition. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)
Wildlife rescuers are hoping for a better outcome for a bald eagle found injured downtown late Monday, the second of two bald eagles found injured near the Lake Michigan shoreline in as many weeks. The first bird died.
A 1-year-old female bald eagle is believed to have flown into the Sofitel Hotel, 20 E. Chestnut St., Monday night. The hotel's general manager said one of his employees called police and Chicago Animal Care and Control to ensure the health of the animal and the safety of hotel guests and staff.
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Birds flying into Chicago buildings are common enough that the volunteer group Chicago Bird Collision Monitors was founded in 2003, but the group's director, Annette Prince said she hasn't heard of an eagle striking a city building since that same year.
Tuesday morning, the young eagle was taken to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation in Barrington, which cares for about 3,400 animals a year about 2,800 of them birds said that group's founder, Dawn Keller, who was also surprised by the incident.
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"To have two come in right off the lakefront in that short of a period of time is remarkable," Keller said. "That was surprising to me."
The first eagle, found about two weeks ago, died within an hour of being picked up near Gillson Park in Wilmette, Keller said.
"That bird died almost immediately after we picked it up. I actually think it was in the process of dying when we picked it up, unfortunately," she said.
The first bird was a 1-year-old male bald eagle and the bird found near the hotel is a 1-year-old female bald eagle. The primary difference between them was size, Keller said, adding that females are the larger birds.
Absent the signature white feathers on their heads at such a young age, the birds have brown plumage until they mature and there are no physical characteristics other than size to suggest a bird's sex. The birds were too young to be mates, Keller said, and no testing has been done to show if the two birds were related. Any possible connection between the birds will never likely be known, she said.
"Why these two happen to be present, at this time, along the lake ... I can't even begin to tell you," she said.
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The female eagle was found to be suffering from feather lice, which can be an indication that the bird is unhealthy in other ways. Blood was to be drawn from the bird and checked to see if she has underlying health issues that would prevent a full recovery. Should everything else come back OK, the bird will likely be returned to the wild in a matter of weeks.
Pending the blood test results, Keller said she couldn't estimate recovery time for the bird.
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Despite their less than stellar health, two eagles found along near the lake within two weeks could be a positive sign.
"It's probably just indicative of the fact that eagles are making a recovery in the area," she said. "I think it speaks to an increase in population, which as you likely know, was really in decline."
Keller said as the national eagle population bounced back, birds first began populating areas on the east and west coasts and the recovery now has reached the middle of the country. Mature eagles are nesting with their fledgling families this time of year, which may be responsible for driving the 1-year-old birds to new territory.
"At this point there's no reason to think this bird won't ultimately be releasable, and that's always the goal," Keller said.
It was too early to provide an estimate of what the bird's care might cost but Keller said the group doesn't receive regular funding and donations are always needed and can be made at Flintcreekwildlife.org.
Steven Randy Rueckert, left, and Daniel Herbert, attorneys for Jason Van Dyke, confer with Van Dyke during court Aug. 11, 2017. Van Dyke was at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago for a hearing on the shooting of Laquan McDonald. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
Four suspended Chicago police officers under investigation for their roles in the Laquan McDonald shooting will be put back on the department payroll before the probe is complete after the city's police board on Monday delayed disciplinary proceedings.
Chicago Police Board Hearing Officer Tom Johnson announced that the disciplinary proceedings would be delayed until the completion of the criminal trial for a fifth officer in the case, Jason Van Dyke. Van Dyke has been suspended without pay since November 2015, when he was charged with murder for killing McDonald, a 17-year-old who was shot 16 times as he held a knife.
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The four other officers Daphne Sebastian, Janet Mondragon, Ricardo Viramontes and Sgt. Stephen Franko have been suspended without pay since last summer. Like Van Dyke, they face being fired over allegations they covered up the investigation of McDonald's death by making and approving statements in police reports that were contradicted by video footage of the shooting.
While Van Dyke cannot return to duty because of his lingering criminal charges, Johnson's decision Monday afternoon will allow the others to go back to work.
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Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a statement Monday evening that he stands by his original recommendation that the officers be fired. He said the four officers, however, will be relieved of their police powers and be assigned to desk duty.
"While legally the ruling leaves us with no other short-term options, the officers' police powers will remain suspended and they will not return to the street," Johnson said in the statement.
It's unclear whether the four officers will be compensated for all the money they were not paid since last summer.
Hearing Officer Tom Johnson said Monday that the disciplinary proceedings by the police board would "prejudice and potentially jeopardize the criminal prosecutions and the officers' constitutional rights."
In its 14-page decision, the board said the Police Department could be violating the constitutional rights of the four officers if they continued to be suspended without pay. That could provide grounds to have the disciplinary cases dismissed and allow the officers to "escape any disciplinary punishment whatsoever," the board said.
The board's decision was a response to motions filed by Van Dyke's lawyer and by a special Cook County prosecutor assigned to look into police actions in the McDonald case. The attorneys argued that the disciplinary statements Van Dyke and the other officers were required to make during the internal investigation may be used as evidence that could affect Van Dyke's criminal trial.
Under a decades-old legal standard, statements that government employees are forced to give under threat of being fired cannot be used against them in criminal proceedings. Sebastian, Mondragon, Viramontes and Franko have not been charged with any crime. But they are part of an ongoing criminal probe by a special Cook County prosecutor looking into whether there was a cover-up in the shooting.
Chicago police officers accused of criminal wrongdoing are not typically brought up before the police board on disciplinary charges until their court cases are over with. The McDonald shooting case has been an exception.
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Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham said the board's decision ensures that the officers will be treated fairly.
"There has been a decadeslong tradition that the Police Department does not file (termination) charges until their criminal cases have been heard," Graham said. "I hope that these officers can get back to being on the pay status very, very quickly, and certainly I hope that the case winds its way to a successful conclusion."
Daniel Herbert, Van Dyke's lawyer, would not comment after the hearing. But lawyers for the other officers were pleased that their clients will be allowed to get paid by the Police Department, at least until the criminal proceedings run their course.
"I've been doing this for over 30 years. I've never seen the police board tell the superintendent, 'No, you can't suspend these guys,'" Tom Pleines, Franko's lawyer, told reporters. "There's no doubt they were involved in a very serious matter, but there's been no determination that they did anything wrong."
The disciplinary charges before the police board focus largely on alleged dishonesty but varied on specifics among Sebastian, Mondragon, Viramontes and Franko. All are alleged, though, to have violated Rule 14, which bars them from making false reports.
Van Dyke stated in reports that he fired his weapon in fear for his life when McDonald advanced on him with a knife. On the video, however, Van Dyke can be seen jumping from his car and opening fire within seconds as McDonald appears to walk away from him.
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Sebastian and Mondragon reported that Van Dyke and his partner, Joseph Walsh, repeatedly ordered McDonald to drop the knife. The teen ignored them as he waved a blade while approaching the two officers, according to what Sebastian and Mondragon stated in police reports.
Viramontes stated that McDonald turned toward Van Dyke and Walsh after Van Dyke told the teen to drop the knife. After Van Dyke shot McDonald, the teen fell to the street but continued to move, trying to get back up with the knife, according to Viramontes' account in the reports.
The department charged Franko with, among other things, signing off on Van Dyke's allegedly false reports on the incident.
Craig Futterman, a University of Chicago law professor who helped push for the release of the McDonald video, was disappointed in Monday's decision, believing the four officers helped try to cover up the shooting and should remain in a no-pay status.
"That's not a step in the right direction for the Chicago Police Department," he said.
jgorner@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter @JeremyGorner
The average Chicago property tax bill is going up about 10 percent this year following City Hall and Chicago Public Schools tax hikes to pay for police, fire and teacher pensions, according to calculations released Tuesday by the Cook County clerk's office.
As a result, the owner of a city home determined to be worth $224,500 will pay nearly $4,000 in property taxes this year an increase of about $363.
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The news is slightly better in suburban Cook, where the average homeowner can expect to pay anywhere from 3.9 percent to 6.5 percent more, depending on where they live, County Clerk David Orr determined.
And it's a mixed bag for business property owners in the county. In Chicago, commercial parcels will see increases of about 9.3 percent, or $1,150 more for a property valued at $270,000. In suburban Cook, those bills are going down by about 4.2 percent in the north suburbs and up by about 3 percent in the south suburbs.
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While city property owners have complained long and loudly about their tax bills, they still by and large pay less in property taxes than their suburban Cook and collar county counterparts for homes with the same market value. The tax rate in Chicago remains lower than in the vast majority of suburbs, according to Tribune data.
The increases will be reflected on the second installment of Cook County property tax bills, which Treasurer Maria Pappas said would be mailed out at the end of this month with an Aug. 1 due date. The first-installment bills were due March 1.
In Chicago, the story continues to be the impact of property tax hikes that Mayor Rahm Emanuel pushed through the City Council and his hand-picked Chicago Board of Education.
About three-fifths of this year's city property tax increase is the result of a $272 million tax hike for CPS. The extra money is being used to help cover increased CPS contributions to the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund, which is on shaky financial ground following more than a decade of skipped or reduced payments.
Another one-fifth of the city property tax increase is part of the continuing phase-in of a $543 million tax increase aldermen approved at Emanuel's behest in late 2015, with the money going to shore up shaky police and fire pension systems. The rest of the increase comes from smaller hikes at other taxing districts within the city.
The big whammy from those tax hikes came last year, when City Hall property taxes rose by $318 million and overall city property taxes went up by nearly 13 percent, or about $413 for the average homeowner. CPS also collected $45 million more in property taxes last year after aldermen approved that boost for school construction projects.
By comparison, this year's City Hall property tax increase is $109 million, with additional, smaller hikes scheduled for the next two years.
Some caveats: Tax bills will be lower for homes deemed to be worth less, and higher for homes with bigger price tags as determined by the county assessor's office. And taxes vary somewhat depending on what part of the city a homeowner lives in, as some neighborhoods have added property taxes for local improvements, security, mosquito abatement, home equity assurance or mental health treatment.
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Homes in Cook County are reassessed every three years based on geography. This time around, tax bills reflect a reassessment of the north suburbs.
How that affects individual bills will depend on how one's home value fared compared to those of other property within their taxing district, but Orr said in the north suburbs, the average increase on a home valued at $299,100 will be about 6.5 percent, or $433, for a total bill of $7,118.
In the south suburbs, the increase on a home worth $163,000 will be about 3.9 percent, or $192, for a total bill of $5,179.
Suburban Cook tax rates are higher than Chicago's, with only a handful of exceptions. But increases will vary greatly depending on the value of the home and the particular suburb and school district it lies in.
"There's much more variance in the suburbs than in the city of Chicago, as far as the tax rates are concerned, because of the number of taxing districts in the suburbs," said Tanya Anthofer, a top-level manager in Orr's tax department.
Orr's report comes out about this time every year, but the latest edition was released the same day the Chicago Tribune published the third story in its investigation dubbed "The Tax Divide."
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The series concluded that home value determinations made by the assessor's office have been riddled with errors that punished poor homeowners while giving wealthy ones a break. It also concluded a dramatic increase in appeals under Assessor Joseph Berrios made the system even more unfair.
On Tuesday, Orr said he was "very troubled" by the series' conclusions, especially its revelation that a new system designed to make assessments more fair was never fully implemented.
"I thought there was Herculean effort to try to make improvements, and now I'm told that that stuff wasn't implemented and it wasn't good," Orr said. "That's my concern."
Orr also said he was concerned by the number of appeals, noting that higher-income people are more likely to have the wherewithal to be able to challenge their assessments and it costs money for government to conduct appeal hearings. "Our goal should be getting it right the first time," he said.
Orr said he planned to discuss the issue with other officials, including Berrios, Pappas and County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
hdardick@chicagotribune.com
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Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Monday called for Mayor Rahm Emanuel to keep his pledge to ask a federal judge to oversee changes to the troubled Chicago Police Department, calling it the "gold standard" to ensure "sustainable reform."
Madigan, the state's top law enforcement official, also would not rule out suing City Hall if Emanuel does not seek a consent decree an agreement that gives a federal judge and a court-appointed monitor the power to enforce reforms to the Police Department.
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Six months ago, Emanuel signed an agreement with the outgoing Obama administration's Justice Department to seek a consent decree, a move that came after a yearlong civil rights investigation found widespread policing problems in the city that included a pattern of excessive force and misconduct by officers. This month, however, Emanuel has backed away from that commitment, instead negotiating with President Donald Trump's administration to try to reach a deal outside of court.
In an interview Monday, Madigan said Emanuel should not strike an out-of-court agreement with Trump's Justice Department and instead stick to his commitment to hand enforcement to a federal judge.
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"The gold standard to ensure necessary, effective and sustainable reforms are made is a consent decree overseen by a court-appointed independent monitor. The DOJ made that clear in their report and recommendations," Madigan said. "The mayor agreed to that when he signed the agreement in principle. I don't truly believe there is anyone in disagreement about the importance and the use of a consent decree to ensure we have sustainable reforms with CPD."
If Emanuel still agrees a federal consent decree is the best route to go, he hasn't said so publicly. Instead, the mayor has said Chicago would get the same results on police reform whether the city's effort is enforced by a judge or through an agreement with the Trump administration, which has signaled a retreat from federal oversight of police reforms.
When he inked the agreement with the Obama Justice Department in January, Emanuel said he "wouldn't have signed what I signed on behalf of the city if I didn't believe they (consent decrees) were right."
In an opinion piece published in Sunday's Chicago Tribune, Madigan wrote that it was "ludicrous" for the Emanuel administration to negotiate reforms with a Trump Justice Department that "fundamentally does not agree with the need for constitutional policing."
Emanuel has said little about those talks. Earlier this month, the mayor's office trickled out the news that the city had reached an "agreement in principle" with the Trump Justice Department to use an out-of-court memorandum to direct police reforms. The Justice Department, however, responded that it had not agreed on any format for police reform and was reviewing a proposal from Emanuel's office.
For 10 days, the mayor's office has declined to release a copy of the plan it sent to the Trump administration. Madigan said it should be released and discussed publicly, calling the lack of transparency "troubling."
The attorney general urged Emanuel to partner with community organizations to reach an agreement on needed police reforms, some of which the city started working on before the Justice Department investigation. Madigan said that if the mayor and community groups have public discussions and reach a deal, a costly legal battle could be avoided.
Madigan, though, would not rule out taking legal action herself to ensure the city seeks a consent decree, saying only that "a lawsuit is always the last option."
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The attorney general's latest comments aren't the first time she has spoken out on policing issues in Chicago. After the November 2015 release of the Laquan McDonald police shooting video, Madigan was among the first to call for a Justice Department civil rights investigation. Emanuel initially resisted a probe before later welcoming one.
For a week, Emanuel has ignored questions about why he has backed away from his commitment to seek court oversight, who initiated the move and whether he's considered partnering with community organizations on a consent decree.
Asked Monday to react to Madigan's comments, Emanuel said "hold on," and rushed into a West Side library with his security detail. The mayor later left through a back-alley exit and again ignored the question as he got into his waiting city SUV.
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson did re-emerge from the library to answer questions. The city's top cop said talks with the Trump administration are ongoing.
"One of the reasons I took this job as superintendent is because I truly believe CPD needs to transform itself," Johnson said. "I know people want to see a consent decree of some type. I'm not afraid of oversight, but I will tell you I'm 100 percent committed to reform, so it doesn't matter what type of piece of paper we have, who's overseeing it, I and CPD are committed to reform."
Madigan said one of the reasons consent decrees are such an effective tool to drive change is that they insulate the reform of deep-rooted problems from any outside political pressures including an unwillingness from government officials to spend money on changes.
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"It's so important at this point for our city to rebuild the trust between communities, in particular communities of color, and the police. Any taint of politics makes that much more difficult," Madigan said. "Allowing a federal judge to oversee it really helps. It allows the necessary parties to be at the table, to be heard, it ensures the process will take place appropriately and it ensures that the resources will have to be directed."
Johnson said he had no doubt the city would make good on policing changes.
"I appreciate her comment on it. I know that reform is going to be funded," Johnson said in response to Madigan's remarks. "CPD will be the best law enforcement agency in the country, and the only way to get there is with the reform and, of course, the financial support to get there. At the end of the day, it's about what you do. And what we're going to do is reform."
bruthhart@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @BillRuthhart
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Mayor Rahm Emanuel, seen here last month, offered some advice June 12, 2017, to Gov. Bruce Rauner on a school funding formula bill that's pending in the legislature. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
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
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has some political advice for Gov. Bruce Rauner: When you like 90 percent of a proposal, take yes for an answer.
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The context: Emanuel was speaking from the lectern Monday at a traffic safety event on the West Side, and he brought up the state budget situation unsolicited. The mayor cited a Springfield State Journal-Register story that reported Rauner education adviser Beth Purvis said the governor liked 90 percent of a school funding formula rewrite bill (there's no direct quote, but it's in the first paragraph of the story). Rauner has said he plans to veto the legislation, which is on a procedural hold in the Senate but has passed both chambers.
Emanuel, who has burnished a deal-making reputation during his decades in government, suggested the school funding formula bill is close enough to what Rauner wants that the governor should sign it into law.
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"Now look. I would like to get 100 percent all the time. I got three aldermen here. None of us get 100 percent of what we're seeking. Ninety percent in public policy is a victory, and yet the governor is still issuing a veto threat when it meets the needs of the children of the state of Illinois 100 percent," the mayor said.
Later, Emanuel contended "you cannot make perfection the enemy of progress. It explains why we don't have a budget."
Emanuel also questioned whether the governor can ever be made happy. "I asked him to take a step back, not let personal feelings about anybody or any child in the state of Illinois get in the way."
Rauner dislikes an extra $215 million tucked into the bill for Chicago Public Schools teacher pension help. Rauner spokeswoman Eleni Demertzis said that "will result in the diversion of millions of dollars away from other deserving districts to the Chicago Public Schools."
"This will occur despite decades of fiscal mismanagement and skipped pension payments by Chicago. We urge legislators to continue to compromise in order to find a solution that ensures all 852 districts across Illinois are treated equitably," she said in a statement.
What's on tap
*Mayor Emanuel will attend an event in honor of the 10th anniversary of Chicago Gourmet.
*Gov. Rauner has no public events.
*The Chicago Board of Ethics meets.
*Oral arguments are scheduled downstate in the AFSCME lawsuit against the Rauner administration over employee pay.
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*Democratic state Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago will hold a news conference with SEIU to protest proposed Rauner administration cuts to a home care program for the elderly.
*A half-dozen House Democrats will hold a news conference at the Thompson Center to talk about "taking tough votes that would require the very wealthy and highly profitable corporations to pay more" to balance the state budget, according to an advisory.
From the notebook
*Police, fire housing incentives: Mayor Emanuel's bid to get cops, firefighters and paramedics to live in struggling Chicago neighborhoods by helping them cover the cost of buying homes in those areas will get a hearing Tuesday.
The City Council Housing Committee is set to consider earmarking up to $3 million to be paid out in $30,000, 10-year forgivable loans to first responders who buy houses in parts of South, Southwest and West Side neighborhoods. Emanuel hopes the public safety workers will help build stability in some of the most violence-plagued parts of the city.
Emanuel is following in Mayor Richard M. Daley's footsteps with the plan. In 1995, the City Council approved Daley's idea to give police officers who were first-time home buyers $5,000 subsidies and require them to pay just a 3 percent down payment to purchase houses in any of nine low- or moderate-income neighborhoods.
When Emanuel announced the proposal last month, he pitched it as part of a broader effort to promote "economic development and neighborhood revitalization."
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If the City Council adopts the plan later this month, it would cover home purchases for applicants who earn up to 150 percent of area median income roughly $82,950 for singles and $118,500 for a family of four. The program would be offered for parts of Auburn Gresham, Austin, Brighton Park, Chatham, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Gage Park, Greater Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, New City, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, West Englewood and West Garfield Park, according to Emanuel's office. (John Byrne)
What we're writing
*Attorney General Madigan calls on Emanuel to keep pledge for court oversight on CPD reform, won't rule out lawsuit.
*Chicago Police Board delays disciplinary proceedings for five police officers who face being fired for roles in Laquan McDonald shooting investigation. Delay could eventually allow some of the officers to return to police payroll.
*Berrios defends Cook property tax assessments after Tribune reports inequities. Read the whole "Tax Divide" series here.
*Emanuel releases plan to reduce roadway deaths, injuries.
*Chicago Rep. Quigley introduces "COVFEFE Act" to preserve Trump's personal tweets.
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*Chicago City Council comes out against Trump idea of Muslim registry.
*Bail reform gains momentum in Cook County.
*Cook County Jail exits federal oversight that lasted more than 40 years.
*Nearly 90,000 Cook County teens, young adults not in school or working, report finds.
What we're reading (Lazy Summer Edition)
*For our baby boomer readers: Duo from Fleetwood Mac releases album.
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*Hole-by-hole tour of this week's U.S. Open in Wisconin.
*Goose Island releasing 7 Bourbon County beers and OMG our livers.
Follow the money
*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.
Beyond Chicago
*Revised Trump travel ban suffers setback on appeal.
*AG Sessions' testimony Tuesday to be open to public.
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*Trump gives Priebus until July 4 to clean up White House, Politico says.
*Democratic AGs in Maryland, D.C. file suit claiming Trump violating emoluments clause.
*Across Russia, protesters heed anti-Kremlin rallying cry, NYT reports.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to give police and firefighters grants to get them to buy homes in some of Chicago's most violent neighborhoods is a step closer to reality, though some aldermen are worried first responders will end up getting the money for purchasing in nicer parts of the city.
The $3 million program is confined to those most statistically violent Chicago police districts over the past year, according to Department of Planning and Development Deputy Commissioner Anthony Simpkins.
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It aims to gives first responders incentives to purchase homes within those boundaries to help bring about stability. Up to 100 cops, firefighters and paramedics would qualify for $30,000 forgivable loans for buying property in eligible neighborhoods.
But during a Housing Committee hearing on the plan Tuesday, some aldermen pointed out violent police districts often contain relatively safe, upscale neighborhoods along with areas beset by gun crime.
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"I would really implore you: It's very much needed in North Lawndale; it's very much needed in Englewood; it's very much needed in Fuller Park. And to allow folks to just go in these districts on the better end of these districts, I think, would be doing a disservice to this program," said West Side Ald. Michael Scott Jr., 24th.
South Side Ald. David Moore, 17th, said the city needs to spread out the incentives through different neighborhoods. Otherwise the vast majority of the public safety officers could collect the $30,000 for buying in, say, a middle-class part of the Chatham neighborhood, which lots of police officers already call home.
"It's very important to me that we go back and try to designate certain percentages for certain areas for that encouragement," Moore said. "If all 100 move into Chatham ... because if I'm a police officer, I'm picking Chatham over Englewood every day of the week."
The Housing Committee advanced the plan, which the full council could vote on later this month. Afterward, 49th Ward Ald. Joe Moore, the committee chairman, said the City Council is likely to allow the trial program to proceed as is and consider changes if too many applicants end up clustered in one area.
"We'll see where they end up," Moore said. "You obviously can't force someone to move to a particular area."
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @_johnbyrne
Asked Tuesday how he would respond to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's call to keep his pledge to have a federal judge oversee Chicago Police Department reforms, Mayor Rahm Emanuel did not directly answer. Instead, he attempted to frame up the issue as being a disagreement over just one aspect. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
Mayor Rahm Emanuel did not say Tuesday whether he will heed Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's call to keep his pledge to have a federal judge oversee Chicago Police Department reforms.
The mayor this month backed away from that kind of strict oversight he committed to in the waning days of then-President Barack Obama's administration. Now Emanuel is negotiating with President Donald Trump's Justice Department for an out-of-court setup that would not guarantee enforcement by a judge.
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Madigan this week has called it "ludicrous" to negotiate an agreement on police reform with a Trump administration that "fundamentally does not agree with the need for constitutional policing." She said Emanuel instead should partner with community organizations, reach a deal on police reforms and then go to court and request a consent decree and judicial oversight.
The Illinois attorney general also has not ruled suing City Hall over the issue, saying only that "a lawsuit is always the last option."
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Asked Tuesday how he would respond to Madigan, Emanuel did not directly answer. Instead, he attempted to frame up the issue as being a disagreement over just one aspect.
"The basic consensus of where we're going, the fact that we need independence to help push us along and the fact that the information should always be public there is broad consensus on that and an agreement," Emanuel said.
"We're going to continue to make these changes, and we need somebody from the outside to help us. The only question is do you want it just to be an independent individual or do you need also a judge from the federal court? And that's the only question," added the mayor, the "independent individual" a reference to an outside monitor.
The mayor took only one question on the issue and again did not address whether he'd be willing to go into court with community organizations as Madigan has suggested. Emanuel also did not discuss a push from Madigan and others to make public his proposed memorandum of agreement with the Trump Justice Department. The Illinois attorney general has called the mayor's refusal to release that document "troubling."
The push for police reforms stems from a yearlong Justice Department civil rights investigation that found a broken police department with patterns of excessive force and misconduct by officers. Vanita Gupta, the former top Obama Justice Department official who oversaw that investigation in the wake of the Laquan McDonald police shooting, has called Emanuel's new proposed out-of-court agreement "woefully inadequate" to fix the "deep and long-standing" policing problems in the city.
Emanuel's office has said that the memorandum of agreement it proposed would include an appointed monitor to oversee police changes. Walter Katz, Emanuel's deputy chief of staff for public safety, suggested that if the city ever broke the memorandum, the appointed monitor could ask the Justice Department to sue.
"If the city ever breached the agreement, there would unquestionably be intense public pressure and the monitor would call for the city to be taken to court," Katz said in an emailed statement.
Madigan, though, said the chances of a Trump Justice Department suing to enforce police reforms it doesn't believe in are slim.
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"I just don't think that's likely, right?" she said in an interview Monday. "The current U.S. attorney general has made it clear that he doesn't believe consent decrees are an appropriate means toward police reform. That is in contrast to what virtually everyone else who has successful police reform take place in other cities believes to be the case."
Emanuel, though, has suggested that the city would get the same police reform results, whether it comes from an out-of-court agreement with the Trump administration or from the oversight of a federal judge.
For its part, the Trump Justice Department has said it has not agreed to anything with the city on Chicago police reform, including which format to use.
bruthhart@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @BillRuthhart
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.
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A Nov. 16, 2016, photo of then-Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)
"I can still see it in my mind's 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.
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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 victim's 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.
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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.
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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 it's 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. "That's what they've done for generations. It's 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 I'm a lot better than nothing."
So he persisted. His bill slipped through, he said, without much fanfare.
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The prosecution of Nagarwala 21 years later is "clear evidence" the practice is happening in the U.S., according to activists.
"There's a myth that this is only happening to people in India or Africa," said Shelby Quast, director of the women's rights organization Equality Now. "It's happening everywhere and we're 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.
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In 2006, an Ethiopian immigrant was convicted of aggravated battery and cruelty to children for removing his 2-year-old daughter's clitoris with scissors at the family's Atlanta-area apartment.
In 2013, President Obama signed an amendment to Reid's 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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Tracy Czaczkowski, bottom left, was shot and killed along this stretch of Interstate 90/94 in Sauk County, Wis., while returning from a trip with her family to the Wisconsin Dells. Zachary Hays was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in her death. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune, Handouts)
BARABOO, Wis. A judge has committed a man accused of fatally shooting an Illinois woman on a Wisconsin interstate to the supervision of the state Department of Health Services for the next 40 years.
Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock found 21-year-old Zachary Hays guilty of first-degree reckless homicide and reckless endangerment, but not mentally responsible for the crimes. The State Journal reports Screnock found the West Allis man was suffering from schizophrenia and believed he had uncovered a secret FBI base when he shot multiple rounds into a car on the interstate in Lake Delton in May 2016.
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Forty-four-year-old Tracy Czaczkowkski, of Buffalo Grove, was struck and killed while riding in the car driven by her husband. Hays is also accused of killing his neighbor, Gabriel Sanchez, earlier that day. That case is pending.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions repeatedly refused to answer questions from senators Tuesday about his private conversations with President Donald Trump, including whether he spoke to Trump about former FBI director James Comey's handling of the investigation into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential race.
In a number of testy exchanges with members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sessions said he would not answer many of their questions because of a long-standing Justice Department policy that he said protects private conversations between Cabinet secretaries and the president.
The attorney general confirmed elements of Comey's dramatic testimony before the same panel last week while disputing others. Sessions said he was in an Oval Office meeting in February with Comey and Trump when the president said he wanted to speak to Comey privately - and he acknowledged that Comey came to talk to him the next day about the meeting.
At other times, though, Sessions frequently said he couldn't recall specifics, particularly when asked about his meetings with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign.
Above all, Sessions, who served as a senator from Alabama before taking the attorney general post, tried to clear his name and win the sympathy of his former colleagues.
He opened his testimony with a fiery assertion that he never had any conversations with Russians about "any type of interference" in the 2016 presidential election.
"I was your colleague in this body for 20 years," Sessions said. "The suggestion that I participated in any collusion . . . is an appalling and detestable lie."
The attorney general seemed to understand the import of each of his words as the highest-ranking Trump administration official so far to testify publicly on the FBI investigation and Comey's firing. During one line of questioning by Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., he told her in a flash of anger not to rush his answers because "you'll accuse me of lying" and said she was making him "nervous."
Sessions took particular aim at news reports about a possible meeting he had with a Russian official during an April 2016 event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, where Trump gave a pro-Russia speech. He acknowledged being at the event and said he had conversations with people there, but did not remember any conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
"If any brief interaction occurred in passing with the Russian ambassador during that reception, I do not remember it," Sessions said.
He said that he had met twice with Kislyak - once during the Republican National Convention and once in his Senate office - and that he did not disclose that during his confirmation hearing. He said, however, that he did not remember any other meetings with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign and did not remember any conversations with Russian officials about the Trump campaign.
"Certainly not one thing happened that was improper in any one of those meetings," Sessions said.
When asked to explain why he wrongly claimed in his confirmation hearing that he never met with Russians, Sessions said he was flustered by the question from Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., after many hours of testimony.
The attorney general has since recused himself from the Russia investigation - a decision he sought to cast Tuesday as resulting from his role as an adviser on the Trump campaign, rather than because of any inappropriate interaction with Russian officials.
"I recused myself from any investigation into the campaigns for president, but I did not recuse myself from defending my honor against scurrilous and false allegations," he said.
But Sessions' answers seemed to contradict each other at times, particularly when it came to his recusal.
A March 2 email by Sessions' chief of staff said that he would not be involved in "any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for the president of the United States." Yet two months later, he played a direct role in Trump's decision to fire Comey, citing Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 race.
"The recusal involved one case in the Department of Justice and the FBI,'' said Sessions, referring to the FBI's Russia investigation and offering a different description of the scope of his recusal. "I'm the attorney general of the United States. It's my responsibility to ensure that the department is run properly. I do not believe it is a sound position that if you recuse from a single case, you can't make a decision about the leadership of that agency."
Sessions previously told senators explicitly that he would recuse himself from matters related to Clinton - though Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Tuesday that the case was already closed and therefore not part of the recusal.
When asked about his conversation with Comey on the day the president spoke to Comey alone, Sessions described the exchange differently than the former FBI chief did in his testimony last week.
Comey testified that after what he called a "disturbing" private talk with Trump, he went to Sessions. Without telling the attorney general that Trump had suggested the FBI drop its probe of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Comey told Sessions, "It can't happen that you get kicked out of the room and the president talks to me.'' The president has denied asking Comey to drop the Flynn matter.
Comey said that the attorney general didn't say anything but that Sessions' body language gave him the sense that he was powerless to do anything.
Sessions said he did respond, telling Comey "that the FBI and the Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policies regarding appropriate contact with the White House.''
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., suggested that the attorney general was ducking critical questions in his testimony.
"I believe the American people have had it with stonewalling. Americans don't want to hear that answers to relevant questions are privileged or off limits," Wyden said. "We are talking about an attack on our democratic institutions, and stonewalling of any kind is unacceptable."
Sessions shot back: "I am not stonewalling. I am following the historic policies of the Department of Justice."
Wyden noted that Comey had said it was "problematic" for Sessions to oversee the Russia probe, for reasons he did not explain in a public setting.
Sessions became angry again when Wyden pressed him to explain what facts might be "problematic" about his involvement in the probe.
"Why don't you tell me? There are none, Senator Wyden. There are none," Sessions said. "This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me, and I don't appreciate it."
Earlier Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appeared before lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee. He responded to questions regarding comments Monday from Christopher Ruddy, the chief executive of Newsmax Media and a friend of Trump, that the president might fire special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Mueller was recently appointed to lead the investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to influence the 2016 election.
Rosenstein said that if the president ordered him to fire Mueller, he would comply only if the request was "lawful and appropriate."
Rosenstein, who has been on the job for six weeks, said only he could fire Mueller and only if he found good cause to do so. He described Mueller as operating independently from the Justice Department in his investigation.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a star player in two key controversies about the Trump administration: the investigation into Donald Trump campaign's connections with Russia and whether the president improperly interfered in an FBI investigation.
Sessions was asked about all of this under oath Tuesday by the Senate Intelligence Committee, the lead congressional committee on Russia. Here are four key takeaways:
1. Sessions denied four major allegations against him with regard to the Russia investigation
He denied that he purposefully left out his two 2016 meetings with Russians at his confirmation hearing. (Sessions said he was answering a question about "surrogates," not himself specifically. But that doesn't explain why, as CNN reported, Sessions did not acknowledge the meetings in his security clearance form.)
He denied that he had a third, undisclosed private one-on-one conversation with the Russian ambassador. "I may have had an encounter" with Ambassador Kislyak at a District of Columbia hotel in April 2016, Sessions allowed. But he said that the two never substantially talked.
He denied that he recused himself from overseeing the Russia investigation because he wasn't forthcoming about Russia meetings. Sessions's recusal came the day after The Washington Post reported the first two meetings, but Sessions said he was already talking with lawyers about whether his Trump campaign work would force him to hand over the Russia investigation to his deputy.
He denied that he violated his recusal by advising the president to fire the then-FBI director, James Comey. "Supervising all the federal agencies is my responsibility, trying to get the very best people in those agencies at the top of them is my responsibility," he said.
2. Sessions did not deny Comey's broader allegations of the president meddling.
Part of that is that Sessions, obviously, was not in the room in Comey's one-on-one meetings with the president, where Comey said Trump directed him to back off the FBI's investigation into fired national security adviser Michael Flynn.
But Sessions did corroborate two key parts of Comey's testimony:
The details of a Feb. 14 Oval Office meeting, where Sessions and other top aides left the room and Trump talked to Comey alone. When asked by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., whether Sessions "lingered" because he knew he wasn't supposed to leave Comey alone with Trump, Sessions ducked: "What I did recall is I did depart," Sessions said, "and Director Comey was sitting in front of the president's desk and they were talking."
Sessions corroborated that Comey came to him the next day and asked not to be alone with the president. Sessions said of that moment: "He was concerned about it, and his recollection of what he said to me about this concern is consistent with my recollection."
3. Sessions appears to have contradicted himself several times.
Sessions said he trusted Comey to do his job well, and that's why he didn't get involved when Comey expressed concern about the president interfering in the FBI investigation.
But: Sessions also said he thought Comey should be fired. And he advised the president as much, mainly for the way Comey handled the Hillary Clinton email investigation.
He said he felt OK leaving Comey alone with the president in the Oval Office.
But: When Comey brought it up the next day, Sessions said he agreed it wasn't a good idea to be alone with the president.
4. About the only thing Sessions can recall for sure is that he didn't do anything wrong.
Sessions hedged almost all of his answers about whether/when he met with Russians, or why he was involved in firing Comey, or how he feels about the president's decisions, with: "I don't recall" or "I believe so" or "maybe."
At one point, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., asked Sessions to give details about his September meeting with the Russian ambassador in his Senate office. Sessions couldn't.
But Sessions proved he is clearly capable of giving an answer in black and white. Several times, the mild-mannered Southerner came across as downright angry when emphasizing that he did not have any conversations with Russian officials about meddling in the election:
"The suggestion that I participated in any collusion that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie," he said.
Pewaukee, Wis. The man who parlayed a run on TV's "The Apprentice" into a winning presidential campaign said Tuesday the nation needs a stronger system of apprenticeship to match workers with millions of open jobs.
"I love the name apprentice," President Donald Trump declared. He said he wants every high school in America to offer apprenticeship opportunities and hands-on learning.
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Joined in Wisconsin by daughter Ivanka Trump and Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, Trump described his push to get private companies and universities to pair up and pay the cost of such arrangements.
"It's called earn while you learn," Trump said at Waukesha County Technical College.
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The president toured the technical college, accompanied by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, as his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, faced questions before the Senate Intelligence Committee on potential Trump campaign ties to Russia and the firing of FBI Director James Comey.
The White House said Trump's push is aimed at training workers with specific skills for particular jobs that employers say they can't fill at a time of historically low unemployment. However, the most recent budget for the federal government passed with about $90 million for apprenticeships, and Trump so far isn't proposing to add more.
The Trump administration has said there's a need that can be met with a change in the American attitude toward vocational education and apprenticeships. A November 2016 report by former President Barack Obama's Commerce Department found that "apprenticeships are not fully understood in the United States, especially" by employers, who tend to use apprentices for a few, hard-to-fill positions" but not as widely as they could.
The shortages for specifically trained workers cut across multiple job sectors beyond Trump's beloved construction trades. There are shortages in agriculture, manufacturing, information technology and health care.
Participants in some apprentice programs get on-the-job training while going to school, sometimes with companies footing the bill.
IBM, for example, participates in a six-year program called P-TECH. Students in 60 schools across six states begin in high school, when they get a paid internship, earn an associate's degree and get first-in-line consideration for jobs from 250 participating employers.
It relies on funds outside the apprenticeship program a challenge in that the Trump budget plan would cut spending overall on job training. The program uses $1.2 billion in federal funding provided under the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act passed in 2006, said P-TECH co-founder Stan Litow.
"This really demonstrates what you can do with apprenticeships with existing dollars," Litow said.
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Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said Trump's "rhetoric doesn't match the reality" of budget cuts he's proposing that would reduce federal job training funding by 40 percent from $2.7 billion to $1.6 billion.
"If you're really interested in promoting apprenticeship, you have to invest in that skills training," said Mike Rosen, president of the Milwaukee chapter of the American Federation of Teachers union.
Apprenticeships are few and far between. Of the 146 million jobs in the United States, about 0.35 percent or slightly more than a half-million were filled by active apprentices in 2016. Filling millions more jobs through apprenticeships would require the government to massively ramp up its efforts. "Scaling is the big issue," said Robert Lerman, a fellow at the Urban Institute.
Another complication: Only about half of apprentices finish their multi-year programs, Lerman said. Fewer than 50,000 people including 11,104 in the military completed their apprenticeships in 2016, according to Labor Department.
The president was attending a closed fundraiser for Walker later in the day. Wisconsin was a key part of his 2016 election triumph and Trump became the first Republican to carry the state in a presidential election since 1984.
Trump also met on an airport tarmac in Milwaukee with four people he described as "victims" of Obama's health care law. Trump said the health care law was "one of the greatest catastrophes that our country has signed into law and the victims are innocent hard-working Americans." He singled out Michael and Tammy Kushman of Marinette County, Wis., and Robert and Sarah Stoll of Kenosha, Wis.
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Thomas reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Scott Bauer in Madison, Wis., and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report.
Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, center, leaves the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on May 25, 2017. (Alyssa Pointer, Chicago Tribune )
President Donald Trump responded to the news that the Public Theater was putting on a defiant production of "Julius Caesar" by staging his own production of "King Lear" during a very strange Cabinet meeting on Monday.
It went approximately as follows.
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Trump: All right. Which of you shall we say doth love us most, that we our largest bounty may extend where nature doth with merit challenge? Go around, name your position, talk about your work. Start with Mike.
Mike Pence: I love you more than words can wield the matter. Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty. Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare. No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor; as much as child e'er loved, or father found. A love that makes breath poor and speech unable. Beyond all manner of so much I love you. Serving you has been "the greatest privilege of my life," Mr. Lear.
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Jeff Sessions: Sir, I am made of that self mettle as my sister, And prize me at her worth. In my true heart, I find she names my very deed of love Only she comes too short, that I profess Myself an enemy to all other joys, Which the most precious square of sense possesses. And find I am alone felicitate in your dear highness' love. "An honor to be here."
Jim Mattis: I respect the troops a lot.
Trump: Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.
Mattis: (uncomfortably) I prefer to maintain a dignified silence in the presence of media.
Mike Pompeo: Hey, that's my line!
Rick Perry: i like you more than i like my hat
and i like my hat a lot
my glasses i don't like because i sometimes feel that they are judging me and whispering that i am not smart
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but you and my hat are both okay
i take it off to honor you
thank you for showing the Earth who was boss, and for showing the Paris accords that the only real Paris is in the Lone Star State.
Linda McMahon: Thank you for letting me work at the Small Business Administration! With you in charge we will have to change the name, because nothing will be small. Businesses will not be small, and dreams will not be small. You will lift us up and hold us in the palms of your right-size hands. You have won the biggest smackdown of all, against the economy, which before was raw and now is cooked.
Alexander Acosta: When I look at you, I feel the way dogs feel when they look at anyone. Merely to breathe your air is an unthinkable honor. (begins to strike himself on the chest) No, air, leave my foul and corrupted lungs and go where you may be appreciated, into the magnificent lungs of Donald Trump, where you will help to power a true king among men. Turn his blood even redder and help to make him strong. He must be strong for all of us.
Tom Price: My king, please glance into the doorway, where my strong son has brought you a nightingale made entirely of gold and silver. Take it with my compliments and let its tinkling mechanical song fill your heart with joy and make your people glad. If you wish, my son will join your household as your loyal retainer. His presence will vouch for my loyalty, and he knows what will happen to him if I fail you.
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Mick Mulvaney: Your budget is more beautiful than the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and was put together much quicker. It will benefit the same people. Also, you smell nice, like an expensive pine tree.
Elaine Chao: You have helped me to make hundreds of people happy!
Trump: Only hundreds?
Chao: (swallows nervously) That is a lot. Just try to count to a hundred. It's not even POSSIBLE.
(Trump appears to think for a long time, then slowly nods.)
Sonny Perdue: My lord, when you walk in the street, dogs leave their masters to follow at your heels and cats who see you experience loyalty for the first time. Young brides, stepping out of churches, release their husbands' arms and rush to throw themselves at your feet. The husbands would do so, too, if they did not know that it would not make you slightly uncomfortable, and the mere thought of making you uncomfortable fills them with a sorrow greater than any sorrow they have ever known. When you smile, it is not winter anymore. You alone can melt the frozen heart and the frozen polar ice cap. Also, you are very popular in Mississippi.
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Ben Carson: I know what it is to hold a human life in my gifted hands and perform a surgery that is a matter of life or death. So you will understand when I say that the most precious thing I have ever held in my hands is ... you. You mean everything. Everything. Everything. (begins to weep with emotion) I believe that if you touched any of us right here, you could heal us all and there would be no need for science. But you must do what you think best.
Reince Priebus: You smell like a thousand angels. Sometimes I think you might be an angel. If heaven is not serving you, I don't know what is. Maybe there is no heaven. I am grateful to God every day for putting you into my life. You are sunshine. My only sunshine. The only sunshine. "On behalf of the entire senior staff around you, Mr. President, we thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that you've given us to serve your agenda and the American people."
This seems fine.
Washington Post
Alexandra Petri is a Washington Post columnist.
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President Donald Trump's delusional outburst Monday claiming to have accomplished more than any president other than FDR at this stage in his presidency and the fawning praise recited by Cabinet members (in their best imitation of the Politburo) serve to remind us that this is not a normal presidency, and will never be one.
On the day that another court ruled against Trump's travel ban, a passable health-care reform bill is nowhere in sight and little appetite exists for a mammoth tax cut (another one beyond the America Health Care Act) with correspondingly mammoth debt, we can see just how divorced Trump has become from the reality of his failing presidency. That leaves many political watchers to wonder aloud why Republicans stick by the president.
It's not like Hillary Clinton would be president, the argument goes. They'd get a sane, much more conservatively doctrinaire president in Mike Pence. They'd no longer have to defend outlandish behavior, minimize his weird affection for dictators or turn a blind eye toward conflicts of interest. GOP lawmakers wouldn't have to run with him as a ball and chain around their ankles in 2018. And Democrats, who have not had to devise much in the way of an agenda, would have to rewrite their entire 2018 and 2020 scripts. From a self-serving perspective, continual defense of him seems downright nutty.
All of that is absolutely accurate but ignores a few salient facts.
First, unlike Senate and House Republicans during Watergate, there are few genuine leaders of principle whose sense of propriety is offended by Trump. The moral and intellectual quality of the current crew of Republicans pales in comparison to the type of Republicans who finally told Richard Nixon the jig was up. Sen. Barry Goldwater, R-Ariz., House Minority Leader Jacob Rhodes, R-Ariz., and Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott, R-Pa., who went to the White House, have few if any equals in today's House and Senate.
Those who do have the stature to move against Trump don't necessarily have the base of the party, and those who have visions of the presidency dancing in their heads have been among the most craven apologists (e.g., Sen Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas) for Trump. In short, the charge that Republicans by and large put party above country is entirely valid. They'd rather let the country careen from disaster to disaster and scandal to scandal than stick their necks out.
Second, elected Republicans by and large cower in the shadow of Fox Non-News hosts, talk-radio opportunists and right-wing interest groups. They fear noticeable distancing from Trump will prompt the vultures of the right to swoop down up them, leaving only bones behind. So long as the characters who populate the right stick with Trump, elected Republicans, sadly, won't lead. The tribal identification with party has robbed most in the GOP of common sense, good judgment and even patriotism.
Third, given the first two factors, Republicans continue to rationalize support for Trump, or at least line-straddling. Maybe this will all die down. They could still get tax reform. Once the president is forced out, the party will descend in chaos. Hey, gerrymandering will protect the House majority!
Finally, politicians read the polls. They see Republicans by and large still support the president. They have yet (at least until Georgia's 6th Congressional District special election on June 20) to lose a House seat in the Trump era. For now abandoning Trump seems more risky that sticking by him, especially if one has no concern for appearing like a slavish partisan.
What if Trump decides to fire special counsel Robert Mueller, as Trump confidante Chris Ruddy, chief executive of NewsMax, said Trump is considering? That would spark a good deal of outrage in the press and among independents and Democrats. It might even cost Trump some support from sensible Republicans. A wholesale mutiny among Republicans, however, would not be guaranteed even then. That reality gives one a full appreciation for how reluctant Republicans are to step out of line even when it comes to defending an independent investigation by a man many of them praised.
In sum, the sad answer is that these Republicans won't act out of principle, won't challenge the right-wing echo chamber and won't give up the delusion that they can get parts of their agenda through. Given truth serum, nearly all would prefer Pence to replace Trump; they just cannot summon the courage to make that happen.
I suppose some undeniable smoking gun either of Trump's Russian complicity or obstruction of justice could force their hand, but increasingly it looks like the only thing that will convince them to abandon Trump is the certain prospect of political ruin. Even more likely, they'll have to lose the House in 2018 before they realize Trump is politically radioactive.
Washington Post
We need to move to a system using income as the main basis for setting local taxes. I am sure there are economic experts who could devise a fair system, one that would include a fairer and higher funding of schools by the state of Illinois.
We could create a simplified system of taxing real estate, such as using building square footage and lot size. For example, if your home is under 1,000 square feet and your lot is under a quarter of an acre, you would pay a flat real estate tax of $500.
I live in a 50-unit townhouse complex with each townhouse the same size. Twenty units have a small side yard. After appeals to the Cook County assessor and the Board of Review, we now have assessed evaluations of the units that make absolutely no sense. Several units with side yards are assessed at a lower amount than those with no yards. The evaluations of the units with no yard also vary quite a bit.
Lets move our tax system into the 21st Century.
Joanne Zolomij, Evanston
Ignorance of the law is no excuse, according to an old legal principle. But could an exception be made for President Donald Trump?
That thought seemed to be percolating just beneath the surface of House Speaker Paul Ryan's backhanded defense of the president. As former FBI Director James Comey accused the president of trying to shut down the FBI's investigation of his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, Ryan told reporters that Trump has, well, a lot to learn.
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"The president's new at this," the Wisconsin Republican said Thursday in a news conference during Comey's testimony to the Senate intelligence committee. "He's new to government, and so he probably wasn't steeped in the long-running protocols that establish the relationships between (the Department of Justice), FBI and White Houses. He's just new to this."
Of course, he's new. That was part of his appeal. For people who hate Washington without knowing much about it, Trump turned his ignorance of the place into an asset.
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Remember, "ignorance" is not the same as stupidity. Ignorance is merely a lack of knowledge, capable of being remedied by information and education. Unfortunately, as Ryan hints, this new president's on-the-job training seems to have penetrated about as well as water off an old duck's back.
One wonders, by the way, how Ryan and his fellow Grand Old Party leaders would be treating President Barack Obama if he had blundered into a position like Trump's. By now, I suspect they would be deep into drawing up impeachment papers. Trump, by contrast, receives the sort of special Washington-insider treatment that Trump used to campaign against.
Even so, cracks are beginning to appear in the GOP's iron wall of solidarity behind their colorful president. Coded messages of discontent stand out like eye blinks in a hostage video.
"I'm not saying it's an acceptable excuse," Ryan said, after being reminded of the president's legal counsel and other resources. "It's just my observation. He's new at government, and so therefore I think that he he is learning as he goes."
Indeed, "learning as he goes" is fine for a preschooler who is learning how to ride a bike. Presidencies don't come with training wheels.
Yet they do offer some assistance, as Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida reminded us with a new version of an old reliable legislative slogan: When all else fails, blame your staff.
"My hope is that there are people in the White House that advise the president about what's appropriate and what isn't when you're interacting with the FBI," Rubio told reporters. "It's not clear why that didn't happen sooner, and it was a disservice to the president."
Or maybe somebody did try to brief the president but, considering his famously impatient attention span, maybe he decided to follow what he has called his "instinctual" side.
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Another Republican senator, South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, carried the ignorance excuse a little further with a sarcastic comment on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "He doesn't believe he did anything wrong with the Russians and I tend to believe him," Graham said. "He can't collude with his own government. Why do you think he is colluding with the Russians?"
That's the beauty of the ignorance excuse. Trump's opponents in Washington and the general public already believe he doesn't understand government and doesn't much want to learn.
Some have gone even further to suggest he suffers from some sort of psychiatric or cognitive impairment. The notion that he stumbled into felonious obstruction of justice because he simply didn't know any better carries weight with multitudes who are predisposed to believe it.
But look again. Trump has a track record of ignoring urgent warnings from others that get in the way of his plans. For example, he hired Flynn despite warnings from President Obama and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. Comey's account indicates that Trump continued to go to bat for Flynn even after a scandal forced Flynn to resign.
In other words, Trump's errors appear to be not the random acts of a rattlebrain but deliberate decisions aimed at helping to relieve his friend of the inconvenience of a criminal investigation. As easy as it may be for some to believe that Trump didn't know better, he should have known better.
Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.
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cpage@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @cptime
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Aurora police are looking for information about two recent shootings in which shots were fired from vehicles.
One shooting occurred around 9:50 a.m. Sunday near Sherman Avenue and Pearl Street on the city's East Side, police said in a Facebook post Tuesday. Three people sitting in a vehicle were fired upon by a person in a white sedan heading east on Sherman Avenue.
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No one was hit by the gunshots, but the vehicle the three people were sitting in was damaged by the shots, according to police.
The alleged shooter had his face at least partially concealed, according to police.
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Another shooting occurred around 5:20 p.m. June 8 in the 700 block of Liberty Street, police said on Facebook. A shot was fired from a vehicle during an argument between the occupants and three other males. Police said they did not know how many people were in the car, which was described as a white, four-door sedan.
Police said they did not have any suspect descriptions in that case.
Police have not ruled out gang motivation in either case, they said on Facebook.
Police asked anyone with information to call investigators at 630-256-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000, or to submit a tip via the police department's app.
A last-minute request for a continuation by the attorney for Corderro Pollard led to the postponement Monday of the Chicago man's trial in connection to a 2012 sex assault in Aurora.
Pollard, 26, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual assault amid allegations he had sex with a Joliet woman who was too intoxicated to consent after the pair, and others, had spent the night out drinking at various locations before ending up at a Kenilworth Avenue residence where Pollard lived in August 2012. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is free on bond.
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Kane County Judge John Barsanti agreed to reschedule Pollard's trial for September after Pollard's attorney's indicated he needed more time to investigate before trying the case. This latest delay means the case will not go to trial before reaching the five-year mark since Pollard and two other men were arrested.
The other men Eric Stallworth and Shammrie Brown were also initially charged with sex assault. Stallworth pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint in 2015 and was sentenced to probation and periodic imprisonment.
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Prosecutors accused Brown of failing to intervene on the woman's behalf during the assault, but dropped that case a few months later and instead charged him with misdemeanor battery. That case remains pending with a June 20 hearing scheduled. Brown is listed in court filings as a potential witness for prosecutors.
Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
At a town hall meeting in Geneva, state Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) said he is against a stopgap budget to fund education in the state.
Andersson hosted the town hall Monday night in the Sunset Park community room to discuss the state budget crisis with area residents.
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The deadline to pass a budget during the spring session was May 1. Lawmakers now have until June 30 to pass a budget, however, it will require a three-fifths majority vote.
Andersson said he would not support another education stopgap budget as a short-term solution to keep schools open. The Geneva Republican supports pushing through an overall budget compromise. He said that he spent the past two days telephoning lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
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He encouraged residents to phone Gov. Bruce Rauner's office and the office of House Democratic Leader Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) as well concerning a stopgap education budget.
"Tell them you don't want that," he said.
Andersson said he is opposed to an education stopgap budget because "it would take the pressure off of us to get a full budget. The moment we say schools have been funded, that means all the suburbanites are not paying attention that the state is in a crisis."
Instead, Andersson said, the spotlight needs to remain on the budget impasse.
"We have to drive attention to the crisis," he said. "One way to do that is not pass stopgap budgets. They give the illusion that we have done something."
Andersson said he certainly does not want to see schools close.
"I want there to be a threat to close schools to drive the politicians to the table to reach a compromise," he said. "There needs to be a threat of schools not opening in order to drive the Legislature and governor to the table to reach a compromise. I believe it is one of the few ways to get it done."
He said the potential for schools to close would be a great motivator for legislators because "it would be disastrous and people would not stand for it."
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Andersson said he does know others who support his thinking on a stopgap budget.
"I get a lot of support from the rank-and-file on that idea and some leadership. I think that I have a shot at not having a stopgap budget," he said.
Andersson said increasing pressure might be the way for Illinoisans to come to terms with the budget crisis.
"I think there is going to be mounting pressure. That's the work I am going to be doing in the next few weeks ... to push everyone I know if we don't get a (budget) compromise," he said.
Residents listen as state Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) discusses the state's budget issues during a town hall meeting Monday night. (Linda Girardi/The Beacon-News )
Two Northern Illinois University professors at the meeting conveyed how the budget impasse has negatively affected regional public colleges and universities.
"Higher-education in the state is getting strangled, yet we at NIU don't have the worst of it. It is tragic," Amanda Littauer said.
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"I can see how much the emergency we are under is disproportionately impacting those with less opportunity and resources," she said. "It's a huge human-rights issue from my perspective. They are getting the worst of it."
Another NIU professor said some students are opting to enroll in out-of-state colleges and universities, while others are choosing to attend community colleges, due to state funding issues.
Concerns were also raised at the meeting about the lack of state funding going for social services, especially agencies that serve people with mental and physical disabilities and others seeking help because of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Andersson acknowledged some social service agencies have been forced to close their doors.
Andersson said he is calling lawmakers urging them to find a "middle ground" on the budget that would have the votes to get passed.
"The definition of a good deal is one that nobody ends happy, that everyone has given something until it hurts. That's what I am driving everybody gives until it hurts," he said.
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Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Boebert now leading Frisch by 1,200 votes in CD-3 race
Frisch had been in the lead, which was declining as more counties in CD-3 continue to report results after election day
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/delta-ends-sponsorhip-julius-caesar-shows-trump-death-article-1.3239341
Delta, Bank of America drop sponsorship of Shakespeare in the Park over Julius Caesar stunt that shows Trump assassination
Delta Airlines and Bank of America pulled out of their sponsorship of New Yorks Public Theater on Sunday over a production of Julius Caesar that reimagines the main character as President Trump.
Shortly after Delta, who was a four-year sponsor, made its announcement, Bank of America yanked its support as well.
The Shakespeare in the Park play tells the story of the leader assassinated by Roman senators over the fear that hes becoming too tyrannical, but rather than the original setting, the production stages Caesar (Gregg Henry) and his wife, Calpurnia, (Tina Benko) with Donald and Melania Trump lookalikes.
Henry, who already played a Trump stand-in on Scandal last year, models his Caesar almost perfectly after the man in the Oval Office. He meets his end after being stabbed to death by women and minorities on stage.
Delta, Bank of America hypocrites over 'Julius Caesar' Trump
Tina Benko (l.) portrays Melania Trump in the role of Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, and Gregg Henry, (center l.), portrays President Trump in the role of Julius Caesar at The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production. (Joan Marcus/AP)
Benko, similarly, plays Calpurnia with a thick Slavic accent, much like Melania herself.
The recreation has drawn ire from those who say the show promotes violence against the President. Those critics include the Presidents son, Donald Trump Jr.
I wonder how much of this art is funded by taxpayers? Serious question, when does art become political speech & does that change things? the younger Trump tweeted Sunday in response to a Fox News article that accused the show of depicting the assassination of the President.
Delta, which donates between $100,000 and $499,000 annually, according to Deadline, pulled its sponsorship Sunday afternoon.
Trump meets bloody end in risque Julius Caesar reimagining
No matter what your political stance may be, the graphic staging of Julius Caesar at this summers Free Shakespeare in the Park does not reflect Delta Air Lines values, a company spokesman said in a statement.
Their artistic and creative direction crossed the line on the standards of good taste. We have notified them of our decision to end our sponsorship as the official airline of The Public Theater effective immediately.
"Danger knows full well that Caesar is more dangerous than he," reads a sign promoting the production. (Verena Dobnik/AP)
Bank of America, one of The Public Theaterss dozen corporate sponsors, offered similar reasoning.
Bank of America supports art programs worldwide, including an 11-year partnership with The Public Theater and Shakespeare in the Park, a spokeswoman told the Daily News. The Public Theater chose to present Julius Caesar in a way that was intended to provoke and offend. Had this intention been made known to us, we would have decided not to sponsor it.
GOP demand for 'Hamilton' tix cooled after Pence visit
The show does include a warning about the violent nature of the assassination. On The Public Theaters website, artistic director Oskar Eustis said the production should not be taken literally.
I wonder how much of this art is funded by taxpayers? Serious question, when does art become political speech & does that change things? Donald Trump Jr. tweeted Sunday morning in response to a Fox News article that accused the show of depicting the assassination of the President. (Andrew Harnik/AP)
Julius Caesar can be read as a warning parable to those who try to fight for democracy by undemocratic means, he said. To fight the tyrant does not mean imitating him.
In a statement to WPIX 11, he said anyone seeing our production of Julius Caesar will realize it in no way advocates violence towards anyone.
Eustis previously told The News that President Trump was more than welcome to see his shows, including Hamilton, which debuted at The Public Theater in February 2015 and moved to Broadways Richard Rodgers Theatre the following August.
Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest Lights Up Oregon Coast All Weekend
Published 06/11/2017 at 5:24 PM PDT - Updated 06/11/2017 at 6:04 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff
(Cannon Beach, Oregon) What started with a scary natural disaster on the Oregon coast has morphed its way into one of the biggest and most fun-filled festivals of the entire Pacific Northwest.
This year, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest returns on Saturday, June 17, with thousands of people and some exceptionally creative constructs.
In March of 1964, an earthquake in Alaska caused a sizable tsunami on the Oregon coast (actually killing four at Newport). It made a wreck of parts of Seaside, and it washed out the only bridge in Cannon Beach, leaving residents with no way in or out.
Three months later, it still wasn't fixed and local residents were getting stir crazy. So, to cheer themselves up, they held a sandcastle contest. The following year, they held it again, realizing this could be a major attraction. That gamble was proven right and now the festival is one of the biggest draws in the state.
Jim Paino, executive assistant with the Cannon Beach Chamber, said the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest normally gets about ten thousand to fifteen thousand people each year, all crammed into that tiny town somehow.
This year, however, Paino believes that number could be lower.
We're expecting a lower number this time because there's a lot of other things going on, Paino said. Things like the car show in Seaside or the Rose Festival going on in Portland.
The event has changed and shifted over the decades. In the last ten years, Disney had a presence for awhile. Other aspects have come and gone as well.
Paino said the contest is in its 53rd year, and there's a few new things again. That includes it going a full three days now.
We've added the Fun Run on Sunday and the parade on Friday, making it a full weekend of events, Paino said. And on Saturday, we have the beach bonfire with live music by a local group called Rose & Thistle.
He described the group as a duo who perform what could be called beachy folk.
Competitors come from all over the country with all levels of ability: professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families will all construct remarkable creations in the sand during this famed festival. These get washed away by the tide later in the day, with only photographs as proof of their existence.
At the masters division level, things are a bit more serious. These teams compete for cash prizes and build large, elaborate designs often utilizing construction forms similar to those used for pouring concrete in order to accomplish their monumental size.
On Friday, participants pick up their packets and their gear, starting at 10 a.m. At 5:30 p.m., there's a little parade through the north Oregon coast town. At 7:30 p.m., the Coaster Theater presents its rendition of Steel Magnolias.
On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., you can treat yourself to breakfast at the American Legion Pancake Feed (1216 S. Hemlock Street).
Above: the washed out bridge in Cannon Beach in 1964 that started it all (photo courtesy Cannon Beach History Museum).
At 10 a.m., the contest begins and the competitors go to work.
Judging begins at noon, with the Sand Fleas division looked at first meaning kids. At 1 p.m. it's judging for the junior and teen division, 2 p.m. is the small groups, 3 p.m. looks at the large groups, and the master's division is judged at 3:30 p.m.
All cars should be off the beach by 4 p.m.
Live music kicks in at 7 p.m. on the beach. At 8 p.m., the beach bonfire starts with s'mores. Bring your own chair.
There's more on Sunday, with the Singing Sands 5K Fun Run and Walk. Registration is at 8 a.m. at 2nd St. and is $36 per person. The race starts at 9 a.m.
In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, making it one of just 11 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation and one which contributes to the identity of the state.
For information on the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest or information on how to participate, contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623. Find Cannon Beach lodging here - and updates on openings for the festival. More about Cannon Beach below and at the Cannon Beach Virtual Tour, Map.
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More than 100 people from China and Nigeria attended the opening of the 2017 China Culture Week in Nigeria on Saturday.
Nigerian people look at creative Chinese cultural products at the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, on June 10, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]
The week-long event, themed Inheritance and Innovation, is held at the China Cultural Center, featuring a range of photo exhibitions, demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy and paper-cutting, as well as lectures on Chinese culture.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Li Xuda, cultural councilor of Chinese embassy in Nigeria and head of the Chinese Culture Center, said China and Nigeria were countries with profound ancient civilizations, and the two countries had many areas for mutual learning in the culture industry.
"We hope to further enhance cultural exchanges between the two countries through this cultural week, " Li said.
On the opening day, the audience members were also enthralled by Chinese shadow puppetry plays.
China's central government has allocated another 30.7 billion yuan (about US$4.52 billion) in funding to help people living in poverty, the finance ministry said Monday.
That has brought this year's total central government poverty relief funds to nearly 86.1 billion yuan, which has all been allocated at local levels, the Ministry of Finance said.
Up to 97.4 percent of the funding has gone to 22 provincial regions in the central and western parts of the country, the main battleground for poverty alleviation, said the ministry.
The central government has assigned 196.1 billion yuan of poverty relief funding over the past four years, representing annual average growth of 19.22 percent. This year's funding marks a 30.3 percent increase year on year.
The Chinese government has vowed to lift all impoverished citizens out of poverty by 2020 to build a moderately prosperous society. In 2016 alone, China helped 12.4 million rural residents move above the poverty line.
By the end of last year, there were 43.35 million people living in poverty in China.
China aims to build the world's third ocean drilling research vessel and become a key leader in international deep-sea drilling scientific efforts by 2028, a senior government consultant said Monday.
Wang Pinxian, a marine geologist from Tongji University and also with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, made the remarks at a press event to announce the successful conclusion of a China-led international drilling mission to find out how the South China Sea was formed some tens of millions of years ago.
The four-month mission was conducted on board the American vessel JOIDES Resolution as part of the 367th and 368th expeditions of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), an international collaboration on deep-sea geological scientific research that began in 1968.
China joined the IODP in 1998 and participated in three drilling missions focused in the South China Sea in 1999, 2014 and 2017. The latest mission was proposed, designed and led by Chinese scientists. Over 60 researchers from more than ten countries were involved.
Wang, who serves as a consultant for China's IODP involvement, said the mission marked the first step in a three-part strategy for China to engage in international ocean drilling activities.
He said China aims to drill seabeds in other oceans and set up the world's fourth seabed rock database and a lab before attempting to build an ocean drilling vessel.
The two ships used by the IODP are JOIDES Resolution and Japan's Chikyu.
JOIDES Resolution docked in Shanghai Sunday, the first-ever visit of an international ocean drilling vessel to a Chinese port.
Tongji University marine geologist Jian Zhimin, a co-lead of the IODP mission, said at Monday's press briefing that during the expedition they dug 17 holes at seven sites in the South China Sea. The combined drilling depth exceeded 7,669 meters, and samples including sedimentary and volcanic rocks were collected.
The study of the rocks indicates the South China Sea was formed differently than the Atlantic, scientists have found.
Jian said the newly discovered formation of the South China Sea was so unique that they might need to rewrite the textbooks on continental shelf break-up and ocean formation.
Further research is required.
Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, addresses the closing ceremony of the BRICS Politial Parties, Think-tanks and Civil Society Organizations Forum in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, June 12, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
Representatives of political parties, think tanks and non-governmental organizations in the five member nations of BRICS gathered in Fuzhou for a two-day forum and released the Fuzhou Initiative on Monday appealing for enhanced cooperation among BRICS countries.
The political parties, think tanks and civil society organizations from BRICS and several developing countries met in Fuzhou to exchange views and share experiences surrounding issues of common interest, with an aim to enhance cooperation among BRICS countries and with other emerging markets and developing countries. Recommendations will be submitted to the upcoming BRICS Summit in Xiamen scheduled for September.
"The deepening of all-round practical cooperation and the realization of mutual benefits and win-win results serve as an important foundation for BRICS partnership," the initiative document stated. "BRICS countries should prioritize pragmatism and innovation in their cooperation in a manner that addresses the key social and economic challenges affecting their own countries respectively."
It pointed out that BRICS countries should also intensify policy communication, expand the scope of cooperation, tap the potential of cooperation, increase and deepen cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, combat corruption and build clean governance.
The participants of the BRICS Political Parties, Think-tanks and Civil Society Organizations Forum also viewed that people-to-people and cultural exchanges play an important role in cementing BRICS strategic partnership and garnering public support for BRICS cooperation.
"Enjoying rich cultural resources, BRICS countries should capitalize on their respective advantages to actively engage in and collectively promote ever deepening and substantial people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to effectively enhance engagement and a sense of recognition for the peoples of BRICS countries," it said.
The initiative forwarded that BRICS countries should intensify political and security cooperation, enhance coordination and make collective voices heard on major international and regional issues. "In countering terrorism, BRICS countries should enhance sharing of intelligence and experience as well as capacity building."
Addressing the closing ceremony, Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said in his speech that BRICS political parties, think tanks and non-governmental organizations should facilitate cooperation that will elevate BRICS members to their role as practitioners of new globalization, advocators for new global governance and forerunners of new South-South cooperation.
Normally we avoid inviting a pair of guests to dinner who are sworn enemies and have track record of spoiling the occasion. But there is the unique case of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which has formally included India and Pakistan despite a bitter rivalry that spans more than 70 years and shows no signs of abatement.
When the SCO formally agreed to include the South Asian nuclear neighbors as members during the annual summit held in Ufa, Russia, in 2015, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines.
It was a welcome beginning. The two leaders agreed to release fishermen held in each other country for violating territorial sea borders and asked their foreign ministries to set up further engagements. Consequently, a meeting of foreign ministers was agreed on to take place in New Delhi.
But before Pakistans Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz could go, a crisis brewed over his planned meeting with leaders of Kashmir, whom India brands as separatist. India demanded Aziz to skip the meeting, but Aziz declined. And the visit was called-off. It only served to push the relations between the two countries further downhill.
Since then, the armies of the two countries have regularly clashed in the disputed region of Kashmir, the Himalayan state partially controlled by each country. As civilians and soldiers die in the firing across the Line of Control, the de facto border line which divides Kashmir, the Indian security forces have launched a crackdown on people protesting against its occupation in its part of Kashmir, killing dozens of civilians.
The two countries are also members of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Set up in 1985 with the objective of increasing cooperation in South Asia, it also includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It has the potential to transform the region but has failed to achieve much due to the rivalry between Pakistan and India. Its last summit was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November 2016, but was cancelled after India refused to attend.
Now these two countries have joined the SCO, which has so far made unhindered progress. One of the reasons for the success of the SCO is that its members have not been hamstrung by mutual rivalries and territorial disputes. In the SCO, not only Pakistan and India have boundary problems, but India and China also have serious boundary disputes. How it will impact the working of SCO is yet to be seen.
But there is reason to be hopeful. There have been several instances where multilateral settings have had a sobering impact on foreign policy by providing an alternative space for unofficial interactions away from the prying eye of local media.
I mentioned SAARC failing to achieve any tangible progress on the socio-economic front, but it has been instrumental for some of the historical engagements between leaders from Pakistan and India.
For example, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee traveled to Pakistan in 2004 for a SAARC summit, and his meetings with military ruler Pervez Musharraf resulted in the start of a new round of dialogue between the countries.
The dialogue was suspended unilaterally by India after the Mumbai attacks of 2008, but it was the most comprehensive effort ever made between the two countries to resolve all their issues through talks.
Now Indian and Pakistan have another platform in the SCO. It can play an important role as an alternative venue where leaders can meet at a bilateral level to address issues. Other influential SCO members like Russia and China can also help facilitate diplomacy.
The SCOs focus on combating terrorism and extremism can be another area of cooperation between Pakistan and India, as there are currently mutual accusations of involvement in terrorism.
Relations between Pakistan and India are passing through a difficult period. It is evidenced by the fact that Prime Minister Sharif and Prime Minister Modi are attending but no meeting has been scheduled. But the forum should ultimately bring them together. Otherwise, it might become difficult for the SCO to deliver on its key promises.
Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
On June 3, 2017, London once again fell prey to a spate of terrorist attacks along the banks of the River Thames, where unidentified suspects drove a vehicle into a crowd and knife-wielding attackers slaughtered passersby in the Borough Market.
Terrorism has cast a grim shadow across all of Europe, where attacks have grown severe even as governments have tightened security policies in an attempt to eradicate them.
To tackle with the new tendencies in terrorism, it is necessary to recall the effective measures and approaches adopted in history by countries such as Russia and Israel, so that the rest of the world can find a solution of their own to fight the growing threat.
Russia's stances and policies have shown its bold, fierce and unyielding position regarding those who wield terror upon innocent people.
A number of terrorist organizations have long threatened the security and stability of Russia. The terrorists in Chechnya are infamous for their association with overseas accomplices, and the Fergana, a junction among the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, is a land for terrorist organizations.
Facing the serious threats imposed by the terrorists, Russia has maintained the following hard-line stances:
First, it has shown its strong and firm resolution through counter-terrorist legislation. According to Russia's constitution, any violence used in attempt to undermine the regime and sovereignty of Russia, sabotage national security, establish military forces, escalate social tensions and spread radical racism is strictly prohibited. A complete legal system based on the constitution and associated with criminal and anti-terrorists laws has been established in Russia, in addition to other laws, provisions, circulars and presidential orders.
Second, the country has established a complete command system of anti-terrorism techniques. The system, buttressed by anti-terrorism legislation, has given full play to administrative and judicial powers. Under direct leadership of the president, the mechanism runs as an integral part of national security, creating a nationwide anti-terrorist network.
The Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee is responsible for submitting anti-terrorism proposals to the president, coordinating anti-terrorism measures among different departments, charting plans and extending global cooperation. The Federal Security Service, the fundamental organization for anti-terrorism missions, is assigned to defeat terrorism by taking special actions, such as reconnaissance, anti-reconnaissance, searches and combat.
Third, Russia has enhanced military forces to defeat terrorism in any form while civilians in Russia can also be involved in the anti-terrorist drive facilitated by special telephone lines initiated in 1997, through which citizens can report suspicious activities to the Federal Security Service.
Unlike Russia's bold countermeasures, Israel's carrot and stick approaches are more scrupulous.
First, when evolving from passive to proactive defenses, the country has adopted multi-dimensional approaches to fend off terrorism threats. Israel has often highlighted the role of intelligence. As a result, despite continuous terrorist threats, the country has been prone less to extremist assaults.
Moreover, the anti-terrorist system has been integrated into daily security measures. Long queues at the airport and armed police patrolling the roads and buses are impressive signs of the country's stringent safety measures. During big occasions or parades, the country will completely prohibit the driving of vehicles and cordon off roads to lower the chances of dangers. It also partners with neighboring countries, such as Egypt, Jordan and even the Palestine Liberation Organization, for intelligence cooperation.
Second, Israel is ruthless to present an iron fist to terrorism. After a short attempt at adopting non-violent approaches, such as diplomatic negotiations, the country soon went back to military force. The late hawkish Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made tougher anti-terrorist policies, including imposing curfews, demolishing settlements, increasing checkpoints, building walls of separation and adopting necessary economic measures to constrain terrorism after the 9/11 attacks.
The country rooted up certain settlements of Hamas and killed its chiefs. When dealing with other terrorists, Israel has come to be known as a country that expels the families and relatives of attackers. Their families may lose their livelihood because of the terrorist attacks. It is a strong constraint policy imposed on terrorists, making any association with terrorism be a nightmare.
The author is an associate professor from the University of International Relations and a researcher at the Center for China and Globalization.
The article was translated by Wu Jin. Its original unabridged version was published in Chinese.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Flash
A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court ruled Monday against reinstalling U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban.
The motions panel of the U.S. Courts for the 9th Circuit presented its decision in 86 pages of written opinion, stating at the end that "The Government's motion for a stay (of the travel ban) pending appeal is DENIED as moot."
The travel ban, the second of the kind, was blocked on March 15 by U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in response to a suit by the state of Hawaii.
The panel heard on May 15 in Seattle, Washington state, Acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall on behalf of the Trump administration and Neal Katyal, an attorney representing the state of Hawaii, argue about whether the nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by Judge Watson should be lifted and the travel ban as part of a presidential executive order reimposed.
"The district court did not abuse its discretion in entering a nationwide preliminary injunction," the judges wrote in their opinion.
The second travel ban, signed by Trump on March 6 as part of his executive order, bars nationals of Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days; and suspends the entry of all refugees.
It was the second time the 9th Circuit Court heard and ruled against the same president's travel ban.
On Feb. 9, another panel of three judges ruled in San Francisco, Northern California, against reinstating the travel ban signed on Jan. 27 by Trump as part of an executive order.
The president subsequently issued the revised order, taking Iraq off the list of seven Muslim-majority countries.
In initiating the legal challenge against the second travel ban on March 9, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin noted that the new order, compared with the initial ban, "nothing of substance has changed: there is the same blanket ban on entry from Muslim-majority countries."
On their part, the three judges sitting on the motions panel of the appellate court said "the President's authority is subject to certain statutory and constitutional restraints. We conclude that the President, in issuing the Executive Order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress."
Flash
Hundreds of Turkish people rallied on Monday in the southeastern Batman Province against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which was accused of killing a 22-year-old female teacher in an armed attack on Friday, local media reported.
Carrying a 200-meter-long Turkish flag, the demonstrators rallied at the high school which was recently named as the Aybuke Yalcin, the killed teacher's name, in Batman's Kozluk district.
Orhan Akturk, district governor of Kozluk district, said at the demonstration that the young woman will not be forgotten and the tragedy will be remembered.
According to local reports, Yalcin was shot dead by PKK militants on Friday, after her car was unfortunately hit by stray bullets as an attacker fired at a nearby car belonging to a mayor of Kozluk district.
After the shooting, one of the militants drove a bomb car to attack a checkpoint, killing one police officer and wounding two others in the blast.
The tragedy of the young music teacher, who graduated from university and started career last year, has caused grief across the country.
The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and EU, and resumed its decades-long armed campaign against the Turkish government in July 2015.
Flash
The Kimberleys have toured thousands of miles over the past few months to China to make preparation for launching a model farm for growing soybean, where roughly two-thirds of U.S. soybean exports go every year.
The Kimberleys are a typical Midwestern farm family in Des Moines, central Iowa. Rick Kimberley and his son Grant are operating around 4,000 acres (1617 hectares) of farmland in the suburb of Des Moines with a house, grain bins and machine sheds.
As witnesses to the booming agricultural ties between China and Iowa, the Kimberley family is now not only exporting soybeans to China, but also introducing their advanced farming technology to the largest soybean export market for the United States.
The model farm which will be fashioned after the Kimberleys' one is set to be built next year in north China's Hebei Province, a sister province of Iowa. The Kimberleys are traveling to China frequently over the past few months to prepare for the kickoff of the demonstration farm.
According to Grant, the Kimberleys are working with local government and development companies in Hebei to get the demonstration farm operating as soon as possible.
"That demonstration farm would showcase new techniques and practices (of agriculture), and things maybe down the road could be utilized by Chinese agriculture as well, because China needs to modernize and continues to improve the efficiency of farms," said Grant.
"Our farm has been one of the examples how Chinese farms down the road could modernize their operations and improve their efficiency," Grant added.
As an example for the deepening China-U.S. economic ties, the Kimberleys' farm has drawn interest of a group of Chinese researchers who paid a visit to the farm in recent days.
"China-U.S. relations are not only about the government-level exchanges, but more importantly lie in the exchanges between people from both countries. The close people-to-people exchanges could further contribute to the development of bilateral relations," said Zhao Qizheng, former director of China's State Council Information Office, after he visited the Kimberleys' farm.
It's the first time for Chinese think tank researchers to hold a direct talks with American farmers, said Wei Jianguo, China's former vice minister of commerce, who also took the tour at the Kimberleys' farm.
"I'm very impressed by American farmers' strong emphasis on the importance of stable bilateral economic relationship," said Wei.
In 2016, bilateral trade between China and the United States reached over 524 billion U.S. dollars, surging over 200 times over the past 38 years since China and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1979. U.S. exports to China supported over 1.8 million jobs in the United States in 2015.
According to a report released by the U.S.-China Business Council, the U.S.-China trade relationship actually supports roughly 2.6 million jobs in the United States across a range of industries, including jobs that Chinese companies have created in America.
As the Chinese economy transits into the modern age, there is ample reason to believe U.S. exports can grow even more rapidly, and U.S. firms can harvest significant revenues from their investments, said the report.
Flash
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said on Monday that his government will submit a formal resignation soon.
Sipila told a press conference in Helsinki that the Centre Party and National Coalition Party could not be assured of cooperation with the Finns Party on future issues.
The prime minister made the announcement following talks with other coalition party leaders on Monday morning. Sipila said the value differences with Jussi Halla-aho, new leader of the Finns Party, was too large.
Halla-aho was elected the chairman of the Finns Party on Saturday. He has been known for his strong anti-EU and anti-immigration line.
After being elected, Halla-aho said he would not replace Timo Soini to take the position as foreign minister but would remain in the European Parliament as he is now.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said on Monday that "the country is not in crisis", but expressed his hope that a new government is rebuilt soon.
The current Finnish coalition government, comprising three major parties in the parliament, started work in May 2015.
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US citizens have so far made up the majority of foreign residents in Guangzhou to receive "talent green cards."
The city government has issued 68 cards to people from the United States since June 1, 2016, accounting for 5.88 percent of the total.
The cards give residents from abroad and other parts of China the same rights and services as locals, meaning they can buy property and cars, while their children can attend public school.
The program is aimed at attracting outside talent to support the southern city's economic development.
Along with the US citizens, residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (37 in total), Canada (15), Australia (11) also received talent green cards.
In total, the city has issued 1,560 cards, including 165 to people from 11 countries and regions, and 368 to residents from Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen.
Flash
The United States and China should resolve their differences in bilateral trade through dialogue since a trade war between the world's top two economies would be "destructive," a former U.S. diplomat said on Monday.
"The (bilateral) trading relationship is so important, so vital for the farmers, the business people, the farmers organizations ... not only in Iowa, but in every state (of the United States), so it's in no one's interest to have a trade war," Kenneth M. Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, said in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the U.S.-China Think Tank Symposium held in Des Moines, Iowa.
The symposium, jointly sponsored by the World Food Prize Foundation, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, brought together about 20 Chinese and U.S. experts and scholars to discuss enhancing bilateral trade ties.
"Here (Iowa) where the trade that starts the whole economy, it's (the trade war's) destructive," said Quinn, who assumed his current post in 2000 following his retirement from the U.S. State Department after a 32-year career in the Foreign Service.
"Farm prices are low now. If there is a trade war, the prices will further go down," Quinn said.
Iowa, a major agricultural state in the U.S. midwest, ranked the second in soybean production among U.S. states last year, and it exports 60 percent of its soybeans, mainly to China.
"I am very optimistic we won't have a trade war," Quinn said, adding that the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida in April is "a step in right direction."
The 100-day action plan resulted from the meeting is a "good idea" designed to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, he said.
"We have to understand we won't make huge leap forward or make great steps in just 100 days. However, we are spurring things into action. There are certainly real efforts being made in China, to form tiny steps that could lead to a deal to treat trade imbalance. This is a positive thing," Quinn said.
Last month, the Chinese and U.S. sides announced the initial results of the 100-day action plan, covering agriculture, financial services, investment and energy.
BISMARCK, N.D. An American Indian activist and former U.S. congressional candidate accused of inciting a riot during protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline says he has no qualms about taking the case to trial, even though he could face more than five years in prison if convicted.
Chase Iron Eyes maintains his innocence and pleaded not guilty in March to the felony charge and also misdemeanor criminal trespass. He is scheduled for a one-day trial on Feb. 8, 2018, in Mandan, just west of Bismarck.
Iron Eyes' attorney also represented Hollywood actress Shailene Woodley, who signed a plea deal earlier this year that kept her out of jail in another high-profile protest case. Unlike Woodley, Iron Eyes said, he still lives and works in the area where the protests occurred and has "a huge and sincere concern about the administration of justice."
"If it takes that we have to go to trial to achieve those goals, then that's a good thing," he said. "That's what our system of justice is designed to do."
Iron Eyes and 73 others were arrested on Feb. 1 after erecting teepees on land that authorities said is owned by pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners. Protesters maintained they were peacefully assembling on land they believe rightfully belongs to American Indians.
Iron Eyes hasn't disputed his involvement, but he says he wasn't the leader of the effort and had no authority to stop it.
Prosecutors did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. But authorities have alleged in statements and court documents that Iron Eyes helped lead a "rogue group" of "aggressive" protesters who set up the short-lived camp, and that he negotiated with law officers on behalf of the camp, "holding himself out as the new camp's leader."
Dave Archambault, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, which led opposition to the pipeline, condemned the group's action at the time, saying it undermined legitimate protests.
The pipeline protests in southern North Dakota ended in February, after President Donald Trump's administration and the courts allowed construction on the $3.8 billion project to wrap up. The line went into service this month, transporting North Dakota oil 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers) across South Dakota and Iowa to a distribution point in Illinois.
Iron Eyes, a member of the Standing Rock tribe, made an unsuccessful bid for North Dakota's lone U.S. House seat last year. He said he considers himself a part of an informal "reconciliation process" that involves people from the reservation normalizing relations with people in the Bismarck-Mandan region, where protests often disrupted businesses, farmers and motorists.
"The pipeline brought out the ugliness on both sides. There was no shortage of that," he said. "We just need to take it slow and rebound. I wouldn't have run for Congress in North Dakota if I didn't have confidence in North Dakota, and in Standing Rock."
GRAND FORKS, N.D. Just over two months after losing his brother to a work site accident, Aaron Castoreno cant shake the feeling that the death was avoidable.
Jared Jay Castoreno died March 29 in a work site accident at a home renovation on Earl Circle on the south end of Grand Forks. He was 30. His death remains under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
North Dakota is the deadliest in the nation for laborers per capita, according to an annual report from the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States. It ranked North Dakota 50th in its comprehensive report on labor deaths in the U.S. in 2015, the fourth time in the past five years North Dakota topped the list.
If he was working in a different state, hed still be alive, Aaron said.
The AFL-CIOs 2017 report is based on 2015 figures, the latest produced by Bureau of Labor Statistics. It found North Dakota had 47 labor-related deaths in 2014, a rate of 12.5 per 100,000 workers. Nationwide there were 4,836 people who died on the job in 2015, a rate of 3.4 per 100,000.
Last week, 58-year-old Richard G. Bruce, of Grand Forks, died after falling through garage rafters 10 feet onto a concrete garage floor at a home construction in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Minnesota recorded 74 work-related deaths in 2015, a rate of 2.7 per 100,000.
OSHA investigated six work-related deaths in 2016 in North Dakota, according to state director Eric Books. So far theyve investigated or are investigating four deaths in 2017, one oil and gas-related, a number Brooks described as historically low. OSHA measures years using the October through September fiscal calendar.
Brooks said North Dakota ranks low in part because of its low population and the nature of many transient workers converging on the states oil fields in the first half of the decade. Still, he noted, thats no excuse for workplace deaths.
I have to believe zero is achievable; otherwise, we have to accept the cost of doing business in America costs somebodys life, Brooks said.
OSHA investigates accidents from private sector employers unless the death is traffic-related. In 2015, 60 percent of occupational deaths in North Dakota were transportation incidents. Nationwide the rate was 40 percent.
Brooks said OSHA would be making the findings of its investigation into Jared Castorenos death public next week. Should the agency find the employer failed to comply with federal safety standards, it can issue a citation.
Once a company is cited, it may pay the fine and take the steps necessary to clean up its job sites, contest the findings or request an informal conference to hash out an agreement, Brooks said. OSHA hopes companies that are fined take steps to prevent further injuries and deaths. The informal conference is the most common type, Brooks said.
Were really looking at the culture change, he told the Grand Folks Herald. When we talk settlement, our main goal is abatement. What are we doing to make sure this wont happen again?
Aaron Castoreno said his brothers employer, Civil Contracting Services, was not prioritizing worker safety the day Jared died and believes they violated safety codes.
He was under pressure from the company to do the work, no matter the consequences, Aaron Castoreno said.
Calls by Forum News Service to Civil Contracting Services were not returned.
Castoreno said he believes companies are cutting corners on safety to boost their bottom lines.
Theyd rather not spend the extra time and money to make sure people go home safe, he said.
Lt. Brett Johnson said the Grand Forks Police Department has closed its investigation into Castorenos death and did not find evidence to bring criminal charges against the employer or homeowner.
North Dakotas death toll peaked in 2012 with 65 employee deaths. Shortly after, Brooks recalls being at a Perkins restaurant in Minot with other OSHA employers and deciding something had to change.
He said OSHA has worked in the state with oil and gas companies to improve safety in the Bakken.
Up until 2015, Brooks said about half the occupational deaths OSHA investigated were oil and gas-related. In 2016, it dropped to one-third of the cases.
Employers are responsible to provide safe workplaces, Brooks said. Weve seen a lot of evolution, a lot of change in the last four to five years.
Still, North Dakota lacks the number of inspectors to ensure federal guidelines are being imposed by work site supervisors day in and day out. In 2015, the AFL-CIO found North Dakota had just seven work site inspectors compared with 437,072 employees, and that it would take 101 years for OSHA to inspect all job sites in the state.
Aaron Castoreno said his family is organizing to change labor laws in North Dakota and make sure regulations are being followed. They met with the governors office and were encouraged to get a petition circulating to get a new law passed in 2019, he said. The family has a Facebook page titled Justice 4 Jared and is attempting to organize a memorial bike ride for Jared this summer. They hope pressure on the issue will save other families from pain.
We dont want anyone else to get killed or hurt out of sheer stupidity, Aaron said.
(TianjinMay 19,2017) A young female lawyer recently detailed the torture she experiencedduring her incarceration as part of a nationwide crackdown on human rightsattorneys.
Li Shiyun wrotea post on social media, incriminating authorities who brutalized her during hertime incarcerated for her defense of persecuted people. On July 10, 2015,officials arbitrarily kidnapped and arrested Li as part of nationwide crackdownon human rights attorneys.
For six months,
she was locked and isolated in a dark cell and then transferred to a secondary
detention center for three months. Government personnel forced her to stand
still for 16 hours, chained her to a chair designed as a torture device for a
week without allowing her to move at all, and made her sleep head-to-head with
a criminal sentenced to death. Additionally, they drugged her for seven months,
a method of torture commonly used against human rights lawyers.
exposing Lis experience in order to stand in solidarity with her and other
persecuted individuals fighting for justice as well as promote religious
freedom, human rights, and rule of law. ChinaAid isexposing Lis experience in order to stand in solidarity with her and otherpersecuted individuals fighting for justice as well as promote religiousfreedom, human rights, and rule of law.
ChinaAid Media Team
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
For more information, click here
Panama's decision on Monday to establish formal diplomatic relations with Beijing and switch its recognition from Taiwan is a welcome move that accords with the historical trend and best serves the national interests of both China and the Central American nation.
Panama is the second country to switch its recognition to Beijing since pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party chief Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan leader last year, following a similar move by Sao Tome and Principe in December.
This, in addition to the World Health Organization's rejection of Taiwan representatives attending its annual conference in May, suggests that the principle of one China is now widely accepted by the international community and the space for Taiwan to continue to flaunt its banner of independence is rapidly shrinking.
Taipei has been pointing an accusing finger at Beijing for persuading Panama, a country with a strategic location that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, to break its ties with the island.
A sovereign nation with a quarter of its population living in poverty, Panama has the right to choose its own path of development.
Chinese ships are now the second most frequent users of the Panama Canal, the main source of revenue for Panama, and as China has already been the leading provider of merchandise to a free trade zone in the Panamanian city of Colon, it is natural for the two sides to step up efforts to tap their cooperation potential by establishing formal ties.
That a COSCO freighter from the Chinese mainland was the first vessel to pass through the newly opened expanded canal in June last year was an indication of their strengthening relationship of mutual benefits, which is bound to prosper further now that Panama is welcome to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Taipei has only itself to blame for what it sees as "suppression" of its international space.
Tsai, who likes to call herself "president of Taiwan", has so far rejected the 1992 Consensus that maintains both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are part of one China, thus undermining the cornerstone for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.
In response, Beijing is obliged to take moves to counter separatist forces on the island. National reunification is China's core interest that tolerates no challenge.
So long as Tsai continues to drag her feet on accepting the 1992 Consensus, the prospects for peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits will remain dim.
A panel discussion is held on the future of the office market, June 9, 2017. [Photo Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
China Jinmao Holdings Groupone of the country's largest property developers, is building its business office ecosystem in the Zhongguancun Fengtai Science Park to breed more unicorn companies.
China Jinmao discussed its future plans to build a business office system in Jinmao Plaza in Fengtai district of Beijing at a forum on Friday. The office mode has been tailored to high-tech companies in the country's innovation hub to cultivate more billion-dollar startups.
Zhou Yingtong, Jinmao Plaza's marketing director, said what motivated Jinmao is the upcoming technology revolution, in which bytes will become the atoms of information.
Science and tech media company 36Kr, as well as Yidaxun Network Science and Technology Lit Co, were among the first businesses to join the Jinmao Beijing Business Office Eco Union.
Apart from support from the Fengtai high-tech park, Jinmao will provide companies with solid capital support, funds and networks.
In the future, Jinmao hopes to be home to more than 30,000 high-tech companies functioning as both a workplace and a social networking place for companies and enterprises.
According to the 13th Five-Year Plan, the Zhongguancun Fengtai Science Park hopes to become a large-scale, high-tech new economic business zone, reaching more than 800 billion yuan ($117 billion) in annual output, with 300,000 experts working in the area by 2020.
Chinese investment in large mixed-use towers in the United States not only changes the skyline but also helps local architects sharpen their skills.
"One thing we learned from the Chinese developers is how they honed their skills and made themselves more efficient," said Pieter Berger, associate partner of MVE & Partners Inc, an Irvine, California-based architectural design and planning firm.
During the past 15 years, the firm has engaged in two million square meters of development in China.
Berger stressed the China experiences have helped "in a tremendous way", as local developers taught them to come up with strong design concepts, get their points across more clearly and sell their ideas in a timely fashion.
"Schedule is always tight from Chinese developers' standpoint. The schedules are typically very compressed versus how we see with local developers," he said, adding that it's the biggest difference between Chinese and local developers.
Berger has made numerous trips to China and also learnt to use WeChat to communicate with Chinese clients.
"My first trip to China is absolutely an eye-opener," said Berger. "The scale of how buildings are built and communities are developed in China was a moment we realized what we were getting ourselves into, in a very positive way.
"It's all about creating projects of size that have overall impacts with Chinese communities," he added.
Their biggest ongoing project in China is Wuhan First City, a 650,000-square-meter master plan with campus office, residential and retail southeast of downtown Wuhan, capital of Hubei province.
The firm had its first project, a high-rise condo building in Chengdu, Sichuan province more than 10 years ago.
It was reintroduced to the country after a Chinese developer saw one of MVE's office projects in Santa Monica and contacted the firm, which ended up with the relationship that helped tap different clients.
The firm started to see an increase of Chinese clients stateside once they saw the market slowing a bit in their country during the last couple of years, Berger pointed out.
"A sudden influx of projects started springing up in the city (Los Angeles) in a serious way," he said. His firm recently set up an office in downtown Los Angeles to handle the increased business.
"One of the great examples is outside of the windowthe Metropolis of Greenlanda lot of money was invested all at once, and the downtown started becoming a mixed-use community," he added.
The architectural firm is engaged in three Chinese-invested projects in California, including Lifan Tower, a 28-story mixed-use tower in downtown Los Angeles as well as a mixed-use, multi-tower project invested in by LT Global in Orange County.
It is also involved in two high-rises with condo units and retail components invested in by BDK Capital in Milpitas, a city in the Bay Area.
A C919 aircraft undergoes checks in Shanghai after a test flight. [Photo/China Daily]
Editor's note: In the run-up to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China Daily will cover a series of key projects and advanced equipment of national importance, showcasing the country's huge improvements and relentless efforts in manufacturing upgrading and innovation.
The C919 aircraft, China's first homegrown large passenger jet, boasts a global sourcing model that is similar to that of Boeing Co and Airbus Group SE. The model is believed to increase production efficiency and save costs, but aircraft manufacturers retain control of key technologies.
The C919 plane also has several significant technical breakthroughs. Intense research and development was conducted before production, and it uses a large amount of composite materials.
For instance, 85 percent of its tail section is made from composite materials, according to Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd, manufacturer of the C919. In China, the technology to apply composite materials is still in its infancy, and the application requires mould manufacturing, temperature control and other techniques.
Harbin Hafei Industry Co Ltd, an aviation manufacturer in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, is mainly responsible for the manufacturing of some parts that mainly use composite materials, including the hatch door for the front landing gear and the main landing gear, as well as the vertical tail of the C919.
Li Wei, deputy chief engineer of the C919 project at Hafei, said: "We cooperated with Boeing, Airbus and Embraer before. The design capabilities, quality system, and the supplier management capability of COMAC are in line with international standards, when compared with established aircraft manufacturers."
With more than 100,000 components required for the plane, more than 240 local Chinese companies have served as suppliers and manufacturers for the C919. More than 460,000 people have been involved in its research and development, and 37 higher education institutions joined the C919 project, COMAC said.
Once the C919 plane starts mass production and delivery, it is expected to drive the rapid growth of the upstream and downstream industry chains and other high-end manufacturing sectors, such as metal materials, mechanical manufacturing, electronic information and chemistry.
Wu Xingshi, a member of the State Council's large passenger aircraft program's expert advisory committee, said the C919 model has applied for airworthiness certificates with the industry's regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, as well as the Europe Aviation Safety Agency, and China aims to accelerate the approval process for the C919.
"For the ARJ21, the nation's first domestic commercial regional aircraft, it took about six to seven years of test flights before it received the airworthiness certificate, which was the longest period for commercial aircraft in history," he said.
"The ARJ21 serves as a pioneer in China, and the test flight process of the C919 should be faster and more smoothly, until it proves that it can meet the operational requirements for commercial use."
Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and columnist at Carnoc.com, one of China's largest civil aviation web portals, said China serves as the initiator and host of the C919 project.
He said China is responsible for the original design, assembly and supplier management, and those responsibilities are seen as the key parts of large commercial aircraft manufacturing.
"The capability of producing large commercial aircraft is a critical index to assess the industrial manufacturing and technological strengths of a country," Lin said.
"We don't need to label the C919 as 100 percent made-in-China. Our aim is to integrate the most advantageous resources and latest technologies, and produce aircraft that will be competitive in the global market."
Despite the promising prospects, Lin said the C919's entry to the market won't occur very soon. It is expected to go into operation between 2020 and 2022, and it ultimately aims to break the global market duopoly of Boeing and Airbus.
Boeing Co earlier lifted its forecast for China. It said in the next two decades, the nation is likely to become the first country with an aviation market exceeding $1 trillion. During that period, Chinese airlines are estimated to purchase 6,810 airplanes valued at $1.025 trillion.
China and ASEAN economies will further promote cooperation in infrastructure construction, as the Belt and Road Initiative continues to advance, said a senior executive of Jiangxi Jiangling Motors Co Group.
Tony Chen, general manager of International Cooperation Department of Jiangxi Jiangling Motors Import & Export Co Ltd, said its heavy truck products, which are expected by the end of 2017, will be sold to the Southeast Asian market.
With JMCG's business covering almost all ASEAN members, its trade volume with these nations has maintained a rapid growth trend, Chen told a group of 20 journalists from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states on a visit to the company in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, which was organized by the ASEAN-China Center.
In the future, JMCG will step up efforts to optimize products targeting the ASEAN market, and strengthen after-sales services, Chen added.
Southeast Asia, thanks to its large population and immense growth potential, is considered an attractive investment destination for automakers worldwide.
Industry data showed that annual demand for new vehicles from ASEAN economies will reach at least 4 million by 2020, as regional free trade advances.
"During my visit to the JMCG vehicle plant, we can see that it is very large, and the auto parts production and the assembly line are very advanced," said Pham Anh Minh, a journalist from Vietnam Investment Review. "Their cars and spare parts are popular in Vietnam."
Jiangling Motors Corp, the group's listed unit, reported that it sold 79,553 vehicles in the first quarter of 2017, up 31.99 percent year-on-year.
During the period, its revenue increased 52.7 percent year-on-year to 8.15 billion yuan ($1.2 billion), and profit dropped 44.7 percent year-on-year to 229 million yuan, according to the interim report.
Oliver Tonby, an analyst at consulting firm McKinsey & Co, wrote in a report that cost optimization is a key factor for automobile companies to locate their operations.
"Companies must balance low manufacturing costs with overall supply chain costs such as transportation and components supply," said the report.
In 2016, bilateral trade between China and ASEAN members showed an upward trend, with the total volume exceeding 2.98 trillion yuan, up 1.9 percent year-on-year. The two sides set a target of $1 trillion trade volume by 2020.
In addition, China and ASEAN economies agreed to cooperate in more than 10 areas such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, information technology industry, tourism, transportation, intellectual property, human resources development, small and medium-enterprises and the environment.
An outlet of Car Inc, China's biggest rental company, in Changzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/China Daily]
China's high-end ride hailing company UCAR Technology Inc has led a 2.2 billion yuan investment in the fledging electric carmaker Xpeng Motors, the two announced on Monday.
The investment is the first UCAR has made since the car service provider set up a private equity fund of 10 billion yuan to invest in "synergy and forward-looking" projects.
Xpeng Motors plans to mass produce its first model, an all-electric SUV, by the year end. The three-year-old company released the prototype in last September.
Touting an internet gene, the Guangzhou-headquartered carmaker has executives from a band of internet players such as Tencent, Alibaba, Huawei and UC Web, according to the company.
"UCAR will purchase Xpeng cars in large scale, and support it in data mining, joint marketing and building sales and after-sales network," chairman and CEO Lu Zhengyao said.
The move comes as Chinese internet companies eye car business with a fresh interest, with ambitious players ranging from video streaming platform LeEco to search engine giant Baidu.
The investment will give UCAR a foothold in the upper industrial chain, and Xpeng Motors a head start in the competition, analysts said.
Originated as an affiliate of China's largest car-rental company Car Inc, UCAR is different from its asset-light rival Didi by owning cars and employing full-time drivers, targeting the country's luxury end of ride hailing businesses.
The company has been looking to extend in the auto industry chain with a second-hand car trading platform and a car financing platform. UCAR listed in the New Third Board, the national over-the-counter equity market for small and medium-sized enterprises, last year.
The new fund is set up to invest in after-sales auto services, new energy cars, and smart driving technologies including internet of cars, advanced car operation system and autonomous driving, Li Hui, head of the fund, said.
Grant Kimberley (L), son of Kimberley Farm owner, introduces crop planting and agricultural techniques used by his farm in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, June 11, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]
DES MOINES - The Kimberleys have toured thousands of miles over the past few months to China to make preparation for launching a model farm for growing soybean, where roughly two-thirds of US soybean exports go every year.
The Kimberleys are a typical Midwestern farm family in Des Moines, central Iowa. Rick Kimberley and his son Grant are operating around 4,000 acres (1617 hectares) of farmland in the suburb of Des Moines with a house, grain bins and machine sheds.
As witnesses to the booming agricultural ties between China and Iowa, the Kimberley family is now not only exporting soybeans to China, but also introducing their advanced farming technology to the largest soybean export market for the United States.
The model farm which will be fashioned after the Kimberleys' one is set to be built next year in north China's Hebei province, a sister province of Iowa. The Kimberleys are traveling to China frequently over the past few months to prepare for the kickoff of the demonstration farm.
According to Grant, the Kimberleys are working with local government and development companies in Hebei to get the demonstration farm operating as soon as possible.
"That demonstration farm would showcase new techniques and practices (of agriculture), and things maybe down the road could be utilized by Chinese agriculture as well, because China needs to modernize and continues to improve the efficiency of farms," said Grant.
"Our farm has been one of the examples how Chinese farms down the road could modernize their operations and improve their efficiency," Grant added.
As an example for the deepening China-US economic ties, the Kimberleys' farm has drawn interest of a group of Chinese researchers who paid a visit to the farm in recent days.
A view of the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong, which is under construction, from Victoria Peak on April 30, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
HONG KONG - The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Tuesday that Hong Kong has become a new member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved on May 12, the funding for subscription of 7,651 shares of the AIIB's capital, including 1,530 paid-in shares that are amounting to about HK$1.2 billion ($153.9 million) and payable over five years, and 6,121 callable shares. Having completed the subsequent legal procedures, Hong Kong was admitted as a new member of the AIIB, the HKSAR government said.
Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan said that "the early completion of our accession process demonstrates Hong Kong's readiness to support the operation of the AIIB."
"As the leading international financial center, Hong Kong has a sophisticated, robust and highly liquid financial market, and an abundance of top professionals with global experience, coupled with the unique advantage of 'one country, two systems'," Chan said, adding that Hong Kong is "well placed to help the AIIB to raise funds to finance various infrastructure projects."
Besides, Hong Kong's experience and expertise in the design, construction, operation and management of major infrastructure "have been well proven internationally," he said, adding that "Hong Kong's professional services and financial services sectors can certainly contribute to the success of the AIIB, while Hong Kong's participation in the AIIB can also create new opportunities for the relevant sectors."
The AIIB will hold the second annual meeting of its Board of Governors in Jeju, South Korea, on June 16-18. The financial secretary will lead a delegation to attend the meeting, which will be the first time that Hong Kong participates as a member of the Beijing-based bank.
An initial public offering in the A-share market will help Shenzhen Annil LLC, a garment enterprise specializing in the design and sale of children's clothing, to facilitate its leading position in the domestic market, said a senior company executive.
"We will expand sales channels, boost product competitiveness and facilitate brand promotion, following the IPO issues," said Cao Zhang, chairman of Shenzhen Annil LLC.
The company, based in Shenzhen, China's frontline of reform and opening up, was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on June 1.
"Following China's new family planning policy that allows families to have their second child, we believe that the children's garment industry will see an upward trend in market expansion," said Cao.
After issuing initial public offerings, Annil has become the first of its kind to be listed on China's A-share market.
The company has created Annil, a famous domestic brand of children's garments by adhering to the design philosophy of using green and environmentally-friendly fabrics. So far the company has opened nearly 1,500 flagship stores nationwide.
"We will also boost online sales as a growing number of young parents have been keen on shopping without going to offline stores," said Cao.
The company's online sales accounted for 24.3 percent of its total sales in 2016, with establishment on the country's major online platforms including Taobao, Tmall, JD and Vip.com.
DES MOINES, the United States - The United States and China should resolve their differences in bilateral trade through dialogue since a trade war between the world's top two economies would be "destructive," a former US diplomat said here on Monday.
"The (bilateral) trading relationship is so important, so vital for the farmers, the business people, the farmers organizations ... not only in Iowa, but in every state (of the United States), so it's in no one's interest to have a trade war," Kenneth M. Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, said in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the US-China Think Tank Symposium held in Des Moines, Iowa.
The symposium, jointly sponsored by the World Food Prize Foundation, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, brought together about 20 Chinese and US experts and scholars to discuss enhancing bilateral trade ties.
"Here (Iowa) where the trade that starts the whole economy, it's (the trade war's) destructive," said Quinn, who assumed his current post in 2000 following his retirement from the US State Department after a 32-year career in the Foreign Service.
"Farm prices are low now. If there is a trade war, the prices will further go down," Quinn said.
Iowa, a major agricultural state in the US midwest, ranked the second in soybean production among US states last year, and it exports 60 percent of its soybeans, mainly to China.
"I am very optimistic we won't have a trade war," Quinn said, adding that the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Florida in April is "a step in right direction."
The 100-day action plan resulted from the meeting is a "good idea" designed to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, he said.
"We have to understand we won't make huge leap forward or make great steps in just 100 days. However, we are spurring things into action. There are certainly real efforts being made in China, to form tiny steps that could lead to a deal to treat trade imbalance. This is a positive thing," Quinn said.
Last month, the Chinese and US sides announced the initial results of the 100-day action plan, covering agriculture, financial services, investment and energy.
The China Industry Innovation Alliance for the Intelligent and Connected Vehicles has been launched in an effort to back China's fast growing intelligent automobile industry.
The alliance, unveiled on June 12, was designed to service as the think tank of the country's intelligent and connected vehicle industry, as well as transmit technologies to production. The core mission of the alliance included promoting crossover collaboration, building national industrial standards and encouraging sustainable development.
"Being intelligent and connected is the future of vehicles, and increasing crossover collaboration is the heavy feature of this trend," Miao Wei, minister of industry and information technology, said.
"The world is entering into the phrase of fierce competition in intelligent vehicles."
He added, as the application of artificial intelligence, such vehicles will largely increase driving safety and reduce emissions.
Miao said China had a profound potential in intelligent and connected vehicles, as it had strong policy support from the government and a solid foundation of information technology helmed by companies including Huawei, Tencent and Baidu. China was also home to the worlds largest vehicle market with diverse demands, Miao said.
He added the alliance also had to see the faults in the current situation, such as the lack of top-level design, law and regulations, and core technology.
BEIJING - Both production and sales in new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China soared in May despite a cut in government subsidies, while the growth of the overall auto market remained tepid, industry data showed.
A total of 45,000 NEVs were sold in May, up 28.4 percent year on year while 51,000 NEVs were produced, up 38.2 percent year on year, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) showed Monday.
Total auto sales remained stable, with 2.1 million vehicles sold in May, up 0.6 percent compared with that in April. The number declined 0.1 percent year on year.
Total auto production stood at 2.09 million in May, down 2.4 percent from that in April and up 0.7 percent on a year-on-year basis.
China's NEV market has been growing rapidly thanks to government support. Central and local officials have rolled out policies including offering subsidies and encouraging the construction of charging stations.
Local automakers including BYD and BAIC Motor Corporation have received a boost in sales, rivaling international competitors such as Tesla in the world's largest auto market.
The sales data in May came despite a cut in government subsidies this year, as officials vowed to support vehicles of higher quality and with longer driving ranges.
Subsidies for NEVs at both local and central levels will be capped, while the amount will be gradually lowered by 2020, according to an official statement.
China sold 507,000 NEVs last year, the most in the world for a second year and up 53 percent from 2015, CAAM data showed.
According to an official plan on auto industry development, China will see NEV output and sales hit 2 million annually by 2020, about four times the current level.
There should be several Chinese NEV firms that are strong enough to rank among the world top 10 by 2020, and their global influence should further increase by 2025, according to the plan.
A booth introducing Alibaba Cloud services is seen at an exhibition venue during Alibaba Group's 11.11 Singles' Day global shopping festival in Shenzhen, Nov 11, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]
Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba, plans to build two data centers in India and Indonesia by the end of next March, as the internet giant speeds up its transition from a pure e-commerce player to a comprehensive technology firm with growing overseas outreach.
With the planned facilities in Mumbai and Jakarta, Alibaba Cloud will increase its total number of data center locations to 17, covering countries such as Australia, Germany, Japan and the United States, said Simon Hu, president of the business unit.
"Such deployment will enhance our computing resources in Asia and allows greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises in cloud capabilities," he told the Alibaba Computing Conference in Shanghai over the weekend.
At the same event, the company also signed a deal with India's Tata Communications Ltd to enable enterprise customers from more than 150 countries to have access to virtual private clouds, the internet and customers' own networks.
Launched eight years ago, Alibaba's relatively nascent cloud business has grown into its fastest-expanding subsidiary, which has recorded eight consecutive quarters of triple-digit revenue growth rates.
In the quarter ended March 2017, it reported having 874,000 paying customers and a 103 percent year-on-year revenue surge to $314 million.
Company executives also forecast continued robustness in the segment on the back of both the increase in customer numbers and customer spending, with Alibaba CFO Maggie Wu reassuring investors last Thursday in Hangzhou that it is close to reaching break-even.
According to consultancy IDC, the company occupied more than 40 percent of China's burgeoning 10-billion-yuan ($1.47 billion) public cloud market last year, a sector that is projected by Bain&Co to skyrocket to $20 billion by 2020.
"China's market comprises many rapidly growing businesses that are less encumbered by legacy IT systems than is typical in more developed markets, which means they can more easily adopt new IT models," said Kevin Meehan, a partner at Bain.
Such a positive outlook is in part riding on the surging demand from Chinese companies in financial services and manufacturing that are ripe for digitalization through cloud computing and expanding businesses overseas.
Alibaba's archrival Tencent Holdings Ltd said in April it would more than double the number of its offshore data centers to eight, and pledged to use cloud technologies to revolutionize industries from manufacturing to retail.
An exhibitor from BeiDou Changsha in Hunan province displays an electric gun during an industry expo in Beijing. [Photo/China Daily]
Navigation system to play key role in building of administration center
China's self-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System will see wider application in urban construction, as a State-owned enterprise plans to leverage the system to help build Beijing's subsidiary administrative center.
The move came after BeiDou's operating accuracy reached the centimeter-level and after a forecast that the output of China's navigation system and satellite location-based service market will reach 400 billion yuan ($58.8 billion) in 2020.
Beijing Enterprises Group Co Ltd, a major infrastructure builder in Beijing, said the company will use BeiDou to help accelerate the construction of Tongzhou district, which is designed to be the subsidiary administrative center of the capital.
"BeiDou, for instance, will be leveraged to help track construction vehicles and locate building sites," said Hou Zibo, general manager of Beijing Enterprises.
Beidou is the fourth navigation satellite system in the world, following the GPS system of the United States, the GLONASS system of Russia, and the Galileo system of the European Union.
The company signed a deal with the BDS Precise Service System on Monday to expand cooperation in building smart cities. The BDS Precise Service System was built by the Global Navigation Satellite System and the Location-based Services Association of China to promote the application of BeiDou in diverse sectors including the supply of electric power, water and intelligent transportation.
By using BeiDou to track gas pipelines, Beijing Gas, a unit of Beijing Enterprises, has managed to swiftly locate gas leaks before they cause serious damage.
Last week, China Satellite Navigation Office announced that BeiDou's operating accuracy reached the centimeter-level after the first batch of enhanced ground stations were constructed.
The move is part of China's broad efforts to boost the commercial application of BeiDou technologies. In 2016, the output of China's navigation system and satellite location-based service marketincluding sales and other associated economic activityreached 211.8 billion yuan, up 22 percent year-on-year.
BeiDou accounted for around 70 percent of the nation's market share of chips, equipment, software, algorithms and other services directly related to satellite navigation in 2016.
Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies released its new Honor 9 phones in Shanghai on Monday, in the hope of attracting more young consumers.
The new phone features Huawei's Kirin chip, with better photo quality and an improved acoustic experience. Priced at 2,299 yuan ($338), 2,699 yuan and 2,999 yuan respectively based on different storage, the phones will be put on sale officially on June 16. The phones will be available on major e-commerce platforms such as JD.com and Tmall.
Honor is a sub-brand of Huawei Technologies targeting the younger generation who have grown up with the internet, supplementing the company's premium P and Mate series phones.
Also released on Monday was a body-fat scale with a bluetooth connection priced at 199 yuan, a wristband priced at 229 yuan for the standard version and 269 yuan for the NFC version, and a portable air quality monitor priced at 599 yuan, and a headphone jointly developed with music company Monster.
According to technology market consultancy GfK, Honor shipped more than 10.5 million phones in the first three months of this year, outnumbering all other domestic phone brands such as Xiaomi and Meizu, as well as the international big names like Apple and Samsung.
Honor has tied in first place with Apple in terms of brand value, according to the latest survey conducted by global market consultancy Bain & Co.
Its parent company Huawei overtook all of its rivals and shipped the largest amount of mobile phones in the first quarter of this year, 20.8 million, up 25.5 percent year-on-year while the average market growth rate was 0.8 percent, according to market research firm IDC.
Beijing plans to build its first special bicycle lane connecting a crowded residential area with a business center to solve traffic congestion in the area, it was announced on Monday.
Unlike other bike lanes in Beijing, which are often crowded with cars, this one will be exclusively for cyclists.
The 6.3-kilometer lane will connect the Huilongguan residential community in Changping district with the Shangdi of Haidian district, where many companies are located, said Rong Jun, a spokesman for the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.
"In the future, the lane will extend to Zhongguancun Software Park where many IT companies are located," he said. "The traffic in the area needs to be improved because of high population density."
The Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design proposed the bike lane last year. It takes just 20 to 30 minutes to commute between the locations by bicycle, while it can take more than an hour by car because of heavy traffic.
About 370,000 people live in Huilongguan, with up to 20 percent working in Zhongguancun. More than 16 percent work in Shangdi.
Even if people don't drive and choose public transportation, they still have to leave home an hour in advance because of the large number of people using buses and subways during rush hour.
Ji Zhonghui, a teacher in his 40s who lives in Huilongguan and commutes by car, said he welcomes all methods that can ease congestion.
"If the bike lane is built, people will definitely ride to work when the commute distance is within 6 to 7 kilometers," he said.
Yu Shenlan, a resident of Huilongguan in her 30s, said she doesn't think people can easily change their ways of commuting. When it's too cold or too hot, many people still prefer to drive.
"I believe the key issue is the huge population in the area," she said.
Jiang Chenglong contributed to this story.
Long Yingzu feeds some of her pigs in an open area of her farm in Shibadong village, Huayuan county, Hunan province. Liu Xiangrui / China Daily
Editor's note: In the run-up to the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress, China Daily sent six reporters to live for a month in poor villages to see how China's poverty eradication plan is improving people's lives.
Every day, Long Yingzu and her younger sister Long Yinglan feed more than 80 sows and take care of several hundred piglets on their well-equipped pig farm, sometimes with the help of their parents.
In recent years, they have not only consistently enhanced their family income with the livestock business but expanded the benefits to others in Shibadong village.
Long Yingzu, 44, grew up in the remote mountainous county of Huayuan, in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hunan province.
Villagers in this Miao ethnic community once lived in extreme poverty because of limited arable land and other resources, as well as inconvenient transportation.
Long Yingzu turned to farming after dropping out of middle school. To increase the family's income, Long, like many villagers, went to look for part-time work in the provincial capital, Changsha, in 1997. She first helped farmers harvesting rice, and then was employed at a large pig farm.
She started from basic work - cleaning the pigsty and sanitizing - the dirty, tiring work that most others shunned, she said. In the beginning, she earned 300 yuan ($45) a month, a relatively good salary back then.
"I was more afraid of poverty than hard work, so I decided to grit my teeth and hung on," Long recalled. She was gradually assigned more important work after impressing her boss with her diligence.
After working for several years at the pig farm, she became familiar with farm management and mastered important skills, including artificial insemination. In 2002, she decided to give up her good-paying job and return home to start her own farm.
"The salary would not fundamentally change our family's financial circumstances, and I knew I wouldn't be able to work in the city when I got older," she said.
Starting up
Purchasing a sow and a boar with her 8,000 yuan in savings, Long started a farm in her old house. Unable to afford feed, she had to collect weeds from the mountains as food for her pigs and usually woke up early to cook their food. She also needed to climb the steep slopes to fetch water for the animals, and fell many times during the winter.
The hard work paid off. By the end of 2003, she was able to bring in more than 70,000 yuan from selling piglets and providing artificial insemination services to local farmers. Her business gradually expanded to nearby counties as her skills continued to improve.
In the course of business, she not only rebuilt her home but also a well-equipped, modern pig-raising facility that even has a biogas digester to reduce pollution. Animal waste is given to farmers free as organic fertilizer, she said.
Now the farm earns about 800,000 yuan annually. Long's younger sister joined to help as the business grew bigger.
"Most of the piglets are sold to villagers in surrounding areas. The demand is higher than the supply," said Long, adding that buyers usually place orders in advance. According to Long, another 30 sows will be added soon.
The sisters have also received help from the county government, especially technical assistance from the department of animal husbandry.
"My sister has the skills, and I can do the management," said Long Yinglan, 35. "We are a good match."
Graduating from a technical secondary school, Long Yinlan had tried various work, including supermarket accountant in the county-level town, before going to help her sister.
In their home office next to the farm, books about pig breeding are piled on a table.
With the help of a local government policy to help farmers enhance their educations, Long Yingzu is attending a junior college, where she studies agricultural science. She will graduate this year.
"Using traditional experience is good for raising a few pigs, but it takes knowledge and science to manage such a large number of them," Long said, adding that they have learned through practice to adjust to local conditions.
Neighbors benefit
The sisters established a village cooperative in early 2014 in an effort to help their neighbors increase their incomes. Now the cooperative has grown from six households to more than 20. The Long sisters teach the members skills and help them sell their piglets.
They have named the cooperative Mulan, after the legendary Chinese heroine Hua Mulan.
"We believe women can also play a crucial role in helping shake off poverty," said Long Yingzu, who was elected as the village committee's director for women's work a couple of years ago.
Long Shiman, one of the cooperative participants, said raising pigs for the cooperative has improved his family's income markedly last year.
"We are raising three sows and earned more than 8,000 yuan from each last year," he said, adding that he plans to increase the number of females.
Now the Long sisters are planning to further upgrade their industry by turning the slope around their farm into an intercropping farm, where pigs destined for pork dishes can be raised organically. They expect that will attract tourists, as the village aims to boost tourism with its natural resources, including its karst caves.
"In the future, visitors cannot only have fun on the farm but also eat and buy organic pork from us," Long Yingzu said.
What's in a name? A lot, if you had asked Johnson State College and Lyndon State College in the US state of Vermont.
The schools are now one, at least in name - Northern Vermont University - with two campuses 89 kilometers apart.
The name change was designed to attract foreign students willing to pay higher tuition. "University" just sounds better than "college".
NVU will welcome its first freshman class in the fall of 2018.
Across the United States schools have been trying to step up to the surge in foreign students, especially Chinese students. Last year, 328,547 Chinese studied in the US, accounting for 32 percent of all foreign students, according to the Institute of International Education.
But Vermont ranks low - 48th among the country's 50 states. Last year, a paltry 1,712 foreign students studied in Vermont, 39 percent of them Chinese.
Currently, Lyndon has eight international students, including five from China; Johnson State has two international students, one from the United Kingdom and one from Bermuda.
Last year, the board of trustees of the state college system voted unanimously to unify Johnson and Lyndon State - but keeping each school's campus separate - to save money and increase revenue.
Foreign students brought just $75 million to the state last year, up from $34 million six years ago, according to the education institute.
In explaining the name change, Patricia Coates, director of communications for the Vermont State Colleges System, told China Daily that "college" may have a different perception outside the US. In China, "college" may be seen as equivalent to "high school" or "junior college".
"Frankly, let's be honest, 'university' provides a marketing advantage, and that is a big part of what we hope to leverage from this unification," Coates told news website vtdigger.org last year.
Vermont's state college tuition is among the highest in any state, according to the website. The state's smaller public colleges have seen enrollments decline and are more dependent on tuition because of low government funding. Tuition and fees make up 58 percent of their revenue; room and board 17 percent; and state money 16 percent.
At Lyndon in 2015, according to the school's website, there were 1,200 students. In-state tuition was $10,700 and out-of-state tuition was $21,764. International students qualify for the Open Frontiers Scholarship when enrolled in any degree program at Lyndon, and can receive $5,500 a year.
For the academic year 2016-17, Johnson's website lists in-state tuition as $10,244 and out-of-state as $22,680. The tuition for the newly combined NVU hasn't been disclosed yet.
It's not the first time that an institute of higher education in Vermont has changed its name. In July 2015, Castleton State College changed to Castleton University after a unanimous vote from the school's board of trustees.
University President Dave Wolk explained that the reasons for the name change included growth in the number of graduate programs and the student body, as well as Castleton's international recruitment efforts.
The school's website says that in 2015, 40 countries (including China) were represented among its student body of 2,246. Tuition for the academic year 2017-18 is $22,490 for in-state and $38,042 for out-of-state.
Patrick Liu, director of international student enrollments at Castleton, said people in countries outside the US have a different notion of what "college" means.
"Sometimes, people might think the education quality of a university would be higher than a college," said Liu. "So the change of the school's name could avoid misunderstanding and make it easier to explain to students overseas. It's good for the school's promotion and development, especially overseas."
Last year, Lyndon welcomed its first students from Xi'an into its undergraduate degree program. The school has an electronic journalism arts program that collaborates with China's Xi'an University. Each January, students from Xi'an, Shaanxi province, spend a few weeks on campus for hands-on experience in electronic journalism.
Premier Li meets with visiting PM Bettel as raft of deals are signed
Airline freight shipping was a major highlight of the cooperative agreements made by China and Luxembourg on Monday as Premier Li Keqiang met with visiting Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
The four pacts signed after their meeting included a deal about joint investment involving airline freight shipping companies from Luxembourg and central China's Henan province.
Officials and experts observed that the agreement was made at a time when China is expanding connectivity cooperation with the country well known as a European financial and transportation hub.
As early as 2014, a company owned by the Henan provincial government purchased 35 percent of shares in Luxembourg's Cargolux Airlines International.
During the meeting, Li proposed the two countries should expand their agreement on aviation rights arrangement and reinforce cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and financing.
Li said the two countries should push to upgrade their cooperation on steel and explore cooperation involving both countries and third-party markets.
Bettel said Luxembourg is ready to expand cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, financing, space technology, steel, aviation and telecommunications.
Also on Monday, the two countries signed agreements in areas including internet financing, public security and joint film shooting.
Zhu Jing, deputy director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of European Affairs, said the two countries are ready to make Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, and Luxembourg important hubs on a Silk Road in the air connecting China and Europe.
That is part of their bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhu told reporters in a briefing after the meeting.
Bettel will travel to Zhengzhou on Tuesday, and one of his trip's purposes is to witness the success of bilateral cooperation in airline freight shipping, Zhu added.
Feng Zhongping, vice-president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said that within the context of co-building the Belt and Road, China and Europe are embracing facilitated trade and they are getting closer in matters related to connectivity.
The two sides are witnessing great development in infrastructure facilities, including rail and ports, Feng said.
The leader of Luxembourg, a key financial partner of China within the European Union, began his official visit to China on Sunday.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Relations between them have developed in a lasting, healthy and stable manner, and have set a good example for Chinese-European ties, Li said.
Speaking on China's relationship with the European Union, Li said that in the current context of international politics and economy, the two sides should jointly send signals promoting the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment.
They should signal their willingness to make globalization more inclusive and of benefit to all, and they should champion international order, such as laid out in the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of the World Trade Organization, Premier Li said.
Bettel said Luxembourg upholds free trade and multilateralism, and is ready to boost communication and coordination with China to jointly tackle global challenges.
A jury found Robert James LeCou guilty in the brutal shooting deaths of his wife and two in-laws in the tiny town of Belfry.
After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury of six men and six women convicted LeCou, 40, on three counts of deliberate homicide. The close-range killings in April 2016 took the lives of Lecou's wife, 54-year-old Karen Hill-LeCou; his sister-in-law, Sharon Hill-Lamb, 72; and her husband Lloyd Lamb, 76.
LeCou had denied the charges since his first interview with law enforcement.
The six-day trial ended Monday after testimony from 31 witnesses, including law enforcement, Belfry residents and forensic experts. LeCou did not testify.
Prosecutors worked to show jurors that even though a weapon hasnt been recovered, the sum of circumstances pointed to no other suspect.
A bartender testified that she had to cut off LeCou from drinking that afternoon before he drove away from town. He didnt have a drivers license. When he was arrested days later, the truck was found damaged nearby.
He was going to do whatever it took to get to Washington, Assistant Attorney General Daniel Guzynski said during closing arguments Monday.
LeCou left town seemingly unannounced on the same night his family was killed. On the way, LeCou told an Idaho gas station attendant that his wife had just died, according to testimony.
Lambs prescription medicine was left alone in the house, and other expensive items werent disturbed. No money appeared stolen from purses and wallets in the house though LeCou had his wifes credit cards not one bit of evidence that this was a burglary or a robbery, Guzynski said.
Prosecutors offered an explanation for the missing murder weapon.
There was a 9 mm handgun that belonged to Lamb, which also happened to be missing from the family and was never recovered. And while LeCou denied knowing the caliber, he was seen with his wife while she purchased 9 mm ammunition. Another neighbor testified that LeCou asked in a text message if he would purchase 9 mm bullets for him.
Bullet casings found at the crime scene and outside the house believed to be fired at different times came from the same weapon, according to a ballistics expert. Someone had been firing it, but Lloyd Lambs dementia was severe enough that the family removed firearms from his care.
LeCous attorneys suggested that the overarching coincidence in the case LeCous absence during his familys murder was an unfair liability.
And because he wasnt there, thats exactly the reason that he became the suspect, attorney Clark Mathews said during closing arguments.
Throughout the trial, defense attorneys picked at the prosecutions narrative. They alleged that investigators prematurely identified LeCou as a suspect. Mathews said that inconsistencies in LeCous statement to law enforcement came just after investigators told him his wife had died. LeCou struggled to remember a phone number. He was in shock, Mathews said.
Some of the physical evidence also left openings for LeCous attorneys. Spots that appeared to be blood on the floor of the truck LeCou drove to Washington were a DNA match for Hill-LeCou. It's unclear if the substance is blood.
Mathews gave the jury other theories during closing.
Consider if somebody goes into that house to commit a burglary and it goes south, he said. Are they going to continue with their designs to take anything from the house that would tie them to the crime scene? Does that make any sense?
Lives lost in Belfry
Lloyd Lamb was born in a Belfry cabin, according to his son, Lynn.
He worked overseas late in his career, helping the Air Force on radar installation sites. He met his wife, Hill-Lamb, over a dating service, according to court testimony.
When Lloyds health turned years later, Hill-Lamb didnt want to put him in an assisted living home.
She loved him, said Kathy Ingham, Hill-Lambs sister. She wanted to be by him no matter what.
The relationship between Lloyd and Sharon was long distance at first as Lloyd finished his career. Lynn Lamb said that his father always had his nose in books and was a tinkerer he even built his own graphing machine.
Hill-Lamb kept collectible pigs that were prized possessions, according to Ingham, her sister. By all accounts, she kept a tidy home and was very close to another sister Karen Hill-LeCou. It was because of that wish to keep Lloyd out of assisted care that Karen came to live in Belfry.
My sisters were very close, Ingham said. Sharon and Karen were more of a mother-daughter than sisters. They were always together. And Karen wanted to be a part of that help.
Karen was 18 years younger than her oldest sister, Sharon. Ingham said she was a devout worshipper, often holding services to herself while driving long distances, which she didnt mind doing. Multiple people testified that Karen was proud of her Ford F-250 truck her access to the open road.
It was a family effort to take care of Lamb. Extended family, including his daughter-in-law Jenya Lamb, traveled up from Wyoming to help out sometimes more than once per week.
Sam Coulimore, the town pastor, testified to that family duty. Hed been going to the Lamb home nearly each Sunday for two years to offer sermons.
He shuddered in court when he said that, after the killings, he continued his visits in a way. He said hes been returning to Belfry to offer a prayer for the family.
I stop there every Sunday for a couple minutes, Coulimore said.
In those prayers, he includes LeCou.
The dean of Renmin University of China's School of Journalism, Zhao Qizheng (second from left), and Guo Weimin (center), vice-minister of China's State Council Information Office, talk with farm owner Rick Kimberley. Representatives of Chinese leading think tanks visited the Kimberley Farms in Iowa on Sunday. [Photo//China News Service]
The United States' best-known farm in China, Kimberley Farms in Iowa, received a group of leading think tank researchers from Beijing for the first time on Sunday, after becoming an attraction for Chinese visitors since President Xi Jinping's visit five years ago.
Nearly 20 members of top Chinese think tanks, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Center for International Economic Exchanges, retraced the roads that Xi traveled in 2012 as a visiting vice-president.
They ended the tour with a field trip to patches of the 1618-hectare corn and soybean farm operated by Rick Kimberley in Maxwell, Iowa, about 60 kilometers northeast of the state capital Des Moines.
The strong wind and scorching sun on the weekend seemed not to dent their enthusiasm for learning more about agricultural trade between the two countries and how farming is done in a safe and sustainable way in one of the top food exporters to China.
In what Rick Kimberley described as "forthcoming and open dialogue" on the farm, the Chinese delegates asked, "How many workers are engaged in farming such a big farm? What do you think about genetically modified organisms? How can the agricultural sector retain young talent?"
They also asked the president of Kimberley Farms and his fellow farmers what worries they had in trade with China.
Kimberley said only three or four people work the 1,618 hectares, and these people are now helping China's Hebei province to develop a demonstration farm project of 1,214 hectares that will also use new technologies being used in Iowa. An agreement on developing the project was signed at the end of May.
Iowa, a major agricultural state in the US Midwest, was the second-largest soybean producing US state last year, and it exports 60 percent of its soybeans, mainly to China.
When Xi visited the Kimberley farm in February 2012, the Chinese leader said he wanted to use the Iowa farmstead as a model for China's agriculture, Kimberley said.
"We've taken this to heart, and I've been to China eight times, visiting 30 cities in 10 provinces, to talk with agricultural officials and try to explain how we farm here and talk about bringing more technologies to China," he said.
The visitors got a closer look at how the corn stalks braved the strong wind and waves of heat on Sunday. They also learned from Grant Kimberley, a manager at the Iowa Soybean Association and son of the Kimberleys, how he sets the temperature control and calibrates the moisture of the corn and soybeans in the gigantic grain storages in Iowa through a mobile phone, even when he is traveling in China.
Zhao Qizheng, dean of the school of journalism at Renmin University of China and a former national political adviser, asked the younger Kimberley if the US farms grow genetically modified crops.
Grant Kimberley said around 90 percent of the corn and soybeans produced in the US farms is genetically modified, as is the percentage on his farm.
He said farmers grow what the market provides economic incentives for.
"The non-GMOs target specific markets; they are just more costly," he said.
As Iowa is a top egg, poultry and beef producer, Wei Jianguo, deputy head of China Center for International Economic Exchanges, proposed veterinarian training could be another area for cooperation between the state and China.
For Harry Stine, a farm boy who became an inventor, businessman and the richest billionaire in Iowa by licensing his genetically engineered corn and soybean seeds to multinational companies, there are a lot of reasons he has many connections with China.
"My first main business was in soybean plant breeding, and all of our soybeans originally came from Asia, primarily China. We would not have the success we had today if we didn't have the opportunity to use Chinese soybeans to start with," said Stine, while pointing to the soybean nursery on the farm where Stine Seed sits in Adel, Iowa.
Stine Seed is the world's largest privately owned seed company. Stine was also one of the first people invited by the Chinese government to visit China in early 1976.
He ran into the funeral procession of former premier Zhou Enlai in the streets of Beijing. "Zhou did a good job in a complicated situation," Stine said.
Since his first visit to China in 1976, Stine had taken his family to tour China a couple of times. He also spoke at the 2015 China Development Forum in Beijing.
"Anyone who has been in China then and now has to have great admiration for the progress and change that occurred in China. Combined with China's long history, I only have great respect and appreciation for both China and its people," Stine said.
Stine's father moved to the current farm in 1934 when it was relatively small. Today it has morphed into a giant farm of 11,331 hectares primarily used for seed breeding.
"We worked long hours and had a small income. I kind of identify with that kind of small farmers in China and want to help them wherever I can," said Stine.
Beginning in 2012, with the help of Zhao Li at Iowa China Group, Stine began making connections with Chinese seed companies and now provides high-yield corn and soybean seeds to farms around China.
Stine said his genetics can help Chinese farmers to increase their corn yield by one-third and soybean yield by 10 to 20 percent. He wants to help Chinese farmers to reach the same level of production as in the US.
So far Stine has sent hundreds of genetics to China to test what best fit China's environment.
Although a relatively newcomer to China's seed business, Stine Seed is moving fast. Already, China has become its largest market outside of US. Stine Seed has registered three hybrid corns with the Chinese government and more are coming. Stine seeds are being planted in half of China's provinces.
Stine is confident that his seed business will grow rapidly in China.
"We are more cooperative with local companies and government than some other American seed companies," he said.
BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte on the 42nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between their two countries and the 119th anniversary of the Philippines' independence.
The Philippines has made important achievements in national construction under the leadership of Duterte, said Xi, and he expressed heartfelt congratulations to such achievements.
"The Chinese and Philippine peoples have a profound traditional friendship," said the Chinese president, noting that the two countries returned to the right track of good neighborly relations last year with efforts from both sides.
Their cooperation in all fields are flourishing, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, said Xi.
As China and the Philippines are close neighbors, the two developing countries share the same missions in safeguarding national security, realizing common development and promoting regional peace and stability, Xi stressed.
"I attach great importance to China-Philippines relations, and stand ready to work with you to lead our two countries to continue our mutual assistance, support and common development in bids to bring benefits to both peoples and the peoples across the region," said Xi.
Woman with rare blood type helps people in need for more than a decade
Qin Xianzhen first donated blood in 2003. An electrical engineer in East China's Shandong province, she did that to support patients with SARS, as the epidemic depleted the provincial blood center, Qilu Evening News reported.
She was later told by the blood center that she is a carrier of rhesus negative blood, or Rh negative blood, which is nicknamed "panda blood" in China because of its rarity. Only three in every 1,000 Chinese people have this type of blood.
As the Rh negative blood cannot be stored for long, the blood center hoped to be in contact with her so she could help those in need of blood.
Since then, Qin has kept her mobile phone switched on around the clock to answer phone calls from the blood center. Whenever she receives a phone call, she stops what she's doing and rushes to the center to donate blood.
Over the past 15 years, the volume of blood donated by Qin amounts to 8,000 millimeters, nearly twice that in a human body.
To keep in good shape, Qin walks 30,000 steps each day. At 57, the woman said she will keep donating blood for as long as she can. In China, the age limit for blood donors is 60.
A parking lot sharing mobile application is gaining popularity among white-collar workers in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, amid China's sharing economy boom.
Searching for parking spaces has long been a headache for many office workers in metropolises across China. Especially for those working in central business districts in first- and second-tier cities, parking near their companies for five days a week could cost them a fortune.
Meanwhile, even with prices for parking lots in residential areas soaring, most of their spaces remain unoccupied during workdays.
There lies the business opportunity for "Searching for Parking Spaces", or in Chinese "Zhao Che Wei", an application developed by a science and technology company. The company, named "Cloud Butler," has upgraded the barrier gates for the residential areas, to enable them to be linked to its database.
By inputting one's cellphone number, license plates number and periods of time needed, an app user will be able to find a shareable parking space in a residential area close to his or her working place.
A man surnamed Zhang is one of the users who have benefited from using the app. He told local newspaper Qianjiang Evening News that it cost him nearly 1,000 yuan ($147) every month for parking before using the application, but now, after renting one from his parking-lot landlord, the expense has been lowered to 400 yuan ($59) per month.
"And it is safer to park the car in a residential block than at the roadside," said Zhang.
According to Li Hongbin, CEO of "Zhao Che Wei", the application has over 6,000 registered users at present, and they are planning to work with 200 residential areas in Hangzhou within the year.
Li said the revenue will be distributed between the application, property management companies and the owners of the parking lots.
Such applications have also emerged in many other cities across the country, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. According to Liu Changjiang, head of the Beijing Parking Industry Association, Beijing is also working on a plan to encourage sharing parking spaces.
About 25 to 30 percent of the parking lots in Beijing are left idle, and by sharing parking spaces, the lack of parking lots will be eased and the utilization rate will also be much elevated, said Xie Guangzheng, an official of Beijing Transport Institute.
Monthly package will bring down costs for passengers flying between Dalian and Yantai
Frequent fliers between Dalian and Yantai will be able to buy cut-priced monthly tickets.
The plan was rolled out on Monday by Dalian International Airport and budget airline Joyair.
A monthly package of four tickets will cost 360 yuan ($53). "During the trial operation, more than 500 tickets were sold in the first month," said Fu Jianhong, vice-president of Joyair.
Dalian is located on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, while Yantai is in the east of the Shandong Peninsula. Both are important cities around the Bohai Sea.
Although the distance between the two cities is only 106 kilometers, it takes more than six hours by sea. By air, it takes only 50 minutes.
Like the Beijing Shanghai (Hongqiao) Air Express, Dalian and Yantai airports have exclusive counters for the flights.
These provide quick check-ins and security checks for designated passages.
"People flying between the two cities will enjoy the services," said He Dayong, manager of the market development department of Dalian airport. "It will be as convenient as taking a bus."
Chinese-made Modern Ark 60 aircraft are used for the route and the turnaround is just 20 minutes between flights.
Connections between Dalian and Yantai have become more frequent with Joyair and Tianjin Airlines shuttling passengers between the two cities.
"The daily flights between Yantai and Dalian have increased from six last year to 10," said He. "The flights will run from 8 am until around 11 pm."
Dalian airport also provides free shuttle services between Dalianbei Railway Station, also known as the northern railway station of Dalian.
"Dalian airport will deepen cooperation with airline companies in the future," said He. "The air express between Dalian and Weihai of Shandong province will also start operation in the coming months."
The Chinese government speaks highly of the Panamanian government's subscribing to and adhering to the one-China principle as well as establishing diplomatic relations with China, Vice-President Li Yuanchao told Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice-president and foreign minister, on Tuesday in Beijing.
Earlier on Tuesday, China and Panama signed a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Li said that the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations lives up to the general trend and the common aspiration of the public.
The establishment champions the one-China principle and serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, achieving both righteousness and benefit, Li said.
"We hope that both sides will make joint efforts to strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance mutual trust, complement each other, deepen cooperation and promote the steady development of bilateral ties," Li added.
The visiting vice-president said that Panama will stay committed to the one-China principle, and is willing to carry out cooperation in a wide range of areas and introduce a new chapter to the ties.
A soldier jumps through a ring of fire during training at a military camp of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison in Hong Kong, on June 2, 2017. [Photo/VCG]
President Xi Jinping recently signed an order to confer an honorary title on a special military unit stationed in Hong Kong ahead of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland.
The title is called the Hong Kong Garrison Model Special Force Company. It is bestowed on the First Company of the Special Force in the People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong.
The company aims to become a world-class unit, and has upheld strong discipline and completed many important missions, the order said. It has effectively fulfilled its garrison duties in a special area.
The order urged all military and the armed police forces to learn from the company, using the Party's innovative theories to equip their minds.
The order also required the military to be absolutely loyal, pure and reliable, and resolutely follow the command of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Central Military Commission.
Following the model company's example, strengthening combat prowess should be a fundamental goal, the order said. The military should train soldiers for real combat, uphold reforms and innovations, and strictly follow laws and regulations.
The order also asked the military to use outstanding achievements to welcome the upcoming 19th National Congress of the CPC in the autumn.
China resumed sovereignty of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997, concluding 156 years of British colonial rule. The PLA has had a garrison in Hong Kong ever since, and is responsible for defense duties in the special administrative region.
The garrison is funded by the central government and has 6,000 active personnel. The commander is Lieutenant General Tan Benhong.
Conteptual poster of Shentan Pu Songling Lanruo Xianzong (The Genius Detective Pu Songling Celestial Tracks of Lanruo Temple) [Photo provided to China Daily]
Pu Songling is known for being behind the fantasy world of co-existing spirits and humans of the 18th century collection Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio.
But now an upcoming movie will include him as the protagonist.
A town set in the movieShentan Pu Songling[Photo provided to China Daily ]
Internet giant iQiyi's film body iQiyi Motion Pictures released the conceptual posters of the upcoming live-action and CGI-hybrid movie Shentan Pu Songling: Lanruo Xianzong (The Genius Detective Pu Songling: Celestial Tracks of Lanruo Temple) on June 9.
The movie, the biggest blockbuster hope of iQiyi Motion Pictures this year, has a budget of more than 100 million yuan ($14.7 million).
Adapted from post-1990 writer Teng Da's online novel with the same title, the movie will enliven the fantastic spectacles as well as set dramatical twists to follow Pu's criminal-hunting adventures.
Liu Xiaoguang, known for producing heavy visual effects-studded blockbusters The Monkey King and The Monkey King 2, says his visual team has already done many designs for the sets and characters.
The movie will soon cast A-listers and begin the shooting, according to the company.
More commercial movies were highlighted at the event.
Actress Yan Ni co-stars her 19-year-old daughter Zou Yuanqing in the upcoming comedy I Am Your Mother [Photo provided to China Daily]
Comedy star Yan Ni's new movie I Am Your Mother, her first work to co-star with her 19-year-old daughter Zou Yuanqing, also released promotional posters.
Historical themes support other films, such as Kui Long Yu (The Jade of Kui Dragon), based on the Ming Dynasty emperor Zhu Qizhen and his loyal official Yuan Bin, and Lie Dong (A Harsh Winter), adapted from a true story of Chinese troops defending Nanjing against Japanese invasion in 1937.
The internet-backed company also highlighted its "17 Project" to support young directors and art-house titles.
Home of the titular protagonist inShentan Pu Songling[Photo provided to China Daily]
The project, which was launched around two years ago, financed the first such movie The Summer Is Gone, winner of a Taipei Golden Horse for best picture in 2016.
Ya Ning, president of iQiyi Motion Pictures, says the project will support another three newbie directors' movies: My Town, Blue Chrysophoron, and Daogao Yizhang (The Good Wins).
The company also announced it will invest in or seek cooperation with upcoming domestic movies backed by famous directors, such as Feng Xiaogang's Fang Hua and Benny Chan's Meow.
A California man admitted federal methamphetamine trafficking charges after law enforcement officers found packaged bags of the drug under the bed of a Billings woman.
Harry Edward Allen Jr., 36, of Tulare, California, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess meth with intent to distribute as part of plea deal in which other charges are to be dismissed at sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek said that in 2013, state probation and parole officers contacted drug task force agents in Billings after finding 24 individually wrapped bags of meth under the bed of Kimberly Ann Dahl, a co-defendant who was arrested on a probation violation.
Dahl told investigators in an interview that she had met Allen a year or two earlier and learned that Allen would have meth driven to Billings. Allen then would fly to Billings and stay until the meth got sold, Suek said.
Allen had come to Billings in August 2013 and asked Dahl to store meth while he sold it, Suek said. The meth found at Dahls residence belonged to Allen, she said.
Dahl was convicted on aiding and abetting charges and sentenced in 2014 to 66 months in prison.
Allen faces a maximum 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. District Judge Susan Watters set sentencing for Sept. 28. Allen remains in custody.
Isabelle Huppert speaks as Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke looks on. [Photo provided to China Daily]
French actress Isabelle Huppert kicked off her visit in Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou by having a conversation with Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke in Shanghai on June 10.
During their talk, the award-winning actress shared her experience of acting and exchanged her views about filmmaking with Jia, whose film Still Life won the Golden Lion Award for best film at the 2006 Venice Film Festival.
"I am both an actress and an audience. Each of my performances delivers my own thoughts," the actress said.
Huppert also gave a reading performance of French author Marguerite Duras' L'amant (The Lover) in Shanghai.
As part of the programs of the ongoing annual Croisements ("crossing") festival, which has been one of the biggest foreign cultural events in China since its launch in 2006, Huppert is doing a reading at Guangzhou Grand Theater on June 12 and will appear at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on June 14.
Related:
2017 Croisements festival starts from Beijing
French artist's chilling installations speak to young Chinese people
Daniel McMonagle performs Peking Opera at the Chinese Bridge preliminary in the United States. [Photo Provided to China Daily]
Chinese Bridge has drawn nearly 1 million contestants in the past decade as the largest Chinese-language competition for foreign students in China.
The test is not of language skills alone but also of the students' understanding of Chinese culture.
The finals for this year's contest, the 16th since it started in 2002, will take place in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, in July. Many preliminaries have already been held.
Around 150 contestants from different countries have qualified for the final.
Daniel McMonagle, who topped the East United States preliminary in April, displayed his talent through Mu Guiying Takes Command, a popular Peking Opera performance.
Having studied linguistics and the Chinese language at Binghamton University, McMonagle learned the traditional Chinese art form at the Confucius Institute in his university.
"The Confucius Institutes in other universities don't have such courses," McMonagle says.
He started to learn Peking Opera in 2016 because the opportunity appealed to him.
"I thought, 'Why not give it a try?'"
Founded in 2009, the Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera at Binghamton University is the first such place to offer Chinese-opera lessons through cooperation with the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts in Beijing.
There are 67 Confucius Institute venues around the world that offer a range of subjects other than language, from traditional Chinese medicine to martial arts.
Fluency in the Chinese language and his Peking Opera play won McMonagle a ticket to the final, and also a 10-day cultural tour of Beijing, sponsored by a Chinese airline.
One other US student has qualified for the July round of Chinese Bridge.
At the East United States preliminary, Elizabeth Murray recited On Leaving Cambridge, a poem by the late Chinese poet Xu Zhimo.
Murray, who grew up in California, learned Chinese from kindergarten up to high school because her parents thought the language would benefit her in the future.
"I forgot many words and grammar, but the (Chinese) poems remained (with me)," Murray says of her inability to pursue Chinese-language studies for a while after school.
"On Leaving Cambridge is a beautiful poem," she says, adding that it makes leaving a place easier.
Last year, Murray left California to study electrical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she also enrolled in a Chinese course.
In addition to places of academic interest, the contestants of Chinese Bridge get a chance to visit the Great Wall and the Summer Palace in Beijing.
A scene from I Love You [Photo provided to China Daily]
The musical 52-hertz, I Love You, directed by Wei Te-sheng from Taiwan, and starring Sandrine Pinna and Fan Yichen, will be released on the Chinese mainland on June 16.
Wei is widely known for his films Cape No. 7 (2007) and Seediq Bale (2011).
Wei's latest film is about loneliness and the lack of love.
Wei used two animals to represent different types of people in the city: a cat and a whale.
"The subject is too simple for a film. So I made a musical," Wei says in a promotion video.
"This musical is like dessert," Wei says.
"Once the atmosphere has got you, you will leave the theater humming."
Artists perform a traditional opera during the 6th international intangible cultural heritage festival held in Chengdu in Sichuan province, June 10, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
June 10 marked China's first Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. The festival, whose name was changed in 2016 by the State Council from the former Cultural Heritage Day, is held on the second Saturday of every June.
The event, focusing on the theme of dynamic intangible cultural heritage inheritance this year, is a collective showcase of achievements on intangible cultural heritage protection since the 18th CPC National Congress held in 2012.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, over 1,700 activities were held nationwide.
Each province and autonomous region had their own activities to promote intangible cultural heritage protection, including a carnival in Shanghai and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition held by Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.
An International Cultural Industry Forum and a Dialogue on the First Cultural and Natural Heritage Day were held at the Great Hall of the People on Saturday.
About 100 government officials, scholars, representatives from enterprises, embassies and 10 countries attended the forum.
The meeting aims to find better ideas and ways to promote traditional Chinese culture and protect China's cultural and natural heritage, and give a boost to the cultural exchanges between China and countries with the backup of the Belt and Road Initiative.
At the forum, Cui Ruzhuo, director of a Chinese ink painting research center affiliated with the Palace Museum Research Institute, said Chinese artists should have strong confidence and faith in Chinese culture. And artists should have more works that can become symbols of Chinese culture.
Wang Yamin, deputy director of the Palace Museum, said creativity is an important engine that can push traditional Chinese culture to keep progressing and refreshing.
The Palace Museum has been a pioneer in the field of creative cultural industry in recent years. Wang said the cultural industry is both an inheritance and an innovation of cultural heritage.
[Photo provided to China Daily]
Zhang Lei has been living for a few years in Jiangxinzhou, an island on the Yangtze River near Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province.
Dozens of his prints and oil works inspired by the natural landscape and residents of the island are now on show at Passing by Jiang Xin Zhou, the 29-year-old artist's solo exhibition through Aug 4, at the Beijing gallery of the Gome Art Foundation, an institution founded in 2014 by Gome Holding Ltd, a major Chinese retailer.
Zhang studied lithograph at Nanjing University of the Arts.
He will soon move out of Jiangxinzhou because the island is set to be transformed into a modern urban center where old buildings are becoming history.
Shanxi business builds Chinese-funded hospital in Zambia ( chinadaily.com.cn ) Updated: 2017-06-13
Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital, a project being built by Shanxi Construction Engineering Group, holds a ground-breaking ceremony in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, on June 7. [Photo/sxrb.com]
Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital, a project built by Shanxi Construction Engineering Group and funded by the Chinese government, held a ground-breaking ceremony in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, on June 7.
The hospital is now the largest and most advanced medical project funded by Chinese development aid. The hospital, five kilometers northeast of the center of Lusaka, covers a floor area of 42,471.59 square meters with the reconstructed area covering 7,471.59 sq m and with a newly added area of 35,000 sq m. The medical services and the number of hospital beds will reach the standard of a grade-three hospital in China, the highest level in the national three-tier medical assessment system.
The extension of the hospital will satisfy the increasing demand for medical services in Lusaka province and the new hospital will provide the various professional medical services of a standard teaching hospital once the project is completed, according to Inonge Mutukwa Wina, vice-president of Zambia.
The hospital is one of the overseas projects managed by Shanxi Construction Engineering Group, the largest construction company in Shanxi province.
The company has carried out more than 100 international engineering projects such as Yaounde Stadium in Cameroon during the past 10 years, exploring the markets of countries and regions in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. There are now 17 overseas projects under construction as the company is expanding its market along the Belt and Road to reach the goal that foreign business volume should account for one third of its total revenue by 2020.
Currently, temporary facilities for construction have been built and major building materials have been exported from China. Construction of the hospitals infrastructure is ongoing.
A unisex public washroom is seen in Chongqing on April 15, 2015. [Photo: CFP]
China has a lot of amazing tourist attractions, but both domestic and foreign tourists usually have unpleasant experience or impressions with its public toilets"inadequate, dirty and chaotic".
In 2015, the China National Tourism Administration launched a three-year "Tourism Toilet Revolution" across the country. In February this year, the NTA announced that all 5A scenic spots will build gender-neutral restrooms, and has plans to build 604 unisex toilets across the country.
Unisex public toilets can be used by everyone, regardless of their gender. Alternatively, they are called gender-inclusive, gender-neutral or all-gender toilets, but in fact they have slightly different toilet facilities.
Although unisex public toilets have become more common around the world, they remain highly controversial, even in the West. According to a survey by YouGov, unisex public toilets are more acceptable to men. British women are most anti-unisex public toilets, with 56 percent saying they would not feel comfortable using them, compared with 47 percent of women in the United States and 46 percent in France.
Last November, the introduction of unisex toilets in a London primary school sparked outrage among about 700 parents, who were worried that the change would make sexual assaults more common. However, the school's head teacher welcomed the change, saying the full-height unisex toilets created a safe space where pupils show respect toward each other and feel respected.
On Feb 22, US President Donald Trump scrapped the federal guidelines issued by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2016, which allow transgender students to use toilets or locker rooms that they identified with.
Canada has been a pioneer in advocating all-gender restrooms. In April 2014, Vancouver became the first municipality to impose compulsory requirements on public buildings to install unisex toilets.
While the issue of unisex toilets has been mainly raised as a gender-equity and human-rights cause in the West, China has a different focus largely from the infrastructure perspective. According to the NTA, a gender-neutral public toilet can simply be viewed as a "family toilet", which specifically targets children, the elderly, disabled people, and anyone else who may require the assistance from other family members.
In recent years, many people in China have said that more women's toilets should be built to help reduce the queuing time for women. In the short run, unisex public toilets can be an additional and helpful option.
In November 2016, Shanghai opened its first unisex public toilet in Pudong district, and the second one was opened in Huangpu district earlier this year. The primary purpose is to reduce the queuing time for women, and the goal has been significantly achieved, although public reactions remain mixed.
So far, the majority of the users of the two unisex toilets have been male. While youths have been faster to accept the new idea, most users still feel awkward to have men and women both in one public toilet. Obviously, the main challenge is to change people's mindset.
Do unisex public toilets face higher safety risks? In the West, opponents usually say such toilets raise the risk of women and children being assaulted by "transwomen", but there is no credible evidence to support this claim.
However, a US research shows that certain people do feel threatened using toilets that do not adhere to their gender identity. It seems more like a perceived rather than real danger. Based on the track record of Shanghai's first unisex public toilet, safety is not a big issue, because the toilet is open daily only from 5 am to 9 pm and monitored by designated staff.
The more urgent task is to raise public awareness. Recently, it was reported that very few visitors used the unisex toilets in Beijing Zoo, because many people were unaware of such facilities.
As a pilot project, it is not unusual for unisex public toilets to invite questions or even criticisms. But it is not difficult to convert them back to gender-specific toilets if such experiment fails. At least, such pioneering and innovative spirit should be welcome.
The author is the founder and CEO of ESGuru, a Singapore-based consultancy firm specializing in environmental, social and governance issues.
The European Union is at a crossroad, with member states pondering the twists and turns of the transatlantic relationship, the United Kingdom's departure from the bloc, and a worsening geopolitical environment. Since the astonishing outcome of last year's Brexit vote, the 27 remaining EU member states are debating the bloc's future while sticking together.
In March, the European Commission, the union's executive arm, issued a white paper, presenting five scenarios for the EU's prospects after the Brexit setbackthe starting point of the debate. Following that, the EC released four reflection papers on globalization, defense and security, finance and economy and social dimensions of the EU.
The debate will last until 2019, which is the year of election for the EU. The leadership of EU institutions will be streamlined then.
As this peace project faces unprecedented, colossal political challenges, it is understandable that Europeans would step back and think about the way ahead by launching debates on various pressing tasks.
It is encouraging that the EC has not only touched upon the questions and challenges the EU has met but also proposed concrete solutions. Concerns, complaints, populism and isolation rhetoric are widespread today, and the proposed solutions are useful to build trust and consensus for the EU.
But the EU must be cautious about the possible risks if it sticks to the debate and decides to take action later, because it is likely that the bloc will lose the golden window of opportunities by 2020. Now, despite those challenges, the EU has been on a stable economic track and its economic recovery has been gathering steam, which has laid the foundation for launching reform and ushering in changes.
However, some may oppose further actions even if things get better.
So, in reshaping the EU, several things can be done parallelly to speed up the process, though this bloc has to live with a lengthy and time-consuming decision-making process. For example, the EU must rethink its immigration policy and urgently introduce more decisive measures. The EU must focus on peace and development within neighboring economies.
In many countries, especially in France, the UK, Germany and Belgium, the army and police are still patrolling major cities while security alerts remain high. Many places have suffered terrorist attacks on various scales one after another. Measures to ensure lasting security and public safety have to be urgently taken. Too much bottom-up debates on safety issues would be a waste of time, because the EU leadership, governments of member states and EU institutions must shoulder the responsibility to meet those basic needs.
On social dimensions, there are several champions, such as Germany, the Nordic countries and the Netherlands that have maintained robust economic growth, high competitiveness while boosting social inclusiveness.
The EU members should debate each other's models, experiences and secrets of success and put them into practice if necessary. But other things will take time. For example, when it comes to global governance and agenda, the bloc should consider the changed global situation, in that new decision-makers appear on the world stage. The principle of decision-making is changing and the EU is basically heading in the right direction in harnessing globalization by advocating multilateralism.
Therefore, the issue related to the EU's global role should be debated not only within the bloc but also with other stakeholders such as China, African countries and the United States. But the EU should realize it has to embrace the changing world, still feel confident in its soft capabilities and development experiences, and be more determined to improve the world order with the help of the rest of the world.
With the EU completing 60 years (the Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25, 1957), reflections and timely actions are both essential, and in many cases urgent.
The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan's visit to China has been another precious step forward in the two countries' joint endeavors to repair their ties that have been bruised by a number of unpleasant episodes concerning the South China Sea.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Singaporean counterpart put forward details for the implementation of the inter-governmental memorandum of understanding which the two countries agreed at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in May, expressing the two sides' joint intention to build platforms for interconnectivity, financial cooperation and third-party collaboration.
Although an MOU is more akin to a gentlemen's agreement due to the absence of any legal commitment, that in no way diminishes the political significance of the China-Singapore MOU, which underscores the resilience of their ties.
Singapore has long had an important place in contemporary Chinese diplomacy. Yet some of Singapore's recent diplomatic moves seem to have sent misleading signals. That the two governments have again showcased their convergence of will sends a powerful message countering speculation that outsider intervention might have come between them.
Singapore does have legitimate interests that differ from, even at times contradict, China's. But that does not mean it has any reason to help others hurt China's core interests. Only when they approach their differences from a constructive perspective and are sensitive to each other's core concerns will China and Singapore be able to cooperate effectively.
The historical China-Singapore rapport was built on a solid basis of mutual understanding; yet the recent glitches in ties have displayed Singapore's misinterpretations of China's intentions. Things will certainly look uglier than they actually are through the prism of geopolitical rivalry. And will inevitably be so if handled as such.
While many of China's development programs, including the Belt and Road Initiative, can advance with or without Singapore's participation, whether they can work together to promote a peaceful, prosperous neighborhood does matter.
Singapore's constructive potential in regional affairs and relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which it will have the presidency next year, is underlined by the recent agreement between China and ASEAN to enhance their partnership and negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
By working at odds with each other, they would only hinder efforts to promote peace and stability in the region; by working together, they can do wonderful things, as their past relations show.
TO AVOID HITTING AN OLD WOMAN who was jaywalking, a bus driver in Tianjin was forced to swerve, injuring a pedestrian on the sidewalk and a few passengers on the bus. Southern Metropolis Daily commented on Monday:
It is widely agreed that drivers should give way to pedestrians during an encounter. But the recent incident in Tianjin raises the question of who was responsible for the injury to the third-party passer-by.
Previous verdicts in similar cases suggest that jaywalking pedestrians could face criminal responsibility if their actions cause damage to a person or property. According to the Criminal Law, anyone who uses a public road, including a pedestrian, commits a traffic offense if he or she violates the traffic management rules.
The Road Traffic Safety Law and other relevant laws stipulate that pedestrians should follow all traffic instructions when crossing a road, and are forbidden to impede traffic safety in any way.
The pedestrian "privileges", in fact, are more a warning to all drivers, who generally cause greater damage than jaywalkers in a traffic accident. All parties using a public road are equal before the law and bound by the relevant regulations.
Jaywalking is a violation of the traffic safety rules. But deciding whether a jaywalker or a driver has the primary responsibility in the case of an accident requires extra caution and firsthand evidence.
The old woman in Tianjin reportedly attempted to seek compensation from the driver, who had gone to great lengths to keep her from harm. In this instance, it is she who should compensate the bus driver and the injured passengers and passerby.
Along with waging a campaign for a Billings City Council seat, Tajin Perez is taking the ultimate plunge later this month: Hes getting married.
Perez, 26, announced Monday he will seek the Ward 2 seat now held by Angela Cimmino, whos term-limited. Hes being opposed by Roger Gravgaard.
I consulted with my wife-to-be, and we made the decision jointly, he said Tuesday. She knows that public service is important to who I am.
Perez is the son of immigrants from Mexico. Hes a 2008 graduate of Worland High School in Wyoming and in 2012 earned a history degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas.
Hes program coordinator for Western Native Voice, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to strengthen Native communities.
What brought me here (about a year ago) was the opportunity to be part of a larger community, he said. I have loved Billings every time I visited. Its large enough to have all the amenities but small enough for that small-town touch.
Perez said the Billings City Council needs new leadership. He said he has the passion, desire and commitment to serve the community and bring real positive change.
Beginning in 2012, Perez worked for a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer in California, Alaska and New Jersey, where he helped neighborhoods that suffered damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.
There was a wide gamut of communities looking for help, he said. Thats where I got to know what service means and how to be part of the community.
He said key campaign issues include residential snowplowing and affordable housing.
I know a lot of constituents commute to work downtown or somewhere else, and last winter was really hard, he said.
He said hes heard personal stories from a number of people that finding housing is a bit of an issue, especially affordable housing, he said. People should have peace of mind knowing they are in good, affordable housing. They can stop stressing on that and focus on their work and their families.
He said he plans to campaign with a personal touch.
Coming from small-town Wyoming similar to Montana, I know that a handshake and looking someone in the eye goes a long way, he said. A cornerstone of my campaign will be to go out where people are, because thats the right way of doing things. He said hell also maintain a social media presence during the campaign.
By announcing, I understand myself as part of the community, he said. I am an honest voice, a committed voice for Ward 2. I love living in the Heights and I look forward to gaining (residents) support.
China's Global Newspaper
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Iceland has seen a huge rise in Chinese arrivals, as a growing number of Chinese travelers seek out "exotic" destinations and new experiences.
The landscape of Iceland. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
There is a dramatic 660 percent surge in Chinese visitors to Iceland in the last five years, amounting to 66,781 in 2016, according to statistics from the Icelandic Tourist Board.
Iceland's Minister of Industry and Commerce Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir said that Chinese tourists are valuable to Iceland and she would like very much to see an increase of Chinese tourists.
"We have made preparations to increase our marketing efforts in various cities in China to facilitate more tourists coming from China," she said.
Sif Gustavsson, managing director of Iceland Cool, a sustainable tourism consulting firm serving Iceland's eco-friendly hotels and travel suppliers, said "A positive trend we're seeing from the Chinese market is increased travel to Iceland's more remote regions and less interest in iconic attractions like the Golden Circle."
As today's Chinese travelers seek to explore pure nature in secluded fjords and villages where they can immerse themselves in authentic, cultural experiences, she said, travel agencies in Iceland, such as Travel East Iceland, are diversifying their product portfolio with new and thoughtful tours that satisfy these evolving tastes.
"The year-round Nature and Culture tour offers a rare and intimate glimpse into coastal fjord life with a visit to an Icelandic home as well as hiking on an unexplored black-sand beach," she added.
Iceland's main airline, Icelandair, has experienced a double-digit growth of Chinese passengers since 2012, said Arsaell Hardarson, Icelandair's regional manager of Asia, Africa, Middle East & South America. The main reason can be attributed to the extensive sales and marketing efforts made over the last decade, he added.
"We expect this trend to continue and even be stronger when there will be direct flights between Iceland and China," Hardarson said, adding the first direct flight is expected to be launched as soon as in 2018. However, he did not reveal when Icelandair will start direct flights between the two nations.
China has long remained the power engine for world tourism and the number of China's outbound tourists reached 122 million in 2016, up by 4.3 percent compared to 2015, which had 117 million outbound tourists, according to the China National Tourism Administration.
Total consumption by Chinese travellers overseas reached $109.8 billion and $900 per person on average last year, accounting for 16 percent of the country's total tourism consumption.
At a time when the list of potential holiday destinations is increasing in the minds of Chinese tourists, travel pundits say uniqueness and closeness to nature are the key selling points of Iceland.
Denni Karlsson, the owner of Wilderness Center in East Iceland, said what most attracts Chinese travelers to Iceland is the ease at which visitors can get close to nature and experience its magical power.
Referring to Iceland's efforts in coping with an increase in tourists from China, Karlsson admits that the main thing the country should do is to steer more foreign visitors to sites around the country, and not too much around the Reykjavik area, since some of the attractions cannot handle many more guests.
However, he said, "A big part of Iceland is that it still has not got that many tourists, so this could be solved. Every guest could get a unique experience and feel the peace and magic of nature, as well as getting a real taste of local authentic culture, food and history."
Explaining what East Iceland could offer, Karlsson said, many people in the travel industry in that region are connected to art and culture and they are willing to work hard to help travelers' experience its unique flavor.
As the most extensive wilderness in North Europe is located in the area, tourists have great opportunities to see all the fjords and small villages and big mountains, he said.
Noting the capacity related issues in the peak summer season that might slow growth in the coming years, Anders Kristensen, China head of Albatros Travel, which specializes in polar and adventure travel, said the key to solve this is to extend the visit outside of the summer holiday season.
"If Chinese and Icelandic travel providers figure out a way to make Iceland interesting the whole year, I am sure the numbers will start growing," Kristensen said.
Li Ranzi, who has travelled to more than 30 countries and just had a 10-day holiday with her husband in Iceland, said ice, snow, winter activities and northern lights drew her to visit the country.
Li said what she enjoyed the most during her visit in Iceland were the special activities, which include climbing a glacier, caving, riding Icelandic horses and diving.
"Iceland is unique place and people should visit there at least once in a lifetime," she added.
The dean of Renmin University of China's School of Journalism, Zhao Qizheng (second from left), and Guo Weimin (center), vice-minister of China's State Council Information Office, talk with farm owner Rick Kimberley. Representatives of Chinese leading think tanks visited the Kimberley Farms in Iowa on Sunday. [DIAO HAIYANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE]
The United States' best-known farm in China, Kimberley Farms in Iowa, received a group of leading think tank researchers from Beijing for the first time on Sunday, after becoming an attraction for Chinese visitors since President Xi Jinping's visit five years ago.
Nearly 20 members of top Chinese think tanks, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Center for International Economic Exchanges, retraced the roads that Xi traveled in 2012 as a visiting vice-president.
They ended the tour with a field trip to patches of the 1618-hectare corn and soybean farm operated by Rick Kimberley in Maxwell, Iowa, about 60 kilometers northeast of the state capital Des Moines.
The strong wind and scorching sun on the weekend seemed not to dent their enthusiasm for learning more about agricultural trade between the two countries and how farming is done in a safe and sustainable way in one of the top food exporters to China.
In what Rick Kimberley described as "forthcoming and open dialogue" on the farm, the Chinese delegates asked, "How many workers are engaged in farming such a big farm? What do you think about genetically modified organisms? How can the agricultural sector retain young talent?"
They also asked the president of Kimberley Farms and his fellow farmers what worries they had in trade with China.
Kimberley said only three or four people work the 1,618 hectares, and these people are now helping China's Hebei province to develop a demonstration farm project of 1,214 hectares that will also use new technologies being used in Iowa. An agreement on developing the project was signed at the end of May.
Iowa, a major agricultural state in the US Midwest, was the second-largest soybean producing US state last year, and it exports 60 percent of its soybeans, mainly to China.
When Xi visited the Kimberley farm in February 2012, the Chinese leader said he wanted to use the Iowa farmstead as a model for China's agriculture, Kimberley said.
"We've taken this to heart, and I've been to China eight times, visiting 30 cities in 10 provinces, to talk with agricultural officials and try to explain how we farm here and talk about bringing more technologies to China," he said.
The visitors got a closer look at how the corn stalks braved the strong wind and waves of heat on Sunday. They also learned from Grant Kimberley, a manager at the Iowa Soybean Association and son of the Kimberleys, how he sets the temperature control and calibrates the moisture of the corn and soybeans in the gigantic grain storages in Iowa through a mobile phone, even when he is traveling in China.
Zhao Qizheng, dean of the school of journalism at Renmin University of China and a former national political adviser, asked the younger Kimberley if the US farms grow genetically modified crops.
Grant Kimberley said around 90 percent of the corn and soybeans produced in the US farms is genetically modified, as is the percentage on his farm.
He said farmers grow what the market provides economic incentives for.
"The non-GMOs target specific markets; they are just more costly," he said.
As Iowa is a top egg, poultry and beef producer, Wei Jianguo, deputy head of China Center for International Economic Exchanges, proposed veterinarian training could be another area for cooperation between the state and China.
A man holds an umbrella during a protest of US President Donald Trump's travel ban outside of the US Court of Appeals in Seattle, Washington, US May 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
SAN FRANCISCO - A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court ruled Monday against reinstalling US President Donald Trump's travel ban.
The motions panel of the US Courts for the 9th Circuit presented its decision in 86 pages of written opinion, stating at the end that "The Government's motion for a stay (of the travel ban) pending appeal is DENIED as moot."
The travel ban, the second of the kind, was blocked on March 15 by US District Judge Derrick Watson in response to a suit by the state of Hawaii.
The panel heard on May 15 in Seattle, Washington state, Acting US Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall on behalf of the Trump administration and Neal Katyal, an attorney representing the state of Hawaii, argue about whether the nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by Judge Watson should be lifted and the travel ban as part of a presidential executive order reimposed.
"The district court did not abuse its discretion in entering a nationwide preliminary injunction," the judges wrote in their opinion.
The second travel ban, signed by Trump on March 6 as part of his executive order, bars nationals of Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days; and suspends the entry of all refugees.
It was the second time the 9th Circuit Court heard and ruled against the same president's travel ban.
On Feb 9, another panel of three judges ruled in San Francisco, Northern California, against reinstating the travel ban signed on Jan 27 by Trump as part of an executive order.
The president subsequently issued the revised order, taking Iraq off the list of seven Muslim-majority countries.
In initiating the legal challenge against the second travel ban on March 9, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin noted that the new order, compared with the initial ban, "nothing of substance has changed: there is the same blanket ban on entry from Muslim-majority countries."
On their part, the three judges sitting on the motions panel of the appellate court said "the President's authority is subject to certain statutory and constitutional restraints. We conclude that the President, in issuing the Executive Order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress."
A life size oil painting painted of John Dean Armstrong after the war, commissioned by the American Volunteer Group. The paintings of AVG casualties were originally in the Smithsonian, but now hang at Robbins Air Force Aviation Museum in Macon, Georgia. Provided to China Daily
The first Flying Tiger pilot killed in China's War Against Japanese Aggression will be brought home to Kansas on Saturday after his family's 13-year quest.
John Dean Armstrong as a naval cadet in flight school before he joined the Flying Tigers group. Provided to China Daily
John Dean Armstrong was a US Navy who volunteered to teach pilots for the Chinese air force. He was 24 years old when he was killed in a training accident while flying a P-40 in the skies over Myanmar in 1941, just three months before the US entered the war. He would have turned 100 this year.
"I kept imagining my grandmother saying goodbye to her only son, knowing he was going all the way across the ocean to Burma (Myanmar) and never ever getting him back again," said Karen Beauprie, a niece of Armstrong.
For a long time, her mother told her never to bring up her uncle's name and the family would take down his pictures on the wall when her grandparents came to visit.
Thirteen years ago, Beauprie and her cousin Lynn Evans, both mothers of sons themselves, made a decision to find their uncle and bring him home.
"We have a lot of family members that thought we were kind of crazy - why would you want to do that? He was already buried, what difference does it make?" she said. "It makes a difference to know the remains are close by and that he will be honored with their families there."
All of the Flying Tigers were given Distinguished Flying Cross awards and granted military status in 1994. At the time of Armstrong's death they were civilians, which made it impossible for his parents to get his remains returned to the US.
Armstrong's father traveled to Myanmar and tried to locate his son's grave but failed.
"Up until 2015, we were under the assumption that Dean was still in Burma," said Beauprie. The cousins had photographers try to map the cemetery, Burmese tour guides actually walk the cemetery for them and a Canadian graduate student trek from Thailand to Burma to look for the graves.
The cousins also enlisted the help of researchers and agencies, including the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Along with Armstrong, there were two additional pilots, Peter Atkinson of West Virginia, and Maax Hammer of Illinois, who died a month later. All were buried together in an Anglican cemetery in Myanmar.
"What we have learned during the past two years was that the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) recovered all three pilots' remains in 1947, moved them to Barrockpore, India, performed forensics, and then in 1949 transported them as Unknowns to The National Military Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Hawaii," said Beauprie.
In April 2016, they were disinterred. With the help of DNA, Armstrong was identified in January.
Upon hearing the news, "I jumped up and down and screamed. I couldn't wait to talk to my cousin," said Beauprie. "It was satisfying, exciting and sad at the same time, because 75 years later he's coming home now."
The other two men had their memorial burials in March and April. Armstrong's is set for June 17 in Hutchinson, Kansas.
"There will be around 80 people attending the service, so we are having a family reunion to celebrate Dean's homecoming," said Beauprie.
The Navy will do the honors at the funeral and the Air Force will perform a Missing Man formation flyover for the service.
liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein smiles as he participates in a panel discussion during the White House Summit on Working Families in Washington on June 23, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]
Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein praised China's infrastructure in his tweets and suggested that the US lags in maintenance of airports and roads, during his trip to China from June 6 to 10.
"Just landed from China, trying to catch up.... How did 'infrastructure week' go," Blankfein quipped on Twitter.
The message echoed another tweet Blankfein sent earlier, in which he urged the US to invest in infrastructure to keep pace with China.
Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein praises China's infrastructure in his tweet on June 6 and pokes fun at US President Donald Trump's weekly infrastructure initiatives in his June 10, 2017, tweet. [Photo/Twitter]
"Arrived in China, as always impressed by condition of airport, roads, cell service, etc. US needs to invest in infrastructure to keep up!" he wrote.
Blankfein's tweets came amid US President Donald Trump's infrastructure initiatives.
On June 5, Trump rolled out a plan to revitalize US infrastructure with $1 trillion in investment, one of the biggest policy proposals after the country's immigration and healthcare.
Blankfein is not the only big wheel to point out China's world-class construction projects or services.
A screen grab shows California Governor Jerry Brown travelling from Nanjing to Beijing on June 5, 2017.
California Governor Jerry Brown described himself as the "foremost promoter of high-speed rail in America" when walking the aisles on a China high-speed train from Nanjing to Beijing last week, SinoVision Inc., a New York-based Chinese-language TV station, reported. Also, he blamed US political resistance when asked why the US did not have such a system.
In an interview with news website Business Insider this May, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon also shared a similar view.
"You might be shocked to find out, we haven't built a major airport for 20 years. China built 75 in the past 10 years," he said.
China has the most extensive network of high-speed rail in the world, with a total of 7,000 miles, while the US has built none. What's more, thousands more miles of track for China and foreign countries, driven by China's Road and Belt Initiative, are under construction.
According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 published by the World Economic Forum, the US ranks 16th in quality of overall infrastructure, 15th in quality of rail system and 16th in quality of its roads.
A photo of Zhang Yingying released by the police.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus police are investigating a black car that may be related to the missing person Zhang Yingying, a 26-year-old Chinese scholar, after releasing a video showing her entering the vehicle on Friday afternoon.
Zhang's friends and family reported to campus police that they hadn't heard from Zhang since about 1:30 pm Friday local time.
The surveillance video police released on Monday shows the time being just after 2:00 pm Friday. Zhang is seen standing on the east side of Goodwin Avenue as a black Saturn Astra pulls up beside her. She is seen speaking to the driver for some time before entering the vehicle, which then continues north on Goodwin Avenue.
Police said in a statement that they are working with rideshare programs to see whether she had ordered a ride-hailing service. Investigators have also looked into reports of a black vehicle whose driver invited other young women into the car.
She was said to have been headed to the One North apartment complex on North Lincoln Avenue in Urbana of Illinois on Friday to sign a lease, messaging the property manager at 1:30 pm that she was going to be late.
This surveillance video screenshot released by police shows Zhang Yingying outside a bus.
The footage also captured Zhang boarding a bus at a local station at 1:35 pm on Friday and exiting the bus at 1:52 pm.
She was wearing a charcoal gray hat with a white logo on the front.
"We are deeply concerned anytime someone cannot be contacted for an extended period of time. While we are exploring a number of possible scenarios which may have contributed to this incident, we are treating this as a very urgent matter," the statement reads.
Zhang is visiting from China and has only been in the United States for about a month. She's currently a visiting researcher with the school's department of natural resources and environmental sciences.
Zhang, from Southeast China's Fujian province, received her master's degree in environmental engineering from Peking University in 2016 and a bachelor's degree from Sun Yat-Sen University in 2013. She was also a research assistant at the Institute of Botany at the Chinese Academy of Sciences for about a year.
The police have released a number of still photos and videos to the public in hopes that someone may have information on Zhang's whereabouts. If you have any information, please call 911, if in the United States, or the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216. Non-emergency information may be emailed to police@illinois.edu.
A worker holds a beehive as he works at Mohammed Hagras' farm located in Beheira governorate, Egypt, on June 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
BEHEIRA, Egypt - Being a successful petroleum engineer did not block the dreams of 32-year-old Egyptian Mohammed Hagras to be a distinguished beekeeper.
The man, who works for a well-known petroleum company, decided to start beekeeping business at his farm as he believes that honey and bee production is among the safest investments in the most populous Arab country.
His first introduction to beekeeping was at the age of six when he used to help his father at their farm.
"It was love at first sight when I first stepped into our bee farm as it was my window to see nature. From that moment, I wanted to be a beekeeper and enlarge my father's beekeeping business," Hagras said, proudly smiling.
In his farm located in Beheira governorate in Egypt's Delta, Hagras, who is originally from Delta governorate of Minufiya, was carefully watching his workers collecting ripe honey from his 500 beehives, announcing the beginning of the heavy honey collection season which starts in June.
"I started to take care of my father's business in 2014," Hagras said, wearing his beekeeping protective suit. "I started with tens of beehives. Now I have 500."
Before starting his beekeeping career, Hagras studied the project carefully and gained enough information and knowledge that would help him run the business successfully.
"I found out that beekeeping business is a successful industry that can make good money," the man said as he peeled off wax cells to get fresh golden honey. "I also take advantage of living in a rural community where villagers plant seasonal crops that can be good food for the bees."
In a very short period of time, Hagras managed to create a name in the Egyptian honey market and he now runs a private company which exports honey and bee products to other countries.
"My beehives produce some 5,000 tons of natural honey that I sell locally. I also export other products such as pollen, wax, bee venom and queen food to neighboring Arab countries," the man said.
Hagras said he is now working jointly with other beekeepers to put Egypt back on track as a leading country in the honey and bee industry.
The man said Egypt is one of the oldest countries in beekeeping field, adding that the Pharaonic drawings and paintings on tombs and other monuments in Egypt showed how beekeeping was practised here.
The Ancient Egyptians kept bees from about 2400 BC when the earliest drawings of beekeeping and honey preparation were seen in Egyptian temples, he added.
These drawings showed that beekeeping in ancient Egypt was characterized by using cylindrical hives, migratory beekeeping using rafts down the Nile River and production of huge amounts of honey.
Speaking about the current situation of beekeeping in Egypt, Hagras said the North African country is considered the most important country in beekeeping sector in the Middle East with more than three million beehives.
According to official statistics, Egypt exported honey and bee products worth up to $135 million, or 2.4 billion Egyptian pounds in 2016, a very large number compared to the previous two years.
"Bee and honey industry is a national wealth that should be supported by the government," the engineer said, adding that the government could earn billions of foreign currency if it fully supports the sector.
The high prices of beekeeping materials and equipment obstruct or lower the development of the industry, which requires a governmental intervention to financially and technically back beekeepers, he said.
"One of the most serious problems facing the Egyptian beekeeper is the lack of the original medications for the diseases facing the beekeeping sector. This opens the door to the mafia of fake, local and smuggled medicines," Hagras said while pouring honey in glass jars.
The man expects that a new system overseen by the government will make Egypt a pioneering country in the honey industry since Egypt is the only country capable of producing bees and queens throughout the year for the vast agricultural areas it has.
"All of these elements can make Egypt a qualified country to be a global station for beekeeping. The global marketing of beekeeping sector in Egypt will be a good investment that will pump millions of dollars and provide many jobs for thousands of Egyptian youths," said Hagras.
Xu Fulu (R) talks to a patient in Lesotho. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Chinese doctors won respect and admiration in Lesotho for their extraordinary medical skills during their one-year deployment in the African country.
Xu Fulu, a physician at Wuhan sixth hospital, went to Lesotho with 6 other doctors in October 2015 to provide medical aid to the poverty-ravaged country. Based at a hospital over 120 km away from the capital Maseru, Xu's daily life was packed with assignments due to shortage of staff members.
The outdated medical facilities were always a challenge for the local doctors, but the rare draught and the resulting health problems across the country made the work even more difficult. But Xu never allowed these factors to bog him down and patients diagnosed by him all got timely and proper care, winning him the title of "No 1 doctor."
The public praise won by Xu and his medical team was heard by top officials in Lesotho. In December 2015, the team received a phone call asking them to visit a senior official who was ill and to keep the news secret. They were only told that the patient had just undergone an operation, and no other specific information was revealed.
Based on the limited knowledge, Xu came to the conclusion that the patient's wound was not fully healed, which caused infection. And he recommended musk cream and oral antibiotic. The official's condition turned out to be exactly as Xu had diagnosed and he recovered fully thanks to Xu's prescription. The healing power of the Chinese doctor and medicine surprised the mysterious patient, who turned out to be Lesotho's Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili.
Another government official, a female diplomat who was paralyzed after a tumor operation seven years ago, also went to Xu on the recommendation of the prime minister. After thorough examination and inquiry, Xu discovered that the diplomat's suffering was caused by long-term mental stress. After he recommended acupuncture and moxibustion as well as nutritional supplements, the patient was back to her normal self in less than 20 days.
Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili went back to the medical team for help in September 2016 to save his 78-year-old sister-in-law who he regarded as mother. The patient was in coma and her condition was very serious, which meant there was great pressure on Xu. The prime minister pinned his last hope on Xu and decided to let his sister-in-law receive treatment at the Chinese-based hospital.
Xu quickly got down to work and detected severe heart failure, pulmonary infection and polyserositis. After intensive treatment by Xu and his team, she finally healed 20 days later.
The great job they did meant a lot not only to the prime minister, but also to the Chinese embassy in Lesotho which praised the medical team for its support to the nation's diplomatic cause.
Sun Xianghua, Chinese ambassador to Lesotho, spoke highly of the diplomatic contribution made by the medical team when it left for China in last October.
Xu said the year in Lesotho taught him a lot, adding that it was only after working abroad that he fully realized the greatness of China and what patriotism meant.
"The medical team not just provided medical aid, but was also a bridge that built friendship between the two countries and played a key part in political and diplomatic relations. We should always have the sense of self-sacrifice to serve the bigger interest," Xu said.
China started sending medical aid to Lesotho, one of the most impoverished countries in the world, in 1997 and has sent over 100 medical staff members in the past 20 years.
Zhou Lihua contributed to this story
Billings Fire Chief Paul Dextras will retire July 5 after nine years on the job.
According to a Monday city news release, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Rash will become the interim chief until a permanent successor for Dextras is chosen by the new city administrator, whom the City Council will select this fall.
City Administrator Tina Volek said Dextras brought the department to new levels of achievement because of the experience he brought to the operation. He has worked hard to improve the safety of the citizens of Billings and the employees of the department.
In his nine years, Dextras added five new firefighter positions, a second training officer and a variety of programs ranging from officer development training to a computerized incident command program. The department bought two new fire engines and a ladder truck as well as two squad trucks, which allow crews to respond to medical emergencies with a smaller vehicle than a fire truck.
The fire chief also leads the communications division, which operates the citys 9-1-1 dispatch center. Four dispatch positions have been added under Dextras watch, and the divisions radio system was completely replaced to ensure adequate communications during emergencies. The new dispatch center will begin construction later this year.
Before joining the Billings Fire Department, Dextras was fire chief in Arvada, Colorado, and Logan, Utah. He was an assistant fire chief in Independence, Missouri, and rose through the ranks during 22 years with the Wichita, Kansas, Fire Department.
He earned bachelors and masters degrees from Wichita State University.
Rash joined the Billings Fire Department in 2014 after leading the Lockwood Fire District and as fire chief in Lewistown and Belgrade. He previously served 22 years in law enforcement in Gallatin and Fergus counties.
BERLIN - Shot was fired on Tuesday at a subway station in Germany's Munich and surrounding area has been cordoned by the police.
Several people were injured, including a police officer, in a shooting early Tuesday at a Munich subway station, police said.
Munich police said in a tweet that the policewoman's injuries were serious. The suspect was also injured and is in custody.
The shooting occurred during a morning police check at the Unterfoehring subway station, Munich police spokesman Michael Riehlein said.
He had no further details, but Munich's Merkur newspaper reported that witnesses said the suspect took a police officer's pistol and shot her, and also injured others at the scene.
Riehlein said the area has been secured and that there was no danger to the wider public.
Newcastle, in England's Northeast, will become a new innovation hub if the British authorities give the green light to a Chinese investor's plan.
TusPark, a Chinese company that builds business parks, has confirmed it is in talks to acquire Maybrook House on Grainger Street in Newcastle. The company plans to use the site to forge stronger links between Chinese and United Kingdom businesses and, if the project is successful, TusPark will consider purchasing a second site, on Newcastle's Science Central, to further boost its presence in the Northeast.
Yu Xiong, a business professor at Northumbria University and the project's principle advisor, told the Chronicle newspaper: "The reason we told them to have a business here in the Northeast is because I feel we have the Northern Powerhouse, we have easy access to Scotland, and we have good industries, such as healthcare, creative industries, and many others." The report noted that Maybrook House currently has a number of corporate tenants and TusPark will not be looking to actively remove them from the office space. Xiong said the center will expand over time and spread into additional space if tenants move out.
The innovation center is expected to provide funding and collaboration to local companies working in subsea technology, life sciences, healthcare, and the creative industries.
According the Chronicle, TusPark will promote joint ventures with Chinese businesses.
TusPark will also aim to make the company's 40 science and innovation parks across China available to UK firms.
The project is also likely to help promote the Northeast by providing facilities in the UK that can be used by Chinese companies.
TusPark will also look to support companies that want to get involved in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
TusPark, which started out as a science park at Tsinghua University, is the world's largest university science park operator and develops and operates parks on the Chinese mainland, and in Hong Kong, the United States, South Korea, and Russia.
The science parks also offer business incubation centers and technology research and development properties.
TusPark confirmed it was involved in talks regarding the project and said more details will be released after a deal is finalized.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice president and foreign minister, attend a press conference after their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, June 13, 2017. China and Panama signed a joint communique Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations. [Photo/Xinhua]
The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama introduced a new chapter for the relationship between the two countries, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said when meeting with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice-president and foreign minister, on Tuesday in Beijing.
Earlier on Tuesday, China and Panama signed a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"We believe that on the political basis of the one-China principle, both sides will work together to promote bilateral pragmatic cooperation and cultural exchanges, strengthen communication and cooperation in multilateral areas, and bring huge benefits to the two peoples and the international community," Yang said.
The visiting Panamanian guest said the establishment of diplomatic relations between her country and China serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and Panama is full of expectations on the development of bilateral relations.
Panama will firmly adhere to the one-China principle and live up to the relevant commitments, and it is ready to tap into its unique advantages and promote bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, investment, tourism and connectivity, she said.
Panama is willing to become an important gateway for cooperation between China and Latin America, she added.
Nine Chinese mainland-based construction companies jointly filed a lawsuit against fugitive billionaire Guo Wengui in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the United States, accusing him of failing to pay project debts amounting to 272 million yuan ($40 million), plus bank interest, business magazine Caixin reported on Tuesday.
According to the case file delivered to the court on June 9, Guo is now leading a luxury life in the US after he illegally transferred huge amounts of assets from China.
The complaint charged that Guo hired the most expensive lawyers with illegally obtained money to defend him in the US, while the creditors were struggling to keep business alive at home, Caixin reported.
The nine companies said they signed contracts with Beijing Zheng Quan Holding Co and Beijing Pangu Investment Co two companies under Guo's control between 2007 and 2015.
They were contracted to build or decorate Jinquan Square and Pangu Plaza in Beijing.
After the projects were finished, Guo delayed payment and secretly transferred assets from the two companies to the US for personal use, the complaint said.
The nine companies had filed lawsuits in numerous courts in China over the years and obtained rulings in their favor that the two companies must pay the debts immediately.
However, as the assets of Guo's companies had been transferred abroad, there were insufficient funds to pay.
The group of nine then brought the case to the US court, demanding that Guo and the companies to pay the 272 million yuan and interest. They also asked the court to forbid any further transfers by Guo.
A manager surnamed Zhou of one of the plaintiffs Beijing Fu Le Hong Ma Jian Zhu Zhuang Shi Gong Cheng Ltd told Caixin that the company had completed projects worth 20 million yuan from 2008 to 2012, and was still owed at least 7 million yuan.
In an apparent response to the case, Guo wrote on his Twitter account on June 11 that 145 companies currently have debt disputes with him involving 18 billion yuan.
"Why there are only nine companies coming to the US? I like a group fight. Why not come together? That will be fun," he wrote.
Guo often showed off his luxury lifestyle in the US on Twitter. According to Caixin, he currently lives in Manhattan on the 18th floor of the Sherry-Netherland Hotel building at No 781 Fifth Avenue, which he bought in the 2015 for $67.5 million. He said recently that he would move to a new residence covering 1,800 square meters from his current one, which is around 900 sq m.
On Friday, three former executives who worked for Guo pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining a loan and foreign currency during their trial in Dalian, Liaoning province.
The three former executives, Lyu Tao, Xie Honglin and Yang Ying, confessed to taking a loan of 3.2 billion yuan ($471 million) from Agricultural Bank of China in the name of Beijing Pangu Investment Co which Guo controlled by using fake contracts, seals and other materials in 2010. The company was also sued on the same charge.
Guo fled overseas about three years ago. Interpol issued a "red notice" the closest thing to an international arrest warrant for Guo in April, according to the Foreign Ministry.
DPRK warns Moon of 'brain-washing' by US at upcoming summit with Trump
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-06-13 23:58
PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Tuesday warned South Korean President Moon Jae-in of potential "brain-washing" efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump during their upcoming summit in Washington.
"The U.S. has buckled down to taming the South Korean authorities in an undisguised manner," said the Korean Central News Agency in a commentary.
The DPRK has criticized Moon for submitting to U.S. pressure and maintaining a hardline policy toward Pyongyang.
"What matters is that the present chief executive of South Korea (Moon), who caught the interest of the public for his remarks that 'he would always say no to the U.S.,' has now gone servile to the US," said the commentary.
The United States has engaged in a "cynical ploy" against moderate governments in Seoul in the past to pressure them into accepting U.S. policy and maintaining an alliance with Washington, it said.
"The U.S. has tamed the democratic forces to keep pace with it with utmost vigilance whenever they rose to power in South Korea," said the commentary.
The DPRK has urged Moon to revive the reconciliation process in accordance with two joint declarations signed by leaders of the two sides in early 2002.
Pyongyang also urged Seoul to dismantle the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and get rid of pro-U.S. forces in the new government.
Last month, South Korea's presidential Blue House said that South Korea and the United States had agreed to hold a summit meeting in late June in Washington.
The agreement on the summit was reached between Matt Pottinger, a senior director for East Asia at the National Security Council of the White House and Chung Eui-yong, a former South Korean ambassador to Geneva who now leads Moon's security and diplomatic task force.
Foreign Minister Wang Yiand Panamanian Vice-President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo toast the signing of a joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations on Tuesday in Beijing. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY
Step adds to the close business relations between the countries
Beijing and Panama City announced the establishment of diplomatic relations on Tuesday, as the Central American country cut its "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.
"In light of the interests and wishes of both peoples, the Republic of Panama and People's Republic of China have decided to grant each other, from the date of this document's signing, mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level," the two nations said in a joint communique.
Panama now "recognizes that there is only one China" and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. The country promises that it will never establish any official relations with Taiwan, nor have any official contact.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Panamanian Vice-President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo signed the communique in Beijing. "This is a historic moment. China-Panama relations have opened a new chapter," Wang said.
The nations will cooperate in areas such as trade, investment, maritime affairs, culture and education as well as tourism, Wang said. "China welcomes Panama to actively participate in the Belt and Road construction," he added.
Wang said the Chinese people cherish the long-term friendship with Panamanians.
Chinese laborers first arrived in Panama 163 years ago and helped build the Panama Canal and the railway there. Among Panama's population of 4 million, there are about 150,000 people of Chinese origin one of the largest Chinese communities in Latin America.
Saint Malo said that Panama and China had made an "important step" and started a "new page in our strategic relations".
Wang said at another event on Tuesday that Panama did not raise any preconditions in the process, and there were no so-called deals.
Vice-President Li Yuanchao and State Councilor Yang Jiechi also met with Saint Malo on Tuesday.
In December, Beijing restored diplomatic relations with Sao Tome and Principe after the African nation cut relations with Taiwan.
Cross-Straits relations have been strained after Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, who took power last year, refused to embrace the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, unlike her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama is another sign of the consensus of the international community in adhering to the one-China principle, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Tuesday.
Ma urged the Taiwan administration to gain a clear understanding of the situation and make the right choice.
Yuan Zheng, a researcher of US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said as long as the Taiwan authorities decline to follow the 1992 Consensus, it will be difficult for Taiwan to maintain "diplomatic relations" with any countries.
"Given the rising global influence of China, the one-China policy is increasingly recognized around the world," he said.
Liu Yuqin, former Chinese ambassador to Chile, said though Beijing and Panama City did not have diplomatic ties in the past, they have enjoyed quite close business and civilian exchanges.
"The decision to establish diplomatic ties is not something that can be bought by money. It reflects the expectation of the people and long-term mutual interests of the two countries."
Xinhua contributed to this story.
Dairy farmers in the northwest UK county of Cheshire are hoping to export fresh milk to China by extending shelf life and keeping it fresh.
NEMI Dairy Ltd in Audlem, near Nantwich, said it is in discussions to sell its milk to major cities across the Chinese mainland.
The milk produced by the famers has an extended shelf life and is naturally enriched with selenium.
Working with a team of experts from Reaseheath College, the dairy company is hoping to see its milk on sale in China by Aug 1 this year and become the first British company to export fresh milk to the world's second-largest economy.
Andrew Henderson, founder and managing director of NEMI Dairy, told the Farming Life publication: "Due to time and distance it takes to cross continents, there is an issue with getting fresh milk to China but we've come up with a process that not only has the extended shelf life, but makes sure the milk maintains that fresh taste."
Reaseheath's food production unit worked with Henderson to test the milk and make sure it could stay fresher longer.
Henderson also attended a business class run by the college's European Regional Development Fund, funded SME Business Growth Programme in October.
He launched the company more than three years ago but has been working on the concept for more than 10 years.
"The Reaseheath team has been excellent in the sense that they have done the research and development work for us into the shelf life of the milk," Henderson said.
Talks about exporting diary to China has been in the pipeline for some time, earlier this month Henderson welcomed a Chinese delegation to Reaseheath to show the work that has been done.
Henderson and his team will also travel to Shanghai to continue talks.
Farming Life noted that Shepton Mallet-based packaging company Framptons Ltd is one of only three British processors with the necessary accreditation and licenses to export to China.
Distribution will be handled by the Shanghai Extend Import and Export Co, who already sources and distributes seafood products in China.
"We knew that we couldn't actually physically import and distribute the milk ourselves but we're confident in the partners we have identified," Henderson added.
He said if given the go-ahead to supply to China, it would make a huge difference to British dairy farmers.
boleung@mail.chinadailyuk.com
During a ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, First Interstate Bank will present a $75,000 community development grant to Community Leadership & Development Inc. to support the Katapheugo Project.
The grant will help pay for the transformation of the old Labor Temple at 24 S. 29th St. The project will address a number of needs, including quality, affordable South Side housing.
We applaud the efforts of organizations like CLDI who work tirelessly to make Billings a better place to live, work and raise a family, said Brian Brown, the banks market president.
Without partnerships such as this, said Eric Basye, CLDIs executive director, our efforts in the community would be next to impossible.
In March, the Gianforte Family Foundation announced it was donating $1.1 million toward the planned $3.25 million renovation, which will:
Expand the Hannah House sober living campus
Create 16 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments
Reinvigorate the buildings historic purpose as a center for community gatherings
Relocate CLDI offices.
CLDI has been working in Billings for 35 years. Since its inception, it has sought to invest in and transform Billings oldest neighborhood.
Montana raises bullies, not men
Montana will not be a state I will visit because it appears you raise bullies, not men, and then reward their bullish behavior by electing them to represent you. Speaks volumes of your low values in Montana.
If you sissy lawmakers are so threatened by reporters asking questions about where they stand on a policy or a bill or to defend their votes that impact we the people, then find another profession.
Considering the lies he told about his assaulting a reporter, mucking stalls would be a job for him.
Lorraine Krasner
Las Vegas
Reporter deserved to be put in his place
This is just a note to say Im thankful that the Republican candidate, Greg Gianforte, won. His actions with the reporter were extreme, but reporters are obnoxious and, while they are trying to get their scoop, they fail to recognize the boundaries of anyone they consider newsworthy.
I believe Gianforte told this reporter that he would speak with him in a minute, but the reporter just kept getting in his face. Bad decision on Gianfortes part, but the reporter deserved to be put in his place.
Carolyn Thibodaux
Round Rock, Texas
Support public lands
Montanans overwhelmingly support public lands that benefit our local communities and economies. Trumps recent budget would gut local efforts to increase access to hunting, fishing and recreation on our public lands. The president would permanently de-fund the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act.
This vital public land access program allows the Bureau of Land Management to sell scattered and isolated government lands to create more public access throughout our state. The funds from these sales allow the BLM to ask willing property owners to sell their landlocked properties within designated BLM lands or national forests, parks and wildlife refuges.
In Montana, the BLM worked with the Browns Gulch property owners to provide access to Hauser Lake so the public would have more boating and recreation in the Helena area. These funds also helped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve critical lands for trumpeter swans in the Centennial Valley south of Dillon.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Steve Daines co-sponsored a bill to reauthorize this valuable program that keep public lands open for our families to enjoy the outdoors. Contact Daines at 202-224-2651 and Tester 202-224-2644, and ask them to continue to support the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act so Montanans will always have access to public lands.
Lewis M. YellowRobe^p
Missoula^p
From powerful to obscure
Look what money buys.
Sen. Brown alludes to Greg Gianfortes stress my observation is that reality has hit Gianforte between the eyes and if he has an ounce of civility or of Montana values, his stress is realizing he must to go into the Trump swamp and somehow survive, without having the necessary skills to be a representative voice for Montanans.
He has messed in his own nest and already is a lame-duck candidate. When he arrives in D.C., he knows he is a persona non-grata. More investigative gridlock just a continuing of the Trump investigations saga filtering down now to the investigations that seem imminent for Gianforte, even before he is sworn in to be seated in Congress. What should be a transformative experience not only for the citizens of Montana by the leadership of Gianforte, as well as his own transformative opportunity, has turned into a political quagmire for Montana. From transformative to just mundane and ordinary and combative.
Gianforte has gone from in-your-face negative campaigning, spending millions of tainted dollars to buy both the governorship and a seat in the House from relative insignificance to abject obscurity. Montana needs a voice in Washington and Gianforte has been rendered silenced.
Clark Swan^p
Billings^p
I know what kind of people live in MT
I now what kind of people live in Montana. Being retired we are looking forward to visiting all 50 states minus one.
Erin Merrifield
Colorado Springs, Colorado
We made best choice with Gianforte
I have been reading the letters from people who do not live here, and I find it very interesting. First let me say, there is more to this than meets the eye. Something Gianforte said during the altercation caught my attention, You are doing this to me again! So, in my opinion, it sounds like this reporter had some other dealings with him. Maybe he was pushing that envelope many people do this to get a reaction. Also, according to the Democratic Party in Montana and Quist, you do not have a right to even speak here, if you cant prove your lineage. So, why do we care what people who do not live here have to say? I am sure that every single one is a Democrat, probably put money out to get Quist elected. There was tons of dark money flowing in here; they didnt get the return that they expected.
I have watched many a video from peace rallies, where everyone is supposed to be peaceful, and the participants are some of the most violent people you could meet. Now, granted, they are not in an elected position. But, human nature is what it is. Some people react fiercely to being stalked, that seems to be what this reporter was doing. You push someone enough times, they will probably push back.
I still think and believe we made the best choice. What else was there? A guitar player and someone who gets their suits from a pawn shop? Sorry, but I want someone with true business experience and Gianforte is that man. For the people who keep writing, do you even know where Montana is located? Bet you dont.
Brian Bersuch^p
Billings^p
Dear Californian: Butt out
Ive been waiting for this day for a couple of weeks, the day a resident from the state of California sends in a letter discussing Montana electing Greg Gianforte to the U.S. House of Representatives. Here is what I would like to say to Ms. Thiele: You have a couple of doozies elected to the House of Representatives from the state of California: Nancy We have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it Pelosi, and no one spews hate like Maxine Waters. If a Republican said that grass is green, she would argue that it is blue. Then you have your governor, Jerry Brown, who has California running a $1.3 trillion deficit at the moment. I think, maybe, you should work on cleaning up the bull dung in your own state before you start spouting off about what you perceive as someone elses.
Joni Flick^p
Billings
(Photo : PLAGF) Xinqingtan light tank deployed to Tibet.
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The People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) is accelerating its military build-up in Tibet along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India; has deployed its newest light tank along this border and has finally given this mysterious tank a name.
Photos of the ZTQ light tank specifically designed for operations in mountainous and high-altitude regions such as Tibet were first revealed on Chinese state-controlled media in 2011. It's been known as the ZTQ since, which is odd since ZTQ is the generic Chinese designation for a light tank.
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PLAGF has corrected this omission and now refers to the ZTQ as "Xinqingtan." It also admitted for the first time it's deployed an undetermined number of this light tank in Tibet along the LAC.
Chinese state-controlled media revealed that Xinqingtan outfits an integrated brigade of the PLAGF. It said the deployment of the light tanks expands the capabilities of this brigade and has increased their fighting power.
It also praised the Xinqingtan, describing the small tank's firepower as "far more advanced" than the Russia-made T-90S tanks deployed by India.
That claim stretches credulity, however, since the Indian Army's T-90S is a much bigger main battle tank with a much bigger 125 mm smoothbore gun that far outranges the smaller 105 mm on the Xinqingtan. The armor on the T-90S is also much thicker than that on the smaller Xinqingtan.
Media said the Xinqingtan has a secondary armament consisting of a 35 mm grenade launcher and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, both on the turret.
The 105 mm gun and these smaller caliber weapons have been adjusted so they can fire at a high angle, making them suitable for mountain warfare.
The tank's light weight and a powerful diesel engine make it suitable for fighting in oxygen-deficit, high-altitude environments such as those in the LAC.
The Xinqingtan has an advanced fire-control system and its 105 mm gun is capable of firing shells and guided missiles. The missile capability enables the tank to shoot down helicopters, one of the major threats to tanks on a battlefield.
The export version of Xinqingtan carries the designation VT-5.
State-owned Norinco (China North Industries Group Corporation), China's largest builder of tanks, said its VT-5 fills a niche in the export market for tanks not as huge, heavy or as expensive as the U.S. M1A2 Abrams MBT or the German Leopard 2.
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TagsPeople's Liberation Army Ground Force, Line of Actual Control, India, ZTQ light tank, Xinqingtan, Indian Army, T-90S, VT-5
(Photo : US Army) M249 SAW.
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Its re-emphasis on conventional, long-range warfare has compelled the U.S. Army to begin looking for a new squad-level light machine gun firing a more lethal bullet to longer ranges to replace the existing M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in service since 1984.
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The army has designated this replacement light machine gun as the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR).
Its PM Soldier Weapons unit has announced the launch of a single incremental program to replace the M249 in Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) and select support units during the next decade. NGSAR is one of the Army's budget priorities.
The army wants NGSAR to "combine the firepower and range of a machine gun with the precision and ergonomics of a carbine, yielding capability improvements in accuracy, range, and lethality."
In addition, the new weapon will be lightweight and fire lightweight ammunition with improved lethality, an indication that a heavy 7.62 mm round might not be in favor with the army.
The army expects NGSAR to help reduce the heavy load carried by soldiers that have a significant negative impact on their mobility, survivability, and firing accuracy.
It said soldiers will employ the NGSAR against close and extended range targets in all terrains and conditions. NGSAR will achieve overmatch or fire superiority by killing stationary, and suppressing moving, threats out to 600 meters and suppressing all threats to a range of 1200 meters.
The army's requirements also stipulates the NGSAR should be compatible with the Small Arms Fire Control system as well as legacy optics and night-vision devices.
The army, however, didn't specify caliber for NGSAR, but the wording of the requirements indicates this weapon should have a caliber between 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm. The M249 fires a 5.5645mm NATO round.
The need to replace the 5.56 mm round comes from combat reports indicating it delivers less killing power than the 7.62 mm rounds fired by the Russian weapons such as the AK-47 arming insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition, the appearance of new body armor developed by Russia and China that can withstand the 5.5645mm NATO round is also a concern.
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TagsU.S. Army, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle, NGSAR
An Alabama teen was killed and dozens more were injured after a church bus flipped in a crash on its way to the airport for a student mission trip to Africa.
Sarah Harmening, 17, was killed in the crash. She was one of 38 passengers on the bus, mostly carrying 11th and 12th-grade students from Mount Zion Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. A second bus was also carrying students. The groups was on their way to a flight heading toward Botswana.
Harmening's parents said she was "so excited" for the trip.
"She earned all the money to go and share Christ with children of Botswana," her mother Karen said.
In Harmening's final journal entry, she wrote that she was a "a little uncomfortable" about the trip because it was so long, but she then turned to her Bible.
"I prayed, and opened up to 1 Peter 5 and 2 Peter ... I was just reminded of why I am here, and that God has called me here and has done this for a reason," she wrote while on the bus. "I know he is going to do incredible things."
Twenty-four passengers were hospitalized for injuries. The mission trip has been cancelled, reports Christianity Today.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the folks at Mount Zion Baptist," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. "It just pulls at your heart-- people who were going to do mission work being in that. We hold all of those families in our hearts. There's just not much you can say."
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: June 13, 2017
I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
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Image: CSB
Nothing gets a bunch of evangelicals going like debates over Bible translation.
The latest chatter centers around one of the newest: the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). This translation came out in March as an update to the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), which Southern Baptist-affiliated LifeWay Christian Resources introduced about 15 years ago.
A recent article in The Atlantic compared the CSBs use of inclusive language over masculine nouns for mixed-gender groups to the changes made in the 2011 New International Version (NIV) and the controversial Todays New International Version (TNIV) before that, which Southern Baptists famously railed against.
Such changes in Southern Baptists Bible translation of choice are more than a mere denominational matter, wrote Jonathan Merritt and Garet Robinson. The SBC is Americas largest Protestant denomination and one of its most conservative. If its leaders and members are tolerating a softer, more inclusive approach to gender, it might be a bellwether of things to come in the culture war over gender.
Gender inclusivity is a polarizing term among American evangelicals, especially those eager to preserve the distinctions between male and female that they see taught in Scripture. Now, CSB supporters have defended the translations gender accurate revisions as a means of faithful translation, rather than a progressive agenda.
In terms of The Atlantic piece, I would summarize it this way: It was an attempt to find a team of translators guilty of doing exactly what they set out to do as assigned and exactly within the guidelines for appropriate gender inclusivity and, more importantly, textual translation ...
Following another year of declining membership and baptism, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) just gained one of the biggest evangelists and megachurch pastors in the country: Greg Laurie.
The day after Lauries annual Harvest America crusade, he announced that his church would be joining the SBC, which was also holding its annual convention in Phoenix.
Laurie is among the best-known leaders of the Calvary Chapel movement, and the one-time heir apparent to its late founder Chuck Smith. Though his 15,000-member Harvest Christian Fellowship in California will remain affiliated with the 1,000-plus church network even after moving into the SBC, the move makes Lauries shift toward mainstream evangelicalism official.
Smith, a Jesus People leader who mentored Laurie from his first years in the faith, emphasized Calvary Chapels distinctives from broader evangelicalism; and pastors, in turn, favored the networks own teachers, authors, and worship leaders. ...
1
Do you ever feel that pastors are always preaching on the same Bible verses? Or that theologians always seem to reference the Gospels and Paul, but rarely the Old Testament?
Youre likely right, according to a new study of the 100 Bible verses cited most frequently in systematic theology books. Faithlife, the organization behind Logos Bible Software, examined more than 830,000 verses across more than 300 works to produce the list.
Unsurprisingly, the New Testament gets used a lot more than the Old Testament, with references to Pauls letters making especially frequent appearances. The Gospel of John, the Gospel of Matthew, and the Book of Hebrews are also frequently cited.
By contrast, only 9 of the top 100 most-cited Bible passages in systematic theology come from the Old Testamentwith Genesis accounting for 8 of them. (Isaiah is the ninth).
References to 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, and Ezra are among the least common, with most of the historical literature in the Old Testament ...
1
The owners of 24 horses seized in Carbon County said Monday the horses were rescued mustangs still recovering from previous abuse and were taken by authorities without a proper investigation.
Of the 24 horses seized from the Rockin MT Horse Rescue in Belfry, 18 had been wild horses. The six other horses belonged to the owners of the ranch, Matthew Lydall and Tricia Ingram.
According to a search warrant, the Carbon County Sheriffs Office was notified of a gelding that came from the ranch that was allegedly suffering from malnutrition and died at a third partys property on May 29. The people who took in the horse informed the investigating deputy there were several other horses on the Rockin MT in need of veterinary care and the animals were not being fed regularly.
The warrant allowed a deputy to search the property with a licensed veterinarian and seize any horses the doctor found in need. The 24 horses taken from the ranch are temporarily at another site.
Rockin MT took custody of the wild horses in November, said Lydall. They came from an organization in South Dakota that had several hundred starving animals.
The horses are not acclimated to humans. They were emaciated and never received medical attention before coming to Rockin MT, Lydall said.
Before we rescued these horses they never received any veterinary care, they never received any vaccinations, worming, anything like that, he said.
Ingram has been rescuing horses for 15 years, and she and Lydall moved to Montana to expand the rescue operation.
One of the South Dakota horses estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old died shortly after arriving in Montana. Others struggled to put on weight while fighting colic and worms. Lydall and Ingram contend they have done as well or better at caring for the rescued horses as any other organization that took animals from the South Dakota operation.
We were told they may never thrive, may never gain weight and may not even survive, Ingram said. Were lucky they made it through winter.
The colt that prompted the investigation spent 10 days in the care of a Powell, Wyoming, veterinarian as recently as the beginning of May. The horse was not eating due to colic and nearly died while under the vet's care, but after a few days at the clinic was in good enough shape to be gelded with a few other male horses from the Rockin MT. After that, its condition degraded, Lydall said.
He said the investigators are painting an unfair picture of conditions at the ranch. He said he has receipts to prove purchases of grain and hay were made regularly.
Lydall and Ingram had not been charged with a crime as of Monday morning. The pair met with investigators on Monday afternoon to further discuss the case. And the end of the meeting, Lydall said there were no charges, but no horses returned either.
Nahidh Shaou could be deported any day now.
As a Christian and a veteran of the US military, being forcibly returned to Iraqa homeland he hasnt seen since he was five years oldcould prove to be a death sentence.
Until April of this year, Iraq had not accepted deportees from the United States since 2010. That policy changed when one of President Donald Trumps early executive orders included Iraq on a list of seven countries targeted with a temporary travel ban. As part of the deal to be removed from the list, Iraq agreed to begin taking deportees again.
More than 1,400 Iraqis in America are on the docket to be returned to their country of origin.
Escorted by law enforcement officers, the first of those Iraqis boarded a small plane in Louisiana in April, bound for Baghdad.
Shaou was supposed to be on that plane. But at the 11th hour, he was granted an emergency stay after his lawyer, Richard Kent, filed an appeal to defer Shaous removal.
With dozens of Iraqi ...
1
Why Does a Homosexual Man Refuse to Call Himself Gay? Devout Catholic who previously lived a homosexual lifestyle tells his conversion story in new book
Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276,
SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2017 /
Mattson believes he shouldn't be reduced to the "feelings" that identify sexual orientation, nor be labeled by a term contrary to God's plan for his life. Mattson shows that chastity is, in fact, part of the good news of the Gospel, and that the Catholic Church does welcome those with same-sex attractions, despite myths perpetuated by the media and gay-rights advocates.
Mattson provides a welcome voice of sanity among the muddled thinking of modern society that believes sexual identity is rooted in the realm of feelings and desires. WHY I DON'T CALL MYSELF GAY is a practical tool for living chastely, for those who are struggling with same-sex attraction and for those looking for pastoral resources.
"Daniel Mattson has written an honest account of the genuine struggles faced by those with same-sex attraction," says Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York. "Drawing upon a wealth of spiritual insights and wisdom from across our deep Catholic tradition, he shares with us how he has come to understand and accept God's loving plan for his life, as well as the beauty and richness of the Church's teaching on chastity. The tenderness and mercy of God is evident throughout and is a powerful reminder for all of us!"
Mattson provides a candid and compassionate perspective on having lived a homosexual lifestyle before finding peace and authentic love in the Catholic Church. His book is being hailed by several leading Cardinals and Bishops.
"I encourage many to read the following testimonial, which ... bears witness to the mercy and goodness of God, to the efficacy of his grace, and to the veracity of the teachings of his Church," says Cardinal Robert Sarah, from the foreword to WHY I DON'T CALL MYSELF GAY; author of God or Nothing.
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles, says: "Daniel Mattson has written a courageous, honest testimony about his struggles with same-sex attraction and his commitment to live with integrity and chastity according to the Church's vision for human sexuality. This powerful book reminds us that we need to accompany our brothers and sisters in their struggles with compassion and love, patience and understanding."
For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Daniel Mattson, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or
Share Tweet Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Daniel Mattson's life was marked by constant turmoil between his faith in God and his sexual attractions toward other boys, beginning when he was 6 years old. Finding the conflict between his homosexual desires and the teachings of his church too great, he assumed he was gay, turned his back on God in anger and eventually began a relationship with another man. Yet freedom and happiness remained elusive until he discovered his true identity. In his brutally honest and frank debut book, WHY I DON'T CALL MYSELF GAY: How I Reclaimed My Sexual Identity and Found Peace, Mattson chronicles his journey of discovery that led him to understand how he was created and what he was created for.Mattson believes he shouldn't be reduced to the "feelings" that identify sexual orientation, nor be labeled by a term contrary to God's plan for his life. Mattson shows that chastity is, in fact, part of the good news of the Gospel, and that the Catholic Church does welcome those with same-sex attractions, despite myths perpetuated by the media and gay-rights advocates.Mattson provides a welcome voice of sanity among the muddled thinking of modern society that believes sexual identity is rooted in the realm of feelings and desires. WHY I DON'T CALL MYSELF GAY is a practical tool for living chastely, for those who are struggling with same-sex attraction and for those looking for pastoral resources."Daniel Mattson has written an honest account of the genuine struggles faced by those with same-sex attraction," says Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York. "Drawing upon a wealth of spiritual insights and wisdom from across our deep Catholic tradition, he shares with us how he has come to understand and accept God's loving plan for his life, as well as the beauty and richness of the Church's teaching on chastity. The tenderness and mercy of God is evident throughout and is a powerful reminder for all of us!"Mattson provides a candid and compassionate perspective on having lived a homosexual lifestyle before finding peace and authentic love in the Catholic Church. His book is being hailed by several leading Cardinals and Bishops."I encourage many to read the following testimonial, which ... bears witness to the mercy and goodness of God, to the efficacy of his grace, and to the veracity of the teachings of his Church," says Cardinal Robert Sarah, from the foreword to WHY I DON'T CALL MYSELF GAY; author of God or Nothing.Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles, says: "Daniel Mattson has written a courageous, honest testimony about his struggles with same-sex attraction and his commitment to live with integrity and chastity according to the Church's vision for human sexuality. This powerful book reminds us that we need to accompany our brothers and sisters in their struggles with compassion and love, patience and understanding."For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Daniel Mattson, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications.
Rosary Relay Heading Your Way on 23 June -- Setting a New Record of Global Participation An estimated 10 million to join in prayer this year
Contact: Marion Mulhall,
NEW YORK, June 13, 2017 /
A Special Global Rosary Relay 'Prelude' takes place this year at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico on 22 June at 17.00 local time. This prelude of prayer will bring many blessings on Global Rosary Relay day.
As the clock strikes midnight on 23 June and the Feast of the Sacred Heart begins, the Rosary Relay will start at a new shrine in Seoul, the capital of South Korea and work its way from continent to continent, before finishing in the Hermosillo, Sonora State in Mexico twenty-four hours later.
Every year sees major innovations in terms of participants. For 2017 there will be new locations as diverse as Iceland, Chile, Peru, Thailand and Hawaii. Many countries are adding to their list of prayer locations. Japan will have no less than four locations, Guatemala will have three, while in Ireland the Father Payton Memorial Centre at Attymass parish in County Mayo, along with Our Lady of Dublin in Whitefriar Street, in the centre of the capital, are two new Irish locations that will be joining us.
In mentioning our newcomers we must also compliment and bless all those Church locations which have participated, year after year, for the past seven years, helping to bring this amazing phenomenon to where it is today. Thanks also must go to the Children's Rosary a lay prayer movement for children. The Global Rosary Relay for Priests greatly welcomes the participation and prayers of this beautiful organisation as the children of the world gather in prayer for our priests.
Along with the countless thousands who will attend the designated shrines, many more will participate from home or just wherever they happen to be at a particular time. Adding to the scale of the 2017 operation will be the effect of social media, including Facebook and Twitter, supplemented by webcams and global television broadcasts from EWTN, who this year will have a live television broadcast from the EWTN chapel in Birmingham, Alabama and another from Lourdes in France, as well as from Hungary and Porto Rico, not to mention television and radio networks joining from other locations.
Worldpriest estimates that the Global Rosary for Priests will, overall, touch the lives and souls of some 10 million people this year in urban centres and far-flung places on earth, adding a voice of consolation and solace in this troubled world.
The volunteers at Worldpriest have been working flat out for the past year, organising and coordinating the relay. As it grows at a phenomenal rate it is now time to ask for a little help from Catholics around the world. So this year, using Pay Pal, we invite people to make a small donation of just $1 each to help us maintain a movement that has the potential to achieve even far greater growth over coming years. Donations can be made though the Worldpriest website at
Rosary Relay for Priests video is a resounding success
For the past few years we have brought you news of the continued growth of the Rosary Relay for Priests in our newsletters and press releases. Bearing in mind the old saying that a picture paints 1,000 words, the release of our recent video has brought the worldwide nature of the relay bursting across our screens, immediately capturing the diversity and colour of a world at prayer.
This high-quality short video is the work of a very talented young Dublin-based television and film producer who gave freely of his time and talent to provide a stunning visual record of an emotional and moving prayer dedicated to Our Lady.
This video was assembled with great skill from actual footage provided by individual shrines the world over. Despite its fast pace, there are many, many recognisable images of world landmarks to be seen, against a backdrop of prayer communities of all races, colours and age groups children men and women praying in their own languages all adding up to the common devotion and purpose of this unique prayer.
Through a combination of music, footage and carefully chosen words, this video encapsulates a world at prayer in a gripping and immediate way. It has been translated into English, Spanish and Maltese and every person who sees it is immediately uplifted by its joyfulness and unfailing appeal. We hope it inspires you, your family and friends to continue to support the growth of a prayer movement that we believe can move mountains. If you have not seen it yet this video can be viewed on this website
For a full list of shrines participating go to:
Worldpriest INC
600 Third Avenue,
2nd Floor,
New York,
New York 10016
USA
Tel: 646 355 4106
E-mail
W:
Worldpriest Inc. is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.Listed in the Official Catholic Directory (Kenedy Directory) USA.
Share Tweet Contact: Marion Mulhall, Worldpriest Inc. , 646-355-4106, info.worldpriest@gmail.com NEW YORK, June 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- The fascination, appeal and sheer scale of the Global Rosary Relay for Priests continues to draw in more and more people around the world people who want to share in this captivating feast of prayer which by now crosses 24 time zones and reaches into every corner of the globe.A Special Global Rosary Relay 'Prelude' takes place this year at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico on 22 June at 17.00 local time. This prelude of prayer will bring many blessings on Global Rosary Relay day.As the clock strikes midnight on 23 June and the Feast of the Sacred Heart begins, the Rosary Relay will start at a new shrine in Seoul, the capital of South Korea and work its way from continent to continent, before finishing in the Hermosillo, Sonora State in Mexico twenty-four hours later.Every year sees major innovations in terms of participants. For 2017 there will be new locations as diverse as Iceland, Chile, Peru, Thailand and Hawaii. Many countries are adding to their list of prayer locations. Japan will have no less than four locations, Guatemala will have three, while in Ireland the Father Payton Memorial Centre at Attymass parish in County Mayo, along with Our Lady of Dublin in Whitefriar Street, in the centre of the capital, are two new Irish locations that will be joining us.In mentioning our newcomers we must also compliment and bless all those Church locations which have participated, year after year, for the past seven years, helping to bring this amazing phenomenon to where it is today. Thanks also must go to the Children's Rosary a lay prayer movement for children. The Global Rosary Relay for Priests greatly welcomes the participation and prayers of this beautiful organisation as the children of the world gather in prayer for our priests.Along with the countless thousands who will attend the designated shrines, many more will participate from home or just wherever they happen to be at a particular time. Adding to the scale of the 2017 operation will be the effect of social media, including Facebook and Twitter, supplemented by webcams and global television broadcasts from EWTN, who this year will have a live television broadcast from the EWTN chapel in Birmingham, Alabama and another from Lourdes in France, as well as from Hungary and Porto Rico, not to mention television and radio networks joining from other locations.Worldpriest estimates that the Global Rosary for Priests will, overall, touch the lives and souls of some 10 million people this year in urban centres and far-flung places on earth, adding a voice of consolation and solace in this troubled world.The volunteers at Worldpriest have been working flat out for the past year, organising and coordinating the relay. As it grows at a phenomenal rate it is now time to ask for a little help from Catholics around the world. So this year, using Pay Pal, we invite people to make a small donation of just $1 each to help us maintain a movement that has the potential to achieve even far greater growth over coming years. Donations can be made though the Worldpriest website at www.worldpriest.com Rosary Relay for Priests video is a resounding successFor the past few years we have brought you news of the continued growth of the Rosary Relay for Priests in our newsletters and press releases. Bearing in mind the old saying that a picture paints 1,000 words, the release of our recent video has brought the worldwide nature of the relay bursting across our screens, immediately capturing the diversity and colour of a world at prayer.This high-quality short video is the work of a very talented young Dublin-based television and film producer who gave freely of his time and talent to provide a stunning visual record of an emotional and moving prayer dedicated to Our Lady.This video was assembled with great skill from actual footage provided by individual shrines the world over. Despite its fast pace, there are many, many recognisable images of world landmarks to be seen, against a backdrop of prayer communities of all races, colours and age groups children men and women praying in their own languages all adding up to the common devotion and purpose of this unique prayer.Through a combination of music, footage and carefully chosen words, this video encapsulates a world at prayer in a gripping and immediate way. It has been translated into English, Spanish and Maltese and every person who sees it is immediately uplifted by its joyfulness and unfailing appeal. We hope it inspires you, your family and friends to continue to support the growth of a prayer movement that we believe can move mountains. If you have not seen it yet this video can be viewed on this website www.worldpriest.com For a full list of shrines participating go to: www.worldpriest.com/participating-shrine-list/ Worldpriest INC600 Third Avenue,2nd Floor,New York,New York 10016USATel: 646 355 4106E-mail info.worldpriest@gmail.com W: www.worldpriest.com Worldpriest Inc. is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.Listed in the Official Catholic Directory (Kenedy Directory) USA.
Walter Isaacson Writes Foreword for Memoir by Eric Motley Contact: Robin Barnett, 616-698-3251
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 13, 2017 /
Isaacson writes in the foreword, "When I first met Eric Motley, I knew there must be a wonderful backstory. He was the youngest appointee in the George W. Bush White House, but he had the demeanor of a courtly collector of antiquarian books, which he happened to be.... The more I got to know Eric over the years, the more it reinforced my initial impression. What a story he must have, I thought. He does, and this inspiring and exquisitely written book tells it."
He concludes the foreword, "Above all, this book is about gratitude. Eric has an uncanny ability to remember everything, in part because he possesses an enormous sense of gratitude. At times, he recounts, his memory of all those who helped him has been so intense it felt like a burden. 'Blessings come at us so relentlessly, we are forever in a deficit position,' he writes. 'We never get all of the thank-yous or goodbyes properly said, which leaves us, each one, living with a burden of gratitude.' For all of us who have the joy of knowing Eric, there is a counterpart to that sentiment. In his life, and now in this book, he teaches us about the grace that is bestowed by gratitude."
Madison Park has received endorsements from Mrs. Laura Bush, who called it a "beautifully written book," and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. who said Motley's journey "serves as a powerful reminder of the shaping influences that family, faith, and community have in African American lives..." Elaine Pagels also endorsed the memoir saying "in writing as clear as water, Madison Park tells a moving story of hope."
Motley grew up in Madison Park, a rural Alabama community founded by freed slaves. He rose from those humble beginnings thanks to the care of his adoptive grandparents and the whole neighborhood. The remarkable people of his hometown instilled in him values of hope, self-determination, and generosity of spirit and means, anchored on twin pillars of education and faith. He tells the story of this proud black community in his new memoir, Madison Park: A Place of Hope.
Madison Park releases November 14, 2017, and Motley is available for interviews and live appearances in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville and Montgomery, Ala.
Zondervan part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company's products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit
Share Tweet Contact: Robin Barnett, 616-698-3251GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Walter Isaacson wrote the foreword for Madison Park: A Place of Hope by Eric Motley (Zondervan, November 14, 2017, 9780310349631). Isaacson is the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and recruited Motley to the think tank ten years ago, where he currently serves as Executive Vice President.Isaacson writes in the foreword, "When I first met Eric Motley, I knew there must be a wonderful backstory. He was the youngest appointee in the George W. Bush White House, but he had the demeanor of a courtly collector of antiquarian books, which he happened to be.... The more I got to know Eric over the years, the more it reinforced my initial impression. What a story he must have, I thought. He does, and this inspiring and exquisitely written book tells it."He concludes the foreword, "Above all, this book is about gratitude. Eric has an uncanny ability to remember everything, in part because he possesses an enormous sense of gratitude. At times, he recounts, his memory of all those who helped him has been so intense it felt like a burden. 'Blessings come at us so relentlessly, we are forever in a deficit position,' he writes. 'We never get all of the thank-yous or goodbyes properly said, which leaves us, each one, living with a burden of gratitude.' For all of us who have the joy of knowing Eric, there is a counterpart to that sentiment. In his life, and now in this book, he teaches us about the grace that is bestowed by gratitude."Madison Park has received endorsements from Mrs. Laura Bush, who called it a "beautifully written book," and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. who said Motley's journey "serves as a powerful reminder of the shaping influences that family, faith, and community have in African American lives..." Elaine Pagels also endorsed the memoir saying "in writing as clear as water, Madison Park tells a moving story of hope."Motley grew up in Madison Park, a rural Alabama community founded by freed slaves. He rose from those humble beginnings thanks to the care of his adoptive grandparents and the whole neighborhood. The remarkable people of his hometown instilled in him values of hope, self-determination, and generosity of spirit and means, anchored on twin pillars of education and faith. He tells the story of this proud black community in his new memoir, Madison Park: A Place of Hope.Madison Park releases November 14, 2017, and Motley is available for interviews and live appearances in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville and Montgomery, Ala.Zondervan part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company's products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com
5 minutes with... A Paul Nash from the trenches at Passchendaele
Specialist Philip Harley discusses a poignant and powerful work dating from 100 years ago, on the Front Line at one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War offered in the Modern British & Irish Art Evening Sale in London
This drawing is an extraordinary view into Paul Nashs experience as a soldier in the trenches, says Philip Harley, Senior Director of Modern British Pictures in London, of A Farm, Wytschaete, a landscape depicting the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium, one of the First World Wars bloodiest conflicts. Before the war, Nashs works were lyrical, poetic and dreamlike, Harley explains, while those from the trenches at Passchendaele are incredibly intense. Nash (1889-1946) volunteered with the Artists Rifles from 1914, but was invalided home at the start of 1917. A few weeks later, almost his entire company died when they were sent over the top. Nash must have felt incredibly lucky that he wasnt killed, but I imagine he also held an enormous sense of guilt in surviving as many soldiers at the time felt, says Harley. The experience had a huge impact on his art, and it stayed with him for the rest of his life. The Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, took place from 31 July to 6 November 1917. In those three months, the Allied and German forces suffered a combined 585,000 casualties. The poet Siegfried Sassoon referred to the horrors in Memorial Tablet (Great War) (1918): I died in Hell. They called it Passchendaele.
Once recovered, Nash was drafted to Passchendaele during the battles final stages, and what he saw there changed his perception of war. I am no longer an artist interested & curious, he wrote to his wife Margaret. I am a messenger who will bring back word from men fighting to those who want the war to last forever May it burn their lousy souls. A Farm, Wytschaete was a metaphorical depiction of the events. Nashs work as a war artist forbade him from showing human figures, the specialist explains. We know from a 1918 reproduction in The War a special edition of The Studio magazine that this drawing was first passed through the censors of the Ministry of Information. The artist instead used the landscape to represent the fallen soldiers, shown in the gaping, wound-like red earth and the lurid sulphuric colours.
We know from Nash's wife that his drawings were sometimes splattered with mud from nearby exploding shells, and he would use it to give the artwork more colour
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Houston's suburbs are booming and that means new residents deciding where to raise their children and what schools to send them to.
While public schools largely study the same curriculum, not all perform the same.
Children at Risk, a nonprofit organization that studies Texas' public education system, recently released its annual rankings for the Lone Star State's best elementary, middle and high schools.
IN THE LOOP: Ranking HISD's best schools
Their data show that even schools within the same district can vastly differ in the quality of their education.
In order to rank the schools, researchers examined standardized test scores, high school graduation rates and participation rates in advanced placement courses.
In addition, researchers compared campuses across the state with similar levels of poverty to eliminate bias against economically disadvantaged schools.
SUBURB THEFTS: The strange things people steal
Dozens of school districts in the Houston area were ranked against each other, as well as schools around the state.
The new data can serve as an interesting tool to narrow down the cream of the crop when it comes to public education.
Click through above to see the Houston-area suburbs' best elementary, middle and high schools.
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Major retailers, including some in Texas, have ramped up pressure on the Trump administration as it debates proposed tax and trade reforms that could affect the price of imports.
The National Retail Federation, which represents major retailers across the industry, this week submitted a letter to U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer expressing support for an effort to modify the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement -- so long as the reforms preserve its key tenants.
The administration last month notified Congress it planned to renegotiate the deal, which President Donald Trump has frequently disparaged. Negotiations with Canada and Mexico could begin in mid-August.
The NRF called on the administration to maintain the nation's current trade relationships and conclude negotiations quickly. It suggested simpler compliance requirements and, among other things, proposed new chapters pertaining to e-commerce and express delivery as online sales climb.
"A number of its provisions affecting 'old' ways of doing business need to be updated and modernized to reflect today's business environment as well as what may come in the future," wrote Matthew Shay, the association's president and CEO.
The NAFTA renegotiation isn't the only proposal to come under scrutiny by retailers. The so-called "border adjustment tax" proposed as part of a broader Republican tax reform plan recently garnered additional opposition in Texas.
The plan, championed by Rep. Kevin Brady, The Woodlands Republican who chairs the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, essentially proposes a 20 percent tax on imports that the NRF expects would raise the price of consumer products by 15 percent. The national association has for months opposed the idea, which has recently lost some traction in Congress.
The Texas Retailers Association late last month joined the Americans for Affordable Products coalition, a group of more than 400 companies and associations that oppose the tax.
Kathryn Sharp, vice president of tax at Houston-based Stage Stores, said in a statement that tax reform it "should not be at the expense of the American consumer."
Proponents argue that by raising the price of imported goods from places such as Mexico, China and Southeast Asia, U.S. goods would become more competitive, encourage exports, and result in more domestic production. A range of U.S. manufacturers, including Boeing and General Electric, support the plan.
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Christian Kidd had shoulder surgery in January, a particularly problematic procedure for a guitarist.
That was just the beginning of his troubles.
Post-op, the frontman for the Hates dealt with a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes that persisted. Doctors found a tumor at the base of his tongue, which turned out to be Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma.
Houston's music scene is a tightly wound one. And few bands here have earned as much reverence as the Hates - self-described as the city's "oldest continuously playing unsigned punk band" - which are just a year shy of their 40th anniversary. Kidd in particular is a beloved institution, oft-seen smiling atop his Vespa in Montrose in a leather skeleton jacket with his Crayola-colored hair pushed into a mohawk or twisted into liberty spikes.
More Information Christian Kidd benefit concerts Thursday at Walter's Downtown: Another Run, Mydolls, Rose Ette, Talking Forever, Birthday Club, The Daphne Blue (Formerly Valens), Sergio Trevino. (7:30 p.m., all ages, $10-$15) Friday at The Secret Group: Trillblazers, Black Kite, Guilla, Tee Vee, Kyle Hubbard, Pitter Patter. (7 p.m., all ages, $10-$13) Saturday at Rockefeller's: The Satanic Overlords of Rock N Roll, The Cops, Ruiners, Funeral Horse, Frog Hair, Turnaways, Since Always. (7:30 p.m., all ages, $12-$15) Sunday at Big Star Bar: B L A C K I E & Moths. (7:30 p.m., all ages, pay what you can) See More Collapse
So benefit concerts have abounded to help Kidd and his wife, Alexis, get by as he undergoes treatment.
Hates drummer and Houston Press contributor David Ensminger was first to get some events going. He organized a Rock for Light show at Rudyard's last month and has been auctioning off old rock relics.
And this week, Free Press Houston writer David Garrick organized a large-scale benefit: seven shows over seven days at seven clubs with more than 30 bands - spanning decades of Houston's music scene - performing.
"Before Joe Strummer died, I got to meet him, and I talked to him about the Clash," Garrick says. "And he told me he saw the band as 'just guys helping out our people. That's what people do.' And that really stuck with me. That's what I look at this as: just our people helping out our people."
Garrick had been kicking around the idea of devising a week of music patterned after Austin's Free Week. When he heard Kidd was ill, he altered the idea to make it a benefit. And Garrick - a dedicated night fly whose attendance at shows by Houston bands is without peer - threw out a wide net with performers dating back to the Hates' punk rock peers the MyDolls and running through acts like Los Skarnales and the Flamin' Hellcats to more recent performers like B L A C K I E, Dollie Barnes and Rose Ette. Monday was the opening night of the seven shows, held at Insomnia Gallery.
"When you're in a small town - and Houston isn't a small town, but it is in a lot of ways - the musical community can be difficult to break into. But Christian was always one of those guys who invited everybody. 'Come play with us.' And the history here ran from blues and country to cover bands. He was a big part of why people started booking locals making their own music.
"A lot of what we have wouldn't be here if not for this one person. And just about every band in town now has played with the Hates."
A man is dead after a dispute late Monday during a party at a northeast Harris County apartment complex.
The man was shot and killed about 7:50 p.m. at the apartments in the 200 block of Uvalde Road, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
The man got into an argument with another man near the complex's pool area. The fight escalated. Three to five shots were fired.
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The identity of the shooting victim has not been released.
The motive for the slaying remains under investigation. Deputies have not identified a suspect in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Utility-scale solar power is poised to become a boon for Texas' rural economies, particularly those hit by the oil downturn.
In Pecos County in West Texas, just south of Midland, the oil and gas industry accounted for about 90 percent of the county's tax revenues, said Helen Brauner, director of origination strategy for 7x Energy, an Austin-based utility-scale solar company. But that tax revenue plunged during the oil bust, she said, and has yet to recover.
Houston TV will have one less reporter starting next week as Angela Chen with FOX 26 Houston (KRIV-TV) will be leaving on June 21.
"I have had a wonderful time at FOX 26, worked on compelling stories, and made lasting friendships," Chen said in a statement released to Chron.com. "I couldn't have done it without the wonderful managers, whose editorial tutelage was crucial to the good work I've done here."
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The Battleship Texas, the last surviving Dreadnought Class ship, spent its militarily service surviving the biggest wars the world has seen, but it appears it's no match for the salt water it has been sitting idle in for the past several decades.
This week the battleship, which has long been in need of long-term updates to keep it open for visitors, was closed to the public for dire repairs after it began taking on water.
PREVIOUS: Happy berth day to the Battleship Texas
On Sunday, the Houston Chronicle reported that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials closed the attraction after crews noticed that the battleship was off-kilter. A leak in the vessel allowed water to gush in, ripping a hole in the ship and causing it to tilt 8 degrees to one side.
Monday morning, emergency crews - including dive teams - patched a 6-inch by 8-inch hole. They found and patched another six leaks by 4:45 p.m. But water was still being pumped out of the battleship's starboard side. By Tuesday morning emergency crews had patched a total of 13 leaks.
The lifespan of the historic battleship has been extended time and time again, her counterparts long since scrapped and forgotten and their sailors now just names on gravestones.
The battleship is a veteran of both world wars and was decommissioned after World War II concluded. The battleship arrived in La Porte in 1948 and it soon became a favorite of local schoolkids on field trips (those guns are a magnet for little boys) and also military vets looking to reminisce on weeks and months spent at sea.
HOLLYWOOD CALLS: Steve McQueen, the USS Texas and a boatload of photos
The battleship was launched from Newport News, Virginia, on May 18, 1912 to great fanfare. It was the most complex machine of its time when it was commissioned as a naval warship in 1914. It had the largest guns of any ship in the world. It was later the first American warship to launch an aircraft and to mount anti-aircraft guns.
Along the way it was a witness to history. Sailors observed the famous flag-raising at Iwo Jima from the battleship's decks in 1945, and it ferried a young Walter Cronkite over to the North African theater to fight.
The battleship spent most of June 1944 providing gun support for soldiers at Omaha Beach and nearby Pointe du Hoc, likely saving countless American lives.
After D-Day, the battleship went to the south of France, the Mediterranean and ultimately made it into action in the Pacific theater.
A NEW SHIP: Warship USS Gabrielle Giffords to be commissioned in Texas
In a HoustonChronicle.com story published this week in the wake of the emergency repairs Bruce Bramlett, executive director of the Battleship Texas Foundation, said a new effort to get the ship out of the water is underway. Two engineering companies will soon release assessments of what it will take to give the ship a dry berth. Bramlett is hoping for a $37 million to $48 million estimate this time. Those funds might come from a crowdfunding campaign.
The closure comes at an unfortunate time as summer starts and families begin making plans to visit the ship.
Minor leaks on the ship are now the norm - more than 90 were patched in 2012, the last year water seeping inside the hull prompted a shutdown of the attraction. Additional leaks necessitated more patching less than a year ago.
In 1988, the battleship was towed to Todd Shipyards in Galveston for a $14 million restoration. The deck was replaced and the battleship's hull was repaired during the two-year project.
A dry-berth for the Battleship Texas been something that's been talked about for some time, but the funding isn't quite there. The hope has always been that there will be a grand idea to finally save its bacon and keep it preserved for generations to come and learn about our nation's military history.
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Residents in Houston's Near Northside have added a new defendant to their lawsuit against the White Oak Music Hall concert venue - the city of Houston.
Neighbors of the controversial concert venue argue in court documents filed Tuesday that the city has not correctly enforced sound ordinances against the music hall on Main Street, north of Interstate 10.
Enforcement is erratic because the city does not give the Houston Police Department sufficient resources, the residents' lawyer said.
"You have a major rock mosh-pit venue in the middle of a neighborhood, and there's one sound meter for a single sergeant to use in a wide geographic area," attorney Cris Feldman told the Chronicle.
Residents also argue the city should measure the venue's noise from the White Oak Music Hall property line, Feldman said.
"If the city properly enforced the sound ordinance ... White Oak Music Hall would not be able to maintain its current conduct," the attorney added. "But the city is giving them a pass with its head-in-the-sand approach."
A spokeswoman for the mayor's office, Tanya Makany-Rivera, said the city had no comment.
LEGAL FIGHT: Neighbors file suit against White Oak Music Hall developers
Residents of the historically Hispanic, working-class neighborhood first filed suit in December, arguing the concert venue infringed on their property rights by hosting "loud and disruptive events with large crowds." Neighbors claim they cannot get "uninterrupted sleep, partake in indoor activities without the invasion of inordinately loud and disruptive noise, or enjoy their home environment without the windows and walls shaking."
A nearby resident, Theresa Cavin, previously told the Houston Chronicle that her son, who has autism, gets disturbed by the noise from concerts, panics and has trouble sleeping.
Jon Shapley/Staff
The neighbors won a temporary restraining order last year that banned outdoor events with amplified sound. However, that order expired Dec. 30. The music hall proceeded to book outdoor shows for the summer months.
Several bands are scheduled to play outside on upcoming weekend nights, including the Turnpike Troubadours on July 21, Young the Giant on Sept. 30 and alt-J on Nov. 17, according to the White Oak Music Hall calendar.
The residents previously appealed to Mayor Sylvester Turner, who pointed out that the concert venue got underway before he took office and in January promised a "deep dive" into the issue.
TURNER RESPONDS: Mayor promises 'deep-dive' look at White Oak Music Hall controversy
The concert venue's management called the latest development "disappointing" in a statement sent to the Chronicle:
"White Oak Music Hall believes that both the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department have faithfully fulfilled their obligations to respect both the rights of nearby residents and White Oak Music Hall in a fair and impartial manner. The City of Houston and the Houston Police Department remain important gatekeepers against the plaintiffs' strategy of making frivolous emergency calls for service to prop up their case, which directs police resources away from real emergencies."
Music hall owners Johnny So, Will Thomas, Will Garwood and Jagi Katial said they have built goodwill in the Heights and beyond by opening their doors for community-enriching events that appeal to a variety of interests, the Chronicle previously reported.
"Here's an asset," So said. "We are locally owned and operated and we want to be approachable for outside organizations to come to us with ideas."
They said they've hosted morning yoga sessions with Heights-based Black Swan Yoga. Another event was a "Sober Bowl" that featured celebrities, music and activities for kids on the day of the Super Bowl for those who wanted in on the fun but not the hangover. The venue recently allowed Northside High School to use the space for their jazz and dance teams, as well as summer dance and music clinics while the high school undergoes renovations.
However, neighbors say some of those activities were paid events while others were mandated under an agreement with the city.
The full trial in this lawsuit is scheduled for October, according to Wayne Dolcefino, a spokesman for the residents.
"Until then, all our currently scheduled (outdoor) shows and indoor shows will proceed as normal," So told the Chronicle recently. "We believe over the past few months we have gathered useful, real-world and scientifically based data regarding our outdoor concerts, which can be used not only to evaluate the plaintiffs' case, but to address neighborhood concerns. Although we remain hopeful for a mutual resolution, we continue to prepare for trial in October."
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In the second road debris incident in one week, a woman died in east Houston Saturday after road debris stuck a vehicle she was driving on Interstate 10.
At about 10 a.m. on June 10, the victim was driving a beige Ford Explorer westbound on the East Freeway when the vehicle's driver side windshield was struck by a flying metal tow hitch ball, Houston police said in a release.
DWI CRASH: Charges expected after Houston police officer injured
The victim, 69-year-old Chanh Larsson, was struck by the tow ball, police said.
Larsson's husband, a passenger in the Explorer, grabbed the steering wheel and stopped the vehicle. The husband then moved Larsson to the backseat and drove her to the East Houston Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Other recent road debris fatalities
On Tuesday, June 6, the Pierce Elevated in downtown Houston was shut down for several hours after a Ford F-150 lost a tire, which struck a Ford Explorer's windshield.
The tire left the F-150 in the southbound lanes and traveled to the northbound lanes, killing the driver of the Ford Explorer, police said.
EYES ON THE ROAD: Texas counties with the most distracted driving crashes
In La Porte, a reward is still available for information related to the March 2 road debris death of 60-year-old Paul Hoffman, who was traveling southbound on Highway 146 when his vehicle was struck by a twistlock, a bolt that holds shipping containers onto flatbed trailers.
That wreck occurred near Wharton Weems Boulevard, and the truck the bolt flew from was likely headed northbound, police said.
The La Porte police said last week that the investigation into Hoffman's death is inactive, but police are still interested in information on the incident. Anyone with information may call 281-471-2141 and reference Case No. 1700837.
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Imagine cutting open a fresh avocado bought straight from the grocery store only to come face-to-face with a small bullet embedded in the flesh.
One Reddit user has gone viral after sharing a photo of a friend holding a piece of an avocado and a small-caliber bullet, with the caption, "[m]y friend found a bullet in an avocado that she bought from Sprouts."
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The image sparked a flood of comments ranging from comical scenarios to legitimate suggestions for how the bullet may have ended up in the fruit.
"This is probably one of those Mexican blood avocados I heard about in a Freakonomics podcast.
"The gist of it is that cartels would essentially hold towns of avocado farmers hostage by making them pay protection money," said one user.
FOOD SAFETY: More than 700,000 pounds of Chef Boyardee products recalled
Another commentor suggested that small animals eating the crops could be to blame. "Squirrels eat avocados like crazy so farmers shoot them. Hence the small caliber bullet."
One user who claims to work at a lab that analyses foreign objects in food (among other things) says that finding things like bullets or other debris in grown food is not uncommon.
Chron.com reached out to Sprouts for their thoughts on the matter, but they were not immediately available for comments.
Take a look though the gallery above to see other weird, gross things people have found in their food.
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ACC posts record number of dual degree gradUATES
A total of 131 students from four high schools earned an associate's degree in general studies through Alvin Community College's dual credit-dual degree program as well as a high school diploma, the largest crop of students to do so since the dual credit program started.
The students, from Alvin, Manvel, Dawson and Turner high schools completed 60 hours of college course work through the program, taking classes on their high school campus and any additional courses needed at ACC or online.
Students seeking the associate's degree have increased dramatically since ACC's first dual degree graduate, Thomas Schuenemann, in 2008. Since then, 337 students have graduated from the program.
Currently, there are more than 1,600 students from six high schools enrolled in the program. A seventh high school - Shadow Creek - has been added for the next school year.
This year, many of the top students at Alvin, Manvel and Turner High Schools are also ACC students including: 15 of the top 20 at Alvin, 17 of the top 20 at Manvel and all of the top 10 students at Turner. For more information, visit www.alvincollege.edu/dualcredit, Facebook or Twitter.
FriendswoodRotary fundsyouth exchange ambassadors
Friendswood Rotary is sending three foreign exchange students abroad this summer. Sebastian Bartlett and Macie Robertson are headed to France on a short-term exchange, while Mackenzie Finch will spend a year in Belgium.
D'Jazz Prevel has spent the last school year in Friendswood and is returning to France.
Challenger elementary dedicates library to principal
The Challenger Elementary Parent Teacher Association dedicated a Little Free Library to retiring principal Lisa Nelson at the end of the school year.
The BookBot, named after Nelson, is near the entrance of the school and allows children to take and leave a book at any time. The Little Free Library would not have been possible without the Houston Chronicle for donating an old newspaper vending machine, Foundation for Creative Learning, Sherrill family for creating and implementing the design, Challenger PTA and artist Chris Garcia for painting the space-themed mural.
TxDot proposeswidening of FM 521
Texas Department of Transportation is proposing to widen FM 521 from FM 2234 to Texas 6 in Fort Bend County.
The project proposes to widen the 5.3 mile stretch of roadway from a two-lane undivided highway to a four-lane divided highway and includes adding a raised median, turn lanes, a sidewalk and an overpass on Broadway.
The project will add capacity, improve mobility and traffic safety.
The agency has made the draft environmental documents available for public review and is affording an opportunity for a public hearing on the proposed project. Requests for a public hearing must be submitted in writing on or before June 23 to TxDot Houston District Office, Director of Project Development, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, TX 77251-1386.
Exhibits showing plans for the project and other information are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following locations: TxDot Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Ave. by appointment at 713-802-5513; TxDot Area Office, 4235 Texas 35, Rosenberg by appointment at 281-238-7900; and TxDot Area Office, 1033 E. Orange, Angleton by appointment at 979-864-8500.
Alvin author haschildren's book published
Alvin writer Janice Frankum recently had her new children's book "I'm Not You & You're Not Me" published.
The 36-page paperback book explores the lives of three year-old twins, Rachel and Erika, who differ in so many ways but have one thing they agree on - their love of their grandpa.
Frankum uses her own experience as grandmother of twin girls, born in 1992, to tell the story. Frankum and her husband Floyd "Bubba" owned and operated Dixieland Antiques before retiring. Now they work together, creating useful things out of leftovers from their antiquing days.
Published by RoseDog Books of Pittsburgh, the book sells for $16 and is available at www.rosedogbookstore.com
Houston Methodist St. Johnwelcomes new physicians
Houston Methodist St. John Hospital added two new physicians to its roster. Board certified otolaryngologists Alfredo Jimenez, M.D, and Melissa Hu, M.D., have joined Houston Methodist ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, now open on the hospital's campus.
Jimenez treats pediatric and adult ear, nose and throat disorders. He has an established pediatric practice for ear tubes, tonsil surgeries and tongue ties. He also manages sleep apnea, swallowing and voice problems, hearing loss and balance problems.
In addition to general otolaryngology, Hu is board-certified in facial plastic surgery, with expertise in rhinoplasty and skin cancer reconstruction. She also offers a broad range of cosmetic procedures, manages advanced sinus diseases and performs balloon sinuplasty.
Jimenez and Hu are joined by audiologist Carrie Raz, who provides diagnostic services for hearing loss, balance disorders and vertigo. She also fits patients for hearing aids and other forms of hearing amplification.
Houston Methodist ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates is located at 18100 St. John Drive, Suite 240. Visit houstonmethodist.org/stjohn for more information. To find a Houston Methodist St. John physician visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281-333-8899.
COM graduates 41 nursing students
After more than 1,660 hours of clinicals, classes and labs, 41 students in the College of the Mainland Associate Degree Nursing Program have graduated ready for service.
Two students received awards for their outstanding work. Julianna Cody, of Dickinson, received Student of the Year Award, and Crystal Gant, of Houston, received the Outstanding Clinical Performance.
Gant completed clinicals at facilities, including Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center and a capstone course at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she shadowed nurses. Gant hopes to serve in an intensive care unit.
The nursing program helps each student succeed through faculty mentors for each student, interactive labs and group and individual tutoring at no cost.
League City seeks to issuebonds for new projects
League City is proposing to fund projects identified in the 2017 to 2021 Capital Improvement Plan through the issuance of certificates of obligation.
If approved, the proposed bond issue will fund $13.47 million in city projects. The project would include construction of the Ervin connector; design of the new animal shelter and fire and emergency medical services station No. 6; utility relocations and park improvements related to the downtown revitalization project; the west side well and booster pump station and waterline; the southeast service area water trunks; the north service area 16-inch water line at Grissom; annual sanitary sewer rehabilitations; annual lift station improvements; improvements for Countryside #1 Lift Station; and improvements to the Dallas Salmon Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent discharge.
Total cost for the certificates of obligation include $4.93 million for tax supported projects, $8.33 million for revenue supported projects and approximately $210,000 for the cost of issuance. In addition, the proposed certificates of obligation include Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 4 borrowing $4.5 million to fund payments to the developer for costs related to the extension of League City Parkway and Maple Leaf Drive in conjunction with the Westwood Development.
City Council was to hold a public hearing and vote on the bond issue on June 13. Visit www.leaguecity.com/bondissue for more information.
Seabrook again ranks asone of safest cities in Texas
The city of Seabrook has been ranked as one of the 50 safest cities in Texas for the third year in a row by SafeWise, a security system company.
In SafeWise's annual report Seabrook was ranked 35th. This is the third consecutive year Seabrook has ranked in the top 50 of the report.
Overall, 80 percent of this year's safest cities reported fewer than ten robberies; 96 percent reported fewer than five arsons; and 20 percent reported zero incidents of rape. To compile this report, SafeWise used the most recent FBI crime data to analyze and rank Texas cities that have a minimum population of 10,000 people.
"The devoted men and women in our department approaches public safety through community policing principles of public trust, community partnerships and services," Police Chief Sean Wright said.
The Seabrook Police Department pledged to continue to improve their "Safe and Secure City" initiatives each year. For more information, visit. www.safewise.com/home-security/tx
Newest COM trusteewants to give back
Getting elected to College of the Mainland board of trustees on May 6 is a way that Don Gartman, a strong believer in community colleges, can pay forward his own good fortune and give back to the educational community.
"Your degree from a community college can be rewarding to your career, or it can be a stepping stone toward a four-year degree at a major university, without the large debt," Gartman said.
No one in his family had gone to college, and it didn't look like Gartman would be going either. His career began when he joined the Army three days after high school graduation. After military service, he worked various construction jobs and with the City of Austin electrical utility department.
It wasn't until the foreman on the site he was working told him he was too smart to work outside and needed to get a degree. In June 1966, Gartman earned a bachelor of business administration degree from Southwest Texas State University, with a major in business management and minor in economics.
Gartman said the foreman changed his life.
Gartman went on to hold a number of executive positions with Houston Lighting and Power, Reliant Energy and CenterPoint Energy. From 1995 to 2002, he was chairman, president and chief executive officer of "EDESE," an electric distribution company in Argentina that was recently purchased by Reliant Energy. In 2004, he helped restructure and develop the Galveston County Economic Alliance and created the Galveston County Economic Alliance Foundation that sponsors the Galveston County Small Business Development Center.
Since retiring from a 36-year career in the electric utility industry, Gartman has been active with Rotary, Chambers of Commerce and numerous other service organizations over the years.
A family man, Gartman likes to relax at his 68-acre cattle and hunting ranch near Goliad.
Morgan's Point has openingfor full-time police officer
The City of Morgan's Point Police Department is currently accepting applications for a full-time police officer position. Qualified applicants must be TCOLE certified, hold a current Basic Peace Officer Certification and have a minimum of three years patrol experience.
Applicants are subject to screening and testing prior to employing, including but not limited to; a physical exam, drug screening and thorough background investigation. Salary starts at $45,795 for the first year and increases yearly per salary schedule. Other benefits and incentives are offered.
Applications can be obtained online at www.morganspoint-tx.com or in person at 1415 E. Main, Morgan's Point. Applications will be accepted by mail, in person, by fax and email to the City of Morgan's Point Police Department.
For more information, call 281-471-2171, or email Sgt. Richardson at brichardson@morganspoint-tx.com.
In an effort to expand its cultural and tourism offerings, the City of Sugar Land will host an Italian film festival this fall.
The city will team up with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the International Film Festival of Spello and the Italian region of Umbria to orchestrate Umbria in Sugar Land, the five-day event that will feature eight Italian and European films, meetings with film professionals, cultural events, regional food, wine and seminars. The event is scheduled for Sept. 27- Oct. 1. It's the first event of its kind to take place in Sugar Land.
Umbria, a region in Italy between Rome and Florence, is often overshadowed by its neighboring Tuscany, but its picturesque landscapes, quaint villages and gastronomy rival those of the more popular parts of the country. The festival in Sugar Land will be used to promote, not only the films, but the Umbrian region's art, culture, food, wine and craftsmanship.
The idea for hosting the film festival in Sugar Land came last year when a city resident approached the city council about starting a partnership with Umbria, which has already hosted a film festival in its city of Spello for six years. Umbria then hosted a delegation from Sugar Land, including Mayor Joe Zimmerman and representatives from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, to further foster the two areas' relationship.
"I'm super excited," said Sugar Land City Councilwoman Amy Mitchell. "I love Italy. It's one of my favorite places on the planet."
"I think it's going to be absolutely wonderful," added Councilwoman Bridget Yeung.
The festival is expected to cost the City of Sugar Land about $39,500, with some of that to be covered by sponsorships and the rest to come from excess Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue. Any proceeds from this year's festival will go to next year's festival, if the city decides to continue hosting the event.
City staff will be responsible for preparing the itinerary and budget, planning events including the film screening, VIP dinner, farewell barbecue and educational seminar, coordinating food and beverage services and approving marketing initiatives.
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will prepare a sponsorship plan, manage the sponsorship agreements and organize business meetings with the Italian delegation.
Umbria and the International Film Festival of Spello will provide the films to be screened and a regional food and wine showcase.
Councilman Harish Jajoo said that he expects that the festival will benefit the city from an economic and publicity stand point.
"(It's) a pretty good deal for the city," Jajoo said.
The festival is part of the push to put more of an emphasis on making Sugar Land an arts destination.
"Establishing the cultural arts is a new initiative for the City of Sugar Land," said Lindsay Davis, cultural arts manager for the city. "(The festival) is fulfilling one of the aspects for the larger strategic plan creating destination events for our residents and the greater region."
Houston police found a dead woman in a car over the weekend in Houston's Third Ward.
Tricia Rene Evans, a 37-year-old Houston resident, was pronounced dead by paramedics around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, when police responding to a 911 call found her body in a car at 3311 Tuam.
Homicide detectives did not find any signs of trauma or foul play, Houston police said in a news release.
Evans' daughter was notified of her death, according to the Harris County medical examiner's office, which will investigate the cause of death.
Police ask anyone with information in the case to call HPD's Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
Casper police arrested a man Sunday one day after he had posted bond on a separate drug charge for allegedly beating a woman he was dating, choking her and locking her in a trailer.
Michael Ross, 39, was booked into the Natrona County Detention Center on Sunday on suspicion of strangulation, aggravated assault and false imprisonment. He was to hear the formal charges against him at his initial appearance Monday afternoon in Natrona County Circuit Court.
The woman told police that Ross had bonded out of jail Saturday afternoon, according to Ross' arrest affidavit. She said that Ross dropped her off at work and then he went to drink with his friends.
After work, the woman went to sleep at home until Ross woke her at about 1 a.m. Sunday, she said. Ross then accused her of cheating on him while he was in jail before starting to hit her despite her assurances that she didn't cheat on him, the affidavit states.
The woman told police that he punched her repeatedly in the face and forced her to drink vodka out of the bottle. When she tried to avoid drinking the liquor, he started to choke her. The combination of drinking and choking made the woman throw up, she said.
She said that Ross then pushed her to the ground and choked her until she briefly lost consciousness. The woman told police that she believed Ross stopped strangling her because he was concerned he would actually kill her, according to the affidavit. The woman said that she feared for her life during the attack.
The woman then laid on the bed and Ross hit her anytime she attempted to move or get up, the affidavit states.
Ross left the trailer about 7 that morning, but when the woman tried to leave she found the door padlocked shut from the outside. She told police that she had to kick down the door before running to a friend's house for help. She said that Ross broke her phone during the assault.
The woman told police that Ross had assaulted her in the past but that she had never reported it until Sunday's incident, which was the worst she had endured.
Medical staff at the Wyoming Medical Center found that the woman had a broken eye socket, a broken nose and a dislocated finger. An officer had to help her fill out paperwork at the hospital because her eye was so swollen that she couldn't see out of it.
Ross later told police a different version of events in which the woman attacked him and that he pushed her to defend himself, according to the affidavit. He said that he slapped her across the face once to get her to stop hitting him. He denied causing the extensive bruising on the woman's body.
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Despite a two-year budget of $2.4 billion, the Texas Department of Public Safety, with little notice, has reduced office hours at 11 of the state's busiest driver's license offices and plans to lay off more than 100 full-time employees to deal with a $21 million funding crunch.
The statewide police agency's primary function is to patrol state highways and issue driver's licenses, but in recent years has spent hundreds of millions on security operations along the 1,200-mile border with Mexico.
The effects of the reduced driver's license office hours were apparent on Monday morning, where nearly 200 customers formed a long, snaking line outside the large DPS facility at 12220 South Gessner. On June 5, the DPS abruptly scaled back operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the large centers. The offices are still open after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.
"I don't think it's good service," said Derrick Williams, 39, who was waiting Monday to get his license re-instated. "They should open it a little earlier and not have these long lines."
ALSO: Driver's License (Object Lessons)
Sandai Sams arrived at the Gessner location at 6:45 a.m., hoping to get an early start on renewing her license. Instead, there was already a long line stretching from the locked front door, down the sidewalk and into the parking lot.
DPS by the numbers $2.4 billion: Budget for FY 2018-19 $750 million (approx): Border security $133 million: Driver's License Division budget 80.5 percent: Increase in wait times at DPS Mega Centers, 2013-2015. See More Collapse
"I can understand them doing it at the smaller locations, but not at the larger offices where the majority of people come to, including people who drive a long way," said Sams, who added that DPS office hours were not listed correctly on mapping software. "I think the budget cuts are in the wrong areas."
DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said Monday the department is not allowed to use funds set aside for border security to offset shortfalls in other areas of operation, like the driver's license division. The cuts were necessary after DPS was instructed by state legislators to reduce 2018-2019 funding for the division by 4 percent.
DPS management of the driver license operation has not only angered customers, it is being criticized by elected officials.
State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said DPS did not notify lawmakers of the reductions in driver's license operations until after the Legislature adjourned late last month.
"We're stuck now with a severe reduction in service hours and employees at multiple centers around the state, including two here in Houston in my district, that we know are already overcrowded," Whitmire said.
"It's pretty alarming - we leave after sine die (adjournment), and leave (DPS) a budget of $800 million for border security, which involves essentially two border counties, and we leave $11 billion in the rainy day fund, and we have to tell people they're going to have to stand in longer lines to get a driver license."
The reduced hours are now in effect at four Houston-area locations - Gessner, Houston-North on Veterans Memorial Drive, the Rosenberg office and an office in Spring.
Accountability concerns
State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, issued a statement calling the DPS reductions "unacceptable" while questioning the huge expenditure along the Texas-Mexico border.
"DPS traditionally has had two major responsibilities - driver's license applications and renewals, and highway safety patrols," Rodriguez said. "We began giving it a new mission - 'border security' - several legislative sessions ago. That culminated in 2015 with a bill that formally established the mission and committed about $1 billion each session from our general funds for DPS."
Rodriguez noted that the Legislative Budget Board, in 2015, raised concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability of the DPS border operations.
"Given this context, it is unacceptable for DPS to fail to fully provide a basic public service for Texas taxpayers," he said.
DPS executives, in a May 31 email to legislators and their staff obtained by the Houston Chronicle, explained that reductions in staff hours at 11 offices, along with closing two driver's license offices in Dallas and laying off 108 full-time employees, were necessary after the 2018-2019 funding for the division was reduced by 4 percent, or $7 million, in the upcoming state budget that begins Sept. 1. Legislators were also told by DPS there is an anticipated "shortfall" of $14 million in the operating budget of the driver's license division during this fiscal year.
In the email, DPS also told legislators there are significant overtime costs associated with its policy of serving all customers who were physically in the building at closing time.
Chronic problems remain
During a visit to the Gessner office on Monday, DPS spokesman Lt. Craig Cummings said that policy would not change.
"If the customer is in the building before it closes, they'll get served," Cummings said.
Cummings said people with disabilities would be given a place at the head of the line, and urged customers to renew their licenses online or call to make an appointment to come in to renew a license, Cummings noted.
Standing in the long line Monday was John Charles, 41, an immigrant from Tanzania, who said he got to the office on Gessner at 6:25 a.m. to get an early start. He can't renew his license online because of the additional paperwork DPS requires of immigrants.
"It depends on who it favors," Charles said of the reduced hours. "I like to come in early, but maybe for some who get here at 8 a.m., this is OK."
Rodriguez, the El Paso legislator, said "cutting back on overtime for driver's license services for Texas taxpayers, while we pay millions to DPS for 'border security' overtime, again illustrates the departure of DPS from its core public service functions. The budget just approved by the Legislature has $145.6 million for statewide DPS overtime, yet they now want to cut service to the millions of Texans who depend on the agency?"
Chronic problems at the DPS driver's license division have shown little improvement in recent years, despite a division that currently has 230 locations around the state and 2,100 employees, according a report by the Legislative Budget Board.
Since 2012, the Legislature has given DPS an infusion of $310 million as part of a Driver License Improvement Plan, and eight service "mega centers" were opened across the state between 2013 and 2015. But the average wait time for an original, non-commercial driver's license rose from 36 to 65 minutes, an 80 percent increase, according to a January 2017 report by the Legislative Budget Board.
At the Gessner center, the 1 hour, 11-minute wait in 2013 to get an original driver's license went to 1 hour and 45 minutes in 2015, the LBB report notes.
"Performance measure results show that the Department of Public Safety failed to meet the targeted wait times for driver license offices in fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016," the LBB reported.
A way to ease expenses?
State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, a former Harris County tax collector, said DPS could alleviate overtime expenses by being more flexible in allowing employees to stagger their start times.
"The key point is to balance your workforce against the actual demand for in-person driver's license services on a weekly basis," said Bettencourt in a statement released by his office.
By doing that, and increasing online services, Bettencourt said he was able to handle county vehicle registrations as demand rose, but without having to increase his budget.
"I will be making those recommendations in writing to the department head this week."
WASHINGTON Houston Democrat Gene Green accused the Trump administration of sabotaging the individual insurance markets to undermine Obamacare.
In speech on the House floor Tuesday, Green said Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has "refused to say" whether the administration will continue cost-sharing payments to stabilize the insurance markets.
"This is just the latest in a string of actions to sabotage the individual insurance markets and ultimately leave people paying more for their premiums," Green said.
President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have cited rising premiums and the exodus of insurance companies in some states as justification for repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Green and other Democrats say the administration has undermined the law by holding back payments and not enforcing the mandate for individual insurance coverage.
"The truth is they are taking active measures to drive uncertainty and undermine the law," said Green, noting that some 23 million people could lose insurance under a GOP repeal bill.
Democrats note that insurers have little time to finalize their rate filings for 2018. "Without certainty as to whether or not cost-sharing subsidies will be paid," Green said, "they will significantly raise their rates or exit the marketplaces altogether."
Last week, the health subsidies got an important GOP backer: Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, who is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
"We should act within our constitutional authority now to temporarily and legally fund cost-sharing reduction payments as we move away from Obamacare," Brady said. "Insurers have made clear the lack of certainty is causing 2018 proposed premiums to rise significantly."
AUSTIN Newly elected Harris County Judge Robert Johnson inherited the biggest case of his short judicial career Monday when the court assigned him to oversee the criminal trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton who is fighting securities fraud charges.
It's a complicated criminal case nearly two years in the making, putting on trial a tenacious high-profile tea party Republican who is armed with a battery of seasoned defense attorneys and is the target of a trio of dogged special prosecutors for the state.
"He'll have to be the ringmaster of a cult of personalities that will be in that courtroom and this will be a case where the eyes of the entire state will be on what is going on in there," said Ed McClees, a criminal defense attorney and former chief of the organized crime section of the Harris County District attorney's office.
Johnson took the bench to the 177th State District Court in January after last year's election that swept several Democrats into office in Harris County. Johnson claimed a narrow win, edging out Republican incumbent Ryan Patrick, who is the son of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a conservative Republican and Paxton ally. Johnson won the race over Patrick by a 52-48 percentage point margin.
Prior to winning office, Johnson was a criminal defense attorney for 13 years, according to his campaign web site. A 2001 graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Johnson interned with the Ford Bend County District Attorney's office before opening his own practice.
"I will make my ruling based upon the law and remain fair/impartial at all times," read a statement from Johnson on his campaign web site.
Johnson was randomly assigned the case, according to the Harris County District Clerk's office.
The judge should expect to be inundated with far more motions than typical criminal cases, along with interpreting nuances of the law and securities that most state criminal judges are unfamiliar with, said McClees, whose private practice includes white collar crime.
"He's going to have a lot of homework to do as any judge would to get up to speed on the legal issues," said McClees. "It's going to be complicated and he's got lawyers of extreme personalities on all sides, so he's going to have his hands full."
His assignment follows months of wrangling over who should preside over the case. That was after Tarrant County Judge George Gallagher moved the trial out of Paxton's home of Collin County to Harris County this spring amid concern the attorney general's local supporters maintained too strong a grip over ancillary legal issues there, such as whether to pay special prosecutors owed some $500,000 in back pay.
Gallagher planned to stay with the case as it moved to Harris County, but Paxton's defense team tried repeatedly to shed him from the case.
Paxton's attorneys have argued Gallagher's temporary assignment to the case had expired Dec. 31, 2016. They insist his decisions should be vacated, including his decision to move the case to Harris County.
Paxton winning argument stemmed from his refusal to sign off on paperwork to allow the judge to follow the case out of his jurisdiction.
Although special prosecutors argued state lawmakers never meant for the little-used maneuver to allow parties to shake their last judge, the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas agreed with Paxton and ruled Gallagher could not follow the case without Paxton's permission. The Texas Criminal Court of Appeals, the state's highest court for criminal cases, agreed with the attorney general's legal team last week.
Paxton's defense team and special prosecutors assigned to the case are under a gag order and cannot comment.
The case concerns actions of the attorney general when he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives representing Collin County. The charges, unrelated to his tenure in public office, allege he convinced friends and colleagues to invest in a North Texas tech company, Servergy, without disclosing he would make a commission. Paxton received 100,000 shared of company stock for recruiting $850,000 from investors. Paxton faces two counts of first-degree securities fraud and one count of failing to register with the state as an investment adviser.
If found guilty, he faces 99 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
A federal judge dismissed similar civil charges brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March.
Murray Newman, a former assistant district attorney for Harris County turned criminal defense attorney who blogs about the inner workings of the Harris County criminal courts said the case will likely be "tedious," which may pose a challenge for a rookie judge less than six months on the bench.
"It's not your run of the mill blood and guts case that you see in Harris County. It's a complicated case on its face," said Newman. "He hasn't had any major tests or cases to handle, yet. He's starting up with a biggie."
We expect the media to do a true and honest job in a truly professional manner. We do not expect the media to act like a bunch of rabid dogs going in for the kill. Two wrongs do not make a right. There are not varying degrees of wrong. Wrong is wrong. A double standard is wrong. Bad manners are wrong. Paraphrasing anything in an effort to misrepresent actual events is wrong. Having to research a reported story to discover the truth is wrong.
In my opinion, much of the media hype pertaining to the Ben Jacobs event is a clear example of the aforementioned. Again, in my opinion, it appears that Jacobs was disrespectful of anothers First Amendment rights, cut in front of Fox News, and did not reassume his place in line when politely asked to do so. The local and national medias insistence that Ben Jacobs was innocently asking an honest question in a polite manner in accordance to his First Amendment rights seems to project the image that First Amendment rights only belong to the media. This is wrong.
The one thing that has made our country sustainable for the duration is our all-inclusive Constitution. This sustainable, inclusive document gives inalienable rights to all with prejudice to none. We expect articles written by the media to be sustainable and all-inclusive, not paraphrased. We expect the same professionalism from you that you would expect from us simple as that.
TJ Smith
Billings
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Hoping to retain its new-found residents, McKenzie County is expanding professional development options.
McKenzie County Job Development Authority is launching the McKenzie County Skills Initiative for those oil boom workers who want to stay in North Dakota.
In an attempt to keep workers in the state, the initiative aims to help workers build their skill sets for transition into a new career.
Our goal is to make McKenzie County more attractive and marketable for businesses and residents by improving community access to workforce training and other opportunities, said Daniel Stenberg, director of the MCJDA.
The initiative brings together the University of Mary, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees; Williston State College, offering two-year degrees; TrainND Northwest, offering workforce training; and the Small Business Development Center, offering services to small business owners. These services will be available at Watford Citys new Rough Rider Center.
For more information go online to http://econdev.mckenziecounty.net/Opportunities/Skills.
Multiple wildfires have prompted evacuations in southern Arizona and a highway closure in northern Arizona as the state heads into peak wildfire season.
Rising temperatures, dry vegetation and lighting continue to spark fires throughout the state. Tiffany Davila, a spokeswoman for the state forestry department, said wildfires this year have outpaced those to date last year.
In 2017, Arizona has seen 830 wildfires that burned about 200 square miles (518 sq. kilometers), up from the 819 fires that burned about 165 square miles (427 sq. kilometers) to date last year. There are currently 20 active fires in Arizona, some of which are controlled burns that dont endanger homes or landmarks.
Arizonas wildfire season generally spans from mid-May to early July, but is extended by several weeks every year, Davila said.
State forestry officials predicted two months ago southern Arizona would have a higher fire risk than northern, forested parts of the state, because winter rain and snow increased the amount of vegetation that fuels fires in later months after it dries out.
On Friday, the National Weather Service warned northwest Arizona residents that high winds and low humidity could cause fires to spread more easily in the afternoon and evening.
The heightened fire danger means campfires and other activities that could start fires should be avoided. The area under a so-called red flag warning includes the entire Kaibab National Forest and includes the area north of Flagstaff where a wildfire forces a highway closure.
Officials closed a section of State Route 180 about 10 miles north of Flagstaff Thursday night because smoke from a fire burning on the slopes of Kendrick Mountain restricted visibility. The fire grew to more than 2 square miles (5 sq. kilometers) Thursday because of high winds. It was ignited after lightning struck a wilderness area west of the state highway last week.
Dry lightning, or lighting without rain, is more common in summer months leading up to monsoon season, said Hector Vasquez, a spokesman for the National Weather Service. As more moisture pulls into Arizona, rains begin to accompany the lightning storms, decreasing fire danger.
In southern Arizona, hundreds of Cochise County residents have evacuated or are prepared to leave at a moments notice to escape wildfires that have already destroyed an empty home. The two wildfires caused by lightning in the mountains east of Benson merged early Friday morning.
Cochise County Sheriffs spokeswoman Carol Capas said Friday about 30 families in Cochise Stronghold and half of Dragoons residents have evacuated their homes, running from a wildfire that has charred about 12 square miles (31 sq. kilometers) since it started Tuesday afternoon.
Capas said the rest of the community is ready to flee.
Gerry Perry, a spokesman for the Coronado National Forest, said 220 firefighters and 25 engines are managing the fire. He said he has no estimate for when it will be contained, and he expects it will be a long fight.
Bismarck city staff continue to stand by its findings: All 198 signatures collected by petitioner Charles Tuttle during the attempted recall of Bismarck Mayor Mike Seminary are invalid, due to Tuttle not meeting his residency requirements.
The city completed the mayoral recall petition process as required, following the laws and guidance from the North Dakota Secretary of States office and the North Dakota Attorney Generals office," said Keith Hunke, Bismarck city administrator.
Tuttle filed Friday for a writ of quo warranto in South Central District Court, demanding the city show proof of authority in determining his residency status in Bismarck.
Through the filing, Tuttle also demands the city show proof of authority to "violate" North Dakota Century Code 44-08-21(3), which states, "An elector's name may not be removed from a recall petition that has been submitted to and received by the appropriate filing officer."
"We continue to stand by our decision," Hunke said. "While we dont understand the form of Mr. Tuttles application to the district court, the city will respond to any challenge to its decision at the appropriate time."
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Cleveland Division of Water officials will host two informational meetings next week to discuss the upcoming meter change-out program.
Both meetings will be held at the Cleveland Heights Community Center at Mayfield Road and Monticello Boulevard, the first on Wednesday, June 21, from 6-8 p.m., then on Saturday, June 24, from 2-4 p.m.
Cleveland Water Commissioner Alex Margevicius noted that Cleveland Heights was one of the country's leaders in deploying its meter technology decades ago, allowing readers to drive by and get broadcasted interior readings.
Of course, the delivery system for the actual water left a little to be desired, resulting in the former "Master Meter" system being turned over to the Cleveland Division of Water this year.
"Their meters were actually a generation ahead of ours, but now we're 'leap-frogging' over that technology with what we'll start installing in July," Margevicius said Monday.
He's not ruling out the possibility of a complete switch-out of Cleveland Heights' roughly 16,000 customers -- about 750 of those in University Heights -- by the end of this year, although the work could carry over into early 2018.
In perspective, it's taken about three and possibly four years to change out 400,000 water meters in Cleveland.
And, there will be no direct charge to Cleveland Heights residents for the new equipment and installation, built into Cleveland Water's capital program, funded through its current rates.
For Cleveland Heights, about 1,500 initial mailings should be sent out by the end of the month, split into the city's three existing meter reading routes: north, central and south.
Postcard mailings are also going out to set up appointments, since Cleveland Water Division employees will need to get inside most houses to replace the meters and extend a cable outside to a small box mounted on building exteriors.
For homes and businesses that have water meter vaults installed on treelawns, no appointment is necessary.
With a projected starting date of July 3, the first four weeks of installation will be slower at about 200 meters a week in the early going, but gradually working up to as many as 600 a week.
Margevicius called the new technology a "tremendous advancement" with leak detection notification provided with the hourly readings that will soon be available.
"We can check water flow at any time and tell people whether or not they may have a leak in their system," Margevicius said, noting that some customers have thanked the department for those advisories.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The judge overseeing the Cleveland police reform efforts said Tuesday that he does not see the reforms as "anti-police," a statement that seemingly tried to defend the need for the process as Justice Department officials in Washington signal that they do not support such efforts.
U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. made his comments at the end of a status conference in which the city, Justice Department and the team monitoring the city updated the judge on the reforms. The reforms were memorialized in 2015 in a court-enforced settlement, known as a consent decree.
"We take pride in our police. And I don't like hearing anybody say that this process is anti-police because, at least in this district, I can say for a fact that that has not been my experience as we have moved forward," Oliver said. "It's all been about competence, giving the officers more tools to do their job, to help them understand better how to do their job so that they can be protected and the citizens can be protected."
Throughout much of the hearing, Oliver kept his opinions on the progress to a minimum. He allowed the city, Justice Department and monitoring officials speak on progress involving officer training and community policing, and struggles with investigating citizen complaints and detailing the city's technology needs.
Many of the topics were addressed in a progress report the monitoring team put out Tuesday morning.
After hearing what the city has accomplished thus far, Oliver said he believes "that we're making significant progress" and commended the city and Justice Department.
But his statements about how he believes the consent decree is not "anti-police" stuck out, if only because the Justice Department under President Donald Trump appears to be backing away from supporting the type of police reform in which Cleveland is currently engaged.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions wrote a memo in April directing Justice Department staff to review agreements it had reached to reform police departments across the country. That memo is in line with statements Sessions and Trump have made about how they feel the large-scale reform efforts President Barack Obama and his Justice Department favored are unnecessary.
Some locals, such as Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Steve Loomis, have felt emboldened by Sessions and Trump's statements, saying the consent decree is unnecessary.
Justice Department staff from Ohio and Washington, D.C. continue to be engaged in Cleveland's efforts and were present at Tuesday's status conference.
The judge's statement on Tuesday were in line with previous ones he made at past status conferences.
He said in January that he did not think it was appropriate for a president to change the course of Cleveland's consent decree, since he approved the agreement and it is now "an order of the court."
The judge said Tuesday that "we respect the police officers and the difficult job they do. But nevertheless, they're required to do it properly. They're required to do it with respect. All of us want that, and at the same time, we want people to respect them. And this is what we're working on."
The city has repeatedly said it wants the reform efforts to continue. Mayor Frank Jackson has said he thinks the Justice Department may seek to relax the stringency of some of the consent decree's requirements.
If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- President Donald Trump on Monday nominated Cleveland attorney Justin Herdman to be the new U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Herdman, 41, is a partner at the Jones Day law firm, which has represented Trump in legal matters. The White House announced Herdman's nomination, along with those of seven others across the country.
"These candidates share the President's vision for 'Making America Safe Again,'" the White House said in a news release.
Herdman would officially succeed Carole Rendon, who was appointed as U.S. attorney by President Barack Obama. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in March requested that Rendon, along with 45 other U.S. attorney holdovers from the Obama administration, submit their resignations.
Ohio Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown announced in February that they had recommended Herdman to Trump.
Both senators praised the nomination on Monday.
The U.S. Senate will have to confirm Herdman's appointment.
Herdman could not immediately be reached for comment.
Herdman was at the U.S. Attorney's Office between 2006 and 2013, and worked in the office's terrorism squad. He was on a team that prosecuted a group of five activists that plotted to blow up the Ohio 82 Bridge spanning the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 2012.
He serves as a judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for the 910th Airlift Wing in Youngstown. He received his law degree from Harvard University and is an adjunct law professor at Case Western Reserve University.
Attorneys in Cleveland have praised Herdman, saying he is more than capable to lead the office.
The U.S. Attorney's Office here prosecutes cases in 40 counties, including areas in and around Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown and Toledo.
The nominations of Herdman and the others announced Monday are the first time the president has put forth any names to fill the 93 U.S. attorney positions nationwide.
After Sessions received the resignations of the Obama administration holdovers, the top federal prosecutor positions across the country, including in Cleveland, were filled by career Justice Department employees and not political appointees.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Westlake cardiologist sentenced to two decades in federal prison for subjecting patients to unnecessary heart tests and procedures lost his appeal Tuesday.
Dr. Harold Persaud argued that "he was simply an over-protective cardiologist who is guilty of nothing more than relying on outdated practice methods in treating his patients," according to an opinion from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The appeals court found his argument problematic because a jury already decided he was guilty based on the experts who testified on behalf of federal prosecutors.
"Stated differently, Persaud's challenge fails because so much of his appeal depends on dismantling the methodology of the government's expert witnesses," Judge Danny Boggs wrote in the opinion of the three-judge panel. "Where he attempts to introduce new evidence or advance new arguments on appeal, moreover, he improperly asks this court to overturn his conviction based on evidence that was never placed before the jury."
A jury found Persaud, 58, guilty in September 2015 of health-care fraud, money laundering and 13 counts of making false statements relating to health-care matters.
He performed dozens of unnecessary stent insertions, catheterizations and tests, which included tests that involved injecting a radioactive isotope into the bloodstream. These were part of a scheme to over-bill Medicare and other insurers for $29 million. He received about $5.7 million in payouts.
He did this over six years while he had a private medical practice in Westlake with hospital privileges at St. John Medical Center in Westlake, Fairview Hospital in Cleveland and Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights.
An FBI investigation began in 2012, as did a review from consultants hired by all three hospitals to see whether the tests and procedures Persaud performed were necessary.
U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent sentenced Persaud in December 2015 to 20 years in federal prison. He later ordered Persaud to pay nearly $5.5 million in restitution, as well as to pay more than $2.4 million in forfeitures and judgments.
Persaud maintains his innocence and claims he did everything he thought was right to treat his patients. He is serving his sentence at a federal prison in Lisbon.
Donald Screen, Persaud's attorney, said in an emailed statement that his client "disagrees with (Tuesday's) Sixth Circuit opinion, and is disappointed that the court was unwilling to acknowledge the numerous, serious flaws in the government's case. He is currently evaluating his options."
If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
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SINGAPORE, 13 June 2017 - CNBC, the world's leading business and financial news network, today announced that the 16th Asia Business Leaders Awards will be heading back to China after 14 years, with this year's awards set to take place in Shanghai on 2 November.
Nominations for five of the six award categories are also now open. Categories now accepting nominations are: Asia Business Leader of the Year; Asia Disruptor of the Year; Asia Talent Management; Corporate Social Responsibility and China Business Leader of the Year. Nominations can be submitted at abla.cnbc.com. The Lifetime Achievement Award category is not open for nominations, but is decided by the ABLA panel of judges.
CNBC have also unveiled a bolstered CNBC Exchange series aimed at bringing together the region's thought leaders to debate trends affecting businesses in Asia and beyond. The events will take place in Mumbai on 20 June, in Jakarta on 15 August and in Kuala Lumpur on 7 September. The first of three sessions will assess India's push towards a cashless economy. Information on attending the Exchange events can also be found on the ABLA website.
KC Sullivan, President and Managing Director, CNBC International said:
"We're delighted to be bringing ABLA back to China. Over the last sixteen years, the awards have grown into the region's premier business event recognising the important work leaders across the region are doing. We're also expanding our CNBC Exchange events in the run up to the awards this year. I'm looking forward to the engaging and dynamic conversations we'll be having on the issues shaping corporate Asia."
ABLA, CNBC's flagship awards event in Asia, was pioneered in 2001 to salute and recognize remarkable business leaders, who through strength, innovation and foresight induce positive change in an evolving corporate Asia.
More information about CNBC's ABLA, judging process and nomination process is available online at abla.cnbc.com.
Contact Information:
Mike Cheong
Communications Manager, CNBC Asia Pacific
Mike.Cheong@nbcuni.com
D: +65 6326 1123
M: +65 9852 8630
About ABLA
The Asia Business Leaders Awards (ABLA) was pioneered by CNBC in 2001 to salute and recognize remarkable business leaders, who through strength, innovation and foresight induce positive changes in an evolving corporate Asia. Winners of the Awards exemplify the best in leadership, visionaries behind today's outstanding businesses. They are given tribute at an annual awards ceremony and gala dinner that will be broadcast globally in Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. Since its inception, over 70 business leaders from around the world have been awarded the ABLA. The ABLA is organized by CNBC with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the Development Dimensions International (DDI) as Knowledge and Research partners.
About CNBC
CNBC is the number one business and financial news network on the planet. Our mission is to help the influential and aspirational to make astute decisions to get ahead. CNBC International ensures no matter where you are you can keep up to date with the latest breaking business and financial news. With international headquarters in London and Singapore, we provide you with the perfect 24-hour global business briefing. In addition to our global TV channel, available in more than 385 million homes worldwide, CNBC is also available on mobile, tablet and desktop. CNBC.com is the preeminent financial news source on the web, featuring an unprecedented amount of video, real-time market analysis, web-exclusive live video and analytical financial tools.
For more information, please visit www.cnbc.com.
Our exclusive study scores all 50 states on 66 metrics across 10 categories of competitiveness. Our study is not an opinion survey; we measure actual performance by the states.
Our aim is to grade the states based on the qualities they deem most important in attracting business. To do that, we assign a weight to each of our 10 categories by analyzing every state's economic development marketing materials. The more the states cite a particular category as a selling point, the more weight that category carries. For example, if more states are talking about their workforce, the Workforce category carries more possible points.
Here are this year's categories and weightings.
Workforce (425 points)
Most states point with great pride to the quality and availability of their workers, as well as government-sponsored programs to train them. We rate states based on the education level of their workforce, the numbers of available employees and the states' demonstrated abilities to retain college-educated workers. We consider each state's concentration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workers, increasingly in demand by business. We measure workforce productivity based on each state's economic output per job. We look at the relative success of each state's worker training programs in placing their participants in jobs. We also consider union membership and the states' right-to-work laws. While organized labor contends that a union workforce is a quality workforce, that argument, more often than not, does not resonate with business.
Infrastructure (400 points)
Access to transportation in all its modes is key to getting your products to market and your people on the move. We measure the vitality of each state's transportation system by the value of goods shipped by air, waterways, roads and rail. We look at the availability of air travel in each state, the quality of the roads and bridges and the time it takes to commute to work. We also consider the condition of each state's drinking water and wastewater systems.
Cost of Doing Business (350 points)
Cost is a major consideration when a company chooses where to do business. We look at the competitiveness of each state's tax climate, as well as state-sponsored incentives that can lower the cost of doing business. Utility costs can add up to a huge expense for business, and they vary widely by state. We also consider the cost of wages, as well as rental costs for office and industrial space.
Economy (300 points)
A solid economy is good for business. So is a diverse economy, with access to the biggest players in a variety of industries. We look at economic growth, job creation, consumer spending, and the health of the residential real estate market. We measure each state's fiscal health by looking at its credit ratings and outlook, as well as its overall budget picture. Because of their own economic impact as well as the ripple effect, we consider the number of major corporations headquartered in each state.
Quality of Life (300 points)
One way to attract qualified workers is to offer them a great place to live. We score the states on livability, as well as additional factors, such as crime rate; inclusiveness, along with antidiscrimination protections; the quality of health care; the level of health insurance coverage and the overall health of the population. We evaluate local attractions, parks and recreation, as well as environmental quality.
Technology & Innovation (225 points)
Succeeding in the new economy or any economy takes innovation. Truly competitive states prize innovation, nurture new ideas and have the infrastructure to support them. We evaluate the states on their support for innovation and the number of patents issued to their residents. We also consider federal health, science and agricultural research grants to the states.
Education (200 points)
Education and business go hand in hand. Not only do companies want to draw from an educated pool of workers, they also want to offer their employees a great place to raise a family. Higher-education institutions offer companies a source to recruit new talent, as well as a partner in research and development. We consider the number of higher-education institutions in each state, as well as long-term funding trends for higher education. We look at several measures of K12 education, including test scores, class size and spending, and we look at technology infrastructure in the schools. We also look at lifelong learning opportunities in each state.
Business Friendliness (150 points)
Regulation and litigation are the bane of business. Sure, some of each is inevitable. But we grade the states on the freedom their legal and regulatory frameworks provide for business.
Access to Capital (100 points)
Companies go where the money is, and capital flows to some states more than others. We look at venture capital investments by state, as well as traditional bank financing for small and mid-sized businesses.
Cost of Living (50 points)
The cost of living helps drive the cost of doing business. From housing to food and energy, wages go further when the cost of living is low. We measure the states based on an index of costs for basic items.
Large employers aren't looking to make big changes in worker health coverage next year, no matter what happens with health policies in Washington. But they are not letting up on pushing employees to take on more of the tab for their benefits.
"They are continuing to do the old tried and true cost-shifting I'll increase your deductible, or I'll increase your copay or your co-insurance," said Barbara Gniewek, principal at consulting firm PwC. "They're not doing anything that's really transformational."
Most employers expect health-care costs to increase 6.5 percent in 2018, according to PwC's latest "Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers" report. That's about in line with the cost growth trend over the last four years, according to researchers.
After years of squeezing workers to pay more out of pocket, employers will focus more on containing costs by pushing for better pricing from providers and their pharmacy contracts. The trend toward high-deductible plans looks like it's starting to lose some steam.
Roughly 28 percent of large employers surveyed by PwC now say they are planning to explore offering high-deductible plans as the only health insurance option for 2018. That's down sharply from this year, when roughly 40 percent were considering it.
"It's a tight labor market. They need talent to make their business work," explained Gniewek, adding "messing with medical benefits is kind of a (negative) catalyst."
In the current hiring environment, employers see health benefits being even more important as a tool for attracting and retaining employees, and as a result most say they don't plan to cut back on offering health benefits even if Congress repeals Obamacare employer mandates.
While the House GOP plan could usher in greater flexibility when it comes to essential health benefit requirements such as maternity care, most large employers told researchers it won't affect their benefit design near-term:
93 percent would not change eligibility for benefits
72 percent would still fund 100 percent of preventive services
63 percent would keep pre-existing condition protections
57 percent would keep protection against lifetime dollar limits
But employers are not likely to shield workers from any potential new taxes on health benefits. Traditionally, employer health insurance benefits have not been taxed for employers or workers. It's a tax exemption that is now estimated to cost the federal government roughly $260 billion a year.
Under Obamacare, the so-called Cadillac Tax imposes a 40 percent excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans.
"What employers said about the Cadillac tax was that most were going to pass any surcharge onto the employees," said Gniewek.
The House Republican health plan the American Health Care Act pushes the start date back from 2020 to 2026, but does not repeal the tax. Employers are watching to see if the tax survives the final bill.
The current man in charge of the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election may also have a target on his back.
President Donald Trump is considering terminating special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who was named by the Justice Department in May to lead the Russia probe, according to Chris Ruddy, the CEO of conservative website Newsmax.
"I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option," said Ruddy, a close Trump ally, told PBS NewsHour on Monday. "I think it's pretty clear by what one of his lawyers said on television recently."
But letting Mueller go would "be a very significant mistake," Ruddy continued.
Such a decision could have disastrous political ramifications for Trump, who's already fending off accusations that he fired former FBI Director James Comey in order to stifle that same investigation. The probe is looking into links between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.
In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Trump attorney Jay Sekulow said he didn't want to speculate on whether the president would fire Mueller.
PBS anchor Judy Woodruff first tweeted the news. Earlier on Monday, CNBC spotted Ruddy leaving the West Wing. Ruddy, however, did not meet with the president as their meeting was postponed, NBC News reported.
tweet
Later on Monday night, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer issued a statement saying Ruddy never spoke to the president, adding that only the "president or his attorneys are authorized to comment."
In a statement to NBC News, Ruddy indicated that Spicer's statement wasn't relevant, because he never claimed to have spoken to Trump about Mueller in the first place.
"Don't waste your time trying to undermine one of your few allies," the statement said.
As Uber's workplace scandal widens, a growing number of insiders are seeking to sell their shares. But buyers are hard to find.
"The demand side has dried up relative to the sell side," said Larry Albukerk, managing director of EB Exchange, a San Francisco broker that has arranged private sales of tech-company shares since 1999. "We're getting calls all the time from people who want to sell" at least part of their Uber stake, said Albukerk.
Uber employees have long faced tighter restrictions on share sales compared to workers at other tech start-ups. Arranging private share sales for Uber insiders has been notoriously difficult, said Albukerk, because CEO Travis Kalanick has kept a tight grip on transactions.
Another secondary market broker, who asked not to be named so as not to endanger his relationship with clients, said Uber has a "lockdown" on private sales.
Should the board decide to loosen restrictions and let employees sell some shares, the market imbalance creates another potential challenge. While Uber was valued at about $68 billion in its last financing round, investors would likely have to take a sharp discount at this point to find willing buyers.
Uber is in the throes of its biggest crisis since Kalanick co-founded the ride-hailing company in 2009. An internal probe led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that stemmed from complaints of sexual harassment has led to the departure of more than 20 employees.
You're watching TV and scrolling through Instagram when an advertisement for an idyllic vacation spot appears on the screen. Perhaps it's a beach utopia, a jungle paradise, a snowy reprieve or a cruise ship filled with laughing, carefree people. Or maybe you're simply thinking about that last mini excursion you took (has it been two years already?), or contemplating how glorious a staycation would be, allowing you to catch up on your personal life and put in quality time with the family. You stop for a few blissful seconds and think to yourself, "Wouldn't that be nice?" You've even got plenty of vacation days saved up! The sweetness of it all lingers momentarily before melting away into frenzied visions of work piled up on your desk, a career you can't afford to put on temporary hold or a boss that you assume would be cranky if you went MIA for a week.
Americans aren't taking time off, study shows
Angels Landing in Utah Jordan Siemens | Getty Images
Are you addicted to work?
An additional contributing factor may be the fact that many of us are self-prescribed "work martyrs" who are addicted to our jobs. "[Some employees] identify so strongly with their work that they are compelled to work all the time," says Dr. Marika Lindholm, a sociologist who specializes in helping people focus on well-being and self-care. "Increasing efficacy on the job provides feelings of self-worth that they don't get anywhere else because they are working all the time and it becomes an addictive cycle. It's up to employers to set the tone by encouraging employees to take time off and, of course, take time off themselves." Dr. Lindholm says that signs of work addiction include not "feeling alive or worthy" unless you're working, losing sight of non-work related passions and hobbies, neglecting self-care rituals like exercising, working through meals and feeling anxious or guilty when you're not working. Your family and friends may even comment on your increased work load, and your relationships may suffer until a change is made.
Not taking time off is hurting your career and your health
Contrary to the internal dialogue playing inside employee's heads, further studies by Project: Time Off indicate that not using PTO does more harm than good in terms of career success. These work martyrs are 23 to 27 percent less likely to receive a promotion, and 78 to 84 percent less likely to receive a raise or bonus compared to those who do take their deserved time away. "At a certain point, our productivity and energy suffers," notes Denis. "Work martyrs feel that they are sacrificing their vacation time in service to their jobs, but in reality, they are trading away opportunities to be better for their companies by skipping time off. Time off can be a fantastic way to incite innovation, and bringing the next great idea to your organization is hugely impactful. Great creative breakthroughs don't happen sitting at a desk." Letting vacation days fall by the wayside also negatively impacts your health. "The mental and physical benefits of taking time off work include improved sleep, a better headspace, more clarity and increased creativity," explains Dr. Kathryn Smerling, a New York City based psychologist. "By taking time off, you'll find a renewed sense of purpose, more energy to carry out tasks and in general, an overall sense of happiness."
4 tips for using all your vacation days (sans the anxiety)
Boeing is taking further steps to restructure its defense and space business.
The maker of F-18 fighter jets, Chinook helicopters and the Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile defense system will lay off 50 executives by year's end as it looks to streamline the oversight process.
"We need to be an agile organization that is more responsive to customers' needs and committed to continually improving productivity," said Leanne Caret, CEO and president of Boeing's defense, space and security division, in a press release.
Additionally, Boeing said its military aircraft and network and space systems segments will be broken out into four smaller units. The development, global operations and Phantom Works segments will remain largely unchanged.
The move is the latest by Caret, who took the helm at BDS in early 2016, to revamp the unit. Last November, America's largest aerospace manufacturer announced it would consolidate some manufacturing operations, cutting 500 jobs over four years and shuttering two plants. In December, it said it would relocate the defense headquarters from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., to be closer to the Pentagon and lawmakers.
The moves are centered on competitiveness and growth, adds Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May gives an election campaign speech to Conservative Party supporters in Norwich, June 7, 2017. Toby Melville | Reuters
British Prime Minister Theresa May has "largely agreed" a support deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which will enable her to prop up her Conservative government, according to BBC reports. May held talks with DUP members of parliament Tuesday afternoon to discuss a "confidence and supply deal" which will provide her with the backing needed to form a parliamentary majority. The talks follow an inconclusive election outcome on Friday in which May's party secured an underwhelming 318 seats, eight short of a parliamentary majority. A deal with the DUP's 10-seat party will provide the backing required for a 326 majority. Unidentified sources told the BBC Tuesday that there are "no outstanding issues" to be discussed following the two-hour talks and a deal will likely be struck by Thursday. Meanwhile, a senior Conservative source later told Reuters that the talks were "ongoing" but refused to confirm a timescale.
Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), left, waves as Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), looks on as they pose for photographers on the steps of number 10 Downing Street, during their arrival for a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, in London, U.K., on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Luke MacGregor | Bloomberg | Getty Images
May, who is due to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris later on Tuesday afternoon, refused to speak to reporters as she left the talks at 10 Downing Street. A Conservative representative is expected to continue talks with the DUP during her absence. DUP leader Arlene Foster, who left separately, took to Twitter shortly afterwards to say that discussions were "going well." "Discussions are going well with the government and we hope soon to be able to bring this work to a successful conclusion," Foster said on Twitter, Tweet
A 'dubious' deal
Growing up, college was presented to me as the next logical step after high school. It was "what you did" if you wanted to get a good job and make a lot of money.
Often missing from that conversation? The fact that college is a major financial investment, and that your future boss may not actually care whether or not you went.
I learned my lesson the hard way: Two universities and zero degrees later, I left school with nearly $50,000 worth of student loan and credit card debt. Ouch.
Admittedly, I was a lazy academic I had decent grades, but I put the least amount of effort into achieving them. Still, being a college dropout wasn't part of the plan.
In 2004, I was a college freshman and political science major at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. I was three weeks into school when I landed a job on a political campaign.
When that campaign ended I was offered a different role on a campaign in Texas. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. At the time, I thought of it as "taking a break from college," not dropping out altogether.
Later on, life brought me to Denver, and I attended the University of Colorado for three semesters from 2006 to 2007. I left for yet another campaign.
For a while, I thought I'd go back to school. But after founding the fastest-growing private media company and hiring 70 employees, I'm less sure.
Cheesecake Factory said sales will fall this quarter because of poor weather, but investors aren't buying that excuse.
Shares of Cheesecake Factory dropped 8 percent in trading Tuesday.
The company lowered its second quarter 2017 outlook and now expects comparable sales at Cheesecake Factory restaurants to be down approximately 1 percent. This adjustment represents a shift from the company's previous guidance for an increase of one to two percent for the quarter. Analysts expected an increase of 1.7 percent, on average, according to FactSet.
"We have seen pockets of softness as we moved through the quarter, notably in the East and Midwest where we also faced unfavorable weather that reduced patio usage," Chairman and CEO David Overton said in a statement.
Cheesecake Factory expects the lowered second quarter outlook to impact both second quarter margins and earnings per share.
Year-to-date shares of the restaurant chain are down nearly 3 percent on declining mall traffic and an increasing generational gap, as millennials' preference for fast casual dining takes its toll.
CNBC Presents Coverage with Special Correspondent Scott Cohn Revealing the 2017 America's Top States for Business Throughout CNBC's Business Day Programming and Online on Tuesday, July 11th
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 13, 2017The skills gap across the U.S. labor market is big and getting bigger. States are fighting each other like never before to attract businesses and jobs a battle that CNBC has been chronicling year after year in its annual America's Top States for Business ranking.
Starting Monday, July 10th through Wednesday, July 12th, CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, will broadcast the results of its eleventh annual study of America's Top States for Business. The network will build a special event around this CNBC exclusive study with the complete rankings being revealed, along with the winning state and its governor, on Tuesday, July 11th, throughout the network's Business Day programming. The complete ranking for all 50 states will be available on CNBC.com and include an in-depth look at each of their respective rankings.
CNBC Special Correspondent Scott Cohn will broadcast live from the top-ranked state starting Monday, and will count down CNBC's 2017 list of America's Top States for Business Tuesday, beginning on "Squawk Box" (6AM-9AM ET) with the top state being revealed on "Closing Bell" (3PM-5PM ET).
CNBC Digital will reveal, in conjunction with on-air, the complete list of America's Top States for Business rankings on Tuesday, July 11th. In addition, topstates.cnbc.com will feature a wealth of coverage about each state including economic snapshots (employment, budget, tax and housing data) and exclusive stories and slideshows delving into the various top-ranking categories including Workforce, Technology & Innovation and Cost of Doing Business.
Follow us on Twitter @CNBC and take part in the social conversation using hashtag #TopStates.
To determine the rankings for America's Top States for Business, each state was scored on 66 different measures of competitiveness. We developed our methodology with input from a broad and diverse array of business and policy experts, official government sources, the CNBC Global CFO Council and the states themselves. A full list of sources that were used for this year's data can be found here. States received points based on their rankings in each metric, which were then separated into ten broad categories. The categories are weighted based on how frequently they are used as selling points in state economic development marketing materials. That way, we grade the states on the criteria they use to sell themselves.
So what makes a state great for business? These are the ten broad categories and the maximum possible points for each in 2017:
Workforce (425 points)
Most states point with great pride to the quality and availability of their workers, as well as government-sponsored programs to train them. We rate states based on the education level of their workforce, the numbers of available employees, and the states' demonstrated abilities to retain college-educated workers. We consider each state's concentration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workers, increasingly in demand by business. We measure workforce productivity based on each state's economic output per job. We look at the relative success of each state's worker training programs in placing their participants in jobs. We also consider union membership and the states' right-to-work laws. While organized labor contends that a union workforce is a quality workforce, that argument, more often than not, does not resonate with business.
Infrastructure (400 points)
Access to transportation in all its modes is a key to getting your products to market and your people on the move. We measure the vitality of each state's transportation system by the value of goods shipped by air, waterways, roads and rail. We look at the availability of air travel in each state, the quality of the roads and bridges, and the time it takes to commute to work. We also consider the condition of each state's drinking water and wastewater systems.
Cost of Doing Business (350 points)
Cost is a major consideration when a company chooses where to do business. We look at the competitiveness of each state's tax climate, as well as state-sponsored incentives that can lower the cost of doing business. Utility costs can add up to a huge expense for business, and they vary widely by state. We also consider the cost of wages, as well as rental costs for office and industrial space.
Economy (300 points)
A solid economy is good for business. So is a diverse economy, with access to the biggest players in a variety of industries. We look at economic growth, job creation, consumer spending, and the health of the residential real estate market. We measure each state's fiscal health by looking at its credit ratings and outlook, as well as its overall budget picture. Because of their own economic impact as well as the ripple effect, we consider the number of major corporations headquartered in each state.
Quality of Life (300 points)
One way to attract qualified workers is to offer them a great place to live. We score the states on livability including several factors, such as the crime rate, inclusiveness including anti-discrimination protections, the quality of health care, the level of health insurance coverage and the overall health of the population. We evaluate local attractions, parks and recreation, as well as environmental quality.
Technology & Innovation (225 points)
Succeeding in the new economyor any economytakes innovation. Truly competitive states prize innovation, nurture new ideas, and have the infrastructure to support them. We evaluate the states on their support for innovation, and the number of patents issued to their residents. We also consider federal health, science and agricultural research grants to the states.
Education (200 points)
Education and business go hand in hand. Not only do companies want to draw from an educated pool of workers, they also want to offer their employees a great place to raise a family. Higher education institutions offer companies a source to recruit new talent, as well as a partner in research and development. We consider the number of higher education institutions in each state as well as long-term funding trends for higher education. We look at several measures of K-12 education including test scores, class size and spending, and we look at technology infrastructure in the schools. We also look at life-long learning opportunities in each state.
Business Friendliness (150 points)
Regulation and litigation are the bane of business. Sure, some of each is inevitable. But we grade the states on the freedom their legal and regulatory frameworks provide for business.
Access to Capital (100 points)
Companies go where the money is, and capital flows to some states more than others. We look at venture capital investments by state, as well as traditional bank financing for small and mid-sized businesses.
Cost of Living (50 points)
The cost of living helps drive the cost of doing business. From housing to food and energy, wages go further when the cost of living is low. We measure the states based on an index of costs for basic items.
About CNBC:
With CNBC in the U.S., CNBC in Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and CNBC World, CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-time financial market coverage and business information to more than 385 million homes worldwide, including more than 94 million households in the United States and Canada. CNBC also provides daily business updates to 400 million households across China. The network's 15 live hours a day of business programming in North America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC's global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of new reality programming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC and a number of distinctive in-house documentaries.
CNBC also has a vast portfolio of digital products which deliver real-time financial market news and information across a variety of platforms including: CNBC.com; CNBC PRO, the premium, integrated desktop/mobile service that provides live access to CNBC programming, exclusive video content and global market data and analysis; a suite of CNBC mobile products including the CNBC Apps for iOS, Android and Windows devices; and additional products such as the CNBC App for the Apple Watch and Apple TV.
Members of the media can receive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBCUniversal Media Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/programming/cnbc.
For more information about NBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com.
After about 16 years of the fighting in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary James Mattis testified Tuesday that the situation was not going well but he said a new strategy was being developed and would be available to Congress by mid-July.
"We're not winning in Afghanistan right now and we will correct this as soon as possible," said Mattis.
President Donald Trump is considering whether to send more troops to Afghanistan. There are presently just under 10,000 U.S. service members in the Asian nation.
The defense secretary's remarks Tuesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee followed criticism from the panel's chairman, Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who blasted the Trump administration for not having a new strategy on how to deal with the worsening security situation in Afghanistan.
"We're now six months into this administration and still haven't got a strategy for Afghanistan," said McCain. "We know what the strategy was for the last eight years: don't lose. That hasn't worked."
Mattis, a retired four-star general, responded that the new strategy was being put together at this time and added there will be actions also "taken to make certain that we don't pay a price for the delay. We recognize the need for urgency, and your criticism is fair."
At the same time, McCain said the U.S. just "can't keep going like this" without having a workable strategy on Afghanistan. "There are problems within this administration. I was confident that within the first 30 to 60 days we would have a strategy from which to start working."
McCain told the defense secretary that it's not lawmakers' job to develop the Afghanistan strategy. "It's yours," he said.
The Republican lawmaker also noted that three American soldiers were killed over the weekend due to new violence in Afghanistan. The deaths were blamed on an Afghan soldier opening fire on the U.S. service members.
More than 2,300 Americans have died during the 16-year conflict in Afghanistan and more than 20,000 have been wounded. NATO nations such as Britain also have lost troops during the conflict.
"Let's not ask these families to sacrifice any further without a strategy," McCain said.
The increased violence in Afghanistan also includes a huge blast in the capital of Kabul last month that claimed the lives of more than 150 people.
There have been bipartisan efforts this year in the House to bar new funding for Afghanistan and to open a policy debate in Congress whether to withdraw U.S. troops. Critics of the war effort say that the U.S. has already spent more than $800 billion fighting in Afghanistan since 2001 and that the security situation has continued to worsen.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it would be "a massive mistake" to pull out entirely from Afghanistan and "would affect the security of Americans." He said the U.S. might want to consider a "follow-on force that is not involved in combat," similar to what the U.S. has in Europe and South Korea.
Mattis agreed it would be wrong to "walk away" from Afghanistan.
"We've already seen what can come out of these ungoverned spaces. The problems that originate there do not stay there. They come out and threaten all of us; they threaten the world order; they threaten our economy; they threaten our very country."
The defense secretary also was asked what winning looked like in Afghanistan.
"The Afghan government, with international help, will be able to handle the violence [and] drive it down to a level local security forces can handle it," said Mattis. "With our allies, it would probably require a residual force doing training and maintaining the high-end capability so that the threats should they mature we can take them down."
Mattis added that this will mean "an era of frequent skirmishing and will require a change in our approach from the last several years, if we're able to get it to that position."
The former general also insisted that the majority of the Afghan people still want U.S. troops in their country for security. He said the reason why the Taliban and other hostile militants in the country use bombs for terror purposes "is because they cannot win at the ballot box."
Defense Secretary James Mattis told a congressional panel late Monday President Donald Trump will get options presented to him "very soon" on how to deal with the conflict in Afghanistan, including whether to send more U.S. troops there amid the worsening violence.
Mattis stressed that the Afghanistan matter should be viewed more broadly as a regional issue since it could have far-reaching ramifications not just for the war on terror but security for South and Central Asia.
"We're taking a regional approach to this," he said. "We're looking at everything from the situation between India and Pakistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Obviously, Iran and that whole South Asia area."
His response came during a House Armed Services Committee hearing where Rep. Susan Davis (D-California) commented about how the Afghanistan conflict is becoming more "chaotic and violent" and she added there are "very few options for us." The hearing was arranged to talk about the fiscal 2018 budget for the Pentagon but it also touched on Afghanistan, ISIS and other national security issues.
"If we look at it [Afghanistan] in isolation, we'll probably have something that's lacking in some area," said Mattis.
"We are going to have to recognize that problems that come out of ungoverned spaces like that as we experienced on 9/11do not stay there. They can come home to roost here."
Over the weekend, three U.S. soldiers were killed and a fourth wounded after an attack perpetuated by an Afghan soldier. The attack took place in Nangarhar, an eastern province in Afghanistan.
The U.S. involvement in Afghanistan is now going on about 16 years and other recent violence includes a bombing in Kabul's diplomatic district last month that claimed the lives of more than 150 people. NBC News called it "one of the deadliest single attacks in the country since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion."
According to Mattis, the U.S. has just under 10,000 service members currently stationed in Afghanistan.
"The commander on the ground has asked for more," Mattis said. "Those discussions are ongoing now with the president."
The Trump administration is believed to be considering adding up to 4,000 additional U.S. military personnel. NATO nations such as Britain also have troops stationed in Afghanistan.
Mattis, a retired four-star general, reiterated that the focus was to develop "more of a regional strategy so what we're doing is connected to the geographic reality of where this enemy is fighting from. As you know, it's not just from Afghanistan."
That said, Mattis emphasized that the "bulk of the fighting" will continue to be carried out by the Afghan forces.
At the same time, the Defense secretary indicated that funding any additional U.S. troops are not currently reflected in the administration's fiscal 2018 budget request.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:
Johnson & Johnson The company's diabetes drug Invokana showed a reduction in the risk of serious heart problems, but an increased risk of amputations.
Alphabet Alphabet's Google unit reached a tax deal with Indonesia for 2016. The country had maintained that Google had not made enough annual payments to the government.
Merck Merck paused two late-stage studies involving the use of its Keytruda immunotherapy drug as a treatment for multiple myeloma. The drugmaker is investigating increased reports of deaths in the groups using the drug.
Imax IMAX is laying off 100 workers, amounting to 14 percent of its workforce, in a cost reduction move. The movie theater operator is trying to cut costs by $20 million per year. It also announced a new $200 million stock buyback program.
Tesla Tesla was upgraded to "buy" from "hold" at Berenberg, which also raised its price target on the automaker's stock to $464 per share from $193. Berenberg points to a lack of real action by traditional automakers in developing electric vehicles for mass market adoption.
Snyaptics Synaptics announced it would buy audio software company Conexant for $300 million in cash and stock, and will also purchase Marvell's multimedia unit for $95 million in cash. The maker of display and interface products, an Apple supplier, also narrowed its current-quarter revenue guidance to $420 million to $430 million, compared to the prior $410 to $450 million.
Con Edison Con Edison was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" at Jefferies, which cites several factors including valuation. The utility company's shares have risen more than 13 percent so far this year.
Western Digital The hard disk drive maker will raise its bid for Toshiba's semiconductor unit to two trillion yen, or about $18.2 billion, according to Japanese newspaper reports. Similar reports have surfaced over the past week. Initially, Wester Digital had bid about 1.6 trillion yen.
Lands' End Chief Executive Officer James Griffith bought 21,300 shares in the apparel retailer, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, increasing his holdings to 51,700 shares.
Everest Re The reinsurer will replace Mead Johnson Nutrition in the S&P 500 within the next week, pending completion of Mead Johnson's acquisition by Britain's Reckett Benckiser.
Science Applications International The company reported quarterly profit of $1.08 per share, beating estimates by four cents a share. The defense contractor reported revenue below Street consensus, however, and lower profit margins, as well.
Tesoro Goldman Sachs reinstated coverage on the petroleum refiner with a "buy" rating and also added the stock to its "Conviction Buy" list. Goldman points to upside value from its just-completed acquisition of Western Refining as well as underappreciated value in Tesoro's non-refining segments.
"Genius," the television show about prodigy Albert Einstein's early years, is close to wrapping up its 10-episode run, and delves deeper into the scientist's belief system.
On the latest episode airing on Tuesday evening, the acclaimed biographical drama which has covered everything from the quirky genius's sex life to his contributions to science depicts the political battle behind Einstein being awarded the Nobel Prize.
As he prepares for his fateful escape from Nazi Germany, Einstein still finds time to banter about complex scientific theories likeHeisenberg's uncertainty principle with fellow physicist Neils Bohr. The theory states that in by studying the velocity of a quantum particle, you actually affect it.
If all that sounds confusing, you're not alone: The theory has confounded scientists and laypeople for generations. In Tuesday's episode of "Genius," Einstein expressed deep doubts about the logic behind the theory, and even forces a shopkeeper to admit with exasperation: "That makes no sense to me at all."
Genius, which is produced by Ron Howard, airs on Tuesday nights at 9pm Eastern on the National Geographic Channel.
North Korea will need to provide an explanation after it released Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old American who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for alleged anti-state acts, Bill Richardson told CNBC on Tuesday.
The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on "Squawk on the Street" that North Korea must stop taking U.S. citizens and using them as "bargaining chips." He said it could backfire on North Korea "if Otto isn't well."
Richardson spoke after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that Warmbier, a University of Virginia undergraduate, was released and is "en route to the United States."
North Korea's highest court sentenced Warmbier last year with hard labor after he allegedly attempted to steal a propaganda banner from a restricted area of his hotel.
Richardson, whose foundation deals with political prisoners, said he had heard from Warmbier's parents and they told him the student was in a coma for a year.
"The North Koreans have a lot of explaining to do," said Richardson, head of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. "Did he get proper ... medical treatment? Why wasn't he released sooner? What is the state of his health right now? He's being flown to Japan where he'll get medical treatment."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
German carmakers must be prepared to face a painful truth post-Brexit and prioritize deals with European trading partners over the U.K., a Bavarian lawmaker told CNBC on Tuesday.
"When I speak to carmakers in Germany especially in Bavaria so BMW (for example), they tell me the U.K. market is so important for them and then I ask them the question, what is more important a working European market or the U.K. market?" said Alexander Radwan, finance expert and member of the Christian Socialist Union (CSU).
"I think they have a preference for the European market and not to the U.K. market and this is the benchmark we have to look at with all deals," he added.
BMW, along with other German-based European arms of GM and Ford , all of which have U.K. based plants, have suggested that trade barriers would bring significant and currently incalculable costs.
European automakers are particularly vulnerable to trade barriers as parts can move across borders several times to make a finished product.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged to take Britain out of the EU's single market a tariff-free trading bloc for goods and services in order to gain more control over immigration. May's government is due to begin formal talks with the EU within days.
Chancellor Angela Merkel had warned the U.K. last month that while the EU would "naturally" respect the interests of the 48 percent of Britons who voted against Brexit, the U.K. would have to "pay its price" should Britain's government end the free movement of people.
Radwan, who works for Merkel's sister party in Bavaria, argued that any potential deal for the U.K. to exit the bloc must not become a "blueprint" for other countries to do the same. He argued the principal aim of the upcoming discussions would be to unite Europe.
Members of the media examine Google's Pixel phone during an event to introduce Google hardware products on October 4, 2016 in San Francisco, California.
It looks like Google is getting awful serious about designing its own smartphone processors.
The company recently hired an engineer named Manu Gulati from Apple , according to Variety. Gulati has at least 15 Apple patents related to chip design under his belt and will be key in Google's plan to build its own processors, Variety said.
Apple currently builds its own smartphone processors but Google does not.
Apple's newest A10X chips, for example, are built-in house instead of by companies like Intel or Qualcomm. Qualcomm currently supplies its Snapdragon processor for Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
Gulati's LinkedIn profile says he's now Google's "lead SOC architect." SoC stands for "system on a chip." Gulati worked at Apple for almost 8 years as a micro-architect and has also been employed by Broadcom and AMD .
If Google begins building processors in house, like Apple, it would potentially cut down on Google's reliance on Qualcomm. That may not be a big hit for Qualcomm , at least not yet, since the company still provides millions of its Snapdragon processors to smartphone makers such as Samsung, LG, HTC and others.
Still, this is a significant trend in the smartphone market. Other firms, such as Huawei and Samsung, have also started to build chips in-house, allowing them to rely less on potential supply restraints from outside parties.
A spokesperson for Apple was not immediately available for comment. Google confirmed Manu is now working for Google but declined to provide additional details.
Read the full Variety report.
After YouTube's advertising crisis in recent months that saw ads running alongside neo-Nazi and jihadist videos, Google has been able to lure most brands back to the site. But not all.
"We still have some high-profile advertisers that have not returned," said Allan Thygesen, Google's president of the Americas, at a conference on Tuesday hosted by investment bank Rutberg. "We will not rest until we get them all on."
In early February, The Times of London reported that ads for brands like Mercedes-Benz were showing up in YouTube videos promoted by hate groups. Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan, AT&T and Verizon were among companies that subsequently suspended or pulled advertising with Google, following media buying agency Havas in the U.K.
Google's parent, Alphabet , responded with a blog post in March, announcing that the company was more aggressively removing ads from hateful content, giving brands more control over where their ads are placed and providing more transparency to marketers so they can see where their ads are appearing.
Thygesen said the company has made a "huge amount of progress the past three months," but that getting to perfection is impossible with the amount of activity that YouTube hosts. There are more than 1 billion watched hours of video a day on the site and more than 400 hours uploaded every minute.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on February 28, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
Jeff Sessions is set to face the Senate Intelligence Committee at 2:30 p.m. ET Tuesday in an open hearing.
Senators are prepared to question the attorney general about any contact he's had with the Russian ambassador.
Here are three things Sessions will likely discuss, based on what sources familiar with his thinking have told Axios, the online news site reported Tuesday.
1. Sessions will say he does not recall meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at the Mayflower Hotel in April 2016. 2. Sessions will say he didn't initially disclose his original meeting during the campaign with Kislyak because he was following instructions. 3. Sessions will dispute fired FBI Director James Comey's characterization of a conversation the two had in February.
Comey has reportedly told senators about classified intelligence that suggests an undisclosed meeting between Kislyak and Sessions.
Sessions is expected to say he responded to Comey's claims by telling him the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be aware of official protocol regarding communications with the White House, Axios said.
The Justice Department did not immediately reply to a CNBC request for comment.
Read the full report from Axios here.
Mylan NL CEO Heather Bresch holds EpiPens during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Rising Price of EpiPens at the Capitol in Washington, U.S., September 21, 2016.
Are prescription drug prices going up or down? By how much? And where does the money that pays for prescription drugs actually go?
These were some of the basic questions a Senate committee hearing Tuesday morning aimed to answer about the U.S.'s system of paying for prescription medicines.
It was the latest government spotlight shone on the price of prescription drugs in the U.S., a topic President Donald Trump pledged to take on when he was elected but about which he has, ostensibly, so far done little.
"Americans want to know who pays for prescription drugs, and where that money goes," Senator Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, committee, said in his opening remarks.
That Congress needs a hearing to answer questions as simple as whether prices of medicines are rising or falling exposes the bafflingly complex system of prescription drug pricing in this country.
In fact, the Senate HELP committee plans to hold three hearings this year about the price of prescription medicines, Alexander said Tuesday. The first, titled "The Cost of Prescription Drugs: How the Drug Delivery System Affects What Patients Pay," aimed to answer those basic questions and a few others, such as: what are rebates and how do they impact consumers; and who actually pays the cost of prescription drugs?
It's a conversation that was thrust onto the national stage last year by Mylan Chief Executive Officer Heather Bresch, under pressure for the rising list price of the EpiPen. She pointed her finger at middlemen, including pharmacy benefits managers, or PBMs, as benefiting and even incentivizing higher prices for prescription medicines.
PBMs have since faced pressure over their business models, with Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introducing a bill earlier this year that would require PBMs in Medicare to disclose rebates provided by drug manufacturers.
And even before Tuesday's hearing, PBMs were playing defense. The industry's lobbying group, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, put out a statement proclaiming "PBMs are driving competition and reducing costs for consumers, employers, government programs and unions," and arguing policymakers should aim to lower costs by increasing competition.
Drugmakers weren't quiet before the hearing either, with industry group BIO releasing a "cheat sheet" Tuesday morning. It contained familiar industry arguments like "drug costs continue to be remarkably steady," at about 14 percent of all health-care spending; and that "biomedical research is a high-risk endeavor."
But the hearing itself did show signs of digging into the complexities of the health-care system, as experts in pricing took questions from senators.
Take one exchange between Louisiana Republican Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy and Allan Coukell, senior director of Health Programs at Pew Charitable Trusts:
"When my wife buys jeans, she doesn't get a rebate from Levi's or Lee, she just gets the net price," Cassidy said. "Why not have a low upfront price" for medicines?
"If your wife were buying tens of thousands of pairs of jeans, she would go to the manufacturer and say, 'I don't want to pay the list price,'" Coukell answered, explaining why the rebating system exists: PBMs, which consolidate negotiating power on behalf of large numbers of clients, can demand concessions that single buyers can't.
The Senate HELP committee touted Tuesday's hearing as a bipartisan endeavor, and drug pricing has been a key issue particularly among Democrats; however, many Democratic senators Tuesday focused instead on the lack of hearings about health reform, to the irritation of their Republican colleagues.
Some observers suggested this implies drug pricing legislation isn't a current priority for Congress.
"As evidence that drug pricing is on the backburner, ranking member Patty Murray focuses on GOP's ACA-repeal plan in her opening statement," Brian Rye, government policy analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, tweeted during the hearing.
Tweet
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy declined to ask any questions of the panel, instead following Democratic colleagues' lead on protesting the Republicans' handling of health reform.
"I hope eventually we can sit down and have a conversation of drug pricing that is meaningful and relevant," Murphy said. "But this is irrelevant if 23 million Americans lose access to health insurance, they can't afford prescription drugs. So it doesn't really matter what we do."
Still, they'll have at least two more opportunities to home in on drug pricing. The next two hearings, said Alexander, will focus on the process of bringing drugs to market and how they're paid for, and a National Academy of Sciences project called "Ensuring Patient Access to Affordable Drug Therapies."
"Depending on what groups testify that hearing will likely have more fireworks," Cowen analyst Eric Assaraf wrote in a research note Monday, projecting a second hearing that could include representatives from the drug industry, PBMs and drug distributors.
The drug industry has long been concerned that government action on drug pricing would result in price controls that would cap industry profits. President Trump, before he took office, said a number of times he didn't understand why the U.S. doesn't negotiate on the price of drugs.
Tuesday's hearing implied the coming solution may not be quite so straightforward. Perhaps fitting, for such a complicated system.
The high-stakes, public testimony on Russia and the Trump administration continues Tuesday as Attorney General Jeff Sessions appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Here is how Sessions an early Donald Trump supporter and campaign advisor fits into events around Russian interference in the 2016 election, and the investigation into links between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.
January: In the hearing to confirm him as attorney general, Sessions said he did not have contact with Russian officials despite being considered a "surrogate" of the Trump campaign. "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it."
March 1: The Washington Post counters Sessions, revealing that he in fact met twice with the Russian ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislyak, in 2016, while he was still a U.S. senator.
March 2: Sessions says he will remove himself from any investigations into the Trump campaign. He says he "should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in." Sessions defends his misleading confirmation testimony, saying that he answered the question only within the context of his role in the Trump campaign. "In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said I did meet with one official a couple of times and that was the Russian ambassador."
May 9: Trump abruptly fires FBI Director James Comey, who is leading the FBI's Russia investigation. Initially, the White House says Trump did so "based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions." Critics have questioned why Sessions was involved in the decision, since he said he was distancing himself from the investigation.
A file photo showing a Libyan oil worker from the Libyan National oil and gas company checks an oil pipelines at the Zawiya oil installation in Zawiya, Libya.
Libya's state oil company moved on Tuesday toward resolving a dispute that could help the country's crude output soar. But a regional crisis over Qatar has spilled over into Libya, putting at risk political reconciliation between the nation's rival factions and a tentative rebound in its oil production.
Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) and German oil and gas company Wintershall have agreed to an interim arrangement to resume production in Libya, the NOC said on Tuesday, a step forward in a dispute that was shutting in up to 160,000 barrels per day (bpd) of output.
NOC said the deal would allow production to begin immediately in Wintershall's concession areas in eastern Libya.
It said it was targeting an increase in national production to 1 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of July from 830,000 bpd currently, following restarts at Wintershall's fields and other fields where output has been blocked because of pipeline connections.
The agreement "provides that during this interim arrangement, the parties will attempt to resolve their dispute regarding the legal framework governing the petroleum operations," the NOC said in a statement.
The announcement came after OPEC said its own output rose by 336,000 bpd in May to 32.14 million bpd led by Nigeria and Libya, two members exempt from the supply reduction deal. OPEC on Tuesday said a long-awaited rebalancing of the global oil market was under way at a "slower pace."
All of those yellow and red spots? They aren't good news for Obamacare. Federal health officials on Tuesday released a new map showing in full color how many counties in the United States could have zero or just one insurer selling Obamacare health plans in 2018. Large of swaths of yellow cover a number of Southern and Midwestern states, all of Alaska, and elsewhere indicating counties that are projected as of now to have just one insurer selling individual plans next year. As many as 1,200 counties, almost 40 percent of all counties nationwide, containing 2.4 million customers of Obamacare exchanges, are colored yellow. Another 47 counties strewn across Ohio, western Missouri and Washington are colored red. The red indicates that no insurer is expected to sell plans there in 2018. At least 35,000 current customers of the government-run insurance exchanges live in "red" counties.
watch now
The map was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency responsible for overseeing Obamacare. The map is based on intentions for next year revealed by insurers as of late last week. President Donald Trump, after a lunch with a group of Republican senators who soon hope to introduce a health-care reform bill, said, "One in 3 counties will have only a single insurer."
"Obamacare has been broken, it's been a broken promise," Trump said. Since Trump's inauguration, CMS' leaders, and that of its parent, the Health and Human Services Department, have gone from being the main cheerleaders for Obamacare to being among its harshest critics. "This is yet another failing report card for the [Obamacare] exchanges," said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. "The American people have fewer insurance choices and in some counties no choice at all." "CMS is working with state departments of insurance and issuers to find ways to provide relief and help restore access to health-care plans, but our actions are by no means a long-term solution to the problems we're seeing with the insurance exchanges," Verma said. CMS said it expects the number of customers with no coverage options next year to rise. But the agency also noted that the map's picture of exchange participation "is expected to fluctuate" as insurers disclose their intentions in coming weeks. Obamacare defenders have accused the Trump administration of sabotaging the individual insurance markets by pushing for a bill that would repeal and replace key parts of Obamacare. They also criticize the administration and congressional Republicans for refusing to guarantee that insurers will continue being reimbursed for billions of dollars in subsidies offered to low-income customers to limit their out-of-pocket health costs. The map's release comes a week after big insurer Anthem said it was effectively abandoning Ohio's Obamacare market in 2018, leaving 18 counties there with potentially no insurer, and after Washington's insurance commissioner revealed that two counties could be "bare" of Obamacare insurers next year in that state. Anthem had cited the uncertainty about the Trump administration's funding of so-called cost-sharing reduction subsidies in its decision. In Iowa on Monday, state officials asked the federal government to allow the state to use $352 million in funding as a stop-gap measure to ensure that all 99 counties Iowa have an insurance plan available to residents. Iowa as of now has just one insurer, Medica , that as of yet has not indicated it will exit the state next year. Last week, Vice President Mike Pence visited the state, and gave a speech that highlighted the problems one couple, Craig and Cindy Williams of Manning, Iowa, have had with their Obamacare coverage, both in terms of rising costs, and now in terms of availability.
Craig and Cindy Williams with Vice President Mike Pence. Source: Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen
Craig Williams, an agriculture consultant who is chairman of county's Republican Party committee and member of the party's state committee, told CNBC that he and his wife were originally paying $1,100 per month for their Wellmark plan in late 2015. "Now it's $1,700 per month," the 53-year-old Williams said. That's a 55 percent increase in premiums alone. "We're talking up to $20,000 in premiums" for a year, which is not an insignificant amount for the couple's household budget, he said. And "then our deductible went from $1,000 per person to ... $3,600 per person," Williams said, referring to the payments that he and his wife must make before their insurance covers the cost of a variety of health services. Williams said the rising cost of the couple's insurance was bad enough, then they learned in April that Wellmark wouldn't sell plans in the state next year. Now Williams is worried that Medica will leave the state, leaving the couple with no option for health insurance next year. "We've always had health-care coverage, and it's just been part of our life forever," Williams said. "The thought of not having it anymore is scary." He noted that he and his wife are both in good health, at the moment, and don't use their insurance coverage heavily. "I don't really need the insurance now," Williams said. "But if something catastrophic happens then everything we've worked for my entire life is at risk." Having an Obamacare plan is "expensive," Williams said. "But not having insurance is probably more expensive." Williams said he has not paid close attention to the Republican-backed bill that passed the House of Representatives last month that would significantly reform Obamacare. Nor has he, or anyone else in the public, seen the draft of a similar bill GOP members of the Senate are working on, because that drafting has been done in secret. But Williams is worried that officials are running out of time in coming up with something that could address the risk to him and many other people who could have no options for insurance next year, or only an expensive option. "I asked that question to the vice president," William said. "'Are we too late?'" "He said, 'I don't think so.'" Williams said. But Pence added, according to Williams, "'We've got a lot of work to do.'" Watch: Prescription for healthcare uncertainty
The lack of strong evidence of a softer Brexit has kept financial markets calm despite the outcome of the U.K. general election.
The FTSE 100 was hovering around the flatline on Tuesday following reports that the U.K. government was holding secret talks with the Labour party ahead of Brexit negotiations. The conservative government lost its parliamentary majority after a snap election last week, which has reduced its credibility to negotiate with the EU.
"For now it's just speculation, we will need to see concrete evidence that the U.K.'s stance has softened, either from a speech by (PM) May or another prominent minister close to the negotiations," Kallum Pickering, senior U.K. economist at Berenberg, told CNBC on Tuesday.
Michael Gove, the new environment minister, said Tuesday that the government is ready to take a softer Brexit stance to ensure that a deal with the EU passes through parliament. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today's program that the government should "proceed with the maximum possible consensus" and "make sure that Remainers' concerns are part of our conversation".
However, Downing Street denied its Brexit approach would change.
OPEC's oil production jumped in May, despite the exporter group agreeing last month to extend its six-month deal to cap output into 2018.
Production across OPEC rose by about 336,100 barrels per day to 32.1 million bpd, according to secondary sources, led by increases from Libya and Nigeria, which are exempt from the deal, and Iraq.
Output from Libya surged by more than 178,000 bpd to 730,000 bpd as the country's rival factions moved toward reconciliation, and supplies disrupted throughout years of conflict remained on line.
In Nigeria, production was up more than 174,000 bpd to 1.68 million bpd as supplies sidelined by militant attacks on energy infrastructure last year came back into operation. With the gain, Nigeria reclaimed the title of largest African producer in OPEC from Angola, where output fell by 54,000 bpd, the biggest drop among the 13 members in May.
Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, contributed the third-biggest increase with a more than 44,000 bpd jump. Baghdad has yet to cut deeply enough to hit its quota of 4.35 million bpd under the output cut deal. In May, it produced 4.42 million bpd.
North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows singled out the border adjustment tax on CNBC's "Power Lunch" Tuesday as the "one stumbling block" keeping tax reform from moving forward in Congress.
"There's really one stumbling block that a lot of us are divided on: the border adjustment tax, and where you go with that," Meadows said. "If it were to be whipped today, I think there's 70 to 80 votes against the border adjustment tax. So our position has been, let's go ahead and get to something we can all agree to."
Meadows, a Republican and chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has called for canceling Congress' August recess and keeping legislators in Washington, D.C., until the tax reform plan is completed.
Tax reform is "not a fine wine, it doesn't improve with time," Meadows said on CNBC.
Deputy U.S. Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies before a subcommittee hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 13, 2017.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said he would only consider dismissing Robert Mueller if there was good cause.
In a Tuesday hearing on the Justice Department budget for the 2018 fiscal year, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, asked Rosenstein what he would do if the president asked him to fire Mueller.
Rosenstein responded, "Senator, I'm not going to follow any orders unless I believe those orders are lawful and appropriate orders. Under the regulation, special counsel Mueller may be fired only for good cause and I'm required to put that cause in writing."
When Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., asked Rosenstein if he has seen any reason to fire Mueller, the deputy attorney general said he had not.
In May, Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Mueller as special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The senators posed their questions after Chris Ruddy, the CEO of conservative website Newsmax, said President Donald Trump was considering firing Mueller. Ruddy, a close Trump ally, told PBS NewsHour on Monday that the president is weighing the option.
Ruddy said, however, that doing so would "be a very significant mistake."
CNBC's Nyshka Chandran and Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump (L) of the United States shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as they meet for talks in the Oval Office at the White House.
Russia's cyber attack on the U.S. electoral system before President Donald Trump took his seat at the White House was much more widespread than people realize, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.
Since the election, investigations have revealed the invasion of both voter databases and software systems in about two times as many states as was previously reported, the publication said.
It amounts to 39 states targeted, three people with direct knowledge of the U.S. investigation have claimed, according to Bloomberg.
New details on these claims, supported by a classified National Security Agency document recently disclosed by the Intercept, emphasize the scale and scope of this alleged hacking. Investigators are swiftly looking into whether Trump's campaign officials may have colluded in Russia's efforts.
This also paints a "worrisome picture" for future elections, Bloomberg points out.
What could be seen by outsiders as "deep vulnerabilities" in the U.S.'s voting technologies comes less than a week after former FBI Director James Comey warned Congress that the trouble with Russia isn't over.
Though, Russian officials have denied playing a role in any hacking connected to the U.S. elections.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington didn't immediately respond to requests from CNBC for comment.
Read the full story from Bloomberg.
A Sears store in Toronto on its last day of operations in 2014.
Sears Canada said Tuesday it has "significant doubt" about its ability to stay in business and is exploring strategic alternatives, which include selling itself.
The department store chain, which has been operating at a loss since 2014, said it was recently expected to borrow up to $175 million secured against its owned and leased real estate.
But Sears Canada has only been able to secure borrowing of up to $109 million, after negotiating with lenders, the company said, warning it might not generate enough money from operations to meet obligations due over the next 12 months.
"That, and the lack of available alternative sources of liquidity ... which may not be available in a timely manner, mean there are material uncertainties as to the Company's ability to continue to satisfy its obligations and implement its business plan in the ordinary course," the company wrote in its first-quarter earnings release.
"Accordingly, such conditions raise significant doubt as to the company's ability to continue as a going concern."
Sears Canada said it has also decided to postpone its 2017 annual shareholders meeting, with a future date to be determined.
On Tuesday, Sears Canada also reported a 15.2 percent decline in first-quarter sales.
, the owners of Kmart and Sears' U.S. stores, has about a 12 percent stake in Sears Canada. Sears Canada was spun off from Sears Holdings in 2013.
Sears raised a similar "going concern" flag earlier this year, citing the new disclosure was in line with regulatory standards and didn't reflect management's expectations for the company's near-term health.
However, Sears had said at the time that actions taken to boost liquidity during the year, including the sale of the Craftsman tool brand, could mitigate the going concern doubt. The retailer also revealed plans Tuesday to cut 400 jobs as it tries to trim its costs.
Sears Canada said Tuesday it has retained BMO Capital Markets, as a financial advisor, and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, as a legal advisor, to help in this process.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there. Noem said theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But newly released records from the National Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs and sometimes went days without encountering any migrants at all. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund as a state emergency because of drugs making their way across the southern border to South Dakota. But the records cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective in addressing that.
Sessions insisted that he stepped back from the probe due only to a Justice Department regulation that employees "should not participate in investigations of a campaign if they have served as a campaign advisor."
"Why don't you tell me?" Sessions asked, raising his voice. "There are none. There are none, Sen. Wyden. I can tell you that for absolute certainty."
The Democratic senator pressed the attorney general about whether there may have been other reasons to explain why he recused himself from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Sen. Ron Wyden , D-Ore., got into a sharp exchange during Sessions' hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday.
When Trump dismissed Comey, the White House said the president did so "based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein" and Sessions. Critics have questioned why Sessions was involved in the decision, since he said he was distancing himself from the investigation.
The attorney general repeatedly said he could not discuss whether he had private conversations with President Donald Trump concerning Comey's firing.
Jeff Sessions, U.S. attorney general, speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.
He contended on Tuesday that writing a letter did not violate his earlier recusal. Sessions said it is not a "sound position" to say he could not carry out his duties related to the agencies he oversees because of one investigation.
Sessions said Tuesday that he and Rosenstein had a "clear view" that the FBI had "problems" and needed a fresh start. They were asked their opinions and felt comfortable putting them into writing, the attorney general said.
Their full exchange is below:
WYDEN: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for holding this hearing in the open, in full view of the American people where it belongs. I believe the American people have had it with stonewalling. Americans don't want to hear that answers to relevant questions are privileged and off-limits or that they can't be provided in public or that it would be "inappropriate" for witnesses to tell us what they know. We are talking about an attack on our democratic institutions and stonewalling of any kind is unacceptable and General Sessions has acknowledged that there is no legal basis for this stonewalling. It's not a question.
Last Thursday, I asked Director Comey about the FBI's interactions with you, General Sessions, prior to your stepping aside from the Russian investigation. Mr. Comey said that your continued engagement with the Russian investigation was "problematic" and he, Mr. Comey, could not discuss it in public. Mr. Comey also said that FBI personnel had been calling for you to step aside from the investigation at least two weeks before you finally did so.
Now, in your prepared statement, you stated you received only "limited information ... necessary to inform [your] recusal decision," but given Director Comey's statement, we need to know what that was. Were you aware of any concerns that the FBI or elsewhere in government about your contacts with the Russians or any other matters relevant to whether you should step aside from the Russian investigation.
SESSIONS: Sen. Wyden, I am not stonewalling. I am following the historic policies of the Department of Justice. You don't walk into any hearing or committee meeting and reveal confidential communication with the president of the United States who is entitled to receive confidential communications and your best judgment about a host of issues and have to be accused of stonewalling for not answering them, so I would push back on that.
Secondly, Mr. Comey perhaps he didn't know but I basically recused myself the day, the first day I got into office because I never accessed files. I never learned the names of investigators. I never met with them. I never asked for any documentation. The documentation, what little I received, was mostly already in the media and was presented by the senior ethics public responsibility-professional responsibility attorney in the department
WYDEN: General-
SESSIONS: And I made an honest and proper decision to recuse myself as I told Sen. [Dianne] Feinstein and the members of the committee I would do when they confirmed me.
WYDEN: General Sessions, respectfully, you're not answering-
SESSIONS: Well, what is the question?
WYDEN: The question is Mr. Comey said that there were matters with respect to the recusal that were problematic and that he couldn't talk about them. What are they?
SESSIONS: I- Why don't you tell me? There are none, Sen. Wyden. There are none. I can tell you that for absolute certainty.
WYDEN: We can-
SESSIONS: You tell- This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me and I don't appreciate it and I've tried to give my best and truthful answers to any committee I've appeared before and it's really a- People are suggesting through innunendo that I have been not honest about matters and I've tried to be honest.
WYDEN: My time is short. You've made your point that you think Mr. Comey is engaging in innuendo. We're going to keep digging-
SESSIONS: Well, Sen. Wyden, he did not say that. I don't-
WYDEN: He said it was problematic and I asked you what was problematic about it.
SESSIONS: Some of that leaked out of the committee that he said in closed sessions.
WYDEN: One more question. I asked former FBI director whether your role in firing him violated your recusal given that President Trump said he had fired Comey because of the Russian investigation. Director Comey said this was a reasonable question, so I want to ask you just point blank: Why did you sign the letter recommending the firing of Director Comey when it violated your recusal.
SESSIONS: It did not violate my recusal. It did not violate my recusal. That would be the answer to that and the letter that I signed represented my views that had been formulated for some time.
WYDEN: Mr. Chairman, just if I can finish, that answer in my view doesn't pass the smell test. The president tweeted repeatedly about his anger at investigations into his associates and Russia. The day before you wrote your letter he tweeted that the collusion story was a total hoax and asked when will this taxpayer-funded charade end. I don't think your answer passes the smell test.
SESSIONS: Well, Sen. Wyden, I think I should be allowed to briefly respond at least and would say the letter, the memorandum that Deputy Rosenstein wrote and my letter that accompanied it represented my views of the situation.
More from CNBC:
Sessions: I have 'no knowledge' of Trump campaign collusion with Russia
An 'appalling and detestable lie': Sessions forcefully denies colluding with Russians
How Jeff Sessions fits into the Russia investigation and the firing of James Comey
Watch: Sessions says he never received briefing on Russian interference
If Republican members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions expected to spend an entire hearing discussing the price of medicines on Tuesday, they were in for a surprise.
"I'm not going to ask any questions of the panel," Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy ,of Connecticut said when he gained the floor. He, like most of his Democratic colleagues, focused instead on what they called the "secret Republican health plan," being negotiated behind closed doors without bipartisan input.
President Donald Trump met Tuesday with 13 GOP senators to discuss the health-care bill, including HELP committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, who disappeared from the drug pricing hearing midway through.
@SenSanders: BREAKING: Senate Republicans just released the schedule of hearings, committee markups and public testimony for their health care bill.
Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Patty Murray, Al Franken, Murphy and others refused to focus on the stated topic of Tuesday's hearing, called "The Cost of Prescription Drugs: How the Drug Delivery System Affects What Patients Pay."
"Let's be blunt," a clearly agitated Warren said during the hearing. "It is insane to have a bipartisan hearing on drug prices while the GOP is writing a secret bill to take away prescription drug benefits."
Murphy concurred.
"I hope eventually we can sit down and have a conversation about drug pricing that is meaningful and relevant," he said. "But this is irrelevant ... if 23 million Americans lose access to health insurance, they can't afford prescription drugs. So it doesn't really matter what we do."
A Senate aide told Axios on Monday, referring to the lack of a public draft of the health-care bill, that "We aren't stupid. ... We are still in discussions about what will be in the final product so it is premature to release any draft absent further member conversations and consensus."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Tuesday would not say when he expected the health-care bill to be released or a vote to be held.
Some observers suggested the Democratic senators' approach implies drug pricing legislation isn't a current priority for Congress.
"As evidenced that drug pricing is on the backburner, ranking member Patty Murray focused on GOP's ACA-repeal plan in her opening statement," Brian Rye, government policy analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, tweeted during the meeting.
Tweet
That may be a relief for drug stocks a key concern for the drug industry has been that government action on pricing would result in price controls that would cap industry profits. Trump, before he took office, said a number of times he didn't understand why the U.S. doesn't negotiate on the price of drugs.
Democrats though, who have largely championed the issue of prescription drug prices, will still have two more chances to home in on it: Tuesday's hearing was the first of three planned on the topic this year, said Alexander, before he left for the Republican meeting on the health-care bill.
CNBC's Kayla Tausche contributed to this report.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions confirmed part of James Comey's testimony from last week about an abruptly private meeting at the president's desk between Donald Trump and the former director of the FBI.
Sessions testified on Tuesday that he and others filed out of the room and left Comey alone with Trump following a group meeting in February. The FBI was at the time investigating former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's links to the Kremlin.
Last week, Comey testified that Trump asked everyone except him to leave the room before Trump allegedly said to him, "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go."
Sessions told the Senate Intelligence Committee that the day after that meeting, Comey expressed "concern" to him about being left alone with the president, but that Comey did not reveal any details of the meeting.
However, Sessions said he affirmed Comey's concerns and directed Comey not to hold any conversations about any investigation "in a way that was not proper."
"I felt he was so long in the department," and as a former deputy attorney general, Comey "knew those policies probably a good deal better than I did," Sessions said.
Uber released the results of a hightly anticipated internal investigation on Tuesday, and announced CEO Travis Kalanick will take time away from the company to grieve for his mother, who was recently killed in an accident. Kalanick did not disclose a return date.
A source told CNBC that day-to-day operations will be run by a committee which includes several female executives: Rachel Holt, manager of North America, Frances Frei, senior vice president of leadership and strategy, and Liane Hornsey, chief of human resources.
Kalanick will also be relieved of some duties, which will be taken over by an independent chair, the report said. Eventually, these duties may be given to or shared with a new chief operating officer who is "diverse," the report said.
The report made 47 recommendations, including creating a board oversight committee, rewriting Uber's cultural values, reducing alcohol use at work events, and prohibiting intimate relationships between employees and their bosses.
(Here is the full list of recommendations)
Here's the full email from Kalanick:
Team,
For the last eight years my life has always been about Uber. Recent events have brought home for me that people are more important than work, and that I need to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother, whom I buried on Friday, to reflect, to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team. The ultimate responsibility, for where we've gotten and how we've gotten here rests on my shoulders. There is of course much to be proud of but there is much to improve. For Uber 2.0 to succeed there is nothing more important than dedicating my time to building out the leadership team. But if we are going to work on Uber 2.0, I also need to work on Travis 2.0 to become the leader that this company needs and that you deserve. During this interim period, the leadership team, my directs, will be running the company. I will be available as needed for the most strategic decisions, but I will be empowering them to be bold and decisive in order to move the company forward swiftly. It's hard to put a timeline on this - it may be shorter or longer than we might expect. Tragically losing a loved one has been difficult for me and I need to properly say my goodbyes. The incredible outpouring of heartfelt notes and condolences from all of you have kept me strong but almost universally they have ended with 'How can I help?'. My answer is simple. Do your life's work in service to our mission. That gives me time with family. Put people first, that is my mom's legacy. And make Uber 2.0 real so that the world can see the inspired work all of you do, and the inspiring people that make Uber great.
See you soon, Travis
Over 200 interviews and 3 million documents were used as part of the investigation, which was helmed by law firm Covington & Burling, led by former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder. After several days of deliberation, Uber's board unanimously adopted the recommendations in the report.
The recommendations suggest measures that are already common in most workplaces, including "prohibiting consumption of non-prescription controlled substances during core work hours, at work events, or at other work-sponsored events," and disclosure of romantic relationships. The report also recommends more accountability measures for senior leadership, including compensation programs and travel reimbursement.
The White House has denounced the Russian government for its handling of a series of country-wide protests which resulted in the arrest of more than a thousand people, including President Vladimir Putin's leading opponent.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on Monday that the arrests were an affront to "core democratic values" and said that the Russian people deserved a government that supports open ideas and "transparent and accountable governance."
"The United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters throughout Russia," Spicer told reporters.
"Detaining peaceful protesters and journalists is an affront to core democratic values," he continued.
"The United States will monitor the situation and we will call on the government of Russia to immediately release all peaceful protesters.
"The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas, transparent and accountable governance, equal treatment under the law and the ability to exercise their right without fear or retribution."
China lags the U.S., Europe and regional hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong on access to cutting-edge cancer drugs, but the mainland will soon get a glimpse of potential next-generation targeted therapies as Roche looks to launch genomic-sequencing tests from Foundation Medicine Inc. (FMI) as early as the third quarter, or by the end of 2017.
The Boston-based and U.S-listed firm is one of a handful that perform detailed biopsies of tumors, seeking a range of cancer-causing genes. It then creates a report on drugs approved, or in clinical trials, that can be targeted at the tumors' profile, even if the treatment might be off-label.
That goes a bit beyond standard oncology practices of looking at the type or location of tumors, such as lung or gastric cancers, and prescribing drugs already approved for those diagnoses.
The gene-sequencing process draws on a library that grows with each biopsy and patient treatment, according to Colin Albert, commercial head Asia Pacific for Roche, which bought a majority interest in FMI in January 2015 in a partnership which includes R&D and new product development initiatives under Roche FMI
China's rules forbid taking biopsy material out of the country for examination.
Foundation Medicine has collaborated with Wuxi AppTec to support clinical trials since October 2014, Albert said, which is outside of the effort by Roche FMI.
Wuxi AppTec is a unit of WuXi Biologics, which last week priced Hong Kong IPO shares at HK$20.60 each, at the top of its range, to raise HK$3.98 billion ($511 million). The shares will make their debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange on June 13.
The tie-up with WuXi comes as many oncologists in Asia and elsewhere are radically re-thinking therapy approaches as gene sequencing has become faster and prices drop.
"Currently physicians in APAC (Asia-Pacific) are gaining experience with the Roche FMI Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and are exposed to a wealth of information available from the comprehensive report produced through the Roche FMI platform, which supports physicians' decision-making process through small clinical trials," Albert said.
In many respects, that may fit with China's plans to bring in newer therapies at lower cost by promising access to a vast market.
In June, China's National Health and Family Planning Commission said AstraZeneca's cancer therapy Iressa, and Conmana for lung cancer from Hangzhou-based Betta Pharmaceuticals as well as hepatitis B therapy Viread marketed in China by GlaxoSmithKline and developed by Gilead Sciences would see price cuts of more than half as part of a pilot program.
Also included in the pilot, but not part of the price cuts, were Roche's lung cancer drug Tarceva and Celgene's blood cancer treatment Revlimid.
China would like to see some example of cost and benefit not only from lower cost therapies, but also via efforts to gather data on outcomes.
So would other countries and to that end, Roche FMI said it will be in seven markets in Asia Pacific by the end of the second quarter of this year: Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia.
It's targeting 4,000 to 5,000 profiles completed by the end of 2018.
That figure would be a small slice of Roche FMI's global database of the genomic profiles of 125,000 patients, but it would add more data on Asia, which has a more than a third of all new cancer cases, with rates of lung and gastric cancer the highest worldwide.
Overall, World Health Organization figures show China was set to become the country with the most cancer cases.
But getting insurance companies, or national reimbursement programs to pay for sequencing profiles, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, has been a slow road, not only in Asia, but also in the United States.
At the same time, many oncologists are looking to "tumor-agnostic" drugs, such as Merck's immunotherapy, Keytruda, which came into prominence as the therapy that helped former President Jimmy Carter get remission from melanoma cancer. It has been indicated in other oncology uses as well.
But gathering proof that genomic-sequencing may aid in therapy decisions and can be cost effective means reaching out to doctors in the field. That process must start from scratch in China, because many front-line therapies are not available domestically, with the country's regulatory approvals lagging those in the U.S. or Europe by years.
However, with targeted therapies, there may be a chance to leap-frog the traditional approval cycle. China introduced fast-track approval channels for drugs that seek to bring in therapies to treat disease areas with high unmet need such as HIV/AIDs and cancer by easing clinical trial rules for drugs with global data on safe and effective use.
The Roche FMI effort in China will focus on driving the advancement of personalized cancer care, especially in the areas of lung, breast, colorectal and rare cancers, Albert said.
"In China, we will be investigating gastric and oesophageal cancer, both of which have one of the highest prevalence rates (globally). We will be testing 1,000 tissue samples, scanning for the full spectrum of genomic alterations present within the genome sample," he said.
"In some cases, we believe we will discover potentially actionable mutations that could have been missed in previous profiles. This will help us collect data on the epidemiology or disease landscape in China, and allow us to extrapolate that data for Asia."
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Authorities around the world, including the United States, Switzerland and Singapore have looked into anti-money laundering breaches relating to 1MDB.
U.S. authorities are probing whether the $2.2 billion purchase of U.S. energy company Coastal Energy was partly financed with funds allegedly funneled from Malaysian wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
The buyer of Coastal Energy was a joint venture between Compania Espanola de Petroleos SAU, or Cepsa, owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund International Petroleum Investment Co., or IPIC, and a shell company controlled by Malaysian financier Jho Low, according to a U.S. Department of Justice asset-seizure lawsuit dated on Wednesday, the report said.
The lawsuit and statements announcing the deal said Low invested $50 million and Cepsa funded the remainder, the report said, adding that the lawsuit stated that a week later, Cepsa transferred $350 million to Low's shell company.
Goldman Sachs, which had around $600 million in revenue from 1MDB in 2012-2013 for bond deals, advised Cepsa on the acquisition, but didn't have Low as a client, the report said.
Goldman said it was unaware of any transaction which involved the shell company selling its joint venture stake back to Cepsa, according to the report.
The bank's compliance department told bankers to stop working with Low and his shell company, citing concerns over his wealth, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report said Low's whereabouts were unclear, but that he had previously denied wrongdoing. CNBC was unable to contact him for comment.
Coastal Energy did not immediately return CNBC's emailed request for comment, which was sent outside of office hours.
Goldman Sachs did not comment on the WSJ report but provided this statement:
"Neither Jho Low, Jynwel or SRG were a client of Goldman Sachs in connection with the Coastal Energy acquisition.
"Prior to reading the government filing, GS was not aware of, and had no involvement in, any transaction in which SRG sold its stake in a joint venture back to CEPSA."
1MDB didn't immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
The full Wall Street Journal article can be read here.
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Bob Metcalfe started working with computer networks in the 1970s and was part of Xerox's Palo Alto, Calif. team that invented what would become Ethernet, the foundational technology used to connect computers. He's known as "the father of Ethernet." In 1979, Metcalfe started a company to sell Ethernet technology, 3Com Corp. Later that same year, Steve Jobs tried to get Metcalfe to join Apple. "I had never heard of Steve Jobs, and I had never heard of Apple, but and I had just started my own company so I turned him down," say Metcalfe, speaking to CNBC. "And instead of getting angry with me, he helped me all all through the 1980s. My company benefited greatly from Steve's support, and he's one of my heroes."
Bob Metcalfe, the co-inventor of the Ethernet, holding an original piece of Ethernet cable. Photo by Kim Kulish
3Com went on to go public in 1984, and in 1999, its peak year for sales, the networking tech company did $5.7 billion in sales. In 2010, 3Com merged with Hewlett Packard. Metcalfe considered Jobs a mentor. "He was 10 years younger than me, so that was odd. I had a Ph.D. He dropped out his sophomore year in college, but he was my mentor anyway," says Metcalfe. "He was a scary fellow. You get within a few feet of him and he could convince you of anything and it's famously called 'Steve's reality distortion field' ... as you walk further away you got about 10 or 15 feet away, then you came to your senses and you realize that maybe he was just being persuasive."
What Metcalfe, now a Professor of Innovation at the University of Texas at Austin, learned from "Steve's reality distortion field" was that you have to be okay with people being mad at you. It's part of pushing new boundaries, he says. "[Jobs] had very high standards and he did not suffer fools gladly, and so he annoyed a lot of people," says Metcalfe. "In order to make an omelet you have to break some eggs," he continues. "So he, you know, he's famous for being a bit of a jerk from time to time, and I think that was part of the package deal.
Fasten your seatbelt for CNBC's new luxury travel show premiering Wednesday, 14th June at 22.00 BST.
London. 13th June 2017. This summer, CNBC invites you to sit back, relax and enjoy a world tour like no other. CNBC's Tania Bryer hosts the network's new luxury travel show, 'Trailblazers', which takes you on a journey of discovery to some of the best cities on the planet, courtesy of some incredible trailblazers.
Season one celebrity guests include, amongst others, the classical music superstar Lang Lang in Beijing, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan in Mumbai, award winning rapper and musician Tinie Tempah in London and Russian supermodel and philanthropist, Natalia Vodianova in Moscow.
The show, sponsored by Qatar Airways, premieres in Europe on Wednesday, 14th June at 22.00 BST on CNBC and sees Tania Bryer travel to the Far East to spend time with Lang Lang in Beijing.
From the contemporary style of the National Centre for the Performing Arts to the jaw dropping, ancient beauty of the Temple of Heaven, Tania will be travelling through the Chinese capital with one of China's favourite sons as her tour guide. This is Beijing through Lang Lang's eyes and Lang Lang through Beijing's eyes.
Speaking about the launch of the show, Tania Bryer said:
"Trailblazers' is unlike anything we've ever done at CNBC. We've taken some of the world's most recognizable faces to their beloved cities in order to give our viewers a unique opportunity to not only discover more about them but also the city they are showing me."
'Trailblazers' is produced by Spirit Media, with Tania Bryer and Martin Conroy as executive producers for CNBC.
You can also follow Tania Bryer on Twitter: @TaniaBryer
Contact:
Lee Thompson, International Communications, CNBC
Lee.Thompson@CNBC.com
Both sides of the 1926 Sesquicentennial half dollar graded MS-66+ ? by NGC with a green CAC sticker is among the finest examples known of the issue.
Strong prices for classic commemorative coins continue to be seen at auctions and on the bourse floor. The silver commemorative coins of 1892 to 1954 have long been popular with collectors, but none among them is rare in an absolute sense. The diversity of the commemorative half dollar series is appealing to collectors, with standalone one-year types alongside multi-year issues like the Arkansas Centennial, Daniel Boone Bicentennial and Oregon Trail Memorial issues. Here are three pieces that stood out during Heritage Auctions sale held in conjunction with the April Central States Numismatic Society convention in suburban Chicago.
The Lot:
1926 American Independence Sesquicentennial half dollar, MS-66+ ?, CAC sticker
The Price:
$32,900
The Story:
The 1926 American Independence Sesquicentennial half dollar is a common classic commemorative. Although more than 1 million were struck, most were melted due to weaker than expected demand, leaving a final mintage of 141,120.
Did a former automaker once issue scrip notes? Plus, some alternative collecting methods: Another column in the June 26 Coin World profiles John J. Pittman, a czar of numismatic knowledge.
The obverse shows the busts of George Washington and then-President Calvin Coolidge. The shallow design means that most examples have small marks and dings, especially on Washingtons cheek. Like the 1923-S Monroe Doctrine Centennial half dollar, examples in Mint State 65 and finer are seldom seen.
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During Heritages April 27 Platinum Night auction at the Central States Numismatic Society convention, a 1926 Sesquicentennial half dollar graded MS-66+ by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., with an NGC ? and a green Certified Acceptance Corp. sticker, sold for a healthy $32,900. Unlike most examples, it had pleasant eye appeal. Since no MS-67 examples have yet been graded by NGC or Professional Coin Grading Service, this is among the finest known.
North Dakota lawmakers held off Tuesday on deciding whether to address several vetoes issued by Gov. Doug Burgum after the legislative session ended in late April.
Grand Forks Republican Sen. Ray Holmberg, who chairs Legislative Management, said they were still waiting on an opinion from Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem on whether Burgum overstepped his constitutional authority with those vetoes. The opinion was requested by the House and Senate majority leaders in mid-May.
The committee members here dont have the background as to what is going to be said in that opinion, which could change peoples minds, Holmberg said. We will not take up that issue today.
The committee may take it up June 21 if the opinion arrives before then. Lawmakers appeared eager to make a decision soon, given that the budget bills for which Burgum issued partial vetoes go into effect July 1.
It certainly would be ideal, if we were going to override a veto, that the veto would be overridden before the has actually been implemented, Holmberg said.
Legislative Council staff have already said Burgum may have exceeded his authority on at least some of those vetoes. Burgums office has defended his actions, arguing the first-term Republican governors intent was to preserve executive branch authority to ensure the ability to operate state government as effectively and efficiently as possible while prioritizing spending at a time when fiscal restraint is essential."
Chairmanship debate
Lawmakers spent much of Tuesdays meeting hashing out the structure of interim legislative committees. They approved chairmanships for those committees, but not without some partisan debate.
Carlson asked to replace three Democrats with Republicans on a proposed list of 26 chairmanship slots. He noted the 141-seat Legislature only includes 22 Democrats.
I dont know of any other state in this union where the minority party with that kind of numbers would be chairing committees when in reality they will never, at least in the near future, chair any committee during the legislative session, Carlson said, calling for consistency between the interim and regular sessions.
Ultimately, Carlsons motion failed in an 8-8 vote. A list of committee chairpersons that included three Democrats Sen. Erin Oban and Reps. Corey Mock and Kathy Hogan prevailed by one vote.
I think the thing that I love about interim committees is that theyre not particularly partisan, Hogan said. The more we work together, the better it is for the people of North Dakota.
Leaders and advocates voice support for modernizing elections in Massachusetts
BOSTON, MA Advocates for modernizing Massachusetts elections showed up in force for a hearing on Beacon Hill today, held by the Joint Committee on Election Laws. The hearing was in support of the Automatic Voter Registration bill, which would establish a system for eligible citizens in Massachusetts to automatically register to vote when they interact with a state agency like the registry of motor vehicles. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Cynthia Creem and Rep. Peter Kocot, has popular support in both houses; with 80 House co-sponsors and 22 Senate sponsors as of hearing time.
More than twenty leaders from the labor movement, universities, environmental groups, political organizations, civil rights and good government advocacy organizations testified on behalf of the legislation, while dozens of supporters looked on. Many spoke of how automatic voter registration ensures that all eligible citizens in Massachusetts have the opportunity to participate in elections.
By passing automatic voter registration, Massachusetts can lead the way towards giving all citizens a voice in their government, said Pam Wilmot, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts. The system would give the nearly 700,000 eligible citizens that are not registered to vote an opportunity to have their voices heard through our election process. At the same time, Automatic Voter Registration would update and modernize our election system by increasing the accuracy, security, and efficiency of the process.
Eight states and the District of Columbia have already passed automatic voter registration, all in a bipartisan manner: Oregon, California, West Virginia, Alaska, Vermont, Colorado, Georgia, and Connecticut. In Oregon, the first state to implement Automatic Voter Registration, 230,000 voters registered in its first six months and more than 500,000 inaccurate registrations were updated. About 100,000 (97,000) voters participated in the 2016 election because of the reform.
Representatives from several other leading citizen organizations testified for the bill, including Nancy Brumback, Legislative Action Chair of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. The League strongly supports automatic voter registration as the next logical step in the modernization of the electoral process here in Massachusetts, she said. AVR will improve the accuracy of voter rolls, create a more efficient and reliable voting system, help control the costs of voter registration over time, and improve the voting process on Election Day.
Cheryl Clyburn Crawford of MassVOTE said, Automatic voter registration is a step in the right direction to removing one of the barriers that disproportionately affects our most disenfranchised communities. It is our strong belief that automatic voter registration in Massachusetts will increase voter participation and turnout while continuing to modernize our electoral process.
Our Commonwealth must set an example on voting rights for the nation to follow, said Congressman Joe Kennedy in written testimony submitted to the Committee. We need to prove how strong a system can be when it is inclusive, progressive and fair. The rollout of early voting in 2016 was an enormous success, with over one million residents casting early ballots. Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) must come next.
This is a bipartisan, common sense, 21st century bill which will make voter registration more accessible, more secure and less costly in the Commonwealth, said Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG. We have Republican and Democrat supporters in the Legislature here, the Republican Governor of Illinois indicated that he would sign similar bill into law that passed the legislature unanimously a few weeks ago, and in a time of hyper-partisanship in this country were inspired to call for this bills passage.
Advocacy organizations behind the effort, including Common Cause Massachusetts, MassVOTE, the Massachusetts Voter Table, Progressive Massachusetts, MASSPIRG, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice have worked together for many years to promote voting access and reform. They see automatic voter registration as a continuation of earlier efforts in the state, like early voting, to improve access to the ballot. Early voting was a resounding success; In its first debut, over one million voters cast their ballots early in October 2016, accounting for over 22% of registered voters and 35% of those that voted.
Full list of endorsing organizations (alphabetical order):
Action Together Western Mass
AFSC Cambridge
Berkshire Democratic Brigades
Berkshire Womens Action Group
Black Directors Network
Boston Democratic Ward 4 Committee
Boston Teachers Union
Cambridge Democratic City Committee
Clean Water Action
College Democrats of MA
Common Cause Massachusetts
Democracy for America
Democracy Matters
Environmental League of MA Action Fund
ForwardMA
Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association
Green Tea Party
Indivisible (Many chapters)
Jewish Association for Law and Social Action (JALSA)
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice
League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
Lift Every Vote
Mass Affordable Housing Alliance
Mass Law Reform Institute
Massachusetts Jobs with Justice
Massachusetts Peace Action
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Massachusetts Voter Table
MASSPIRG
MassVOTE
NAACP Boston
National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter
Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts
Education Fund
New England United for Justice
Our Revolution Cambridge
PHENOM (Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts)
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
Progressive Democrats of America, Boston chapter
Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts
Progressive Massachusetts
SEIU Local 509
SEIU Massachusetts State Council
Sierra Club
Small Planet Institute
Union of Minority Neighborhoods
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John Britz, a gentle man from Pennsylvania with a white beard and glasses, was outnumbered under a blazing sun Monday during Laconias Motorcycle Week.
Everywhere he turned, the 71-year-old former factory worker saw posters and people and places that ran counter to his message. A message he brings with him to events like this one on a regular basis.
While his bike, a Honda Goldwing, showed colorful, airbrushed scenes of the Last Supper and Moses parting the Red Sea, restaurants served beer for breakfast. Posters invited you to wet T-shirt and hot leg contests later in the day. Tattoos showing skulls and knives were on arms, legs, thighs, upper thighs. T-shirts told you to go f--- yourself.
Theres bad stuff, satanic stuff, all over the place, Britz told me. But I dont want to go where people are healthy. You go where people are unhealthy, to a place like this to get people spiritually healthy and get them back on the right track.
This happened in the teeth of Bike Week, along Weirs Beach, near the famous drive-in sign. With a heavy police presence and a crackdown on camping free-for-alls, its not as edgy as it once was, meaning the days of women removing their tops and street brawls are mostly over.
But an edge does, indeed, remain. And if youre a regular there, perhaps youve seen Britz and his mobile church of free mini Bibles and free literature.
For the most part, hes been parking in the same place, spot No. 22, each year for the past 25 years. Its right in front of a store that features lambskin leather corsets, a delicious dichotomy if there ever was one.
People come back looking for me year after year, Britz said. You make friends and kick the tires a little, and its the same thing when I go to Daytona. Ive been there for 27 years and in the same spot down there and people look for you.
Hes more than willing to tell his story. Once, while working in a tool-and-die factory 30 miles outside Pittsburgh, he grew disenchanted and embarrassed over his behavior and that of others around him.
I had an apprentice, and I used to tell this guy dirty jokes and give him porno, and I used to make fun of him, Britz said. All these guys were heading down a bad road. That guy had three wives, that one does drugs, that one is an alcoholic. Anytime there was something bad going on, I was always around. It was a rough crowd, stuff you just shouldnt tamper with.
I started to go to church.
He found Jesus in 1977 and says it saved his marriage. Now hes got two identical motorcycles, each black, each showing artwork that Michelangelo might have liked.
Its the work of a Native American friend. Theres the crucifixion, the resurrection, Noahs Ark, Adam and Eve, the path to heaven, the path to hell. There are angels and rainbows and clouds and dragons. There are people falling into the fiery pit of hell. None were on motorcycles, but Britz said the crowd at Bike Week would be wise to read some of his literature.
He doesnt preach or push. Oftentimes he socializes, leaving his bike unattended, a free sign posted near the Bibles and homemade stories of inspiration.
Hopefully, a guy will take it, go home and read it when hes sober, Britz said.
Hes not sure how many people hes touched during his travels to various bike rallies, which include those in Lake George, N.Y.; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Sturgis, S.D.; and the one here. He says hes driven about 600,000 miles over 50 years. Texas and Oklahoma are the lone states hes yet to ride through.
Newspaper articles have been written about Britz in Daytona Beach and elsewhere over the past 25 years. Like here, he grabs the same parking spot in other states, making sure his presence is known on an annual basis.
Hes proud of his bike and says, I dont mean to brag, but its probably the most photographed bike in the world. People are still taking pictures of this, and it just keeps on going. Im going to do this for quite a few more years.
People regularly stopped to admire the artwork on Britzs bike. One man even took a Bible and piece of literature. The cool blue and pink shades and fluffy clouds and rainbows stood out, offering relief on a day when sun-baked roads and thousands of people jammed closely together made for oven-like conditions.
I asked Britz to sum up the state of the world. Is God a big part of the landscape, like the paintings on his bike? Are we heading in the right direction? Is he optimistic?
Its not good, with all the problems with terrorism going on, Britz told me. Some people say God will be back in two or five years, but I think it will be a long time. Hes going to wait until things get really, really bad. Its going to get a lot worse.
Lord, have mercy.
Leisa Smith has been named President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. Smith succeeds Tom Cleckler who retired after 38 years as President/CEO.
Board Chairperson, Barbara Thompson made the announced with this statement, "The Board is saddened at the retirement of our long-time, transformational leader, Tom Cleckler. After conducting a nationwide search, we are excited to have Leisa Smith take the helm of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. Leisa brings over 25 years of leadership in the BGC movement and is joining us after serving in a similar capacity in Atlanta. She is a dedicated 20+ year Rotarian and her whole life has been dedicated to service above self. We have no doubt she will work tirelessly for the betterment of Birmingham and the children of our metro area".
Smith comes to Birmingham from the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta where she served as the Executive Director from 2013-2017. A veteran of the Boys & Girls Club Movement, Smith has been involved with Clubs for 30 years. She started as a part-time front desk clerk at a Club in New Albany, Indiana near her hometown while attending college at Indiana University Southeast. Smith began full-time Club work in Louisville, Kentucky in 1990 as a program director, where she gained expertise in all its facets, from working daily with kids to managing Club operations. In 1993, Smith moved to Hobe Sound, Florida where she served as the Education Director, Club Director and Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. By 2000, she had moved up through the ranks to become an executive director in Vero Beach, Florida where she opened the first Boys & Girls Club in Indian River County. From 2004-2011, Smith served as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina where she expanded outreach services offered through Juvenile Structured Day Program (for kids that get suspended from school) and Juvenile Restitution (for kids that get court ordered to do community service).
A native of Indiana, Smith graduated from Indiana University South East in New Albany, Indiana with a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies and a Minor in Psychology & Supervision. In 1999, Smith completed her Masters of Public Administration at Nova South Eastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Smith is a recipient of several awards, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America - Southeast Regional Youth Development Professional of the Year, Robert W. Woodruff Fellowship, and The Salvation Army Distinguished Service Award.
Smith is an active member of the community serving in a variety of roles including being a Past President and member of the Rotary, Past President of Business Network International, and a past Vice-Chair of the local Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
Smith said in a statement, "Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama has been dedicated to transforming children's lives for over 116 years, it is my honor and privilege to serve as the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. Together, we will continue the legacy of former CEO, Tom Cleckler, for years to come".
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama (BGCCA) exist to provide boys and girls ages six to 18 with a place to learn, grow, and succeed. The oldest Boys & Girls Club in the Southeast, BGCCA has been serving the children in the Birmingham and surrounding communities for 116 years. The Club currently has 9 clubs in 4 counties providing a safe, positive environment promoting Education, Character and Leadership Training, and Healthy Lifestyle Habits.
For more information about BGCCA visit our website: www.bgcca.org.
CORNWALL, Ontario Those who steal shopping carts could soon be faced with a warning from police and retailers might barr them from coming to their store all together.
The City has been conferring with local businesses over the past several months to find an acceptable solution for all parties.
The retailers recognize that there is an issue but feel that it is theft and that it is a policing matter, reads a report written by City Administration and presented to Council. The police in turn have indicated that such issues are less urgent and that there are limited staff resources to enforce such theft and proof of culpability may be challenging.
Together, the City and the local retailers formulated a five step plan to deal with the issue.
The City will be keeping tabs on where shopping carts are being abandoned in the City and provide those locations to retailers so they can collect them. Additionally, the City will be making a web page on their site where residents can report abandoned shopping carts.
For their part, retailers will be creating more signage in their stores and police will be providing warnings to offenders they see taking carts off of store properties.
The City will also be working with retailers to provide low cost personal grocery buggies to be sold in stores in hopes to deter people from taking carts.
In March, City of Cornwall Supervisor of Bylaw Enforcement, Christopher Rogers acknowledged that some took carts because it was their only option to get their groceries home.
We know that poverty is part of the equation, said Rogers. To ignore this reality would be insensitive to those who are less fortunate in our community.
City of Cornwall General Manager Mark Boileau has said that since they have started monitoring this issue, the numbers of shopping carts on the streets has declined. He stated that when they started there were 50 on the street, then 40 and now 30.
Good to see retailers are taking an interest in this because until now it didnt seem like it, said Councillor Claude McIntosh.
McIntosh pointed out one case where there were 13 shopping carts outside of a motel on Second Street for weeks.
This however, is not a new problem. Councillor McIntosh remembered when a shopping cart appeared on his front lawn.
Had a grocery cart on my front yard, called the retailer, they never came to get it, he said, That was 13 years ago. Its in my backyard. Ever try to get rid of a shopping cart? You cant do it.
All councillors who spoke on the issue applauded City Administration for the time and effort put into finding a solution acceptable for all parties.
CORNWALL, Ontario One member of Cornwall City Council has said that there needs to be less faces around the table.
Councillor Mark MacDonald made a motion during the meeting on June 12 that Administration should author a report on how many councillors the City of Cornwall is required by law to have. The motion was seconded by Councillor Bernadette Clement.
If the government only says we need three councillors then why would we have 10, he said.
When asked what the goal was of this report, Councillor MacDonald said that he felt the number of Councillors in the City of Cornwall reduced efficiency and slowed City business.
I think there should only be six, MacDonald told Seaway News. It is about being an effective council. The more people on council the harder it is to get things through.
Councillor MacDonald pointed to the Port of Cornwall which he has been pushing to be developed for awhile.
He pointed to the City of Niagra Falls as an example. Niagra Falls has eight councillors for a population of 88, 000 whereas Cornwall has 10 councillors for a population of around 46, 000.
Some Councillors on Monday night expressed concerns about the number of committees that councillors are committed to attending.
Councillor Denis Carr however said that committee attendace was already low.
This has to be the year with the worst attendance at committees by council members, he said. Committee work is just as important as being on TV, he asserted.
Councillor Mark MacDonald told Seaway News that he felt some of the committees councillors sat on were not necessary.
Probably half of the committees we have we arent really even mandated to have, he said, using the Canada Day committee as an example.
At time of publishing Seaway News had not yet heard from the Clerks office on the current number of committees of council.
Councillor MacDonald expects the report on his motion to comeback soon and hopes that any changes to municipal representation in Cornwall could be made before the next election.
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The state of Ohio has sued five drug manufacturers for contributing to the opioid epidemic that is growing in the United States.
In the lawsuit filed on May 31, Attorney General Mike DeWine argues that the five companies "helped unleash a health care crisis that has had far-reaching financial, social, and deadly consequences in the State of Ohio," NPR reports. The five companies being sued are Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Johnson & Johnson, and Allergan.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of engaging in a marketing campaign to boost sales of prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, and misleading doctors and the public regarding the risks and benefits of prescription opioids. The suit also claims that the companies provided funding to prominent doctors, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to win their support for the drugs' use, reports the New York Times.
Specifically, the suit claims that the companies aimed to downplay the dangers of becoming addicted to opioids and that they are unsafe for long-term use, and that "the compassionate treatment of pain required opioids," said DeWine's suit. The drugs were originally meant to be used for short-term, acute pain, but over the last 20 years, doctors have increasingly prescribed them to treat chronic, long-term pain.
Janssen, one of the defendants (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the lawsuit was "legally and factually unfounded," and that the company acted in the best interest of the patients regarding pain medications, which are FDA-approved. Purdue Pharma, another defendant, told The Plain Dealer that it has been seeking to combat opioid addiction with "prescription drug monitoring programs and supporting access to Naxolone."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25,000 people in the U.S. died in 2015 from overdosing on opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and hydrocodone, more than double the number from a decade earlier, reports The New York Times. The drugs are now responsible for more deaths than homicide and are approaching traffic accidents as a leading cause of death.
See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
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The FDA has recently been more aggressive on the subject of drug abuse from opioid painkillers. It has already blocked various medications on public demand.
Now, it seems to turn down opioid-based painkillers as well due to "the public health consequences of abuse." The first item which has been turned down under this list is opioid painkiller, Opana ER. The drug controlling authority has issued strict guidelines to the manufacturer of this pill, Endo Pharmaceuticals for removing it from the whole US market.
What Is Opana ER?
The name Opana ER may be familiar to many. According to CNN, the drug has been widely known as a favorite painkiller among the drug addicts of Indiana.
It has boasted with the reputation to be the drug of choice among individuals at the center of an HIV outbreak in the region back in 2015. For safeguarding its citizens from the harsh addiction of this drug, the US Food and Drug Administration took up this step to ban it now. It should be noted in this context that the FDA has had permitted Opana ER for public consumption in the country back in 2006, according to the latest claims of Endo Pharmaceuticals.
Why Is Opana ER Abused?
KDRV.com noted that Opana ER is a highly concentrated form of oxymorphone hydrochloride. It is generally regarded as an ordinary opioid based painkiller, but it is more powerful than the traditional painkiller in terms of its compounds.
It is two times more effective than OxyContin, a well known and mostly used opioid painkiller. According to the manufacturer's details, the drug is even severe for daily usage.
After turning down Opana ER officially, FDA Commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb stated: "We are facing an opioid epidemic -- a public health crisis -- and we must take all necessary steps to reduce the scope of opioid misuse and abuse." The authority is likely to inspect more certain painkillers for ensuring public well-being soon.
See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Dont sell our buses
Higher fares Fewer services
Many Sydneysiders depend on public transport bus services, and a great many depend on the public transport system as a whole in Australias largest city. Two weeks ago the NSW coalition government announced its intention to privatise operation of public bus services in the citys inner west and south.
The government claimed privatisation was necessary because of the large number of complaints about public bus services. It has offered no analysis of the nature of the complaints, and no evidence that private operation would be superior.
Most problems with Sydney buses concern punctuality, which has always been dependent on Sydneys narrow, twisting roads, notoriously prone to traffic jams and congestion.
And now the government has announced it will eliminate many bus stops on privatised routes. Thats obviously intended to increase profits for the private firm that will operate the buses, but in parliament the minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, refused to discuss the matter.
Jo Haylen, Labor member for Summer Hill, commented: The government needs to come clean; theyve had their eyes on the inner-west bus service for some time.
The NSW coalition government is poised to sell off the massive new $16.8 billion WestConnex motorway that will run from the city centre westwards to the Blue Mountains. The government has already announced plans to sell of at least 51 percent of the motorway by June next year, in order to fund construction of the next stage of the project which involves extending the tollway to link up with the existing M5 motorway running south-west from the city.
The WestConnex project has already resulted in the destruction of hundreds of houses in the heritage suburbs of Haberfield and St Peters. The next stage would involve more devastation in the historic inner suburbs.
Moreover, a Treasury official recently said that all options are on the table regarding WestConnex, including sale of 100 percent of the tollway before its completion.
The projects first stage was funded largely by sale of the states electricity grid. In its current privatisation strategy the government sells off one area of public services in order to upgrade another, which is then sold to fund the upgrade of yet another service, and so on.
Selling off the entire WestConnex motorway would therefore be the next logical step. The leap-frog process of upgrade and sale could be continued until most of the states public services are privatised.
Standing up all the way
Large parts of Sydneys public transport system have already been privatised. The operation of Sydney Ferries was sold off last year to transport corporations Viola Transdev and Transfield Services.
The operation of Sydneys airport railway stations was privatised several years ago. Passengers travelling from Central Station now pay about five times as much to exit at the international airport station as it costs them to travel an equivalent number of stops and exit at a government-operated station elsewhere in the city.
The new Northwest rail line is currently under construction. The overseas-built single deck Metro trains were originally supposed to run on this line from the outer northwest suburbs to Chatswood, some ten kilometres north of the city.
However, the government then announced the line was to be extended to the central business district. The government has now declared that the existing line running from the city about eight kilometres southwest to Bankstown is to be converted to accommodate the Metro trains. These trains are slower and would deliver fewer passengers per peak hour to the city than the existing state-of-the-art locally-made double-decker Waratah trains under similar operating conditions.
In Metro trains the majority of commuters have to stand during peak hours. A recent study concluded that in order for Metro trains to carry the same number of passengers as the double-deckers, during peak hours five standing passengers would have to be crushed into every square metre of floor space, possibly for an hour. Extremely claustrophobic, and potentially very dangerous.
With cat-like tread ...
The government is well aware the NSW public has in the past risen up against moves by coalition governments to interfere maliciously with Sydneys transport services.
It has therefore chosen to privatise only certain parts of the transport network at first. Last week Sophie Cotsis, Labor MP for Canterbury, said the government has been working to privatise the bus system by stealth.
She commented: This government should have been upfront with the community; they didnt ask because they knew what answer theyd get. People are fed up with the privatisation of public services and are drawing a line at losing our buses.
The government has also taken a stealthy approach to privatisation of Sydneys extensive rail network.
The new Northwest Line was chosen as the first major privatisation initiative, because northwest residents who currently commute to the city by bus were desperate for a better service, and were therefore unlikely to complain about private operation of the trains.
Current Sydney commuters, who place high value on their public transport as their public service, were also less likely to rebel against private operation because the new line would be seen as a private add-on to the existing lines they already use, which would remain under government operation.
The governments choice of single deck Metro trains was also tactical. The privately-operated trains on the new line were visibly very different from the existing government-owned double deckers, and would therefore not be interpreted by current commuters as theirs.
Battle lines
That all changed with the announcement that the Bankstown line was to be converted to accommodate Metro trains. That decision immediately set a precedent for the government to convert the entire rail network to a private Metro service.
The proposed sale of the WestConnex network also demonstrated that on the false pretext of providing superior services the government will sell off as much as it can of publicly-owned government-operated infrastructure.
Battle lines must now be drawn over conversion of the Bankstown Line to a cut-down Metro service, privatisation of the inner west bus services, extension of the appalling and destructive WestConnex tollway and the sale of the tollway itself.
Unless mass action is taken now, the people of Sydney will end up with inferior public transport services that are more expensive, less reliable, less frequent, less safe and less comfortable than the present services, as well as the never-ending construction of new tollways and the conversion of existing freeways to customer-pays tollway operation.
www.dontsellourbuses.org.au
Editorial
No one is illegal
In the last few years, there have been countless official reports that have exposed abuses and recommended the closure of centres on Nauru and Manus Island. In November 2014, the Australian Human Rights Commissions National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention uncovered numerous reported incidents of assaults, sexual assaults and self-harm involving children.
Just some examples: March 2015, an independent review by Philip Moss uncovered allegations of sexual abuse by staff in the detention centre in Nauru; August 2015, the Senate Select Committees final report into conditions at Nauru recommended the immediate release into the Australian community of all children and their families detained in Nauru and in onshore detention facilities; June 2016, an independent report titled Protection Denied, Abuse Condoned: Women at Risk on Nauru reported that women were being routinely abused, raped and doomed to spend the rest of their lives on a tiny island nation, often alongside the perpetrators.
All of these reports were ignored by our politicians with the arrogance of historys most callous rulers.
The Nauru files have been no different. When faced with the overwhelming evidence of systemic abuse, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shifted responsibility to the Nauruan government and police force; Immigration Minister Peter Dutton called it hype, accusing the victims (including a man who died after setting fire to himself) of falsifying claims in order to get to Australia; and former Immigration Minister Scott Morrison referred to them as allegations rather than facts and talked of invented complaints.
This is an all too familiar approach of shifting responsibility, doubting claims, and blaming victims. Yet these desperate people have no other way of being heard and the number of reports is almost certainly an under-estimate of the number of real cases, because many victims will be too young or too scared to complain.
The offshore detention regime is part of a deterrence policy which the Australian government calls a humanitarian attempt to save lives at sea.
Yet at the same time as championing a humanitarian policy, Australian politicians have demonised asylum seekers, labelling them as queue-jumpers, illegals and criminals. Many see this bipolar public attitude towards people seeking asylum as a way of establishing the necessary cruelty of deterrence.
Despite the threat of offshore detention, boats have continued to arrive in Australian territorial waters. Indeed, the only effective way to stop boats arriving in Australian waters has been to physically stop them and return them to their point of disembarkation, when it is safe to do so. A refusal policy rather than a deterrence policy. However, this policy has also been criticised for breaking a number of international laws. Detention as a deterrence has failed and yet the Australian government has persisted with the camps in Nauru and Manus Island.
The United Nations special rapporteur on torture was scorned by former PM Tony Abbott when he raised concerns that Australias detention system was breaching the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Abbott stated that Australians are, sick of being lectured to by the United Nations, showing a complete disregard for international law and expectations. When the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs, released her National Inquiry into Children in Detention, Abbott called the report a political stitch-up, accused Triggs of partisanship and actively sought her resignation.
Australias two-party system offers little in the way of hope. Offshore detention and deterrence is a bipartisan approach. Neither party offers asylum seekers or Australian voters an alternative to abuse. Both have been guilty of running the Nauru detention centre, both have been guilty of using demonising and misleading language to justify their actions and drum up suspicion towards undocumented arrivals.
Racism and prejudice are being whipped up by the extreme right whose aim is to shift the blame for the deepening economic crisis and growing unemployment onto migrants, immigration in general and specifically at the moment against those of Islamic faith.
In doing so they are trying to cover up the real perpetrators of todays economic difficulties: the economic policies of successive governments as they have implemented the agenda of big business.
Fighting racism is a class issue and an urgent question for organised labour.
Tearing the fabric of democratic rights
The NSW government will introduce legislation in the next sitting week of parliament, which starts on June 20, to provide certainty to police officers to use lethal force against suspected terrorists Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced. The increased police power comes out of the inquest into the Lindt Cafe siege of December 2014.
Officers from the states Public Order and Riot Squad will have access to rapid-fire weapons by the end of the year.
The Berejiklian government will also introduce draft laws to tighten parole provisions by requiring consideration of links to terrorism.
In Western Australia, there is a push to arm police with semi-automatic rifles to stop active shooter attacks in Perth. So-called active shooter situations are mass shootings involving one or more gunmen, such as the Paris attacks in November.
There was also a push for a centralised Commonwealth supermax prison exclusively for terrorists during last weeks Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting. The call for a federal high-security prison for people convicted of terrorism charges is a shift towards a secret interrogation/torture facility along the lines of the US Guantanamo camp.
As to making it harder for a person convicted of terror offences to get parole, this will increase the risk that they will re-offend when eventually released, warns the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA). Following the COAG meeting last Friday, Malcolm Turnbull announced that all state and territory governments had agreed to ensure that there is a strong presumption against the granting of parole or bail, consistently, across the country, to persons who have shown support or had links to violent extremism and violence.
ALA spokesperson Greg Barns said that this approach only increased the risk of prisoners re-offending once they are eventually released back into the community. Suggestions that politicians might seek to be involved in the decision to grant parole were particularly concerning, according to Barns.
Fertile climate
When prisoners are unable to access parole there is little incentive for them to rehabilitate. A presumption against parole for those convicted of terror or violent offences will create a fertile climate for radicalisation in prisons.
He said that the issue that COAG failed to deal with was the mistreatment of people who are awaiting trial on terrorism offences and those who have been convicted of terror offences, and that the calls for terror criminals to rot in jail are another example of knee-jerk politics. This also highlights the dangers of the suggestion by Commonwealth Attorney General George Brandis that Attorneys-General should have any say in if or when parole is granted.
The Australian Lawyers Alliance agrees with those state Premiers who have said that politicians should have no role in deciding who should be released on bail, Mr Barns said. Terrorism allegations are especially politically fraught. Political involvement in these cases is totally inappropriate.
The reality is that no politician would be inclined to grant any leniency towards anyone who had a hint of terrorist connections. There is a very good reason for these decisions to be made on the basis of impartial criteria by people who are not a part of the political process.
It is also unclear how links to violent extremism and violence will be measured and the idea that people could be refused parole on the basis of rumour and innuendo, rather than measurable data and concrete evidence, undermines the very fabric of the legal system Barns said.
If we allow the threat of terrorism to take away our most fundamental rights, we all lose. Rather than focusing on more punishment, we should be figuring out how best to support people in finding pathways away from violence. Investing in essential services in prisons, like mental health support, will do a lot more to keep us safe than removing access to parole will.
Parole is a means to support people in their reintroduction to the community after time in prison. Without it, people might spend longer in prison, but when their sentence was up they would be released without any support or monitoring.
Barns noted that if politicians wanted to have an impact in reducing the danger of terrorism to the community, treating everyone in prison with humanity, whether they are on remand or convicted of a crime, must be the first step.
The Prime Ministers statement is another example of using the fear around terrorism to expand criminal punishment generally. He does not just focus on terrorism, but includes violence as well its classic mission creep. Rather than making policy to grab headlines and look tough on terror, the Prime Minister should leave parole policy to the experts.
Uses of the law
The false imprisonment and appalling treatment of an Indian doctor working in a Gold Coast hospital in 2007, demonstrated the possible uses by the state of terrorism laws, in that case those laws introduced by the former Howard government. In the name of war on terrorism, the Howard government passed more than 20 bills curbing and removing long-standing basic democratic rights. The laws were wide open to abuse, both by police and government ministers. Soon after, the Rudd Labor government toughened them.
Without a single shred of evidence, Dr Mohamed Haneef was detained for 11 days without charges before appearing before a magistrate who ordered his release. He was denied contact with his wife and subjected to special conditions as a terrorist, including solitary confinement for 23 hours a day. The then Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews revoked his 457 temporary work visa on character grounds, because he reasonably suspected that Haneef had an association with people involved in terrorism.
Under the terror laws, the presumption of innocence is turned on its head, the right to silence is denied and there is no right of access to the evidence being used as a reason for detention. Suspicion, hearsay and rumour replace proof, association is a crime or grounds for suspicion, and the normal judicial processes are bypassed.
It is history now that Dr Haneef was innocent and there was not a shred of evidence to justify the suspicions harboured by police or government ministers. Lies rather than facts prevailed. Their suspicions were unfounded, but the declaration of a suspicion was adequate for arbitrary detention and denial of basic, internationally recognised, legal rights.
The Howard legislation went far beyond any measures required to counter terrorism. The references to terrorism were a smokescreen for the removal of the democratic rights of trade unionists and other political activists who organise and protest against the actions of governments.
The definition of a terrorist act includes both actions or threats that are made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause which cause serious harm to a person or serious damage to property; or create a serious risk to the health or safety of the public; or has the intention of coercing or influencing a government.
The Criminal Code says that advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action is not a terrorist act providing that it is not intended to cause serious physical harm, death, danger to anothers life or is a serious health or safety risk. This implies that the charge of terrorism could be applied to such actions.
For example, if a serious safety risk or physical harm arises on a picket line or protest march to pressure the government on its policies, then it would become a matter of police opinion and legal wrangling as to the question of intent.
It is not hard to imagine a situation where there is a provocation, followed by violence, injury or serious damage.
Taking Issue Rob Gowland
Superbug pollution
Most of us these days are aware of the increasing risk posed by so-called superbugs, bacteria and fungi that are immune or resistant to the drugs that are meant to kill them. Steps to combat or limit this phenomenon include phasing out the indiscriminate inclusion of antibiotics in cattle feed, stricter adherence to hygiene protocols and control over the use and dissemination of antibiotics within the community.
However, the pharmaceutical industry is very big and very profitable. And, like all large corporate entities, it is also very greedy. So the manufacture of pharmaceuticals is increasingly farmed out to under-developed, low-wage countries in order to increase profits. If keeping costs down conflicts with efforts to prevent possible infection, guess which will be given priority in these conditions?
Most of the worlds antibiotics are produced in China and India. The densely populated and increasingly prosperous city of Hyderabad in southern India was once an international trading centre for diamonds and pearls. Today, it is a major international hub for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, producing millions of tons of medicines, chemicals and pesticides each year.
Around 170 companies making bulk drugs like antibiotics operate in and around Hyderabad. Companies in Europe and the US, as well as health authorities like WHO and the UKs NHS are reliant on drugs being produced in these factories. As Indias drug production industry has grown, so has the prevalence of superbugs a national crisis intensified by the widespread overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which are easily bought over the counter, and poor sanitation.
A group of scientists based at the University of Leipzig worked with German journalists to take an in-depth look at pharmaceutical pollution in Hyderabad where thousands of tons of pharmaceutical waste are produced by the citys factories each day. The results of their investigation were published in the prestigious journal Infection.
The researchers took water samples from rivers, lakes, groundwater, drinking water and surface water from rural and urban areas in and around the industrial estate, as well as pools near factories and water sources contaminated by sewage treatment plants. Four were taken from taps, one from a borehole, and the remaining 23 were classed as environmental samples.
The samples were tested for bacteria resistance to multiple drugs known as MDR (Multiple Drug Resistant) pathogens the technical name for superbugs. The researchers then tested 16 of the samples for the antibiotics and antifungals used to treat infections.
All samples apart from one taken from tap water at a four star hotel were found to contain drug-resistant bacteria. Previous studies have shown how exposure to antibiotics and antifungals in the environment causes bacteria and fungi to develop immunity to those drugs. The most serious super bug is probably the gene NDM-1, named after New Delhi where it was first discovered in 2008. NDM-1 gives bacteria the ability to produce enzymes which break down carbapenems, a group of powerful antibiotics which are used to treat infections that have become resistant to other drugs. Bacteria that are able to resist carbapenems have been called the nightmare bacteria by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention because half of all people who contract a bloodstream infection from them die.
Almost all the samples contained bacteria and fungi resistant to multiple drugs.
The researchers concluded that environmental pollution and poor management of wastewater in Hyderabad is causing unprecedented antimicrobial drug contamination of surrounding water sources. Madlen Davies, of the US Bureau of Investigative Journalism wrote in May that The presence of drug residues in the natural environment allows the microbes living there to build up resistance to the ingredients in the medicines that are supposed to kill them, turning them into what we call superbugs. The resistant microbes travel easily and have multiplied in huge numbers all over the world, creating a grave public health emergency that is already thought to kill hundreds of thousands of people a year.
The Hyderabad area has long been criticised for its pollution. In 2009 it was classified as critically polluted in Indias national pollution index but the situation has continued unabated despite decades of campaigning by Indian NGOs. Last year Indias Supreme Court ordered the countrys pharmaceutical companies to operate a zero liquid waste policy, but massive violations have reportedly occurred, says the Infection report.
India has become the epicentre of the global drug resistance crisis, with 56,000 newborn Indian babies estimated to die each year from drug-resistant blood infections, and 70% to 90% of people who travel to India returning home with multi-drug-resistant bacteria in their gut, according to the study.
The amounts of antimicrobials found in the investigation were eye-wateringly high, said Dr Mark Holmes, a microbiologist at the University of Cambridge. Concentrations of the antibiotics clarithromycin and ampicillin were found at levels more than 100 times higher than the safe limit. Levels of the common antibiotic ciprofloxacin were found to be up to 700 times above that recommended while levels of moxifloxacin used to treat lung, skin and sinus infections as well as tuberculosis were up to 5,500 times higher than the recommended limit.
A sample taken from one Hyderabad sewer contained concentrations of the antifungal drug fluconazole a drug used in ointments for fungal infections such as thrush and athletes foot or given intravenously for more serious infections at levels 950,000 times higher than the recommended safe limit! The researchers repeatedly analysed this finding to make sure it was correct. To our knowledge, this is the highest concentration of any drug ever measured in the environment, wrote the authors.
The quantities involved mean the amount in the water is almost the same as a therapeutic dose, said Mark Holmes, calling on the Indian authorities to investigate immediately by testing each factorys effluent. Thats not just getting rid of a few tablets down the toilet, he said.
Pharmaceutical pollution is not the only way in which antibiotics get into the Indian environment excrement from people and animals and waste from hospitals and farms also contain residues of the drugs. But Professor Joakim Larsson, of the University of Gothenburg, believes the levels of antimicrobials found could not be explained by anything else other than industrial discharges. So it tells us that the problem is still there, it needs to be solved, he told German journalists who worked on the report.
The pharmaceutical industry in Hyderabad produces enormous amounts of waste each day, says the Infection report. Effluent is transported in trucks to one waste treatment plant, it says, where it is treated before being sent to a mega sewage plant. There, it is mixed with sewage and further treated then discharged into the nearby Musi River.
Adhering to the zero liquid waste policy ordered by the Supreme Court requires expensive technology, and some waste is still clandestinely sent to the waste treatment plant or dumped straight into the surrounding environment, according to the report.
There are reams of regulations and stipulations that manufacturers have to adhere to in order to export their products to the US and Europe known as the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) framework. These focus on making sure drugs are safe, pure, and effective.
Stringent inspections by the World Health Organisation as well as American and European authorities check that these rules are being followed.
However these regulations do not address environmental concerns. Inspectors have no mandate to sanction a factory for polluting, failing to treat its waste or other environmental problems this falls within the remit of local governments.
Within India, there are environmental regulations covering what ingredients factories are allowed to produce, how they use water and how they dispose of their waste. In Hyderabad, the Telangana State Pollution Board (TSPCB) inspects factories based on these.
However these inspections have been labelled toothless by local and international campaign groups. In November 2015, an analysis of TSPCB inspection reports by the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi found that 15 bulk drug manufacturers within one industrial area alone were producing ingredients for which they did not have permission, using more water than the permitted limit, and dumping more effluents and hazardous waste than allowed.
The European Public Health Alliance, an umbrella group for more than 90 non-profit organisations, says the situation must be rectified by including legally binding environmental standards in GMP protocols, particularly with regard to contamination with antimicrobial substances as a condition for authorisation and import of drugs, said a spokesperson.
Voluntary agreements are not enough to stop a race to the bottom, where pharmaceutical companies exploit weak links in global supply chains, in places where there is little or no enforcement of vital environmental standards.
Big Pharma, as the heavyweights in the industry are called, is backed by big money, so dont expect anything to be done in a hurry not if it means cutting into profits.
Cuba
Socialist adjustment
Cuba is facing serious economic and financial problems, with the US economic blockade the source of many of them. And like the people of all other nations, Cubans also confront a world overwhelmed by pervasive corporate greed, wars, populations in distress, and climate change. Such were the circumstances greeting Cubas National Assembly as it met on May 31 and June 1 in an extraordinary session. On the agenda was discussion of several documents fundamental to the project of building a socialist society in difficult times.
Cuban President Raul Castro told delegates, These are the most studied, discussed, and re-discussed documents in the history of the Revolution. And, These fundamental programs approved recently by the Central Committee of the Party, and backed now by the National Assembly of Peoples Power, reaffirm the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution and the role of the Communist Party as the lead force directing society and the state.
The documents Castro was referring to were first approved by the Cuban Communist Partys Sixth Congress in 2011. The first document, titled Conceptualisation of the Cuban Economic and Social Model for Socialist Development, deals with the overall project of constructing socialism in Cuba. The second, Guidelines for Policies of the Party and the Revolution for the period 2016-2021, sets development goals for the immediate period ahead. The third document, Bases for a National Plan for Social and Economic Development until 2030, is an aggregation of longer-term national targets. Amended versions of all three were passed by the partys Seventh Congress in April 2016.
Jennifer Bello Martinez, 25 years old, presides over the Federation of University Students and is a member of Cubas Council of State. Speaking to a reporter for Cubadebate.cu, she echoed an important theme of the two-day session: newer generations will soon be taking charge of Cubas revolution.
Bello declared that, young people are at the point of being protagonists in this discussion process. The documents ... speak for the full development of our generation [and] express the need for young people to regard the Revolution as a permanent undertaking.
At its meeting, the National Assembly dealt primarily with the first and second documents, approving modifications to them. The document dealing with 2030 development goals requires further discussion and will be readied for approval by the Assembly when it meets in December 2018.
Delegates expressed concern that the documents before them contradicted each other in one important area. One section of the document on Cubas conception of socialism calls for the regulation of wealth and property, while the 2016-21 Guideline document prohibits concentration of wealth and property.
Marino Murillo, a former economics minister, told delegates that failing to deal with the quandary represents one of the biggest risks we are facing. Its the most widely discussed issue in Cuba, he said, arguing also that documents wont make a negative phenomenon disappear. Murillo called for private employment to be perfected. The National Assembly determined that regulation would continue.
The Assemblys job was to approve the documents, which in their final form are the product of a comprehensive and unprecedented nationwide public consultation process.
After their approval and modification at the Sixth and Seventh Communist Party Congresses, a series of public meetings were held across the country. In 2016, between June 15 and September 20, a total of 14.3 percent of the Cuban population attended some 47,470 meetings at which the documents were discussed and changes proposed.
In April this year, members of the Communist Partys Central Committee discussed proposed modifications with Assembly delegates in their home provinces. Then, at a plenary session on May 19, the Central Committee considered and approved final drafts of the documents that included amendments made along the way during the consultation process. They were then submitted to the National Assembly for consideration.
The extraordinary session began with Assembly delegates attached to four commissions charged with examining the modifications. Their discussion of the Conceptualisation document dealt with fundamental questions, matters like: concentration of property and wealth; differences as to functions and roles of the state, governmental, and private businesses; the Cuban educational system and its impact on society; and development of the personal trajectory and life of Cuban youth.
The commissions approved 61 out of 73 proposed modifications. With these modifications added to others approved at the Seventh Party Congress, 92 percent of the original Conceptualisation document has been altered.
The commissions worked on the Guidelines document also. The recent plenary session of the Partys Central Committee had considered 18 proposals for modifying some of the 274 Guidelines. It accepted eight of them, and re-worked these into the six existing guidelines.
The commissions discussed and approved these. Individually they involved: ethical behaviour among leaders, workers, and organisations; rearrangement of entities for science, technology, and innovation; promotion of direct foreign investment; reduction of the states financial contribution to social security; rescue of the role of work and income for generating products and services; and ways to increase state income from transportation services.
President Castros remarks at this special session of Cubas National Assembly represent one more step on that nations way toward a future of hope.
Reminding delegates of the need to advance in our continuing update of the economic and social model, Castro insisted that Cuba will change everything that must be changed. Furthermore, he said, we will do it at a speed permitted by the consensus we forge within our society and our proven capacity to do things well. We will thereby avoid grave errors that could compromise our successful fulfilment of this gigantic and honourable task.
Castro concluded by reaffirming Cubas solidarity with Venezuelas beleaguered Bolivarian Revolution. He called also for the return of political legitimacy to Brazil.
Peoples World
The Siege of Leningrad
Shostakovich and the airbrushing of history
The cold war against Russia and previously the Soviet Union continues. This includes the removal from public memory of the many atrocities committed by Nazi Germany on the Soviet population and the latters heroic role in the defeat of fascism.
Two women sitting among the debris in the aftermath of the German bombardment of Leningrad.
On June 22, 1941 Germany invaded the Soviet Union. This resulted in a slaughter of holocaust proportions: 25 million Russians perished: more than half the dead of the Second World War.
One of the most horrendous acts of barbarity was the German blockade of Leningrad. For almost 900 days, from September 8, 1941 to January 27, 1944, all supplies were cut off, and the people of Leningrad systematically starved to death. More than a million Leningraders died.
Fast forward to April 2017 and a fatal terrorist attack (by groups rather than states) takes place in St Petersburg (Leningrad). After similar attacks in Western European cities, the national flag of that country has been projected onto Berlins Brandenburg Gate as an expression of solidarity but not this time, because St Petersburg has no special relationship with Berlin, according to the mayor a native of West Berlin. Perhaps the airbrushing of history meant he had never heard of Leningrad.
The Siege of Leningrad was recorded not only in books but in music. A resident in Leningrad at the time was the composer Dmitri Shostakovich. He began work on a symphony immediately the attack began, expressing his thoughts on Soviet life and the ability of his people to defeat the fascists. This, his Seventh Symphony, is known as the Leningrad.
It has four movements. The first is entitled War and begins with lyrical music describing a peaceful life in the USSR before the fascist invasion. A solo violin is interrupted by a distant drum and the invasion theme, which is repeated 12 times, with a growing number of instruments, growing ever louder and shriller, creating a profound sense of unease. Military drums punctuate this section, which ends in an outcry of pain and horror.
A quieter passage follows a solo flute, then a bassoon, grieving the dead. Accompaniment is fragmented, so expressing the broken people it bewails. Dissonances dominate.
In the second movement, Memories, the mood changes to happier times, some dance melodies, although a note of sadness is also present.
The music of the third movement, Wide Expanses of Our Land, affirms the heroism of the people, their humanism, and Russias great natural beauty. The movement is a dialogue between chorale, the solace given by the splendour of the homeland, and the solo voice, the violins, the individual in torment. Both the second and the third movement express Shostakovichs conviction that war doesnt necessarily destroy cultural values.
About the final movement, Victory, Shostakovich commented: My idea of victory isnt something brutal; its better explained as the victory of light over darkness, of humanity over barbarism, of reason over reaction. The movement begins by describing, musically, people at work in peacetime, full of hope and happiness, as the drums and guns of war overcome them. The music marches, fights, and resists.
Victory does not come easily. Shostakovich begins with the timpani roll that concluded the slow third movement and gradually adds other voices. Slowly the music moves towards its conclusion, with brass fanfares and cymbal crashes. It forces its way into bright C major the upbeat key of victory. Yet the final chords in this most magnificent of keys contain a sorrowful sound. In full recognition of the realities, the unimaginable suffering of war, the symphony cannot end in simple triumph.
Shostakovich composed most of the symphony while under siege in Leningrad. Several months into the blockade, and despite his objections, the Soviet government evacuated the Shostakovich family, along with other artists.
The Leningrad Symphony was performed on August 9, 1942 in his besieged home city. The score was airlifted in across Nazi lines. The orchestra had only 15 musicians left, but more were recalled from the front.
A clarinet-player at this historic performance, Galina Lelyukhina, recalled rehearsals: They said on the radio that all living musicians were invited. It was hard to walk. I was sick with scurvy, and my legs were very painful. At first there were nine of us, but then more people arrived. The conductor, Eliasberg, was brought on a sledge, because hunger had made him so weak.
On August 9, 1942 the hall was packed, with windows and doors open so that those outside could hear. The music was broadcast on the streets and to the fronts to inspire the whole nation. The Red Army pre-empted German plans to disrupt the performance by shelling the enemy beforehand to ensure silence for the two hours needed for the concert.
A survivor of the blockade, Irina Skripacheva, remembers: This symphony had a huge impact on us. The rhythm incited a feeling of elevation, flight ... At the same time we could feel the scary rhythm of the German hordes. It was unforgettable and overwhelming.
Seventy-five years later, along Russias western border, NATO (including German) tanks and troops prepare for war.
Shostakovichs Seventh Symphony, the Leningrad, is available on Youtube.
Communist Party of Ireland
Terror as opportunity
The hallmark of any administration worth its corruptly curing salt is making hay while the sun shines its searing rays. Not long after the slashing and running down taking place in London, moving from London Bridge to Borough Market, the tweets of blame and fire were already coming through.
Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, soon after the attack.
That nasty sovereign known as social media was already agitating. One of the biggest themes: the rollback on human rights protections, and the marketing of pure fear. Across the Atlantic, President Donald Trump was adding his little rough side to the debate.
At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!
A spokesman for Sadiq Khan was hoping to deflect the Trump tweet as misdirected spittle, preferring to focus on the job at hand:
The mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to coordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city.
In short, Khan had more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police including armed officers on the streets.
Alarm, however, can be quarried and built upon. The attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market have enabled Prime Minister Theresa May to revive the inner Home Secretary in her, one replete with suspicions and hostility towards free agents and choice in society.
With only hours to go to the polls, May has been promising flintier measures against extremists, notably in terms of controls using risk as a key indicator. Even in the absence of concrete evidence for prosecution, the prime minister fancies making the lot of the state easier in how to control suspects and limit liberties.
More had to be done to restrict the freedom and the movements of terrorist suspects when we have enough to show they present a threat, but not enough evidence to prosecute them in full in court.
If that nuisance known as human rights laws were to stop us from doing it, we will change those laws so we can do it.
Chillingly, this language would sit rather easily with the next fundamentalist reformer keen to ignore human rights in favour of undeviating scripture and the pure society.
Her words read like a laundry list of security promises and heavy-handedness, much of it pointed in the direction of the Human Rights Act, never a beloved instrument of those keen on trimming civil liberties:
I mean longer prison sentences for people convicted of terrorist offences. I mean making it easier for the authorities to deport foreign terror suspects to their own countries.
Tory lawmakers are also pondering the prospect of curbing communications and access to devices, curfews and restrictions on associating between claimed extremists. May is also open to extending the period for which a terrorist suspect can be held without trial. (The current number is 14 days.)
Many of Mays promises are marked by contradiction. The spirit of austerity still haunts the Tory drive to perform its protective duties for Britannia. It wants a fully functioning and efficient security apparatus, but prefers to keep it cash strapped and hobbled.
Khan has reminded the prime minister that talk of robust security is all dandy, until you realise that cuts of up to 10 to 40 percent in police numbers have been implemented, much of this presided over by May herself when she held the post of Home Secretary.
Steve Hilton, former prime minister David Camerons strategy chief, decided to also weigh in on that point, suggesting that May throw in the towel for her sloppiness. It was the prime minister, he charged, who had to be held responsible for [the] security failures of London Bridge, Manchester, Westminster Bridge.
Terror suspects had eluded the counter-terror web; radicalisation fears had been ignored.
Mays proposed legal measures will be subjected to judicial scrutiny when the time comes. Labour, when in office, found the issue of control orders a problem, despite their championing by such figures as former home secretary David Blunkett.
Blunkett, a sort of amateur fascist, who even insisted that May consider restoring such orders in the wake of the suicide bombing in Iraq by British ex-inmate of Guantanamo, Jamal al-Harith.
What is being proposed is a milder variant of permanent surveillance and indefinite control over someone not accused of any crimes, but highlighted as a threat. This is actuarial risk assessment at its worst. Coupled with the badgering of telecommunications companies to do their bit in undermining privacy, and hectoring companies to downgrade their encryption standards, and the world looks ever bleaker.
All this will keep human rights lawyers in clover for some time.
globalresearc.ca
Cloud News
Amazon Sues Former Exec Hired By Smartsheet, Hints That A Still-Secret Competitive Effort Is In the Works
Joseph Tsidulko
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The lawsuit Amazon has filed against a former AWS employee bound by a non-compete agreement gives credence to a report earlier this year that the public cloud leader is developing its own cloud-based office collaboration software.
Amazon makes the argument to the King County Superior Court in Washington that its non-compete is actionable because it has a competitive product to Gene Farrell's new employer, document collaboration vendor Smartsheet. Amazon, in its court complaint, said it would only provide evidence of its product out of the purview of the public.
The lawsuit, filed Friday and first reported by tech news site GeekWire, claims Farrell accepted the job as head of product at Smartsheet, a Bellevue, Wash.-based software vendor, even though his non-compete agreement prevented him working for 18 months at a rival.
[Related: Snapchat, A Prominent Google Cloud Customer, Strikes A Deal With AWS]
Farrell is now in a position to share Amazon's cloud secrets, many of which he helped formulate, according to the legal complaint.
Smartsheet, founded in 2006, has historically been a large AWS customer and AWS even offers on its website a case study of Smartsheet's initial deployment on its infrastructure.
But the fast-growing Software-as-a-Service vendor is shifting at least some of its substantial infrastructure spend to HPE.
At the HPE Discover conference last week, HPE CEO Meg Whitman said Smartsheet has already moved some of its workloads to HPE's private cloud, seeking to buck a public cloud bill that was becoming "increasingly expensive."
Farrell started at AWS in 2012, and advanced over four years to the position of vice president of the enterprise applications & EC2 Windows team.
Smartsheet, in a statement, said the company carefully vetted his hire, and doesn't see itself in any way as a competitor to Amazon.
"We are also surprised by what we see as an enormous overreach in terms of how Amazon is defining productivity software as it relates to their competitive set," the statement said.
Smartsheet CEO Mark Mader told GeekWire the suit left him "dumbfounded" as the two companies operate in "two totally different worlds."
But Amazon's lawsuit against Farrell makes clear the nature of the conflict isn't yet entirely known to the public, and AWS plans to keep it under wraps for some time.
The complaint states "Amazon will submit to the court more detailed information regarding these efforts, under seal, and attorneys eyes only, at the appropriate time."
Amazon warned Farrell, who helped develop AWS' enterprise applications business, that it viewed his new position as violating the agreement, the court complaint reads. "Farrell not only knows AWSs confidential business strategies, he was instrumental in formulating them."
The complaint added: "Farrell has deep and detailed knowledge of the technical details of Amazons future product and service offerings, the business, and competitive considerations that drove the decisions to develop and deploy them, and the strategy for launching these new products."
Those arguments provide a tantalizing hint of what's in the works.
In February, tech news site The Information reported AWS was developing office productivity software to compete in the SaaS market.
Those efforts, which at the time were reported in their early stages, consisting of upgrades to WorkMail, a cloud-based email app released early last year, and its WorkDocs file storage product, according to business partners anonymously cited by The Information.
As for the HPE deal, Whitman said Smartsheet wrestled with the "sheer complexity" of the migration to the private cloud and the funding to make the switch to its on-premises infrastructure.
With the HPE partnership, Smartsheet installs, configures and tests the HPE infrastructure but only begins paying for it once it is "poised to become revenue generating," said Whitman.
One large AWS partner told CRN that the claim Farrell could disseminate product secrets isn't consistent with Amazon's own explanations for how it develops the cloud business.
"AWS claims not to have a roadmap, so how would Gene take anything that would not be developed in the next six to nine months?" the partner asked.
"Nine or more months from now, AWS and Amazon claim they dont know what they will create, customers will tell them," that partner added.
Smartsheet, in its statement, said it doesn't see itself as a competitor to business productivity suites in general, because it "partners and integrates, versus competes, with storage, document creation, and communication platforms."
Google, the pioneer in the cloud-based office productivity market, named Smartsheet a "recommended partner" in November of 2015. At that time, Google Apps (now branded G Suite) was the market leader in that category.
Internet of things News
Security Firms: CrashOverride Malware Marks Newest Security Threat For Industrial Control Systems
Lindsey O'Donnell
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Security firms Dragos and ESET on Monday highlighted a new malware framework, CrashOverride, which targets industrial control systems to take down electric grids.
U.S. infrastructure security firm Dragos alleged that this malware was used in a cyberattack that briefly shut down power in parts of Kiev, Ukraine in December.
"[CrashOverride] marks an advancement in capability by adversaries who intend to disrupt operations and poses a challenge for defenders who look to patching systems as a primary defense, using anti-malware tools to spot specific samples, and relying upon a strong perimeter or air-gapped network as a silver-bullet solution," said Dragos founder Robert Lee in a report. "Adversaries are getting smarter, they are growing in their ability to learn industrial processes and codify and scale that knowledge, and defenders must also adapt."
[Related: Industrial IoT Security Company PAS Raises $40 Million Funding To 'Aggressively' Expand Go-To-Market Channel]
CrashOverride uses two backdoors to manipulate settings on electric power control systems. The malware also features a component for erasing critical system files and a port scanner that helps hackers map out infected networks.
The malware contains four modules that are specific to industrial control systems and exploits four protocols in these systems IEC 101, IEC 104, IEC 61850, and OLE for Process Control Data Access.
CrashOverride is similar to Stuxnet, another malware, first identified in 2010, that is targeted for industrial control systems. Lee stressed that the malware is capable of taking down a grid for a few days but it is not powerful enough to bring down a country's grid. The malware is also designed to disrupt service, not destroy equipment as previous industrial control system malware Stuxnet had.
There are several steps that industrial vendors can take to protect their industrial control systems, according to Dragos. Electric utility security teams should have a clear understanding of where and how the various targeted IEC protocols are used. Similarly, malware can be detected if utility companies take steps to monitor their network for abnormal traffic.
Finally, customers need to prepare incident response plans for this attack that map out the appropriate teams in engineering, operations, IT, and security around their systems.
Many customers with industrial control systems are unprepared for security attacks on connected devices, said Marc Harrison, president of Silicon East, a Marlboro, N.J.-based solution provider that specializes in building automation.
"These devices will never be made secure because manufacturers are not in the [IoT security] business," he said. "There will be far more devices on the internet in the future, and this problem will only grow exponentially. In industrial automation, it's not just about taking machines down the kinds of attacks possible are endless. Hackers can get very creative."
Security News
CRN Exclusive: Cybereason Launches First Channel Program As It Preps For Next Growth Phase
Sarah Kuranda
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Cybereason has launched its first partner program, the company announced Tuesday, the latest in a series of significant channel investments the company is making as it preps for its next phase of growth.
Leading the new program is the company's first channel chief, Gregg Henebry, who joined the company in May as vice president of channels. Henebry joined Cybereason from Fuze, where he was vice president of worldwide channels.
The new Global Partner Program will have three tiers: authorized, gold and platinum. The tiers are broken down by revenue and certification requirements. As companies move up the tiers, they will see increasing levels of investment from Cybereason, in the form of free sales and enablement training, technical training, deal registration, MDF, and discounts.
[Related: Cybereason Exec: Ransomware Attackers Are Expert Marketers]
Cybereason is an endpoint detection and response company that was co-founded by former Unit 8200 members, Israel's equivalent to the NSA. The company's solution is a "super analyst in a box," providing full visibility by identifying the root cause, timeline, endpoints affected and tools behind an attack. It landed $25 million in funding in May.
Henebry said Cybereason is making particular investments around MDF to drive demand in the market and "kickstart" the new program. Those investments include planned regional events with partners, as well as a Range Rover raffle for qualified partner sales people and sales engineers.
John Marler, COO at Houston, Texas-based Set Solutions, said he has seen a big shift and growing maturity at Cybereason towards the channel over the past year. Those changes include the new partner program and key channel team hires, he said. "They are pushing and investing in the channel a lot," Marler said. "It helps us because it makes it a lot easier for us to line up alongside Cybereason as a partner."
Marler said that channel push is of particular importance as Cybereason looks to compete in the hotly competitive endpoint security market. He said Cybereason's technical improvements over the past year would help make the security startup one of the "key players" in the space.
The launch is the latest in a series of investments Cybereason is making as it looks to vastly grow the company, with a particular focus on investments in the channel, Chief Revenue Officer Andrew Byron said. Those investments have included new executive additions (including Henebry and Byron), as well as building out the company's sales force. Byron said the company has added "dozens" of new employees around the channel alone.
"We are leaning in right now to build out a channel," Byron said of the investments. "I think the timing is right for us right now. First-generation technologies traditional IT security technologies they are important, but we have the platform to deal with [cybersecurity challenges] today and in the future. To have a robust channel and partner program is a benefit not just for us and partners, but for customers."
Henebry said the channel investments would also help Cybereason stand out in a hotly competitive market for endpoint security. He said the company sees its differentiation as its architecture and the cloud-based platform it has built. He said the channel would help Cybereason get the scale it needs for that platform.
"When we engage with customers, it becomes obvious quickly that we have developed a unique product. The challenge we have today is how do we scale that to more and more customers around the world. I think building out a value-add, robust channel will make us tremendously more competitive, for sure," Henebry said.
Henebry said Cybereason already has more than 40 partners worldwide, including in North America, EMEA and Japan. With the launch of the new program, he said Cybereason will be looking to recruit additional partners, including a mix of boutique security solution providers, regional VARs, managed service providers, system integrators, and telecom companies. He said the Cybereason solution has a variety of use cases, so it is looking to recruit a wide variety of partners.
Security News
Palo Alto Networks Launches New Venture Fund, Looks To Build Security Platform Ecosystem
Sarah Kuranda
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Palo Alto Networks is looking to boost the next-generation of security startups, announcing the launch of a new venture fund on Tuesday to further expand the company's platform with new, innovative technology.
The $20 million fund, in collaboration with Greylock Partners and Sequoia Capital, will focus on early stage, seed stage and small startups that plan to build applications on the company's new Application Framework. Palo Alto Networks announced the Palo Alto Networks Application Framework, as well as its new venture fund, at its Ignite 2017 conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this week.
"We want to help bootstrap and encourage the next-generation security innovator," Scott Simkin, senior group manager, threat intelligence cloud and security subscriptions, said. "This is just an amazing opportunity to help build and scale early stage, seed stage, and smaller companies that want to build for this application framework."
[Related: Symantec Launches Symantec Ventures, CEO Says Creates New Opportunity For Partners]
In a statement about the launch, Senior Vice President, Business and Corporate Development Chad Kinzelberg said the fund will help "build on our reputation for developing innovative, next-generation security technologies," as well as expand the company's security partner ecosystem.
It represents an essential part of our mission to help organizations prevent cyber breaches by inspiring and accelerating a ground swell of security innovation in a model that can be easily accessed and deployed by customer organizations," Kinzelberg said.
Palo Alto Networks is not the only security vendor to launch its own venture fund in recent months. Symantec also announced a fund, called Symantec Ventures, in March to focus on early-stage investments in artificial intelligence, analytics, and machine learning startups that tie into its security platform.
Simkin said Palo Alto Networks doesn't have any specific type of application it will be focusing investments on. He said it will look for categories that will provide value to customers on top of the Palo Alto Networks security platform, potentially including threat intelligence, threat analytics, orchestration, mobile security, and IoT security.
The venture fund is not only open to ISVs and application developers, but also to partners and customers, Simkin said.
"We are not constraining this in any way. If a partner or MSSP wants to get funding or apply, we will consider all equally on the criteria of delivering security value," Simkin said.
John Marler, COO at Houston, Tex.-based Set Solutions, said the new fund responds to a future of security that centers around integration, automation, and orchestration. He said it is good to see Palo Alto Networks further expand its strategy in this area.
"Any major player that is pursuing that strategy to integrate and automate third-party connections is in a winning position," Marler said. "That's one of the reasons we like Palo Alto Networks."
Storage News
Pure Storage Aims For The Enterprise, Cloud Storage Business With Major Software Updates
Joseph F. Kovar
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All-flash storage vendor Pure Storage Tuesday expanded the software that accompanies its high-performance hardware with advanced clustering and quality-of-service capabilities.
The company also used its Pure//Accelerate 2017 conference, held this week in San Francisco, to unveil a number of hardware updates to its all-flash storage arrays.
The changes come as innovation in the software capabilities of all-flash storage has struggled to keep up with improvements in the sheer performance of the hardware, said Matt Kixmoeller, vice president of products for the Mountain View, Calif.-based vendor.
[Related: CRN Exclusive: Pure Storage CEO Dietzen On Pure's Software Focus, Profitability Goals And HCI Views]
"Tier-one storage offers the highest flexibility and performance, but not the fastest innovation," Kixmoeller told CRN. "We want to end the compromise. We're bringing in technology to close the gap."
Pure Storage is doing just that with the introduction of its Purity//FA 5.0 software, the latest version of the company's software for managing data and services with its all-flash hardware, Kixmoeller said.
The biggest addition to the Purity//FA software is ActiveCluster, a new active-active metro stretch cluster capability that allows an application to run synchronously in two data centers up to 150 miles apart, or on separate racks within the same data center, Kixmoeller said.
For example, he said, a customer running Oracle Real Application Clusters on eight servers could have four of the servers in one data center and four in another. "If there's a disruption in one data center, the application keeps running in the other," he said.
Purity//FA 5.0's ActiveCluster deploys quickly with only four commands and does not require the addition of a third-party server or cloud to mediate between the two parts of the clusters.
"This is the last of the high-end resiliency services that we have not had before at Pure Storage," he said.
The quality-of-service capability of Purity//FA 5.0 can now be assigned on a per-volume basis, Kixmoeller said.
Also new with Purity//FA is VMware VVOLs, or Virtual Volumes, implementation for VMware's Cloud Automation Suite. Kixmoeller said Pure Storage has simplified the otherwise complex implementation of VVOLs by integrating the VMware APIs For Storage Awareness into its arrays to let customers easily implement such services as snapshots, replication and quality of service for virtual machines running on Pure Storage's all-flash arrays.
Pure Storage also expanded the snapshot capability of Purity//FA. Previously, customers could snapshot and replicate data from one Pure Storage FlashArray to another, but with Purity//FA 5.0 data can be replicated from a FlashArray to a FlashBlade, or to a generic array, or even to Amazon S3 object storage, he said.
For developers, Pure Storage introduced PurityRun, which allows applications to be run in virtual machines or containers on a Pure Storage array, Kixmoeller said.
PurityRun also can be used to run Windows File Services with FlashArray arrays, letting them run the actual application without an additional server for certain workloads, Kixmoeller said.
"This is not hyper-converged infrastructure," he said. "It's not designed for huge compute workloads. It's for more specific workloads like file services. But it does open the possibility of running applications on the array. This could be hyper-converged infrastructure over time."
Pure Storage also enhanced its Pure1 cloud-based monitoring, predictive analytics and proactive support software with the addition of Meta, a new global predictive intelligence capability.
Kixmoeller said Pure Storage arrays gather about 1,000 different metrics while they're running, and Meta collects that data to develop a "workload DNA," which can be used to determine the performance requirements of a workload.
"Pure1 can use that data to look at multiple workloads and their data growth and make predictions for future requirements," he said. "Meta doesn't care what the workload is but instead compares the workload DNA of multiple workloads to do auto-balancing and optimization across the entire system."
Pure Storage has done an incredible job of bringing its flash storage technology to enterprise customers, said Mark Galyardt, executive vice president at XIOSS, an Atlanta-based solution provider and Pure Storage channel partner.
"It takes newer vendors awhile to get into large accounts," Galyardt told CRN. "But now Pure Storage is doing enterprise storage really well. Pure Storage is more enterprise-ready than other startups, and has been since it launched."
The new FlashArray ActiveCluster will be a boon to enterprises, nearly all of which use clustering for redundancy and scale, XIOSS' Galyardt said.
New volume-based quality of service will eliminate a big advantage that NetApp's SolidFire offering has had, Galyardt said.
"Pure's quality of service will be use-case-driven and application-driven," he said. "In the IT world, Cisco has made a big impact with quality of service, but it's something that's not often seen in the storage business until recently. With quality of service, we can now virtualize everything and start moving towards software-defined storage."
On the hardware side, Pure Storage introduced a DirectFlash shelf to its FlashArray//X NVMe-based al-flash array. The DirectFlash Shelf allows the NVMe capacity of the FlashArray//X arrays to up to 512 TB. It is scheduled to be available in the second half of 2017, Kixmoeller said.
Pure Storage is also working with Cisco to demonstrate the extension of Cisco UCS servers to NVMe performance using FlashArray//X, Kixmoeller said. "This is just a preview," he said. "There's no announced timeline. We're just showcasing that it works."
Pure Storage Tuesday also introduced the ability to scale its FlashBlade array for big data and other cloud workloads to up to 75 blades for a total raw capacity of up to 4 petabytes, a five-times improvement over the prior limit of 800 TB, Kixmoeller said. And because each blade includes both compute and capacity components, the performance of the FlashBlade increases as capacity increases, he said.
The company also introduced a new 17-TB blade for its FlashBlade all-flash storage arrays that fits between its previous 8-TB and 52-TB blades, he said.
The company also enhanced the FlashBlade software with new enterprise features including IPV6, LDAP, HTTP and full snapshot support, and introduced object storage capabilities, Kixmoeller said.
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- The Jackson County Utility Authority has received $3 million based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 announced by U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran.
The funds will aid in supporting the design of a treated wastewater effluent plant that will reside in the eastern part of the county and will replace the current plants in Pascagoula, Moss Point, and Escatawpa.
"I am pleased the Army Corps will direct significant resources to Mississippi to improve the management and operations of wastewater, levies and public works," Cochran said.
According to officials with the JCUA, this long-term project is thought to have great benefits for Jackson County.
By consolidating the sewer treatment facilities into one centralized location, efforts will be geared towards providing a reliable source of industrial water for industries in east Jackson County while reducing the dependency on water drawn from the Pascagoula River for industrial purposes.
The initial funding will involve engineering for site selection and location, extensive environmental permitting and is a substantial investment in the engineering required for the new facility.
The $3 million funding, which requires a 25 percent match, will be utilized for conceptual engineering and planning.
"We are pleased with the confidence that Senator Cochran and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have shown in the JCUA to include our request for funding," JCUA Executive Director Tommy Fairfield said.
"This will assist the JCUA in preliminary construction plans for a new facility and we have been working diligently with the Corp of Engineers on this project. We have requested cooperation from our local governing authorities on this project, including the county and the municipalities which the JCUA serves.
We ask for cooperation from our cities and county as we move forward to see this project completed. We look forward to working with newly elected Mayor Dane Maxwell of Pascagoula, who has already been engaged with Mississippi's Legislative Delegation to assist the JCUA on this project and with the City Councils of Pascagoula and Moss Point to move this project forward."
At this time, a date of completion has yet to be determined.
'The Future Is Now'
Master agent Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI) is kicking off its BIG event this week in its hometown of Chicago. The two-day educational event for partners will focus on opportunities around SD-WAN, cloud, and international solutions. The master agent also wants to show partners that considering a supplier beyond what they may be known for will open the door for more selling opportunities down the road.
Jeff Newton, vice president of enterprise sales and engineering for TBI sat down with CRN to talk about the suppliers that will be in attendance, industry trends that are shaping the telecom space, and the solutions that partners should be betting on today.
Here's a glimpse of what solution providers can expect from the BIG Event.
A new survey finds that an overwhelming majority of Yulin residents, 72 percent, do not regularly consume dog meat. Photo by Peter Li/HSI
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This week, Chinese citizens recoiled after learning the story of a man who had baited 500 stray and owned cats with sparrows and other caged birds, captured them, crowded the poor animals into small cages, and made arrangements to sell them to restaurants for human consumption. Authorities discovered a cache of cats in the back of a small truck, close to death and mewing faintly in the heat, the Washington Post reported.
Even though selling dog and cat meat is legal in the country, residents met the news with a mix of surprise and revulsion. Rank-and-file Chinese view dogs and cats as companions and not food, with surveys reinforcing that just a small percentage of people in the country eat dog and cat meat.
Last month, I shared news of a temporary ban on dog meat sales at a controversial festival in Yulin, China, where butchers slaughter thousands of dogs every year. Local government officials have become wary of the international censure this event has brought to the city. Just a week before the festivals scheduled start date of June 21, a public attitude survey shows that the local community doesnt buy the argument that the dog meat festival equates to good business.
The survey, conducted by our partners, the Beijings Capital Animal Protection Association and Vshine Animal Protection Association, in partnership with the citys municipal government, found that an overwhelming majority of the citys residents, 72 percent, do not regularly consume dog meat. Although there is a higher percentage of dog meat eaters in Yulin than in the rest of the country, dog meat consumption is far from a mainstream culinary practice. Many who consume dog meat are chance eaters who eat it unknowingly or accidentally in social gatherings or dinner parties.
The temporary ban on dog meat sales at Yulin is expected to take effect June 15, and it includes heavy penalties for violations. As is so often the case, Chinese officials have not formally confirmed the ban, but multiple organizations on the ground who have spoken to Yulin traders in their own local dialect, have strong reason to believe its accurate.
Last years festival was a pale version of what it once was after the government disallowed the display of dogs on restaurant tables. This led to a drop in the number of animals killed and visitors to the festival. If this years ban on the sale of dog meat in the run-up to the event is properly enforced, it should accelerate the spiraling of the event downward.
Dog meat traders created the Yulin event in 2010, and although they have falsely tried to promote it as a cultural and historical festival, their effort is increasingly seen as a marketing ploy and a concoction. In a turn of fate, its actually provided a global rallying cry against the entire dog meat business. The media have publicized images of starving and thirsty dogs, transported over long distances in packed trucks with no access to food or water, and then callously and unceremoniously killed, skinned, and cooked. The whole brew has caused a horribly foul taste in the mouths of dog lovers in China and around the world, and prompted them to step up campaigns everywhere.
In addition to an animal welfare calamity, the festival is also now rightly labeled as a public health threat. China has the second highest number of human rabies cases in the world, and the Guangxi Autonomous Region, where Yulin is located, and the city of Yulin, have historically had Chinas highest incidence of rabies. Mass transport, handling, and slaughter expose workers in the dog meat trade, who are mostly unvaccinated, to the deadly disease. The World Health Organization warns that the dog trade spreads rabies and increases the risk of cholera by 20 times.
As China specialist Peter Li of HSI says, eating dogs and cats is not part of Chinas mainstream culinary practice, including in Yulin. Many Chinese people find it distasteful to cook dog meat in their own kitchens. The enterprise brings no riches but only opprobrium and disgrace to the participants, and the city of Yulin would be well advised to bring this spectacle to a permanent close and treat the dog-meat enterprise as a sad footnote in the history of this community.
In today's world where foregoing a paycheck is often not an option, many parents work outside the home while raising their kids. Two-thirds of family households depend on two incomes, according to financial site WalletHub. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 93 percent of dads with kids younger than 18 are employed.
Luckily for fathers in Connecticut, a recent WalletHub study found that the state is the best one in the country for working dads. WalletHub ranked each state and Washington, DC based on economic and social well-being, work-life balance, child care and health.
BRIDGEPORT On one thing, the city school community agrees: Marie Allen has her work cut out for her.
A school administrator with a reputation for improving the climate of Pathways Academy at Briggs, an alternative high school in Norwalk, Allen has been named principal of Bassick High School a much larger school where fights are common and often posted on YouTube.
Allens appointment came Monday. The item wasnt on the Board of Educations posted agenda. But Schools Superintendent Aresta Johnson asked the board to add the appointment to her consent agenda. The board did so, without comment.
In her new job, Allen will get an annual salary of $141,500, the school board was told. Her job starts in August. She wasnt at the meeting and could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
Gary Peluchette, president of the Bridgeport Education Association, said Bassick teachers would have liked the opportunity to make their voices heard at the meeting and were upset that Allens appointment was not on the agenda.
Privately, a number of teachers said they were flabbergasted by the decision.
Teachers who interviewed the three finalists differed with Bassicks School Governance Council a body of parents, teachers and community members on a top choice. Teachers wanted Joseph Raiola, a Harding assistant principal with a no-nonsense reputation. The governance council recommended Allen.
This process has shown that even the best candidate will not and cannot become a person of influence, because decisions are made for us time and time again in the interests of other parties, one frustrated teacher said, afraid to give his name.
Mixed reactions
Members of the school board also interviewed the finalists last month. Board member Howard Gardner said afterward that he was prepared to start the process all over again.
I personally didnt feel warm and fuzzy about any of the candidates, Gardner said.
He remained concerned, he said, that the school is not getting the the support it needs. Bassick has a high dropout rate, high absenteeism and single-digit mastery results on state standardized tests.
But board member Maria Pereira said she came away impressed with Allen.
I just loved her, Pereira said. She hasnt had a fight in her school for five years.
Her one reservation was that Pathways is small, with fewer that 100 students. Bassick is 10 times that size.
A stickler when it comes to transparency, Pereira said she did not have a problem with the appointment being added late to the agenda. Johnson, she explained, wanted to interview Allen a second time, and in doing so missed the board deadline for getting items on the agenda.
Letting people voice their opinion would be a more fair way to do it, Peluchette said.
To succeed, Peluchette said, the new Bassick principal needs to consider the input of veteran teachers.
We need someone who is fair, open to suggestion and who tries to unite the staff, he said.
Allen has been the principal at Briggs for six years. At Bassick, she will replace Tomas Ramirez, a Providence school administrator who came with high hopes for turning around what is arguably the toughest school in the city. Six months into the job, he announced he was leaving in June.
A good fit
Allen will be Bassicks ninth principal since 2010.
Former Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Jim Connelly, who served as an interim superintendent in Norwalk, worked with Allen and called her very successful in improving school climate issues, staff morale and bringing wraparound services to students and their families.
I think she will be a good fit for Bassick and an outstanding addition to the administrative team in Bridgeport, Connelly said.
Allen has a bachelor of arts in English from Santa Clara University, a master of arts in education from California State University, and a Ph.D. in organizational administration from Claremont Graduate University in California. She began her teaching career in Los Angeles in 1977, and has served as a personnel director and an elementary school principal.
Johnson said she has confidence that Allen will succeed where others have failed.
She comes highly recommended, is respected and I expect her to be a great asset to the Bassick community, Johnson said.
Albert Benejan, president of the Parent Teacher Student Organization and a participant in the interview process, said he supports Allen.
I know she is ready, Benejan said. I like her. She was very positive. Very strong. She said she was not going to give up. She wants to work with parents.
lclambeck@ctpost.com; @lclambeck
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Donald Trumps affinity for aircraft and military might is hitting turbulence in the helicopter capital of the world.
The presidents proposal to cut $327 million in military spending for Black Hawk helicopters for the National Guard reducing the number ordered from 60 to 48 for the upcoming fiscal year is sparking protests by Connecticuts congressional delegation.
Its a role reversal of sorts for a president who campaigned on promises to rebuild the military, with Democrats calling on Trump to restore funding for the Black Hawk, which is made by Sikorsky in Stratford.
The presidents budget is less than meets the eye, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., an Armed Services Committee member. Im very eager to make sure that Sikorsky continues the great work on its Blackhawk program, but also theres an issue of readiness and capability for our National Guard. They need the Black Hawks.
A request for comment was left Tuesday for the White House.
The tiff over Black Hawks is the latest wedge to come between the all-Democratic delegation and Trumps administration, who have clashed on immigration, Affordable Care Act repeal, military action in Syria and Russian intervention in the presidential election.
The workhorse of the U.S. military for nearly four decades, the Black Hawk has become a symbol of air supremacy, from the 2011 Pakistan raid that killed Osama bin Laden to last years search-and-rescue missions in the southeastern U.S. after Hurricane Matthew. Sikorsky has been churning out about 100 a year for the past decade.
We thank the entire Connecticut delegation for their support and engagement, said Paul Jackson, a spokesman for Lockheed Martins Sikorsky business. The Black Hawk helicopter plays a critical role in national defense. We appreciate all efforts to ensure our warfighters have the resources to deliver on their missions.
Last week, Blumenthal and his Connecticut colleagues were among 11 senators and 20 House members who signed letters urging Congress to reverse Trumps cuts to the Sikorsky program. Signers included U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes, Elizabeth Esty, John Larson and Sen. Chris Murphy. The Senate version of the letter had one GOP signer, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy.
On Tuesday, Blumenthal said he hoped to press Defense Secretary James Mattis on the Black Hawk cuts during an Armed Services Committee hearing. And the senator acknowledged that Trump is not the first president to target Sikorsky.
This has been a sort a simmering battle, Blumenthal said. Essentially, we fight it every year.
Last fall, a cavalcade of politicians led by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy celebrated the delivery of the 1,000th H-60M Black Hawk by Sikorsky to the Army. The milestone came shortly after the company renewed its commitment to keep its headquarters in Connecticut, after lawmakers overwhelmingly agreed to give it yearly grants of $8.6 million for 14 years if the company meets benchmarks for suppliers, job growth and payroll. Sales tax exemptions of $5.7 million a year are included in the package, plus incentives close to $2 million a year if job targets are exceeded.
The deal is expected to yield $69 billion in economic benefits over the next 16 years, according to the state.
nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
During National Mens Health Month, the Connecticut State Dental Association is encouraging men to pay close attention to their oral health.
During mens health month, we urge men to focus on their well-being, including their oral health, said Dr. Gary Linker, CSDA President in a news release.
Mens Health Month is a national health education program created to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage the detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
Oral health in men has been linked to many other health factors from heart disease to reproductive health issues and cancer. The American Academy of Periodontology has found that gum disease is higher in men (56.4 percent) than in women (38.4 percent).
Gum disease and heart disease are linked, and research shows gum disease increases risk of heart disease.
Men are also two times more likely to get oral cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. This has been attributed to higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use by men.
Research has found that men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums.
All the while, oral cancer is on the rise. A report by FAIR Health, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare data, reports that health insurance claims for oral cancer jumped 61 percent from 2011 to 2015, with three times more men than women reporting having oral cancer.
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From a distance, the well-being of children in Connecticut looks pretty good.
The state tops the nation in the rate of kids going to preschool and is lowest when it comes to child and teen death rates, according to a new Annie B. Casey Foundation report released Tuesday.
In education, the state ranks fourth and overall gets a sixth place finish in the 2017 Kids Count Data Book.
The big picture, however, masks pockets of poverty that plague the states urban centers and a state fiscal crisis that could threaten the states position going forward, according to Emmanuel Adero, a policy analyst for the Connecticut Association for Human Services and a state-based affiliate of the foundation.
In early childhood there has been a strong investment, Adero said. But in the state budget, funding for early childhood education is in jeopardy. Our rating in this area could suffer.
In releasing the annual snapshot, Patrick McCarthy, president of the foundation, sent out a blanket message urging all states, including Connecticut, not to back away from investments aimed at lifting children out of poverty.
As policymakers search for ideas to expand the economy and bring economic opportunities to families, I urge them not to abandon targeted public investments that .... help U.S. children become healthier, more likely to complete high school and better positioned to contribute to the nations economy as adults.
Good news, bad news
More Information CONNECTICUT'S STANDING VS. NATION
Based on 2015 data Connecticut's overall ranking is 6th Health: 3rd
Low-birth-weight babies 7.9%
Kids without health insurance 3%
Children and teen deaths per 100,000 15
Teens who abuse alcohol or drugs 5% Education: 4th
3- and 4-year-olds not in preschool 36%
4th-graders not reading on grade level 57%
8th-graders not proficient in math 64%
High schoolers not graduating on time 13% Family and community: 9th
Kids in single-parent families 32%
Kids where parent lacks high school diploma 8%
Kids living in high poverty areas 9%
Teen births per 100,000 10 Economic Well-being: 17th
Kids living in poverty 15%
Kids whose parents lack secure employment 27%
Kids living where cost of living is high 37%
Teens not in school and not working 5% Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation See More Collapse
The annual KIDS COUNT Data Book uses 16 indicators to rank each state across health, education, economic well-being, and family and community.
Nationwide, 95 percent of U.S. children now have health care coverage, a historic high. The percentage of families across the country living below the poverty line has fallen, to 21 percent in 2015, compared to 22 percent in 2010.
In Connecticut, the number of children living in poverty during the same time period increased from 13 to 15 percent. In 2015, 109,000 children in the state lived below the poverty line.
Connecticut ranks third nationwide in health. It has the lowest child and teen death rate in the country, and ranking fifth in the number of children not covered by health insurance. Three percent of children in Connecticut lack health coverage and teen births in the state is the second lowest rate in the nation.
In 2015, 1,241 babies were born to teen mothers in Connecticut or 10 out of every 1,000 babies born.
The states fourth place rank in education is due to relatively high ranking in fourth grade reading and for the percentage of three and 4-year-olds attending preschool.
An insecure perch
That could all change in the new fiscal year, Adero said.
The state budget has been left to a special session to settle. In February, the budget proposed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy would cut $32 million from state-subsidized preschool slots.
Hardest hit would be the Care4Kids program that helps low to moderate income families in the state pay for child care costs. In December 2016, 18,533 subsidies were being provided according to the states Office of Early Childhood website.
Under the governors plan, the program would remain closed to new applicants for the next two years.
The deficit threatens a wide range of investments in early care and education, health insurance coverage, K-12 education and more, said Jim Horan, chief executive officer CAHS. We need to maintain the investments that make this possible, and seek to improve outcomes for all children, especially those living in poor cities.
Nine percent of Connecticut children live in high-poverty areas, which placed the state 19th in the nation. And the state ranks18th in children having parents who lack secure employment.
Its clear places like Bridgeport are not seeing the recovery other parts of the state have, Mary Pat Healy, director of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition said. In Bridgeport, child poverty in 2015 remained at 32.4 percent.
Slaven Vlasic / Getty Images for Museum of the M
For NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, this will be a month to remember.
On June 8, his interview with President Donald Trump figured in the testimony of fired FBI Director James Comey before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
On June 19, Quinnipiac University will give Holt its Fred Friendly First Amendment Award.
Quinnipiac, where I taught journalism, and Friendlys widow Ruth decided months ago that Holt should be the honoree.
The timing of the presentation is fortuitous. The polite but persistent way Holt searches for answers as he did in the interview with the president earned him the honor.
Comey told the Senate committee Trump had tarnished his reputation and the FBIs.
He clearly was referring, at least in part, to Holts May 11 interview with Trump, two days after Trump fired Comey.
Trump said he had been preparing to fire Comey regardless of what recommendations he received.
TRUMP: Look, hes a showboat. Hes a grandstander. The FBI has been in turmoil. You know that. I know that. Everybody knows that. You take a look at the FBI a year ago, it was in virtual turmoil less than a year ago. It hasnt recovered from that.
HOLT: Monday you met with the Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
TRUMP: Right.
HOLT: Did you ask for a recommendation?
TRUMP: What I did is, I was going to fire Comey. My decision. It was not
HOLT: You had made the decision before they came into your office.
TRUMP: I, I was going to fire Comey. Theres no good time to do it, by the way.
Comey told the committee Trumps remarks were lies, plain and simple.
Bestowed annually, the Fred Friendly First Amendment Award is named for the former president of CBS News, a champion of a free press. Holt is the 24th journalist to receive it.
Holt joined NBC News as a correspondent in 2000. He moved to weekend anchor of Nightly News, and then in 2015 to full-time anchor, replacing Brian Williams, who was demoted for exaggerating an experience in the Iraq War.
Holt has covered many big news events around the world. Last month, he reported from Manchester, England, following the terrorist attack at a concert. He also anchors the weekly Dateline NBC.
In 2016, Holt moderated the first presidential debate between Trump and Hillary Clinton.
Trump said he always opposed the war in Iraq. Holt noted that on a radio show Trump supported the invasion.
Trump later accused Holt of being a Democrat. In fact, Holt is a registered Republican.
Roots of his family tree are in Jamaica, India and England.
Holt, 58, lives in Manhattan with his wife Carol Hagen. Their son Stefan works for WNBC in New York.
Comey, 56, bought a house in Westport in 2010 when he became general counsel of the Westport-based Bridgewater hedge fund.
Paul Janensch, of Bridgeport, was a newspaper editor and taught journalism at Quinnipiac University. His weekly Memo on the Media can be heard on wqun.com. Email: paul.janensch@quinnipiac.edu.
The second Battle of Lincoln, 20 May 1217, is one of the greatest English conflicts that almost nobody has ever heard of. The British Library is a partner in a new exhibition at The Collection Museum in Lincoln from 27 May to 3 September 2017 which hopes to change this: Battles and Dynasties. This exhibition brings together an enormous range of artefacts from the medieval to modern periods, celebrating the role of Lincoln in the development of modern Britain.
The First Battle of Lincoln, 1141, in Henry of Huntingdons Historia Anglorum: Arundel MS 48, f. 168v.
Given the relative stability of the monarchy in the kingdom of England during the Middle Ages, it is easy to forget the many contests to the position of its kings and queens. We all know the bloody story of the Wars of the Roses, but conflict boiled over far earlier than this. Lincoln was a centre for this, as one of the prominent fortified settlements in the eastern part of England. The first Battle of Lincoln of 1141 saw the forces of the Empress Matilda capture King Stephen. At the second Battle of Lincoln, the future of the country was at stake as forces loyal to Prince Louis of France challenged the authority of King Henry III, still a child. Henrys forces won the day, and he went on to rule for more than fifty years but English history would have been different if the battle had gone otherwise.
Peraldus, Summa de uirtutibus et uitiis: Harley MS 3244, ff. 27v28r.
Lincoln was also a major intellectual centre of medieval England. Its cathedral school became one of the most prominent English centres of education in the late 12th century under the beloved teacher William de Montibus. His student, Richard of Wetheringsett, went on to become the first known chancellor of the University of Cambridge. As bishop of Lincoln, Robert Grosseteste became one of the most influential writers of the 13th century. All these figures works feature in Harley MS 3244, which is displayed at Lincoln with its splendid illustrated version of a treatise on the virtues and vices, as applied to the armour of a knight.
Great Bible of Henry IV: Royal MS 1 E IX, f. 163v.
Also on display are some of the splendours of courtly culture made in the midst of conflict. King Henry IV is generally known for his ruthlessness, thanks to his deposition of Richard II, but he was also a lover of books: the enormous Great Bible, measuring 630 430 mm, is thought to have been in his collection. Englands interdependencies on Europe did not slow even in the face of the wars at this time: the volume of Jehan de Wavrins Anciennes et nouvelles chroniques dAngleterre (Old and New Chronicles of England) in the exhibition, Royal MS 14 E IV, was produced in Lille and Bruges in the 1470s for King Edward IV, while conflicts over who should be the monarch continued to brew.
Jehan de Wavrin, Anciennes et nouvelles chroniques dAngleterre: Royal MS 14 E IV, f. 10r.
There are far more treasures to see in the exhibition. Also on display from the British Library are the Rochester Chronicle (Cotton MS Nero D II) and the chronicle of Ralph of Coggeshall (Cotton MS Vespasian D X). The collections gathered at Lincoln are a reminder that events maintaining the status quo are just as important as those that overturn it, and that culture can continue to flourish even in the midst of conflict. We hope that many of you get the chance to view our manuscripts in person.
Andrew Dunning
Plastic Surgeon Sued for Posting Before and After Breast Photos
Whomever said that 'there's no such thing as bad publicity' probably never had naked photographs of themselves posted on the internet. Sure, some celebrities built careers off purportedly leaked sex tapes, but the same cannot be said about the vast majority of women who have their before and after breast augmentation photos posted online by their plastic surgeon.
Breast augmentation can often be controversial. Some people have no problem sharing their experience with the procedure (though might prefer faceless and nameless photos), while others want their cosmetic surgery to remain private. In a recently filed Chicago lawsuit, a woman is suing her plastic surgeon for posting her before and after photos, despite her not providing the legally required consent.
Details of the Case
In 2015, a woman, identified anonymously as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, went to Dr. Rajendra Shah for a breast augmentation. After agreeing to the procedure, she agreed to take before and after photos. However, when signing her paperwork for the procedure, she crossed out the section that permitted the doctor to post the before and after photos to the practice's website. It is also alleged that she verbally told the doctor that she did not want her photos posted online due to her distinctive freckle pattern on her chest.
Months after the procedure, despite withholding consent, her photos were posted on the plastic surgeon's website. Allegedly a year after getting posted, the woman visited the site and saw the photos. While her name and face were omitted, she feared that other viewers might be able to identify her based on her freckles. Although the doctor removed the photos from the website when notified by an attorney for the plaintiff, the case was still filed to recover $50,000 in damages.
Invasion of Privacy
When it comes to a person's private life, including their medical history, the law provides some limited but robust protection. Fortunately for victims, the First Amendment usually will not protect those who invade the privacy of another.
For instance, a person cannot just borrow your personal diary, access your medical records, or other private information, then publish that private info online without consequence. Under the law, there are numerous civil privacy protections, not to mention federal and state laws that govern privacy in the medical context. While a judge can order the private information removed from an offender's website or other medium, damages may have accumulated as a result of the publication.
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Unanimous Federal Court Blocks Trump's Travel Ban, Again
For the second time in four months, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's injunction on an executive order banning entry into the United States of individuals from several Muslim-majority countries. And the Ninth was the second federal appeals court in as many months to affirm orders blocking Trump's revised travel ban -- the Fourth Circuit issued their opinion three weeks ago, a decision the U.S. Department of Justice has appealed to the Supreme Court.
That's a lot of orders, injunctions, and opinions flying around. So how is the Ninth Circuit's decision different? And how might it affect the Supreme Court's decision on the travel bans?
Back and Fourth
While the Fourth Circuit's opinion rested primarily on First Amendment grounds and relied heavily on contextual comments from Trump and his campaign exhibiting "religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination," the Ninth Circuit focused their decision on statutory grounds. While conceding that the president has "broad powers to control the entry of aliens," the court asserted that "immigration, even for the President, is not a one-person show":
The President's authority is subject to certain statutory and constitutional restraints. We conclude that the President, in issuing the Executive Order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress. In suspending the entry of more than 180 million nationals from six countries, suspending the entry of all refugees, and reducing the cap on the admission of refugees from 110,000 to 50,000 for the 2017 fiscal year, the President did not meet the essential precondition to exercising his delegated authority...
So what are the preconditions? First the president "must make a sufficient finding that the entry of these classes of people would be 'detrimental to the interests of the United States,'" must follow a specific process for setting the cap on the admission of refugees, and can't discriminate based on nationality.
Appealing the Appeals Courts
As noted above, the Justice Department has already appealed the Fourth Circuit's decision. But the Ninth Circuit's decision could give the Supreme Court something more to think about. As the Washington Post pointed out, in order for Trump's travel ban to be reinstated, the Supreme Court would need to "overrule the Fourth and Ninth Circuits on both statutory and constitutional grounds." And while the DOJ argued that Trump's tweets and his administration's comments on the travel ban could not be cited as evidence of religious discrimination, the Ninth Circuit decision won't be subject to the same critique.
It's not certain that the Supreme Court will even hear the case, nor do we know when it might issue a ruling if it does. But the conjecture, especially from the president, will surely continue until then.
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Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.
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What Is HIV Discrimination?
Individuals who have HIV or AIDS will generally be protected under the law from discrimination. However, recognizing HIV or AIDS discrimination may be difficult.
Individuals with HIV or AIDS can face discrimination in nearly every facet of life. Sadly, even children have been shunned by schools, daycares, after school programs, and their peers and other parents. Adults can suffer discrimination at work, in businesses, at hospitals, and also among their peers and colleagues. A recent case was settled where an Iraqi war veteran was denied aquatic physical therapy due to a policy prohibiting HIV positive individuals in the pool.
Different Types of HIV Discrimination
HIV is a serious, potentially fatal virus that can develop into the disease AIDS. AIDS is a disease that compromises the immune system, leaving a person extraordinarily vulnerable to succumb to other illnesses and infections that a healthy person would be able to stave off. Individuals with either HIV or AIDS generally are protected by the federal laws that prohibit disability discrimination, genetic information discrimination, and sexual orientation discrimination.
Most often, an individual with AIDS or HIV will encounter discrimination from individuals who do not understand how the virus is transmitted. This can lead to individuals being left out of normal activities, or denied certain rights, because others fear that just being around a person with HIV will lead to the transmission of the virus.
Additionally, individuals can suffer sexual orientation discrimination because others unfairly assume that all individuals contracted the virus through homosexual activity. Often, adults will face employment discrimination based on their employer's belief that their HIV status impacts their ability to perform or represent the company at higher levels.
Legal Remedies for HIV Discrimination
Under federal law, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides strong protections for individuals with HIV and AIDS. Individuals with either easily meet the definition of disabled under the ADA, which requires showing that one of a person's major life functions is compromised. In addition to the ADA, other state and federal laws provide avenues to stop discrimination based on a person's HIV status.
If you believe you have encountered discrimination due to having AIDS or being HIV positive, or due to your association with someone who has HIV or AIDS, you can contact a civil rights attorney to learn about what you can do to fight back.
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Benjamin writes, "Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has called for a special session to basically make Saint Louis less of a 'sanctuary city' for those seeking abortion. This special session will lead to some pretty hefty taxpayer expense, of course, and has faced some opposition. In an inexplicable turn of events, this has lead to state Representative Mike Moon [R-Ash Grove] [@realmikemoon, +1 573-751-4077, Mike.Moon@house.mo.gov] a member of the Tea Party, to literally slaughter/Indiana Jones de-heart a live chicken, on video. Because, abortion."
"Like any good career politician, when I get the call, I go back to work," Moon says, snapping the animal's neck. "God gave man dominion over animals. He allows us to raise them properly, care for them, and then process them for food so we can sustain life. And that's what I'm doing here with this chicken."
As he talks, Moon is chopping up the bird. He digs in, pulling out its organs as he continues: "So we've been called back to this special session for the primary purpose of supporting life, protecting the unborn specifically."
Then he goes for the heart.
"I think we need to get to the heart of the matter here," Moon says, holding the heart out to the viewer. (Ewww!!!) "So today, I'm filing a bill that will lead to the stopping of abortion in the state of Missouri, and I hope you'll support it. So stay tuned for more details."
In Washington today, a bizarre development that breaks with years of political and press tradition. This can't have anything to do with their secret plan to take away health care, could it?
ALERT: Reporters at Capitol have been told they are not allow to film interviews with senators in hallways, contrary to years of precedent Kasie Hunt (@kasie) June 13, 2017
Skipping hearings, body slamming a reporter, restricting cameras is usually not a sign of confidence in the popular appeal of one's agenda Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) June 13, 2017
CONDITIONS for any interview: Previously granted permission from senator AND Rules Committee of Senate Kasie Hunt (@kasie) June 13, 2017
Maybe not the right moment to lower the secrecy veil on Congress. To whoever is trying to protect Senators we can fend for ourselves. https://t.co/YSbTuaIZKV Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 13, 2017
The signs of authoritarianism are right here, folks. Trump isn't alone in this. Consider the @GOP that enables him, as well as his voters. Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) June 13, 2017
Nothing to hide at all. Just good, open government https://t.co/WVH08x2IQN Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) June 13, 2017
NEW: The Sen Rules Cmte now wants us to request approval from them for EVERY on-cam interview of a Senator in the hallway we want to conduct Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 13, 2017
In the Senate there are very few places that are so-called designated camera stakeout positions. Most are not high traffic areas. Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 13, 2017
So restricting the access of TV cameras in hallways and requiring approval for every single interview is suffocating. Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) June 13, 2017
The GOP-led Congress' commitment to operate in shadow now includes the rule that the shining light shall be discouraged Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) June 13, 2017
Really hope journalists will ignore this unconscionable rule and flood the Capitol with cameras. Ask them what's in their healthcare bill! https://t.co/yMLMR7CNsa southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) June 13, 2017
Republicans don't want to be caught on camera running away from questions about their secret bill to take health insurance from millions. https://t.co/jOUbgQiucL Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) June 13, 2017
One reason spontaneous interviews in Capitol are necessary: Many GOP lawmakers don't want to talk about health bill. Only way to get them. https://t.co/p3meqffE9T Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) June 13, 2017
Richard Shelby is the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. IMO he should be asked about this. https://t.co/wiA54CsPEP Eric Geller (@ericgeller) June 13, 2017
You know it's a good health bill when one GOP candidate attacks a reporter for asking about it + the Senate tries to shut down press access. Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) June 13, 2017
PHOTO: [Reuters] The U.S. Capitol building is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 24
The doomsayers in the business community have lost no time in pouring scorn on Theresa May's fragile government disparaging the health of the economy and seizing the opportunity to undermine Brexit, for which the British people voted a year ago.
What is really galling about the gloomy interventions from the likes of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the CBI is that none of these denizens of free market capitalism were ever heard from during the seven-week election campaign.
Faced with Labour's plan for the biggest assault on the market economy since World War II including suffocating taxes on business and entrepreneurship, plus wholesale nationalisation the business community and City were silent as monks.
Naysayers have wasted no time in criticising Theresa May's government as weak, and the outlook for the economy as dire while Britain faces a period of uncertainty
The consequences of a Corbyn government for prosperity, jobs and living standards would have been incalculable. Yet the business lobby showed only cowardice in face of the threat.
What a contrast to the noisy participation, on both sides of the debate, during the EU referendum campaign and the 2014 Scottish independence campaign!
Only now does the business lobby seem prepared to speak. A survey of 700 IoD members reveals deep concern about the impact of current political uncertainty on the economy.
The CBI director-general warns that business might cut back on investment, even though it has held up well following the Brexit vote.
A Harvard study orchestrated by two of yesterday's men, former shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and former Standard Chartered bank boss Peter Sands, concludes that 'almost all' small businesses want to keep membership of the Single Market and the Customs Union in the post-Brexit world. (This contrasts with views expressed by the British Chambers of Commerce and other small business organisations keen to shed the red tape that these EU arrangements inflict.)
Against this background, anyone who forecasted a financial market meltdown in the wake of the confusing election result and the Tory infighting since is misguided.
The consequences of a Corbyn government for prosperity, jobs and living standards would have been incalculable
Yes, the pound is lower but 2 per cent? At $1.27, the drop is a mere bagatelle. Indeed, the pound has been much lower in recent months.
It plunged to a 31-year low of $1.14 last October albeit temporarily following speculation on how the bolshie French might sabotage Brexit negotiations.
And what should never be forgotten is a fundamental fact of economics: a weaker pound supports the British economy because it helps exporters.
Despite the political uncertainty that investors obviously dislike, the key FTSE100 stock market index has shown resilience and lost little ground since Thursday.
Why? Because investors are comforted by the knowledge that Britain's great international companies earn the majority of their profits overseas.
When this money comes back here as foreign currency earnings, it converts into more pounds, higher earnings and better dividends.
That's a bonus many firms have been quick to compute, with those which had the foresight to focus on new markets in order to take advantage of the pound's fall showing spectacular success.
Take Swindon-based Honda: it reports U.S. sales of its five-door Civic are up 40 per cent on the company's original target, while Groupe Eurotunnel reports that, in May, a record number of freight trucks (141,646) that's 3 per cent up on a year earlier crossed the Channel.
The latest data on Britain's trade with the rest of the world shouts out loud the fact that exports are on the rise because of the cheaper pound, with the three-month growth in export volumes climbing from 1.6 per cent last October to 3.7 per cent in April.
And a study by the Washington-based International Monetary Fund agrees that flexible exchange rates can, indeed, increase exports, thus challenging those Brexit cynics who argue the opposite.
Overall then, despite the precarious position of the Tory government, the financial markets seem to believe this is preferable to a 'coalition of chaos' led by Jeremy Corbyn that would be a recipe for fiscal suicide.
While the pound did take a dive following Friday's election result, in fact this helps the British economy by boosting exports
On a more positive note, the global economy looks to be in better shape than at any time since the financial crisis.
After years in the doldrums, the Japanese economy is bouncing back, while recovery in the newly rich economies of China and India is under way.
And in the U.S. Britain's single biggest trading partner the stock markets have never been stronger.
In America, an energy boom is under way, thanks to President Trump's deregulation of the industry.
Paradoxically, Mrs May will get some help, too, from Europe as the UK goes into the negotiations on Brexit scheduled for this month.
For the fact is that the lengthy economic slump in the eurozone, which stretches back to the financial meltdown of 2008, at last shows signs of ending, as the impact of the European Central Bank pumping 58 billion of newly printed money into the euro area each month takes effect.
Even though the jobless rate in the EU remains stubbornly high at 9.5 per cent of the workforce (more than twice the 4.5pc rate in the UK), growth in the first quarter of the year reached 0.6 per cent.
This, allied with the cheaper pound, ought to be beneficial for British firms selling goods, financial and other professional services to the Continent.
So there is no reason why we should feel too downbeat about the prospects for our national prosperity but the Government needs to play its part, too.
One of the great weaknesses of the Tory election campaign was the grossly misguided failure to project an uplifting vision of what a post-Brexit Britain, open to world markets, will look like.
Such a vision needs to incorporate the best in digital and transport infrastructure, better and more generous support for Britain's world-class research and technical universities, and a strong recognition of the enormous contribution the City of London makes to all our lives.
Conversely, Labour's spendthrift proposals were ridiculous, unaffordable and would have risked national bankruptcy. But the party's surge in the polls demonstrated the significance of presenting a positive view to voters.
In the months ahead, Mrs May and her ministers must articulate the upbeat message they have so far singularly failed to deliver and reach out to business groups and the City, which feel neglected by her administration.
The whole country needs to be reassured that free markets and stronger exports and trade will deliver economic benefits for every household across the country.
What on Earth do Tory Remoaners think they are playing at, plotting with Opposition MPs and Brussels to water down Brexit?
Leave aside how the Cabinet rebels and Scottish Conservatives undermine David Davis's negotiating hand as he embarks on next week's crucial talks.
Don't they realise that by courting Labour support they could sink their party with the appalling risk of handing the keys of No 10 to Jeremy Corbyn?
The overwhelming majority of those elected last week promised to honour the referendum result - meaning David Davis should embark on his negotiations with the Commons behind him
Indeed, what possible form of Brexit hard, soft or middling could any true Conservative believe worse for the UK than putting our livelihoods at the mercy of an economic illiterate weaned on Karl Marx?
As for Remoaners' claims that Leave voters had no wish to withdraw from the single market how they insult the public's intelligence! During the referendum, both camps spelt out repeatedly that this was precisely what a Leave result would entail.
David Cameron said it. Boris Johnson said it. George Osborne, Michael Gove and Nick Clegg all said that if we wanted to regain border control and end subjection to the European Court, we would have to pull out of the single market.
As if voters still hadn't got the message, the Cameron Government's 9.3million leaflet, sent to every household, repeated it on page after page, in language a four-year-old could understand.
What possible form of Brexit could be worse for the UK than putting our livelihoods at the mercy of an economic illiterate weaned on Karl Marx?
As for what form of Brexit (if any) we would get under Mr Corbyn, utter confusion reigns. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell says Labour would quit the single market. But trade spokesman Barry Gardiner says the party backs staying in while shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer sits on the fence.
This paper reminds MPs that the overwhelming majority of those elected last week went to the country promising to honour the referendum result.
If they are as good as their word, the hung parliament should change nothing and Mr Davis should embark on his negotiations with the Commons solidly behind him.
With supreme unconscious irony, Remoaners have dubbed those Tories plotting to undermine him the Cabinet Sensibles. Wouldn't it be more fitting to call them the Suicidals?
Charter for terrorists
Sir Keir Starmer says human rights laws are no obstacle to tackling terrorism. He should hand his head in shame
Was it only last week Sir Keir said human rights laws were no obstacle to tackling terrorism during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions? He should read our report on Page 1 and hang his head.
It tells of a Jordanian, the 'very model of a modern Al Qaeda terrorist', who is fighting deportation after serving time for possessing jihadi manuals on how to make nail bombs and target nightclubs and airports.
Still living in the UK, with only an electronic tag to protect the public (who are not even allowed to know his identity) he inevitably claims sending him back to Jordan would infringe his human rights.
To rub salt into taxpayers' wounds, he has claimed at least 100,000 in benefits since entering the country illegally. That's on top of 250,000 in legal aid, granted partly to fight his deportation.
Despite Sir Keir's denials, this is one of scores of cases of highly dangerous men who have exploited the Human Rights Act to remain at liberty in Britain.
Theresa May has promised to end the HRA's legal protection for terrorists. Hung parliament or not, her pledge must be turned to action without delay.
With flesh-creeping hypocrisy, Alastair Campbell condemns the Tories' quest for a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party as 'sordid, dangerous and distasteful'.
Has Tony Blair's liar-in-chief so quickly forgotten that Ed Miliband apparently sought a deal with the DUP in 2015? Or that when Gordon Brown did the same in 2010, Mr Campbell was with him in the room?
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A fashion photographer has released a thought-provoking series of images expressing the casual racism Malaysian people say they've experienced while living and working in the UK - including constantly being referred to as Chinese.
Artist Daniel Adams shot the series 'Why Is Your English So Good?' after listening to young Malaysians relating anecdotes about their time studying and working in Britain.
The elaborately-styled photos include a young woman depicted as comprising of two halves, after a lover told he was disappointed by her mixed heritage, saying he'd have preferred sex with a 'full Asian'.
Disappointment: Student Evelyn Bee told photographer Daniel Adams that a man she slept with was upset when she revealed that she was half Malaysian, saying he said he wanted the 'full Asian'
Not Chinese: Emily Pearce, from London, divulged that a man once screamed 'China' in her face, assuming she was from the Far Eastern country
Mitch Hermens, Nottingham, reveals how he was once asked: 'Can you speak Asian?' by a girl he was chatting with
Emily Pearce, from London, said that she'd been harassed while walking to a bus stop by a man who repeatedly shouted 'China' at her.
She explains: 'I was walking to the bus stop, and from down the street a man started shouting CHINA at me.
'After the fifth time, I shouted back that I wasnt from China, but he continued to shout it, getting louder as I got nearer.
Ashlee Lim, from Guildford, wrapped herself in cellophane to express how she was once asked by a drunk white man whether she was the 'import' of a male colleague she was with
Tasnem Aljoffery, from London, says she was once discussing the power of white colonialism with a group of Asian and Jamaican friends when a white guy chimed in: 'Well, Im sure you guys enjoyed the slavery.'
Izyan Hay, from London, was once told by a white British friend: 'We gave you justice, railroads, your country wouldnt be progressive if it wasn't for us' before adding: 'You wouldnt have gotten into uni if it wasnt for colonialism'
Asians are all the same, right? Loni Lee from Swansea said she's been called Chinese 'many times' and whenever she's corrected someone, she's been told: 'Yes but its all the same really when youre Asian.
Londoner Dyanna Sandhu reveals that she was called a 'bloody foreigner' for speaking Malay on the tube
Laura Ong from Aberdeen said a cab driver told her women in Malaysia were 'so stupid' for wearing a headscarf 'in that hot climate' adding: 'They must be so sweaty and dirty underneath'
Artist Daniel Adams, who has Malaysian heritage, says he'll continue the project both in the UK and Malaysia
'Giggling, he then shouted "CHINA" in my face. Two women were standing beside him, not saying or doing anything. I thought about saying something, but there was no bloody point.'
The series title was inspired by the many Malaysians who told Adams that people couldn't believe they spoke 'such good English'
Dyanna Sandhu, also from London, said she was chastised for speaking to her friend in Malay while on a bus.
Sandhu says: 'The man sitting opposite me glanced over but I didnt pay it too much attention maybe I had been speaking too loudly.
'When I finished the call he turned to me and said, "If you come to our country, you should speak English." "Im sorry?" I said.
'"Oh so you can speak English?," he replied. "Bloody foreigners!"'
Izyan Hay, from London, said she was once told by a white British friend: 'We gave you justice, railroads, your country wouldnt be progressive if it wasnt for us' before adding: 'You wouldnt have gotten into uni if it wasnt for colonialism'
Adams, who has Malaysian heritage said the project, which is ongoing, had been inspired by his own experiences with racism in the UK.
It's devoted entirely to flame haired hunks, and the fact the Red Hot calendar is entering its fifth year is evidence of the ongoing appetite for steamy snaps of buff ginger men.
Photographer Thomas Knights, 33, from London, has teamed up with Welsh art director Elliott James Freize, 36, to work on a 2018 calendar, which will raise money for the Ben Cohen STANDUP Foundation, which supports work to tackle bullying - particularly in the LGBTQ community.
The team has already surpassed its 9,974 fundraising goal to pay for the project on Kickstarter, and now they're on the hunt for more male models to star in the calendar.
The criteria includes a 'handsome face' and a 'great body', as well as a British accent and - of course - natural red hair.
Scroll down for video
For the fifth year running, there is a calendar out dedicated to ginger-haired, muscle-bound and bare-chested men (above: Rob Smith)
Red Hot has released four calendars, two coffee table books and given over 50,000 to various charities since it first launched.
The 2018 calendar will also include exclusive video content featuring all 12 models for the first time.
Each month of the calendar will include a code to 'unlock' the model's video content online, providing fans with a further glimpse at the men's impressive physiques.
The team aren't stopping there - they plan to take the project global in 2019, with Red Hot American Boys, Red Hot German Boys, Red Hot Australian Boys and Red Hot Dutch Boys all in the works.
Photographer Thomas Knights has teamed up with Art Director Elliott James Freize to create a calendar which will raise funds for the Ben Cohen STANDUP foundation
The theme for 2018 is 'British Boys' and they are proving to be so popular that their Kickstarter page has already received 9,892 of their 9,974 goal with 19 days to go
Red Hot has released four calendars, two coffee table books and given over 50,000 to various charities over the years
The red-haired men can be seen in an array of poses on a rooftop overlooking central London
The aim is to bring the hottest British ginger men in the buff together for the 2018 calendar
Last year's winner Rob Smith (above) stars in the 2018 calendar and they are looking for more male models to participate
Red Hot's 2017 model search winner Rob Smith stars in the 2018 calendar, and he's joined by fellow models in a video to promote the new project and also call for fellow hunky redheads to get involved.
The team is looking for nine more British redheads to join in.
Thomas originally launched the Red Hot project in a bid to 're-brand the ginger male stereotype'.
In just a few years, he has since created a book, Red Hot 100, put on exhibitions in cities around the world - including New York - and created a calendar celebrating people with red hair.
To enter their 'Red Hot British Boys' model search, submit images of yourself in the Red Hot underwear to their Facebook page.
Australian fashion designer Keri Craig-Lee remembers vividly the day she was asked to design bridal gowns for Elton John's wedding to Renate Blauel.
Aged in her mid-20s, Ms Craig-Lee was due to fly to Brisbane for a wedding that weekend so she quickly dropped off some things at her store in Sydney's Double Bay in February, 1984.
But before she could run out the door to get to a hair appointment that she was already late to, her mother Dianne Craig insisted she'd meet a customer.
Australian fashion designer Keri Craig-Lee designed bridal gowns for Elton John's wedding to Renate Blauel (pictured outside St Mark's church in Sydney on February 14, 1984)
The now 59-year-old Queensland woman (pictured) has been awarded a medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her work in clothing manufacturing and business
'I haven't got time,' the Queensland woman responded to her mother as she recalled the day to The Brisbane Times.
Her mother continued: 'This is Renate. She's getting married on Tuesday.'
'I said: 'That's exciting, congratulations'. Being a bit, you know, whatever.'
And as she inched for the door, her mother firmly said: 'Keri... Renate is marrying Elton John on Tuesday.
'I never got to the wedding that day.'
Ms Craig-Lee designed the wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses and Sir Elton's bow tie
Three days later, she designed the wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses, Sir Elton's bow tie and organised the flowers for the special day on Valentine's Day in 1984.
At the time, Ms Craig-Lee's factory was based in Brisbane - so the designer spent the next 72 hours flying back and forth to Sydney.
Sir Elton tied the knot to Renate, a German recording engineer, in a lavish wedding ceremony at St Mark's church at Sydney's Darling Point.
However, the pair filed for divorce four years later.
Ms Craig-Lee's love for fashion came after spending most of her life growing up around her parents who owned the clothing manufacturing business House of Craig, which she now runs.
The fashion designer remembers vividly of the day she was asked to plan the big wedding
Sir Elton tied the knot to Renate, a German recording engineer, in a lavish wedding ceremony at St Mark's church at Sydney's Darling Point
At the age of 19, she started her fashion designing career after growing up around her parents who were both in the industry.
The now 59-year-old has received a medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her work in clothing manufacturing and business.
'The Queen is the most wonderful woman in the world to me,' she said.
The businesswoman said she thought Prince Philip was 'charming' when she had lunch with him at Brisbane City Hall and danced with Prince Charles.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised the designer after she was included on the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
'It is tremendous that one of Brisbane's most iconic business women and talented designers has been recognised with an honour,' Ms Palaszczuk said.
It took four years, but the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has finally ruled in favor of 72 year old grandmother Elizabeth Young, whose house was seized by the Philadelphia District Attorney under asset forfeiture rules when her son was caught selling $140 worth of marijuana to undercover agents.
Under civil forfeiture rules, cops and DAs get to steal property suspected of being the proceeds of a crime, then they sue the inanimate objects. The owners of the objects can hire lawyers to represent their property, while the taxpayers foot the bill for the state's side of the suit. If the government wins, it gets to keep the property or sell it and pocket the proceeds.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court blasted the DA for the seizure and reminded the state's lawyers and cops that they can only invoke civil forfeiture when there is good reason to believe that the property's owner "knew of and agreed to the crimes" in question.
The cop who bought the marijuana from Young's son is currently serving a 3.5 year federal prison sentence for planting drugs on suspects.
Young is far from the only person to have her house seized by the Philadelphia D.A. for a minor drug crime that she didn't even commit. In 2013, Philadelphia police seized the house of Christos and Markela Sourovelis after their son was arrested for selling $40-worth of drugs outside of it. The Sourovelis' sued, with assistance from the libertarian-leaning Institute for Justice, a nonprofit law firm that has challenged asset forfeiture laws in several states. The Sourovelis' plight drew national media attention, and the Philadelphia D.A. eventually dropped the case. However, the city is still facing a class-action lawsuit filed by the Institute for Justice challenging its asset forfeiture program. According to the firm, Philadelphia has seized more than 1,000 homes, 3,000 vehicles and $44 million in cash over 11 years. Between the new legal standard issued by the Supreme Court, the looming lawsuit, and a potential reformer leading the district attorney's officeDemocratic Philadelphia D.A. candidate Larry Krasner vowed to rein in the program in an interview with Reason earlier this yearthe salad days of Philadelphia's asset forfeiture machine may be ending. The Philadelphia police officer who coordinated the undercover marijuana buys at Young's house pled guilty and was sentenced in 2015 to three-and-a-half years in federal prison on corruption charges involving planting drug evidence on suspects.
Court to Grandma: You Shouldn't Lose Your House Just Because Your Dumb Son Sold Some Weed There
[C.J. Ciaramella/Reason]
(via Techdirt)
American Feminist writer Roxane Gay has slammed women's website Mamamia for an 'appalling' article that purported to share what went on 'behind the scenes' of an interview she had with founder Mia Freedman.
On Monday, the women's website tweeted details of an interview between the pair, saying that a 'lot of planning' had gone into Roxane's visit to the website's offices, where she was due to talk about her most recent book, Hunger, in which she opens up about how she turned to food after being gang-raped at the age of 12.
'Will she fit into the office lift? How many steps will she have to take to get to the interview? Is there a comfortable chair that will accommodate her six-foot-three, 'super-morbidly-obese' frame?' the site tweeted.
American Feminist writer Roxane Gay (pictured) has slammed women's website Mamamia for an 'appalling' article that purported to share what went on 'behind the scenes' of an interview she had with founder Mia Freedman.
On Monday, the women's website tweeted details of an interview between the pair, saying that a 'lot of planning' had gone into Roxane's visit to the website's offices
Roxane, who weighed 261 kilos at her heaviest, hit back on Twitter, labelling the article 'cruel and humiliating'.
'I am appalled by Mamamia. It was a sh*t show. I can walk a f***ing mile,' the college professor who is author of several books including the best-seller Bad Feminist, said. 'Can she fit into the lift?" Shame on you @Mamamia,' she continued in another tweet.
'Whatever, Just what the f*** ever,' she wrote in another tweet.
The article - that was accompanied by a podcast and published on Mamamia but has since been removed - was written by the website's founder Mia Freedman and was titled: 'Why, for the first time, I have no photo from my interview with Roxane Gay'.
Freedman went on to explain that 'when youre interviewing an international guest or someone very famous, there are always logistics to be organised'.
'But Roxane Gays requirements were different,' she went on. 'Id estimate there were more than a dozen exchanges back and forth between my producer and her people and the details of them both broke my heart and opened my eyes.'
The article - that was published on Mamamia but has since been removed - was written by the website's founder Mia Freedman and was titled 'Why, for the first time, I have no photo from my interview with Roxane Gay'
Feminist author Roxane Gay tweeted about the article saying 'Shame on you Mamamia'
Roxane responded to the Mamamia article saying on Twitter: 'It is cruel and humiliating'
Freedman went on to provide details of what she claimed went on 'behind the scenes' while organising her interview with Roxane, who in her book details how she 'ate and ate and ate to build my body into a fortress' after being gang-raped at age 12.
'Hunger is a memoir about Roxane Gays body. And I would never normally breach the confidence of what goes on behind the scenes while organising an interview but in this case, its a fundamental part of her story and what her book is about,' Freedman wrote.
In the accompanying podcast, Freedman went further.
'You see, Roxane Gay well Im searching for the right word to use here I dont want to say fat so even though she uses the word fat about herself Im going to use the official medical term 'super morbidly obese',' she said.
'Theres obese, then theres morbidly obese and then there is super morbidly obese,' she continued. 'I dont think the scale goes beyond that. Quite literally.
'But its not just that Roxanes overweight. Shes 6ft 3 or about two metres tall.'
'You see, Roxane Gay isIm searching for the right word to use here. I dont want to say fat so Im going to use the official medical term: super morbidly obese,' Mia Freedman (pictured) wrote about the feminist author
The feminist author responded after the women's website tweeted details of an interview saying that a 'lot of planning' had gone into Roxane's visit
Roxane, a college professor and the author of several books including the best-seller Bad Feminist, hit back on Twitter, labelling the article 'cruel and humiliating'
Social media quickly erupted with people's thoughts on the treatment of feminist icon Roxane Gay
'Her size is incredibly imposing. And this is a logistical nightmare for her. Theres no other way to put it,' Freedman continued in her podcast.
'The requirements that we had to go back and forth with her publishers who brought her out to Australia, to promote Hunger and Bad Feminist and all her books, were extremely detailed.'
In the article accompanying the podcast, Freedman, who is the former chair of the National Body Image Advisory Group, elaborated further on those 'requirements'.
'How many steps were there from the curb to the door of the building? Were there any stairs? How many? How big was the lift and was there a goods lift? How many steps from the lift to the podcast studio? There was also a lot of talk about chairs - making sure we had one sturdy enough to both hold her weight and make sure she was comfortable,' she wrote.
'Originally, this interview was going to be filmed in front of the office - we sometimes do this with No Filter guests who are loved and admired by the Mamamia team.
'We couldnt film her under any circumstances and she wouldnt even have photos taken with anyone for private use,' Freedman wrote about the feminist icon
This commenter labelled Mamamia founder Mia Freedman 'appalling'
In her write-up of the interview, Mamamia founder Mia Freedman said the reason there were no photos of Roxane accompanying the piece was because 'Roxane said no' (pictured is social media reaction)
'We couldnt film her under any circumstances and she wouldnt even have photos taken with anyone for private use,' Freedman wrote in the piece (pictured is social media reaction)
On the accompanying podcast, Freedman said that it was something the site had done with TV chef Nigella Lawson and American feminist writer Lindy West.
'But Roxane said no. We couldnt film her under any circumstances and she wouldnt even have photos taken with anyone for private use,' Freedman continued.
'Thats why there is no photo of Roxane and I that accompanies this podcast - the first time this has ever happened. She explains why in our interview and we talk about the difficulties involved in navigating the world at her size.'
Mamamia has since issued a statement saying that it in no way intended to make Roxane feel 'disrespected and we apologise unequivocally'.
The commenter pointed to the fact that Roxane Gay is an 'actual human who can get herself into an actual lift'
Critics were quick to hit back at the article on social media.
Writer and comedian Rosie Waterland wrote: 'I rarely tweet, and never about my old workplace Mamamia, but I just burst into tears when I saw this.'
'Fat is a description. Super morbidly obese is a judgement and jeez did @MiaFreedman enjoy sitting in her (average-sized) judgemental chair,' wrote one commenter.
'Can't believe @rgay can travel all over the world but apparently would struggle in the @Mamamia studios. Right-o @MiaFreeman is appalling,' wrote another.
'I wonder if 'feminist' @MiaFreedman will comment about this awful and disgusting treatment by her comany of another woman. Disgraceful!' another critic wrote on Twitter.
In a podcast that accompanied the write-up, Mia Freedman wrote of being 'super nervous' about interviewing the esteemed author
Writer and comedian Rosie Waterland wrote: 'I rarely tweet, and never about my old workplace Mamamia, but I just burst into tears when I saw this'
In the podcast that accompanied the write-up, Freedman spoke about being anxious about interviewing the author.
'Im super nervous,' Freedman told Roxane. 'Um I think part of it comes from someone I admire so much and wanting you to know that without being unhelpfully gushy.
'But part of it comes from just being so incredibly moved by what you wrote and educated by it. Like learning so much from it. And um not wanting to offend or upset you but then I think, well, its not like anything in this book is new to you,' she continued.
At which point Roxane said: 'Correct. Theres nothing you can say that I havent already heard.'
Roxane told Freedman she decided to gain weight because she thought 'if I'm big I can protect myself' following her horrific gang-rape ordeal
During the podcast, Roxane said her decision to gain weight was because she 'thought if I'm big, I can protect myself' following her horrific gang-rape ordeal.
'I was so little when it happened and I was so weak and they overpowered me so quickly and I just thought if I'm big I can fend them off or if I'm big, I won't attract their attention at all,' she told Freedman.
Roxane went on to explain her comfort eating was a 'barrier' between herself and the world.
'Mostly it was a barrier, just an extra layer or three of protection but also this idea that fat women can't get raped. At 12 that's what I thought,' she continued.
'I know very different now and that it's not about looks at all or size, it's about violence but you know at 12 years old, you're uninformed about sex and violence and very sheltered, the immature mind makes immature decisions.'
She is one of the most fashionable women of all time and still regularly tops best-dressed lists more than two decades after her death.
Now fans of Audrey Hepburn are being given the chance to own a piece of the style icon's effortlessly chic wardrobe.
Pieces from the actress' personal collection are being sold in a flagship live auction at the Christie's London headquarters in September, alongside an online sale that will no doubt attract fashionistas around the world.
Style icon: A blue Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn for a 1966 fashion editorial, left, is expected to fetch up to 15,000 at a Christie's auction in London in September
A timeless Burberry trench coat is expected to fetch up to 8,000, while an ice blue cocktail dress by celebrated couturier Hubert de Givenchy, who also designed the black Breakfast At Tiffany's gown, has been valued at between 10,000 and 15,000.
Hepburn wore the stunning satin number for a photo shoot with William Klein for a 1966 fashion editorial promoting Two for the Road.
The clothing will be sold alongside shoes - valued at 1,500 per pair - trinkets and keepsakes beloved by Hepburn, including a cigarette lighter engraved with 'For My Fair Lady', which she received as a gift from the art director from the 1964 film.
Memorabilia from some of Hepburn's best-loved films will also be auctioned, with a personal annotated film script from Breakfast at Tiffany's expected to sell for as much as 80,000. Her script for 1963 film Charade is valued at up to 25,000.
Timeless piece: A Burberry trench coat owned by the actress, right, is expected to sell for up to 8,000. Left, the actress wearing a similar piece as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Favourite flats: The star's multi-coloured ballet flats, pictured, are valued at around 1,500
Go-to style: Hepburn models a similar pair of ballet pumps in a photograph from 1954
Hepburn used turquoise ink to make notes in the margins and on the left hand page for her portrayal of some of Hollywoods most memorable characters.
Some of Hepburn's favourite portraits by major photographers from her personal archive will also be sold. Many of the pieces date from between 1953 and 1968 when the Hollywood legend was at the height of her screen career.
Highlights include personal portraits by Bud Fraker, who was a stills photographer for Breakfast at Tiffanys; wardrobe photographs for My Fair Lady together with personal portraits by Cecil Beaton; and prints of Hepburn for Vanity Fair by fashion photographer Steven Meisel.
Personal archive: A 1957 portrait by Bud Fraker, left, and a portrait by Steven Meisel for Vanity Fair from 1991 will both be put up for sale. The Meisel image is expected to fetch up to 3,000
With estimates starting at just 100 and ranging up to 80,000 the auction will offer collectors and devoted fans from around the world an unprecedented opportunity to acquire personal items treasured by one of the most famous and well-loved women of the 20th Century.
Adrian Hume-Sayer, Director, Private Collections, said: 'We are thrilled to have been entrusted with the sale of items from Audrey Hepburn's personal collection.
'Her name is one that instantly resonates, and her appeal and relevance remain as strong today as they ever were.
'The sales will offer fans and collectors alike the opportunity to acquire unique personal objects which have never before been seen on the market, and which will undoubtedly offer new insights into the remarkable life of a remarkable woman.'
Film memorabilia: A gold lighter engraved 'For My Fair Lady, Gene Allen, December 1963', a gift from the Art Director of the 1964 film, will also be sold. Right, Hepburn in character
A mother-of-two died after undergoing a string of botched plastic surgery operations overseas, it has been reported.
Janelle Edwards, 25, was found unconscious in her car near her home in the Bronx, New York, last Tuesday, and later died in hospital, according to the New York Daily News.
Ms Edwards, believed to be a former hospital worker, reportedly recently made a 1,500 mile round-tip to have a breast enhancement, tummy tuck and buttock implants at an unnamed clinic in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic.
Tragic: Janelle Edwards, 25, from the Bronx, NY, reportedly died as a result of complications from a string of plastic surgery procedures she underwent in the Dominican Republic
Pain: Ms Edwards is said to have complained of stomach pains on her return to New York
Police sources told the news outlet that an initial autopsy had proved inconclusive but a doctor had told detectives a blood clot caused by the surgeries was to blame.
Ms Edwards' death comes amid warnings over the dangers of receiving plastic surgery abroad, where prices can be significantly cheaper than the US.
Family members said Ms Edwards, whose daughters are believed to be aged seven and one, complained of stomach pain following the operations.
Her sister Samantha Edwards also told the Daily News she believed her sister had died as a result of the operations.
Concerns about the booming cosmetic surgery business in the Dominican Republic are enough of an issue that the State Department has posted a warning on its page for travel to the country.
Warnings: US officials have alerted citizens to the dangers of undergoing plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic following a string of serious complications. Above, Ms Edwards
In several cases U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died as a result of procedures they underwent.
In March 2014 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued an alert after health authorities in the United States reported that at least 19 women in five states had developed serious mycobacterial wound infections over the previous 12 months following cosmetic procedures in the Dominican Republic such as liposuction, tummy tucks and breast implants.
There were no reported deaths in those cases, but treatment for these types of infections, which have been caused in the past by contaminated medical equipment, tend to involve long courses of antibiotics and can require new surgery to remove infected tissue and drain fluid.
The Queen today marked the 175th anniversary of the first train journey by a British monarch by travelling the same route as the historic trip.
Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are recreating the journey made by Queen Victoria on June 13, 1842 by taking a Great Western Railway service from Slough to London Paddington.
Resplendent in a summery pink coat and matching hat, Her Majesty smiled and waved to well-wishers as she boarded GWR's new Intercity express train, which is due to enter passenger service later this year.
Prince Philip, who last month announced his impending retirement from public duties, looked to be in good spirits as he joined his wife at Slough station on Tuesday.
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Her Majesty is marking the 175th anniversary of the first train journey by a British monarch today by travelling the same route as the historic trip, starting in Slough
The royal was given a warm reception by hundreds of well-wishers who gathered outside the station. She was carrying a patent black handbag believed to be from Launer
Joining the Queen and Duke on the journey were descendants of Sir Daniel Gooch, who drove the original locomotive - Phlegethon - and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the celebrated engineer who designed the Great Western Railway line and assisted Mr Gooch during the 1842 journey.
Before boarding the train the Queen and Duke visited the original waiting room at Slough Station, which was used by Queen Victoria, flanked by children from four different local schools, some of whom created artwork to celebrate the anniversary.
They also viewed a historical timeline of the Great Western Railway and a related art project by local schoolchildren.
According to a tweet sent out by Buckingham Palace today, Queen Victoria recorded the journey in her diary writing: 'There was no dust or great heat, in fact it was delightful and so quick.'
The Duke of Edinburgh joined his wife in recreating the journey made by Queen Victoria on June 13, 1842 by taking a Great Western Railway service from Slough to London Paddington
Prince Philip, 96, who last month announced his impending retirement from public duties, looked to be in good spirits as he arrived at Slough station on Tuesday
Nice to see you, Ma'am! Crowds of local schoolchildren waving Union Jack flags gathered at the station to greet the monarch on Tuesday morning
The royal stopped to talk to local schoolchildren before boarding the new express train which will take her and Philip, along with their guests, into London Paddington this afternoon
Once on board, the Queen could be seen beaming as she chatted to Gillian White, the great-great granddaughter of Sir Daniel Gooch, and Isambard Thomas, the great-great-great grandson of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Today's special service left at almost the same time 175 years to the day - pulling away at 12.01, three minutes ahead of schedule - and the royal couple arrived in London just 19 minutes later.
On an action-packed day for the royal couple, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will later travel to Richmond upon Thames where they will attend Evensong in celebration of the Centenary of the Order of the Companions of Honour at Hampton Court Palace's Chapel Royal.
The Queen meets to Gillian White, the great-great granddaughter of Sir Daniel Gooch, who drove Queen Victoria's train on this day in 1842. The monarch described the journey in her diary as 'delightful and so quick'
On board, the Queen sat next to Isambard Thomas, the great-great-great grandson of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the celebrated engineer who designed the Great Western Railway line and assisted Mr Gooch during the 1842 journey
Her Majesty wore a summery peach-coloured dress coat and matching hat decorated with a feather. Pinned to her coat was a dazzling diamond brooch
New arrival: The Queen touches down at Paddington for a short unveiling ceremony for the new Great Western Railway's Intercity Express train named in her honour
Historic: According to a tweet sent out by Buckingham Palace, Queen Victoria wrote in her diary, 'There was no dust or great heat, in fact it was delightful and so quick'
Queen Maxima is famous for her sunny disposition no matter what the weather, so it was no surprise to see her on top form as she attended a breezy engagement today.
The Dutch royal beamed as she arrived at the 12th edition of Burendag on Tuesday despite strong winds leaving her rather windswept.
While the weather may have played havoc with her hair Maxima maintained a glamorous aesthetic in a purple dress from Belgian label, Natan.
Queen Maxima is famous for her sunny disposition no matter what the weather, so it was no surprise to see her on top form as she attended a engagement today
The stunning Dutch royal beamed as she arrived at the 12th edition of Burendag today
Known for being one of Europe's taller royals Maxima is never one to let her height prevent her from wearing heels stepping out in a pair of elegant sling backs.
The perfectly coordinated mother-of-three paired her elegant ensemble with a a clutch bag and chic pashmina both in complementary shades of purple.
Maxima, who wore her blonde tresses straight today, finished her look with a slick of berry lipstick.
Maxima took the time to bend down and greet the crowd who had gathered to meet her
The royal was all smiles as she looked out from beneath her bright purple wide brimmed hat
She was photographed delicately picking one of the roses that were on display in the garden
The royal performed her engagement alone on Tuesday with her husband King Willem Alexander remaining in Amsterdam, however, she was not without compnay.
The 46-year-old royal was given a warm welcome by crowds awaiting her arrival in Drenthe Nieuw-Buinen, Netherlands on Tuesday.
Lucky Maxima was even presented with a glorious bouquet of flowers from one thoughtful well-wisher, with the colours even matching her outfit.
The royal made sure her whole outfit was perfectly colour co-ordinated and looked impeccable
Thousands of activities are being organised in the Netherlands that bring neighbours closer
Queen Maxima, who kept her red gloves in her hands, unveiled and opened a new rose on Tuesday afternoon
Queen Maxima struggled to keep hold of her hat in the windy weather at the event today
The rose was developed in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Rosarium and the Year of the Rose declared by the municipality of Oldambt
The royal smiled at those who had arrived to meet her and accepted beautiful flowers from the crowds
Lots of well-wishers had waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Queen Maxima when she arrived
Queen Maxima braved the windy weather on Tuesday afternoon to attend an event associated with Burendag or 'neighbours day'
The Dutch Queen looked elegant in a lilac Natan dress which she paired with complementary purple accessories
Maxima appeared to be in high spirits as she arrived at the town of Drenthe Nieuw-Buinen where she was greeted by the mayor
Queen Maxima baptizes a new rose at the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Rosarium of Winschoten
The Queen smiled after picking a rose to smell from the garden at Rosarium Winschoten
The Argentinian-born royal spent time chatting to the crowds before being lead to the Burendag celebrations by the town's mayor.
Burendag is an annual party that celebrates the neighbourhood, allowing neighbours to get to know one another and tackle local issues.
Now in it's 12th year the Burendag, literally translating to 'neighbours day', will be celebrated officially in September with today acting as an opportunity for this year's activities to be registered.
She stuck her arm out to shake hands with a woman who had arrived early to meet her at the event
The Queen's hands were full after she received lots of flower bouquets from the crowds
With lots of people waiting for her, she took the time to meet them and shake their hands
While she performed her engagement alone Maxima was not without company and was greeted by dozens of well-wishers on Tuesday
She's left behind a fledgling law career to launch her own line of jewellery, and is becoming a familiar face on the fashion scene.
Today Chelsy Davy mingled with some of London's most stylish - including hotel heiresses the Forte sisters - at a VIP breakfast to celebrate the launch of the new Misela handbag range.
Prince Harry's former flame, 31, wore an unstructured cream blazer over jeans and heels to the event at Brown's Hotel in Mayfair.
Chelsy Davy wore jeans, heels a white top and a flowing cream blazer to the Misela launch
She was joined at the event at Brown's Hotel by Lydia Forte (left), Irene Forte (second from right), and Marissa Montgomery
Her blonde hair was tied back from her face in a loose ponytail, and she carried a brown leather shopper.
She was joined by Marissa Montgomery, a designer and TV presenter who founded the Rotten Roach clothing range and featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.
Lydia and Irene Forte, the daughters of Sir Rocco Forte, the founder and chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, also posed for photographs with Chelsy at the lavish breakfast.
Chelsy poses for a snap with designer Marissa Montgomery, founder of the Rotten Roach clothing line
Turkish designer Serra Turker joins Chelsy Davy and Irene Forte for a photograph
The vibe was glamorous but casual, with guests in denim or summery floral dresses and espadrilles
Chelsy quit her job as a city lawyer to concentrate on her Aya jewellery range, which celebrates African craftsmanship.
Earlier this year Prince Harry's ex also showed signs of expanding her career portfolio even further, by setting up a holiday company called Aya Luxury Travel.
Grandchild of the year alert! One young woman helped bring a smile to her ailing grandmother's face by pulling off a sly stunt that involved sneaking a beloved family pet into a hospital.
Shelby Hennick, a 21-year-old from California, knew she had to do something when her grandmother Dona fell ill and was confined to the hospital.
As a veterinary technician, Hennick certainly knows about the healing power of animals, and she decided that a visit from Dona's 12-year-old dog Patsy was exactly what her grandmother needed.
Clever! Shelby Hennick disguised her grandma's dog, Patsy, as a baby in order to smuggle her into the hospital
Sneaky: Though the blanket gave the appearance of a young child being swaddled, it actually contained Patsy the dog
Reunited: Hennick said that both Patsy and her grandmother, Dona, were thrilled to see each other after days apart
While different hospitals may follow different rules, guidelines from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America encourage hospitals to allow only certified service animals on their premises.
Alas, this meant that Hennick couldn't simply stroll up to Dona's room with Patsy on a leash. Instead, Hennick devised a crafty plan that involved swaddling the small dog in a blanket.
When carried over her shoulder, Patsy looked like a newborn baby who was napping or nursing with his mom. Hennick told BuzzFeed News that she played it cool when strolling into the hospital, and simply 'walked by and waved' at the staff before heading to Dona's room.
Both Dona and Patsy were emotional at the reunion. 'Patsy kept crying and couldn't get close enough,' Hennick said.
A special bond: Hennick said Dona and Patsy are incredibly important to one another - and clearly the visit worked its magic, as Dona is already home from the hospital
Going viral: Since Hennick shared her story to Twitter on Sunday, it has received hundreds of thousands of likes and replies
A positive force: After reading about Hennick's story, many shared messages of support and encouragement for the stunt
Not so sure: Some others felt that bringing Patsy into the hospital posed health risks to those who have immune issues or allergies
After Hennick tweeted out her story, accompanied by pictures of her clever puppy disguise, she instantly went viral. Presently, her post has more than 406,000 likes and 91,000 re-tweets - in addition to thousands of gleeful replies.
'So heart warming,' one reply said. 'I bet the dog was happier too.' 'Best medicine ever!' declared another.
While the bulk of responses were positive, some individuals questioned Hennick's decision, and felt that by bringing a dog into a hospital, she was putting others at risk for disease or allergic reactions.
'This is dangerous. You can get other patients sick. Especially immune compromised ones,' read one tweet - and many others expressed similar sentiments.
Sharing their stories: Hennick's tale inspired many others to reflect on similar incidents in their own lives
Woah! Surely this family didn't pretend their Great Dane was a newborn baby when they snuck him into the hospital
The power of puppies: Repeated studies have found that dogs can act as powerful therapists for those recovering from surgery
Though, as others pointed out, dogs are allowed in hospitals - but only if they meet service dog standards with regards to their training. As one individual noted, hospitals are 'so sanitary and not able to really capture allergens like normal carpeting or furniture would, [so] patients with allergies are perfectly fine.'
Regardless of any backlash, Hennick was certainly not the first person to pull of this stunt, and likely won't be the last. Among the many responses to her images are tales from others who have performed similar stunts for their ailing family and friends. In a few instances, others said they had even been helped by hospital staff.
Numerous studies have concluded that dogs have a positive effect on those recovering from surgery or under psychological stress, so it makes sense why those in the hospital would find comfort in their pets.
It surely seems that Patsy helped Dona feel her best - the grandmother checked out of the hospital and returned home on Monday night.
Ivanka Trump looked ever bit the elegant businesswoman as she boarded Air Force One with her father, President Donald Trump, on Tuesday afternoon.
The 35-year-old first daughter is traveling to Wisconsin with her dad to tour Waukesha County Technical College, where they'll be promoting the administration's new plan for expanding apprenticeships.
For her trip, Ivanka donned cream sleeveless shirt, which she tucked into a pair of loose-fitting black trousers that tied at the waist.
Daddy's girl: Ivanka Trump flashed a small smile as she and her father stepped off Marine One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
Father-daughter duo: The two walked side by side as they headed towards Air Force One ahead of their flight to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Travels: President Trump gave a salute as he stepped off Marine One with Ivanka following behind him
After an early morning visit from her glam squad, Ivanka was photographed leaving the front door of her Washington, D.C. home on Tuesday, modeling natural-looking make-up and a perfect coif.
The mom-of-three wore her long blonde hair pulled half-up and in loose waves around her shoulders, and she carried a $295 from her eponymous collection.
Before she left her house, her husband Jared Kushner, 36, was photographed on his way to work.
The senior adviser looked dapper in a slate gray suit and navy tie, and he flashed a smile before leaving for the day.
The President and first daughter will be joining Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and Governor Scott Walker for the tour, and after their visit, Trump will headline a political fundraiser for Walker, who is up for reelection next year.
Support system: Ivanka looked on as her father gave a wave after stepping off the aircraft
Business casual: The president and first daughter were photographed walking across the White House lawn as they headed to Marine One
Ready to go: Ivanka and her father were all smiles as they prepared to board the aircraft
White House business: Ivanka and her father will be touring Waukesha County Technical College, where they'll be promoting the expansion of apprenticeships
Initiative: The first daughter is taking a leading role in the White House initiative to expand apprenticeships across the country to fill unmet labor needs
The tour of the technical college is just one event in what has been called 'workforce development week', and Ivanka is taking a leading role in the White House initiative to expand apprenticeships across the country to fill unmet labor needs.
Ivanka, who is an unpaid presidential adviser, told ABC News: 'We're very excited about where we are.'
'We'll be launching a series of initiatives, call on Congress to pass various reforms expanding apprenticeships, and raise awareness about the fact that there are important and very viable and respectable career paths outside of a tradition four-year college experience that should be considered and should be invested in.'
Trump is also slated to make a speech about the steps the administration will take to encourage workforce development at the Department of Labor on Wednesday, while Ivanka will lead a roundtable discussion with about 15 CEOs.
Picture of elegance: Ivanka was photographed stepping out of her Washington, D.C. home on Tuesday morning before flying to Wisconsin with her father, President Donald Trump
Business casual: Ivanka wore a cream sleeveless shirt, which she tucked into a pair of loose-fitting black trousers that tied at the waist
Light packing: Ivanka carried a carried a $295 white handbag from her eponymous collection.
Stunning 'do: The first daughter wore her long blonde hair pulled half-up and in loose waves around her shoulders
Pumped up: President Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday, explaining that he was traveling to Wisconsin to talk about jobs
Power couple: Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner looked dapper as he left for work on Tuesday
Getting ready: A member of Ivanka's glam squad was photographed entering her home
Ivanka kicked off the week with a rare television interview, sitting down with the hosts of 'Fox & Friends' to rave about the work her father's administration is doing, dismiss his detractors, and bemoan her new job working in the swamp.
For her appearance, Ivanka wore the same exact look she busted out back in July at the republican National Convention, pairing a $3,000 Alexander McQueen box-pleat sheath with $900 white agate drop earrings with diamond from her namesake jewelry collection.
However, she changed things up a bit by wearing a pair of her $120 Ivanka Trump suede heels in nude and a $2,200 mother of pearl ring with diamonds from her now-defunct high-end jewelry line.
Ivanka also carried a $275 Soho tote in white from her handbag collection as she headed as she left her New York City apartment on Monday morning ahead of her interview.
New York City is in the midst of a heat wave, but after her interview, she traded her weather-appropriate sleeveless dress for a more buttoned up look.
All smiles: Ivanka was photographed leaving her New York City apartment on Monday after appearing on Fox & Friends that morning
Next stop: Ivanka was seen rolling a purple suitcase out of her apartment building in a long-sleeve dress despite the soaring temperatures
Walking tall: Ivanka is pictured leaving her New York apartment in a $3,000 Alexander McQueen box-pleat sheath, which she wore for her interview
Although the weather reached nearly 95 degrees, Ivanka donned a long-sleeve collared dress that was buttoned up to her neck and billowed past her knees as she headed to the airport for her flight back to Washington, D.C.
The mother-of-three left her long blond hair down around her shoulders, and she paired her look with black pumps and sunglasses.
Despite the extremely warm temperatures, Ivanka looked relaxed as she rolled her purple suitcase past her doorman.
While her luggage was being placed in the silver SUV that was waiting at the curb for her, Ivanka smiled and waved to the photographers waiting outside the door of her Park Avenue apartment.
After hopping in the SUV, Ivanka rested her elbow on the window as she waited for her driver to make his way through the traffic.
Most people would don practical wellington boots and a Barbour jacket for a trip to the farm but not when you're the Queen of Belgium.
Queen Mathilde looked somewhat out of place in a formal floral dress on a visit to two agricultural enterprises in Namur, Belgium, on Tuesday.
The royal donned an orange and green floral print dress for her visit to the farm, where she got stuck in and fed a cow.
Queen Mathilde donned a formal green and orange floral dress as she paid a visit to a farm in Namur, Belgium, on Tuesday
The short-haired royal tucked into some tasty treats made by local farmers, where female farmers take an active role such as Ferme de Coux in Maillen and La Petite Campagne in Bovesse.
The royal sampled some local cheeses before meeting animals outside in the farmyard.
Her surroundings were a far cry from last week, when the royal was resplendent in a lilac dress as she arrived at the presentation of the Queen Elisabeth Competition Prize at the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth in Waterloo, Belgium.
This year, the Queen Elisabeth Competition was devoted to the cello and the royal looked delighted to be part of proceedings.
The royal donned an orange and green floral print dress for her visit to the farm, where she got stuck in and fed a cow
The royal was certainly in high spirits as she stepped into one of the barns and fed a little cow
The cheerful royal was all smiles as she fed some goat with women who run the centre
The short-haired royal tucked into some tasty treats made by local farmers,
Following in the Duchess of Cambridge's footsteps, the 44-year-old accessorised her look with intricate pearl earrings.
The competition is an annual music contest, this year asking for cello players to put their musical talents forward.
This year is the first time the competition has asked for cello players with previous categories including singing and violin.
Finals for the competition started on Monday and concluded today with each evening seeing an audience hear two finalists perform at the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts.
First prize went to French cellist Victor Julien-Laferriere, who chatted away to the royal.
The Queen embraced the warm weather in an A-line dress emblazoned with bold floral prints
The royal sampled some local cheeses before meeting animals outside in the farmyard
Queen Mathilde acts as Honorary President of the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
The Queen of Belgium cut an elegant figure in a sleeveless emerald dress as she welcomed the jury for the Queen Elisabeth Competition to her home in Brussels last Tuesday.
The 44-year-old showcased her enviable figure with a waist-cinching belt and showcased her lengthy legs in a pair of nude heels.
Queen Mathilde was a vision in an intricate purple dress as she attended a musical presentation in Belgium on Tuesday
Famous for her perfectly coiffed locks Mathilde certainly didn't let standards slip as she welcomed her guests today.
The mother-of-four added a touch of sophisticated bling to her ensemble in the form of statement earrings set with an elegant stone.
Mathilde kept her beauty look to a minimal this afternoon opting with a soft smoky eye and a slick of berry lipstick.
The Belgian royal was joined by her husband King Philippe, 57, who looked distinguished in an indigo suit for his visitor's arrival on Tuesday.
The couple were today welcoming the jury who will decide the winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2017.
After greeting their guests the King and Queen posed for a commemorative photo with the judges.
She's had a busy day of engagements but the Queen still found time to nip home for a quick change before joining a service celebrating the Centenary of the Order of the Companions of Honour at Hampton Court Palace.
The monarch, 91, was picture perfect for a summer evening in a lilac floral dress with a matching coat and hat.
Earlier today, she opted for summery peach as she recreated the first train journey taken by a monarch in the UK.
This evening Her Majesty joins a host of celebrities and figures from the world of politics, science and the arts for Evensong at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.
She was accompanied by Prince Philip, 96, who looked smart in a grey suit for one of the last of his public engagements before his forthcoming retirement in the Autumn.
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The Queen, 91, was picture perfect for a summer evening in a lilac floral dress with a matching coat and hat as she arrived at the Chapel Royal for Evensong at Hampton Court
The Duke of Edinburgh, 96, looked smart in a grey suit as he attended one of his final public engagements before his retirement in the autumn
Top row L-R: Reverend Anthony Howe, Reverend Richard Chartres, Evelyn Glennie, Baroness Warnock, Baroness Amos, Harry Woolf, Robert Smith, Baron Smith of Kelvin, George Osborne, Richard Eyre, reverend Paul Wright, Lt Col Michael Vernon. Middle row L-R: David Young, Baron Young of Graffham, Maggie Smith, Menzies Campbell, Sebastian Coe, Michael Howard, Dan McKenzie, General John De Chastelain, John Major, David Hannay, Baron Hannay of Chiswick, Judi Dench, George Young, Baron Young of Cookham, Thomas Galbraith, 2nd Baron Strathclyde, Mary Peters, Roy Strong. Front L-R: Roger Bannister, Chris Patten, David Attenborough, Janet Baker, Peter Brooke, Norman Tebbit, The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, Kenneth Baker, Tom King, David Owen, Michael Heseltine and Bridget Riley
The Queen is greeted as she arrives with Prince Philip to attend Evensong in celebration of the centenary of the Order of the Companions of Honour at the Chapel Royal Hampton Court Palace
The Queen greets the choir before leaving the Evensong celebration
Companion of Honour awards were founded by the Queens grandfather, King George, in June 1917 in recognition of outstanding achievements in the arts, science and politics and are strictly limited to just 65 members at any one time, plus the monarch.
New admissions come only with another's death and the Queen is understood to have major say in who is given the gong.
The honour carries no title, but allows holders to use the letters 'CH' after their names.
The award has previous been given to fellow veteran actress Dame Judi Dench, Olympics star Lord Coe and actor Sir Ian McKellen.
Her Majesty accessorised with her customary pearl jewellery and a glittering diamond brooch
Her Majesty was presented with a beautiful bouquet of roses, peonies and crocuses
The Queen greets guests including former prime minister John Major at a reception following the Evensong service
Lovely in lilac: Her Majesty managed a quick outfit change before her second engagement of the day
Prince Philip is retiring from royal duties in the Autumn, but for now it's business as usual
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the service to celebrate 100 years since the founding of the Order of the Companions of Honour
The Queen was all smiles as she departed following the ceremony at the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court
Perfectly co-ordinated: Her Majesty was impeccable as always in a lilac outfit
Her Majesty arrives for the ceremony attended by a host of prominent figures, including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Lord Coe and David Attenborough
There are currently 53 companions, including Dame Vera Lynn, Stephen Hawking and David Hockney.
Earlier today, the Queen marked the 175th anniversary of the first train journey by a British monarch by travelling the same route as the historic trip.
Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh recreated the journey made by Queen Victoria on June 13, 1842 by taking a Great Western Railway service from Slough to London Paddington.
Resplendent in a summery pink coat and matching hat, Her Majesty smiled and waved to well-wishers as she boarded GWR's new Intercity express train, which is due to enter passenger service later this year.
Dame Maggie Smith, 82, arrives for Evensong in celebration of the Centenary of the Order of the Companions of Honour, which was founded by King George V
Sir David Attenborough, 91, is the only broadcaster among the Companions of Honour
Dame Judi Dench looked elegant in shades of beige as she arrived on the arm of her partner, the conservationist David Mills
Lord Coe was honoured in December 2012 after successfully spearheading the arrangement for the Olympics in London
George Osborne was welcomed into the Order of the Companions of Honour in August 2016
Otto Warmbier, the college student who was detained in North Korea almost 1-1/2 years ago for trying to take a propaganda sign and was sentenced to prison for 15 years of hard labor, is finally being sent home but in a coma. And it looks like he's been in a coma for over a year.
According to The Washington Post:
Warmbier, 22, is due to arrive home in Cincinnati on Tuesday evening, after a stop at a U.S. military facility in Sapporo, Japan. The family said they were told by North Korean officials through contacts with American envoys that Warmbier fell ill from botulism sometime after his March trial [in 2016] and fell into a coma after taking a sleeping pill. There is no way of knowing yet whether the North Korean version of events is true, but the Warmbiers were told their son was in a coma the whole time.
North Korea has "woefully inadequate medical care," according to The Washington post, and at this point it's not clear what kind of care Warmbier received "for more than a year in an unconscious state."
Image: Roman Harak
The company also accepts custom order to suit your pet's specific needs
Prices vary by size, and can range from $129 to $150
The ensembles are crafted from a durable foam material that is safe for pets
Adding to the latest in the never-ending series of things you didn't know you needed until right now is one Japanese company designing samurai armor for your pets.
Samurai Age, a company based in Fukuoka, Japan, makes hand-crafted pet armor that will instantly transform any kitten or canine into one of the fierce samurai warriors of legend.
In addition to adorable pre-made armor, Samurai Age also offers custom creations for the discerning pet costumer.
Who's the fiercest of them all? Japanese company Samurai Age sells pre-made and custom samurai armor for cats and dogs
Pricey! Currently, the standard-size suits will set you back anywhere between $129 and $150
Extra-special: For those who prefer a more tailored fit, they can request a custom-designed suit for their cat or dog
Whether one orders from the standard sizes or opts for a custom fit, all pieces from Samurai Age are hand-crafted in Japan.
Traditionally, samurai armor was constructed from leather. These pet-friendly suits are fashioned from soft, flexible polyurethane foam, flat string, and metal snap fittings.
Presently, the armor is available in red, black, gold, and silver, while other colors require a custom order. For standard sizes, prices range anywhere from 14,256 to 16,416 yen, or roughly $129 to $150. The cost for custom pieces varies.
Pet armor may be the perfect gift for Japanese history buffs, as some of the suits are actually based on particular legendary warriors.
Pet-friendly: Whereas real samurai armor is made from leather, these miniature versions are built from flexible foam
Historical! Some of these pet get-ups constructed to resemble famous samurai warriors from eras long past
Growing! The company is gaining popularity, with their Instagram page featuring more warrior pets from all around the world
One Shiba Inu pup on the company's website can be seen sporting a bright red suit that's meant to channel Sanada Yukimura, a hero of Japan's Sengoku era.
While these pet getups may seem novel, they are actually proving to be quite popular. A glance at the company's Instagram page shows all types of cats and dogs looking ready for battle in their samurai gear.
For humans that really want to go the extra mile for their furry friend, Samurai Age also offers adult-size samurai outfits. With just a few clicks, you can transform from local cat lady into a verifiable samurai army.
Or, if that's too much - your pet will at least have a very excellent and very accurate Halloween costume this fall.
Coordination: For those who wish to match with their cat or dog, Samurai Age also builds samurai suits for adults
Made with love: Whether you order from the standard-size collection or a custom creation, all of Samurai Age's wares are hand-crafted in Japan
He's often seen on royal engagements with his glamorous wife Princess Sofia.
But today Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, 38, enjoyed a royal outing with his father King Carl Gustav, 71, as the pair attended Stenhammar Day together.
The annual event is organised by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and held at the Stenhammar Estate, a summer residence of the royal family.
Prince Carl Philip, who is looking forward to the birth of his second child in September, opted for smart casual in grey skinny trousers and suede boots, paired with a tweed jacket and a shirt and tie.
Also in attendance was the King's beloved dog Brandie who goes with her master to as many events as possible.
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, 38, opted for smart casual as he attended Stenhammardagen for Stenhammar day with his father the King
King Carl Gustaf took his beloved dog Brandie along for the outing, seen getting a reassuring pat on the head from her master
For 11 years, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences has partnered with the estate to generate knowledge of grazing-based meat production, for the benefit of the industry and Stenhammar's own operations.
Today is in fact Prince Carl Philip's second wedding anniversary and last year his wife attended the event with him.
But former glamour model Sofia, 32, no doubt has her hands full as she prepares for the birth of their second child in the Autumn.
The couple revealed the happy news withan official statement on the Swedish Royal Court's website.
Not your best side? The royal was caught in a hilarious grimace at one point of the proceedings
The couple said: 'We are happy to announce that we are expecting a child, a sibling to Prince Alexander.
'We are looking forward to welcoming a new little member to our family.'
The statement also confirmed that Sofia would continue with her scheduled engagements as planned throughout the spring and summer of 2017.
Prince Carl Philip is celebrating his second wedding anniversary today, but his wife Princess Sofia remained at home
Their good news came just 11 months after the birth of the couple's first child Prince Alexander who arrived in April 2016.
He was born weighing at 7lbs 9oz. and measuring 19.3 inches long at Danderyds Hospital in Stockholm.
Hours after the birth, Carl Philip held a press conference at the hospital to announce the new arrival.
'When asked if he had cried during the birth, the prince replied, according to People magazine: 'Yes, actually. Of course. Couldn't stop.
'For me and my wife, this is obviously a great day with a lot of emotion. Words cannot describe.'
Former glamour model Sofia Hellqvist married the prince last June. The elegant brunette is known for her infectious gap-toothed smile and easygoing ways.
They dated for five years before walking down the aisle and now live together in the upmarket Djurgarden district of Stockholm.
At one recently-opened pop-up restaurant in Japan, diners are warned that they very well might not get what they ordered but surprisingly, it seems few patrons are complaining.
That's because waiters at the eatery, which is called 'The Restaurant of Order Mistakes', all have dementia and Alzheimer's.
According to Spoon & Tamago, founders of the unique dining spot hope that eating there will help change perspectives about dementia and teach customers to be more patient with those who suffer from it.
A pop-up restaurant in Japan is staffed by waiters with various forms of dementia
The eatery opened for a single weekend test-run earlier this month and is set to re-open in September for World Alzheimer's Day
Diners at The Restaurant of Order Mistakes are warned that the waiters might not get orders right or may forget to get something that was asked for
Yahoo! Japan first reported that the pop-up restaurant opened in Tokyo's Toyosu district on June 2 and closed after June 4, but will re-open around World Alzheimer's Day in September.
The name is a twist on the title of a 1924 story by Kenji Miyazawa called The Restaurant of Many Orders.
It's run by several people, including the owners of Maggie's Tokyo and the U.K.-based Maggie's Centres.
The founders hope to spread a message about inclusivity, and teach people to be more understanding toward elders with dementia. The restaurant also servers to point out that dementia and Alzheimer's sufferers can still be functioning members of society.
It doesn't all run smoothly, though. The restaurant readily warns that waiters may bring patrons the wrong order. They also may forget to bring drinks or other items.
The restaurateurs behind the spot are hoping to draw attention to people suffering from dementia
The idea is to show that people with dementia can still be functioning members of society, but also to teach others to be more patient with them
A Japanese magazine editor who sampled the restaurant described the food as enjoyable
However, she added that she was brought the wrong dish when the food was first served, getting gyoza instead of steak
However, at least one diner said that the experience was still quite a pleasant one, even if she didn't get the meal she wanted.
Mizuho Kudo, a Japanese food editor, tweeted about her stop at the restaurant this month.
She ordered a 'hamburger steak', but was given gyoza dumplings instead. Her order was eventually righted (and the food was 'delicious'), and she said she 'laughed a lot' during the meal.
Her tweet about the experience has been liked over 160,000 times, and many commenters seemed impressed by the idea.
It's not unusual to see baked goods decorated in ways inspired by nature but the latest nature-driven trend to dominate social media is not floral, sunny, or aquatic. It's geologic.
Bakers have been turning to geodes to inspire their tasty treat decorations, with cookies in particular getting the glitzy treatment.
Geodes, often seen in jewelry and home decor, are the insides of rocks that are covered in crystals and minerals.
Rockin' baking skills: Geode cookies have become a popular baking trend on Instagram
Too pretty to eat: Whipped Bakeshop in Philadelphia, in particular, makes beautiful geode cookies
Brilliant: Some bakers are even shaping their cookies to look like hollow, cut-open rocks
Inspo: Geodesare the insides of rocks that are covered in crystals and minerals
More popular: Geodes are often used in jewelry and home decor
Beautiful: Bakers are using bits of rock candy to look like the crystals inside
Rough-cut geode meaning the crystals haven't been sanded down into a smooth surface but are left to be raw and spiky first started to rise in popularity around 2010.
But while it's natural people would want to wear something so sparkly, eating it's not the first thing that comes to mind.
Yet many home bakers and bakeries have turned to the sparkly rock for Instagram-ready baked goods which are sure to elicit 'oohs' and 'aahs'.
First, geode designs started popping up in cakes, with bakers cutting out holes along the sides of their tiered confections and filling them in to look like the insides of these sparkly rocks.
Sparkly! Many are also dusting the edges with edible metallic paint
Starting with plain clear rock candy, the cookies can be painted to look like quartz
Unique: This baker even puts holes in her cookies so they look like slices cut out of geodes
Fancy snacks: Several of the designs are also decorated with edible glitters
They can also be done without candy by painting colorful rings and sprinkling with glitter
Bakers have also taken to making cakes that appear to have geode centers
Lately, creative bakers have been bringing geodes to cookies, too, decorating the top of shortbread or sugar cookies with chopped-up rock candy.
The candy gives it that rough rock effect, and then they can be painted to look more colorful.
Painted Zoe Lukas decorates multicolor heart-shaped geode cookies for Whipped Bakeshop in Philadelphia, which have earned plenty of attention on Instagram.
Ontario-based cookie decorator The Cookie Duchess makes hers with holes in the middle to look liked slices of geode rocks, while Erica De La Fe of Cookie Obsessions and the Bake Hard Bakery in Dallas shape their treats to be round on one side and concave on the other, to look even more like a split-open rock.
People who go to bed at the same time every night are far more healthy and successful than their more spontaneous peers, new research reveals.
While the growing swell of sleep research tends to focus on the amount of time we sleep, scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have found routine is just as key.
A team measured sleep and circadian rhythms in 61 undergraduates at Harvard College for 30 days using sleep diaries, then compared that data to their academic performance.
Overwhelmingly, students with irregular patterns of sleep and wakefulness had a lower grade point average than the rest.
They also tended to hit snooze more often, rather than bounding out of bed, and struggled to get sleepy, due to irregular releases of melatonin - the hormone that makes us want to sleep.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital found Harvard College students had a lower grade point average if they did not go to bed at the same time every night.
The research is one of the first studies to have considered or accurately quantified the effects of regular sleep patterns.
It suggests a more inconsistent routine prevents your body from releasing hormones at the right time to make you feel sleepy and awake, thereby throwing off your circadian rhythm (body clock).
In the study, the researchers quantified sleep regularity using the sleep regularity index (SRI), a newly devised metric.
They examined the relationship between the SRI, sleep duration, distribution of sleep across the day, and academic performance during one semester.
'Our results indicate that going to sleep and waking up at approximately the same time is as important as the number of hours one sleeps,' said Dr Andrew J. K. Phillips, a biophysicist at the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital and lead author on the paper.
'Sleep regularity is a potentially important and modifiable factor independent from sleep duration,' Dr Phillips said.
Students with more regular sleep patterns had better school grades on average.
Researchers found no significant difference in average sleep duration between most students with irregular sleep patterns and most regular sleepers.
'We found that the body clock was shifted nearly three hours later in students with irregular schedules as compared to those who slept at more consistent times each night,' said Dr Charles A. Czeisler, Director of the Sleep Health Institute at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and senior author on the paper.
'For the students whose sleep and wake times were inconsistent, classes and exams that were scheduled for 9am were therefore occurring at 6am according to their body clock, at a time when performance is impaired.
'Ironically, they didn't save any time because in the end they slept just as much as those on a more regular schedule.'
The team could identify each students circadian rhythm by measuring when their body released melatonin.
They saw that students who went to bed at different times every night tended to release melatonin 2.6 hours later than their peers.
'Using a mathematical model of the circadian clock, we were able to demonstrate that the difference in circadian timing between students with the most irregular sleep patterns and students with regular sleep patterns was consistent with their different patterns of daily light exposure,' Dr Phillips said.
'In particular, regular sleepers got significantly higher light levels during the daytime, and significantly lower light levels at night than irregular sleepers who slept more during daytime hours and less during nighttime hours.'
The researchers concluded that light-based interventions - such as spending more time outdoors in the sunshine and spending less time on computers screens at night - may be effective in improving sleep regularity.
The results were published in Scientific Reports on Monday June 12.
Two thirds of British men with a family history of prostate cancer are unaware of the danger they face as a result of inheriting harmful genes, research has shown.
Men are 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer if the disease has affected their father or brother.
Yet 66 per cent of men in this position are not aware of their increased risk, according to research by the Prostate Cancer UK charity.
Two thirds of British men with a family history of prostate cancer are unaware of the danger they face as a result of inheriting harmful genes, research has shown
The findings, to be presented today at the Public Health England Cancer Data and Outcomes Conference in Manchester, suggest there is a startling lack of awareness about the disease among British men.
Each year around 46,700 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the UK and more than 11,200 men die from the disease.
One in every eight British men will develop the disease in their lifetime, a figure that rises to one in four among black men.
The cancer is easily dealt with if diagnosed early - 99 per cent of men whose tumour is spotted at a very early stage survive for at least ten years.
But if the disease is diagnosed late this survival rate drops to just 22 per cent.
There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, but men over the age of 50 are eligible for a PSA blood test which gives doctors a rough idea of whether they are at risk.
If this gives a positive result further scans or biopsies give a definitive diagnosis, and the tumour can be easily dealt with, often with surgery or radiotherapy.
Yet if the tumour is not spotted because a PSA test is not used, men often only find out about their cancer when they start displaying symptoms, by which time the cancer may have spread, making it far harder to treat.
The new study was based on an analysis of Public Health England cancer data and surveys of 1,901 adult British men and 402 GPs.
Men are 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer if the disease has affected their father or brother - yet 66 per cent of men in this position are not aware of their increased risk
It revealed although 90 per cent of GPs are aware of the familial link to prostate cancer, only one in ten is likely to ask their male patients if any of their relatives have had prostate cancer.
Some 46 per cent of GPs said this was because of time pressure during appointments, or the need to prioritise other health concerns.
But experts said if patients themselves raised the issue, GPs would make time.
The charitys chief executive Angela Culhane said: Theres no denying that GPs in the UK today face tremendous pressure to start conversations with patients regarding an ever-growing list of medical conditions.
We need men to feel empowered to take control of their own health, find out their family history and pro-actively ask their GP whether they need tests for the disease due to their risk of developing it.
Currently this isnt happening nearly enough and the increased risk due to family history of prostate cancer is being dangerously overlooked by both men and their GPs.
Too many men are walking around completely blind to the serious danger they could face. This must change.
She added: Every single one of us can do our bit to reduce the number of men who lose their lives to prostate cancer every year in the UK.
This Sunday, Fathers Day, ask your dads, brothers, grand-dads, husbands, partners and friends about prostate cancer and urge them to book an appointment with their doctor if they have a family history of the disease.
A British surgeon is spending 50,000 of his own money to rebuild the horrifically scarred faces of women who were left disfigured after acid attacks in Pakistan.
Asim Shahmalak is currently helping six victims on his self-funded mercy mission - including one young mother who was doused in her face by a man whose marriage proposal she turned down.
The woman suffered such gruesome injuries her three-year-old son initially refused to live with her because he was afraid to look at her scars. She will initially undergo an eyelash transplant on her left eyelid to help with her treatment.
Former NHS surgeon Dr Shahmalak, 56, who was born in Karachi but moved to the UK after qualifying as a doctor, is best known for his work with celebrities such as model Calum Best and Gogglebox's Chris Steed.
Asim Shahmalak, a former NHS surgeon, is currently helping six victims on his self-funded mercy mission - including one young mother who was doused in her face by a man whose marriage proposal she turned down
Dr Shahmalak previously helped Kanwal Qayyum, 29, who lost her nose after being doused with acid (left) while she slept by a jealous friend. Surgeons spent 10 years painstakingly rebuilding her face including remodelling her nose with tissue from her thigh (right)
Kanwal (pictured before the attacks) said: 'I can't thank the doctor enough. He completely transformed my face and I love my new eyebrows and new eyelashes'
'I wept when I heard their stories'
The father-of-two, who lives in Cheadle, said: 'I wept when I heard their stories. Being doused with acid because you turned down a man's marriage proposal - people were treated better in the Middle Ages.
'They had given up hope of ever getting help because the Government in Pakistan cannot afford to do anything for them. We were their last hope.
'They are not accepted by society because of their disfigurement. They cannot get jobs and, in some case, they have been disowned by their families and left to beg on the streets.'
'Helping to rebuild their faces is some of the most rewarding work that I do. Just seeing their smiles after the surgery makes it all worthwhile. There is so much more work to do. I am just glad that I am able to make a difference to these people's lives.
'This is payback time for me for the fantastic medical training I received when I was growing in Pakistan which I have used for the benefit of patients in the years since in the NHS and in my private clinic.'
Who will receive the help?
As well as the aforementioned victim Sidra Kanwal, other patients Dr Shahmalak is helping on the trip include Sana Naz. The 24-year-old lost both of her eyebrows and most of her eyelashes in an acid attack by a former male friend.
One of the patients that Dr Shahmalak is helping is Reshma Rashid, who wasn't an acid attack victim. She lost both of her eyebrows when a gas cylinder exploded
Waqar Ali, 22, who lost his left eye, eyelid and most of his left eyebrow after being doused in acid last year, and Niaz Bano, 52, who was attacked with acid after a family row 10 years ago will also receive assistance.
He is also helping patients hurt in accidents including Arzoo Iobal, 20, who suffered serious facial scarring and lost most of her left eyebrow after collapsing on a hot plate following a fit.
Other patients are Reshma Rashid, 42, who lost both her eyebrows when a gas cylinder exploded and Salma Hanif, who was left with one eye after a cooking accident.
Dr Shahmalak's background
Being doused with acid because you turned down a man's marriage proposal - people were treated better in the Middle Ages Asim Shahmalak, 56
Dr Shahmalak, who lives with his wife Rubina, a GP, was introduced to the patients by the Karachi-based charity Depilex Smile Again whose founder Masarrat Misbah has worked tirelessly to help victims of acid attacks.
As well as carrying out the transplants, Dr Shahmalak will help to train local doctors and technicians in his techniques so that his work could carry on at local hospitals on his return to Britain.
One of the women he helped previously was Kanwal Qayyum, 29, who lost her nose after being doused with sulphuric acid while she slept by a jealous friend.
Surgeons have spent the past 10 years painstakingly rebuilding her face including remodelling her nose with tissue from her thigh.
Dr Shahmalak created new eyebrows and eyelashes for her and she said after the treatment: 'I cannot thank the doctor enough. He completely transformed my face and I love my new eyebrows and new eyelashes.'
Dr Shahmalak, who was born in Pakistan but moved to the UK, will also provide assistance to Salma Hanif, who was left with one eye after a cooking accident
Other patients that will receive surgery include Sana Naz. The 24-year-old lost both of her eyebrows and most of her eyelashes in an acid attack by a former male friend
Waqar Ali, 22, who lost his left eye, eyelid and most of his left eyebrow after being doused in acid last year, will also receive help from Dr Shahmalak
Drying laundry indoors may trigger a deadly asthma attack, an expert warns.
Moist environments create the ideal breeding grounds for mould, which then releases spores, she said.
Spores, which are invisible, can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks, she adds.
Young children, the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients, may be particularly at risk.
The expert advises we dry our laundry outside if possible, use tumble dryers and keep our homes ventilated to prevent mould from building up.
Drying laundry indoors may trigger a deadly asthma attack, an expert warns
HOW TO SAFELY DRY YOUR LAUNDRY Avoid airing damp clothes indoors if possible. Keep windows open or use extractor fans to ventilate your home. Regularly wash mould off hard surfaces with a mix of vinegar, soap and water. Use humidifiers or air purifiers to reduce humidity if necessary. Keep air conditioner and heating filters clean and dry. Fix leaks and moisture problems as they arise. Source: RTE Advertisement
Why is it a risk?
Pheena Kenny, health promotion manager of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said: 'Moist environments encourage the growth of mould which can release 'seeds' called spores.
'The spores can cause allergic reactions in some people.
'But for some people with asthma who are sensitive to mould spores, it can act as a trigger, causing asthma symptoms to get worse,' RTE reported.
Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus species that commonly causes lung problems.
It grows throughout the year, but tends to peak during wetter months.
Who is most affected?
Certain asthma patients are more likely to experience an attack due to environmental triggers.
VITAMIN D IN PREGNANCY MAY PROTECT BABIES FROM ASTHMA Taking vitamin D supplements in pregnancy strengthens babies' immune systems, which may lower their risk of developing asthma, research revealed last month. The unborn babies of expectant mothers who take more than the recommended daily vitamin D dose for pregnant women respond better when exposed to simulated pathogens, a study found. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between a strong immune system in early life and a reduced risk of asthma. Researchers believe this may also extend to greater respiratory health overall. Lead researcher Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz, from King's College London, said: 'For the first time, we have shown that higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy can effectively alter the immune response of the newborn baby, which could help to protect the child from developing asthma.' Advertisement
These include young children, the elderly, people with a suppressed immune system, those with a severe form of asthma or people with skin problems, such as eczema.
What can we do?
Ms Kenny recommends drying laundry outdoors if possible or in well-ventilated rooms away from living spaces, such as lounges.
Be aware that mould also readily grows in damp environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms, she adds.
Keeping rooms ventilated via open windows and extractor fans prevents mould from building up.
Humidifiers or air purifiers can also help to manage humidity.
Mould can be removed from hard surfaces by regularly cleaning with a mix of water, vinegar and soap.
This comes after researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York revealed stressed pregnant women who are exposed to air pollution are more likely to have asthmatic children.
Boys whose mothers were exposed to both of these risk factors are more likely to develop the condition by age six, they found.
Stomach-churning footage shows an Indian woman having a 7cm-long worm pulled out from her eye.
After complaining of having an itchy eye, the 56-year-old woman, who is known only as Lalitha, sought medical help.
Doctors conducted various investigations to determine the cause of her problem before they made the surprising discovery.
A team at a Government-run hospital in Ernakulam, Kerala, then decided to operate on her to remove the parasite.
Pakistani surgeons decided to operate on the woman to remove the parasitic worm. The surgery lasted for 10 minutes and saw doctors use medical equipment to pull it out of her eye
DILOFILARIA WORMS: THE FACTS Dirofilariasis in humans is an infection that is caused by a specific roundworm called dirofilaria. Patients normally notice a slight bump in the area where they have been infected. Dogs, wolves and raccoons commonly transmit the parasite to human hosts, as well as mosquitos, fleas, lice and ticks. The majority of cases, of which there are less than 900 worldwide, are reported from southern and eastern Europe, Sri Lanka, Italy, France, Greece and Spain. Advertisement
The surgery, which can be seen in full glory in the video, proved to be a success, relieving the woman of her symptoms.
It lasted for 10 minutes and revolved around doctors using medical equipment to drag out the worm from its new home, local reports say.
What was the worm?
Upon closer inspection, the worm that invaded and took shelter in her eye was found to be a dirofilaria.
These worms, which can cause an infection called dirofilariasis, are most commonly transmitted by mosquitos, fleas, lice and ticks.
There have been less than 900 cases of dirofilariasis worldwide since it was first documented in 1885, according to the Journal of Parasitic Diseases.
The majority of cases are reported from southern and eastern Europe, Sri Lanka, Italy, France, Greece and Spain.
Having a fever in pregnancy really does increase the risk of your child having autism, alarming research confirms.
Links between respiratory illnesses in expectant mothers and the spectrum disorder have frequently been uncovered by scientists.
But a new study bolsters the growing body of evidence and suggests it heightens the chances by 34 per cent.
Being repeatedly affected by the bug was also found to increase the risk by 300 per cent, experts said.
Links between respiratory illnesses in expectant mothers and the spectrum disorder have frequently been uncovered by scientists
Despite being unsure as to why, previous suggestions have put it down to the virus impairing the growth of cells in the developing foetal brain.
The exact cause of autism is unknown, but researchers believe that it is caused by abnormal growth of the organ.
The most robust to date
The Columbia University study is believed to be the most robust to date to explore the link between ASD and fevers.
Dr Maddy Hornig and Professor Walter Lipkin, who are ex-lovers and currently embroiled in a lawsuit, were behind the report.
It was claimed that Professor Lipkin, who is Dr Hornig's boss, previously demanded that she inspect a lump on his bum and would kick her underneath tables to stop her from speaking.
Dr Hornig said: 'Our results suggest a role for gestational maternal infection and innate immune responses to infection in the onset of at least some cases of autism spectrum disorder.'
Professor Lipkin added: 'Future work should focus on identifying and preventing prenatal infections and inflammatory responses that may contribute to autism spectrum disorder.'
How was the study carried out?
AN OPPOSITE FINDING Despite the findings of this new study, researchers reported completely the opposite in November. They dispelled the myth and found having the flu in pregnancy doesn't mean your child will be born with autism. The Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, scientists found 'no association' between the two. They studied 196,929 babies after 24 weeks in the womb - 3,101 of which were born with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Danish researchers initially made the link back in 2012 when they found pregnant women with the flu were three times more likely to have autistic children. Advertisement
They followed 95,754 children over a period of 10 years, according to the results published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
As well as looking into flu rates, they assessed commonly used anti-fever drugs - acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen.
What did they find?
The link was the strongest during the second trimester, raising the odds of ASD by 40 per cent, they found.
None of the children whose mothers' took ibuprofen went on to develop autism, the researchers also noted.
However, they were unable to confirm the link due to the small number of women who had used the nonsteroidal drug.
Pregnancy and the flu
It is widely recommended that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine due to their increased susceptibility to the virus.
Last year figures showed that 42 per cent of women in England received the jab - but it is unsure how many went onto catch the virus.
Previous research at the University of Southern California suggested infections disrupted the neurotransmitter serotonin in developing babies.
This messenger chemical that carries signals between nerve cells in the brain is thought to have a positive influence on mood, emotion and sleep.
The fetal brain requires serotonin to develop healthy neural circuits.
E-cigarettes are less addictive as vapers are not as dependent on their habit as traditional smokers, new research reveals.
Vapers typically wait longer to start using their e-cigs after waking up, a study found.
They are also less likely to consider themselves addicts or have strong cravings, the research adds.
E-cig users also report finding it easier to refrain from their habit when in no-vaping areas, the study found.
Study author Professor Guodong Liu from Penn State College of Medicine, said: 'No doubt about it, e-cigarettes are addictive, but not at the same level as traditional cigarettes.'
E-cigarettes are less addictive as vapers are not as dependent on their habit, research reveals
E-CIGARETTES ARE A GATEWAY TO TOBACCO FOR TEENS Electronic cigarettes are getting a generation of teenagers hooked on nicotine, a study warned back in January. Researchers claim that teenagers who would never normally smoke are now starting out with so-called vaping before moving on to regular cigarettes, risking long-term health problems. The researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found the number of schoolchildren who were smoking both cigarettes and e-cigs increased between 2011 and 2014, suggesting that the trendy devices are a gateway to the harmful habit. The reports authors said youths in the study who were deemed at a low risk of smoking cigarettes may not have developed a regular habit if e-cigarettes did not exist. Advertisement
How the study was carried out
Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine analyzed survey responses from participants in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study - an ongoing survey of tobacco use among more than 30,000 young people and adults.
The scientists focused on the 3,586 participants who were either daily or almost-daily users of electronic or traditional cigarettes.
All of the study's participants were considered dependent on their habit due to their regularity of use.
Key findings
Results, published in Preventive Medicine, revealed that e-cigarette users wait longer to start using their product after waking up.
Vapers are also less likely to consider themselves addicts, have strong cravings or feel like they really need their product.
E-cigarette users also report finding it easier to refrain from using their product in restricted places.
Professor Liu said: 'No doubt about it, e-cigarettes are addictive, but not at the same level as traditional cigarettes.'
It is unclear why e-cigs are less addictive than traditional cigarettes.
Vapers wait longer to start using their product after waking up than smokers, a study found
E-CIGARETTES MAY STOP MOUTH ULCERS FROM HEALING Electronic cigarettes can stop wounds from healing, experts warned earlier this month. Chemicals in the devices impair the processes that allow the body to repair itself, a study found. The findings may explain why some users develop persistent painful mouth sores and ulcers. E-cigarettes are widely promoted as a safer replacement for tobacco. Yet toxicology experts in the US say they can lead to a range of health issues. Advertisement
Future research
Follow-up studies will further analyze e-cigarette users' dependency on their habit.
Around 80 percent of adult PATH participants also submitted blood and urine samples, which the researchers plan to study to determine if participants' nicotine levels match their self-reported dependence.
The researchers also plan to analyze smokers who use both electronic and traditional cigarettes to better understand nicotine dependence.
Professor Liu said: 'We suspect that most e-cigarette users are either experimental users or dual users of e-cigarettes and at least one type of traditional tobacco product, like cigarettes.
'We want to learn if dual users' dependence levels differ from each other and also from exclusive e-cigarette or cigarette users.'
The same PATH participants will continue to be surveyed to determine if experimental e-cigarette users eventually become traditional smokers.
Professor Liu said: 'Adolescents very much by nature want to experiment with everything and anything.
'We have to know a lot on almost every aspect of this device before we can have a coherent action plan to better manage this new emerging tobacco delivery product.'
Kailyn Donovan, five, was so distracted when she was playing in her backyard that she didn't feel the slight pinch of a bug bite.
It wasn't until last week that the little girl's parents noticed a small purplish bruise on the back of her knee.
Josh and Kristine Donovan didn't think much else of the marking until the bruise began to grow larger and Kailyn developed a fever.
Doctors from Mendon, Massachusetts, quickly diagnosed the mark as a spider bite and sent her to an emergency room to receive antibiotics.
When the medicine did nothing to help Kailyn, her parents then drove her to a pediatric infectious-disease specialist for further help.
There they learned Kailyn was bitten by a black widow, the most poisonous spider in North America.
Although the little girl is now recovering, Josh and Kristine are warning other parents to be aware of dangerous insects lurking in backyards.
Kailyn Donovan, five, (left) was bitten by a black widow spider in Mendon, Massachusetts, last week. The spider's venom caused a mark that looked like a bruise across the back of her knee (right)
The little girl is now recovering but her parents are warning others to be aware of dangerous insects lurking in their backyards
HOW DEADLY ARE BLACK WIDOWS? Black widow spiders have long been feared due to its toxic poison. The scarlet marking on its body warns off a potential predator, indicating that its venom is dangerous. An average of 2,000 people a year are bitten by the insect in the US. While the spiders are the most poisonous spiders in North America, their bites cause very few deaths. This doesn't mean they are harmless, though. The bites can result in severe muscle pains, cramps, fever, nausea and mild paralysis of the diaphragm. If bitten by a black widow, medical assistance should be sought in order to get an anti-venom serum. Advertisement
Although black widow bites can be deadly, only a few deaths have been reported.
An average of 2,000 people a year are bitten by the insect.
Kristine is urging other parents to inspect their child after playing outdoors and to push for answers if they notice something strange.
Speaking to CBS News, Kristine said: 'She never felt it bite her. It could have been in her jeans in the location where it bit her, we just don't know.
'She's happier now that we're not in the hospital. It doesn't seem to bother her. She looks at it, she doesn't think it's gross, so I try not to make a big deal out of it, to make her nervous or anything.'
Dr William Durbin, the specialist at UMass Memorial Medical Center, told the Donovans they were right to bring Kailyn to him, otherwise things could have been worse.
Speaking to the Boston Globe, Dr Durbin said her dark purple bite signaled cell injury.
He added: 'She had a very distinctive bite, which was very scary for her parents and of course the doctors, too.'
Black widows are known for its telling red marking on the body, signalizing its poisonous venom.
Black widows are also one of the few kinds of spiders that have fangs long enough to penetrate human skin and venom strong enough to severely affect a human being.
A bite mark is identified as two small puncture wounds and symptoms normally appear within an hour.
The poison attacks the nervous system, resulting in severe muscle pain, cramping, nausea, fever and mild paralysis of the diaphragm, which makes breathing difficult.
Most victims recover without serious complications but medical attention should be sought out so an anti-venom serum can be administered.
Although black widow bites can be deadly, only a few deaths have been reported. A bite mark is identified as two small puncture wounds and symptoms normally appear within an hour.
Kaylin was playing in her wooded backyard (pictured) when she was bitten, her parents said. The poison attacks the nervous system, resulting in severe muscle pain, cramping, nausea, fever and mild paralysis of the diaphragm, which makes breathing difficult
Black widows get their name because they eat their mates, a practice called sexual cannibalism.
These types of spiders are normally found in southern and western areas of the United States.
While it is uncommon to find black widow spiders in Massachusetts, Dr Durbin says 'they are around.'
They generally leave people alone unless someone comes into contact with one of their webs, which are commonly found in woodpiles, fences and other areas where debris has accumulated, according to the CDC.
Another poisonous spider found in North America is the brown recluse spider and they are most active in the warmer months.
These bites differ from black widows because their venom destroys the walls of blood vessels near the bite, sometimes causing a large skin ulcer.
The wound can take months to heal and can become infected, and although deaths are rare, it can occur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States later this month to meet President Donald Trump for the first time.
India's foreign ministry said on Monday that the two leaders will discuss bilateral relations on June 26 in Washington.
'Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest,' the External Affairs ministry statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States later this month
Ties between the two countries prospered under former US President Barack Obama, when India was seen as a partner to balance China's growing weight in Asia.
But Trump has focused on building ties with China, relying on it as key to tackling problems such as North Korea's nuclear program.
For India, other key concerns are Trump's decisions to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord and review the H1B visa program, under which thousands of skilled Indian workers go to the United States.
He will meet President Trump for the first time since his election last year
Ties between the two countries prospered under former US President Barack Obama, when India was seen as a partner to balance China's growing weight in Asia
In announcing America's withdrawal from the Paris deal last month, Trump irked India by saying New Delhi had made its participation 'contingent on receiving billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid.'
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India did not sign the Paris accord because of the lure of money and would continue to be part of it, regardless of whether the United States participates.
Both sides have expected a bilateral nuclear agreement signed during the Obama administration to begin bearing fruit.
India is expected to discuss the issue with Washington because China has blocked India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, demanding that India's rival, Pakistan, be treated on the same basis.
Modi's flagship 'Make In India' policy, designed to reboot local manufacturing and ramp up exports in tandem with foreign investors, could also run aground on Trump's 'America first' instincts.
Major US firms such as Walmart and Apple have grown frustrated by regulations and tariffs imposed by Indian authorities as they seek to crack what is a potentially massive market.
Activists opposed by the Centre's recent moves to ban the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets organised a beef festival in Mizoram capital Aizawl.
The event coincided with the visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived in Aizawl on Monday to hold a meeting of chief ministers of the states sharing borders with Mynamar.
The security arrangement for the visit was stepped up in the wake of beef festival organised by ZOlife Group and some activists.
Banners advocating eating of beef in Aizawl, where the meat is an integral part of food habits
Activists opposed to the recent cattle ban held a defiant beef festival on Monday
The organisers promoted the event on Facebook, calling on people to attend the beef festival at Vanapa Hall in the city on Monday afternoon.
The opposition to the Centres notification assumes political significance for the BJP, which is focusing on improving its presence in the entire North-East.
Remruata Varte, one of the organisers said that the entire state stands together in opposing the beef ban by BJP government at the Centre.
The beef festival coincides with the visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh (left), who arrived in Aizawl on Monday
Beef is an integral part of the food habits of the people in the region and no one will compromise for the same, Varte said.
This of course comes as a big setback for the BJP leaders who have been camping in the region trying to garner support for impending elections in the state.
Earlier, protests were witnessed in Meghalaya against the Centre's notification for ban on sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets.
Railway authorities in Sri Lanka will launch a crackdown on mobile phone selfies after a 12-year-old boy was decapitated taking a photo of himself.
The announcement came on Tuesday, two days after the boy and his 24-year-old brother were killed taking snaps on a coastal track in Columbo.
Another man died as he tried to take a selfie with his new bride on the same day on another section of the line.
A Sri Lankan man takes a selfie on the beach in the Colombo (photo for representation only)
The woman suffered serious injuries and is in intensive care.
Railway spokesman Wijeya Samarasinghe said mobile phones accounted for most of the 28 deaths on Sri Lanka's railways so far this year.
'We are launching a campaign this week to deploy our security staff to arrest those walking on the tracks and taking selfies in front of moving trains,' he told news agency AFP.
'There are some who want to post videos and pictures of themselves in front of moving trains.
Security staff will now arrest anyone who ventures onto the track to take a photo (photo for representation only)
'Unfortunately, some are unable to get out of the way in time and get killed.'
Police said the victims were often tourists from elsewhere in the country who had travelled to the seaside capital on holiday and wanted to pose for selfies with the Indian Ocean in the background.
'They dont realise how dangerous it is,' said a police official who asked not to be named.
Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to introduce mobile phones in 1989 and has seen an explosion in smartphone use in recent years.
But it remains behind neighbouring India when it comes to selfie-related deaths.
The South Asian giant was ranked top of a global list last year, with 76 such deaths in a two-year period, according to a study by US-based Carnegie Mellon University and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi.
Two key global agreements to eradicate child slavery were ratified by India on Tuesday.
The move commits the country to adopting international labour standards on the employment of children which allows other nations to scrutinise on.
Indian Minister of Labour Bandaru Dattatreya said in a statement the ratification reaffirmed the country's 'commitment to a child labour free society.'
Satyarthi said that India had previously been in denial on the issue but said the current government was now recognising the scale of the problem
India's census found there were more than four million labourers aged between five and 14 in 2011 out of 168 million globally, but activists say millions more are at risk due to poverty.
The International Labour Organization's Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour and the Minimum Age Convention form the bedrock of global guidelines for countries to legislate nationally.
Ratifying the conventions - which specify a minimum age of work and prohibit using minors in areas like armed conflict, prostitution or drug trafficking - means nations must adopt the standards and have their progress reviewed every four years.
India is home to more than 30 per cent of the world's 385 million most impoverished children, according to a 2016 World Bank and UNICEF report (photo for representation only)
Activists said successive governments had resisted ratification due to a general denial of the existence of child labour in India.
Nobel Laureate and child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi called the ratifications a paradigm shift.
'For years, India was saying we don't have child slavery and was hesitant to admit the worst forms of child labour exist here, but now this government has agreed that this is a problem and that is why we are ratifying the conventions,' he said.
The ratifications mean increased government spending on children and provide a strong legal tool for charities seeking to strengthen policy on child labour (photo for representation only)
The ratifications would mean increased government spending on children, and also provide a strong legal tool for charities seeking to strengthen policy on child labour in the country's courts, Satyarthi added.
India has one of largest populations of children in the world, with more than 40 percent of its 1.2 billion people below the age of 18, according to its 2011 census.
An economic boom in the last two decades has lifted millions out of poverty and progress has been made in curbing child labour with the introduction of social welfare schemes and laws to protect minors and ensure education.
Nonetheless, India is home to more than 30 per cent of the world's 385 million most impoverished children, according to a 2016 World Bank and UNICEF report.
These children are easy prey for traffickers, who promise a better life but often end up selling them into forced labour or debt bondage.
More than half of India's child workers are employed in agriculture and more than a quarter in manufacturing - embroidering clothes, weaving carpets or making match sticks.
Children also work in restaurants and hotels and as domestic workers. Many girls are sold to brothels for sexual slavery.
Life-saving medicines turn into carriers of death if they fall into the wrong hands.
And a raid led by the Union Health Ministry at Delhi's Bhagirath Palace, a wholesale market for drugs and medical equipment, revealed a dark underbelly that puts thousands of lives at risk.
Officials seized medicines worth nearly Rs 5 crore during the 'surgical strike' at the market that has about 376 chemist shops, while several traders were taken into custody.
Officers raided Delhi's Bhagirath Palace, a wholesale market for drugs and medical equipment
With more than 140 drugs regulatory officers from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) along with about 50 Delhi Police personnel involved, it was one of the biggest raids of its kind.
The CDSCO is an apex body under Union Health Ministry which functions for regulatory control over the import of drugs, approval of new drugs and clinical trials, etc.
The Delhi government too conducts raids on occasions to create deterrence among traders involved in malpractices.
According to the sources, officials got a tip from insiders regarding black-marketing as well as sale of substandard and spurious drugs at the market
Experts say drugs should always be stored in cool, neat and safe places, where there is no sunlight.
'However, warehouses where these drugs were kept were directly exposed to sunlight and most of the medicines were stored at room temperature, which shouldn't be the case as they lose their effectiveness,' a senior drug controller officer from CDSCO told Mail Today on condition of anonymity.
'During the raid, drug inspectors found some of the vaccines were stored at more than 30C against the required storage temperature of 2-8C. Some of the cough syrup was found to be stored in PVC 5 litre packs.
Medicines worth nearly Rs 5 crore were seized from the market which has about 376 chemist shops within it
'These traders purchase in huge quantities from companies and sell it to their agents without proper labelling and seals. There is no mention of composition of the drug, dosages and manufactured as well as expiry date.'
Sources say that cough syrup in such quantities and conditions is often sold to addicts.
According to the sources, officials got a tip from insiders regarding black-marketing as well as sale of substandard and spurious drugs at the market.
'Illegal trade of medicines is rampant here and Bhagirath Palace is a huge market,' the CDSCO officer said.
The CDSCO, which carried out the raid with Delhi police, is an apex body under Union Health Ministry which regulates the import and approval of drugs and clinical trials
'So, we took the help of Delhi Police. This is for the first time that CDSCO has conducted such a major raid. During the search, it was found that nearly 80 per cent of the business done here is illegal.
'Most of the illegal business transaction operates without proper purchase and sale invoice, which is the root cause of substandard drugs moving across the market, as it affects the traceability of the purchaser and sale including original manufacturer, which ultimately affects public health.'
The wholesale market is operating out of unhygienic and rickety premises, he added.
Experts say the annual turnover of each of these chemist shops could be anywhere between Rs 1cr and Rs 50 crore.
While the raid was going on, many traders left their shops unattended to escape, and some started to shut down the stores.
Dr Vikas Maurya, head of department of pulmonology at Fortis Hospitals (Shalimar Bagh), told Mail Today: 'Medicine should always be stored in a proper condition, as mentioned on the package. If not kept in required conditions, drugs lose their property and do not give the desired result. In fact, it starts producing side-effects and also worsens a patient's health.'
Officials informed that more than 100 suspect samples of drugs for various health complications such as diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, as well as vaccines were collected and these will be forwarded to the Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Kolkata for quality evaluation.
Mail Today had earlier reported about the supply of spurious Shecal medicine at Bhagirath Palace market.
These bogus medicines were found to have zero per cent vitamin D content.
A spate of terrorist attacks on security forces took place across Kashmir on Tuesday, indicating a planned integrated assault by the active militant groups in the Valley.
The first attack, which followed recent foiled attempts to infiltrate the border, happened in Tral around 6pm when a grenade was thrown at a CRPF camp, injuring 10 security personnel.
The injured were taken to hospital for treatment and the area was cordoned off to search the attackers, sources said.
An injured policeman being shifted to hospital after a terror attack on Justice Muzzafar Atars guard post in Anantnag district on Tuesday evening
Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack on CRPF camp.
Two similar attacks then occurred almost simultaneously at troop installations in Awantipora and Pulwama.
However, no casualties were reported from either of the two sites.
Later, two more similar grenade attacks were reported, first from Pahalgam in north Kashmir on a CRPF camp and the second in Sopore where an Army camp was targeted.
The wave of attacks continued as terrorists fired upon Army camp of 22 Rashtriya Rifles at Pazalpora in north Kashmir and fled after retaliation by the Army. No injuries were reported in the attack.
The assault followed attempts of infiltration from across the line of control, which have been on the increase in recent weeks
In the seventh incident of terror attack, the house of a state High Court judge was attacked in Anantnag's Anchidora area.
Although the group of assailants could not move beyond the guard post at the entrance, they injured the police personnel and ran away with four assault rifles.
'We had input about possibility of such an attack today, the 17th day of Ramzan and we had alerted our installations,' S P Vaid, DGP Jammu and Kashmir said.
Sources in the police said that all the military and paramilitary installations camps had been informed in advance about the possibility of such attacks.
The vigil was increased and number of guards manning the security cordon doubled in each camp.
The security forces in the Valley have been put on a state of high alert after the attacks.
In the last couple of weeks, attempts of infiltration from across the line of control and ceasefire violation has gone up.
The army has neutralised 14 infiltrators in north Kashmir and believes the situation is crucial as there has been desperation from the Pakistani side to send their men into the Valley.
Being diagnosed with cancer or any serious illness is devastating, and can quickly turn your life upside down.
But for most, coming to terms with the diagnosis and undergoing treatment has to be handled alongside tackling a whole host of practical issues - one of the most significant being your job.
For some this means juggling work with chemo or radiotherapy, while for many the struggle is getting back after recovery.
Whatever the situation, it's important to arm yourself with a good understanding of your rights to make sure you feel confident in your return to work and to ensure you are treated fairly during the process.
Return to work: Your employer should make 'reasonable adjustments' to help
Unfortunately, as if battling cancer isnt enough to cope with, an estimated 20,000 of those who are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK will face discrimination in their workplace, according to Macmillan Cancer Support and YouGov research.
This could be anything from pressuring you to give up your job to passing you over for a promotion you deserve or rebuking you for not reaching targets without reasonable allowances.
But this isnt fair or legal.
There are also strict rules around dismissal and demotion that mean your employer must have reasons beyond the state of your health.
Currently 120,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer each year and by 2030 its estimated that there will be as many as 1.7 million people in this bracket coping with the disease.
Want to know more? At This is Money we want to arm you with the tools you need to manage your money as easily as possible so you can focus your attention on your health and family. This is the first in our 'cancer and your finances' series which will look at how to claim on health insurance, workplace and Government benefits if you're ill among other things. If you have a subject you'd like us to include in the series, email emma.gunn@thisismoney.co.uk
Anyone with cancer, undergoing treatment or who has previously been treated is protected by the Equality Act 2010, and by the Disability Discrimination Order 2006 (part of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) in Northern Ireland.
Both laws mean that while you concentrate on getting yourself back to good health or learn to manage a longer term condition, certain allowances must be made.
They give you the same rights against discrimination as anyone with a disability which ultimately means employers cant treat you differently because of your illness.
Many people are also not aware that these rights don't stop with the end of your treatment, they in fact last for the rest of your life, and these rules are not just limited to cancer patients.
The Equality Act states that a disability is a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
You are automatically included in this bracket from the day you are diagnosed with an HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis, but some more progressive conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and ME may also be covered.
You can find out more on the Citizen's advice website here.
Do I have to tell my boss about my cancer diagnosis?
Jane Amphlett, head of employment at law firm Howard Kennedy, explains: 'Generally, you do not have to tell your employer about any medical condition. But there are some exceptions, for example if there are likely to be health and safety implications or if it is a regulatory requirement.
'Employers are often an important source of support and telling your employer about a disability early on will trigger the requirement for your employer to make reasonable adjustments. You should consider what suggestions you can make about possible adjustments and you may need to co-operate in obtaining relevant medical advice.'
Having to talk about it your diagnosis can be difficult and deeply personal. So remember if you are uncomfortable with the idea of your colleagues knowing, your employer must keep it confidential.
Office work: You may want to shift your responsibilities to help manage your symptoms
Time off and sick pay
Each employer will have slightly different rules regarding time off and sick pay so you will need to check your contract as a top priority.
If your employer doesnt offer additional sick pay, you will receive Statutory Sick Pay for 28 weeks at a rate of 89.35 per week.
This kicks in if you have been off sick for more than four days and is paid to you by your employer (available for up to 28 weeks).
You will usually need to get a note from your doctor if you are off sick for more than a week.
How should my employer support me at work?
Some people may be unable to return to work after treatment while others prefer take a step back and go part-time or shift their focus.
But equally, cancer puts a huge strain on your finances and working can also help you retain a sense of normality. Everyone is different.
If you take the step to go back to work, you may need to make some changes to help cope with symptoms or side effects - both physical and mental.
Genevie Isaacson, an associate at Working with Cancer, which specialises in mentoring and educating employers and employees about working with cancer, stresses the importance of flexibility.
She says: 'The most important thing to consider is for anyone going back to work or continuing to work through treatment is managing expectations.
'One of the most difficult things for an employer to understand is that your treatment might have finished but the effects continue longer term, often up to two or three years after treatment.
'Both the employer and employee will need to be flexible. There is no vanilla policy an employer can roll out for all, they will need to consider each individual.'
Returning to work is a process, and it can often feel like you are taking two steps forward and one step back.
WHERE TO FIND HELP If your employer has an occupational health department they will help you come up with a phased return to work plan. You can get your GP or employer to refer you to the Fit For Work scheme which offers free assessments and tailored programmes to help you phase in coming back to work. They can also be reached over the phone without a referral. Don't forget to speak to your healthcare team. Working with Cancer is a not-for-profit company that helps mentor employees working through and after treatment and provides training for employers. Charities such as Macmillan, Cancer Research and disease-specific organisations such as Leukaemia Care and Breast Cancer Care are also a great place to look for help and advice. Macmillan also has a Macmillan at Work scheme which offers free tool kits and advice to employers about how to best support their staff suffering from cancer.
Speaking to your employer to explain the need for flexibility is key as your symptoms can change constantly.
Companies are however required to make reasonable changes to help you do your job or make the transition back to full-time work easier, and these should be reassessed as your condition changes.
There is no definition of what a reasonable adjustment is, but it will likely depend on the cost, the benefit to you, how practical it is to make and the potential effect on the business or its financial situation, according to Macmillan.
The steps that can be taken will of course depend on the type of job you have.
If you have an office job this might involve more breaks and adjustments to your duties to help with mental strain and tiredness.
If your job has more physical requirements it could mean providing extra tools to help you cope or building in more time to rest.
It is best to suggest options to your employer you think will help or highlight areas you are struggling with to help them consider a solution.
You could consider a phased return to work or a change to shorter hours or working from home.
One of the biggest hurdles for many coping with cancer and recovery is fatigue and hand-in-hand with this, the effects on concentration and memory, often known as Chemo brain. If this is a problem for you, you may also want to consider shifting your responsibilities, taking extra breaks or reducing your hours.
Chemo can also make you more vulnerable to infections, weakening your immune system. If this is something you struggle with you may want to find ways to help cut the risks of catching viruses and infections in the office.
Working from home, asking your employer to let you know if others in the office are sick and changing your working environment could be options worth asking about.
Practical changes to help with physical effects may also be possible, including making your work space more accessible, offering disabled facilities or special equipment to help you do the job.
Its worth noting that your local Jobcentre Plus Office may be able to help you apply for an Access to Work grant which can help fund changes to your work space or special equipment if you need it.
Commute: You may want to adapt your working hours to avoid peak-time travel
Will I still receive annual leave?
If you are off sick you will still accrue at least basic holiday, plus if you cant take it because of illness you are allowed to carry it over. If you are phasing back to work, this will be worked out on a pro-rata basis.
It's also worth knowing that if you are ill during your scheduled holiday you are also allowed to take the time as sick leave instead.
Is there a limit on the amount of time I can take off?
Going back to work can be daunting and choosing the right time is hard but you should never feel rushed.
Liz Egan, Macmillans work and cancer progamme lead, explains that a lot of people go back too quickly and that while everybody is different it can be years before people feel the effects of treatment wear off.
She advises: 'An occupational health department or your own healthcare team will be able to help you decide when to go back to work and what adjustments are necessary, for example, how long a phased return you might need.'
It's important to keep in mind that you are entitled to sick leave, and legally taking it should never affect your job
Your employer should never lean on you to return more quickly or hand in your notice because of your treatment.
It's important to keep in mind that you are entitled to sick leave, and legally taking it should never affect your job or any evaluation of your performance.
If you can't make it back to work in the longer term, there are instances where your employer can dismiss you - but they must first have made efforts to help you return.
Egan explains: 'An employer may be able to terminate an employees contract when on long-term sick leave, if the employee is not capable of doing their job.
'However, employers need to follow fair procedures, which should include looking at the possibility of the employee returning to work within a reasonable time frame, and they should consider any reasonable adjustments that would assist the employee.
'The main areas an employer must look at before dismissal on grounds of capability are: reasonable adjustments, foreseeable return dates and alternative job roles.'
As a general rule you are protected from less favourable treatment, including dismissal, in most cases unless that is justified, according to Jane Amphlett, head of employment at Howard Kennedy.
'If you are sacked you may have a claim for discrimination and for unfair dismissal (usually only if you have two years' service),' she says. 'It is important to obtain advice promptly as there are time limits, generally three months, in which to bring claims.'
Egan adds: 'If someone has less than two years' employment service, then the dismissal would have to be connected to their cancer for a disability discrimination claim to be made. Again they would need specialist employment advice, and contact ACAS conciliation.'
A Waiting game: Hospital appointments are often last minute and frequently run late
What about hospital appointments?
More than a third or people (35 per cent) report negative experiences when managing work with a cancer diagnosis, feeling guilty for taking time off for medical appointments or a loss of confidence at work, according to Macmillan.
Unfortunately, the nature of a serious illness means a lot of time spent having tests, receiving treatment, managing after-effects and going for regular check-ups at the hospital or with your GP.
You have a right to attend these during working hours as if you need to - but it doesn't have to be paid.
Liz Egan says: Your employer could consider time off for appointments as reasonable adjustment, but there is no absolute legal right to paid time off unless it's in your contract.'
She advises speaking to your employer as far in advance as possible and addressing the subject of appointments when discussing possible adjustments.
What you will be offered is personal to individual employers but Egan says time attending appointments could be included in sickness absence, approved paid or unpaid leave, compassionate leave and part of a reduction in working hours.
In some cases your boss will exercise their own discretion, but if you are attending appointments more regularly you will need check your contract for the policy on leave and pay.
What happens if I apply for a new job?
Companies may ask you about your health or a disability in some circumstances largely if it helps them decide whether you could perform the job or take part in the interview process or if adjustments need to be made.
Job interviews: Employers shouldn't ask about an illness unless they have a good reason
They can also ask if they want to increase the numbers of disabled people they employ or they need to make national security checks.
Amphlett explains: 'You are not required to make any disclosures other than to comply with a regulatory requirement or to respond to lawful health check questions, for example related to any benefits which the employer offers, such as health insurance.
'These health questions should not usually be asked before an offer is made, unless they are relevant to the job.
'When responding, take care not to make any dishonest or misleading statement.'
Remember your employer has however crossed the line if they then withdraw an offer without any other reason than your illness.
How to fight back if you are having problems at work
The first step is to talk to your line manager or boss or alternatively speak to human resources or even a union representative.
Approaching it this way typically has the best outcome, particularly if you want to maintain a good relationship with your employer.
If you are planning on making a complaint it can be useful to keep a record of what happened. Check your employee handbook or contract for details of your firm's grievance procedure.
Citizens Advice suggests you put complaints in writing as well, as this can help back up your claim should your employer penalise you for complaining.
The next stage in the process is contacting the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) to attempt an early conciliation.
If this doesn't work, you can proceed with an Employment Tribunal as a last resort.
Remember, while you can claim substantial damages you should always seek legal advice before you proceed.
Bear in mind that pursuing a claim can come with a hefty fees of up to 1,200 for discrimination claims or unfair dismissal.
If you need help, you can access free legal advice through a union rep (find a list here), Citizens Advice, the Equality Advisory Service plus it's worth checking your home insurance policy which sometimes covers legal costs.
In the mid-1700s, residents of the Thirteen Colonies had a hard life. Taxed without representation by the British and forced to survive extreme temperatures, they faced rather grim circumstances. So it is perhaps no wonder that, quite frequently, they turned to alcohol to cope.
Colonists got so drunk that Benjamin Franklin, in one of his innumerable contributions to humanity, devised a dictionary of around 228 words for the practice. He referred to the act, perhaps cheekily, as a beastly vice in his Drinkers Dictionary. The list appeared in the January 6, 1737 edition of his paper, the Pennsylvania Gazette.
Quoting from his own Poor Richards Almanack, Franklin began his prologue to the list by proclaiming there is Nothing more like a fool than a drunken man.
And so in Franklins view, it is perhaps sensible that drunken individuals would try to cloak their egregious actions by using euphemisms to describe their drunkenness.
Benjamin Franklin wrote out a list of around 228 words and phrases to describe drunkenness for his 'Drinker's Dictionary'
Franklin referred to being drunk as a 'beastly vice' in his list, which included phrases such as 'has taken Hippocrates' grand elixir' and 'smelt of an Onion'
The Dictionary was published in Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette in 1737. Pictured is an edition of the paper in 1754. The paper ceased publishing in 1800
He wrote: Mankind naturally and universally approve virtue in their hearts, and detest vice; and therefore, whenever [through] temptation they fall into a practice of the latter, they would if possible conceal it from themselves as well as others, under some other name than that which properly belongs to it.
But drunkenness is a very unfortunate vice in this respect. It bears no kind of similitude with any sort of virtue, from which it might possibly borrow a name; and is therefore [reduced] to the wretched necessity of being [expressed] by distant round-about phrases, and of perpetually varying those Phrases, as often as they come to be well understood to signify plainly that a man is drunk.
Franklin cited his first-hand experience of taverns across the land and the Tavern-Conversation of Tiplers.
The tavern was about the first thing that communities built, and it stood in for all sorts of other things while the infrastructure was being designed and funded, said Christine Sismondo, who wrote America Walks into a Bar: A Spirited History of Taverns and Saloons, Speakeasies and Grog Shops.
It became a kind of makeshift community center, courtroom, marketplace, absolutely everything.
'You didn't have people over to your house, but you met your friends and did business inside a tavern,' added Sharon Salinger, the author of Taverns and Drinking in Early America.
Taverns also served as rest stops for travelers and places to spread the news.
Franklin, in his article, proceeded to list the 228 words and phrases he had heard in taverns across the thirteen colonies.
Some such as intoxicated and boozy are still widely used today. Others such as tongue tyd and very weary clearly describe a drunk persons appearance.
But a notable few appear to make little sense at all in todays world. Halfway to Concord, for example, appears to be a geographic reference to a far-out town, serving as a metaphor for a drunken minds tendency to wander. Been at an Indian Feast is a likely derogatory jibe at Native Americans. And had a thump over the head with Samsons Jawbone was a biblical reference to Samson, who according to lore defeated an entire army with the jawbone of a donkey. Others such as Sir Richard has taken off his considering cap appear to be playful laments that drunkenness, for some, is not a particularly brainy enterprise.
Franklin is thought to have once said: 'There cannot be good living where there is no good drinking'
Franklin did not claim to have created an exhaustive list, and some sorts did not make the cut, for example brutifyd.
He wrote: I do not doubt but that there are many more in use; and I was even tempted to add a new one myself under the letter B, to wit, brutifyd.
But upon consideration, I feard being guilty of Injustice to the brute creation, if I represented drunkenness as a beastly vice, since, tis well-known, that the brutes are in general a very sober sort of people.
Franklin himself was more of a wine guy than a beer man. He included a wine-making lesson in one of his yearly almanacs, and considered the drink better for stimulating intellectual conversation. But beer, to him, was only good in moderation. While living in London as a teenager working at a printing press, he drank water while his colleagues downed pints. But he nonetheless considered the social practice of drinking to be one of lifes great joys.
There cannot be good living where there is no good drinking, Franklin is thought to have said.
He was known for organizing groups of men to discuss philosophy and politics and organized his first, called the Junto, in 1727. He was in his early 20s. In England, the coffeehouse would have served as a venue for intellectual gatherings. But such establishments had not made it across the pond yet, so the tavern fulfilled the dual role of pub and coffeehouse.
And what about Franklins fellow Founding Fathers?
John Adams (left) enjoyed cider, beer and wine. His cousin, Samuel Adams (right), had been a maltster before becoming governor of Massachusetts
George Washington once rang up an impressive bar tab at Philadelphia's City Tavern and operated a whiskey distillery out of his Mount Vernon home after his presidency
George Washington, for example, was an impressive drinker who even opened his own whiskey distillery at his home of Mount Vernon after his presidency. And an army sendoff from 54 of his friends at Philadelphias City Tavern must have been the height of debauchery with the same number of bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, 22 bottles of porter, eight bottles of whiskey in addition to punch, beer and cider.
Thomas Jefferson, like Franklin, was a wine connoisseur and imported thousands of bottles to Monticello, his Virginia home. John Adams had a penchant for hard cider, which he began each day with, and not infrequently continued his day with beer and wine. And Samuel Adams, not explicitly related to todays beer company, was a noted brewer or maltster before he later became the governor of Massachusetts.
Colonists themselves, meanwhile, drank more than twice what Americans drink today about six gallons of pure alcohol per year compared a bit more than two today. This was in part due to the belief that natural water sources did not provide safe drinking water, as was the case in pre-industrial Europe.
130617LANDS SUMMIT GETS GRASSROOTS VIEW
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG Department of Lands Physical Planning and Environment and Conservation is carrying out a region-wide workshop to gauge the view of the people on the adapting of a Bougainville land policy that will have the views of the people of Bougainville.
The team led by a Consultant and former Judge STEVEN OLI and former Lands CEO ANDREW DOWARO today met the people of Buin and will be moving to Siwai tomorrow.
Although the meeting was not organized properly Community Government members attended the one-day meeting at the Buin Secondary School.
All recordings of the Lands summit will be aired on New Dawn FM tomorrow.
The aim of the summit is to get the views of the People and make a policy based on the bottom up approach.
The Presenters did presentations on Alienated land, Customary Land and Government land and there were presentations on Land Values, Physical Planning, Environment and conservation.
Ends
Dr. Judith Brill, 65, has been accused of hastening the death of a boy she'd taken of life support
Police are investigating a claim by a Los Angeles County coroner's investigator that an anesthesiologist used a painkiller to hasten the death of a gravely injured boy to increase the likelihood his organs could be harvested without deterioration.
Dr. Judith Brill, 65, has been accused of administering a high dose of painkillers to Cole Hartman, eight, before he was taken off life support.
Hartman had gone into cardiac arrest after nearly drowning in a washing machine.
At the time of the autopsy, coroner's investigator Denise Bertone raised questions about the dose of the painkiller fentanyl given to the boy and pressed for re-examination of the case until a subsequent medical examiner added fentanyl toxicity as a significant cause of death.
Eight-year-old Cole Hartman was sent to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center - pictured - because he had gone into cardiac arrest after nearly drowning in a washing machine
Brill's attorney, Mark Werksman, wrote that the anesthesiologist's 'only concern was to assure that this child, who had drowned and was never going to recover, would not suffer any pain following the removal of life support.'
However, the manner of death - accident or homicide - remains open pending the outcome of the police investigation.
The county's chief medical examiner at the time listed significant causes of death at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, as near-drowning and fragile X syndrome, a genetic abnormality that causes intellectual and physical disabilities.
Bertone, who said she reviewed the full medical charts and autopsy records, claims in her lawsuit that the boy 'continued to gasp for air' and that Brill then gave him fentanyl 'with the purpose of inducing his death.'
The lawyer representing Brill - pictured comforting a Nicaraguan patient while volunteering with the non-governmental organization Operation Smile in 2015 - said her 'only concern was to assure that this child, who had drowned and was never going to recover, would not suffer any pain following the removal of life support'
Bertone's allegation is outlined in a whistleblower lawsuit she filed last month claiming she suffered work retaliation for raising questions. Her suit and coroner's records also state that the administered dose was 500 micrograms, an amount Bertone said was too much for a boy who weighed 47 pounds.
The allegation is 'factually wrong and patently offensive,' Brill's lawyer told LA Times.
The county has yet to respond to the suit in court.
'As you can imagine, this is very complicated,' said Capt. William Hayes, who is in charge of the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division. 'We need to clearly understand what was done and the implications of those actions.'
According to the coroner's report and a 911 recording, his father came in from mowing the lawn on July 31, 2013, and found Cole headfirst in a running washing machine. His parents estimated he could have been underwater for up to 25 minutes.
Paramedics got his heart restarted and he was driven by ambulance to a hospital and later flown by helicopter to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Physicians told Cole's family that he was not brain-dead but 'would never recover normal neuro function and could never awaken,' according to an entry on his medical chart.
His parents decided to take him off life support and donate his organs.
The process required organ harvesting to wait until a ventilator was removed and Cole's heart stopped beating on its own, a procedure known as donation after cardiac death.
The process has time constraints because organs can begin deteriorating immediately, some becoming unsuitable for transplantation after 30 minutes.
Coroner's investigator Denise Bertone - pictured left - has raised questions about the dose of the painkiller fentanyl given to the boy, who she said was 'gasping for air' as Brill - pictured right- administered the drugs
In addition, physicians don't know for certain whether patients in vegetative states experience pain so they administer painkillers.
In a portion of the medical chart it reviewed, Brill did not mention fentanyl but wrote that 'comfort care was provided throughout,' The Times said.
UCLA's policy allows the use of opioids 'in doses that are clinically appropriate to prevent discomfort'. Under the policy, 'interventions intended to preserve organ function, but which may hasten death, are prohibited.'
Cole's ventilator was removed at 10:40 a.m. The chart said his heart stopped at 10:59 a.m. and Brill declared death four minutes later.
The coroner's office assigned Cole's case to Bertone, a registered nurse who was the only full-time pediatric death investigator.
The case is a rare instance of a criminal investigation into medical procedures used in organ donation. In 2007, a San Francisco surgeon was accused of hastening the death of an organ donor by using excessive amounts of drugs, but a jury acquitted him of the charge of dependent adult abuse.
A Georgia sheriff accused of exposing himself in an Atlanta park and running from a police officer has been suspended for 40 days.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued an executive order Monday suspending DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann from duty, starting Tuesday.
Mann was arrested after a police officer allegedly saw him masturbating in Piedmont Park on May 6. Mann is said to have flashed his private parts and then led the bike cop on a foot chase through Midtown Atlanta before he was finally apprehended, according to The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
Georgia governor Nathan Deal suspended DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann (pictured above) from duty for 40 days after a committee investigated Mann's arrest for allegedly exposing himself to a cop
Governor Deal issued the executive order on Monday, based on an investigation and recommendation from a committee including the attorney general and two county sheriffs
The area of the park where Mann was seen is 'known for sexual acts after dark,' the cop wrote in his arrest report, according to CNN.
Last month, Deal had instructed Attorney General Chris Carr and two county sheriffs to investigate what happened and report back within 30 days.
The suspension was recommended by the committee after they closed their investigation last Thursday, according to 11 Alive.
State law allows the governor to convene a panel of two sheriffs and the state attorney general to investigate and to recommend whether to suspend a sheriff facing criminal or ethics charges.
Mann has pleaded not guilty to charges of indecency and obstruction of an officer. Mann's attorney has argued the governor shouldn't get involved because Mann is accused of violating Atlanta city ordinances.
Mann allegedly exposed himself to an Atlanta bike cop in an area of the city's Piedmont Park 'known for sexual acts after dark,' according to Mann's arrest report
Governor Deal issued this executive order suspending Sheriff Mann from duty for 40 days
Prior to this 40-day suspension, Mann served a self-imposed, one-week suspension for violating the DeKalb Sheriff's Office code of conduct, but has said he plans to remain in his job.
He is being investigated by George Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, which has the power to suspend or revoke his license. If they chose to revoke his license, Mann could be forced to give up his position.
Mann will also face trial in Atlanta Municipal Court on July 7.
Decades before James Comey became director of the FBI, the teenager and his younger brother were held hostage in their home by a deranged rapist who targeted teenaged babysitters and who has never been caught.
The horrifying incident, which Comey said haunted him for years, resulted in the hasty arrest of a local construction worker who had multiple alibis and was later let go by a grand jury.
Although Comey, now 56, went on to become the nations top law enforcement official, he has never been able to catch the culprit who terrorized him and his younger brother Peter that night the man who police identified as the serial Ramsey rapist who attacked young babysitters in a series of night-time home invasions.
Jim Comey (left) and Peter Comey (right) were held hostage and locked up by suspected Ramsey Rapist outside of the bathroom window they broke out of to escape in Allendale, NJ
The saga began in the spring of 1977, near the city of Ramsey, New Jersey. Comey was 16 years old at the time and a student at Northern Highlands Regional High School in nearby Allendale.
In March of that year, a 17-year-old girl was raped while babysitting in Upper Saddle River, a suburb of Ramsey. The culprit was described as a man with a gun wearing grey work clothes and a blue cap, according to news reports at the time.
Between July and October, at least three other female babysitters in the area aged 15, 17 and 19 reported that they were sexually assaulted by a man fitting a similar description.
But police had no promising leads until the night of Oct. 28.
That night, 16-year-old Comey and his younger brother Peter were home alone when a man in grey clothes and a dark cap broke into their house with a gun. The man pointed the gun at their heads, locked the boys in the bathroom and began searching the house.
Peter Comey (left), a Washington, D.C. lawyer, declined to talk about the incident. I dont particularly want to relive it, he said. Brother Jim called it 'a horrific experience'
Eventually the gunman went outside and confronted Comeys neighbors, a couple who were just returning home for the night.
Comey and his brother managed to crawl out of the bathroom window and dashed into the yard, but the gunman spotted them on the lawn from across the street. The boys ran back inside and called the police, and the assailant fled into the woods.
Years later, the Comey brothers still have a difficult time discussing what happened that night.
When the Dailymail.com reached Peter Comey, a Washington, D.C. lawyer, by phone, he declined to talk about the incident.
I dont particularly want to relive it, he said.
Looking back on that night, Comey said he didnt think he would make it out alive. He told CBS News in 2014 that he believed he was going to be killed by this guy and called it a horrific experience.
The assault was frightening to anybody but especially to a younger person to be threatened with a gun and to believe you're going to be killed by this guy, said Comey.
Comey, who was fired as FBI director by President Donald Trump last month amid investigations into Russian interference in the presidential election, said he believed the attack has helped him empathize with victims of violent crimes.
I think it most affects me in giving me a sense of what victims feel, said Comey. I think it's made me a better prosecutor and investigator for being able to feel better what victims of crime experience.
James Comey, center, was in his junior year at Northern Highlands Regional High School, Allendale, N.J. when he was the vicitim of the home invasion
The gunman was long gone by the time police arrived on the scene that night in October.
But the Comeys description of the man and the account from the neighbors convinced police that the assailant was the Ramsey rapist who was terrorizing babysitters in the area.
Police combed the woods near Comeys house, but the search turned up few clues. They may have also unintentionally destroyed footprint evidence in the process.
But two unexpected breaks in the case led the police to make an arrest.
First, the investigation caught the attention of Tom Brown, Jr., a local tracker who claimed he was taught how to follow wood tracks by an Apache shaman. Brown claimed that footprints and other traces of disturbances in the woods near Comeys home including hair strands and fragments of clothing led to a house owned by the sibling of a man named Bruce Ader, Sr., a 39-year-old construction worker.
Police obtained a picture of Ader, and showed it to Comey, his brother, and their neighbors. They reportedly identified Ader as the culprit based on the photo.
Police used this as the basis to make an arrest in November 1977. Unfortunately, the case started to crumble almost immediately.
Ader turned out to have multiple alibis who said he was miles outside of the area at the time of the Oct. 28 attack. He was reportedly with friends at a bus depot around 9 p.m. in distant Bernardsville, 35 miles away, and talked to other friends on the phone after boarding the bus, according to the Daily Beast.
Only one of the Comey boys picked out Ader in a subsequent in-person lineup, according to a New York Times report at the time. It is unclear whether James Comey or his brother Peter identified Ader. None of the other alleged victims were able to positively identify Ader in the lineup.
With little evidence to go on, prosecutors failed to convince a grand jury, and Ader was released without charge.
Ader has since passed away. But his wife, Carol, told the Daily Beast last month that her husbands arrest was shocking to everyone who knew him. She said the neighborhood rallied behind him and there was widespread scepticism about the police departments decision.
You dont know where to turn, said Carol. It was awful.
I think that taught my whole family a lesson: You never say somebody is guilty until they admit it, she added.
There was so much faith in Aders innocence that his $12,000 bail was reportedly paid by a Newark police detective who offered up his own property to cover the tab.
Forty years later, police have yet to catch the real culprit a fact that still appears to weigh heavy on Comey.
He got away, said Comey during an interview with CBS News in 2014.
Although Comey escaped the attack without any physical injuries, he said the psychological impacts lingered with him for years.
Even the notion no one was physically harmed, doesn't mean no one was harmed, said Comey. Because I thought about that guy every night for five years.
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A young father who confronted and tackled a suspected thief in his garage while wearing nothing but his underwear and wielding a tyre iron has been praised as a hero.
Brodie Reynolds confronted an 'African' teenager who was hiding from police in his Melton West home on Monday morning, detaining him until he could be arrested, according to 7News.
The teenager was one of five 'African' youths who allegedly tried to break into a home in Brookfield before fleeing across a freeway and trying to hide from police on Haywood Grove, the publication reported.
A young father who confronted and tackled a suspected thief (pictured) in his Melbourne garage while wearing nothing but his underwear and wielding a tyre iron has been praised as a hero
Brodie Reynolds (pictured) confronted an 'African' teenager who was hiding from police in his Melton West home on Monday morning, detaining him until he could be arrested by police
Police quickly swarmed the street after tracking the suspected thieves by helicopter sending neighbours running inside to hide behind their locked their doors.
In security footage, police officers can be seen jumping out of their car and chasing suspects down the street.
'I saw a bloke running down my driveway so I ran out the front in my jocks,' Mr Reynolds told 7News.
Police officers arrested two of the teens but were called back just 20 minutes later when Mr Reynolds spotted another teen hiding in his garage.
The alleged thief was sitting just metres away from his partner and one-year-old son, who were sleeping.
'That's where all my rage come from, I don't care what you are doing, but you are in my backyard,' he said.
The teenager was one of five 'African' youths who allegedly tried to break into a home in Brookfield before fleeing across a freeway and trying to hide from police on Haywood Grove (pictured)
Police quickly swarmed the street after tracking the suspected thieves by helicopter sending neighbours running inside to hide behind their locked their doors (pictured)
Police officers arrested two of the teens but were called back just 20 minutes later when Mr Reynolds spotted another teen hiding in his garage (pictured)
Mr Reynold wielded a tyre iron while he detained the teen until police arrived again.
'He got on the floor and he started begging for me to help him. I said 'nope you're staying here to the cops get here'.'
A Victoria police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia a total of five youths were arrested following the incident.
'Police believe they were intending to complete a burglary. Two are being interviewed for outstanding burglary matters,' he said.
Charges have not yet been laid.
A terror crackdown in the wake of the deadly Melbourne siege could see suspected teenage extremists detained and questioned for up to two weeks.
The Victorian Government is considering tough new laws to take teenagers as young as 14 off the streets without charge if police believe they pose a serious terror threat.
The measure will help strengthen police powers, as they currently cannot question suspects, only detain them for 72 hours, The Age reported.
Teens as young as 14 suspected of extremism in Victoria could be locked-up and questioned for up to two weeks under tough new anti-measure being considered by Victorian Government (stock image)
It will mirror laws introduced in New South Wales last year, with young terror suspects faced with being detained for an initial four days without charge.
Judges would have the power to then push the detention period out to 14 days.
The government is also looking at a dedicated purpose-built facility to detain suspected terrorists.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the state did not have a facility for those who posed an unacceptable risk to the community but were yet to commit a crime.
Somalian-born, ISIS-inspired Khayre, 29, murdered one man, wounded three police officers and held a women hostage during a siege in Brighton, Melbourne's south-east on June 5
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) said the state needed to do more than just reform bail and parole laws to deal with terror threats
Mr Andrews said he intended to implement a 'fair and deliberate' process to deal with a gap in the state's justice system.
'We would be dangerously wrong to think that reform to bail, reform to parole was the end of dealing with these threats,' he said.
Somalian-born, ISIS-inspired Khayre, 29, murdered 36-year-old male receptionist Nick Hao, wounded three police officers and took a woman hostage in a siege at serviced apartments in Brighton, Melbourne's south-east on June 5.
He was later shot dead by police.
Under tough new measures being considered by the Victorian Government, teenagers as young as 14 could be arrested if they are suspected of harbouring extremists belief (stock image)
Khayre was on parole at the time, having been released from prison last November after he was jailed over a violent meth-fuelled home invasion in 2011.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said last week there were 'very grave questions' about why Khayre was out on the streets on parole.
Mr Andrews on Saturday also announced the immediate installation of temporary bollards at key Melbourne CBD locations, Bourke Street and Federation Square.
The announcement came following recent terror attacks in the UK and January's Bourke Street car rampage.
Muslim inmates at two of Victoria's most notorious jails have been given microwave ovens during Ramadan so they can heat up their food after sunset.
The concession is said to have sparked uproar with the wider prison population at Barwon and Melbourne Assessment Prisons.
'They have been given the microwaves and are given specially prepared meals,' a source told the Herald Sun.
Muslim inmates at two of Victoria's most notorious prisons have been given microwave ovens. Pictured, Barwon prison
Islamic prisoners are allowed to have the microwaves in their cells during Ramadan so they can heat up their food after sunset (stock image)
'The special feasts they are getting is really upsetting the other prisoners.'
Victoria's opposition corrections spokesman Edward O'Donohue called on the state government to explain why taxpayer money was being spent on the microwaves.
Corrections Minister Gayle Tierney hit back and said Muslim prisoners had been allowed microwaves in their cells during Ramadan for several years.
'Edward O'Donohue was obviously unaware that this practice happened under his watch as Minister for Corrections,' Ms Tierney said, according to the paper.
The move is said to have sparked uproar with the wider prison population at Barwon and Melbourne Assessment Prisons (pictured)
Barwon Prison is home to violent murderers such as Matthew Johnson, who bludgeoned gangland kingpin Carl Williams to death inside the jail in 2011
Ramadan is the ninth month on the Muslim calendar and involves spiritual reflection and abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
Barwon Prison is home to violent murderers such as Matthew Johnson, who bludgeoned gangland kingpin Carl Williams to death inside the jail in 2011.
The Melbourne Assessment Prison is a maximum-security jail which provides assessment services for the state's male prisoners.
Amazing footage shows an epic standoff between a kangaroo and a daring German Shepherd with neither animal backing down until police intervene.
Anthony Hartley from New South Wales filmed the 20 minute encounter off Cooma road as the Kangaroo repeatedly fended off approaches from the German Shepherd.
Hartley said he was driving on Sunday before he stopped to film the intense scuffle.
A German Shepherd approached a much larger kangaroo during an epic standoff
The kangaroo chased and fended off the German Shepherd throughout the encounter
'I was just driving through on the way back from the snow,' Hartley told 7 News.
'I saw a kangaroo and a German Shepherd have a bit of a scuffle for about 20 minutes, until the police broke it up.'
The much larger kangaroo chases off the fearless German Shepard multiple times throughout the standoff.
But the German Shepherd refuses to back down returning to continually bark in the kangaroos face.
A police officer finally gets involved using a large tree branch to wave off the kangaroo.
The video follows an encounter last year when a kangaroo put a dog in a head lock.
Victims of domestic violence who allow their partners to hurt their children could avoid jail under new proposals.
Guidelines set out by the Sentencing Council say courts should consider them less at fault than other parents.
The judge-dominated body, which sets down sentencing guidelines that courts must follow, said the threat of domestic abuse is a key consideration that may cause an offender to fail to intervene when their child is at risk of harm.
The recommendation is in a consultation paper on sentences in child cruelty cases and cases in which parents are charged with allowing a child to die or suffer serious physical harm.
The judge-dominated body said the threat of domestic abuse is a key consideration that may cause an offender to fail to intervene when their child is at risk of harm
The law on allowing a child to die was introduced in 2004 to cover cases in which there are two or more adults living in a house in which a child is killed or seriously hurt, but no one can prove which of them carried out the attack.
It was notably used in the Baby P case in 2008, when Tracey Connelly, then 27, pleaded guilty to allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter, and two men were convicted of the same offence at the Old Bailey.
Under yesterdays proposals the most serious offenders would typically be sentenced to nine years in prison. They say the level of criminal behaviour of a parent will be considered lower if they are themselves a victim of abuse that is linked to the commission of the offence.
The law on allowing a child to die was introduced in 2004 to cover cases in which there are two or more adults living in a house in which a child is killed or seriously hurt, but no one can prove which of them carried out the attack
Only parents found to have the least level of guilt in cases in which the child suffered the lowest level of serious physical harm can hope to escape prison. The guidelines say that they should receive a high-level community punishment instead.
The council said records of court cases showed that domestic abuse was often relevant.
It added: This seems to be particularly applicable in cases where there are co-defendants and one is charged with failing to protect a child from abuse that their partner is inflicting on their child. The council felt this was a key consideration that may cause an offender to fail to intervene in such instances.
Critics have argued that the recommendation would encourage parents to try to avoid jail by inventing or exaggerating abuse they have suffered
The council said abuse taken into account by judges should not be limited to physical violence, but should include all types of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour.
The rule offering lesser sentences to domestic abuse victims is also recommended for other child cruelty offences, which include assault, ill-treatment, neglect and abandonment.
Critics said the recommendation would encourage parents to try to avoid jail by inventing or exaggerating abuse they have suffered.
Criminologist Dr David Green of the Civitas think-tank, a former adviser to the Home Office, said: The way this recommendation stands it looks as if you can throw in domestic abuse as an excuse after the fact.
A decision on the proposals will be made in September.
A cat who suffered horrific injuries when both the tips of her ears were cut off, has been reunited with her family in New Zealand.
Pippi, a black short hair adult female who had been missing for a few weeks, was found on Sartors Ave in Northcross, Auckland last Friday.
She was taken to the SPCA Auckland Animal Hospital for care and veterinary treatment.
Pippi, a cat who suffered horrific injuries when both the tips of her ears were cut off (pictured), has been reunited with her family in New Zealand
SPCA Auckland described the injuries to her ears as 'a deliberate act of cruelty' and said they were consistent with decisive purposeful amputation with a sharp instrument.
SPCA Auckland chief executive Andrea Midgen said they were actively investigating the case and asking anyone with information to come forward.
'Terrible pain and suffering has been inflicted on an innocent cat and it is important that those responsible for this cruelty are held accountable so it doesnt happen again,' Ms Midgen said.
After a public appeal, Pippi was reunited with her family on Monday.
Her owners recognised her after seeing Facebook posts about her situation.
Pippi (pictured recovering at home) was reunited with her family on Monday, after they saw posts about her on Facebook. SPCA Auckland said her mum 'cried tears of joy when they were reunited'
'She was missing for several weeks and her owners were so worried,' SPCA Auckland said in a post.
'Her mum cried tears of joy when they were reunited.
'Pippi's mum tells us that within minutes of being back home she was snuggling into her daughter's bed.'
The cat's owners reported that she was 'doing amazing' and was 'very happy to be home', SPCA Auckland said.
'She has not let this experience define her and is still as loving as ever.'
SPCA Auckland Inspectors are investigating the case and have asked anyone with information to phone 09 256 7300.
Emmanuel Macron today said the 'door remains open' for Britain to change its mind over Brexit as EU officials gloated over the election turmoil.
The French President said he respected the sovereign decision of the British people to quit, but said everything was reversible.
His comments come hours after German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble made the same offer.
It suggests European politicians are hoping to seize upon Britain's political upheaval to urge the UK reverse last year's historic referendum and thwart Brexit.
Speaking at a press conference with Theresa May in Paris tonight, Mr Macron said: 'The door remains open until Brexit negotiations come to an end.'
Emmanuel Macron, pictured with Theresa May today, said the 'door is open' to Britain staying in the EU
Saying that negotiations should be launched as soon as possible, Mr Macron also said it was up to Mrs May to answer detailed questions about the technicalities of Brexit.
Mrs May insisted there was unity of purpose about the UKs decision to leave, and indicated that there would be no turning back.
Veteran finance minister Wolfgang Schauble also raised the prospect of reversing the referendum decision
She said: We have been very clear that we want to keep a close relationship with the EU, adding: The Timetable remains on course, and will begin next week.
Mr Macron's offer comes hot on the heels of an offer by Mr Schauble, who told Bloomberg that did not think it was 'likely' that the referendum outcome would be reversed.
He added: 'But if they wanted to change their decision, of course, they would find open doors,' he added.
Meanwhile, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator has urged Britain to hurry up and get on with talks to leave the EU saying 'I can't negotiate with myself'.
And Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's chief negotiator, demanded that Britain urgently clarifies its position and abandon plans for a 'hard Brexit'.
The comments suggest senior figures in Brussels intend to seize upon the political uncertainty to pile pressure on Theresa May to tear up her plans for a hard Brexit.
Speaking on Twitter today, Mr Verhofstadt said: 'Brexit isn't just about the Tories leaving the EU, it's about the whole UK. Everyone's voice should be heard.
'We are impatiently waiting for the negotiating position of the UK gov. The current uncertainty cannot continue.'
Talking to reporters in Strasbourg, he added: 'In my humble opinion, I think that one of the elements of the outcome of the election was certainly not a support of the hard Brexit.'
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Michel Barnier urged Theresa May to 'very quickly' start talks and appoint a negotiating team that is 'stable, accountable and with a mandate'
The rebukes from Brussels comes as Brexit Secretary David Davis said that formal talks to leave the bloc, due to begin next Monday, have been pushed back.
The government's Brexit strategy has been plunged into uncertainty after Mrs May's majority was wiped out in last week's election, with many remainers using the result to push for a 'softer' exit.
Mr Barnier said the EU is ready to get on with the crucial talks - but needs the British to get their act together and come to the negotiating table.
He said: 'My preoccupation is that time is passing it's passing quicker than anyone believes because the subjects we need to deal with are extraordinarily complex from a technical, judicial and financial point of view.
'That's why we're ready to start very quickly.
'I can't negotiate with myself.'
The brutal put-down comes as Mrs May has been left scrabbling to pull together enough support in the Commons to limp on as Prime Minister.
Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's chief negotiator, demanded that Britain urgently clarifies its negotiating position and urged Theresa May to drop plans for a hared Brexit
She is meeting the DUP's leader Arlene Foster today for talks to finalise a deal to get the backing of the small right-wing party's ten MPs.
And while she won the backing of her own Tory MPs at last night's 1922 Committee, she is widely seen to be on borrowed time.
As Mrs May is busy trying to cobble together enough support to stay in Downing Street, the clock is ticking on Britain's departure from the EU - which will take place in March 2019.
Talking to European reporters, Mr Barnier warned the talks will be tough and both sides urgently need to get on with the job.
'We're at an important moment, because the decision of the UK to quit the EU is a serious decision. Right now it's about putting it in place, without wasting time' he said.
'Next week, it will be three months after the sending of the Article 50 letter. We haven't negotiated, we haven't progressed.
'Thus we must begin this negotiation. We are ready as soon as the UK itself is ready.'
He said the negotiations should not be substantially pushed back, warning that the uncertainty risks damaging business confidence and the economy.
After a meeting of the Tory political Cabinet in Downing Street, Ms Davidson insisted the economy should be the top priority in talks with Brussels
Mr Barnier said: 'If we work seriously, I see neither the usefulness nor the interest of pushing back this date.
'Why? Because every extra delay is a source of instability which we don't need, which the economy doesn't need.'
And he warned that EU negotiators are preparing fro Britain to crash out of the bloc with out a deal.
He said: 'All options are available and on the table. Every one of these options and models has its own balance, in terms of rights and obligations.
'The UK government knows the rules, the conditions for each one of its options.
'We're preparing for all options including that of a no deal, which has been mentioned by a certain number of British leaders.
'As for constructive options, they are available, with rules that we will not compromise on. We will not accept any cherry picking.
Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom (left) and Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson were also at the Cabinet gathering
Meanwhile Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson upped the pressure on Theresa May to soften her stance on Brexit yesterday - warning that the PM must 'reach out'.
The comments came as Remain-backing ministers are said to be seeking an alliance with pro-EU Labour MPs.
After a meeting of the Tory political Cabinet in Downing Street, Ms Davidson insisted the economy should be the top priority in talks with Brussels.
She also pointedly stated that the final deal must work for the 'whole country'.
Ms Davidson has emerged much stronger from the election after effectively saving Mrs May by winning 12 more seats from the SNP north of the border.
And she has been making clear that she intends to use her newly-enhanced influence, despite the potential for a major rift in the Cabinet.
A softer Brexit could mean staying in the EU single market and accepting free movement rules - something that is unacceptable to hard-line Brexiteers such as Liam Fox.
'We haven't negotiated, we haven't progressed. Thus we must begin this negotiation. We are ready as soon as the UK itself is ready,' Mr Barnier warned
Brexit Secretary David Davis (pictured on Sky News) admitted the talks may not start on Monday as the Tories insisted during the campaign
Theresa May gathered her political Cabinet for the first time since the election, but is facing a struggle to match up demands for different flavours of Brexit
The new Cabinet unveiled by Prime Minister Theresa May includes 21 Remainers and seven Brexiteers
While Brexit Secretary David Davis said talks with Brussels will begin next week - but not on Monday as had previously been expected.
He insisted the UK would still have to leave the single market, customs union and jurisdiction of the European Court.
But he stressed he was open to suggestions from across the House of Commons about how the negotiations should proceed, and would 'take on board' advice.
Mr Davis told Sky News today that his top civil servant was in Brussels laying the ground for the first talks.
'It's in the week of next week, basically, is the first discussions,' Davis said.
'It may not be on the Monday because we've also got the Queen's Speech that week and I will have to speak in that and so on.'
He added: 'The first round of pretty long meeting is roughly one week a month - much, much faster than on previous trade deals in the past.'
Mr Davis also hinted Britain would now accept the EU timetable of dealing with the divorce before moving attention to the trade deal.
He said: 'What we have said is we will start down this process.
'But I will have some discussions with [Michel] Barnier [the EU's chief Brexit negotiator] about how we progress to the wider thing, of the trade area. The most important thing in the aggregate is the trade area.'
Mrs May was flanked by (left to right) Michael Gove, Greg Clark, Justine Greening, Boris Johnson, Liam Fox, Jeremy Hunt, Chris Grayling, David Mundell, Ruth Davidson and Priti Patel
Ms Davidson's position has been widely interpreted as staying in the EU single market, which would require acceptance of EU free movement rules
A minister told the Evening Standard: 'This is no longer a question just for Government.
'It is clear to me that Parliament will want to assert its role in a way it did not before.'
Ms Davidson secured a new clout within the Tory party at least week's election after she saved Mrs May's job with a stunning gain of 12 new sears in Scotland.
Asked whether Davidson supported single market membership, a Scottish Tory source told Reuters said 'yes, but she is aware that we are negotiating and you don't always get what you want in a negotiation'.
The Scottish Conservative leader is thought to have support from Chancellor Philip Hammond who also believes in putting the economy and jobs ahead of lower migration.
Labour's position on the issue appeared mired in chaos.
Jeremy Corbyn, pictured leaving his London home, has previously refused to say immigration should come down - but said free movement is likely to end
Shadow chancellor john McDonnell risked inflaming Labour's own tensions on the European issue yesterday by saying the UK could not stay in the single market
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner risked inflaming tensions over the issue by suggesting the UK could keep 'reformed membership'.
The comment reflects the hopes of significant numbers of pro-EU Labour MPs.
But others warn that it will be impossible to remain inside the single market without accepting free movement - pointing out that high immigration was a key factor in the Brexit vote last year.
Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell appeared to make clear that remaining in the single market was off the table.
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner suggested the UK could keep 'reformed membership' of the single market
Asked if he was clear that Brexit would mean leaving the bloc, Mr Corbyn told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show: 'Absolutely.'
Mr McDonnell told ITV's Peston programme: 'I don't think it's feasible.'
Mr Davis reiterated today that the government remains committed to quitting both the Single Market and the Customs Union.
'We've made pretty plain what we want to do,' Davis told ITV's Good Morning Britain.
'It's outside the Single Market but with access. It's outside the Customs Union, but with agreement. It's taking back control of our laws and borders.
'Those things are fundamental and we didn't just pull them out of the air. We spent 10 months devising that strategy.'
He added that Labour's position on Brexit in its manifesto was 'very similar to ours'.
Amid the chaos in London, EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker warned the 'dust must settle in Britain' before serious Brexit talks can begin.
The EU Commission President said Brussels was ready at any time and repeated warnings the talks would not be held on 'exclusively British terms'.
In an interview with Germany's leading news magazine Der Spiegel, Juncker says 'the dust has still to settle in Britain' before the Brexit negotiations can begin in earnest.
He said: 'We have been prepared to negotiate for months now. We could start early tomorrow morning. The ball is now in the British court.'
Mr Juncker said there was no 'plan B' if the talks fail.
He said: 'We will be reasonable, but we will also negotiate firmly and without gullibility.
'I believe we must come to an agreement for the people of Britain and the people on the Continent, but not under exclusively British terms.
'We must discuss the terms of the divorce first before we can enter into a detailed discussion about future relations.'
Jean-Claude Juncker today warned the 'dust must settle in Britain' before Brexit talks can begin in earnest (file picture)
Of the infamous dinner he shared with Mrs May at Downing Street - details of which were leaked - he added: 'It was a very friendly and open discussion, during which our contradictory views became apparent
'I sincerely regret that the content of our discussion wasn't always perfectly accurately portrayed to the public, even though we are constantly accused of not being transparent. But this kind of transparency is not something I wanted.
'We don't know where the leak came from. I also didn't ask my cabinet chief because I trust him. He does good work and I have an excellent team.'
He was asked if he thought Brexit was the greatest political defeat of his career and replied: 'No. Contrary to the widely held belief, I don't feel responsible for Brexit. We didn't interfere in the referendum campaign.
'But it is true that negotiating Brexit is not a pleasant future task. It is the unwinding of a grand vision. I continue to see Brexit as a tragedy.
'I enjoy getting married more than I do getting divorced. And now I am spending most of my workweek on Brexit.'
News / Education
by Stephen Jakes
The Zimbabwe Peace Project has reported that in May there was a high number of pupils sent back home for school fees in the country."This May ZPP recorded the highest number of incidences where pupils were sent away from school for failure to pay school fees or clear the previous term's arrears. This was in contravention of Section 75 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to basic education. At the beginning of the academic year, in January, ZPP recorded cases where students' results were withheld because they owed fees," said ZPP."There were nine cases in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North, of pupils barred from attending lessons because they had not yet paid their fees. Such cases increased significantly this month. All ten provinces were marred with cases where children were denied their right to education because their parents could not afford to pay fees on time. At Nkanyezi Primary School in Lobengula, Bulawayo, nine pupils were withdrawn from Early Childhood Development (ECD) after their parents failed to raise $64."ZPP said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Lazarus Dokora, has previously said schools have contracts with parents not children and therefore children should not lose out on lessons because parents have failed to fulfil contractual obligations."Many families are reeling in the impacts of a deteriorating economy. A remarkable number of human rights violations where community members were forced to contribute towards Zanu PF's initial 'Youth interface rally' in Marondera slated for 2 June. The rallies to be held in all the ten provinces are a platform for President Robert Mugabe to launch the 2018 elections campaign. Zanu PF is targeting mobilising 100 000 youths per province," said ZPP."In areas like Mudzi and Wedza in Mashonaland East, people were coerced into contributing money ranging from 50 cents to a dollar in order to ferry supporters to the rally. This went against the will of many people who support the party but could not afford and those that do not support the party and had no ambitions of attending the event. ZPP is in possession of a list of teachers' names from Munamba Primary School in Murehwa District who were forced to each contribute $1 towards preparations for the rally. It's a violation of freedom of association to force people into contributing funds for and or attending events of a political party that they do not subscribe to."The ZPP said civil and political rights have been commonly violated ahead of previous Zanu PF rallies like the 'One Million Man March' and First Lady Grace Mugabe's 'Meet The People' rallies."In 2016, ahead of the 'one million man march' that was held in Harare on 25 May, 88 incidences of harassmentand intimidation were reported and in the month under review the figure dipped slightly to 82. Such violations where community members are forced to attend Zanu PF rallies continue to occur despite the Zimbabwe Constitution in Section 58 provides that no person may be compelled to belong to an association or to attend a meeting or gathering," said ZPP.
John Bercow is set to remain as Commons Speaker until 2022 after Tory plotters yesterday dropped their bid to oust him.
The controversial Speaker had been expected to face opposition after he announced his intention to go back on a pledge to step down next year.
But the ringleader of an attempt to get rid of him last night admitted there was no appetite to push a vote to challenge him after the Tories lost their majority.
Mr Bercow is now expected to be returned unopposed by MPs when they return to Parliament later today.
John Bercow is set to remain as Commons Speaker until 2022 after Tory plotters yesterday dropped their bid to oust him
James Duddridge, the Tory MP who led a failed challenge against Mr Bercow earlier this year, said: There is no love for Mr Bercow, but there is not an appetite to push it to a vote.
The country has more important battles to fight, backing the Prime Minister, delivering Brexit and growing the economy.
Mr Bercow was last week re-elected in Buckingham, standing as the impartial Speaker, with convention dictating that the main political parties do not stand candidates against him.
MPs, on the first day they meet after an election, must then choose the Speaker - with the incumbent usually returned without opposition.
But if MPs vote against the return of the previous holder of the role or there is no returning Speaker then a secret ballot can take place.
Mr Bercow became Speaker in 2009 and initially said he wanted to serve for nine years, but last month revealed his plan to cling on for the next five years.
Mr Bercow told Sky News that he was entitled to change his mind just as Theresa had gone back on a promise not to call a snap election.
He said: I had originally indicated an intention to serve for approximately nine years.
Mr Bercow became Speaker in 2009 and initially said he wanted to serve for nine years, but last month revealed his plan to cling on for the next five years
If I may legitimately say so, I made that commitment eight years ago, it was before the fixed term parliament act, it was before the EU referendum.
Were in a very different situation.The Prime Minister very properly is entitled change her view about whether the national interest would be served by an earlier election rather than a later one.
I made no criticism or complaint about that whatsoever. So if people are entitled to change their minds over a relatively short period of time I think Im entitled to take a somewhat different view now to the one I took back in 2009.
If Mr Bercow serves a full five-year term it would make him the longest serving speaker since Edward Fitzroy, who held the office for 15 years from 1928 to 1943.
Mr Bercow has repeatedly faced accusations that he has failed in his duty of impartiality, including earlier this year when he boasted of backing Remain in the EU referendum.
When David Cameron was PM, he and the Speaker fell out repeatedly, amid accusations of prejudice against the Government.
j.stevens@dailymail.co.uk
Cambridge academics are being discouraged from using terms such as genius, brilliant or flair in feedback for fear of alienating female students.
It is one of a series of moves lecturers say will help women including changing exams and even removing portraits of men from the library.
Dr Lucy Delap, lecturer in modern British history, said vague talk of genius, brilliance [and] flair carries assumptions of gender inequality. She said some women dont find it very easy to project themselves into those categories.
Lecturers say the move will help women feel more at home in academic environments
Some female students suffered imposter syndrome where they feel they dont belong in a male-dominated environment, said the academic. Dr Delap revealed exams were being overhauled in a bid to tackle a gender differential which sees women outshone.
This could mean more coursework, take-home exams, group work or a portfolio of essays.
It follows Oxford Universitys decision to allow students to take a history exam home in the next academic year, in order to help more women get top results.
Reading lists are being reassessed to include more female historians, and there are plans to replace some portraits of men with women in the library.
Discussing the male-dominated environment at Oxbridge, Dr Delap, deputy director of history and policy at Cambridge University, told Radio Fours Today programme: If you look at just something as simple as the art on the walls of a college, theyre often by men and they depict men and often theyre white men as well.
Portraits of men are being replaced with some portraits of women in the library
The academic said they also tried to avoid words such as flair in feedback as students dont understand what flair means.
But Professor Alan Smithers, of Buckingham University, said: It seems to me wrong to look at this from the point of gender imagine the outrage if we were adjusting things for the sake of men.
Its patronising and wrong to think they have difficulty with terms such as genius.
In 2015-16, 31 per cent of women gained firsts in history at Cambridge compared with 39 per cent of men. A university spokesman said it was reviewing subjects to see how it could address variations between different groups.
In Oxford academics yesterday lost a fresh attempt to challenge rules forcing them to retire at the age of 67. Staff voted down a call to axe the employer-justified retirement age. Campaigners are now expected go to one of the universitys regulatory committees to argue their case.
Former President George H.W. Bush is celebrating his 93rd birthday and being the oldest living President.
The former 41st President and his lady love, Barbara Bush are celebrating with family at what is known as the Bush compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, as he turned 93 today.
His birthday wasn't the only reason to party, just last week it was his wife of 72 years, Barbara Bush's birthday. Barbara turned 92 on June 8.
Family and friends sent former President Bush sweet birthday well wishes on social media.
Granddaughter Jenna Hager posted a snap to Instagram of Bush senior holding his great granddaughter Poppy, which was named after his childhood nickname. She captioned it 'happy birthday Gamps'.
The former commander-in-chief's granddaughter Jenna Bush-Hager wishing him a happy birthday with this adorable photo of him holding his great granddaughter, Poppy
From one former president to another. George W. Bush looks proudly at his father in this image he shared wishing him a happy 93rd birthday
The Bush's. George H.W. Bush (right) and George W. Bush at the 2010 Texas Rangers World Series against the Seattle Mariners in Game Four
The former president shown just days after he was released from the hospital in February after battling a bout of pneumonia
Former President George W. Bush also wished his father a happy birthday on Instagram, sharing a photo of the two together and adding a caption 'Here's looking at you, 41. Happy 93rd birthday.'
Even former President Bill Clinton got in on the birthday love, sharing to Twitter 'Nothing beats a 93rd birthday phone call with the remarkable @GeorgeHWBush Many happy returns #41!'
In very recent years the former commander-in-chief bravely decided to celebrate his 90th birthday with skydiving. It doesn't seem to be in the cards for the once spry leader of the free world.
The former first couple, 72 years of marriage and going strong! Barbara Bush applies sunscreen to her longtime love in this May 2015 photo
Jenna Bush-Hager shared this shot last year with the birthday gramps! Sister Barbara smiling brightly (right)
The sweetest! Last week the lucky in love Bush got to wish wife Barbara a happy 92nd birthday
Jenna shared this photo to Instagram on Barbara's 92nd birthday last week
His chief of staff, Jean Becker, says he's going to remain firmly planted on the ground. Becker joked that she "hid his parachute."
While both George and Barbara are enjoying their longevity, they have faced some health issues recently.
Former President Bush skipped Donald Trump's inauguration due to his poor health. He was admitted into intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital where he was treated for pneumonia two days before the event.
Throw backs! Bush senior holding baby George W. Bush in 1947, both would go on to become president. Left, a presidential looking George W.H. Bush
A family of support, former President George H.W. Bush rocking a t-shirt proudly proclaiming his son's name. Barbara meanwhile sporting shirt advertising the family last name
His wife Barbara was admitted at the same time to the same hospital for bronchitis.
Both were discharged from the hospital in time to perform the coin toss at the Super Bowl, which was held in Houston on February 5.
The Bushes spend most of the year in Houston, but return each summer to their home on Maine's rocky coast.
Almost 22million in taxpayers money has been paid to Iraqis feared to have helped kill and maim British troops, new figures show.
The Ministry of Defence settled 1,471 claims from Iraqi nationals between 2003 and 2017, paying out huge sums in compensation handed out for alleged human rights breaches.
Most of the claims were settled in Iraq, without public scrutiny of the allegations in Britain.
Almost 22million in taxpayers money has been paid to Iraqis feared to have helped kill and maim British troops, new figures show (file photo, UK soldiers on patrol in Basra, Iraq)
The total pay-out of 21,949,879 during the period includes individual payments of more than half a million pounds.
In one case, an Iraqi received 611,000 for an incident involving UK soldiers, while in another an alleged victim won 475,000.
A number of claimants were represented by the now disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner and his defunct firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL) and a second firm, Leigh Day.
The release of the figures comes after Leigh Day solicitors Martyn Day, Sapna Malik and Anna Crowther were cleared of any wrongdoing at a tribunal last week.
Leigh Day, which has represented hundreds of suspected Iraqi insurgents since the end of the Iraq war, was accused of wrongly drumming up cases against troops, causing them years of torment.
It was alleged the firm pursued false allegations, despite holding evidence the accusers were lying, as part of a business that raked in 9.6million.
The MoD settled 1,471 claims from Iraqi nationals between 2003 and 2017, paying out huge sums in compensation handed out for alleged human rights breaches (file photo, UK soldiers on patrol in Basra, Iraq)
But a panel found the firm, its senior partners Mr Day and Miss Malik, and fellow solicitor Miss Crowther not guilty of allegations of misconduct.
The figures, released in a Freedom of Information request, show most of the claims, totalling 1,145 over the six years until British withdrawal in 2009, were settled for 2.1million by the MoDs area claims officer in Iraq and did not reach public attention in Britain.
The MoD has agreed 19.8 million in out-of-court settlements in 326 cases, out of a further 1,200 claims for wrongful imprisonment or mistreatment, brought before the UK courts.
The total pay-out of 21,949,879 during 2003-17 includes individual payments of more than half a million pounds (file photo, UK soldiers in Basra, Iraq)
These peaked in 2012/13 when 191 claimants received 9.9 million in payouts, which are subject to confidentiality agreements, while the latest settlement was a 30,000 payment in 2016/17.
The MoD FoI response said: The reason for the settlement of the overwhelming majority of claims received is not, as has been reported, that the MoD accepts that the claimants were maltreated.
Payouts were in line with a European Court of Human Rights decision in 2011 on unlawful detention but the Strasbourg court changed position in a similar case in 2014, and the MoD said it had since ceased payments.
The cost to the public purse is likely to be far higher, and has reportedly reached 100 million, but the MoD declined to give a figure for payments in relation to court costs, citing confidentiality.
A man has been charged over the alleged murder of a two-year-old boy.
The 29-year-old was arrested by Queensland Police on Tuesday following an extensive investigation into the little boy's suspicious death in April 2015.
Police charged him with one count each of murder, supply dangerous drugs and possess drug utensil. He has also been charged with four counts of possessing dangerous drugs.
The two-year-old was found unconscious at a home in Kingston, south of Brisbane, and was rushed to Logan Hospital before being transferred to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital.
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A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged on Tuesday following the death of a two-year-old boy
The little boy was pronounced dead at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane (pictured) after being found unconscious at a home
The man was arrested and charged by Queensland Police following an extensive investigation into the little boy's 2015 death
He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at that hospital, with police saying he 'suffered horrific injuries'.
Police set-up Operation North Arete to investigate the circumstances surrounding the little boy's death.
'The death of any child is always tragic but this is a particularly distressing case where a young child has suffered horrific injuries,' Queensland Police Detective Inspector Mark White said.
'Our team of detectives are determined to complete a robust and exhaustive investigation and are continuing to appeal for anyone with information which could assist us to come forward.'
Police said the 29-year-old is expected to face Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The RSPCA has been thrown into chaos after the unexpected departure of its chief executive.
Jeremy Cooper, who took the role in April 2016, leaves the organisation with a declining membership and without implementing a recovery plan, it was reported last night.
His departure from the 150,000-a-year post after 15 months comes a fortnight before the annual meeting of the charity on June 24.
The RSPCA has been thrown into chaos after the unexpected departure of its chief executive Jeremy Cooper from his 150,000-a-year post
A source told the Times it was unacceptable to lose the experienced businessman.
This is a disgrace and it is high time the Charity Commission took over the day-to-day management of the charity to safeguard animal protection, the source said.
There had been no mention of him leaving.
There had been no clues about Mr Coopers imminent departure in the RSPCAs annual report released last month.
Mr Cooper joined the organisation during a difficult period under his divisive predecessor, Gavin Grant, who had warned farmers who allowed badger culling they would be named and shamed.
Mr Cooper joined the organisation during a difficult period under his divisive predecessor, Gavin Grant
The charity had also brought a 330,000 private prosecution against David Camerons local hunt, Heythrop, in 2012.
It took more than two years to find a replacement for Mr Grant after he stepped down from the role.
Mr Cooper planned to reform the organisation, which has an annual income of 144million and employs more than 1,500 staff.
One of his first public actions was to apologise for past mistakes, adding: For me it is about recognising those mistakes and then doing everything we can to prevent them happening again.
A five-year strategy for 2017-21 was introduced which emphasised the need to create a modern, transparent and efficient organisation.
RAF veteran Mr Cooper, who spent 12 years in managerial positions at Tesco then another 12 years at Waitrose, is now described on his Linkedin profile as strategic business consultant at West Sussex based JC Consulting.
Ive always wanted to do something in consultancy and this was a great opportunity, he told the Times.
Mr Grant had warned farmers who allowed badger culling they would be named and shamed
Sometimes its just time to move on and try something new. Id been there a year and a half and it felt like the right time.
The RSPCA said in a statement: After four years with the society and over a year as chief executive of the RSPCA, it is with regret that we announce that Jeremy has decided to move on to pursue other business opportunities.
'Jeremy has been an asset to the team and has contributed to the continued success of the RSPCA.
Chief operating officer Michael Ward will become interim chief executive, the charity added.
Some delivery people have a reputation for running away from dogs who may not appreciate a stranger on their property, but one UPS man loves them so much he got down on the ground for a selfie with three pooches.
UPS deliveryman Doniel Kidd often makes deliveries at the home of Staci Burns in Athens, Lousiana, who has three dogs as well as horses.
Burns recently caught him in a sweet moment with her pups as he sat on the ground and whipped out his phone as the dogs crowded around him for a selfie.
UPS deliveryman Doniel Kidd often makes deliveries at the home of Staci Burns in Athens, Lousiana
Recently, Burns caught her UPS man on the ground taking a selfie with her three dogs
'When you have the best UPS man on the planet...' she wrote on Facebook after posting video of Kidd smiling as three dogs posed for a picture with him.
The video has received over one million views and 14,000 shares in a few days.
The smallest dog, a red Australian Sheppard named Reba, practically curled up on Kidd's lap.
Burns told Myarklamiss this is because Kidd once saved Reba when she ran away and got lost.
Kidd recognized the dog as belonging to Burns, and whisked the pooch back home in his UPS van. The two have been pals ever since.
She says the grateful Reba will often jump into the van and sit in the seat. 'It's so sweet,' she said.
Kidd has a way with pooches, as he shows here feeding two different dogs
The mother of a German backpacker who died wants Australia to improve how it notifies tourists' next-of-kin after she only learned of her daughter's death two days later.
Viktoria Kuhn was only informed of her daughter's death after phoning her employer two days after a car accident in country Western Australia.
Savannah Kuhn, 26, was killed on November 13, 2016, when she was thrown from a vehicle after rolling on an unsealed road near Kojonup, 250km south-east of Perth.
Mother Viktoria phoned her workplace, Beaufort River Meats, after not hearing from her daughter for days. She said she knew something was wrong as she had daily contact with Savannah.
Savannah Kuhn (pictured) was killed on November 13, 2016, when she was thrown from a vehicle after rolling on an unsealed road near Kojonup, 250km south-east of Perth
A worker at the abattoir, who was mourning her death, then had the responsibility forced upon them of informing her mother of Savannah's death.
'I thought I can't lie to this woman. I have to tell her,' the worker told Perth Now.
Savannah's mother flew to WA a few days later and asked police why she had not been informed.
She was told information goes through Interpol, and sometimes the process can be slow, leading to unfortunate situations similar to Savannah's.
Viktoria wants changes to this system to prevent future pain to other families.
She also wants overseas drivers who are working in remote regions to receive driving courses as her daughter's accident was caused by an unsealed road.
A group of central Queensland teenagers have been hospitalised after overdosing on a cocktail of prescription drugs.
Paramedics treated 11 teenagers at a house in Yeppoon in the early hours of Tuesday, with nine taken to Yeppoon Hospital for further treatment.
Queensland Ambulance Services spokesman Brad Norris said the group had mixed and taken prescription drugs, which was 'very concerning and extremely dangerous'.
A group of central Queensland teenagers have been taken to Yeppoon Hospital (pictured) after overdosing on a cocktail of prescription drugs
Police found 11 youths at a home in Yeppoon after they had taken the medication
Their ages ranged from 14 to 17 and the group was made up of boys and girls.
Mr Norris said some of the teenagers were highly aggressive and irritable, while others were quite calm.
He said authorities were investigating if other drugs or alcohol were involved.
The incident serves as a warning never to take any prescription medication unless it had been issued by a doctor.
'To take any other medication is extremely dangerous,' Mr Norris said.
Disgraced swimming champion Grant Hackett has revealed how his spiral into anxiety and depression lead to him using alcohol and Stilnox to get to sleep but he rejects claims he is an addict.
The former Olympic champion spoke to Kyle and Jackie O on Tuesday morning, speaking candidly about his drug use, fights with family and the loss of his television career.
He revealed he first started drinking and using sleeping pills in 'bits and pieces' while going through his 2013 divorce with Candice Ally - the mother of his children.
Grant Hackett has rejected claims he is addicted to drugs or alcohol
The swimming star has also revealed what led to his older brother Craig punching him in the face earlier this year, Hackett pictured in hospital
The former swimming star admitted he has used Stilnox and alcohol to get to sleep in the past - and is ashamed of some of his past behaviours - pictured using his singlet as pants at hotel
'By no means would I do something every day,' Hackett told the radio hosts.
'Everyone says you are an addict or you are this or you're that or the other I wasn't doing something every day.
'I wasn't waking up and going aw I need to drink some alcohol, aw I need to take this.
'I would get to those periods after many weeks or many months of not doing anything and I would use something to numb that state (of anxiety).'
The swimmer made headlines in February after he went missing from his parent's home after an alcohol-fuelled argument with his father.
Hackett revealed the argument was about his brother Craig who had punched him in the face a month earlier.
The swimming start uploaded a photograph of his facial injuries online after the argument with his dad and said he learnt a valuable lesson not to use Instagram when he was drinking.
He also explained the background behind the brothers' argument.
He revealed he first started drinking and using sleeping pills in 'bits and pieces' while going through his divorce with Candice Ally - the mother of his children
He also spoke out about getting help for his depression after he was arrested this year at his parent's home
'He came over to my house and I guess I was refusing that help and he tried to come in I didn't want him to come in I just wanted to be on my own when I get into that state of mind I go reclusive,' he said.
'He wanted to come in I didn't want him to come in we were struggling through the door he then won, he is a very strong guy.
'I was trying to push him out and we sort of got into a bit of push and shove and then he whacked me with his weak arm so I would hate to see his strong arm.
'And then I ended up in hospital because of that and we were both very regretful for the situation.
'I got surgery all around my eye and got that fixed up, it was a bit of a shock to every body.'
The fight came after months of depression for the former star who admitted since leaving his sport he doesn't bounce out of bad patches as easily.
'I never really recovered well from that any time I have gone through something I have fallen into that hole much quicker than I ever had through my swimming career or any other phase of my life where I have felt challenges,' he said.
'And for me it has gotten to a point where it is so public and so hard to deal with and has crushed me so much and got me so low that I actually needed to get a team around me to fix that and to have the strategies in place to look after myself properly.'
The former Olympian also revealed he isn't upset about the loss of his TV career
The swimmer also revealed his television career was never his 'primary focus'.
'The thing was people have focused on my TV career a lot that isn't my primary focus I just enjoy doing the TV stuff I enjoy doing the commentary,' he said.
'My focus has really been in finance and business. For me the TV side of things can be very, very fickle and up and down.'
Hackett also revealed the truth behind the bizarre pictured of him dressed in what appeared to be a nappy in a hotel reception - with his daughter in tow.
He had taken sleeping tablets that night but woke to find his young son had taken off from the hotel room.
'I heard the door close and went to see where my son was and I couldn't find him so I quickly grabbed my little girl went outside couldn't find him, he went into the exit stair well I didn't think to look ther e I thought he would just be in the hall way,' he said.
'Then I went down to the elevators still couldn't find him.'
Hackett was dressed in a singlet and briefs - but on his way down the elevator he decided he couldn't step out in his underwear.
'So I took my singlet off and stepped in that... how stupid is that.'
Security helped him find his missing child but the truth behind his bizarre outfit was never revealed.
He also continued to deny allegations he gave a man a nipple cripple on a flight because of an argument over seats.
'I drank before that flight, got on that flight there was one gentleman sitting in front of me I was drunk for sure and he leaned his seat back ,' he said.
'I tapped him on the shoulder to ask him to put his seat up a little bit because I am six foot six a big guy. It just sort of woke me up I was a bit stunned.
'Did I touch his nipple? Look if I did I didnt mean to, I certainly didnt mean to grab anyone inappropriately. '
He denied being confrontational or swearing on the flight after pictures emerged of him hunched over in a wheelchair after landing.
Hackett also revealed he is afraid of when his children, who are seven, start googling his name.
'There is a lot of good things, there's a lot of achievements there but on the flip side of that there has been a lot of public controversy, things that I have gone through.
'Sensationalist headlines, lies and accuracies and things that I will have to explain one day,' he said.
The swimming star reflected on his past headlines with what appeared to be some regret.
'Like I wanna go out there and be depressed and drink myself stupid and become self destructive,' he said.
News / Health
by Staff reporter
HIV and Aids is not only peculiar to Midlands State University, as all tertiary institutions across the country face the same challenges posing a greater risk for students to contract HIV, parliamentary portfolio committee on Health and Child Care chairperson Dr Ruth Labode has said.Addressing students from MSU's Zvishavane campus during a National Aids Council organised legislators' visit last Friday, Dr Labode said national statistics showed that all youths between ages of 15 and 24 were at higher risk of getting HIV."Your challenges are the same as those that are faced by youths of your age groups elsewhere in the country and MSU is not worse off than any other university,'' she said."Statistics show us that HIV prevalence is high among youths of 15 to 24 age groups. It is a national problem that we have to deal with."Dr Labode's comments came after the students expressed concern to the legislators on how their university had been soiled in the media for allegedly nurturing students with loose morals and a high HIV prevalence rate.The students said the negative publicity hindered their prospects of getting internship, as well as permanent employment as students from other universities get first preference."Our name has been soiled, said one of the students who spoke on condition of anonymity. We are portrayed as the worst university in the country harbouring students of loose morals. MSU is also portrayed as the hardest hit by HIV and Aids and yet we do not hear statistics from other universities."This affects our career development as employers prefer students from other universities ahead of us for attachment, further impacting on our chances of getting permanent employment."MSU Zvishavane campus director Professor Advice Viriri said MSU students were not worse off than any other students in the country with regards to morality and their risk to HIV and Aids.Professor Viriri said most of the times, other youths posed as MSU students, especially females, because they were more marketable in sex work compared to any other sex workers."Sex workers in Zvishavane who are not even our students, have soiled the MSU brand, he said. They parade the streets wearing fake MSU tags, giving the impression that they are our students for them to attract a higher bidding from their clients.''We have often followed up on many of the cases that come out in the media on MSU students and often we have realised that they are not even our students."MSU has the largest enrolment in the country with over 22 000 students studying through conventional, parallel, block release and visiting classes.Youths between the ages of 15 and 24, commercial sex workers, prisoners and long distance truck drivers are said to be the hardest hit by HIV and Aids.
A 'savage' dog has attacked a man leaving him requiring surgery to his hand and throat after the victim leaped to the defence of his own labrador.
Cam McIntyre spoke to 3AW radio describing the terrifying moment he was running with his dog 'Mick' on the beach in Brighton, south east Melbourne, when a suspected black bull terrier 'wrapped it's jaws around my dog's head'.
'It was such a big, brutal savage dog she just did not have enough control over it,' Mr McIntyre told Ross and John from 3AW.
Cam McIntyre was attacked by a dog when he went to defend his labrador from being mauled
Cam McIntyre's dog Mick was attacked when a larger bull terrier-like dog wrapped its jaws around his head
'It was a bit of a frenzy going on and I was desperately trying to save my dog, it looked like he was getting mauled, this dog was pretty savage and very vicious.'
'The owner had not control over it and I was just in there trying to protect my dog.'
During his heroic attempt to defend his labrador, McIntrye said during the mauling the terrier-like dog lunged at his throat.
'It was a bit of a frenzy going on and as I went in again it just lunged at my throat and hit me to the ground and eventually the owner let go of its dog,' he said.
Cam required 30 stitches in his hand after the 'savage' attack
'This dog was just going in so savagely at my dog and she just couldn't control it.'
Following the dogs being separated a couple and a doctor approached the victim and offered help - but during the aftermath McIntyre said the opposite owner disappeared from the scene.
The doctor told McIntyre to go to hospital where he required 30 stitches in his hand and the surgeon told him his throat wound was millimeters away from a main artery.
Melbourne police said they are looking for an Asian female aged between 25-30 years old with a black dog looking like a bull terrier, according to 3AW.
Ten Network asked for trading in its shares to be halted today after key millionaire backers including Lachlan Murdoch refused to guarantee bank loans that would keep the financially troubled network alive.
The company's share price plummeted to just 16cents ahead of the request to the Australian Securities Exchange, which valued the network at less than $60million.
In a statement to the exchange, Ten said key major shareholders Mr Murdoch's Illyria Pty Ltd and Birketu Pty Ltd, the investment vehicle of millionaire Bruce Gordon would no longer support credit facilities that are keeping the company afloat.
In 2013, James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch and Bruce Gordon agreed to guarantee a $200million loan for the company.
The loans expire on 23 December, after which the company will be liable for the debts that the company has made clear it does not have the funds to pay.
James Packer, who is also a major shareholder, is also reportedly keen to get rid of his 7.7 percent stake in the ailing network, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
A trio of billionaires who helped bail Network Ten out of debt four years ago are unlikely to do the same as the company scrambles for a new $250 million loan, sources say
In a statement to the exchange, Ten said key major shareholders Mr Murdoch's (left) Illyria Pty Ltd and Birketu Pty Ltd, the investment vehicle of millionaire Bruce Gordon (right) would no longer support credit facilities that are keeping the company afloat
Channel 10 is home to television shows such as The Bachelorette, MasterChef, The Project and Have You Been Paying Attention?
In 2013, James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch and Bruce Gordon agreed to guarantee a $200 million loan for the company
The network is reportedly urgently trying to come up with a severe cost-cutting plan and to renegotiate expensive deals with US studios for many programs that have proved unsuccessful in Australia.
The network has asked for the trading halt until Thursday, when it will make a major announcement on its future.
The board said in April it was not sure it could continue if the company did not renegotiate contracts with US networks CBS and 20th Century Fox, receive license fee cuts, cut costs and secure a guarantee from Murdoch, Packer and Gordon again.
If the company is placed into the hands of administrators, it would give the company and Parliament more time to evaluate proposed media reform laws that could scrap the licence fees.
Ten said key major shareholders Mr Murdoch's Illyria Pty Ltd and Birketu Pty Ltd, the investment vehicle of millionaire Bruce Gordon would no longer support credit facilities that are keeping the company afloat
James Packer, who is also a major shareholder, is also reportedly keen to get rid of his 7.7 percent stake in the ailing network
The broadcaster also produces The Bachelor (pictures is Richie Strahan and Alex Nation)
Licence fees cost the broadcaster $23 million a year.
Mark Westfield, author of a history of Australia's media industry called The Gatekeepers, told Daily Mail Australia the network has frequently struggled since it was launched in the 1960s.
'They have perpetually been in financial trouble and always relied on a major share holder,' he said.
'But every time theyve gotten into trouble theyve managed to find a buyer,' he said.
Mr Westfield said he believes Foxtel could be a buyer with a share of 14 percent.
Channel 10 is home to television shows such as The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, MasterChef, The Project, Neighbours and Have You Been Paying Attention?
A US Navy missile carrier is headed for Syria with a massive load of ten 1,000-pound bombs.
The aircraft, called the F/A-18F, will be carrying GBU-32 JDAMs, two 88-lb AIM-9X Sidewinders - a short-range air-to-air missile - and several other weapons.
It is so powerful that a pilot can attack ten different large battle-ground areas in one mission.
But there are still renovations underway for the aircraft as well as others in the navy.
This sect of the armed forces has decided to upgrade the missile carriers, manufactured by Boeing, because of an increased budget and will put it to use in war-torn countries like Syria in 2019.
A US Navy aircraft is headed for Syria with a massive load of ten 1,000-pound bombs. Pictured is the F/A-18F Super Hornet, which is fully loaded with ten GBU-32 1,000 pound bombs aboard the aircraft carrier
The aircraft is designed in such a way that a pilot can attack ten different large battle-ground areas in one mission
Features of the Super Hornet Produces a combined 44,00-pound of thrust
Has 11 weapon stations
Weighs 32,100 lb when empty but has a maximum weight of 66,000 lb
Travels at a speed of Mach 1.8 - almost twice the speed of sound
Each engine thrusts up to 17,000 lbs
Powered by 2 x General Electric F14-GE-400 series turbo fans
Aircrafts service ceiling is around 50,000 feet and rate of climb is 44.890 ft per minute
Can carry missiles, bombs and jettinsonable fuels Advertisement
Boeing first pitched this upgrade in 2008, the Aviation Week reported, but it has not become a reality until now because President Trump's administration has allocated $639 billion - $56 billion dollars more than Barack Obama's budgeted - for the defense team.
The manufacturing giant Boeing said that the reconstruction of the Super Hornet - the fleet the F/A-18F is a part of - was to create 'a balanced approach to survivability, including electronic warfare and self-protection.'
These renovations are happening so the US army can compete at a time when there is international unrest over weapon-use.
A high-tech computer called the Distributed Targeting Processor Network as well as new display for the pilots will be installed in the fighter jet.
Boeing also hopes to maximize the speed of the jets by installing Conformal Fuel Tanks, which are designed to make the jets even more aerodynamic.
President Trump has allocated $ 639 billion to the defense team - $56 billion dollars more than Barack Obama's budgeted
Boeing says the purpose of the reconstruction of the Super Hornet is to create 'a balanced approach to survivability, including electronic warfare and self-protection'
Electronic upgrades will allow pilots to detect threats early and to communicate better among themselves during battles
The pilot flying the jet will also be able to see oncoming threats faster and easier because of a long-range infrared sensor that will be added to the jets.
Other jets which will be used during battle are the EA-18s and the F-35Cs. The electronic improvements on all the jets will allow the pilots to communicate better to create an accurate picture of the battle field.
'You can have an F-35 in its very stealthy way doing a deep-strike mission with Super Hornet providing air superiority at that same range, or you can have Super Hornet carrying large standoff weapons that F-35 cannot carry, with F-35 providing some air cover,' Dan Gillian, program manager at Boeing, told Aviation Week.
Students at one of Scotland's top universities have been told off for pooing in showers and bins.
Bosses at Strathclyde University were forced to send a memo to the 400 students and 250 staff asking them to stop with their 'inappropriate' toilet habits.
The memo, posted on Thursday, was sent by the operations management team of the University's Technology and Innovation Centre.
Bosses at Strathclyde University sent the memo to 400 students and 250 staff who use the Technology and Innovation Centre (pictured)
It read: 'Given the incidence of people pooing in bins, showers and the likes, can I please remind all TIC occupants that the toilets have been provided for that specific purpose.
'All bodily fluids, solids and toilet paper must be disposed of down the toilet.
'While I appreciate that the TIC population is multi-cultural and different countries have different practices, here in the UK the accepted practice is to use only the WC.'
An insider told the Daily Record that they 'couldn't imagine' the bizarre problem as a place as high-tech as the TIC.
They added: 'The building houses some of the most intelligent brains int he world - yet they don't appear to know how to use the toilet.
The 89million centre was opened by the Queen in 2015, but apparently some of its boffins 'don't appear to know how to use a toilet'
'The cleaners are sick of coming across poo and used toilet paper in places it just shouldn't be.'
A University spokeswoman said the original email contained 'sentiments that are completely contrary to our institutional values.'
The Technology and Innovation Centre opened in central Glasgow in 2015 at the cost of 89million.
It is described on its website as a home for 'researchers, engineers and project managers from academia and industry, who will work side by side on projects spanning future cities, manufacturing, health and energy.'
Pubs in a South Australian town are forcing patrons to put down a $20 on beer glasses to discourage people from stealing.
Hotels in Hahndorf, a German settlement and tourist attraction south-east of Adelaide, make customers responsible for the one-litre steins they provide.
Hahndorf Inn co-owner Ben Holmes told The Advertiser people have been happy to pay the deposit.
A stein of Arcobrau lager at the Hahndorf Inn costs $29.90, plus the $20 deposit for the glass.
Pubs in a South Australian town are forcing patrons to put down a $20 on beer glasses to discourage people from stealing
Hotels in Hahndorf, a German settlement and tourist attraction south-east of Adelaide, make customers responsible for the one-litre steins they provide
Holmes says people often 'accidentally' take the steins, and the deposit was enough to even prevent this from happening.
'It is just like hiring a car. If they do take them, then at least that covers the cost,' he said.
A former-employee at the Hahndorf Inn told Daily Mail Australia missing steins was a real problem and the deposit is largely necessary.
'You would see a group of 30 come in and when they left 30 steins would be missing,' she said.
'If you want to keep the glass effectively you pay $20 and it's yours. The deposit covers that.'
The German Arms Hotel, also in Hahndorf, also requests a $20 deposit, or patrons can hand over a drivers license or credit card until they return their stein.
The Haus restaurant does not demand deposits of its customers.
An Australian terrorism expert has warned 'copycat' attackers could target Canberra and use a truck to mow down pedestrians.
Clarke Jones, co-director of the Intervention Support Hub at the Australian National University, said attacks like in London last weekend 'give other people ideas'.
'It's often hard to report where these things can happen and you can't police against vehicles,' Mr Jones told The Canberra Times.
An Australian terrorism expert has warned 'copycat' attackers could target Canberra and use a truck to mow down pedestrians. Eight people were killed in London last Saturday night
Clarke Jones, co-director of the Intervention Support Hub at the Australian National University, said attacks like in London last weekend 'give other people ideas'
He said an attack on the nation's capital would be 'symbolic' and 'extremely significant', but described the likelihood as low.
'There are large areas in Canberra that have a vulnerability, but Canberra is very multicultural and a good example of how multiculturalism works,' he said.
Eight people were killed in London last Saturday night when a van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before the three terrorists went on a stabbing frenzy.
Australians Kirsty Boden and Sara Zelenak were among the dead.
Australians Kirsty Boden (right) and Sara Zelenak (left) were among those killed in last weekend's attack
Officers at the Australian Federal Police Majura Forensics Facility are pictured in Canberra
Twelve people were murdered in Berlin in December last year when a truck was driven through Christmas Markets in Breitscheidplatz.
In July 2016, 86 people died when a cargo truck ploughed into pedestrians in the resort town of Nice in the south of France.
Five people were killed when a truck was driven into crowds along the main pedestrian shopping street Drottninggatan in Stockholm on April this year.
The Victorian government announced on Saturday it would install bollards across Melbourne to prevent such attacks.
In July 2016, 86 people died when a cargo truck ploughed into pedestrians in the resort town of Nice in the south of France
Hundreds of individuals, some armed, gathered at a Houston park on Saturday to protest what they believed were efforts to remove a statue of Texas hero Sam Houston because he owned slaves.
The only problem - the statue was never actually considered for removal, and a fake Facebook page had trolled conservatives and Donald Trump supporters into believing it was.
A group called Texas Antifa posted on May 19 that groups on the left were attempting to get the Sam Houston Monument taken away, starting a 'Don't Mess With Texas' campaign.
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Hundreds of individuals gathered at a Houston park Saturday to protest what they believed were efforts to remove a statue of Texas hero Sam Houston because he owned slaves
But the statue was never actually considered for removal, and a fake Facebook page was found to be behind the misinformation
A group called Texas Antifa posted on May 19 that the left wanted the statue to be taken away
After the posting, Houston Antifa told its members that Texas Antifa was not a real page
'We're about to have a huge event in Houston June 10 with the combined forces of several large groups, perhaps our biggest ever,' the page stated.
'The Fascists better not show up or they will be limping home bruised, broken, hurt, and crying with their tails tucked between their legs.
'We will be freely heard without their attendance because they rarely counter against us since they don't have the support numbers and are few and far between, especially in Houston. Brothers go to our National Page for the event information.'
But after the posting, Houston Antifa told its members that Texas Antifa was not a real page.
'Trolls are going to continue to use these nefarious tactics in attempts to misrepresent the purposes and ideologies of Antifa, to use hot button issues like statue removal, etc to mobilize and drum up ire from generica MAGAs / Conservatives,' Houston Antifa told Buzzfeed News.
That didn't stop angry protesters, however, who arrived to the park in droves. The recent removal of four Confederate monuments has raised fears that the trend could spread.
That didn't stop angry protesters, however, who arrived to the park in droves
The event drew a motley assortment of patriot groups, historical buffs, and alt-right groups
A beloved historical figure to many Texans, Sam Houston was the state's first US senator and served as governor in the run-up to the Civil War.
Although he was a slaveholder and opposed abolishing slavery, he was the only Southern governor to reject the Confederacy, and was ousted as governor when Texas left the Union.
'Preserving our Texas monuments is very important because those who dont understand history are doomed to repeat it,' Brandon Burkhart, a organizer, told the Pink Armadillo.
'Good or bad, this is our heritage and our history needs to be preserved to help ensure our continued freedom.'
Tensions broke out when one group carrying Confederate flags was shouted down by patriot groups, and separated by police to protest in a separate area. There were no reports of arrests at the largely peaceful protest.
Despite the high turnout, at the end of the day, the cause behind the protest was indeed a hoax.
'In reality, we were duped,' Jeremy Alcede, head of security for the group This Is Texas, said.
Houston was the first president of the Republic of Texas and later served as governor when Texas became a US state
Fugitive Kimberly Dolan, 19, of West Mifflin, was wanted on charges including criminal attempted homicide
A 19-year-old fugitive was arrested after she posted pictures of herself and her young daughter on Snapchat.
Kimberly Dolan, 19, of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, was wanted for criminal attempted homicide and violation of bond conditions after she allegedly ran over one person and struck another with her car in January at a Munhall gas station, reported CBS News.
Police said that Dolan confessed to the incident and said she could hear the victim under her car, according to an Allegheny County Sheriff's Office statement.
Four months later, she allegedly assaulted a different woman.
On May 7, Dolan allegedly struck a woman in the face several times after the woman had exchanged insurance information with Dolan's grandfather following a minor car accident.
Dolan, above, was involved in two different incidents where she allegedly assaulted three women, two in January and one in May - her love of social media got her arrested again
The victim suffered a broken nose and multiple facial fractures, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
Dolan fled the scene before cops arrived, and a warrant for her arrest was issued May 25. She was charged with aggravated assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, but couldn't be located.
It's unclear if she was out on bond from the January incident.
On Thursday around 4.20pm, Dolan began posting pictures of herself and her daughter at Kennywood Amusement Park in West Mifflin on Snapchat, drawing the attention of sheriff's detectives.
The detectives were able to call police, who were already working detail inside of the park, and an arrest was made without incident.
Dolan is being held at the Allegheny County Jail and will be arraigned next week.
Senior tax office official Michael Cranston faced a NSW court on Tuesday over an unprecedented white-collar fraud scandal linked to his son and daughter.
Cranston, the 58-year-old Australian Taxation Office deputy commissioner, was issued with a court attendance notice last month for two charges of abusing public office to gain advantage.
Police said in May he may have unwittingly been implicated in an alleged $130 million tax-evasion racket at the request of his 30-year-old son, Adam, who was charged with conspiring to defraud the Commonwealth.
Senior tax office official Michael Cranston appeared in court on Tuesday (pictured)
Police said he may have been implicated in an alleged $130 million tax-evasion racket at the request of his 30-year-old son, Adam, who was also charged (pictured on Thursday arriving in court)
Cranston's 24-year-old daughter Lauren (pictured) was also charged with conspiring to cause loss and dealing in the proceeds of crime
Cranston's 24-year-old daughter Lauren was also charged with conspiring to cause loss and dealing in the proceeds of crime, and she faced the Downing Centre Local Court with her father on Tuesday.
Her barrister told the court she is due to give birth in July.
It's alleged the group accepted legitimate payroll claims through a company called Plutus Payroll and funnelled them through second-tier companies, disguising massive amounts of tax being withheld from the ATO.
The money was allegedly spent on lavish lifestyles including properties, cars, jewellery and wine.
Cranston and his daughter are next scheduled to have their matters heard in court on August 29.
A Sydney Uber driver who raped a drunk female passenger after she fell asleep in the back of his car has been jailed for a maximum of nine years.
Muhammad Naveed, 41, was sentenced to a minimum of six years and four months in prison at the Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday for raping the 22-year-old in October 2015.
Judge Deborah Payne said Naveed 'clearly took advantage in the most terrible way of a very vulnerable lady', according to Nine News.
Uber driver Muhammad Naveed, 41, was sentenced to a minimum of six years and four months in prison over the rape of a passenger
CCTV footage showed the Uber driver purchasing condoms and a bottle of water at a service station before hopping back into his car on the night of the attack
Earlier this year, it took a jury just hours to deliver the guilty verdict against Naveed, who initially told police it was 'consent sex'.
The woman had been drinking with friends at several venues and got into what she thought was a cab to go home, crown prosecutor James Trevallion said during the trial.
CCTV footage showed the Uber driver purchasing condoms and a bottle of water at a service station before hopping back into his car on the night of the attack.
He then drove in the opposite direction to the woman's home, stopped in a side street and asked if she wanted to move to the back seat.
The Uber driver had pulled up outside the service station to purchase some condoms
Naveed, who picked the victim up from Kings Cross and raped her in a side street in Sydney's eastern suburbs, will be eligible for parole in June 2023
'The complainant will tell you at this point she could not keep her eyes open and she was falling asleep,' Mr Trevallion told the jury.
The next thing the woman remembered was waking up to find Naveed on top of her.
Naveed, who picked the victim up from Kings Cross and raped her in a side street in Sydney's eastern suburbs, will be eligible for parole in June 2023.
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WARNING: The footage contain explicit content which some viewers might find offensive:
With an Instagram account dedicated to "naming and shaming" those passengers who commit the most outrageous, shameful acts while on board flights, it's no surprise to board a flight these days and expect accompanying flyers to commit acts of shock and horror.However, passengers on a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Ibiza on Wednesday, 7 June were in for the most shocking of all shameful acts.These passengers had to endure putting up with the sights and sounds of a drunk couple who began romping on the flight, totally oblivious to fellow flyers.We've heard of flyers doing the deed in aeroplane toilets (still can't understand why), but this is certainly a first!MailOnline reports that Kieran Williams from Lancashire says "I heard them talking about it but I thought they were joking. The guy was shouting, Anyone got a jelly?' meaning condom."We all laughed but then ten minutes later they actually did it. They seemed so drunk, they brought a lot of attention to themselves. You could see the girl taking off her pants and he pulled his trousers off."We all had a good laugh about it. It was pretty funny."While some passengers watched in shock, one filmed the act on his phone, and unsurprisingly a female passenger who was sitting next to the couple asked to be moved.Williams says that the crew did nothing to stop the couple or even reprimand them. "About twenty minutes after it happened, someone complained about it. But the crew did nothing," he says.A Ryanair spokesperson says "We are looking into this matter. We will not tolerate unruly, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour at any time and any passengers who appear to behave in an unacceptable manner may be liable for further sanctions."While King Shaka International Airport in Durban and Cape Town International once told Traveller24 that they don't ask their customers to dress a certain way on flights, we're quite sure that such behaviour as this couple's will be unacceptable on local carrier flights.Irrespective of what the rules are for local airlines and airports, passengers are expected to show common courtesy and behaviour that does not harm or offend fellow flyers.
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A B-Double truck carrying a load of beer has caused traffic chaos after it slammed into a low-lying motorway bridge in Sydney's west and overturned.
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 9.45am on Monday after reports of the truck crash underneath the M4 motorway in Granville.
Photographs show the cabin of the truck wedged against the concrete bridge with a bent exhaust pipe, while the first trailer is suspended in the air at an angle.
A B-Double truck carrying a load of beer slammed into a motorway bridge in Sydney's west on Monday morning
The truck's cabin and first carriage were left suspended at an angle in the air after collision on Sydney's M4
Police and fire truck crews are still on the scene assessing the damage done to the bridge
Two fire and rescue crews were called to the scene after receiving reports of a potential spillage at the two-lane road.
A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that crews were often called out to similar accidents in the case of a load spillage.
No ambulances were called to the scene and a police spokesman said it was believed no one was injured during the crash.
Police and fire truck crews are still on the scene assessing the damage done to the bridge.
Photographs show the cabin of the truck wedged against the concrete bridge with a bent exhaust pipe
Police and fire truck crews are still on the scene assessing the damage done to the bridge
Christian lobby group FamilyVoice has been criticised after calling for an exemption to discriminate against people with disabilities or who are mentally ill. Pictured is national director Ashley Saunders
A Christian group has been slammed for proposing an exemption to the Disability Discrimination Act that says priests and ministers with disabilities or mental illness that display 'disturbed behaviour' should be prevented from holding positions of authority in the church.
FamilyVoice, a national Christian organisation in Adelaide, is lobbying for a religious exemption to the Act.
In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry, the FamilyVoice said behaviours associated with a person's disability or mental illness could interfere with church services.
'Priests and ministers exercise important positions of authority within a Church. For very good reasons a religion may not wish to engage a person who has a mental illness and displays disturbed behaviour,' the organisation wrote.
'Such behaviour would adversely affect a Church service, which is sacred in nature.'
FamilyVoice said providing counselling to parishioners is a large part of the role of a religious leader and that person must be respected, otherwise they will not be sought out for advice.
National director Ashley Saunders told Daily Mail Australia the organisation refuted claims they were preventing people with a disability or mental illness being part of the church, rather the submission is 'emphasising the behaviour aspect.'
The national organisation made a submission to a parliamentary inquiry that argued there should be a religious exemption to the Disability Discrimination Act (stock image)
'We don't believe they should be excluded from church services,' Mr Saunders said.
'The submission refers to what we believe is the right to protect the congregation members from the behaviours mentioned.
'My recollection is we referred to either shouting or using profanities, that kind of disturbed behaviour was specifically mentioned, as it's not appropriate for someone who is in that position of leadership.'
Mr Saunders said instead of a person being in breach of the Act by displaying these behaviours, FamilyVoice believes the Act should recognise this and protect other employees and people from the behaviours.
FamilyVoice national director Ashley Saunders said they don't believe people who have disabilities or mental illness should be excluded from services, but they 'should have the right to protect the congregation members from the behaviours mentioned'
'FamilyVoice has a proud history of both working with and supporting people with a whole range of disabilities and illnesses,' Mr Saunders said.
Dignity Party MLC Kelly Vincent told the Adelaide Advertiser the call perpetuated a 'dangerous stereotype'.
'Most people with or without a mental illness are capable of peaceful and productive lives, especially with the right support,' Ms Vincent said.
'For some, engagement in religious and spiritual activities might actually play an important role in achieving and maintaining positive mental health.
'To deny that on the grounds of a sweeping misconception is not only legally unsound, its cruel and hypocritical.'
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Australian Human Rights Commission for a comment on the submission.
The desperate search for missing Melbourne mother Karen Curnow has ended in tragedy.
Four days after she vanished, police confirmed the 57-year-old's body had been found.
Ms Curnow disappeared from her family home in Frankston South on June 9 after telling her husband she was going to a local shopping centre.
The desperate search for missing Melbourne mother Karen Curnow has ended in tragedy
Victoria Police confirmed the sad news with this tweet on Tuesday. A spokesperson said Ms Curnow's family has been notified
A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia her death was not being treated as suspicious.
Ms Curnow's son Lindsay confirmed the sad news on Tuesday in an emotional Facebook post.
'Unfortunately our beautiful mum was found today, she is no longer with us and is now at peace,' he wrote.
'Thank you to everyone who has searched, called, rang and shared. You and the community were amazing and we have felt the support. We are eternally grateful.'
Lindsay had previously contacted dozens of hotels from Melbourne's inner-city to the Peninsula in a desperate attempt to locate his mother.
'Tell the people around you you love them. We just want her home. Please don't call me unless you have any information we need to keep our phones clear,' he wrote in an emotional plea on Friday.
Ms Curnow's son Lindsay confirmed the sad news on Tuesday in an emotional Facebook post
Ms Curnow's son Lindsay wrote an emotional plea on Facebook after his mother vanished
A notorious attorney, ironically called Eric Conn, who stole $550million worth of social security from the government has sent mysterious emails detailing his terms for surrendering to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Eric Conn, 56, - who led one of the biggest Social Security frauds in history - said in his emails that he will only surrender if the FBI drops his fleeing charges, clarifies that he has no history of violence and is receiving unequal punishment, compared to others who participated in the scam.
The notorious lawyer from Kentucky, dubbed 'Mr Social Security' disappeared on June 2 after pleading guilty to the multi-million-dollar fraud scheme in March.
'We are aware that someone claiming to be Eric Conn contacted numerous media outlets throughout the Commonwealth, ' an FBI spokesman told NBC News.
'That person, however, has not contacted the FBI and we encourage him or her to do so.'
Eric Conn, the Kentucky lawyer who led one of the biggest Social Security frauds in history has sent mysterious emails detailing his terms for surrender. He is pictured here gesturing as he invokes his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington
Conn's empire crumbled when federal investigators uncovered he had been bribing a doctor and a judge to approve disability claims based on fake medical evidence. He agreed to repay the federal government $5.7million and to reimburse Social Security $46million
The flamboyant Kentucky disability attorney stole close to $600million before he vanished.
He had been indicted on allegations in March that he made millions by paying a doctor and a judge to rubber-stamp false disability claims using phony medical evidence.
He was ordered to pay back tens of millions of dollars and was due to be sentenced next month.
The FBI revealed that Conn violated the conditions of his bond by removing his electronic monitoring device prompting the U.S. District Court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
General counsel for the FBI's Louisville office, David Habich, said that Conn's 'whereabouts are currently unknown.'
Conn was charged with designing an intricate scheme and using his expertise and positions of authority, to fraudulently induce payment of $600 million in federal disability and healthcare benefits,' Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell said at the time.
Incredibly, Conn had escaped legal consequence for years, even after the Social Security Administration last summer cut off disability payments to hundreds of his clients in the impoverished coalfields of eastern Kentucky and West Virginia.
Conn pleaded guilty in March to stealing from the federal government and bribing a judge. He was ordered to pay back tens of millions of dollars and was due to be sentenced next month
The FBI is analyzing the emails sent to his lawyer Scott White and news outlets including the Associated Press but it has been unable to track the source.
DailyMail.com cannot verify if these emails are genuine.
In the emails, Conn says he didn't understand why the judges who helped him carry out his scheme are receiving a combined sentence which is less than his.
He also urged the FBI to retract a prior statement it made, warning the public to air on the side of caution when approaching Conn.
White says he's convinced these emails are from his client because the style is in keeping with how he writes and speaks, he told the Lexington-Herald Leader.
He also says his client's case will be 'better' if he turns himself in.
'I can assure him (Conn) it will go much, much better the sooner he turns himself in,' White told the Lexington Herald Leader, an outlet that also received an email from the fugitive.
'I only hope and pray it is somewhere in the United States and he can quickly turn himself in.'
In 2013, the U.S. Senate released a scathing report titled 'How Some Legal, Medical and Judicial Professionals Abused Social Security Disability Programs for the Country's Most Vulnerable: A Case Study of the Conn Law Firm.'
For 161 pages, the report detailed the lengths to which investigators say they went to hide the alleged scheme.
Conn has been placed on the FBI's Most Wanted List. The investigative bureau is offering $20,000 to anyone with information
It accused Conn of paying the doctors, whom he called his 'whore doctors,' to sign dubious medical reports showing his clients were disabled. The claims were then approved by another doctor,often without a hearing.
At the time of his arrest, the federal prosecutor, Trey Alford, argued against Conn's release, saying he poses a flight risk and has indicated he would flee, that he has transferred money overseas, including in others' names to make it harder to track, and that his home is for sale.
Such fears now appear to have been well founded.
Conn opened his practice in a trailer in 1993 in his hometown of Stanville, Kentucky, population 500, according to the Senate investigation.
From there he built the third-most lucrative disability firm in the nation, bringing in more than $20 million in fees between 2001 and 2013.
He became a local celebrity for his over-the-top advertising campaigns. He dispatched crews of 'Conn Hotties' to events, hired Miss Kentucky to appear in commercials and had a 19-foot replica of the Lincoln Memorial erected in the parking lot of his office.
Australian of the year state finalist Eman Sharobeem has told a corruption inquiry any accounting mistakes she made as the head of a Sydney charity were a result of being 'underpaid and overworked'.
Ms Sharobeem on Tuesday faced a second round of NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption hearings into allegations she rorted $685,000 from two charities.
The former head of the Immigrant Women's Health Service continued to deny she used the funds on holidays and luxury items as she returned to the witness box.
'I was underpaid and overworked so if any wrongdoing happened ... it's not because it's my intention, it's because I was overstretched,' she told the commission in Sydney.
Eman Sharobeem (centre) on Tuesday faced a second round of NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption hearings into allegations she rorted $685,000 from two charities
The former CEO of the now-defunct Immigrant Women's Health Service is under investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption. She is alleged to have spent over $685,000 in misappropriated funds (receipts pictured above)
'And I was also doing a lot of volunteer work, I don't want you to feel that I did this deliberately.'
Ms Sharobeem told the inquiry she was the only full-time worker at the IWHS and cited 'the size of things required of me as a human being' as she became flustered 15 minutes into the hearing.
Ms Sharobeem is accused of being fraudulently reimbursed for an $8900 holiday club membership she used for personal trips.
The commission was shown a hand-written note by Ms Sharobeem to a bookkeeper in which she claimed an $8990 receipt was for 'the handyman who established the new service for multicultural mix elder group in Bankstown'.
Ms Sharobeem, who demanded the money within two months, couldn't remember why the two amounts were the same.
The former head of the Immigrant Women's Health Service (IWHS) continued to deny she used the funds on holidays and luxury items, including holidays, cosmetic surgery and jewellery, as she returned to the witness box
Former Australian of the Year finalist Eman Sharobeem is accused of rorting more than half a million dollars in public funds
Ms Sharobeem told the inquiry she was the only full-time worker at the IWHS and cited 'the size of things required of me as a human being' as she became flustered 15 minutes into the hearing
'When you put them together you appear as though you're trying to say they're linked,' she said.
'They're not linked.'
Ms Sharobeem contradicted her evidence from the previous month that at least one client used the holiday club membership, but she insisted it was offered to clients.
'My memory is not that sharp, seriously,' she said on Tuesday.
Ms Sharobeem is a prominent migrant woman's right campaigner in Australia (pictured with former NSW Premier Mike Baird)
'I have been through a lot.'
Ms Sharobeem now denies she was chief executive officer of the IWHS, claiming she was given the title merely for 'prestige' and was never treated as one.
'I was doing everything and anything in the organisation,' she said.
The hearing continues.
A man has been charged after he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on Monday during a terrifying car ride around Sydney.
The 31-year-old man allegedly kidnapped the teenager from a home in Bankstown, south western Sydney, at 2am on Monday and drove her around before heading south towards Melbourne, according to police.
The family contacted police who then found the car and arrested the 31-year-old man on the Hume Highway around 351km away in Gundagai at 9pm.
The man allegedly abducted the 18-year-old in Bankstown at 2am and was arrested on the Hume Highway in Gundagai near Wagga Wagga
The man is set to appear in Wagga Wagga court on Tuesday
He was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga police station where he was charged with sexual assault, indecent assault and kidnapping.
The alleged kidnapper is believed to be known to the victim and it is reported he asked for the teenager's parents permission to marry the woman and was refused, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The man was refused bail and is set to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Tuesday.
The woman is in a stable condition in hospital.
A woman has been left devastated after her murdered mother's treasured possessions were torched by a housing department.
Dianne Hawkins, 56, was brutally killed by man in June 2010 inside her unit at New Farm, inner Brisbane.
As her family could not afford to take her possessions out of storage, the Queensland Department of Housing set them on fire, the Courier-Mail reported.
Her daughter, Kally, was issued a bill of $9000 for the storage costs and was also forced to pay $13,628 for the bloodied crime scene to be cleaned up.
Dianne Hawkins, 56, was brutally murdered by a man while she was at home in her inner Brisbane unit in June 2010
The daughter of Ms Hawkins, Kally, said she was left with a massive bill to take her mother's items out of storage and to clean-up the crime scene where her mother was murdered
It was one of the most expensive bills ever issued for a clean-up in Queensland, with Kally saying she was pressured to pay it.
'I just think the clean-up bill should never ever go to the victims of crime. That is just really appalling. It's so wrong,' Kally told Daily Mail Australia.
Kally had sent numerous emails to the housing department in a bid to get her mother's possessions back but she said they had flagged an issue with her mother's will.
They also told her 18 months later she had 60 days to pay the storage fee or her mother's items would be taken away.
'They had a photo album - that's all I wanted. The stuff had been in storage for about a year and a half. I couldn't afford to pay that... it's just not possible,' Kally told the Courier-Mail.
She told Daily Mail Australia she was 'very angry and upset' she was not able to get the possessions back.
The housing department said disposal of possessions was only a last resort, while the government said families of murder victims are provided with a pool fund of $50,000 which is also put towards cleaning up crime scenes.
Queensland opposition MP Ros Bates said she was furious at the insensitive treatment towards Kally and urged the government to refund the clean-up bill.
'This is a cold and heartless move that should never have happened in the first place,' Ms Bates said.
Kally told Daily Mail Australia she was not after money but change to the way the system treats victims of crime.
'What I want is change, for other people not to go through what I went through,' she said.
The man found guilty of the murder, Ashley McGoldrick, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012.
Four dangerous inmates from an Oklahoma prison have escaped through the ventilation system.
The breakout happened between 1am and 4am Monday at the Lincoln County Jail near Oklahoma City, according to ABC News.
For two of the jailbirds it is their second bid for freedom within three months following an earlier breakout through the same ventilation system.
The escapees were identified as Jeremy Tyson Irvin, 31; Brian Allen Moody, 23; Sonny Baker, 41; and Trey Glenn Goodnight, 27.
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Prisoners that escaped through the ventilation system include (left to right) Jeremy Irvin and Trey Goodnight
Escaped: (left) Sonny Baker, and Brian Allen Moody had escaped once before
One of the escapees, Tyson, is in the jail for first degree murder. All of the others are doing time for property crimes, according to KOCO.
In late March, Moody and Baker escaped through the same ventilation system, but were found and returned to the prison within several days. Neither had left the state.
Lincoln County Sheriff Charles Dougherty admits the air duct system isn't very secure.
Surveillance video showed three of the prisoners escaping down the hallway in the early morning hours - above, two of them sneak down the hall
A third prisoner seen on the far right escaped as the other two were further down the hallway
'There's an area between the ceiling and probably about a 10-foot wall. It's made out of wire,' Dougherty told KOCO. 'They get up on top of that and they're able to jump over an air vent.'
He said he's looking into getting the opening sealed up.
'I've already met with all three county commissioners and they've been in here with some contractors to look and see what we can do to avoid this from happening anymore,' he said.
Lincoln County Sheriff Charles Dougherty said he's met with three county commissioners and contractors to fix the problem
He called the prisoners 'dangerous folks'.
The sheriff said he believes that Baker and Moody were able to make their escape in a stolen white Dodge truck. He believes they headed down Highway 9 and Highway 102 in Pottawatomie County.
He says the other two escapees were seen near Agra.
The migrants pouring into Europe have changed routes but ever greater numbers are risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean between Libya and Italy.
Although the crossing between Turkey and Greece is practically closed and the EU has beefed up its border agency Frontex to check mass migration, criminal industry is flourishing.
Frontex is now rescuing migrants from sinking boats but also dropping them off at welcome centres where they risk being sent back home.
On the shores of Greece there are now '80 or 100 people who arrive every day, whereas we had 2,500 a day' before the agreement with Turkey, said its head Fabrice Leggeri.
The migrants pouring into Europe have changed routes but ever greater numbers are risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean
Among those who arrive from Africa via the central Mediterranean and Libya, whose number is up by more than 40 percent, most come from west Africa. They are Senegalese, Guineans, Nigerians. In 2016 they totalled 180,000.
They are mainly economic migrants and include many young men but also families and young women. Nigerian women are often exploited as prostitutes in Europe.
'It's not the poorest who leave, because they have to be able to pay the smugglers,' said Leggeri.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), of the more than one million people who made it to Europe in 2015, 850,000 crossed into Greece via the Aegean Sea. More than half came from Syria and most of the rest from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Following a landmark EU-Turkey accord in March 2016, the total number arriving in Europe by sea fell that year to around 363,000, IOM figures show.
Although the crossing between Turkey and Greece is practically closed, criminal industry is flourishing
But as the number of arrivals in Greece dropped, the figures arriving from north Africa started to grow.
By mid-April 2017, 'some 36,000 migrants had arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year, or an increase of 43 percent over the same period last year,' according to Frontex.
At the beginning of the most dangerous leg of the trip across the Sahara, the migrants are transported by Tuareg or Tebu nomads, for whom it is a traditional commercial activity, Leggeri said.
The Mediterranean crossing however is run by criminal networks, both big and small, as well as lone smugglers.
At the bottom of the ladder there are petty crooks, sometimes migrants themselves, who become the skippers of the small overloaded boats to pay for their own crossing, according to Leggeri.
Frontex, Europe's border agency, is now rescuing migrants from sinking boats but also dropping them off at welcome centres where they risk being sent back home
Then there are the middlemen who collect the money and organise the trip but who do not board. Their bosses are the network chiefs who 'likely include people who previously worked in the police force' in Libya, Leggeri said.
Coming up with an estimate is not easy but according to a recent report by the EU's law enforcement agency Europol, gangs smuggling migrants to or within Europe raked in 4.7 billion-5.7 billion euros ($5.1 billion-$6.1 billion) in 2015.
But those profits dropped by nearly two billion euros last year.
The major traffickers use money earned smuggling migrants to undertake other criminal activities that require an initial investment, 'be it drug trafficking, arms trafficking, or even terrorism financing -- we can't exclude it,' Leggeri said.
The funds are sometimes moved openly through money transfer service Western Union, especially in west Africa. In east Africa, traffickers more often use 'hawala', an informal system of payment based on trust that is far more difficult to trace than bank transfers.
Migrants from west Africa begin by taking the bus, Leggeri said. The territory of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is somewhat similar to the visa-free Schengen zone, as individuals can travel freely within it for a modest fee of around 20 euros.
By mid-April 2017, some 36,000 migrants had arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year, or an increase of 43 percent over the same period last year
Once the migrants arrive in Niamey, capital of Niger, the illegal activity begins and they must fork out up to 150 euros each to reach the north of the country and the Libyan border.
Then comes the crossing which can cost up to 1,000 euros, depending on the boat. Individuals can, for example, pay 300 euros for a place on an inflatable boat, but those journeys are particularly risky.
The east Africa route -- which originates from the Horn of Africa and is taken by Eritreans, Somalians and Ethiopians -- is more expensive.
The journey is organised by national criminal gangs that work together, so a Sudanese network, for example, will hand over its clients to a Libyan network at the border.
'There, the fee can run to 3,000 euros, from the Horn of Africa all the way to Italy,' Leggeri said.
The turning point came in 2015, when the migrant crisis hit Greece, leading Europe to reinforce Frontex.
'In early 2015, we were able to deploy around 300 to 350 border guards at any given moment. Today, we're able to have 1,300 to 1,400 border guards deployed at once across several fields of operation,' Leggeri said.
On the shores of Greece there are now 80 or 100 people who arrive every day, whereas we had 2,500 a day before the agreement with Turkey
In 2016, Europe established a rapid reaction pool of 1,500 border guards who can be deployed within five working days if necessary.
At the same time, Frontex is looking to work upstream to stop the migration influx before it reaches the Mediterranean. The agency recently opened an office in Niamey to reinforce its collaboration with authorities in Niger.
Paradoxically, the sea rescues encourage migration and benefit the smugglers who load up their rickety boats with more and more people while assuring the migrants that once they leave Libyan waters they will be taken care of.
'There have never been as many boats patrolling the Mediterranean as in 2016... and unfortunately there have never been as many deaths, 4,000 deaths most probably according to the IOM,' Leggeri said.
He has a message for any country with potential migrants to Europe: the paradise expected 'is a lie'.
'Either you die in the Mediterranean, or you arrive in Europe under extremely deplorable conditions. It's not the El Dorado that the smugglers describe,' Leggeri said.
'And on top of that the EU is reinforcing a return policy, a repatriation policy, so what risks happening is that the migrants lose their savings to pay the smugglers and at the end of their journey there's a plane that takes them back to their country of origin.'
Even if the great crisis that hit the Greek islands appears to be over, migratory pressure at Europe's borders shows no signs of evaporating.
Geopolitical instability, like the conflict in Syria or the chaos in Libya and Iraq, will continue to lead asylum seekers to Europe. Others will come because of poverty or for demographic reasons.
As long as the countries of origin are unable to offer their residents a suitable quality of life and suitable prospects, 'men and women will move, as they always have in human history,' Leggeri said.
An investigation commissioned by an East Texas city found no wrongdoing in the arrest of Miss Black Texas 2016.
Miss Black Texas 2016 Carmen Ponder claimed she was harassed in May by a North Texas police chief who called her a 'black b****,' before being unlawfully detained and arrested.
Ponder, 23, sued the police force and said she wanted police accountability and formal charges to be filed against Commerce Police Chief Kerry Crews.
The Fort Worth law firm Lynn, Ross and Gannaway has now said it found no evidence that Crews made any racial statements to Ponder or to anyone else.
Miss Black Texas 2016 Cameron Ponder says she was unlawfully detained and arrested in May
She said police chief Kerry Crews called her a 'black b****' after she allegedly drove around him while he was teaching his daughter, 14, how to drive
But Ponder's attorney denounced the conclusion on social media, saying she should not have been arrested in the first place.
'Chief Crews directed the unlawful arrest of [Ponder] under unjustifiable circumstances,' Ponder's lawyer, Lee Merritt, wrote in a tweet.
'#MissBlackTexas being called a 'Black [expletive]' by some racist was bad. Being arrested by Crews for not apologizing was UNCONSTITUTIONAL!'
Now, an investigation has found that there is no evidence Crews made any racial statements towards her
In a statement, the city of Commerce said: 'While there may be additional items for consideration and possible recommended action, race-based claims will not be a factor.'
In her account, Ponder said she was driving to Walmart on May 20 when a black pickup truck cut in front of her and began driving erratically.
She said the car was braking and accelerating dangerously, and she worried it was a drunk driver.
Ponder wrote that she put her blinker on, pulled around to pass the truck and drove into the superstore parking lot.
According to Ponder, the black truck followed her into the lot and pulled up next to where she'd parked her car.
She said the passenger, who she later identified as Crews, got out of the truck and started yelling and screaming that he was teaching his 14-year-old daughter how to drive, saying Ponder shouldn't have passed his truck.
Ponder wrote that she ignored the man at first, but eventually turned to tell him 'it's illegal' about a 14-year-old driving, before walking into the store.
'That's when he screamed "oh whatever, you black b****."'
Ponder wrote about the interaction on Twitter, and explained how it started when she was driving to Wal-Mart on Saturday and black pickup truck cut in front of her and began driving erratically
She said when she walked out she saw Crews there and was quickly charged by several other officers in street clothes.
'One guy showed me his police badge and started screaming at me. He told me this guy was his chief and I better apologize to him now. I told him I was going to do that and was walking to my car,' she explained.
Next, one of the men grabbed her by the arm and pulled her roughly back into WalMart, telling her she was being detained.
When police came, she said: 'I began walking to the policeman when the aggressive guy pulled me by my arm again, told the cop that I was resisting arrest and demanded he arrest me.'
Ponder was then handcuffed and booked into jail, where she spent 24 hours. She was charged with evading arrest
Her lawyer told NBC New York that she had bruises from where she was grabbed.
Ponder was then handcuffed and booked into jail, where she spent 24 hours. She was charged with evading arrest.
Authorities told NBC that Crews was placed on administrative leave.
Ponder is calling attention to the incident to hold the officer accountable, and has started a crowdfunding page to raise money for her attorney's fees.
She wrote on a youcaring.com page that she will not take a plea deal and is 'more than willing' to take the case to trial.
'My only crime...the color of my skin,' she wrote.
Ponder's You Caring page also says she is a Dean's List student at Texas A&M University- Commerce and an intern with the Hunt County District Attorney.
News / National
by Staff reporter
HIGH Court judge Justice David Mangota has taken a swipe at lawyers who deliberately mislead their clients into pursuing dead cases, a development that wastes the court's time, costs the litigant and unnecessarily clogs the court system.Throwing out an application by a Harare man, Mr Konono Konono, who wanted to be declared the lawful owner of a Waterfalls property, Justice Mangota said the man's lawyers had acted unprofessionally.Justice Mangota said the lawyer, Ms Melody Kenende of Tavenhave & Machingauta Legal Practitioners, deliberately failed to properly advise Mr Konono that his application was doomed."It is a worrying development when legal practitioners, who are engaged by a litigant, do not take it upon themselves to properly advise their clients of what the law does, or does not allow."Such conduct by a legal practitioner, who took the oath of office, borders on dishonesty of some huge magnitude. It should, therefore, be frowned upon," said Justice Mangota.The judge said he had discussed with the lawyers enlightening them on the proper position of the law in relation to the dispute but they deliberately omitted to properly advise their client."I conclude this judgment with some disquiet. The applicant was legally represented when he filed this ap- plication."His legal representative entered into a discourse with me during the hearing of the application. The legal practitioner was, in the course of the hearing, made aware of the above basic concepts which relate to the law of contract and the law of property as well as the distinction which exists between the two."The legal practitioner appeared to have been on the same page with the court on why the application could not succeed. Notwithstanding that appreciation, the same law firm saw it appropriate to allow the applicant to appeal against such an obvious matter," ruled Justice Mangota.Mr Konono purchased stand number 437 Malvern Township in Waterfalls, from Mr Brian Mapurisa.The property measured 2 000 square metres and the purchase price was $27 000.Breach of ContractHowever, Mr Konono did not assert his rights to the property from 2012 when he bought the property.The same property was then sold to another person, Mr Cosmas Satiyo, and his wife in 2015.Ownership of the property was then transferred into Mr and Mrs Satiyo's names.Mr Konono then filed a court application seeking an order declaring him the lawful owner of the stand.Justice Mangota ruled that Mr Konono was not the legitimate owner and instead, he should have sued Mr Mapurisa for breach of contract."It follows from the foregoing that once it is accepted, as it should, that the second respondent and his wife (Mr and Mrs Satiyo) are the owners of the property, their right in the same cannot, at law, be disturbed. They hold onto the property against the whole world."The applicant (Mr Konono) has no valid claim to the property. He has no real rights in the property. He has personal rights only. His remedy lies against the first respondent."He should sue him for breach of contract and recover from him what he paid as purchase price for the property," Justice Mangota said.
Donald Trump is considering firing Robert Mueller, the special counsel overseeing the Russia probe, according to the president's close friend Chris Ruddy.
Ruddy, who is the CEO of conservative media company Newsmax, told PBS Newshour that Mueller's days might be numbered.
'I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option,' he said.
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Chris Ruddy (pictured), a friend of Donald Trump and the CEO of Newsmax, claimed on Monday that the president was considering firing Russia probe head Robert Mueller
He said Mueller had 'conflicts' including having been interviewed by Trump for James Comey's job just days before being made special counsel in charge of the Russia investigation
'I think it's pretty clear by what one of his lawyers said on television recently,' said Ruddy, referring to an interview between attorney Jay Sekulow and ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on Sunday morning.
'I personally think it would be a very significant mistake, even though I don't think there's a justification... for a special counsel in this case,' he added.
Ruddy, who is frequently seen at Mar-a-Lago, said that Mueller should never have taken the job, citing two 'conflicts'.
Mueller comes from a law firm that represents members of the Trump family, he said, and - more troublingly - he had been in the running for James Comey's recently vacated seat in the FBI.
'[Mueller] interviewed the day before -- a few days before he was appointed for special counsel with the president, who was looking at him potentially to become the next FBI director,' Ruddy claimed.
'That hasn't been published, but it's true.
'And I think it would be strange that he would have a private conversation and then become the prosecutor of the person he might be investigating.'
On Sunday Jay Sekulow (pictured) a member of President Trump's legal team, refused to say that Donald Trump would keep Mueller on as special counsel
Mueller had been Comey's predecessor, having headed up the FBI under both George W Bush and Barack Obama.
Ruddy added that Mueller is 'a man of integrity' but said that the far-ranging nature of the investigations could cause issues for Mueller in the future, given those factors.
On Sunday, Sekulow refused to deny that Trump would order his deputy attorney, General Rod Rosenstein, to fire Mueller.
'Look, the president of the United States, as we all know, is a unitary executive,' Sekulow said. 'I'm not going to speculate on what he will or will not do.'
Earlier in the program, Sekulow had hinted that he found some of Mueller's actions to be troublesome, suggesting that Mueller was somehow in cahoots with Comey.
The special counsel, Sekulow pointed out, had allowed Comey to testify Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Sekulow hinted to George Stephanopoulos (right) also appeared to imply that Mueller was too close to Comey, and that it was unusual that Comey reviewed his testimony with Mueller
'James Comey said he reviewed the testimony with the special counsel and you wonder if, it's unusual to me - and I've done a lot of cases for 40 years of practicing law almost, and at the highest levels of the Supreme Court - that you have a situation, I think this is unprecedented, where the testimony was reviewed,' he said.
Turning his ire to Comey, Sekulow continued, 'and then it was - part of that testimony, a large part, was based on leaked information.'
During Thursday's Capitol Hill hearing, Comey confessed that he had handed his memos on meetings with President Trump over to a friend at Columbia University to then be passed along to the New York Times.
Trump's team has used this admission to try and color Comey and suggest he's an unreliable witness, even though he testified under oath.
'I mean, I want everyone to be thinking about this,' Trump's lawyer said on Stephanopoulos' program. 'So this was an unprecedented move,' he said of Comey's decision to leak the memos into the press.
Sekulow's questioning of coziness between Comey and Mueller prompted Stephanopoulos to ask if the president and his legal team 'don't have confidence in Robert Mueller to conduct a fair investigation?'
Sekulow pivoted.
'No, what we're saying is look, I mean Marc Kasowitz is the lead lawyer in this case and is in charge of the legal team, has said clearly that he is putting forward a legal team and a legal defense that will address all of the issues.
'But I think that the unusual situation here, this is unprecedented in our history, is that the former executive - the former FBI director was the source of a leak,' Sekulow continued.
Donald Trump has yet to make any announcement about Mueller. Sekulow said that the situation with Comey, including his leak, was 'unprecedented in our history'
'I mean, George, you know, we've all been concerned about leaks and here he was the source of that leak,' he added.
As to whether Trump could ever fire Mueller, that would be an issue the president would discuss with his advisers, Sekulow said.
'But I can't imagine that that issue is going to arise,' the attorney added.
'I mean, George, if there was a basis upon which there was a question raised that raised the kind of issues that are serious, as in the situation with James Comey, the president has the authority to take action,' Sekulow continued.
'Whether he would do it is ultimately a decision the president makes.'
A 50-year-old man has been stabbed in the chest at a Sydney shopping centre after he reportedly refused to give his attacker a cigarette.
Witnesses said police dramatically arrested a 35-year-old man near Bankstown City Plaza in the city's southwest at 11.45am on Tuesday after the attack left the victim in a critical condition.
Jamie Stewart, who watched the incident, said the man refused to hand over a cigarette after being asked by the 35-year-old.
'And then bang: stab, stab, stab,' Mr Stewart told the Canterbury-Bankstown Express.
A 50-year-old man has been stabbed in the chest at a Sydney shopping centre after he reportedly refused to give his attacker a cigarette. A cigarette packet discarded at the scene is pictured
Witnesses said police dramatically arrested a 35-year-old man near Bankstown City Plaza in the city's southwest at 11.45am on Tuesday. A bloodied shirt was left at the scene
Police were seen photographing a cigarette packet on one of the tables at Cafe Nho
The 50-year-old was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in a serious condition after the shopping plaza stabbing.
Police arrested the alleged offender at a house just 50 metres away and he is assisting with inquiries.
Photos show a torn and bloodied shirt hanging off a chair at a cafe on the street at the Bankstown plaza.
Police were seen photographing a cigarette packet on one of the tables at Cafe Nho.
Photos show a torn and bloodied shirt hanging off a chair at a cafe on the street at the Bankstown plaza
Police arrested the alleged offender at a house just 50 metres away from Cafe Nho and he is assisting with inquiries
Jamie Stewart, who watched the incident, said the man refused to hand over a cigarette after being asked by the 35-year-old
A gunman taken into custody in a daring dawn raid by police Tuesday is to be questioned over five murders in 48 hours - the killing of his Facebook friend and her daughters and two grandparents near his home.
George Brinkman faced questioning after he was led away in handcuffs at dawn.
Brinkman, 45, had threatened to shoot himself with a pistol after downing whisky during the stand-off before being Tasered and arrested.
He was suspected of being involved in the murders of Suzanne Taylor, 45, and her daughters Taylor Pifer, 21, and eighteen-year-old Kylie.
So far police have not said exactly how he knew her but they were Facebook friends and he liked many of her posts, commenting on one that she was a 'queen'.
But hours after his arrest, police said they will also talk to him about the murders of Rogell Eugene John II, 71, - known as Gene - and his wife, Roberta John, 64, known as Bobbi, whose bodies were found at their home on Mount Pleasant St, NE, Lake Township, North Canton, on Monday.
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Arrested: A shirtless George Brinkman is led away from the scene after being apprehended during a dawn raid in Ohio
Unclear relationship: Police are investigating exactly how Brinkman knew Suzanne Taylor, who was his Facebook friend
Facewbook friendship: Brinkman commented on some of victim Suzanne Taylor's (left) pictures (right) and liked many more of her posts
Loss: Taylor Pifer, 21, her mom Suzanne Taylor, 45, and sister Kylie, 18, were all found murdered in their home in North Royalton. They were 'tucked in the same bed', police said
Victims: Gene and Bobbi John were found dead at their home in North Canton by their son. Their cousin Nancy McKinney paid tribute on Facebook saying: 'They were some of the best people in the world.'
Brinkman lived only minutes from the home of the John family at North Canton. The seniors' bodies were found when their son tried and failed to contact them after they had returned from vacation on Sunday.
John was a Vietnam veteran who had served as a combat engineer and had posted about his pride in the uniform. He held a Bronze Star.
North Royalton Detective Dave Loeding said Brinkman was in possession of evidence that linked him to the deaths of the Johns - for whom Brinkman had been housesitting.
Detectives investigating the murder of Taylor and her daughters did not know Brinkman was house sitting for the Johns when they asked police colleagues 50 miles away to help them catch their suspect.
Officers from North Royalton contacted police in North Canton alerting them that their wanted man had been staying in their area and provided several addresses.
But the John's address was not flagged or on the list of his known whereabouts.
Brinkman had been looking after the John's bungalow while they enjoyed a beach holiday and had been walking their dog.
He is said to have shot them dead with a .45 caliber pistol when they returned on Sunday. Their suitcases were still unpacked.
The killer left both seniors dead in their bedroom with a blanket over their bodies. Mr
Bobbi John was in the bed while her husband was on the bedroom floor, with part of a blanket draped over his body.
Suzanne Taylor and her daughters were also 'tucked up' under a blanket in bed at their home after being murdered.
Police have yet to release details of how Brinkman was known to the three women.
Law enforcement in North Canton are working on the theory that robbery may have been the reason the Johns were murdered with their suspect intending to use the money to flee after the five murders.
Brinkman was a drifter with no fixed address and had worked for the John family at a warehouse they owned.
Several years ago he had briefly dated Mrs John's daughter as well.
Unclear: Stark County Sheriff George Maier, who issued arrest warrants for Brinkman for double murder, said he did not know what the relationship was between the alleged multiple murderer, Suzanne Taylor and her daughters.
After allegedly murdering the couple, he fled to Brunswick where he was detained at dawn Tuesday. Police had traced him through the GPS signal on his cell phone.
Brinkman, 45, was confronted and subdued with a Taser by SWAT officers at 5.30 a.m. after they gained entry through an unlocked door to the Brunswick house where he had barricaded himself.
Moments later a shirtless Brinkman, who had been seen brandishing a handgun, was led away by police on foot from the home and then taken to hospital for evaluation.
'That was some good work by our tactical officers,' said Brunswick Police Lt. Robert Safran.
Stark County Sheriff George Maier, who issued arrest warrants for Brinkman for double murder, said he did not know what the relationship was between the alleged multiple murderer, Suzanne Taylor and her daughters.
'There is a relationship there, but I do not know what it is,' he said. I have heard he was in a relationship with the mother, but I can't confirm it at this stage.'
It is unclear if that relationship was immediately after her death or before. They may also have attended high school together.
MURDER OF A HERO Veteran Gene John had a Bronze Star for his service in the Army in Vietnam. He had served as a combat engineer in the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion from 1969 until 1970. John posted on a Facebook group for the unit's veteran: 'Got plenty of hiking with the 65th in 69 -70 while using a metal detector. 'Love you guys. First in ......Never Out. Always a combat engineer.' He served first in Bravo Company, then HHQ S-3 in Cu Chi, in what was then Saigon and is now Hi Chi Minh City. John held the rank of sergeant at the time. The 65th was part of the 25th Infantry Division, nicknamed the Tropic Lightning, or the Cu Chi National Guard. Advertisement
The three women were found dead at their home in nearby North Royalton on Sunday 'tucked up in the same bed', according to Cleveland.Com.
Taylor had suffered a stab wound, while police have yet to release the cause of death of her daughters.
At the moment it is unclear what relation Brinkman had to the murdered women or how he knew them.
However, Brinkman is Facebook friends with the victims and has often 'liked' their pictures. Brinkman has criminal records for forgery and theft.
He was first arrested in September 1998 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and was charged with receiving stolen property and the unauthorized access of a computer system.
He pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to probation. In December 1999 he was charged again with forgery, theft and receiving stolen property and was sentenced to 11 months in prison in February 2000. He was released in September 2000.
In the hours before the arrest Brinkman, who was armed, had been threatening to take his own life inside the detached home of a friend in Valley Forge Drive, Brunswick.
He was drinking whisky during the standoff and officers were negotiating with him through a bullhorn.
Police marksmen had their guns trained on the house in the darkness and SWAT officers and the FBI surrounded the house.
Murder spree: How the five deaths and the armed siege unfolded from Sunday until Tuesday morning
Service: Gene John, 71, was a Vietnam Army veteran who had seen combat in the war. He posted one picture with an M-60 which he had used during combat engineering operations in tunnels
Pride in the uniform: Gene John had served with distinction in Vietnam. He held a Bronze Star and had held the rank of sergeant as a combat engineer in the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion, part of the 25th Infantry Division
Resolution: Police are seen moving in on a home in Valley Forge Drive, Brunswick, Ohio
Triple homicide: Suzanne Taylor, 45 (far left) has been murdered along with her two daughters, 18-year-old Kylie Pifer (center) and 21-year-old Taylor Pifer (right) in Ohio
Media and civilian bystanders gather outside the police blockade on Valley Forge Drive in Brunswick, Ohio
The FBI and a SWAT team are at the blockade. When police arrived a woman was seen emerging from the house. Pictured above people gathered at the scene
Media and civilian bystanders gathered outside the police blockade on Valley Forge Drive in Brunswick, Ohio
Before Brinkman was arrested, officers said they were attempting to contain him and persuade him to give himself up peacefully.
The road was plunged into darkness as police sealed off the area and ordered residents to stay inside their homes for their own safety.
The drama unfolded around midnight. Neighbors were advised to stay indoors as officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect.
When police arrived a woman was seen emerging from the house.
The alarm was initially raised when the boyfriend of the older of the two daughters came by the family's residence in North Royalton at around 8pm on Sunday and found the three victims slain in a bedroom.
Investigators initially said that all three of the women suffered gunshot wounds, but later it emerged that the mother had been stabbed to death.
Cleveland19 reported Monday, citing police, that the mother and daughter were still alive Saturday afternoon and were killed sometime that evening.
At around 8pm Sunday, Taylor Pifer's boyfriend entered the family's home, found at least one body and contacted Suzanne Taylor's boyfriend, who then called 911.
The police department on Monday released the call, on which the mother's bpyfriend tells a dispatcher, referring to Pifer's boyfriend, 'He just said there's a body.'
Suzanne's boyfriend also tells the 911 dispatcher that he delivered flowers to the house on Saturday but did not see anyone inside,. The bouquet was still outside the home Sunday.
A motive for the killings remains unclear, but police said the case does not involve a suicide. So far, no arrests have been made.
Also a crime scene: The Johns' family home in Lake Township, North Canton, was where they were found dead by their son a day after returning from vacation
Gone too soon: Taylor (left) studied fashion design at Kent State University; Kylie (ight) major in forensic science at Bowling Green University
Taylor was a senior studying fashion design at Kent State University and played softball.
The 21-year-old wrote in the bio on her Facebook page: 'Life's too short to sit and wait for luck to come your way.'
Fox8 reported that Kylie was a sophomore at Bowling Green State University, where she majored in biology and was involved in theater. She would have turned 19 on Sunday.
According to Kylie and Taylor's stepmother, Sonya Pifer, the sisters' biological father had been estranged from them for several years, reported Cleveland19.
'They were great kids... and this totally, totally blind-sided us,' Sonya Pifer said, fighting back tears.
Officers from the local police department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were on the scene overnight and into Monday morning collecting evidence.
A sadistic killer who raped and murdered a four-year-old girl could walk free later this year despite the girl's parents' desperate plea to keep him behind bars.
Neville Towner sexually abused Lauren Hickson, smashed a rock over her head and drowned her in a creek in Emu Plains in Sydney's west in 1989.
Lauren's parents, Jurina and Derek Hickson, had been told by the State Parole Authority it intended to set their daughter's killer free after serving 28 years.
On Tuesday, Towner's parole application was adjourned until September after the parents made a formal submission against his release, The Daily Telegraph reported.
A sadistic killer who raped and murdered four-year-old Lauren Hickson could walk free later this year despite the girl's parents' desperate plea to keep him behind bars
Neville Towner sexually abused the four-year-old, smashed a rock over her head and drowned her in a creek in Emu Plains in Sydney's west in 1989
The authority will stand over the hearing and discuss options about Towner's release and concerns over his 'extensive institutionalisation', according to the paper.
Towner could still be a free man in a matter of months unless the parole authority overturns its decision.
Mrs Hickson previously told the Sunday Telegraph Towner did not deserve a second chance and called on the government to step in keep him in prison.
'I'm a mother who has lost a child through the most devastating and heinous crime that this country has seen and I can't understand why he is going to get out of jail,' she said.
Lauren's parents, Jurina and Derek Hickson, had been told by the State Parole Authority it intended to set their daughter's killer free after serving 28 years
'I'm a mother who has lost a child through the most devastating and heinous crime that this country has seen and I can't understand why he is going to get out of jail,' Lauren's mother said
Mrs Hickson told Nine News last month: 'She'd be 33 this year.
'She is not here, not here for Christmas, and she is not at family gatherings... God forbid what he'll do [if he is released].'
Towner, who was 23 when he committed the crime, has been applying for parole since 2009, according to Nine.
A six-year-old boy has died in hospital after crashing a motorcycle he was riding on a farm into an oncoming ute.
The boy was riding his blue Yamaha Peewee 50 motorcycle on the grounds of a farm on Bishop Road, Griffith, in the NSW Riverina, on June 4.
He veered out onto the road and turned directly into the path of a Ford Utility four-wheel-drive, suffering critical injuries despite wearing a helmet.
A six-year-old boy has died in hospital after crashing a motorcycle he was riding on a farm into an oncoming ute on a dusty road in Griffith (pictured) , NSW
The boy was riding his blue Yamaha Peewee 50 motorcycle, and had a helmet on at the time of the collision
Paramedics treated him at the scene before rushing him to nearby Griffith Base Hospital.
He was later airlifted to Sydney Children's Hospital in a critical condition, but tragically died as a result of his injuries on Sunday June 11.
The driver of the Ford Utility, a 54-year-old woman, was uninjured and underwent mandatory testing.
Detectives from Griffith Local Area Command are continuing investigations into the crash and will prepare a brief for the Coroner.
In January this year a seven-year-old boy died less than half an hour away in the suburb of Barellan after becoming trapped under a quad bike.
The young boy was pinned under the machine while his friend, a nine-year-old boy who was a pillion passenger, miraculously escaped without injury.
Jetstar have discounted their flights to Japan, Hawaii, Bali and a whole heap of exciting domestic destinations for their end of financial year blitz.
Travellers will be excited to find domestic flights as cheap as $29 from Melbourne to Hobart or flying one-way to Hawaii for just $249 during Jetstar's End of Financial Year frenzy.
Flying to the beautiful beaches and mountainous island of Hawaii will cost $249 one-way to Honolulu between January and March next year.
Fly and enjoy the beautiful beaches in Honolulu (pictured) in Hawaii for just $249 one-way
Travellers can head to Tokyo (pictured) in Japan through Jetstar for just $338 one-way
Holiday-goers looking to visit Japan can venture to Tokyo for $338 one-way via the Gold Coast.
Visit the vibrant and exciting Ho Chi Minh city and experience the hustle and bustle of the incredible street life in Vietnam for $179 one-way.
Australians looking for a warmer holiday can fly to Densapar, Bali, for no more than $209 one-way in January next year.
Sydney to Melbourne will cost holiday-goers as little as $35 one-way if you travel between October 10 and December 6 and for $39 you can travel between July and September.
Discover the vibrant Ho Chi Minh (pictured) city in Vietnam for $179 one-way with Jetstar
Fly to the remote and stunning Whitsunday's (pictured) to relax for $69 one-way
Sydneysiders looking to travel further down south can look at flying to Launceston in Tasmania for just $49 between dates July and September.
Flying to our neighbours in New Zealand will cost as cheap as $125 one-way to Auckland and $119 to Christchurch also between July and September this year.
A relaxing holiday in Australia's stunning Whitsunday's will cost beachgoers just $69 for a summer holiday between January and March.
The End of Financial Year sale finishes on June 19.
A small explosion occurred outside a police station at a British military base in Cyprus early on Tuesday, authorities said, adding that it was being treated as a criminal investigation.
The blast occurred shortly after 3am on Tuesday when a man on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the police station at the entrance of the Dhekelia Garrison military base, according to the police report.
Base authorities said one police officer suffered 'very minor injuries' and there was superficial damage to the building's entrance which is in a location known as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area.
British base authorities said one police officer suffered 'very minor injuries' and there was superficial damage to the entrance of Dhekelia Garrison, known as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area. Pictured above, forensic officers inspect the scene of the explosion
The blast occurred shortly after 3am on Tuesday when a man on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the police station at the entrance of the Dhekelia Garrison military base, according to the police report
Officials don't believe terrorism to be behind the 3am explosion, which happened in an area of southeast Cyprus that is freely accessible to members of the public
Officials don't believe terrorism to be behind the 3am explosion, which happened in an area of southeast Cyprus that is freely accessible to members of the public.
'There are scene of crime investigators there now to find out exactly what caused the explosion. It is being treated as a criminal investigation at the moment,' a spokesman for the bases said.
Cyprus state broadcaster RIK said that the explosive device was hurled at the police headquarters' entrance as a man passed on a motorcycle.
The broadcaster said the headquarters' CCTV system captured grainy images of the motorcycle speeding off shortly after 3am local time.
A manhunt is underway for the person who threw the grenade, and police believe he likely stole the motorcycle he used to flee the scene, according to Cyprus Weekly.
Cyprus state broadcaster RIK said that the explosive device was hurled at the police headquarters' entrance as a man passed on a motorcycle
The broadcaster said the headquarters' CCTV system captured grainy images of the motorcycle speeding off shortly after 3am local time
A manhunt is underway for the person who threw the grenade, and police believe he likely stole the motorcycle he used to flee the scene
Cyprus' criminal underworld has used drive-by bombings to send messages to rivals or authorities that are hurting their business interests.
British Bases police at Dhekelia have been active in trying to stamp out illegal songbird trapping which is popular with area residents and supplies an illicit restaurant trade that's worth millions of euros annually.
Many Cypriots consider the songbirds, known as ambelopoulia, as a delicacy that's been part of local tradition dating back centuries. Officials said a plate of a dozen pickled or grilled birds can fetch EUR60 euros($67).
Britain retained two military bases - some 38,000 square miles (99 square kilometers) after the east Mediterranean island gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
While some of it is accessible only to military personnel, it also includes areas where thousands of Cypriots live.
A young Hobart woman was fading in and out of consciousness in hospital, with severe burns to more than half of her body, as her boyfriend faced court charged with her assault.
Nicole Evans, 20, was allegedly doused with flammable liquid and set alight on April 24. She was then airlifted in a critical condition to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.
'(She) remains in a secure room in a Victorian Hospital where she continues to be treated for full thickness burns to 65 per cent of her body,' police said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Nicole Evans, 20, was allegedly doused with flammable liquid and set alight on April 24
Nicole Evans, 20, pictured with her boyfriend Matthew John Davey, 34, who allegedly set her alight in April
'Nicole's condition has shown a slight improvement, lapsing in and out of consciousness.
'Nicole is still unable to communicate and cannot receive visitors.'
Matthew John Davey, 34, is in custody and appeared via video link before Tasmanian Supreme Court justice Michael Brett on Tuesday afternoon.
Dressed in a grey T-shirt, Davey spoke only to confirm his name before his lawyer agreed to adjourn the matter to July 5 when he is expected to apply for bail.
Davey has previously pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates Court to causing grievous bodily harm and three counts of assault relating to the incident.
Nicole Evans was allegedly doused in accelerate and set on fire in an horrific attack by her boyfriend Matthew Davey (pictured together)
Ms Evans remains in hospital, fading in and out of consciousness after her boyfriend Matthew Davey allegedly set her alight in April (pictured together)
Timothy Sedlak is seen above in a mugshot
A Florida man who tried unsuccessfully 400,000 times to hack into the computer network of the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation has avoided additional prison time.
Timothy Sedlak, 44, was sentenced Monday in Manhattan Federal Court to 18 months to run concurrently rather than on top of his 42-year sentence that was handed down to him last year for child pornography.
The child porn was discovered when the FBI descended on Sedlack's Florida home and found him actively trying to hack into the Clinton Foundations servers using password-cracking software running across 22 computers.
Sedlak, who called himself a private investigator told agents he was researching whether charities were unintentionally providing funding to Islamic militant groups, and said the Clintons 'came up in his research,' the filing said.
Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation attend Clinton Global Initiative University at University of Miami on March 7, 2015
Chelsea Clinton, vice chairman of the Clinton Foundation, speaks during the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York, U.S., on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015
He plead guilty to the hacking charges back in February, but the investigation leading up to his eventual guilty plea predated his cyber attacks on Democrats during the 2016 presidential election.
Back in September of 2015, federal agents executed a search warrant on Sedlak's home and discovered 42 computers, many of which were running a password-cracking program according to prosecutors.
The feds said Sedlak has tried to hack other political organizations, investment firms and major law firms.
Former US President Bill Clinton (2-R) and his daughter Chelsea Clinton (R) are guided as they visit a herb garden at Farasi Lane primary school in Nairobi, Kenya in May 2015
Chelsea Clinton talks to Ben Esposti, 10, with boy scout troop 119 as the two pack Kits For Kids Project C.U.R.E in Centennial, Colorado on June 8, 2015
Prosecutors called for the time to be added onto his sentence and not served concurrently, calling the cyber threats 'profound.'
'The work of hackers like Sedlak who are motivated to target U.S. government officials and political candidates can have severe consequences of undermining public confidence and trust in our government institutions and political system,' they wrote in their argument for a longer stay in prison.
US intelligence agencies in January released an assessment indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered cyber attacks to help Republican Donald Trump's electoral chances by discrediting Clinton.
A map has identified how Australia's political donation system is still behind much of the world.
Unlike the United States and the United Kingdom, Australia still allows political funding from foreign donators.
Australia is grouped with nations including Sudan, Algeria and Sri Lanka in allowing overseas money to back political campaigns.
A map has identified how Australia's political donation system is still behind much of the first world. Australia is grouped with nations including Sudan, Algeria and Sri Lanka in allowing overseas money to back political campaigns
The country is the only English-speaking democracy that allows foreign donators, aside from New Zealand which caps the investment at $1,500 NZ.
Chinese businessman Dr Chau Chak Wing donated $200,000 to the Western Australia Liberal Party in 2015/16, the largest in the state's history.
The ABC revealed Dr Chau, who has ties to the Chinese Communist Party, also donated over $500,000 to the federal party.
Dr Chau is an Australian citizen who has made numerous donations to education establishments including $20 million for a business school at the University of Technology.
While the United States does not allow foreign donators, the Intercept reported Super Political Action Committees, or Super PACs, use the guise of anonymity create loopholes for foreign money to enter politics.
American Pacific International Capital is a company based in California, which is owned and controlled by Chinese nationals, and made a $US 1.3 million donation to Jeb Bush's campaign.
News / National
by Staff reporter
THE High Court has ordered Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Cain Mathema to repay a $50 000 loan he borrowed from Agribank nearly four years ago.The bank filed summons against the minister sometime in January this year and later applied for a default judgment after Mathema failed to respond to the summons.On June 8, Bulawayo High court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo upheld the bank's application ordering Mathema to pay $50 164,87 with interest at the prescribed rate of 21,5% from the date of summons to date of full payment. She also ordered him to pay the costs of the suit on a lawyer- client scale.In its declaration of the claim Agribank submitted that sometime in November 2013, Mathema applied for and received a loan of $27 900 for purchase of drip irrigation equipment."The amount loaned and advanced to the defendant would attract interest at the rate of 21,5% per annum. The first instalment was payable six months after drawdown and within six months thereof," the declaration read."The defendant drew down on the loan in full and the first instalment became due on June 27, 2014 and the whole amount became due on November 27, 2014. The defendant defaulted on his obligation in terms of the loan in that defendant has only paid $5 500 which he paid on June 23, 2015."The bank submitted that as a security for his indebtedness, Mathema registered notarial general covering bond over all his movable property.
Controversial Tory plans to reform social care are to be axed as part of a delayed Queens Speech, David Davis indicated yesterday.
Conservative MPs have urged ministers to scrap the manifesto proposals for a dementia tax, which are blamed for wrecking Theresa Mays campaign.
Mr Davis yesterday acknowledged that the decision to include the social care shake-up in the manifesto was the point at which the campaign went wrong.
In the strongest indication that the plans will be abandoned, the Brexit Secretary added: The social care policy was a mistake.
Mrs May (pictured in Downing Street yesterday) told anxious Tory MPs she will review a planned shake-up of school funding after complaints that voters raised the issue repeatedly during the campaign
Mr Davis yesterday acknowledged that the decision to include the social care shake-up in the manifesto was the point at which the campaign went wrong
It also involved scrapping the winter fuel allowance for most pensioners a policy which is opposed by the Democratic Unionist Party, whose support Mrs May needs to pass her Queens Speech.
A Tory source last night confirmed that the policy was dead in its current form, although work will continue on proposals to tackle the social care crisis.
Mrs May also told anxious Tory MPs she will review a planned shake-up of school funding after complaints that voters raised the issue repeatedly during the campaign.
The changes came as Downing Street warned the Queens Speech may have to be delayed due to protracted talks with the DUP. Number 10 refused to say whether the speech, in which Her Majesty sets out the Governments programme, would go ahead as planned on Monday next week.
Any delay is likely to last only a few days. But it would embarrass ministers and could inconvenience the Queen, who is due to be at Royal Ascot for much of next week.
Mrs May will meet DUP leader Arlene Foster in Downing Street today in a bid to agree the deal. But sources said it could take another day or two to finalise, putting Mondays Queens Speech in jeopardy.
Mrs May needs the support of the DUPs ten MPs after falling short in last weeks election. She confirmed to MPs last night there would be no formal coalition with the DUP. Instead she will try to strike a confidence and supply deal in which the DUP supports the Government on key votes such as the Queens Speech and Budget.
If the Queens Speech were to fail it could trigger another election or even allow Jeremy Corbyn to try to form a government.
This means every line must be approved by the DUP. Its MPs are also set to demand the scrapping of Tory plans to end the pensions triple lock.
Other proposals expected to be dropped include Mrs Mays plans for a new generation of grammar schools and a vote on ending the fox hunting ban.
Labour said it was drawing up its own Queens Speech to put before parliament if Mrs May fails to win approval for hers. Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry claimed: If an election was called today, we would win.
Islamic State chiefs are calling on its militants to carry out more attacks on the US, Britain and Australia during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the wake of the London and Manchester massacres.
In a disturbing audio message released by the terror group's spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajer, the Manchester Arena and London Bridge murderers were praised and he called for more of the same before the fasting period ends on June 24.
'Your brothers in your land have done well so take them as role models and do as they have done,' he said in the clip being shared among ISIS supporters on its channel on Telegram, an encrypted messaging application.
Islamic State chiefs are calling on its militants to carry out more attacks on the US, Britain and Australia during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the wake of the London and Manchester massacres
The van used by Khruam Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba in the London Bridge attack
Salman Abedi who killed 22 and injured at least 119 when he blew himself up in Manchester
The victims of the Manchester Arena bombing where Ariana Grande had just finished playing
In an audiotape circulated online on Monday, spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajer praised last week's attacks in Iran's capital, saying the country is 'weaker than a spider's web' and called for more assaults.
Al-Muhajer also called for attacks in Russia and Australia, saying 'heaven is reached under the shadow of swords'.
ISIS has called for attacks during Ramadan in the past and claimed responsibility for both the London Bridge attacks carried out by Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba and the Manchester Arena suicide bombing by Salman Abedi.
This year it has claimed responsibility for attacks in Britain, Egypt, Iran and the Philippines that killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds.
The authenticity of the recording could not be independently verified, but the voice was the same as a previous audio message purported to be from the spokesman.
'O lions of Mosul, Raqqa, and Tal Afar, God bless those pure arms and bright faces, charge against the rejectionists and the apostates and fight them with the strength of one man,' said al-Muhajer.
Rejectionist is a derogatory term used to refer to Shi'ite Muslims.
'To the brethren of faith and belief in Europe, America, Russia, Australia, and others,' he added.
'Your brothers in your land have done well so take them as role models and do as they have done.'
Khuram Butt, left, Rachid Redouane, centre, and Youssef Zaghba, right - the London Bridge murderers
Questions have been raised regarding the Telegram messenger service's hosting of terror groups.
Militants use it due to its impenetrable encryption and in response to criticism the Russian-founded app wrote an insensitively-titled blog post called Don't Shoot The Messenger and incredibly blamed journalists for terrorism.
'In the aftermath of a recent terror attack, government officials all over the world renewed their calls for backdoors in end-to-end encrypted messaging apps,' it read.'
'At the same time, journalists made the usual heap of mistakes in their coverage.
'Thanks to these mistakes, I got many questions from surprised Telegram users. So let's set a few things straight.
'If you don't look too closely, it may indeed seem tempting to simply ban end-to-end encryption to stop terrorists from exchanging coded messages. The sad truth is that this will not work.
'Terrorists are prepared to face great discomfort to ensure that their communications are secure and their task is successful, including the ultimate discomfort of death. So if you ban or backdoor existing messaging apps, they will immediately switch to one of the following tactics - make their own apps, use coded language or use other forms of communication.
'What makes terrorism possible is not the weapons terrorists use, and not the messages they exchange they have a rich history of improvisation in both these fields. But there exists one truly indispensable enabling element - the media.'
Brussels is holding out the threat of a massive raid on the City of London by demanding 'clearing houses' for euros move to the continent.
The EU has unveiled new rules that could require a huge slice of London's banking business to leave after Brexit - potentially dealing an 80billion hit to the UK economy and putting 80,000 jobs at risk.
Clearing houses stand between two sides of a trade to ensure its smooth completion, and also set aside funds to protect investors when a trade defaults.
London currently clears 747billion worth of euro-denominated contracts every day, or three quarters of the global total.
The City of London currently clears 747billion worth of euro-denominated contracts every day, or three quarters of the global total
But a draft law unveiled by European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis could deny London the right to host the business.
Mr Dombrovskis, vice-president responsible for financial stability, financial services and capital markets union, said: 'The continued safety and stability of our financial system remains a key priority.
'As we face the departure of the largest EU financial centre, we need to make certain adjustments to our rules to ensure that our efforts remain on track.'
The move will be seen as a hostile step ahead of the Brexit negotiations - which are due to get formally under way as early as next week.
Theresa May is under pressure to take a softer approach to the talks after the Tories lost their overall majority in the election last Thursday.
Critics have long argued that euro clearing belongs on the continent; in 2011 the European Central Bank tried to move the activity away from London but was overruled by the European Court of Justice in 2015.
SO WHAT ARE CLEARING HOUSES? Clearing houses stand between two sides of a trade to ensure its smooth completion, and also set aside funds to protect investors when a trade defaults. London currently clears 747billion worth of euro-denominated contracts every day, or three quarters of the global total. It is said to be worth around 80billion to the UK economy. Advertisement
The argument has flared up again in the last year after the UK voted to leave the European Union, with opponents arguing that Brussels will have much less oversight over the London Clearing House after Brexit.
Britain fought off a previous bid to relocate the business to the EU in 2015, when the EU court ruled against the European Central Bank.
The latest proposal will hive off clearing houses into two tiers, determined by whether their operations are considered 'systemically important'.
Those which are not systemically important will continue to operate under the framework of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation while systemically important clearing houses will be subject to 'stricter requirements'.
The so-called 'tier 2' operations will be forced to comply with any additional requirements set forward by EU central banks like collateral conditions and extra cash cushions.
They will also be subject to 'on-site inspections' and will have to provide 'all relevant information' to the European Securities and Markets Authority.
However, some clearing houses 'may be of such systemic importance' that those requirements will not be able to safeguard the EU financial system alone, forcing some businesses to move some of operations within EU borders.
That segment of the reforms could affect operations like the London Stock Exchange's London Clearing House (LCH).
The commission's proposals are more limited than some had feared, and will be subject to further assessments by regulators.
They will then be put forward to European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
The London Stock Exchange has bitterly objected to relocation in a sign that any forced move out of the UK could be highly damaging to its business.
European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis is due to unveil the proposals later today
Xavier Rolet said: 'In the wake of the Brexit vote, some European politicians warned stripping Euro clearing from London could serve as a lesson for the UK. Well, in business, the most important lesson is that the customer is always right.
'Customers drive markets, not politicians. We operate on an open access, commercial basis, fully compliant with regulations around the world, equipped to offer state of the art risk management and balance sheet efficiencies to clients from anywhere.
'If Europe does insist on trying to implement an artificial, inefficient location policy that fragments markets, they will only hurt the European capital markets and real economy. The rest of the global market will carry on.'
He warned the move would put hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk and cost more than 78billion.
In a letter to Dombrovskis, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association said any move to an EU country would drive up costs for the financial sector.
A relocation could 'heighten financial stability concerns', the powerful lobby added, with traders and banks struggling to find new homes for their operations.
Last week the Futures Industry Association, a US and UK-linked lobby, warned that forced relocation of clearing services to the EU would double the costs to finance companies of guarding against contract defaults.
London lobbyists also argue in the event of an EU ordered exile from Britain, only Wall Street or Asia would benefit.
Forcing a move out of London, 'would ultimately be detrimental' and 'is in no one's interest,' Miles Celic, chief executive of the TheCityUK, said last month.
The growing hatred nationalists and conservatives the world over towards liberal billionaire George Soros has been detailed by a series of political experts.
Those who oppose Soros and accuse him of being a 'puppetmaster' claim the American financier-cum-philanthropist has successfully manufactured Europe's migration crisis, backed a coup in Macedonia and sponsored protests in Hungary.
All from the comfort of his New York home.
From the Kremlin via Skopje to the power corridors of Washington, the Hungarian-born Jewish immigrant is public enemy number one of nationalists around the globe.
Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros is being attacked more than ever by right-wing governments and forces, his organization says. Soros is pictured on April 27, 2017
The 86-year-old, who Forbes Magazine lists as the world's 29th richest man, and his Open Society Foundations is accused by his right-wing attackers of trying to meddle in politics by pushing a liberal, multicultural agenda.
Some of those who oppose him in Poland, a nation that once bestowed upon him one of its highest civilian honors, accuse him of being an enemy of the state who wants to destroy their sovereignty.
Similar attacks have been particularly vicious in his birth country Hungary, which on Tuesday is set to pass a controversial anti-NGO bill seen as directly targeting his foundation.
And his status as the right-wing's most hated man has not been lost on many in the political realm.
'To go on what you read and hear these days, Soros seems to be responsible for every political upheaval,' said German political analyst Ulf Brunnbauer.
'He makes an excellent scapegoat for increasingly authoritarian regimes as someone who's invested a lot of money into philanthropy and represents capitalism.'
Another Hungarian law hastily approved in April threatens to shut down the Soros-founded Central European University in Budapest.
Across Hungary, government-backed billboards have popped up showing the magnate as a puppeteer pulling the strings of an opposition politician, a motif associated with anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
'His (religious) background is irrelevant to the central issue, which is that an increasing number of governments... see Soros' networks as a threat to democracy,' Zoltan Kovacs, the spokesman of ultra right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban, wrote in a recent blog post entitled 'Myths and facts about Hungary and George Soros'.
Orban - a one-time recipient of a Soros scholarship - has accused his former benefactor of using 'predator' NGOs to flood Europe with Muslim refugees and create a 'transnational empire'.
This picture taken on March 20 in Skopje, Macedonia, shows a protest against Soros. A 'Stop Operation Soros' campaign emerged in Macedonia. It was fueled by the country's authoritarian ex-premier Nikolas Gruevksi
Hungary's right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban casts his vote on a bill tightening regulations on foreign universities operating in Hungary, effectively pushing out of the country Central European University, a school founded by Soros
But he himself has his critics, having been accused of being a 'tyrant', while coming under fire last year for saying, 'every single migrant poses a public security and terror risk,' the Guardian reports.
'For us migration is not a solution but a problem... not medicine but a poison, we dont need it and wont swallow it.'
Soros has a long and complicated history. Born in Budapest in 1930, he survived both the Nazi and Soviet occupation before eventually moving to the US where he made his fortune from hedge funds.
But those dealings, as with many on Wall Street, were not without controversy.
In 1992, the he became known as 'the man who broke the bank of England' when his aggressive speculation against the sterling sent it crashing out of the European exchange mechanism.
He also has a 2002 conviction of insider trading in France, a verdict he described as a 'gift to my enemies'.
Students and teachers of the Central European University as well as their sympathizers are pictured during a protest march against the closing of the school in downtown Budapest
Soros has also been significantly impacted by his experience with totalitarian regimes.
'I have seen the damage done when societies succumb to the fear of the "other",' he wrote in the New York Times in March.
As a result of that driving force to avoid future totalitarianism, Soros created his foundation in 1984 to help countries move from communism toward democracy.
Since then, he has poured billions into ex-Soviet satellite states for causes and programs ranging from finance, health and justice reforms, to promoting the rights of minority groups and keeping tabs on government corruption.
He also backed pro-democracy groups in the color revolutions in central and eastern Europe, and vowed to spend $1billion in Ukraine to help save it from 'Russian aggression'.
Recently, he described Moscow as having a: 'concept of government (that) is irreconcilable with that of open society'.
As a result of his outspoken nature, and what those who oppose him describe as 'interference', he has earned him powerful enemies.
Earlier this month, Orban likened Soros's description of Hungary as a 'mafia state' to a 'declaration of war'
The Kremlin has accused Soros of fermenting violent uprisings and banned his foundation in 2015 as part of a massive NGO clampdown.
Europe's migration crisis, which erupted that same year, has also deepened the rift between the pro-refugee OSF and anti-immigration nationalists.
In January this year, a 'Stop Operation Soros' campaign emerged in Macedonia. It was fueled by the country's authoritarian ex-premier Nikolas Gruevksi, who regularly called for the country's 'de-Sorosisation'.
The head of Poland's governing right-wing party Jaroslaw Kaczynski said Soros wanted to create 'societies without an identity', while Romania's ruling party leader alleged the tycoon had 'financed evil' by sponsoring recent mass protests.
And the hate towards Soros has not just been fostered in Europe.
In the US, he is a favored target of the far-right website Breitbart, which runs anti-Soros stories on an almost daily basis.
The website's founder, Steve Bannon, left the website to become an aide to Donald Trump.
The website's hatred for Soros played a part in a petition calling for the philanthropist's arrest for 'standing in the way of making America great again' receiving 60,000 signatures online.
And while all these examples prove hostility towards Soros is not new, its increased intensity is unprecedented,OSF's Eurasia director Leonard Benardo said.
'The OSF as an institution and George Soros as a person condemning corruption have always faced pressures from governments that have an illiberal cast,' he told AFP.
'What is different about now is the ferocity and tenacity of the response.'
Incidentally the attacks come at a time when the OSF only spends a faction of what it used to.
'What we're witnessing is that democracy is not only about institutions, that you can have largely free and fair elections and yet still have great anxieties and problems when it comes to forms of open society.'
Pentagon chief Jim Mattis claimed he was 'shocked' by the state of the US military's readiness, blaming legal budget caps and the grind of 16 years of constant war.
The defense secretary also warned the House Armed Services Committee that North Korea has become the most urgent threat to peace and security, and said - without giving details - that America must do things differently in Afghanistan.
Pointing to Obama-era budget caps known as sequestration, Mattis said limits on military spending have left troops at greater risk and blocked important new programs - even though the defense budget is already greater than that of the next seven countries combined.
Pentagon chief Jim Mattis has called North Korean regime's weapons program a 'clear and present danger' to all and warned the US military needed substantial additional investment
The Pentagon has called for $574 billion in general defense funding, with an additional $65 billion for supplemental wartime spending due to the wear and tear of constant combat
Mattis described North Korea under Kim Jong-un, pictured, as a 'clear and present danger'
Mattis, known as Mad Dog from his time as a Marine General, said: 'I retired from military service three months after sequestration took effect.
'Four years later, I returned to the Department (of Defense), and I have been shocked by what I've seen about our readiness to fight... No enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of our military than sequestration.'
Mattis was addressing lawmakers seeking additional information about President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget.
He wants to slash State Department spending but give a significant boost to the Pentagon's vast budget, although it falls short of the historic spending bonanza sought by more hawkish Republicans.
The Pentagon has called for $574 billion in general defense funding, with an additional $65 billion for supplemental wartime spending -- for a total of $639 billion.
The US military has put on shows of force on the Korean peninsula, such as this mission involving a low-flying B-52 Stratofortress above Osan Air Base to act as a warning to Kim
That represents a more than $50 billion increase - about 10 per cent - over 2017 funding levels for the base budget, although it amounts to only about three percent over projections previously envisioned by the Obama administration.
Committee Chairman Congressman Mac Thornberry and other Republicans bemoaned the increase as insufficient.
'We have spent six years just getting by, asking more and more of those who serve, and putting off the choices that have to be made. We cannot keep piling missions on our service members without ensuring they have all they need to succeed,' Thornberry said.
Although many Democrats on the committee agree, they worry where the money will come from, given the Trump administration's pressure to cut taxes.
Mattis pointed to the war in Afghanistan, which has dragged on since late 2001 with no end in sight, as exacting a heavy price.
Mattis warned constant deployment in the Middle East has 'exhausted equipment faster than planned' due to the 'additional wear and tear of years of continuous combat use'
Such campaigns have 'exhausted our equipment faster than planned. Congress and the Department (of Defense) could not anticipate the accumulated wear and tear of years of continuous combat use,' he said.
Lawmakers repeatedly asked Mattis for an update on Afghanistan, and about whether Trump will deploy thousands more troops to help Afghan partners reverse a stalemate against the resurgent Taliban.
'We've got to do things differently,' Mattis acknowledged, noting only that any Afghanistan decision would come 'soon.'
Ahead of the four-hour hearing, Mattis also warned that North Korea poses the most urgent threat to international peace and security, calling the regime's weapons program a 'clear and present danger' to all.
In written testimony, he said Pyongyang is increasing the pace and scope of its nuclear weapons program that leader Kim Jong-Un wants to be capable of delivering a bomb on the United States.
'The regime's provocative actions, manifestly illegal under international law, have not abated despite United Nations' censure and sanctions,' Mattis said.
Mattis warned Kim, pictured, wants to develop a nuclear weapon capable of striking the United States, but suggested a military strike against the hermit state would be 'disastrous'
The defense secretary also warned of a return to 'Great Power competition,' where countries like Russia and China gain military assertiveness and place long-held global security protocol at risk.
'Both Russia and China object to key aspects of the international order so painstakingly built since the end of World War II,' he said.
Pyongyang has test-fired a string of missiles this year, building on launches and nuclear tests that have ratcheted up tensions over its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States -- something Trump has vowed 'won't happen.'
But Mattis and his top military officer, General Joe Dunford, said any military action against North Korea would have disastrous consequences for the peninsula.
'It would be a war like nothing we have seen since 1953,' Mattis said about the end of the Korean War.
The 11-year-old sister of a teenage girl who died from leukaemia after a misdiagnosis has received a confidential financial settlement following a negligence claim.
Kate McCartin, 18, from the New South Wales central coast, died in December 2013, 14 months after she was incorrectly diagnosed with a form of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma.
In a judgement handed down in the New South Wales Supreme Court this month, Justice Monika Schmidt approved the settlement for Kate's sister, Amy.
Kate McCartin (right) died from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in December 2013. She is pictured here with her younger sister Amy
A judgement handed down in the NSW Supreme Court this month said Kate (pictured) had received an incorrect diagnosis in October 2012
'The settlement concerned a claim in negligence... brought against the Central Coast Local Health District, which operated Gosford Hospital and the Health Administration Corporation [NSW Health Pathology], which were both involved in the diagnosis and in the Hospital's case, treatment of Amy's older sister Kate,' Justice Schmidt said.
Justice Schmidt said Kate received her incorrect diagnosis in October 2012, 'for which she was treated, including by repeated chemotherapy, without success'.
'In September 2013 the misdiagnosis was identified when Kate was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital for a bone marrow transplant,' she said.
'She was then diagnosed to be suffering Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Despite treatment for her illness, she died in December 2013.'
The settlement followed proceedings brought by Kate's mother, Samantha Krisman, her husband, her son and daughter, which related to her daughter Amy, Justice Schmidt's judgement said.
NSW Health Pathology and Central Coast Local Health District said in a joint statement to Daily Mail Australia: 'We apologise unreservedly to the family and offer our sincere condolences for this tragic event'.
'While we realise this can never make up for their enormous loss, we can confirm settlement has been reached with the family,' the statement said.
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A Brisbane man with the same initials as Bruce Wayne built a Batman-style 50-metre secret entrance to his stunning mansion.
But while Brett Walker's extraordinary property in the city's north-east is sure to turn heads, he says the superhero design was pure coincidence.
'It wasn't on purpose, that's not really my go,' Mr Walker, who put the house on the market two weeks ago, told Domain.
'The tunnel has always been a massive wow factor and it makes my mates laugh, but the whole Batman thing, it's not really my style.'
A Brisbane man with the same initials as Bruce Wayne built a Batman-style 50-metre secret entrance to his stunning mansion
But while Brett Walker's extraordinary property in the city's north-east is sure to make people stand back in awe, he says the superhero design was pure coincidence. Pictured, the 50-metre secret entrance
The remarkable seven-bedroom, six-bathroom property boasts vast entertaining areas looking over the Brisbane's city skyline
The concrete tunnel is one of two entrances to the remarkable seven-bedroom, six-bathroom property, which boasts vast entertaining areas looking over the city.
'Apart from the tunnel, it's the view that always shocks people... The view blows them away,' Mr Walker said.
The tunnel, which is the only part of the property visible from the street, leads to an underground garage which can hold up to ten cars.
It reportedly took Mr Walker over two years to build the stunning home, located in Brisbane's exclusive suburb of Ascot.
'The tunnel has always been a massive wow factor and it makes my mates laugh, but the whole Batman thing, it's not really my style,' Mr Walker said. The property features this stunning theatre room
An elaborate fitness centre (pictured) spans over half a level of the property in exlusive suburb of Ascot in Brisbane's north-east
'The tunnel, lift system and house is a complex feat of engineering which simply has to be seen to be believed,' according to Sotheby's International Realty's listing
Among the property's stunning features is this expansive cellar, which is sure to satisfy the needs of any wine lover in the country
'The tunnel, lift system and house is a complex feat of engineering which simply has to be seen to be believed,' according to Sotheby's International Realty's listing.
The third floor features a master retreat with its own terrace, while the lower floor boasts a self-contained guest room.
The home also features a theatre, a games room, an expansive wine cellar, two swimming pools and a fitness centre spanning half a level.
The property has been on the market since May 31. The latest CoreLogic data suggests the home is worth between $6.7 and $9.2million.
'Apart from the tunnel, it's the view that always shocks people... The view blows them away,' Mr Walker said
The third floor features a master retreat with its own terrace, while the lower floor boasts a self-contained guest room
Just one of six stunning bathrooms of the amazing Brisbane mansion is pictured, with city views from the bathtub
Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in 2011, has officially changed his name to Fjotolf Hansen.
The terrorist's lawyer Oeystein Storrvik declined to give Breivik's reasons for adopting Hansen, one of Norway's most common surnames, or the extremely rare Fjotolf.
'He told me some reasons but I don't want to talk about what he told me,' Storrvik said, confirming Norwegian media reports of the name change.
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Extremist mass murderer Anders Breivik has not had his human rights violated by Norway, a court has ruled
Breivik claimed his bad treatment in prison was leading to his 'radicalisation'
In Norway, citizens can freely change their names in the official register but are not allowed to pick words that are likely to cause offence to others or harm the individual.
It was unclear when he made the change.
On Thursday, the Norwegian Supreme Court said it would not consider an appeal lodged by Breivik protesting against his prison conditions.
The anti-Muslim far-right extremist killed 77 people in Norway's worst peacetime atrocity in July 2011.
He killed eight with a bomb in Oslo and then gunned down 69, many of them teenagers, at a youth meeting of the then-ruling Labour Party.
Norway's Statistics Bureau says that there are more than 52,000 people with the surname Hansen in a population of five million.
On Fjotolf, it merely says that it is used by fewer than four people.
The mass murderer last week pledged to appeal at the European Court of Human Rights after his own country's supreme court today refused to hear his plea about 'inhumane' prison conditions.
The neo-Nazi, who gunned down 69 people and blew up eight in Norway in 2011, was told the Norwegian Supreme Court will not take up the appeal he lodged against his treatment in jail.
But his lawyer, Oystein Storrvik, said Breivik, 38, wants to take the case to Strasbourg 'as soon as possible'.
He added: 'We've always been prepared for the possibility that our case before the Norwegian courts may not succeed.'
Breivik has previously said he is being 'damaged by the isolation' and claimed 'radicalisation has been a consequence of it'.
'I have not been a little hurt, I have been very damaged,' he said.
Breivik, pictured, said he will now take his case to the European Court of Human Rights
Breivik was seeking to overturn a March decision by a Norwegian appeals court that ruled his near-isolation in a three-room cell respected human rights.
'The Supreme Court's appeal commission has unanimously decided on June 8, 2017 to not further consider Anders Behring Breivik's appeal in the case Breivik has brought against the state,' the court said in a statement.
'No part of Breivik's appeal has the possibility of winning in front of the Supreme Court,' it added.
'Neither does the case raise questions about the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights that have not already been clarified extensively by the European Court of Human Rights.'
In 2015 a lower court in Norway ruled that jail conditions for Breivik breach a ban on 'inhuman and degrading treatment' under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The case was dismissed on the grounds that he had not been subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment
His lawyer then stressed the case is 'really about a person that is sitting very, very alone in a small prison within a prison'.
He dismissed the benefits of the weekly visits by a state-appointed prison confidante for Breivik, saying 'it's a paid job.'
But the Norwegian state said extreme restrictions are needed after Breivik gunned down 69 people, many of them teenagers, at a youth camp of the then-ruling Labour Party on July 22, 2011, after detonating a bomb in central Oslo that killed eight.
A four-year-old girl has received critical spinal surgery after she was involved in a head-on car crash, which her father is facing dangerous driving offences for.
Court was asked to release Stephen Falkiner, 33, on bail on Monday to see his daughter Hollie-Anne, at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide.
Hollie-Anne had to be cut from the wreckage of her father's car after a head-on crash in Roseworthy, north of Adelaide, about 9pm Saturday.
A four-year-old girl has received critical spinal surgery after she was involved in a head-on car crash, which her father is facing dangerous driving offences for
Court was asked to release Stephen Falkiner (pictured with wife Dee), 33, on bail on Monday to see his daughter Hollie-Anne, at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide
Hollie-Anne had to be cut from the wreckage of her father's car after a head-on crash in Roseworthy, north of Adelaide, about 9pm Saturday
She was paralysed by the crash and had to receive 'delicate' surgery on Tuesday, her grandmother Ana Stanic said.
'May I ask all people of goodwill to pray for my granddaughter Hollie-Anne who was in a car crash with her brother Harley-John,' she posted to Facebook.
Also on-board was her 18-month-old brother Harley-John who escaped with a broken arm, 7 News reported.
Falkiner has been charged with three counts of causing serious harm by dangerous driving and one count of driving unlicensed.
Hollie-Anne (pictured) was paralysed by the crash and had to receive 'delicate' surgery on Tuesday, her grandmother Ana Stanic said
Falkiner (pictured) has been charged with three counts of causing serious harm by dangerous driving and one count of driving unlicensed
Justin Wickens, who argued for Falkiner to be released on bail, said his client was all his children had after their mother Dee died last November, The Advertiser reported.
'He is the only parent these children have, he has full custody of them and they are in his care full-time,' Mr Wickens said.
'She was allowed to see her father for just 10 minutes before he was arrested, at the hospital ... he is extremely anxious about his children.'
His request for bail was denied and he has been remanded in custody until next week.
Emergency services were called to the Thiele Highway on Saturday night after a blue Commodore sedan and a Holden Captiva collided head-on
A 48-year-old woman driving a Holden Captiva was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries, police said
Emergency services were called to the Thiele Highway on Saturday night after a blue Commodore sedan and a Holden Captiva collided head-on, police said.
The two children sitting in the backseat of the Commodore and were taken to Women's and Children's Hospital, while the 33-year-old man was taken to Lyell McEwin Hospital with serious injuries.
He was discharged the following day and then arrested by police on dangerous driving charges and driving while disqualified.
The 48-year-old woman driving the Captiva was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries, police said.
Andrew Timblin, 60, pictured, was convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl with whom he had been left alone by her 'drug-addict' mother
A 14-year-old girl who went through a horrific rape ordeal at the hands of a 60-year-old bodybuilder was then abused by a Met Police officer foster father she was sent to live with after she was rescued, a court heard.
The teenager was 'left at the mercy of inappropriate men' by her drug-addict mother, Manchester Crown Court was told, and is now so emotionally damaged she 'regularly self harms' and has attempted to kill herself.
Former gym instructor Andrew Timblin was jailed for 21 years after he was found guilty of raping the victim and another teenage girl, 17, in unrelated attacks.
The 14-year-old was then sent 300 miles away to London to live with the wife of a policeman - only for the officer to engage in an 'illicit sexual relationship' with her.
The court heard they twice stayed in a hotel together and the officer was arrested after the girl was found hiding in a stairwell near his flat.
Searches of his phone later found indecent pictures of them together.
The policeman, aged in his 30s, was jailed for seven years at a separate hearing.
Two other men were acquitted of sex charges while the girl's 40-year old mother - who has five other children - was given a nine-month suspended sentence for child cruelty.
The court heard the girl had lived a stable family environment in Lancashire with her father and two siblings after being removed from the care of her mother in 2004 due to her drug use.
Timblin, left, subjected the girl to a 'horrific ordeal', a court heard, while she was subsequently abused by a Met Police officer she was fostered by. There is so suggestion the woman pictured has anything to do with the case
The mother - who cannot be named for legal reasons - lost touch with her daughter but in 2014 she contacted her over Facebook and falsely claimed the girl's father wasn't really related to her.
She then encouraged the youngster to come and live with her by portraying her father in a 'bad light.'
The girl was so curious about her mother she left home - only to end up sleeping rough with her in a churchyard for two nights.
The court heard the mother then confiscated her daughter's spare clothing and sold them before leaving her alone with a series of older men while she went to get drugs.
Police were regularly called to search for the teenager after she went missing a series of times, and once found her in a hotel room with a 33-year-old man.
On one occasion they also located her at the home of a man who had convictions for drugs and gun offences.
Despite her chaotic lifestyle she went back to her mother and was eventually introduced by her mother to burly Timblin in his home town of Stockport.
The gym instructor was known as 'the Bear' and had a tattoo of the words 'sex machine' across his stomach.
Timblin, pictured with an unknown woman, was a gym instructor in Stockport and had the words 'sex machine' tattooed on his stomach
The court heard the girl had pleaded with her mother not to be left alone with Timblin, pictured, and suffered panic attacks around him
Despite pleading with her mother not to leave her with Timblin and suffering panic attacks, her mother left and the 60-year-old raped her on two separate occasions.
He was arrested after the 14-year-old told her older brother about the attacks and he alerted their father who raised the alarm.
When officers located the girl she initially denied she had been raped but when she was separated from her mother, she revealed her torment.
In July 2014 she was placed in foster care with the policeman and his wife but she was removed from the placement the following December when the officer himself went to police and admitted he was having an affair with her.
Detectives initially took no criminal action as the girl claimed nothing had happened between them but the truth emerged in January 2015 when she was reported missing from her grandmother's home.
It emerged she and the officer had stayed in hotel in Stockport before going back to his flat in Essex.
He later pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child and child abduction.
The court heard the girl, now 16, has self harmed and attempted to kill herself following the abuse she suffered at the hands of Timblin, pictured, and the police office, who was also jailed
Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting said the girl had 'been removed from the stable home life given for 10 years by her father' by a mother who was a 'homeless drug addict with a chaotic lifestyle who could never have offered a child a safe and secure home.'
He added: 'She lured her daughter to leave her father's home and join her in her chaotic lifestyle, variously sleeping rough or dossing with her associates.
'She used the fact she had care of her daughter for sympathy in order to gain access to the homes of others to stay.
'As a result of the mother's neglect, the girl was sexually assaulted and raped. It was well known that Timblin was an unsuitable person to have care of her and the girl's mother was apparently aware of that, as it is she who told her daughter.
'Despite this she left the girl in his sole care constantly whilst she went out, she believes to use drugs.
'The daughter begged her mother not to leave her with Timblin and begged to be allowed to accompany her mother - but her pleas were ignored.
'An associate noticed the girl was extremely distressed and vomiting - he likened this to a panic attack.
'The mother lied and manipulated her daughter, use her daughter to obtain bed and board and left her with inappropriate males despite the distress shown by her.'
Mr Blackshaw said the mother had also encouraged her daughter to run away when she was placed in care and that caused her to be sent to the foster home in Essex.
Timblin denied the charges but was convicted of rape, indecent assault, unlawful wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He will be on the sex offenders register for an 'indefinite period'.
Judge Jeffery Lewis said the girl had been affected 'significantly' and told Timblin: 'You betrayed the innocence of her childhood for your sexual gratification.
'She was abused by you at a significantly younger age at a time of transitions from child hood to womanhood and all the emotional and physical changes that involves.
'She will be in the very early stages of dealing with the aftermath of your conduct towards her.
'She is a very young woman with her life before her. It's to be hoped she will be able to transcend the impact and make her proper place in the world and move on.'
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details.
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VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has blocked recruitment of the country's hangman although at least five people have applied for the post which fell vacant more than 10 years ago, Justice ministry permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza has said.Mabhiza told NewsDay yesterday that Mnangagwa, who doubles as Justice minister, was not keen on filling the hangman's post because he was against the death penalty."The hangman's post is yet to be filled and we continue to receive applications. From 2013, when I joined the ministry, we have received more than five applications. I have not checked how many applied before I came," she said."The Constitution still allows the death penalty. It did not outlaw the death penalty," she said, adding no females had expressed interest in the job yet. "So far, we have not received applications from females, only men have applied. The post has been vacant for in excess of 10 years"It is because our current Justice minister, who is VP Emmerson Mnangagwa, is opposed to the death penalty such that anything in the direction of execution, he does not entertain it," she said.Mnangagwa himself missed the hangman's noose by a whisker after he was convicted of sabotage by the colonial regime during the liberation struggle.After being jailed by the regime after his Crocodile Gang bombed a train in Masvingo during the struggle, Mnangagwa, then 17, was sentenced to death, but spared the hangman's noose because of his young age.
An economics professor accused of punching his wife after heated arguments about pasta and picture frames at their 1million home has been given a restraining order.
Francesco Squintani, 46, Professor of Economics at Warwick University, was arrested after his wife Leila Simona Talani, 46, said she was pushed over, punched and kicked.
The married couple, who both hold chairs at leading universities, split after police were called to their former matrimonial home in Putney, west London.
Ms Talani is the Professor of European Political Economy at King's College London, having previously taught at the European Institute of the London School of Economics.
Francesco Squintani, 46, (pictured) was accused of punching and kicking his Professor wife at their home in Putney
Prof. Squintani, of Warwick, has always denied assaulting his wife on January 21 this year.
He also denied assaulting an eight-year-old boy on the same occasion and last week at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court the prosecution dropped the case on the day of trial.
However, he was made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him directly contacting his estranged wife or the boy due to a history of police call-outs.
Mary Lawrenson, prosecuting, told the court: 'There was an argument over picture frames and whether pictures should be up on the wall or not.
'The argument goes further than merely verbal and during the course of the row the complainant says this defendant pushes her in such as way that she goes to the floor.'
During a previous hearing, the court heard Prof. Talani banged her head and received a punch and a kick from her husband and the young boy was pushed.
There was no bleeding, but Prof. Talani says she suffered pain to her head from the bump and to her upper body from the kick.
Leila Simona Talani, 46, (pictured) is the Professor of European Political Economy at King's College London
Miss Lawrenson said: 'There have been previous police call-outs to the address as a result of rows, including one when the wife was giving away pasta to charity.
'The complainant is content with the restraining order and it is to protect both parties.'
District Judge James Henderson told Prof. Squintani: 'Given the nature of these allegations and the fact there has been previous call-outs by the police there is a necessity to make a restraining order to protect your ex-wife from harassment from you.'
Prof. Squintani is the author of several publications on economics and is a founding editor of the journal of the European Political Science Association.
He has presented his work to research seminars at leading universities all over the globe and also held positions at the USA's Princeton University and University of California Los Angeles.
Prof. Talani is also a multi-published author, who has lectured at the University of Bath and achieved a PhD with distinction at the European University Institute of Florence.
The Greens party have introduced a draft bill on sexual consent that could see individuals jailed for lying about their age, marital status and political views.
The bill is attempting to address the current issue of stealthing, which involves removing contraception like a condom without your partner's consent or knowledge, by preventing people from 'fraudulently misrepresenting' themselves.
But the Liberal party is less than impressed with the idea and said charging people with a sexual offence for lying could face an unnecessary and hefty jail term.
The Greens party have introduced a draft bill on sexual consent that could see individuals jailed for lying about their age, marital status and political views (stock image)
'It would make most people's Tinder profile a crime,' ACT Shadow Attorney-General Jeremy Hanson told nine.com.au.
'If you were to lie about your age, or being married, or any facet of your life and they say they wouldn't have consented if they knew, that becomes a crime with the potential for a 12-year jail sentence.'
While the Liberal party does wish to make the 'vile and cruel' act of stealthing a crime they want to work on the logistics first.
While the Liberal party does wish to make the 'vile and cruel' act of stealthing a crime they want to work on the logistics first (stock image)
'It would make most people's Tinder profile a crime,' ACT Shadow Attorney-General Jeremy Hanson told nine.com.au
'This is something we want to stop but making sure the law is right is very important as well,' he said.
The problem of stealthing came to the fore when Yale Law School released a journal about what victims of the issue could do legally after a sexual partner 'stealthed' them.
It turns out there isn't an all-encompassing law to prevent the act from happening.
The study's author Alexandra Brodsky raised some of the main medical risks of the practice - including unwanted pregnancies and STI's - but also said victims reported they felt a 'grave violation of dignity and autonomy' not dissimilar from rape.
There are hopes in Australia that if a firm law is introduced then more convictions will be made to support victims seeking justice.
A German policewoman was shot in the head when a gunman stole her pistol and fired it at her at a local train station in Munich today.
The policewoman, 26, is severely injured and fighting for her life. Two bystanders were hit and are seriously injured and the gunman was lightly wounded when her colleagues opened fire on him.
Media reports in Germany said the man is psychiatrically disturbed. He is under arrest but has not been named.
The incident occurred this morning at Unterfohring station of the Bavarian capital.
Elite armed SEK anti-terror police units were scrambled to the station but were recalled soon afterwards.
A 26-year-old police woman is fighting for her life after being shot in the head at the Munich station
Armed German policemen secure the scene of a shooting at the Unterfoehring subway station in Munich, Germany
Police officers secure the area around a commuter rail station in Unterfoehring near Munich, southern Germany, where shots were fired
A helicopter hovers above the scene which has seen one police officer and several others injured
Police vehicles line up in the area a female police officer is said to have been shot in the head
The incident occurred this morning at Unterfohring station and German police said they had secured the area
Blood on the streets of Munich as a police officer is shot by a gunman at a train station
An eyewitness told the BILD newspaper: 'We heard five shots. We had to leave the train on the platform.'
A Munich police spokesman, Marcus da Gloria Martins, later told reporters there was no indication of a 'political or religious' motive behind the incident.
'The sole male perpetrator was motivated by personal reasons,' he said.
Martins said that the unidentified man, 37, had tried to push at least one police officer in front of an incoming train, leading to a scuffle during which he took the female officer's gun and fired.
'The police officer was shot in the head and critically injured,' Martins said.
The station remains closed while the police operation continues.
A spokeswoman for the force said: 'There is no danger to the public,' and Bavarian radio said: 'According to police information it is probably not a terrorist attack.'
The shooting occurred during a morning police check at the subway station, Munich police spokesman Michael Riehlein said.
Munich's Merkur newspaper reported that witnesses said the suspect took a police officer's pistol and then shot her, and also injured others at the scene.
Riehlein said the area has been secured and that there was no danger to the wider public.
The shooting occurred during a morning police check at the subway station as an armed officer stands guard
A police officer armed with a huge rifle walks the streets as the station is closed down for safety
Dozens of emergency vehicles descend upon the scene which has been cordoned off
Last July, an 18-year-old, David Ali Sonboly, shot dead nine people at a Munich shopping mall before turning the gun on himself, having spent a year planning the rampage.
Police said the German-Iranian teen was 'obsessed' with mass murderers such Norwegian right-wing fanatic Anders Behring Breivik and had no links to the Islamic State (IS) group.
And in March, an axe-wielding attacker wounded nine people in a bloody rampage at a railway station in the western city of Duesseldorf.
The 36-year-old Kosovan national had been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic with a history of high anxiety and self-harm, police said, ruling out a terrorist motive.
Instead, they suggested he might have carried out the attack at the station to end his own life.
The suspect was taken into custody after jumping off a bridge.
German authorities have been on high alert since a series of attacks claimed by IS.
The most deadly came last December when a Tunisian rejected asylum seeker rammed a truck into a crowded Berlin Christmas market in an attack that killed 12 people and wounded dozens of others.
Armed German policemen secure the scene of a shooting at the Unterfoehring subway station in Munich
A weapon was fired during the check, but could not immediately say whether it was fired by police or by a suspect
Charrissa Loren Brown-Wellington was remanded in custody after appearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court
A 31-year-old woman wept today as she appeared in court charged with murdering a man who was allegedly pushed in front of a moving tram.
Charrissa Loren Brown-Wellington was remanded in custody after appearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court over the death of Philip Carter, 30.
Emergency services were called to Manchester Victoria station on Sunday after reports that a man had been pushed from the platform. He died at the scene.
Brown-Wellington looked physically upset and was crying and sniffing, wiping away her tears with her jumper sleeves, and spoke only to confirm her name.
Appearing visibly tired, the defendant from Oldham wore jogging bottoms and an orange jumper, and repeatedly pulled down the sleeves.
A man believed to be Brown-Wellington's father could be seen rocking backwards and forwards crying.
Brown-Wellington looked physically upset and was crying and sniffing in court this morning
Officers were called to Manchester Victoria station (pictured) after a man was struck by a tram
Two other family members shouted 'I love you' to her as she was walked out of the box and both were visibly upset.
Officers were called to Manchester Victoria station just after 7.50pm on Sunday and said the man was pushed from the platform in front of a moving tram.
The incident happened on the Victoria Metrolink platforms - yards from the entrance to the city's arena where 22 people were killed in last month's terrorist attack.
People working at the busy station told of their shock at what had happened.
Peter Andrew, 19, a languages student who works part-time in a sandwich shop at the station, said: 'I had finished work and I'd just got on a different tram to the one involved before I heard what had happened.
Manchester Victoria station is pictured today following the incident in the city two days ago
'I couldn't believe it. Especially as it happened so close to the arena attacks, it's very surprising.'
Mr Andrew, who is studying French and German at Manchester Metropolitan University, added: 'I was also working the night of the [arena] attack and missed that by ten minutes again.
'It's so shocking and upsetting what's happened, even more so that it's not even been a month since the horrible terrorist attack. I don't know what's next.'
Greater Manchester Police's senior investigating officer, Superintendent Bob Tonge, said: 'This is a tragic event where a man has lost his life and the circumstances surrounding this are being fully investigated.'
The incident - described as a 'tragic event' - caused disruption to services for several hours
The death caused transport problems as tram services were suspended on Sunday night and into yesterday while forensic searches took place.
Revellers from the Parklife music festival in north Manchester were advised to walk home at the end of the event on Sunday.
Transport for Greater Manchester's customer director Stephen Rhodes said he was 'absolutely devastated' to hear someone had died.
He said his immediate thoughts were with the man's family and friends.
Police have opened an attempted murder investigation after a van used to get ex-cons and drug addicts back into work rammed into a taxi.
The driver, who fled the scene and went on the run, smashed into bollards and the vehicle in central Stockholm Tuesday in what police are certain is not a terrorist incident.
It comes just weeks after a suspected terrorist attack in the city when a truck mounted the pavement killing five pedestrians.
Damaged bollards are seen after a truck driver, who is on the run, crashed into a taxi, in the Sodermalm district, in Stockholm, Sweden
Police secure the scene of an accident in the Soedermalm district, south of the city centre in Stockholm
A turned over Stockholmslejon - a concrete traffic stopper - is seen outside the roped off area near the department store Ahlens after a suspected terror attack on the Drottninggatan Street in central Stockholm, Sweden in April
Police spokesman Anders Bryngelsson: 'We investigate this as attempted murder because the driver of the van could have had that intention,' Bryngelsson said, declining to describe the driver.
Another police spokesman, Kjell Lindgren, later said there is 'nothing to indicate that this is a terrorist incident'.
The force have since arrested the man in the city and confirmed nothing dangerous was found in the vehicle.
Two police officers behind a cordon in Sweden
The van belonged to Tjuvgods.se, a courier company founded to help former convicts and drug addicts back into the labor market.
A company spokesman, Curre Cederstrom, said the van was discovered missing Tuesday morning.
'We had not even reported it stolen when we heard about this,' the Aftonbladet newspaper quoted Cederstrom as saying.
He couldn't be reached immediately for further comment.
Eyewitness Per Sturesson told Aftonbladet he first thought 'the driver jumped out to see what had happened but he sped up and continued to drive'.
'It felt like he just wanted to get out of the truck in panic.'
Swedish media say several vehicles were hit in the incident and barriers closing a street had been hit.
Police could not confirm that immediately.
On April 7, the driver of a stolen truck killed five pedestrians and injured 14 in central Stockholm.
Lawyers for the suspect, Rakhmat Akilov, say he has admitted driving the truck 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) down a main pedestrian shopping street.
Christians are disguising themselves by borrowing hijabs to escape the ISIS militants holding 1,500 people hostage in a besieged Philippines town.
More than three weeks after Islamist militants stormed the southern Filipino town of Marawi, starving locals are said to have resorted to extreme measures including eating their blankets to stay alive.
The civilians trapped in battle-torn neighbourhoods are being driven to daring escapes by the threat of capture, starvation and bombing by the military.
Five police officers and five Christian civilians dashed across the town's commercial district this morning, ducking for cover from a sniper, to reach a government-controlled area on the Agus River western bank.
Christians are disguising themselves by borrowing hijabs to escape the ISIS militants (pictured) holding 1,500 people hostage in a besieged Philippines town
Islamist militants stormed the southern Filipino town of Marawi (pictured) more than three weeks ago
Starving locals are said to have resorted to extreme measures to stay alive, including eating their blankets
'We ran the last part,' said First Officer Lumna Lidasan, 44. 'We could see the bridge ahead of us. We had to take cover several times when we saw a sniper.'
Almost the entire population of more than 200,000 fled after May 23, when fighters from local groups allied to ISIS rampaged through the Muslim-majority town, killing and kidnapping Christians.
The military estimates that, as the siege enters its fourth week, between 300 and 600 civilians are still trapped or being held as human shields in neighbourhoods occupied by the militants.
The insurgents have been suppressing government troops with skilled snipers, rocket-propelled grenades and high-velocity assault weapons, according to Philippine army officials.
Those stuck in their homes have no running water or electricity and many are near starvation, said Zia Alonto Adiong, a local politician managing rescue and relief efforts.
He said that in a text message pleading for help, one family said they had 'started to eat their blankets'.
Almost the entire population of more than 200,000 fled after May 23, when fighters from local groups allied to ISIS rampaged through the Muslim-majority town
The military estimates that, as the siege enters its fourth week, between 300 and 600 civilians are still trapped
Those stuck in their homes have no running water or electricity and many are near starvation
Local politician Zia Alonto Adiong told of how one family said they had 'started to eat their blankets'
'They are crossing the bridge, taking the risk, because they don't have any option - either they die inside the house or they die getting out,' he told reporters on Monday.
At least 100 people have made their way out on foot, braving volleys of sniper fire, said Adiong. Others have swum across the river or town-side lake to safety, according to relief workers.
Doctors treating those who escaped say they have been struck by the resilience of people who spent weeks surviving in a conflict zone and witnessing horrific violence.
'Some of the stories that stuck were Muslims helping protect Christian workers by letting them borrow a hijab,' said Dr Gioia Ancheta, head of the psychosocial therapy team.
As they approached the bridge on Tuesday morning, officer Lidasan could see troops waiting on the other side.
Terrified, but realising there was no turning back, the police officers and the Christians they had protected for three weeks, raced across the 25m stretch with no cover from snipers nesting in the town's tall buildings.
At least 100 people have made their way out on foot, braving volleys of sniper fire. Pictured: ISIS fighters who stormed the city
Others are said to have borrowed hijabs from Muslims to disguise themselves as they made their escape: Pictured: An ISIS flag flies high in the city, left, while militants patrol the streets, right
Police officers and the Christians they had protected for three weeks raced across the 25m stretch with no cover from snipers
THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN STRANDED IN PHILIPPINES International children's charity World Vision has warned thousands of children have been left shell-shocked and traumatised by continuous fighting in the Philippines city of Marawi. The charity's humanitarian experts say over 100,000 children have been displaced by the conflict that has been raging on for more than two weeks. Thousands of them are paying a heavy price due to the unrest, with many now needing psychological first aid after experiencing and witnessing alarming levels of violence. Six-year-old Princess had been looking forward to her school opening again but that day now seems a long way off. More than 100,000 children, including six-year-old Princess (pictured), have been displaced by the conflict that has been raging on for more than two weeks Princess had been looking forward to her school opening again but that day now seems a long way off 'I was hoping to see my friends and my favorite teacher,' she said. 'I'm sad that I can't go back to school,' she added as she sketched the home she and her family were forced to leave. Meanwhile Rosela told of how here two-year-old daughter Mercy cried every times she heard gunshots and explosions. She went on: 'Life is not easy here but I'm glad were all alive. I don't want to go back to Marawi yet. 'I'm afraid that the conflict will happen again and I don't want my children to go through the same experience.' Ligaya Munez, World Vision's Programmes Manager in Mindanao, said they are setting up child-friendly spaces to provide psychological first aid to children affected by the crisis. Thousands of children have been left shell-shocked by continuous fighting in Marawi, including Mercy (pictured) who cries every time she hears gunshots She added: 'We've been going around evacuation centres and we've seen the struggles of the displaced children. 'We hope that through CFS, we can somehow give a sense of normalcy to the children. 'Aside from the humid environment and being unable to go to school, some children are still in shock from the gunshots and loud explosions they heard in Marawi.' Advertisement
'We don't think about ourselves, we think about the safety of the civilians,' said Lidasan, tears welling in his eyes as he recounted the story to reporters later.
Of the five Christians, who were in Marawi on a construction job when the crisis began, one was shot in the leg by sniper fire on Monday night as the group began their escape. Others were injured by cement kicked up by bullets.
'We crawled because snipers were shooting at us. I was wounded by splinters of cement hit by sniper bullets,' said Mateo Velasquez, 33.
'My belt bag was hit by a bullet. I thank the money, the coins hit by the bullet.'
The ten men had been trapped since the siege began in a bungalow with its own cellar.
They had basic supplies of dried noodles, canned goods and rice, but had to make a regular 'suicide mission' to find water, said Lidasan.
Militants patrolled nearby but they managed to stay hidden until they made their dash for freedom.
Of the five Christians who were in Marawi on a construction job when the crisis began, one was shot in the leg by sniper fire
Others were injured by cement kicked up by bullet as the began their escape from the embattled town
The ten men had been trapped since the siege began in a bungalow with its own cellar
Most of those in a larger group of 18 civilians were not so lucky, according to a report from the military on Tuesday.
Militants knocked on the door of a house where they were hunkered down, prompting them all to flee through the back door and head towards the river.
'The terrorists ran after them and indiscriminately fired at them, killing five of the civilians and taking the remaining eight as hostages,' it said.
South Korea believe a drone sent from North Korea had been spying on a US missile defence system before it crash-landed on a hillside.
The remains of the small drone, which was equipped with a camera, were retrieved by the South's military last week from where it crashed close to the heavily-fortified inter-Korean border.
The military analysed the contents of the camera's 64-gigabyte memory chip and said it had been spying on the missile defence system known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
A small aircraft what South Korea's Military said is believed to be a North Korean drone, is seen at a mountain near the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas in Inje, South Korea
This US Department of Defense handout photo obtained April 26, 2017 shows US Forces Korea as they continue progress in fulfilling the South Korea-US alliance decision to install a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system
A defence ministry official said: 'It has been confirmed that it took photos of the THAAD site in Seongju.'
He said they had 'high suspicions' the drone was from North Korea as it was similar to previous drones sent across the border by Pyongyang.
The device, which was flying at an altitude of between two and three kilometers, started photographing a few kilometers north of the South's southeastern county of Seongju.
It swept over the site before making a U-turn a few kilometers south of the site, the official said.
Of the hundreds of photos on the memory chip, at least 10 were an overview of the THAAD site.
'Two missile launchers and the fire control radar of the system which have already been deployed were also included in the pictures,' he added.
Seoul agreed last year to deploy the missile interceptor system to guard against threats from nuclear-armed North Korea, despite angry opposition from China - which believes THAAD could undermine its own military capabilities.
Two missile launchers are already in place but Seoul has decided to suspend any further deployment until an environmental impact assessment ordered by new President Moon Jae-In is finished.
South Korea has repeatedly accused the North of flying suspected spy drones across the tense border.
In January last year South Korean soldiers fired warning shots at a suspected North Korean drone that crossed the western part of the border, the most sensitive part of the Demilitarised Zone.
In September 2015 South Korea triggered an anti-aircraft warning and sent an attack helicopter and fighter jet to track down a drone that crossed the border, without success.
A year earlier a South Korean fisherman found the wreckage of a North Korean drone in his net near a frontline island south of the rivals' disputed Yellow Sea border.
A few months previously, crashed drones equipped with cameras were found in three different places near the border.
After a joint investigation with US experts, Seoul said they were flown from North Korea and had been pre-programmed to fly over South Korean military installations.
The mother of an Australian nanny killed in the London Bridge attack has heard how her daughter died of a knife wound to the neck after she was stabbed by terrorists.
Eight people were murdered on June 3, when three attackers ploughed into pedestrians with a white van before stabbing revellers in Borough Market with 12-inch ceramic knives.
Inquests into the deaths of five of the victims opened at Southwark Coroner's Court today.
Julie Wallace, the mother of Sara Zelenak, one of two Australians killed, attended today's hearing at a court just a few hundred metres from where the attack took place.
Mrs Wallace flew to England from Australia when she could not get hold of her daughter in the aftermath of the horrific attack.
Julie and Mark Wallace, mother and stepfather of London Bridge terror attack victim Sara Zelenak attended Southwark Coroner's Court today to hear details of their daughter's death
Mrs Wallace, who flew to England when her daughter was still missing, sat at the front of the court as the policeman investigating the attacks told the coroner Sara was stabbed in the neck
Australian nanny Ms Zelenak, 21, (left) was out with friends when she was killed. An inquest into her death, and the deaths of four other London Bridge victim, opened today
Information given in today's inquest helps provide a more complete picture of what happened on the night, earlier this month, when three terrorists went on the rampage through London
She sat at the front of the court as the hearing was told that Ms Zelenak, from Brisbane, Australia, was stabbed in the neck in Borough Market.
Investigating police officer DCI Simon Moring told the hearing: 'The provisional cause of death was the stab wound to the neck. Identification was done by dental records and DNA.'
Coroner Andrew Harris told the families: 'All of our thoughts and condolences are with you at this terrible time, one of the most horrible things is for parents to be in court hearing the details of a death, particularly a violent one, of their children.'
Ms Zelenak had tickets to the ill-fated Ariana Grande concert in Manchester where a terrorist set off a bomb, killing 22, but ended up not going.
She was meant to be working on the night of the London Bridge attack, but a last-minute change of plans meant she went out to meet a friend.
Her mother, Mrs Wallace, has previously told how the family were looking forward to meeting up in Paris
She said of her daughter: 'She's a very smart, sensible girl, she is healthy, fit, trim, taut, terrific - she doesn't do anything wrong in any way.
'She's very sensible, far more sensible than I was at her age.'
Sebastien Belanger, 36, (left) was drinking at the Boro Bistro when the area came under attack. Australian nurse Kirsty Boden, 28, (right) rushed to help the injured when she was killed
East Londoner James McMullan, 32, (left) was last seen outside the Barrowboy And Banker pub, where the terrorist crashed their van. Spanish bank worker Ignacio Echeverria, 39, (right) tried to protect a woman from the terrorists with his skateboard when he was stabbed in the back. Inquests into their deaths were opened today
Today's hearing was told that James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, was killed by a haemorrhage caused by a knife wound to his chest in Borough Market. He was identified by his father.
Chef Sebastien Belanger, 36, originally from Angers, western France, was drinking at the nearby Boro Bistro and also died in the market from multiple stab injuries to the chest.
He was identified by dental records and fingerprints while his loved ones spent several days unaware of his fate.
Australian Kirsty Boden, 28, was killed in Montague Close by a knife wound after running towards the danger to try and help people.
She was found with a stab wound to her chest, and was later identified by DNA and dental records.
HSBC analyst Mr Echeverria, from As Pontes, north-west Spain, was stabbed in the back on London Bridge after trying to defend a woman with his skateboard. His body was identified by his brother several days later, the hearing was told.
Representatives from the Spanish consulate also attended on behalf of his family.
Xavier Thomas, 45, (right) was walking with his girlfriend Christine Delcros when he was run down. Mr Thomas's inquest will open tomorrow
Frenchman Alexandre Pigeard, 27, (left) was stabbed in the neck as he worked in a bistro. Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, (right) who worked at homeless shelter, died in the arms of her fiance Tyler Ferguson. Inquests into their deaths will open tomorrow
Coroner Mr Harris adjourned today's proceedings after less than half an hour. A full inquest will be heard at a later date.
Police praise hero restaurant worker Police have praised a restaurant worker who threw things at the attackers to defend his patrons. The man was working at El Pastor Mexican restaurant in Borough Market when he heard a commotion outside and the trio burst through the doors. Met anti-terror commander Dean Haydon said: 'Together with his manager he began to throw things at the assailant. Another assailant entered, and he carried on throwing anything he could get to hand until the two men left. 'I have personally seen the CCTV of that area and it's fair to say that other members of the public picked up items such as chairs, dustbins and anything they could get their hands on to either protect themselves or protect others.' Advertisement
Inquests into the deaths of Canadian Christine Archibald, 30 and Frenchmen Alexandre Pigeard, 27, and Xavier Thomas, 45, will open tomorrow.
Armed police shot dead terrorist ringleader Khuram Butt, 27, and his two accomplices Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, just eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.
A security review is due to be carried out after it emerged one of the terrorists, Kharum Butt, was on police bail at the time of the attack, and had previously been flagged up by an FBI report.
Moroccan-born Youssef Zaghba had told police he Italy he was 'going to be a terrorist' when he was stopped on his way to Syria, but still managed to cross the border to come to Britain.
Fellow Moroccan Rachid Redouane had used a loophole to stay in Britain by marrying a British woman in Ireland after he was refused asylum.
The investigation into the atrocity is continuing.
Detectives have made 21 arrests as part of the probe. A total of seven men are being held in custody under terror laws after the June 3 atrocity that left eight dead and dozens wounded.
The attackers - Khuram Shazad Butt, 27, Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22 - were shot dead by police within eight minutes of the first emergency call
Police have released this chilling picture of one of the knives used by the three attackers
Photos also show the fake suicide vests the trio strapped to themselves to increase the terror
On Sunday, police released images of the terrorists' blood-spattered fake suicide belts.
The phoney bombs were simply disposable water bottles wrapped in silver and black tape and attached to leather belts, although they were designed to create 'maximum fear', police said.
Metropolitan Police Commander Dean Haydon praised the bravery of the police officers and members of public who tackled the three - despite the possibility they could have been killed in an explosion.
Borough Market is to reopen for business on Wednesday after it was forced to close in the wake of the attack.
Traders will pause for a minute's silence to remember the victims of the June 3 atrocity before the market bell is rung to mark the return of shoppers.
A federal Liberal MP has launched an extraordinary attack on Victoria's Chief Justice and her judges, accusing them of 'standing in the corner of terrorists'.
The state's top judge Marilyn Warren is under fire following a controversial sentence for a teenager who had plotted to behead a police officer on Anzac Day.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing the Victorian Supreme Court's seven-and-a-half year non-parole jail term imposed last year on Sevet Ramadan Besim.
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Federal Liberal MP Michael Sukkar says judges are 'standing in the corner of terrorists'
Sevet Ramadan Besim was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years non-parole for a terror plot
The 19-year-old criminal had plotted to cut off a police officer's head in 2015.
Melbourne-based Liberal MP Michael Sukkar, who is also Assistant Treasurer, said judges needed to be called out for soft sentences when it came to terrorists.
'As far as Im concerned, we need to be asserting as much pressure as we can on lawmakers and calling out judges who seemingly are standing in the corner of the terrorists and not in the corner of our society and the victims,' he told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Tuesday.
Radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell suggested the comment was 'a bit harsh'.
Melbourne 3AW broadcaster suggested the MP's comments on judges were 'a bit harsh'
Victoria's Chief Justice Marilyn Warren is under fire for a sentence for an Anzac Day terror plotter
The conservative Liberal MP, who studied law, clarified his comments to say judges cared more about the welfare of terrorists than the public.
'Seemingly, more interested in their rehabilitation than in the safety and security of our society,' Mr Sukkar said.
'There are multiple numbers of cases where youve got people who are planning the most heinous acts and the only reason theyre stopped is because weve got amazing law enforcement agencies that stop them from happening.'
He added that as the chairman of the parliamentary Intelligence and Security committee, he believed 'the prospects of rehabilitation, particularly for Islamic terrorists is extraordinarily low'.
Last year, Besim pleaded guilty to an act in preparation of planning a terrorist attack, which would involve running down and beheading a police officer, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Theresa May vowed to bridge the divide in Britain today as she signalled an end to austerity at the first meeting of the new Parliament.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the election, which saw disastrous losses that wiped out her majority, had laid bare the splits in the country.
At a Cabinet meeting in No 10 today Mrs May prepared the ground for a surge in spending to end the public sector pay cap.
The Tory proposals for an overhaul of social care, damagingly branded the 'dementia tax' in the campaign, will be scrapped.
After Cabinet, Downing Street said the ministers discussed the Queen's Speech and proposals to 'deliver the best possible Brexit deal for the whole United Kingdom'.
Theresa May (pictured leaving No 10 today) vowed to bridge the divide in Britain today as she signalled an end to austerity at the first meeting of the new Parliament
A photograph of the Cabinet meeting in Downing Street today was posted on the Prime Minister's Twitter feed
Arlene Foster, pictured arriving at Downing Street with her deputy Nigel Dodds today, is expected to demand significant concessions from Mrs May in return for propping up the Tories
Speaking as Parliament met for the first time since the election this afternoon, Mrs May said it was 'clear that our country faces some of the greatest challenges of our time' as the new parliament begins, including keeping the 'nation safe', 'securing the best possible Brexit deal' and 'spreading opportunity and prosperity to every part' of the country.
She said: 'In meeting these challenges, what we have seen from the election is that there are parts of our country that remain divided - divided between young and old, rich and poor, those for whom the future offers a sense of opportunity and those for whom it brings worry and concern.'
Mrs May insisted politics conducted in the 'right way' would see Westminster rise to the challenge after a bitter election fight.
Mrs May earlier met DUP leader Arlene Foster in to secure a deal for backing from its 10 MPs.
However, the prospect of an agreement has alarmed some Tories who fear its stance on issues like gay rights could be toxic, and there are concerns about the impact on the Good Friday Agreement.
Ms Foster is also likely to extract significant concessions from Mrs May over funding for Northern Ireland - potentially a billion pounds in tax breaks and infrastructure spending - in return for her support. As they arrived at Westminster this morning, one of the party's MPs joked: 'We're going shopping.'
Newly-installed Environment Secretary Michael Gove, left, was also at Cabinet today, as was Business Secretary Greg Clark
Brexit Secretary David Davis (left) and International Development Secretary Priti Patel were among the ministers arriving at No10 for Cabinet today
The Tory leader has been fighting to cling on in Downing Street after a disastrous general election which saw her lose her Commons majority.
A failure to gain support from the Northern Irish party would risk the Queen's Speech being voted down next week - after Jeremy Corbyn made clear Labour will seek to block the legislative programme.
The Tories and the DUP are considering a 'confidence and supply' arrangement which would see the Northern Irish party back the Government to get its Budget through and on confidence motions.
It comes after Mrs May told Tory MPs: 'I'm the person who got us into this mess and I'm the one who will get us out of it.'
Her effective deputy Damian Green has confirmed the Queen's Speech setting out the Government's programme could be delayed if a deal is not reached in time for it to go ahead on Monday as planned.
KEY MOMENTS IN MAY'S FIGHT TO STAY TODAY 0930:Regular Cabinet meeting Mid morning: Meetings with the DUP to formalise a deal to form a government that commands a majority Evening: Travel to France for a meeting with President Macron NEXT WEEK June 19: Queen's Speech was due to take place. This has been delayed. June 19: Start of Brexit talks. This has been delayed. June 22-23: European Council, Brussels Advertisement
The PM told the backbench 1922 Committee last night that a deal with the DUP would not affect power-sharing talks in Northern Ireland or LGBT rights.
She also made clear that austerity would be eased, after the election revealed the level of anger about curbs to public sector funding and pay.
That change was backed by former Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith today, who told the BBC: 'I have for some time asked us to rethink whole areas of where we are.
'The length of time that we were likely now to be asking public servants and others to put up with reduced, flattened salaries has been an issue for me and for many other people. We would like to see that revisited.'
However, opening the taps on spending could prove difficult given the continuing high level of the government's deficit.
Mrs Foster has rejected suggestions that the mooted agreement could undermine the UK government's impartiality and prevent a return to power-sharing arrangements at Stormont.
The DUP leader said the engagements with the Tories so far had been 'positive' but declined to be drawn on details.
Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams turned Mrs May's own slogan against her to brand it 'a coalition of chaos', adding: 'Any deal which undercuts in any way the process here or the Good Friday Agreement is one which has to be opposed.'
It is thought Mrs Foster could join the push from Tory Remainers in the Cabinet for Mrs May to pursue a softer departure from the EU.
The DUP backed Leave in the referendum campaign, but Northern Ireland voted by a margin of 56 per cent to Remain and the party has stressed it does not want to see a return to a hard border with the Republic.
The DUP leader is almost certain to ask for greater investment in Northern Ireland as the price of a deal.
The DUP MPs and leader Arlene Foster arrived at Westminster today ahead of the meeting, with one joking they were 'going shopping'
Michael Gove insisted today that the government would seek a wider consensus to push through Brexit
Any demands on maintaining the pensions triple-lock and the universal winter fuel allowance could give Mrs May a convenient excuse to drop manifesto pledges which appeared to be deeply unpopular with voters.
Movement on security and legacy issues from the Troubles may prove more difficult for Mrs Foster to extract from the Government.
The unexpected snap election has already forced the Queen to cancel an Order of the Garter service and to accept a stripped-down State Opening of Parliament. Any further delay could mean her missing planned attendance at Royal Ascot.
Additional delay may be caused by the fact the Queen's Speech is written on goatskin parchment paper, which requires several days for the ink to dry.
The paper does not contain any goatskin but is high-quality archival paper guaranteed to last for at least 500 years.
Pen cannot be put to paper until the exact contents of the speech are finalised, which appears to be dependent on the outcome of Tory talks with the DUP.
MINISTERS HIRED AND FIRED IN MAY'S RESHUFFLE FIRED Apprenticeships Minister Robert Halfon Defence minister Mike Penning Justice minister Sir Oliver Heald Brexit minister David Jones HIRED Home Office minister - Nick Hurd Justice minister - Dominic Raab Education minister - Anne Milton Education minister - Robert Goodwill Brexit minister - Baroness Anelay Business minister - Claire Perry Financial secretary to the Treasury - Mel Stride Advertisement
While Mrs May appears to have seen off the threat of an immediate leadership challenge, her weakened grip on power has put her under pressure on several fronts.
Her new chief of staff Gavin Barwell has suggested she should take a different approach towards public spending after Labour unexpectedly denied the Tories a majority after running an anti-austerity election campaign.
The PM also faced calls from Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson, whose influence has grown dramatically with the election of 13 Tories north of the border, to pursue a softer Brexit with greater focus on the economy and more cross-party input.
In another sign of Mrs May's weakening grip on power, MPs who attended the 1922 Committee revealed she was open to more backbench input on policy and a greater role for Chief Whip Gavin Williamson.
News / National
by News Agencies
ABOUT 16 000 trained teachers are jobless, with universities and colleges unloading 2 000 more every year, Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora has said.Government, at the beginning of this term, set a target of recruiting 2 300 teachers, but nothing has happened yet.Dokora blamed what he described as "incoherence" between the Finance and Public Service ministries for the hold-up in recruitment."I needed 7 000 teachers last year, but by the decision of the Cabinet, I was told that I was going to get 2 300 teachers," he told Kwekwe school headmasters and school development committee (SDC) chairpersons last week at Loreto High School."We are still waiting for the clearance from the Public Service. The challenge is that there is an incoherence between Public Service and the Finance ministries."Dokora said the recruitment of teachers is going to be based on specialised areas to push the new curriculum.He said the number of unemployed teachers is hovering at 16 000, with 2 000 more graduating from colleges this year."There are 16 000 unemployed teachers, who want to get into the system," Dokora said.He issued a stern warning to headmasters and teachers, who are reluctant to implement the new curriculum, which has been criticised by parents and church groups."If you prove that you are a stumbling block, we will weed you out," Dokora warned."We don't want stumbling blocks within the system, there are headmasters and teachers, young and vibrant, who are out of the system and raring to go. This year, we are expecting about 2 000 teachers from teachers' colleges, who want to join the system".However, Treasury has been making frantic calls to "drastically reduce the civil service wage bill", which currently gobbles more than 90% of government revenues.During the 2016 budget presentation, Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa said "rationalisation of the civil service would save $41,2 million per month".Currently, the government has thousands of teaching staff, who hold non-teaching qualifications.In June, last year Dokora said about 10 000 teachers and headmasters could be recruited to address the shortage of educators in the country.The move, however, failed, as Treasury is operating in constrained fiscal space, characterised by staggered civil service salary dates and little capital and social spending.Dokora also told the headmasters that the government is working on professionalising the education sector through the formation of the teachers' professional council."We need to standardise the profession," he said."I will always use the example of legal and medical fields, where one cannot practice when they are not part of those professional bodies."We will take this proposal to the government, through Cabinet, to codify the council."The proposed council would also look into teachers' welfare."Individuals with non-teaching qualifications are getting into the sector because it is not a professional sector," he said."Teaching needs to be professional."How do we transact a learning situation in a learning environment with someone, who has not been trained? We have to jealously guard and protect our sector."
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Incredible images showing the famous Hurricane Hawker fighter planes and the brave pilots who took the most victories in the Battle of Britain while at the controls have been revealed in a new book.
Dubbed the 'workhorse of World War Two', the Hurricane was a single seat fighter plane that took 60 per cent of the RAF's air victories in the Battle of Britain, and served in other major battles during the course of the war.
These black and white photographs show Sydney Camm, who was responsible for the design of the aircraft, as well as the first prototype Hurricane K5083 and the prototype in flight.
George Bulman flying the Hurricane prototype K5083 with the Henley prototype K5115, which first flew on 24 March 1937, in close formation
Female labour was vital to maintaining the high levels of wartime production and undertaking the work normally done by men, many of whom were serving in the military. Here, two women are fitting the fire wall on to a Hurricane Mk IIC
The Hurricane could absorb a great deal of combat damage and still bring its pilot back home. Hurricanes accounted for 60 per cent of victories in the Battle of Britain, allowing the Spitfires to take on the Luftwaffe
Hurricane Mk Is of 111 Squadron lined up at Northolt in mid-1939 for a practice scramble. Initially, the government did not give funding for prototypes, but Hawker were convinced about its future
Other stunning shots show women working to produce a Hurricane Mk IIC, and Hurricanes in action during the Battle of France and during the Battle of Britain.
The pictures are showcased in a new book, Hawker Hurricane: The Multirole Fighter, by Philip Birtles and published by Fonthill Media.
In the book's introduction, Mr Birtles wrote: 'Without the Hurricane, there would not have been a Battle of Britain as there would not have been enough suitable fighters for the defence against the Nazi invasion.
What is thought to be a posed photo of an 87 Squadron scramble in France in March 1940, as the Hurricanes would normally be dispersed around the airfield. The nearest Hurricane is L1774 LK-D:87 Squadron, and all bar one of the aircraft have the Watts two-blade propellers. Hurricane LK-L is fitted with a three-blade Rotol propeller
Iran ordered eighteen Hurricanes, but only two were delivered before the start of the war. The order was updated in 1946 with sixteen Mk IICs and a pair of two-seaters. Iranian Hurricane Mk IIC was used for advanced flight training with the cannon ports blanked off
HRH King George IV visited Lille-Seclin Aerodrome on 6 September 1939, where both 85 and 87 Squadrons had just arrived. Hurricane Mk Is of 85 and 87 Squadrons were on display, together with three Gladiators and a Blenheim IV
No. 85 Squadron began to take delivery of Hurricane Mk Is at Debden from September 1938 and moved to France on 9 September 1939 at the outbreak of war. A return was made to Debden on 23 May 1940, and then the squadron moved to Croydon on 19 August, followed by Castle Camps on 3 September, and then to Church Fenton two days late
'Without the Spitfire, we would probably not have won the Battle of Britain. The role of the Hurricanes was to destroy the Luftwaffe bombers attacking British airfields, later London and other major cities, while Spitfires attacked the escorting Luftwaffe fighters.
'Hurricane pilots were responsible for more victories than all other forms of defence during the Battle.'
In other theatres of operation, Hurricane pilots continued to excel despite flying by then out-dated aircraft, particularly in the battles for Malta, 6 Squadron's anti-armour Hawker Hurricane: The Multirole Fighter Hurricanes in the North African campaigns, and against the Japanese over the impenetrable Burmese jungle.
In the Battle of Britain, Hurricanes scored the highest number of RAF victories, accounting for 1,593 out of the 2,739-total claimed.
The prototype Hurricane K5083; official photo at Brooklands in late October 1935 with a 6-foot scale pole by the nose fitted with the original minimally framed canopy
Hurricane Mk I P2617, which was first delivered to the RAF in January 1940, with its fixed-pitch wooden Watts two-blade propeller being started by the ground crew winding up the inertia starter. This method was later replaced by ground-based trolley battery starters known as 'Trolley Acks'
Left, Sydney Camm joined the Hawker team in November 1923 as a senior designer under George Carter. He was appointed chief designer from 1925 when George Carter moved to Glosters. Not only was Sydney Camm responsible for the design of the Hawker biplane combat aircraft, but also the Hurricane and the advance into the jet age with the Hunter. Right, A. G. Lewis DFC and bar, was with 85 Squadron in 1940, and here clearly shows the strain of combat operations after returning from a sortie in a Hurricane
The Hurricane production line at Langley, with the metal rear tubular fuselage structure surrounded by wooden skin ready for covering by fabric. This structure was very rugged and resistant to damage by enemy gunfire
No. 111 Squadron operated Hurricane Mk Is from December 1937 until April 1941, replacing the early aircraft with ones fitted with the anti-spin fairing and non-retractable tail-wheels. The squadron moved from Northolt to Acklington on 27 October 1939 and returned to Northolt on 13 May 1940
The Hurricane did have some advantages over the Spitfire but were more suited to being a defensive plane as it became outdated.
'The Hawker Hurricane propaganda was largely overshadowed by the Spitfire during the Second World War,' explained Mr Birtles.
'The main reason was that the Hurricane was a monoplane developed from a long line of Hawker biplane combat aircraft and at the end of its development, while the Spitfire was at the start of its creation.
'The Spitfire was undoubtedly faster than the Hurricane, but it was more challenging to produce initially, while the rugged construction of the Hurricane resulted in it being more resistant to battle damage.
'Its wide track undercarriage was more suitable for operations from basic airfields and was easier to maintain.
Hurricane Mk I SW-E:253 Squadron taxiing by the heavily camouflaged hangars at Northolt on 19 April 1940. In total, more than 14,500 Hurricanes were made and fought in major battles throughout World War Two
No. 111 Squadron was responsible for the introduction of the Hurricane to the RAF with the first aircraft arriving at Northolt in December 1937, in advance of the official acceptance date of 1 January 1938. The CO, S/Ldr John Gillan, flew L1555 in record time from Edinburgh to Northolt on 10 February 1938
No. 3 Squadron introduced Hurricane Mk IIBs and IICs at Martlesham Heath from April 1941, moving to Stapleford Tawney on 23 June, and then Hunsdon on 9 August until re-equipping with Typhoons in February 1943. These six Mk IICs were armed with four 20-mm cannons each
A Hurricane being re-armed and refuelled between sorties during the Battle of Britain. The Hurricanes accounted for 60 per cent of the total victories in the battle. Although Spitfires played a major role, they were allowed take on the Luftwaffe by the presence of the Hurricanes
Two flights of 73 Squadron Hurricane Mk Is fitted with three-blade propellers, including P2569:D and P2575:J flying over France in early 1940. These aircraft feature the tail stripes on the rudders instead of the fin in the style of the French Air Force
Left, Hurricane Mk I L1648 from the first production batch showing the traditional wing planform. It was later operated by 85 Squadron in France. Right, Philip Birtles' book Hawker Hurricane: The Multirole Fighter
'With the Battle of Britain won and RAF fighter pilots tasked with hazardous offensive operations across occupied Europe, Hurricanes became very vulnerable to enemy defences; losses increased alarmingly.
'More pilots were killed or taken prisoner than during the Battle of Britain, many of them very experienced.'
The Hawker Hurricane failed to receive government funding when the prototype was being built, but Hawker were convinced about its future and carried on despite the lack of financial backing.
The Hurricanes were built in south west London and Surrey and trialled on Martlesham Heath in early 1936, where the test pilot Sammy Wroath said: 'The aircraft is simple and easy to fly and has no apparent vices.'
By 1944, Hurricanes had come to the end of their production period, with more than 14,000 made.
Tuesday was Sessions' turn in the hot seat of the Senate Intelligence Committee but he might withhold some of the juiciest material he has to offer by invoking executive privilege.
Session's testimony follows that of fired FBI Director James Comey last week, in a riveting appearance where Comey accused the president of lying and outlined a series of contacts he found inappropriate that could lay a trail for possible obstruction charges.
As the probe of Russian election interference advances and goes in new directions, Sessions could either validate or debunk claims by President Trump or Comey about what happened in the White House behind closed doors amid swirling investigations.
Sessions appeared in a public open session, after some political blowback when the hearing at first appeared it might have been closed giving him the chance to try to clear his name and defend President Trump.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions attends a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, Monday, June 12, 2017, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. He testifies Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee
Sessions, an early support of Trump's, will be called on to explain his own agency's conduct in Trump's firing of Comey along with his own personal contacts with Russia's embassy to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak.
One question still not formally answered is whether Sessions met with Kislyak during a Trump campaign event at the posh Mayflower hotel in Washington, D.C. in April 2016.
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), whose testimony during Session's confirmation ended up tripping up Sessions when he falsely denied having had Russia contacts, spoke about that possible third contact Monday night on MSNBC's 'Hardball.'
Franken said the U.S. 'intercepted some contacts between Kislyak and his people' regarding the event.
The president has the authority to claim executive privilege, but it can be challenged in court and can lead to political charges of covering up
Sessions spoke about crime-fighting at Monday's cabinet meeting, but on Tuesday he'll be asked about the Russia probe and James Comey firing
His appearance follows one by Comey, who spoke at length about private conversations where he says Trump asked him to give an assurance of his loyalty and asked him to back off an FBI investigation of fired national security advisor Mike Flynn.
Although the White House portrayed Comey's appearance as a win, it isn't ruling out invoking privilege for Sessions, which would prevent him from saying everything he knows.
Sessions is expected to claim executive privilege, ABC News reported.
Sessions is preparing for sharp questions from his former Senate colleagues about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse himself from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer did not rule out the invocation of executive privilege
Former FBI Director James Comey
The public testimony Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence committee should yield Sessions' most extensive comments to date on questions that have dogged his entire tenure as attorney general and that led him three months ago to step aside from the Russia probe.
Lawmakers for weeks have demanded answers from Sessions, particularly about meetings he had last summer and fall with the Russian ambassador to the United States.
Those calls have escalated since fired FBI Director James Comey cryptically told lawmakers on Thursday that the bureau had expected Sessions to recuse himself weeks before he did from an investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia during the 2016 presidential election.
Sessions, a close campaign adviser to Trump and the first senator to endorse him, stepped aside from the investigation in early March after acknowledging he had spoken twice in the months before the election with the Russian ambassador. He said at his January confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign.
Since then, lawmakers have raised questions about a possible third meeting at a Washington hotel, though the Justice Department has said that did not happen.
Sessions on Saturday said he would appear before the intelligence committee, which has been doing its own investigation into Russian contacts with the Trump campaign.
There had been some question as to whether the hearing would be open to the public, but the Justice Department said Monday he requested it be so because he "believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him." The committee shortly after said the hearing would be open.
The hearing will bring contentious questioning for Sessions and likely some uncomfortable moments for the Trump administration.
Sessions is likely to be asked about his conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and whether there were more encounters that should have been made public. And he can expect questions about his involvement in Comey's May 9 firing, the circumstances surrounding his decision to recuse himself from the FBI's investigation, and whether any of his actions - such as interviewing candidates for the FBI director position or meeting with Trump about Comey - violated his recusal pledge.
Asked Monday if the White House thought Sessions should invoke executive privilege to avoid answering questions about his conversations with Trump, presidential spokesman Sean Spicer replied, "It depends on the scope of the questions. To get into a hypothetical at this point would be premature."
He did not explicitly endorse Sessions' appearance, saying in response to a question, "We're aware of it, and we'll go from there."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions (C) looks on during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House June 12, 2017, where he was seated next to Vice President Mike Pence. He testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday
Comey himself had a riveting appearance before the same Senate panel last week, with some key moments centered on Sessions.
Comey said Trump told Sessions and other administration officials to leave the room before Trump asked him in February to drop a probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia.
In addition, Comey has said Sessions did not respond when he complained that he did not want to be left alone with Trump again. The Justice Department has denied that, saying Sessions stressed to Comey the need to be careful about following appropriate policies.
The former FBI director also testified that he and the agency had believed Sessions was "inevitably going to recuse" for reasons he said he could not elaborate on.
"We also were aware of facts that I can't discuss in an open setting that would make his continued engagement in a Russia-related investigation problematic," Comey said.
Sessions' appearance before the intelligence committee is an indication of just how much the Russia investigation has shaded his tenure. White House frustrations with the Justice Department spilled into public view last week, when Trump on Twitter criticized the legal strategy in defending his proposed travel ban.
Spicer, the spokesman, declined to say then that Sessions enjoyed Trump's confidence, though spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said later in the week that the president had confidence "in all of his Cabinet."
President Donald Trump smiles during a Cabinet meeting, Monday, June 12, 2017, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington
Attorney General Jeff Session, right, and Vice President Mike Pence attend a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, Monday, June 12, 2017, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington
From left, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, listen as Vice President Mike Pence, right, speaks during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, Monday, June 12, 2017, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington
Though the Justice Department maintains that it has fully disclosed the extent of Sessions' foreign contacts last year, lawmakers have continued to press him for answers about an April 2016 event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, where both Sessions and Kislyak attended a foreign policy speech by Trump.
Senate Democrats have raised the possibility that Sessions and Kislyak could have met there, though Justice Department officials say there were no private encounters or side meetings.
Lawmakers, including Al Franken of Minnesota and Patrick Leahy of Vermont, have asked the FBI to investigate and to determine if Sessions committed perjury when he denied having had meetings with Russians.
A woman in China was reportedly killed yesterday after using a faulty lift and plunging nine storeys down the shaft.
A surveillance video shows the victim stepping through the doors without realising the lift had already ascended to the upper floor.
The woman was found at the bottom of the lift shaft and was pronounced dead on the same day, according to local reports.
A surveillance video shows the tragic moment the woman plunged down a lift shaft after stepping through a set of doors at a hospital in south-west China
The 23-second clip, posted by Beijing Times, shows the woman waiting for the lift on the sixth floor of the Fengdu County People's Hospital at around 12:15pm on Monday.
The victim, surnamed Tan, was accompanied by her husband at the lobby.
She failed to follow her spouse to get into the lift as many lift users were exiting the lift, which appeared to operate well.
The woman, surnamed Tan (left), was filmed waiting for the lift with her husband (centre) on the sixth floor of the Fengdu County People's Hospital on June 12
Ms Tan (circled) failed to follow her spouse to get into the lift as many lift users were exiting
The lift then ascended to the eighth floor and the doors appeared to be partially closed.
Ms Tan did not realise the elevator wasn't there any more and stepped into the shaft.
The video ends as the woman disappeared from sight.
The hospital immediately suspended the elevator to rescue the woman.
Ms Tan was found at the bottom of the shaft. She was pronounced dead at 3pm on the same day.
A spokesman of the hospital said they were waiting for the inspection reports of the elevator in order to identify the cause of the incident.
A restaurant owner who fought off a gang armed with a gun and machetes in a battle caught on CCTV said today: 'It must have been my Liverpool side coming out'.
Peter Lee used a bar stool to attack the four men who burst into Le Jardin in West Kirby on the Wirral in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Mr Lee was sent sprawling across the floor as the men burst in pointing a gun in his face and admitted he 'snapped' when one robber hit him with a sword.
He said: 'I wasn't putting up any resistance but when one of them hit me on the knee with the machete, something inside me snapped. I thought he was going to hit me again. It must have been my Liverpool side coming out.
'I grabbed the bar stool and there was a big scuffle before I forced them out'.
Drama: CCTV shows Peter Lee charge at the gang, including this man wielding a machete
Shocking: The restaurant owner fell to the ground when one robber pointed a gun in his face (pictured)
Heroic: Mr Lee used a bar stool to attack the four men who burst into Le Jardin in West Kirby on the Wirral in the early hours of Thursday morning
The men ran off with 400 and are now wanted by police.
Describing what happened Mr Lee said: 'I was tidying up for the night when I heard someone kicking on the door.
'I tried to keep them out while they were trying to hit me with machetes.
'I fell backwards and the one with the gun was right in my face with it. Three others followed with machetes.'
The gang then surrounded two members of bar staff, screaming at them to open the till.
A barman was hit over the head with a gun and one of the gang grabbed the hair of an 18-year-old female employee who was on her first shift.
Another member of the gang then began threatening Mr Lee with a sword, before striking him on the leg.
But Peter grabbed a bar stool and took the fight to the thugs.
He said: 'It was just a spur of the moment thing. The two other members of staff were screaming but fortunately weren't badly hurt.'
Mr Lee, who reopened the restaurant as usual the next day, says he and several other staff were beaten before he hit back
The men clashed in the middle of the empty restaurant as Mr Lee suffered a blow to his arm when he blocked a machete blow which was coming down on his head. The gang then fled after stealing around 400 from the till
The men clashed in the middle of the empty restaurant as Mr Lee suffered a blow to his arm when he blocked a machete blow which was coming down on his head. The gang then fled after stealing around 400 from the till.
Mr Lee said: 'At the time it was all a bit surreal. When I first saw the lads in the door I wondered why they had masks on. Then they came through the door on top of me.'
Adam, who was working behind the bar, said: 'I just did not know what was happening. He screamed at me to open the till, and I just stared at him. He then hit me over the head with the gun, and I told them that the till was open.
'A bit of the gun broke off when he hit me with it. The police said it was probably a replica but you can't tell at the time.'
Mr Lee, a Liverpool-born Everton FC fan, ran Le Bateau and Metro bar in Liverpool city centre for years. He said that despite working in the city centre he had never experience this kind of violence before.
He said: 'Obviously I have seen trouble before, but nothing like this. I remember one of my doormen hit me once, but that was an accident.
'But when I watch the CCTV I just can't believe my eyes. I did a bit of martial arts when I was younger, so I think that gave me the confidence to try and fight back.'
Mr Lee, who reopened the restaurant as usual the next day, added: 'I would like to thank the West Kirby community who have rallied around me since the attack. So many people have popped their heads around the door to say hello. And a local church sent me a card. I like it here and have no plans to leave, despite the raid.'
Detectives wish to speak to anyone who saw men acting suspiciously around Grange Road in the early hours of Thursday morning, or making off towards the direction of Hoylake just after 1am.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555 111.
Police reinforcements including at least 150 riot control officers have been drafted into Calais as UK-bound migrants set up burning roadblocks to stop lorries.
They use the motorway obstructions to get lorries heading to England to stop, so they can climb aboard and hide until reaching their destination.
The tactics have been used at least three times in as many weeks, with images shot in the early hours of June 9 showing rubble and branches piled up on the A16 in Calais.
A Polish HGV driver who regularly travels between his home country and Britain posted a video of the incident online, and it shows gangs of mainly young men running along the busy road brandishing weapons and trying to climb into lorries.
Video footage shows a burning tree lying across a motorway as men waving clubs at truck drivers
Young migrants try to board lorries in Calais as the violence escalates in the northern town
It is all part of a deteriorating security situation in the French port town which has led to 150 CRS (Republican Security Companies) new officers arriving.
Local forces have asked for more support, and we have responded with a new detachments of CRS, said an Interior Ministry source in Paris.
The exact number of police in the Calais area is not released publicly, but a large number of personnel are in place to maintain security.'
These include soldiers and specialist anti-terrorism teams, as well as regular National Police and gendarmes, said the Interior Ministry source.
It was in October last year that some 8,000 would-be asylum seekers were evacuated from Calais following the destruction of the so-called Jungle shanty town.
Since then everything has been done to stop them returning, with a zero tolerance approach to new settlements.
Migrants climb in the back of a lorry on the A16 highway leading to the Eurotunnel in Calais
But with temperatures reaching 25C, more migrants are arriving, and resuming their efforts to get across the Channel.
The prefecture which covers Calais estimates that some 300 are currently sleeping rough in the area, while charity groups say the figure is more like 600.
The barricade of June 9 was by a slip road off the motorway, said a prefecture spokesman.
Police arrived very quickly and the obstacles were withdrawn. There was no serious traffic disruption, and no arrests.
But a police source said dozens of well organised migrants were behind the trouble, and it was continuing night after night.
We had to deal with it for years before the Jungle was destroyed, and now its starting up again, said the police source.
As the weather gets warmer, there will be more of this.
Charities have complained the police are trying to stop food and water hand-outs to the migrants, but in turn the police say they have to carry out Interior Ministry orders.
The situation was expected to be among subjects discussed by Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday.
Mrs May was a frequent visitor to Calais during her time as Home Secretary and has pledged to help make the ferry crossings and Channel Tunnel watertight to migrants.
There are fears that the passionately pro-EU Mr Macron will try and move border checks back to Britain as Brexit talks approach.
This could lead to camps like the Jungle springing up on the south coast of England as the French allow vast numbers of asylum seekers to travel straight to the UK.
Video footage shows how migrants have placed burning trees across a motorway.
In the shocking footage men are seen waving clubs at truck drivers, as they try to board the UK-bound lorries.
The Calais migrant camp was razed to the ground in October meaning some 8,000 refugees waiting to get into Britain were moved across France.
They have now started filtering back towards the north coast in an attempt to launch a fresh bid to reach the UK in the warmer summer months.
With the uncertainty of Brexit and with the French government going though a transitional period under Emmanuel Macron, the border could be seen as a soft target by those looking to cross it.
Aerial view of the makeshift migrant camp the Jungle, in Calais, France, back in October 2015
At the end of May a French official warned of a fresh surge of migrants in Calais trying to get into the UK just six months after the notorious Jungle camp was closed.
President of the Regional Council of Hauts-de-France Xavier Bertrand wrote to Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to say a summer swell is imminent.
It was expected to bring with it a wave of violence, and prompted British truckers to call for increased protection in Calais following the first serious attacks by migrants since the demolition of the refugee camp.
The warning wasn't acted upon, and a couple of days later UK-bound migrants set fire to an improvised barricade in the middle of a busy motorway near Calais.
Migrants tried to use the obstruction on the A16 at Marck to force lorries heading to England to stop so they could climb aboard and the tactic has been repeated.
A gang of migrants can be seen right running down the road trying to board a UK-bound lorry
The Calais Jungle camp after it was cleared of migrants six months ago. Truck drivers are reporting violence for the first time since it was dismantled
It is just over six months since the vast shantytown was torn to the ground, and some 8,000 UK-bound asylum seekers dispersed across France.
Officially, they are all now banned from the Calais area, but a series of 'extremely violent' incidents last Sunday shows they are slowly returning.
'They set up roadblocks using dustbins, and then tried to stop lorries heading for England so they could get aboard,' said a local police source.
'Two windscreens were smashed, while another lorry had its tyres punctured. One driver was taken to hospital with face injuries.'
In turn, Pauline Bastidon, of the Freight Transport Association, said: 'There is a need for urgent action by the French government to ensure that the area is policed adequately, and to protect drivers transporting goods, so that trade can continue to flow freely between France and the UK.'
A wild leopard was clubbed to death in India after it mauled nine people as it prowled through homes in the area.
Shocking photos show the moment the leopard was killed in Gurgaon, India, after it wanted into the town from a nearby forest.
Villagers chased the two-and-a-half-year-old leopard into a concrete house where it cowered under a bed as a growing mob surrounded it.
Villagers drag a dead leopard through the town of Mandawar, in Gurgaon, India, as more than a thousand look on
The big cat was spotted prowling round homes in Gurgaon, India, after wandering away from nearby forests
The leopard attacked nine people during a three-hour rampage through the village of Mandawar
Despite the attack taking place on November 26 last year, photos of the incident have resurfaced as leopard sightings and attacks in the region have increased due to industrial development driving the animals out of their natural rural habitats
During a three-hour rampage in the village of Mandawar, the leopard had plunged its teeth into nine different people.
The leopard was eventually battered to death as some 1,500 locals looked on.
Despite the attack taking place on November 26 last year, photos of the incident have resurfaced as leopard sightings and attacks in the region have increased due to industrial development driving the animals out of their natural rural habitats.
Wildlife official Rambir Singh said that police and conservationists had been present during the incident in the town of Mandawar but could not stop angry villagers from attacking the creature.
The leopard cowered under a bed as villagers surrounded it in concrete home before its death
Several men try to pry the leopard's paws off of a man who suffered injuries during the hourslong attack
A man who had been captured in the paws of the leopard cleans blood off of his hands following the attack
The injured man, whose blue shirt was covered in blood, wrapped both of his hands in bandages to protect his wounds
Several men carry an injured man through a crowed after a leopard bit nine people in the village last year
One man in the village suffered bloody wounds to his right shoulder, while another suffered a huge gash to his foot
He said: 'We faced difficulty when an aggressive mob of around 1,500 villagers started attacking the leopard.
'The animal also retaliated and in the scuffle, nine persons were injured. The leopard died later.'
The corpse was dragged away as locals continued beating it. The leopard's victim's were treated at hospital in nearby Sohna.
Experts believe the leopards ventured into the region after being forced out by new commercial and residential developments in the vast Aravallis mountains which run through the state.
At one point during the rampage, it appeared as though villagers tried to capture the leopard under a net
But the leopard escaped the net, which is believed to have happened after it emerged from underneath the bed
Several men run from the vicious leopard as it runs through the village. Another man tries swinging a wooden staff at the cat
In April this year, two people were injured when a leopard entered a home in Durga Colony of Sohna in the state of Haryana.
Faridabad wildlife inspector Daal Chand and villagers said as well as new homes and commercial premises being built, regular explosions from mines were also forcing the animals into residential areas.
He said: 'The regular blasts in Mewat and Gurgaon region of Aravalli are forcing the wild animals to leave forest corridor of Alwar-Mewat and Gurgaon. These animals are now heading towards Faridabad.'
A crowd of more than 1,000 eventually surrounded the cat as others dragged it through the village
Wildlife officials were in the area when the killing occurred last year, but they said they were unable to stop the angry mom
Crowds of devoted worshippers descended on Knock shrine after a teenage traveller claimed a vision of the Virgin Mary would appear.
The 14-year-old boy was at a shrine in Fatima, Portugal last May when he said he saw visions of the Virgin Mary and that she told him she would appear again in Knock at 3pm on Saturday.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Irish shrine at the weekend in the hope that they would be blessed.
The 14-year-old boy was at the shrine in Fatima last May when he said he saw visions of the Virgin Mary and that she she told him she would appear again in Knock at 3pm on Saturday
In an audio message posted online, the boy's father explained what his son had witnessed in Portugal.
'For two days our son seen Our Lady in Fatima and he seen the visionaries,' he said.
He added that he was in no doubt about the miraculous nature of his son's visions.
'The visionary from Medjugorje was speaking to him in Portuguese and he was able to understand every word out of her mouth, he got that gift to understand any visionary,' he said.
'On the 10th of June we will be going to Knock and whoever wants to come is welcome. Our Lady will appear there.'
'What it is, is that Our lady will appear on the ground there to,' he said 'and she will bless everyone on the ground'.
On Saturday, as the crowd waited for the Madonna to appear, one worshipper captured the clouds parting.
On Saturday, as the crowd waited for the Madonna to appear, one worshipper captured the clouds parting (left and right). Some claimed the footage was roof that they had been blessed by a higher power
Some claimed the footage of the sun shining down on the people below was proof that they had been blessed by a higher power.
But others remained sceptical.
Biddy Connors uploaded the video on Facebook and said: 'Our lady appeared in Knock today. Astonishing Never get over what I seen. Please watch.'
The video received mixed comments.
One commenter replied: 'I didn't see anything.'
Another added: 'What? Clouds?'
The Virgin Mary is also believed to have appeared at the Knock Shrine in 1879.
Mexican police have recovered the severed heads of two suspected drug cartel victims in a freezer just a few blocs from a major tourist resort.
The discovery, near the resort of San Jose del Cabo is being linked to the recovery of a mass grave last week.
Officials found the bodies of 11 men and three women dumped in the southern part of Baja California Sur.
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Mexican police recovered the severed heads of two suspected victims of drug cartel violence in a freezer near the popular Pacific tourist resort of San Jose de los Carlos, pictured
Mexican authorities warned more than 144 people have been murdered amid the violence
The Sinaloa cartel, who is believed to be behind the violence, is headed by Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's. El Chapo was extradited to the United State to face criminal trial
The murder rate has surged in Baja California Sur in the past three years due to a spike in violence in the municipality of Los Cabos, which includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
The number of murders in the first four months of the year increased more than five times from the same period last year to 144, according to government data.
Mass graves, some with hundreds of bodies, have been discovered around Mexico in the states that have been hardest hit by drug violence, such as Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Morelos and Guerrero.
The most recent atrocities are believed to have been carried out by members of the Sinaloa cartel who control the area.
Some 30,000 people have disappeared in Mexico since drug violence increased sharply around 2007.
More than 150,000 have been killed since then, when former president Felipe Calderon sent the army out to battle drug gangs.
Dr Anthony Madu (pictured) secretly carried out well-paid locum work at hospitals while getting sick pay from another hospital
A disgraced doctor who moonlighted on paid sick leave was today jailed after failing to pay back nearly 100,000 he fiddled from the NHS.
Gynaecologist Dr Anthony Madu, 46, secretly carried out well-paid locum work at hospitals while getting sick pay from another hospital.
Madu - who was described in court as 'irresponsible and dishonest' - sent 95,000 to a Nigerian bank account.
He was spared immediate jail to be given a two-year suspended sentence as long as he paid back 98,000 to the NHS.
But Madu failed to pay it back - and he was jailed for two years for his fraud.
Prosecutor Christian Jowett said: 'The doctor has transferred 95,000 to a bank account in Nigeria.'
Nigerian-born Madu was given the specialist registrar obstetrics gynaecology post at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, in August 2009.
Specialist registrar Madu was convicted of six charges of fraud by working at hospitals across England while employed at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Mr Jowett said: 'He was legally obliged to tell his employers about his work but he did not do so.
'He was also legally obliged to tell two locum agencies that he was on extended leave and had been granted sickness leave.
'But he continued to work and receive payment from both Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and his work in England.'
But he was suspended and put on extended leave two months later over allegations about his conduct towards other staff and claims he had falsified his training record.
He then submitted sick notes on three different occasions, saying he could not work because of stress but then worked as a locum at four hospitals in England.
Madu, of Woolwich, London, continued to work for other health boards including in Manchester, Yorkshire, and the Midlands. The cost to the four
four hospitals he defrauded was said to be 240,000.
Madu - who was described in court as 'irresponsible and dishonest' - sent 95,000 to a Nigerian bank account
At the trial the court heard Madu 'was nowhere near' the level of clinical competence expected of a year five specialist registrar.
Judge David Wyn Morgan spared Madu an immediate jail sentence at the time because a psychiatric report said he would be at 'high risk' of suicide if he was jailed.
At that time he was given a two-year suspended sentence - but ordered to pay back the cash.
Judge Morgan said: 'In pursuing a medical career in the UK you have overstretched yourself and have resorted to dishonesty to cover up your shortcomings.
'These convictions will make it impossible for you to practice medicine in the UK ever again.'
In June Madu was ordered to pay 73,000 back to the NHS within six months. Madu appealed that order.
He failed to repay the 73,000 and appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he was jailed for two years.
Judge David Wynn Morgan told Madu: 'In pursuing a medical career in the UK you have overstretched yourself and have resorted to dishonesty to cover up your shortcomings.
'These convictions will make it impossible for you to practice medicine in the UK ever again.'
Cheryl Hill, deputy operational fraud manager at the NHS Counter Fraud Service Wales, said: 'He has done his utmost to avoid paying back any of the stolen NHS money.
'Madu has therefore been jailed for two years for his failure to repay. The defrauded money will remain outstanding even after he has served his sentence.
'The message is clear: defrauding the NHS results in criminal convictions and huge damage to careers. We are relentless in pursuing those who defraud the NHS.'
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This cuddly and sleepy puppy might soon become a little secret weapon of a police squad in Taiwan.
Fushin has just turned one month old and will be trained as a blood detection dog by the New Taipei City Police Department.
The tiny Labrador met the public for the first time on June 8 and has been billed as 'the cutest police dog'.
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The cream-coloured Labrador loves sleeping and has been dubbed 'the cutest police dog' by media in Taiwan
The puppy, which has just turned one month old, has melt the hearts of thousands after pictures of him were uploaded online
Fushin, born to two sniffer dogs in Taiwan, is set to become a blood detection dog after going through training
Fushin's name means 'a lucky star' in English. He and his five siblings, Schuman, Federica, Eagle, AJ and Sunny, were born on May 9.
They were debuted to the public after officers at the New Taipei City Police Department uploaded pictures of the canines to the department's Facebook account.
Their parents, Leader and Yellow, are both two years old. They are sniffer dogs at the K9 Unit, the detection dog team of the New Taipei City Police Department.
Pan Tian-long, the captain of K9 Unit, said all of the six puppies would undergo training to become detection dogs.
Captain Pan said Schuman, Federica, Eagle, AJ and Sunny, which are all black, would be trained as drug detection dogs.
While Fushin, the only cream-coloured puppy in the litter, is set to be a blood detection dog.
Fushin's parents, Leader and Yellow, are both two years old and are also sniffer dogs at the New Taipei City Police Department
Officers from the K9 Unit at the New Taipei City Police Department have taken turns to look after Fushin and his five siblings
Fushin's name means 'a lucky star'. He and his five siblings, Schuman, Federica, Eagle, AJ and Sunny, were born on May 9
A female officer held Fushin as the pair posed for a picture. The puppy has been described as 'ambitious and courageous'
Captain Pan told MailOnline: 'According to our current observation, Fushin is ambitious and courageous. He is very special.
'We plan to train him to become a blood detection dog. After the training, he would assist the police officers to discover, hunt and pursue traces at crime scenes as well as catch suspected criminals.'
Captain Pan, who has served the police for more than 30 years and caught many drug dealers, showed much affection for the six puppies as he talked about them.
He said they were the first litter of dogs bred by the unit and the officers had taken turns to provide around-the-clock care.
'Fushin is especially cute because he is different from all the others, and he is the naughtiest.
'Sometimes, he would fall asleep while eating, and then he would wake up suddenly and carry on eating like nothing happened. How could people not love something as cute as that?'
Pan Tian-long (pictured), the captain of K9 Unit at the New Taipei City Police Department, said Fushin is very special
Pictured are two of Fushin's siblings, which will be trained to detect drugs by the New Taipei City Police Department
Fushin is the only cream-coloured puppy in the litter. All his siblings (two of them pictured) are black, like their parents
The K9 Unit of the New Taipei City Police Department has sniffer dogs specialised in different tasks, including explosive detection, drug detection, attacking and blood detection, according to Captain Pan.
The squad usually brings large dogs, such as German shepherds, on patrol and to arrest suspects; and sends medium-sized dogs, such as Labradors, to carry out detecting assignments indoors and among crowds of people.
Small dogs, such as Beagles, are used by the team to search for traces in tiny spaces or above ceilings.
The K9 Unit at the New Taipei City Police Department (pictured) has trained dogs to detect explosives, drugs and blood traces
News / National
by Staff reporter
In remarks that are likely to stoke tensions within opposition ranks, former Vice President Joice Mujuru has once again punted herself to lead the country's envisaged grand coalition, at the same time seemingly questioning the suitability of MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai to front the mooted alliance.This comes despite Mujuru - a former Zanu-PF bigwig who now leads the fledgling National People's Party (NPP) - having recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tsvangirai, as they signalled their intention of finalising talks for the mooted opposition alliance.But the former long-serving number two to President Robert Mugabe once again threw the cat among the pigeons last week when she suggested that Tsvangirai did not fit the profile of the ideal leader to front the planned coalition."We want someone who can also unite and appeal to those who fought the war, those in the army, as well as and those in the farms."This is because some fear that if someone else becomes the leader they will lose their farms, or those in the army will be blamed for certain things, and those in the police will be blamed for certain things."And those people will be happy to hear that they have one of their own," Mujuru said as she promoted her candidacy during a meeting with her supporters in Zvimba, Mashonaland West.Analysts have previously said Mujuru, whose liberation struggle nom de guerre was Teurai Ropa (Spill Blood), and whose late husband Solomon was the first black post-independence army commander, could provide the much-needed bridge that opposition parties have been missing to ensure the smooth transfer of power if they win the eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections.Speaking in 2002, the late commander of the defence forces, Vitalis Gava Zvinavashe, infamously said the military would not salute anyone without liberation credentials, in apparent reference to Tsvangirai.Yesterday, analysts told the Daily News that Mujuru's statement last week was "an advertisement" that she wanted to lead the coalition - warning, however, that this could stoke tensions within opposition ranks."Such utterances seem designed to send the message that Tsvangirai, from her point of view, is unsuitable to lead the coalition."The characteristics she profiles appear tailored to reflect what she thinks she brings to the table. But they do not reflect the needs or priorities of significant other constituencies."The issues she raises are of course not unimportant and any coalition leadership should be able to address these issues. But leadership is not simply about who sits on the throne," Piers Pigou, a consultant with the International Crisis Group, said."It also certainly doesn't bode well for the coalition ... and this highlights the importance of an innovative approach to the coalition building effort ... Mujuru is untested outside of Zanu-PF and what we've seen so far is somewhat underwhelming," Pigou added.University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer, Eldred Masunungure, also said it appeared as if it was going to be difficult for opposition parties to agree on a coalition leader, which would weaken the planned alliance."The coalition will likely happen but I don't think it will be strong enough. They will get to it, but it will be a weak coalition unless if they can come up with an acceptable formula to choose the coalition leader."I think it will probably end up being a quarrelsome coalition," Masunungure told the Daily News.Other analysts said a positive attribute of Tsvangirai was that he had the strongest appeal and control over his core supporters, as witnessed at his weekend rally in Gweru, which was attended by tens of thousands of his followers."(Tsvangirai) is the best foot forward, no doubt about that. But he must be magnanimous, crafty, humble and inclusive in the manner in which he approaches the coalition talks," said civic leader Gladys Hlatywayo."The situation requires astute leadership that is able to remain focused on the end-game and rise above petty differences of yesteryears. It equally requires dealing effectively with internal discontent and the divisive politics of positions," she added.Political observers have also previously said the opposition, if they contest next year's elections as a united front, stand a good chance of finally bringing an end to both Mugabe's and Zanu-PF's long rule.Optimism has been high within opposition circles ever since Tsvangirai and Mujuru joined forces and walked the streets of Gweru in August last year, in a rare public show of unity.A large cross-section of Zimbabweans, including political analysts and civic groups, have also said Tsvangirai is the only opposition leader capable of giving Mugabe and the warring Zanu-PF a run for their money in the make-or-break 2018 national elections.Speaking to the Daily News in an interview early this year, former Cabinet minister and for long Mugabe's confidante, Didymus Mutasa, said while there were many people who aspired to lead the planned grand alliance, only Tsvangirai had the support and "the credentials" to take that position completely rubbishing in the process both the capacity and chances of Mujuru to lead the opposition.This was after Mutasa and Mujuru's highly-publicised fallout while they still worked together at the Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) a disaffection which eventually led Mujuru to forming the NPP.Mutasa was effusive in his praise of Tsvangirai, making special mention of the way the MDC president had persevered against all odds in his push for a more democratic Zimbabwe, including taking on Mugabe and a Zanu-PF that he said often behaved "thuggishly" when challenged."For me Tsvangirai is the natural leader of the coalition because of who he is ... What the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) is today stands for what Tsvangirai and the MDC built. The rest of us are latecomers in this game."We want a leader who will do what we thought Mugabe would do, but failed to do, and as ZPF we want to have discussions about who should lead the coalition because when we wanted to do it while we were still with Mujuru she prevaricated."As a party we cannot accept a situation where Mujuru leads the coalition having proved her lack of capacity with ZPF, although she is welcome to be part of the coalition because we need everyone," Mutasa said without hiding his disdain for Mujuru.
Dramatic cockpit footage shows the moment a Russian jet flew within 100ft of a US bomber it intercepted over the Baltic Sea.
The Russian pilot flies the Su-27 expertly alongside the American aircraft, footage from inside the US B-1B showed.
Experts said the interceptor acted in a 'non-aggressive manner' towards the bomber, which is temporarily deployed to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK.
Dramatic cockpit footage shows the moment an Su-27 Russian jet (pictured) flew within 100ft of a US bomber over the Baltic Sea
AFM was told the Russian pilot acted in a non-aggressive manner throughout the manoeuvre,
The fighter held its position off the starboard side before banking and flying away, the video obtained by Air Forces Monthly showed.
The incident happened during the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS), the largest international military exercise organised by the US in the Baltics.
The exercise, which runs from June 1 to 16, sees US Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants participate in air warfare, shallow water, electronic warfare, air control and air defense training - to name but a few.
Three B-52Hs, three B-1Bs and two B-2As comprise the American bombers present for the training drills.
Only last week, the US Defense Department released incredible photos of a Russian aircraft intercepting other American bombers over the Baltic.
Only last week, the US Defense Department released incredible photos of a Russian aircraft intercepting other American bombers over the Baltic
Photos showed another Russian Su-27 Flanker intercepting a formation of US Air Force aircraft, including a US Air Force B-52H
It showed another Russian Su-27 Flanker intercepting a formation of US Air Force aircraft, including a US Air Force B-52H.
Most intercepts are considered 'safe and professional,' according to Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis.
Earlier this week on Tuesday, the Kremlin claimed it had intercepted a US bomber that was flying near the border of Russian airspace.
Moscow's defense ministry announced the incident on Tuesday morning, saying one of its SU-27 jets was dispatched to an area over the Baltic Sea.
The defense ministry said an aircraft was detected flying along the border, prompting the intercept.
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A gorilla helped cheer up her human caretaker by imitating his facial expressions and holding his hand after seeing him looking glum, heartwarming images reveal.
Matabishi the gorilla was seen sliding up next to her caretaker, Matthieu, on a tree stump and imitating his sulking expression in an attempt to cheer him up.
She then held Mattieu's hand as she tried to raise his spirits at Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa.
Matabishi the gorilla was seen sliding up next to her caretaker, Matthieu, on a tree stump and imitating his sulking expression in an attempt to cheer him up at Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage
The photos were taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa by South African wildlife photographer Nelis Wolmarans from Cape Town.
The touching scene was captured by South African wildlife photographer Nelis Wolmarans, from Cape Town.
The 42-year-old said: 'The majority of my adult life has revolved around Africa's wildlife.
'I have a passion for the bush and all creatures within, which guided me to work in hugely diverse areas of the wildlife industry.
'The four mountain gorillas who are cared for at the centre have constant human company and develop very strong bonds with their carers.
'The deep emotional bond is heartwarming to see and the gorillas both draw comfort from and give comfort to their caretakers.
'They are always within touching distance.
'Matthieu is Matabishi's human companion, and she sees him as a parental figure and a best friend.
'It's very clear that they adore each other and the level of trust between the two is exceptional.
'You can see they are a constant source of comfort to each other, and there to support each other with friendship and unconditional love when they need it.
'I love capturing touching moments such as these.'
A girl who was photographed being comforted by a policewoman after the Manchester bombing has paid a heartfelt tribute at her mother's funeral.
Millie Kiss, 12, said the death of her mother Michelle had left her asking 'why do the good people get given the worst things', adding that she loved her 'to the moon and back and a billion times more'.
The 45-year-old was among those murdered by a suicide bomber as she waited for her daughter Millie, who was attending the Ariana Grande concert on May 22.
The photograph of a young Millie being cradled by a policewoman shortly after the blast became one of the enduring images in the aftermath of the murderous attack.
Today, Michelle's husband Tony and their sons Dylan, 20, and Elliott, 17, carried the mother-of-three into a church on their shoulders as the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow was sung by a choir.
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A girl who was photographed being comforted by a policewoman after the Manchester bombing has paid a heartfelt tribute at her mother's funeral. Michelle Kiss was waiting for daughter Millie , 12, pictured, when she was killed in the attack
Mrs Kiss is pictured with her husband Tony and her children Dylan, 20, Elliot, 17 and Millie, 12. The 45-year-old was among those murdered by a suicide bomber at the Ariana Grande concert on May 22
Mr Kiss and the couple's children Dylan, 20, Elliot, 17 and Millie walked behind the hearse from their home to the local St Alban's Catholic Church in Blackburn, Lancashire
At the church, an emotional tribute was read out on behalf of Michelle's daughter Millie, after she had followed the hearse from their family home to a nearby church (shown)
Villagers pay their respects as the hearse of Michelle Kiss passes by on the way to St Alban's Catholic Church in Blackburn
Tony and their children walked behind the hearse from their home to the local St Alban's Catholic Church, in Blackburn, Lancs.
Hundreds of devastated mourners filled the aisles of the church, where the 45-year-old's funeral mass was led by Father Jude Harrison.
An emotional tribute was read out on behalf of Michelle's daughter Millie, who was at the concert on the night of the attack.
She said: 'All our family and friends are missing you so much. You were taken away too soon and should definitely not have been.
'I can't even put into words how much you are missed.
Floral tributes are left for Mrs Kiss, who was one of 22 people to die when Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb in the Manchester Arena
The mother was carried into the church on the shoulders of her sons and her husband as the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow was sung by a choir
'Elvis [the family dog] is missing his treats and his walks with his Mummy and Rocco is wondering what is going on.
'I ask myself everyday why do the good people get given the worst things.
'Life is going to be so different without my mum by my side, but I am going to remember you, mum, with your beautiful smile and pretty face and sparkling eyes.
'You will never ever be forgotten - not by anyone. I know we only knew each other for 12 years, but it felt like a lifetime.
'I love you all the way to the moon and back and a billion times more.
'My mum was such a loving wife, a caring mum, fantastic sister, a beloved daughter and the best friend anyone could wish for.
Mr Kiss earlier released touching family pictures of the couple, including that of their wedding day (left). He also read an emotional tribute to his wife during the service
A police officer wraps a coat around Millie's shoulders shortly after the attack which killed 22, including her mother Michelle
'My mum would sit down and listen to anything that people were saying. She had time for anyone and everyone. Anyone would wish for a friend like my mum.
'I hope life is better where you are now my beautiful angel, Mum.'
Michelle's husband, Tony, thanked family and friends for the support he had received over the past three weeks in his touching tribute.
'I hope life is better where you are now my beautiful angel, Mum' Millie Kiss's funeral reading in full: 'All our family and friends are missing you so much. You were taken away too soon and should definitely not have been. 'I can't even put into words how much you are missed. 'Elvis [the family dog] is missing his treats and his walks with his Mummy and Rocco is wondering what is going on. 'I ask myself everyday why do the good people get given the worst things. 'Life is going to be so different without my mum by my side, but I am going to remember you, mum, with your beautiful smile and pretty face and sparkling eyes. 'You will never ever be forgotten - not by anyone. I know we only knew each other for 12 years, but it felt like a lifetime. 'I love you all the way to the moon and back and a billion times more. 'My mum was such a loving wife, a caring mum, fantastic sister, a beloved daughter and the best friend anyone could wish for. 'My mum would sit down and listen to anything that people were saying. She had time for anyone and everyone. Anyone would wish for a friend like my mum. 'I hope life is better where you are now my beautiful angel, Mum.' Advertisement
He said: 'Today we laid my beautiful wife and mother of our three children to rest.
'We'd like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past few weeks, particularly our close friends and family and the wider community.
'There have been so many offers of help, it's hard to name everyone individually but you all know who you are.
'You've all helped us grow stronger as a family through this terrible time.
'Michelle was a devoted mother, daughter and sister, and family was at the heart of everything she did.
'She lived for her children and we would really like her memory to live on by helping to support a local childrens' charity - Derian House.
'Please help us make something good come of this situation by supporting this charity that provides so much help to sick children in our area.
'We know Michelle would think this a very fitting gesture. We are now moving slowly forward with the help and love of everyone around us.
'Our lives have been changed forever by these horrific events but we are asking people to please choose love, because that's what we as a family are doing now.'
Father Jude Harrison paid tribute to the 'loving' mother who spent her life caring for her family and friends.
He said: 'Michelle brought so much love and joy into the world and we gave thanks for her life and asked God to welcome her into his kingdom.
'We offered all our love and consolation to the family who are devastated at their loss of such a beautiful lady.
'Our faith is built on a simple belief that love will never die and that Michelle's memory and her life of goodness will live with us all for ever until we meet her again in Our Father's home in heaven.'
The other 21 victims of the Manchester terrorist attack along with the victims of the London Bridge attack were also prayed for during the service.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Germany and Poland on a five-day charm offensive shortly after Brexit talks start, it has been confirmed.
The Royal couple are making their trip at the request of the Foreign Office and officials will hope that their popularity abroad will help drum up some good feeling towards the UK as the all-important negotiations start.
It comes as Britain's politics has plunged into turmoil after Theresa May had her majority wiped out in last week's election humiliation.
She is hoping to cling on to power by getting the backing of the DUP's ten MPs, but Brussels has seized on the fall-out to snipe at the PM and demand a new approach to Brexit talks.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, pictured on their tour of Canada last year, are being sent on a five-day tour of Germany and Poland just after Brexit talks start
William and Kate will begin their trip on July 17 in Poland's capital Warsaw and end in the German city of Hamburg on July 21.
It is not thought the couple will be taking their young children Prince George and Princess Charlotte on tour with them.
Kensington Palace declined to comment when asked if the Cambridges would be accompanied by their children.
During their tour William and Kate will also visit Gdansk in Poland, Germany's capital Berlin and Heidelberg.
William travelled to Germany last summer, visiting Dusseldorf for a series of events honouring the role of British armed forces based in the country.
Kate and William, pictured in their tour of Canada last year, are hugely popular abroad and officials will hope that the tour will drum up good feeling towards the UK as the government embarks on all-important Brexit negotiations
During a gala event, where the Duke gave a speech alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel, William claimed the 'depth' of Britain's friendship with Germany would not change after Brexit.
The charm offensive comes as senior figures in Brussels have seized on the political uncertainty following last Thursday's election to ratchet up the pressure on the government.
Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's chief negotiator, today said Brussels is losing patience with Britain and demanded Mrs May to re-examine her approach to the talks.
He said: 'We are impatiently waiting for the negotiating position of the UK gov. The current uncertainty cannot continue.'
He added: 'Brexit isn't just about the Tories leaving the EU, it's about the whole UK. Everyones voice should be heard.'
While some politicians are pushing for a 'softer' Brexit in the wake of the election - raising fears Britain could be stuck with many aspects of EU membership despite last year's historic vote.
Kate and William - who have been dubbed Brexit ambassadors - took their children Charlotte and George on their tour of Canada last year. But they are not expected to take the prince and princess on their tour of Germany and Poland
The British monarchy has close ties with the European country, as a succession of sovereigns from George I, born in what is now modern Germany and who acceded to the throne in 1714, to William IV, who died in 1830, were also rulers of Hanover in Germany.
The 300th anniversary of what is known as the 'personal union' was celebrated in 2014, and the year before the milestone, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie visited Germany to highlight the event.
During a state visit to Germany in 2015, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp to mark the 70th anniversary of its liberation by British forces.
Kate has yet to make an official trip to Germany and the Cambridges have not toured Poland before on behalf of the Government.
Kensington Palace said full details of the visit would be released at a later date.
A man who allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted a teenager claims he has done nothing wrong because they are lawfully married.
Chafic Cheryala, 33, is accused of kidnapping the 18-year-old from her home in Sydney's Bankstown at 2am on Sunday after she turned down his request for marriage.
Cheryala allegedly then forced her to marry him in a secret Islamic ceremony performed by a sheik before assaulting her and driving her 400km towards Melbourne in a 43-hour ordeal.
The victim, an aspiring lawyer, has opened up about the moment he allegedly threatened to kill her if she did not obey him.
Chafic Cheryala, 33, allegedly abducted a teenager and sexually assaulted her
'He said if I don't go with him he's going to kill himself and kill me, so I left,' the victim told 7News.
She said Cheryala, a distant family friend who is in Australia on a bridging visa, sought her hand in marriage to gain citizenship.
'It was scary, like, I just wanted to come back home to my family,' she said.
The victim was allegedly kidnapped at 2am on Sunday and taken to the Novotel at Brighton Le Sands, where she stayed with the accused all day until Sunday night.
Cheryala allegedly then forced her to go with him to a home in Lakemba so they could be married in a secret Islamic ceremony.
'I can't stand him, I want to kill him,' the victim said to the accused.
The victim has opened up on the moment he allegedly threatened to kill her if she did not follow him out of her bedroom window
Cheryala allegedly forced the victim to marry him in a secret Islamic ceremony before sexually assaulting her
The victim said Cheryala, a distant family who is in Australia on a bridging visa, sought her hand in marriage to gain citizenship
He then took her on a drive about 400km southwest on the Hume Highway before police swooped and arrested him.
Astonishingly, Cheryala told the magistrate he has done nothing wrong because he believes he is lawfully married to his victim, reports 9News.
He was denied bail in Bankstown Local Court where he faces a string of charges including kidnapping, sexual assault and indecent assault.
The victim is in a stable condition in hospital.
The man allegedly abducted the 18-year-old in Bankstown at 2am and was arrested on the Hume Highway in Gundagai near Wagga Wagga
A mother has spoken of her anguish at being forced to pick out a tiny coffin for her baby girl who was born 12 weeks early following a crash on a Melbourne highway.
Dimple Grace Thomas, 32, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death after hitting Ashlea Allen's car at Cranbourne last August.
Ms Allen, whose two-year-old daughter was also in the car, was 28 weeks pregnant and rushed to hospital where baby Melarniah was born by emergency caesarean.
The infant died two days later after intensive care was withdrawn.
Dimple Grace Thomas (right), 32, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death after hitting Ashlea Allen's car at Cranbourne last August
Court heard Thomas was 'rushing to beat traffic' when she illegally crossed three lanes and turned into the path of Ms Allen on the South Gippsland Highway
Ms Allen told the County Court the scar on her stomach was a constant reminder of her loss, which was too deep to put into words.
'I'm existing but I'm empty because I don't know how to live in a world without my daughter,' she said in her statement, read to the court by Crown prosecutor Diana Piekusis.
Ms Allen said she wasn't able to hold Melarniah in hospital because of all the tubes.
When Melarniah died, she and her partner Chris were forced to pick out the tiniest coffin she never even knew existed.
'Our family should've been complete but now it is broken,' she said.
'Our lives have come crashing down around us because of the wrong choice made by someone else.'
Thomas is a devout Christian who suffered a miscarriage after the incident and her defence lawyer Theo Alexander said she believed it was the result of what she had done.
Ms Piekusis said the accused woman had just left the gym and was entering the South Gippsland Highway.
Ashlea Allen (pictured with partner Chris Oscuro), 26, was only 28 weeks pregnant when a car crash on August 8 ruptured her placenta and forced the emergency caesarean delivery of her daughter Milarniah
Instead of turning left as required, she moved across the three lanes of the highway towards the break in the median strip, rushing to beat oncoming traffic, when the crash occurred.
Thomas, of Cranbourne East, told court through an interpreter she became confused when she saw a car in the break in the road, believing it was waiting for her.
She said she then saw a one-way sign, realised she couldn't go that way, and crashed into Ms Allen's car.
Dr Alexander said Thomas had driven across the highway lanes, considering the break in the median strip to be open to her.
Although the mother and former nurse was a nervous driver, she was 'deeply law abiding', he said.
Dr Alexander said Thomas moved to Australia in 2012 from a small village in southern India where road rules were very different. She converted her Indian licence to an Australian licence after her arrival.
'This is a woman who would not recklessly endanger the life of another road user,' he said.
The plea hearing continues on Wednesday.
These amazing images of Native Americans have been brought back to life through vivid colourisation.
The remarkable pictures show the group during the 1920s, with some of the leaders meeting with then American president, Calvin Coolidge, at the White House.
Other fascinating images show the native tribe mixing with the public, standing on top of the Lincoln Memorial holding the American flag high, and two Native American elders meeting with politicians at the Capitol Hill in 1936, the same year the Aborigines Act Amendment Act was legislated.
These incredible photographs were colourised by British colorization specialist, Royston Leonard, 54, from Cardiff, Wales.
In 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was proposed by Representative Homer P. Snyder and signed by President Calvin Coolidge, meaning the indigenous peoples including the Native American tribe, also known as Native Indians, were granted full U.S. citizenship.
A stepfather has been charged over the alleged murder of his partner's two-year-old son.
Joel Nicholas Kuskey, 28, was arrested and charged in Queensland on Tuesday following an extensive investigation into little Joshua's suspicious death in April 2015.
The Courier Mail reported that they were contacted by relatives who confirmed that Kuskey was the boyfriend of Joshua's mother.
The toddler was allegedly known to Queensland's child safety department,' reported the Brisbane Times.
Police said they had not previously been called out to the Kingston home in relation to child safety issues but it's understood the Department of Child Safety had investigated the family in 2013.
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The Courier Mail reported that they were contacted by relatives who confirmed that Kuskey was the boyfriend of Joshua's mother (Joshua pictured)
Police charged Kuskey with one count each of murder, supplying dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils.
He has also been charged with four counts of possessing dangerous drugs.
The two-year-old was found unconscious at a home in Kingston, south of Brisbane, and was rushed to Logan Hospital before being transferred to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in 2015.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged on Tuesday following the death of a two-year-old boy
The little boy was pronounced dead at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane (pictured) after being found unconscious at a home
The man was arrested and charged by Queensland Police following an extensive investigation into the little boy's 2015 death
He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at that hospital, with police saying he 'suffered horrific injuries.'
Police set-up Operation North Arete to investigate the circumstances surrounding the little boy's death.
'The death of any child is always tragic but this is a particularly distressing case where a young child has suffered horrific injuries,' Queensland Police Detective Inspector Mark White said.
'Our team of detectives are determined to complete a robust and exhaustive investigation and are continuing to appeal for anyone with information which could assist us to come forward.'
Police said the 28-year-old is expected to face Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A controversial Muslim psychologist from western Sydney has published a Facebook post calling for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to be given a head transplant.
Hanan Dover's seeming attempt at humour comes as federal parliament debates proposals to toughen citizenship laws.
Her social media post was published next to a science video explaining the possibility of a head transplant later this year.
Muslim psychologist Hanan Dover has joked about giving the Immigration Minister a new head
The western Sydney psychologist made the suggestion next to a science video on Facebook
'If the head transplant is successful, can we volunteer Peter Dutton's head to be replaced next?,' she said.
Her post inspired some awful reactions from her Facebook followers with one man suggesting: ' We will have to put his head on a pig.'
Ms Dover, who regularly criticises Western foreign policy and Australian politicians, has timed her Facebook remark to coincide with this week's parliamentary debate on citizenship rules.
She is also a critic of Sydney-based Lebanese Muslim doctor Jamal Rifi, who campaigns against extremism, and secular Muslims who reject Sharia law, like British former Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Maajid Nawaz.
Mr Dutton wants to extend the period of permanent residency, before someone can apply for citizenship, from one to four years.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton will this week debate toughening citizenship laws
Hanan Dover (pictured with academic Susan Carland) is a critic of Australian foreign policy
A Facebook follower of Hanan Dover suggested Peter Dutton's head be put on a pig
He is also wants more power to overturn decisions of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, after it stymied in May his decision to deport six Iranian men who had lied on their refugee status applications.
The asylum seekers, who arrived in Australia between 2009 and 2014, had been found to have visited the nation they claimed to have fled.
Ms Dover, who practises at Bankstown in Sydney's west, has also used Facebook and Twitter to criticise Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Zed Seselja's call for politicians to clearly state the link between terrorism and Islamic scriptures.
In a 2am tweet last week, she tweeted to Senator Seselja: 'OK, let's honestly discuss foreign policy.'
The Sydney psychologist believes foreign policy is a bigger driver of terrorism than Islam
A 118-year-old painting by a celebrated South Pole explorer has been discovered in a historic Antarctic hut hidden among penguin poo.
Dr Edward Wilson, who died with Captain Robert Scott and three others in 1912 as they battled to return from their trip to the South Pole, painted the watercolour of a small bird.
The watercolour was found among a portfolio of papers inside a bunk at the hut at Cape Adare, according to the Antarctic Heritage Trust - which is restoring 1500 artifacts from the hut.
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The water colour was found among a portfolio of papers inside a bunk at the hut at Cape Adare, says the Antarctic Heritage Trust, which is restoring 1500 artefacts from the hut
Dr Edward Wilson, who died with Captain Robert Scott and three others in 1912 as they battled to return from their trip to the South Pole, painted the water colour of a small bird
Trust conservator Josefin Bergmark-Jimenez was shocked by the painting's beauty when she discovered it in September 2016.
'[I] couldn't stop looking at it - the colours, the vibrancy, it is such a beautiful piece of work,' she said.
Yet, at first, it was not immediately clear who painted the mystery picture or how it came to be among the portfolio of papers.
The team from the trust knew it was likely to either be from Norwegian Carsten Borchgrevink's expedition in 1899, which built the two huts at Cape Adare, or the 1911 Scott expedition that also used them.
It was not until Ms Bergmark-Jimenez attended a Canterbury University lecture on Dr Wilson in New Zealand and recognised his distinct handwriting that she knew who had been the painter.
Dr Wilson had been a remarkable man, who was not only integral to Scott's 1911 and 1912 expeditions to Antarctica as a scientist and medical doctor, but he was also a talented painter.
Trust conservator Josefin Bergmark-Jimenez was shocked by the painting's beauty when she discovered it in September 2016
It was not until Ms Bergmark-Jimenez attended a Canterbury University lecture on Dr Wilson in New Zealand and recognised his distinct handwriting that she knew who had been the painter
Who was Dr Edward Wilson? Born in Cheltenham, England.
He went to Antarctica on two separate trips - one as an assistant surgeon in 1901 and as a biologist in 1911.
Wilson was one of the five man South Pole Party who perished on the return journey in 1912, he died in the tent at the last camp at the age of 39.
He was an avid artist and completed 'E. A. Wilson's watercolours' during the two trips. Advertisement
He was also known to have visited Lyttleton near Christchurch where he may have seen the tree creeper bird, depicted in the water colour.
He likely painted the image while recovering from tuberculosis in Europe and then took it with him as he travelled with Scott in 1911, the trust team said.
Ms Bergmark-Jimenez said the painting survived in excellent condition because, while water colours are susceptible to light, it had been tightly packed between other sheets of paper in dark and cold conditions.
'It is actually an ideal way to store it,' she said.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust will return the 1500 artefacts to their original places once the two Cape Adare huts containing them have also been restored.
News / National
by Staff reporter
A NEW private cemetery has opened for burials in Bulawayo's Northlyn and Trenance suburbs.The Acting Director of Health Services Dr Edwin Sibanda said the Government approved the establishment of the private cemetery last year soon after the brief closure of West Park as it had run out of burial space."A new private cemetery had been gazetted in Northvale Lot 100 of John Makunga. Burials can now take place," said Dr Sibanda in the latest council report.The new cemetery would be for the upper class and each grave would cost $5 000. Prices for graves at city council cemeteries range between $47 and $92."I can confirm that the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has consented in terms of Section 35(i)(a) of the Cemeteries Act - Chapter 5:04 to the establishment of a private cemetery on Remainder of Hundred Acre Lot - John Makunga in Northlyn and Trenance areas," said Dr Sibanda.Bulawayo was facing a crisis of burial space following the closure of West Park Cemetery last year and residents were all being referred to Luveve Cemetery for burials.Council later utilised some remaining space at West Park Cemetery and burials are still taking place there.Other cemeteries are set to be opened in Marvel Township and Pumula South suburb.Dr Sibanda explained that land used for cemeteries could not have development established on it because of the soils and terrain.Meanwhile, council is worried by the increasing theft cases at cemeteries during burials and is encouraging mourners to be careful.Councillor Monica Lubimbi said thieves were now targeting mourners' vehicles left parked outside West Park cemetery during burials.She said appropriate action should be taken to protect mourners' property during burials."Residents should be encouraged to secure their vehicles at cemeteries during burials. Police should also patrol the area to deter thieves" she said.Dr Sibanda concurred with Clr Lubimbi saying measures should be taken to improve security following an upsurge in cases of theft during burials at West Park cemetery."In view of this councillors should encourage residents to secure their vehicles during burials. Police arrested some suspects recently in connection with the thefts or burglary," said Dr Sibanda.The councillors also noted that there was congestion at cemeteries and Dr Sibanda explained that it was caused by failure to adhere to stipulated burial times given to the bereaved families.He encouraged residents to keep time and discouraged them from driving into cemeteries.Council had set 12 noon as closing time for all cemeteries.In April, council recorded 384 burials at its cemeteries and 13 cremations. Council once mulled plans to offer cremation free of charge to make it more acceptable to residents as the city was fast running out of burial space.However, the idea was met with stiff resistance from residents who maintain that burning the body of a loved one is against African culture.Councillors agreed that the concept of cremation should be sold to the younger generation and also encouraged people to write wills and specify such choices.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich advised President Trump against terminating special counsel Robert Mueller, though attacked the former FBI chief for hiring 'bad people' to handle the Russia probe.
Speaking to George Stephanopoulos on ABC's Good Morning America, Gingrich accused Mueller's hires of being Democrats who would wage an unfair fight against the Trump White House.
'These are bad people. Bad people,' Gingrich said to a miffed Stephanopoulos. 'These are people who are going to be after Trump.'
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Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich pointed a finger at special counsel Robert Mueller and accused the former FBI head, who's running the Russia probe, with hiring Democrats
ABC's George Stephanopoulos (left) seemed surprised when former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (right) accused special counsel Robert Mueller of hiring 'bad people'
The former speaker has been a top ally to the president. Trump also nominated Gingrich's wife, Callista, to be the ambassador to the Vatican. Gingrich's newest book 'Understanding Trump' was released Tuesday.
On Good Morning America, Gingrich pointed out that a handful of Mueller's hires had donated to Democratic political candidates, including Trump's rival Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama.
For example, Michael Dreeban, a criminal law expert who's working part-time for Mueller, donated $1,000 to Friends of Hillary, which was supporting Clinton when she ran for public office in New York.
Another big-name hire, Andrew Weissmann, who led the Enron Task Force, donated six times to the political action committees supporting Obama during the 2008 election, for a total of $4,700, according to the Hill.
In total, four of Mueller's top hires had contributed to Democrats, which Laura Ingraham's publication Lifezette also pointed out.
Trump ally Ingraham's involvement she also had Gingrich on her show, where he made similar complains about Mueller suggests this may be a broader strategy coming from the White House to taint Mueller's Russia probe.
'One of them worked for the Clinton Foundation,' Gingrich also pointed out to Stephanopoulos.
He was referring to Jeannie Rhee, a former Department of Justice attorney who represented the Clinton Foundation in 2015.
Rhee and her partner on the case Jamie Gorelick got a federal judge to block Bill and Hillary Clinton from testifying in a deposition in a lawsuit brought to the court by a conservative activist.
Gorelick is now an attorney for Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
'He did not hire a Republican in the first wave,' Gingrich complained of Mueller.
Stephanopoulos, a veteran of the Clinton White House, pointed out that Kenneth Starr, the special counsel who investigated that White House, had called Mueller's crew a 'fantastic team' comprised of 'complete professionals.'
'Well, then Ken Starr and I live in two different universes then,' Gingrich replied. 'I am very dubious about the team Mueller is putting together,' he added.
Stephanopoulos pointed out that Gingrich, who was serving in Congress at the time, and other Republicans on Capitol Hill, were comfortable with the fact that Starr had donated money to Republicans.
'I think we're in a different world,' the former speaker replied. 'Look at the intensity where we are right now, whether it is somebody holding up the bleeding head of the president, or a New York play showing the assassination of the president.'
Gingrich was referring to comedian Kathy Griffin's grisly and controversial photo shoot and the New York Public Theater's decision to reimagine Julius Caesar with the title character portrayed as Trump.
'We're in a period where if people think this is going to be a neutral, professional investigation, I think they're delusional,' Gingrich argued.
Stephanopoulos pointed out that the day Mueller was chosen for the role, by Trump's Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Gingrich had applauded it.
'Robert Mueller is superb choice to be special counsel. His reputation is impeccable for honesty and integrity. Media should now calm down,' Gingrich tweeted on May 17, on the heels of the announcement.
Gingrich said last week's testimony by former FBI head James Comey helped inspire the change.
'And I began to change, frankly, when Comey which I thought was an amazingly arrogant statement pointed out that he felt he had the right to leak to the New York Times ... and he said, this is his words, specifically in order to get a special counsel,' Gingrich said.
'A special counsel that would be his close friend,' Gingrich added.
Mueller and Comey know one another from when Mueller was atop the FBI and Comey was No. 2 at Justice.
Gingrich also suggested the Russia probe would be tainted because '97 percent' of Justice Department political contributions went to Clinton.
In the end, he didn't expect Mueller's team to find incriminating evidence on President Trump.
'Here's what's going to happen, they're going to go out, they're not going to get Trump, they're just going to annoy him,' Gingrich said, suggesting that the probe would find someone like Scooter Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff who went to jail for perjury.
Gingrich cast Libby as a scapegoat.
Stephanopoulos pointed out that if the president didn't do anything wrong, why should he be fearful of a special counsel.
On Monday night, the news broke that Trump was reportedly thinking about axing Mueller, according to his pal Chris Ruddy, the CEO of conservative media outlet Newsmax.
'I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option,' Ruddy said during an episode of Newshour.
Gingrich, in answering Stephanopoulos' broader question, pointed again at Scooter Libby.
'That's my whole point. Scooter Libby did nothing wrong, he ended up going to jail. He did nothing wrong, he was not part of the case, and the independent counsel was trying to flip him to get Dick Cheney,' Gingrich said.
'Independent counsel are very dangerous,' the former speaker warned, closing out the interview.
Magaluf Council is planning to crack down on notorious booze cruises known for their sexual antics, it has been reported.
Authorities are said to want to ban drunken behaviour on the boat parties where Brits abroad are plied with free alcohol and urged to play sexually charged drinking games.
'There is a legal vacuum when it comes to the regulation of party boats,' according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin which claimed it prevents action being taken against lewd behaviour on the water.
Magaluf Council are reported to be planning a crack down on notorious booze cruises known for their sexual antics (file photo)
Authorities are said to want to ban drunken behaviour on the boat parties where Brits abroad are plied with free alcohol
The holiday resort has become a well known destination for young Brits planning their first trip abroad with friends but 'this is about to all change', according to local reports
Following in Ibiza's lead, officials in Majorca are set to issue fines for drunken behaviour on the trips made famous in British comedy, The Inbetweeners Movie.
The holiday resort has become a well known destination for young Brits planning their first trip abroad with friends but 'this is about to all change', the Majorca Daily Bulletin claims.
It went on: 'The regional government is to establish a legal framework by which party boats will have to meet the same legal requirements as bars, restaurants and clubs.
'The government will therefore be amending the tourism law in order to put a stop to the booze cruises which adversely affect the image of some resorts, Magaluf being one.'
Misbehaving holidaymakers are already being punished with a new 87 fine on the mainland as frustrated authorities also seek a way to put an end to noisy nightclubs in Majorca, visited by 2.2million Brits a year.
On Sunday, a group of British holidaymakers have been fined after taking part in this eye-catching naked run through the streets of Magaluf's neighbouring resort Palmanova.
Following in Ibiza's lead, officials in Majorca are set to issue fines for drunken behaviour on the trips made famous in British comedy, The Inbetweeners Movie
Misbehaving holidaymakers are already being punished with a new 87 fine on the mainland
Fustrated authorities are also seeking a way to put an end to noisy nightclubs in Majorca, visited by 2.2million Brits a year
Around 20 male tourists stripped off for a starkers skinny-dip before jogging back to their hotel with no clothes on in broad-daylight as shocked onlookers filmed them.
Some covered up their privates with one hand while others left their man hoods exposed to passersby, including a young boy, on Friday.
Only one of the Brits appeared to be dressed, with a couple of those that did have at least something on limiting their attire to just hats and sunglasses.
A Spanish local watching the outrageous scene could be overheard shouting 'mira, mira' - Spanish for 'look, look' - as a second man appeared out of nowhere to stop cars as the Brits ran across a road at the back of the promenade.
Council officials in Calvia, which covers the Palmanova area, confirmed 18 of the tourists had been fined after local police tracked down the hotel they were staying in.
All but one were penalised for infringing a by-law by exposing themselves in public and another for obstructing traffic.
A group of British men have been fined after they were filmed running naked through the streets of Palma Nova
The shocking footage shows English and Scottish fans hurling chairs at each other after clashing in the streets of the Majorcan party resort at the end of Saturday's World Cup qualifier
Shocking footage of a brawl in Magaluf between Scotland and England football fans emerged on the same day.
The video shows fans hurling chairs at each other and swearing after clashing in the streets of the Majorcan party resort at the end of Saturday's World Cup qualifier.
Several fans appeared to be injured during the fighting, with one Scot being led away by a friend with blood pouring from a head wound.
Magaluf is a favourite party destination for British tourists who come to blow off steam and enjoy the cheap alcohol prices on offer.
Already, British holidaymakers have been pictured taking their clothes off, carrying sex dolls and lying in the street drunk on the Spanish party island of Majorca as party season begins.
But bad behaviour over the years, including binge drinking, sex in the streets, fighting and nudity, have given Brits a bad reputation with the Spanish authorities.
Already, British holidaymakers have been pictured taking their clothes off, carrying sex dolls and lying in the street drunk on the Spanish party island of Majorca
Bad behaviour over the years, including binge drinking, sex in the streets, fighting and nudity, have given Brits a bad reputation with the Spanish authorities
A group of women carry a blow-up sex doll on the street as they move between the area's packed bars and clubs
They are now issuing strict warnings to tourists that there will be consequences for those who misbehave.
Council officials are fighting to improve the area's image, where a lot of the rowdy behaviour is concentrated in a strip of bars known as Punta Ballena.
Their attempts follow a string of controversial stories surrounding the resort in recent years which tour operators say are putting people off visiting the island altogether.
Two years ago, officials announced plans to introduce fines of up to 3,000 (2,182) for anyone caught naked in the street.
The new rules came into effect in June 2015, and also included hefty fines for anyone urinating in public or 'balconing', which refers to the act of drunkenly jumping from hotel balconies.
Spanish police vans make their way through groups of revellers. Authorities have previously vowed to crackdown on bad behaviour
A group of men in Hawaiian shirts chant at the photographer on the resort's controversial Punta Ballena strip
Two girls - one with heavily sunburned legs - lie on the floor of a fast food restaurant in Magaluf
That summer British police were even dispatched to the party spot as a trial to help Spanish officers deal with victims and offenders from the UK.
But pictures taken at the resort recently still showed revellers spilling out of bars and falling on the street.
In one photo a partygoer in a 'Willyman' costume - which is essentially a superhero outfit with a plastic penis attached - can be seen pointing his plastic prop at a young woman.
Russian opposition demonstrators faced court on Tuesday after nationwide anti-corruption protests called by leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was slapped with a 30-day jail sentence, erupted across the country.
More than 1,500 people were detained at Monday's demonstrations, mainly in the capital Moscow and Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg, and several criminal probes into police violence were launched.
Police stations overflowed with detainees and many people still awaited processing while others were shuttled to court for hearings over violating demonstration regulations that could lead to 15 days of jail time.
Navalny, 41, was arrested as he tried to leave his home in Moscow ahead of the planned anti-Kremlin protests on Monday and was later sentenced to 30 days in jail for repeatedly violating the law on organizing public meetings.
More than 1,500 people in Russia were detained at anti-corruption protests called by leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday
Police stations overflowed with detainees and many people still awaited processing while others were shuttled to court for hearings over violating demonstration regulations that could lead to 15 days of jail time
Navalny, 41, was was arrested as he tried to leave his home in Moscow ahead of the planned anti-Kremlin protests on Monday, his wife Kira Yarmysh said and was later sentenced to 30 days in jail
Navalny sits in a police car after being found guilty by a court of repeatedly violating the law on organizing public meetings, in Moscow
Police waited for Navalny in the stairwell of his building and hauled him off to a police station before the rally had even begun in Moscow
Opposition activist Ilya Yashin was one of over 800 people detained in Moscow after the protest on Tverskaya Street, the main thoroughfare to the Kremlin.
'We've left the station. They are taking us to Tverskoy district court,' he tweeted on Tuesday.
The protest in the capital was originally authorised in a different location but Navalny unexpectedly cancelled it on Sunday, saying that the authorities were blocking efforts to hire a stage and sound equipment, calling on supporters to go to Tverskaya Street instead.
After the change, Moscow police warned that 'any provocative actions from the protesters' side will be considered a threat to public order and will be immediately suppressed'.
Navalny never made it to the protest, however, as police awaited him in the stairwell of his building and hauled him off to a police station before the rally had even begun.
In a statement reported by state news agency Tass, police said Navalny would be charged with failure to follow police orders and violation of public order following his arrest.
Authorities in Moscow, where the largest protest is likely to be held, started detaining demonstrators shortly after the protests began. Pictured above, riot police detain Russian opposition figure Ilya Yashin during the protest
The protest in the capital was originally authorised in a different location but Navalny unexpectedly cancelled it on Sunday, saying that the authorities were blocking efforts to hire a stage and sound equipment, calling on supporters to go to Tverskaya Street instead
After the change, Moscow police warned that 'any provocative actions from the protesters' side will be considered a threat to public order and will be immediately suppressed'
Still, thousands of protesters gathered for the anti-corruption demonstration in Moscow on Monday, which happened to be Russia Day, which marks the country's emergency from the USSR a quarter of a century ago
Tverskaya Street on the same day hosted a festival of historical reconstruction organised by city hall for the Russia Day public holiday, resulting in surreal scenes with protesters shouting slogans as people in period costumes held bouts of sword fighting
Russian police officers detain a participant of an unauthorized anti-corruption rally at the Marsovo Field on Russia Day in central St. Petersburg
Russian officers carry a man to be detained as a young man and woman follow closely in St Petersburg
The 41-year-old protest leader has announced his intent to run for president against Vladimir Putin and has been campaigning relentlessly around Russia while also mounting strong online presence via YouTube videos, attracting a younger generation.
Tverskaya Street on the same day hosted a festival of historical reconstruction organised by city hall for the Russia Day public holiday, resulting in surreal scenes with protesters shouting slogans as people in period costumes held bouts of sword fighting.
Authorities condemned the protest as a 'provocation,' and riot police broke through the crowd of protesters, grabbing people and putting them in buses.
On Tuesday, the powerful Investigative Committee said one protester 'sprayed tear gas into the eyes of a riot police officer who was carrying out his duties during the unsanctioned rally' and would be charged.
As police detained demonstrators, hundreds of others shouted slogans including 'Putin is a thief' and 'Shame!'
There were anti-Putin rallies in more than 180 towns and cities including Russia's Pacific capital Vladivostok where 22 were detained.
The protests, which involved cities from far-eastern Vladivostok to the Black Sea resort of Sochi and Norilsk beyond the Arctic Circle, follow a previous unsanctioned rally called by Navalny on March 26 that provoked a similar police reaction.
A man waves Russian Flag as he sits on top of a cover of an entrance during an unauthorized opposition rally in Moscow
Riot police stand guard next to children in a stroller during an anti-corruption protest organised by opposition leader Alexei Navalny, on Tverskaya Street in central Moscow
As police detained demonstrators, hundreds of others shouted slogans including 'Putin is a thief' and 'Shame!'
The protesters' (one pictured above being detained) path was blocked by police barriers put in place as part of a festival of historical costumes on Tverskaya Street, Moscow's central thoroughfare
Russian police officers detain a participant of an unauthorized opposition rally in Tverskaya street in central Moscow
The rallies are the largest to be held Russia-wide since a wave of street actions protesting against Putin's reelection to a third Kremlin term in 2011-12, after which the Kremlin initiated a series of repressive laws criminalising unsanctioned gatherings.
They also follow a film made by Navalny's team that accuses Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of amassing vast personal wealth controlled through a network of shadowy foundations, which has been viewed over 22 million times on YouTube.
Medvedev said Navalny's allegations were politically motivated 'nonsense' and called him a charlatan.
Navalny, who had a green liquid thrown in his face in April, told the BBC in January that he believed that Russian officials had used $50billion of government funds a year in corrupt dealings.
He said that Putin is 'the Tsar of corruption'.
He's the basement of corruption,' he added. 'He's personally involved in the corruption and he's encouraging our officials in corruption because it's his way of ruling the country.'
Putin's security service chief Alexander Bortnikov, head of the FSB, accused 41-year-old Navalny of a 'provocation' by moving a scheduled rally in Moscow to the city centre, close to the Kremlin, at the last minute
From the Baltic to the Pacific, pro-democracy activists and their supporters were hauled into custody in a major clampdown by the Kremlin's security services
Police detain a woman as she covers her face an head at a rally at the Marsovo Field on Russia Day in central St. Petersburg
Four police officers carry a man by his arms and legs as they detain him at a rally in St Petersburg
Russian police officers detain a participant of an unauthorized opposition rally in Tverskaya street in central Moscow on Monday
Many protesters appeared to have to be carried to detaining vans as police arrested them on Monday
A woman gestures during an unauthorized opposition action in Tverskaya street in central Moscow on Monday
'I want changes,' wrote Navalny in a blog post last week. 'I want to live in a modern democratic state and I want our taxes to be converted into roads, schools and hospitals, not into yachts, palaces and vineyards.'
Russian state television made no mention of the protests or the arrests on Monday.
'The current protests are more politicised and personalised than the events of 2011-12,' the independent business daily Vedomosti said in an editorial.
'Then it was a movement of large cities' middle class which wanted to change political trends through mass legal rallies... The current protesters... have no illusions about the possibility of dialogue with the authorities.'
The large-scale arrests drew condemnation from Washington, Brussels and several human rights organisations, who called on protesters to be released.
'The Russian people deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas,' White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.
The large-scale arrests drew condemnation from Washington, Brussels and several human rights organisations, who called on protesters to be released
Officers hold detainees down by their heads and shoulders as they're arrested in Moscow on Monday
Riot police clash with protesters as others look on during an anti-corruption protest in Moscow
Russian police detain a man as others look on in Moscow amid hundreds of other arrests on Monday
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russian authorities would not pay attention to calls to release the protesters
The scale of the protests will show if Navalny, who is mounting a long-shot bid to unseat Putin in a presidential election next year, can build on the success of a similar event in March, in which thousands took to the streets across Russia
Amnesty International said that 'a crackdown on peaceful protests in which hundreds of people were arrested and numerous others beaten by police demonstrates the authorities' utter contempt for fundamental human rights.'
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russian authorities would not pay attention to calls to release the protesters.
'We disagree when the question is put this way. This is not the sort of calls we should be listening to,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters.
Peskov said the authorities had not acted against protesters who had agreed their actions in advance.
'As for those who indulged in provocative actions, breaking the law, in this case the authorities took action against them in full compliance with our legislation,' said Peskov.
He also said that Russia took a negative view of a US Senate deal on wider sanctions against Russia.
US senators reached an agreement on Monday on legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia, including a provision that would prevent the White House from easing, suspending or ending sanctions without congressional approval.
Armed cops swooped on a teenager after he arrived at school with a shotgun and ammunition.
The 15-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm, rang 999 to say he had arrived at school with the weapons at 9.15am.
But worried parents have hit at the school who sent a text message around three hours later which told them only that police had responded to an incident at the Higham Lane School in Nuneaton, Warks.
Kerry Luke said: 'I'm horrified how the school have handled telling the parents.
Warwickshire Police said a teenage boy had been arrested after officers were called to Higham Lane School in Shanklin Drive, Nuneaton (pictured)
'I received a text message at 12.21 and all it tells me is there has been an incident at the school this morning which the police attended and the school will not be putting out further information at this point!
'There was a boy in school with a shotgun and ammunition! I'm shaking!'
Another mother Alison Butler said: 'To be honest I'm not impressed with the school at all. The incident happened this morning but they don't tell anyone until midday?'
The text sent to all parents of the school said: 'Some parents or carers may have been made aware of police officers being on the school site this morning.
'Although there was an incident, this message is to reassure you that all students and staff are safe and the matter has been dealt with.
'The police have confirmed that they are happy for the School to remain open.
'The school will not be putting out any further information at this point. Regards.'
Armed cops swooped on a teenager after he arrived at school with a shotgun and ammunition. Police are pictured outside the school today with headteacher Phil Kelly
The 15-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm, rang 999 to say he had arrived at school with the weapons at 9.15am
Sharon Campone-Evans Deeming who was sitting in an exam hall at the time said: 'I'm glad that it wasn't an American style high school shooting and it seems the lad involved called the police himself.
'My son said he saw all the officers with guns. I am glad I didn't know it was going on 'live' because I'd have worried because I've probably watched too many documentaries on USA gun crime.
'But it took the school until gone 12 to say anything had happened.'
The school's website boasts of GCSE results, hard-working pupils and a highly-skilled and dedicated team of staff which lands it in the top 100 non-selective schools in the country.
Police were stationed outside the school during the afternoon. Superintendent David Gardner said: 'We responded promptly and a boy was quickly isolated and the incident contained to ensure there was no risk to pupils and staff'
Superintendent David Gardner said: 'We responded promptly and a boy was quickly isolated and the incident contained to ensure there was no risk to pupils and staff.
'We have seized a shotgun and ammunition.
'The initial report was received from the suspect himself and he was cooperative with police throughout. Officers were on the scene quickly and he was placed under arrest.
'I would like to thank staff and pupils at the school for their assistance while we managed this incident. Officers will be at the school for the rest of the day to provide reassurance.
'We will now carry out enquiries to establish exactly what happened and address any issues around the firearm.'
A Warwickshire County Council spokesperson said: 'We will not comment on an ongoing Police investigation.'
Newport Police Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford, 41, died in hospital after being shot on Monday night
A man has been arrested in Arkansas for killing a 41-year-old veteran police lieutenant then going on the run, sparking an overnight manhunt.
Arkansas State Police refused to give any additional detail other than that the man had been arrested sometime on Tuesday morning.
He is accused of shooting Newport Police Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford in Remmel Park in Newport on Monday at around 7.30pm.
Lieutenant Weatherford was helping another officer carry out a routine traffic stop when the gunman opened fire.
After the shooting, the gunman fled, sparking an panicked manhunt in the area.
It is not clear where or when he was arrested on Tuesday morning.
A police diving unit was called to search a lake in the park near where the shooting took place to reportedly look for the gunman's weapon.
Little Rock Police Department shared updates of the incident on Twitter, asking followers to pray for Lieutenant Weatherford's family.
'The police officer shot in the line of duty in Newport has died. Please pray for the officers family, friends & department before going to bed,' one tweet read.
The 15-year police veteran's colleagues consoled one another at Newport's Remmel Park, the scene of the shooting, hours later. Weatherford was assisting another officer with a traffic stop when he was shot. The suspect fled, sparking a manhunt
Little Rock Police Department, some 90 miles away, shared updates of the incident throughout the night
A later one identified the 15-year-old Newport Police Department Veteran.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge paid tribute to him on Monday night after news of his death emerged.
'Lt. Weatherford was known for routinely preventing incidents and altercations from escalating into crisis, and I have no doubt that Lt. Weatherford began his watch today with the same mission to protect and serve the community he loved so much,' she told Fox News.
In 2016, the lieutenant was named as Jackson County's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
There was a large police presence in Remmel Park after the shooting on Monday. The suspect was arrested early on Tuesday but police will not say where
http://katv.com/news/local/officer-shot-in-newport-suspect-on-the-loose
A crooked financial adviser and his wife who carried out a large-scale property fraud so they could fund an extravagant lifestyle have been jailed for a total of 13 years after the longest criminal trial in UK legal history.
Edwin McLaren, 52, orchestrated the 1.6 million property fraud scheme by duping vulnerable victims who were in financial difficulty to sign over their homes in acts of 'breathtaking dishonesty'.
Thanks to his scam, he and his wife Lorraine enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle, owning four cars - including a Bentley - and holidaying in luxurious destinations such as Dubai.
They also owned a 760,000 mansion in Renfrewshire and sent their children to private school while Mr McLaren bought an 100,000 diamond ring for his 51-year-old wife.
The pair, from Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, were convicted of a string of crimes last month following a 320-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow which is believed to be the longest in legal history.
Financial adviser Edwin McLaren, 52 (left, outside court) and his wife Lorraine (right, also outside court) carried out a large-scale property fraud so they could fund an extravagant lifestyle
Mr McLaren was found guilty of 29 charges over a six-year period, which saw him prety on vulnerable people and arranging for the title deeds of their homes to be transferred to his associates without the victims' knowledge.
Mrs McLaren was found guilty of two charges, involving laundering 128,000 and mortgage fraud on their own home.
Today, Mr McLaren was jailed for 11 years, while his wife was sentenced to 30 months behind bars.
Passing sentence today, Judge Lord Stewart told Mr McLaren: 'It appears your motive for this was to fund an affluent lifestyle for yourself, your wife and your children.
'Vulnerable individuals were taken advantage of. The evidence showed breathtaking dishonesty in every aspect of your enterprise by you and those acting on your instructions. The jury found you to be an outright liar. '
Turning to his wife, the judge added: 'Your husband was the prime force and I accept that. You have a strong personality with a mind of your own.
'The jury found you to be an outright liar.'
During the trial, the court was told how, as a financial adviser, Mr McLaren had the background knowledge to put together and execute the scheme.
Through adverts in the national press for companies advertising as property solutions or home sale solutions, he targeted vulnerable people in financial distress as a result of family bereavement, debt or illness.
He would either offer to buy their house or lend them money to clear their debts and in return, he would get what he would say was a part-share ownership of their property.
But in fact, their properties were being transferred wholesale to the names of others, unknown to them, meaning they lost the title deeds to their homes.
In footage released after the trial, CCTV shows the moment McLaren conned a vulnerable pensioner out of her home in a bank
Victims continued to pay rent to stay in their homes - clueless that they had already been conned by McLaren.
One couple - unaware they had been duped - were kicked out of their home when the new owner failed to pay the mortgage.
In footage released after the trial, CCTV shows the moment McLaren conned a vulnerable pensioner out of her home.
The recording shows him taking the elderly woman to a bank after saying she needed to sign forms to get sale money. Instead, he watches as she unknowingly transfers her cash into his own bank account.
The fraudster is seen chatting and smiling with the pensioner as they wait for a bank worker to process the documents.
In mitigation, his defence lawyer Mark Moir said Mr McLaren was a first time offender and that the length of the trial had contributed to mental health issues.
The recording shows him taking the elderly woman to a bank after saying she needed to sign forms to get sale money
The fraudster is seen chatting and smiling with the pensioner as they wait for a bank worker to process the documents
He said he still maintains his innocence.
In mitigation for Mrs McLaren, lawyer Kevin McCallum said her husband had a 'controlling role in financial matters'.
He said there was no evidence she was involved in defrauding vulnerable people and described Mr McLaren as the 'driving force' of the scheme.
Mr McCallum urged the judge to consider a community payback order rather than custody.
Lord Stewart said the mortgage was financed by her husband's property fraud and the jury must have found that she knew money transferred into her bank account came from the proceeds of crime.
The duo have now been jailed for a collective 13 years after the longest trial in UK legal history. Mr McLaren (left) was found guilty of 29 charges while Mrs McLaren (right) was convicted of 2
He added: 'Anything less than 30 months in custody would fail to reflect the criminality involved.'
Concerns were first raised by a woman who made a complaint to Fife Constabulary in 2012 because she had not been paid the full amount for her house in Cowdenbeath.
It sparked the large scale Operation Reticulate as detectives probed McLaren and his associates.
Police worked out there were further properties linked to this incident, and the case was transferred to the Financial Investigation Unit at Paisley which found a lot more were involved.
Mr McLaren was snared after a police investigation involving up to 100 officers discovered a massive fraudulent scheme, with 29 properties appearing on the indictment.
Prosecutors said he has shown no remorse and claimed he was helping people.
The trial lasted so long as the court heard evidence for a number of days from each witness, some of whom were vulnerable, and there was also evidence from experts on topics such as conveyancing and accountancy.
Witness Shona Harrison was so ill that the court took evidence from her in her house, as she was too unwell even to go to the court nearest her at Newcastle and give evidence via video link.
She gave evidence via video link from her house. Her living room was set up as a court, with a macer present to pass documents to her.
The trial did not sit every day, while there were also breaks due to jurors being ill, and to give everyone a break and allow them to deal with other commitments.
At one stage there was a three-week break as one juror was getting married.
Concluding the trial, Lord Stewart thanked everyone involved in such a 'long and difficult case'.
Proceeds of crime proceedings have been started against Mr McLaren.
President Donald Trump ripped into the media on Tuesday morning for spreading an 'agenda of hate' and called journalists 'dirty' as a rumor circulated that he might fire the prosecutor DOJ appointed to take over the Russian investigation.
Trump said in a tweet: 'The Fake News Media has never been so wrong or so dirty. Purposely incorrect stories and phony sources to meet their agenda of hate. Sad!'
A second message, posted hours later, demanded an apology from the 'fake news' media for 'all of the incorrect stories' they've written about him.
While he provided no context for his comments, stories on his interest in getting rid of Robert Mueller, who's acting as special counsel at the Department of Justice, were circulating online and on air.
President Donald Trump ripped into the media on Tuesday morning for spreading an 'agenda of hate' and called journalists 'dirty' as a rumor circulated that he might fire the prosecutor DOJ appointed to take over the Russian investigation
The chatter stemmed from a claim that Newsmax CEO and Trump friend Chris Ruddy made Monday. Ruddy told PBS following an afternoon at the White House that Trump was 'considering perhaps' a termination of Mueller, James Comey's predecessor.
He never said that Trump told him that personally, but it came off that way and news outlets ran with it.
Ruddy had been sighted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue that day. He clarified after the interview that he did not talk to Trump directly about the matter as the White House press shop distanced the president from his comments.
'Mr. Ruddy never spoke to the President regarding this issue. With respect to this subject, only the President or his attorneys are authorized to comment,' Press Secretary Sean Spicer said.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the deputy press secretary, told CNN: 'Chris speaks for himself.'
A senior White House official told Politico that Ruddy met with top aides to the president while he was at the White House.
'I wouldn't take it too seriously,' an official said of the speculation that Trump could fire Mueller.
Trump ignored shouted questions on the matter from the press during a luncheon on Tuesday afternoon with Republican senators.
While he provided no context for his comments, stories on his interest in getting rid of Robert Mueller, who's acting as special counsel at the Department of Justice, were circulating online and on air
Conversations about Mueller and his employment status carried over from a Capitol Hill hearing last week. Sen. Kamala Harris was quieted by her Republican colleagues on the Intelligence Committee when she tried to force the deputy attorney general to take a stance on giving Mueller full independence from Justice.
'Are you willing or are you not willing to give him the authority to be fully independent of your ability, statutorily or legally, to fire him?' she asked.
Rod Rosenstein, the deputy AG, told her it is 'not a short answer' and did not provide a simple yes or no response before questioning moved on.
Sunday, ABC News' George Stephanopoulos picked up the ball and asked Trump attorney Jay Sekulow whether Trump would order Rosenstein to fire Mueller.
'Look, the president of the United States, as we all know, is a unitary executive,' Sekulow said. 'I'm not going to speculate on what he will or will not do.'
Sekulow highlighted Mueller's friendly relationship with Comey, who he worked with at the FBI, and suggested he would not take a fair approach to the fired FBI's admission that he engaged in leaking.
The chatter stemmed from a claim that Newsmax CEO and Trump friend Chris Ruddy made Monday. Ruddy told PBS following an afternoon at the White House that Trump was 'considering perhaps' a termination of Mueller, James Comey's friend and predecessor
His comments stirred up interest in Mueller's objectivity.
Laura Ingraham, a conservative talk show host, advised Attorney General Jeff to dump the former FBI director as special counsel.
'Now that we know TRUMP IS NOT UNDER INVESTIGATION, Sessions should take it back & fire Mueller,' she wrote.
Spicer ignored a question Monday from CNN at his televised briefing about the president's confidence in Mueller.
He did not say in his response to reporters after Ruddy's revelation on PBS that Trump was not thinking about exercising his authority to get rid of Mueller.
Ruddy had pointed to Sekulow's comments as evidence that the president was weighing the option.
'I think it's pretty clear by what one of his lawyers said on television recently,' he stated on PBS.
The Trump friend said he did not think Trump - who has already fired an FBI director and US attorney investigating his associates - should follow that course of action.
'I personally think it would be a very significant mistake, even though I don't think there's a justification... for a special counsel in this case,' he added.
A former Oxford schoolboy who converted to Islam and traveled to Syria has spoken out from the solitary confinement cell he's being held in by Kurdish forces fighting the terrorist group.
Jack Letts, a 21-year-old nicknamed 'Jihadi Jack', says is being held in jail by the YPG, or Kurdish militia, in Syria after traveling to the country and later fleeing ISIS through a minefield.
He claims that he's now opposed to IS and left their territory with the help of a smuggler. The pair ended up near a Kurdish checkpoint, where he says they were shot at twice.
Jack Letts, a 21-year-old nicknamed 'Jihadi Jack', says is being held in jail by the YPG, or Kurdish militia, in Syria after traveling to the country and later fleeing ISIS through a minefield
Letts said that he and the smuggler 'slept in a field' before Kurdish forces found him and took him to a jail in Kurdish-held northeast Syria.
And now, Letts says he doesn't want anything to do with ISIS.
'I hate them more than the Americans hate them,' he told the BBC. 'I realised they were not upon the truth so they put me in prison three times and threatened to kill me.'
Letts converted to Islam as a teenager when he attended the Cherwell School in Oxford.
After fleeing the UK he traveled to Jordan as an 18-year-old in 2014 and later reportedly went by the name Abu Muhammed while living in Iraq.
His family has denied that Letts was fighting for IS but was instead in the Middle East for humanitarian reasons.
He told BBC through texts and voice messages that he was injured in an explosion and had gone to Raqqa, Syria, to recover.
But about a year ago he became disillusioned with the group when it killed former supporters, he said.
Parents John Letts and Sally Lane were charged with terrorism-related offenses for trying to send their son money
He managed to escape a low-security detention facility and found a smuggler to take him out of IS territory, which is when he was captured by Kurdish forces.
When asked if he would like help from UK officials, Letts told the BBC that he didn't want help from anyone.
'I'll just chill here in solitary confinement 'til someone decides it's easier to kill me,' he said.
His parents, John Letts and Sally Lane, have not seen their son in more than three years. They haven't heard from him since June 1.
Last June the couple were charged with terrorism-related offenses for trying to send their son money.
Letts' parents are calling on British authorities to do 'whatever they can' to help their son, though adding that he will have to 'account for his actions'.
They said that 'no-one wants to take responsibility' now that Letts is out of IS territory.
Mr Letts said that if his son had anything to do with IS, he wants 'nothing to do with him'.
Supports of Sally and John outside the Old Bailey. Ms Lane said she was 'immensely relieved' that Jack was doing alright
'I think there has been so much misinformation, one little piece of information came out and it was manipulated, twisted, as far as I can see,' added Ms Lane.
Ms Lane previously told the Oxford Mail she was immensely grateful after finding out where their son was.
She said: 'We are immensely relieved. It's the first time we've known that he might have survived all this.
'It's obviously not great that Jack is being detained but we are just glad he is now out of the situation he was in before.'
Ms Lane told the BBC that she doesn't believe her son is being treated badly, but she is concerned about his mental health.
The 21-year-old has previously denied claims he travelled to the Middle East to try and join ISIS.
He told Alaraby television network: 'I want to get out of prison, because I'm currently still in prison with the YPG [Kurdish militia].
'I have no idea what is going to happen to me now. It's the future, no one knows except for Allah.
'I want to see my mum, and explain to her some things.'
This is the amazing moment a propane cylinder exploded narrowly avoiding causing the death or serious injury of a police chief and volunteer fire fighters in Maine.
Limestone Police Chief Stacey Mahan attended the fire with volunteer members of the local fire department when the tank exploded.
The explosion saw flames shoot more than 100 feet into the air and sent debris flying in all directions.
This is the moment a propane cylinder is about to explode in Limestone, Maine
The cylinder explodes with a fireman standing just a few feet away from the inferno
The brave fireman runs for his life having been caught by the full force of the blast
Chief Mahan uploaded the footage on his department's Facebook page to show the dangers faced by his colleagues in the Fire Department.
The clip was captured on Chief Mahan's body-worn camera.
He wrote: 'Those who choose to be a firefighter whether full time or as a volunteer know the hazards of the job.
'I commend those that want to, "put the wet stuff on the red stuff" and lay their lives on the line each and every time they head out.
'This incident is a prime example of how things can change in an instant.'
The fireball almost hit the operator of the fire truck who was not in protective clothing
Volunteer firefighter Scott Patten, who has served with the department for 29 years was standing in front of Chief Mahan when the explosion happened.
He told WLBZ2.com: 'I'm lucky to even be alive. I heard the propane tanks start whistling and the next thing I knew I was on the ground.'
Patten admitted he was hit on the face and head by the flames.'
Chief Mahan praised his colleagues. He said: 'Volunteer firefightersthe kind of time and effort they put into their professionthey don't get paid a lot to do what they do and they can pay a big sacrifice in an instance like that.'
An Uber driver who raped a drunk British backpacker after she fell asleep in the back of his car in Sydney has been jailed for a maximum of nine years.
Pakistani citizen Muhammad Naveed, 41, picked the 22-year-old tourist up from Sydney's Kings Cross nightclub district in October 2015.
The woman had been drinking with friends at several venues and got into what she thought was a cab to go home, crown prosecutor James Trevallion said during Naveed's trial earlier this year.
After picking her up, Naveed then pulled into a gas station, where he bought condoms.
He was accused of then raping the woman in a side street, but he argued that the sex was consensual.
Uber driver Muhammad Naveed, 41, was sentenced to a minimum of six years and four months in prison over the rape of a passenger
CCTV footage showed the Uber driver purchasing condoms and a bottle of water at a service station before hopping back into his car on the night of the attack
A jury convicted him of rape in February.
Judge Deborah Payne on Tuesday ordered Naveed to serve at least six years and four months in prison before he can be considered for parole.
'He clearly took advantage, in the most terrible way, of a very vulnerable young lady,' Payne said at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court.
Earlier this year, it took a jury just hours to deliver the guilty verdict against Naveed.
After buying condoms, he drove in the opposite direction to the woman's home, stopped in a side street and asked if she wanted to move to the back seat.
'The complainant will tell you at this point she could not keep her eyes open and she was falling asleep,' Mr Trevallion told the jury earlier this year.
The next thing the woman remembered was waking up to find Naveed on top of her.
Naveed will be eligible for parole in June 2023.
Uber banned the driver on learning of the woman's complaint.
'This is a terrible crime and we are grateful justice has been served. Our thoughts remain with the victim and her family,' Uber said in a statement.
The Uber driver had pulled up outside the service station to purchase some condoms
News / National
by Staff reporter
The embattled Generation 40 (G40) faction - which is rabidly opposed to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeding President Robert Mugabe - fears the Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe MP was close to wearing the presidential crown through an alleged mix of a silent power grab and State capture.This comes after Cabinet minister and politburo member Jonathan Moyo - an alleged G40 kingpin said in a recent presentation to the Sapes Trust - that Mnangagwa was on the verge of taking power, and must be subjected to tough scrutiny.Mnangagwa and Team Lacoste are involved in a fierce tussle for supremacy in the warring ruling Zanu-PF with the G40 - which is strongly opposed to his mooted presidential ambitions.Moyo said "the so-called Lacoste or Team Lacoste ...is presenting itself in general and its candidate, VP Mnangagwa in particular, as a shoo-in.""If you read things, talk to people, analyse their behaviour, the message is that the balance of forces has shifted and that's what we are going to see going forward is the assumption of power by Team Lacoste."And if you go to the braais - where they have their braais - because these are masters of whispers, you will find them quite excited saying Tapinda Tapinda' (we are shoo-in), this is their new song and their refrain when you start developing an interest Tapinda Tapinda' what are they talking about? Then they say Mudhara Achauya'," Moyo said referring to Jah Prayzah's hit song."The whisper from this earlier in the year was, especially this year that something was going to happen in April'."Moyo alleged this coincided with the chorus for Zanu-PF national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere's ouster, which got louder in March, when nine provinces demanded his ejection from the ruling party, in a plot he alleged was engineered by Team Lacoste."But in March, something started happening, the heat was turned on the Zanu-PF national commissar, ...Kasukuwere, who faced dubious votes of no confidence under the absurd claims that he had set up parallel structures to topple President Mugabe," Moyo said."This was real and it was pushed with vigour and with the seriousness that caused observers and even members of the party to believe that something was happening and this was the trigger point."It was supposed to happen in a matter of days but it became prolonged such that it took eight weeks or two months and as it developed, it assumed what the whispers started saying or describing as the momentum."In fact, as we sit here, we are somewhere along the momentum, the build-up or surge, because a momentum or a build-up or a surge must lead to something."Moyo said it is a matter of public record that Team Lacoste defines power as "chinhu chedu" or "our thing.""If people start saying ndechedu ichi' (its ours), who are you, you were not there.' It's a problem."Well, how can the people who were born in 1980 and who are 37-years-old now, how could they have been there?"He said Mnangagwa's Team Lacoste had declared itself to be Zimbabwe's "stockholders" not even stakeholders, under a template of entitlement.The Tsholotsho North MP said "it's not good politics to frame yourself in a patently unconstitutional manner to say, I'm the stockholder and you are not so listen to me'."The kingpin of the G40 comprised mainly Zanu-PF Young Turks claimed Team Lacoste has shown a surprising hostility to the youth, "who are not only the vanguard of the party today but who are also the critical pool from which the skills necessary to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe must emerge or trained and deployed.""There is now an instinctive hatred of the youth: havana gwara' (they are disconnected from the past) they don't know who the stakeholders are, they don't respect the stakeholders but meanwhile there is clear and present evidence that they respect the leader of the party and the leader of the country," he said referring to youths interfacing with Mugabe in planned countrywide rallies."The current situation where the so-called Team Lacoste uses a whisper campaign to carry out a silent power grab is harmful to the values and aspirations of the nationalist project and it is harmful to our new Constitution," Moyo said."If you promise us that you are taking power and you say join or you will be left behind or crushed, then you must be subjected to scrutiny."The Zanu-PF secretary for science and technology claimed Mnangagwa has unduly influenced pillars of State to shore up his succession bid."There are lot of things that have happened in a number of key national or State institutions that not only smack of a capture of these institutions by the so-called Team Lacoste but which things are detailed in the Blue Ocean' document and the very revealing British magazine, the New Statesman," he said.In December, a respected British magazine, New Statesman, portrayed Mnangagwa as a firm favourite to succeed Mugabe.It also argued that a Mnangagwa presidency could extricate the country from its current economic rot going on to highlight his profile rather glowingly."He (Mnangagwa) is sharp, organised and business-savvy, more pragmatic and less ideological than Mugabe. And, unlike the president (Mugabe), he understands the urgent need for reform, if only so that he can pay the security forces and fill the trough at which his Zanu-PF comrades guzzle," the New Statesman said.Former Cabinet minister David Coltart also told the same magazine that Mnangagwa had a better understanding of the economy than most of his Zanu-PF colleagues, including Mugabe."For all his historical problems he (Mnangagwa) understands the running of the economy better than Mugabe, better than most Zanu-PF politicians," he was quoted.The Tsholotsho North Zanu-PF MP said academics were "not analysing the implications of these things but key state institutions are involved: public media and judicial institutions."The voluble minister said "time has come to expose and dispense with the myth entertained not only by the so-called Team Lacoste but also by others including some in countries like Britain, that Vice President Mnangagwa is the designated successor or that he is the only successor on the verge of taking over anytime now.""The position is that there is no vacancy. There is no vacancy in the Office of the President in the party or in the government," Moyo fumed."Where there is no vacancy, any talk or activity of succession such as contained in the Blue Ocean' document and in the New Statesman interview is by definition subversive."
A five-year-old boy has died after he was left in a day care vehicle all day in eastern Arkansas, where temperatures topped 90 degree Monday.
The West Memphis Police Department said the boy, identified as Christopher Gardner Jr, was picked up by the day care van at 6.40am but was never taken inside Ascent Children's Health Services on West Tyler Cove, which serves children with developmental disabilities.
Gardner was found dead, still strapped in a booster seat, more than eight hours later when staff members prepared to load the van for children to go home.
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Christopher Gardner Jr, aged 5 (left and right) has died after he was left in a day care vehicle all day in eastern Arkansas, where temperatures topped 90 degree Monday
Gardner was picked up from his home in an Ascent Children's Health Services van, similar to this one
The boy's cause of death hasn't been released but the head index was in the 90s Monday afternoon in West Memphis, and it was estimated that the temperature inside the van was likely around 130 degrees.
According to the television station WMC News 5, Gardner's family members said the child had undergone two heart surgeries and was at the day care for developmental disabilities.
Police would not say if charges would be filed in connection to the child's death. So far, no arrests have been made.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services said an investigation into the facility is under way. Hinkle said the facility had previously been 'highly compliant.'
Gardner was never taken inside Ascent Children's Health Services on West Tyler Cove (pictured), which serves children with developmental disabilities
Staffers found the toddler dead, still strapped in a booster seat, more than eight hours later
According the department's database, the facility has received citations for minor issues. Records show no complaints have been filed against the day care.
Hinkle said the day care will be closed June 14-16 because of a separate matter. She said the Arkansas Department of Health is closing the facility for the rest of the week due to a shigella outbreak.
A shigella infection can cause diarrhea and fever.
Two correctional officers were shot dead in Georgia, sparking a manhunt for two inmates who hijacked a prison bus and overpowered the guards before they escaped.
Inmates Donnie Russell Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, hijacked the bus on Highway 16 near Eatonton on Tuesday morning and disarmed the guards.
One of the two suspects fatally shot Baldwin State Prison officers Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
Rowe and Dubose then carjacked a 2004 Honda Civic and escaped with the officers' 9mm pistols in tow before they broke into a home, changed out of their prison clothes and sped off again.
'We are still desperately looking for these two individuals....They are dangerous beyond description. If anyone sees them or comes into contact, they need to call 911 immediately,' Sills said.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for two inmates Donnie Russell Rowe (left) and Ricky Dubose (right) after two correctional officers were shot dead in Georgia
The prisoners managed to access the gate separating Monica and Billue at the front of the bus (pictured) while one officer was behind the wheel. The other officer was seated next to driver
One suspect shot both guards, before the two carjacked a 2004 Honda Civic with license plate RBJ-6601 (above) and escaped with the other inmates still on the bus
The DOC also released mugshots of both Rowe (left) and Dubose (pictured right before his latest facial tattoos), urging members of the public to call 911 with any possible sightings
Hours after their escape, the Madison Police Department said the inmates broke into a home and changed clothes before setting off again. They remain on the run
The shooting broke out around 6.45am, after the inmates took over the bus and overpowered the officers, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
The prisoners managed to access the gate separating Monica and Billue at the front of the bus while one officer was behind the wheel. The other officer was seated next to driver.
Sills told the Atlanta Journal Constitution: 'I can't tell you how the gate got open. It should have been locked. It may have been locked. I have no idea.'
One suspect shot both guards, before the two carjacked a 2004 Honda Civic with license plate RBJ-6601 after the driver happened to pull up behind the bus, Sills said.
Hours after their escape, the Madison Police Department said the inmates broke into a home and changed clothes before setting off again. They remain on the run.
Sills fought back tears on Tuesday remembering the slain officers and said: 'I saw two brutally murdered corrections officers, that's what I saw,' he said. 'I have their blood on my shoes.'
The Georgia Department of Corrections paid tribute to Monica, who was hired in 2009, and Billue, who had been working with the agency since 2007.
The DOC also released mugshots of both Rowe and Dubose, urging members of the public to call 911 with any possible sightings. A $30,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of each suspect.
They are armed with the correctional officers' 9mm pistols and considered dangerous.
A manhunt is underway for Rowe and Dubose. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills (above during a press conference Tuesday) said the two are 'dangerous beyond description'
The slain Baldwin State Prison officers were identified as Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue
Monica (above) was 42 and leaves behind a wife after eight years of service, while Billue, 58, is survived by his father and siblings
Sills, who said he had 'no idea' where the two suspects might be, told WSBTV, 'We are searching everywhere in America,' adding 'My biggest worry is that theyre going to kill someone else'.
The FBI have sent agents to the region, while law enforcement at the local and state level are on alert in Georgia and Alabama.
Rowe, who is 6'1' and 181 pounds, was serving life without parole for an armed robbery. He was also convicted of aggravated assault and possession of firearms.
Dubose who is about 6'1', 140 pounds, was also convicted of a separate armed robbery, along with fraud, theft by taking, trespassing, fleeing/eluding police and aggravated assault.
Dubose, described by a sheriff as a 'loose cannon', is a member of the Ghostface Gangsters, known for its white supremacist ties and allegiance to the KKK.
The two were jailed at Baldwin State Prison in Hardwick, a medium security correctional facility with a capacity of 925, about 100 miles southeast of Atlanta.
Rowe and Dubose were serving time at Baldwin State Prison (general view) in Hardwick, a medium security correctional facility with a capacity of 925
The 33 inmates on the bus were being moved from a state prison in Hancock County to a diagnostics center in Jackson, where their next placement was to be determined, Dozier said, adding that inmates do not know their transfer dates ahead of time.
Protocol is to have two armed corrections officers on the bus, but they don't wear bullet-proof vests during transfers, Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said.
'We lost two of our fellow officers, two of our kin. We see our officers as our family,' Dozier said.
Governor George Deal said: 'Our heartbreak is matched only in our resolve to bring their murderers to justice. No effort will be spared in pursuit of the killers, and no state resources required in this endeavor will be spared.'
The Georgia Department of Corrections paid tribute to Monica, who was hired in 2009, and Billue, who had been working with the agency since 2007. Pictured, an ambulance at the scene
Sills, who said he had 'no idea' where the two suspects might be, told WSBTV , 'We are searching everywhere in America'
Monica was 42 and leaves behind a wife, while Billue, 58, is survived by his father and siblings. The officers' families are 'dealing with it the best they can at this point,' Dozier said.
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said during testimony before a Senate budget panel in Washington Tuesday morning that federal resources are being committed to help catch the fugitives.
'An attack on any American law enforcement officer is an attack on every American law enforcement officer and the principles we all believe in,' he said.
A Michigan woman says she was 'sl** shamed' and kicked out of a shopping mall for 'inappropriate dress' after she wore shorts and a tank top in 90 degree weather.
Hannah Pewee, 20, took to Facebook to slam Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids after security kicked her out of the shopping center on Saturday.
The college student claimed she was escorted out after another shopper complained about her outfit.
Pewee posted a photo on Facebook of what she was wearing, including denim shorts and a top featuring characters from Disney movie Finding Nemo.
Hannah Pewee, 20, took to Facebook to slam Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan after security kicked her out of the shopping center on Saturday for wearing the outfit above
'As many of you know, it is NINETY degrees outside today in West Michigan. Aka, really hot. So, of course, I decided to dress for the weather: shorts and a tank top,' she wrote alongside a photo of her outfit.
'But apparently, how I was dressed was too sl***y for the public, as I was kicked out of the Woodland Mall today.
'Yup. Apparently some anonymous person reported me to MALL SECURITY for inappropriate dress and I was kicked out.
'I am so angry right now I'm shaking. I felt so embarrassed I almost cried. All because a stranger didn't like how I dressed.
'The Woodland Mall should be ashamed of themselves, as well as that anonymous complainer. It's my body, and it's hot outside! I'm not going to show up in jeans and a sweater, sorry. Sl**-shaming how girls are dressed is deplorable and outdated, and it needs to stop.'
Pewee, a Grand Valley State University student, claimed she was escorted out after another shopper complained about her outfit
Pewee told news station WOOD that she had already been shopping for several hours with her sister when security approached her at Starbucks.
'We ordered out drinks and we were just standing in that area where you wait for them to be delivered and one of the security guards came up to me and said, 'Miss, can we talk to you for a second?',' she said.
'I was like, 'okay'. I had no idea what was going on.
'I complied. I'm not a confrontational person. Even though I didn't feel it was right, I didn't want to get in their faces and be like, 'No I'm not leaving,' and start a big scene. But after I left, I was like, 'I don't feel like I should have been treated like that.'
Pewee's Facebook post has been shared more than 10,000 times and attracted hundreds of comments, prompting the shopping mall to respond to some individuals.
'We have apologized to Hannah and we apologize to our community. It is never our intention to shame or embarrass anyone. We're going to make sure that everyone on our team is aware of how to handle situations like this in the future. We dropped the ball on this one,' the mall wrote on Facebook.
Detention officer Kevin Clevon Mayo, 20, was arrested on Friday in Tulsa, Oklahoma
A corrections officer is now behind bars with the same inmates he used to guard, after a search found meth and other drugs in a burrito he tried to bring into the jail.
Detention officer Kevin Clevon Mayo, 20, was arrested on Friday at the Tulsa, Oklahoma jail where he worked, after sheriff's deputies said they found drugs and other contraband on him.
Mayo, a recent hire, had begun working at the Tulsa County Jail on March 1, after completing a background check and required training, Fox23 reported.
Acting on a tip from an informant, deputies searched Mayo's backpack when he came into work on Friday, and found that his lunch of fried chicken and a burrito was more than it appeared.
Inside the burrito was two grams of meth, crushed up hydrocodone, and four grams of marijuana, police said.
Mayo worked as a guard at the David L. Moss Detention Center in Tulsa. Deputies searched his bag on Friday and found meth, marijuana, and hydrocodone inside his burrito
A further search also turned up other contraband, including two cell phone chargers, lighters, and rolling papers hidden inside a pack of chewing gum, according to police.
Cops also found a cell phone hidden inside Mayo's sock.
Mayo initially said he knew nothing about the contraband items, but police said he later admitted to bringing the phone into the jail for an inmate.
Mayo is being held pending $40,250 bail on three counts of possession with intent to distribute drugs, and one count each of carrying contraband into jail, possession of drug paraphernalia, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
It is the second arrest of a Tulsa Sheriff's Office detention officer in a week.
Rickardo Williams, who also started working at the jail in March, was charged with two counts of sexual battery on June 2.
Rickardo Williams, who also started working at the Tulsa jail in March, was charged with two counts of sexual battery on June 2 after allegedly touching inmates inappropriately
Williams is accused of touching inmates at the jail inappropriately.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit reported by KJRH, an inmate claimed Williams told him to 'bend over'.
The detention officer then 'slapped me on my (rear end) and grabbed it,' the inmate said.
A second inmate said Williams grabbed inmates' private areas inappropriately, according to the affidavit.
The witnesses said Williams told an inmate to 'get on the (expletive) bed and pretend like he was (expletive) him.'
The incidents were recorded on surveillance video, but Williams claims he does not remember them, police said.
When you hear the words 'killer robots', the Terminator films is what comes to mind.
But Australia's leading artificial intelligence (AI) researcher believes the age of murderous machines could soon come true.
Dr Toby Walsh, from UNSW, fears the new generation of unmanned combat weapons may fall into the hands of bloodthirsty terror groups.
'If they were used by groups like Islamic State, the outcome would be catastrophic,' Dr Walsh told Daily Mail Australia.
The DRogozin AI Robot: A leading artificial intelligence (AI) researcher believes the age of murderous machines is upon us
Toby Walsh believes a world flooded with killer robots would be frighteningly close to the Terminator films
Last year, United Nations research showed terrorists are already working to build armies of killer robots capable of mass murder.
Dr Walsh said if the weapons aren't banned, the outcome could bear a resemblance to the apocalyptic visions of Hollywood.
'If nothing is done, in 50 to 100 years it could look just like Terminator. The picture could be pretty close,' he said.
Dr Walsh said the machines would enable militant groups to commit ethnic cleansing or wage civil war on an unprecedented scale.
'IS will have no qualms about using them on civilian populations. That's a terrifying prospect,' he said.
The AI expert fears the machines would flood black markets in the Middle East, driving a unparalleled refugee crises.
The robot 'Warner' runs over uneven obstacle during the finals of the DARPA Robotics Challenge
IS area already manufacturing remote-controlled bombing drones in Syria and Iraq
Dr Walsh fears the new generation of unmanned combat systems could fall into the hands of terrorists
'If you think we have a refugee problem today, wait until we see machines with perfect accuracy that cannot distinguish between combatants and civilians,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
'It would be completely disastrous.'
Dr Walsh believes the fully automated weapons breach a moral and ethical boundary that shouldn't be crossed.
'There are rules of warfare, you have to distinguish between combatants and civilian. These weapons just cannot make that distinction.'
Unlike drones, which are controlled by humans, autonomous weapons make the decision to kill.
IS are already manufacturing remote-controlled bombing drones in Syria and Iraq.
Iraqi soldiers have seized a number of drones, most commonly quadcopters- a drone with four rotors that help lift it - used to drop grenades and mortars.
A sentry robot freezes a hypothetical intruder by pointing its machine gun: South Korea developed the machine gun-toting sentry robot that could support its troops in detecting and killing intruders along the heavily fortified border with North Korea
Dr Walsh believes the age of murderous machines could soon become a grim reality
Dr Walsh said examples such as the Samsung sentry robot used in the demilitarisation zone of Korea showed the weapons are moving from the realm of science fiction toward reality.
South Korea created the machine gun-toting sentry robot to support its troops in detecting and killing intruders along the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
In 2015, Dr Walsh penned an open letter signed by thousands of researchers including Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk calling upon the UN to ban the weapons.
But he believes time is running out to tackle the threat.
'They have the potential to destabilise the planet. There's a lot of urgency here,' Dr Walsh said.
A woman has been charged with the murder of her US Army veteran boyfriend who police say she shot for being 'a jerk'.
Laura Flores Messick, 30, was arrested in San Antonio on Sunday night on suspicion of killing her boyfriend Chason Montezdeoca, 40, who served in Iraq, the day before.
Police say she opened fire on the man as he stood in the hallway of their shared home in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday night.
Messick told police she was angry he had made her leave a bar earlier and thought to herself 'what an a**hole, what a jerk' as she fired the gun, KSAT reported.
After shooting him, they say she took a knife to his throat then fled.
Laura Flores Messick, 30, was arrested on Sunday after allegedly murdering her 40-year-old US Army veteran boyfriend Chason Montezdeoca
On Saturday night, the man's mother visited and found his corpse. Messick was arrested the following day but police would not say where.
She confessed to the killing once in custody, Fox San Antonio reports.
Messick is being held on a $75,000 bond on suspicion of first degree murder.
Friends and family paid tribute to the victim with vigils and social media messages over the weekend.
They described him as a proud soldier but gave no details of his military service. He was a father to two children from a previous relationship.
The 40-year-old was a Private First Class in the Bridge Crewmember branch of the US Army between 2008 and 2013. The branch lays down bridges for platoons in dangerous or difficult terrain.
He served in Iraq between May and December in 2011 and left the army in 2013 with five awards including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
Friends say he had plans to open a restaurant in San Antonio before his death.
Relatives are now raising money to support his closest loved ones.
The man's mother found his body inside their home in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday. Messick was arrested the following day
The glamorous blonde companion of a millionaire Russian who died in Britain after allegedly being poisoned with sorrel soup has revealed she met him in Paris two days before and he appeared to fear for his life.
Financier turned whistleblower Alexander Perepilichnyy, 44, collapsed and died while running near his 3million home in Weybridge, Surrey, on November 10 2012.
Elmira Medynska, 27, was in France with the married father-of-two on November 8 and they stayed at the opulent Hotel Bristol and dined at the nearby Four Seasons.
The businesswoman, who runs a 'haute couture' company, says on their night together he was 'very stressed', drinking heavily and was so distracted he bought her Laboutins in the wrong size.
Financier turned whistleblower Alexander Perepilichnyy, 44, collapsed and died while running near his 3million home in Weybridge, Surrey, on November 10 2012 - two days after a night in Paris with Elmira Medynska, 27,
Businesswoman Miss Medynska, from Kiev, fears he may have been murdered in the UK for handing sensitive information about money laundering in Russia to the Swiss authorities
She fears he may have been murdered in the UK for handing sensitive information about money laundering in Russia to the Swiss authorities.
Miss Medynska told Buzzfeed News: 'It happens to Russian people in London. He gave Russian information to Swiss and you can be killed for that.'
An exclusive investigation by the news website, published during the inquest into his death, claims:
US spooks have told MI6 Perepilichnyy was likely 'assassinated on direct orders from Putin or people close to him' by Russian hitmen
CIA are said to have branded British investigation inadequate in leaked intelligence documents
The French are working on the same theory but British police have knocked them back
Miss Medynska says British police have never interviewed her about their night in Paris and sent her an email asking if she knew four other women he knew but she was never asked anything else.
Miss Medynska says British police have never interviewed her and sent her an email asking if she knew four other women he knew but was never asked anything else
The businessman's death was originally attributed to natural causes, but traces of a chemical that can be found in the poisonous plant Gelsemium elegans - known as 'Heartbreak grass' - were later found in his stomach.
An inquest has been opened into his death and today the judge hearing the case warned that 'anybody can get caught up in a conspiracy theory'.
Surrey Police insists there is no evidence the married father-of-two was murdered and his wife Tatiana says he did not fear for his life.
Before his death, Mr Perepilichnyy had been helping a specialist investment firm uncover a 230 million US dollar (150million) Russian money-laundering operation.
US spies wrote a report claiming they have 'high confidence' his death was ordered by the Kremlin - or Vladimir Putin himself, according to Buzzfeed.
Miss Medynska, who appears to have been in a secret relationship with Mr Perepilichnyy after meeting him in Kiev earlier in the year he died, says he was 'stressed' and drinking heavily on November 8.
The glamorous blonde Ukrainian, then 22, flew to France to meet married Mr Perepilichnyy, then 39, because he wanted to 'show her Paris'.
She says they had met twice before the French trip - and fell for the 'intelligent, handsome man' with 'gentle eyes' after meeting in the exclusive Kiev club Leo earlier in 2012.
They would later holiday together in Nice before agreeing to meet in Paris, where he appeared agitated and was 'worrying, walking from side to side' before buying her Laboutins in the incorrect size.
She told Buzzfeed, who have been investigating his death: 'I was feeling from him that he was very stressed' and over dinner he was drinking 'lots of wine', which he then spilled over his shirt.
Alexander Perepilichnyy, 44, collapsed and died while running near his home in Weybridge, Surrey, (pictured) in November 2012
Miss Medynska, who appears to have been in a secret relationship with Mr Perepilichnyy after meeting him in Kiev earlier in the year he died, says he was 'stressed' and drinking heavily on November 8.
He also repeatedly left the restaurant for a series of phone calls that left his 'hands shaking', she said.
Miss Medynska says they fell out when he later tried to buy her a handbag because she believed he was trying to buy her affections with designer goods.
Miss Medynska says they fell out in Paris when he later tried to buy her a handbag because she believed he was trying to buy her affections with designer goods
She said: 'He was expecting if he would buy me some bag I would be happy with that, but in fact I was even angry with him after that. He was very upset.'
The following day she apologised to him for her mood in a conciliatory text but never heard anything back - two days later he was dead.
She then said she received an email from his widow Tatiana containing 'bad words'.
The judge hearing allegations a Russian whistleblower may have been poisoned told the inquest today that 'anybody can get caught up in a conspiracy theory'.
Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC, the Recorder of London, made the comment as DS Ian Pollard of Surrey Police was being questioned over the handling of the investigation into the death of Alexander Perepilichnyy.
DS Pollard has already told the hearing at the Old Bailey he found no evidence the father-of-two had been murdered.
But claims have been made that Mr Perepilichnyy's death was suspicious after he helped investment firm Hermitage Capital Management to uncover a 150million money laundering operation in Russia.
Police say they have not pursued his trip to France to see Miss Medynska because of 'no useful inquiries to be conducted in Paris'
Mr Perepilichnyy took out life insurance policies worth 3.5million with a number of companies including Legal and General between May and July 2012, and applied for a further 5million before he died.
The inquest heard traces of a compound matching the atomic weight of rare and deadly vegetable poison were found in Mr Perepilichnyy's stomach lining.
His widow Tatiana Perepilichnaya has been quizzed about the sorrel soup she cooked for her husband's lunch shortly before his death on 10 November 2012.
She claimed had finished the soup with her daughter and suffered no ill-effects, and dismissed suggestions that Mr Perepilichnyy had been murdered after coming to Britain because he feared for his life.
DS Pollard admitted today that the initial post-mortem was handled locally rather than being referred to a Home Office pathologist.
He said that the death was not felt to be suspicious and 'in the circumstances there was no suggestion or information about Mr Perepilichnyy's status as was subsequently reported.'
DS Pollard accepted that by the time of the second post-mortem by Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl only 'limited stomach contents' were recovered.
But he added: 'We took the samples we needed to take.' DS Pollard also told the court that he had to follow the evidence rather than chase conspiracy theories.
Judge Hilliard interjected: 'Anybody can get caught up in a conspiracy theory can't they. Wherever they come from and whoever is the subject of them.'
DS Pollard replied: 'Yes. We have to stick to the facts.'
In the days before his death, married Mr Perepilichnyy had stayed at the Bristol hotel in Paris with another woman, the inquest heard. This woman is believed to be Miss Medynska.
Officers made inquiries about the woman and attempts were made to contact her for information, Mr Pollard said.
Credit cards revealed the deceased had spent hundreds of pounds on hotels and meals for two, with the greatest single transaction totalling more than 1,800.
Inquiries were made at the Bristol hotel and police were informed they no longer had any CCTV footage from their stay.
Mr Pollard said he had determined there would be 'no useful inquiries to be conducted in Paris' so did not pursue any more information about the French connection.
Henrietta Hill QC, for Hermitage, said: 'You will have seen reports late last night on BuzzFeed?' Mr Pollard said he had not seen them.
Ms Hill said the report suggested French authorities had tried to seek assistance from British counterparts as they tried to investigate whether Mr Perepilichnyy was poisoned on his trip to Paris.
She said they were told the death was 'not suspicious' and were refused help, according to the report.
Mr Pollard said: 'I have not had any contact to French authorities.'
Ms Hill said: 'But we do know that the French themselves had initially made contact before you tried to make inquiries at the Bristol hotel?'
The officer replied: 'Not that I recall. I think the inquiries were instigated at our request'.
The businessman's death on this private Surrey estate was originally attributed to natural causes, but traces of a chemical that can be found in the poisonous plant Gelsemium elegans were later found in his stomach
Ms Hill challenged Mr Pollard's assertion there was no link to Russian criminal groups.
She highlighted an Interpol request from Moscow for information on whether Mr Perepilichnyy held any property in the UK.
She said the request made it clear he was 'suspected of fraud, money laundering and abuse of power', and had allegedly 'organised a criminal gang to misappropriate money'. Mr Pollard said the deceased was only 'suspected' of fraud.
Last week Insurance giant Legal and General was accused of creating a 'John Le Carre atmosphere' and spreading 'florid theories' about poisoned soup to avoid being stung the widow 2m.
And last night Buzzfeed reported claims that Mr Perepilichnyy was likely assassinated on the orders of the Russian President.
Last week his widow Tatiana Perepilichnaya gave evidence at the Old Bailey behind a screen to protect her identity.
She denied the suggestion her husband fell out with an 'organised crime syndicate' in Russia or that he moved to England because he owed people a lot of money.
The mother-of-two said the family only moved to the UK for their children's education and because she liked the culture of people being polite and smiling in the supermarket.
Asked if she or her husband feared for their safety, she said: 'In 20 years of marriage Alexander never had bodyguard or security so our life in Russia and our life in England never varied. It's the same.
'I know if there were any threats or problems Alexander would have told me.'
The widow, who is originally from Kurdistan, said her husband had been the breadwinner while she was a full-time mother and they did not talk much about his work.
She told the inquest her husband was 'very smart' and hard working. He had wide business interests in computers, manufacturing, frozen foods and condensed milk.
He was a commodity dealer and trader on the Russian stock exchange, the court heard.
She said: 'I just knew he was interested in that business. I didn't know what commodity meant.'
Theresa May made light of her election debacle today as the House of Commons returned.
The Prime Minister hailed the reelection of John Bercow as Speaker by saying: 'At least someone got a landslide.'
The new parliament is getting up and running in the wake of the the bombshell election that was called by Mrs May in the hope of getting a thumping mandate - but ending up with her stripped of her majority.
The Prime Minister hailed the reelection of John Bercow as Speaker by joking: 'At least someone got a landslide.'
Mr Bercow warned the country faces 'testing times' today as he was voted back in as Speaker
The Labour leader infuriated the Tory benches with a tone deaf assault on the government for being insensitive to immigrants and workers
After Jeremy Corbyn hugely exceeded expectations in the campaign, Mrs May is now seeking to shore herself up in power with support from the DUP's 10 MPs.
Mr Bercow warned the country faces 'testing times' today as he was voted back in as Speaker.
Mr Bercow resumed the chair after performing a U-turn on his previous pledge to quit in 2018 - saying instead he wants to serve until 2022.
He vowed to continue to allow backbenchers to 'pressure, scrutinise and hold to account the Government of the day'.
He said: 'We appear to be headed for testing times. I offer myself to the House as a tested Speaker.'
Mrs May and Mr Corbyn appeared to struggling for conversation as they processed back in to the Commons chamber.
Despite the convention that the resumption of parliament is light-hearted and steers clear of politics, the Labour leader infuriated the Tory benches with a tone deaf assault on the government for being insensitive to immigrants and workers.
Tory MPs then howled that he had 'lost' the election as Mr Corbyn taunted the Premier over her election disaster.
Mrs May and Mr Corbyn appeared to struggling for conversation as they processed back in to the Commons chamber
Mr Corbyn was applauded by his Labour benches as he took his seat this afternoon
Mr Corbyn told MPs: 'It is customary on these occasions to congratulate the returning Prime Minister - and I absolutely do so.
'I congratulate her on returning and I'm sure she'll agree with me that democracy is a wondrous thing, and can throw up some very unexpected results.
'I'm sure we all look forward to welcoming the Queen's Speech just as soon as the coalition of chaos has been negotiated.
'I must let the House know - and the rest of the nation know - that if that is not possible, the Labour Party stands ready to offer strong and stable leadership in the national interest.'
As he was proposed for Speaker, John Bercow rose from the Tory benches to pay tribute to Mr Clarke.
He said: 'If the House so permits I will be honoured to serve as Speaker in this Parliament.'
Mr Corbyn was applauded by Labour MPs as he returned to the House of Commons following his party's surprise election gains.
The Labour leader arrived in the chamber as MPs met to choose the Speaker for the new Parliament.
Parliament is getting up and running again after the dramatic general election, with Black Rod summoning the new group of MPs
Mr Bercow was teased from his place on the Tory benches before he was officially reappointed as Speaker
As is traditional, John Bercow was dragged to the Speaker's chair by colleagues in the House of Commons
Mr Bercow was then 'dragged' to the chair by Labour MP Alison McGovern (left), and Tories Helen Grant and Sir Peter Bottomley (right)
The tradition of dragging the Speaker to the chair goes back centuries and is supposed to symbolise their reluctance to quit partisan politics
Grim faced Tory MPs sat opposite a jubilant Labour Party as MPs gathered in the Commons for the first time since the election.
Mr Corbyn was given a standing ovation and a heroes welcome as he arrived in the chamber - despite returning to his seat as Leader of the Opposition.
MPs queued to shake hands with the leader who seized unexpected gains and many clearly were surprised to be back at all.
Mrs May took her place as Prime Minister behind the Despatch Box as she continues her scramble to assemble a Government.
MPs on all sides cheered as Father of the House Ken Clarke took up the chair to receive the Royal Commission officially starting the new Parliament.
But the gathering took place amid acute uncertainty and the almost unprecedented situation of the date of the Queen's Speech being unclear.
Talks between the Tories and the DUP were still ongoing as MPs gathered.
The rest of the week will see MPs sworn in to the Commons before business begins in earnest later this month.
A policeman who had minor tiff with girlfriend shouted 'it's your turn to save me now' before running into the sea and drowning, an inquest heard today.
Lauren Grey said she could not save PC Steven Williams, 29, despite wading into huge waves on a 'horrendous' stormy night in driving rain in Brighton, East Sussex.
She tried to get into the sea to save her boyfriend over a two-hour period, but lost sight of him and his body was later found by coastguards and lifeboat crews.
Lauren Grey (left) said she could not save PC Williams (right) despite wading into huge waves
PC Williams had served in the Royal Air Force and was working for British Transport Police when he ran into the sea, calling for Miss Grey to save him.
Miss Grey told coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley how she and PC Williams had been in the town to see a comedy gig at the Brighton Dome in January.
They were then walking back to their hotel on the seafront after a few drinks when an argument developed between the pair.
PC Steven Williams, 29, died after drowning in the sea off Brighton in East Sussex
She said that she could not remember exactly what the argument had been about, just that it was something trivial.
But it ended up with Mr Williams following her onto the deserted beach near Brighton Pier after she had gone there to 'get some space'.
'We were both quite drunk,' she said. 'I was in quite a mess, I was crying. I said I wanted some space so I went down to the beach. He came down after me and that was the point when he went running into the water.'
Miss Grey said she could not remember exactly what he had said but she originally told police that it was 'It's your turn to save me now', before he ran into the water.
Ms Hamilton-Deeley said that the reason for his saying this was not relevant to the inquest and would not be discussed.
Miss Grey said: 'The water was awful. It was raining, it was windy and the waves were horrendous. I screamed his name, I was kind of hysterical.
Ms Grey tried to get into the sea to save her boyfriend over a two-hour period, but lost sight of him and his body was later found by coastguards and lifeboat crews in January (pictured)
'I went in the water once to try to get him but I was wearing high-heeled boots and a long coat and they were weighing me down. I came out, took them off and went back in.'
Miss Grey, who first met Mr Williams when they both worked for BTP, described running down the beach to get help when she spotted a passer-by.
'I ran up to him crying and screaming,' she told the inquest in Brighton.
'He thought it was a joke at first. The member of the public stayed with me... I just remember a police officer coming and then being in the back of the ambulance.'
The woman police officer Miss Grey referred to was present at the inquest and told the coroner how brave the woman had been in trying to save PC Williams.
'I think Lauren was very brave to do what she did,' said PC Anna Dowglass, from Brighton police station, who had been on duty on the night.
'I don't think I could have done that. Sadly it's something we see in Brighton a lot. People don't know how powerful the sea really is.'
The inquest heard that Miss Grey set up a JustGiving page following her boyfriend's death, with a target of raising 5,000 for the RNLI, which she had reached.
She said in a comment on the page: 'I told myself and Steven I wouldn't give up until I raised 5,000 and now that as been reached. I couldn't thank everyone enough for their kind and generous donations which made this possible.'
It took nearly two hours to find PC Williams, whose body was pulled from the sea at 1.38am
PC Dowglass told the court how she had raced down to the shoreline and searched tirelessly for Mr Williams, who was born in Kent but had - like Miss Grey - lived in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
'The weather was absolutely atrocious,' she said. 'It was foggy, it was driving rain, the street lights made everything look orange. I ran straight down to the beach.
'The waves were huge. I kept having to run away from them up the beach. There was driving rain and using a torch was completely useless.'
The inquest heard how coastguards were called, plus an ambulance, police and the fire and rescue service. A helicopter was requested but the terrible weather conditions made it impossible for it to fly.
PC Dowglass told the coroner: 'The incident was so desperately sad for all of us. Knowing that he was a serving officer and part of the wider police family.'
It took nearly two hours to find PC Williams, whose body was pulled from the sea at 1.38am on January 30.
Despite desperate attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at 2.30am at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Concluding, the coroner said: 'When Steven ran into the water I believe he had no intention of taking his life at all. I think he had no idea on the strength and ferocity of the sea.'
She recorded that PC Williams died in hospital, having drowned in sea water as a result of misadventure.
'I echo what PC Dowglass said, that it was very brave to try to get him back,' she said.
'There is no-one to blame here this is human life at its most tragic. The dedication shown trying to save him was quite impressive.'
Nurse Antonella Indrizzi (pictured) came to the UK after leaving Italy in 2015
An Italian nurse whose English was so bad a colleague had to use mime to show her what to do has been struck off the medical register.
Antonella Indrizzi took a job in the UK after answering an overseas recruitment campaign in Italy back in February 2015.
But her colleagues at King's Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, soon found her grasp of the English language was of concern.
There were numerous incidences of patients refusing to have her look after them due to her 'extremely poor' language skills, a committee heard.
One colleague told the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) that sometimes Ms Indrizzi would look at her like she did not understand what she saying.
It led to her having to point with her hands and mime, while explaining verbally, in a bid to make sure Ms Indrizzi knew what to do.
She had also misinterpreted medical terms on the ward where she worked and did not communicate effectively with patients.
One patient had had to call for help because she was upset and, despite trying, Ms Indrizzi had been unable to find the words to reassure her.
Instead, she had told the patient to 'be quiet', according to a ward leader at the hospital.
Ms Indrizzi had worked as a healthcare support assistant at the hospital, but was a registered nurse, the committee heard.
But she has now been struck off after her case went before the NMC's conduct and competence committee.
The committee panel said she had been given chances to improve her English, but refused to take the IELTS internationally recognised English language test.
Her fitness to practise as a nurse was 'impaired', the committee said.
But her colleagues at King's Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, (pictured) soon found her grasp of the English language was of concern
The committee added: 'The panel has concluded that her lack of knowledge is such that she has in the past put patients at unwarranted risk of harm.
'Moreover, it would have been liable to bring the profession into disrepute.
'Although her lack of knowledge of English is capable of remediation, she has yet to take the IELTS assessment as a step towards achieving this and does not show any insight into the need to do so.
'Further, there was nothing in the evidence to reassure the panel that Ms Indrizzi would in the future comply with reasonable requests to take such an assessment.
'As a consequence, the panel cannot be satisfied that her knowledge of English has reached or will reach the necessary standard.
'In all the circumstances, the panel was of the view that a striking off order is the only appropriate order that would be sufficient to protect the public interest.'
News / National
by Staff reporter
TWO Bulawayo Zanu-PF youths have been arrested for allegedly assaulting fellow party members during an inter-district political meeting last month at Davies Hall.Magura Charumbira and Butholezwe Ngwenya appeared before magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya facing a charge of assault.Charumbira and Ngwenya were separately charged.Mr Tashaya did not ask them to plead and remanded the duo out of custody.Ngwenya will be back in court tomorrow.Charumbira, who was stabbed when violence erupted during a meeting on May 21, is not new to the courts as he is facing another charge of malicious damage to property.Ngwenya allegedly slapped Charumbira while Charumbira poked a youth officer Charlton Ivako (59) in his face several times.Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said Charumbira, who was the ring leader of more than 50 youths, arrived at Davies Hall to disturb the meeting."The agenda of the meeting was to address issues in the province. A group of about 50 uninvited youths led by the accused entered the meeting. He shouted, 'Imimi naKasukuwere mauraya musangano!' (You and Kasukuwere have destroyed the party) and went on to poke the complainant in the eye using his forefinger," said Mr Dlodlo.The court heard that Ngwenya, who had attended the meeting, stood up and slapped Charumbira once on the cheek."A misunderstanding ensued between the two over the presence of Charumbira and his group. This resulted in Ngwenya slapping Charumbira once in the face. Ngwenya then fled from the scene soon after committing the offence," said the prosecutor.Last month, Bulawayo provincial war veterans' chairman Cephas Ncube, three war veterans and three Zanu-PF youths including Charumbira were involved in violent skirmishes when rival groups fiercely clashed during the party's provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting.Ncube (59) of Nketa 8 suburb and fellow war veterans Juliet Sibanda (55) of Magwegwe North, Luke Mpofu (64) of Nkulumane and Abigail Nyamunda (53) of Tshabalala are facing assault charges following the chaos at the party's headquarters.Ncube is also separately charged for indecent assault after allegedly fondling Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial youth league Chairperson Anna Mokgohloa.The ruling party's youths - Davies Muhambi (35) of Burnside, Mabutho Moyo (32) of New Luveve and Charumbira of Trenance are facing charges of malicious damage to property.Youths and war veterans laid an almost six-hour siege at the hall while Central Committee members, Politburo members, provincial executives and legislators were holed up inside.Anti-riot police had to be called to the party offices to control some youths who were trying to stop the executive from holding the meeting accusing the provincial leadership of supporting national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere.Muhambi, Moyo and Charumbira are accused of throwing stones and damaging window panes at Davies Hall during the scuffle.
An Australian drug smuggler jailed for life in Bali's notorious Kerobokan prison says he regrets throwing his freedom to make a quick $15,000 to buy a car.
Matthew Norman, from Sydney's west, was 18 when he was arrested as part of the Bali Nine drug syndicate in 2005.
As a 30-year-old man, Norman said he regretted throwing away his life for the chance to make $15,000 to 'probably buy a car'.
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Matthew Norman was emotional describing how his family has to cope with her prison term
'Get me home': Australian drug smuggler Si Yi Chen becomes emotional in rare TV interview
Western Sydney-raised Bali prisoners Si Yi Chen (left) and Matthew Norman on the ABC
'I didn't even think about the consequences whatsoever,' he told the ABC's Foreign Correspondent program.
'When you look back on it now, it's absolutely peanuts, it's nothing.'
Norman also expressed regret at what he put his family through in a rare interview from inside the Denpasar prison.
'I committed the crime. They kind of have to deal with the consequences as well,' he said.
'That's not fair. It's not fair on them.'
Bali Nine ringleaders Myuran Sukumaran (left) and Andrew Chen (right) were executed in April 2015 (they are pictured here in August 2010)
The Kerobokan prison in Denpasar has been the scene of riots, such as this incident in 2012
Another Bali Nine member Si Yi Chen, who is now 32, was a 20-year-old 'high-ego teenager' when he was arrested at the same time as Norman.
From inside Indonesia's notorious Kerobokan prison, the man also from western Sydney told how is he missing his family.
'From a naive, stubborn, high-ego teenager... I will change into somebody who is more responsible,' he said.
Asked by reporter Samantha Hawley if he had anything else to say, he became emotional: 'Get me home.'
The ringleaders of the Bali Nine syndicate, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were executed by a fire squad in April 2015.
The Australians, who were found guilty of attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin into Sydney from Bali in 2005, were shot through the heart in an execution shortly after midnight.
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Clashes at daily protests in Venezuela calling for President Nicolas Maduro to quit have left 68 people dead since April 1, prosecutors said.
Protests continue to rock the nation after Venezuela's Supreme Court on Monday rejected the chief prosecutor's motion to stop Maduro's push to rewrite the constitution.
Opposition leaders said pro-government armed groups known as 'colectivos' clashed with protesters and journalists near the Supreme Court on Monday and witnesses' videos showed fistfights and people being shoved to the ground at the demonstration site.
National guardsmen in black helmets and bulletproof vests stretched across a street with plastic shields, blocking protesters from reaching the court.
Anti-government demonstrators attack the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice as part of protests against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Monday
The Supreme Court's president accused 'terrorists' of attacking the headquarters of the court's executive body in the outskirts of Caracas after protesters posed in front of the flames on Monday
With Venezuelans suffering from high inflation, food shortages and soaring crime rates, plus a deepening corruption scandal, the Venezuelan opposition has mounted near-daily anti-government protests since April 1. Pictured above, anti-government demonstrators participate in an attack to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
Smoke plumes out of the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice after protesters set it on fire on Monday
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's president accused 'terrorists' of attacking the headquarters of the court's executive body in the outskirts of Caracas. Photos posted on the Supreme Court's Twitter account showed parts of the building on fire.
Videos shared by government officials captured a plume of dark smoke rising above the building, blaming opposition protesters.
Protesters blame Maduro for an economic crisis that has caused desperate shortages of food and medicine in the oil-rich country. Maduro says the crisis is a US-backed conspiracy.
The president has launched moves to set up an elected assembly to reform the constitution in response to the protests, but his opponents say that is a ploy to cling to power.
A survey by pollster Datanalisis indicated that 85 percent of Venezuelans opposed that plan.
A group vandalizes the Executive Head Office of the Magistracy of the Venezuelan Supreme Court in Caracas. With Venezuelans suffering from high inflation, food shortages and soaring crime rates, plus a deepening corruption scandal, the Venezuelan opposition has mounted near-daily anti-government protests since April 1
A group destroy technology inside the Executive Head Office of the Magistracy of the Venezuelan Supreme Court in Caracas
Venezuela's Supreme Court has rejected the chief prosecutor's motion to stop President Nicolas Maduro's push to rewrite the constitution. The decision follows over two months of sometimes violent anti-government protests that continue to rock the nation
Protests, like the one pictured above in which demonstrators destroy government property, have left 68 people dead since April 1
An injured anti-government demonstrator is assisted by fellow activists during an attack to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
Bolivarian National Guard members patrol following an attack by anti-government demonstratorsto the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice in Caracas
The Supreme Court on Monday declared Luisa Ortega Diaz's request inadmissible on the same day anti-government demonstrators were marching toward the high court to protest its refusal to stop Maduro's special assembly.
The decision came four days after Ortega Diaz made an impassioned plea on the Supreme Court steps, grasping Venezuela's small blue constitution book in her hands and declaring the future of the nation's democracy was at stake.
As during previous protests, the government closed several metro stations.
And Venezuelans in Caracas awoke Monday to find their city paralyzed by a public transportation strike that union leaders said stretched through 90 per cent of the capital.
Transit workers said they were protesting unsafe work conditions and demanding the release of a colleague detained nearly two weeks ago.
Bus driver Santos Quevedo was charged with terrorism after allegedly transporting a group of opposition protesters, but local reports say the government opponents forced him to give them a ride.
A protester stands in front of a fire at the Executive Head Office of the Magistracy of the Venezuelan Supreme Court while holding a Venezuelan flag
A protester raises a Venezuelan flag above his head as he watches flames destroy the Executive Head Office of the Magistracy of the Venezuelan Supreme Court in Caracas
Anti-government demonstrators attack use posters and shields to protect themselves from an onslaught of air gun pellets
Anti-government demonstrators start fires outside the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice on Monday
A protester wearing a gas mask and helmet hides behind a makeshift shield during clashes with government officials on Monday
Anti-government demonstrators run after destroying a branch of the Banco Provincial bank which works inside the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice as part of protests against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Monday
A protester throws back a tear gas canister during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on Monday
Speaking outside the Supreme Court, union leaders said transit workers are the first to wake up in the morning and often exposed to dangerous conditions in a country with one of the highest homicide rates in the world.
'Every time we leave our homes we don't know if we'll return alive,' said Pedro Jimenez, president of a local union called the Southwest Transporters Bloc. He demanded that the government take action to ensure drivers' safety.
Nearly two miles (three kilometers) away, the Venezuelan Red Cross draped a giant white flag with a red cross above its entrance, an act usually reserved for extraordinary events such as natural disasters, to identify it as a neutral safe haven.
The last time the flag is believed to have been raised was in April 2013 during the presidential election to replace the late President Hugo Chavez, which Maduro won by a narrow vote.
The Red Cross raised the flag again as a protective measure in light of recent protests in which authorities have used tear gas near the institution's hospital, said Jose Ramon Gonzalez, the group's national relief director.
Though the institution itself has not been attacked, Gonzalez said the flag is meant to help protect both medical aid workers and patients arriving at the hospital.
A protester throws a molotov cocktail during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on Monday
A protester holds a poster reading 'Your real enemy' as others set fire to property of a branch of the Banco Provincial bank which works inside the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
Anti-government demonstrators destroy property of a branch of the Banco Provincial bank which works inside the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
An anti-government demonstrator shows his pellet wounds during an attack to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
An injured anti-government demonstrator is assisted by health workers during an attack to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
An injured anti-government demonstrator (second from right) is brought to safety by other activists amid protests on Monday
A protester shields a pedestrian during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Monday
The agency has treated 254 patients in Caracas and more than 500 nationwide during the recent wave of protests, Gonzalez said.
The majority have suffered from ailments related to inhaling tear gas, being struck by rubber bullets and surface wounds.
More than 1,000 people have been injured nationwide in a wave of unrest unleashed after the Supreme Court in late March stripped the opposition-controlled National Assembly of its last powers, a decision later reserved amid a storm of international criticism.
Many of the protests have ended with state security launching tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, some of whom throw rocks and even jars filled with feces at officers.
Maduro has vowed to resolve the crisis by convening a special assembly to rewrite the constitution. But the opposition refuses to participate, denouncing the push as another means by which he will further consolidate his power.
Ortega Diaz, whose agency is semi-autonomous, has emerged as one of the most critical voices of Maduro within the government.
An elderly man is assisted by health professionals during an attack by anti-government demonstrators to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
A woman is assisted by anti-government demonstrators during an attack to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
An injured anti-government demonstrator is assisted by fellow activists during an attack to the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
An anti-government demonstrator uses a makeshift shield to protect himself against pellets that were being shot during protests
The Supreme Court on Monday declared Luisa Ortega Diaz's request inadmissible on the same day anti-government demonstrators were marching toward the high court to protest its refusal to stop Maduro's special assembly. Pictured above, anti-government demonstrators run as they attack the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice
A long-time loyalist, she has denounced the constitutional assembly as an affront to the legacy of Hugo Chavez, who crafted the nation's current constitution.
Maduro administration officials have criticized her as a de facto opposition leader responsible for the current wave of violence.
Monday's ruling appeared to further alienate Ortega Diaz from pro-government officials.
The chief prosecutor introduced a new complaint contesting the appointment of 13 Supreme Court magistrates and 21 substitute judges approved by the National Assembly in 2015 shortly before the opposition took office.
Critics say the judges were quickly ushered in for 12-year terms to assure government control of the nation's highest court, an assertion the Maduro administration denies.
Speaking to Union Radio, Ortega Diaz said her latest legal maneuver was an attempt to 'restore the stability of the country'.
She added that her relatives have received threats and that she would hold Maduro responsible for anything that might happen to them.
A British woman in Paris is facing jail after allegedly giving a notorious designer 'fake cocaine' nicknamed N-bomb to a visiting friend who later died from an apparent overdose.
The unidentified suspect is said to have given the dangerous substance to her friend, visiting from London, during a party in the French capital's 20th arrondissement.
But the father of the dead woman, a 20-year-old marketing executive named locally as Julia, told France's Journal de Dimanche he believes she died in a 'tragic accident'.
A British woman in Paris is facing jail after allegedly giving a notorious designer 'fake cocaine' nicknamed N-bomb to a visiting friend who later died (file photo of the Wanderlust nightclub where the pair were partying earlier in the night)
The unidentified suspect is said to have given the dangerous substance to her friend who was visiting from London (file photo of the Wanderlust nightclub where the pair were partying earlier in the night)
The pair were at a flat on April 29 when the tragedy happened. After taking the drug, the victim became extremely ill, and then slipped into a coma.
She was rushed to the nearby Lariboisiere hospital, where she remained alive for just 11 days.
An autopsy revealed toxic substances had been consumed and cause death was an overdose.
The victim had been visiting from London, staying with her friend, who had lived in Paris for a number of years.
Pictures of the dead woman enjoying herself at the Wanderlust nightclub in Paris had been published on the Instagram social media site on the eve of the incident, according to the Journal.
The Journal writes on its website that the woman was beautiful and had 'a glamorous job in marketing, young friends like her, trips abroad.'
It claims that the victim had taken the drug because she was sure it was cocaine - another illegal drug but one that is not as likely to lead to serious illness or death.
The victim was rushed to the nearby Lariboisiere hospital (pictured), where she remained in a coma until she died 11 days later
Now police are trying to find the original dealers who supplied the hallucinogenic 251-NBO Me, which was developed in Berlin in 2013 and officially banned in France in November 2015.
It has the same kind of effects as LSD, and been linked to a number of deaths around the world, but this is the fist time that someone has died from it in France.
The arrested British woman is currently under 'judicial supervision', and faces being charged with manslaughter and drugs offences. She is expected to be tried in the coming months.
A man has been sentenced to ten years in jail for paying people to rape children while he watched and directed online.
Sydney hotel worker Bryan Walter Beattie, 44, will serve a minimum six years in prison after being the first person in New South Wales convicted of cybersex trafficking.
Beattie paid between $12 and $540 to watch and command the rape of children aged between eight and 15 in the Philippines.
The 44-year-old watched on Skype, waving and giving thumbs-up to children as they were sexually assaulted by a man carrying out his instructions, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Bryan Walter Beattie (pictured), 44, has been sentenced to ten years in jail after he paid men to rape children in the Philippines while he watched and directed on Skype from his Sydney home
Beattie paid between $12 and $540 to watch and command the rape of children aged between eight and 15 in the Philippines
NSW District Court Judge Chris Craigie called Beattie's crimes as 'evil' and 'morally repugnant' when handing down his sentence.
'The offender full well knew that what he was doing was morally repugnant,' he said.
'The victims in the present instance were the most vulnerable of the vulnerable located in a poverty-stricken environment where a man from a Western country could exploit them using a sexually perverted local criminal.'
A statement of agreed facts state Beattie can be heard heavily breathing while typing instructions to a tattooed Asian man in many of the videos.
The children are forced to perform sexual acts on adults and each other.
'The images and videos classified were highly disturbing, distressing and offensive and many involved young prepubescent Asian male children,' the facts state, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The 44-year-old watched on Skype, waving and giving thumbs-up to children as they were sexually assaulted by a man carrying out his instructions (stock image)
Beattie pleaded guilty in December last year to causing children to engage in sexual intercourse outside of Australia and possessing child abuse
Beattie pleaded guilty in December last year to causing children to engage in sexual intercourse outside of Australia and possessing child abuse.
While giving evidence he said he previously rationalised his actions because he wasn't present and therefore didn't feel as if he was a part of it.
Judge Craigie said Beattie only stopped paying for live child abuse shows in 2012 because he was 'nervous' about being caught.
Court heard he continued watching the videos in his home until he was arrested in 2014.
He will be eligible for parole in February 2021.
Thousands of firefighters have been battling 28 wildfires which have raged across Arizona with crews being drafted in from across the Western United States.
Tiffany Davila, spokeswoman for the state forestry department said many of fires were ignited by lightening, although some were started by people.
Gusty winds and parched vegetation fueled the flames, although at this stage, nobody has been injured and only one empty house has been destroyed.
Thousands of firefighters across the Western United States have been deployed to Arizona to stop wildfires which are are being spread across the state by dry, arid winds
Forestry officials said some of the fires were started by lightening and others by humans
Only one house has been destroyed although residents in Dragoon were forced to evacuate
Some southern Arizona residents were allowed to return home Monday after fleeing last week from a wildfire in the community of Dragoon that burned a vacant home. Evacuation orders were in place for at least 30 houses.
Heather Floyd, who lives in Dragoon, said an official came to her house with a warning to evacuate Wednesday. Floyd decided to spend the night at her daughter's home in a nearby town, but her husband stayed behind.
When she left, she took multiple suitcases - one with five days' worth of clothes, and another with photo albums and picture frames she grabbed off the walls.
'It's weird,' Floyd said. 'What do you pack? It's 10:30 at night, you're not really thinking.'
The fire came within half a mile of her house, but she went back the next morning and they have stayed since.
Davila estimates at least 80 square miles across the state are ablaze. She said crews from seven other states are working to control the fires.
It is estimated that approximately 80 square miles of land has been consumed by the fire
Arizona has so far seen 858 wildfires which have consumed 205 miles of territory
Officials closed a section of highway in northern Arizona last week because smoke from a mountain fire restricted visibility.
State Route 180 about 10 miles north of Flagstaff will stay closed at least until Sunday, when the state Department of Transportation will re-evaluate.
Arizona has seen 858 fires so far this year that have charred 205 square miles
Dry lightning, or lighting without rain, sparked some of the bigger fires burning now.
The fires illuminated the night sky in the area round Dragon, Arizona, pictured
The National Weather Service warned high winds and low humidity could spread the fires
It is more common in summer months leading up to the state's monsoon, said Hector Vasquez, a spokesman for the National Weather Service. Fire danger decreases as more moisture moves in and rain begins accompanying the lightning storms.
The National Weather Service warned residents in eastern and northern Arizona that high winds and low humidity could lead fires to spread more easily.
State forestry officials predicted two months ago that southern Arizona would have a higher fire risk than the northern, forested parts of the state, because winter rain and snow increased the amount of vegetation that fuels fires in later months after it dries out.
A gorgeous supermarket cashier has become an internet star after women started flocking to a shop to catch a glimpse of him.
Irvin Villatoro works the checkouts at a Costco store in Chihuahua, Mexico and has built up an admiring female fan base at the American chain.
Photos of him in his skintight t-shirt and name badge were posted online, where they were quickly shared thousands of times.
Irvin Villatoro works the checkouts in a Costco in Chihuahua, Mexico. Since starting work he has built up an admiring female fan base
Fan Fabii Salas said: 'I would go there so that he could pack everything for me'.
Jay Jay Ortiz added: 'Oh god, how gorgeous! With that service, I would go to the shop every day.'
In addition to his part-time Costco job, Mr Villatoro also works as a model and has a YouTube channel where he shares his exercise videos.
In addition to his part-time Costco job, Mr Villatoro also works as a model and has a YouTube channel where he shares his exercise videos
Mr Villatoro has uploaded a YouTube videos showing him working out topless in the gym. His impressive workout routine includes handstand press-ups (right) and weightlifting
Last week he uploaded a video showing him working out topless in the gym, doing chin-ups, press-ups and flips.
Mr Villatoro, who is also believed to be an engineering student, has hinted he is on the look-out for modelling work rather than focusing on his retail career.
The impressive workout routine includes handstand press-ups and weightlifting, which explains Mr Villatoro's impressive physique.
An Australian senator has broken down in parliament describing the moment he was caught up in the London terrorist attack as he had a drink with a close friend.
Labor powerbroker Sam Dastyari was in a restaurant on a Saturday night, in early June, when three Islamist terrorists armed with knives went on a rampage down London Bridge.
Senator Dastyari lost his composure delivering a late-night speech to parliament, recalling the murder of eight people, including two Australians, less than two weeks ago.
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Labor Senator Sam Dastyari breaks down in parliament recalling seeing London terror attack
Senator Dastyari was during at a nearby restaurant when the terrorists struck London Bridge
'I want to go home. I'm exhausted and I want to go back to Sydney where my wife Helen and my two daughters are,' he said on Tuesday night.
'I want to go back to Parliament in Canberra where we can pretend that the big, ugly world is a far, distant place separated by sea and a long plane ride.
'I want to go home and sleep in my own bed. I want to try and forget last night.'
It is at that point the New South Wales senator based in Sydney loses it and puts his fingers in his eyes.
Senator Dastyari had been in London, to campaign for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn ahead of the U.K. general election, when the terrorists ultimately killed Australians Kirsty Boden and Sara Zelenak.
The Labor Senator for New South Wales recalled seeing people bleeding in London
The former NSW Labor Party general secretary recalled seeing a man 'holding the blood coming out of his throat' as he ran past them.
'Is he one of the seven confirmed victims? I don't like to think about these things,' he said.
'I remember a woman running down the street covered in blood, panic, as the screams engulfed the street.
'In our venue, events became a blur but the images didn't.'
The Labor Senator told parliament he witnessed a woman covered in blood screaming
He hid in the small kitchen and upstairs area of the restaurant, along with 37 other patrons, while the London police swept the area.
Senator Dastyari spoke of being in that restaurant with his close friend Richard Angell - a Labour activist in the U.K. - as the terrorists drove down London Bridge in a white van before attacking people with knives in pubs and restaurants at the nearby Borough Markets.
'Screw them if they think they're going to stop me drinking with my friends,' he said.
'Neither of us have slept but it is clear Richard is handling the situation far better than I am.
''Screw them,' I say, again, less convincingly, deciding that what I actually need is more drinks which, if I was to be honest, was the last thing I needed.'
Police in Baltimore are searching for a partially blind man who say they beat his five-month-old son to death, possibly using his walking stick as the murder weapon.
The Baltimore Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for Perry Nelson-Johnson, 31, charging him with first- and second-degree murder and assault, three separate counts of child abuse, reckless endangerment and dangerous weapon with intent to injure.
Nelson-Johnson is blind at least in one eye stemming from an earlier injury. He remained on the lam as of Tuesday afternoon.
According to investigators, at around 4am on Friday, first responders received a call about an unconscious baby in the 1600 block of North Smallwood Street.
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Father sought: Police in Baltimore are searching for Perry Nelson-Johnson, 31, who is accused of beating his five-month-old son Emmanuel to death, possibly with his guide stick
The infant, five-month-old Emmanuel Johnson, was rushed to Maryland Shock Trauma, where he was pronounced dead.
When interviewed by police, Nelson-Johnson claimed that his son rolled off the bed and banged his head. The 31-year-old suspect also stated that the boy appeared to be fine for a time.
However, an investigation has revealed that baby Emmanuel had both old and new injuries all over body.
The injuries were not consistent with a fall and the evidence at the scene, according to a press release from the police.
During a press conference held on Monday, police spokesman TJ Smith described what happened to the baby as an 'absolutely disturbing and despicable, inhumane act of violence.'
He revealed that the baby had multiple abrasions and scrapes on his face, and scratches 'almost from head to toe.'
The incident took place on June 9 in the 1600 block of North Smallwood Street in Baltimore
Outraged: Police spokesman TJ Smith described what happened to the baby as an 'absolutely disturbing and despicable, inhumane act of violence'
An autopsy performed on the boy later found the cause of death to have been severe head trauma, and the case was classified as a homicide by multiple blunt force trauma to the head.
Investigators believe Nelson-Johnson used a blunt object, possibly his guide stick, to beat his son over the head. Smith said Nelson-Johnson had lost his eyesight in an earlier incident, which police were aware of, but declined to elaborate further, citing possible privacy issues.
Smith said the best thing at this time would be for Nelson-Johnson to just turn himself in to police.
Nelson-Johnson and the victim's mother have other children who were not in their custody at the time of the incident.
The woman has not been charged with any crime as of Tuesday morning, but Smith told reporters 'that could change.'
Police are working with Child Protective Services to determine if there had been warning signs of abuse.
Anyone with information on Nelson-Johnsons whereabouts is being asked to call the Warrant Apprehension Task Force at (410) 637-8970.
Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein vouched for the 'full independence' of special counsel Robert Mueller following complaints from President Trump's allies, and said only the attorney general has the authority to fire him.
Testifying Tuesday at a budget hearing for his department, Mueller got pressed early for answers about the special counsel probing Russian election interference after key Trump allies including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich began publicly criticizing Mueller.
The comments from Gingrich and other Trump allies raised the possibility that the administration was floating a trial balloon for another drastic firing that Democrats warn could provoke a constitutional crisis.
'As long as I'm in this position, he's not going to be fired without good cause,' Rosenstein said.
Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein says he would only fire special counsel Robert Mueller with 'good cause,' and vouched for his 'full independence'
'Mueller may be fired only for good cause and I am required to put that cause in writing,' Rosenstein assured Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
'And so that's what I would do. If there were good cause I would consider it, if there were not good cause, it wouldn't matter to me what anybody says,' Rosenstein said, in an oblique reference to Trump.
'I am confident that he has full independence,' Rosenstein asserted.
Asked if he had seen good cause for firing Mueller, who led the FBI after decades in the bureau, he said: 'No I have not.'
Rosenstein testified previously that his own integrity and that of other top Justice officials would offer necessary safeguards. Once again Tuesday, he made his case by invoking his faith in public officials who drafted regulations intended to insure the independence of outside investigators.
Senators pressed Rosenstein amid new calls from Trump allies to fire the special counsel investigating the Trump campaign's Russia contacts
ABC's George Stephanopoulos (left) seemed surprised when former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (right) accused special counsel Robert Mueller of hiring 'bad people'
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the Justice Department's fiscal 2018 budget
GOOD CAUSE: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein talks to an aide on Capitol Hill in Washington
'That regulation as you may know was written and implemented during the Clinton administration under the authority of attorney general [Janet] Reno,' he said.
'I know the folks who wrote that. They wrote it to deal with these sort of situations. And I am confident that he will have sufficient independence. And it's certainly theoretically possible that the attorney general could fire,' Rosenstein said.
'But that's the only person with authority to fire him.'
In the case of the Russia probe, attorney general Jeff Sessions has recused himself following revelations about his own Russia contacts. In this case, the authority would pass to Rosenstein, although the president has the authority to fire him.
'In fact, the chain of command before the special counsel is only directly to the attorney general, or in this case the acting attorney general,' he continued. 'So nobody else in the department would have authority to do that. You have my assurance that we're going to faithfully follow that regulation,' he told Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
A friend of President Trump's says he is considering firing the special counsel who is investigating his campaign contacts with Russia
HAZARDOUS LINE OF WORK: Lawmakers wanted to know who could fire special counsel Robert Mueller, and under what circumstances
'And director Mueller is going to have a full degree of independence that he needs to conduct that investigation appropriately,' he added.
Questioned by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Rosenstein said he didn't see a good reason to fire Mueller.
'And you're going to make that decision and nobody else?' asked Graham.
'As long as I'm in this position, senator, it would be my responsibility to make that decision,' Rosenstein said.
Lawmakers pressed Rosenstein on the rules that govern special counsels, and for the moment appear to give him unique authority to terminate him.
'They anticipated that people would follow the rules,' he told Maryland Sen. Chris Van Holen. 'Your question is, well what if somebody doesn't follow the rules, what happens next? ... I do not anticipate that it's going to arise,' said.
Rosenstein said he didn't know whether the special counsel would have recourse in the courts if he got fired without good cause.
'As long as I'm in this position, he's not going to be fired without good cause. If he were, it wouldn't be my responsibility,' he said, smiling.
Mueller, appointed by Rosenstein to his post just a month ago, has been composing a dream team of legal investigators, including some who have made campaign contributions to Democrats in the past.
Speaking to George Stephanopoulos on ABC's Good Morning America, Gingrich accused Mueller's hires of being Democrats who would wage an unfair fight against the Trump White House.
'These are bad people. Bad people,' Gingrich said. 'These are people who are going to be after Trump,' said Gingrich, who helped lead the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.
For example, Michael Dreeban, a criminal law expert who's working part-time for Mueller, donated $1,000 to Friends of Hillary, which was supporting Clinton when she ran for public office in New York.
Another big-name hire, Andrew Weissmann, who led the Enron Task Force, donated six times to the political action committees supporting Obama during the 2008 election, for a total of $4,700, according to the Hill.
Trump has nominated Gingrich's wife, Callista, to be ambassador to the Vatican.
Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy, a Trump friend and Mar-a-Lago member, has said Trump is considering firing Mueller, though he is personally against the idea.
'I think it is a consideration the President has had because Mueller is illegitimate as special counsel,' Ruddy told CNN.
'Remember there is no evidence of wrongdoing, there's no evidence of collusion, there's no evidence of obstruction,' he said, saying 'the basis of his investigation is flim-flam' even as he argued against dismissing the special counsel.
On Monday night, Ruddy told PBS it would be a 'significant mistake' if Trump were to fire Mueller.
'I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option,' said Ruddy, who was at the White House Monday.
Three members of a nudist colony were found shot to death in what Quebec, Canada police believe is a murder-suicide.
The bodies of Rodrigue Tremblay, 77; Suzanne Gareau, 50; and Denys Carpentier, 76, were found by relatives inside Tremblay's home on the Club Naturiste Adam & Eve campground in Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults Monday afternoon.
Police believe that Carpentier killed his ex, Gareau, and longtime friend Tremblay before turning the high-powered rifle on himself.
Suzanne Gareau, 50 (left), and her boyfriend Rodrigue Tremblay, 77 (right), were found shot to death at Tremblay's home on a nudist campground Monday afternoon
The body of Gareau's ex Denys Carpentier, 76 (above), was also found in the home. Police believe he was the gunman
It's believed that Gareau left Carpentier for Tremblay. She had been staying with Tremblay at his home, which he bought from the couple a few years ago.
Autopsies are still pending, but police said the bodies showed traces of violence.
According to the nudist campground's Facebook page, the colony includes a number of small homes for rent, along with a pool, disco and bar.
The Facebook page says that the campground is for 'liberated' adults only.
It's believed that Carpentier shot his ex and her new boyfriend dead because he was jealous
Carpentier and Tremblay had been longtime friends. The home where the three were found on Monday was originally Carpentier's before he sold it to Tremblay
Members of the community told TVA Nouvelles that Carpentier was a jealous and 'possessive' man - but they did not think he was capable of murder.
Gareau allegedly spent Friday with a friend and told the friend about the tensions between her ex and her new boyfriend.
Neighbors who spoke with La Presse said that Tremblay's wife had died of cancer, and he had just started chemotherapy himself.
'Rodrigue, he would not hurt anyone. He was a good living man, he served everybody. He had three children, grandchildren. He had just started chemo,' one neighbor said.
'When his wife died of cancer, Rodrigue regained a taste for life. He was a fine fellow, and he made all the ladies ride around,' another neighbor added.
News / National
by Staff reporter
Before the dust has even settled following the axing of former Prosecutor-General (PG) Johannes Tomana, serious jockeying for the top post has started in earnest, as rival factions within the warring Zanu-PF aim to have their preferred candidate land the vacant post.This comes as the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) is yet to advertise for the PG's post and issue a notice for the nomination of Tomana's successor as outlined in the new Constitution.The new charter outlines the procedure to be followed in the appointment of a PG that includes advertising the post, allowing public nominations, and requiring public interviews of prospective candidates.Justice ministry permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza told the Daily News yesterday that the replacement of a PG was similar to that of a judge."It's all guided by the Constitution; the procedure of appointing a prosecutor-general is similar to that of appointing a judge."The previous PG was in office by operation of transitional provisions in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. So, he did not undergo the process of public interviews."Now because he has left, his replacement will be by way of public interviews the Judicial Service Commission will have to do that," Mabhiza told the Daily News.While JSC secretary Rita Makarau was not taking calls from the Daily News yesterday, a senior JSC official said they were "keen to ensure a considered and orderly transition" in finding Tomana's successor.President Robert Mugabe will pick the new PG from a list submitted by the JSC.The process to select Tomana's successor is likely to be hard-fought given the public brawling by Zanu-PF factions, which marred the selection to choose the country's new chief justice after the retirement of Godfrey Chidyausiku who died last month.The selection had decidedly taken a factional tone.Acting PG Ray Goba, veteran lawyers Florence Ziumbe and Wilson Manase are touted among the legal minds that could succeed Tomana.Manase, who is representing First Lady Grace Mugabe in her diamond ring suit against Lebanese Jamal Ahmed, came short of being appointed the Attorney-General (AG) before Mugabe eventually settled for Prince Machaya.Ziumbe is said to be well regarded and was once touted as the potential first woman AG before Machaya got Mugabe's nod.Tomana was appointed PG in November 2013, after the functions of the Attorney-General and the PG were split under the country's new Constitution.Until then, he was Zimbabwe's AG, a position he had been appointed to by Mugabe in December 2008 when the country was still operating under the old Lancaster House constitution.Before he was fired, Tomana had been on suspension since July last year facing a slew of allegations, which included criminal abuse of office and gross incompetence involving a number of cases that were before the courts.The tribunal, which was headed by retired High Court judge Moses Chinhengo, completed its probe in February.The panel also included University of Zimbabwe Dean of Law Emmanuel Magade and Harare lawyer Melina Matshiya.Among the issues that the panel was interrogating was Tomana's alleged refusal to issue a private prosecution certificate to Francis Maramwidze for the prosecution of disgraced former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) advisor and Member of Parliament Munyaradzi Kereke.The former aide to retired RBZ governor Gideon Gono is serving an effective 10 years in jail for raping his then 11-year-old niece at gunpoint almost seven years ago, after four years of his sentence was suspended if he behaves well.Other allegations related to Tomana's refusal to issue certificates of prosecution against former Telecel director Jane Mutasa, who was facing fraud charges, as well as obstructing justice after ordering the withdrawal of charges against two suspects who were being accused of planning to bomb Gushungo Dairy, a company owned by the First Family.He was also accused of abusing his office by withdrawing charges against former deputy minister Bright Matonga, who was accused of corruption in 2008.The tribunal also heard that the former PG had ordered the withdrawal of charges that had been laid against former Bindura Hospital acting superintendent, Beauty Basile, who had been charged with criminal abuse of office.
President Trump blasted the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for again blocking his controversial travel ban.
'Well, as predicted, the 9th Circuit did it again - Ruled against the TRAVEL BAN at such a dangerous time in the history of our country,' Trump tweeted Tuesday morning, adding the initials 'S.C.' at the end of the tweet, likely calling on the Supreme Court to take up the case.
On Monday, the appeals court stomped on Trump's revised travel ban by saying the administration violated federal immigration law and failed to provide a valid reason for keeping people from six mostly Muslim nations from coming to the country.
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President Trump called out the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for again ruling against his 'TRAVEL BAN'
President Trump is gunning for his controversial executive order to head to the Supreme Court after a number of appeals courts have knocked it down
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco largely left in place a ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii
Anti-Trump protesters gather in front of the court house as a three judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals dealt the administration another blow to the travel ban
The decision by a unanimous three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals helps keep the travel ban blocked and deals Trump a second big legal defeat on the policy in less than three weeks.
The administration has appealed another ruling against the ban to the Supreme Court, which is likely to consider the cases in tandem. The White House said it is confident the high court will uphold Trump's executive order.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia last month cited the president's campaign statements calling for a 'total and complete shutdown' on Muslims entering the U.S. as evidence that the 90-day ban was unconstitutionally 'steeped in animus and directed at a single religious group,' rather than necessary for national security.
The 9th Circuit, which heard arguments in Seattle last month in Hawaii's challenge to the ban, found no need to analyze Trump's campaign statements. It ruled based on immigration law, not the Constitution.
'Immigration, even for the president, is not a one-person show,' the judges said, adding: 'National security is not a 'talismanic incantation' that, once invoked, can support any and all exercise of executive power.'
Judges Michael Hawkins, Ronald Gould and Richard Paez - all appointed by President Bill Clinton - said the travel ban violated immigration law by discriminating against people based on their nationality when it comes to issuing visas and by failing to demonstrate that their entry would hurt American interests.
The president's order did not tie citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to terrorist organizations or identify them as contributors to 'active conflict,' the court said. It also did not provide any link between their nationality and their propensity to commit terrorism.
'In short, the order does not provide a rationale explaining why permitting entry of nationals from the six designated countries under current protocols would be detrimental to the interests of the United States,' the ruling said.
The judges pointed to a June 6 tweet by Trump saying the order was aimed at 'dangerous countries.'
That helped demonstrate that he was not assessing whether the roughly 180 million citizens of the six countries had ties to terrorism, they said.
Because of the conflict with immigration law, the judges said they didn't need to consider whether it also violated the Constitution's prohibition on the government favoring or disfavoring any religion. The 4th Circuit found the policy unconstitutional on that basis.
The White House predicted a win at the Supreme Court.
'Frankly, I think any lawyer worth their salt 100 percent agrees that the president's fully within his rights and his responsibilities to do what is necessary to protect the country,' spokesman Sean Spicer said.
Trump's suspension of the U.S. refugee program also remains blocked. The 9th Circuit said he was required to consult with Congress in setting the number of refugees allowed into the country in a given year and that he could not decrease it midyear. The refugee program is not at issue in the 4th Circuit case.
Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said the new ruling proved that 'our system of checks and balances, enshrined in the Constitution for more than 225 years, remains in place.'
Trump issued his initial travel ban on a Friday in late January, bringing chaos and protests to airports around the country. A Seattle judge blocked its enforcement nationwide in response to a lawsuit by Washington state - a decision that was unanimously upheld by a different three-judge 9th Circuit panel.
The president then rewrote his executive order rather than appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court at that time. The new version, designed to better withstand legal scrutiny, named six countries instead of seven - dropping Iraq - and spelled out more of a national security rationale.
It also listed some reasons that travelers from those nations might be granted waivers allowing them into the U.S. despite the policy.
Several states and civil rights groups also challenged the revised ban, saying it remained rooted in discrimination and exceeded the president's authority.
In March, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii blocked the new version from taking effect, citing what he called 'significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus' in Trump's campaign statements.
The 9th Circuit on Monday narrowed Watson's ruling in some minor ways, allowing the administration to conduct an internal review of its vetting procedures for refugees and visa applicants.
The White House is actively distancing President Trump from a friend's claim that the Oval Office occupant has considered firing special counsel Robert Mueller.
Trump press secretary, Sean Spicer, and his deputy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, refused to back up Ruddy's assertion in statements, articulating in their comments that Newsmax CEO does not speak for the president.
'Mr. Ruddy never spoke to the President regarding this issue. With respect to this subject, only the President or his attorneys are authorized to comment,' Spicer said in a Monday evening email to reporters.
The Trump spokesman's response to the buzz ruffled Ruddy's feathers. He advised Spicer in a statement to focus on defending the president from 'flim-flam Russian allegations' and stop trying to 'undermine' him.
The White House is actively distancing President Trump from a friend's claim that the Oval Office occupant has considered firing special counsel Robert Mueller. Sean Spicer's response to the buzz ruffled Ruddy's feathers. He's seen in the Oval Office with Trump in a picture he tweeted on March 1
In trying to protect the president, Trump's team undercut Ruddy's credibility.
Spicer did not immediately respond to an email asking if he had the president's permission to respond to his friend's claims in that way.
Like Trump, Ruddy, the president's friend of 20 years, often travels to Palm Beach, where the Trump owns a resort.
Ruddy was at Mar-A-Lago with Trump and the Japanese prime minister in February. He tweeted a picture of himself in the Oval with Trump a few weeks later. Just yesterday, he was seen leaving the White House.
The media mogul has not been shy about his relationship with Trump. He frequently talks about the president and his access to him. Ruddy has emerged as one of Trump's staunchest defenders outside the administration on television and in the media.
He told C-SPAN Tuesday that he would not reveal something publicly he heard from him, however, unless he had Trump's permission.
'I've known the man for 20 years. I've known him very well for the past 10 years,' Ruddy said.
'I think he's an incredible guy that has done, not only remarkable things in his career, but this is a guy that in his first six months in office has reset the needle for a president like no other president in history. Nobody's talking about any of these achievements.'
Trump had not commented on the Mueller controversy as of Tuesday afternoon. He ignored shouted questions from the press during a luncheon with Republican senators.
He may have been referring to it in tweets on Tuesday morning that blasted the 'fake news media' for 'incorrect stories' they have not apologized for, however.
Stories on his interest in getting rid of Robert Mueller, who's acting as special counsel at the Department of Justice, were circulating online and on air at the time of his tweets.
The chatter stemmed Ruddy's Monday evening statement on PBS that Trump was 'considering perhaps' a termination of Mueller, a friend of James Comey's and his FBI predecessor.
'I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option,' Ruddy said.
He pointed to Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow's comment on a Sunday show that Trump 'is a unitary executive' and it's not for him to say what Trump would do with Mueller as evidence that the president was considering his options.
'I think it's pretty clear by what one of his lawyers said on television recently,' he stated on PBS.
Like Trump, Ruddy, the president's friend of 20 years, often travels to Palm Beach, where the Trump owns a resort. The media mogul has not been shy about his relationship with the US president
Ruddy never said that Trump told him he was thinking of canning Mueller personally, but it came off that way. News outlets ran with it, and the White House soon had a firestorm on its hands.
The conservative media proprietor had been sighted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue earlier in the day.
He clarified after the interview that he did not talk to Trump directly about the matter after the White House press shop poured cold water on his comments.
'Mr. Ruddy never spoke to the President regarding this issue. With respect to this subject, only the President or his attorneys are authorized to comment,' Spicer said.
Huckabee Sanders told CNN: 'Chris speaks for himself.'
A senior White House official told Politico that Ruddy met with top aides to the president while he was at the White House.
'I wouldn't take it too seriously,' an official said of the speculation that Trump could fire Mueller.
Ruddy fired back in a statement of his own that he sent to Politico.
'Spicer issued a bizarre late night press release that a) doesn't deny my claim the President is considering firing Mueller and b) says I didn't speak to the President about the matter -- when I never claimed to have done so.
'Memo to Sean: focus your efforts on exposing the flim-flam Russian allegations against POTUS and highlighting his remarkable achievements! Don't waste time trying to undermine one of your few allies.'
He told Fox News, 'While I am not claiming the president said it to me, I am confident of my sourcing. He is definitely considering it as an option.'
Trump had not commented on the Mueller controversy as of Tuesday afternoon. He ignored shouted questions from the press during a luncheon with Republican senators
The president has been besieged by claims that his associates may have colluded with the Russians to help him win the presidential election. White House and administration officials have also been accused of having inappropriate contact with representatives of the Kremlin before Trump was inaugurated.
The House, Senate and the FBI, which passed its case on to Mueller, have been looking into the allegations. Trump's firing of the FBI director, Comey, in May fanned the flames.
A small, but loud, group of Democrats want Trump impeached. Reps. Al Green and Brad Sherman have been banging the drum.
Legal experts are conflicted over whether Comey's testimony in hearing last week, during which he accused the Trump administration of lying about him and the FBI to justify his firing, rises to the level of obstruction of justice.
Top-ranking Democrats say they are waiting for Mueller and the respective committees on Capitol Hill to conclude their investigations before they take a position.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will testify about his contact with the Russians when was a surrogate for Trump and a US senator this afternoon. He has recused himself from the Department of Justice's Russia probe and all other matters pertaining to the 2016 election.
He's said to be on the outs with Trump over the recusal, which the president reportedly sees as a precursor to Mueller's appointment as special counsel.
This is the moment a 15ft great white shark left a group of fishermen hanging on for dear life when it bit their boat's motor.
Darcy Russell, 20, and cousin Andrew Russell, 31, filmed the close encounter with the fearless fish after it slammed the vessel with its tail off the coast of Port MacDonnell, South Australia, on Saturday.
In the footage, the spooked fishermen watched on as the monster animal spends 10 minutes repeatedly circling their boat before gnawing the outboard motor.
This is the moment a 15ft great white shark left a group of fishermen hanging on for dear life when it bit their boat's motor
The fishermen filmed the close encounter with the fearless fish after it slammed the vessel with its tail
Darcy, an apprentice cabinet maker from Coleraine, Victoria, said they were trying to catch gummy sharks when they spotted the man-eater eyeballing them.
'We were sitting there and when we put the bait in the water this big dark shape came up to the back of the boat and came straight at us.'
He estimated it was about 4.5m long and weighed over 400kg.
'It was circling and swimming slowly around the boat for at least 10 minutes, but it felt a lot longer. At one stage it started biting the motor at the back of the boat and chewing it - it left marks.
He said it looked curious in nature, but if he fell in he didn't like his chances.
'I think the shark was curious, but it was dangerous. If one of us had fallen in the water I don't think we would have had much chance. If it got hold of you, you would not last very long.
The spooked fishermen can be heard exclaiming 'holy f**k' as the monster animal spends 10 minutes repeatedly circling their boat before gnawing the outboard motor
They estimated the monster shark was about 4.5m long and weighed over 400kg
Mr Russel was fishing with Andrew, Andrew's girlfriend Dani McKinnon and his dad Colin Russell when the gargantuan great white appeared at about 1pm.
After the shark eventually left the area two fishermen in boats Darcy said were smaller than the animal appeared before swiftly retreating when they heard what was lurking in the water.
'I wasn't scared, more in shock really and really excited - I never thought I would get to see a great white shark up so close at all,' Darcy said.
'But Dani was petrified - she has already said she will never go surfing in this area again.
'I had always hoped to see a shark in the wild but didn't expect to see it so up close like that.'
Russian President Vladimir Putin is deploying his new state-of-the-art Buk-M3 missile defense system in eastern Siberia in response to concerns over war breaking out in North Korea.
The move follows a warning by US defense secretary Jim Mattis this week that Kim Jong Un's regime is the world's 'most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security'.
The Buk-M3 has no match among Western armaments, according to Moscow, which has expressed 'profound concern' over recent North Korean missile launches which 'serve to heighten tensions', with US warships already on patrol in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is deploying his new state-of-the-art Buk-M3 missile defense system in eastern Siberia
Putin's (pictured) follows a warning by US defense secretary Jim Mattis this week that Kim Jong Un's regime is the world's 'most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security'
Deployment of the highly mobile, multifunctional mid-range air defence missile system will be in Ulan-Ude, capital of the Republic of Buryatia, a mainly Buddhist region close to Lake Baikal in Siberia.
The Buk-M3 is seen as countering cruise missiles, theatre ballistic missiles, aircrafts and helicopters, and this is its first deployment in the east of the country.
Reports today citing informed military experts said the deployment was 'a precaution in case situation in the Korean peninsula escalates'.
Russia has already bolstered its military readiness in the country's far east, where it shares land and sea borders with North Korea.
Expert Vasily Kashin, from the Institute of the Far East, said: 'Re-arming the air missile defence brigade in Ulan-Ude will become another guarantee in case of escalation in the Korean peninsula.
Deployment of the highly mobile, multifunctional mid-range air defence missile system will be in Ulan-Ude, capital of the Republic of Buryatia, a mainly Buddhist region close to Lake Baikal in Siberia
The Buk-M3 is seen as countering cruise missiles, theatre ballistic missiles, aircrafts and helicopters, and this is its first deployment in the east of the country
While Ulan-Ude is some 2130 miles west from the Russian border with North Korea, experts say the Buk-M3 can be swiftly relocated in the even of a rise in tension
'The brigade can be relocated (further) east and used to cover administrative and industrial centres from possible missile or aviation attack.'
Training will go on for two months after which the Buk-M3 'will be fully prepared for combat missions'.
An earlier Soviet-era version of the Buk was used from a pro-Moscow rebel-held region of eastern Ukraine to shoot down a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board.
'The Buk-M3 can fire 20 seconds after stopping. In fact, it almost fires on the move,' stated official Kremlin newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
'A transporter-loader vehicle from which it can also be fired, simultaneously carries 12 launch containers with missiles.
Russia has already bolstered its military readiness in the country's far east, where it shares land and sea borders with North Korea
An earlier Soviet-era version of the Buk was used from a pro-Moscow rebel-held region of eastern Ukraine to shoot down a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board
'The Buk-M3 is able to destroy strategic and tactical aviation aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, guided aircraft bombs, and other flying objects.
'It can fire at surface and ground radio-contrast targets, that is, to be used as a tactical guided missile.
'It passed tests at the Kapustin Yar range before the first brigade set of the Buk-M3 was put into the field.'
Head of arms-maker Almaz-Antey Concern, Yuriy Beliy, said: 'There is no rival for Buk-M3 system in terms of combat effectiveness among mobile mid-range systems.'
The new Buk systems can attack up to 36 targets moving at a speed of up to 3,000 metres per second simultaneously at a distance from 1.5 to 45 miles and altitudes of up to 22 miles.
While Ulan-Ude is some 2130 miles west from the Russian border with North Korea, experts say the Buk-M3 can be swiftly relocated in the even of a rise in tension.
A woman claiming she was a friend of Andrea Constand at Temple University - who the defense was not permitted to call on the grounds that her testimony constituted hearsay - has issued a statement claiming that Constand shared with her an idea that she could report having been drugged and sexually assaulted by a high profile person in order to file a civil suit and make money.
Marguerite Jackson is employed by Temple University and has been for the past 30 years as a student advisor. In that capacity she claimed to have worked closely with Constand.
In the statement which Jackson sent to the Cosby team in November when she offered herself as a witness she wrote: As a function of my position, I would travel with the team occasionally.
On each occasion Andrea and I would share a hotel room. Although I cannot recall the specific year, there was an occasion, I traveled with the team of Rhode Island.
'During our stay Andrea and I shared a room, I recall the television was on. We were watching the news.
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Cosby walks up to the court house in Montgomery County with his spokes person Andrew Wyatt on second day of jury deliberations
Constand sat in court listening once more to Cosbys words from his deposition being read. Earlier she had embraced prosecutor Kristin Fedin and appeared in a relaxed and upbeat mood
There was a story of a high profile individual who was accused of drugging women and sexually assaulting them.
According to Jackson the story peaked Andreas interest. She told me that something similar had happened to her. I was shocked. I asked her if she had filed charges. She said she hadnt.
When questioned further Constand claimed that she had not pressed charges because the person who had drugged and sexually assaulted her was also high profile.
But when pressed, Jackson stated, Constand backtracked and admitted to having made the story up.
Her response was that it had not happened but she could say it happened and file charges , filed a civil suit, get the money, go to school and open a business.
Constand has publicly denied knowing Jackson and when the defense attempted to bring her into their cross examination the lawyer was told by Judge ONeill to move on as Constand repeatedly told her she did not know or recall who she was talking about.
Marguerite Jackson is employed by Temple University and has been for the past 30 years as a student advisor. In that capacity she claimed to have worked closely with Constand
Speaking outside Courtroom A, Andrew Wyatt, spokesman for Cosby described the decision to not allow Jackson to testify as unfair.
He said, 'We want to let the public know, and let the world known that Andrea Constand was untruthful, and that she perjured herself on the stand."
Wyatt explained that Jackson reached out to the Cosby camp while on a cruise ship last Nov., 'talking to two comedians, and said she knew someone who was possibly setting up Bill Cosby.'
He said, Youre talking about a fair and balanced trial here. Its expected.'
Wyatt added that Cosby is doing good, his spirits are up, and we believe this jury is highly intelligent.
He said,'They're seeing the bigger picture, and they understand this is somebody's life on the line. Forget the celebrity part.'
Meanwhile, the sequestered jury deciding Bill Cosbys fate has broken at the end of the second day of their deliberations without reaching a verdict.
At 9.20pm Judge Steven ONeill dismissed the jury for the day after a total of 16 hours of deliberation which began yesterday afternoon and will continue again in the morning.
Dismissing the jury ONeill urged people not to read anything into the break in deliberations. He told the court: The jury are exhausted. This only shows at this point that you are conscientiously engaging in the deliberation process. And it is an exhausting work and the day has to come to an end. Read nothing into it.
The jury asked to review evidence relating to the bag of pills that Cosby brought, unsolicited, to an interview with 3 detectives and which he attended flanked by his three lawyers in 2005
The jury have queried the judge several times.
At 3.45pm the jury asked for Detective Dave Mason of the Durham, Ontario Police Departments testimony regarding Constands first account of the incident the night that she reported it on January 13, 2005.
It is a question read by many as indicating that the jury - who have already asked questions pertaining to the issue of consent - are wrestling with reconciling the inconsistencies in Constands various accounts as they hash out the key issue of her credibility.
In that account Constand claimed that she had been at a dinner with Cosby and other people in a local restaurant the night of the alleged assault. She said that she had returned to his home following the evening and that they were alone in the kitchen when he offered her pills to help her relax.
She said she asked if they were herbal and he told her yes and that almost immediately after ingesting them she felt dizzy and her legs felt like jelly.
In that first account she related losing consciousness and waking to feel something foreign inside her. Sergeant Mason also asked Constand why she had waited until then to report the incident and she said that she felt embarrassed and was very aware of Cosbys standing in the community.
Mason stated that Constand appeared nervous but not upset when he interviewed her and that she also said that her interest in a career in sports broadcasting played a part in her decision to keep the incident private until then.
This morning when jurors returned to the courtroom they listened for close to an hour as Judge ONeill read the lengthy portion that essentially covered every aspect of Cosbys relationship with Constand, the night of the alleged incident and his own habit of taking Benadryl to help him sleep.
They heard once more Cosbys admission to having a romantic interest in Constand from first meeting her through the account of the night of the alleged incident and how and why he gave Constand the pills that he told her were three friends.
They heard Cosby telling lawyers that the night was romantic and claiming to have brought Constand to orgasm before urging her to take a nap as she had complained of her inability to sleep and relax.
The sections also included Cosbys explanations of the pills he had given unsolicited to investigating officers - a green blood pressure pill, a white homeopathic pill and a pink Benadryl - as well as his own habit of taking Benadryl to help him sleep.
Constand sat in court listening once more to Cosbys words being read. Earlier she had embraced prosecutor Kristin Fedin and appeared in a relaxed and upbeat mood as she sat alongside Detective Richard Schaffer who has been in court throughout
At 11.20am the jury asked a second question asking the judge to define what without her knowledge means in the context of the count 3 in aggravated sexual assault charge: Lack of Consent.
Judge ONeill called the jury back in to tell them that he was not permitted to define any further terms and that it is up to the jury what that means.
The issue is a crucial one as Constand and Cosbys accounts corroborate each other to the extent that both state that Cosby gave her three blue pills, to help her relax. And that she took them there and then.
Constand claimed that she asked Cosby Are they herbal? and that he nodded yes. But in Cosbys account he said that she inspected the pills before taking them but did not ask what they were.
The question that the jury appears to be deliberating is whether or not Cosbys account would still constitute lack of knowledge, given that Constand did not know what they were albeit because - in his version - she did not ask.
At 7:35 on Monday evening the jury were back in Courtroom A having returned with a question given to the judge at 7.13 p.m.
Judge ONeill read: Can we see from Mr Cs testimony the part where he called the pills his friends we need to see the whole context?
By way of answer the judge read the relevant section of Cosbys deposition and the preceding and following paragraphs when he spoke about the night of the alleged incident and giving Andrea the pills.
He said: She sat with her back to the kitchen well which is the door the door wallour conv at that time was about concentration was about I dont remember that clearly what it was fully about
But we talked and there was talk of tension yes about relaxation and Andrea trying to learn to relax the shoulders the head etc
And I went upstairs and went into my pack and broke one in half and took another half and brought them down and said to her Your friends. I have three friends for you to make you relax.
Cosby's lawyer Brian McMonagle (left) and Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele (right) went head to head on Monday as they presented their closing argument
So you brought two and a half pills? he was asked.
Cosby answered, Broke one in half and another half which would be one and a half.
When asked why he would break the pills he said because they were long.
At 9.30 p.m. the jury was dismissed after spending 13 hours in the courtroom in a day that saw the brief defense, closing statements, instruction and the reading of charges before they began deliberations.
Their final act was to ask another question which Judge ONeill was an easy one that he would answer in the morning.
They asked to review evidence relating to the bag of pills that Cosby brought, unsolicited, to an interview with 3 detectives and which he attended flanked by his three lawyers in 2005.
The bag contained one pink, one green and one white pill. The pink one was Benadryl - a fact that Detective James Reape had told jurors he found odd as it was just 10 days after Cosby told police that he still had the same packet of the medication as the one from which he had taken the pills he gave Constand. Yet the pills he gave her were blue.
The jury has retired to consider their verdict after a day of breathtaking pace in Montgomery County Courthouse in which closing statements given and the jury instructed after the defense mounted a case that lasted just six minutes.
Judge ONeill read his instructions advising the jurors that their task was one of considerable importance.
He told them to apply the law as Ive given you [it] and the facts as you find them. Emotion, he reminded them had no place in their deliberations, which must be impartial without sympathy, bias or concern of penalty should the verdict, be guilty.
Cosby sat in solemn contemplation as ONeill spoke. With all the show - all the argument, evidence and activity of the trial - now over all that is left between him and a verdict is time.
He stroked his chin, placed his hand partially across his face and then he simply listened as Judge ONeill read.
He reminded them that they had to judge the credibility of witnesses and they should call upon their common sense as men and women of the world.
The burden was on the Commonwealth to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt he said - not beyond all doubt. They did not have to prove it as a mathematical certainty. And whatever the jury decide their verdict must be unanimous.
This was one python who clearly had eyes too big for its belly.
After devouring a deer whole, the greedy snake realised he had bitten off more than he could chew.
In a graphic video, captured by astonished onlookers, the reptile decides he has had enough - and tries to throw it back up again.
The clip begins with the snake's mouth straining wide open with a suspicious lump in its middle.
It twists its body round and it attempts to shift the animal through his lengthy body.
But it is no easy feat - as it takes around two minutes before the deceased deer is regurgitated out onto the ground.
The ravenous python devoured a deer whole near the Reliance Tower close to Sawantwadi, Konkan in India.
This was one python who clearly had eyes too big for its belly. After devouring a deer whole, the greedy snake realised he had bitten off more than he could chew
In a graphic video, captured by astonished onlookers, the reptile decides he has had enough - and tries to throw it back up again
However, when the villagers poked the snake with sticks, it regurgitated the buck and slithered away.
Yesterday morning, the snake attacked a deer near a stream and after a brief struggle, it wolfed the entire animal down whole.
After a brief struggle, the snake gulped down the deer and lay down, with its massively expanded midsection, to digest the meal.
But it soon realise it had taken off more than he could eat and went into a food coma.
Villagers prodded the reptile to see if it was still alive which prompted it to vomit the meal back up.
The ravenous python devoured a deer whole near the Reliance Tower close to Sawantwadi, Konkan in India
Verizon Communications Inc said on Tuesday it closed its $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo Inc's core business and that Marissa Mayer, chief executive of the internet company, had resigned.
Mayer will receive a $23million severance package, according to an earlier filing, as well as $186million in stock options.
'Given the inherent changes to my role, I'll be leaving the company,' Mayer wrote in an email to the company obtained by CNN.
'However, I want all of you to know that I'm brimming with nostalgia, gratitude and optimism.'
'Verizon wishes Mayer well in her future endeavors,' the company said in a statement.
Although Mayer's five years as CEO of Yahoo were marred with failure, she'll still leave the company with hundreds of millions of dollars.
Verizon said Tuesday it closed its $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo and that Marissa Mayer (above), chief executive of the internet company, had resigned
Mayer will receive a $23million severance package, according to an earlier filing, as well as $186million in stock options. Yahoo headquarters in Sunnyvale, California is seen in the above stock image
According to documents on the Verizon deal given to Yahoo shareholders in April, Mayer will leave the company with about $186million in stock, the New York Times reports.
That's not counting the salary and bonuses she's received in the past five years, or the $23million severance she'll get when the company sells, CNN reports.
In total, Mayer will have netted more than $200million, the Times reported, using information from company filings.
The No. 1 US wireless operator is rebranding AOL and Yahoo as part of a new venture called Oath, led by AOL Chief Executive Tim Armstrong.
Oath's more than 50 brands include HuffPost, TechCrunch and Tumblr.
Verizon, the No. 1 US wireless operator, is rebranding AOL and Yahoo as part of a new venture called Oath, led by AOL Chief Executive Tim Armstrong
The closing of the deal, announced in July, had been delayed as the companies assessed the fallout from two data breaches that Yahoo disclosed last year.
On June 16, Yahoo will be renamed as Altaba Inc, a holding company whose primary assets will be its 15.5 percent stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and a 35.5 percent holding in Yahoo Japan Corp.
Thomas McInerney, a Yahoo board member, will become Altaba's chief executive officer.
In March, the Justice Department announced that it would charge two Russian intelligence agents and a pair of hired hackers for allegedly orchestrating a devastating criminal breach at Yahoo that affected at least a half billion user accounts.
In a scheme that prosecutors say blended intelligence gathering with old-fashioned financial greed, the four men targeted the email accounts of Russian and US government officials, Russian journalists and employees of financial services and other private businesses, US officials said.
Using in some cases a technique known as 'spear-phishing' to dupe Yahoo users into thinking they were receiving legitimate emails, the hackers broke into at least 500 million accounts in search of personal information and financial data such as gift card and credit card numbers, prosecutors said.
Yahoo didn't disclose the breach until last September when it began notifying hundreds of millions of users that their email addresses, birth dates, answers to security questions and other personal information may have been stolen.
Three months later, Yahoo revealed it had uncovered a separate hack in 2013 affecting about 1 billion accounts, including some that were also hit in 2014.
The Justice Department's assertion that the Russian intelligence officials were directing the hacking likely provides political and legal cover for Yahoo, which saw its multibillion-dollar deal with Verizon teeter after it was forced to warn consumers that their private information might have been exposed.
Companies are more likely to be blamed for security incompetence when their networks are compromised by thieves or wayward teenagers than when they become the targets of sophisticated espionage carried out by foreign governments.
Theresa Mays top aides are set to take pay-offs of at least 35,000 each after bowing to pressure from senior Tories and resigning over the election campaign.
Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill earned 140,000 a year almost the double the salary of MPs and will keep severance payments already handed to them at the start of the campaign.
The joint chiefs of staff notoriously disliked across Whitehall had faced fierce criticism over their role in the disastrous campaign, which saw the party lose its overall majority.
Miss Hill was seen as one of the PMs closest confidants having spent four years working for Mrs May in the Home Office.
Nick Timothy, right, and Fiona Hill, left, earned 140,000 a year as top aides to Theresa May, centre, and now look set to receive 35,000 payouts after resigning following the election, despite being slammed for their roles in the 'disastrous' campaign
The pair, pictured inside No. 10 Downing Street, quit on Saturday after being blamed for problems with the Tory manifesto
Mr Timothy, who joined the Tories at 17 and was thought of as fiercely anti-establishment, also advised Mrs May when she was at the Home Office.
The pair resigned on Saturday after being blamed for the disastrous Tory manifesto which included the hurriedly introduced dementia tax without consultation.
Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, is understood to have expressed his frustration with the pairs attitude to government in a phone call to Mrs May on Friday morning.
They are replaced by Gavin Barwell, the former housing minister who was one of the MPs to lose his seat at the general election on Thursday.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon made clear he was one of the ministers who backed their departure.
He said he welcomed changes in personnel in Number 10, adding: Its going to require a different approach.
He told the BBCs Andrew Marr show: Were going to see, I hope, more collective decision making in the Cabinet.
Special advisers have their employment effectively terminated when a general election is called. At this point they are then entitled to a severance payment which is calculated depending on their time in employment.
Tory ministers including Philip Hammond and Sir Michael Fallon are said to have backed the resignation of Ms Hill and Mr Timothy, pictured
If they are reappointed as a special adviser then they have to repay their severance pay minus the amount of salary they would have been paid had they been employed during the election period.
When they are not reappointed, they keep the severance payment.
Those who have their contract terminated during their first year of service are entitled to three months pay. For each additional completed year of service, a special adviser is entitled to another months pay, subject to an overall maximum of six months pay.
Hill and Timothy had only been employed in Downing Street for less than a year but it is not clear if their time in the Home Office was taken into account.
At a minimum, they were handed 35,000 although in reality the figure could be much higher.
The Cabinet Office refused to clarify which rules applied.
Their resignations came after a former aide to the PM said they had created a toxic environment in Downing Street.
Katie Perrior, who quit her role as director of communications in April after 10 months, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that Mrs May should have broadened her trusted circle.
Asked if the pair bullied and badly treated Cabinet ministers, Miss Perrior said on Saturday: I think so.
I think there was not enough respect shown to people who had spent 20 years in office or 20 years getting to the top seat in government.
I felt sending people rude text messages were unacceptable.
I felt what the Prime Minister needs when youre going through a tough time like negotiating Brexit is diplomats, not street fighters.
The pair, pictured leaving Conservative Party headquarters last week, were also accused of 'bullying' Cabinet ministers
They are replaced by Gavin Barwell, pictured, the former housing minister who was one of the MPs to lose his seat at the general election on Thursday
Their departure would leave the PM humiliated and alone, according to Joey Jones, Mrs Mays former spokesman.
He told PoliticsHome: Theresa May without Nick and Fi will be a hollowed out figure. Already she has no power, she has no authority.
Humiliated and alone, she faces the prospect of being held, a prisoner to her Conservative colleagues, a hostage in Downing Street until they tell her it is time to leave.
Mr Barwell is widely liked by Conservative colleagues, in contrast to his predecessors.
Of Mr Barwell, Theresa May said on Saturday: He has been a first-class minister and is widely respected. He will bring considerable experience of the party to the post.
As I said yesterday, I want to reflect on the election and why it did not deliver the result I hoped for.
Gavin will have an important role to play in that. I look forward to working with him.
Labour MPs ridiculed the move, with Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, tweeting: Congrats to Gavin Barwell on his new job at No10, but since he couldnt even save his seat doubt he can save weak and wobbly Theresa either.
Commuters in London were left terrified yesterday after a man reportedly told a packed train he 'knew people from ISIS' and 'had a gun'.
Onlookers claim the man boarded the London Overground train travelling for Richmond and started shouting at passengers when it stopped at Canonbury station.
He claimed his 'cousin was one of the bombers in the Manchester attack' before telling shocked passengers he had a weapon, one witness said.
Commuters shuffled towards the doors before the driver let everyone off and the police arrived, a passenger told MailOnline.
British Transport Police confirmed they arrested a 27-year-old man following the incident and he remains in police custody while enquiries continue.
Armed police swooped on a London station yesterday and arrested a man who a witness said was claiming 'I know people from ISIS'
A commuter, on his way to work a night shift at John Lewis, filmed armed officers arresting the man and admitted passengers were left 'scared'.
A video shows the man lying on the floor with his arms out while more police arrive, and a second clip shows the arrested man with his arms behind his back.
The eyewitness claimed: 'I got on the train to go to work and he was already on there. He was in the middle of the carriage shouting at people.
'He was saying "I've got a gun". He was saying "Watch out what I'm going to do to you if you say anything".
'He was being racist too shouting "the white people in this country don't work" and he said "only the Eastern Europeans do work here".
'He was shouting and saying one of his cousins was one of the bombers in the Manchester attack.
'He was shouting "I know all about ISIS" and "I know people from ISIS". He was shouting all this abusive stuff. People were moving away from him slowly.'
The man was ordered onto the ground and arrested. Police say no gun was found at the scene
The witness added: 'The train stopped and the doors opened again and the driver came on and said "we've got a technical problem if you want to get off and get some fresh air, please do so".
'As soon as the doors opened everyone rushed out onto the platform. He came out too and he was still shouting the same stuff.
'The police arrived really fast. Six or seven of them with big guns came on to the platform and told him to get out the train.
'He carried on shouting. They told him to get on the floor and to put his legs together and all that and arrested him.
'I've got to be honest, I was kind of scared. I got off that train as soon as I could.'
The incident unfolded at Canonbury station, north London yesterday evening
The train was delayed at the overground station for around 20 or 30 minutes while police took details from staff and passengers, the witness said.
British Transport Police are appealing for information.
A spokesman said: 'Just before 9.30pm yesterday evening, officers were called to Canonbury London Overground station following reports of a man stating he had a gun.
'Specialist firearms officers from BTP attended the scene and a 27-year-old man from Enfield was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill.
'No firearm was recovered during the arrest. The man remains in police custody whilst enquiries continue.'
Police are David James Grundy after his partner was found in a pool of blood
A British mother is fighting for her life after her daughter found her with a large knife plunged into her lower back in the Spanish holiday coast of Costa Blanca.
Police are searching for the partner of Nicola Anne Walker Houghton, 41, who was discovered lying in a pool of blood at a villa complex in Orihuela Costa, south of Alicante.
Ms Houghton, who is reported to have been sharing a villa with fellow Briton David James Grundy, 53, was found at around 9am.
She was rushed to hospital in a 'very grave' condition.
The paramilitary Civil Guard later said they are treating the incident as a case of domestic violence and are seeking her partner.
Nicola Anne Walker Houghton, 41, was discovered lying in a pool of blood at a villa complex in Orihuela Costa (file photo), south of Alicante
A British mother is fighting for her life after her daughter found her with a large knife plunged into her lower back in Costa Blanca (file photo)
Local media said that Grundy was believed to be a taxi driver though it is not immediately known where in the UK the couple are from.
It is not clear whether the couple live permanently at the villa or were visiting Spain.
News / National
by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe's military and several Zanu-PF heavyweights have reportedly "invaded" parts of a farm where one of the leading agricultural training institutes in southern Africa, Blackfordby College of Agriculture, is situated.According to The Independent, the college had reportedly rented some of its land to a white farmer, Pip Madison, who was producing tobacco, maize, coconut and wheat, among other crops.Some of the college land was also being used for practicals by students."The college was simply told that the farm was going to be subdivided because it was too big for the school. They said the fact that a white farmer occupied part of the land showed that the land was too big for the school's business," an unnamed source was quoted as saying.Blackfordby, which occupied 1 350 hectares in Mashonaland Central province and owned by Tetrad Investment Bank under provisional judicial management, was well known in the region for training agricultural experts.Parts of the land was already occupied by some of Zanu-PF heavyweights and the military, the report said.There were concerns that equipment worth thousands of dollars could be seized from the tertiary institution, the report said.This came less than a week after President Robert Mugabe said that the last remaining white commercial farmers should be removed from their properties because most Zimbabweans were in need of land.The nonagenarian said this recently while addressing thousands of his ruling Zanu-PF party supporters in the farming town of Marondera, about 80km east of the capital Harare."We told (former British premier) Tony Blair to keep his England and we keep our Zimbabwe because land is our heritage. We have discovered that in Mashonaland East province alone... there are 73 white commercial farmers who are still occupying some farms when our people do not have land," Mugabe said.Thousands of white commercial farmers and their employees were displaced and left without sources of income during the fast-tracked agrarian reforms that were masterminded by Mugabe's administration in 2000.According to the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, more than 4000 white farmers were affected by the often violent farm invasions.Some of the white farmers that were kicked out of their properties during the agrarian reforms have now set base in neighbouring countries such as Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
A passenger has sued Delta Airline after he was pricked by a needle left in a seat pocket that allegedly forced him to take HIV tests.
Gabriel Ybarra, from California, filed a lawsuit claiming the incident occurred when he was flying from Los Angeles to Atlanta in 2015.
The land surveyor said he reached into the seat pocket to fetch his wallet when he was struck by the needle on his middle finger.
In the court filing, seen by TMZ, he said his finger started bleeding and his life 'flashed in front of him'.
Gabriel Ybarra has sued Delta Airline after he was pricked by a needle in the seat pocket in front of him
Following the incident in 2015, Ybarra said he went for further checks at hospital and apparently had to take powerful medicines to make sure he didn't contract any infection, such as HIV.
In the lawsuit he alleged he became ill in the following months. He suffered dizziness, headaches, body aches and 'explosive diarrhea'.
He also claimed he couldn't carry out 'his duties as a husband to his wife for months.'
It was unclear where the lawsuit was filed.
MailOnline have approached Delta Air for a comment.
The passenger was flying from Los Angeles (pictured) to Atlanta when his finger started bleeding after striking it on a needle
The incident is the latest in a series of public relations problems for the airline.
Last month, a family claimed they were booted off a Delta flight for refusing to give up a child's seat.
A crew member could be heard telling them: 'This is a federal offence and then you and your wife will be in jail and your kids will be in foster care.'
Delta said it was 'sorry for the unfortunate experience' and would compensate the family.
A week earlier, video footage emerged showing passenger Kima Hamilton, a DJ and poet, being told he had to get off a plane because he used the bathroom during a tarmac delay.
The company also attracted negative headlines when an agent was filmed allegedly smacking a 12-year-old boy's phone out of his hands after he filmed her in New York's La Guardia giving excuses for a 17-hour flight delay.
Rolling Stone has agreed to pay a fraternity $1.65million to settle a defamation lawsuit against the magazine for a story about a horror gang rape that was later debunked.
The University of Virginia chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, which announced the settlement on Tuesday, had sought $25million in damages for the discredited 2014 story 'A Rape On Campus'.
A police investigation found no evidence to back up the harrowing account of the woman identified in the story only as 'Jackie.'
The fraternity said in a statement that its members were glad to put the 'ordeal' behind them.
Rolling Stone's 2014 story about a gang rape on the University of Virginia campus was later discredited. The magazine has settled a defamation suit filed by the fraternity
The University of Virginia chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity said its members were glad to be done with the 'ordeal' that has followed the debunked story
'It has been nearly three years since we, and the entire University of Virginia community, were shocked by the now infamous article, and we are pleased to be able to close the book on that trying ordeal and its aftermath,' the fraternity said.
For Rolling Stone, the settlement closes the final chapter of a lengthy legal saga sparked by the now-infamous story.
The magazine declined to comment.
The story about Jackie's gang rape, by Sabrina Rubin Erdely, set off a firestorm at the University of Virginia and in schools nationwide.
The article crumbled after other news outlets began asking questions and police found no evidence to back up Jackie's claims.
The story was officially retracted in April 2015.
The fraternity's case had been scheduled to go to trial in October.
Sabrina Rubin Erdely wrote the story, which Rolling Stone was later forced to retract
The fraternity said it plans to donate 'a significant portion' of the settlement to groups that provide sexual assault awareness education, prevention training and victim counseling services.
The fraternity claimed that the magazine knew that Jackie was not a reliable source and ignored red flags indicating that her story was flawed.
The reporter did not verify the existence of the alleged ringleader of Jackie's attack or contact others who could have debunked the story.
'Rolling Stone and Erdely had an agenda, and they were recklessly oblivious to the harm they would cause innocent victims in their ruthless pursuit of that agenda,' the fraternity's lawsuit said.
Rolling Stone earlier this year settled another defamation lawsuit filed by university administrator Nicole Eramo after a jury awarded her $3 million.
Lawyers did not provide the settlement dollar amount in that case.
A federal judge in New York last year threw out another lawsuit over the story filed by three former fraternity members.
Christina McCafferty, pictured, is accused of one count of sexual indecency with a child
A female scout leader from Arkansas has been charged with sexual indecency with a child and having images of child sex abuse on her computer.
Christina McCafferty, 38, is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the 15-year-old boy who was in her group.
McCafferty is being held in Crittenden County Jail pending payment of a $35,000 bond.
She was arrested on Friday by Marion Police Department following a complaint.
McCafferty, from West Memphis, Arkansas, had previously been removed from her role as den mother for the scout group after concerns were raised about the nature of her relationship with the boy.
According to court documents, McCafferty has been charged with one count of sexual indecency with a child and one count of computer child pornography.
Video courtesy of FOX 13
Speaking to Arkansas Online, Detective Freddy Williams said McCafferty was being investigated 'with reference to contact' with the youngster.
Williams said McCafferty is suspected of being in a 'relationship' with the boy and made 'inappropriate phone calls' to the youngster.
MailOnline has contacted Marion Police
Jail records show McCafferty is being held in custody until she pays a bond of $35,000
A former leader of Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir says Australian Muslims need to be more active in denouncing radical ideology.
Maajid Nawaz says the pro-Sharia law group he joined when he was 16 is 'ideologically very dangerous'.
The 39-year-old British secular Muslim, who rejects Sharia law, likened their campaign for a global Islamic caliphate to a 'Third Reich for Muslims' which shares the same ideology as ISIS and al-Qaeda.
Scroll down for video
Former Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Maajid Nawaz says Muslims need to say more against extremism
'You don't need to be Muslim to challenge Islamist theocracy though Muslims must also step up to that challenge and not enough is being done currently and they must join with everybody else,' he told the ABC's Lateline program on Tuesday.
'All Australians need to be involved in asserting these secular, democratic values and challenging Islamist extremism.'
Mr Nawaz, who now campaigns against extremism through his Quilliam foundation in London, stopped short of calling for a ban on Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia, even though they are illegal in Germany, The Netherlands and Muslim-majority nations including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
However, he said their political ideology needed to be stigmatised.
'They need to be turned into a taboo a bit like homophobia and racism are taboo,' he said.
Maajid Nawaz told Lateline's Emma Alberici Hizb ut-Tahrir are a 'Third Reich for Muslims'
Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia leader Uthman Badar says ex-Muslims deserved to be killed
'I often say you don't need to be black to challenge racism, you don't need to be gay to challenge homophobia.'
Mr Nawaz, who was jailed in Egypt for five years until 2006 for his role with Hizb ut-Tahrir, said the group operated as a political movement in Western nations like Australia but sought to bring down democratic governments in Muslim majority nations like Turkey.
Attorney-General George Brandis last month decided against banning Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia on the grounds they haven't committed violence and aren't a terrorist group.
However, Daily Mail Australia caught their local spokesman Uthman Badar in March saying ex-Muslims deserved to be killed.
The group also made a controversial video in April which said it was okay for a husband to beat his wife with a small stick.
The Islamist group in May held a conference in Sydney suggesting a future Australian government could put Muslims in concentration camps.
Nathan Saunders sought out ISIS information on how to carry out 'lone wolf' attacks and making homemade bombs
A 'ginger jihadi' who radicalised himself online from his Welsh valleys home has been jailed for more than two years for downloading ISIS terror manuals.
Nathan Saunders, of Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, sought out Islamic State details on how to carry out 'lone wolf' attacks and make homemade bombs.
The 24-year-old has now been sentenced to 28 months in prison at the Old Bailey in London after anti-terror police arrested him in Cardiff in February.
Police said this gave them 'a worrying indication of his mindset at that time' and they were concerned about 'the potential direction of his behaviour'.
Saunders was arrested in a joint investigation by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit and Wales' Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit.
He admitted five charges of possessing a record of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Saunders has been jailed for 28 months after anti-terror police arrested him in February
Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake of South Wales Police said: 'Extremism and radicalisation is something that we continue to be constantly vigilant about.
'Saunders was arrested as part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation between counter terrorism officers here in Wales and in the North East.
'It is through this effective partnership working that he was apprehended, which prevented him going on to commit even more serious offences and putting the public in danger.'
Saunders was nicknamed the 'Ginger Jihadi' by neighbours in his quiet street.
One person who knew him said: 'As far as we were concerned he was quite normal until he went all weird and grew this big ginger beard. We feel sorry for his family.'
Australian self-service check-outs may soon offer 'human conversation' in a move to combat shoplifting in supermarkets.
Researchers believe the machines may soon offer personal greetings and friendly comments such as 'how is your day going?' to guilt shoplifters out of stealing.
The research, from Queensland's University of Technology, suggests people are less inclined to steal from human staff than machines, reports Herald Sun.
Australian self-service check-outs may soon offer 'human conversation' in a move to combat shoplifting in supermarkets
'We want to look at what happens when you make technology a little bit more human,' researcher Paula Dootson said.
She said the anonymity of the machines means the shoplifter never faced the victim of the crime.
'Another one of the things we could do is moral reminders like a pop-up message such as 'we donated to charity today, thanks for doing your bit'.'
Australian supermarkets do not reveal the scale of self-serve checkout losses.
But NSW Police received over 22,000 reports of shoplifting last financial year.
They vowed to charge shoplifters over thefts as small as $2 as part of a crackdown last October.
A father and son allegedly stole more than 1 million worth of fuel using an underground pipe network.
Roger Gull, 51, and his son Ryan Gull, 28, are accused of setting up an 'impromptu refinery' at Oveney Green Farm, part of the Chevening Estate in Sevenoaks, Kent - the home of Boris Johnson.
When police raided the site in 2014, they found two metal shipping containers, some 21 1,000-litre empty plastic containers and a hose running from a fuel pipeline into a lorry trailer.
Petrol, diesel and aviation fuel was also stolen from the pipeline network across Essex, Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Cheshire over a 17-month period and a storage unit was also set up in Essex.
Roger Gull, 51, (left, outside court) and his son Ryan Gull, 28, (right) are accused of setting up an 'impromptu refinery' at Oveney Green Farm and stealing millions of pounds worth of fuel
Employee Thomas Campbell (pictured ourside court) is allegedly responsible for transporting and selling the fuel
Prosecutor Dale Sullivan told Maidstone Crown Court that Roger Gull was responsible for setting up a number of incursion sites and arranging storage, processing and distribution of the stolen fuel.
His son Ryan is accused of using his position as director of family businesses operating under the Rykel name to launder money from the sales.
Employee Thomas Campbell is allegedly responsible for transporting and selling the fuel.
Millions of litres of fuel was stolen from various 'incursion sites' between June 2013 and November 2014, the court was told.
The overall value along with the cost of repair and clean-up operations was said to run into several million pounds.
The shipping containers were used as a makeshift workshop where red diesel syphoned from the high-pressure pipeline could be identified and tested, the prosecution said.
ESSO Petroleum officers searching for a potential breach of the pipeline identified an incursion on a section at Oveney Green Farm, part of the Chevening Estate (pictured)
The court heard in August 2014 ESSO Petroleum officers were searching for a potential breach of the pipeline and identified an incursion on a section at Oveney Green Farm.
Prosecutor Mr Sullivan said a hose ran along the perimeter of the field for 250 metres and into the compound.
CHEVENING HOUSE Chevening House is a Grade II listed property set in a sprawling estate of gardens, parkland and farms. The sprawling estate comprises 3,000 acres stretching between Sevenoaks and Biggin Hill in Kent. Chevening is owned by a board of trustees but the Prime Minister can nominate either a Cabinet member or a descendant of King George VI to live in the furnished residence. At the time of the alleged fuel theft it was the country residence Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. As Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Boris Johnson is the current nominated resident. Advertisement
The high-pressure, multi-product pipes, which pump 350,000 litres of fuel per hour, were said to have been 'compromised' by the thieves by attaching hydraulic hoses, fitted with pressure gauges and taps.
Initially the hoses ran to buckets buried beneath roadsides and fields which were then emptied into large plastic containers.
Vans with reinforced suspension were used to ferry it away.
However, the prosecutor told the court one unsuccessful theft attempt left a substantial amount of jet fuel leaking into a field in Essex.
So the gang switched to hiring farm land and setting up 'impromptu refineries' in sheds and outbuildings.
The first of these was the one in the grounds of Chevening Estate, where a farm worker later told police he had seen trailers entering and leaving the compound up to twice a day.
Thomas Campbell (left) and Roger Gull (right) outside Maidstone Crown Court
Roger Gull denies conspiracy to steal hydrocarbon oil, possessing criminal property, namely 26,000 cash, on November 20, 2014.
He and his son Ryan, both from Rainham in Essex, also deny two offences of converting criminal property in relation to 50,421 and 67,577 between May and September 2014. The prosecution allege this was money from fuel sales.
Thomas Campbell, 58, from Kilmarnock in Scotland, denies conspiracy to steal hydrocarbon oil.
The court heard Roger Gull had been investigated by revenue and customs officers in 2012 for operating an illegal fuel process plant where red diesel, used for agricultural purposes, was being processed as bio fuel. A financial penalty was imposed.
Two years earlier he was declared bankrupt as a director of Rykel, which operates several businesses including Rykel Van Hire, Rykel Automotive Sales Ltd and Rykel Logistics, and was disqualified from holding a position of directorship for 10 years.
It is also alleged he used an alias of Dave Saunders, and it was in this name the site was rented.
He told the land agents it was for storing company equipment and vehicles while carrying out engineering works on the nearby M25 motorway.
Roger Gull was also identified by the farmworker as the man he sometimes saw as passenger in the lorries at the compound. It is alleged Campbell was the driver.
The trial is expected to last up to five weeks.
Dr Dean Johnson, 52, taught at Charterhouse for 12 years but was forced to resign amid sordid allegations in 2013
A 'fantastic' teacher at the prestigious Charterhouse school is facing a ban from the classroom over allegations he had sex with a teenage pupil.
Dr Dean Johnson, 52, taught at the 36,000-a-year college in Godalming, Surrey, for 12 years but was forced to resign amid disgrace in 2013.
It emerged he had romped with the 18-year-old student while she was still in sixth form.
The relationship came to light when the girl complained to police officers that Johnson had filmed her during sex and an investigation was launched.
However, his reputation was tarnished further when detectives found him in possession of extreme pornography, in 2015.
The films featured women being hanged while men watched and was made by actors in the US.
The popular teacher, educated at both Cambridge and Oxford, was handed an eight-month suspended sentence for the clips.
A tribunal for the National College for Teaching and Leadership heard that he sent his teenage lover explicit messages where he discussed his sexual fantasies.
Dr Johnson also asked what her underwear size was before buying lingerie, including stockings, the Evening Standard reports.
The tribunal heard how the relationship started after the girl touched her teacher's leg during a school meal in 2007, when she was 17.
Kayleigh Brooks, presenting the case, said: 'The college say it was inappropriate to engage with this pupil given the context of what had happened.'
Pictured: The prestigious Charterhouse School in Godalming Surrey, which charges fees of 36,000-a-year
Dr Johnson and the teen carried on with their relationship for five years, but it broke down after she discovered he had been filming their sexual encounters - which led to his eventual arrest for the extreme pornography.
The disciplinary panel ruled his conviction and relationship with his pupil had 'breached teaching standards' and had brought the profession into disrepute.
Divorced father-of-three Dr Johnson, who described himself as a 'fantastic teacher, said: 'There isn't a day or waking hour where I don't reflect on the consequences of this mistake.'
Since his resignation from Charterhouse he has been teaching abroad, with 'some success'.
The tribunal will now recommend banning Dr Johnson from teaching to the Secretary of State for Education.
A Chinese man has been caught keeping more than 500 cats squeezed into tiny cages that he was planning to sell as meat to restaurants for 3 each.
The vendor, known only as Sun, lured people's pet cats and strays using sparrows and caged birds in the city of Jiujiang, Chinese media reported.
Horrified police found hundreds of felines trapped in the back of a small truck, with many of them near death and mewing faintly in the sweltering heat.
A Chinese man has been caught keeping 500 cats squeezed into tiny cages that he was planning to sell as meat to restaurants for 3 each
More cats were found in a nearby hut, where they were crammed into metal cages and were cooled by a ceiling fan to stop them dying in the heat.
Sun had allegedly intended to sell the cats to restaurants in other cities for 30 yuan.
Hong Kong and China have banned the killing of dogs and cats for sale as meat, but have not specifically outlawed consumption.
Sun was arrested on Sunday after a suspicious villager called Mr Yang told police that someone had been stealing his pets, including a mother with five kittens.
He also tipped off officers to the cats being stowed at the hut.
Police said on Sunday that a journalist had told them about a batch of cats meant for sale on a truck.
Horrified police found hundreds of the animals trapped in the back of a small truck, many of them near death and mewing faintly in the sweltering heat
Many more cats were found in a nearby hut, where they were crammed into metal cages and were cooled by a ceiling fan to stop them dying in the heat
After a raid by Danyang city police rescued more than 500 cats, all of them were later released.
It comes as an animal lover who claimed to look after stray cats at home was caught butchering the felines before selling them to restaurants in November.
Sickening images have emerged showing dozens of cats killed, frozen and even decapitated at the man's tiny warehouse in Chengdu, south-west China.
An undercover investigation carried out by the local Chengdu Business Daily revealed that the man, named Huang Fuping, sold the dead cats as rabbits to meat vendors in rural China for 20 yuan per kilogram (2.30).
The authorities seized nearly two tons of feline carcasses. In addition, 49 live cats were rescued.
It comes as an animal lover who claimed to look after stray cats at home was caught butchering the felines before selling them to restaurants in November
Disturbing pictures show piles of feline carcasses stacking up in the warehouse. For the live cats, they were crammed into small cages
The owner of the slaughterhouse had sold 13 tons of cat meat on the same day before the authorities arrived, animal activists said.
Disturbing pictures show piles of feline carcasses stacking up in the warehouse. For the live cats, they were crammed into small cages in the grotty building.
It comes as Taiwan became the first Asian country to completely ban the eating of dog and cat meat.
New laws passed in April outlaw 'the consumption, purchase or possession of dog and cat meat' with a maximum fine of 250,000 New Taiwan dollars ($8,000).
Legislator Wang Yu-min hailed the landmark bill, saying it is a first in Asia and 'shows that Taiwan is a society with advanced animal welfare.'
Juan Thompson, 32, pleaded guilty Tuesday to cyberstalking and making fake bomb threats
A disgraced journalist pleaded guilty on Tuesday to cyberstalking and making fake bomb threats, admitting he threatened Jewish organizations to harass his ex-girlfriend and cause her 'great distress.'
'For this, I deeply apologize,' said Juan Thompson, 32, who has remained incarcerated since his March arrest.
Former The Intercept writer started his month-long campaign to harass his unidentified ex in July 2016 after she ended their relationship, reported ABC News.
As part of his plea deal in the United States Attorney's Office Southern District of New York, he admitted to at least a dozen threats to Jewish Community Centers and other Jewish organizations, using the woman's name.
'For this, I deeply apologize,' Thompson said of making fake bomb threats to more than a dozen Jewish community centers and organizations nationwide
At one point, he also falsely reported that the woman had child pornography, said the outlet.
Thompson told U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel in Manhattan he was 'slightly nervous' as he pleaded guilty to charges that each carry a potential penalty of five years in prison. He agreed not to appeal any sentence at or below 46 months, nearly four years, in prison.
Thompson, originally of St. Louis, fueled 'fear and distress' early this year with fake bomb threats to more than a dozen Jewish community centers and organizations nationwide, Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said.
'Thompson made these threats as part of a cruel campaign to cyberstalk a victim with whom he previously had a relationship,' Kim said. 'Thompson's threats not only inflicted emotional distress on his victim but also harmed Jewish communities around the country.'
Thompson, 32, is a disgraced former journalist fired from The Intercept for fabricating quotes. He was charged by the federal government with cyberstalking
Thompson had a history of lying, including tweeted in December a picture of kimchi he claimed to have made but that really came from a foodie blogger's site
Thompson tweeted (left) that he got his first tattoo of Malcolm X, which turned out to be photo posted on a tattoo shop's website that he reversed (right)
Thompson said he sent emails and faxes to his ex-girlfriend's employer after she ended their relationship last summer and he later made bomb threats, claiming his ex-girlfriend had planted bombs.
He said he committed the crimes 'to disrupt my ex-romantic partner's life and cause her great distress.'
Prosecutors said Thompson's emails to the woman's employer claimed she had broken the law, among other things.
They said Thompson sometimes used his girlfriend's name while making threats against Jewish community centers, schools or other facilities. One message claimed he had placed two bombs in a Jewish school and was 'eager for Jewish Newtown,' a reference to the 2012 school massacre in Connecticut, prosecutors said.
People are evacuated from the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie, Florida, on February 27 after a bomb threat made by Thompson
Federal authorities also say that Thompson used his Twitter feed to allege that the woman in question made threats against him as well as President Donald Trump
The government collected evidence from about two dozen laptops, tablets and cellphones seized from Thompson's home.
Thompson was fired from the online publication The Intercept last year after being accused of fabricating story details.
His sentencing is set for September 15.
Thompson had a strange and sordid history of cyber intimidation, threats and lies. In January 2016, he was fired from news site The Intercept after it was discovered he had been making up source quotes.
Ian DEmilia, Thompson's former friend and Vassar College roommate, told the New York Post that he earned the serial fabulist's ire last February after he told reporter Doyle Murphy with the Riverfront Times that Thompson had always been a 'peculiar guy'.
'He was a peculiar guy,' D'Emilia told Murphy. 'Very peculiar. I never really trusted him.'
Enraged by the story, Thompson allegedly embarked on a reign of cyber terror against 25-year-old D'Emilia and Murphy.
The tweet above was cited by the federal government in its complaint against Thompson. Here he tweeted that the woman in question was 'a filthy anti-Semite'
'He told me I wouldnt get a job once he was done with me,' said D'Emilia. 'He said that hed tell my future employers that Im a racist and homophobe.'
Soon, D'Emilia's boss and graduate adviser received emails from Thompson in a campaign to smear him.
Thompson also emailed Murphy's boss and tried to get him fired.
When that didn't work, Thompson emailed Murphy directly:
'"You are a white piece of sh who lies and distorts to fit a narrative,"' Thompson wrote him in October. 'Thankfully no one reads you or the rft and you will spend the rest of your career aggregating stories about shootings.'
The abuse continued for weeks.
Thompson's penchant for revenge allegedly led him to create fake Twitter and Facebook accounts, claiming Murphy was a rapist.
Before Thompson was arrested for his part in a string of bomb threats, he used his Twitter account to go on imaginary trips to Cuba and Senegal.
'He lied about the weirdest things,' Murphy wrote in March.
Thompson tweeted in December a picture of kimchi he claimed to have made.
An online search found he had stolen the photo from a food blogger.
Then he posted his new Malcolm X tattoo, which turned out to be a reversed Google image.
He fabricated other social media posts while railing against white women, police and President Donald Trump, among other topics.
The disgraced journalist was fired last year from online news site The Intercept after it was learned he had fabricated quotes and invented sources.
In addition to his Intercept stories, Thompson claimed he won the lottery, had a book deal and was accepted to the University of Chicago's law school. None of these claims have been verified.
'He would lie for no reason,' said D'Emilia. 'Almost to the point of there being something psychologically wrong with him.'
On or about February 21, Thompson allegedly emailed a threat to the New York offices of the Anti-Defamation League.
'[The woman] is behind the bomb threats against jews,' the email read. 'She lives in nyc and is making more bomb threats tomorrow.'
He also called in bomb threats, used his own name, and then blamed the woman for being the one to harass him.
'Ask NYCs [employer of the woman in question,' he tweeted. 'They employ a filthy anti-Semite. These ppl are evil.'
News / Press Release
by Obert Chaurura Gutu
MDC: Equal Opportunities For All
Obert Chaurura Gutu
MDC National Spokesperson
In his keynote address at the at Mkoba stadium in Gweru on Saturday, June 10,2017, President Tsvangirai made it abundantly clear that the MDC has a zero tolerance policy on corruption.At numerous public platforms, President Tsvangirai has always emphasised that the MDC will not tolerate corruption wherever and whenever this evil vice is detected. He has made it very clear that any MDC cadre who is found guilty of corruption, whether you're deployed in council or in Parliament or even if you don't hold any public office, will be dealt with in a very effective and non - compromising manner.Indeed, a few years ago, the entire Chitungwiza Town Council was fired by the MDC after a commission of enquiry headed by Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada had found all the councilors guilty of gross acts of corruption.President Morgan Tsvangirai is a man of his word. He always walks the talk. If you are corrupt, he will not protect you, no matter what position you hold in the party. As a social democratic party, the MDC strives to promote a developmental trajectory that promotes the complete and total eradication of corruption in all its various forms in both the public and private sectors.The MDC believes in promoting a meritocracy as opposed to running a government benchmarked on patronage in which corruption is tolerated and condoned. As MDC cadres, we should always uphold the values and ethoes of unity, love, empathy and solidarity. Of course, no genuine and committed MDC cadre should indulge in any act(s) of corruption. Corruption is one of the biggest threats to Zimbabwe's socio - economic development.
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Standing proudly at the center of a tiny village deep in German wine country, from the outside there is nothing remarkable about the church of St. Jacob save its beauty.
But locked away inside its 1,000-year-old tower is a disturbing secret - a bell emblazoned with a Swastika and the inscription: 'Everything for the fatherland. Adolf Hitler.'
While the grim heirloom has gone largely unnoticed for the last 82 years, a recent report in a local newspaper has brought controversy to the 700-person town of Herxheim am Berg.
Since discovering the tribute, 73-year-old Sigrid Peters, the church organist, is demanding it be removed, saying it is not right that christenings and marriages are marked by ringing a bell celebrating the Nazis.
But pastor Helmut Meinhardt believes the church should keep using the bell, while mayor Ronald Becker told The Local that trying to remove the inscription could alter the sound, and would cost upward of 40,000.
Some, including bell expert Birgit Muller, are even arguing that it should be protected under historic conservation laws - saying there are no other known examples.
Residents of the tiny village of Herxheim am Berg, located deep in German wine country, have been divided after it was discovered that the bell in their 1,000-year-old church bears a Swastika and an inscription which reads: 'Everything for the fatherland. Adolf Hitler'. While some want it destroyed, others want it to be protected under conservation laws
The bell was cast in 1934 and brought to the church as the 'police bell', to warn of fires and later of air raids. In 1942, two other bells hanging at the church were melted down to help with the war effort - leaving this as the sole one. In 1951 two replacement bells were given to the church, but despite their presence this one was allowed to remain
The pastor of the church has argued the bell should be allowed to keep ringing, while the town mayor believes that attempting to remove the Nazi tribute could alter the sound and would be hugely expensive. Historian Birgit Muller has even argued that the bell should be granted historic protection, because there are no other known examples
St Jacob's, a protestant church at the centre of Herxheim am Berg, is more than 1,000 years old - making it a popular site for weddings and christenings for those outside the village. Organist Sigrid Peters said it is not right that their celebrations should be marked with a Nazi bell which many of them are unaware of the existence of
The Nazi bell hangs alongside two other, larger bells, inside the church tower. While it is not essential for the functioning of the church, it is used for a full peal of bells - most commonly used at Easter, Christmas and for Confirmation celebrations
While mayor Becker (pictured) does not believe the bell should be removed or altered, he does want to avoid turning it into a 'cult' site for right-wing extremists and Nazi sympathisers. While some have proposed putting up a plaque in the church to inform visitors of the existence of the bell, he has opposed the idea
Heroic mom: Brandy Mosley, 33, went missing in Texas Monday while trying to rescue her son on the beach and was found dead Tuesday
The US Coast Guard on Tuesday recovered the body of a Texas woman who disappeared off of Crystal Beach the day while rescuing her 4-year-old son from the Gulf.
Brandy Mosley, 33, of Palestine, went missing at around 2pm on Monday while spending the day on the beach with her son and another relative.
According to the Galveston County Sheriffs Office, Mosley rushed into the water after seeing that her toddler son lost his footing and was struggling in the waves about 25 feet from the shore.
The child was wearing water wings and playing in the sand at the edge of the water when a wave came in and swept him out into the Gulf, reported KTRK.
Sheriff's Maj Douglas Hudson said Mosley pulled her son out of the water to safety and handed him over to a relative, but moments later she vanished from view, according to Chron.com.
Rescuers searched for Mosley both by helicopter and by boat for the rest of the day, throughout the night and into the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Rescuers searched for Mosley both by helicopter (pictured) and by boat for hours
At around 6.30am, a body matching Mosley's description was discovered near Gulfport Village in Crystal Beach, about 2 miles from the spot where she was last seen alive.
Officials were confident Tuesday afternoon the body was that of Mosley, but they were waiting for the medical examiner to make a positive identification using fingerprints.
Mosley was the owner of B's Hive of Therapy Day Spa and Salon in Palestine.
Before the discovery of the body was announced Tuesday, friends and relatives took to Facebook asking for prayers, including a woman claiming to be her younger sister.
Mosleys death comes two years after her other sister lost her life in what Brandy described in a Facebook post last year as an unsolved murder. The slain sibling was 29 years old and a mother of three.
The 80-year-old pensioner was named as former Oxford don Brian Bellhouse
An 80-year-old millionaire was trampled to death by a herd of cows while out walking in a picturesque countryside village field.
Former Oxford don Brian Bellhouse, was killed in the idyllic Sussex village of Guestling while out walking.
Emergency crews were called after another walker heard someone scream out for help, close to a 11th-century church.
It is reported that cattle became agitated and charged at him.
A helicopter was scrambled and paramedics from the air ambulance began administering CPR but they were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at at the scene.
Mr Bellhouse, who was believed to have lived five miles away in Winchelsea, East Sussex, and was a company directer of Woodruff Farm Ltd.
He became an overnight millionaire through the invention of a device for needle-free injections, helping raise his company PowderJect's value to more than half a billion pounds.
The firm was sold for a massive 542million to US pharmaceutical group Chiron in 2003.
Professor Bellhouse picked up 19.5 million for his 3.6% stake in the company.
The tragic incident happened near Saint Laurence, an 11th century church near Guestling, in East Sussex
Police said that they were not treating the death of the former Magdalen college academic as suspicious and passed on the details to the coroner.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: 'An 80-year-old man died after being found trampled in a field of cattle at Church Lane, Guestling, yesterday/on Monday.
'Police and paramedics performed CPR after being called at 11.02am and an air ambulance landed at the scene, but he was sadly pronounced dead at 11.46am.
'There are no suspicious circumstances and the matter has been passed to the coroner's officer.'
Brian Bellhouse with his daughter Cathy Curtis. The former Oxford don pocketed a windfall for a device inventing a needle-free injection
In a statement Magdalen College said that Professor Bellhouse would be deeply missed.
It said: 'The College is very sad to announce that Professor Brian Bellhouse has passed away at the age of 80.
'Brian Bellhouse came up to Magdalen in 1957 to read for a Brian Bellhouse came up to Magdalen in 1957 to read for a degree in Mathematics.
'He obtained his DPhil in Engineering Science in 1964 and was then made a Fellow by Examination. He was elected an Official Fellow in Engineering Science in 1966. On his retirement in 2004 he was elected an Emeritus Fellow.'
A woman aged 28 has been detained on suspicion of killing her 83 year old lover - and throwing his severed head into a pig sty.
The pensioner, named as Mr Nechayev, was killed from multiple knife and meat cleaver wounds.
His girlfriend then beheaded his corpse, according to the Russian Investigative Committee, equivalent of the FBI in America.
The horrifying scene unfolded at a house in Volokolamsk, Moscow (pictured)
A statement said: 'His body was found inside a private house in Volokolamsk.
'The pair had been drinking on the evening of 11 June in a house on Shchekino Street in the town, in Moscow region.
'They both became rather drunk and got into an argument.
'The young woman attacked the man with a knife and a meat cleaver.
The woman attacked the man with a knife and cleaver before trying to clean up the crime by throwing his head into a pig sty
'He died from multiple wounds to his face, head, neck and limbs.
'To hide traces of the crime, the suspect chopped off his head - and threw it into a pig sty.'
The statement said the woman - who was not named - has been detained.
A murder investigation has begun.
He's a heroic pooch with a heart of gold.
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been awarded the highest animal award for gallantry, after saving his owners lives from a terrifying fire.
Diesel woke up his owner Jordan Ash, 25, in the early hours of May 28 2016, desperately barking and scratching on his duvet.
Good boy! Diesel received the highest animal award for warning his family about a fire at their home in Dartmouth last year
The behaviour was completely out of character for the normally calm Staffie, but Jordan soon discovered what was the problem.
As he opened his bedroom door, he was met with a wall of flames barely six feet away at their home in Dartmouth.
Jordan raced to wake up his parents Chris, 50, and Tina, 54, and helped them escape through a small bedroom window.
He then went back into the house to rescue Diesel, barely managing to reach him through smoke and acrid fumes.
But he rescued the heroic Staffie and pass him through the open window to his dad.
For his heroism Diesel collected the Gold Medal from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, which is the animals' equivalent of a George Cross.
Jordan said: 'Luckily, apart from a few bumps and bruises, probably from squeezing out of a tiny window, no one was seriously hurt.
Diesel was originally abandoned as a pup, before being rescued by Jordan Ash
Diesel frantically barked and tugged on his owner's duvet as he sensed the wall of flames approaching
'We all needed treatment for smoke inhalation but there was no lasting damage, thanks to Diesel.
'His whiskers were singed by the fire but we got him checked out by a vet the following day and he was fine.
'I spent the next few weeks sleeping on sofas because we couldn't find anywhere to stay that would take Diesel as well.
Diesel's whiskers were a bit singed after the fire, but he was otherwise in one piece
After Diesel alerted him, Jordan raced down the hall to rescue his parents Chris and Tina (pictured)
'After everything he had done for us there was no way I was going to leave him!'
The story is made even better by the fact that Diesel had been abandoned as a pup and rescued by Ash.
The fire had been caused when the family's freezer, located under the stairs, caught alight.
Jordan says he's 'forever grateful' to Diesel for saving his life
It caused 60% fire damage and 90% smoke damage to their home, and the family wern't able to move back in for ten months.
Chris Ash said they'd disconnected the smoke alarm while they re-decorated the house.
He added: 'Without Diesel, the night could have ended very differently.'
The fire was caused by a faulty freezer which caught alight, causing 60 per cent fire damage to the home
Jordan concluded: 'I like to think it was his way of repaying us for rescuing him.
'Staffies have such a bad reputation but he has the most lovely, placid nature.
'Diesel undoubtedly saved our lives that night, without him I wouldn't be standing here today and I will be forever grateful.'
The PDSA Director said Diesel's actions showed 'incredible devotion to his family'
Andy Callan, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'Carbon monoxide takes effect incredibly quickly - just a few more minutes breathing in the toxic fumes and Diesel may not have been able to wake them.
'It shows the importance of having a working smoke alarm. Had Diesel not acted so quickly and woken Jordan that night, the family wouldn't be with us today.'
PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin praise Diesel.
He said: 'Despite having no formal training, Diesel's actions showed incredible devotion to his family. His story is remarkable and truly demonstrates the unique contribution that animals make to our lives.'
Theresa May took a break from her political woes in Westminster today to announce a joint terror crackdown with France - but things still did not go to plan when she dropped her notes on the floor.
The Prime Minister is clinging on to her position in No 10 by a thread after her party's majority was wiped out in the election.
She tried to put a brave face on the dramas besetting her premiership by 'getting on with business' and holding the joint press conference with Emmanuel Macron.
The pair were announcing plans to impose tough new laws to force tech giants to take down terror material posted online.
But the crisis-hit premier suffered an embarrassing mishap when her notes flew off her podium at the beginning of the press conference.
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The PM nearly lost her notes in a gust of wind at the beginning of today's press conference
The PM stooped down to scoop her papers up off the floor after they blew away
Mrs May said the plans will stop the internet being used as a safe space for terrorists and criminals
The PM shot an embarrassed smile to the many journalists covering the event as she stooped down to scoop up her papers.
Mr Macron helped her pick up her earpiece as he joked: 'The wind is only taking papers away but nothing else.'
Mrs May's position in No 10 hangs in the balance after she led her party to a humiliating defeat in the election which saw her majority wiped out.
She is in talks with the DUP to win the backing of their ten MPs to cling on to power and deliver Brexit.
But it looks like the Queen's Speech - which sets out the government's legislative agenda - will be delayed by a week as the two parties thrash out an agreement.
Her furious Tory MPs have demanded she transform her leadership style by being more inclusive and dropping plans to pursue austerity.
After the mishap, Mrs May and Mr Macron got in with announcing their new clamp down on extremism online as they warned that tech companies who fail to take down terror material face tough new punishments.
Mrs May and the French president unveiled proposals to get tough with firms like Facebook, Google and Twitter in the wake of a string of terror attacks in the UK and France.
The PM said the crackdown will help stop the internet being used as a safe space for terrorists and criminals.
Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron today announced Britain and France will launch a joint crack down on tech giants to force them to take down terrorist material
Speaking at a joint press conference in the French capital today, the PM said: As I've said before, in the UK we are already meeting with social media companies to halt the spread of extremist material and poisonous propaganda agenda is warping young minds.
But we know they need to do more.
'And today we can announced that the UK and France will work together to encourage social media companies to do more and to abide by their social responsibility to step up their efforts to remove harmful content form their networks.'
She said the two countries will draw up tough new laws to force tech companies to take action.
She said: We are launching a joint UK French campaign to ensure that the internet cannot be used as a safe space for terrorists and criminals, and that it cannot be used to host the radicalising material that leads to so much harm.
We will lead joint work with the tech companies on this vital agenda, including work to develop tool to remove this harm full material automatically.
Mrs May added that they will explore creating a new legal liability for tech companies if they fail to take action to remove unacceptable content.
The announcement comes after it was briefed that internet firms will face multi-million-pound fines if they fail to take down extremist material under plans to be announced today.
Facebook, Google and Twitter could face huge fines in the UK and France if they fail to remove extremist content from their sites quickly enough (ISIS propaganda, pictured)
The two leaders are said to be tired of the foot-dragging by technology giants and plan to make them legally liable for extremist material on their sites if they fail to take it down swiftly.
The proposal of 'legal liability' for firms would leave them open to hefty fines and is designed to pressure them into finally taking the issue seriously.
Downing Street has declined to comment on the potential size of the fines. But Germany is already introducing fines of up to 45million for firms that fail to take down extremist material within 24 hours.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, to be made at a joint press conference in Paris tonight, Mrs May said she and Mr Macron agreed that 'more should be done to tackle the terrorist threat online'.
She added: 'The UK and France will work together to encourage corporations to do more and abide by their social responsibility to step up their efforts to remove harmful content from their networks, including exploring the possibility of creating a new legal liability for tech companies if they fail to remove unacceptable content.
'We are united in our total condemnation of terrorism and our commitment to stamp out this evil.'
Home Secretary Amber Rudd and French interior minister Gerard Collomb will hold further talks on implementing the proposals in the coming days.
Today's announcement marks an attempt by Mrs May to show she is 'getting on with business' in the wake of last week's disastrous election result.
A new drive on countering terrorism and extremism is likely to form part of her Queen's Speech.
Joint plans being drawn up by Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron would make the internet giants to 'legally liable' for any extremist content they host
Germany is already introducing fines of up to 45million for firms that fail to take down extremist material within 24 hours, as Facebook vows to be 'hostile' to terror groups
The initiative also underlines growing international frustration with the sluggish response of social media firms, who are reluctant to take responsibility for the sickening material they carry on their sites.
Ministers are furious at the widespread availability of hate-filled propaganda online, and the ease with which impressionable youngsters can access detailed terror manuals.
Google, Facebook and Twitter all claim they want to remove such material from their websites, but it remains alarmingly easy to find.
In the wake of the Manchester bomb attack, it took the Daily Mail less than 30 seconds to find links to handbooks imploring extremists to murder children and target concerts, and providing instructions for constructing home-made bombs.
Facebook and Google, which owns the video site YouTube, removed material when it was raised with them, but fresh links were quickly re-posted by extremists.
The Prime Minister discussed the dangers posed by extremist material at last month's G7 summit in Sicily, where she brokered an agreement between world leaders to embark on an international approach to clamping down on social media firms.
Downing Street said the Anglo-French initiative would see the two countries working with technology firms to 'develop tools to identify and remove harmful material automatically'.
They will discuss the proposals over a working dinner at the Elysee Palace before travelling to the Stade de France to watch England play France.
Two men and a woman from Pennsylvania were cited for disorderly conduct after getting caught having an alleged rooftop romp.
According to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department, officers responded to Warwick Township on Saturday morning after getting a call from a witness about three people who were engaging in public sex acts.
The site of the polyamorous rendezvous was the rooftop of a building, according to a press release from the police.
Three's company: Amanda Howley, 24 (left); Joel Beger, 29 (center), and Kevin Venbrux, 26 (right), have been charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly engaging in public sex acts on a roof
Patrol officers who arrived at the scene interviewed the trio, who reportedly admitted they were engaged in the activity but 'felt that their position was private' and not visible from other locations.
The suspects, identified as 24-year-old Amanda Howley; 29-year-old Joel Beger, and 26-year-old Kevin Venbrux, were each charged with a single count of disorderly conduct 'for the creation of physically offensive conditions,' according to the police statement.
Venbrux, of Lititz, downplayed the entire incident and defended his conduct in a Facebook post on Monday.
The news makes it look a lot cooler then it was, he wrote. Not everything you read in the news is true.
The trio, including Howley (left) and Beger (right), reportedly admitted to the sexual activity but told police in Pennsylvania they felt their position on the rooftop was not visible to others
Protestations of innocence: Venbrux (pictured) wrote on Facebook that he and the others were just kissing and 'watching the sunrise'
On trend: The 26-year-old posted 'fake news' as his status update, in apparent reference to media reports of the incident
In response to a friends inquiry, Venbrux stated that he and his two companions had their clothes on.
We were just watching the sunrise, he added. The cops came because of noise and the neighbors saw us up there kissing. Apparently that is considered a sex act now. As per usual with this things it's all getting blow outta [sic] proportion.
In his latest status update, apparently referring to Saturdays incident, Venbrux wrote, fake news.
Russia's attack on US electoral system was further reaching than the federal government initially said and it included attempts to meddle with systems in a majority of states, a report on Tuesday revealed.
Hackers got into databases and software systems in 39 states - twice as many as the government has said, Bloomberg reported.
In one state they were able to access a campaign finance database. In Illinois, the attackers tried to delete and make changes to voter data, the news publication says.
The Obama administration contacted the Kremlin about the menacing behavior through a back channel in October, two sources told Bloomberg, and warned that the interference could escalate into a full-scale conflict.
Russia's attack on US electoral system was further reaching than the federal government initially said and it included attempts to meddle with systems in a majority of states, a report on Tuesday revealed
Three sources with knowledge of the situation disclosed the new details on the Russian campaign to disrupt the presidential election to Bloomberg.
A report in the Intercept on classified documents it obtained from a source at the NSA, who's since been identified as Reality Winner, said a breach on a voting software supplier's system could have affected voters in eight states.
There has been no evidence so far that the attackers threw the vote, but the reporting in both publications raised new concerns about vulnerabilities in the United States' voting systems.
The federal government did not widespread authority over states' individual voting systems at the time of November's election, creating obstacles in its investigation of hacking in some states.
Bloomberg noted that remains unclear why the hackers did not act once they had access. Perhaps they were waived off after the US discovered the incursions an threatened Moscow. A former official said they may have found they needed better access to pull off the intended attack.
The Obama administration believed their plot may just have been to undermine confidence in the electoral process.
They could also be using the information they gleaned to come after the US when voters pick a president again in three years.
Senate Republicans and Democrats reached agreement late Monday on a new package of sanctions on Russia amid the firestorm over the meddling.
Top lawmakers on two committees - Banking and Foreign Relations - announced the deal, which would require a congressional review if a president attempts to ease or end current penalties.
The plan also calls for strengthening current sanctions and imposing new ones on corrupt Russian actors, those involved in human rights abuses and those supplying weapons to the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Penalties also would be slapped on those responsible for malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government.
Fireworks go off over Moscow marking Russia Day on Monday. Senate Republicans and Democrats meanwhile reached agreement on a new package of sanctions on Russia amid the firestorm over the election meddling
The batch of sanctions would be added to a bill imposing penalties on Iran that the Senate is currently debating.
'The amendment to the underlying Iran sanctions bill maintains and substantially expands sanctions against the government of Russia in response to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and Crimea, its brazen cyberattacks and interference in elections, and its continuing aggression in Syria,' said Republicans and Democrats on the committees.
A procedural vote on the Russia sanctions was happening on Wednesday and the measure had strong bipartisan support.
The legislation also allows new penalties on key elements of the Russia economy, including mining, metals, shipping and railways.
'By codifying existing sanctions and requiring congressional review of any decision to weaken or lift them, we are ensuring that the United States continues to punish President (Vladimir) Putin for his reckless and destabilizing actions,' said Sen. Chuck Schumer,nthe top Senate Democrat said.
'These additional sanctions will also send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia and any other country who might try to interfere in our elections that they will be punished.'
A chippie has 'battered' away the competition to become the first restaurant in the world to send a portion of fish and chips into space.
Papas, based in Hull, celebrated being crowned Britain's favourite Fish and Chip restaurant earlier this year by shooting their haddock and chips into the stratosphere.
The fish and chip shop decided it was time to put their name in the record books by strapping the feast into a box and tying it to a weather balloon.
A chippie has 'battered' away the competition to become the first restaurant in the world to send a portion of fish and chips into space
Dino Papas, who runs the award-winning fish and chip shop, alongside his brother, George, and father, Sid, said: 'Today Papas has shown it is truly out of this world.
'We've tried to play it down a bit, as we heard rumours some people down south were going to do it first, but we are looking forward to being the first.
'We want it to be clear that Hull is the home of fish and chips. With City of Culture, and winning the best fish and chips, we really wanted to do something a bit extra.'
The dish was released into the sky from Sheffield on Tuesday and travelled four times higher than a commercial aeroplane.
Dino Papas (right), who runs the award-winning fish and chip shop, alongside his brother, George (left), and father, Sid (centre), said: 'Today Papas has shown it is truly out of this world'
The balloon then came back down to earth at the North Lincolnshire Wolds after it was tracked down by a scientific research team four hours later.
George added: 'It's something we've been thinking about for a couple of years and it's not easy to just send anything into space and took a lot of planning and hard work.
'We did think about sending some mushy peas with it but thought there might be an issue sending anything slightly liquid.'
Jeff Sessions went to war with Democratic senators Tuesday as he offered angry and forthright testimony that claims of Russian collusion were 'a lie' - and that President Trump was right to fire James Comey because he 'usurped' prosecutors when he cleared Hillary Clinton.
In two hours of at times testy evidence and often fiercely partisan questions, Sessions launched attack after attack on Democrats, and stood by his position that he could not recall a third, undeclared meeting with Russia's ambassador during the election campaign.
Sessions did however corroborate a key aspect of fired James Comey's testimony, saying the fired FBI director came to him about President Trump buttonholed him for a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office.
Comey 'expressed concern about being left alone with the president,' Sessions told the Senate Intelligence Committee when questioned about Comey's bombshell testimony to the same panel last week.
But then he said that he had told Comey that as the FBI director was equipped to deal with the issue.
Even as he advanced the Comey narrative, other aspects of Sessions' testimony left Democrats agitated and he clashed repeatedly with liberal senators.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
I SWEAR: Sessions corroborated an element of FBI Director Comey's prior testimony. He said Comey 'expressed concern about being left alone with the president' following a one-on-one meeting
Elsewhere: Donald Trump did not watch the evidence session as he traveled to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, with daughter Ivanka to push her employment reforms
Victory: Sessions walked away from the Senate Intel Committee hearing unscathed - and in Wisconsin his boss, who was with his daughter and Republican governor Scott Walker, seemed happy
One of them accused him of 'impeding' and 'obstructing' the congressional investigation into Russian election interference, based on his refusal to reveal the contents of conversations with President Trump or whether the two men even discussed the the Russia probe he ultimately recused himself from.
Sessions repeatedly said he did not 'recall' having a third undisclosed meeting with Russia's ambassador to the U.S., nor did he remember much about the substance of two conversations he has acknowledged.
He emphatically denied any 'collusion' with Russia, and said that in 'retrospect' Comey's handling of the Clinton investigation was worse than he thought when he was a Trump advisor battling Hillary Clinton.
His refusal to answer certain questions without invoking executive privilege for the president failed to shed much light on whether the Russia probe was the real reason President Trump fired Comey as head of the FBI, something that could factor into an obstruction of justice case should a special counsel decide to bring one.
Sessions expressed 'confidence' in special counsel Robert Mueller, who some Trump associates have floated could get fired by the president, but didn't give a stirring defense.
'I have confidence in Mr. Mueller but I am not going to discuss any hypotheticals or what might be a factual situation in the future,' Sessions said.
Sessions also confirmed another element of Comey's account that Sessions was among the last to depart a counterterrorism meeting at the White House, though he didn't use Comey's word that he 'lingered.'
'I do recall being one of the last ones to leave,' Sessions said.
But Sessions diverged from Comey's account, that Sessions remained silent after the complaint.
Support: Jeff Sessions brought his wife Mary to be with him as he gave evidence Tuesday
COMEY CONVERSATION
Sessions says he told Comey that 'he should not carry on any conversation with the president or anyone else about an investigation in a way that was not proper.'
He also said Comey didn't share the substance of what the President said that had raised his alarm. Comey testified that Trump asked him to back off an investigation of fired national security advisor Mike Flynn.
'He did not tell me at that time any details about anything that was said that was improper,' Sessions said.
There were limits on what Sessions would talk about.
WON'T REVEAL 'PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS' WITH TRUMP
Sessions said he was not invoking executive privilege a limited power belonging to the president. But he told Sen. Warner there were limits to what he would say.
'Its longstanding policy the Department of justice not to comment on conversations that the attorney general has had with the president of the United States for confidential reasons that really are founded in the coequal branch powers in the Constitution of the United States,' Sessions said.
'Im not able to discuss with you or confirm or deny the nature of private conversations that I may have had with the president on this subject or others,' Sessions said at one point during his prolonged grilling Tuesday.
Sparring: Sessions clashed with Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Ron Wyden over why he would not answer questions
'Thats a communication in the White House that I would not comment on,' he told Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
After one such dodge, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) scolded Sessions. 'Youre impeding this investigation,' he said, asking Sessions to explain his legal or policy basis for not answering.
'You are obstructing that congressional investigation by not answering those questions,' he said.
He told Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), 'Well, I'm not able to discuss with you, confirm or deny, the nature of private conversations that I may have had with the president on the subject or others. And I know how this will be discussed, but that's the rules that have been long adhered to by the Department of Justice, as you know, Sen. Feinstein.'
'People are suggesting through innuendo that I have been not honest about matters and Ive tried to be honest,' Sessions fumed.
Sessions blew up with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) complained about 'stonewalling.'
When. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) asked what was the legal basis for not answering questions, Sessions said he wanted to give Trump the opportunity to invoke either executive privilege or another unnamed privilege.
'I cannot answer that because it was a communication by the president or if any such occurred it would be a communication that he has not waived,' he said, asked whether he ever discussed the FBI's Russia probe with Trump.
EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE: Sessions testified he had no recollection of a third undisclosed meeting with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak. The two men attended the same event at the Mayflower Hotel lin 2016
NO RECOLLECTION OF POSSIBLE 3RD KISLYAK MEETING
Sessions delivered an indignant denial that he took part in any 'collusion' with Russia during the campaign as he said he did not recall any conversation with a Russian official at a D.C. hotel.
'I was your colleague in this body for 20 years, at least some of you, and the suggestion that I participated in any collusion, that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie,' Sessions aid.
THE NAME'S SESSIONS, JEFF SESSIONS The attorney general revealed a penchant for spy fiction and preferring Bond to Bourne during a lighter moment - perhaps unsurprisingly, during an exchange with a Republican senator. He was asked by Arkansas GOP senator Tom Cotton: 'Do you like spy fiction? John Le Carre, Daniel Silva, Jason Matthews?' Instead he named Allen Furst, David Ignatius. Ironically Ignatius, a Washington Post columnist as well as a novelist, was at the center of the Russian scandal as the first reporter to identify Mike Flynn's conversations with Kislyak. Then Cotton asking him: 'Do you like Jason Bourne or James Bond movies?' Sessions put America First aside to answer no to Bourne but yes to his British rival. Cotton was using the reference to make a political point however. 'Have you ever, in any of these fantastical situations, heard of a plotline so ridiculous that a sitting United States senator and an ambassador of a foreign government colluded in an open setting with hundreds of other people, to pull off the greatest caper in the history of espionage?' he asked. Sessions said he had not. Advertisement
'I did not have any private meetings, nor do I recall any conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower hotel. I did not attend any meetings at that event, separate, prior to the speech attended by the president, today. I attended a reception with my staff that included at least two dozen people and President Trump.,' Sessions testified.
'I did not recuse myself from defending my honor from furious and false allegations,' fumed Sessions, who recused himself from the Russia investigation over his undisclosed Russia contacts.
Describing the event, Sessions said: 'Though I do recall several conversations that I had during that pre-speech reception, I do not have any recollection of meeting or talking to the Russian ambassador or any other Russian officials.'
But he acknowledged that Sergey Kislyak, Russia's U.S. ambassador, was indeed at the event at the hotel, where candidate Donald Trump delivered a major foreign policy speech.
'I did not remember that. But I understand he was there. So I dont doubt that he was,' Session said. 'In fact I recently saw a video of him coming into the room' at the event.
On his reasons for showing up, he said: 'I came there as an interested person very anxious to see how President Trump would do in his first foreign policy address.'
'I came there not knowing he was going to be there. I dont have any recollection of even knowing he would be there,' Sessions said.
Sessions blasted 'false attacks, innuendoes, leaks' against him.
Sessions acknowledged two meetings with a top Russian official, but said: 'Certainly not one thing happened that was improper in any one of those meetings.'
As for whether he had a third, undisclosed meeting with Russia's ambassador to the U.S., Sessions said, 'I do not have any recollection of meeting or talking to the Russian ambassador or any other Russian officials' at D.C.'s Mayflower hotel.
RECUSAL FROM RUSSIA PROBE
Explaining the reason he recused himself from the Russia probe, Sessions said 'I felt I was required to under the rules of the Department of Justice.'
Under questioning by Sen. James Ritsch, Sessions brought up the 'dirty dossier' of partially discredited information on Trump, which had come up in his own confirmation hearing.
'I think it's been pretty substantially discredited, but you would know more than I. But what was said that suggests I'd participated in continuing communications with Russians as a surrogate is absolutely false,' he said.
'It became clear to me over time that I qualified as a principal advisor type person to the campaign and it was the appropriate and right thing for me to recuse myself.,' he said.
SENATORS' HOMECOMING AT TOP OF THE HEARING
Tuesday it was attorney general Jeff Sessions' turn in the hot seat of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
At the top of the hearing, Sessions walked into the Senate hearing room smiling to a barrage of camera shutters. His wife, Mary, was in the hearing room.
He shook hands with Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, the panel chairman, and Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, the vice chair.
'Attorney General Sessions, this venue is your opportunity to separate fact from fiction and to set the record straight on a number of allegations reported in the press' Burr told him. "Mr. attorney general, it's good to have you back.'
He said the panel had interviewed 35 people today, including former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.
'You were much more than a surrogate you were a strategic advisor' to the Trump campaign, observed Warner.
'You recused yourself from the Russia investigation, yet you participated in the firing of Mr. Comey over the handling of that same investigation,' said Warner.
Opinion / Columnist
Oceans are an important natural resource whose actions on the livelihood of every citizen of the earth can not be ignored. In the same vein, activities of villagers far away from a river's banks affect the river's system downstream. What will eventually happen to the river may have direct results felt more by the people living at the river's bank that those far off the banks. The well being of the river therefore has to call for the cooperation of those close to the banks, those far away, those upstream and those downstream.Rivers feed into oceans. Coastal countries do not have a monopoly over the waters in the oceans within their territories because the same waters flowed through land locked territories. In the same manner, pollutants of water bodies are not communities living in closest vicinities to the water body alone, but those far and wide within the river's catchment area. Care for the sustenance of balanced marine ecosystems is the responsibility of every global citizen.In its wisdom, the United Nations set goal number 14 which interests itself with maritime ecosystems. The conference, co-hosted by Fiji and Sweden is themed, Our Oceans, Our future. Call for Action." In their nature, oceans are home to more life than there is on earth and every effort must be taken towards conserving such life's interest. Oceans are farms in which all nations harvest directly or indirectly from. International aquacultures put massive pressure on the production potential of the oceans. International laws must be synchronized to regulate commercial activities dependant on marine life.Under sea mining is another threat to the lives of the oceans. The crude oil eruption into the Gulf of Mexico waters by British petroleum hit headlines for months on end a decade ago. Undersea treasure hunt should be a concern of every global citizen. Casting an unconcerned eye on this matter has debilitating effects on global economics where petroleum still plays an overarching industrial role.Away from the production potential, the waters of the seas themselves are a precious resource that affects global weather patterns. Lack of international cooperation on marine activities is enough recipe for global climatic disaster. Rehabilitation from climate change outcomes consumes a huge chunk of the global purse. Only last month in Mexico, the United Nations reported that $250 billion is consumed annually globally responding to the negative effects of climate change; much of which change being sponsored by global warming.As rightfully put across by President Mugabe in his address to the Oceans summit, he said, "the oceans and the seas are a vital resource to all of us irrespective of our geographical location on this planet. Developments around, or under the oceans affect coastal and landlocked countries alike." Oceans provide a trade highway across continents, giving a thoroughfare that does not wear and tear; neither does it require repairs as with roads, railways and airports. Goods passing this thoroughfare are destined for all nations, landlocked and coastal alike.The sea bed is also an important communication highway useful to the ICT industry. This century has already been singled out as the ICT age, an age where information has become a powerful tool in global economics. It is a dream for every nation, coastal or landlocked to be connected to the super-fast under sea data cable which supplies high speed Internet affordably.Seas are also defense frontiers useful for protecting a nation's territorial integrity. Unregulated sea activity is detrimental to the security of nations and mankind. In this age where terrorism is harnessing sophisticated technologies funded by huge purses to execute its mandate, manning the seas using every instrument there is becomes a global duty.Lawlessness and criminal activity in the Somali waters are negating African trade as that route is a risky thoroughfare for maritime cargo. Financiers of the pirates may not be of African origin despite the location of their activities. Activities in the Somali waters are seeing the taking up of longer alternative sea routes which are impacting negatively on the final cost of goods on destination consumers.Zimbabwe's nearest coast is Beira, which it has already made good use of through the construction of a pipeline transporting liquid cargo from the port to Harare at affordable costs. The Beira Corridor is a very useful transit passage connecting Zimbabwe to the seas and to the world. Therefore Zimbabwe will have vested interests on whatever happens to the Mozambican waters and any other waters, source or destination, where its trade interests are.Zimbabwe is also home to water bodies though not oceans per se but lessons learnt from nations with coastal boundaries would be usefully harnessed to promote its water management systems. In this regard, representation of the country at presidential level exposes the country to international cooperating partners with marine interest.Capping the whole landlocked-ness furore surrounding the country's participation on the oceans summit, it ought to be reckoned that Zimbabwe is a member of the international community, it belongs to the United Nations , the authors of the SDGs and is a cooperating partner in the march towards the realization of the SDGs come 2030. Expecting the country not to attend the conference because it lacks a coastal line will be comparable to a man absconding his brother's daughter's marriage ceremony because he has no daughters of his own.
A 25-year-old math teacher accused of having sex with three male high school students covered her face with a notebook as she appeared in court for the first time.
Erin McAuliffe faced Nash County Court in North Carolina on Tuesday charged with with three counts of sexual activity with a student and one count of indecent liberties with a minor.
McAuliffe, dressed in a knee-length black skirt and white blouse, shielded her face as she walked down the courtroom hallway, WTVD reports.
Erin McAuliffe, 25, faced Nash County Court in North Carolina on Tuesday after she was accused of having sex with three male high school students
McAuliffe, whose appearance was vastly different to her social media photos, refused to comment and ignored questions as she made her way into the court.
McAuliffe, who was arrested on Thursday, was a teacher at the public charter school, Rocky Mount Preparatory.
Authorities say two of the victims were 17 and one was 16 years old.
Police launched an investigation into McAuliffe in May after school officials called them to report allegations of misconduct against the teacher.
Detectives with the Rocky Mount Police Department conducted interviews with students and staff at the school, which has 1,300 students from kindergarten to 12th grade, before obtaining a warrant for McAuliffe's arrest last week.
McAuliffe, dressed in a knee-length black skirt and white blouse, appeared in court for the first time since she was arrested on Thursday in North Carolina
No comment from Erin McAuliffe after hearing felony sex w/minors charges read in court. She taught math @ Rocky Mt Prep b4 allegations#abc11 pic.twitter.com/c1hfGVam9s Anthony Wilson (@AnthonyABC11) June 13, 2017
McAuliffe was fired form her job on May 4 - a day before school administrators called police to report allegations of misconduct against the teacher
According to police, the math teacher's alleged sexual encounters with the three students all took place off campus.
McAuliffe was ordered held in the Carteret County Jail on $20,000 bond pending her first court appearance.
School administrators at Rocky Mount Prep said that the 25-year-old educator was fired on May 4, a day before police were tipped off about her alleged dalliances with minors.
According to her LinkedIn profile, McAuliffe graduated from Methodist University in 2014 with a Bachelor's degree in mathematics.
She was hired at Rocky Mount Prep in August 2016 after a brief stint as a data analyst at a San Diego-based law firm.
McAuliffe's social media posts suggest that she is not married and lives in Rocky Mount with a dog and a cat.
Police said McAuliffe (left and right) had sexual contact with two 17-year-old boys and a 16-year-old. The alleged encounters with the three students all took place off campus
A British mother filmed romping with a man on a Ryanair flight said she is 'mortified' that a bit of drunken fun has gone viral.
Tracey Bolton, 39, was filmed straddling 31-year-old Shaun Edmondson, who left his heavily pregnant fiancee at home to go on a stag party.
Horrified passengers on board the flight to Ibiza looked on as the wild pair gyrated and Shaun asked holidaymakers for a condom.
Cafe owner Tracey, a mother of three, had been drinking at Manchester airport before romping with Shaun aboard the packed plane, friends claim.
Shocked passengers filmed the couple as they had moved back and forth in the Shaun's seat.
'Mortified': Tracey Bolton, 39, a mother of three from Colne in Lancashire, has told friends she is embarrassed after being filmed romping with a stranger on a Ryanair flight
Romps: Shaun Edmondson, 31, a sous chef from Windermere, in Cumbria, left his heavily pregnant fiancee, Jenna Ross, at home to go on a stag party with friends
Back home: Mr Edmondson, described as a 'ladies' man', is pictured with his fiance Ms Ross, 25, who he has been with for six years. He was filmed asking passengers if they had a condom
Lapdance: The pair didn't even bother to go to the lavatory and chose to romp in front of passengers on the flight from Manchester to Ibiza
Tracey, from Colne, Lancashire, told a friend: 'I am absolutely mortified. What started as a bit of drunken madness has gone worldwide.
'I am horrified but absolutely nothing happened. I haven't stopped crying since I saw it. I am so embarrassed,' she added.
Friend Kirsty Lawton, also of Colne, told The Sun: 'Nothing really happened. She did a fully clothed lapdance for a laugh, no sexy time occurred.
'The pair of them were being daft and it was all for a laugh.
'They didn't know one another, as if you would do that with anyone let alone a stranger.'
Mr Edmonsdon has returned home following the stag do.
A family source told MailOnline: 'From what I understand, he was supposed to be back by now - and he might well be.
'But he has completely gone into hiding since this has all kicked off. He could still even be over there.
'Apparently none of his family, or his girlfriend have been able get in touch with him.
'He's gone absolutely AWOL. I don't believe it was actually his stag do, I think it was for one of his mates.'
Gyrating: Mr Edmondson, a sous chef, is engaged to 25-year-old Miss Ross, pictured, who is carrying his baby. He asked horrified passengers if they had a condom and jelly
Strangers at 32,000 feet: A friend of Mr Edmondson, left, revealed that the 31-year-old had not met Ms Bolton, 39, before he boarded the plane
Embarrassed: Ms Bolton runs a cafe in Colne in Lancashire. A friend said: 'Nothing really happened. She did a fully clothed lapdance for a laugh, no sexy time occurred.'
Passengers watched as Ms Bolton clambered on top of Mr Edmondson and they began to gyrate an hour into the flight to the party island.
A friend said Mr Edmondson is known as a 'ladies' man' despite being engaged to fiancee 25-year-old Miss Ross.
'That's just a random woman he's with, they didn't know each other before the day,' the friend said.
'He doesn't seem to be too bothered he has left his six-months pregnant wife-to-be at home while he cavorts with random strangers.'
Mr Edmondson works as a chef at the upmarket Lyth Valley Country Inn in Kendal, a family pub which is owned by his relatives.
It is understood that Mr Edmondson's fiancee Miss Jenna, who is originally from Canada and has been with him for six years, is aware of the video.
Passenger Kieran Williams, 21, from Preston, Lancashire, said he was astonished to see their raunchy antics an hour into the flight on the budget airline.
'I heard them talking about it but I thought they were joking. The guy was shouting, 'Anyone got a jelly?' meaning condom.
'We all laughed but then ten minutes later they actually did it. They seemed so drunk, they brought a lot of attention to themselves.
'You could see the girl taking off her pants and he pulled his trousers off. She started riding him.
'I had to get my phone out. I have never seen anything like that.'
X rated footage: Kieran Williams, 21, from Preston, Lancashire, was astonished to see the pair's raunchy antics an hour into the flight on the budget airline
Shock: A female passenger who was sitting next to the couple asked to be moved, but Mr Williams said that the crew did nothing to stop the pair or even reprimand them
A female passenger who was sitting next to the couple asked to be moved.
However Mr Williams said that the crew did nothing to stop the pair or even reprimand them.
'A woman was sat next to them and she stood up and asked if she could be moved.
'About twenty minutes after it happened, someone complained about it. But the crew did nothing.'
Mr Williams, who was flying to Ibiza to work as a barman over the summer, said that the passengers were gobsmacked by the pair's raunchy antics.
Tight lipped: Mr Edmondson, pictured, hasn't spoken to his family about the incident, a relative said - adding: 'He has completely gone into hiding since this has all kicked off.'
He said: 'They were starting and stopping but it was completely obvious what was going on. We all had a good laugh about it. It was pretty funny.'
A Ryanair spokesman said: 'We are looking into this matter.
'We will not tolerate unruly, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour at any time and any passengers who appear to behave in an unacceptable manner may be liable for further sanctions.'
Jeff Sessions said President Trump hadn't invoked executive privilege as he testified Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which left senators grumbling, as the attorney general refused to reveal the content of his conversations with Trump.
'Has the president invoked executive privilege?' asked Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats. Sessions answered that he had not. 'Then what is the basis of your refusal to answer these questions?' King shot back.
'I am protecting the right of the president to assert it if he chooses and there may be other privileges that apply in this circumstance,' Sessions replied during the Capitol Hill hearing.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions told the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday that President Trump hadn't invoked executive privilege over his testimony
Despite that fact, the attorney general refused to answer questions pertaining to conversations he's had with President Trump
Sen. Mark Warner, the committee's top Democrat, wanted Sessions to say whether any Department of Justice officials discussed pardoning individuals ensnared in the Russia probe
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., probed the attorney general on whether he and President Trump discussed FBI Director James Comey's handling of the Russian investigation
There were a number of conversations if they existed that Sessions stayed mum on through Tuesday afternoon's hearing.
At the beginning, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee's ranking member, asked Sessions if any Department of Justice officials had discussed the possibility of presidential pardons for any individuals scooped up in the Russia investigation.
'Mr. Chairman, I'm not able to comment on conversations with high officials within the White House,' the attorney general replied, saying it violated a 'communications rule.'
Warner asked if the non-answer was based on executive privilege.
Sessions suggested no.
'It's a long standing policy,' he said, at the Department of Justice for the attorney general not to comment on conversations he had with the president of the United States. 'I'm not claiming executive privilege because that's the president's power and I have no power there,' Sessions added.
Warner asked if Sessions would apply that same rule to conversations he had had with Department of Justice officials or other White House aides, outside the president.
'Without in any way suggesting I had any conversations concerning pardons, totally apart from that, there are privileges of communications within the Department of Justice that we share, all of us do,' Sessions answered. 'We have a right to have full and robust debate within the Department of Justice and encourage people to speak up and argue cases on different sides.'
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine (left), watching his colleague Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. (right) pose questions to Sessions, had a back-and-forth with the attorney general over whether President Trump had invoked executive privilege
Attorney General Jeff Sessions answered questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday, but wouldn't say whether he had discussed the Russia investigation while talking to President Trump about whether to keep on FBI chief James Comey
'Those arguments are not historically we have seen they shouldn't be revealed,' he added.
Sessions self-censored all of his conversations with the president, even though they were not explicitly covered by privilege.
He would not tell Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat he served with in the Senate, whether he and the president ever discussed Comeys handling of the Russia investigation, including at a May 8 meeting at the White House that the president has said took place.
Trump called in Sessions and the deputy AG, Rod Rosenstein, and asked them for their take on Comey the day before he let his FBI director go.
We were asked our opinion, and when we expressed it, which was consistent with the memorandum and the letter we wrote, I felt comfortable...in providing that information in writing, Sessions told Feinstein, affirming the presidents version of events.
But he would not go into further detail about what they discussed.
That would call for a communication between the attorney general and the president, and I'm not able to comment on that, he said.
Sessions told Feinstein he could confirm that a conversation occurred, and he advised the president to terminate Comey, because Trump made that public.
Pushed by Feinstein to say whether he ever had a verbal conversation about Comey in the context of the Russia investigation, Sessions remained resolute.
'I'm not able to discuss with you or confirm or deny the nature of the private conversations that I may have had with the president on this subject or others. And I know that - how this will be discussed, but that's the rules that have been long adhered to by the Department of Justice as you know, Sen. Feinstein,' he said.
Before she moved on, Feinstein noted that Sessions was a 'longtime colleague' but she was frustrated with his, former Sen. Dan Coats now the director of national intelligence and NSA Director Mike Rogers refusals 'when it was easy just to say if the answer was no, "No."'
Well, it would have easier to say if it was yes, "yes," but both would have been improper, the former Alabama senator shot back.
King was also interested in what Sessions may have talked about regarding Comey and Russia with the commander-in- chief.
'In your discussions with the president about the firing of James Comey did the question of the Russia investigation ever come up?' the senator asked.
Sessions demurred.
'I cannot answer that because it was a communication by the president, if any such occurred, it would be a communication that he has not waived,' Sessions said.
Like with Feinstein, Sessions again explained why he was able to say that President Trump had asked for his opinion about FBI Director Comey's future prospects in that position.
'I believe he's already revealed that,' Sessions said of Trump saying so publicly. 'I believe that I'm correct in saying that. That's why I indicated that when I answered that question. But if he hadn't and I'm in error I would have constricted his Constitutional right of privilege.'
After King's line of questioning on executive privilege, a more friendly Republican face came to the attorney general and ex-senator's defense.
'I am amazed at the conversation, as if an attorney general has never said there are private conversations with the president,' said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.
'It seems to be a short memory about some of the statements Eric Holder would and would not make to any committee in the House or the Senate,' the Republican added, name-dropping the name of President Obama's original attorney general.
Soldiers face being found guilty for crimes they did not commit because they cannot afford to represent themselves in court after facing baseless claims, lawyers claimed yesterday.
Military personnel of all ranks are being told by the Ministry of Defence they must pick up a bill of up to 9,000 to have a barrister defend them.
Many of them cannot afford to make the increasing contributions and are turning up at court martials facing excessive and unsupported claims with no legal advice, it is claimed.
Soldiers face being found guilty for crimes they did not commit because they cannot afford to represent themselves in court after facing baseless claims (file photo)
Sources said judges were increasingly turning to charities to ask them to step in and help the desperate soldiers.
The Military Mutual (TMM), which offers specialist insurance products for military families, has been forced to step in and take on nearly 100 cases for free.
The organisation, chaired by Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts, who retired from the army in 2010, has received hundreds more requests for help.
Barrister Lawrence Jones, who works for TMM, said: The vast majority of servicemen have complained that they simply cannot afford to pay the contribution.
In many of these cases, where The Military Mutual have supported defendants, the charges are excessive and are unsupported.
The vast majority of those brought before court martial have to pay a contribution and the vast majority find it unaffordable.
He said the soldiers the TMM have dealt with have been forced to pay anything ranging from 2,080 to 8,750.
The Military Mutual, chaired by Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts, has been forced to step in and help personnel in need of legal aid
Speaking about the consequences of this, he said: Soldiers who cannot afford this are having to present their case alone.
In 90 per cent of those cases the soldier would have been found wrongfully guilty which would have been life-changing.
Soldiers facing court martials for a variety of offences are typically told they have to make a contribution to the Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority (AFCLLAA).
The amount they have to pay is means tested but lawyers claim soldiers on small incomes are still being forced to pay staggering costs.
In one case, a major serving overseas faced an allegation of ill-treatment of a subordinate after an alleged scuffle with a soldier who was on his iPhone.
The member of his Company had been on the phone during a live fire training exercise.
The major reprimanded him, removed his iPhone and told him his conduct was dangerous and wholly unacceptable behaviour.
It was alleged, although disputed, that the major grabbed the clothing of the soldier and struck him.
The major was told he had to pay 6,750 by way of contribution before he could receive legal aid, which he could not afford.
Eventually the case was taken up by the Military Mutual, who paid for a barrister to represent him and his charge was reduced to the far less serious charge of battery.
Following a preliminary hearing, the case was thrown out and the Service Prosecuting Authority apologised for bringing the case to court.
Military personnel of all ranks are being told by the Ministry of Defence they must pick up a bill of up to 9,000 to have a barrister defend them (file photo)
Mr Jones said: The major was told he leaves the court without a stain on his character.
In another case a Sergeant who supported four children was asked to make 4,000 as a contribution.
He could not afford the fee, and so the military Mutual stepped in and represented him and he was acquitted at trial.
Another case taken on by TMM concerned a colonel, who was asked to pay 7250.
Soldiers who face court martials as a result of their alleged conduct in Iraq, Afghanistan or Northern Ireland are exempt from the rules and have all their legal costs paid for.
An MoD spokesman said: All our personnel interviewed after caution receive funded legal assistance and then, if their case is referred to trial, our dedicated legal aid body would contact them to ensure they receive what they are entitled to.
The majority pay nothing towards their legal fees and where they do contribute, it is based on means testing of their disposable income.
A university lecturer has come under fire for attacking Barron Trump and his choice of wardrobe.
Jodie Beggs, a Boston based 'behavioral economist', mocked the 11-year-old on Twitter, writing on Monday: 'Barron Trump is wearing a shirt that reads "The Expert" and I just threw up in my mouth a little.'
She was referring to the $29.50 J. Crew grey and blue garment that Barron was pictured wearing as he arrived at The White House with his parents on Sunday.
Beggs, who claims to have worked for Northeastern University, was savaged by Trump fans and impartial Twitter followers who condemned her for picking on a child.
Economist Jodi Beggs (left) was slammed after mocking Barron Trump's 'expert' t-shirt on Twitter
She offered no remorse and later, while trying to defend them, said the child's shirt 'made him look like a jerk'.
The schoolboy, the youngest of President Trump's five children, has just relocated with his mother from their home in Manhattan to Washington DC.
He wore the shirt for his flight to his new home on Sunday after spending the weekend with his parents in New Jersey.
Beggs' tweet is not the first cruel taunt he has faced since his father launched his political career.
Both Donald and Melania Trump have lampooned critics who appeared to attack him, including a SNL writer who was fired for saying he would become 'the country's first home school shooter'.
Unlike Kate Richie, the writer who posted the insensitive tweet then hastily deleted it before losing her job, Beggs offered no apologies for aiming her comment on Tuesday.
The woman attempted to defend her comment on Twitter, claiming she was attacking Barron's parents and not the 11-year-old himself
Barron wore the t-shirt to fly back to The White House with his parents on Sunday on Marine One
Barron's $29.50 t-shirt from J. Crew sold out online after he was pictured in it on Sunday
Beggs attracted criticism for her comment from other Twitter users
Despite the barrage of complaints, she carried on on Sunday and said the shirt made Barron 'look like a jerk'
'Hey Twitter, maybe, just maybe, I'm judging the people that bought him this item and let him wear it in a very public appearance,' she said.
Her critics were not satisfied and accused her of trying to shy away apologizing.
Beggs claims to lecture at Northeastern University
'No matter what the affliction, kids are off limits,' said one unimpressed follower.
Another replied: 'You are nothing more than a very sick individual that feels the need to lift herself up by attacking a child. Grow up and seek help.'
Beggs attempted to argue that because President Trump presents his older, adult children as experts by employing them in his administration, she was right to point out the apparent irony of Barron's shirt.
'His dad has consistently stated that his family members know more than actual experts, so it was an unfortunate visual for an arrival in DC,' she wrote.
Northeastern University distanced itself from the woman when approached, explaining that she hadn't worked for them for over a year.
'Ms. Beggs has not been affiliated with Northeastern for over a year. Her views are hers alone and do not represent those of the university,' a spokesman said.
A refugee convicted of a serious sex offence with a 13-year-old girl cannot be sent back to his home country because deportation was not fair on him, Appeal judges have ruled.
They said that Wilfred Mosira can stay in Britain despite his crime and even though there is no threat to his safety or freedom in his native Zimbabwe.
Three Appeal judges accused Home Office lawyers of confusion over Mr Mosiras status as a refugee and of acting too late in the saga of the long-running case when they finally put forward proper arguments for his deportation.
A refugee convicted of a serious sex offence with a 13-year-old girl cannot be sent back to his home country because deportation was not fair on him, Appeal judges have ruled
Lord Justice Sales said it is not fair to Mr Mosira for the Governments lawyers to raise at the eleventh hour the arguments that could have seen him thrown out of the country.
The case of the paedophile sex offender who dodged deportation because of legal technicalities was made public a day after the Daily Mail revealed that an Al Qaeda terrorist caught with manuals detailing how to attack nightclubs and airports has been given 250,000 in legal aid to try to avoid being deported to Jordan.
A key reason that 31-year-old Mr Mosira can now remain in Britain is that lawyers representing Theresa May, who was Home Secretary when the deportation case began, argued that he should be sent home because he would not face real persecution in Zimbabwe.
But, the judges said, Mr Mosira had never been given refugee status on the grounds that he was in any danger in Zimbabwe, and so the Home Office lawyers had been making the wrong argument.
In fact, the Appeal ruling found, Mr Mosira came to Britain under a short-lived scheme operated by Tony Blairs government which allowed children of refugees to be recognised as refugees themselves.
His mother, the judges said, had been recognised as a refugee in 2001 not because she was in any political trouble but because she wanted health treatment on the NHS.
She was recognised as a refugee, Lord Justice Sales said, purely because of the lack of medical facilities available in Zimbabwe to treat her medical condition as HIV plus.
Mosira can now remain in Britain because lawyers representing Theresa May, who was Home Secretary when the deportation case began, argued he should be sent home because he would not face real persecution in Zimbabwe
Her son came to Britain in 2003 at the age of 17 and was himself recognised as a refugee.
But in 2012, Lord Justice Sales said, he was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with an underage girl who was 13.
Mr Mosira, who was aged 25 at the time of the crime, was sentenced to three years in jail.
The judge said: There is no dispute that this constituted serious criminal offending. There is also no dispute that Mr Mosira qualifies as a foreign criminal.
After the conviction Mr Mosira was told he would be deported, and a four-and-a-half year legal battle over his right to stay in Britain began.
In 2013 lawyers for Mrs May told Mr Mosira that his refugee status as someone fleeing from persecution was being withdrawn.
But, Lord Justice Sales said, because he had never fled persecution it was open to doubt whether this was an appropriate procedural step to take.
Lord Justice Sales said it is not fair to Mr Mosira for the Governments lawyers to raise at the eleventh hour the arguments that could have seen him thrown out of the country
During the course of the next three years the case went through three immigration tribunal hearings.
During these cases lawyers for Mr Mosira said he would face ill-treatment if returned to Zimbabwe, because he was associated with the MDC opposition movement.
Tribunal judges however found that he was not associated with any political movement and faced no danger from President Mugabe or his supporters.
They also noted that he and his mother had travelled to Zimbabwe in 2010 for his fathers funeral without trouble.
In 2014 a probation officer reported that Mr Mosira posed a high risk of committing further sex offences, the Appeal judges said.
But by 2015 his probation officer had revised her opinion and said he posed a low likelihood of re-offending and was in a healthy and supportive relationship with a partner.
In May this year in the Court of Appeal lawyers for the Home Office said for the first time that Mr Mosira should not be treated as a refugee whatever the reason that he was first allowed refugee status.
Lord Justice Sales said this was an arguable issue of law but justice requires that we refuse permission to raise it at the eleventh hour on this appeal.
He said it is not fair to Mr Mosira to do so, and was also unfair to his lawyers who had not had a chance to prepare new arguments.
The judges rejected an appeal by the Home Office that would have secured Mr Mosiras deportation and added that the case for deportation became confused at an early stage and had been very messy.
Mr Mosira, who has been assisted by lawyers since 2013, was represented at the appeal by both a QC and a junior barrister, and by immigration specialist solicitors, Turpin and Miller, who were recognised in 2012 as Legal Aid Firm of the Year.
An influential firm that advises shareholders how to vote has taken the rare step of calling for the entire board of directors of the maker of EpiPens to be ousted.
Institutional Investor Services issued the call to vote out Mylan's incumbent board on Monday, blasting the Canonsburg, Pennsylvania-based company over executive pay and price-hike scandals.
ISS accused Mylan of making 'multiple egregious pay decisions and large payouts despite the harm to the company inflicted by the EpiPen controversies.'
Mylan has raised the price of its lifesaving EpiPens, which are used to treat potentially fatal allergic reactions, by more than 500 percent since 2007.
Meanwhile, executive pay has skyrocketed, with Mylan chairman and former CEO Robert Coury making $98million last year.
Mylan CEO Heather Bresch (left) and chairman Robert Coury (right) have come under fire from investors angry that they got huge bonuses in a year when the company's reputation took a hit
Mylan has raised the price of its lifesaving EpiPens, which are used to treat potentially fatal allergic reactions, by more than 500 percent since 2007
He also received an additional $59 million in retirement benefits and other pay, and will now get $1.8 million a year in a cash retainer.
'Mylan's EpiPen controversy, which has seemingly still not run its full course, has laid bare a record of poor stewardship and responsiveness by the incumbent directors,' ISS wrote.
The shareholder advisory firm urged all stock holders to vote out the incumbent board at the June 22 annual meeting, but noted it would take a two-thirds vote to succeed.
A Mylan spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.
The call to revolt comes on the heels of a group of angry institutional investors issuing a similar call for Coury's ouster.
On May 31, New York City and New York State comptrollers both signed the letter sent to shareholders, as did a representative of the California State Teachers' Retirement System, and PGGM, a Dutch pension fund.
The funds control around 4.3 million Mylan shares, which is less than one percent of the company's stock.
Bresch (seen attending a Congress hearing) was paid too much, especially after the company's reputation suffered, the investors - who have 4.3 million shares - complained
In a statement on May 31 following the investor group's public criticism, the company said Mylan's board had created sustained long-term value for shareholders and that Coury's compensation was aligned with their interests.
The statement noted that the company's market capitalization has swelled to more than $20 billion from about $3 billion over the past 15 years, and its stock price also has soared over the longer time frame.
'During Mr Coury's long tenure, Mylan has delivered strong financial performance and shareholder growth, and his new compensation structure continues to be aligned with the [company's] stock performance while providing shareholders with the benefit of his continued leadership and guidance in setting Mylan's strategic direction,' the company said.
Mylan is under investigation by regulators and the Justice Department after it increased the price of its life-saving allergy treatment EpiPen to more than $600.
Current CEO Heather Bresch and President Rajiv Malik also came under fire in the letter.
'They received annual bonuses that exceeded their base salaries for last year - even as the company 'suffered significant reputational and financial harm,' the letter said.
Bresch was paid $13.3 million last year according to Equilar and AP analysis, down from $18.9 million last year.
Shares are up four-fold since 2002, but the harsh spotlight over spiking drug prices has taken a toll.
CVS has begun to sell a rival, generic version of EpiPen for about a sixth of the price of the brand-name version.
And in the past 12 months - during which time Bresch had to appear before Congress to explain Mylan's decision to hike prices on some drugs - shares have fallen fifteen percent.
A Muslim man who allegedly forced an 18-year-old Sydney woman to marry him has been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault.
Chafic Charyala, 33, allegedly drove to the teenager's Bankstown home on Sunday at 2am, forced her out of her bedroom window and took her to the Novotel at Brighton Le Sands.
The teenager was allegedly kept at the hotel for more than 24 hours before Cheryala took her to a Lakemba house, where an Islamic ceremony conducted by a sheikh took place.
'I just wanted to come back home to my family,' the teenager told 7News.
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Chafic Charyala, 33, allegedly drove to the teenager's Bankstown home on Sunday at 2am, forced her out of her bedroom window
The teenager was allegedly kept at the hotel for more than 24 hours before Cheryala took her to a Lakemba house. She is pictured here in her bedroom
The young woman, who knew Charyala, claims he wanted to use the marriage to secure an Australian citizenship.
'He lives overseas, but he doesn't have a visa here, so if he gets married here, the girl gets to put him here...he can stay here,' she said on Tuesday.
'It was scary. I just wanted to come back home to my family and not be with him.
'I can't stand him. I want to kill him.'
The teenager was allegedly forced out of her bedroom window (pictured) by the 33-year-old
The young woman, who knew Charyala, claims he wanted to use the marriage to secure an Australian citizenship
'He lives overseas, but he doesn't have a visa here, so if he gets married here, the girl gets to put him here...he can stay here,' she said on Tuesday
She was then driven down the Hume Highway towards Melbourne, where Charylala's cousin lives, but police intercepted the vehicle after her family contacted police.
Charylala was arrested in Gundagai on Monday night, about 400km from Sydney, and charged with kidnapping, sexual assault and indecent assault.
The matter was adjourned at Wagga Wagga Local Court on Tuesday.
Chafic Charyala, 33, allegedly drove to the teenager's Bankstown home on Sunday at 2am, forced her out of her bedroom window and took her to the Novotel at Brighton Le Sands
The man allegedly abducted the 18-year-old in Bankstown at 2am and was arrested on the Hume Highway in Gundagai near Wagga Wagga
David Cameron urged Theresa May to 'listen to other parties' as she prepares to begin Brexit negotiations in a few days
David Cameron yesterday made a dramatic bid to hijack the PMs Brexit plans calling for her to talk to Labour about a softer approach.
As Theresa May prepares to begin Brussels negotiations, the former prime minister intervened to say she had to listen to other parties.
It follows calls by Tory figures such as former leader William Hague for Mrs May to reach out to Labour, possibly through a cross-party commission.
Yesterday, it also emerged Chancellor Philip Hammond had told his German counterpart that Britains Brexit policy could change following last weeks election setback.
Any move to change course on Brexit risks a Tory civil war, with backbenchers support for the PM dependent on her not backing down.
Last night Mrs May signalled she was still determined to pull out of both the single market and the customs union by appointing a leading Eurosceptic as Brexit minister.
Steve Baker, who led a backbench group of pro-Brexit Tory MPs during the EU referendum campaign, was promoted during her reshuffle.
But in his first public comments since the election, Remain-backing Mr Cameron tried to turn the heat up on his successor.
Mr Cameron said 'there will be pressure for a softer Brexit' following Mrs May's sock election setback as former Tory leader William Hague suggested reaching out to the Labour party
He told a conference in Poland: Its going to be difficult, theres no doubt about that, but perhaps an opportunity to consult more widely with the other parties on how best we can achieve it. I think there will be pressure for a softer Brexit.
Mr Cameron said Parliament deserves a say on the issue.
The former Prime Minister also highlighted the stance of Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson, who has called for a more open Brexit.
With an extra 12 seats north of the border, she is in a powerful position when it comes to votes. Mr Cameron said: Scotland voted against Brexit.
I think most of the Scottish Conservatives will want to see perhaps some changes with the policy going forward.
But new Environment Secretary Michael Gove dismissed the idea of compromise on the key principles of leaving the single market and customs union, and ending free movement.
The leading Leave campaigner said: If you want maximum possible support, you have to engage in open conversations, but you stay true to your principles.
Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski served notice on Mrs May that his support was conditional on sticking to the manifesto plan.
He said: I can only support a leader of the party if they implement what the British people voted for, which is clean Brexit. Anything less than that I would have great difficulty with.
And a Eurosceptic minister said: It is quite simple. If she starts backsliding on Brexit she will be out. The Tory Party will probably implode and you will have another election.
Any change of course over Brexit risks widening rifts in the Tory party after Chancellor Philip Hammond suggested the government's stance could soften, while Michael Gove insisted that ending freedom of movement was still a top priority
Former party leader Iain Duncan Smith also warned against re-opening the partys plans, pointing out that Labours manifesto also committed to ending free movement meaning more than 80 per cent of the electorate had backed a clean break.
He told the BBCs Victoria Derbyshire Show: The vast majority of the Tory Party believe this is a settled issue. The truth is were going into negotiations.
Guy Verhofstadt, the Brexit co-ordinator for the European Parliament, yesterday said that the EU was now impatient for the talks to start.
It came as German minister Wolfgang Schauble revealed that Mr Hammond had told him senior Tories believed their failure to secure a majority was due in part to a Brexit backlash by younger voters.
It will fuel speculation the Chancellor is leading a Cabinet push to water down Brexit.
He is due to make a speech on Brexit tomorrow when sources said he will set out a pragmatic approach to leaving the EU.
Tory MP Philip Davies last night said Mr Hammond was wrong to view the Conservatives election failure as a backlash against the referendum result.
He said: The election was not a verdict on Brexit hes talking absolute rubbish.
It was about austerity and social care and if the Chancellor had knocked on a few doors in the north of England he would know that.
If we dont deliver on Brexit we will be wiped out.
But former Tory prime minister Sir John Major said single-market membership which would mean keeping free movement should be put back on the table.
He claimed that many voters backed Leave for reasons entirely unconnected with the EU. The leading Remain campaigner said: The election changed everything. The views of the 48 per cent cannot be brushed aside as some of the more vigorous hardline Brexiteers wish.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions expressed support on Tuesday for special counsel Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who now leads a broad probe of claims that people linked to President Donald Trump colluded with Russian interests during the 2016 election season.
Noted Trump surrogate Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the House, reversed himself this week and began attacking Mueller as a vicious partisan whose hiring of Democratic loyalists as deputies has cast his impartiality into doubt.
But during an afternoon hearing, Sessions suggested to the Senate Intelligence Committee that Mueller could be trusted to carry out a fair investigation.
'I have known Mr. Mueller over the years. He served 12 years as a FBI director. I knew him before that, and I have confidence in Mr. Mueller,' the attorney general said.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that he has 'confidence' in Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller's ability to lead a probe into Russian election interference
Mueller, a former FBI director, has broad authority that could affect the future of Donald Trump's presidency, and makes some in the White House nervous
Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy (left), a longtime Trump friend, said Monday night that the president was considering whether to fire Mueller a claim the White House quickly bashed
Questions about Mueller's job security swirled through Washington on Monday evening after Chris Ruddy, the CEO of NewsMax and a longtime Trump confidant, told PBS that the president was mulling the possibility of firing the special counsel.
'I think he is considering perhaps terminating the special counsel,' said Ruddy. 'I think he's weighing that option. ... I personally think it would be a significant mistake.'
Gingrich said on Twitter that 'Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair. Time to rethink.'
He told ABC's 'Good Morning America' on Tuesday that Mueller 'did not hire a single Republican in the first wave' of staffing for his investigation.
'These are bad people,' he said. 'These are people who are going to be after Trump.'
Gingrich also said Trump had phoned him Monday night, and left him with the impression that Mueller's job isn't on the line.
Sessions told his former Senate colleagues that he didn't know one way or the other.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testified to a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday that only he has the authority to fire Mueller, since AG Sessions has recused himself from the entirety of the Russia probe
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich insists Mueller is hiring 'bad people' Democrats who are out to get Trump
'Do you believe the president has confidence in Mr. Mueller?' Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner asked him.
'I have no idea,' Sessions replied. 'I've not talked to him about it.'
On 'CBS This Morning' Gingrich carped that one of the Democratic attorneys Mueller has hired 'worked for the Clinton Foundation.'
'He apparently couldn't find a single pro-Trump attorney to hire and I just think that thats a rigged game. I think that it's a mistake to pretend that this is going to be some neutral investigation.'
In a Tuesday morning Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein confirmed that only he could dismiss Mueller, and even then only for a documented cause.
Sessions, who outranks Rosenstein, has recused himself formally from overseeing any part of the Russia investigation.
The Senate Intelligence Committee's ranking Democrat, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner (center), asked Sessions on Tuesday if Trump has confidence in Mueller, but he said he didn't know
He explained Tuesday to the Senate panel that his decision was based on a Justice Department regulation dictating that 'employees should not participate in investigations of a campaign if they served as a campaign advisor.'
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham told Politico on Monday night that firing Mueller 'would be a disaster.'
'There's no reason to fire Mueller. What's he done to be fired?' he asked.
The White House said in a statement that Ruddy 'never spoke to the President regarding this issue.'
'With respect to this subject, only the President or his attorneys are authorized to comment.'
Ruddy later confirmed that he and the president hadn't discussed the matter personally.
Opinion / Columnist
After oppressing the Zimbabwean people and having literally shred their livelihood by ill intending policies, the self imposing dictator has again flown to United Nations for a Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable development. Goal 14 reads: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.In Zimbabwe Mugabe's government has presided over the unchecked dilapidation and collapse of every aspect of environment and economy. His central government's meddling with local authorities and city governments has weakened the latter to the point of zero performance. As a result city governments have not been able to manage their sewage effluents and garbage disposal to the point that most towns water sources are heavily polluted. Take for example Lake Chivero which is now heavily polluted with raw sewage from Harare and Chitungwiza.Research carried by the University of Zimbabwe on the levels of Lake Chivero pollution has revealed that the lake and all its subsidiary rivers are subject to stress from heavy pollution of metals, pesticides and raw sewage which require a huge financial commitment to rehabilitate the lake for the benefit of water users.Serious cases of pollution have been detected from water samples taken from the Manyame and Hunyani rivers as well as Lake Chivero. According to research, Lake Chivero is highly eutrophic and levels of nutrients in the water are now very high because of raw effluent, domestic and industrial waste being discharged into it, resulting in blue-green algae blooms and water hyacinth. To date the overall levels of weed growth nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, potassium and sewage effluent are no longer still within acceptable limits according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for drinking water and Zimbabwe waste effluent standards. As a result of poor garbage disposal, most waste material, diapers and sanitary wear are being washed to the lake in runoff water. This poses a serious health hazard and the Lake Chivero's continued capacity to sustain lives and livelihoods.There is also uncontrolled Population growth in the Lake's urban watershed and this has outstripped the city's service capacity. Poor maintenance of infrastructure has greatly compromised the urban settlement's ability manage their waste waters. Growth of high undeveloped density satellite settlements, with weak revenue bases poses funding problems for services provision and development. Most of these settlements have been under the auspices by Zanu pf party with a large number of these settlements claiming to have been endorsed by the Zimbabwean first Lady, Dr Amai Grace Mugabe in her win the people's affection tours. So city councils gave been afraid to deal with these politically associated and implicating settlements according to council by-laws. Most of these settlements have also been on wetlands. In all cities and towns around \Zimbabwe, there are now settlements on river banks as opposed to the 30m away from the river regulation. The situation is the same in Gweru and Mkoba Rivers. These water bodies and their downstream are heavily contaminated by raw sewage being discharged into them throughout the past decade. Most resident of Gweru have no water and have resorted to digging shallow wells for drinking water.Rivers around the country have also been contaminated with mercury and heavy metals from uncontrolled gold panning around the provinces. This has led also to siltation of dams compounded by rapid deforestation with no trees replacement. Robert Mugabe's speech at the conference only indicated that Zimbabwe is committed to SDGs implementation but he did not give examples of what his government has done to date in compliance with the requirement of Goal 14. It seems President Mugabe only attended the conference in bid and as platform to defend his corrupt government's for failure to preserve the purity of the water bodies in Zimbabwe. This is only what many managed to gather as the reason President Mugabe flew all the way to New York, it was only to say, and I quote part of his speech, "I wish to remind some partners that while they may exclude my country from some financial and technical assistance facilities because of the illegal sanctions they maintain against us, the effects of climate change are not discriminatory. My country is committed to implementing the SDGs and will do so within the means available to it."He also lied hypocritically that he believes that it is in the best interest of all of us that we prioritise life above everything else. We don't see preservation of water bodies in Zimbabwe being prioritised, but are actually being neglected. So President Robert Gabriel Mugabe is misrepresenting our nation just the same when he said Zimbabwe is the second best developed nation in Africa. This is outrageous. He is actually behaving like an angel of Satan, contrary to what Chipanga referred him to.Robert Mugabe should be real to himself and understand that it is not possible for most governments to do business as usual with his unaccountable and his semi-illegitimate government that shuns fair play in elections and persecute political opponents. His government has not been able to deal with, but has actually encouraged corruption of senior government officials, as long as they don't oppose his bid to be to continue to rule Zimbabwe. So rather than mention sanctions, Mugabe has to truthfully deal with issues of governance, corruption, Human rights abuses, and 'electoral, media and security reforms'. Mugabe's government cannot continue with human rights abuse whilst at same time expecting to win international community's approval and support that comes with it. Mugabe's government has thrived on nothing other than lies and misrepresentation. The state of water bodies in Zimbabwe does not warrant Robert Mugabe's lecture to the SDG4s conference participants, let alone his presence anywhere near there.
A massive fire has torn through a famous Mexican restaurant west of Brisbane, causing almost 100 residents to flee and damaging neighbouring buildings.
Firefighters battled to contain the blaze at Amigo's Bar & Grill in Toowoomba's CBD, which began in the kitchen after 11pm on Tuesday, according to reports.
Police declared an emergency situation and closed surrounding streets as horrified onlookers described a 'wall of fire' erupt from the popular eatery.
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A massive fire has torn through a famous Mexican restaurant west of Brisbane
It took firefighters almost seven hours to contain the blaze at Amigo's Bar & Grill in Toowoomba
The fire forced 90 guests staying at nearby Quest Toowoomba apartments, which has a stunning heritage-listed church at the front of the building, to be evacuated.
It took firefighters almost seven hours to contain the blaze, managing to extinguish it just after 6am on Wednesday after a long night of work.
Amigo's Mexican restaurant and Adrenalin Climbing Gym were both destroyed by the raging fire, while the nearby apartment block managed to avoid any damage.
The fire forced 90 guests staying at nearby Quest Toowoomba apartments to be evacuated
A crime scene has been established as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze
Toowoomba Police Inspector Sharee Cumming told 7 News it took just 20 minutes for Amigo's to be 'completely engulfed in flames.'
'There were 90 people evacuated from Quest, and they were rehoused from staff to other hotels in the Toowoomba area,' Ms Cumming said.
'No one was injured amazingly, Queensland Fire and Emergency services have done an amazing job in being able to contain the fire.'
A crime scene has been established as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.
Amigo's Mexican restaurant and Adrenalin Climbing Gym were both destroyed by the raging fire
Guns have been found in a drain following a shooting outside a Shell service station in Sydney's south overnight.
Police found three guns dumped into a drain a few blocks away from the Bexley service station, which officers were called to just before 3am on Wednesday after reports of shots being fired.
It is believed a group of men were in an argument when a second group of men who were armed with firearms began to shoot as they approached the first group.
Police have found three pistols dumped in a drain nearby a service station in Sydney's south where a shooting took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning
Officers were called to a Shell service station in Bexley just before 3am, where it is believed one group of men fired at another group of men
Superintendent Mark Watson said though police believe the first group were fired upon in the very public attack, both groups of men are being viewed suspiciously.
'It's concerning and quite outrageous really. There's nothing to indicate what the motive was in all this, he told Nine News.
'Normally we would consider [the first group] as victims, but when people don't come to the police and report crime, I can't consider them a victim.'
The pistols were found later into the investigation and police are now conducting a thorough sweep of the area.
Police also found bullets and magazines with extra rounds during their search, reported News Corp.
A statement from police notes it is not yet known if anyone was injured during the incident.
Officers have established a crime scene which will be examined by forensic specialists and are looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kogarah Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Steve Baker, a backbencher who led group of pro-Brexit Tory MPs, has been made junior minister for Brexit in Theresa May's reshuffle
Theresa May appointed an influential Tory backbencher as a junior Brexit minister yesterday as the department was cleared out just days before crucial talks with Europe begin.
Leading Brexiteer Steve Baker, who led a backbench group of pro-Brexit Tory MPs, was promoted during the reshuffle in a signal the PM does not intend to back down from her uncompromising Brexit strategy.
He was handed the role as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the EU as two ministers were either sacked or resigned a week before EU negotiations get underway.
Just hours before the appointment, the outspoken Eurosceptic said the UK needed a good, clean exit from the EU consistent with actually leaving and controlling laws, money, borders and trade.
His appointment will appease the right of the party, many of whom fear the PM could be pushed to rethink her vision of a Tory Brexit and reach out to Remainers for a more consensual approach.
In a series of tweets he explained what he believed the Government should seek to achieve from the negotiations, with talks due to begin on Monday.
He said the term hard and soft Brexit was misleading, adding: We need a good clean exit which minimises disruption and maximises opportunity.
In other words, we need the softest exit consistent with actually leaving and controlling laws, money, borders and trade.
He said that meant delivering on the 77-page White Paper so the Government could get on with improving UK and global trade.
The White Paper published in February outlined Mrs Mays vision of an independent and truly global United Kingdom.
It also confirmed that the principle of free movement would end and new immigration rules will be phased out.
Mr Baker's promotion will shore up the position of Brexit secretary David Davis, as two of his ministers were either sacked or resigned a week before EU negotiations get underway
Meanwhile the department was cleared out. Brexiteer David Jones was sacked from his junior ministerial role just days after he said it was impossible to say if Mrs May would be PM in six months time given the shock result.
Mr Jones who led the Welsh arm of the Vote Leave campaign was replaced by Baroness Anelay.
And Lord Bridges, the departments representative in the House of Lords, resigned to pursue business interests.
In a further blow for David Davis, who was re-appointed as the Brexit minister, his Parliamentary Private Secretary, Stewart Jackson, lost his seat in the general election last week.
He lost even though Ukip did not stand in the Peterborough seat because it wanted to give arch-Eurosceptic Mr Jackson a better chance of winning.
Mr Davis also lost his chief of staff, James Chapman, who accepted a new job at City PR firm Bell Pottinger.
In other departments, Tory veteran Alistair Burt returned to the Government.
Mr Burt, who was a junior minister in John Majors government, returned to the frontbench after being left out of Mrs Mays first administration.
The North East Bedfordshire MP will return to the Foreign Office, where he had previously been a minister from 2010 to 2013, in a joint capacity with the Department for International Development.
Former Tesco executive Baroness Neville-Rolfe, who had been a junior Treasury minister, left the Government.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said fired FBI director James Comey's handling of the Clinton email scandal was even more 'egregious' than he realized when he was advising her opponent, candidate Donald Trump.
'In retrospect in looking at it I think it was more egregious than I may have even understood at the time,' Sessions said Tuesday.
In saying so, Sessions was joining the legions of Democrats who have complained about how Comey handled the investigation into Clinton's email server.
Clinton herself has said Comey's conduct contributed to her loss to Trump, and Trump as a candidate inveighed against Clinton's handling of her emails repeatedly.
In a turnaround that Democrats don't find credible or persuasive, the president cited Comey's handling of the Clinton case as the initial explanation for firing him.
'In retrospect in looking at it I think it was more egregious than I may have even understood at the time,' attorney general Jeff Sessions said of fired FBI Director James Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email scandal
Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein wrote the president a letter bashing Comey's conduct, and Sessions called for new leadership at the bureau the day before Trump fired Comey, who was heading up the FBI's Russia probe.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election during a hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill June 13, 2017
At a Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, Sessions testified that he found Comey's conduct 'stunning,' despite his past statements of respect for Comey and even as he angered Democrats on the committee for refusing to discuss whether he spoke about the Russia investigation to President Trump.
Under friendly questioning from Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, Sessions agreed that Comey exceeded the role of the FBI director during a July 5th press conference, where he called out Clinton for her carelessness, without consulting with then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
'In fact it appears he did it without her approval totally that is a pretty stunning thing,' he said.
'It is a stunning thing and it violates fundamental powers,' Sessions added.
President Donald Trump gives a speech on healthcare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 13, 2017. He railed against Clinton's email scandal during the campaign, then cited James Comey's handling of the affair as the reason for his firing
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the Presidential Debate at Hofstra University on September 26, 2016 in Hempstead, New York. Her campaign was rocked by an FBI investigation into her emails
Then he partly recounted the story of how Comey essentially reopened a closed investigation after additional Clinton emails were discovered on the laptop of disgraced ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner, who is married to longtime Clinton aide Huma Abedin.
'The directors thinking was not clear,' Sessions said, saying it would have been better had the investigation 'never been discussed publicly.'
Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island noted that many Democrats at the time were 'unhappy' with how Comey conducted himself.
Reed brought up Sessions' appearances at the time on Fox News, where he called Comey a 'skilled prosecutor' and said 'essentially that "it's not his problem. It's Hillary Clinton's problem."'
'Then in November, on November 6th, after Mr. Comey again made news in late October by reopening, if you will, the investigation, you said, again, on Fox News, "you know, FBI Director Comey did the right thing when he found new evidence,' Reed continued.
'So in July and November, Director Comey was doing exactly the right thing. You had no criticism of him. You felt that in fact, he was a skilled professional prosecutor. You felt that his last statement in October was fully justified so how can you go from those statements to agreeing with Mr. Rosenstein and then asking the president or recommending he be fired?' Reed asked, referencing letters by Sessions and the deputy attorney general that preceded Comey's firing by Trump.
Hillary Clinton has cited the email investigation, Comey, and Russia as reasons behind her defeat
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 13, 2017
Sessions answered that, 'When he found new evidence that came up I think he probably was required to tell Congress it wasnt over, that new evidence had been developed.'
'It probably would have been better and would have been consistent with the rules of the Department of Justice to never have talked about the investigation to begin with,' he added. 'Once you get down that road, thats the kind of thing that you get into,' he concluded.
The Prime Minister let her hair down as she enthusiastically took part in a Mexican wave during the England game against France.
But unfortunately for Theresa May, her fun was short lived as social media was soon awash with memes poking fun at her.
Mrs May was caught on camera trying to get involved at the international friendly the Stade de France.
The Prime Minister enthusiastically took part in a Mexican wave during the England game against France
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister's moment of fun soon gave way to a a series of hilarious memes on social media
Her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron led the way as he stood up and flung his arms in the air as the 'wave' went around the stadium.
But when Mrs May decided to get involved, people blasted her attempt as 'cringe', 'awkward' and 'hopeless'.
As cameras panned across the crowd Mr Macron stood up and joined in with the traditional routine.
Moments later, out of time with everyone else, Mrs May jumped to her feet with her arms outstretched before sitting back down.
Her move prompted a chuckle from Home Secretary Amber Rudd who was sat a few seats away.
Commentator Clive Tyldesley even said: 'I think the French president looked a little more confident than the British premier.'
Viewers took to Twitter to make fun of her erratic performance.
Matt Wiles wrote: 'She can't even do a strong and stable Mexican wave.'
Ben Nutland added: 'I've never seen anything more awkward than Theresa May doing a Mexican wave.'
Some people, however, did stick up for Mrs May.
Referring to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's recent awkward high five with MP Emily Thornberry, Tom Conrad said: 'Theresa May's attempt at a Mexican wave a rival for Corbyn's high five.'
Viewers quickly took to Twitter to make fun of her erratic performance
One man wrote: 'Theresa May attempts a Mexican wave and gets ridiculed, however if Corbyn did it he would have been a 'top lad'.
The Prime Minister took time out of negotiating a coalition deal with the DUP for a meeting with Mr Macron in Paris.
The pair discussed terrorism and Brexit before watching France beat England 3-2.
Since last Thursdays electoral earthquake, a myth has sprouted embraced by Eurocrats in Brussels, pro-Remain politicians and the BBC that the result amounts to a vote against a so-called hard Brexit.
Theres no proof of this. Both Tories and Labour undertook to withdraw Britain from the EU single market. Staying inside the market is the essence of a soft Brexit.
Unfortunately, the notion that the outcome of the election should be partly seen as anti-Brexit seems to be shared by the Chancellor, Philip Hammond.
Both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn ran the election on a platform of taking Britain out of the single market, putting paid to the myth that the vote signals a desire for a 'soft' Brexit
He is alleged by his German counterpart, Wolfgang Schauble, to have said over the weekend that the young who voted for Jeremy Corbyn did so largely out of distaste for Brexit.
Of course, some people may have voted Labour for this reason but theres no evidence they did so in significant numbers. In any case, the election wasnt really about Brexit: it turned out to be about social care, policing cuts, the winter fuel allowance and continuing austerity.
The two anti-Brexit parties fared poorly. The Lib Dem share of the vote declined slightly, while the equally fanatically pro-EU Scottish Nationalists lost 21 of their 56 seats.
So although pro-Remain politicians and BBC presenters will doubtless go on repeating the canard that the electorate has rejected a hard Brexit (whatever that precisely entails), they havent any facts to support their case.
For all that, Im afraid the outcome could make a soft Brexit more likely. This is because the political arithmetic no longer favours the kind of withdrawal that Theresa May outlined before the election, though unfortunately scarcely talked about during the campaign.
Ruth Davidson, the redoubtable Scottish Tory leader, has indicated she doesnt want a hard Brexit, and the 12 new Scottish Conservative MPs are expected to follow her lead. Another dozen or so English Tory MPs are committed to the softest Brexit imaginable. Mrs May is between a rock and a hard place.
Only the Lib Dems and SNP ran anti-Brexit campaigns - the former lost vote-share, the latter lost seats
Moreover, although Labour is officially in favour of pulling out of the single market a policy reiterated by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell as recently as Sunday my bet is that it will increasingly lean towards a softer Brexit to embarrass and undermine Mrs May.
The danger is that our embattled Prime Minister will be pushed towards a soft Brexit by irrepressible Remainers in her own party such as her predecessor David Cameron, who reprehensively spoke yesterday of pressure for a softer Brexit, and Labour mischief-making.
Some unidentified Cabinet members are even said to be in secret talks with Labour MPs to secure cross-party backing for a soft Brexit.
Mrs May is under enormous pressure. Rather than buckle, though, she should do what she failed to do during the election: argue the case in public against a soft Brexit. She should also encourage intransigent Remainers in her party to spell out what they really want.
For the truth is that the soft Brexit, with which the likes of Mr Hammond flirt, is no Brexit at all. If it involves us staying in the single market, we would have no control over our borders.
Thats the predicament of Norway and tiny Iceland and Liechtenstein, which are part of the so-called European Economic Area. These countries cant regulate the influx of workers from the EU.
They also pay into the EU budget in return for membership of the single market. Norways fee is estimated to be about 90 per cent of the United Kingdoms per person. Our annual net contribution to Brussels about 13 billion would be barely reduced.
Worst of all, with a Norway-type solution we would have to accept new EU laws without having any influence over them.
The desire to regain control of our borders, and recover our sovereignty, were the two mainsprings of the pro-Leave vote. Both would be sacrificed if Britain were to remain in the single market.
Unfortunately the soft Brexit rumours have been given life by Philip Hammond, who appears to have told his German counterpart that the Tory stance could soften
It would be preferable to stay in the EU rather than accept this kind of soft Brexit. As members of the EU, we at least have a say in the laws that affect the single market. As part of the European Economic Area, we would have to submit impotently to whatever was foisted on us by Brussels.
Why dont the proponents of a soft Brexit ever say this? Because it so obviously runs counter to the aspirations of the vast majority of people who voted Leave and, I dare say, of many who didnt but have come around to the idea of Brexit.
There is perhaps one respectable argument for joining the European Economic Area which is that as we would not be part of the EUs customs union, we would have time to build up trading arrangements with non-EU countries while trading tariff-free with the EU.
But does anyone seriously think that once we had achieved this unsatisfactory halfway house, in which we would still be answerable to Brussels, we would ever escape to become a truly independent and self-governing country?
Lets put Ruth Davidson and Anna Soubry and the other Tories who publicly advocate a soft Brexit on the spot and those like Philip Hammond who do so in private and encourage them to face up to the logic of their position.
The truth is that the term soft Brexit is endlessly and lazily repeated without it ever being properly examined. As soon as it is, it disintegrates into dust. Theresa May should call the bluff of these myopic Tory Remainers.
Dont they realise their antics give comfort to Michel Barnier and Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels? Mrs May has been weakened by losing her overall majority. Barnier even had the gall yesterday to tell the British Government to hurry up. How overjoyed the Eurocrats will be if they see her under attack by her own party.
And then what? A Tory split can only have one outcome which is Jeremy Corbyn and his hard-Left clique ruling this country. We came far too close for comfort last week. It wouldnt take much to put this unsavoury extremist in No 10.
A soft Brexit is no Brexit. Its not an option for this country. It certainly isnt worth splitting the Tory Party by fighting over it, and giving cheer to EU negotiators in Brussels.
And despite what Mr Hammond and others may claim, despite all the disappointments of last Thursday, there isnt a shred of evidence that the British people have changed their minds about wanting Brexit.
Megyn Kelly played hooky from work on Tuesday afternoon and joined her new NBC co-workers at the 2017 Mirror Awards.
The embattled host of the network's recently launched news magazine 'Sunday Night' was all smiles as she hit the red carpet at the event alongside two of the biggest names at NBC - NBC News chairman Andy Lack and living legend Tom Brokaw.
The group was on hand to honor Brokaw as he received the Fred Dressler Leadership Award, while also providing some support to the host of the evening, Jenna Bush Hager.
Meanwhile, out in Los Angeles, Don Lemon was also doing the media circuit as he made his way through LAX, and had some not so great things to say about his gal pal's interview with Jones.
Lemon kept on his shades even though things were extra-shady in the airport as he told TMZ that while he would never interview Jones he understood why Kelly had to do what she had to do for her show.
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Megyn makes an appearance: Megyn Kelly attended the 2017 Mirror Awards in NYC on Tuesday afternoon (above)
Team: The event honored Tom Brokaw with the prestigious Fred Dressler Leadership Award (l to r: Andy Lack, Kelly and Tom Brokaw)
Kelly is continuing to feel the heat over her decision to interview InfoWars' host Alex Jones for her Sunday news magazine this week.
Sandy Hook Promise, an organization that was created in memory of the 20 students and six staff members who were massacred in the 2012 school shooting in Newton, Connecticut, announced on Monday that Kelly would no longer host one of their annual Promise Champions Gala,
That announcement came just two days before Kelly was set to take the stage at the event on Wednesday night in Washington DC.
The decision made by the non-profit organization also leaves Kelly with a big gap in her episode that will be airing this Sunday, as she planned to film the gala to run alongside her interview with Jones.
That plan went up in smoke however when she managed to draw the ire of Sandy Hook parents, who lashed out loud and quick as they attacked Kelly for allowing Jones' ideas to be heard by her audience of 6million.
Kelly responded to the controversy on Friday in a statement, saying she wa 'disappointed' but also 'respected the decision' of the charity.
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'I understand and respect the decision of the event organizers but I'm of course disappointed that I won't be there to support them on Wednesday night,' began Kelly in her statement.
'I find Alex Jones's suggestion that Sandy Hook was "a hoax" as personally revolting as every other rational person does.'
She then explained: It left me, and many other Americans, asking the very question that prompted this interview: how does Jones, who traffics in these outrageous conspiracy theories, have the respect of the president of the United States and a growing audience of millions?'
Kelly then offered theories, stating: 'President Trump, by praising and citing him, appearing on his show, and giving him White House press credentials, has helped elevate Jones, to the alarm of many.'
'Our goal in sitting down with him was to shine a light - as journalists are supposed to do - on this influential figure, and yes - to discuss the considerable falsehoods he has promoted with near impunity,' said Kelly.
That statement came roughly 12 hours after news broke that Sandy Hook promise would no longer work with Kelly.
Lover of rings: Also on hand were NBC News chairman Andy Lack and Jenna Bush Hager, who hosted the event (Kelly above)
In Los Angeles, CNN host Don Lemon got a little shady while talking about Kelly's interview with Alex Jones ( l to r: Bob Dotson, Lack, Donald Newhouse, Kelly, Brokaw and David Zasla)
'Sandy Hook Promise cannot support the decision by Megyn or NBC to give any form of voice or platform to Alex Jones and have asked Megyn Kelly to step down as our Promise Champion Gala host,' said Nicole Hockley, co-Founder and Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise, in a statement annoucning the NBC hostw as out.
'It is our hope that Megyn and NBC reconsider and not broadcast this interview.'
That statement came after family members and friends of the victims in Newtown, Connecticut took to social media on Monday and implored Kelly to not air the interview.
Their outcry was over comments made by Jones in the wake of the deadly shooting, which he continues to share almost five years later despite a lack of substantive proof backing up his outlandish theory.
Jones initially argued that the government was behind the murders, but later amended that conspiracy to say that there were no deaths at Sandy Hook and the victims were played by child actors.
On Monday, he changed that stance again, telling InfoWars' listeners that he now believes Sandy Hook did happen, and that children died there.
He claimed that his remarks to that effect had been edited from the promotional clip, and added: 'I'm tired of being misrepresented.'
JP Morgan Chase also pulled its advertising from Kelly's upcoming episode featuring the right-wing conspiracy theorist, that is still scheduled to air at 7/6pm central on NBC this Sunday..
Soon after a report emerged claiming that the company was pulling their TV spots, Chief Marketing Officer Kristin Lemkau confirmed that claim and voiced her disdain with the network and Kelly on Twitter.
'As an advertiser, I'm repulsed that @megynkelly would give a second of airtime to someone who says Sandy Hook and Aurora are hoaxes. Why?' she fumed.
S.H.A.D.E: Lemon said he would never interview Jones, but understood that some people had to do what they had to do
The former Fox News host shared a preview of her sit-down with Jones, the popular and very polarizing host of InfoWars, following her most recent show on Sunday night.
She later posted the clip on her Twitter account, writing: 'It was a riveting exchange. Promise you that.'
That comment did not go over well with some however, including Chelsea Clinton.
'There is no justification for amplifying lies (or a liar), particularly about unimaginable tragedy. I hope no parent, no person watches this,' wrote the former first daughter, who is the mother of two young children.
Chelsea is also a former NBC employee, working there for three years from 2011 to 2014 as a 'special correspondent' for the news division.
In the preview of her interview with Jones, the NBC News host demands to know how he can declare something like Sandy Hook a hoax given the loss of young lives and parents who are still grieving for their children.
'Oh I know, but they don't get angry about the half-million dead Iraqis from the sanctions...' starts Jones before he is cut off by Kelly and accused of dodging her question.
'The media doesn't cover all the evil wars...' begins Jones, who again is cut-off by Kelly.
'That doesn't excuse the things you said about Newtown, you know that,' states the host, who actually traveled to Texas to meet with Jones in his own studio.
'Here's the difference, I looked at all the angles of Newtown and I made my statements before the media even picked it up.'
And in 2012, in the wake of the Aurora cinema massacre that saw 12 killed and 70 injured when a gunman opened fire during a screening of The Dark Knight, Jones claimed it was a 'false flag'.
'If you look at the full spectrum of information unfolding right now, 100 per cent chance that the mass murder committed in the suburb of Denver, Colorado, right next to Littleton and Columbine was a false flag mind control event.'
He even blamed President Obama for being behind a series of deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma back in 2013 that claimed the lives of over 30 people.
A video has emerged showing a kindergarten teacher brutally taping a young boy's mouth in a classroom.
It is believed that the boy was not eating fast enough and therefore got punished by the teacher from south-east China.
The woman has been sacked since the incident came to light.
Video shows a female teacher taping her pupil's mouth shut at a kindergarten in China
A report in People's Daily Online stated that the footage had been circulating on social media since yesterday afternoon.
The 10-second clip shows a woman putting adhesive tape around the mouth of a crying boy twice.
Another three children can be seen standing in a line and eating from their bowls.
Jinjiang Education Bureau received complaints from parents who expressed their concerns towards the children's safety after watching the video online.
The woman, surnamed Hong, is a teacher at a bilingual kindergarten in Jinjiang, Fujian Province.
Mrs Shi, the principal of the kindergarten, confirmed to the reporters that the incident occurred on June 7.
'I had no idea about this until some parents sent me the video yesterday,' said Mrs Shi.
'We (the kindergarten) had a meeting discussing the matter and decided to sack the class teacher for such an abusive act.'
The kindergarten's name has not been revealed.
The young boy was crying as the teacher wrapped the tape around his mouth for two times (left). Other children were seen standing in a line and eating from their bowls (right)
The teacher was sacked after being caught on camera treating her pupil in a cruel way
It's understood that the boy's parents had told some workers from the school during a home visit that their son ate too slowly. They asked the school to find a way to make him eat more quickly.
After the video emerged, the boy's parents apparently tried to justify the teacher's behaviour.
'Perhaps the teacher used a wrong method, but I'm sure she was doing it for his (our son's) own good,' said the parents.
The parents decided not to press charges against the teacher.
It's been reported that the Jinjiang Education Bureau might stop funding the kindergarten and revoke its credit ratings if the incident is confirmed to be true.
The kindergarten plans to install cameras in all classrooms and stream the footage to parents, according to its principal Mrs Shi.
The days of spending hours on the beach in the sun or in a tanning booth in a quest for golden-coloured skin could soon be a thing of the past.
Scientists have developed a new treatment that can tan skin without exposure to harmful UV rays - and it means even those with the lightest of skins will be able to get a tan.
The team has now tested the treatment on human skin, and hopes it could drastically decrease the incidence of skin cancer.
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Human skin treated for eight days with new treatment shows significant darkening (right). Areas tested with a control (left) and a weaker version of the drug (middle) show no darkening
HOW DOES IT WORK? In the study, scientists developed a new skin treatment using a class of small molecules. The molecules darken skin by targeting the the process that controls skin pigmentation. Pigmentation of the skin, hair and eye retinas occurs when specialised cells produce melanin. Melanin is a dark pigment that protects the skin from harmful rays and people with darker skin tones naturally produce more melanin. The new treatment works by prompting the pigmentation process to produce more melanin than normal. This leads to the darkening of the skin. Because the treatment forces skin to produce more melanin, it may also help to protect it from the harmful effects of UV rays. Advertisement
Applied as a cream to the skin, the drug allowed red-haired mice to develop a deep tan.
In animal tests, red-haired mice became 'almost jet black in a day or two with a strong enough dose,' the researchers observed.
When the dosage was removed, normal skin regeneration meant the color faded within a week or so.
Like their pale-skinned human counterparts, the mice are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun's ultra-violet rays.
Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital developed the new skin treatment using a class of small molecules.
They have now applied the molecules to the surface of human skin samples.
The molecules were small enough to penetrate the skin, and caused it to darken in colour in just eight days.
Because the scientists only tested the new drug on skin samples rather than on people, they are still unsure of its side-effects.
But they claim the treatment could one day replace sunbeds, which use harmful UV radiation.
Dr David Fisher, lead researcher, told MailOnline: 'The pigmentation induced here did not use UV at all that is one of the most important points.
'UV mutates DNA and causes skin cancer.
'The topical chemical agent in our study induces pigmentation without any need for UV at all, and it probably is protective against UV.'
UV rays from the sun or sunbeds can damage the genetic material in your skin cells.
If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.
'We believe the potential importance of this work is towards a novel strategy for skin cancer prevention,' Dr Fisher said.
Because the scientists only tested the new drug on skin samples rather than on people, they are still unsure of its side-effects (stock image)
WHY IS ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION DANGEROUS? UV rays from the sun or sunbeds can damage the genetic material in your skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer. Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged by too much UV radiation. Getting sunburn, just once every two years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. Sunburn doesn't have to be raw, peeling or blistering. If your skin has gone pink or red in the sun, it's sunburnt. For people with darker skin, it may just feel irritated, tender or itchy. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement
'Skin is the most common organ in our bodies to be afflicted with cancer, and the majority of cases are thought to be associated with UV radiation.'
The molecules in the treatment darken skin by targeting the the process that controls skin pigmentation.
Pigmentation of the skin, hair and eye retinas occurs when specialised cells produce melanin - a dark pigment that protects the skin from harmful rays.
The new treatment works by prompting the pigmentation process to produce more melanin than normal.
This leads to the darkening of the skin, which lasted for ten days.
Because the treatment forces skin to produce more melanin, it may also help to protect it from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Dr Fisher said: 'The non-UV skin darkening described here might be able to help provide some UV protection, which is a major goal.
'We would anticipate that this could be used in a skin topical application, such as cream or lotion, although further research is required first, including safety testing, and optimal formulation.
'We suspect that the best form of sun protection may be a combination of this type of agent plus UV blocking sunscreen.'
Putting plastic into the sea may seem a strange way to address climate change, but for one research team it could offer the chance to preserve marine life.
Experts have created a series of artificial reefs in the Mediterranean Sea that they hope will help to protect the underwater environment from further destruction.
Researchers hope that synthetic coralline algae reefs will offer protection against ocean acidification, as well as providing a framework for natural reefs to grow on.
They have only been in place for a month, but there are already positive signs that the project is working.
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Experts have created a series of artificial reefs (pictured) in the Mediterranean Sea that they hope will help to protect the underwater environment from further destruction. After just one month in place there are already positive signs that the project is proving a success
CORALLINE ALGAE A team of scientists has creeated 90 man-made mini reefs from a rubbery material material, called silicon elastomer, which mimics the way natural coralline algae moves. Each artificial coral is just 10 centimetres (four inches) in diameter and clusters containing 20 of the synthetic structures are now anchored into clear resins. A location in the Gulf of La Spezia in north-west Italy, close to existing coralline algae reefs, which play host to to numerous small invertebrates, like crustaceans, mussels and worms, as well as bacteria and microalgae. After just one month in place there are already signs of biofilms, thin layers of chemical and biological precursors to more complex life. In just under a year, the team will take some of the artificial reefs and their inhabitants into the lab, exposing them to the climate altered conditions predicted for the year 2100. This will establish how coralline algae reefs might act as a buffer against climate change. Advertisement
Dr Federica Ragazzola, a marine biologist at the University of Portsmouth, joined forces with Italian government sponsored research and development agency ENEA for the project.
Coralline algae performs a similar ecological function to its more widely publicised namesake, corals, in the Mediterranean.
They form reefs from calcium carbonate, the main chemical in chalk and antacid tablets, which provide shelter to a diverse range of marine life.
But, like corals, they are also vulnerable to erosion from increasing levels of acidity.
The Italian team created 90 man-made mini reefs from a rubbery material material, called silicon elastomer, which mimics the way natural coralline algae moves.
Each artificial coral is just 10 centimetres (four inches) in diameter and each of the fronds was 3D printed separately before being assembled.
Clusters containing 20 of the synthetic structures are now anchored into clear resins.
A location in the Gulf of La Spezia in north-west Italy, close to existing coralline algae reefs, was chosen for the experiment according to reports in New Scientist.
Speaking to the website, Dr Ragazzola, from the university, said: 'Coralline algae are particularly ecologically important in shallow, temperate regions.
'The material was chosen to match the property of the algae and, more importantly, is non-toxic to the marine environment.
'After a year, you should start to see some of the species, crustaceans and worms as well as microorganisms invisible to the naked eye, establishing on the mimics, as well as the start of the covering of coralline algae.
'Coralline algae bioconstructions belong to these groups of organism that may play an important role in buffering the pH decrease, thus creating a microenvironment that may help some species to resist future climate changes.'
The artificial reefs will now be monitored to establish if they can play host to a variety of life similar to the real thing.
Coralline algae reefs are home to numerous small invertebrates, like crustaceans, mussels and worms, as well as bacteria and microalgae.
The Italian team created 90 man-made mini reefs from a rubbery material material, called silicon elastomer. Each artificial coral is just 10 centimetres (four inches) in diameter and each of the fronds was 3D printed separately before being assembled (pictured)
The artificial corals mimics the way natural coralline algae moves. Clusters containing 20 of the synthetic structures are now anchored into clear resins (pictured) at the bottom of the sea
And after just one month in place there are already signs of biofilms, thin layers of chemical and biological precursors to more complex life.
In just under a year, the team will take some of the artificial reefs and their inhabitants into the lab.
They will to check them for signs of damage after exposing them to the climate altered conditions predicted for the year 2100 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
This will establish how coralline algae reefs might act as a buffer against climate change.
A location in the Gulf of La Spezia in north-west Italy (pictured), close to existing coralline algae reefs, was chosen for the experiment
Opinion / Columnist
Young but old Zanu PF Politics
Jonathan Moyo and the bankruptcy of the Generation 40
Chipanga another Zanu PF sycophant
The youth are the vanguard of the struggle for a new Zimbabwe
The youth are too important to be used just as foot soldiers
Even after purging Mujuru and her colleagues, factionalism remains rife within Zanu PF. Mugabe knows that his leadership can only be secure when there is division and infighting in Zanu PF. In 2013, the Lacoste faction thought the succession debate was a done deal but the master was at work. Doing what he knows best, dividing and conquering. Mugabe through his wife created the new faction nicknamed Generation 40 (G40). Surely, the more the things change in Zanu PF the more they remain the same.One would have hoped that the emergence of this Generation 40 would bring a breath of fresh air to Zanu PF politics and possibly to the succession debate. It is unfortunate, these supposedly young Zanu PF members (young in Zanu PF terms) are young in name only; their politics is the same tired and old Zanu PF politics. Perhaps because the puppet master is a living ancestor.Most people agree, succession debate in Zanu PF is inevitable. The law of nature must take its course and cannot be reversed. Mugabe is in his twilight. But Kasukuwere, a member of the Generation 40 had the audacity to label any succession discussion treasonous. With such threats, you would be forgiven to think that people are discussing the succession of a king. But no, people are discussing the succession of a self-serving frail nonagenarian, a corruption kingpin, an incompetent president if I may add.That said, Kasukuwere's statement is both welcome and worrying at the same time. Welcome in that it has made it plainly clear that the faction Generation 40 does not subscribe to democratic principles. Freedom of expression is alien to this mafia clique. At least, it has laid its autocratic credentials on the table for all of us to see. However, the statement is worrying in that it shows Zanu PF is incapable of ushering in a new dispensation post Mugabe era. A dispensation: where issues and ideas can be openly debated without threats of victimization.Jonathan Moyo, another key figure in the faction Generation 40 waded into the succession debate during his Sapes lecture a few weeks ago. Instead of putting his faction's ideas on the table, he turned the succession debate into a discussion of personalities. Even reducing it further to who joined the liberation struggle the earliest. As if this will help in any way to solve our current challenges.If this is the best the learned professor can do, then Generation 40 is doomed post Mugabe. It's supposed to be a faction of the young, a faction of ideas. I am afraid they are proving that Zanu PF is incapable of transformation. Both factions are behaving the same. Post Mugabe era, Zimbabweans expect to see our politics become a contest of ideas. Let this contest of power for the sake of power die with Mugabe and his generation if there is still anyone else left.We all know Zanu PF is full of sycophants but Kudzanai Chipanga another member of the Generation 40 took bootlicking to another level. Last week, he heaped adulations on Mugabe, even equating him to an angel. If the Mugabes had any shame they would have been embarrassed by such empty flattery. Even some staunch Zanu PF supporter felt uncomfortable with such idolatry.Given the opportunity to address the nation, all Kudzanai could do was sing Mugabe praises. You can only but wonder how such an empty vessel ended up occupying such a position. Surely with leaders like Chipanga how can a new Zimbabwe be born?Pre-independence nationalist leaders did not rise through ranks because they could sing praises but because they articulated issues affecting the people and offered solutions. But in the not so distant future it is not surprising to find this ignoramus being appointed a ministerial post.But this tom foolery is not unique to Zanu PF alone; it cuts across the political divide. Even though most youth leaders in the opposition movement are university graduates, they have not advanced or articulated any clear policies. As the vanguard of the struggle they have been found wanting. They have absconded their responsibility to shape the national discourse.Takura Zhangazha has tried without success to initiate a debate, challenging the neoliberal policies being pushed by both the opposition and government. Unfortunately, no one dared to take him up on the debate. It's as if there is consensus in Zimbabwe over neoliberal policies and he is a madman ranting over nothing.I presume, this adequately describes the interregnum described by Gramsci when he said the old is dying but the new cannot be born. I posit that the youth will only be able to fulfil their historical mandate as the vanguard of our struggle for a new Zimbabwe when they begin to intellectually interrogate national issues and ideas thus shaping the national discourse.There is absolutely no excuse for the mediocrity they have thus far displayed. Thomas Sankara, Malcolm X and many others were able to help transform their societies in their thirties. Mandela's youth league was able to launch Umkhonto we Sizwe by convincing the ANC to change its non-violence policy. Malema's youth league was able to force the ANC to adopt the economic radical transformation policy.It is not enough to chant Mugabe must go or to praise him but the youth must begin to paint the Zimbabwe they want to build. Failure to play this historic and critical role will facilitate their abuse in politics. The youth are too important a resource to be used as foot soldiers in this our struggle.Aluta continua!
NASA is set to reveal the latest discoveries from its ongoing hunt for planets outside of our solar system, in an event next week that could ultimately help guide the search for alien life.
While the space agency has disclosed little information about the findings, the new results from the Kepler mission are said to be the most complete and reliable accounting of distant worlds to date.
The Kepler mission has spotted thousands of confirmed exoplanets over the years, with 21 planets not much larger than Earth now known to exist in the habitable zone and, the latest catalog will be the best look yet at possible alien worlds.
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While the space agency has disclosed little information about the findings, the new results from the Kepler mission are said to be the most complete and reliable accounting of distant worlds to date
WHAT KEPLER HAS FOUND SO FAR Kepler mission Candidate exoplanets: 4,496
Confirmed exoplanets: 2,335
Confirmed exoplanets less than twice Earth-size in the habitable zone: 21 K2 mission (2014-present) Candidate exoplanets: 520
Confirmed exoplanets: 148 Source: NASA Advertisement
The briefing will take place at NASAs Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley at 11 a.m. (EDT) on Monday June 19.
It will also be live-streamed on NASAs website.
According to NASA, the new catalog is the result of the most sophisticated analyses yet, by the Kepler mission, and will give rise to new lines of exoplanet research.
Scientists from the Astrophysics Division of NASAs Science Mission Directorate, as well as the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Caltech will speak at the event on Monday as they reveal the latest planet candidate results.
The Kepler space telescope launched in 2009, in a major breakthrough in the search for Earth-sized planets outside of our solar system that may be in or near the habitable zone of their star.
Just last summer, astronomers revealed theyd discovered 197 new planet candidates, and confirmed 104 planets through the Kepler mission.
The planets, which are all between 20 and 50 per cent larger than Earth by diameter, are orbiting the M dwarf star K2-72, found 181 light years away.
At the time, the researchers led by the University of Arizona said the possibility of life on planets around a star of this kind cannot be ruled out.
Since its launch, the Kepler mission has been plagued by several setbacks but, it has still continued to spot new objects outside of our solar system.
After the fix, Kepler started its K2 mission, which has provided an ecliptic field of view with greater opportunities for Earth-based observatories in both the northern and southern hemispheres
The Kepler mission has spotted thousands of confirmed exoplanets over the years, with 21 planets not much larger than Earth now known to exist in the habitable zone and, the latest catalog will be the best look yet at possible alien worlds
In its initial mission, Kepler surveyed just one patch of sky in the northern hemisphere, measuring the frequency of planets whose size and temperature might be similar to Earth orbiting stars similar to our sun.
In the spacecraft's extended mission in 2013, it lost its ability to precisely stare at its original target area, but a fix created a second life for the telescope.
After the fix, Kepler started its K2 mission, which has provided an ecliptic field of view with greater opportunities for Earth-based observatories in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Because it covers more of the sky, the K2 mission is capable of observing a larger fraction of cooler, smaller, red-dwarf type stars.
Your first impressions on meeting a new person are likely to be wrong, according to one leading scientist.
The assumptions we make when meeting new people are based largely on their facial expressions and appearance, but this rarely matches up to their personality.
And these hang-ups may spoil our chances of finding a life partner or landing the perfect job, according to Professor Alex Todorov, from Princeton University in New Jersey.
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Faces that look happy, even if they're not smiling, (left) are commonly rated as more trustworthy than faces that appear angry (right). Pictured are computer-generated faces
WHY ARE FIRST IMPRESSIONS OFTEN WRONG? First impressions are likely to be wrong as they are based on shallow assumptions about appearances, according to one leading expert. Professor Alex Todorov, from Princeton University, said faces that appear happy, even if they're not smiling, are commonly rated as trustworthy. However, there is no long-term link between the two. On the other hand, faces that appear angry are wrongly the most likely to be perceived as untrustworthy. And droopy eyes, pale skin and signs of sleep deprivation hint at unintelligence. 'It's obviously a complex story, but the reason we trust first impressions automatically is that they feel right,' Professor Todorov toldVice. Advertisement
Faces that look happy, even if they're not smiling, are commonly rated as more trustworthy, he said.
But this is a false misconception, and there's no link between those who have an agreeable face and the ability for you to trust them.
Droopy eyes, pale skin and signs of sleep deprivation wrongly tend to hint at unintelligence.
Professor Todorov recently explained these findings in a book called 'Face Value: The Irresistible Influence of First Impressions.'
'It's obviously a complex story, but the reason we trust first impressions automatically is that they feel right,' Professor Todorov toldVice.
'The reason we're often wrong is that these impressions are not accurate as inferences of character.'
He added that faces that appear angry are the most likely to be perceived as untrustworthy.
'But obviously that judgement would be a poor predictor of how a person is across time and situations,' he said.
Professor Todorov said people who rely on their hunches may be undermining their own chances of finding the partner of their dreams.
'We never rigorously test our hunches,' he told Vice.
'If you're at a party and your instinct is to turn away, you might miss your life partner.
'You see a new neighbor and decide he's not a nice person, well, you're going to live with him for years.'
Your gut instincts on meeting a new person are likely to be wrong, according to one leading scientist (stock image)
Last year, Professor Todorov conducted an experiment that found our first impressions of others are based on our own experiences.
The study's participants were shown hundreds of faces and asked to judge their trustworthiness, attractiveness, competence and other characteristics.
The results showed that exposure to different faces not only shifts what faces people perceive as typical, but also what faces they evaluate more positively (more typical faces are evaluated more positively).
'Our results show that the mere statistical position of faces imbues them with social meaning - faces are evaluated more negatively the more they deviate from a learned central tendency, or what each person considers a typical face,' Dr Todorov said in 2016.
Droopy eyes, pale skin and other signs of sleep deprivation suggest that you are unintelligent, according to one leading expert (stock image)
'These determinants of impressions are not about facial features per se but about one's learning of faces.
'In other words, although there is no 'average' human face, you like faces that are closer to your own definition of a typical face.'
His results were published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
He added our misguided first impressions are becoming more important in the digital world, where employers choose candidates based on their LinkedIn profiles and singles pick potential dates by swiping through photos on Tinder.
'Ideally, you'd post different images on LinkedIn than you would on Facebook,' he told Vice.
'Different images of the same person can generate completely different impressions.
'The person can look attractive and competent in one image and silly and not very smart in another.'
'Face Value: The Irresistible Influence of First Impressions' is available now in the US and UK.
The fastest car ever designed will be put through its paces in the first test of its potentially record breaking capabilities.
The Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) has been 10 years in the making and will finally take to the track in October.
Originally conceived in 2007, the rocket powered car will attempt to smash the current land speed record sometime in the next few years.
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Former RAF fighter pilot Andy Green will test out the Bloodhound SSC (pictured) for the first time on October 26, 20 years after he set the previous land speed record
NEWQUAY TRIAL Former RAF fighter pilot Andy Green will test out the Bloodhound SSC on October 26, 20 years after he set the previous land speed record. The tests will take place at Newquay Airport in Cornwall. Bloodhound will be powered by its single Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine and will reach speeds of up to 220mph (354km/h) before reaching the end of the 9,000 foot long (2,744m) runway. If the test proves a success, the team will undertake a new land speed record attempt at Hakskeen Pan, a dried-out lake bed in Northern Cape, South Africa, once the final rocket element is ready. This is expected to take place in the next few years. Advertisement
Bloodhound will travel under its own power for the first time at Newquay Airport in Cornwall, in a slow speed test designed to shakedown its design elements, on October 26.
The vehicle will reach speeds of up to 220mph (354km/h) before reaching the end of the 9,000 foot long (2,744m) runway.
The vehicle will be powered by its single Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine.
The rocket booster that will eventually speed the vehicle to 1,000 mph (1,600km/h) will be fitted at a later date, as it is still in development.
It will also be an opportunity for the team to practice live-streaming data and imagery from the car, a key aspect of the mission to share the adventure with a global audience.
Speaking to the BBC, chief engineer Mark Chapman said: 'It will be a big emotional moment for the team.
'We've gone from a computer design to an actual thing that will move down the runway.
'It will be a huge validation for the people who've stood by us all these years; it is happening.
'And, yes, it will also be a great shop window as we look to attract a bit more money to get us over the last few hurdles.'
The day will be the first time that driver Andy Green, a former RAF fighter pilot, will be able to test out the car's instrumentation and controls in the real world.
October day will be the first time that driver Andy Green, a former RAF fighter pilot, will be able to test out Bloodhound's (pictured) instrumentation and controls in the real world
The car (parts pictured) was originally conceived in 2007 and is the result of almost a decade of research
Bloodhound has three power plants (left) that between them generate 135,000 thrust hp, equivalent to 180 F1 cars. Its 6.5ft (2 metre) high tail fin (right), is required for stability at high speeds
And the following Saturday, the public will be able to see Bloodhound in action.
The previous land speed record was set 20 years ago in October by Mr Green in the Thrust SSC.
First, they will seek to reach 800 mph (1,287km/h) before cranking up the power to reach 1000 mph (1,600km/h).
The attempts will take place at Hakskeen Pan, a dried-out lake bed in Northern Cape, South Africa, once the final rocket element is ready.
Driver Andy Green will reach speeds of up to 220 mph (354 km/h) before reaching the end of the 9,000 foot long (2,744 m) runway (pictured)
October will also be an opportunity for the team to practice live-streaming data and imagery from the car, a key aspect of the mission to share the adventure with a global audience. The test will take place at at Newquay airport in Cornwall (pictured)
It currently stands at 763mph (1,228km/h) and the Bloodhound team will seek to beat this in two stages.
The car has been created by a team of Formula 1 and aerospace experts with help from the Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and technicians from the RAFs 71 Squadron who built the tail fin.
It has three power plants, a Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet from an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, a cluster of Nammo hybrid rockets and a 550bhp Supercharged Jaguar V8 engine that drives the rocket oxidizer pump.
The EJ200 jet engine fitted to the car consumes 64,000 litres of air per second, and this would suck all the air from an average sized house in three seconds.
HOW THE BLOODHOUND SSC WILL BEAT THE LAND SPEED RECORD The car has been created by a team of Formula 1 and aerospace experts with help from the Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and technicians from the RAFs 71 Squadron who built the tail fin. The current world land speed record of 763mph (1,227km/h) is held by Thrust SSC, a UK team led by Bloodhound's Project Director Richard Noble and driven by Andy Green. Bloodhound SSC's record-breaking attempt will take place on the Hakskeen Pan, Northern Cape in South Africa. The Bloodhound team will seek to reach 800 mph (1,287 km/h) and then 1000 mph (1,600 km/h) in tests to take place at Hakskeen Pan, a dried-out lake bed in Northern Cape, South Africa (artist's impression) Bloodhound has reached 1,000mph, but only in a computer model (pictured). October will be the first time that driver Andy Green will be able to test out the car's instrumentation and controls in the real world It was hoped the run could be attempted in 2016, but this has since been pushed back due to problems during testing. The Bloodhound team scoured the globe to find the perfect desert to run the car on because it needed to be at least 12 miles (19km) long, two miles (3km) wide and perfectly flat. Once they had settled on the Hakskeen Pan, a team of 317 locals were employed to clear the desert, they shifted 15,800 tonnes of stones by hand. At full speed Bloodhound SSC will cover a mile (1.6km) in 3.6 seconds, that's 4.5 football pitches laid end to end per second. Bloodhound has three power plants, a Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet from an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, a cluster of Nammo hybrid rockets and a 550 bhp Supercharged Jaguar V8 engine that drives the rocket oxidizer pump and between them they generate 135,000 thrust hp, equivalent to 180 F1 cars. Bloodhound's wheels spin at 10,200rpm, 170 times per second, and they generate 50,000 radial G. The car has been created by a team of Formula 1 and aerospace experts. At full speed Bloodhound SSC will cover a mile (1.6km) in 3.6 seconds, that's 4.5 football pitches laid end to end per second (the car's specifications are pictured) Bloodhound will have three power plants, an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jet engine, a cluster of rockets and a Supercharged Jaguar V8 engine. Between them they generate 135,000 thrust hp, equivalent to 180 F1 cars. The cockpit is pictured It will go from zero to 1,000mph (1,610km/h) in 55 seconds and back to zero again in a further 65 seconds, covering 12 miles (19km). This deceleration will be at 3G, which has been compared to traveling from 60mph (97km/h) to standstill in one second. The EJ200 jet engine fitted to the car consumes 64,000 litres of air per second, and this would suck all the air from an average sized house in 3 seconds. The rocket system will work in tandem with the car's Eurofighter jet engine, enabling it to travel at supersonic speeds. Advertisement
Between them they generate 135,000 thrust hp, equivalent to 180 F1 cars.
The team behind the Bloodhound SSC previously revealed how they intend to slow it from 1,000mph (1,600km/h) to zero.
After the car reaches its top speed, air brakes and parachutes slow it to 160mph (260km/h).
Breaking to this speed is done at a constant 3G deceleration - equivalent to going from 60mph (95km/h) in a normal car to zero in just one second - for 20 seconds.
At this speed the cars wheels are still spinning 10,000 times per minute.
The current world land speed record of 763mph (1,227km/h) is held by Thrust SSC, a UK team led by Bloodhound's Project Director Richard Noble and driven by Andy Green
This image shows the inner workings of the car's suspension behind the tyre which has been specially designed to run on sand
Attempts to use carbon rotors from a jet fighter in the form of car-like disc brakes shattered at speeds of just half this, so the team needed a new approach.
Instead, they switched to steel rotors.
In tests, these could withstand temperatures of up to 850C (1,560F), and be used again.
The next step will be to test these brakes out at the full 10,000rpm that will be experienced.
Spending too much time on your own can make you more self-centred, a new study has revealed.
And to make matters worse, this increase in self-centredness compounds things by making you more isolated, according to the researchers.
The researchers hope their findings could be used to create more effective therapies for people feeling lonely.
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Spending too much time on your own can make you more self-centred, a new study has revealed. And to make matters worse, this increase in self-centredness exacerbates things by making you more isolated, according to the researchers (stock image)
THE VICIOUS CYCLE Humans evolved as highly social creatures who need groups for survival as loners would soon die without social support. So being cut off from others in our ancient past was not just sad, but dangerous. As a result, on feeling alone we start to become more focused on ourselves in an attempt to work out what has gone wrong, researchers said. But over time this compounds the problem as being self-centred will trigger loneliness, or make it worse. Advertisement
Researchers from the University of Chicago showed that loneliness and self-centredness form a positive feedback loop with one another.
Professor John Cacioppo, lead author of the study, said: 'If you get more self-centred, you run the risk of staying locked in to feeling socially isolated.'
The findings are based on data taken from 229 people aged 50 to 68 over 11 years as part of the Chicago Health, Aging and Social Relations.
Early research treated loneliness as a temporary feeling of distress that had no redeeming value or adaptive purpose.
But Dr Stephanie Cacioppo, who also worked on the study, said: 'None of that could be further from the truth.'
In 2006, the researchers suggested that evolution has shaped the brain to incline humans toward certain emotions, thoughts and behaviour.
And their new findings that loneliness tends to increase self-centeredness fits this evolutionary interpretation.
From an evolutionary-biological viewpoint, people have to be concerned with their own interests, according to the researchers.
But the pressures of modern society are significantly different from those that existed when loneliness evolved in the human species.
Professor Cacioppo said: 'Humans evolved to become such a powerful species in large part due to mutual aid and protection and the changes in the brain that proved adaptive in social interactions.
'When we don't have mutual aid and protection, we are more likely to become focused on our own interests and welfare. That is, we become more self-centred.'
From an evolutionary-biological viewpoint, people have to be concerned with their own interests, according to the researchers. But the pressures of modern society are significantly different from those that existed when loneliness evolved in the human species (stock image)
LONELINESS IS ON THE RISE A recent report by Charities Relate and Relationships Scotland surveyed 5,000 people in the UK and found: Advertisement
- More than one in eight adults, say they do not have a close friend.
- 45 per cent of UK adults felt lonely at least some of the time.
- 18 per cent felt lonely often or all of the time.
- 17 per cent said they either never or rarely felt loved.
- 83 per cent of people in the UK enjoyed good relationships with their friends.
- 18 per cent of people said they had two or three close friends.
In modern society, becoming more self-centred protects lonely people in the short term, but not the long term, because the harmful effects of loneliness build up over time to reduce a person's health and well-being.
Professor Cacioppo said: 'This evolutionarily adaptive response may have helped people survive in ancient times, but in contemporary society may well make it harder for people to get out of feelings of loneliness.'
Dr Cacioppo added that when humans are at their best, they provide mutual aid and protection.
She said: 'It isn't that one individual is sacrificial to the other. It's that together they do more than the sum of the parts.
'Loneliness undercuts that focus and really makes you focus on only your interests at the expense of others.'
The researchers hope that their findings could be used to develop better therapies for lonely people, who have been shown to be more susceptible to a variety of physical and mental health problems.
A wet spring season has experts predicting that summer water levels for the Great Lakes could be higher than normal and above last year's mark through early fall.
The Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Detroit District announced Monday in its six-month water level forecast that summer water levels on lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair and Erie will be at their highest since 1996-1998.
The group's forecast data also shows that as of Sunday, Lake Ontario is up nearly 3 feet (nearly 1 meter) from the level it was at this time last year.
After unusually high precipitation over the Great Lakes, Lake Erie rose seven inches by the end of last month, and Lake Ontario climbed by a staggering 12. Lake Erie now sits at a current level of 573.69 feet
APRIL SHOWERS According to the NOAA, 2017 had the the second wettest April on record, averaging 3.43 inches for the nation, nearly an inch above the 20th century average. Only 1957 had more April rain. Several storm systems impacted the Southern Plains and Mid-Mississippi River Valley in late April with the precipitation continuing into May, resulting in widespread flooding across the region. At the time of the reports release, at least five fatalities were attributable to the flooding with significant impacts on agriculture. During April there were over 200 preliminary tornado reports, continuing an active tornado year. Large tornado outbreaks impacted the central and southern U.S. in early and late April resulting in eight tornado-related fatalities in Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Advertisement
The lake exceeded its highest elevation ever for June, which was set in 1952.
Year-round recording of Great Lakes water levels has occurred since 1918.
By the end of June, the researchers expect Lakes Erie and Ontario to drop a few inches lower than their startling levels from the start of the month.
But, theyll still likely remain inches above the long-term average for several months to come.
The lake levels across all the lakes are currently above their long-term average June levels, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, wrote on Friday in a weekly update.
All of the levels are also above last years levels, except for Lake Michigan-Huron, which is near its level from last year.
Over the last month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, Erie, and Ontario rose 5,2,1 and 3 inches, respectively.'
After unusually high precipitation over the Great Lakes, Lake Erie rose seven inches by the end of last month, and Lake Ontario climbed by a staggering 12.
After receiving 150 percent of its normal rainfall, Lake Erie sat at a level of 573.69 feet at the start of June just inches shy of the all-time record set in 1986, at 574.3 feet.
Over the last month, all of the Great Lakes have risen several inches after recent bouts of heavy rain and snow, Cleveland.com reports.
But for some, the effects have been especially dramatic.
Lake Erie hit 20 inches above the June average, and 9 inches above the average for the week.
'All lakes are at higher levels than one month ago,' the US Army Corps of Engineers wrote earlier this month. While Lakes Erie and Ontario are expected to drop to 1 and 3 inches over the course of the month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and St. Clair are forecast to rise
Precipitation totals since last Friday ranged from about 0.4 to 0.8 inches across the basin, with highest amounts over the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Basins, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, wrote on June 2.
By the end of May, Lakes Erie and Ontario had received over 150% and 180% of normal total May Precipitation, respectively.
Temperatures over the past week have ranged from 2 below to 4 above normal for this time of year.
The current forecast calls for 0.5 to 2 inches of precipitation, with highest amounts of Lake Huron and the Lake Ontario Basin.
Lake Erie and Ontario typically begin their seasonal decline around this time, bringing water levels down lower.
After heavy precipitation this spring, all of the Great Lakes have risen several inches. And for some, the effects have been especially dramatic
At the beginning of June, Lake Erie was only about 7 inches away from the historical record.
And, levels in Lake Ontario are hitting some of the highest points since 1918, according to Cleveland.com.
As for the other Great Lakes, water levels are expected to rise, rather than drop down.
'All lakes are at higher levels than one month ago,' the US Army Corps of Engineers wrote at the start of June.
And, the forecast continued, Over the next 30 days, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and St. Clair are forecast to rise 3,2, and 1 inch respectively.
Washing your hands does not just keep them clean, but the act can also cleanse your brain of old ideas, a new study has revealed.
Researchers have discovered that the action can shift goal pursuit, making prior goals less important and subsequent goals more important.
The team has suggested that wiping away dirt serves as a physical proxy for mentally separating ideas that linger from previous experiences.
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Washing your hands does not just keep them clean, but the act can also cleanse your brain of old ideas, a new study has revealed. Researchers have discovered that the action can shift goal pursuit, making prior goals less important and subsequent goals more important
The new discovery was made by a pair of researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management.
However, prior to the study, physical cleansing had been known to influence a range of psychological experiences, such as guilt from immoral behavior, dissonance from free choice, and good/bad luck from winning/losing.
SIX-STEP TECHNIQUE FOR WASHING HANDS To properly wash your hands using the superior six-step method begin by wetting hands with water and grab either a dollop of soap or hand rub. Begin rubbing your palms together with your fingers closed, then together with fingers interlaced. Move your right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa make sure to really rub in between your fingers. Then interlock your fingers and rub the back of them by turning your wrist in a half circle motion. Clasp your left thumb in your right palm and rub in in a rotational motion from the tip of your fingers to the end of the thumb, then switch hands. And finally scrub the inside of your right hand with your left fingers closed and the other hand. Advertisement
Some people also have reported taking a shower after committing an 'unclean act' in order to wash away the guilt.
However, the current research has investigated the underlying mental process, which includes cleansing embodies a psychological procedure of separation.
During the study, researchers carried out four experiments that began by bringing participants' attention to particular goals through word games or a short survey, a process called 'priming.'
The subjects were then asked to either evaluate or actually use a handwipe.
Those who used the sanitized clothes were less likely to look back on the previous primed goal, less likely to make behavioral choices consistent with it, and less likely to find it important.
The team has suggested that wiping away dirt serves as a physical proxy for mentally separating ideas that linger from previous experiences. When it comes to finding practical tricks for redirecting one's thinking away from old fruitless pursuits towards better ones
And it was found that their focus was more easily reoriented towards a subsequently primed goal.
'For people who were primed with a health goal, for example, using the handwipe reduced their subsequent tendency to behave in a healthy manner - they were more likely to choose a chocolate bar over a granola bar,' said Ping Dong, a PhD student in marketing who conducted the research with Spike W. S. Lee, an assistant professor of marketing.
Dong also noted that the research examined cleansing's short-term rather than long-term impact on goal pursuit.
Although more work is needed to claim people intent on achieving goals should significantly alter their personal hygiene routines, the findings have suggested that when it comes to finding practical tricks for redirecting one's thinking away from old fruitless pursuits towards new and better ones, an antiseptic wipe may come in handy.
A separate study, conducted by the University of Michigan, found similar results, as during the experiment, the volunteers were less likely to justify their choice if they washed their hands after making it.
The team found that this act can erase doubts you may have about your choices in the day, which has suggested that if you have to make a difficult decision, all you need to do is wash up.
'When people make decisions, they are often faced with choosing between two very attractive options,' explained Spike Lee with the University of Michigan.
'Let's say they are choosing a vacation spot - Paris or Rome. After choosing, let's say, Paris, they justify their choice by thinking to themselves it is the right one because French cuisine is better and the art museums are fantastic.'
'They are justifying their choice by focusing on the positive features.'
'What our study showed was that after people washed their hands they no longer felt they had to justify their choice.'
'They had washed away the compulsion to justify the choice they had made.' The researchers added: 'It's not just that washing your hands contributes to moral cleanliness as well as physical cleanliness.'
It's no secret: Cats tend to be more mysterious in their behaviors than dogs.
Dogs tend to be fairly good at telling their owners what they want, compared to cats, who are notoriously difficult to read.
But veterinary experts say that paying attention to a cat's tail movements can help reveal their mood or intentions.
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A cat with a whipping tail can mean it's on alert, nervous or potentially aggressive, and should not be touched
Dr Carlo Siracusa, an assistant professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, told National Geographic that in order to read cat tail signals, you have to pay attention to their whole body, and not just their tails.
WHAT YOUR CAT IS TELLING YOU Asleep with a tapping tail: If the cat appears asleep with a tapping tail, it could be relaxed overall but paying attention to something around it, or if it's actually sleeping, it could be dreaming.
If the cat appears asleep with a tapping tail, it could be relaxed overall but paying attention to something around it, or if it's actually sleeping, it could be dreaming. Whipping tail: This can mean that the cat is on alert, nervous or potentially aggressive, and should not be touched.
This can mean that the cat is on alert, nervous or potentially aggressive, and should not be touched. Straight tail and hooked tip : On a calm cat, this is a greeting
: On a calm cat, this is a greeting Straight-up tail : Can indicate an aggressive cat.
: Can indicate an aggressive cat. Arched back and puffed tail : The cats is afraid of something
: The cats is afraid of something Tail curved downwards: This can mean that the cat is defensive.
This can mean that the cat is defensive. Tail in a low, neutral position : This is a sign of a relaxed cat
: This is a sign of a relaxed cat Cat suddenly bolts : This energy, called 'the zoomies,' is probably an outlet for accumulated frustration, fear or energy that might have been used for catching prey. Advertisement
For example, if a cat appears to be sleeping but is tapping its tail, it could be 'relaxed overall but paying attention to something around him, a sound or movement,' said Dr Siracusa.
However, if the cat is sleeping, it could be dreaming.
A cat with a whipping tail can mean it's on alert, nervous or potentially aggressive, and should not be touched.
On a calm cat, a straight tail and hooked tip is a greeting, while an aggressive cat's tail may just be straight-up.
Cats that are afraid of something tend to have an arched back and tail up and puffed.
If a tail is curved downwards, it can mean that the cat is defensive, while a relaxed cat usually maintains its tail in a low, neutral position.
While tail movements can be confusing to read, a cat's movements can help in reading their mood.
For example, when a cat suddenly bolts to another room, this energy, called 'the zoomies,' our probably an outlet for accumulated frustration, fear or energy.
Cats need stimulation and would be chasing prey and climbing up trees if they mostly spent time outside, said Dr Siracusa.
A straight tail and hooked tip is a greeting in a calm cat, while an aggressive cat's tail may just be straight-up
While homes are safer for cats, they aren't as stimulating.
Dr Nick Dodman, a professor of behavioral pharmacology and animal behavior at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, told National Geographic that cats are hunters and 'speed merchants'.
He agrees with Dr Siracusa that these 'zoomies' could be pent-up energy that cats might have used for catching prey.
In addition, cats are crepuscular, a term which refers to animals that are mainly active during twilight (immediately after dawn and just before dusk).
During the rest of the day, cats usually sleep or nap.
Some cats are also known to exhibit stealing behaviors.
Cats are crepuscular, a term referring to animals that are mainly active during twilight (immediately after dawn and just before dusk). For the rest of the day, cats usually sleep or nap
Cases of sticky-pawed cats have been documented across the world, for example Brigit, a six-year-old tonkinese cat from Hamilton, New Zealand, who every night and often steals men's underwear and socks on neighborhood clothing lines and places them on her owner Sarah Nathan's bed in a proud display, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Some cats have dog-like, retriever tendencies, but stealing may also be an expression of hunting instinct, but with nothing to hunt, says Dr Dodman.
Females bring prey back to provide for their kittens and teach them, but males also exhibit thieving behavior too.
The Munchkin cat breed, nicknamed 'magpie cat', has a tendency to steal shiny objects and catch them for later, says Dr Dodman.
Researchers have revealed the astonishing lengths a male dolphin goes to in a bid to find females.
An Australian team found male humpback dolphins adopt a special 'banana pose' - often while wearing a sea sponge on their head.
They say the display is meant to show off the males prowess in the water - but that females ignore it completely.
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An Australian team found male humpback dolphins adopt a special 'banana pose' - often while wearing a sea sponge on their head.
'Humpback dolphins across northern Australia appear to be using sponges as one component in a multimodal socio-sexual display,' Simon Allen of the University of Western Australia told ABC News.
He believes they don the sponge as they are notoriously difficult to pry off the sea floor.
However, he also had some bad news for the males.
'Every time we've seen it so far, the females appear to essentially ignore the males,' Dr Allen said.
'So essentially 'If you don't want these roses, I'm then going to throw them at you'.'
The 'complex and strange behaviour' sees male humpback dolphins pose with their head and tail lifted from the water, often with a sea sponge on their foreheads to attract females
The team previously documented bottlenose dolphins using sponges as a tool for hunting in Western Australia's Shark Bay.
The Shark Bay dolphins have been studied for more than 35 years, revealing a complex social structure and tool use by a large brained mammal that in some ways resembled human evolution.
Bottlenose dolphins were first observed using sponges to protect their noses in the 19th century.
According to a 2012 study, sponging could have started from a single individual between 120 and 180 years ago before it was taught to other dolphins down the generations, the BBC reported.
The dolphins wear the sponges on their rostrum when foraging on the sea floor, apparently to protect themselves from sharp rocks or shells.
Another study in the same year by scientists at Georgetown University in Washington DC, found that female dolphins that wear basket sponges on their noses to look for fish on the sea floor, associate with other sponge-clad dolphins more than those without the natural accessory.
DOLPHINS CHEW BLOWFISH TO GET HIGH A separate Australian study found dolphins may be chewing on blowfish to get high. The dolphins have even been caught by researchers passing blowfish around to share with their friends. Blowfish are brimming with the toxin tetrodotoxin, found in their skin, flesh and internal organs, which is lethal to most predators, including humans. Australian dolphins may be chewing on blowfish to get high. The dolphins have even been caught by researchers passing blowfish around to share with their friends (pictured) Advertisement
It was originally thought that spongers were solitary but the researchers found that females formed cliques with other sponge-wearing dolphins even if they were not related to each other.
The sponging technique is a complex hunting tactic that is passed down from a mother to her offspring.
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On his epic bike ride from the Arctic Circle to South Africa, being saddlesore was the least of Reza Pakravans troubles.
The 42-year-old in August 2013 attempted to set the world record for the fastest bicycle journey between Nordkapp in Norway and Cape Town with friend Steven Pawley an 11,000-mile odyssey across 13 countries and three continents and has revealed to MailOnline Travel how at times he genuinely feared for his life.
As he prepared to enter the troubled region of Dagestan in the south of Russia, for instance, locals in neighbouring regions told him he wouldnt make it out alive and in Egypt he found himself caught up in a stand-off between armed militiamen and a tank.
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Reza Pakravan, pictured in northern Kenya, in August 2013 attempted to set the world record for the fastest bicycle journey between Nordkapp in Norway and Cape Town with friend Steven Pawley an 11,000-mile odyssey across 13 countries and three continents
Pakravan described the roads in Kenya, pictured, as some of the worse in the world - and he needed all his willpower to battle through the tough conditions
He also battled malaria and had to put up with atrocious road conditions.
I felt like giving up many, many times, he said. Here are just a couple of examples. At the beginning of the journey we had 17 continuous days of torrential rain. Freezing and wet conditions in Scandinavia and Russia combined with horrendous roads with the hard shoulders covered in broken glass, which gave us puncture after puncture. It was soul destroying and almost brought me to the point to say screw this, Ive had enough.
Another time was when I battled a long day against some serious headwind, food poisoning, hunger and the worst gravel road in the world in Kenya. We were riding through the night hungry, thirsty and exhausted. The potholes in the horrific road were covered in sand and would trip us up continuously, injuring us at every fall. Covered in blood, battered and bruised, all I could fantasise about was to catch a lift to Nairobi then pack up and go home.
As the trip was a world record attempt, a lot of planning went into it but the only accommodation that was booked was the first night in Nordkapp.
Daily distances and all the logistics were planned in advance, Pakravan, from London, said. We even sent spares and consumables to two pick-up points along the way, not to waste time looking for stuff as time was of an essence. However, we only booked our first nights accommodation in Nordkapp as we really didnt know where we were going to be each night.
We camped, we spent nights in peoples houses who invited us in, slept under the stars in deserts and some horrible cockroach infested guest houses along the way. We also treated ourselves to a five-star hotel in Egypt, because it was deserted due to the unrest and we managed to book a room for 20 quid.
The scariest moments in the trip also came in Egypt, he said, where he ended up in very close proximity to armed unrest.
Pakravan is pictured here making a campfire in Tanzania - having survived a serious bout of malaria
On the road: This picture shows Reza beginning his epic journey in Norway, with the local reindeer there to see him off
THE COUNTRIES REZA CYCLED THROUGH Norway Finland Russia Azerbaijan Iran Egypt Sudan Ethiopia Kenya Tanzania Zambia Botswana South Africa Advertisement
He said: At some point we entered a small town. Instantly things looked really ugly. Houses were on fire and a car upturned and on its roof, a burnt-out shell. Smoke filtered out from an alleyway between two buildings. As we looked closer, we realised it was not an alleyway at all, but the place where another building had once stood. It had been burnt to the ground. Many of the men carried guns: pistols and AK-47s. There was a standoff between armed militia and an army tank.
The atmosphere thickened and the mood grew tense. We were trapped between the two sides with no way out of the conflicted area. It was scary.
In Egypt he also ended up in hand-to-hand combat with a thief.
He said: We arrived in a dusty town in the south of Egypt. I opened my handle bar bag to put my wallet and my food in, all of a sudden a young guy put his hand in my bag and tried to grab my camera and my valuables. I managed to react quickly and I grabbed his finger and twisted it - and it snapped. He pulled his hand out and screamed.
The man looked down at his finger in disbelief, looked back up at me, and then lunged. We tumbled to the ground together, a mesh of flailing limbs and spinning wheels. I managed to extricate myself and stood back up, only to find him inches from me, shouting and cursing and buzzing about me like a wasp. He pushed me hard in the chest and I stumbled back, but I was caught and steadied by members of the crowd.
I reached forward, locking one hand around his neck and the other around his jawline. And then I began to squeeze and I may not have stopped at all were it not for the arrival of the police. The crowd was cheering me on. It was a surreal moment. One of those moments where you have no idea how you will react until you are actually in that situation.
Nearly there: This image was taken at the end of the journey in South Africa
Making a splash: Reza rests as he nears Victoria Falls, which is on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe
Passing a huge bank of wind turbines in a mountainous region of Iran called Manjil
There was also a hairy moment in Iran, when a motorbike gang took a distinct dislike to him.
He said: We arrived in a town in Iran and while we were in the outskirts of the town we asked for an address of a guesthouse. People pointed, the guesthouse was on top of a hill next to a shrine. As we got closer to the shrine we realised that there was a religious ceremony in full swing.
I was so tired and exhausted that it didnt even cross my mind that we are wearing lycras - not really suitable and respectful given the type of the event. As we were maneuvering through the crowd gathered around the shrine and trying to get to the guesthouse I realised we were being chased by a motorbike gang. I ignored them. They started to verbally harass us. I was feeling really intimidated but carried on ignoring them.
They wouldnt let go and constantly threw abuse at us and swore, even in English. All of a sudden Steve completely lost his cool, he turned his bike around and headed towards them shouting at them at the top of his lungs. To my utter surprise, the cowards escaped so quickly, like they never expected us to confront them.
The Russian region of Dagestan also filled him with fear but it was also the biggest surprise of the trip.
The two cyclists pause in Iran in front of Isfahan's stunning architecture. Reza described how they were chased by a motorbike gang there as they looked for a guesthouse
Steve and Reza rest their limbs and pose with some friendly policemen in Iran
The pair are pictured here racing towards the finish line in South Africa. They completed the journey in 102 days, which is the fastest anyone had done it in but apparently Guinness World Records ruled that the record could only be awarded if the time taken did not exceed 100 days
This is the Republic of Kalmykia - a Russian region that's home to Europe's only Buddhist settlement
He said: As I was edging towards Dagestan, a troubled region in the south of Russia, I was hearing more and more stories about deadly attacks. I was so nervous to enter the region. Reading FCO travel advice and BBC news is one thing and hearing people in neighbouring regions telling you that you wont come out alive is another thing. But once I got there, I saw nothing but overwhelming amounts of kindness. Once I was leaving a restaurant, the owner gave me a bag full of food to take with me.
The food he ate on the trip was often quite strange and at times he couldnt even pinpoint what he was putting in his mouth.
He said: In Scandinavia I had so much reindeer meat, that put me off for life! Dont even get me started about Russia. Who knows what I ate there. Really strange stuff, I cant even describe what we ate. Meat and chicken in stews with tons of stuff in it. In Sudan we had foul. Its the national dish. Its mashed beans garnished with oil, cheese and lemon juice. Also we tried sheeps liver and heart out there. In Ethiopia we had their flat bread called Injera with various things in it including goat meat, eggs, tomato. Also there for the first time I had pasta inside a sandwich! The Italians would have had a heart attack at the thought.
Reza says that he was 'exhausted and annoyed' when this snap of him in Ethiopia was taken
In Ethiopia Reza said that it was always hard to find privacy. Pakravan said that four things helped him power through a good old British Brooks saddle that minimised saddlesore, a picture of him making a fool of himself in front of kids in Madagascar while doing voluntary work for NGO Seed Madagascar (when things got too serious and tough all I had to do was to look at this picture, it made me laugh), his lovely Koga bike and his iPod
As Pakravan closed in on his goal he faced one final battle he became seriously ill.
At first, south of Nairobi, he thought his 40-degree fever and bloated stomach was food poisoning, but a doctor told him it was actually malaria.
He ended up in a clinic so basic and un-hygienic that his wounds were cleaned with toilet paper.
Five days later he was on his way again and pressing towards Tanzania.
In the end they just missed out on the record.
They completed the journey in 102 days, which is the fastest anyone had done it in but apparently Guinness World Records ruled that the record could only be awarded if the time taken did not exceed 100 days.
Still, it was a stunning achievement.
Pakravan added that four things helped him power through a good old British Brooks saddle that minimised saddlesore, a picture of him making a fool of himself in front of kids in Madagascar while doing voluntary work for NGO Seed Madagascar (when things got too serious and tough all I had to do was to look at this picture, it made me laugh), his lovely Koga bike and his iPod.
Asked whether hed do it again, and the answer is a resounding yes - but slower.
This unlikely pairing proves that dogs are more than just a man's best friend.
A playful pooch was filmed paddling along in the Bahamas with a dolphin by its side.
Footage shows the unlikely duo weaving around each other and happily splashing around.
Water wonders: This unlikely pairing proves that dogs are more than just a man's best friend. A playful pooch was filmed paddling along in the Bahamas with a dolphin by its side
While the little black dog uses its paws and tail to steer itself through the crystal clear waters, the dolphin boasts more speed with the strength of its flippers.
The incredible video showing the interspecies bonding was filmed by Adam Dreffin while he was out running a boat tour - and it was his dog Bella, a small Schipperke, who took the plunge with the dolphin.
The dolphin ducks and dives around little Bella who spins around in excitement before the camera cuts off.
Swimming contest: Footage shows the unlikely duo weaving around each other and happily splashing around
Catch me if you can: The little dog does its best to catch up with the dolphin
The video, filmed last spring, has been watched more than 4,000 times on Instagram via @bahamascatcharters and has done the rounds on YouTube.
Many viewers have deemed the rare encounter 'amazing' and 'cute'.
One fan added: 'I can look at them endlessly.'
It's not the first time a dog and dolphin have been seen swimming together.
Crowd-pleaser: The video, filmed last spring, has been watched more than 4,000 times on Instagram via @bahamascatcharters and has done the rounds on YouTube
In 2015, a canine was spotted swimming with a pod of dolphins in Australia and earlier this year, a golden retriever was seen playing in the shallows of Rockingham Beach in Perth with its flippered friend.
According to Professor Lars Bejder, from the Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, the rare sighting of the dolphin in the shallows suggested it was hunting for fish.
He added that relationships and ways bottlenose dolphins interact with other animals remains unknown.
Opinion / Interviews
Daily News reporter Jeffrey Muvundusi sits down for a chat with Women of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) leader Jenni Williams.Below are excerpts of the interview.Q: You have relentlessly held anti-government protests, what really inspires you?A: I am inspired to demonstrate as I feel it is a way of playing my role as a citizen and making my voice heard. As a woman and one of colour as well, many years of my life, I have been classified as a second class citizen but in my adult life, I will be heard and raise the issues that are important to me and I will stand by my comrades when they also have issues to protest about.Q: What would you classify as your event of the year so far?A: My event of the year was a recent march to the government complex with child members. I was so proud of them voicing out their issues about the state of education reciting their poems without fear. For me, that was an inspiring day.Q: You have been arrested and tortured several times by State security agents, what keeps you going?A: If they arrest and torture me, it is because I am saying and doing something right, something that they don't want me to say and that makes me want to say it louder. I believe that it is irresponsible to call yourself a human being or a citizen and then to fail to do the things that humans do they speak, they act so as to improve their situation. I have rights but I also have a responsibility to play my role so that democracy can work in Zimbabwe. I think too few of us citizens take out responsibility to the nation seriously and just concentrate on the next step without looking beyond the next day. We are also focused on the today because of this regime's mismanagement of our economy and the bad governance being practiced in the corridors of power.Q: You have been labelled an agent of the West, how do you respond to that?A: The words of silly foolish people who seek to suppress the masses whilst looting the riches of our country.Q: Some have accused you of using desperate women during your demos for personal gain from foreign donors, what's your response?A: Once again, these are the words of people who don't even care that citizens have a duty and an obligation to protest, organise and act to demand a better life for all in Zimbabwe. There are many desperate women in Zimbabwe made desperate by a government that does not care for any of us, made desperate by the lack of jobs, affordable food and the need to conduct vending for over 10 to 12 hours day just to feed their children.Q: In your fight for women emancipation, would you say you have achieved your mission?A: I do believe that my work with my Woza comrades has raised the level of respect for women. As we march in the streets, we have shown Zimbabweans a new way to make themselves heard and the issues we campaign for are issues that have affected millions of Zimbabweans. However, the work is not over domestic violence continue to increase. Women are still not able to access the same things that men access due to systems of patriarchy still practiced by so many. The harsh economic environment has also brought more suffering on women who feel the effects different to men who can more easily escape. Woza is also fighting for free primary education this campaign started in 2005 and we remain campaigning for it. This work is not yet done. The right to protest is also still far from being respected by the police, so we remain doing our work in the streets and in the African Commission for Human and People's Rights until this right to protest is fully recognised and no one has to suffer as we have suffered at the hands of police.Q: What other strategies are in place in as far as petitioning government is concerned?A: Woza use over 200 methods of protest including engagement meeting policy dialogue and we send delegations to officials. Mostly you hear of marches in newspapers but Woza members are very busy everyday in communities, working, demanding and engaging on this or that issue that they see in their community.Q: What do you make of women who are in leadership positions in Zimbabwe?A: No I do not feel they have represented me well. I am disappointed that many of quickly forget the issues they used to see when they were ordinary citizens it seems power comes with loss of memory. But this is memory loss does not only happen with women it also happens with men when they get into power. I am just more disappointed when a woman forgets the community's issues because women have a different genetic makeup and should not forget the concerns and should remember to care for their constituency more. I personally feel that the women's movement should not have only campaigned for a quota system but should have also done more work to make women super representatives' so that they could establish their leadership well.Q: We have the First Lady Grace Mugabe, would you say she has really played well her leadership or motherly role?A: I do not understand what the first lady is all about and wonder if she does herself. She is too inconsistent and does not seem to give clear thought to what she is doing. I also believe she is too money-orientated and her honesty seems questionable. Because of her apparent love of money, she will never manage to really make me believe she can play a mother of the nation role. Has she ever taken the time to really do the things other first ladies have done?Q: Turning to politics, where do you see the future of Zimbabwe under Zanu-PF?A: There is no positive future for Zimbabwe under Zanu-PF. The party seems to be unable to allow the government to govern and continue to run the country as if it is the party. As such, Zimbabwe will never get a chance under this part suffocation to recover the economy, find new policies that could kick-start growth. The will only come up with another pack of lies on which to conduct their next campaign and unfortunately Zimbabweans quickly forget that this is the party that in 2013 promised jobs which we have never seen. I really wish Zimbabweans could be wiser this time round and find a way to change from the dictatorship party into some better government that we can put on a very short leash and make them deliver what they promise.Q: With President (Robert) Mugabe at 93, and his party having already endorsed him as the candidate for 2018 elections, what's your take?A: That is a very short-sighted move and abuse of the elderly. They really need to let Mugabe go and rest. He has failed us as a nation and them as a party. It is just another way they are conning us as a nation everyone knows that the president can no longer perform at the level we need so as to fix the economic chaos so please Zanu-PF let the old man go write his memoirs.Q: How, in your view, has the Zanu-PF infighting impacted on our economy?A: It has a very negative effect as it shows that the State has been captured and that very little work can be done without factional fighting stopping it. The factionalism is now pronounced in many different parts of government, security sector and Zanu-PF spaces. It is very worrying. However, I worry if it is purposefully over-reported or sensationalised by some rascals as a way to preoccupy us so we don't dwell on our real issues. Distraction seems to be the current method to keep us from rebelling. I think we should rather watch TV series than follow this nonsense and allow Zanu-PF to implode and pay attention when something rises from the ashes.Q: What do you say about the opposition parties?A: Their weaknesses are that they have become too focused on positions and got too comfortable during the GNU. I wish they could be more serious about formulating real blueprint on what needs to be done with Zimbabwe and not just copy and paste solutions from elsewhere. I wish they could challenge themselves to be more creative on how to conduct election campaigns and how to engage citizens and civics. I wish they could see constructive criticism when it is given and find ways to correct their mistakes. I wish they could stop taking us for granted that we will vote for them because we don't like Zanu-PF. That is disrespecting us and they will not deserve to win if they do that once again.Q: Who do you think is going to be Zimbabwe's next president and why?A: I could not hazard a guess because I think we are in for a surprise.Q: Away from activism what else do you do?A: I am never away from activism, it is in my blood and I take it to all the spaces I am in. I am a part time road runner chicken breeder and pay my bills by selling my birds. I find chicken rearing to be a therapy for me to reduce the effects of the persecution I have suffered from Zanu-PF. I have Makhaya chickens and Boschveld which is a super Makhaya breed. My new venture is in selling chicken feed which I formulate. I also belong to a network of farmers and we help each other to grow our flocks and build our business.
Are you planning a road tripping adventure any time soon?
If so, then you might want to steer yourself through some of the world's craziest driving rules just to cover your back.
A new infographic, released by vwmotorparts.com, reveals some of the wacky road regulations that are set to take you by surprise.
For instance, in Alaska it is illegal to strap a dog to the roof of a vehicle - we'd hope this would go without saying.
While in some parts of Cyprus, drivers will be fined for eating or drinking behind the wheel - even water!
Scroll down for 13 of the more unusual motoring laws from around the globe...
On the right track: A new infographic released by vwmotorparts.com reveals some of the wacky road regulations that are set to take you by surprise
Naked truth: Whether you're male or female, you could get fined for driving without a shirt on in Thailand
Bethenny Frankel announced in late May that she had split from businessman Dennis Shields after less than a year of dating.
And only two weeks later the Real Housewives Of New York City vet was spotted strolling with another man.
The 46-year-old Skinnygirl founder - who has a daughter with ex-husband Jason Hoppy - wore a coverup as she left the beach in the Hamptons with New York event planner Russ Theriot, 37. E! News has claimed they have been dating for weeks.
New kid in town? Bethenny Frankel was seen with 'new beau' Russ Theriot on Sunday as they strolled in the Hamptons area of Long Island, New York
No bikini shots today: The 46-year-old Skinnygirl founder - who has a daughter with ex-husband Jason Hoppy - wore a coverup
Frankel had on a white embroidered Mexican style shirt with a poncho style over a red string bikini.
The reality diva added a cowboy hat and sunglasses to stay under the radar. She appeared to be makeup free.
Russ, who owns The Crew Events in NYC, wore a white T-shirt with a white sweatshirt tied around his waist and black shorts. He too had on sunglasses.
Hunky and funky: Russ often posts cheesy pinup shots on Instagram like this one
The Danger Zone: Here he is dressed like Tom Cruise's Maverick from Top Gun
Theriot tried his hand at acting in New York City in his twenties.
Then he went on to become a businessman, eventually landing at an events company.
The heartthrob is known for posting beefcake images to Instagram with his shirt off so he can show off his six pack. In one shot he was dressed as Tom Cruise's character, fighter pilot Maverick, from the 1986 movie Top Gun.
Hampton cowgirl: The star had her look down, complete with Cartier LOVE bracelets
Hola: Frankel had on a white embroidered Mexican style shirt with a poncho style over a red bikini
In hiding: The reality diva added a cowboy hat and sunglasses to stay under the radar
A source has told DailyMail.com the star is not currently serious with Russ.
The friend added: 'She is having fun doing her thing and is keeping busy with her daughter and work. She is dating, but there is nothing serious.'
Bethenny last dated Shields, who was a longtime friend before things turned romantic.
He was also going through a divorce with his wife of many years.
Man candy: Russ wore a white T-shirt with a white sweatshirt tied around his waist and black shorts. He too had on sunglasses
Hot out of the city: Frankel was smart to escape the humidity in NYC
Frankel has become a mega success thanks to Skinnygirl, but her love life has been a struggle.
The star had a difficult divorce from Hoppy, who she had arrested this year on stalking charges.
Romances that followed were brief as she often said she needed to work on herself before falling in love again.
Love? A source told DailyMail.com that she is not serious about Russ
Chilled? The TV wonder also carried a striped cover up
This sighting comes after Bethenny shared eye-popping Instagram post of herself wearing a barely-there pink bikini while contorting into wheel pose - on top of a car.
Quoting the 1980 Diana Ross song Upside Down, she wrote in her caption: 'Upside down you're turnin' me.'
She added: '#WheelPose helps ur energy & is a great stretch.'
A little more humble: Here the entrepreneur looks more like a regular guy at home
Earlier that day, she'd shared a selfie in which her hair had been exquisitely coiffed and she gave the camera a slightly weary-looking stare through a cake of makeup.
'I got the face on, now who's gonna get me out of these pjs?' Bethenny captioned the photo, which captured her in a short-sleeved white-flecked blue pajama top.
The sharp-tongued Bravo babe was posting to her Instagram Story on Saturday too, wearing a turquoise two-piece and a straw hat.
'Upside down you're turnin' me': Frankel shared an eye-popping Instagram post of herself wearing a barely-there pink bikini while contorting into wheel pose - on top of a car
'I got the face on': Earlier that day, she'd shared a selfie in which her hair had been exquisitely coiffed and she gave the camera a slightly weary-looking stare through a cake of makeup
One video showed the Skinnygirl impresaria standing poolside as she worked at an impressively high tower of small wooden blocks that hadn't yet toppled over.
As she leaned forward, slowly removing one block from a high level while trying to leave the structure standing, she said: 'All right, this means we're getting toward 31.'
Once she'd pulled off the trick, she cried out: 'Ho-ho-ho!' and flung up her arms in victory, heading toward camera and offering a glimpse at her cat-eye shades.
The look: The sharp-tongued Real Housewife Of New York City was posting to her Instagram Story on Saturday too, wearing a turquoise two-piece and a straw hat
'...we're getting toward 31': One video showed the SkinnyGirl impresaria standing poolside as she worked at an impressively high tower of small wooden blocks that hadn't yet toppled over
Next came a video taken much closer up of her moving a block up to the summit of the tower as she pointed out: 'We're at 31 now. It's a nail-biter. Just put that one on.'
Her Snapchat Story on Saturday played host to an image of herself wearing the selfsame bikini, hat and sunglasses as she lounged on a white outdoor sofa.
She was cradling Smalls, one of the two Lhasa Apsos - the other called Biggie - that Bethenny adopted late last year. She'd already got a third dog called Cookie.
She insists that she is not involved romantically with Scott Disick despite the two hanging out together in recent weeks.
And Sofia Richie was seen sans Scott Disick on Monday as she went solo for a coffee run in Beverly Hills.
The 18-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie wore a matching green Adidas tracksuit and black Adidas NMD City Sock running shoes for the casual errand.
All by herself: Sofia Richie, 18, was seen sans 'homie' Scott Disick on Monday as she went solo for a coffee run in Beverly Hills
She wore her chopped blonde hair in a straight style parted down the center and added huge white sunglasses by illesteva to shield most of her make-free complexion.
The model, who was recently getting chummy with Scott Disick in Cannes, spent most of her time on the phone while she held her iced coffee with her other hand.
She had a black handbag that she carried around her left forearm to protect the rest of her possessions while grabbing her caffeine jolt.
Casual: She wore her chopped blonde hair styled straight and parted down the center and white illesteva sunglasses
Though Sofia has gone out of her way to dispel any rumors of a fling between the two, the pair have were recently spotted with Sofia holding onto to Scott's arm as the two walked together during a recent outing at the swanky Nobu Malibu restaurant.
Of course it seems both parties have been keeping in touch since their recent debaucherous trip to Cannes.
Scott had tried his best to get flirtatious with Sofia two weeks ago while they both enjoyed a jaunt on a yacht.
But apparently Sofia was having none of it, with the teen seen blocking his would-be advances.
Multi-tasking teen: The model, who was recently getting chummy with Scott Disick in Cannes, spent most of her time on the phone while she held her iced coffee with her other hand
She later took to Twitter to slam suggestions she was anything more than friends with the 34-year-old.
Sofia tweeted: 'Just so everyone can get their panties out of their a**es, Scott and I are just homies #relax.'
Infamously, prior to the trip, Scott had proclaimed himself a 'horrible sex addict'
The father-of-three confessed to his 'condition' earlier in May on Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
He recently sought professional help for mental health issues and addiction following an aggressive breakdown earlier this year.
And on Tuesday, Grant Hackett spoke publicly about his reaction to comedian Dave Hughes, who mocked the champion swimmer at the Logies.
In April, KIIS FM radio host Dave raised eyebrows when he appeared to make light of Grant's mental health struggles while hosting TV's night of nights but the Olympic swimmer said it was water off a duck's back.
No harm done: Grant Hackett spoke publicly this week about his reaction to comedian Dave Hughes, who mocked the champion swimmer at the Logies
'I actually contacted Dave after that and said 'no harm done on my end' - I can see the funny side of all that,' he told Kyle and Jackie O.
'I just don't see the point of [being angry] I said to Hughesy 'it's almost Un-Australian not to be able to cop a little slack and for people to take the piss out of you a little bit.'
Earlier this year, Dave called for Olympian 'whingey' after a private feud with his brother Craig.
'I actually contacted Dave after that and said 'no harm done on my end' - I can see the funny side of all that,' he told Kyle and Jackie O
All good: Dave revealed he recently stumbled across a message that Grant had sent to the comedian on Instagram on May 13
'I love Grant Hackett. He's a great Australian, but he's been a bit whingey,' Dave said during his Logies monolgue.
'See him on Instagram, put a selfie of himself with a black eye and said, 'Look what my brother did'. That's what brothers do, Grant, be a dick and they give you a clip. Look on the bright side, you could be Kim Jong-un's brother.'
Last month, media personality Dave revealed on the Hughesy & Kate show, that Grant had contacted him about the joke and that not seeing the funny side was 'un-Australian.'
Nasty gash: Grant previously shared this snap on Instagram after accusing his brother Craig of 'beating the s*** out of me' during a dispute back in January
Speaking with his on-air co-host Kate Langbroek about the controversial monologue, Dave admitted that Grant was the only person who hadn't contacted him about the joke.
However, he recently stumbled across a message that Grant had sent to the comedian on Instagram on May 13.
Dave proceeded to read the message on-air: Hi Dave, I hope you're well, mate,' the message began. 'I saw the press back home on the Logies. Just letting you know all good from my end, bud.
Family feud? The Olympian has since repaired his relationship with Craig (pictured R). Also pictured Grant (L) and their mum Margaret Hackett (C) on Mother's Day last year
'I know it's all light-hearted humour and if you can't take the p**s out of stuff then it's almost un-Australian. I love your humour, I'm sure I'll see you around the place. All the best, Hacky.'
The joke in question was inspired by Grant's highly publicised breakdown, earlier this year and claims that he was assaulted by his brother.
'He's been a bit whingey,' Dave said in the monologue. 'See him on Instagram, put a selfie of himself with a black eye and said, 'Look what my brother did.'
Dave didn't let it rest their either, with the funnyman quipping that Grant was lucky he hadn't ended up like dead like the brother of North Korea ruler Kim Jong Un, who was assassinated in Singapore.
Water under the bridge: 'I know it's all light-hearted humour and if you can't take the p**s out of stuff then it's almost un-Australian,' Grant said in the message
'That's what brothers do, Grant, be a d**k and they give you a clip. Look on the bright side, you could be Kim Jong Un's brother.
Grant made headlines in Australia in February when he was arrested after a disturbance at his parent's house.
The swimmer was later released without charge.
He was then hospitalised amid fears for his safety and has been based in the US for the past three months while working on his recovery.
Model and author Sophie Dahl looked beautiful in a plunging navy jumpsuit at the Save The Elephants charity dinner on Monday night.
She managed to strike the perfect balance of classiness with a hint of sexiness as she attended the evening held at The Orangery in London.
With its neckline finishing at her sternum, Sophie, 39, teased at her cleavage, whilst displaying her slender physique in the form-fitting jumpsuit.
Scroll down for video
Leggy: Sophie Dahl, 39, looked very busty in a plunging navy jumpsuit at the Save The Elephants charity dinner held at The Orangery in London on Monday
Angelic: British actress Anna Friel looked beautiful in a white chiffon gown with a collar and a red lip
Meanwhile, British actress Anna Friel looked beautiful in a white chiffon gown with a collar and a red lip.
Anna added an elegant touch with a pair of diamond drop earrings, and styled her brunette tresses into an updo.
She gave a quirky touch to the ladylike look with the addition of a miniature boxy bag, which was adorned with a bird illustration.
Chic: Anna added an elegant touch with a pair of diamond drop earrings, and styled her brunette tresses into an updo
Trendy: She posed for photos with Ruth Wilson, who kept comfortable in a stylish pair of studded sandals, and layered a long necklace over a black velvet choker
Stunning: Anna gave a quirky touch to the ladylike look with the addition of a miniature boxy bag, which was adorned with a bird illustration
Meanwhile, Cara Delevingne, 24, proudly displayed her elephant inking as she attended the dinner.
Wearing a ruffled teal gown, the model-turned-actress - who has recently shaved her head for a film role - looked beautiful as she enjoyed the evening.
Her stunning gown featured a sheer chiffon overlay which she layered over a matching bodysuit.
Adorable: Cara Delevingne, 24, proudly displayed her elephant inking
Sweet: She's known for her love of inking her body, and got a sweet elephant tattoo last year
The ensemble ensured that she flashed the tops of her lithe pins, whilst semi-concealing the rest of their length with an abundance of ruffles.
The gown gathered at her chest to flare out prettily over her shoulders, and she styled it with the addition of an edgy studded belt.
Cara wore lashings of delicate gold Tiffany & Co. jewellery, including several chunky gold rings.
Her closely cropped hair showed off her beautiful face, and she accentuated her striking blue eyes with heavy smokey eye make up.
Cara - whose life motto is 'embrace your weirdness' - already has a lion tattooed on her right hand as well as the elephant on her right arm.
She also famously let her fellow suicide squad star Margot Robbie ink her toes.
Leggy: As Cara ascended the stairs of the grand location, her chiffon gown kicked out beautifully over her legs and displayed her black lace up heels
Stunning: Her stunning gown featured a sheer chiffon overlay which she layered over a matching bodysuit. The ensemble ensured that she flashed the tops of her lithe pins
Pretty: The gown gathered at her chest to flare out prettily over her shoulders, and she styled it with the addition of an edgy studded belt
She posed for photos with Victoria's Secret model Doutzen Kroes, who hosted the dinner alongside PORTER magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Yeomans.
Doutzen, 32, looked beautiful in a dramatic floor-sweeping black gown, and scraped her dark blonde hair off her face.
She fastened a diamante elephant brooch to her chest, and sported bronze smokey eye make-up.
Striking: Her closely cropped hair showed off her beautiful face, and she accentuated her striking blue eyes with heavy smokey eye make up
Individual: Cara - whose life motto is 'embrace your weirdness' - already has a lion tattooed on her right hand as well as the elephant on her right arm
Model behaviour: She posed for photos with Victoria's Secret model Doutzen Kroes, who hosted the dinner alongside Net-a-Porter editor-in-chief Lucy Yeomans
Gothic: Doutzen, 32, looked beautiful in a dramatic floor-sweeping black gown, and scraped her dark blonde hair off her face
Dramatic: She fastened a diamante elephant brooch to her chest, and sported bronze smokey eye make-up
She posed with her handsome DJ husband Sunnery James, who wore a smart black tuxedo.
The pair, who have two children together, six year old son Phyllon and two year old daughter Myllen, have been married since 2010.
They showed that they were more loved-up than ever as they affectionately looked at one another whilst being photographed.
Happy couple: She posed with her handsome DJ husband Sunnery James, who wore a smart black tuxedo
Blissful: They showed that they were more loved-up than ever as they affectionately looked at one another whilst being photographed
Beauty: Doutzen looked fresh-faced and youthful as she sported glowing make-up
Also present at the exclusive charity event, which was held to raise money to help protect elephants from ivory poaching, was British film actress Ruth Wilson, who stunned in a mustard silk maxi dress.
She gave a nod to the elephant theme with a long embroidered elephant cardigan, and styled her hair into a chic plaited updo.
Ruth kept comfortable in a stylish pair of studded sandals, and layered a long necklace over a black velvet choker.
Chic: British film actress Ruth Wilson, gave a nod to the elephant theme with a long embroidered elephant cardigan, and styled her hair into a chic plaited updo
Leading the glamour: Arizona Muse, Caroline Weinberg, Natalia Vodianova, Cara Delevingne and Doutzen Kroes all looked sensational in their eveningwear
Also present at the dinner were models Arizona Muse and Natalia Vodianova, who posed for photos with the other catwalk queens.
Arizona wore a mustard yellow silk gown, which exposed her decolletage, and carried her belongings in a black clutch, wearing a gold Carolina Bucci cuff.
Natalia sported a black gown, which featured a structural bow stiffened to create a dramatic silhouette.
Evergreen: Samantha Cameron wore a long forest green gown by Cefinn as she posed for a photo with Lucy Yeomans, who co-hosted the dinner
Floor-sweeping: Natalia Vodianova, Lucy Yeomans, Samantha Cameron and Doutzen Kroes looked sensational in their dramatic looks
Stunning: Doutzen's classy gown skimmed over her supermodel physique, while Samantha styled her brunette locks into a bouncy shoulder-length 'do, and swept her fringe over her face
Line-up: Pictured L-R Bernard Lesirin, Jean Campbell, Caroline Weinberg, Arizona Muse, Natalia Vodianova, Lucy Yeomans, Cara Delevingne, Doutzen Kroes and David Daballen
Chatting away: Natalia Vodioanova and Naomi Campbell were deep in conversation
Looking fabulous: Peter Dundas, Cara Delevingne, and Doutzen Kroes looked amazing at the event
She's settling into single life after splitting with her husband earlier this year.
And Joanna Krupa looked to be enjoying the new found freedom as she was seen on a lunch date in Beverly Hills on Monday.
The 38-year-old stunner was ready for summer in a a skimpy ensemble as she met up with music attorney John Branca for a friendly al fresco meal.
Stunner: Joanna Krupa, 38, was seen on a lunch date in Beverly Hills on Monday
The Real Housewife Of Miami alum dazzled in tiny cut off denim shorts that accentuated her impossibly long legs.
Her LPA Bodysuit 249 let her gorgeous skin tone shine as her shoulders and decolletage were revealed.
The model slipped into a soft pink pair of heels and went virtually accessory free except for a stylish black purse with gold chains.
Model behavior: The model looked ready for summer in a skimpy ensemble
Balancing act: The Real Housewife Of Miami alum dazzled in tiny cut off denim shorts that accentuated her impossibly long legs
Meeting up: She met up with music attorney John Branca for a friendly al fresco meal
Daring to impress, Joanna went with minimal make-up, hardly in need of any thanks to her amazing complexion.
She kept her trademark golden tresses long and loose as they cascaded over her petite shoulders.
Perhaps Joanna has a secret to share as she put her finger up to her lips as she posed for the camera.
Minimal: Daring to impress, Joanna went with minimal make-up, hardly in need of any thanks to her amazing complexion
Dazzle: Her LPA Bodysuit 249 let her gorgeous skin tone shine as her shoulders and decolletage were revealed
Mums the word: Perhaps Joanna has a secret to share as she put her finger up to her lips as she posed for the camera
Always one to try something new, Joanna may be discussing a music career as she made her way to the lunch with Branca, who is a powerful influence in the industry.
The pair shared a kiss on the cheek as they met outside by the restaurant.
They walked together back to the valet with a sure stride that inferred the meeting was quite a success.
Nibbles: The pair shared a kiss on the cheek as they met outside by the restaurant
Beginnings: Always one to try something new, Joanna may be discussing a music career as she made her way to the lunch with Branca, who is a powerful influence in the industry
Meanwhile, it was revealed in May that the blonde beauty had separated from husband Romain Zago in December.
A source told E! that the couple 'just grew apart', after being married for three years.
Since the split, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant has been romantically linked to businessman Nico Santucci.
The Voice Australia fans were left disappointed during Sunday night's episode after the program's official app reportedly crashed.
And Spencer Jones has expressed concerns over the new voting system, saying he is worried his demographic might not be comfortable using mobile technology.
'I was apprehensive,' said the 48-year-old told TV Week. 'A lot of my fans are my age - I was worried they wouldn't get it or understand how to use it.'
Doubts: The Voice's Spencer Jones expressed concerns over the show's voting system, saying he was worried people in his age group might not be comfortable using app technology
While Spencer isn't convinced about the new system, he said it is a sign of the times.
'I think it's a reflection of our society and where we're heading,' he said.
'We just have to accept that it's not the old telephone anymore.'
Too old for technology? 'I was apprehensive,' Spencer told TV Week. ' A lot of my fans are my age - I was worried they wouldn't get it or understand how to use it'
The Team Kelly member was lucky to stay in the competition after finding himself in the bottom two on Sunday's second live show.
He ended up making it through to the top ten, beating out Bojesse Pigram with his stunning rendition of James Bay's Hold Back The River.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.
They're not happy! The Voice fans complained on Twitter the show's official app 'crashed' during Sunday night's episode, meaning their votes were possibly not counted
Furious viewers accused Channel Nine's program of being 'fixed' or 'rigged' after they were unable to support their favourite performers when the app reportedly crashed during Sunday's episode.
One angry fan tweeted: 'Wow, way to go channel 9. The bloody app failed. So just how fair and accurate was the voting tonight?'
During the episode, viewers alleged they were experiencing technical difficulties with the app, which they claimed either 'froze', 'crashed' or didn't allow them to vote.
This led some Twitter users to the rather unlikely conclusion that The Voice producers had deliberately sabotaged the app to 'fix' the results.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting this is the case.
'Rigged couldn't get into app to vote, check results again,' a fan tweeted.
'Just how fair and accurate was the voting tonight?' Viewers accused Channel Nine's program of being 'fixed' or 'rigged' after they were unable to support their favourite performers
Another wrote: 'Why didn't you do a revote? Your app didn't work! Incorrect results, this is wrong!'
'App not working. Makes me wonder how the "votes are counted". Spencer for me!' read an additional comment.
Meanwhile, others confirmed that their votes were eventually counted, despite previously having problems with the app.
'Why didn't you do a revote?' A Twitter fan claimed the results of the vote would be 'incorrect' due to the reported technical problems with the app
What a relief! Meanwhile, other viewers confirmed that their votes were eventually counted, despite previously experiencing problems with the app
At the climax of Sunday's episode, Spencer Jones and Bojesse Pigram from Kelly Rowland's team competed in a sing-off.
Eventually, Bojesse was eliminated from the competition.
It's been seven months since Bella Hadid split with The Weeknd, and the 20-year-old is moving on with Australian model Jordan Barrett.
The stunning star was spotted cozying up to the renowned bad boy through a window of her New York City apartment on Monday.
Wearing nothing but a white tank top and a pair of Brazilian-cut black panties, Bella was seen putting on a flirtatious display for the 20-year-old.
Heating up... Bella Hadid was spotted getting cozy with fellow model Jordan Barrett in her New York City apartment on Monday
Cheeky: Wearing nothing but a white tank top and a pair of Brazilian-cut black panties, Bella was seen putting on a flirtatious display for the 20-year-old hunk
With her bottom out on display, the brunette babe was seen posing for a series of sexy photos in front of what appeared to have been her living room window.
Clearly unconcerned about leaving imprints on the glass, the bombshell was even spotted pressing her bare bottom up against the window.
Jordan watched on as a female friend took pictures of the star showing off for the camera.
At one stage, Bella was seen sidling up to the shirtless hunk, who had made himself comfortable on her sofa.
Getting flirty... The 20-year-old model was also seen affectionately stroking the Australian model's face as Jordan laughed
Making contact: Clearly unconcerned about leaving imprints on the glass, the bombshell was even spotted pressing her bare bottom up against the window
Butt out: With her bottom out on display, the brunette babe was seen posing for a series of sexy photos in front of what appeared to have been her living room window
The look of love... Jordan was spotted gazing adoringly at the stunning beauty as she chatted with him on her couch
After setting up her cell phone on the windowsill, the pair were seen playfully snapping a series of selfies together as Bella climbed all over the sexy model.
She was also seen affectionately stroking his face as Jordan laughed.
Later, the two took their flirt fest to the balcony, where they appeared to continue to snap a series of selfies.
Getting close: At one stage, Bella was seen sidling up to the shirtless hunk, who had made himself comfortable on her sofa
Prime position: After setting up her cell phone on the windowsill, the pair were seen playfully snapping a series of selfies together
Out of hiding: At one stage, the unconcerned beauty appeared to have spotted a photographer, but carried on without hesitation
The great outdoors: Later, the two took their flirt fest to the balcony, where they appeared to continue to snap a series of selfies
After pulling on white T-shirt, Jordan stuck close to the smiling beauty as they chatted and took in the view from outside.
Just hours later, the rumored new couple attended a Charity Foundation Party together.
While appearing to arrive separately, Jordan and Bella stuck close to one another inside the event.
Going public: Just hours later, the rumored new couple attended a Charity Foundation Party together with Bella sporting ROBERI & FRAUD sunglasses
Reunited and it feels so good... While appearing to arrive separately, Jordan and Bella stuck close to one another inside the event
Appearing to have both just emerged from the shower, both models were seen arriving with slightly wet hair as they made their way inside.
It's not the first time the pair have been seen spending time together.
Last month, they were spotted hanging out on a yacht in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival.
Joking around: After pulling on white T-shirt, Jordan stuck close to the smiling beauty as they chatted and laughed
Room with a view: At one stage, the genetically blessed pair were spotted looking out at the view over Manhattan
Something in the hair: Bella was spotted ruffling her shoulder-length locks while continuing to stare at her cell phone
Really, really ridiculously good-looking... Jordan also appeared to have pulled out some of his own trademark modeling poses
Jordan even took to social media to share a photo of the two of them lazing about on a white lounge, as they laid side-by-side on the luxury boat.
In the photo, Bella wears nothing but a lacy white bikini and a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses.
Meanwhile, Jordan is dressed in only a pair of black striped pants.
Becoming a habit: It's not the first time the pair have been seen together. Last month, they were spotted hanging out on a yacht in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival
Playboy: The Australian model has something of a reputation, having previously been linked to Hailey Baldwin, Sofia Richie and Lara Stone
Lying around: Last month, Jordan took to social media to share a photo of the two of them lazing about on a white lounge onboard a yacht in Cannes
A fully clothed man lies on the other side of Bella, and all three appear to be taking a nap in the French sunshine.
'Catch up on them Zzzzz's...' he captioned the photo.
Bella is just the latest in a long list of model conquests for the Byron Bay-born stud.
He's previously been linked to Hailey Baldwin, Sofia Richie and Lara Stone.
Ariel Winter was photographed heading out in Los Angeles on Monday in a relaxed ensemble that included a cleavage-baring blue and white checked shirt.
She'd buttoned on the frayed top over a pair of tiny denim shorts, tying her red hair into a high ponytail and slipping on a black pair of high-heeled boots.
The 19-year-old Modern Family actress, who's currently dating 29-year-old Levi Meaden, had slicked her red hair severely back and wound it into a ponytail.
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Aglow: Ariel Winter was photographed heading out in Los Angeles on Monday in a relaxed ensemble that included a cleavage-baring blue and white checked shirt
Ariel had been joined on her sunlit stroll out by a female friend, and the pair were spotted heading into a location of the frozen yogurt shop Menchie's.
Ariel recently chatted to Refinery29 and said of her romance with Levi, with its decade-wide age gap: 'Im happy, and whatever people want to say, they can say.'
Said she: 'I dont understand why someone would even comment on our situation at all. There are tons of people of all ages that live with their boyfriend.'
On the go: She'd buttoned on the frayed top over a pair of tiny denim shorts, tying her red hair into a high ponytail and slipping on a black pair of high-heeled boots
A place in the sun: The 19-year-old Modern Family actress, who's currently dating 29-year-old Levi Meaden, had slicked her red hair severely back and wound it into a ponytail
Company: Ariel had been joined on her sunlit stroll out by a female friend, and the pair were spotted heading into a location of the frozen yogurt shop Menchie's
Conversely, as she's noted, 'There are tons of people that live with their girlfriends, [and] tons of people that dont live together and are super happy. But I'm super happy in the arrangement that we have. We love living together. Its just great.'
The teenager rhapsodized: 'I have to say he is the most incredible person Ive ever met and that Im so lucky to be with him. Hes always complimenting me and making me feel special and beautiful,' she confided.
'We went grocery shopping today, and I was in, like, a weird T-shirt that I kind of hate and my semi-pajama pants, and he still took the time to tell me that I look pretty.'
Holding forth: Ariel recently gave an interview to Refinery29 and said of her relationship with Levi, with its decade-wide age gap: 'Im happy, and whatever people want to say, they can say'
Giving her view: Said she: 'I dont understand why someone would even comment on our situation at all,' adding: 'There are tons of people of all ages that live with their boyfriend'
Ariel's shared in the interview that 'Even when I do feel bad about myself, hes just there to support me and pick me back up when Im feeling down.'
At another point, she'd touched on body image, noting: 'Its hard to be positive about your body all the time. I know because Im honest about my insecurities that people think Im 100% positive about my body all the time, but Im not.'
Ariel's confessed that 'I get really uncomfortable, too,' explaining that 'I just remind myself that this is the body I was given. This is who I am,' she's proclaimed.
She also chewed over fashion and beauty tics, saying: 'Im definitely a makeup at the beach person, and I dont care if people think I look ridiculous - its my beach day!'
Whatever works: Conversely, as she's noted, 'There are tons of people that live with their girlfriends, [and] tons of people that dont live together and are super happy'
Brimming with affection: The teenager rhapsodized: 'I have to say he is the most incredible person Ive ever met and that Im so lucky to be with him'
Quoth Ariel: 'Whether I want to go natural or with makeup or in sweatpants, thats up to me. People are so stressed out about how theyre going to look in their bathing suits that they forget to go to the beach because they want to go to the beach, which defeats the whole purpose. The beach should be a safe space.'
When the conversation turned to future episodes and plotlines on Modern Family, she held forth that: 'I hope to see Alex evolve more as an adult.'
She's said: 'I love that shes in college and that she still gets home to see her family,' but wants 'more storylines about Alex developing her romantic relationship and and also just developing her relationships with other people in general.'
As Ariel's elaborated: 'Id want to see her branch out and have some fun and grow socially a little bit so the world can see that shes not a kid anymore.'
The looks: She also chewed over fashion and beauty tics, saying: 'Im definitely a makeup at the beach person, and I dont care if people think I look ridiculous - its my beach day!'
Her relationship with DIY: SOS presenter Nick Knowles came to a bitter end at the end of last year.
But former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten hasn't wasted any time in finding a new man - and has paraded him out for the newest edition of OK! Magazine this week.
Having met Scott Walker - who is a film producer - three months ago, not only are the couple having more success than Gemma and Nick ever did, they have already decided to live together.
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'He loves me for me and sticks by his word!' Gemma Oaten throws shade at ex Nick Knowles as she gushes over new man Scott Walker... insisting that she's 'never been in love before now'
'Scott makes me realise Ive actually never been in love before,' Gemma, 33, told the publication. 'Hes made me realise what unconditional love is, and I dont think Id ever understood what that is.
'The difference with Scott to anybody Ive been with in the past is that he loves me for me and sticks by his word.'
The pair have rapidly moved in with each other, after just a few weeks.
I got the place [in London], and Gemma was looking for a new place anyway, so it made sense,' Scott explained.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned: Scott makes me realise Ive actually never been in love before,' Gemma, 33, told the publication. 'Hes made me realise what unconditional love is, and I dont think Id ever understood what that is'
Its weird as Ive never lived with anybody before, except at drama school,' Gemma added. 'I thought it was going to be a massive thing because Im used to coming and going as I please. But now it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
To add even more to the drastic change in circumstances, Scott has children and they live with the couple.
The full interview is in the latest edition of OK! Magazine
'I have two wonderful children,' he explained.
'I think all we need to say is theyre very accepting of us, and very happy.' Gemma added.
The couple's relationship comes after Gemma embarked on a short lived romance with Nick, who she met at the TV Choice Awards in September.
Nick immediately whisked her off for a romantic dinner after the glitzy award ceremony and they began dating, eight months after Nick's separation from wife Jessica Knowles.
But when pictures emerged of the pair enjoying a romantic getaway in Edinburgh, the 54-year-old star abruptly broke up with Gemma.
Nick returned to Jessica, 28, and supported her as she battled cervical cancer.
By January they decided to separate but remained on good terms for the sake of their son, Eddie.
Ice Cube received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday.
The 47-year-old rapper-actor, whose real name is O'Shea Jackson, posed alongside his honor on Hollywood Boulevard outside the Musicians Institute.
He kept it classic in a black Los Angeles Dodgers cap with a short-sleeved button-up Dickies black shirt, black jeans and black leather Nike sneakers.
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Happy day: Ice Cube, 47, smiled Monday as he posed with a plaque marking his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
High-profile pals such as John Singleton and rapper WC were in attendance at the unveiling, where the veteran entertainer thanked his parents Doris Benjamin and Hosea Jackson for their support in his showbiz endeavors.
'Thank you mama for always supporting whatever I wanted to do, whether you was with it or not, you said, "As long as it kept you off the street, you can do it,"' he said, according to ABC7. 'A lot of guys don't have their fathers around, and if you want to make a man like this, stay around your sons. Stay around your kids.'
WC, Ice Cube's collaborator in his group Westside Connection, sparked the crowd with a reference to Ice Cube's 1992 hit It Was A Good Day by asking the audience, 'Today was a good day, ain't it y'all?'
Heart of the city: The rapper's star is located on Hollywood Boulevard outside the Musicians Institute
Family first: The rapper paid tribute to his mother and father for their unwavering support
Good friends: Ice Cube posed between his pals, rapper WC (L) and filmmaker John Singleton (R), who both spoke at the ceremony
We got the beat: The rapper posed alongside his former N.W.A. peer Dr. Dre
WC, whose full name is William Loshawn Calhoun, Jr., praised Ice Cube for the social impact he made with his music both as a solo artist and as one of the members of the rap group N.W.A.
'One thing I can say that he did better than most was utilize his lyrics to wake up spirits,' said WC, 47.
Lots to say: The outspoken entertainer made headlines over the weekend after his blunt criticism of Bill Maher on Real Time Friday, following the host's recent controversy
Proud day: Ice Cube posed with his family on the sentimental occasion
Throwback: The rapper recently re-released his 1992 album Death Certificate to mark its 25-year anniversary
Famed filmmaker Singleton credited Ice Cube for his performance in his acclaimed 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, as he said he 'wouldn't have a career if it wasn't for' the performer, who played Doughboy in the drama.
The role helped Ice Cube's career as well, leading to subsequent films such as Friday, Barbershop and Ride Along, and their sequels.
Ice Cube, a producer on the 2015 N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, recently re-released his 1992 album Death Certificate in commemoration of its 25th anniversary, adding three new tracks to the record.
Just last month, he was spotted hanging out with Bella Hadid on a yacht during Cannes Film Festival.
And ladies man Jordan Barrett enjoyed the company of the stunning brunette again, at her New York City apartment on Monday.
Shortly beforehand, the 20-year-old Byron Bay native looked hot, sweaty and red faced, as he emerged from a chauffeured car.
Hot and sweaty: Jordan Barrett, 20, appeared redfaced as he emerged from a limo with Bella Hadid, before the pair spent time together in her New York City apartment on Monday
For his off-duty look, Jordan sported a white T-shirt with a graphic of actress Drew Barrymore emblazoned on the front.
Loose-fitting linen pants, black leather slides and a jacket carried in one hand, finished off the attire.
With his signature blonde locks swept into a ponytail, Jordan appeared sweaty and red faced.
Low-key: For his off-duty look, the ladies man sported a white T-shirt with a graphic of actress Drew Barrymore emblazoned on the front, loose-fitting linen pants and black leather slides
Extras: Jordan carried a black jacket and his iPhone in one hand as he exited his chauffeur-driven car
The sighting comes shortly before Jordan put on a flirtatious display with Bella, 20, at her New York City apartment.
Seated at the window, the younger sister of Gigi Hadid wore nothing but a white tank top and a pair of Brazilian-cut black underwear.
With her bottom on display, Bella was seen posing for a series of sexy photos in front of what appeared to have been her living room window.
In profile: With his signature blonde locks swept into a ponytail, Jordan appeared sweaty and redfaced
Chic: Bella Hadid, 20, followed closely behind, sporting a white dress shirt, black corset, flared pants and platform heels
Clearly unconcerned about leaving imprints on the glass, the bombshell was seen pressing her bare bottom up against the window.
At one stage, Bella was seen sidling up to the shirtless hunk, who had made himself comfortable on her sofa.
Just hours later, the pair attended a Charity Foundation Party together.
While appearing to arrive separately, Jordan and Bella stuck close to one another inside the event.
Up close: The sighting comes shortly before Jordan put on a flirtatious display with Bella at her New York City apartment
Cheeky: Clearly unconcerned about leaving imprints on the glass, the bombshell was seen pressing her bare bottom up against the window
Drying off: Jordan was seen wrapped up in a towel as he stood in his hotel window
Keeping it casual: The star sported a low key white outfit and hotel slippers
The sighting comes just weeks after the duo were spotted lounging on a yacht during Cannes Film Festival.
They engaged in friendly conversation, with Bella flaunting her figure in lingerie-inspired swimmers.
Jordan couldn't resist sharing an Instagram photo from his trip to the South of France, posing with Bella and film producer Mohammed Al Turki.
'Catch up on them Zzzzz's,' he wrote in the caption.
Jordan has previously been linked to a bevvy of beauties including Lara Stone, Sofia Richie, Hailey Baldwin and Georgia Fowler.
Heading off: Jordan was seen piling into a taxi with his pals, including Bella
Joking around: The male model was in his element as he chatted to the girls
She's a bikini model turned fashion designer.
And Natalie Roser has found a winning formula when it comes to her new collection of jumpsuits, which she claims are flying off shelves in America.
The 27-year-old told The Daily Telegraph her risque designs suit 'all body types', and are even being purchased by teenagers as a prom dress alternative.
That's a bold claim! Bikini model-turned-fashion designer Natalie Roser claims this VERY revealing new jumpsuit is 'for all body types' - so would you wear it?
Natalie explained her skimpy rompers, which feature a flirty keyhole design, can be worn by everyone and are 'for all body types'.
'I do the different torso sizes,' said the Australian beauty. 'So when you shop online you can select size small and tall or size small and regular.'
On her Roser The Label website, the Maxim cover girl looks fabulous posing in the bright orange ensemble, which retails for AU$77.73.
Flying off the shelves: On her Roser The Label website, the orange romper sells for AU$77.73
Natalie, who is based in Los Angeles, is currently in Sydney with new boyfriend Harley Bonner.
She began dating the Neighbours actor, 26, following her split from personal trainer Dan Adair last year.
Natalie and Dan were engaged to be married, but their ceremony was postponed.
She's a wild one! Natalie, who is based in Los Angeles, is currently in her native Sydney
She's the phenomenally stunning and successful Australian supermodel known as The Body, and with good reason.
But while Elle Macpherson has gone from strength to strength as a model, and businesswoman, there is one arena in which she's yet to have a happy ending.
Despite great loves, two marriages, two sons she adores and epic romances that have been immortalised in song, the beauty has once again found herself facing single life, this time at age 53.
Unlucky in love? But while Elle Macpherson has gone from strength to strength as a model, businesswoman and built an intimates empire from scratch, there is one arena in which she's yet to have a happy ending
As reports emerge that the beauty has split with her second husband, Jeffrey Soffer, a look back at Elle's epic romances leaves a trail of untimely endings.
BILLY JOEL
Love song: Elle was a then-19-year-old model when she met the Piano Man at St. Bart's in 1982, just after his split from first wife, Elizabeth Weber
Elle was a then-19-year-old model when she met the Piano Man in St. Bart's in 1982, just after his split from first wife, Elizabeth Weber.
According to Billy Joel: The Definitive Biography, Billy happened upon Elle, supermodel Christie Brinkley and Whitney Houston, who were all staying in the same hotel, at a piano bar one night while he was having a tinkle on the keys.
The story goes that Billy, then 33, was keen on Christie, then 28, but when he managed to lure the leggy blonde to his hotel room he reportedly found Elle already waiting for him.
Different model: The pair went on to date for around a year, and Billy is said to have written several songs about the Aussie clotheshorse, including This Night, And So It Goes and Uptown Girl. However Billy's heart always belonged to Christie Brinkley and the pair married in 1985
The pair went on to date for around a year, and Billy is said to have written several songs about the Aussie clotheshorse, including This Night, And So It Goes and Uptown Girl.
However Billy's heart always belonged to the woman who would go on to play the Uptown Girl in his music video - Christie Brinkley.
After splitting with Elle, Billy tracked down Christie and the pair married in 1985, remaining husband and wife almost a decade.
GILLES BENSIMON
Snapped up: After her failed romance with pop star Billy Joel, Ell found love with French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon
After her failed romance with pop star Billy Joel, Elle found love with French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon.
Despite an age difference of two decades, the model and the creative director of Elle magazine fell madly in love.
The fashionable pair met in 1984 on a photo session for Elle magazine and married less than two years later in May 1986, when Elle was 22 and her husband 43.
However the marriage was short lived, with the couple divorcing just three years later in 1989.
Still close: Although lifelong romance was not on the cards for the couple, Elle has remained friendly with her now 73-year-old ex-husband
Although lifelong romance was not on the cards for the couple, Elle has remained friendly with her now 73-year-old ex-husband.
Thirty years after they first met, Elle was asked her ex to shoot the campaign for latest Elle Macpherson Body range.
The pair posed together happily at the Sydney launch of the range last year.
(He is a) long-time friend and mentor,' Elle revealed at the time. 'I absolutely love our campaign and had fun producing the shoot with Gilles.'
ARPAD BUSSON
New love: Having given marriage a try and failed, Elle didn't walk down the aisle in her next relationship, however, it did bring her two children
Having given marriage a try and failed, Elle didn't walk down the aisle in her next relationship, however, it did bring her two children.
The underwear designer began a relationship with London-based French financier Arpad Busson in 1996.
They have two sons together, Arpad Flynn Busson, known as Flynn, born February 1998, and Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson, born February 2003.
Family: They have two sons together, Arpad Flynn Busson, known as Flynn, born February 1998, and Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson, born February 2003
Split: In 2005, the pair announced via a statement that they had, 'decided to spend some time apart to consider our future'
Although they were never married, the family lived together in London for close to a decade.
In 2005, the pair announced via a statement that they had, 'decided to spend some time apart to consider our future.'
The partners went on to stress that no third party was involved in their separation and insisted that they remain 'the greatest of friends.'
New life: In 2007, Arpad went on to become engaged to Uma Thurman, with whom he now also has a daughter, four-year-old Rosalind
'We have had, and in many ways continue to have, a wonderful relationship, which has produced two beautiful children,' the statement read.
In 2007, Arpad went on to become engaged to Uma Thurman, with whom he now also has a daughter, four-year-old Rosalind.
The couple split in 2014, and Uma and Arpad faced a bitter custody battle over Rosalind, nicknamed Luna.
JEFFREY SOFFER
New property: In early 2009, Elle began dating Miami property developer Jeffrey Soffer
Meanwhile, in early 2009, Elle began dating Miami property developer Jeffrey Soffer.
The pair split in 2012 but reconciled a few months later, when Jeffrey's injury in a helicopter accident in November 2012 brought them back together.
Second time was a charm, as in March 2013 the couple were engaged, and shortly after married in July 2013 at the Laucala Resort in Fiji.
In 2014, after just one year of marriage, Elle relocated her two sons from London, where they had been raised, to Miami, to be closer to her new husband.
'People are surprised that I ... moved my whole family from London to Miami for love,' she said in the interview with Porter magazine.
Busy lives: The couple had five children between them, Elle raising her two teenage sons, Arpad Flynn, now 19, Aurelius, now 14, and inheriting three stepchildren from Jeffrey's former marriage
The couple had five children between them, Elle raising her two teenage sons, Arpad Flynn, now 19, Aurelius, now 14, and inheriting three stepchildren from Jeffrey's former marriage.
Elle told Vogue: 'Becoming a stepmother has been the biggest gift and I cherish my relationship with all five children. I think love does wonders for every woman. Being a mother is my greatest achievement and my sons are a credit to themselves.'
Speaking about their modern family dynamic to Stellar last year, the supermodel revealed they had different parenting styles but said: 'I don't believe in telling him how to raise his kids.'
'We have a deep respect for each other's profound commitment to parenting, so we would both probably say that the children come first,' Elle said.
She added: 'And that means, at times, that we are separated because of where the kids are and it takes quite a mature person to allow each other to do what we need to do in our families' lives.'
Single again: The supermodel and real estate developer 'are definitely over' according to sources in Miami for Page Six
However despite their best efforts, on Tuesday came the news that Elle and her billionaire husband have reportedly split.
The supermodel and real estate developer 'are definitely over' according to sources in Miami for Page Six.
Their insider claimed: 'She has left their house at Indian Creek in Miami with her kids, and is looking for her own house in Miami. He has been linked to some other women, but insists they are just friends.'
Their insider claimed: 'She has left their house at Indian Creek in Miami with her kids, and is looking for her own house in Miami. He has been linked to some other women, but insists they are just friends'
His luscious locks have become famous in their own right.
But Osher Gunsberg shocked fans on Tuesday, undergoing a change to his mane ahead of an appearance at Sydney's Hair Expo.
The 43-year-old shared a snap to Instagram on Monday of him getting a haircut to look pristine for the event.
New look! Osher Gunsberg has shared a snap to Instagram of him getting his hair cut before Sydney's Hair Expo
The snap showed Osher sitting in a salon chair with a black barber's cape around his neck to catch his discarded hair.
The tattooed hairdresser meticulously cut Osher's brown hair as both men pulled serious expressions.
He captioned the pic: '@aidenxydishair doing me backstage for the @hairexpo awards. See you soon!'
Serious: The tattooed hairdresser meticulously cut Osher's brown hair as both men pulled serious expressions
Osher tagged the International Convention Centre in Sydney's Darling Harbour where the hair expo started on Saturday.
The snap has racked up over 400 likes with many fans commenting on his new, fresh look.
One fan said: 'Looking hot as always Osher!'
Winter is here: One fan likened his new look to a Game Of Thrones star saying: 'You look like Kit Harrington here!'
Another fan likened his new look to a Game Of Thrones star saying: 'You look like Kit Harrington here!'
The snap comes just two weeks after Osher was on the other side of the barber's chair as he 'styled' MasterChef's Matt Preston's hair.
In the funny shot, Osher uses a pink brush to work on Matt's quiff, with Matt, 53, writing: 'I'm loving my new hair stylist!'
Elle Fanning looked stunning when she stepped out for the premiere of her new movie, The Beguiled, in LA on Monday night.
Dressed in a beaded gunmetal gown by Naeem Khan, the 19-year-old actress smiled for photographers as she posed on the maroon-colored carpet.
The undoubtedly heavy dress featured a sweetheart neckline, as well as ruffles at the waist and on the shoulders.
Precious metal: Elle Fanning looked stunning in a Naeem Khan number when she stepped out for the premiere of her new movie, The Beguiled, in LA on Monday night
She accessorized with a pair of matching gunmetal strappy stilettos.
The blonde beauty wore her hair straight and loose around her shoulders, and opted for a slightly smokey eye.
The Maleficent actress was joined by co-star Kirsten Dunst, who looked equally as stunning in a cream creation.
Showing off her trademark quirky style, the 35-year-old actress opted for a lace ankle-length dress, which featured flowers along the bustline.
Dress to impress: Dressed in a beaded gunmetal gown, the 19-year-old actress smiled for photographers as she posed on the maroon-colored carpet
Weighed down: The undoubtedly heavy dress featured a sweetheart neckline, as well as ruffles at the waist and on the shoulders
Collaboration: Elle posed for photos alongside co-stars Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Emma Howard, and writer and director Sofia Coppola (center)
She wore her blonde hair in loose waves and sported a pink-red lip.
The Marie Antoinette star completed her look with a pair of strappy tan and orange stilettos.
Nicole Kidman also turned out for the premiere in a floor-length blue dress with embellished flowers.
Cream dream: Kirsten Dunst looked equally stunning in a cream creation, which showed off her trademark quirky style
Flower power: The 35-year-old actress opted for a lace dress, which featured flowers along the bustline
Close: At one stage, Elle appeared to share a special moment with Nicole, with the two actresses pressing their heads together
The detailed gown featured sheer pink tulle sleeves with ruffles around the wrists.
The 49-year-old Australian actress wore her long blonde hair straight and parted in the middle.
Joining its stars was the film's writer and director, Sofia Coppola.
On-trend: Joining its stars was the film's writer and director, Sofia Coppola. The 46-year-old Lost In Translation filmmaker looked stylish in a long black jumpsuit printed with white flowers
Feeling blue: Nicole Kidman also turned out for the premiere in a floor-length blue dress with embellished flowers
The 46-year-old Lost In Translation filmmaker looked stylish in a long black jumpsuit printed with white flowers.
Her shoulder-length brown hair was worn loose.
Other stars who turned out to support the film included Courtney Love, 52, Maya Rudolph, 44, Paris Hilton, 36, and Quentin Tarantino, 54.
All-star line-up: Other celebrities who turned out for the film's LA premiere included (L-R) fashion designer Jeremy Scott, Courtney Love and Maya Rudolph
Date night: Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was also on hand, accompanied by his 33-year-old girlfriend, Daniela Pick
Making an appearance... Socialite Paris Hilton also attended the film's premiere in a slinky black dress with slits
Loved up: The 36-year-old was joined by her 32-year-old boyfriend, Chris Zykla, who was seen sweetly planting a kiss on her cheek
Based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan, The Beguiled takes place at an all-girls school in Virginia during the American Civil War.
The women at the school take in a wounded Union soldier, who ultimately turns their world upside down with rising sexual tensions and betrayals.
The film is in cinemas from June 30.
Hanging out: Courtney and Sofia posed for a snap together
Fantastic four: Elle, Nicole, Sofia, and Kristen were happy to pose together
Chill: Elle and Nicole had a laugh together
Party people: It seemed to be a very fun occasion
He plays the iconic role of Spider-Man in the latest Hollywood reboot.
And while the fictional superhero was in-part inspired by a spider web, actor Tom Holland wants nothing to do with the eight-legged creatures in real life.
The 21-year-old British actor told News Corp this week that he has a fear of arachnids before crediting Hollywood hunk Chris Hemsworth, 33, for helping him land his latest gig.
Fear of spiders: Spider-Man Tom Holland told News Corp this week that he has a fear of spiders
'I don't like spiders, man, just because they are sneaky they just really scare me,' he said.
'They are hairy ugh. The more I get asked this question, the more scared I get of spiders so I think I am going to try to convince myself that I am not afraid of spiders.'
Tom follows in the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who took on the role of Spider-Man in previous installments.
Terrified: 'I don't like spiders, man, just because they are sneaky they just really scare me,' he said
Iconic gig: Tom follows in the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who took on the role of Spider-Man in previous installments
He went on to thank his In the Heart Of the Sea co-star Chris for helping him land the Spider-Man gig.
'I remember emailing him and being like 'hey man, what's up? Just so you know, I'm auditioning for Spider-Man and I thought it would be really cool if you could put in a good word for me.
'And he emailed back saying 'yeah, I'll let [the producer] know that you are always late and you never know your lines'. So thanks, Chris,' he joked.
He later clarified that Chris actually spoke highly of him to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, which helped him land the role.
Friends in high places: The British actor thanked Hollywood hunk Chris Hemsworth, 33, for helping him land his latest gig
High praise: Chris spoke highly of Tom to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, which helped him land the role
The stars with both feature in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War film next year.
Meanwhile Tom recently revealed that he was punched in the face in a stunt gone wrong on the Spider-Man set.
He told GQ that his assailant 'cracked [him] in the head', when he failed to spot the flying fist.
He said: I was supposed to dodge it and I just didnt see it coming.
'He had a big metal fist-type thing, and he punched me in the face so hard, like you wouldnt believe.
Tom blamed the accident on his Spider-Man suit, which heavily impaired his sight.
He said: 'I could only see about five feet in front of me, with no peripheral vision.'
Reality TV doesn't get much more real than this.
Sig Hansen, a boat captain seen on the Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, seemed a bit gun-shy to venture back into some of Alaska's most dangerous waters in a preview for the show's 12th season finale released Monday.
The Seattle native, 51, said of the area, 'Thats where I had my heart attack,' referring to the incident that took place in February of 2016 amid the fierce waters of the Bering Sea.
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Flashback: Deadliest Catch star Sig Hansen, 51, experiences a bit of trepidation on Tuesday's edition of the show when he ventures into waters where he previously suffered a heart attack
The crab boat captain continued: 'Now Im back a year later, and I would feel foolish to go up there and push my luck.'
In the health scare, the Northwestern's captain began to experience major health symptoms while filming with a producer on the Emmy-winning program.
'It was a strange heart attack,' Hansen told Yahoo TV last year. 'It wasnt like you see in the movies. I had this really sharp, sharp pain, like a knife, right behind my chest plate. It just kept pushing, and it was making me more angry.'
Cautious: Hansen said he'd 'feel foolish to go up there and push [his] luck' in the wake of the life-threatening incident
Hansen, who shares daughters Mandy and Nina with wife June, said he was checked out at Dutch Harbor, where medics determined he'd suffered 'a full-blown heart attack,' at which point he was airlifted to Anchorage for further treatment.
He said it was 'okay' with him for producers to feature his health crisis on the program.
Nick of time: Hansen said that his life was endangered by a blood clot in the incident, but medics treated him quickly and effectively
'I suppose they could probably really twist it if they wanted to and exploit that, but I dont think they would do that. I think theyre gonna show whats happened.
'Thats the deal,' he said, adding that the show is, in essence, a documentary of what the fishing professionals go through to earn a living.
Hansen's health scare will be chronicled beginning Tuesday on Deadliest Catch, which airs at 9/8c on the Discovery Channel.
They're the only couple who lasted from Married At First Sight this year.
And months after finding love on the hit Channel Nine dating series, Sharon Marsh and Nick Furphy revealed their matching foot tattoos as a symbol of their undying love.
The smitten pair took to the streets of Melbourne on Tuesday to finally reveal their new ink.
Just tattoo of us! Months after finding love on the hit Channel Nine dating series, Sharon Marsh and Nick Furphy revealed their matching foot tattoos as symbol of their undying love on Tuesday
Tatt's serious! The smitten pair took to the streets of Melbourne on Tuesday to finally reveal their new ink
Melbourne carpenter Nick, 30, proudly displayed his 'I love Shaz' marking on the side of his left foot while Sharon, who recently relocated from Perth to be with her man, had 'I love Nick' on the same foot.
In April, blonde beauty Sharon, 31, told Nine Now that they got the permanent ink done while on a holiday in New Zealand.
'We wont say where or what but yeah we got matching tattoos,' she said at the time.
Smitten: In April, blonde beauty Sharon told Nine Now that they got the permanent ink done while on a holiday in New Zealand
'We wont say where or what': The couple kept their designs secret, while claiming 'it was pretty funny' and started as a dare for Nick only
Smitten: The pair are the only couple who lasted from MAFS season four
She claimed it was a dare aimed at Nick, but when he said 'well I'll do it, if you do it' she caved.
They both laughed as they agreed 'it was pretty funny.'
It appears the holiday happened four weeks ago, with Sharon posting a picture to Instagram last month at a winery on Waiheke Island, tagging Nick with her.
Elegance is perhaps not the first word one associates with rocker Courtney Love.
But she looked the picture of it as she showcased her knockout figure in a silk red gown at the premiere of The Beguiled in Los Angeles on Monday.
The Hole beauty seemed in a mirthful mood as she posed up a storm on the pre-screening red carpet.
Red hot: Courtney Love flaunted her figure at the premiere of The Beguiled in LA on Monday
Courtney, 52, was looking great for her age in her flattering silk gown, which highlighted the grunge favourite's pneumatic qualities.
And she proved to be a popular addition to the evening, with Maya Rudolph and Jeremy Scott keen to cuddle up for a photograph.
Courtney was appearing on the carpet for the first time since she slammed a pro-Palestinian activist and accused her of being an 'anti-American fraud' in a Twitter tirade.
Love fired off a series of messages at Linda Sarsour - who helped organize the anti-Trump Women's March earlier this year - in response to her campaign raising money for a Somalian mother who claims she was attacked by a white man in a hate crime and was racially abused.
A Hole new world: Elegance is perhaps not what first comes to mind when rocker Courtney's name is mentioned
Smooth operator: She looked like she was relishing every moment in her silk gown
Rudolph know red: Maya seemed thrilled to be posing up with the grunge favourite
Police said it is not a hate crime, while her alleged attackers say they stepped in because they saw another Somali woman hitting a young child in the face with a shoe.
Love tweeted to Sarsour: 'You're a vile disgrace to women and all mankind @lsarsour. I worked my a** off my entire life to defend women, I didn't create fake stories and lie about them nor rip people off financially.'
Meanwhile The Beguiled, which is set in a Southern girls' boarding school during the Civil War, stars Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning.
When the sheltered women living there take in an injured enemy soldier the house becomes a hotbed of sexual tension and dangerous rivalries.
Threesome: Jeremy Scott then cosied in with the ladies for a group shot
Lovely pair: Courtney and Maya were looking equally beautiful on the red carpet
Everything You Need for a Home Bar
Home Bar Essentials for Hosting the Ultimate Cocktail Party
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
While attending happy hours and hanging at the pub are always fun, sometimes you want to bring the festivities home. A well-stocked home bar will not only make you feel like a real grown-up, but it is the perfect addition to big parties and casual gatherings at your pad. But where do you begin?
To set up a killer home bar, youll need a few key essentials. Aside from the basic booze, there are a number of tools, accessories, and specialty liquors you should have on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly come cocktail hour.
Now get shakin.
RELATED: Best Rye Whiskeys for Midwinter Drinking
Must-Have Accessories
Cocktail Shaker
You cant expect to make cocktails without a proper shaker. This 24-ounce Izola cocktail shaker not only looks sleek AF, it works like a charm, too. With an airtight seal and a built-in strainer, it has everything you need to prepare a drink that is perfectly shaken, not stirred.
$28 at Amazon.com
Oggi Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
You can't have drinks without ice. Instead of making multiple trips to the freezer throughout the night, keep your cubes close at hand in a stainless steel ice bucket. This bucket can be used as a cube supply for drinks or to keep champagne and white wine chilled.
$20 at Amazon.com
Hella Bitters - Set of Five
One of the fun parts of setting up a home bar is experimenting with new drink recipes and improving your mixology skills. Stocking your bar with a selection of bitters is the perfect way to add dashes of unique flavors to your drinks. This set of five bitters includes everything you need to prepare a variety of cocktails, from citrusy vodka to spicy bourbon.
$25 at Amazon.com
Norlan Whiskey Glass
Your red Solo cup days are a thing of the past. While youll eventually want to have a glass to suit every type of drink, these Norlan whiskey glasses are a great place to start. Made with hand-blown glass, they are specifically designed to enhance the aroma and the flavor of whiskey, but are equally suited to host a Negroni or old fashioned.
$48 at Amazon.com
Rabbit Ice tray
Preparing ice cubes sounds simple in theory, but all too often the process of filling and removing ice from the tray is difficult and messy. With this Rabbit ice cube tray, you can easily prepare dense, slow-melt ice cubes. Simply fill the blue silicone inserts with water and pop them out when the ice has cooled.
$14.55 at Amazon.com
OXO Bar Spoon
From stirring drinks to measuring bitters, a bar spoon is an indispensable tool for the home bar. This spoon from OXO spins while you stir so you can maintain the same grip and gently mix up a Manhattan or martini without worrying about chipping the ice.
$14.50 at Amazon.com a
OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer
The key to straining a cocktail well is to get a good grip. Luckily, with this strainer, your work is taken care of. Equipped with a non-slip finger rest, this gadget will ensure fruit pieces and stray ice cubes stay in the mixing glass and out of your drink.
$6.99 at Amazon.com
RELATED: How to Make Great Margaritas
VonShef Shot Glass Set
Whether youre measuring out liquor for drinks or throwing back a celebratory sambuca shot with your buddies, shot glasses are great to have on hand. This set includes four 1 oz shot glasses, a stand, and a jigger so you can measure out a round for everyone and keep things tidy when youre done.
$9.99 at Amazon.com
Muddler
If you love a good mojito, youre going to need a muddler. With this tool, you can gently mash up fruits, herbs, and spices to release their flavors and aromas into drinks. This muddler has an extra long structure so your knuckles wont hit the cocktail shaker as you mix.
$15.86 at Amazon.com
Drinking Distilled Cocktail Book
In this cocktail recipe book, Jeffrey Morgenthaler has laid out some of the best cocktail recipes for the home bartender. In addition to recipes, Drinking Distilled lays out bar etiquette, basic bartending skills, liquors and liqueurs 101, and other quippy tips and thoughts on the art of modern drinking.
$11.47 at Amazon.com
Kahnah Bar Cart
You dont need to have free counter space at home to set up a bar space. With a bar cart, you can bring the party to any room in the house and store all your essentials in one place. This bar cart includes a number of storage options including hooks, bottle racks, and a removable traylike top shelf.
$113.29 at Wayfair.com
Booze to Step Up Your Cocktail Game
NOLETs Silver Dry Gin
This gin is a home bar essential, great for a wide range of innovative cocktails and a means for reinventing much-loved classics. Whether your guests want a gin martini or a greyhound, youll be ready.
$44 at Drizly.com
Square One Organic Vodka
A well-made vodka complements and seamlessly brings other cocktail ingredients together. Square One is such a vodka. It is made in an old-world style from 100 percent organic American rye ideal for Bloody Marys and martinis alike.
$19.99 at Drizly.com
Stillhouse Original Moonshine Whiskey
It doesnt look like your average whiskey bottle: Packaged in a red, 100 percent stainless steel can, this clear corn whiskey has the benefit of being practically unbreakable. The clarity of the liquid makes it extremely mixable so it can be enjoyed in delicious cocktails or a party punch.
$10.99 at Drizly.com
Oak & Cane Rum
This is an American-made rum created in south Florida (that in itself is pretty wild, as most rums are made in the Caribbean and Latin America). With fresh Florida orange peels that bring out subtle notes of vanilla and caramel, it's comparable to an aged rum, yet takes only a fraction of the time to craft. All we care about? Its delicious in homemade mojitos.
$39.99 at Oakandcane.com
Casa Noble Tequila
This premium tequila is produced right in the heart of Tequila, Mexico. With Casa Noble, you can enjoy a smooth tequila sunrise or a great margarita without the ridiculous hangover youd expect from lower shelf brands.
$56 at Drizly.com
Campari
Campari might not be the first thing you think of when planning to stock your home bar, but it is an essential ingredient in a number of classic cocktails. Crafted according to the secret family recipe invented in Italy in 1860, Campari is a complex blend of herbs and spices with orange as the predominant flavor. Use this in endless cocktails, including the famous Negroni.
$29.99 at Drizly.com
Amaro Montenegro
When it comes to home bars, Amaro Montenegro is an invaluable spirit to add to the collection. With a taste that is both bitter and slightly sweet, it has a smooth texture and super-balanced taste.
$34.99 at Drizly.com
Stock up on these home bar essentials and tell your buddies happy hour is at your place tonight.
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He is believed to have separated from his fashion designer wife Jodhi Meares, 46.
And it appears photographer Nick Tsindos is leaning on a friend after his rumoured breakup.
The 29-year-old - who rarely shares photos of himself on social media - posted a selfie of the pair on Monday night.
Leaning on a friend? It appears photographer Nick Tsindos is leaning on his friend Taylah Roberts after his rumoured split from fashion designer Jodhi Meares
In the photo, Nick dresses casually in a denim jacket and T-shirt, and wears a dark grey beanie.
Model and blogger Taylah Roberts, who captured the selfie, wore a loose-fitting orange T-shirt.
Rumours of Jodhi and Nick's separation surfaced in March, just 14 months after they reportedly married in Hawaii.
What happened? The 29-year-old, who rarely shares photos of himself on social media, posted a selfie of the pair on Monday night. Pictured with rumoured ex-wife Jodhi in May 2016
At the time, a source told The Daily Telegraph: 'The designer and her Australian-born photographer husband agreed to separate earlier this month.'
It's believed the couple both agreed to split after struggling to maintain a long distance relationship.
The Upside fashion designer is based in Los Angeles, while Nick lives in Sydney.
Whirlwind romance: Back in March, a source told The Daily Telegraph: 'The designer and her Australian-born photographer husband agreed to separate earlier this month'
Before her whirlwind romance with Nick , Jodhi had been engaged to Noiseworks band member Jon Stevens for three years.
Back in 1999, she married casino mogul and billionaire James Packer before they called it quits in 2002.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Taylah Roberts for comment.
She may star in Orange Is The New Black, but Laverne Cox was all about the color pink when she attended a screening for the hit Netflix series in New York City on Monday.
The stunning 33-year-old was at the Orange Is The New Black Season Five Debut Screening And Conversation At 92nd Street Y alongside many of her co-stars.
Laverne wore a dusty pink pantsuit for the screening, which she teamed with a black corseted bodice.
Pretty in pink: Laverne Cox looked stunning at the Orange Is The New Black Season Five Debut Screening And Conversation At 92nd Street Y alongside many of her co-stars
She also donned a pair of black pointy-toe stilettos, which featured black studs.
Her long brown hair was parted down the middle and worn in loose waves, and she wore a silver pendant necklace, which drew attention to her bust.
Laverne was also snapped leaving her Manhattan hotel as she made her way to the event.
The statuesque star was seen toting a brown designer handbag on one arm as she walked down the street.
Pantsuit nation: Laverne wore a dusty pink pantsuit for the New York screening, which she teamed with a black corseted bodice
Cast photo: Laverne was joined by her co-stars (L-R) Dascha Polanco, Taylor Schilling, Danielle Brooks, Nick Sandow and Uzo Aduba
The outspoken star took to Instagram to comment about the event.
'What a delight it was to share the stage with my @ointb castmates tonight at the #92streetY,' she wrote.
'They are all so brilliant. Love them all so much!'
On her way... The actress was also snapped leaving her Manhattan hotel as she made her way to the event
Stepping out: The statuesque star was seen toting a brown designer handbag on one arm as she walked down the street
I'm partnering with @Lyft this pride and want you to #RideOutLoud! Round up and donate your rides for a great cause: lyft.com/round-up. Link in bio #TransIsBeautiful A post shared by laverne cox (@lavernecox) on Jun 14, 2017 at 7:34am PDT
Joining Laverne was co-star Dascha Polanco.
The 34-year-old actress flaunted her famous curves in a white eyelet dress.
She donned a white bodysuit underneath and teamed her ensemble with strappy white stilettos.
White hot: Dascha Polanco was also in attendance. The 34-year-old actress flaunted her famous curves in a white eyelet dress
Going for a spin... The stunning star appeared to have been having a great time, twirling around in her voluminous dress
The brunette bombshell also wore a pair of Chanel logo drop earrings.
Taylor Schilling also opted for white in a boatneck dress, which featured button detailing on the sleeves and a ruffle down one side.
The 32-year-old blonde beauty wore her blonde hair in an updo, leaving just her bangs and a few face framing layers loose.
All white now... Taylor Schilling also opted for white in a boatneck dress, which featured button detailing on the sleeves and a ruffle down one side
Close co-stars: The tight-knit cast happily posed for photos together at the New York screening of their hit show
Uzo Aduba also turned out for the screening, dressed in a fit and flare black lace dress.
The 36-year-old brunette beauty wore her hair straight and loose.
She accessorized with a pair of classic black stilettos and hoop earrings.
Danielle Brooks was another OINTB cast member who made an appearance at the screening.
Black is the new black... Uzo Aduba also turned out for the screening, dressed in a fit and flare black lace dress
All smiles: The 36-year-old brunette beauty wore her hair straight and loose. She accessorized with a pair of classic black stilettos and hoop earrings
The talented 27-year-old looked gorgeous in a knee-length green dress, which featured cut-out shoulders and a fabric overlay.
She teamed her dress with a pair of strappy black stilettos and wore her curly hair in a half-up, half-down 'do.
A casually dressed Nick Sandow was also in attendance.
The 50-year-old actor opted for jeans, a button-up shirt and sneakers.
She attended the 'wedding of the year' between Naza and Folarin Alakija in England over the weekend.
And after the glamorous ceremony, Shanina Shaik flew to Ibiza for an island holiday.
The Victoria's Secret model, 26, shared an Instagram photo of herself on Tuesday while soaking up the sun.
Sheer delight! Victoria's Secret model Shanina Shaik flew to Ibiza for an island holiday this week, and shared a photo of herself in a see-through lace robe on Instagram on Tuesday
Shanina, who is engaged to DJ Ruckus, flaunted her curves in a sheer white robe which left little to the imagination.
The Australian beauty flashed plenty of flesh in the see-through ensemble as she posed on a balcony.
She appeared to go underwear-free under the outfit, as she enjoyed a relaxing day in the Spanish tourist spot.
Glittering in gold! Over the weekend, Shanina and her fiance DJ Ruckus were guests at Naza and Folarin Alakija's lavish wedding at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Over the weekend, Shanina and her fiance were guests at Naza and Folarin Alakija's wedding at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.
Showcasing her flawless figure, Shanina wore a dazzling gold dress from Galvan London, which retails at around AU$1600.
Keeping her accessories to a minimum, Shanina opted for three Amethyst and diamond rings.
'Weddings make you feel so romantic, don't they?' Keeping her accessories to a minimum, Shanina opted for three Amethyst and diamond rings by Gemporia
Hinting that her own nuptials were not far off, she captioned a photo: 'Weddings make you feel so romantic, don't they?'
Shanina kept her hair and makeup simple, styling her brunette locks in a chic low bun with a few loose strands framing her face.
Giving her Instagram followers an exclusive glimpse at the grand reception, she also congratulated the wealthy newlyweds.
'Congratulations to the now Mr & Mrs Alakija. It was an honour to witness your union as husband and wife,' she wrote.
'Congratulations to the now Mr & Mrs Alakija. It was an honour to witness your union as husband and wife': Shanina later congratulated the newlyweds after their lavish ceremony
The wedding, which saw Robin Thicke perform, featured one million white roses.
Known for his floral arrangements and elaborate decorating of the Kardashian's homes, it was no surprise that Jeff Leatham was in charge of the flowers.
Bringing over 30 staff members to the UK for the ceremony, he was not only working with copious amounts of roses but white orchids as well.
Only the best! Known for his floral arrangements and elaborate decorating of the Kardashian's homes, it was no surprise that Jeff Leatham was in charge of the flowers for the ceremony
Save us a slice! There were no expenses spared at the wedding of Naza and Folarin Alakija
Shanina previously hinted that her own wedding day isn't far off when the couple attended another recent nuptials.
She shared a photo of herself kissing DJ Ruckus, with the caption: 'We are next.'
Speaking to Stellar magazine earlier this year, Shanina revealed that her wedding plans were well under way.
'We're getting there, which is super exciting,' she said. 'We've got the guest list down, and I'm really happy about that.'
The Bachelorette's Georgia Love has criticised a women's magazine for suggesting she was pregnant.
The 28-year-old reality TV star took to her Instagram Story to refute an article by Woman's Day, which was published on Monday.
She wrote: 'Can a girl not eat a big breakfast without being assumed pregnant?!'
'Can a girl not eat a big breakfast without being assumed pregnant?!' The Bachelorette 's Georgia Love has criticised a women's magazine for suggesting she was pregnant
Woman's Day published photos, taken earlier this month, of Georgia enjoying brunch in Bondi Beach with friends.
The images were accompanied by the speculative headline: 'Georgia's baby bombshell: Is the Bachelorette PREGNANT?!'
But Georgia has strongly refuted any suggestion she is pregnant.
'No!' The 28-year-old reality TV star took to her Instagram Story to refute an article by Woman's Day, which was published on Monday
Woman's Day published photos, taken earlier this month, of Georgia enjoying brunch in Bondi Beach with friends
The images were accompanied by the speculative headline: 'Georgia's baby bombshell: Is the Bachelorette PREGNANT?!'
'Can a girl not eat a big breakfast without being assumed pregnant?!' The former WIN journalist captioned a photo of the article.
During her stroll around Sydney's Bondi, Georgia looked fit and fabulous in designer leggings and a red singlet.
After stopping at a cafe for breakfast, the Studio 10 host and a friend went for a walk.
After stopping at a cafe for breakfast, the Studio 10 host and a friend went for a walk
During her stroll around Sydney's Bondi, Georgia looked fit and fabulous in designer leggings and a red singlet
Clarification: Georgia has strongly refuted any suggestion she is pregnant
Georgia has been dating mechanical plumber Lee Elliott after falling in love on The Bachelorette last year.
However, Georgia told News Corp in May that neither were in any hurry to take their relationship to the next level.
'We want to move in together when we both decide we want to stay together every single night, not because of the public perception,' she said.
Personal life: Georgia has been dating mechanical plumber Lee Elliott after falling in love on The Bachelorette last year
However, Georgia told News Corp in May that neither were in any hurry to take their relationship to the next level
'We want to move in together when we both decide we want to stay together every single night, not because of the public perception,' she said
'A wedding isn't on the cards, and a baby definitely is not on the cards': Georgia explained she and Lee wouldn't be rushing down the aisle anytime soon
Georgia explained they were happy with how their relationship is progressing, and wouldn't be rushing down the aisle anytime soon.
'A wedding isn't on the cards, and a baby definitely is not on the cards,' Georgia said.
Since filming The Bachelorette, Georgia has left her regional newsreader position in Tasmania and relocated to Victoria.
She has been a guest host on The Project and Studio 10 and is regular on the Melbourne social scene.
There has been no shortage of unusual characters on the new season of First Dates.
And Tuesday's episode saw moustache-enthusiast Mick, 32, try his luck for a second time on the Channel Seven dating show.
The English singleton enjoyed a date with 27-year-old Chelsea, a pretty brunette with a dislike for retro-inspired facial hair.
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The mo's gotta go! First Dates' Mick (right) shaved his moustache to impress date Chelsea (left) after she compared his distinctive facial hair to a '70s porn star' on Tuesday night's episode
While the pair had chemistry, the date was awkwardness when Chelsea was forced to confess that Mick's moustache was a turn-off.
'And the moustache... is it real?' she asked, referring to Mick's handlebar-shaped facial hair.
While Mick maintained he was proud of his appearance, Chelsea said with slight disgust: 'It's more like 70s porn star!'
'I hope that I'm at least hitting a type for you or something?' Earlier in the episode, Mick reacted with surprise after finding out that Chelsea had never been on a date before
Earlier in the episode, Mick reacted with surprise after finding out that Chelsea had never been on a date before.
'This is literally your first date? I hope that I'm at least hitting a type for you or something?' he said. She confirmed: 'Oh, yeah!'
Chelsea, who is from a small town in Victoria, previously told Woman's Day she had never been on a date before the fly-on-the-wall TV series.
'And the moustache... is it real?' While the pair had chemistry, the date was awkwardness when Chelsea was forced to confess that Mick's moustache was a turn-off
She's not impressed! While Mick maintained he was proud of his appearance, Chelsea said with slight disgust, 'It's more like 70s porn star
How sweet! Despite disagreeing over Mick's facial hair, they ended the date with a kiss
'I was asked out pretty often back home but I could never find the courage to accept any offers,' Chelsea said, revealing her shyness got the better of her.
During the dinner date, the two bonded over their shared appreciation of family, sense of humour and outlook on life.
They ended the date with a kiss and the promise to keep in touch.
Second time lucky? This is Mick's second time on First Dates after he failed to score a second date in a previous episode
'I wasn't surprised when Mick went in for the kiss. We had an amazing connection and I think we were both secretly hoping the other person would make the first move,' Chelsea said.
She also explained they began texting each other after going back to their respective hotel rooms.
Mick has since shaved his moustache to make Chelsea more comfortable kissing him, as pictures of the couple after the show later confirmed.
Still going strong? Mick has since shaved his moustache to make Chelsea more comfortable kissing him, as pictures of the couple after the show later confirmed
This isn't Mick's first time on First Dates.
He previously went on a date with makeup artist Catrin, but she didn't want to see him again after gagging at his choice of entree with an egg yolk.
First Dates airs on Channel Seven at 8.30pm on Tuesday nights
He cheekily mentioned that 'Susanna Morgan' had a ring to it the day prior.
And Piers Morgan had his wish come true, as the voice over announced his stunning co-host as his wife on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.
The British presenter, 52, cheered in delight as the clip to introduce them revealed: 'Welcome to Good Morgan Britain. With Piers Morgan and Susanna Morgan.'
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Dream come true: Piers Morgan, 52, cheered in delight, as the voice over announced his stunning co-host Susanna Reid, 46, as his wife on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.
The pair have been known for their flirty banter - which is usually fuelled by Piers.
And the outspoken host looked absolutely pleased as Susanna, 46, was introduced as his spouse - leaving her awkwardly reluctant.
Fellow presenters Charlotte Hawkins and weather girl Laura Tobin couldn't help but laugh at the announcement.
The Croydon born broadcaster looked absolutely mortified as a result, stating: 'And the takeover is complete.'
'Welcome to Good Morgan Britain. With Piers Morgan and Susanna Morgan: The outspoken host looked absolutely pleased as Susanna, 46, was introduced as his spouse - leaving her awkwardly reluctant
Hilariously awkward: Fellow presenters Charlotte Hawkins and weather girl Laura Tobin couldn't help but laugh at the announcement
Clearly not getting the message, Piers was back on his flirty form as the show returned after a break and the voice over was back to usual.
'I much prefer the introduction as the start of the show,' he revealed much to the annoyance of Susanna.
This follows on from Monday's show when Piers read out a message from a viewer named Susanna Morgan.
The outspoken host read out a supportive Twitter message from a viewer, ironically named Susanna Morgan - which Piers responded to: 'It's got a certain ring to it.'
'And the takeover is complete': The Croydon born broadcaster looked absolutely mortified as a result
'It has a ring to it': This follows on from Monday's show when Piers read out a message from a viewer named Susanna Morgan
And it isn't difficult to see why Susanna has caught the fancy of Piers, as she appeared on Monday's episode in a 'distracting' plunging figure-hugging dress.
Viewers couldn't peel their eyes away from Susanna Reid's cleavage - causing some to be late for work.
Viewers flocked to social media to compliment Susanna's major flash of flesh:
'Late for work today. I blame @susannareid100. She made it very difficult to get away from the front of the TV this morning.'
'Great boobs': It isn't difficult to see why Susanna has caught the fancy of Piers, as she appeared on Monday's episode in a 'distracting' plunging figure-hugging dress
Sexy style: The TV broadcaster donned a plunging figure-hugging dress for the daytime show with Piers Morgan - leaving fans claiming they couldn't concentrate
'@susannareid100 Thanks for brightening up this am. You looked incredible. Wot a dress. Now rushing out the door. Have a super day x.'
'Susanna Reid's boobs,' one simply stated, while another tweeted, 'Certainly today's dress shows your beautiful assets.'
'I'm just seeing here fabulous boobs in a tight top :)
They both failed to find love on Married At First Sight earlier this year.
But Scarlett Cooper and Andrew 'Jonesy' Jones appear to have formed a close relationship with each other.
In recent Instagram photos, the reality TV stars look very cosy together, with Scarlett writing in a caption: 'Andrew I like u because u r genuine an funny (sic).'
New couple alert? Married At First Sight's Scarlett Cooper (right) and Andrew 'Jonesy' Jones (left) have been getting close in recent weeks
In a photo shared to Scarlett's Instagram account on Saturday, the rumoured couple got very close while enjoying dinner with friends.
Another photo shows firefighter Andrew with his arm around Scarlett, and appearing to hold her hand.
In the accompanying caption, Scarlett praises her great 'friend' Andrew.
Dinner date! In a photo shared to Scarlett's Instagram account on Saturday, the rumoured couple got very close while enjoying dinner with friends
Plenty to talk about? Scarlett and Andrew appeared to get along well during the Married At First Sight reunion special
Scarlett revealed she had been staying over at Andrew's house, before adding: 'Even tho I don't believe it u think I'm gorgeous (sic)'.
She continued: 'Andrew I like u because u r genuine an funny. u confide in me about things u don't tell anyone else, I loved singing with u. Thanks for being my friend (sic).'
It's not the first time Scarlett and Andrew have sparked romance rumours, as the pair were very chatty during the Married At First Sight reunion special.
Catching up? Several media reports have claimed the pair were spotting hanging out together in Perth in March
Several media reports have claimed the pair were spotting hanging out together in Perth in March.
They possibly bonded over their failed matches on Married At First Sight, with Scarlett's 'marriage' to stripper Michael Tomic collapsing early on.
And after his relationship with Lauren Bran ended following their wedding night, Andrew was labeled the 'villain' for mocking second 'wife' Cheryl Maitland.
No match made in heaven! Scarlett's 'marriage' to stripper Michael Tomic collapsed early on
They are known for being notoriously private when it comes to their relationship.
But making a rare public appearance together on Monday night, Dermot O'Leary and his wife Dee Koppang, 38, were among those attending a star-studded dinner hosted by GQ.
The X Factor host, 44, and his wife made a stylish duo for their date night and put on an affectionate display as they arrived at The Ned Hotel in London hand-in-hand.
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Date night: Dermot O'Leary, 44, and his wife Dee Koppang, 38, made a rare appearance in London together on Monday night as they attended London Fashion Week Men's GQ dinner
Dermot was aptly dressed for the occasion and cut a smart figure while donning a two-piece navy suit.
He wore a white shirt and black tie underneath his tailored blazer and finished off his ensemble with a pair of pointed lace-up shoes on his feet.
Dee, meanwhile, oozed glamour as she showcased her enviable curves in a monochrome getup.
The producer paired together a black blouse that was partially unbuttoned to show a hint of decolletage and a long-line white pencil skirt that accentuated her svelte waist with a large buckle belt.
Stylish duo: While The X Factor host was aptly suited and booted, his long-term love oozed glamour in a chic monochrome outfit that stole a look at her lengthy pins and svelte waist
Featuring matching buttons to the belt buckle along the front, Dee's skirt boasted a daring slit that reached up to her thigh and stole a look at her lengthy pins underneath as she strolled along with her beau.
She accessorised her outfit with a stylish pair of beaded earrings that dangled down from her lobes and offset her attire with a foxy red lipstick across her lips.
Dee strutted her way into the plush venue in a pair of gold-lined chunky heels and she and Dermot appeared in high spirits for their outing in the capital.
Inside the dinner, that was hosted by GQ to close London Fashion Week Men, the couple rubbed shoulders with Pixie Lott's fiance Oliver Cheshire, Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams and boxer David Haye.
Model behaviour: Also in attendance at the dinner held at The Ned Hotel in London had been Pixie Lott's fiance Oliver Cheshire (left) and Dougie Poynter (right) in an Emporio Armani dinner jacket
Strike a pose: Model David Gandy cut a suave figure in a pinstriped suit for the event that was hosted by GQ to close London Fashion Week Men
Star-studded: Tinie Tempah (left) was also among those invited to the bash and he joined boxer David Haye (right) inside
Tinie Tempah was also present, along with Dougie Poynter, model David Gandy and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's brother Toby.
Newlyweds Tom Daley and Lance Dustin Black were in attendance - they had tied the knot in a romantic ceremony held at Bovey Castle last month.
Dermot and Dee, meanwhile, married in Kent back in 2012.
The TV presenter had popped the question to his long-term love the year before during a trip they had taken to New York. His proposal came 10 years after the couple had first begun dating.
Smile: Britain's Got Talent judge rubbed shoulders with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's brother Toby as they mingled with other guests
Newlyweds: Tom Daley and his huband Dustin Lance Black made sure to dress up for the occassion
Loved-up: They were seen cuddling up together in front of the cameras - the couple tied the knot at Bovey Castle in a romantic ceremony last month
While they are yet to start a family together, Dermot hasn't ruled out having children and in an interview with Fabulous magazine in 2015, he claimed he and his wife were waiting for it to be the 'right time'.
He explained: 'I definitely want kids, but I've got a very busy wife with a very busy life. It's not fair for me to say, "I want kids now".
'I do want kids with my wife, but I want them when we both think it's the right thing to happen.'
She welcomed her first child, a baby girl named Lea, with her partner Bradley Cooper three months ago.
And Irina Shayk was enjoying a rare outing with the infant on Monday, taking her little one for a stroll in Los Angles.
The 31-year-old Russian supermodel was rocking a laid back look for her outing, sporting a tiny pair of denim hotpants.
Doting mum: Irina Shayk was enjoying a rare outing with her baby daughter Lea on Monday, taking her little one for a stroll in Los Angles
She wore a white T-shirt tucked into her shorts, setting off her simple attire with a pair of trainers.
The brunette beauty hid behind a pair of blue-tinted shades and wore her dark hair in loose waves.
Irina looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out, keeping her make-up to a minimum.
Comfy and casual: The supermodel wore a white T-shirt tucked into her shorts, setting off her simple attire with a pair of trainers
Out and about: Irina was spotted stepping out in New York City with a female friend later on in the evening
Bradley has been in contact with his girlfriend Irina 'numerous times a day' in the two months since their daughter was born.
The American Sniper actor, 42, and the welcomed their first child in March, and although Bradley's hectic schedule has meant he's been away from his newborn daughter, he always makes sure he stays in touch.
Irina and the baby are doing wonderful,' an insider told E! News.
Happy couple: Bradley's hectic schedule has meant he's been away from his newborn daughter, he always makes sure he stays in touch
'She has her mom in town since the baby was born helping her out. Bradley is in touch with Irina numerous times a day.
'It's hard for him to be apart from his new baby when he has to work,' the source said, adding that 'they FaceTime all the time when Bradley can't be there and working his crazy hours.'
The insider said there could be more children on the horizon for the new parents, as they're 'in love' with their little girl.
She had a traumatic start to the New Year after she separated from her husband of two years.
But actress Alice Eve, 35, looked truly content as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a relaxing mani-pedi on Monday.
The curvy blonde beauty revealed her toned legs in a elegant black skirt and sported an unusual cream jumper with holes all over it.
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Pamper session: Alice Eve, 35, looked truly content as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a relaxing mani-pedi on Monday
The Oxford educated star opted to go make-up free for the pampering session, showing off her radiant complexion and sparkling blue and green eyes.
Her platinum blonde locks were worn in a bouncy blowdry and like a true Hollywood A-lister she slipped on a pair of Jackie Onassis style shades.
Finishing her English rose look she wore a simple gold chain.
Alice, the daughter of acting heavyweights Trevor Eve and Sharon Maughan, looked relaxed as she casually browsed through her phone during her beauty treatment.
Natural beauty: The make-up free star showed off her glowing complexion as she enjoyed a bit of me time
Casual cool: The Star Trek actress appeared captivated by something on her phone during her beauty treatment
Bombshell: Alice made for an arresting sight as she strolled down the street with a fresh scarlet manicure and nude pedicure
Revitalised and refreshed from her morning pamper session, the Criminal star slipped on a pair of ebony mules to make her way back into the sunshine.
She looked stunning as she made her way out with scarlet nails and a french pedicure while toting a Jamaica emblazoned strappy bag.
The talented actress relocated stateside in 2010, when she landed the role of Irish nanny Erin in Sex and The City 2.
She has since been seen in high profile films Men In Black 3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness.
Making waves: Alice, pictured in New York in April 2017, has conquered America in a series of hit films including Men In Black 3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness
Separation: Alice is set to divorce her husband of two years, financier Alex Cowper-Smith, who she tied the knot with in a small ceremony on New Year's Eve 2014.
In 2014, Alice married financier Alex Cowper-Smith, her high school sweetheart whom she met while attending Westminster School in London.
The couple met at school but only reunited as a couple in 2014, before finally tying the knot in a small ceremony on New Year's Eve in 2014.
The blonde was previously in a long-term relationship with poet Adam O'Riordan, who she met while reading English at Oxford University.
She will next be seen in thriller Untogether, alongside 50 Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan and When Harry Met Sally's Billy Crystal.
They got married in a secret ceremony in Santa Barbara in September 2014.
But Ashley Tisdale, 31, and Christopher French, 35, looked like a newly-wed couple as they were seen holding hands when they arrived at LAX in Los Angeles, California on Monday.
Not leaving her husband's side, the High School Musical actress proved on trend as ever as she wrapped up snug in a denim jacket.
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Love is in the air! Ashley Tisdale, 31, and Christopher French, 35, arrived at LAX airport, in Los Angeles on Monday
Looking effortlessly chic, the Disney personality kept her airport attire casual with grey baggy jogging bottoms and preen white trainers.
Scraping her golden locks into a high bun, she put the focus on her face which she kept sheltered with her huge sunglasses.
Proving inseparable from his wife, Christopher walked closely to Ashley as the lovebirds headed through the terminal.
Must be love! The married couple - who tied the knot in a secret ceremony in September 2014 - proved inseparable as they made their way home together
For the journey, he also kept his look casual as he styled a T-shirt and cut-off jogging bottoms.
The musician sheltered his eyes from the blazing spell of sunshine with a pair of sexy shades.
They were joined by their adorable fluffy pooch Maui on holiday, who travelled in style as Ashley carried him in a Louis Vuitton designer carry-on.
Head-over-heels! The High School Musical actress and her husband looked more in love than ever as they walked closely by one another through the terminal
The couple have enjoyed two and a half years together after vowing to spend the rest of their lives together.
The musical lovebirds became engaged in 2013 after only a year of dating each other.
Ashley gushed about how Christopher is her best friend and the love of her life in a recent Instagram post.
Revealed: They have enjoyed two and a half years together after vowing to spend the rest of their lives together
Travel in style! Accompanying the couple on their break was their adorable fluffy pooch Maui on holiday, who Ashley carried in a Louis Vuitton designer carry-on
Speaking about how much he means to her, she said: 'A best friend. Trusting, loyal, a good listener, expresses empathy for others, non judgmental, supportive in good & bad times, and fun to be around.
'I'm so lucky you are not only my husband but my best friend.
'Thanks for being my everything.' (sic)
Airport attire! The actress proved on trend as ever as she wrapped up snug in a denim jacket
She's been having a lot of fun playing a pizza restaurant manager in the remake of Goldie Hawn's 1987 classic Overboard.
And Eva Longoria, 42, looked footloose and fancy free as she flashed a lot of toned leg on the set of the remake in Vancouver on Monday.
The youthful actress put on the leggy display in a ivory mini skirt as she reclined on a picnic bench between takes, revealing her sensational legs.
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Legs for days: Eva Longoria, 42, looked effortlessly stunning as she flashed a lot of toned leg on the set of the Overboard remake in Vancouver on Monday
The petite starlet's toned frame was covered up in a baggy teal blue blouse while her character opted for monochrome loafers.
Even though it was a departure from the glamorous couture gowns Victoria Beckham's BFF usually opts for, Eva pulled off the casual look with aplomb.
Her ombre shoulder length locks were styled in soft waves which framed her pretty face perfectly.
Her sparkling brown eyes were enhanced with fluttering lashes and kohl with her make-up completed with bronzer and a berry lip.
Glowing: The youthful actress put on the leggy display in a ivory mini skirt as she reclined on a picnic bench between takes
Multi-tasking: The Desperate Housewives alum looked amazing as she took an important phone call between takes
Looking good: Her ombre shoulder length locks were styled in soft waves which framed her pretty face perfectly
Ever the multi-tasking star, the Desperate Housewives alum took an important phone call between takes and joked around with the film crew as she waited for shooting to commence.
The L'Oreal spokesmodel enjoyed a catch-up and a laugh with Anna Faris, 40, who takes on the titular role of Kate in the remake.
Eva also donned a sporty ensemble as she headed to set earlier in the day.
The star's toned physique was clad in a figure hugging charcoal v-neck, which she teamed with slouchy black joggers and box fresh sneakers.
Toned: Even though it was a departure from the glamorous couture gowns Victoria Beckham's BFF usually opts for, Eva pulled off the casual look with aplomb
Lets do this: Eva looked relaxed as she enjoyed a quick break before filming on the remake began
New friends: Eva and co-star Anna Faris, 40, enjoyed a joke between takes
Hands on: Even Anna couldn't resist a quick feel of the actress' toned pins as she grabbed onto her
Professionals: The two seasoned comedic actresses looked to be discussing a scene before the cameras started rolling
High-fives all round: Eva looked delighted to be getting cracking on the day's filming and appeared to wish co-star Anna good luck
Eva looked happy and relaxed as she readied herself for a full day of filming
In her personal life, Eva recently celebrated her one year wedding anniversary with handsome husband Jose Baston.
Eva and Jose, 49, got married in a romantic ceremony in Mexico in May 2016, before enjoying a honeymoon in Cambodia.
She met the Televisa president through a mutual friend back in 2013, announcing their engagement December 2015.
Rocking it: The actress looked chic in an all-black ensemble and box fresh trainers as she arrived on set
Back in black: The star's toned physique was clad in a figure hugging charcoal v-neck, which she teamed with slouchy black joggers and box fresh sneakers
Stunning: Eva showed off her pert derriere as she was escorted onto set by a technician
Wow factor: The former Young and the Restless star looked glowing from all angles as she strolled onto set
Relaxed vibe: Despite her casual outfit, Eva's make-up and locks were immaculate
Shooting commenced on Overboard last month with both actresses displaying sensational comedic timing during filming.
Anna stars as Kate in the remake, which reverses the premise of the original film in which Goldie Hawn starred as a haughty and married heiress who falls off her yacht and is saved by a carpenter, her real life beau Kurt Russell.
Her character Joanna, mistreats and stiffs the cash-strapped single father named Dean before her fall.
Happy couple: Eva recently celebrated her one year wedding anniversary with handsome husband Jose Baston, pictured in Cannes in 2015
When she comes round, she has no memory of who she is, so Kurt's character takes his revenge by telling her she's his wife and making her look after him and his sons.
In the new version, due out in 2018, Spanish heartthrob Eugenio Derbez plays spoiled playboy Leonardo who loses his memory after falling overboard and is saved by Anna.
Eva plays Theresa, Kate's manager at the pizza restaurant and trusted friend.
The comedy is due out in 2018, 31 years after the original hit, but has yet to set a date.
It's the eagerly anticipated comedy crime drama that centres on the scandalous lives of five women who work at a Florida nail salon.
And Karrueche Tran takes on the role of 'sassy' Virginia with ease, as depicted in scenes from the first episode - which aired on Sunday.
The 29-year-old actress looked sensational in a dramatic faux-fur pink coat as she enjoyed a hot and heavy romp session with her co-star, before aiming a gun at him.
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TV star: Karrueche Tran, 29, looked sensational in the first episode of gritty crime comedy Claws - where she takes on the role of 'sassy' Virginia with ease
Saucy stuff: The rising actress stripped off to enjoy a hot and heavy romp session with her hunky co-star
Karrueche, who has become a highly sought after actress in Hollywood, flaunted her skills in the scenes.
She bravely stripped down to her skimpy pink bondage-style lingerie to get hot and heavy with the hunky actor.
The ex-girlfriend of Chris Brown had no issue flaunting her sensational figure and pert derriere for the risque scene.
The former fashion stylist also parted from her raven tresses with glamorous blonde locks for the show.
Sizzling: The beauty bravely stripped down to her skimpy pink bondage-style lingerie to get hot and heavy with the hunky actor
Bold display: The ex-girlfriend of Chris Brown had no issue flaunting her sensational figure and pert derriere for the risque scene
Getting down and dirty: Karrueche, who has become a highly sought after actress in Hollywood, flaunted her skills in the sizzling scenes
Passionate: Karreuche also goes onto enjoy plenty more sex scenes
Sensational: The star then went on to don a faux-fur pink coat as she dramatically aimed a gun
Further scenes showed her looking cold and calculated as she held a gun up, prepared to fire.
The show is about five women who work at a Florida nail salon and they enter the traditionally male world of organized crime when they begin laundering money for a neighboring pain clinic.
Originally developed as a half-hour, single-camera comedy for HBO, the now hour-long dramedy will instead debut on sister channel TNT.
Produced by Rashida Jones, the first episode debuted on June 11.
Mane attraction: The former fashion stylist also parted from her raven tresses with glamorous blonde locks for the show
Plot: Claws is the eagerly anticipated comedy crime drama that centres on the scandalous lives of five women who work at a Florida nail salon
Storyline: They enter the traditionally male world of organised crime when they begin laundering money for a neighbouring pain clinic
Eaglery anticipated: Originally developed as a half-hour, single-camera comedy for HBO, the now hour-long dramedy will instead debut on sister channel TNT
Speaking about her character at the television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, Karreuche described Virginia as 'sassy and full of attitude.'
She revealed: 'Virginia is very over-trendy and her nails on the show show it. Theyre neon green; they glow in the dark; theyre pointy. Its a lot of this going on.'
The beauty continued: 'She is not like myself, so I was able to - one thing I really love is I was able to create a character from Virginia.
'So, if you see some of the images, I am wearing a Kangol hat, a netted shirt, booty shorts, socks, and slides. Just so ridiculous, but just so Virginia.'
A Bachelor in Paradise crew member says Corinne Olympios seemed to lose control of her body during her drunken pool hook-up with DeMario Jackson.
Filming on the fourth season of The Bachelor spin-off was suspended on Sunday, over allegations of misconduct.
The incident that caused Warner Bros to halt production and launch an investigation centered on a hook-up between cast members Corinne and DeMario on the first day of shooting.
DeMario admitted to performing oral sex on Corinne when she put her genitals in his face, but Corinne says she was blacked out drunk and could not have given consent, according to sources who spoke to TMZ.
Now, a BIP crew member has spoken to DailyMail.com, detailing how Corinne appeared more and more drunk throughout the day.
Corinne Olympios (left) 'seemed to go limp' as she was drunkenly hooking up with DeMario Jackson (right) on the first day of filming for Bachelor in Paradise
Corinne and Demario found out when they arrived in Mexico that the storyline would involve the two of them hooking up so they decided to hang out and get better acquainted over drinks, says the source.
Soon they decided to go swimming and when they climbed into the Jacuzzi, they were both loaded. Corinne proceeded to remove her bathing suit and things got increasingly sexual.
There was hugging and kissing and touching, but before long, she seemed to go limp and was sliding under water. Demario kept trying to hold her up and at the same time he appeared to be having intercourse with her. After he finished which only lasted a few seconds he lifted her out of the water and laid her on the cement, where he proceeded to have oral sex with her.
She appeared to be unconscious, says the source. At that point some of the crew came out and carried her off to her room. She was limp and seemed unable to walk on her own.'
For the record, DeMario told sources who spoke with TMZ that he did not have penetrative sex with Corinne because of the alcohol he consumed.
Another source told TMZ on Tuesday that Corinne was so wasted hours after the hook up that she could barely stand.
Witnesses said that two hours after the encounter, Corinne was 'stumbling drunk, eyes closed, slurring badly and wearing her clothes inside out'.
'She was on a whole other level,' the source said.
The show was suspended after a producer filed a complaint over what he or she saw of the drunken pool hook-up. Above, DeMario on the current season of The Bachelorette, before he was booted for having a girlfriend
Corinne became largely disliked by her fellow contestants on Nick Viall's season of the Bachelor when she stripped off for a pool photo shoot. She also allegedly stripped off during her pool hook-up with DeMario
The source that spoke with DailyMail.com said they were 'deeply disturbed...not just at what happened, but over the way it was handled.'
One of the things that really disturbed people was that no one called a doctor or paramedic, which some felt they should have. Instead someone made the decision to just let her sleep it off.
When Corinne awoke the next morning, people began filling her in on what happened the night before, because she claimed to have absolutely no recollection of what transpired,' the source said.
Since filming was suspended, the source says that the set has been turned into a crime scene and that investigators with the Los Angeles Police were even called to look it over. Doctors and psychologists were also brought in to interview everyone about what they saw. The source said that lawyers deposed those who witnessed the hook-up and told the cast and crew not to speak out about what they saw.
Corinne is preparing to file a law suit because she feels she was not protected by the shows producers. And she ended up flying home to Miami after she was examined and interviewed, says the source. 'She was totally distraught and even after being told what happened, she insisted she had no recollection of the events.
Corinne and DeMario have been in touch since the incident and are allegedly on good terms.
'DeMario was trying to reach Corinne via email, Instagram and Facebook for a few days. Finally, [he] got a hold of her, they exchanged numbers and they've been talking. They are both speaking and on good terms,' a source told EW.
Sources who spoke to Corinne also say she doesn't blame DeMario fully for what happened. She thinks the producers were at fault for letting the incident unfold and has hired a lawyer to represent her going forward.
The crew stayed on until Monday, when they back to Los Angeles. The source says that everyone is under the impression that the show will be cancelled 'because the brand will be too tarnished to move forward'.
There were also rumors early on that they were going to scrap the show and offer Corinne a show of her own, or try and switch to filming a hurry - up wedding between last years contestants, Evan Bass and Carly Waddell who are engaged, but in the end they abandoned both ideas, paid off the crew, and sent them home.
This was a terrible thing to happen on a show that has been so successful until now, says the source. And you can bet this is far from being over.
The day after the hook-up, a producer filed an official complaint over what happened on the set and production was shut down.
Warner Bros announced that production had been suspended in a statement on Sunday.
'We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico. We have suspended production and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations,' the statement said.
'Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action,' the statement added.
Bachelor In Paradise was scheduled to premiere August 8 on ABC.
The summer series features previous contestants from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette who are isolated at an exotic resort in hopes of finding love.
The show starts out with an uneven amount of male and female contestants. At the end of the week they pair up and whoever doesn't have a partner is booted from the resort. One of a few new contestants is added after every elimination to turn the tables in favor of one sex.
The cast for season four included several women from the last season of The Bachelor including Corinne, runner-up Raven Gates, Alexis Waters and Jasmine Goode.
DeMario, who was booted from the current season of The Bachelorette for having a girlfriend, was added to the cast. Corinne was also an unpopular character on her season, but made it to the final four girls.
She appeared to regret going under the knife after insisting 'surgery isn't worth it'.
But Danniella Westbrook seems to be feeling happier with the results of her recent facelift, posting a pouting selfie of her 'brand new' face on social media.
The 43-year-old also showed off her impressively toned figure as she slipped into a coral bikini while in Marbella on Tuesday.
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'Brand new today': Danniella Westbrook showed off the results of her recent facelift as she posted a pouting selfie on social media
Sharing a selfie on Twitter, the actress wrote on Sunday: 'Day 4 after a full face lift and neck lift and eyes done im@feeling more like me again! Was looking like an emoji 4 a bit yesterday.'
Sporting a pair of large shades in the snap, she also captioned it with the words: 'Brand new today'.
While recovering from her cosmetic surgery, Danniella also posted a snap of herself in a plunging halterneck two-piece while in Spain.
'Hey you': The 43-year-old also showed off her impressively toned figure as she slipped into a coral bikini while in Marbella on Tuesday
Captioning the picture with the words 'Hey you', she showed off her ample cleavage and taut abs in the bikini snap.
Her social media posts come after she was spotted looking puffy and swollen following cosmetic surgery, while wrapped up in bandages.
She also recently revealed her regret over her decision to go under the knife, insisting 'surgery isn't worth it'.
In an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Danniella referenced her latest procedures and admitted she is 'petrified' about revamping her image once more.
'Surgery isn't worth it': The snaps come after Danniella urged others to reconsider having cosmetic work done, after undergoing a facelift in Poland
The former EastEnders star had spoken of her plans to give her face and body a cosmetic makeover in her bid to get back to a 'happy and healthy life', but the severity of the work she has had to have done has left her with concerns.
She has already endured a six-hour operation on her face and is set to be put through another eight hours of surgery in her bid to build herself a new jaw and prevent her face from collapsing.
Danniella explained she has been forced to undergo the work on her face after previous dental implants had left her with septicemia and osteoporosis.
'I'm petrified it won't work': The former EastEnders star is set to undergo intensive surgery on her face in order to correct damage to her jaw after suffering from septicemia
Her cheeks had disintegrated and her jaw had been left damaged.
But in order to correct her jaw, Danniella was told she needed her face to be made 'smaller' and 'tighter'.
She revealed that surgeons will take bone from her skull to build her jaw in a second operation.
Danniella confessed: 'I'm petrified. I'm petrified that it won't work and my face will be ruined, but also that something might go wrong and I won't wake up at all.
'People don't realise surgery isn't worth it.'
'Wanna go home': Following her first operation, Danniella shared a photo of her face 48 hours post surgery and revealed the swelling and bruising she is suffering from
She encouraged those contemplating cosmetic surgery to 'look at me and think again' to try to warn them of the complications it can bring.
'You could spend the rest of your life getting something fixed that you didn't need in the first place.'
Danniella had shared a photo of herself 48 hours post her first surgery to Instagram, revealing her swollen and bruised face to her fans.
She added the hashtags: '#painispain #wannagohomenow'.
The former Celebrity Big Brother star had been joined by Christopher Maloney over in Poland - who too appeared to have gone under the knife.
They had notoriously fell out in the past, but rekindled their friendship after finding themselves living alongside each other in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
Recovering: The star is currently resting up alongside her friend Christopher Maloney - who has also undergone work to his face while in Poland - as she prepares for a second operation
The duo appeared in a video Danniella had shared and were seen covered in bandages as they dined on snacks while recovering from their latest procedures.
Danniella had taken to Instagram with a bikini-top clad picture earlier this month, where she defiantly admitted that despite her fair share of hardships - including 'rape and drug use' - nothing could 'brake her (sic)'.
In the lengthy caption aimed at online trolls under the black and white snap, the former EastEnders actress admitted that her life has been a 'car crash' but that didn't stop her to 'get up and fight each day.'
Danniella, who recently completed a successful stint at a Spanish rehab, looked sensational in the mirror selfie which saw her tame her busty cleavage in place with a tiny bikini top - which also bared her toned abs.
Re-fuelling: The duo were seen in a video together sporting bandages and stocking up on snacks
The former soap star also utilised the image to share what was on her mind: 'Slag me off drag me down troll me stalk me but your never ever brake the Westbrook. I'm 43 and my game is strong (sic)!'
She defiantly continued: 'Yes I've been a drug addict and my life's been a car crash , abused cheated on raped and I've slipped and fallen more than most could even admit let alone face publicly.. (sic)'
'BUT IM ME AND I GET UP AND FIGHT EACH DAY. And right now I GOT ME #thewestbrook (sic),' she ended on an intransigent note.
It came after Danniella revealed on Twitter that she: 'Can't wait to go to Poland on the 6th of June. Face lift boobs and teeth being sorted! About time after a year of hell.'
She shot to stardom on the sixth series of Ex On The Beach, thanks to her on/off romance with Ross Worswick.
But Harriette Harper is now completely loved-up with boyfriend Sam Reece and the duo are currently soaking up the sun on a romantic break in Portugal.
The reality star shared a series of bikini-clad snaps to Instagram, proving why her beau is so besotted, as she flaunted her peachy posterior in a frilled floral two piece.
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Bikini-clad: Harriette Harper posed up a storm poolside as she showcased her enviable figure while holidaying in Portugal with her boyfriend Sam Reece
Posing up a storm by the pool, Harriette donned a floral bikini that featured a triangle top that tied together around the neck and bottoms that boasted a large frill around the outside.
Their high rise cut not only emphasised her slender pins, but gave other holiday-goers a good look at her pert posterior as she sat at the water's edge.
Her scanty swimwear ensured her svelte frame was on full display and drew attention to her plentiful bust and incredibly taut stomach.
The brunette beauty already appeared to be sporting a deep golden glow from her sunbathing sessions overseas and despite the soaring temperatures, she didn't forgo her usual glam.
Peachy: She put on a titillating display as she donned a skimpy floral bikini that showcased her best assets
Her tresses were styled into perfect curls that sat just below her shoulders and she kept her eyes protected from the rays with a pair of aviator shades.
While she cooled off from the heat, Harriette favoured a straw fedora hat and it seems like she and her boyfriend Sam have been having a ball on their getaway.
As well as indulging in cocktails while looking out onto an idyllic sea view, the pair have been making 'amazing memories' together.
Sharing yet more holiday snaps to the photo-sharing site, Harriette posted a selfie with Sam - who previously dated Stephanie Davis - that showed the couple cuddling up together.
Smitten: The Ex On The Beach star shared a selfie where her beau Sam could be seen planting a kiss on her cheek, as she thanked him for the 'amazing memories' they had made on the trip
He planted a kiss on the starlet's cheek, as she gushed alongside her post: 'He loves my freckles. Thanks boo for the amazing memories what a beautiful get away.'
And not forgetting to treat her fans to yet another titillating display, Harriette then posed in a semi-sheer, backless lace dress that flashed a look at her black underwear underneath.
Her romance with Sam first came to light back in March, after pictures surfaced of the pair in the First Dates star's car as he broke down in Salford.
Since then it appears their relationship has been going from strength to strength and the pair had even sparked engagement rumours last month.
Sultry: Harriette then posed in a semi-sheer, backless lace dress that flashed a look at her black underwear underneath
However, sources have claimed drama could be in store for the couple, given Sam's upcoming appearance on Ex On The Beach.
He is following in his girlfriend's footsteps and appearing on the new series of the MTV dating show.
Sam is thought to arrive as an ex to the villa and his addition hasn't gone down too well with his new flame.
According to The Sun, an insider revealed Harriette was 'fuming' with the model because of his link to the show.
They said: 'Sam and Harriette are still together but they will 100 per cent split up over it. They have argued non stop about him going on.'
He's the former X Factor Australia contestant who finally landed his first major acting role this year.
And Love Child's Dan Hamill has announced his next big career move, telling The Daily Telegraph of his grand plans to become the next James Bond.
'I want to do a role like Bond, that's the trajectory I want to go on,' he said. 'That whole dapper, action hero thing is what every male actor dreams of, so to play a role like that would be phenomenal.'
'That whole dapper, action hero thing is what every male actor dreams of': Love Child's Dan Hamill has announced his grand plans to become the next James Bond
Insisting that he gets told he looks like actor Daniel Craig 'at least once a week', Dan said: 'I can be the Aussie James Bond; I'll contact Daniel Craig's people and see if he needs me to take over.'
Dan also confirmed that he plans to move to Hollywood, claiming that a stint in Los Angeles would be the 'logical step' following his role on Love Child.
If he does manage to audition for the role of James Bond, he will likely be up against Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Aidan Turner.
Separated at birth? 'I can be the Aussie James Bond; I'll contact Daniel Craig's people and see if he needs me to take over', Dan said. Pictured: Daniel Craig as James Bond
Moving up! Dan also confirmed that he plans to move to Hollywood, claiming that a stint in Los Angeles would be the 'logical step' following his role on Love Child
Suited and booted! Like his super-spy counterpart, Dan enjoys posing in suave suits and ties
Whispers have also been circulating that Daniel Craig will return to the role for another film, despite him previously claiming he had finished with the franchise.
Meanwhile, Dan has enjoyed a steady rise to fame over the past decade, having first appeared on screens as a contestant on reality TV show Popstars in 2004.
In 2015, he returned to reality TV by appearing on The X Factor Australia, placing 12th in the competition.
He has the figure for it! Dan insists that he gets told he looks like former 007 star Daniel Craig 'at least once a week'
Keep trying! Dan has enjoyed a steady rise to fame over the past decade, having first appeared on reality TV show Popstars in 2004 and, later, The X Factor Australia in 2015
Dan's previous acting credits include small roles on Neighbours, City Homicide, Jack Irish and House Husbands.
A man of many skills, he is also the singer of a six-piece cover band.
Dan plans the role of Dr Andrew Patterson in the latest season of Love Child.
She's in high spirits after announcing her second pregnancy on Tuesday's Studio 10.
But despite the happy milestone, Sarah Harris isn't above feeling 'a little insecurity' about taking maternity leave for the second time in two years.
The journalist, 35, told The Daily Telegraph she had watched her friend Talitha Cummins go through an unfair dismissal case with Channel Seven after leaving to have a baby.
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Concerned: Studio 10's Sarah Harris admitted to feeling 'a little insecurity' about taking time off to have her second child after friend Talitha Cummins' legal battle
The TV personality praised Network Ten for their support, as she was able to return to Studio 10 and Shark Tank after four months of maternity leave.
But like any woman in a high profile and competitive job, Sarah did have some concern about taking extended periods of time off.
'I think any woman who says stepping aside and taking time away from her career to have a child and doesn't feel a little insecurity about that is lying,' she said.
Surprise! Sarah revealed on Tuesday's Studio 10 that she was expecting her second child
Sarah explained she had watched her friend Talitha go through her own battle to return to work after giving birth to her son Oliver last year.
'One of my dearest friends, (former Weekend Sunrise newsreader) Talitha Cummins just went through a very high profile unfair dismissal case,' she said.
'I'd like to think we've moved on from those days.'
In April, Talitha reached a confidential settlement with Channel Seven after claiming she was sacked unfairly while on maternity leave.
So grateful: The TV personality praised Network Ten for their support, as she was able to return to Studio 10 and Shark Tank after four months of maternity leave
Legal battle: In April, Talitha Cummins reached a confidential settlement with Channel Seven after claiming she was sacked unfairly while on maternity leave
She commenced legal action just months after revealing her battle with alcoholism on ABC's Australian Story.
Talitha alleged that after giving birth she had been told she would not be returning to her role as Weekend Sunrise newsreader, and was instead offered 5am shifts which were unsuitable to her family arrangements.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Seven had claimed Talitha was a casual employee, had not taken parental leave, and she was not entitled to a return-to-work guarantee.
She briefly dated 'sex addict' Scott Disick last month before he moved on to teen wild child Bella Thorne.
And Ella Ross looked like she had left him in the past, as she happily spent some solo time sunbathing in a park in London on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old beauty flaunted her modelesque frame in a tiny bikini top and denim River Island hotpants as she embarked on the sunny day out in the UK's capital.
Sensational: It looked like Ella Ross, 21, had moved on from her one time fling Scott Disick as she happily spent some solo time sunbathing in a park in London on Tuesday
Ella embraced summer chic in the minuscule khaki-coloured bikini top, which showcased her perky cleavage.
The high-waisted denim cut-offs flaunted Ella's impossibly flat stomach and long, lean legs.
The Stateside star wore her thick, luscious blond locks in a dramatic side parting and covered her striking features with a pair of shades.
Ella, who already sported an enviable golden glow, accessorised with a delicate gold necklace which rested on her collarbone.
Stunning: The beauty flaunted her modelesque frame in a tiny bikini top and denim hotpants as she embarked on the sunny day out in the UK's capital
Skimpy: Ella embraced summer chic in the minuscule khaki-coloured bikini top, which showcased her perky cleavage
Enviable frame: The high-waisted denim cut-off flaunted Ella's impossibly flat stomach and long, lean legs
Mane attraction: The Stateside star wore her thick, luscious blond locks in a dramatic side parting
Beauty: Ella covered her striking features with a pair of cool shades
She decided to go barefoot as she got comfortable on the grassy terrain with her pet pooch.
A towel was laid out for her to relax on and she also placed her chic black handbag on it.
Ella looked like she was having a blast in the scorching London weather as she lay out on her stomach and engaged in cuddles with her dog.
Last month, Ella was said to be shocked after spotting her 'boyfriend' Scott on a dinner date with Bella Thorne, 19, at Catch in Hollywood.
Chilling: She decided to go barefoot as she got comfortable on the grassy terrain
Company: Joining her for the sunny outing was her pet pooch
Unwinding: Ella looked like she was having a blast as she kept herself casually preoccupied in the scorching London weather
No risks: She ensured to adjust her bikini top in place to avoid a wardrobe malfunction
Relaxing: A towel was laid out for her to relax on and she also placed her chic black handbag on it
E! News reported that the British model had plans with the father-of-three for that evening, and after he cancelled on her, she then arrived at the same restaurant he was in with Bella.
Scott and Ella reportedly 'didn't interact' at all during the evening, amid claims Scott has been 'hanging out with a few girls' in recent months, but has kept things 'casual'.
He then travelled to Cannes for the Film Festival, where he was pictured cavorting with nine ladies in one week.
Keeping it off her face: It wasn't long before Ella decided to change hairstyles and tied her locks into a bun
Previous fling: Last month, Ella was said to be shocked after spotting her 'boyfriend' Scott Disick on a dinner date with Bella Thorne, 19, at Catch in Hollywood
Drama: E! News reported that the British model had plans with the father-of-three for that evening, and after he cancelled on her, she then arrived at the same restaurant he was in with Bella
Awkward: Scott and Ella reportedly 'didn't interact' at all during the evening, amid claims Scott has been 'hanging out with a few girls' in recent months, but has kept things 'casual'
Having fun: He then travelled to Cannes for the Film Festival, where he was pictured cavorting with nine ladies in one week
Better on her own: Ella may have dodged a bullet as Scott recently confessed he is a sex addict
Solo: With Scott firmly out of the picture, Ella seemed to be enjoying life as an independent woman
Scott's recently confessed he is a sex addict.
The TV star - who has children Mason, seven, Penelope, four, and Reign, two, with ex-girlfriend Kourtney announced on Keeping Up with the Kardashians: 'I'm a sex addict. I'm a f***ed up, horrible sex addict.'
The revelation came as Scott explained his decision to bring another woman with him on a family holiday they had taken to Costa Rica at the beginning of the year.
At the time, rumours had been doing the rounds that he and Kourtney were rekindling their romance - they had initially split in 2015.
Bottoms up: Ella's tiny bottoms flaunted her peachy posterior
Spectacular: Her flawless decolletage was on fine form in the bikini top
Bronzed: Ella ensured to spend a lengthy time in the park in order to top up her tan
Preoccupied: She also utilised the time to catch up with her pals on the phone
Enjoying the sunshine: After her session in the park was done, Ella decided to take her dog for a walk
He was pictured tucking into a hearty meat pie in Sydney last week.
And Ben Mendelsohn was been praised for his pastry-scoffing efforts this week, with The Project's Peter Helliar calling it the most Australian paparazzi photo in history.
During an interview on Channel Ten's current affairs show on Tuesday, Ben admitted he has been making the most of Australia's foot culture during his stay.
What a legend! US-based Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn, 48, has been praised for his pastry-scoffing efforts this week, after being photographed eating a meat pie in Sydney
'I've been very homesick, but I've had a meat pie in me and I've got some Vegemite and some Tim Tams and some Jaffas,' the 48-year-old said.
Peter interjected: 'You certainly have a meat pie, you were papped. It's the Aussiest pap shot I've ever seen!'
The comedian then showed a photo of himself eating a pie, telling the audience: 'I've gone out in sympathy and I had someone to pap me eating a meat pie!'
'It's the Aussiest pap shot I've ever seen!' The Project co-host Peter Helliar (right) was particularly impressed with Ben's patriotic choice of afternoon snack
Papped! The comedian then showed a photo of himself eating a pie, telling the audience: 'I've gone out in sympathy and I had someone to pap me eating a meat pie!'
The Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor replied: 'That is beautiful, that is beautiful.'
Ben returned to Australia this month to promote psychological thriller Una at the Sydney Film Festival.
In the film, Ben plays the character of Ray who engages in a sexual relationship with his teenage neighbour.
'It was such a great psychological thriller, and I knew Rooney (Mara, actress) was doing it so it was just a no-brainer', he told The Project.
Villain! One of Australia's most versatile and critically-acclaimed actors, Ben Mendelsohn is known for playing 'bad guys' in Hollywood
One of Australia's most versatile and critically-acclaimed actors, Ben is known for playing 'bad guys' in Hollywood.
His famous roles include Andrew 'Pope' Cody in the chilling Australian crime drama Animal Kingdom.
Recently, he played the nefarious Star Wars villain Orson Krennic.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.
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..Honest Reporting..12 June '17..An op-ed in theblames Israel entirely for why the Misery of [the] Palestinian people is the result of two historic events marked this year, the Six Day War and the Balfour Declaration. But the only way that itblame Israel is by omitting almost all of the crucial and inconvenient historical facts that explain the truth of the current situation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Dr. Conn Mac Gabhann visited Israel with a delegation called the Holy Land Coordination Group, purportedly to better understand the political situation of the region. Unfortunately though, it doesnt seem that he gained much understanding at all.
She's the vivacious former Victoria's Secret Angel, who was deemed the 'hottest woman in the world' in 1998.
And now, it has been reported that model-turned-actress Laetitia Casta, 39, has tied the knot with her film star beau Louis Garrel, 34, on the idyllic Mediterranean island of Corsica.
According to Chi magazine, the good-looking French couple - who appear on the publication's front cover - said their 'I do's' on Saturday in an intimate ceremony on the beach of her father's hometown of Lumino.
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Just married! It has been reported that model-turned-actress Laetitia Casta, 39, has tied the knot with her film star beau Louis Garrel, 34, on the idyllic Mediterranean island of Corsica
It is claimed that the supermodel - who has been dating the actor since 2015 - arrived on the sun-kissed dunes on a rubber dinghy with her three children and her handsome groom.
Accompanying her to the nuptials was her daughter Satheene, 15 - whom she has with ex Stephane Sednaoui - as well as Athena, eight, and Orlando, 10 - from her relationship with her former fiance, Italian actor Stefano Accorsi.
The intimate ceremony was believed to be attended by 40 guests while the wedding officiated by the mayor of Lumio, Etienne Suzzoni.
According to the Italian publication, the celebrations continued until the early hours at decadent Matahari Beach Resort on the island.
Tied the knot: According to Chi magazine, the good-looking French couple - who have been dating since 2015 - said their 'I do's' on Saturday in an intimate ceremony on the beach of her father's hometown of Lumino (Pictured together in 2016)
Before meeting the Arbitrage star, Louis was in a relationship with Italian actress Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, the sister of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's wife Carla Bruni, from 2007 to 2012.
During their five-year romance, the couple adopted a baby girl Celine from Senegal in 2008.
Holding her special day in her father's hometown, the Normandy born-beauty - who's sister Marie-Ange is also a successful model - was originally scouted on the Island at just 15.
The teenager - with her fathers consent - then embarked on a career that would make her one of the worlds leading models, with her career attributed not just to her natural beauty but also to her confidence and her refusal to be 'moulded'.
Standing strong: Previously speaking to Mail on Sunday in 2013, she said: 'I didnt like the idea of changing myself for the industry. I felt to have my teeth straightened and bleached and to starve myself to change my body was not respecting who I was
Previously speaking to Mail on Sunday in 2013, she said: 'I didnt like the idea of changing myself for the industry. I felt to have my teeth straightened and bleached and to starve myself to change my body was not respecting who I was.
'Anyway, it is those tiny little imperfections, like my teeth, that make a model stand out. Perfection is boring.'
During her modelling years she appeared on over 100 magazine covers, the most famous and controversial being her naked pose for Rolling Stone in 1998 when she was named the 'hottest woman in the world'.
Laetitias career changed course when she had her first child at 23 and she moved seamlessly from model to actress with roles in French films and TV series.
Kendall Jenner searching for a new home out of fear for her safety.
The 21-year-old's current pad in the Hollywood Hills was involved in two scary incidents in the space of seven months.
Fool me twice: Kendall Jenner is moving to new home amid safety fears following stalker AND burglary incidents at her Hollywood Hills property
In March, $200,000 of jewelry was stolen from her bedroom, while in August 2016 a stalker gained entry to the property and even made contact with her.
According to TMZ , her mother Kris had warned here about moving to the area, because it is not gated, and is a frequent after-party spot for revelers after a night out in Hollywood.
The KUWTK star bought the six-bedroom home - perched above the legendary Chateau Marmont - from Emily Blunt and John Krasinski for $6.5 million in 2016.
The 4,800-square-foot estate includes a swimming pool, rooftop patio and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Targeted: In March, $200,000 of jewelry was stolen from her bedroom, while in August 2016 a stalker gained entry to the property and even made contact with her
Big news: News crews gathered outside the property after the theft
Now she is looking for home worth more than twice that $15million in either Bel Air and Beverly Hills, the site reported.
Cops investigating the March robbery found no suspects or evidence of forced entry; sources revealed afterwards the reality star was actually having a party with a group of friends on the night in question.
Police sources suggested the thief knew exactly where Kendall keeps her jewelry - and if they were invited as a guest it's a theft and not a burglary.
In August 2016 a stalker managed to make his way up the driveway of her home and make contact with her.
She was granted a permanent restraining order against Shavaughn McKenzie who was accused of following the runway model and repeatedly knocking on her car window on August 14.
Nice ice: The 21-year-old star has showed off some of her jewelry on Instagram
History: The KUWTK star bought the six-bedroom home from Emily Blunt and John Krasinski for $6.5 million in 2016
'I've never been so scared in my life,' Kendall said in a court appearance at the time.
Kendall's sister Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in October.
A gang of masked men forced their way into her Paris apartment, tied her up at gunpoint and stole jewelry worth $10million.
As result of the heist, Kim withdrew from the public eye for months, eventually re-emerging at a beauty seminar in Dubai in January.
The incident highlighted how much of their lives the famous family document on social media, including Kim, who had been flashing her $4 million emerald-cut engagement ring on Instagram shortly before the robbery.
Family woe: Kendall's sister Kim Kardashian was the victim of a robbery in October when thieves forced their way into her Paris apartment, tied her up and stole her jewelry
He's been busy filming his new movie Little Italy in Toronto lately.
But Hayden Christensen was paid a visit on Tuesday from not only his long term girlfriend Rachel Bilson, but their adorable two-year-old daughter, Briar Rose.
Still in costume, the proud dad, 36, kissed his little girl on the head as he lifted her up into his arms.
Daddy's little girl! Hayden Christensen was paid a visit on the set of Little Italy in Toronto on Tuesday from not only his long term girlfriend Rachel Bilson, but their adorable two-year-old daughter, Briar Rose
Hayden couldn't have looked happier to have his family join him on set, and gazed lovingly at his daughter as he lifted her up.
Rachel stood nearby, smiling, as she watched the adorable father-daughter moment.
Hayden was clearly on a break from filming, if his wardrobe was anything to go by.
The actor looked ready to cook in his green apron, jeans, and sneakers.
Take your daughter to work day! Hayden couldn't have looked happier to have his family on set, and gazed lovingly at his daughter as he lifted her up, showing off her Ipanema Kids sandals
His daughter wore peach pink shorts, Ipanema Kids sandals, and a grey tank top.
Rachel, meanwhile, wore a red bohemian chic blouse with tassels on the sleeves, tight jeans, and black sandals.
Aside from a brief split in 2010, Hayden and Rachel have been together since 2007.
Step by step: Christensen was clearly having a blast during his father-daughter moment
They welcomed little Briar in 2014.
Meanwhile, Hayden has recently started working on Little Italy, which also stars Emma Roberts.
In an interview with WWD, Emma said of the movie: 'Its a romantic comedy and the director is Donald Petrie, who did How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Miss Congeniality, and he worked with my aunt in Mystic Pizza,' referring to Julia Roberts.
'Its going to be a really fun movie; its one of those where you laugh, you cry, you smile. I feel like I havent seen any of those movies lately and those are what I love.'
Little Italy is slated to hit theaters in 2018.
They flaunted their love on social media after debuting as a couple last year, before parting ways after nine months together.
And now it appears the romance between Lincoln Lewis and Chloe Ciesla is back on.
The 29-year-old actor shared what appeared to be a loved-up Instagram post referencing the 19-year-old blonde on Tuesday.
Back on? It appears the romance between Lincoln Lewis and Chloe Ciesla is back on
The image shows the actor swimming with a woman, who appears to be Chloe, among sharks, and comes on the back of reports the pair have rekindled their flame.
He captioned the picture: 'Not long till I'll be swimming in these clear waters again with this beautiful girl'.
The genetically blessed couple first debuted their romance with a series of loved up posts to Instagram in May, last year.
In one image, the pair lean in for a kiss as they stand on a rock in front of a beach at sunset in the photo, captioning the image: 'Just you and me.'
Proof? The 29-year-old shared what appeared to be a loved-up Instagram post referencing the 19-year-old blonde on Tuesday
On: The genetically blessed couple first debuted their romance with a series of loved up posts to Instagram in May, last year
Loved up: Lincoln Lewis' model girlfriend Chloe Ciesla shared a sweet snap of the couple in Perth, last year
The 19-year-old model further expressed her love for the actor by adding a heart emoji.
Taking to Instagram in March, the son of former professional rugby league star Wally Lewis shared a photo of he and Chloe locking lips, the caption next to the photo simply reading: 'This one'.
Taking to Instagram in March, the son of former professional rugby league star Wally Lewis shared a photo of he and Chloe locking lips, the caption next to the photo simply reading: 'This one'
Bikini babe: Stunning Chloe is certainly not shy to flaunt her runway ready figure on her social media page
It looks like the former Home And Away star may very well have met Chloe in her home state of Western Australia while recently there as a tourism ambassador for the state.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last year about what he looks for in a girlfriend, Lincoln said it was more about a lady's personality as opposed to just physical appearance.
'Just someone with a great sense of humour, someone who's very down-to-earth and normal,' Lincoln told Daily Mail Australia at the 2015 Dally M Awards in Sydney.
Beach babe: Chloe is signed with Vivien's Model Management in Perth and 10 years Lincoln's junior
Perth beauty: It looks like Lincoln may very well have met Chloe in her home state of Western Australia while recently there as a tourism ambassador for the state
'You want someone who can make you laugh. You want someone you can have a very good, deep chat with and not talk about the more material things in life, it's all about the deeper stuff.'
He then added: 'And someone I can go to the beach with and have a good feed with'.
Signed with Vivien's Model Management in Perth, the stunner is certainly not shy to flaunt her runway ready figure on her social media page, with plenty of bikini photos making the cut.
Back in 2014, Lincoln was linked to former Miss World Australia Courtney Thorpe.
The hunky House Husbands star was then rumoured to have hooked up with Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice.
Oprah Winfrey totally squashed her fans' dreams of her one day becoming president of the United States.
'I will never run for public office. That's a pretty definitive thing,' the 63-year-old media mogul told THR's Awards Chatter podcast on Monday.
'I don't know the answer to that. But I will never have to the answer to that because I will never run for public office.'
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Nope-rah! Oprah Winfrey totally squashed her fans' dreams of her one day becoming president of the United States on Tuesday (pictured April 18)
The OWN CEO - who boasts a $3B fortune - clearly prefers her comfy, privileged life and numerous mansions to the stress of politics.
And who could blame Oprah after the controversy of the 2016 election riddled with FBI investigations on both candidates and horrifying Russian interference?
Before selecting Mike Pence, President Donald Trump famously said Winfrey would be his pick for vice president back in 1999.
The 63-year-old media mogul told THR's Awards Chatter podcast on Monday: 'That's a pretty definitive thing. I don't know the answer to that. But I will never have to the answer to that because I will never run for public office'
'Oprah. I love Oprah. Oprah would always be my first choice,' the reality star - who turns 71 on Wednesday - gushed on CNN's Larry King Live.
'If she'd do it, she'd be fantastic. She's popular. She's brilliant. She's a wonderful woman.'
Bella Hadid has denied she's dating bad boy model Jordan Barrett.
The model took to Twitter on Tuesday to set the record straight after the pair were spotted getting cosy at her New York apartment.
'J is like a brother to me,' she insisted when fan noted they look 'so cute' together.
She revealed the pair were teaming up for a project with Vanity Fair.
Bella, 20, was pictured out in the Big Apple later that day. She looked in great spirits as she strutted around in a black and white ensemble.
Big smile in the Big Apple: Bella Hadid stepped out in New York on Tuesday
Setting the record straight: The model said Jordan is 'like a brother' after a fan said they looked 'so cute' together
The beauty stepped out on Tuesday in a ribbed long sleeved white blouse, which gave a peek at her black bra strap.
Bella showed off her tiny waist in her black trousers with white stitching and a flared hemline.
The runway star decided to wear a purse slung across her chest as well as hold on to a mini Dior handbag.
Looking chic: The 20-year-old model looked in great spirits as she strutted around in a black and white ensemble
Focused: The beauty stepped out in a ribbed long sleeved white blouse, which gave a peek at her black bra strap
Grinning ear to ear: Bella showed off her tiny waist in her black trousers with white stitching and a flared hemline, while covering her face with Smoke x Mirrors sunglasses
Bella, who hit the pavement in lace-up black boots, styled her brunette locks into a top knot.
The youngest daughter of Yolanda Hadid painted her lips a pink hue while shielding her eyes behind large framed Smoke x Mirrors aviator sunglasses.
At another point Tuesday, she was seen ambling about town in the same outfit, but with a cross-emblazoned sleeveless white top instead of a full-sleeved one.
She'd also got a different black purse dangling from her shoulder.
Slight changes: At another point on Tuesday, she was seen ambling about New York City in the same outfit, but with a sleeveless white top instead of a full-sleeved one
Detail work: A cross design was emblazoned on the front of that top
Slight changes: She'd also got a different black purse dangling from her shoulder
Bella also posted an Instagram video on Tuesday that saw her blow through a variety of looks whilst advertising her collaborative line with Chrome Hearts.
One of those ensembles featured a red cap over tousled hair, plus a shock of bright red lipstick that popped on camera as she looked over her shoulder.
She also bared her enviably chiseled midriff as she modeled a white crop top she'd worn over a pair of jeans garnished with a chain.
Plugging away: Bella also posted an Instagram video on Tuesday that saw her blow through a variety of looks whilst advertising her collaborative line with Chrome Hearts
Chic: One of those ensembles featured a red cap over tousled hair, plus a shock of bright red lipstick that popped on camera as she looked over her shoulder
Pose: She also bared her enviably chiseled midriff as she modeled a white crop top she'd worn over a pair of jeans garnished with a chain
A male model joined her at times, and at one point, he posed shirtless, embracing her from behind as she left her black jacket open, seemingly with no top on underneath.
Another outfit of hers was redolent of the 1960s, complete with a beehive hairdo, and saw her swinging a purse as she walked about in a black cocktail dress.
Bella and Jordan were snapped on Monday getting cozy through a window of her Big Apple apartment.
Cozy: A male model joined her at times, and at one point, he posed shirtless, embracing her from behind as she left her black jacket open, seemingly with no top on underneath
Retro: Another outfit of hers was redolent of the 1960s, complete with a beehive hairdo, and saw her swinging a purse as she walked about in a black cocktail dress
In between it's nicotine: A close-up of her in that getup was of her smoking a cigarette
The duo were casually lounging together, with Bella wearing black underwear with white top and Jordan going shirtless.
A close-up of her in that getup was of her smoking a cigarette.
They spent time together during Cannes last month; he shared a series of pictures while on a luxury boat with Bella and friends in the French Rivera.
The 20-year-old Australian born model was snapped lounging next to a bikini clad Bella in one Instagram photo.
Having some fun: Bella and Jordan spent time together during Cannes last month; he shared shared a series of pictures while on a boat with Bella and friends; Jordan pictured in stripes
No care in the world: The 20-year-old Australian born model was snapped lounging next to a bikini clad Bella in one Instagram photo
He later posted a picture as he relaxed besides the brunette; Bella appeared distracted by her smart phone in the photo.
The twosome also hit the stage during amfAR's 24th Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes in late May.
Bella enjoyed champagne alongside Jordan and fellow model Jessica Hart.
Good times: The twosome hit the stage during amfAR's 24th Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes; (from l to r) Irina Shayk, Bella and Jordan on May 25 in Cap d'Antibes, France
Celebrations: Bella enjoyed champagne alongside Jordan and fellow model Jessica Hart; Bella and Jordan with Jessica and Georgia Fowler on May 25 at amfAR in France
Center stage: The stars pictured at the gala in France on May 25
Summer casual: Meanwhile, Bella's mother Yolanda Hadid was pictured in New York City as well on Tuesday, but in the NoHo neighborhood
She confirmed she split with her boyfriend of a year in February to focus on her career.
And now it has been reported that Scarlett Moffatt, 26, and Luke Crodden, 28, have rekindled their romance just four months after they initially parted ways.
At the time, the I'm A Celebrity winner was said to be 'sad' about the break up, having only moved in together in North London weeks beforehand.
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Hotting up! Scarlett Moffatt, 26, and her former flame Luke Crodden, 28, have reportedly rekindled their romance just four months after they initially parted ways
Yet, according to The Sun, the reality-star-turned-presenter and her hairdresser beau are giving their relationship another go with Luke moving into her new abode.
A source said: 'Scarlett and Luke are giving it another go. Her life was manic after the jungle and she wanted to focus on her work. The following months were critical for her career, which is why she needed space from Luke.
Adding: 'Now that Scarlett is more settled, she and Luke have been seeing a lot more of each other and have decided to make it official.'
MailOnline have contacted Scarlett Moffatt's rep for comment.
Having moved to Camden from Newcastle before Christmas, the couple looked to be in a good place with Scarlett taking Luke to the National Television Awards where she was working as a backstage presenter in January.
'Giving it another go': Yet, according to The Sun, the reality-star-turned-presenter and her hairdresser beau are giving their relationship another go with Luke moving into her new abode
Although it was reported at the time that the Gogglebox star had been so busy following her return from the jungle, that she and Luke have been struggling to spend time together and now needed to focus on her career.
The TV star had signed up to be a co-presenter alongside Ant & Dec for their show Saturday Night Takeaway and was also set host a reboot of Channel Four dating show Streetmate.
An insider told the paper: 'At the moment she needs to concentrate on her career. After all, shes got plenty of time to settle down in the future'.
The split will come as a surprise to fans of the reality star, with Scarlett previously making no secret of the fact she felt ready to make a long term commitment to her beau.
In happier times: The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner revealed she and Luke had made plans for the future, and even discussed rings
Together: Scarlett and Luke, pictured together in December, recently moved out of her native Newcastle and to London
Insta-official: Scarlett regularly posted images of she and her beau on social media
'My friend works at a jewellers and he invited me over. I said, "While Im here, I might as well try some rings on"', she told The Mirror last November before heading to the Australian jungle for I'm A Celeb.
'I pointed out which one I liked and what my ring size is, just so Luke knows which one to get in the future. If that isnt a hint, I dont know what is.'
The couple even confided to OK! magazine in December that they had discussed names for their future children.
'Weve had a baby name chat,' she told the publication, with Luke revealing she wanted to call their daughter Aurora.
Priorities: Scarlett will now instead focus on her burgeoning career after winning I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here last year
For years firebrand preacher Wirathu has used the social network as a platform to rail against the country's embattled Muslims, comparing them to dogs and accusing them of raping and killing Buddhists
A Myanmar monk once dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" for his extremist diatribes says he has been banned from using Facebook, as the site ramps up efforts to clamp down on hate speech.
For years firebrand preacher Wirathu has used the social network as a platform to rail against the country's embattled Muslims, comparing them to dogs and accusing them of raping and killing Buddhists.
His tirades, which have gained him hundreds of thousands of followers online, have been blamed for stoking deadly sectarian violence including riots in 2013 outside Mandalay which killed dozens of people.
But in his latest video, posted on Friday, the monk said he had been banned from using the site for 30 days for repeatedly posting content not allowed by Facebook's monitors.
"I am not sure (if I can keep using my account) as Facebook's team is in the hands of Muslims," he said in the video, put up from a different account.
"Facebook is occupied by the Muslims."
A spokesperson for the site did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move comes at a time when Facebook is facing global pressure to clamp down on hate speech, violent threats or deliberately misleading information on posted on its platform.
Last month its monitors appeared to ban people in Myanmar from posting the word "kalar," a term often used as a slur against the country's embattled Muslim minority.
The move caused uproar online after some users said they had been blocked after writing other words that include the same sound in the Burmese alphabet, such as the word for chair.
Myanmar's government has also been seeking to stifle hate speech after a spike in anti-Muslim actions by nationalists.
Last month Myanmar's top Buddhist authority officially banned the ultra-nationalist Ma Ba Tha movement to which Wirathu belongs, which responded by simply changing their name.
Censors have also banned a documentary on festering religious tensions between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state from an upcoming film festival for fear it could stoke tensions.
Izzah became radicalised from 18 after watching propaganda videos from the extremist group, and had formed an extensive network of foreign contacts, including IS militants and supporters,
A 22-year-old Singaporean woman who was planning to go to Syria with her child and marry an Islamic State fighter has been detained without trial, the city-state's interior ministry said Monday.
Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari, who worked at a community nursery, was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
"Izzah was intent on joining ISIS and was actively planning to make her way to Syria, with her young child," the ministry said in a statement, using another name for the Islamic State group.
"She supported ISIS's use of violence to establish and defend its self-declared 'caliphate', and aspired to live in it."
Izzah became radicalised from 18 after watching propaganda videos from the extremist group, and had formed an extensive network of foreign contacts, including IS militants and supporters, the MHA said, some of whom had been killed in Syria or arrested for terror-related activities.
The daughter of Quranic teachers, she believed that having a husband who died in battle would give her "elevated status" and she could easily remarry in Syria, the MHA added. Her family tried to talk her out of it but to no avail.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore said the incident demonstrated the threat of self-radicalisation is "very real".
"An individual may fall prey to false narratives and teachings on the internet and social media, such that even a real life support structure may not be able to counter them," the council said in a statement.
Singapore considers itself a prime target for terrorists because of the anti-terror role it plays and the interior ministry has warned that the terrorism threat was at its highest in recent years.
Since 2015, 14 Singaporeans have been detained under the ISA for radicalisation, which allows for detention without trial for up to two years.
The region has been on high alert in recent weeks following a takeover of Marawi in the southern Philippines by Islamist militants flying the black flags of IS.
During a recent regional security dialogue, Malaysian and Indonesian defence ministers said that as IS loses ground in the Middle East, returning fighters from Iraq and Syria will pose a problem in the years ahead.
Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani
Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Monday denounced the sanctions imposed against Doha by Saudi Arabia and its allies as "unfair" and "illegal".
"Whatever relates to our foreign affairs... no one has the right to discuss," Sheikh Mohammed said during a visit to Paris, calling for "dialogue based on clear foundations" over accusations that Qatar supports extremist groups.
"Qatar is willing to sit and negotiate about whatever is related to Gulf security," Sheikh Mohammed told a news conference.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt this month announced they had suspended ties with Qatar over the emirate's alleged support for extremists, banning all flights to and from Doha and shutting down the offices of the country's national carrier.
The unprecedented Gulf diplomatic crisis has seen the four countries give Qatari nationals two weeks to leave the country.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin offers few policy revelations in his interviews with Oliver Stone but the series gives Western viewers a rare, unfiltered look at his thinking
Oliver Stone, the Hollywood director and triple Oscar winner, puts Russian President Vladimir Putin in US living rooms on Monday by broadcasting interviews with a leader who fascinates and repels many Americans in equal measure.
"The Putin Interviews" is the product of 12 conversations between the Russian leader and Stone between July 2015 and February 2017, cut into four one-hour programs shown from Monday to Thursday on cable network Showtime.
If Putin offers few revelations about policy, staunchly defending his domestic record and offering his perspective on 70 years of Russian-American relations, the series gives Western viewers a rare, unfiltered look at his thinking.
By choosing subtitles rather than dubbing, the director of "Platoon," "Born on the Fourth of July" and "JFK" gives US television audiences the impression of almost being in the same room with the Russian leader.
Putin clearly exercises fascination over Stone, who at one point tells him: "You are an excellent CEO of a company. Russia is your company."
No journalist, he gives Putin free reign to voice his thoughts on geopolitics, accuse the United States of supporting "terrorists" in Chechnya and the Caucuses and voice concern about US military ambitions in Eastern Europe.
Mixed with geopolitics are Putin's musings on a range of lighter topics such as how judo "changed my life for the better" and how being a man makes him less prone to emotional outbursts of women.
"I'm not a woman so I don't have bad days. I'm not trying to insult anyone. That's just the nature of things. There are certain natural cycles," Putin said.
Stone told Australian public television that the point of the series was to challenge the "politically, ideologically driven image" of Putin in the West.
"You have to listen for yourself and judge for yourself," he said, freely admitting that he "liked" and "respected" Putin.
"The man speaks very articulately about what the Russian interests are in the world." But of the future, Stone said he was pessimistic.
"We're sleepwalking towards a nuclear nightmare. When you see my documentary, you can understand why," he said.
US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed an immigration sweep in the Detroit area, but would not say how many were arrested
Iraqi Christians in the US are expressing alarm over the arrests of Chaldean immigrants in the Detroit area for deportation back to the war-torn nation, where they could face persecution.
A number of Chaldeans, part of an ancient Christian minority in Iraq, were detained Sunday in an enforcement sweep, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said.
The immigrants targeted had criminal records and were living among a community of tens of thousands of Iraqi Chaldeans in the Detroit area. Many fear returning to Iraq could be dangerous, if not deadly.
Video posted on Twitter showed what appeared to be a row of detained men in handcuffs marching onto a bus, while voices can be heard off camera yelling in protest.
"Why are you doing this? That's someone's grandfather!" someone can be heard yelling.
"Don't sign anything!" another voice exclaims, as others are crying. "You came as a refugee... you have a right to stay!"
Some 30 to 40 people were arrested, according to US media reports. All had been given final deportation orders following criminal convictions, but had remained in the US for years, because Iraq did not accept US deportations.
In a March deal between the US and Iraqi governments, the Trump administration agreed to remove the Middle Eastern country's nationals from its proposed travel ban, in exchange for Iraq agreeing to take in deported immigrants.
The first chartered flight of deportees back to Iraq took place on April 19, raising alarms among US Chaldeans, who fear returning to a region where even the US government characterized as genocide the Islamic State's treatment of Christians last year.
Many in the Detroit-area Chaldean community had voted for Trump, in hopes that he would crack down on the Islamic State, which has massacred religious minorities in Iraq and Syria.
In a statement, ICE confirmed Sunday's immigration sweep, but would not say how many were arrested.
"The agency recently arrested a number of Iraqi nationals, all of whom had criminal convictions," ICE said, adding that a majority were taken to a detention center in Ohio.
An agency spokesman would not disclose to AFP when and if the detainees would be flown back to Iraq "for operational security reasons."
The agency said it would release more information in the coming days.
Crown Resorts operates casinos across Australia and the world, although it has this year undertaken a restructure amid China's gambling crackdown which has driven away many big-spenders and hurt revenues
Up to 18 staff from Australian billionaire James Packer's Crown Resorts have been charged with promoting gambling in China, eight months after being detained, the company said Tuesday.
The marketing employees were seized in raids across China in October, including an executive in charge of luring rich Chinese to Australia, as Beijing cracks down on high-roller gambling promotions.
Crown at the time said 18 staff were being held, but did not mention the number in an update to the Australian stock exchange.
"All detained employees in China as well as those employees released on bail have now been charged with offences related to the promotion of gambling and their cases have been referred to the Baoshan District Court," it said.
"As the matter is now before the court, no further comments will be made," Crown added.
Three Australians were among those formally arrested in China, including Jason O'Connor, the executive vice-president of a Crown division called VIP International.
They are suspected of arranging junkets overseas for wealthy Chinese gamblers.
Gaming is illegal in China and companies are not allowed explicitly to advertise gambling.
Crown operates casinos across Australia and the world, although it has this year undertaken a restructure amid China's gambling crackdown which has driven away many big-spenders and hurt revenues.
Last month Crown sold a remaining stake in its Macau venture to joint-venture partner Melco International, after shelving plans late last year for a Las Vegas casino to concentrate on Australian luxury hotel and casino businesses.
Robert Mueller, former FBI director, has been leading a probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election
Donald Trump is considering firing former FBI chief Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating if Russia colluded in last year's bitter election campaign, a friend of the US president said Monday.
Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy made the comments on the eve of testimony at the Senate Intelligence Committee by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions over the Trump-Russia probe.
His comments came just days after explosive comments by ousted FBI director James Comey to the same committee, suggesting that Trump sought to interfere with the investigation.
"I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option," Ruddy told PBS "NewsHour" when asked if Trump would let Mueller continue in his role in the Russia probe.
"I personally think it would be a very significant mistake," Ruddy added.
A White House official stressed that Ruddy "speaks for himself," not the Trump administration.
CNN cited a source close to Trump as saying the president was "being advised by many people" to not fire Mueller, who led the FBI between 2001 and 2013.
The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, warned on Twitter that "If President fired Bob Mueller, Congress would immediately re-establish independent counsel and appoint Bob Mueller. Don't waste our time."
The president sacked Comey in early May. Given that as FBI director Comey was overseeing the probe into Russia, and its possible collusion with the Trump team, the firing has led to questions about potential obstruction of justice.
Sessions, who recommended in a signed memo that Comey be fired, may end up claiming executive privilege as a means of limiting the scope of his testimony.
Trump has expressed frustrations with Sessions, one of the president's earliest high-profile backers.
Philippine troops take positions during an operation to flush out Islamist militant snipers in Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao
A spokesman for the Islamic State group praised jihadist attacks in the Philippines and Iran, in an audio recording broadcast Tuesday.
The recording broadcast by jihadist accounts on social networks was part of a general appeal to extremists around the world to continue their attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"Children of the caliphate in eastern Asia, we congratulate you for taking Marawi," IS spokesman Aboulhassan al-Mouhajer said, referring to the Philippine city seized by Islamist militants last month.
Thousands of Philippine troops are battling hundreds of insurgents who overran the southern city on May 23, flying black IS flags and using up to 2,000 civilians as human shields.
Fierce fighting in the city has left a total of 58 soldiers and police and more than 20 civilians dead, according to the military which estimates that almost 200 jihadists have been killed.
The IS spokesman also congratulated the perpetrators of last week's attacks in Iran.
Seventeen people were killed and dozens wounded when armed men and suicide bombers attacked Tehran's parliament complex and the shrine of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on June 7, the first strikes claimed by the group in Iran.
The five attackers were killed.
Mouhajer urged "caliphate soldiers" to continue their actions during Ramadan in Iraq and Syria.
He also called for attacks in Europe, America, Australia, Russia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria.
Panama's Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel Saint Malo shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after the two signed a joint communique agreeing to establish diplomatic relations, in Beijing, on June 13, 2017
Panama and China announced on Tuesday they were establishing diplomatic relations, as the Central American nation became the latest to dump Taiwan for closer ties with the world's second-largest economy.
The move prompted an angry response from Taiwan and will likely further strain ties between Taipei and Beijing, which considers the self-ruled island a renegade province awaiting reunification with the mainland.
Taiwan is recognised by around 20 countries worldwide and its status is one of the most politically sensitive issues for Chinese leaders who pressure trade partners to accept its "one China" principle.
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said in a nationally televised message "to the country and the world" that "Panama and China establish diplomatic relations today".
The two countries issued a joint statement saying: "In light of the interests and wishes of both peoples, the Republic of Panama and People's Republic of China have decided to grant each other, from the date of this document's signing, mutual recognition, establishment of diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level."
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (L) and Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela, seen during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Panama City, in June 2016
After decades of siding with Taiwan in the disagreement over its status, Panama now "recognises that there is only one China in the world" and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Panamanian counterpart Isabel Saint Malo signed the communique in Beijing.
"This is a historic moment, China-Panama relations have opened a new chapter," Wang said, adding that Panama's decision was in "complete accordance" with its people's interests and "in keeping with the times".
Saint Malo said Panama and China had made an "important step" and started a "new page in our strategic relations"
The announcement comes after Beijing began construction last week of a container port, with natural gas facilities, in Panama's northern province of Colon.
Panama had long stressed it had diplomatic ties with Taipei and commercial ones with Beijing.
Chinese ships, after those from the United States, are the number two users of the Panama Canal, the Central American country's main source of budget revenue.
- Taiwan's anger -
Chinese ships are the number two users of the Panama Canal, the Central American country's main source of budget revenue
Panama is the latest country to cut ties with Taiwan.
In December China signed an agreement to restore diplomatic relations with Sao Tome and Principe after the African nation ditched the island.
Taiwan reacted furiously to the latest move.
"We strongly condemn Beijing for manipulating the so-called 'one China' policy to continue to suppress Taiwan's international space through various means," the presidential office said.
"This kind of action is not only an open threat to Taiwanese people's survival and welfare but also an open provocation to peace and stability in the Taiwan strait and the region."
Diplomatic tussles between Taiwan and Beijing eased under the island's previous Beijing-friendly government.
But relations have deteriorated since President Tsai Ing-wen's China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party was swept to power in a landslide election victory last year.
Tsai has refused to acknowledge the concept that Taiwan is part of "one China", unlike her predecessor Ma Ying-jeou.
Cross-strait tensions have been further exacerbated by a highly unusual call from Tsai to congratulate then US President-elect Donald Trump, who questioned Washington's policy towards the island, including its decision to not formally recognise its government.
Migrants from Eritrea sit on a bus at the al-Laffa border crossing in Sudan's eastern Kassala state on the Eritrea-Sudan border on May 2, 2017
It was Efrem Desta's yearning for freedom that made him flee his home country of Eritrea and enter Sudan illegally, hoping that he could later make it to Europe.
But he and a group of fellow migrants were abducted by Sudanese Bedouin Rashaida tribesmen after they crossed into east Sudan near Al-Laffa village.
"We fled Eritrea because we wanted freedom, but when we got here we were captured by Rashaida," said Desta, 20, speaking in his native Tigrinya language.
"After five days in captivity, we were rescued."
Sudanese security forces, who have stepped up their patrols along the 600-kilometre (370-mile) frontier with Eritrea in a bid to curb migrant smuggling, freed the group.
They were found handcuffed and in chains, security officers said, and have now joined nearly 30,000 other refugees in Wadi Sherifay camp, a vast conglomerate of thatched huts and dusty tracks near the border.
Eritrean migrants sit at the Wadi Sherifay camp on May 2, 2017, after being caught by Sudanese border security illegally crossing the Eritrea-Sudan border in the eastern Kassala state
Most of the rescued Eritreans say they fled their country to escape military conscription, but some do admit leaving to seek better jobs abroad.
Sudanese police and agents of the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) say dozens of Eritreans try to enter Sudan illegally every day.
"There are many ways they enter, including walking along the river Gash," one security officer told an AFP correspondent who toured border areas of Kasala state at the beginning of May.
The migrants cross into Sudan on foot after walking for days or in some cases even weeks.
- Key transit point -
"They usually travel at night and hide out during the day in farms, plantations and forests," the officer said, pointing to a patch of trees lining the dry riverbed.
Although Syrians fleeing their brutal civil war fuel the current migration crisis, experts say there are also many Eritreans trying to reach Europe.
Members of Sudanese border security forces patrol the Sudan-Eritrea border for smugglers and illegal migrants near the eastern Sudanese border town of Kassala on May 2, 2017
"An estimated 100,000 migrants travelled across Sudan in 2016, the bulk of them being Eritreans," said Asfand Waqar, analyst at the International Organization of Migration (IOM).
Sudan, in the Horn of Africa, is a key transit point on the migrant route to Europe.
From Kasala the Eritreans travel across Sudan to Libya or Egypt.
Smugglers then cram them aboard rickety boats for perilous Mediterranean voyages aimed at reaching landfall in Europe.
In summer, the long windswept cross-border Gash riverbed comes alive at night with the march of migrants.
"We still don't do night patrols, so it's easy for them to move during the hours of darkness," the security officer said.
Behind him under the scorching midday sun, a group of machinegun-toting border guards crossed the riverbed in pick-up trucks to begin a patrol.
Officers say that their boosted presence along the border had also helped them catch several people smugglers.
"The smugglers, who are mostly Eritrean, have excellent networks and high-tech communications gear," another security officer said.
An illegal migrant from Eritrea sits on a bus at the al-Laffa border crossing in Sudan's eastern Kassala state on the Eritrea-Sudan border as she is deported from Sudan back to her homeland on May 2, 2017
"They know more about us than we know about them."
- Big business -
Migrant smuggling has become a multi-billion-dollar business, experts say.
"It's the financial capability of a migrant that determines how much he would be charged. It's an exploitative system," said Waqar, with the cost ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
An Eritrean woman planning to travel to Europe from Khartoum said she was told to raise $2,500.
Kasala police chief General Yahya Sulayman said Sudan alone cannot stop the smuggling of people along the "long and complicated" border.
Eritrean migrants stand at the Wadi Sherifay camp on May 2, 2017, after being caught by Sudanese border security illegally crossing the Eritrea-Sudan border in the eastern Kassala state
"We need international help, hi-tech communication equipment, vehicles, cameras and even drones to monitor the border," he told AFP.
Washington-based think tank Enough Project says the European Union paid Khartoum millions of euros to buy equipment that would help stem the migrant flow.
Some funding also went to the Rapid Support Force (RSF), a paramilitary group fighting rebels in war-torn Darfur, and whose members are also used for border patrols, the think tank said.
General Sulayman denied that any RSF members were deployed along the Sudan-Eritrea border.
"The border patrols are carried out by police, NISS and Sudanese armed forces," he said.
"All these troops are jointly fighting organised cross-border crime."
Eritreans in camps such as Wadi Sherifay say they live in a constant state of fear.
"The Eritrean military has its agents everywhere. They can catch us and take us back," said one who still dreams of reaching Europe.
"It's not safe for us to be here for long."
Resident living near the plant unsuccessfully argued that the utility had not taken enough measures to prevent an accident linked to a natural disaster
A Japanese court Tuesday gave the green light to switch on two more nuclear reactors despite heavy public opposition, in the latest victory for the government's pro-atomic push.
Local residents lost their bid for an injunction to block the refiring of the No.3 and No.4 reactors at the Genkai nuclear plant in southwestern Japan on safety grounds, according to a district court official.
The site, operated by Kyushu Electric Power, lies some 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Kumamoto prefecture which was hit by a deadly earthquake last year.
Residents unsuccessfully argued that the utility had not taken enough measures to prevent an accident linked to a natural disaster.
The restarts are not likely to happen for at least several months.
The court ruling comes a week after another utility switched on a reactor at the Takahama plant in Fukui prefecture, some 350 kilometres (215 miles) west of Tokyo, bringing the number of running reactors in Japan to five.
Dozens more in the country still remain offline.
The nuclear plant lies some 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Kumamoto prefecture which was hit by a deadly earthquake last year
Japan shut down all of its atomic reactors after a powerful earthquake in March 2011 spawned a huge tsunami that led to meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
It was the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.
Since then, just a handful of reactors have come back online due to public opposition and as legal cases work their way through the courts.
However, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has aggressively promoted nuclear energy, calling it essential to powering the world's third-largest economy.
Much of the public remains wary of nuclear power after the disaster at Fukushima spewed radiation over a large area and forced tens of thousands to leave their homes, with some unlikely to ever return.
Last week, Japan's nuclear energy agency said five employees were exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation after a bag containing plutonium broke apart during a routine inspection.
Guinean President Alpha Conde (L) presents a student with a tablet computer in October 2015 but his campaign promise of 'one student' one tablet' has yet to materialise
Footage of Guinea's President Alpha Conde, 79, berating and mocking students has morphed into a national debate about his conduct, forcing the government to repeat a promise to provide university-goers with tablet computers.
Tensions began at a student forum held on June 1, when Conde ranted at a booing section of young attendees, accusing them of throwing a tantrum for jumping up and down while chanting "Tablets! Tablets!"
Conde made a "one student, one tablet" campaign promise during a 2015 presidential election that has yet to materialise, with youth groups saying it embodies another failure by his administration to address holes in education financing.
But what has really incensed Guineans is a widely shared video showing Conde's reaction to the students' cries, with both sides accusing the other of disrespect in a society where deference to elders is expected.
"I would like to offer my excuses for the rude behaviour of these people, who are not representative of Guinea's youth," Conde says to attending international dignitaries, before turning his wrath on the students.
"I was a student before you, we made Africa proud of us. You are like baby goats. 'Tablets', tablets'," he mocks. "Like baby goats!"
The expression he uses -- "sauter comme un cabri" (jump like a baby goat) -- is a nod to French president Charles De Gaulle, who used it to mean someone making a big fuss for nothing.
Conde goes to say the tablets are "not a right", even for students in the United States and France, calling his audience "unworthy" of the devices, before threatening to cancel the policy entirely.
"You can jump up and down and shout until tomorrow, it doesn't bother me," Conde declares, jabbing with his finger, his voice raised in anger.
Tensions were so high at the People's Palace in Conakry that the vice-rector of Lansana Conte University, an establishment close to the capital, had a heart attack on the spot and died.
A rector from another university was hospitalised following the incident.
- 'Family argument' -
Although tensions have calmed and the government has attempted to make amends, students are not letting go easily.
"Nobody is asking him anything because now we have understood. He has not kept a promise since he took power," said Mamadou Soumare, a medical student.
On Facebook, commenters such as Guiramba Koikoi Kalivogui told Conde "a promise is a debt," urging him to "have the courage to pay for the tablets."
Others noted a lack of respect on the students' side, while nonetheless calling on Conde to do as he had promised.
The presidency announced last week that Conde had gathered his higher education minister and advisors for a comprehensive meeting on the distribution of tablets to universities.
Advisor Tibou Kamara described a "family argument" that had got out of hand, describing Conde as a "father" who had failed to hand over a "present".
"Some of them lacked restraint in his presence," Kamara told AFP.
According to the higher education ministry, Guinea counts 100,000 university students, with just 600 subsidised tablets distributed so far due to technical problems including the compiling of biometric data.
Guinea ranked 156 of 173 countries globally in terms of spending linked to GDP, according to the most recent available figures from the CIA World Factbook, and the sector is beset by strikes.
SC permits CBSE to declare NEET 2017 results
IANS, New Delhi| Published : 12th June, 2017
The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to declare the results of NEET 2017 for under graduate medical courses.
Staying a Madras High Court order restraining the CBSE from declaring the result of NEET 2017 for under graduate medical courses - MBBS/BDS, the vacation bench of Justice Prafulla C. Pant and Justice Deepak Gupta said that no High Court across the country would entertain any plea relating to the NEET 2017.
Staying May 24 order of the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, Justice Pant passing the order said: "The High Court shouldn't have easily and liberally interfered with the schedule."
The apex court order will pave the way for counselling and admission to 56,000 MBBS/BDS seats in the country. NEET exam was held on May 7.
Saying that the High Court order amounted to "diluting the schedule fixed by the Supreme Court" in 2016, the vacation bench said that all the steps taken consequent to its order would be subject to the outcome of the matter before it.
Issuing notice on the plea by the CBSE and individual petitioners Namita Sibal and Apoorva Atul Joshi, the bench directed the listing of the matter after the court reopens after its summer vacation.
Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh told the bench that as per the schedule, the CBSE had to declare the NEET result by June 8. The NEET is now held as a statutory mandate.
Addressing the court, Additional Solicitor General Singh said there are nearly 13 lakh students who had appeared for NEET - 2017 out of which 10.50 lakh had taken their exam in English and Hindi.
The court was also told that besides English and Hindi, in pursuance to the top court's earlier orders there were question papers in eight vernacular languages too.
Since it was for the first time that NEET question papers were set in eight different languages, ASG Singh said that there was a need for translators and evaluators in eight different languages including Tamil and Gujarati.
The court was told that there were 10 set of question papers with different question but the difficulty level of these question papers was the same.
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A palestinian family eats dinner by candlelight at their makeshift home in the Rafah refugee camp, in the southern Gaza Strip, during a power outage on June 11, 2017
Hamas this week marks 10 years since taking power in Gaza with the Palestinian enclave at risk of conflict and facing electricity blackouts, poverty and Israel's blockade, analysts and officials say.
The situation is likely to be further complicated by the Saudi-led diplomatic row with Qatar, which has been a major donor to the Gaza Strip but may be forced to reduce its support due to the dispute.
Divisions remain deep between the Islamist movement Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah, based in the occupied West Bank, with reconciliation between the two rivals seemingly a long way off.
"It's the Gazans who pay the price," said rights activist Hamdi Shaqura, with nearly half of the population unemployed and more than three-quarters dependant on humanitarian aid.
Hamas has run Gaza since June 15, 2007, having seized it in a near civil war from Fatah following a dispute over parliamentary elections won by the Islamist movement.
Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza have since fought three wars with Israel.
Palestinian youths play volleyball on a street at the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, on June 11, 2017
Israel's blockade of the strip, now more than a decade old, has heavily damaged Gaza's economy, while the enclave's crossing with Egypt has remained largely closed in recent years as well.
Egypt has also destroyed most of the tunnels Gazans used for smuggling to and from the Sinai peninsula.
Adding to those woes, Abbas's Palestinian Authority has taken steps many analysts say are designed to pressure Hamas, including salary cuts for PA employees in Gaza and slashed electricity payments, further worsening an already severe power shortage.
- 'Big loser is us' -
Those moves have come as Gazans observe the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and as the summer heat sets in.
"People can no longer buy or sell," said Nahed Abu Salem, who runs a candy shop in the Jabalia refugee camp, with cuts to civil servants' salaries taking a hit on the economy.
Palestinian children fill jerricans with drinking water from public taps during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, on June 11, 2017
Ayed Hassouna, a 34-year-old coffee seller, says he spends 300 shekels ($85, 75 euros) every day on a generator to operate a bean-grinding machine, making his business unprofitable.
"In any case, we can't produce anything without electricity," he said.
Many analysts say the situation could further worsen in the enclave of some two million people squeezed between Egypt, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea.
In the past, Hamas backer Qatar has regularly stepped in with financial assistance.
But Qatar now faces a diplomatic crisis, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and others cutting ties after accusing it of supporting extremist groups.
"The big loser is us," said Ahmed Yousef, a senior Hamas member who has been a pragmatic voice within the Islamist movement labelled a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and the European Union.
"It is us who are going to pay the price."
Hamas has sought to soften its image in recent months with a new policy document somewhat easing its stance on Israel while still not recognising the country.
But it has also faced increasing isolation.
Relations with Egypt deteriorated after the 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi by Egypt's then army chief and now President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
It also lost Syria's support during the Arab Spring uprisings.
- 'It has to decide' -
Gazans are left to endure the fallout.
Palestinian youths play with their dogs on the beach during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Gaza City, on June 10, 2017
They have been receiving three to four hours of electricity per day, but Abbas's reported decision to slash payments has led Israel to reduce supplies.
When that takes effect, the strip will be left with around two or three hours per day.
Concerns have been raised for hospitals and infrastructure such as water treatment facilities -- already at risk.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of the possibility of a "systemic collapse".
For Yousef, it amounts to a situation where, for many young people, "it's better to die than live".
Young people came together for protests against electricity shortages in January, including one in which thousands in northern Gaza walked to the local headquarters of the electricity company.
Hamas security forces fired warning shots and made arrests as they dispersed the protesters.
Whether the tensions will lead to another escalation between Hamas and Israel is a question constantly being posed.
While UN officials have called for Israel to lift its blockade, citing deteriorating conditions, Israel says it is needed to stop Hamas from obtaining weapons or materials used to make them.
"It cannot be that Hamas collects taxes from the residents of Gaza, and these taxes go to tunnels, to rockets, not to the development of Gaza, to the development of the electricity sector, to the water sector, and now it has to decide what it wants," Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Monday.
Hamas says it must defend itself in the face of Israel's overwhelming power and that the blockade stops it from importing needed material while stifling its economy.
Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a political scientist in Gaza, said he does not see the blockade being lifted until Hamas gives up power in the strip.
But, for him, Hamas agreeing to do so could "avoid more catastrophes".
A Bangladeshi woman mourns next to bodies of relatives (not pictured) after a landslide in Bandarban
Heavy monsoon rains and landslides have killed at least 134 people in southeast Bangladesh, burying many in their homes as they slept, authorities said Tuesday.
Three young children from the same family were among those killed in the disaster, which comes just weeks after a cyclone battered the region and destroyed camps housing thousands of Rohingya refugees.
Police warned the death toll would likely rise as emergency workers reached remote parts of the Chittagong Hills, where telephone and transport links had been cut.
Manzurul Mannan, the government administrator of the worst-hit Rangamati district, said at least 98 people were killed in the hilly region alone.
"The death toll might rise," Mannan told AFP.
At least 30 people were killed in neighbouring Chittagong and another six in Bandarban, officials told AFP, adding about 15 people were missing, feared buried under chunks of mud.
Bangladesh
Many of the victims were from poor tribal communities in the remote hill district of Rangamati, close to the Indian border, where mudslides buried hundreds of homes.
One woman described the ground sliding from beneath their family home in the dead of night, sending them fleeing to a house next door.
"A few other families also took shelter there, but just after dawn a section of hill fell on the house. Six people are still missing," Khatiza Begum told local news website Bangla Tribune at Rangamati hospital.
District police chief Sayed Tariqul Hasan said most of the landslides happened before dawn Tuesday.
"Some of them were sleeping in their houses on hillsides when the landslides occurred," he said.
Police and local authorities ordered the evacuation of thousands of people living in slums at the base of hills in the neighbouring district of Chittagong, where 30 people have been confirmed dead.
At least 126 people were killed in that district when a massive landslide buried a village a decade ago.
In the latest incident six people were killed in the nearby district of Bandarban, among them three children buried by a landslide as they slept in their home.
Authorities have opened 18 shelters in the worst-hit hill districts, where 4,500 people have been evacuated, disaster management and relief minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya told reporters.
- 'Constant fear' -
Head of disaster management department Reaz Ahmed said disaster response teams had been deployed but had not yet been able to reach all the affected areas.
"Once the rains are over, we'll get a full picture of the damage and get the recovery work in full swing," he added.
The monsoon rains came two weeks after Cyclone Mora smashed into Bangladesh's southeast, killing at least eight people and damaging tens of thousands of homes.
Rohingya leader Mohammad Anam said the latest rains had further worsened conditions in camps that were badly hit by the cyclone.
"We're living in constant fear of landslides," he told AFP.
Around 300,000 Rohingya, a mainly Muslim stateless ethnic minority, are living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh after fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
Heavy monsoon rains also pounded the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chittagong in the district of the same name, disrupting traffic for hours and flooding key roads and business districts.
A ferry sank in the River Buriganga in Dhaka on Monday evening with an estimated 100 passengers aboard, police said, adding all the passengers had managed to swim ashore.
Among the victims in Rangamati district were at least four soldiers who had been sent to clear roads after an earlier landslide.
Thousands of troops are stationed in Rangamati, where a tribal insurgency raged for two decades, and which still suffers sporadic violence.
Bangladeshi fire fighters and residents search for bodies after a landslide in Bandarban
"The soldiers were sent to clear roads hit by landslide in Manikchhari town when they were themselves buried by a second landslide," armed forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rashidul Hassan told AFP.
"They fell 30 feet (nine metres) from the main road," he said, adding one soldier was missing and 10 injured, five critically.
Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli has lived in Miami since January 2015 after leaving the country days before the Supreme Court launched a corruption investigation against him
Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli -- accused by his country of corruption and spying on political opponents -- was arrested at his residence near Miami late on Monday, local media reported.
Martinelli, detained at his home in Coral Gables south of Miami, is being held in federal prison and faces extradition to Panama, the Miami Herald quoted the US Marshals Service as saying.
Martinelli will appear in federal court Tuesday morning, the newspaper said.
Panama's Supreme Court ordered his arrest in 2015 over accusations that he used public funds to illegally spy on telephone calls and emails of more than 150 prominent opponents.
Martinelli denies the accusations, saying they are politically motivated. A supermarket tycoon, he governed from 2009 to 2014.
Panama made a request for his extradition last year.
The international police agency Interpol issued a "red notice" on the government's request last month.
Panamanian authorities have opened some 200 investigations into Martinelli's administration, according to Transparency International.
Allegations include accusations that he helped embezzle $45 million from a government school-lunch program, as well as other cases of extortion, bribe-taking, misappropriation of public funds and abuse of power.
Martinelli has lived in Miami since January 2015 after leaving Panama days before the Supreme Court launched a corruption investigation against him.
A statue of a cow is seen during a protest and fast by Indian Hindu devotees against the slaughter of a cow in the southern state of Kerala on June 1, 2017
Eight men have been arrested for violently ambushing a government convoy transporting cows in northwest India, police said Tuesday, the latest assault by vigilantes claiming to protect the sacred animal.
A mob of about 200 Hindu hardliners Sunday blocked the convoy of trucks in Rajasthan state as government officials escorted 80 cows and calves to a state-run breeding programme in India's south.
They attacked the officials after accusing them of taking the cows to a slaughterhouse, local police chief Gagandeep Singla told AFP.
"They stopped the trucks on the pretext of checking documents and then attacked them with sticks and damaged the trucks," he said, adding the mob tried to set the vehicles ablaze.
More than 50 vigilantes have been identified and charged with assaulting public officials, he added. One of those targeted in the 30-minute attack sustained serious head injuries.
Hindus, the majority in India, consider cows sacred and killing the beasts is illegal in many states, with life sentences imposed in some jurisdictions.
The ambush in Rajasthan was just the latest by self-proclaimed cow protection squads -- mobs of Hindu hardliners who attack anyone suspected of abusing the animals.
In April a mob beat a 55-year-old Muslim cattle farmer to death in Rajasthan after accusing him of cow smuggling. The man was transporting cows to a dairy farm.
Muslims dominate the meat industry and are often the targets of assaults.
Human Rights Watch has accused police of often filing complaints against victims and their families instead of the vigilantes, who roam highways near state borders largely with impunity.
Violence perpetrated in the name of protecting cows has surged since Prime Minister Narendra Modi led his right-wing Hindu party to power in 2014.
Critics accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party -- which promised during the election campaign to completely outlaw cow slaughter across India -- of turning a blind eye to the activities of its hardline supporters.
Last month the Modi administration banned the sale and purchase of cattle from markets for slaughter, causing an outcry in states where cow meat is legally consumed.
At least a dozen Muslims have been killed by vigilantes since Modi was elected, drawing global condemnation from rights groups.
Panama's Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi drink a toast after signing a joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations, in Beijing
China delivered another diplomatic punch to Taiwan on Tuesday by establishing relations with Panama at the expense of Taipei, further isolating the island's Beijing-skeptic government.
China, which considers self-ruled Taiwan a renegade province waiting to be reunited with the mainland, has been infuriated by President Tsai Ing-wen's refusal to acknowledge the island as part of "one China", unlike her predecessor Ma Ying-jeou.
Panama is the third country to switch allegiances to China since Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party was swept to power last year, China's nationalistic Global Times reported, warning more would follow in a "domino effect".
"This is the cost the Tsai administration needs to pay," the newspaper said in an editorial.
- 'Historic moment' -
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Panamanian counterpart Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado toasted with champagne in Beijing after signing a communique formalizing the establishment of diplomatic relations while angering Taiwan.
"This is a historic moment, China-Panama relations have opened a new chapter," Wang said, adding that Panama's decision was in "complete accordance" with its people's interests and "in keeping with the times".
Saint Malo said Panama and China had made an "important step" and started a "new page in our strategic relations."
"It is just the beginning of a roadmap that we are establishing now to broaden our bilateral agenda."
The two countries issued a joint statement saying: "In light of the interests and wishes of both peoples, the Republic of Panama and People's Republic of China have decided to grant each other, from the date of this document's signing, mutual recognition, establishment of diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level."
After decades of siding with Taiwan, Panama now "recognizes that there is only one China in the world" and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory, said the joint communique.
- 'Teach a lesson' -
The Panama move infuriated Taiwan, which is still recognized by around 20 mostly small and economically weak countries, including Haiti, Tuvalu and Burkina Faso.
"Beijing's action has impacted the stable cross-strait status quo. This is unacceptable for the Taiwanese people and we will not sit back and watch our country's interests being repeatedly threatened and challenged," Tsai told reporters in Taipei.
"As the president, maintaining national sovereignty is my biggest responsibility. Greater challenge will bring stronger will. Taiwanese people's faith should not and will not be defeated easily. We will not be shaken."
- Trump factor -
Diplomatic tussles between Taiwan and Beijing eased under the island's previous Beijing-friendly government, but relations have deteriorated since Tsai took office.
Taiwan Foreign Minister David Lee speaks at the Foreign Ministry in Taipei on June 13, 2017. Taiwan reacted furiously to the news Panama and China were establishing diplomatic relations
China "is seeking to undermine President Tsai while intimidating Taiwan by narrowing its international space," said Michael Cole, Taipei-based senior fellow with the China Policy Institute at the University of Nottingham.
Cross-strait tensions have been further exacerbated by a highly unusual call from Tsai to congratulate then US President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump questioned Washington's policy towards the island but later reiterated Washington's One China policy.
"I think the phone call has reinforced Beijing's determination to teach Taiwan a lesson," said Willy Lam, an expert on politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
- Panama Canal -
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced his decision in a nationally televised address.
"The People's Republic of China has always played a relevant role in Panama's economy," he said.
He said the announcement heralded "a new era of opportunities."
Chinese ships, after those from the United States, are the number two users of the Panama Canal, a crucial gateway for global trade between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Beijing began construction last week of a container port, with natural gas facilities, in Panama's northern province of Colon.
"It's about who can give the most," said Carl Thayer, an emeritus professor of politics at the UNSW Canberra college in Australia. "Taiwan has resources but it can't match China."
Panama's deputy foreign minister Luis Miguel Hincapie, said on television Tuesday that Panama hoped to open commercial offices in Panama and Taiwan to maintain their trade ties.
Through diplomatic ties with China meanwhile, "Panama can become a bridge for Asia to the whole of Latin America," said Trade and Industry Minister Augusto Arosemena on television channel Telemetro.
Members of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stand in the village of Hazima on the northern outskirts of the Islamic State (IS) group's Syrian bastion of Raqa on June 6, 2017
Islamic State group jihadists waged fierce battles Tuesday in their Syrian stronghold Raqa in a bid to repel US-backed fighters advancing towards the walls of the Old City.
The Kurdish and Arab fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) entered Raqa a week ago, after months of fighting to encircle the northern city that has become a jihadist bastion.
Since then, they have seized one neighbourhood in western Raqa and another in the east, where they are now battling to secure control of the Al-Senaa district that leads to the Old City.
Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, spokeswoman for the SDF campaign for Raqa, said the jihadist group was putting up stiff resistance.
"There is fierce fighting against Daesh which is making heavy use of mines and snipers and sometimes car bombs," she told AFP, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
Raqa
She said clashes in Al-Senaa were continuing on Tuesday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor also reported heavy IS attacks against SDF fighters in the area.
"The district is not yet completely secured because of the repeated jihadist attacks," the Britain-based group said.
Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said the capture of Al-Senaa would be the SDF's "most important advance in the battle for Raqa because it brings them to the centre of the city."
"The main battle for Raqa will take place in the city centre," he said.
He added that a large number of IS fighters were holed up in the Old City, where the jihadist group is also believed to have dug tunnels to facilitate their defence of the area.
Since entering Raqa on June 6, the SDF has captured the eastern neighbourhood of Al-Meshleb, as well as Al-Rumaniya in the city's west.
It is now battling to push from Al-Rumaniya into the neighbouring Hatin district.
- Calls to protect civilians -
The SDF has yet to enter the city from the north, but on Monday captured a military base and adjacent factory after days of clashes and heavy air strikes by the US-led coalition against IS.
IS seized Raqa in 2014, transforming it into the de facto Syrian capital of its self-declared "caliphate".
It became infamous as the scene of some of the group's worst atrocities including public beheadings, and it is also thought to have been a hub for planning attacks overseas.
Tens of thousands of civilians have fled from Raqa and its surroundings since US-backed Syrian forces announced an operation to capture the city in November
An estimated 300,000 civilians were believed to have been living under IS rule in Raqa, including 80,000 displaced from other parts of Syria.
Tens of thousands have fled from the city and its surroundings since the SDF announced the operation to capture Raqa in November.
The UN refugee agency said Tuesday it estimated that more than 430,000 people were in need of assistance across the province.
The UN estimates around 160,000 people remain in Raqa city, where conditions have deteriorated, according to activists.
Civilians also risk being caught in the crossfire, with nearly 90 killed in the city, including 18 children, in the week since the SDF entered, according to the Observatory.
Others have been killed or wounded trying to flee the city, either by IS fighters or in air strikes by the US-led coalition.
Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called on the SDF and the US-led coalition to protect civilians and respect human rights as they press their offensive.
They urged parties to the fighting to take "all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties", as well as respect detainee rights and provide safe passage for fleeing civilians.
"The battle for Raqa is not just about defeating ISIS," said HRW deputy Middle East director Lama Fakih, using an alternate acronym for IS.
"Coalition members and local forces should demonstrate concretely that the lives and rights of the hundreds of thousands of civilians in Raqa are a parallel priority in the offensive."
Syrian government forces are not involved in the battle for Raqa, but they are advancing in an area southwest of the city, skirting around SDF fighters.
On Tuesday, they seized nine villages and IS positions south of the city, the Observatory said.
Government forces are hoping to secure eastern Aleppo province which neighbours Raqa from IS counterattack, but also to advance towards IS-held Deir Ezzor province east of Raqa.
The British and Irish Lions react after defeat to the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin on June 13, 2017
The British and Irish Lions stumbled to a 23-22 defeat to the Otago Highlanders on Tuesday as they suffered the second loss of their tour ahead of next week's first Test against the All Blacks.
The Lions finally found their attacking mojo, scoring three tries to two -- more than doubling their try tally so far -- but lost from a winning position through a late penalty.
They now have two wins and two losses after four outings on their gruelling 10-match New Zealand tour, with the first Test in Auckland looming a week on Saturday.
The match was played at breakneck pace in front of a capacity 27,000 crowd at Forsyth Barr stadium, with both sides attempting to run the ball under the covered roof.
It resulted in a chaotic scramble in the final minutes, when replacement fly-half Marty Banks potted a penalty to give the Highlanders a one-point edge.
Otago Highlanders players celebrate victory against the British and Irish Lions in Dunedin on June 13, 2017
Elliot Daly attempted to return fire but his long-range penalty effort fell just short, before centre Jonathan Joseph's knock-on after the siren dashed hopes of a last-gasp comeback.
The loss against a Highlanders side missing seven players on international duty was a disappointment for Warren Gatland's men, who were looking to build momentum after beating the Canterbury Crusaders on Saturday.
They also have concerns over lock Courtney Lawes, who went off in the first half with head knock. Fullback Stuart Hogg earlier departed the tour after suffering a facial fracture against the Crusaders.
- Haka-free zone -
The Lions showed attacking intent, with captain Sam Warburton among the try-scorers as he fights to secure his Test spot after a run of injuries.
The Highlanders decided against performing a haka before the match and were instead led out by a piper before captain Luke Whitelock handed Warburton a giant claymore sword.
The hosts tested fullback Jared Payne under the high ball early but he proved up to the challenge, prompting them to send the ball wide.
After a penalty apiece, All Black Waisake Naholo scored the first try after Malakai Fekitoa broke the Lions' defensive line and flanker Gareth Evans off-loaded as he was being crashed to the ground.
Joseph hit straight back with a scything run that left Highlanders fullback Richard Buckman flailing, locking up the scores 10-10 at the break.
Scottish winger Tommy Seymour put the Lions into the lead just after the restart, beating Fekitoa in the air as he tried to gather Naholo's cross-field kick.
Warburton then gave the tourists a third try after a dominant Lions scrum, only for Highlander Liam Coltman to retaliate from a lineout drive.
That reduced the arrears to 22-20, and Owen Farrell missed a chance to give the Lions some breathing space with a penalty from out wide.
But Banks made no mistake after the Highlanders won a scrum penalty, coolly slotting over the posts to put the hosts ahead 23-22 with eight minutes to go.
Daly's ambitious kick from 56 metres fell just short before Joseph's mistake ended the match, a harsh result for the try-scorer, who was one of the Lions' standouts.
The Lions' next tour match is against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua on Saturday, with the first Test in Auckland a week later.
Thailand and China -- led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha and President Xi Jinping -- are increasingly close friends and have agreed to lay the track that will ultimately cut through the Laos' border to Thailand's south.
Thailand's junta chief on Tuesday said he would invoke his 'absolute powers' to clear hurdles holding up a multi-billion-dollar deal with China to build a high-speed railway.
The two countries, who are increasingly close friends, have agreed to lay the track that will ultimately cut through the Laos' border to Thailand's south.
Beijing's big plan is to link the southern Chinese city of Kunming by rail with Singapore and work has already begun on the line in Laos.
But the deal with Thailand has been beset by delays, including a tussle over the initial loan terms from Beijing.
More recently construction has been set back by a Thai law limiting the number of foreign nationals who can work as engineers and architects on mega-projects inside the kingdom.
On Tuesday Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said he would force through the deal, if necessary using Article 44 -- a self-granted law dubbed an absolute power by critics.
"The government must solve the problem otherwise it will hit snags or legal issues and it will look like the government can't achieve anything," he told reporters.
Article 44 is a controversial power Prayut granted himself to make any executive decision in the name of national security.
He has used the law on a raft of issues, from sacking officials to raiding a controversial temple, to deputising all soldiers with policing powers.
His government defends it as a needed tool that bypasses Thailand's sclerotic bureaucracy.
But critics say it is a vivid illustration of the junta's unaccountable powers.
Prayut's comments will be a comfort to Beijing.
The rail deal with China is one of the biggest foreign investment projects in Thailand in years and is part of China's huge regional infrastructure drive.
The first stage of the Thai railway, a high-speed line between Bangkok and the north eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, is alone worth 179 billion baht ($5.2 billion).
The vast majority of technical expertise will come from Chinese engineers, something that may disgruntle Thai construction firms that stand to lose out.
Under junta rule Bangkok has cosied up to Beijing, splurging billions on Chinese arms and welcoming investment from the regional superpower.
Washington's relationship with Bangkok cooled under the previous administration of Barack Obama over the junta's rights abuses.
But Donald Trump has signalled relations may be rebooted by inviting Prayut to visit the White House.
Three more people have been recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building but the search goes on for other survivors
Rescue workers pulled a mother and two children from the rubble of a collapsed seven-storey building in the Kenyan capital Nairobi Tuesday, but several people were still missing.
Officials said they had evacuated most residents before the building came down late Monday, but the incident has rekindled the controversy over unregulated construction in the city.
The building collapsed in a poor neighbourhood near Nairobi's international airport southeast of the capital, Red Cross spokeswoman Noellah Musundi told AFP Tuesday.
"The collapse was not completely unexpected, which allowed us to evacuate most of the people," Musundi said of the disaster which struck the Kware area of Mukuru Kwa Reuben, one of Nairobi's biggest slums.
She said the exact number of missing was unclear but that rescuers were still searching for survivors.
But later Tuesday, a senior official announced the rescue of another three survivors: a woman and two children -- a girl and a boy.
"All have been stabilised and evacuated to hospital... for further treatment," said Pius Masai, deputy director of the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU).
- Some refused evacuation -
Police and local residents said the authorities were alerted on Monday after cracks appeared in the building. That prompted an urgent evacuation before it collapsed two hours later, at around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT).
"Most families cooperated and (were) evacuated safely. However, it is believed that some people may have been trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing," said Masai.
Some residents expressed fears for the fate of family members and neighbours who had not immediately responded to the order to evacuate the seven-storey building in Nairobi's Mukuru Kwa Reuben slum
Resident Dorothy Ouko told AFP she was worried about her 15-year-old son and 22-year-old nephew who had insisted on finishing their dinner before leaving the building.
"My three other kids were out of the house when it collapsed," she said, adding that a neighbour on the sixth floor had also insisted on staying, dismissing fears the building would cave.
"She was in the house with her two children and we don't know where they are now or whether they are alive."
Masai said that by midday, 128 tenants had been accounted for, but it was not immediately clear how many people had been living there.
The rescue operation was hampered by a lack of space and an adjacent seven-storey building that also appeared to be unstable, he added.
Tenants from the neighbouring building were also evacuated, he said.
Images posted on Twitter by the Kenyan Red Cross showed work to clear the rubble with the help of an excavator, with parts of the building's red roof clearly visible.
A fire engine was also on site as well as a number of soldiers.
- No planning permission -
Some 128 people were evacuated from the seven-storey building before it collapsed overnight in a sprawling slum near Nairobi's airport, with the neighbouring structure - of the same height - also evacuated over safety concerns
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said the structure was built in 2007 without official approval.
"It was one of the buildings that was marked for demolition, but because of issues of security we had not demolished it," he said.
"House owners go to court and obtain orders and you know we cannot demolish houses that have court orders."
But local residents blamed government officials.
"Every time they tell us they are demolishing substandard houses. They demolish one or two and move on. We never get to hear from them until a tragedy like this occurs," said Francis Mwangi, who lives near the collapsed building.
"This is all about corruption and inefficiency."
Several buildings have collapsed in recent years in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities, where a property boom has seen buildings shoot up at speed, often with little regard for regulations.
Such incidents have raised questions about the quality of building materials and construction standards in a country where rampant corruption has seen unscrupulous developers using bribes to avoid regulations.
In April 2016, 49 people died when a six-storey building collapsed in a poor neighbourhood northeast of the capital after days of heavy rain caused floods and landslides.
The building, constructed two years earlier, had been slated for demolition after being declared structurally unsound.
Google opened its Jakarta office in 2011
Indonesia has reached an agreement with Google over payment of taxes, the country's finance minister said Tuesday, after a long-running dispute with the US tech giant.
The two sides have been locked in a row since last year when the government alleged that the California-based company had refused to cooperate with its tax office.
A senior tax official had claimed the company had not fulfilled its obligations and owed over $400 million in taxes and fines for 2015 alone. Google insisted it had paid all taxes due in Indonesia since opening its Jakarta office in 2011.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati told reporters Tuesday that "we had a discussion with them (Google) and reached an agreement based on the 2016 tax report, but because it is confidential we don't disclose the amount".
She did not give further details, and it was not clear whether an agreement had also been reached regarding tax payments prior to 2016.
No one from the tax office or Google's Jakarta office could be reached for comment.
Jakarta has also put pressure on other foreign tech behemoths such as Facebook and Yahoo over their tax arrangements inside Indonesia.
Global tech businesses have flooded Indonesia in recent years to capitalise on the exploding number of internet users in the Southeast Asian nation, where an increasing number of people are going online for the first time using smartphones.
A third of Indonesia's 255 million have access to the internet but analysts say that number is likely to increase as connectivity improves across the sprawling archipelago.
An Iraqi Rapid Response Division member aims his gun towards Islamic State group fighters inside a building in Mosul's western Al-Shifa district on June 12, 2017
The bullets of jihadists rain down outside the Mosul kindergarten, where dozens of terrified Iraqi civilians are sheltering from fighting in their northern city.
Confused, scared and exhausted, the civilians -- mostly women, including one in a wheelchair -- huddle in the pre-school after Iraqi forces brought them in for protection.
The sounds of sniper fire, air strikes, and shelling echo all around them, as Iraqi forces fight to dislodge Islamic State group fighters from a nearby building.
Iraqi forces are fighting to retake Mosul from IS, after the jihadist group overran the city in 2014, imposing its brutal rule on its inhabitants.
Naja Abdallah, 70, says she didn't dare leave her house until Iraqi forces arrived in her district of west Mosul, and even then fled with family members under heavy fire.
"We had no more electricity, no water, no medicine -- nothing but God's mercy," she says, as sniper and artillery fire continue unabated in the Al-Shifaa district outside.
Iraqi forces have managed to retake most of Mosul since launching the battle for IS's last major Iraqi stronghold seven months ago, but the advance has slowed in the last districts under jihadist control.
IS's grip on Mosul has been reduced to the Old City and several nearby areas, but the jihadists are putting up significant resistance and up to 200,000 civilians may be caught in the fighting.
Iraqi fighters inside the pre-school have led women to one room, while they check the identities of the men -- young and old -- somewhere else.
An Iraqi woman stands inside a building in Mosul's western Al-Shifa district as Iraqi forces battle against Islamic State group fighters on June 12, 2017
The anti-IS forces thoroughly screen fleeing civilians in a bid to make sure no jihadists escape among them.
- 'We won't let IS sleep' -
Omran, a 24-year-old who has grown his beard long like all men under IS rule, is one of those who is separated from his family for vetting.
"We've lived through tough, terrifying days. We've really been through a lot," he says, just before he is whisked away.
The fighting intensified around his home in recent days, he says, and his family escaped to their neighbour's house after their own was hit in the fighting.
"I hope to God it all gets better," Omran says.
Women quietly break down into tears after the men are taken away, as an Iraqi commander shouts coordinates over the radio for warplanes and artillery gunmen to target the jihadists.
Sniper fire intensifies around the building, where civilians are holed up with journalists and members of the interior ministry's elite Rapid Response force fighting IS.
Sniper fire hits and gravely wounds a reporter for a local television station, and Iraqi forces intervene to evacuate him to a medical point.
"The sniper will either be killed or flee," says Rapid Response officer Hussein Ali.
Iraqi civilians take shelter inside a building as Iraqi forces battle against Islamic State group fighters in Mosul's western Al-Shifa district, on June 12, 2017
The jihadists are putting up a fight but it's a weak one, he says, an assault rifle in his hands and another slung over his back.
"They have nothing left but snipers and the mines they have been planting."
"We won't let the Dawaesh sleep," he adds, using an Arabic name for IS members.
When the gunfire subsides after about three hours, the Iraqi forces hold up a curtain across the road to block off the view of any jihadist snipers and gradually lead the civilians out of the pre-school to a nearby building.
Iraqi fighters accompany them from building to building all the way to the city's medical school, where the soldiers rest for a few minutes before returning to the frontline.
The Dodd-Frank financial regulation law was adopted after a meltdown of the US mortgage market triggered the global financial crisis of 2008-2009
The White House on Monday issued a roadmap for loosening US banking regulations, including a recommendation to ease "stress tests" for large banks, according to a report published by the Treasury.
President Donald Trump requested the report in a February decree aimed at reducing the financial regulations imposed by the Dodd-Frank financial regulation law, adopted after a meltdown of the US mortgage market triggered the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.
"A sensible rebalancing of regulatory principles is warranted in light of the significant improvement in the strength of the financial system and the economy," the Treasury said.
The 150-page report will feed into Senate debates about gutting Dodd-Frank, which toughened bank regulations, prohibited federally insured banks from engaging in risky trading, and established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to oversee credit cards, mortgages and other financial products, among other measures.
While they do not call for scrapping the entire law, the new measures would implement a series of far-reaching changes, especially over the supervision of large banks.
The report calls for the size threshold at which banks are administered stress tests -- which measure how they would weather possible economic shocks -- to be increased from the current $50 billion in assets, even for foreign banks. The recommendations do not provide a level.
Some tests should be conducted every two years instead of annually, the report also says.
The Treasury also set its sights on the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, or CFPB, saying it requires a "significant restructuring."
The agency "was created to pursue an important mission, but its unaccountable structure and unduly broad regulatory powers have led to predictable regulatory abuses and excesses," it said, recommending the president be given the power to fire its director.
The new proposals also target the Volcker rule -- which prohibits banks that make loans and collect consumer deposits from making risky deals with their own funds. The regulation should no longer apply to midsize banks with less than $10 billion in assets, the report says.
It would also require "living wills" -- which lay out how a bank would wind itself down in case of failure without damaging the entire financial system -- to be submitted every two years instead of annually.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed an even more far-reaching act to guy banking regulations by calling for the elimination of many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank law.
It passed without the backing of Democrats, whose support will be required for any measure adopted by the Senate.
Click farms are just one of many online scams that have proliferated in recent years and become a major scourge for social media giants
Three Chinese men were detained in Thailand on Tuesday after police discovered they were running a 'click farm' from a house near the Cambodian border to generate likes for Chinese products on social media.
The trio was arrested on Sunday after police raided their rental home and discovered a rack of some 500 smart phones hooked up to a computer.
Police also confiscated nearly 400,000 Thai SIM cards allegedly purchased for the operation.
The men, in their late twenties and early thirties, told officers they were hired by Chinese companies to boost "likes" for a number of products, including herbal medicines, candy and a tour company.
"They have been charged with working without work permits because they are on tourist visas and smuggling contraband goods," said immigration officer Colonel Ruengdet Thammana, referring to the mobile phones.
Police decided to search the house after they noticed the men rarely left the building or spoke to other people.
Click farms are just one of many online scams that have proliferated in recent years and become a major scourge for social media giants.
Some farms control tens of thousands of fake social media accounts that can be programmed to like pages or posts.
A typical farm might boast hundreds of phones that scammers swap with different SIM cards registered to many accounts.
Or it might be a loose network of real users liking huge quantities of posts for a fee.
The farms are hired by ordinary people and politicians looking to boost their profiles, companies who want to game ranking algorithms to ensure products are given priority, and fake news writers seeking to get their headlines onto 'most read' lists.
India, the Philippines, Indonesia and China -- all countries with low wages but high tech penetration -- have emerged as key click farm hubs.
Web giants face a constant battle to tweak their algorithms to weed out fake traffic and users.
Last month Facebook said it was making changes to its ranking algorithm to keep its users from linking to "low quality" websites, part of an effort to fight spam and misinformation.
The governments in Taipei and Beijing insist that countries can only recognise one of them as legitimate and for years they have kept a tally of their supporters
Panama walking out on its relationship with Taiwan to establish ties with rival China is the latest in a spate of diplomatic dumping that is leaving Taipei increasingly isolated.
Beijing still sees self-ruling Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, while the democratic island views itself as a sovereign country, although it has never formally declared independence.
The governments in Taipei and Beijing insist that countries can only recognise one of them as legitimate and for years they have kept a tally of their supporters.
Most states have sided with Beijing, and the numbers doing so have swelled as China's global financial and political clout has grown.
But a dwindling band of nations still formally recognise Taiwan -- mainly developing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
The diplomatic tug-of-war enjoyed a hiatus between 2008 and 2016, when Taiwan's then-president Ma Ying-jeou called off the competition and nurtured closer ties with the mainland.
But since China-sceptic leader Tsai Ing-wen came to power last year, cross-strait relations have worsened dramatically and erstwhile friends have started to jump ship.
Only 20 states, including the Vatican, now officially recognise Taiwan, with predictions that number will shrink further.
- Recent departures -
In December 2016 the small African nation of Sao Tome and Principe severed ties with Taiwan, acknowledging China's "increasingly important" international role, as Beijing pumped billions of dollars into the continent.
In March that year, China announced it was to resume ties with Gambia, after the West African country broke off relations with Taiwan in 2013 citing "strategic national interest".
Prior to that, Malawi had been the last ally to jump ship, in 2008, one of nine that switched under former Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian.
After Chen took the helm in 2000, cross-strait relations hit rock bottom because of his promotion of the island's independence.
The other allies lost during his eight-year term were Macedonia, Liberia, Dominica, Vanuatu, Grenada, Senegal, Chad and Costa Rica.
Chen established new ties with three small countries -- Kiribati, Nauru and St Lucia -- bringing the total number of formal friends to 23 by the time Ma took office in 2008.
- Forever friends? -
Taiwan now has just two allies in Africa -- Burkina Faso and Swaziland.
In central and south America, Taiwan counts Belize, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay as official allies.
Chen's ties with Kiribati, Nauru and St Lucia still stand, along with the Marshall Islands, Palau, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu in the Pacific.
The Caribbean nations of St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent also still have formal ties.
- Partnerships in question -
The Vatican is widely seen as Taiwan's most powerful remaining ally -- its only one in Europe -- but there have been signs Beijing is working towards resuming relations with the Holy See.
Although there are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China, there have been no diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Beijing since 1951.
China is suspicious of religion and the "official" Catholic Church is run by the government-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association -- but there is also an "underground" Church which swears allegiance only to the pope.
State-sanctioned bishops in China are chosen by the association, while the Vatican insists on its right to appoint all the Catholic Church's bishops.
However, the head of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong said last year the Chinese government was willing to reach an "understanding" with the Vatican over the issue, although it is expected to be a lengthy process.
According to Taiwan's local media and some of the island's lawmakers, other allies rumoured to be considering switching ties are El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay.
Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, was arrested in late November with two Cambodians and accused of recruiting foreign couples and Cambodian surrogate mothers to a clinic in the capital Phnom Penh
An Australian nurse denied running an illegal surrogacy service in Cambodia when her trial began Tuesday, the first case of its kind in the country that recently banned the practice.
Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, was arrested in late November with two Cambodians and accused of recruiting foreign couples and Cambodian surrogate mothers to a clinic in the capital Phnom Penh.
The detentions came just two weeks after Cambodia moved to outlaw the surrogacy industry, which critics say exploits poor women, after a similar ban in neighbouring Thailand pushed the business across its borders.
The trio were also charged with faking documents to obtain birth certificates for the newborns.
In court on Tuesday Davis-Charles said she played no part in arranging surrogacies.
Instead she said her role was limited to providing medical care to a total of 23 surrogate mothers who carried babies for 18 Australian and five American couples.
"They find the clinic" by themselves, she said of the would-be foreign parents, adding that she was also not involved in the recruitment of Cambodian surrogates.
The nurse said she received $8,000 from each couple while surrogates received around $10,000.
All of the infants were born and moved out of Cambodia before her arrest, she added.
Davis-Charles, who is from Melbourne, told the court she left Thailand more than a year ago after Bangkok outlawed commercial surrogacy and moved to Cambodia, which at the time lacked regulations on the industry.
Two surrogate mothers testified in court on Tuesday to receiving $10,000 from Tammy.
Surrogate mother Hor Vanday said she gave birth to a baby girl who was whisked away for a foreign couple.
"I did not see the face of the baby, but I know her father took her away," she recalled. She added that she did not miss the child as she knew it was never hers.
Thailand for years hosted Southeast Asia's most thriving unregulated surrogacy industry that was particularly popular with same-sex couples.
But several scandals in 2014 -- including tussles over custody -- spurred the government to bar foreigners from using Thai surrogates.
Surrogacy consultants say Laos, a poor and opaque communist country to the north, has since emerged as the next frontier for the "rent a womb" business in the wake of the recent bans by Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal and India.
A number of Laos-linked surrogacy agencies and IVF clinics have cropped up in recent months, according to consultancy group Families Through Surrogacy. A Thai man was recently arrested for smuggling frozen sperm between the two countries.
Some offer to carry out the embryo transfer in Laos and then provide pregnancy care for the surrogate in Thailand, a wealthier country with vastly superior medical facilities.
Helen Zille, former leader of South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance political party, triggered a controversy in a March tweet praising aspects of colonialism.
South Africa's main opposition party Tuesday removed former leader Helen Zille from all party leadership roles after a disciplinary hearing over a controversial tweet in which she praised aspects of colonialism.
Zille apologised "unreservedly" Tuesday for the tweet, which she posted in March.
Mmusi Maimane, current leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party, said Zille "has agreed that it is in the best interests of the party for her to vacate her position on all decision-making structures".
Zille told a news conference that she was "genuinely sorry" and that she realised that her comment was insensitive to South Africans who suffered under colonial oppression.
She said she "apologised unreservedly to the South African public who were offended by this tweet and my subsequent explanation of it".
On March 16, Zille wrote: "For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water."
The tweet was followed by a series of comments justifying her outburst, including a comparison between South Africa and Singapore which she said had managed to build a strong state after the end of colonial rule.
The party then suspended her pending a disciplinary hearing and said Zille's action had damaged the DA, which is still struggling to shake off its image as a "white" organisation.
The colonialism comment had also threatened to divide the party itself.
Mmusi told journalists that he had been "personally angered by the tweet" and that the party had no room for those who seek to sow divisions.
Zille, 66, is credited with growing support for the DA among black people, whose votes helped it take control of key cities, including the administrative capital Pretoria and Johannesburg, from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after local government elections last year.
Maimane said the party risked a protracted legal battle with Zille if the matter was not settled before the 2019 election.
Zille, who has a large twitter following, is no stranger to controversial tweets.
She will remain leader of the Western Cape province.
The ANC on Tuesday slammed Zille's apology, calling it an "unadulterated defence of white supremacy and privilege".
It accused Maimane of having "no real power".
Maimane replaced Zille in 2015 as the DA's first black leader.
US President Donald Trump has argued that the travel restrictions are needed to ward off potential terror attacks
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday took a swipe at a federal court that upheld a block on his controversial travel ban targeting citizens from six Muslim majority nations.
"Well, as predicted, the 9th Circuit did it again - Ruled against the TRAVEL BAN at such a dangerous time in the history of our country. S.C.," Trump wrote on Twitter.
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Monday kept in place a lower court injunction on the ban, arguing the president had overstepped his authority and that the order discriminated against travelers based on their nationality.
The "S.C." in Trump's tweet is an apparent reference to the US Supreme Court.
The so-called travel ban was already headed for the Supreme Court as another federal appeals court had ruled against the Republican president, and the Justice Department had asked the high court to hear the case.
"The president, in issuing the executive order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress," the three justices in the California-based court said in a unanimous ruling.
The judges ruled against Trump on both the effort to bar travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, and on the clause suspending the refugee program for 120 days.
The Trump administration argues the measures are needed to ward off potential terror attacks. Critics say the ban violates the US constitution by specifically targeting Muslim-majority countries.
An Israeli auction house is selling letters composed by Albert Einstein, here depicted in a statue at The Albert Einstein Archives department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on February 11, 2016
Letters from Albert Einstein giving colleagues his thoughts on physics, God and Israel in the 1950s go under the hammer at a Jerusalem auction house on June 20.
The website of Winners auction house describes five signed letters written in English between 1951 and 1954.
The site gave current estimates of their combined value as between $31,000 and $46,000.
In a 1951 letter to eminent physicist David Bohm, Einstein discusses Bohm's linkage between quantum theory and "relativistic field theory".
"I must confess that I am not able to guess how such unification could be achieved," Einstein writes.
The typed letter includes an equation added in neat handwriting and the writer's signature.
Bohm, born in the United States to Jewish immigrant parents, had worked with Einstein at Princeton University before fleeing to Brazil after losing his post in Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist witch-hunts.
In a 1954 letter to Bohm, who was living in Sao Paulo, Einstein empathises with his friend's struggles in his complex theoretical work.
Letters from Swiss-US physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), here shown in an undated portrait, are going for sale in Israel
"If God has created the world his primary worry was certainly not to make its understanding easy for us. I feel it strongly since fifty years," he writes.
Winners said the letters came from the estate of Bohm's late widow.
Another 1954 letter refers to the possibility of Bohm moving to Israel, which had been founded in 1948.
Einstein, who had turned down an offer to be the fledgling country's president, believed the time was not ripe for such a move.
"Israel is intellectually alive and interesting but has very narrow possibilities and to go there with the intention to leave on the first occasion would be regretable," he wrote.
Bohm did, in fact, take up a visiting professorship at Israel's renowned Technion technological institute in 1955.
"Two years later, he moved to England where he worked in the Universities of London and Bristol," Winners' online catalogue said.
Einstein had earlier served as a non-resident governor of Jerusalem's Hebrew University, and when he died in 1955, he left it his archives -- making it the world's most extensive collection of his documents.
President Donald Trump will host South Korea's new leader Moon Jae-In for talks on containing North Korea's nuclear program, officials said Tuesday, amid fresh Pentagon warnings that the Pyongyang regime is a 'clear and present danger to all.'
A White House statement said the two leaders will meet June 29-30 to discuss ways of building on what America frequently calls its 'ironclad' alliance with South Korea.
Moon, a center-left politician who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favors engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, rather than the hardline stance taken by the conservative government of his ousted predecessor Park Geun-Hye.
Trump too has signaled a willingness to try a different tack with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
South Korea's new President Moon Jae-In, who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favors engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table
Though he often denounced China on the campaign trail, Trump is now leaning on Beijing to help rein in its ally North Korea's weapons program, a move that has sparked anguish among Asian allies who fret China might exact a quid pro quo to make Washington go easy on other regional issues.
News of the talks came as Trump's top military officials, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis and General Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers that the threat from North Korea has not diminished.
Mattis called North Korea the 'most urgent and dangerous threat' to peace and security, and said its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them has increased in pace and scope.
'The regime's nuclear weapons program is a clear and present danger to all, and the regime's provocative actions, manifestly illegal under international law, have not abated despite United Nations' censure and sanctions,' the defense chief said in written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning.
Dunford underscored these concerns and said North Korea has 'demonstrated a willingness' to use malicious cyber tools against governments and industry.
The U.S. government issued a rare alert on the activities of a hacking group it dubbed 'Hidden Cobra' on Tuesday, as well, saying the group was part of the North Korean government and that more attacks were likely.
The joint alert from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said that 'cyber actors of the North Korean government' had targeted the media, aerospace and financial sectors, as well as critical infrastructure, in the United States and globally.
Trump too has signaled a willingness to try a different tack with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un
Hidden Cobra commonly targets systems that run older versions of Microsoft Corp operating systems that are no longer patched, the alert said.
North Korean hacking activity has grown increasingly hostile in recent years, according to Western officials and cyber security experts.
The cyber firm Symantec Corp said last month it was 'highly likely' that a hacking group affiliated with North Korea called Lazarus Group was behind the WannaCry cyber attack that infected more than 300,000 computers worldwide, disrupting operations at hospitals, banks and schools.
Tuesday's alert said Hidden Cobra's cyber attacks have been previously referred to by private sector experts as Lazarus Group and Guardians of the Peace, which have been linked to attacks such as the 2014 intrusion into Sony Corp's Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Pyongyang has test-fired a string of missiles this year, building on launches and atomic tests that have ratcheted up tensions over its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States -- something Trump has vowed 'won't happen.'
Trump and Moon will likely discuss a controversial US missile defense system that has been installed in South Korea to guard against North Korean missile threats.
Though parts of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are already in place, Moon last week suspended further deployment following a furious campaign of economic sanctions and diplomatic protests by Beijing against the US missile shield, dealing a blow to Washington's regional security policy.
Officially, the delay is to allow for a new, comprehensive environmental impact assessment, but analysts say the move is a strategic delay by Moon to dodge the tricky diplomatic situation he inherited.
Pyongyang has test-fired a string of missiles this year, building on launches and atomic tests that have ratcheted up tensions over its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States. Kim is seen here with former NBA star Dennis Rodman, in North Korea now, in 2014
Trump and Moon will seek to 'advance cooperation on economic and global issues' and 'will also coordinate on North Korea-related issues, including countering the growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats,' the White House statement read.
Despite tough talk from the Trump administration, officials accept they have no easy options when it comes to dealing with North Korea militarily.
'It would be a war like nothing we have seen since 1953,' Mattis said Monday, pointing to the end of the Korean War. 'It would be a very, very serious war.'
The official testified as famed NBA player Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea for a visit with Kim.
He played coy when a reporter asked if he ran the trip by Trump, whom he knows from The Apprentice.
'Well, I'm pretty sure he's pretty much happy with the fact that I'm over here trying to accomplish something that we both need,' said Rodman, who has visited Kim multiple times since 2013.
Trump called Rodman 'smart' for his 2013 trip to Pyongyang.
'Dennis is not a stupid guy. He's smart in many ways; he's very street-wise.'
China has sent pandas to countries it has close ties with, as part of its so-called "panda diplomacy" programme
Two long-awaited giant pandas from China will arrive in Germany in two weeks time, with Berlin rolling out the red carpet for the furry ambassadors' arrival.
The two new residents, Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, will fly into Berlin on a special Lufthansa cargo plane on June 24, accompanied by two Chinese vets, Berlin zoo's chief vet, and a tonne of bamboo.
The pandas will be served "bamboo snacks" and water, and their transport box kept dry and odourless with absorbent mats during the 12 hour and 20 minute-long flight.
Meng Meng means "dream" in Chinese while the zoo says Jiao Qing translates to "darling", although the Chinese characters are a composite of "tender" and "festive".
Ahead of their arrival, Berlin zoo, the bears' new home, has built a 1,000 metre square (10,700 square feet) enclosure, which includes a wooded climbing area.
The zoo will also pay a million dollars a year (920,000 euros) for the 15-year contract to host the pair, with most of the funds going towards a breeding research programme in China and the protection of pandas in their natural habitat.
Chancellor Angela Merkel previously announced that Germany was in talks with Beijing to bring a pair of the rare bears to Berlin during a visit to China in 2015
What's so special about pandas?
Famed for its "panda diplomacy", China has sent its unofficial national mascot to only around a dozen countries, to signal their healthy ties with Beijing.
After a period of acclimatisation in their new Berlin home, Meng Meng and Jiao Qing are expected to presented to the public.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to travel to Germany to attend the G20 summit on July 7 and 8, German media has speculated that he and Merkel may jointly unveil the cuddly bears on July 5.
China has previously gifted three pandas to Germany, but the last one, 34-year-old Bao Bao, died in Berlin in 2012 -- he had been the oldest male panda in the world.
Fewer than 2,000 giant pandas are estimated to remain in the wild, in three provinces in south-central China.
The Red Sea islands of Tiran (foreground) and Sanafir (background) are seen in the Strait of Tiran between Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia
A controversial agreement for Cairo to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia passed an Egyptian parliamentary committee on Tuesday, setting the stage for a vote in the house.
Parliament's legislative committee agreed the treaty after heated debate, with opponents even interrupting one session with chanting.
The agreement passed with 35 lawmakers for and eight against, member of parliament Mostafa Bakry told AFP.
Parliament's defence committee will also examine the accord before it goes to a general vote.
Courts had struck down the agreement, signed in April 2016, but a year later another court upheld it.
The accord had sparked rare protests in Egypt, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi accused of having bartered the islands of Tiran and Sanafir for Saudi largesse.
The government has said the islands were Saudi to begin with, but were leased to Egypt in the 1950s.
Opponents of the agreement insist that Tiran and Sanafir are Egyptian.
In the evening dozens of journalists protested against the agreement in central Cairo, before being dispersed by police, journalists' union official Gamal Abdel Rehim told AFP.
Several were briefly arrested before being released but "three reporters are still detained, and contacts are being made with the interior ministry to get them released," he said.
Irans foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called for a permanent peace mechanism in the Gulf to resolve regional spats
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday called for a permanent mechanism in the Gulf to resolve crises like the blockade against Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of an annual peace mediation in Oslo, Zarif also said Saudi Arabia supported militants inside Iran.
"It is absolutely imperative for our region not to only to resolve this particular conflict or dispute between our southern neighbours in the Persian Gulf through dialogue but in fact establish a permanent mechanism for consultation, conversation and conflict resolution in our region," Zarif said.
He said this could be along the lines of the 1975 Helsinki accords -- agreements signed during the Cold War to reduce tensions between western and Communist nations.
"I think if it worked at the height of the Cold War here in Europe, it should work," Zarif said.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing the small but oil-rich emirate of supporting "terrorism" and being too close to Iran, which is Riyadh's regional rival.
Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated as Iran's Revolutionary Guards blamed the deadly June 7 Tehran attack on Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the twin attacks that killed 17 people and wounded dozens.
"We have intelligence that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in promoting terrorist groups operating on the eastern side of Iran in Baluchestan," Zarif said.
He said the militants were "using the territory of one of our neighbours against its will to launch attacks against Iran which only two months ago led to the murder of nine Iranian border guards."
The April 29 attack by Sunni militants took place on the frontier with Pakistan.
"On the Western side the same type of activity is being undertaken, again by using the diplomatic hospitality of other neighbours," Zarif said.
Zimbabwe was once known as the "breadbasket" of Africa for its fertile land and modern farming practices
Zimbabwe has banned the import of corn after enjoying a bumper crop that authorities hope will be enough to feed the nation and stimulate home-grown production, state-owned media reported Tuesday.
Zimbabwe was once known as the "breadbasket" of Africa for its fertile land and modern farming practices. But a programme of seizing farms from white owners begun in 2000 seriously damaged productivity, causing the country to become heavily dependent on food imports.
"Government stopped issuing grain import permits about four months ago and no maize imports are allowed at our borders," Davis Marapira, the deputy agriculture minister, told the state controlled Herald newspaper.
The paper said Zimbabwe is expecting to produce two million tonnes of corn in 2017 -- enough to meet domestic demand.
The southern African country has set aside $200 million (180 million euros) from the Treasury and private coffers to purchase the crop from farmers at the increased price of $390 per tonne in a bid to encourage domestic production, the paper added.
The Herald raised fears that corn from Zimbabwe's neighbours sold closer to the market rate -- around $160 per tonne -- could be smuggled in illicitly by criminals to cash-in on the agricultural stimulus.
Last year the country declared a state of disaster after a regional drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon ravaged crops, left tens of thousands of cattle dead and reservoirs dry.
IS has allegedly used chemical weapons in one attack in Syria this year, on January 8 in Aleppo province, according to global market intelligence firm IHS Markit
The Islamic State group is launching fewer chemical weapons attacks in Syria as their Iraqi stronghold in Mosul, where the arms are made, comes under pressure, according to a report out Tuesday.
IS has allegedly used chemical weapons in one attack in Syria this year, on January 8 in Aleppo province, according to global market intelligence firm IHS Markit.
The figure marks a significant fall in such attacks in Syria, where there were 17 allegations of chemical weapons being used by IS in 2016.
By comparison, so far this year the jihadists have carried out 10 chemical weapon attacks in Iraq, of which nine were in Mosul, on a par with the 21 attacks in the country last year.
The focus of 2017 attacks in Mosul suggests that IS has not yet established chemical weapons production sites outside of the city, IHS Markit said.
"Although it is likely that some specialists were evacuated to Syria and retain the expertise," said the firm's analyst Columb Strack.
Iraqi forces launched the battle to retake Mosul in October last year and are now on the cusp of success.
Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced by fighting since IS overran the city in June 2014.
The jihadists' chemical weapons manufacturing was centred in Mosul and production has been dented by Iraqi forces' campaign to drive IS out of the city, IHS Markit said.
"Nevertheless, the Islamic State probably retains the capability to produce small batches of low quality chlorine and sulphur mustard agents elsewhere," the report said.
Since July 2014, IHS Markit has recorded 41 allegations of IS using chemical weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on June 11, 2017
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he was not seeking an "escalation" in the Gaza Strip after his government moved to reduce electricity supplies to the Hamas-run enclave.
Israel's security cabinet decided on Sunday to reduce the daily amount of electricity supplied to Gaza by between 45 and 60 minutes, Israeli media reported.
Gazans currently receive only three or four hours of electricity a day, delivered from the territory's own power station and others in Israel and Egypt.
Israeli authorities said the move was taken after funding cuts by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who has reportedly been seeking to further pressure his rivals in Islamist movement Hamas.
It has raised fears of a new upsurge in violence, with Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza having fought three wars since 2008.
"Israel has no interest in an escalation and anyone who says otherwise is mistaken," Netanyahu said at a public event on Tuesday.
He said the issue was related to an "internal Palestinian dispute", adding that Abbas's Palestinian Authority (PA) was refusing to pay for electricity provided to Gaza.
Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said Monday that Abbas recently decided to "significantly reduce" payments.
"It would be illogical for Israel to pay part of the bill," he said.
Hamas also said the cut was made on Abbas's orders and termed it "a catastrophe".
"This decision aggravates the situation and risks an explosion in the Gaza Strip," it said in a statement on Monday.
Hamas has run Gaza since 2007, when it seized the territory in a near civil war from Abbas's Fatah in a dispute over parliamentary elections won by the Islamist movement.
Abbas runs the PA, the internationally recognised Palestinian leadership based in the occupied West Bank.
Multiple attempts at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah have failed, but the PA had continued to pay Israel for some electricity delivered to Gaza.
Hamas is considered to be a terrorist group by Israel, the European Union and the United States.
The Gaza Strip is home to some two million people, more than three-quarters of whom depend on humanitarian aid.
Ofer Zalzberg of the International Crisis Group think tank said Hamas may feel the need to respond if it faces mass protests against it over the electricity shortages.
"If we see mass demonstrations against Hamas... then Hamas will need to deflect these measures," he told AFP.
"One of the easiest ways to do so is by sparking another escalation with Israel."
A child suspected of being infected with cholera receives treatment at Sabaeen Hospital in Sanaa, on June 13, 2017
At Yemen's Sabaeen Hospital, code black is an understatement: patients sleep three to a bed, on the bare floor or outside in tents as cholera brings a country torn by war to its knees.
Six weeks into the second outbreak of the deadly disease in less than a year, at least one patient checks in at Sabaeen every 60 seconds, leaving staff unable to cope.
"Over the past two weeks, we've been receiving patients at a rate of one or two, sometimes even three, per minute," said Ismail Mansuri, a doctor treating cholera patients at Sabaeen.
The situation is nearly indescribable in Yemen, where a long-running conflict escalated in 2015 as regional powers joined the fight for control over the country, the poorest in the Arab world.
Two years later, less than half of Yemen's medical facilities are functional as the war has killed 8,000 people, displaced millions and seen port blockades push the country to the brink of famine.
- 'Beyond troubling' -
Cholera re-appeared on April 27 after an initial outbreak in October 2016, and the United Nations says it is now spreading at an "unprecedented rate".
British charity Oxfam estimates the waterborne disease now kills at least one person per hour in Yemen.
A Yemeni man carries a woman suspected of being infected with cholera to Sabaeen Hospital on June 13, 2017
Hospitals have been overwhelmed, with cholera cases putting emergency rooms in constant code black -- when a hospital is unable to cope with the number of patients.
Official figures show more than 920 people have died and 124,000 have been taken ill with cholera since late April, with the rebel-held capital Sanaa hit the hardest.
Few areas remain untouched, with the disease affecting 20 of the country's 22 provinces.
Experts project at least a quarter of a million people will contract cholera in the next six months.
"The hike in contraction is beyond troubling," said Maher al-Hada of Yemen's Center to Fight Cholera.
"We have a good 300 patients come through our doors every day".
Like other medics, Hada struggles to secure access to electricity, clean water and basic medical supplies as Yemen's Saudi-backed government remains locked in a war with Huthi rebels allied with Iran.
Damage to sewage systems, the electricity grid and piping have left Yemen's main water supplies contaminated with the bacteria, and the crisis is only expected to escalate as the rain season approaches.
- 'Die on the spot' -
In the southern province of Aden, where the Yemeni government is based, foul-smelling stagnant water has turned black, attracting mosquitos and insects that experts warn are a potent means of transmitting contagious diseases.
Majid al-Daari, head of the cholera treatment centre at the Al-Sadaqa Hospital in Aden, said his facility has seen more than 200 cases this week alone.
Aid agencies say more aid is needed to stem the spread of cholera, which has killed more than 920 people in Yemen since late April
Umm Hisham Munir, the superintendant at a school in Aden, rushed her two sons to hospital when they began to show symptoms of cholera, a bacterial infection which can be deadly if not treated immediately.
"We're terrified that the disease will just keep spreading. People are poor here. They can't afford medical care. They can't afford to move," Munir told AFP in Aden.
Ammar Abdelmalek, a resident in the rebel-held central Ibb province, said the streets were "flooded" with garbage and sewage.
"This is why we have cholera," said Abdelmalek.
In the northern province of Lahj, Mazen al-Sayed said the privilege of having a car saved his mother's life.
"Honestly it's because I have a car that my mother is still alive. Others die on the spot," said Sayed.
The message from aid agencies is unequivocal: more aid is needed to stem the disease from turning into an all-out epidemic.
The World Health Organization and International Committee of the Red Cross are two of the groups leading the fight against cholera, but even they face an uphill battle.
"WHO is working to access remoted areas heavily affected to reach as many patients as possible," said Omar Saleh, a member of the WHO mission to Yemen.
"The humanitarian situation is alarming," Saleh told AFP. "We are looking at a real disaster. The disease has nothing to do with political affiliations".
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The EU-wide plan to relocate 160,000 migrants from Greece and Italy has been hampered by reluctance by some member states to accept their fair share of refugees
The EU launched legal action Tuesday against Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic for refusing to take in their share of refugees under a controversial solidarity plan.
The move shows the frustration in Brussels over the scheme, which aimed to relocate 160,000 migrants from frontline migrant crisis states Italy and Greece but which has so far seen only 20,000 moved.
"I regret to say that despite our repeated calls, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have not yet taken the necessary action," EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told a news conference.
"For this reason the (European) Commission has decided to launch infringement procedures against these three member states," he said at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
The three eastern European states have led resistance to the plan since its outset in 2015 at the height of the migration crisis, when more than one million refugees landed on Europe's shores.
But Avramopoulos, who is Greece's European commissioner, criticised the countries for expecting the benefits of EU membership while not taking on responsibilities.
"Europe is not only about requesting funds or ensuring security," Avramopoulos said. "Europe is also about sharing difficult moments and challenges and common dramas."
Brussels last month set a June deadline for Warsaw and Budapest to start accepting migrants under the plan to ease the burden on Italy and Greece, or risk sanctions.
Prague also came under pressure after effectively dropping out.
- Stiff penalties -
Under "infringement" proceedings the European Commission, the 28-nation EU's executive arm, sends a letter to national governments demanding legal explanations over certain issues, before possibly referring them to the European Court of Justice.
EU states can eventually face stiff financial penalties if they fail to comply.
Avramopoulos said Hungary and Poland were targeted because they had failed to admit one single person under the "relocation plan" adopted in 2015 to redistribute among other member states 160,000 mainly Syrian, Eritrean and Iraq asylum seekers from Greece and Italy by September.
He said the Czech Republic was targeted for having relocated nobody in the past year and failed to issue any new pledges to admit asylum seekers.
In the latest EU figures, just over 20,000 people have been relocated under the plan, which was in response to Europe's biggest ever migration crisis.
European sources have blamed the delays on a series of factors: governments trying to screen jihadists in the wake of terror attacks, a lack of housing and education for asylum seekers, and logistical problems.
They said some countries were setting unacceptable conditions by refusing Muslims, black people or large families, with Eastern European states the worst for discriminating on religious or racial grounds.
Angola has not seen jihadist violence on its soil
Five Angolan Muslims who have been in detention since December for spreading radical views online and allegedly planning an attack, have denied swearing loyalty to the Islamic State group, their lawyer said Tuesday.
"The accusation that these young Muslims have sworn allegiance and obedience to the Islamic State is based on assumptions," lawyer Sebastiao Assurreira told AFP.
Arrested in December, they were charged in April with creating a radical movement as well as pledging loyalty to IS. Two women arrested at the same time were later bailed.
Prosecutors say the men were preparing an attack and using face-to-face meetings and social media to radicalise others.
But one of the defendants denied they were seeking to inspire violence.
"Our goal was to preach and spread the Islamic faith without inciting violence. We had a Facebook group of 1,500 members to discuss Islam," Ahmed Nladu Jose told AFP from his prison cell.
Angola, where 90 percent of people identify as Christian, is not thought to have suffered a jihadist attack.
Seen by AFP, the charge sheet claims that information obtained from the suspects' computers, phones and books suggested "radical tendencies".
Under Angolan law, they could face between five and 15 years behind bars if convicted of creating a "terrorist organisation" -- and between three and 12 years for belonging to a terrorist organisation.
Assurreira said it was not unusual for people to discuss their faith on social media.
"It is quite normal that they talk about Islam on social networks, they have no weapons and have never been in Syria or Iraq," he said.
"They read and sold books on Islam. I have the right to read Machiavelli and not to apply his principles."
No date has been set for their trial.
Zambia's Edgar Lungu, pictured in 2016, faces challenges to his presidency
Zambia's parliament on Tuesday suspended 48 opposition lawmakers who boycotted President Edgar Lungu's address to legislators in March to protest his contested electoral victory.
The lawmakers from the United Party for National Development (UPND) skipped Lungu's address claiming he was not the legitimate winner of the August 11 vote.
Parliament Speaker Patrick Matibini said they should quit if they did not accept Lungu as the head of state.
"I challenge you to resign on moral grounds if you do not recognise that there is a legitimately elected government," Matibini said in parliament.
"I have, in exercise of my powers, decided to suspend the 48 members of parliament from service for a period of 30 days with effect from today."
Matibini said that the lawmakers would not be paid or have access to the parliament building or lodgings during their suspension.
He also called for police to investigate the UPND's leader, Hakainde Hichilema, on allegations of insulting the office of speaker.
Tuesday's decision is the latest in a long-running battle between Zambia's government and the principal opposition.
Hichilema has launched unsuccessful legal bids to challenge Lungu's victory in last year'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 has been in custody since April accused of treason over allegedly putting the president's life in danger when his motorcade failed to make way for the head of state's limousine during a high-speed incident.
- 'Police sprayed pepper spray' -
"There are dictatorial tendencies... that have been exhibited by our leaders," political analyst MacDonald Chipenzi told AFP.
"There will be no state of emergency, there'll be no curfew, there'll be nothing -- but freedoms will be curtailed by institutions that are supposed to protect you," he added.
Hichilema has claimed that he was assaulted by police during his arrest and has suffered mistreatment in detention.
The alleged motorcade incident occurred on the weekend of April 8-9 as the two men were both travelling to the Western province for a traditional ceremony.
Days later, more than 100 armed police surrounded Hichilema's house outside Lusaka, firing tear gas before taking him into custody.
His lawyer accused police of using excessive force during the arrest and of "torturing" in custody three three aides who were arrested a day earlier.
"The police sprayed pepper spray in their private parts, mouth, ears," Hichilema's lawyer Jack Mwiimbu said.
Alex Ng'oma, a political lecturer at the University of Zambia, called on Lungu and Hichilema to come together in the national interest.
"The relationship has been very, very difficult. The opposition have vowed not to work with the government of the day. There is no constructive criticism -- it's just opposition for the sake of opposition which I think is not good," he told AFP.
"Going forward it is important that the party can govern on the one hand, and the opposition parties on the other hand can adopt a bipartisan approach to these issues."
Bosco Ntaganda, seen here in 2009, is facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court in The Hague
Bosco Ntaganda will give a full account of his role as a Congolese rebel commander in 2002-03 when he takes the stand at the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, his lawyer has said.
Almost two years after his trial opened, the man once dubbed "The Terminator" will take the stand to recall events in 2002 and 2003, when his rebel forces rampaged through the vast central African country's gold-rich Ituri province, murdering and raping civilians and plundering their possessions.
"Mr Ntaganda will describe everything he did in the conflict. Step-by-step and day-by-day and give a full description," his lawyer Stephane Bourgon said.
"What Mr Ntaganda wishes to establish by testifying is to explain exactly who he is and to ensure that people perceive him as a human being. He wants to speak personally with the judges," Bourgon told AFP in an interview on Monday.
Ntaganda, 43, has denied 13 charges of war crimes and five counts of crimes against humanity committed by his Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FPLC), a militia drawn from the Hema ethnic group which prosecutors say targeted the Lendu and other non-Hema groups.
Fighting in Ituri has left some 60,000 dead since 1999 according to rights groups, in a conflict exacerbated by the wealth of regional resources including gold and other minerals used in electronic products.
Ntaganda has been charged with ordering hundreds of deaths through savage ethnic attacks by the FPLC, which was then the armed wing of the Union of Congolese Patriots.
- Harrowing witness testimony -
During the prosecution's case, which took 64 days to complete, a witness told the tribunal in The Hague of seeing "tied-up bodies" left in their underwear, "their heads crushed."
Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda, seen here at the opening of his trial in 2015, was once known as 'The Terminator'
Ntaganda "was one of the most important commanders" involved in the savage ethnic attacks carried out by the FPLC, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said at the opening of the trial in September 2015.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been mired for two decades in ethnically-charged wars, as rebels battle for control of mineral resources.
The unrest spiralled to encompass armies from at least six African nations, claiming an estimated three million lives in one of the world's most deadly recent conflicts.
At the start of his trial Ntaganda, known for his trademark pencil moustache, and his penchant for cowboy hats and fine dining, told the judges he rejected being called "The Terminator".
The ICC issued two arrest warrants against Ntaganda who evaded capture until unexpectedly walking into the US embassy in Kigali in 2013 and turning himself in.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his New Zealand counterpart Bill English, pictured in January 2017, decided to end the dispute following a phone conversation
Israel and New Zealand will restore ties after a row over Wellington's backing of a UN resolution in December condemning Israeli settlement building, a statement said Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his New Zealand counterpart Bill English decided to end the dispute following a phone conversation, a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
Israel's ambassador to New Zealand will return to Wellington, it said.
The row came after New Zealand was among the countries calling for a vote at the UN Security Council in December on a resolution condemning Israeli settlement building.
The measure passed after the United States refrained from using its veto, enabling the adoption of the first UN resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel over its settlement policy.
After the resolution passed, Israel recalled its ambassadors to Senegal and New Zealand for consultations.
It has no diplomatic relations with Venezuela or Malaysia, the other two countries that called for the vote.
Israel and Senegal announced earlier this month they were normalising relations after the dispute.
A Tunisian draws on a cigarette in defiance during a protest on June 11, 2017 for the right to eat and smoke in public during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan
Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday dismissed as "absurd" the jailing in Tunisia of people who fail to observe the Ramadan fast.
There is no law against eating or drinking in public during Ramadan, but every year the issue comes to the fore in the North African country.
On Monday, a court sentenced to one month in prison a man who smoked a cigarette in public during the dawn-to-dusk fast.
He was seen smoking outside the Bizerte courthouse by a judiciary official who informed the police and they arrested him.
Prosecuting people on a charge of "public indecency" for smoking or eating in public during Ramadan "is a clear violation of individual freedoms in Tunisia", Amnesty said in a statement Tuesday.
"Imprisoning someone for smoking a cigarette or eating in public is an absurd violation of an individual's personal freedoms," said the rights group's North Africa research director, Heba Morayef.
"Failing to conform to religious and social customs is not a criminal offence."
She said the "authorities should not allow vaguely worded charges to be used to impose harsh sentences on spurious grounds. Everyone should have the right to follow their own beliefs in matters of religion and morality."
On Sunday, dozens of Tunisians demonstrated in Tunis to demand the right to eat and drink in public during Ramadan.
During the holy month, observant Muslims worldwide abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn to dusk.
Tunisia's constitution guarantees "freedom of belief and conscience", but the state is also the "guardian of religion".
Piles of garbage are pictured in a forest area overlooking the Lebanese town of Bsalim, northeast of the capital Beirut in 2016
A "mountain of garbage" dumped at sea off Beirut under a deal between the government and a company has sparked outrage in Lebanon, two years after mass protests over a waste crisis.
For the past 10 days, civil society groups have shared images of trucks carrying rubbish and tipping it into the Mediterranean, a process that is ongoing.
Activists say the waste from the "mountain of garbage" at Borj Hammoud in north Beirut is disposed of under an agreement between the government's Development and Reconstruction Council (CDR) and a private company.
"They are taking garbage from this mountain that has been there for 20 years... and throwing it into the sea," said Wadih al-Asmar, an activist from the "You Stink" campaign behind the protests in 2015.
Environment Minister Tarek al-Khatib on Tuesday confirmed the existence of an agreement between the CDR and a private firm to dump the waste at sea.
Khatib said he had sent letters to the CDR to "rectify" the situation and that he was trying to find the "best way to limit" the damage.
But activists vented their anger on social media, branding the situation "shameful".
"Waste is thrown into the open sea and the environment minister justifies it... he gives them the green light," said the You Stink campaign.
Asmar, the campaign activist, denounced the disposal of the garbage at sea without any treatment, saying it was "killing the marine ecosystem".
Lebanon experienced a major waste crisis in mid-2015, with garbage piling up in the streets of Beirut and its surroundings after the closure of the country's main landfill.
This crisis triggered mass protests, with many taking aim at politicians in a country that has suffered endemic corruption since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war.
In 2016, the government decided to reopen the landfill and to create two more dumps, one in Borj Hammoud next to the "mountain of garbage" whose stench fills the air in the capital's northern suburbs.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has become a focus in congressional investigations into allegations of Russian election meddling
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions vehemently denied Tuesday that he colluded with an alleged Russian bid to tilt the 2016 presidential election in Donald Trump's favor.
"I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States," Sessions told a closely-watched hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
"The suggestion that I participated with any collusion, that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie."
Addressing allegations that he had unreported meetings with Russian officials while he advised the Trump campaign, Sessions said he had already acknowledged two meetings last year with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
But he denied an alleged third encounter with Kislyak, at an April 27, 2016 reception for Trump at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington.
"I did not have any private meetings nor do I recall any conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower hotel," he told the panel.
"Though I do recall several conversations that I had during that 'Free Speech' reception, I do not have any recollection with meeting, talking to the Russian ambassador or any other Russian officials."
More than 130 soldiers and civilians have been killed in Saudi Arabia's border region since a Saudi-led coalition began air strikes on Yemen in March 2015
A Saudi border guard died Tuesday in a landmine blast along the frontier with Yemen, the interior ministry said.
The mine exploded during a patrol in the kingdom's southwestern Jazan district, a ministry statement said.
More than 130 soldiers and civilians have been killed in Saudi Arabia's southern border regions since a Saudi-led coalition began air strikes over Yemen in March 2015.
The coalition supports Yemen's internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in the fight against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.
The Huthis, allied with former members of the security forces loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, have carried out retaliatory rocket strikes and engaged in firefights along the border.
The coalition has previously said the rebels laid mines along the border.
The insurgents have also launched ballistic missiles further into the kingdom.
In Yemen itself, more than 8,000 people have been killed in fighting since the coalition intervened more than two years ago, the World Health Organization says.
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee perform onstage at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in April 2017
Reggaeton music has long been a fixture in nightclubs around the Spanish-speaking world, but that hasn't brought it critical acceptance, with the genre rooted in Puerto Rico's marginalized communities.
The genre so scorned by the elites has suddenly found a massive new market with the global success of Luis Fonsi's song "Despacito."
"Despacito" is the first Spanish-language song to hit number one on the benchmark US singles chart, the Billboard Hot 100, since "Macarena" in 1996.
A remix of the song, which features the Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee and an assist from pop celebrity Justin Bieber, spent its fifth week at number one on the latest chart published Monday.
Reggaeton -- defined by its blend of the fast-paced and club-ready rhythms of Jamaican dancehall with a rap vocal delivery that is often pouring with machismo -- took off in Puerto Rico in the 1990s. It was initially simply called "underground."
Puerto Ricans had been active in the birth of hip-hop in New York, while the beats came via Panama, where Jamaicans and other West Indians worked to build the canal.
"Underground was essentially party music, but it also provided a space to offer political critiques about issues like poverty, police brutality and racism," said Petra Rivera-Rideau, an assistant professor in American studies at Wellesley College and author of the book "Remixing Reggaeton."
"As underground spread, it was subject to a censorship campaign in the mid-1990s that, ironically, wound up providing publicity to the music and exposing it to new audiences," she said.
- Bringing out race and sexuality -
Critics attacked reggaeton for its hyper-sexuality, with the Puerto Rican Senate in 2002 holding hearings on the portrayal of women in music videos.
But Rivera-Rideau said that reggaeton also provided a new means of expression, especially for black people in the US Caribbean territory.
"Reggaeton offered an opportunity for artists to articulate connections to the broader African diaspora, particularly urban black youth, and this threatened the fundamental tenets of racial democracy because it called out racism in Puerto Rico," she said.
"Despacito," which means "slowly" in Spanish, is driven by a reggaeton beat with lyrics full of sexual innuendo. Bieber delivers a breathy opening verse and later sings in Spanish -- which he recently mangled in a live performance.
Bieber collaborated for the remix released in April after "Despacito" was already a megahit on Latin charts.
The original video, which came out in January, has amassed more than 1.9 billion views on YouTube -- the most of any 2017 release.
- A hit even without Bieber -
Fonsi has said that Bieber's participation was the Canadian's own idea after he heard the hit playing in a club in Colombia.
While the song was already a major hit, Rivera-Rideau said that the remix with Bieber "exposed the song to many people who had never heard it before."
But complicating the narrative of reggaeton's rise, Fonsi -- not to mention Bieber -- does not hail from the genre. Fonsi, 39, has scored hits over the past two decades with ballads and Latin pop tracks rather than reggaeton.
"Many people have talked about Justin Bieber as appropriating reggaeton for his own gain, and that may be the case, but one could argue that Luis Fonsi is doing the same -- borrowing from a genre associated with a marginalized community for his own commercial success," Rivera-Rideau said.
Fonsi, in an interview with Rolling Stone, said he had not set out to write a "crossover record."
"I felt as though I needed a little bit more movement," he told the magazine.
"That's where Latin pop is headed: It's the right time to put a little rhythm into this record."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson listens as Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir(L) delivers brief remarks to the media on June 13, 2017, shortly before their private meeting at the US Department of State in Washington, DC
Progress has been made towards resolving the crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors after senior US officials met leading players in the standoff, the State Department said Tuesday.
"I would characterize the mood and the approach to that as being one that is hopeful, that believes that the worst is behind us," spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters.
Earlier, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had met Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, whose government accuses Qatar of sponsoring extremist groups and has closed its border.
Tillerson and US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis have been working the telephones attempting to de-escalate the crisis between Riyadh and Qatar, which hosts a huge US air base.
Nauert refused to say whether Washington regards Qatar as a sponsor of terror or whether the closure of the border and ban on Qatari flights in Saudi airspace amount to a "blockade."
"Let's keep in mind that everyone has agreed or these parties are working toward an agreement of combating terrorism, and that is the main focus," she said.
"And let's not get bogged down in all the details about who's calling what when. This is trending in a positive direction. And let's stay focused on that so that we can continue to fight the war on terror."
Earlier, appearing alongside Tillerson -- who last week had urged that the "blockade" be eased -- Jubeir had insisted: "It's not a blockade."
The Inga 1 (rear) and Inga 2 (front) power plants dams are seen on the Congo river in 2013, which the Inga 3 project would complement
The Democratic Republic of Congo said Tuesday it has asked Chinese and Spanish bidders of a colossal dam project to join forces and submit a joint bid.
The request will further delay the huge project, known as Inga 3, that has been planned for around 30 years.
The government had said it would award the contract by the end of last year with an aim to launch construction this year.
In the running for the deal are two consortiums, one led by the Chinese Three Gorges Corporation and another grouped under Spanish construction company ACS.
The Congolese government agency handling the project ADPI asked the two consortiums to present a single, "optimised" offer, but did not set a deadline for starting to produce electricity.
In September last year the agency said it wanted electricity production to start in 2021.
The Inga 3 project is expected to complement two ageing power stations built between 1972 and 1982 on the Inga falls of the Congo River 260 kilometres (162 miles) downstream from the capital Kinshasa.
The dam is expected to generate 4,800 megawatts of power, equivalent to the output of three third-generation nuclear reactors, in a country where less than 10 percent of the population has access to electricity.
South Africa has signed an option to buy 2,500 megawatts of power, with much of the rest planned for mining groups in Katanga in the south east which suffers from chronic electricity shortages.
The World Bank last July froze planned disbursements of a $73.1 million grant aimed at funding technical assistance, saying the country had taken the project in a different strategic direction than had been agreed.
Since then, political uncertainty over the position of Congolese President Joseph Kabila who stayed in power after his mandate ended last year, along with no prospect for elections in the near-term have weighed heavily on the business climate of the country.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas met in Washington last month to discuss the moribund Middle East peace process
The leadership of the Palestinian Authority has agreed to halt payments to the families of slain attackers, including suicide bombers, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday.
Compensation payments to the families of "martyrs" who die carrying out attacks on Israelis are one of the sticking points in the moribund Middle East peace process.
"They have changed their policy, at least I have been informed they've changed that policy," Tillerson told US lawmakers.
Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman expressed skepticism on Wednesday.
"I did not see any evidence the Palestinian Authority has stopped payments for jailed terrorists and their families," Lieberman told Israeli public radio.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to seek to revive peace talks, and has urged Israel to limit settlement building on Palestinian land, but many differences remain.
Under questioning at a Senate hearing, Tillerson said Washington had pressed Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on the issue of payments to the families of suicide bombers and attackers killed.
"It was discussed directly when president Abbas made his visit with his delegation to Washington," Tillerson said, adding that Trump had raised the issue at the White House.
Just after that May 3 meeting, Tillerson had a "more detailed" meeting with Abbas.
"And I told him you absolutely must stop making payments to family members of quote, 'martyrs'," he said.
"I said it's one thing to help orphans and children, but when you designate the payment for that act, that has to stop.
"Their intent is to cease the payments to the family members of those who have committed murder or violence against others.
"So, we've been very clear with them that this is simply not acceptable to us. It is certainly not acceptable to the American people."
If the change in policy is confirmed, it could be politically awkward for Abbas, who has committed himself publicly to the peace process but is wary of being seen to make concessions.
Travis Kalanick's brash personality and freewheeling management style made him a liability as well as an asset to the global ridesharing giant Uber
Travis Kalanick has been the driving force behind Uber, taking a spur-of-moment idea and turning it into the world's most valuable venture-funded tech startup.
But Kalanick's brash personality and freewheeling management style made him a liability as well as an asset to the global ridesharing giant, prompting his decision Tuesday to take an indefinite leave of absence.
Kalanick frequently recounts how the idea behind Uber was born, when he and a colleague were attending a technology conference in Paris and failed to find a taxi on a cold night.
He dreamt up the "magical" idea of pushing a button to hail a ride, the story goes, and used that to create a company that disrupted a global industry while ruffling the feathers of both regulators and established taxi operators.
Uber now operates in hundreds of cities and more than 80 countries, accounting for bookings of some $20 billion last year.
Its valuation has soared to a whopping $68 billion, unprecedented for a startup which has yet to hit the stock market.
But the hard-charging style which helped Uber succeed has also made Kalanick a target for critics.
He has borne responsibility for allegations of sexism, cut-throat workplace tactics and covert use of law enforcement-evading software.
Uber's image has been tarnished by a series of missteps including a visit by executives to a South Korean escort-karaoke bar, an attempt to dig up dirt on journalists covering the company and the mishandling of medical records from a woman raped in India after hailing an Uber ride.
Uber hired former US attorney general Eric Holder to review allegations of a toxic work culture, and adopted his report calling for a series of reforms and safeguards against abuses.
Kalanick has been humbled by recent events, which included the release of a dash-cam video showing him berating and cursing at one of Uber's drivers.
He cited the recent death of his mother in a boating accident as one of the reasons for his decision to step aside.
"For the last eight years my life has always been about Uber," he said in an email to employees Tuesday.
"Recent events have brought home for me that people are more important than work, and that I need to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother, whom I buried on Friday, to reflect, to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team."
- Being 'disruptive' -
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, seen at a 2016 press conference in Beijing, has been the driving force behind Uber but has also borne responsibility for its missteps
Uber and Kalanick exemplified the notion of being "disruptive," which in Silicon Valley is seen as a positive force for change.
But as it grew into a global company, both the firm and its founder appear to have come to the realization they need to grow up.
"The ultimate responsibility, for where we've gotten and how we've gotten here rests on my shoulders," Kalanick said.
"There is of course much to be proud of but there is much to improve. For Uber 2.0 to succeed there is nothing more important than dedicating my time to building out the leadership team. But if we are going to work on Uber 2.0, I also need to work on Travis 2.0 to become the leader that this company needs and that you deserve."
Kalanick is likely to retain some control of Uber thanks to a structure giving him super-voting shares along with his co-founders.
He was given credit on Tuesday for stepping aside, regardless of whether it was his decision or the result of pressure from the board of directors.
Vivek Wadhwa, a Carnegie Mellon University fellow who follows the tech industry, welcomed his move.
"Leaders need to step aside when they have peaked, learn critical lessons, rethink strategies...and then reinvent themselves," Wadhwa said on Twitter.
Rwandan police officers from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in armoured vehicles patrol the market in Bangui September 14, 2015; Only small contingents of MINUSCA remain
The United Nations said Tuesday it feared a "security vacuum" in central Africa after the withdrawal of Ugandan, South Sudanese and US troops formerly tracking Lord's Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony.
One of Africa's longest-surviving rebel groups, the Lord's Resistance Army has terrorized parts of central Africa for 30 years.
Since being set up by Kony in 1987, it is accused of slaughtering more than 100,000 people and abducting 60,000 children who were forced to become sex slaves and soldiers.
But on April 19, Uganda began withdrawing troops from the eastern Central African Republic (CAR). And 100 special forces soldiers from US Africa Command (AFRICOM) wrapped up their operation, which had cost $600 million to $800 million, the same month.
Kony remains at large.
"The continued threat by the Lord's Resistance Army to regional stability should not be underestimated, in particular as the Ugandan and the South Sudanese forces have now disengaged... along with the United States special forces," said Francois Lounceny Fall, the UN special envoy for Central Africa.
"I am concerned about the impact of this withdrawal as it will create a security vacuum that may be exploited by the LRA and other armed groups operating in the region."
Only small contingents of the Central African Armed Forces and the UN's stabilization force, MINUSCA, remain in eastern Central Africa, but they have limited capacity.
"MINUSCA is not mandated to conduct anti-LRA military operations and the Central African Republic national security forces, which could in the long run fill the gap left by the exit of the Ugandan forces, still require training and structural reforms," the UN envoy added.
The operations to find Kony, however, produced other problems. Ugandan troops were accused of sexually abusing local women and girls, Human Rights Watch reported last month.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - France's finance minister says Greece is on course to reach a crucial funding deal with bailout lenders this week.
"A new crisis on the Greek issue must be calmly avoided," Bruno Le Maire said after meeting Monday with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
The French minister traveled to Athens ahead of a meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday of finance ministers from countries using the euro currency.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras shows the way to French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire during their meeting in Athens, Monday, June 12, 2017. Le Maire, is in Athens for meetings aimed at ending a months-long delay in a rescue funding agreement between Greece and bailout lenders.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Loan payouts from the eurozone countries have been delayed for months, and Greece urgently needs them as it faces a July spike in debt repayments worth some 7 billion euros ($7.8 billion).
"We are not far at all from a solution. That solution must be found on June 15," Le Maire said.
Successive Greek governments have viewed France as an ally in bailout disputes, in contrast to the more fiscally hawkish Germans.
Athens is also seeking Paris' help on obtaining a concrete pledge from creditors on debt relief, an issue complicated by disagreement among lenders over the country's growth potential and debt sustainability.
"We're closer than ever to reaching an agreement on the debt issue, one than corresponds to the sacrifices made by the Greek people," Tsipras said after the meeting.
Investors continued Monday to anticipate an end to the months-long delay in reaching an agreement with bailout lenders.
Shares on the Athens Stock Exchange were roughly unchanged at 781 points following a weeks-long surge from just over 600 in early February, while market borrowing rates were also lower. Yields on two-year bonds dropped to 5 percent from above 10 four months ago.
Klaus Regling, head of the eurozone's bailout European Stability Mechanism also appeared optimistic.
"I continue to be convinced that if Greece continues with its reforms, it can end the (bailout) program next year and will regain market access before the end of the program," he said in an interview published Monday.
Prime Minister Tsipras pushed more painful austerity measure through parliament in successive votes that ended Friday, extending draconian budget cuts for roughly five years.
While in Athens, Le Maire will met Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and was due to hold talks with Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras.
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French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire, looks on during his meeting with his Greek counterpart Euclid Tsakalotos, in Athens, Monday, June 12, 2017. France's Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, has begun meetings in Athens aimed at ending a months-long delay in a rescue funding agreement between Greece and bailout lenders. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire, right, shakes hands with his Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos during their meeting in Athens, Monday, June 12, 2017. France's Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, has begun meetings in Athens aimed at ending a months-long delay in a rescue funding agreement between Greece and bailout lenders. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire, right, walks with his Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos during their meeting in Athens, Monday, June 12, 2017. France's Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, has begun meetings in Athens aimed at ending a months-long delay in a rescue funding agreement between Greece and bailout lenders. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire , right, chats with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during their meeting in Athens, Monday, June 12, 2017. Le Maire, is in Greece for meetings aimed at ending a months-long delay in a rescue funding agreement between Greece and bailout lenders.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
LONDON (AP) - The Latest on the outcome of Britain's general election (all times local):
5:55 p.m.
Prime Minister Theresa May has sought to rally her rank and file lawmakers behind her leadership after her Conservative Party lost its majority in the House of Commons.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives to attend Holy Communion at St Andrew's Church in Sonning, Berkshire, England, Sunday, June 11, 2017. May is under pressure after the Conservatives lost their parliamentary majority in Thursday's election. (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire(/PA via AP)
Britain's Press Association says May, who was greeted with around 25 seconds of table banging and a brief cheer, told lawmakers at the closed-door meeting that she planned to sort out the problems facing her party.
The agency, quoting two unnamed sources from the meeting, said May told lawmakers that she was the one "who got us into this mess" and that she was the "one who will get us out of it."
The session had originally been scheduled for Tuesday, but was brought forward a day so that May could explain the status of her efforts to ally with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party before any deal is finalized.
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3:20 p.m.
The pound has fallen further amid doubts about Theresa May's ability to form a government and start the Brexit talks on time.
The British currency fell to a two-month low of $1.2659, from $1.2780 late Friday, after officials suggested both the announcement of the prime minister's agenda and talks over Britain's divorce from the European Union could be postponed.
The pound has dropped from $1.2950 before the result of the election, which left no party with a majority.
Investors are trying to gauge what impact the vote could have on the economy and the Brexit talks. Amid the uncertainty, they're selling off the British currency as business leaders warn that the lack of clarity could hinder investments.
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1:40 p.m.
Germany is angling to host the London-based European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority after Britain leaves the European Union.
Government spokesman Steffen Seibert says Germany will apply to move the medicines regulator to the western city of Bonn, which already hosts several national and international agencies.
Seibert says the banking authority would move to Germany's financial capital, Frankfurt - already home to the European Central Bank - if the application succeeds.
He told reporters in Berlin that the exact procedures for the move could be decided at a meeting of EU leaders later this month.
Seibert was unable to say which other countries are applying to host the two agencies.
Britain is set to leave the EU by March 2019.
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1:30 p.m.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has expressed his concerns for the Northern Ireland peace process if the Conservative government is propped up by the Democratic Unionist Party.
Adams told reporters Monday that he shared the concerns of outgoing Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny that a deal between the two could jeopardize the peace process.
Adams says Ireland's incoming government must act to protect the peace process.
Some involved in the Irish peace process are alarmed at any alliance between Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives and the DUP because the Good Friday peace accords call for the British government to be neutral in the politics of Northern Ireland.
May lost her majority in the House of Commons in last week's election and is looking to get the backing of the DUP's 10 lawmakers.
Republican Sinn Fein won seven seats but historically hasn't taken them up in the London chamber.
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1:05 p.m.
The European Union's executive arm has indicated that negotiations with the British government over the country's exit from the bloc may not start next week as planned.
European Commission spokesman Alexander Winterstein said "we are quite confident" that technical talks "can start soon, maybe even this week."
However, when asked about whether the Brexit talks would start for real on June 19 as planned, Winterstein said: "I cannot say. This doesn't depend entirely on us."
Prime Minister Theresa May is trying to thrash out details of a parliamentary arrangement with a party from Northern Ireland to get her the votes to run a minority government after last week's election, which saw her Conservative Party lose its majority. Already there are expectations that the Queen's Speech, which would outline the government's legislative agenda for next year, will be delayed from next Monday.
In March, before calling the election, May triggered the two-year timetable for Britain to leave the EU.
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12:20 p.m.
British Prime Minister Theresa May's office has declined to confirm that the Queen's Speech would be held on June 19 as previously announced.
May's official spokesman told a media a briefing that the new leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, will soon be releasing a statement on the date.
The uncertainty about the speech laying out the government's legislative program comes as May conducts talks with the Democratic Unionist Party, which is certain to expect concessions for its support. May lost her parliamentary majority in a disastrous election for her Conservative Party last week.
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11:25 a.m.
Britain's chief negotiator for leaving the European Union says the talks for exiting the trading bloc may not start as scheduled next week.
David Davis told Sky News on Monday that the talks tentatively set to begin on June 19 might not take place because it would clash with the Queen's Speech, which sets out the legislative agenda for the new government.
Davis also suggested the government would focus on the divorce proceedings before moving on to trade.
The EU has said that Brexit talks need to make sufficient progress before trade deals can be discussed, though Britain had argued the discussions should take place simultaneously.
The change of position comes after Prime Minister Theresa May lost her majority in the House of Commons in a disastrous election last week.
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9:30 a.m.
Senior members in Theresa May's government are moving to support her leadership despite doubts about whether she will remain in power following a disastrous election result.
The prime minister is meeting members of her party Monday after losing her majority in the House of Commons last week.
Seeking to set the tone, David Davis, the cabinet member in charge of European Union exit negotiations, says speculation about her removal is "unbelievably self-indulgent."
Davis told ITV he's loyal to May and there's a distinction between "running a campaign and running a country. Running a country is more difficult and she's formidably good at that."
Davis also sought to reassure the public that any deal between the Tories and the Democratic Unionist Party would not change abortion or gay rights laws.
Boris Johnson speaks to the media outside his ministerial residence in central London, Sunday June 11, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May is making appointments to her Cabinet as she tries to shore up authority undermined by a poor election result. Boris Johnson is reappointed as Foreign Secretary. (Rick Findler/PA via AP)
ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan (AP) - Pakistani police say a lone gunman has shot and killed a journalist in the northwestern town of Haripur.
Senior police officer Mohammad Sabir says 39-year-old Bakhshish Illahi, bureau chief of a local daily newspaper and television station, was targeted Sunday near his home while on his way to his office.
Sabir says the journalist was a father of four and had recently joined television channel K-2 and daily newspaper K-2 Times after serving at another local newspaper for 14 years.
Sabir says an investigation hasn't revealed any personal enmity toward Illahi and he was apparently killed for some other reason. He didn't elaborate.
Journalists in Haripur protested the killing.
Pakistan is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on investigations into possible contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia (all times local):
2:20 p.m.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer is declining to say whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions should invoke executive privilege in testimony to Congress Tuesday.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer listens as Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta speak during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Spicer told reporters Monday that it "depends on the scope of the questions" and said it was "premature" to say.
Sessions will testify in open session Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence committee, where he'll face questions over his role in the controversy around possible ties between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia.
Spicer also declined to say whether Trump agrees with Sessions' decision to testify. But he says the president "believes that the sooner we can get this addressed and dealt with" the better.
Spicer is also refusing to say whether tapes exist of the president's conversations with FBI Director James Comey before Trump fired him. Comey told Congress last week that Trump urged him to drop a probe of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
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11:20 a.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he wants his testimony before the Senate intelligence committee to be open to the public.
The Justice Department says Sessions has requested Tuesday's committee hearing be open because he "believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him."
The Justice Department says Sessions looks forward to answering the committee's questions.
Sessions faces questions about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign. He recused himself in March from a federal investigation into contacts between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign after acknowledging that he had met twice last year with the ambassador. He had told lawmakers at his January confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign.
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8:15 a.m.
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway says testimony from former FBI Director James Comey "reflected very poorly on members of the Obama administration as well."
On "Fox & Friends" Monday, Conway noted Comey's testimony that Loretta Lynch, as President Barack Obama's attorney general, directed him to describe the FBI probe into Hillary Clinton's email practices as a "matter" and to avoid calling it an investigation.
Conway stressed that Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California has said there should be further investigation.
Conway also said Comey's testimony showed President Donald Trump was not under investigation.
Comey testified that the FBI investigation into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign did not extend to Trump himself during the time Comey was leading the FBI. That investigation continues, as do congressional inquiries.
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7:30 a.m.
President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka, says her father felt "vindicated" and "incredibly optimistic" following fired FBI Director James Comey's congressional testimony last week.
In an interview Monday on Fox News' "Fox & Friends," Ivanka Trump says political life still surprises her and that "there is a level of viciousness I was not expecting."
When asked what she thought of Comey's testimony, in which he said Trump suggested he drop a probe into former National Security adviser Michael Flynn's Russia contacts, Ivanka Trump said her father felt "very vindicated...and feels incredibly optimistic."
She added: "With all the noise, with all the intensity of the media coverage and obviously what makes headlines, ultimately we're really focused on why the American people elected Donald Trump as their president." She said she's trying to keep her focus on helping her father change the status quo.
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3:54 a.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is preparing to face former Senate colleagues over his role in the controversy around ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. It's part of an escalating investigation into charges that Russia meddled in the 2016 elections.
Sessions is scheduled to testify Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence committee and was due for sharp questioning. It is not yet known whether the hearing will be public or closed.
Fellow Republicans, meanwhile, pressed Trump to come clean about whether he has tapes of private conversations with fired FBI Director James Comey and provide them to Congress if he does - or possibly face a subpoena.
FILE - In this March 6, 2017, file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Washington. Sessions, whose contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign has sparked questions, agreed Saturday, June 10, to appear before the Senate intelligence committee as it investigates alleged Russian meddling in the election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
SEATTLE (AP) - The Latest on a U.S. appeals court keeping President Donald Trump's travel ban blocked (all times local):
3:40 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he disagrees with a U.S. appeals court's decision to keep blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer arrives for the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Sessions said Monday that the ban is necessary to protect national security. He says the president was within his lawful authority to enact the temporary ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority nations.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision blocking the ban and said the president violated U.S. immigration law.
Sessions says the court's decision "has a chilling effect on security operations overall."
He says the ban should be restored "until we have the ability accurately and responsibly to vet those seeking entry here."
He also is reiterating the Trump administration's argument that the ban isn't based on religion, but safety concerns.
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12:15 p.m.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says the administration is confident that President Donald Trump's travel ban will be upheld by the Supreme Court after its latest legal blow.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision blocking the temporary ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority nations. The ruling Monday says the president violated U.S. immigration law.
Spicer told reporters that the White House is reviewing the opinion but maintains the order is "fully lawful."
He says "these are very dangerous times" and the U.S. needs "every available tool at our disposal to prevent terrorists from entering the United States and committing acts of bloodshed and violence."
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10:15 a.m.
Another federal appeals court has upheld a decision blocking President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.
The ruling Monday from a unanimous three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals deals the administration another legal defeat as the Supreme Court considers a separate case on the issue.
The judges say the president violated U.S. immigration law by discriminating against people based on their nationality and that Trump failed to show their entry into the country would hurt American interests.
They didn't rule on whether the travel ban violated the Constitution's ban on the government officially favoring or disfavoring any religion.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia also ruled against the travel ban May 25. The administration has appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Latvian man has made an initial appearance in U.S. federal court for his alleged involvement in a hacking scheme that caused internet users to lose millions of dollars.
Twenty-eight-year-old Peteris Sahurovs was indicted in 2011 in a "scareware" scheme that targeted the Minneapolis Star Tribune's website.
The indictment says Sahurovs and an accomplice created a phony advertising agency and bought ads on startribune.com, then infected computer users who visited the site with malware. The affected computer users were tricked into buying purported antivirus software.
The scheme generated more than $2 million.
Sahurovs was arrested in Latvia in June 2011 but fled after a Latvian court released him. He was arrested in Poland last fall and extradited to the U.S.
The federal defender's office will represent him, but he hasn't yet been assigned an attorney.
PHOENIX (AP) - Nearly 30 wildfires tore through dry and windy Arizona on Monday, drawing crews from across the Western United States to the state with the most blazes burning in the nation.
Thousands of firefighters were battling 28 wildfires throughout the state, many of them ignited by lightning or people, as gusty winds and parched vegetation fueled the flames, said Tiffany Davila, a spokeswoman for the state forestry department. No one has been injured, and just one empty house has been destroyed.
Some southern Arizona residents were allowed to return home Monday after fleeing last week from a wildfire in the community of Dragoon that burned a vacant home. Evacuation orders were in place for at least 30 houses.
Several horses ignore the smoke from the 14,900 acre Lizard Fire east of Dragoon, Ariz., on June 11, 2017. The fire is burning through dry grass and shrubs and being pushed by erratic winds. A red flag warning is in effect because of the hazardous conditions. The Lizard Fire had merged earlier with the Dragoon Fire on Friday afternoon. The fire may have been started by lightning on Wednesday. (A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star via AP)
Heather Floyd, who lives in Dragoon, said an official came to her house with a warning to evacuate Wednesday. Floyd decided to spend the night at her daughter's home in a nearby town, but her husband stayed behind.
When she left, she took multiple suitcases - one with five days' worth of clothes, and another with photo albums and picture frames she grabbed off the walls.
"It's weird," Floyd said. "What do you pack? It's 10:30 at night, you're not really thinking."
The fire came within half a mile of her house, but she went back the next morning and they have stayed since.
Davila estimates at least 80 square miles (207 square kilometers) across the state are ablaze. She said crews from seven other states are working to control the fires.
Officials closed a section of highway in northern Arizona last week because smoke from a mountain fire restricted visibility. State Route 180 about 10 miles north of Flagstaff will stay closed at least until Sunday, when the state Department of Transportation will re-evaluate.
Arizona has seen 858 fires so far this year that have charred 205 square miles (530.95 square kilometers).
Dry lightning, or lighting without rain, sparked some of the bigger fires burning now. It is more common in summer months leading up to the state's monsoon, said Hector Vasquez, a spokesman for the National Weather Service. Fire danger decreases as more moisture moves in and rain begins accompanying the lightning storms.
The National Weather Service warned residents in eastern and northern Arizona that high winds and low humidity could lead fires to spread more easily.
State forestry officials predicted two months ago that southern Arizona would have a higher fire risk than the northern, forested parts of the state, because winter rain and snow increased the amount of vegetation that fuels fires in later months after it dries out.
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A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the number of fires cited in 2016 was for the entire year, but it was a year-to-date figure.
This June 9, 2017, photo shows a patch of vegetation flaming up as the Lizard Fire burns in the Dragoon Mountains as seen from Johnson Road south of Interstate 10 in Southeastern Ariz. (Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star via AP)
A couple of firefighters from Golder Ranch put out hot spots from the 14,900 acre Lizard Fire burns near Dragoon, Ariz., on June 11, 2017. The fire is burning through dry grass and shrubs and being pushed by erratic winds. A red flag warning is in effect because of the hazardous conditions. The Lizard Fire had merged earlier with the Dragoon Fire on Friday afternoon. The fire may have been started by lightning on Wednesday. (A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star via AP)
This June 9, 2017, photo shows the Lizard Fire burning in the Dragoon Mountains as seen from Johnson Road south of Interstate 10 in Southeastern Ariz. (Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star via AP)
SAO PAULO (AP) - Brazilian President Michel Temer said on Monday that recent accusations against him are made up and designed to frame him. The country's top prosecutor is investigating the unpopular leader being on charges of corruption, obstruction of justice and belonging to a criminal organization.
In a 4-minute video published on his social media, Temer denied any wrongdoing and insisted he will remain in office so he can deliver austerity measures and reforms.
"Precisely at the moment we are left with the most serious economic crisis in our history, at a time there were clear signs that the reforms would be approved by Congress, they attributed to my government a bunch of accusations that are made up" and aimed at framing him, the president said. Temer did not specifically name Brazil's top prosecutor Rodrigo Janot.
A street performer juggles knives for tips at a bus station where graffiti reads in Portuguese "Death to Temer" in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 12, 2017. President Michel Temer is fighting new allegations that his administration turned Brazil's spy services on a supreme court justice investigating him for corruption, the latest in a series of accusations that threaten to cut short his tenure. Additionally, Temer is proposing unpopular labor market reform proposals. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
If Janot decides to formally accuse the president on any of the three counts, Temer will have to survive a vote in Congress to prevent being suspended from office and tried by Brazil's Supreme Court.
Temer also said Brazil's top electoral court decision not to remove him from office last week proved that the country's democracy is working. The unpopular leader said his office did not interfere in the 4-3 vote on Friday that kept him in the presidency. Two of the four votes in Temer's favor were made by judges he appointed.
While Temer published the video, the executive commission of a key political party in his governing coalition was considering whether to stay with him. The right-leaning Brazilian Social Democracy Party was still deciding whether to keep its five members in Temer's Cabinet. Later Monday, Sen. Jose Serra said the party had decided not to leave.
Party leaders have said they are under pressure to leave because of Temer's plunging popularity, now in the single digits. But at the same time they don't want to lose the support of the president's centrist Brazilian Democratic Movement Party in the 2018 elections.
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. United States of America Plaintiff - Appellee v. Jody Lee Davis Defendant - Appellant No. 16-2008 Decided: June 12, 2017
Before RILEY and BEAM, Circuit Judges, and ROSSITER,1 District Judge.
Jody Lee Davis (Davis) appeals from the district court's decision to impose a 210-month prison sentence and recommend that his federal sentence be served consecutively to potential future state court sentences. For the reasons stated below, we affirm Davis's sentence.
I. BACKGROUND
In 2012 and 2013, Davis was convicted in Iowa state court of numerous crimes, including one count of identity theft, one count of burglary, two counts of theft, and ten counts of forgery. On February 4, 2015, an Iowa state court sentenced Davis to suspended sentences for all of those crimes and placed him on probation.
After being indicted in federal court on methamphetamine charges, Davis pled guilty on November 16, 2016 to Attempted Manufacture and Aiding and Abetting the Manufacture of Methamphetamine. Davis was sentenced on April 12, 2016. At the time of sentencing, probation-revocation proceedings were pending in Iowa state court based on the methamphetamine arrest. After discussing the 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) factors, the district court noted that state-court probation revocation proceedings were pending but specifically stated, I did not consider the pending cases in deciding on a disposition. The district court sentenced Davis to 210 months in prison, recommending to the Bureau of Prisons that the sentence be served consecutively to any term of state imprisonment resulting from the probation revocation.
It is clear that the district court has the discretion to order that [Davis's] sentence run consecutively to his anticipated state sentence in the probation revocation proceeding. Setser v. United States, 566 U.S. 231, 244-45 (2012). This case presents the novel issue of whether it is error for a district court to explicitly not consider the possibility of a state court sentence when ordering that a federal sentence be consecutive to any possible state-court sentence.
II. DISCUSSION
Davis argues his sentence is substantively unreasonable because the district court failed to consider the potential state prison time. The government claims that Davis's argument is really one of procedural error. After careful review, we conclude the district court neither procedurally erred in determining Davis's sentence nor imposed a substantively unreasonable sentence.
A. Standards of Review
Because Davis failed to object to any procedural error, we review for plain error. United States v. Cottrell, 853 F.3d 459, 462 (8th Cir. 2017). To establish plain error, [a defendant] must prove (1) there was error, (2) the error was plain, and (3) the error affected his substantial rights. Id. (quoting United States v. Grimes, 702 F.3d 460, 470 (8th Cir. 2012)).
We review the substantive unreasonableness of sentences under a standard akin to an abuse-of-discretion standard, cognizant that it will be the unusual case when we reverse a district court sentencewhether within, above, or below the applicable Guidelines rangeas substantively unreasonable. United States v. Edwards, 820 F.3d 362, 366 (8th Cir. 2016) (quoting United States v. Sayles, 754 F.3d 564, 567 (8th Cir. 2014)). A sentence may be unreasonable if the district court fails to consider a relevant factor which should have received significant weight; gives significant weight to an improper or irrelevant factor; or considers the appropriate factors but commits a clear error of judgment. Id.
B. Procedural Error
Davis claims United States Sentencing Guideline 5G1.3 obligates the district court to examine the length of potential future state terms of imprisonment. According to Davis, by failing to perform this examination, the district court violated the requirement in 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) to craft a sentence sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with purposes of sentencing. Davis provides no authority to support his novel interpretation of 5G1.3.
Section 5G1.3(a) applies when the instant offense was committed while the defendant was serving a term of imprisonment or after sentencing for, but before commencing service of, such term of imprisonment. In both cases, the sentences should run consecutively. Whether or not 5G1.3(a) applies, the district court could not have violated it by imposing the sentence consecutively.
The next two subsections of 5G1.3, (b) and (c), deal with situations where the other term of imprisonment results from relevant conduct to the instant offense of conviction. These subsections do not apply because the prior convictions for theft, burglary, and forgery are not relevant conduct to the making of methamphetamine, and the fact that an offense also results in a revocation of probation does not make the state conviction relevant conduct to the federal conviction. United States v. Jones, 628 F.3d 1044, 1049 (8th Cir. 2011).
Davis turns to the final subsection, 5G1.3(d), which provides, In any other case involving an undischarged term of imprisonment, the sentence for the instant offense may be imposed to run concurrently, partially concurrently, or consecutively to the prior undischarged term of imprisonment to achieve a reasonable punishment for the instant offense. See 18 U.S.C. 3584. He argues that 5G1.3(d) requires the district court to at least consider the potential state term of imprisonment. However, by its express language, this subsection only applies to cases where there are currently existing undischarged terms of imprisonment, not potential future terms of imprisonment. See Setser, 566 U.S. at 237-39 (acknowledging that 3584 does not apply to scenarios in which the state term of imprisonment has not yet been imposed).
Davis has failed to provide any authority requiring the district court to weigh the possibility of future state prison terms. The district court considered all the relevant 3553(a) factors available at the time of sentencing. Setser, 566 U.S. at 244. The district court did not err by expressly not considering the fact that Davis's probation could possibly be revoked.
C. Substantive Unreasonableness
Davis argues his sentence is substantively unreasonable because the district court failed to consider the relevant 3553(a) factors. Because we previously concluded the district court considered all of the 3553(a) factors, [Davis's] substantive unreasonableness argument is without merit. United States v. Lewis, 557 F.3d 601, 615 (8th Cir. 2009).
III. CONCLUSION
We affirm Davis's sentence.
FOOTNOTES
. The Honorable Linda R. Reade, United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
. Davis insists his claim is based solely on substantive unreasonableness.
. This subsection could arguably be applicable in this case because the crimes were committed after the imposition of a suspended sentence but before Davis began serving it. See United States v. Murphy, 69 F.3d 237, 246 n.8 (8th Cir. 1995).
. The district court did make the federal sentence concurrent to any sentence imposed in two state court cases involving relevant conduct, that is, the manufacture of methamphetamine and the possession of drug paraphernalia.
. Application Note 4(c) to 5G1.3(d) recommends that the federal sentence run consecutively to a state sentence imposed after revocation of probation. While this note only specifically applies to cases where the state revocation occurs before the federal sentencing, the purpose of punishing crimes more seriously when committed during probation would still apply in this case.
ROSSITER, District Judge.
MILWAUKEE (AP) - A 19-year-old man was on life support Monday after he was shot by a sheriff's deputy on Milwaukee's lakefront.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke said the man was driving an SUV Sunday evening when deputies tried to pull it over for a traffic violation and he fled. Clarke said the man, identified as Terry Williams, was hit in the head.
He said a female passenger was shot in the shoulder.
Clarke said a loaded handgun was found in the vehicle. He declined to give further details and didn't take questions at a news conference. The shooting is being investigated by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.
Citizen video shows the SUV driving up a curb with a sheriff's vehicle in pursuit when a deputy appears on foot with a gun drawn. Multiple shots can be heard on the video.
Clarke identified the deputy who fired into the vehicle as Michael Truax, 32, who hired in August. He was put on administrative leave, which is standard. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Truax was on foot patrol at the time and was on the median when the SUV approached. It's unclear from the video if the SUV was heading directly toward Truax.
After Truax fired, the SUV swerved back into the road and hit another car before it stopped. Deputies surrounded it and ordered people out at gunpoint. Williams and the injured woman were removed, and a man who did not appear to be injured was taken from the back seat.
BRENTWOOD, Calif. (AP) - A Northern California high school principal on Monday issued a public apology and handed a diploma to an Army reservist who was not allowed to wear his military uniform at his graduation ceremony last week.
Liberty High School Principal Patrick Walsh apologized to a Harland Fletcher, a private first class reservist in the U.S. Army, and took full responsibility for the mishap at a ceremony where many waved American flags.
Fletcher sat out the Friday ceremony at Liberty High School after the principal told him he would have to wear a cap and gown over his uniform if he wanted to participate.
Army reservist Harland Fletcher walks on stage to receive his high school diploma during a private graduation ceremony Monday, June 12, 2017, in Brentwood, Calif. The Liberty High School principal held the ceremony as an apology for not allowing Fletcher to wear his military uniform during his graduation last Friday. (AP Photo/Linda Wang)
"I made a mistake last Friday night, and I don't mince words. I deeply regret what occurred," Walsh said.
Walsh held a private ceremony at the high school in Brentwood, California that was attended by Fletcher's family and about 100 people, many of them military veterans in uniform who came out to support their fellow serviceman.
Fletcher said he wants to send a message that the military shouldn't be disrespected and that servicemen stand together. "The uniform for me means honor, respect, integrity, and it stands for America's freedom," he said.
The 18-year-old high school graduate said he did not want to make the ceremony about him, but rather highlight what the military is about.
"I didn't really need the apology, but I wanted to send a message that the military is about friendship - brothers and sisters standing together, not just letting someone trample over us," Fletcher said.
Sgt. Duane Edwards, a Vietnam War veteran, attended the ceremony with the rest of the Marine Corps League of Brentwood. He said he wanted to show his support to the graduating senior after he heard about what had happened on the news.
"What was done was completely in violation of the law," Edwards said. California law gives Fletcher the right to wear his uniform during graduation.
Fletcher's wife, Valentina Fletcher, and their 6-month-old son shared in the special moment.
"I think the support is tremendous," Valentina said. "It shows how everyone is here to make sure that the uniform doesn't get disrespected again."
Fletcher is uncertain what he will do in the near future but said he plans to have a long career in the military.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The Central African Republic is "on a path to incremental peace" that will be achieved if U.N. peacekeepers keep responding strongly against armed groups, the U.N. envoy for the volatile country said Monday.
But Parfait Onanga-Anyanga told the Security Council an upsurge in violence that erupted in May in several areas involving rival groups was very worrying, including "systematic aggression against peacekeepers."
He also expressed concern that "the already dire humanitarian situation confronting the country is at risk of worsening" if displaced people and refugees who have fled fighting can't return home.
"Over half of Central Africans - or 2.2 million people - need assistance or are food insecure," Onanga-Anyanga said. "This figure represents the highest per capita caseload in the world and bears re-stating with ever more urgency."
He was presenting Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' latest report to the council which said Central African Republic has oscillated over recent months between consolidating gains achieved since President Faustin Archange Touadera's election in February 2016, primarily in the capital Bangui, and "a serious deterioration of the security situation in other parts of the country."
"As relevant as many of the advances to date have been," Guterres said, "the latest spate of violence that erupted in May in some towns in the east and center of the country risks derailing the progress achieved over the last year and spreading with disastrous consequences, both for civilians and the country's stability."
Central African Republic exploded into violence in late 2013 as anger mounted against a Muslim rebel leader who seized power by force. The backlash against Muslim civilians forced most of Bangui's Muslims to flee north or to neighboring Chad and Cameroon. The country held mostly peaceful democratic elections that brought Touadera into the presidency but armed militias persist not only in the largely ungoverned north but elsewhere.
Serious fighting erupted in May in Bangassou, where Onanga-Anyanga said the situation remains "extremely precarious." He also expressed concern about violence in the southern-central prefectures of Ouaka and Mbomou and singled out the situation in Bria, where 80 percent of the civilian population remains displaced by fighting that began May 16.
Onanga-Anyanga said the U.N. peacekeeping mission, known as MINUSCA, has faced "harsh public criticism" lately, which he said reflects frustration over the government's "lack of capacities" and impatience over persistent insecurity "which is largely self-inflicted."
"Even in the face of those cynics who disparage MINUSCA publicly, our resolve remains stronger than ever before," he said. "Each time MINUSCA exhibits strength against armed groups, it is a victory for stability."
Marco Impagliazzo, head of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a Catholic lay group that works behind the scenes to prevent conflicts and bring warring parties to the peace table, said the organization is planning a meeting in Rome in the coming days with representatives of all 14 armed groups in Central African Republic and representatives of Touadera's government, in the presence of Onanga-Anyanga.
He said the aim is to discuss key issues involving disarmament and demobilization of combatants and the holding of an inclusive political dialogue.
WASHINGTON (AP) - China is a step closer to allowing imports of U.S. beef for the first time in almost 14 years.
The United States and China have agreed on final details of a deal to allow the imports. That's from the Agriculture Department on Monday. The agreement is one part of a bilateral agreement reached following President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng) in April.
China imposed a ban on American beef in 2003 after a case of mad-cow disease, a ban that remained in place despite extensive efforts by the Bush and Obama administrations to get it removed.
A look at what's happening all around the majors Tuesday:
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YO DOWN
New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) follows through on a grand slam in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Saturday, June 10, 2017, in Atlanta. It was the first game of a double header. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Mets may again be without star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, just days after he ended a six-week DL stint. Cespedes returned Saturday from a strained left hamstring but left Monday's game with a sore left heel. He's also been nagged by trouble in his quadriceps this season. Cespedes has been limited to 21 games, batting .278 with seven homers and 14 RBIs.
RYAN TO GO?
Nationals manager Dusty Baker is hopeful slugger Ryan Zimmerman will return from a back injury in time to face Braves knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Zimmerman is 12 for 36 (.333) with two home runs and five RBIs against Dickey lifetime. The rest of the Nats' active roster is batting just .240 with three homers against the veteran right-hander.
UNBEATABLE
The Dodgers have won each of Clayton Kershaw's last seven starts, a streak they'll try to stretch against Cleveland. Kershaw (8-2, 2.20 ERA) hasn't lost a game since May 1 against the Giants and has 23 strikeouts in 14 innings over his last two starts. Trevor Bauer (5-5, 6.10) is up for the Indians.
POWERED UP
The Blue Jays are back to doing what they do best: hitting the ball into the outfield seats. Toronto has homered in 33 of 38 games since the start of May, including five long balls during a three-game series at Seattle over the weekend. Josh Donaldson has powered the team of late, hitting five of his eight home runs this season since the start of June. He and the Jays will try to keep the surge going against Jake Odorizzi (4-3, 3.59) and the Rays.
BIG GUY, BIG STREAK
CC Sabathia seeks his sixth straight victory when the Yankees face the Angels. Sabathia (7-2, 3.66) has a 1.11 ERA during his five-start winning streak and threw eight innings in an 8-0 win over Boston in his previous outing. JC Ramirez (6-4, 4.33) is up for Los Angeles.
STRONG BREW
Jimmy Nelson gets the ball when NL Central-leading Milwaukee opens a four-game set against St. Louis. Nelson (4-3, 3.45) has struck out 27 in 21 innings over his past three starts and has a 2.16 ERA in his last seven outings. Lance Lynn (4-3, 2.88) is set to pitch for the Cardinals.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, June 7, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson singles in a run against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 11, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson, left, rounds the bases on his home run as Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager looks on in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 11, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
MIAMI (AP) - U.S. authorities have arrested former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli on an extradition warrant from his country.
U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Manny Puri says Martinelli was in custody Monday evening at a federal detention center in Miami. The former president was arrested earlier in the evening near his home in Coral Gables, Florida. He is accused of corruption and spying on opponents in Panama.
Martinelli is expected to appear before a judge for an extradition hearing.
FILE.- In this March 24, 2017 file photo, Panama's President Ricardo Martinelli gestures during a meeting with Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico City, Monday, March 24, 2014. U.S. authorities have arrested Monday June 12, 2017 former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli on an extradition warrant from his country. U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Manny Puri says Martinelli was in custody Monday evening at a federal detention center in Miami. He is accused of corruption and spying on opponents in Panama. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)
The former president from 2009-2014 has denied wrongdoing and contends the case is political persecution by his successor.
In February, prosecutors in Panama also said they were seeking international help in detaining two of his sons in relation to an alleged scheme to launder bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.
NEWPORT, Ark. (AP) - A police officer has been shot and killed in a small northeastern Arkansas town, and manhunt is underway for the suspect.
The shooting was reported about 7:30 p.m. Monday in Newport, about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock. According to an Arkansas State Police statement, 41-year-old Newport police Lt. Patrick Weatherford died shortly afterward at an area hospital. State Police say Weatherford was a 15-year department veteran.
Arkansas State Police have taken the lead in the investigation. No other information was immediately available.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans and Democrats reached agreement late Monday on a new package of sanctions on Russia amid the firestorm over Russia's meddling in the presidential election and investigations into Moscow's possible collusion with members of President Donald Trump's campaign.
Top lawmakers on two committees - Banking and Foreign Relations - announced the deal, which would require a congressional review if a president attempts to ease or end current penalties. The plan also calls for strengthening current sanctions and imposing new ones on corrupt Russian actors, those involved in human rights abuses and those supplying weapons to the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Penalties also would be slapped on those responsible for malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government.
The batch of sanctions would be added to a bill imposing penalties on Iran that the Senate is currently debating.
"The amendment to the underlying Iran sanctions bill maintains and substantially expands sanctions against the government of Russia in response to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and Crimea, its brazen cyberattacks and interference in elections, and its continuing aggression in Syria," said Republicans and Democrats on the committees.
A procedural vote on the Russia sanctions is expected Wednesday, and the measure is expected to get strong bipartisan support. The legislation was worked out by Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, of the Banking Committee, and Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., of the Foreign Relations panel.
The legislation also allows new penalties on key elements of the Russia economy, including mining, metals, shipping and railways.
House and Senate committees are investigating Russia's meddling and potential links to the Trump campaign, with testimony scheduled Tuesday from Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a separate probe.
"By codifying existing sanctions and requiring congressional review of any decision to weaken or lift them, we are ensuring that the United States continues to punish President (Vladimir) Putin for his reckless and destabilizing actions," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the top Senate Democrat. "These additional sanctions will also send a powerful and bipartisan statement to Russia and any other country who might try to interfere in our elections that they will be punished."
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's recommendation to downsize the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah was applauded by the state's top Republican leaders but marked a stinging setback for a coalition of Western tribes that pushed for protection of lands they consider sacred.
Zinke, a former Republican congressman from Montana, said Monday he's committed to make sure Native American culture is preserved and vowed to push for Congress to approve legislation granting tribes legal authority to "co-manage" some of the Bears Ears site.
The scenic swath of southern Utah with red rock plateaus, cliffs and canyons is on land considered sacred to a coalition of tribes and is home to an estimated 100,000 archaeological sites. But President Donald Trump and other Republicans are critical of former President Barack Obama's late-term creation of the 1.3 million acre Bears Ears National Monument. They say it's an unnecessary layer of federal control that hurts local economies by closing the area to new energy development. They also say it isn't the best way to protect the land.
FILE - In this May 9, 2017, file photo, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke rides a horse in the new Bears Ears National Monument near Blanding, Utah. Zinke on Monday, June 12, 2017, recommended that the new national monument in Utah be reduced in size and said Congress should step in to designate how selected areas of the 1.3 million-acre site are managed. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP, File)
Zinke said he discussed the idea with the tribes and that they came away happy with the plan. "I have enormous respect for tribes," Zinke said. "This is working hand-to-hand with the tribes as I said I would do."
Several tribal leaders balked at that characterization, saying they weren't briefed on the plan and consider the idea to be an attempt to temper their criticism. They joined environmental groups in vowing to file lawsuits if Trump accepts the recommendation and shrinks the monument.
"This was really just a cynical effort to distract Indian country from the devastating blow of reducing the size of the monument," Natalie Landreth, an attorney at the Native American Rights Fund. "Bears Ears is not for sale. It's not up for trade."
Ethel Branch, Navajo Nation attorney general, said the lands within Bears Ears are essentially holy lands that hold critical plants, minerals and powers that members of many tribes rely on to heal and strengthen themselves.
"Protection of these lands are non-negotiable," Branch said.
Trump signed an executive order in April directing Zinke to review the designation of 27 national monuments on federal lands, calling the protection efforts "a massive federal land grab" by previous administrations.
Zinke made the Bears Ears recommendation as part of an interim report to Trump. He said he will issue a final report in late August, when he is due to make recommendations on Bears Ears and 21 other national monuments on federal land in 11 states, including Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, Giant Sequoia in California, Nevada's Basin and Range and Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine.
The review also targets five marine monuments in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Zinke toured Bears Ears last month on foot, horseback and helicopter and met with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and other state leaders who opposed Obama's December designation of Bears Ears monument.
"There is no doubt that it is drop-dead gorgeous country and that it merits some degree of protection, but designating a monument ... where multiple-use management is hindered or prohibited is not the best use of the land," Zinke said.
Zinke did not specify how much of the 1.3 million acres should be trimmed.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, called Zinke's announcement "an unquestionable victory for Utah."
Noting the contentious nature of the monument designation, Zinke called on Congress to approve a land-management bill for Bears Ears and other federal lands. The Republican-controlled Congress has failed to approve a significant public lands bill in recent years, but Zinke said that was because of veto threats by Obama.
Utah rancher Zeb Dalton was among monument critics who wanted Zinke to recommend rescinding the entire monument. He and other cattle ranchers fear that their grazing rights will be impacted even though the government had said the monument designation will allow grazing to continue.
Dalton said he'll await the new boundaries to find out how much of his land is included.
"Everybody says it needs to be protected; it's already protected," said Dalton, while adding. "I guess reducing the size is better than nothing."
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Follow Matthew Daly: https://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC
In this photo taken April 26, 2017, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke speaks at the Interior Department in Washington. Ryan Zinke is recommending that the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah be reduced in size and says Congress should step in to designate how selected areas of the 1.3 million-acre site are categorized. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
FILE - In this July 14, 2016 file photo, then-Interior Secretary Sally Jewell looks in to a canyon at Gemini Bridges near Moab, Utah, during a tour to meet with proponents and opponents to the "Bears Ears" monument proposal. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is recommending that the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah be reduced in size and says Congress should step in to designate how selected areas of the 1.3 million-acre site are categorized. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is recommending that the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah be reduced in size and says Congress should step in to designate how selected areas of the 1.3 million-acre site are categorized.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A business partner of former national security adviser Michael Flynn took part in sensitive hiring and policy discussions involving U.S. intelligence as a member of President Donald Trump's transition team, but failed to inform Trump's team that he had conducted political work on behalf of a foreign client of Flynn and might have to register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent.
Internal records for Flynn's partner, Bijan Kian, indicate he had not disclosed his work on behalf of a Turkish businessman last year with the Flynn Intel Group or provided any warning that he planned to file as a foreign agent, a current Trump transition official told The Associated Press. Kian, a little-known figure active on the presidential transition team, is emerging as a key player in the political controversy involving Flynn, Trump's fired national security adviser.
"He did not indicate that to us in his transition documents. We would have no reason to know," said the transition official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Kian's role during the post-election period. Almost two months after the transition period, both Kian and Flynn filed in March as foreign agents with the Justice Department, acknowledging their political work for Turkish-run Inovo BV could have principally benefited the government of Turkey.
In this March 15, 2014, photo provided by Alfredo Flores, from left, Vice Admiral Michael Rogers; Paul Monteiro, vice chairman and co-Founder of Nowruz Commission; Bijan R. Kian and Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn talk during the Fifth Annual Nowruz Commission Gala at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington. As Michael Flynn spent last fall campaigning as Donald Trump's top national security adviser, Bijan Kian, his little-known business partner supervised much of the foreign political work for Turkish interests that has boomeranged back on Flynn, now the target of a federal criminal investigation and congressional inquiries. (Alfredo Flores via AP)
For Kian, who led most of Flynn Intel Group's research and lobbying for a Turkish businessman, the Trump transition role offered influence in the selection of intelligence agency candidates and access to internal discussions of U.S. national security policy. But Kian's participation in the transition - following his management of work that Flynn Intel acknowledged may have benefited Turkey's government - reinforces concerns about the adequacy of the administration's vetting process.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who is co-sponsoring a bill to toughen regulation of Americans performing political work for foreign interests, said Tuesday it was "very troubling that an unregistered foreign agent was playing a key role in the Trump administration's transition." She added that "similar to General Flynn, someone working on behalf of foreign governments should never be put in a position where they're making important decisions within our government."
An Iranian-American businessman whose full name is Bijan Rafiekian, Kian did not respond to repeated attempts over two months by the AP to contact him by phone, email and visits to properties listed for him in public records.
Kian described his transition role on his LinkedIn profile as "deputy lead" assigned to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Kian said he provided "policy input, strategic guidance and operational counsel to prepare" candidates for the director of national intelligence, the CIA and other top officials.
Two former transition officials who met with Kian during that period said that Kian was clearly close with Flynn and served as the retired general's sounding board. One of the officials said Kian helped scrutinize then-Rep. Mike Pompeo before he was named Trump's CIA director. The second official said Kian was involved in transition discussions for the National Security Council and the director of national intelligence. That official added that Kian did not expect to get an administration post. Both transition officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the transition's work.
Like Kian, Flynn also worked on the transition while he was under Justice Department scrutiny for the Turkish work. But, as the AP previously reported , Flynn did inform the Trump transition about his Turkish work through his attorneys, who notified the transition he might have to register as a foreign agent. After Flynn joined the administration, his attorneys followed up with the White House counsel's office, disclosing that Flynn would indeed be registering with the government as a foreign agent.
As Flynn's little-known business partner, Kian played a key role last year in supervising much of Flynn Intel Group's foreign work while the former U.S. lieutenant general campaigned for Trump. The research and lobbying they conducted for the Turkish firm has boomeranged on Flynn, now the target of a federal criminal investigation and congressional inquiries.
Flynn's mishandling of his dealings with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. led to his firing in February by Trump from his post as national security adviser and is now a prime focus of special counsel Robert Mueller's wide-ranging investigation into Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. But the inquiries spawned by Flynn Intel's Turkish work pose added legal complications for both Flynn and his associates. Federal investigators are concentrating on possible criminal violations and a House oversight committee inquiry is examining Flynn's records to determine whether he lied to federal officials about his foreign contacts and payments.
It is not clear whether Kian has been drawn into the expanding criminal probe, but he was deeply involved in Flynn Intel Group's creation, financing and operations, according to the Turkish businessman, people familiar with Flynn's company and records submitted to the Justice Department.
Kian connected Flynn with his Turkish client, helped to negotiate their $600,000 contract and oversaw a documentary and an op-ed aimed at an opponent of Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the client and several others who requested anonymity because of the ongoing criminal investigation. The client, Ekim Alptekin, also confirmed to the AP that Kian worked for one of his Turkish companies at the same time he was working for Flynn Intel.
"Content-wise, it was Bijan handling the day-to-day details," Alptekin said during a recent interview in Washington.
Alptekin told the AP he has not been contacted by federal authorities but has consulted with his U.S.-based legal team. "I'm very confident I engaged in a legal contract and was fully transparent from the beginning about what it entailed and what I was doing," he said.
Flynn's attorney, Robert Kelner, did not respond to detailed questions from the AP.
Kian's interests repeatedly intersected with Flynn's business ventures and political activities after Flynn, a former U.S. Army lieutenant general, left the government in 2014. Kian, a former director of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, shared Flynn's strong public opposition to Iran's theocratic government and a common interest in the development of secure communications systems.
Until Trump's election, Flynn served with Kian on the board of GreenZone Systems Inc., a technology firm Kian headed until April. Flynn and Kian co-authored a 2015 op-ed about ISIS militants, and attended galas put on by the Nowruz Commission, a nonprofit run by Kian and his wife promoting the Iranian Nowruz holiday. Alptekin was named a board director of that group in 2011.
For the three months leading up to the election, Kian was Flynn Intel's linchpin, lobbying and managing contractors in the Turkish work. Alptekin said Kian was the intermediary who brought Flynn's firm together last summer with Alptekin's Dutch-based company, Inovo BV. Kian was also the "main one" representing Flynn Intel in contract talks with him last fall, Alptekin said, adding Flynn "wasn't involved at all" in the talks, though he signed the contract.
Inovo ended up paying Flynn Intel $530,000 for research and lobbying aimed at persuading authorities to file criminal charges against Fethullah Gulen, a political foe of Erdogan. Flynn Intel disclosed its contract and other details of its Turkish work last March to the Justice Department, which regulates lobbying and other political activities for foreign interests in the U.S. Flynn and Kian were the only individuals who personally registered as foreign agents for Inovo.
Kian and Alptekin had an existing business relationship when Flynn Intel began its foreign work. Alptekin confirmed Kian had been vice chairman of his Istanbul-based aviation company, EA Havacilik, since November 2011. Alptekin said he and Kian regularly strategized to build an aviation customer base.
Alptekin has denied that any of Inovo's work was done at the direction of Turkey's government, but he is a member of a foreign trade board managed by the country's economic ministry.
Alptekin said he first met Kian during Kian's stint on the Export-Import bank board for the Bush and Obama administrations between 2006 and 2011. Kian promoted U.S. business interests abroad for the bank, meeting officials in Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other nations, according to State Department cables released by WikiLeaks.
In his supervisory role for Flynn Intel, Kian was not always explicit about his ties to the firm, said several people who worked with him.
Kian led a lobbying meeting last October with a representative of the House Homeland Security committee on behalf of GreenZone's secure communications products. But, as the AP previously reported , the session veered into a lobbying pitch for Flynn Intel, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the meeting. Kian and others involved pressed for congressional hearings to investigate Gulen but the request went nowhere, the official said. Kian never identified who he was working for, the official said.
Kian also recruited a freelance editor, Hank Cox, to fine-tune an opinion article in early November. The op-ed, praising Turkey's government as America's "strongest ally" against terrorism and pressing for Gulen's extradition, listed no author, Cox said. After he edited the article, Cox said, he sent it back, listing Kian as the writer.
"I assumed since Bijan was the one who hired me, that he had written it," said Cox.
Days later, Cox was baffled when he learned the op-ed had appeared under Flynn's name.
"I was only vaguely aware of General Flynn at the time but I had no idea I was working for him or his company," Cox said.
Flynn's firm told the Justice Department that Flynn, Kian and Cox drafted the op-ed based on the firm's research for Inovo. The firm said neither Inovo BV nor the Turkish government wrote or directed the op-ed, but Flynn Intel acknowledged it shared a draft with Inovo in advance of publication.
Flynn's op-ed, published in The Hill newspaper on Election Day, drew scrutiny from the Justice Department's foreign agent unit. Pressure from those officials forced Flynn and Kian to file as foreign agents and led in part to the federal investigation now targeting Flynn.
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Associated Press writer Julie Pace contributed to this report.
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Some Cops Under Scrutiny In Laquan McDonald Case Could Possibly Return To Jobs
By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 12, 2017 10:18PM
A still from the Laquan McDonald dashcam video.
Four cops who are suspended over their involvement in the Laquan McDonald shooting case could eventually be put back on the Chicago Police Department payroll after the Police Board voted on Monday to push back disciplinary proceedings against the officers, according to the Tribune.
The four officers were suspended without pay last summer for their role in the followup to the shooting. The officers are alleged to have signed off on reports that stated the 17-year-old was moving toward police when Jason Van Dyke shot and killed him. Van Dyke was fired and is awaiting trial for murder. Supt. Eddie Johnson recommended the firing of the other four officers.
Chicago police board puts off hearings to fire 4 officers who backed Ofc. Jason Van Dyke's account of confrontation with LaQuan McDonald. Derrick Blakley (@BlakleyCBS2) June 12, 2017
Lawyers, for both the prosecution and defense, lobbied the Board to delay the proceedings until after Van Dyke's trial. Any statements made by the police in the course of a disciplinary investigation could have been used in the murder trialwhich attorneys worried could influence the outcome. The cops could be fired for not answering questions in such an investigation.
It's unclear whether CPD will allow the four officers in question back. Police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi over the weekend rejected the idea that any of them would at least go back on active patrol. Termination charges were filed by the Superintendent, nothing has materially changed and we have no intentions of returning these officers to the street, Guglielmi said in a statement on Sunday.
McDonald was shot 16 times on Oct. 20, 2014. The video of the shooting wasn't released to the public until more than a year later, in November 2015, immediately prior to Van Dyke being charged. The video sparked a massive wave of public protest and ultimately a yearlong investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The bombshell results of that federal probe found that the Chicago Police Department engaged in a pattern or practice of using forceincluding use of deadly forcethat violates the Constitution.
A judge ruled in May against a petition to dismiss murder charges against Van Dyke. His attorney, Daniel Herbert, argued that his client's actions constituted "business as usual" in terms of use of force, since McDonald was allegedly carrying a knife.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Authorities in Mississippi's capital city believe a severed head and a decapitated torso belonged to the same person.
The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/2tdWsgE ) the victim was identified on Monday as 30-year-old Jeremy Jerome Jackson. Both body parts were discovered separately on Saturday in Jackson. The headless torso was badly burned.
Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart says authorities were able to get a positive fingerprint match from one that hadn't been burned. She says the head had no distortion so facial recognition wasn't a problem. She says DNA also may be tested.
Jackson police chief Lee Vance says the head was discovered on a home's porch hours before the body was found in a field about a mile (1.5 kilometers) away.
Vance says the FBI and other federal agencies are helping investigate.
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Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com
A Pennsylvania father has been sentenced to a maximum of four years in state prison for allowing his 13-year-old daughter to drink 17 shots of vodka until she passed out and had to be hospitalized.
Charles Younger, 39, of Allentown, learned his fate on Monday after previously pleading guilty to child endangerment.
The girl's mother, 32-year-old Michelle Edwards, also had pleaded guilty to the charge after admitting that she took her daughter to a liquor store. She was sentenced to 23 months in Lehigh County Jail last week.
Charles Younger, 39, a father-of-four from Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to a maximum of four years in state prison for allowing his 13-year-old daughter to drink 17 shots of vodka until she passed out (stock photo)
Police say the parents provided their daughter and another 15-year-old girl with alcohol for the daughter's 13th birthday in January.
Cops were called to the family's home in the 1900 block of Union Boulevard in Allentown on the night of January 7 after the 13-year-old vomited and passed out, having consumed 17 shots of vodka in a span of two hours.
The teen was taken by EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital and later airlifted by helicopter to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where doctors found that her blood-alcohol level was at .32 percent, which is four times the states legal limit to drive.
Younger and Edwards fled the scene as paramedics arrived. The father later told a judge he 'just panicked' when he heard the sirens, but eventually returned, reported the Allentown Morning Call.
During a court hearing last month, Younger said his kids 'mean everything' to him.
On the girl's birthday on January 7, she was airlifted to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (pictured), where doctors found that her blood-alcohol level was four times the legal limit
On Monday, Younger took full responsibility for the incident, telling Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony, 'My stupidity caused my kids to lose both their parents.'
The 39-year-old man has an extensive criminal record, including past convictions for armed robbery and aggravated assault.
At her own sentencing on June 6, a tearful Michelle Edwards, who has four children, told the court, 'this taught me a lesson.'
The Morning Call reported earlier that Edwards had been free on $20,000 bail but was remanded to jail a few days before her sentencing because she was caught using heroin.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio teenager has rescued a 4-year-old boy on his first day on the job as a lifesaver.
Jack Viglianco says he was 20 minutes into his shift at a Lakewood swimming pool Thursday when he heard the boy calling for help. The 15-year-old jumped into the water and helped the child to safety.
Viglianco says his heart was racing during the rescue. He says being a lifeguard is a dream come true.
The Lakewood Aquatics manager says there were 42 rescues last summer at the pools at Lakewood and Madison parks. All the victims were saved.
LONDON (AP) - Britain's prime minister has begun talks with a Northern Ireland-based party Tuesday to see if they can create an alliance to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament.
Theresa May desperately needs the Democratic Unionist Party's 10 seats to pass legislation. The Conservatives are considering an arrangement in which the Northern Ireland party backs May on the budget and her confidence motions and the DUP stands to make huge gains from the deal.
Party leader Arlene Foster seemed buoyant as she arrived at May's Downing Street office.
Leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster arrives at 10 Downing Street in London, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, Tuesday June 13, 2017. The meeting is taking place to see if an alliance can be created to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The talks with the DUP follow May's apology to Conservative rank-and-file lawmakers in a meeting Monday which signaled she would be more open to consultation, particularly with business leaders demanding answers about the details on Britain's departure from the European Union.
"I'm the person who got us into this mess and I'm the one who will get us out of it," she said.
May is under pressure to take on a more cross-party approach to Brexit talks. The Evening Standard, edited by ex-Treasury chief George Osborne, reported that Cabinet ministers have initiated talks with opposition Labour lawmakers to come up with a "softer," less hard-line divorce from the EU.
Pressed on the reports, Environment Secretary Michael Gove declined to deny it. He told Sky News that the reality of the election result meant that May and her government would need to reach beyond party lines.
"The parliamentary arithmetic is such that we are going to have to work with everyone," he said.
Foster will almost certainly ask for greater investment in Northern Ireland as part of the deal, as well as guarantees on support for pension plans and for winter fuel allowances for older people.
Though Foster supported Brexit, she also might demand that May pursue a cushioned exit from the EU, given her party's wish that a soft border remain between Northern Ireland and Ireland, an EU member.
Even the idea of an alliance is complicated, however. Some involved in the Irish peace process are alarmed because the 1998 Good Friday peace accords call for the British government to be neutral in the politics of Northern Ireland.
Foster's rivals in Northern Ireland, such as Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams, have objected, describing any partnership between the Conservatives and the DUP as "a coalition of chaos."
"Any deal which undercuts in any way the process here or the Good Friday Agreement is one which has to be opposed," he said.
The stakes for May are high as lawmakers return for their first day of business Tuesday. Without a so-called confidence and supply deal with the DUP, her party risks losing the vote next week on the Queen's Speech, which lays out the agenda for the government.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is pushing for this outcome, and has repeatedly said he was ready to try to form a government.
Meanwhile, the chief EU negotiator has told the Financial Times that Britain that the clock was ticking on Brexit talks, and that Britain should be wary of further delays. Michel Barnier warned that no progress had been made in the three months since May triggered Article 50, starting the process of leaving the union.
"My preoccupation is that time is passing, it is passing quicker than anyone believes because the subjects we have to deal with are extraordinarily complex," he added. "I can't negotiate with myself."
Leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster and Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in London, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, Tuesday June 13, 2017. The meeting is taking place to see if an alliance can be created to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster and Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in London, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, Tuesday June 13, 2017. The meeting is taking place to see if an alliance can be created to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
British Prime Minister Theresa May sits with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson as she holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team inside 10 Downing Street, in London, Monday June 12, 2017. The government Cabinet met for the first time Monday after a reshuffle by Theresa May following last week's general election. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)
MOSCOW (AP) - President Vladimir Putin's spokesman is taking issue with White House criticism of the arrests of hundreds of opposition protesters.
Anti-corruption demonstrations took place Monday in scores of cities throughout Russia. More than 850 people were reported arrested in Moscow and about 500 in St. Petersburg, where the rallies were unsanctioned.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Monday said the United States "strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters" which he described as an "affront to core democratic values."
A policeman stands in the rain during anti corruption rally in St.Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 12, 2017. The protest gatherings in cities from Far East Pacific ports to St. Petersburg were spearheaded by Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption campaigner who has become the Kremlin's most visible opponent. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that "We do not agree with such a statement of the question."
Peskov added: "For those who engaged in provocative actions in violation of the law, the actions of the authorities were taken in full compliance with our legislation."
STOCKHOLM (AP) - Swedish police arrested a man suspected of driving a van that rammed into a cab in central Stockholm Tuesday, in what police said was apparently not a terrorist incident.
Police said the taxi driver was injured, and that the incident was being investigated as attempted murder. There was "nothing to indicate that this is a terrorist incident," spokesman Kjell Lindgren said.
Police say they found "nothing dangerous" in the van, which was abandoned in a southern Stockholm street a few hundred meters (yards) away from where it rammed the cab.
A policeman takes photos at the the scene of an incident, in Stockholm, Tuesday June 13, 2017. A van driver rammed into a cab in central Stockholm Tuesday in what police say was apparently not a terrorist incident. Officers were searching for the driver who fled by foot from the scene. Marc Femenia/TT via AP)
The van belonged to Tjuvgods.se, a courier company founded to help former convicts and recovering drug addicts back into the labor market. A company spokesman, Curre Cederstrom, said the van was discovered missing Tuesday morning.
"We had not even reported it stolen when we heard about this," the Aftonbladet newspaper quoted Cederstrom as saying. He couldn't be reached immediately for further comment.
Police did not say where they arrested the suspect, but earlier said they had searched the southern part of Stockholm for the driver who ran away from the scene.
Eyewitness Per Sturesson told Aftonbladet he first thought "the driver jumped out to see what had happened" after the crash, but "he sped up and continued to drive."
"It felt like he just wanted to get out of the truck in panic," he said.
Swedish media say several vehicles were hit in the incident and barriers closing a street had been hit. Police declined comment on those reports.
On April 7, the driver of a stolen truck killed five pedestrians and injured 14 in central Stockholm. Lawyers for the suspect, Rakhmat Akilov, say he has admitted driving the truck 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) down a main pedestrian shopping street. That case is not expected to come to trial until next year.
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Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report.
BANGKOK (AP) - Three Chinese men arrested in Thailand have acknowledged that they were operating a "click farm," using hundreds of cellphones and several hundred thousand SIM cards to run up "likes" and views on WeChat, a Chinese social media mobile application, Thai police said Tuesday.
Immigration Police Capt. Itthikorn Atthanark said the men explained they were paid according to how many likes and views they generated, each earning 100,000-150,000 baht ($2,950-$4,400) per month. Click farms are hired to inflate an online site's viewership for prestige and profit. Some politicians boast of how many followers they have on social media, while clicks can generate ad revenue.
WeChat is China's most prominent online social media platform, incorporating a text-messaging service as well as marketing for online stores.
Police seized 476 cellphones and around 347,200 SIM cards during the arrests Sunday at a house in Sa Kaeo province, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) east of Bangkok. The men, identified as Wang Dong, Niu Bang and Ni Wenjin, were charged with working without a permit and importing the phones without paying taxes.
Itthikorn said the arrests followed a police stakeout at the Sa Kaeo house after receiving reports of suspicious activity. He said a police search Monday at another residence believed to be engaged in the same activity came up empty-handed, though police believe others connected with the business are still at large. It is still unclear how the men obtained such as large number of SIM cards, which came from Thailand's three biggest cellphone service providers.
MOSCOW (AP) - The man convicted of organizing the 2006 killing of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya has died in prison.
Russian news agencies on Tuesday cited corrections officials as saying Lom-Ali Gaitukayev died on Saturday at a prison hospital in the Vologda region. No cause was stated for his death, but the reports quoted his lawyers as saying he had suffered a chronic illness. His age was not stated.
Politkovskaya, a strong critic of President Vladimir Putin and of Russia's actions in the wars in Chechnya, was shot to death in the elevator of her Moscow apartment building.
Gaitukayev and four other Chechens were convicted in the killing in 2011. Prosecutors said Gaitukayev arranged logistics of the killing at the order of unidentified figures, and he was sentenced to life.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump will welcome the president of South Korea to the White House in late June.
The White House said in a statement Tuesday that Trump will host President Moon Jae-in for two days of meetings beginning June 29.
The White House says Trump and Moon "will also coordinate on North Korea-related issues, including countering the growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats."
The two leaders will also discuss ways to advance economic cooperation between their two countries.
Moon assumed presidential duties last month after the National Election Commission declared him winner of a presidential by-election to replace ousted leader Park Geun-hye, who now awaits a corruption trial in jail.
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BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - U.S. designer Tory Burch has changed the description of one of her designs, a traditional Romanian-style coat, after her brand angered thousands of Romanians for marketing it as a garment inspired by Africa.
The online group La Blouse Roumaine, which promotes traditional costume, showed on Facebook Burch's design next to a virtually identical Romanian one on display in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Some Romanians claim Burch lifted the design for her Resort 2018 collection and accused her of cultural appropriation. La Blouse Roumaine asked her to "kindly ... give the right credit for your inspiration. "
Burch said Tuesday that "in our effort to summarize the collection, we missed a reference to a beautiful Romanian coat which inspired one of the pieces."
Girl, 14, Robbed While Biking In 3rd Recent Attack On South Loop Female Cyclists
By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 13, 2017 4:50PM
In the third attack of its kind in about a week, a female cyclist was robbed of a bag while biking in the South Loop on Sunday night. This time the victim was a teen.
The girl was riding south with a 33-year-old woman in the 1600 block of South Indiana Avenue at around 8:40 p.m. A Buick LaCrosse then pulled up and someone from the car grabbed the 14-year-old's purse, police told Chicagoist. The girl fell off her bike and scraped an arm. Three males were in the car, which fled south on Indiana according to police
Two women were similarly attacked while biking in the neighborhood in separate incidents within the span of a week. A female cyclist, 32, was biking in the 1400 block of South Wabash Avenue at around 1:10 a.m. when a black SUV pulled alongside, according to police. A man riding in the vehicle then grabbed the woman's backpack, although she was able to wrestle it back from the attacker, police said.
And just two days prior to that, a woman biking on a Divvy, near South Calumet Avenue and East 21st Street, was punched in the face by someone who jumped out of a silver car. The offender then stole her bag.
According to ABC7, there have been at least three other attacks, which were not directed at victims on bikes, in the neighborhood since June 2.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's president on Tuesday moved next month's summit of central and eastern European nations to Warsaw, from southwestern Poland, because U.S. President Donald Trump is attending it.
The Three Seas Initiative summit will be held July 6-7, bringing together leaders of 12 nations for talks on strengthening the region through developing energy and infrastructure ties in the territory running from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Adriatic in the south and the Black Sea in the east.
Trump has been invited and the White House has confirmed he will visit Poland and attend the gathering on July 6, before joining the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said Tuesday, during a visit to Croatia, that for "logistical and security reasons" the summit is being moved to Poland's capital city from Wroclaw.
Duda said it will be an opportunity for the region's leaders to hold talks with Trump. Apart from Poland, the Three Seas Initiative comprises Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia.
NEW YORK (AP) - NBC News is moving ahead with plans to air Megyn Kelly's interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones this weekend despite a backlash that has cost the show advertisers and led to Kelly being dropped as host for an event by an organization founded by parents of children killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The network has been taken aback by the response to booking Jones, the "Infowars" host who has questioned whether the killing of 26 people in 2012 at the school in Newton, Connecticut, was a hoax. NBC News Chairman Andy Lack said the story will be edited with the sensitivity of its critics in mind.
"It's important to get it right," Lack said.
FILE - In this April 8, 2016 file photo, Megyn Kelly attends the 2016 Variety's Power of Women: New York in New York. An anti-gun violence organization founded by parents of children killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School has dumped Kelly as host of an event in Washington this week because of her planned interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Kelly said Tuesday, June 13, 2017, that she understands and respects the decision but is disappointed she won't be there. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
Reporters have interviewed controversial characters like Syrian President Bashar Assad and child molesters in the past without getting this kind of a reaction, Kelly said in an interview Tuesday.
"What I think we're doing is journalism," she said. "The bottom line is that while it's not always popular, it's important. I would submit to you that neither I nor NBC News has elevated Alex Jones in any way. He's been elevated by 5 or 6 million viewers or listeners, and by the president of the United States. As you know, journalists don't get the choice over who has power or influence in our country."
Sandy Hook Promise, an anti-gun violence group, said it had asked Kelly to step down as host of its Wednesday-night gala in Washington. The group cannot support Kelly or NBC's decision to give a platform to Jones and hopes NBC reconsiders its plan to broadcast the interview, said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director. Hockley, whose 6-year-old son Dylan was killed at Sandy Hook, founded the organization with Mark Barden, who lost his 7-year-old son Daniel.
Kelly said she understood and respected the decision, but was disappointed.
NBC's plans have cost it some advertisers for this week's edition of "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly." It was not immediately clear how many; only the financial firm JPMorgan Chase has been publicly identified.
"That comes with the territory," Lack said. "It's not unusual. We kind of know when we're doing controversial stories, that's going to happen. It doesn't stop us from doing controversial stories."
To some critics, NBC's timing makes the decision worse - airing on Father's Day an interview that has been publicly denounced by parents who lost young children at Sandy Hook. NBC said it was scheduled for competitive reasons, because Jones had been booked to appear on ABC's daytime show "The View" next week. A representative of "The View" said Jones had canceled his appearance there and he will not be rescheduled.
Lack noted that he had suggested approaching Jones for an interview to David Corvo, the NBC News executive who supervises the network's newsmagazines. He said there's nothing new about putting people on the air even if they're unpopular or have views that are deplorable to many.
"I've got tremendous understanding of why they're so upset, as they have every right to be," he said. "Of course we're looking at it. We're looking at the editorial process."
The interview has put Kelly, who jumped to NBC from Fox News Channel earlier this year, squarely back in the headlines; the New York Daily News called it "Nutwork News" on its front page Tuesday. She was one of Trump's favorite targets during the presidential campaign because he was annoyed at tough questions she asked him at a Fox-broadcast debate.
Jones, for his part, has already denounced the interview as "fake news" and said it was purposeful hit job on him.
"I knew in my gut this was going to blow up in their face," he said on his show.
MARAWI, Philippines (AP) - The Philippine government learned days in advance of a plan by militants aligned with the Islamic State group to lay siege to a southern city and staged an army raid on a militant hideout that prevented a bigger and deadlier attack, officials said Tuesday.
Solicitor General Jose Calida said in a report that the government received intelligence information at least five days before the militants prematurely launched their bloody assault on Marawi city on May 23 after government forces raided the hideout of militant leaders led by Isnilon Hapilon.
Army troops failed to capture Hapilon in the raid, which sparked a gunbattle in a Marawi village, but military officials said the assault forced the gunmen to prematurely start their attack aimed at occupying the Islamic city of more than 200,000 people. The rebel plan was to launch the attack on May 26 or 27, the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the country's south.
"Specifically, on 18 May 2017, intelligence reports revealed that the ISIS-inspired local rebel groups were planning to occupy Marawi city, and to raise the ISIS flag at the provincial capitol," Calida said in a report to the Supreme Court, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.
"The said attack would have served as the precursor for other rebel groups to stage their own uprisings across Mindanao in a bid to simultaneously establish a wilayah in the region," Calida said, referring to the southern Philippine region and the Islamic State province the militants aimed to create there.
Calida defended President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to declare martial law in the entire southern Mindanao region to deal with the Marawi crisis. Opponents have questioned the grounds cited by Duterte for the martial law declaration and asked the Supreme Court to invalidate his action.
Asked why the government failed to stop the Marawi siege despite its advance knowledge of the plot, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the intelligence information was still being vetted, but the military nevertheless planned a raid on the hideout of Hapilon and other militants behind the plot.
"From our point of view, we were able to stop something that could have been much, much bigger," Abella told a news conference.
Abella was also asked why top security officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. joined Duterte in a trip to Russia around the time the government received information about the planned Marawi attack. "They were all on top of the situation. They were actually monitoring everything," Abella said.
When the military managed to verify some of the details of the plot, it staged the raid on Hapilon's hideout, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. He acknowledged, however, that the military was unaware of the number of armed fighters the plotters could muster.
In his report, Calida said "about 500 rebels marched along the main streets of Marawi and swiftly occupied strategic positions throughout the city" on May 23, adding that the gunmen had "strong combat capability, and seemingly limitless firepower and other resources."
Army Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, a regional military commander, said 150 to 200 gunmen have been isolated in four of Marawi's 96 villages, and dozens of militant snipers have been killed, setting back the militants' lethal firepower three weeks after the bloody siege began.
With the remaining gunmen contained in just a few villages, Padilla said "the worst is over" in Marawi, but added that it was difficult to say when the government could regain full control of the devastated city.
Perched on buildings, some connected by tunnels that gave them mobility, the snipers have made it difficult for troops to wrest back areas under the rebels' control. The gunmen have also used civilian hostages as human shields, Galvez said.
Philippine officials say 191 militants, 58 soldiers and policemen and 26 civilians have been killed in the three weeks of clashes.
LONDON (AP) - The Latest on the British election outcome (all times local):
3:40 p.m.
Prime Minister Theresa May has made a joke at her own expense as Britain's House of Commons got underway - a reflection of her new humility following a disastrous snap election in which she lost her majority.
Leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster and Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds arrive at 10 Downing Street in London, for a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, Tuesday June 13, 2017. The meeting is taking place to see if an alliance can be created to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
After House Speaker John Bercow was re-elected without challenge, a chastened May quipped: "At least someone got a landslide."
Labour's unexpectedly strong second-place showing has thrown national politics into disarray. May had called the vote early in hopes of strengthening her majority going into talks on exiting the European Union, but instead found herself in negotiations with a small party in Northern Ireland in order to stay in power.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn countered with a bit of previously unforeseen swagger, wearing a huge red rose - his party's symbol - in his lapel as he sparred with May.
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2:45 p.m.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster has tweeted that discussions with British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party are "going well" and that she hopes for a conclusion soon.
May began talks with the Northern Ireland-based party to see if they can create an alliance to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament.
About two hours after the talks began, May emerged from 10 Downing Street without saying anything and left in a car. May is going to Paris later in the day.
Foster tweeted afterward that "discussions are going well with the government and we hope soon to be able to bring this work to a successful conclusion."
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12:50 p.m.
The head of the Democratic Unionist Party has arrived for crucial talks on whether to support Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives in an alliance.
Arlene Foster and DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds entered Downing Street at around 12:40 p.m. (1140 GMT, 7:40 a.m. EDT).
The Northern Ireland-based party is being courted by May to create an alliance to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left May short of a majority in Parliament.
May desperately needs the DUP's 10 seats to pass legislation. The Conservatives are considering an arrangement in which the Northern Ireland party backs May on the budget and her confidence motions.
The talks with the DUP follow her apology to Conservative rank-and-file lawmakers in a meeting for the party's poor election result.
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9:30 a.m.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with a Northern Ireland-based party to see if they can together push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament.
The talks Tuesday with the Democratic Unionist Party follows her apology to Conservative rank-and-file lawmakers in a meeting which signaled she would be more open to consultation, particularly with business leaders demanding answers about the details on Britain's departure from the European Union.
May is under pressure to take on a more cross-party approach to the negotiations surrounding Brexit. The Evening Standard, edited by ex-Treasury chief George Osborne, is reporting that Cabinet ministers have initiated talks with Labour lawmakers.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves after a meeting with the Leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster at 10 Downing Street after the general election in London, Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Britain's prime minister has begun talks with a Northern Ireland-based party Tuesday to see if they can create an alliance to push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Larry the 10 Downing street cat yawns whilst lying on the street as the leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster meets with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May in 10 Downing Street n London, Tuesday, June 13, 2017. May will meet Foster leader to see if they can together push through the Conservative Party's agenda after a disastrous snap election left her short of a majority in Parliament. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson leaves a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street after the general election in London, Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
LONDON (AP) - An Indian tycoon facing extradition to India has appeared at a preliminary hearing in a British court.
Co-owner of the Force India Formula 1 team Vijay Mallya confirmed his name and personal details in Westminster Magistrates Court Tuesday.
He is wanted in India to face charges of money laundering and bank demands that he pay back more than a billion dollars in loans to his now-defunct airline.
His lawyer told the court Mallya may face additional charges in India.
The 61-year-old Mallya was arrested in Britain in April and has been free on conditional bail. He moved to Britain in March 2016.
Mallya was famous for his flashy lifestyle and lavish parties attended by fashion models and Bollywood stars.
MOSCOW (AP) - The Latest on Monday's protests in Moscow (all times local):
5:20 p.m.
An organization that monitors political repression in Russia says it has tallied 1,750 people who were arrested in nationwide anti-corruption protests and that about 50 of them remained in custody a day later.
Police detain a protester during anti corruption rally in St.Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 12, 2017. The protest gatherings in cities from Far East Pacific ports to St. Petersburg were spearheaded by Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption campaigner who has become the Kremlin's most visible opponent. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
The OVD-Info organization told The Associated Press that it counted 866 detentions in Moscow during Monday's unsanctioned protest and 658 in St. Petersburg. Other arrests were at protests that took place in scores of cities.
Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption activist and aspiring presidential candidate who called for the protests, was sentenced early Tuesday to 30 days in jail.
Most of those arrested face so-called administrative charges that carry fines or short jail sentences. But authorities in Moscow said one detainee faced more serious charges of spraying tear gas into a security officer's eyes.
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4:55 p.m.
A prominent Russian opposition figure has been sentenced to 15 days in jail in connection with an unsanctioned protest demonstration in Moscow.
Ilya Yashin, a leader of the People's Freedom Party also known as Parnas, was among a reported 860 people arrested on Monday. He was sentenced Tuesday for disobeying police orders.
Yashin told the court that he was not participating in the protest, "just observing what was going on," the Interfax news agency reported.
Yashin's party has an uneasy relationship with Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption activist who called the Monday protests that also took place in St. Petersburg and scores of other cities. The Russian opposition's strength is undermined by factional disagreements.
Navalny was sentenced early Tuesday to 30 days in jail.
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2:15 p.m.
President Vladimir Putin's spokesman is taking issue with White House criticism of the arrests of hundreds of opposition protesters.
Anti-corruption demonstrations took place Monday in scores of cities throughout Russia. More than 850 people were reported arrested in Moscow and about 500 in St. Petersburg, where the rallies were unsanctioned.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Monday said the United States "strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters" which he described as an "affront to core democratic values."
But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that "We do not agree with such a statement of the question."
Peskov added: "For those who engaged in provocative actions in violation of the law, the actions of the authorities were taken in full compliance with our legislation."
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The Latest on the sexual assault trial of Bill Cosby (all times local):
9:25 p.m.
The jury has wrapped up a second day of deliberations without reaching a verdict in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial.
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Jurors quit for the night around 9 p.m. Tuesday. They'll resume talks Wednesday morning.
Cosby is accused of drugging and violating a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. He says their encounter was consensual.
The jury asked to review more than a dozen excerpts from a deposition the TV star gave as part of a lawsuit filed against him by the accuser.
The jury has deliberated a total of about 16 hours over two days.
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8:40 p.m.
The jury in the Bill Cosby trial is putting in a long day's work as it considers sexual assault charges against the comedian.
Jurors deliberated into the night Tuesday, going outside for some fresh air after 8 p.m.
Cosby is charged with drugging and assaulting a woman at his home in suburban Philadelphia in 2004. He says the encounter was consensual.
The jury got the case Monday afternoon.
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5:05 p.m.
A jury considering sexual assault charges against Bill Cosby has asked for the testimony of the police officer who took accuser Andrea Constand's initial report.
Jurors wanted the testimony of Detective Dave Mason read back to them Tuesday.
Cosby is charged with drugging and assaulting Constand at his Pennsylvania home in 2004.
Mason testified last week that Constand told him Cosby gave her pills that made her feel woozy. Constand told police she was semi-conscious as he touched her breast and genitals.
Mason testified that Constand said she'd waited about a year to come forward because she felt embarrassed and was daunted by Cosby's standing at his alma mater, Temple University, where she worked for the basketball program.
Cosby's lawyers say Constand's initial report was inconsistent with her later statements.
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2:30 p.m.
Bill Cosby's spokesman has released a statement from a woman who says Andrea Constand told her of a plan to falsely accuse a "high-profile person" of sexual assault so she could sue and get money.
Andrew Wyatt read the statement from longtime Temple University official Marguerite Jackson on Tuesday as jurors deliberated charges that Cosby drugged and molested Constand at his Pennsylvania home in 2004.
A judge blocked Jackson from testifying at the trial, ruling it would be hearsay.
Jackson says Constand once told her she'd been drugged and sexually assaulted. She says the Temple basketball director immediately recanted, then said she could make a false accusation, win a lawsuit and use the money to go to school and open a business.
Constand said on the witness stand she didn't know Jackson. Constand's lawyer says Jackson isn't being truthful.
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12:10 p.m.
The jury in Bill Cosby's sex assault trial wants to know what "without her knowledge" means in one of the three counts they're weighing against the 79-year-old comedian.
Jurors asked about the phrasing Tuesday morning during their sixth hour of deliberations, but Judge Steven O'Neill said he couldn't define it for them.
Cosby is charged with drugging and molesting Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. He says it was consensual.
The jury is deliberating three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault. The third count covers Cosby's alleged use of pills to impair Constand before groping her breast and genitals.
The panel has also been reviewing Cosby's deposition testimony. Cosby testified under oath more than a decade ago as part of Constand's civil suit against him.
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10:10 a.m.
The jury in Bill Cosby's sexual assault case is drilling down on what the TV star said happened inside his suburban Philadelphia home and his relationship with the accuser.
Jurors began their second day of deliberations Tuesday by hearing more from Cosby's deposition testimony. Cosby testified under oath more than a decade ago as part of Andrea Constand's civil suit against him.
Cosby is charged with drugging and molesting Constand in 2004. He says it was consensual.
The 79-year-old entertainer did not take the stand at his trial, but prosecutors used Cosby's decade-old deposition testimony as evidence. Cosby says he gave Constand Benadryl to help her relax, then fondled her. Prosecutors believe he gave her something stronger.
Jurors reviewed more than a dozen passages from Cosby's deposition.
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8:55 a.m.
Bill Cosby has arrived at the courthouse for the second day of jury deliberations in his sexual assault trial.
The 79-year-old comedian is charged with drugging and molesting a woman at his home in 2004. He says the encounter with 44-year-old Andrea Constand was consensual.
Cosby was accompanied by his spokesman into the Montgomery County Courthouse outside Philadelphia on Tuesday. The jury is set to reconvene after deliberating for four hours Monday night. Jurors want to hear more excerpts from a deposition Cosby gave as part of Constand's civil suit against him.
Constand testified last week that Cosby gave her pills that left her unable to resist his assault. Cosby did not take the stand.
The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, which Constand has done.
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12:20 a.m.
The jury in Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial will start its second day of deliberations by hearing more of Cosby's testimony in the accuser's related lawsuit.
Jurors will reconvene Tuesday morning after deliberating for four hours Monday night.
The case has sparked debate over celebrity, race, power and gender. But the brisk story laid out by prosecutors has focused mostly on what happened one night in 2004 at Cosby's suburban Philadelphia home.
Andrea Constand says she was drugged and molested. Cosby says they enjoyed a mutual "petting" session.
Constand chose to return to court for closing arguments Monday after giving more than seven hours of testimony. Cosby did not take the stand.
The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, which Constand has done.
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For more on Cosby, including trial updates, historical photos, videos and an audio series exploring the case, visit http://www.apnews.com/tag/CosbyonTrial
Andrea Constand walks to the courtroom for Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Cosby is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Constand at his home outside Philadelphia in 2004. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, Pool)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, Pool)
Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Norristown, Pa.. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bill Cosby walks to the courtroom for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Tuesday, June 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, Pool)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Attorney General Jeff Sessions heatedly denied on Tuesday having an undisclosed meeting with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. and declared it was a "detestable and appalling lie" to suggest he was aware of or took part in any collusion between Russia and the election campaign that sent Donald Trump to the White House.
Testifying at a packed Senate hearing, Sessions, who was a close Trump adviser during the battle for the presidency, also rejected any idea of misconduct in the ouster of FBI Director James Comey and vowed to defend his honor "against scurrilous and false allegations."
In his dramatic appearance before former colleagues, Sessions contradicted a contention made by Comey at a hearing before the same panel last week. Comey told the intelligence committee that, after an encounter with President Trump in which he said Trump pressured him to back off an investigation into the former national security adviser, Comey implored Sessions to make sure he was never left alone with the president again - but Sessions didn't respond.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sworn-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, prior to testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
"He didn't recall this, but I responded to his comment by agreeing that the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policy regarding appropriate contacts with the White House," Sessions said.
The former Alabama senator also defended himself against accusations that he misrepresented himself during his confirmation hearing when he said he hadn't met with Russian officials during the campaign. Sessions argued that in the context of that hearing, "my answer was a fair and correct response to the charge as I understood it."
The attorney general stepped aside from the Justice Department probe into Russian meddling in the campaign on March 2, the day after The Washington Post reported on two previously undisclosed meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Days after that, Sessions also corrected his confirmation hearing testimony to inform the committee about his two meetings with Kislyak.
Ahead of the hearing there had been suggestions that Sessions might have had a third, unreported encounter with Kislyak in April 2016, at Washington's Mayflower Hotel, where candidate Trump was giving his first major foreign policy speech.
Sessions was adamant that he did not have a private meeting with Kislyak at that event. He did allow for the possibility that he encountered him in a reception that he said was attended by a couple dozen people, though he said he had no specific recollection of that.
Democratic senators have seized on the possibility of a third meeting to suggest that Sessions has not been forthcoming about the extent of his communications with the ambassador. Sens. Al Franken of Minnesota and Patrick Leahy of Vermont have sought an FBI investigation.
Sessions testified Tuesday that he recused himself from the current Russia investigation only because of a regulation that required it because of his involvement in the Trump campaign.
"Many have suggested that my recusal is because I felt I was a subject of the investigation myself, that I may have done something wrong," Sessions added. That was not so, he said.
And while he had recused himself from the Russia probe, Sessions insisted, "I did not recuse myself from defending my honor against scurrilous and false allegations."
Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon aggressively asked Sessions about suggestions arising from Comey's testimony last week that there was something "problematic" about his recusal.
Wyden asked Sessions what problematic issues existed.
"Why don't you tell me? There are none, Sen. Wyden, there are none," Sessions insisted, his voice rising. "This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me, and I don't appreciate it."
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters later that Trump thought Sessions "did a very good job" and was especially "strong" on denying any collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia.
During the hearing, Sessions lent his support to the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is now in charge of the Trump campaign-Russia investigation. "I have confidence in Mr. Mueller," he said.
At a separate hearing Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein declared he'd seen no basis for dismissing Mueller, the former FBI director he appointed as special counsel after Sessions' recusal. A friend of the president suggested a day earlier that Trump was considering such an ouster.
Rosenstein said he would agree to dismiss Mueller only if there were a legitimate basis to do so, and an order from the president would not necessarily qualify.
Mueller also won votes of support Tuesday from the top two Republicans in Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, both of whom said they have confidence in him.
As for Comey's firing, Sessions told senators that his recommendation had nothing to do with the Russia probe, that he and his second-in-command, Rosenstein, had a "clear view ... that we had problems there, and it was my best judgment that a fresh start at the FBI was the appropriate thing to do. And when asked I said that to the president."
Sessions criticized Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, which the White House had initially cited as the ostensible reason for his firing. Comey's decision to announce last year that Clinton would not be prosecuted over her emails was a "usurpation" of the Justice Department's authority, Sessions said.
Asked about Trump's own contention that the president fired Comey with the Russia probe in mind, and regardless of any recommendation from anyone else, Sessions said: "I guess I'll just have to let his words speak for themselves. I'm not sure what was in his mind specifically."
Sessions refused to say whether he had ever discussed the Russia investigation with Trump, arguing that he could not disclose private communications with the president.
Democratic senators pressed him on the legal rationale for his refusal to discuss those private conversations, as Sessions acknowledged that Trump had not asserted executive privilege around the hearing. He asserted that "I am protecting the right of the president to assert if it he chooses and there may be other privileges that may apply."
Sessions maintained that he had not been briefed on the Russia investigation between the time of his February swearing-in and his March 2 recusal.
"As such," he said, "I have no knowledge about this investigation, as it is ongoing today, beyond what has been publicly reported. I don't even read that carefully. And I have taken no action whatsoever with regard to any such investigation."
On another hot-button issue, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., asked Sessions whether Trump records his conversations in the White House. Trump has suggested there might be tapes of his encounters with Comey; Comey said last week that "lordy" he hopes there are.
"I do not," Sessions said when asked whether he knows whether the president records his conversations.
Would any such tapes have to be preserved? "I don't know, Sen. Rubio, probably so," Sessions replied.
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Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann, Sadie Gurman and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, as he testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the Justice Department's fiscal 2018 budget. Rosenstein said he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire the special prosecutor overseeing the Russia investigation. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., left, and Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., listen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, as Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified about his role in the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Attorney General Jeff Sessions arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Senate Intelligence Committee member Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., right, with Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., questions Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, as he testified before the Committee's hearing about his role in the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Attorney General Jeff Sessions smiles as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
BRUSSELS (AP) - The Latest on migrants and asylum-seekers in Europe (all times local):
5 p.m.
The Polish government spokesman says that Warsaw respects but does not agree with the decision of the European Commission to launch legal actions against Poland and two other countries that have refused to accept refugees as part of a European Union resettlement plan.
The European Commission said Tuesday that Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic have breached their legal obligations to take some refugees as part of the 2015 plan, which is aimed at sharing the burden of 160,000 migrants at camps in Italy and Greece.
Rafal Bochenek, spokesman for the conservative government of Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, said the Polish leadership does not agree with the Commission's decision. He said it has been saying from the very beginning that the forced relocation of people is not a good solution to the migration crisis.
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4:45 p.m.
Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka says his country is not ready to change its view of a European Union migrant sharing plan, following an announcement that the EU is launching legal action against the Czech Republic and two other countries for failing to take in enough refugees.
Sobotka said in a statement on Tuesday: "The Czech Republic doesn't agree with the relocation system based on migrant quotas. And given the worsened security situation in Europe and also that the quota system is not functioning, it won't participate in it."
Sobotka said his government was ready to "consistently defend our view at the EU level and at the relevant court institutions."
The Czech Republic was supposed to accept some 2,600 refugees until September but so far has taken only 12, all of them from Greece.
Czech Interior Minister Milan Chvanec said last week his country won't accept any more refugees as part of the EU's obligatory quotas system.
Sobotka said the quotas system has been very unpopular among the Czech public, and that it has "reduced the trust of the citizens in the EU" and delayed solving the migrant crisis.
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4 p.m.
The European Commission says it is launching legal action against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland for failing to take in refugees under a legally binding sharing plan agreed by the European Union.
The Commission said Tuesday in a statement that it has repeatedly urged the three countries to relocate refugees or at least pledge to do so.
But it said they have not taken action "in breach of their legal obligations," and that it "has decided to launch infringement procedures" on Wednesday.
The scheme to share 160,000 refugees in overwhelmed Italy and Greece among other European countries over two years was endorsed in September 2015 by a qualified majority vote.
The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have until Wednesday to change their minds.
BEIJING (AP) - The Chinese insurer that owns New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel said Wednesday its chairman has turned over his duties to other executives following a report he was detained by regulators amid accusations of possible financial misconduct.
Anbang Insurance Group Ltd. Chairman Wu Xiaohui was "temporarily unable to perform his duties due to personal reasons," said a one-sentence statement on the company website. It said Wu had authorized other executives to do his work and gave no other details.
On Monday, the magazine Caijing reported that Wu, who founded Anbang in 2004 and built it into one of China's biggest insurers, was detained last week by insurance regulators. Citing unidentified sources, it said authorities told the company about the detention but gave no reason.
The logo of the Anbang Insurance Group is seen on the company's offices in Beijing, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. The Chinese insurer that owns New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel said Wednesday its chairman was unable to perform his duties following a report he was detained by regulators amid accusations of possible financial misconduct. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Spokespeople for Anbang did not respond to phone calls or emails. The China Insurance Regulatory Commission did not respond to questions sent by fax.
Anbang has been under scrutiny since a multibillion-dollar global string of asset purchases, including buying the Waldorf for $2 billion, raised questions about how it was paying for its buying spree.
The privately held company said the money was raised from shareholders. It denied a report by another magazine, Caixin, in April that Anbang improperly used payments from policyholders to increase its capital base.
More recently, the company has suffered setbacks including failing to complete several foreign takeovers. That included the proposed purchase of U.S.-based Fidelity & Guaranty Life for $1.6 billion.
In May, Anbang was ordered to stop selling two financial products that regulators said violated industry rules.
Other Chinese insurers also have been investigated following complaints of reckless speculation in stocks and real estate. The chairman of the Chinese insurance regulator is under investigation by the national anti-corruption agency.
Regulators say reducing financial risks in the Chinese economy is a priority this year. Rising Chinese debt levels have prompted concern about the stability of the country's financial system.
Anbang has a reputation for unusually aggressive expansion in a Chinese insurance industry dominated by state-owned companies.
Earlier, the company discussed possibly investing in a Manhattan skyscraper owned by the family of Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser. Those talks ended in March without a deal.
Wu rarely talks to reporters or appears in public, but Caijing said he attended a series of public events in recent weeks. That included a May 12 meeting called by the insurance regulator to study a speech by President Xi Jinping about financial regulation.
Anbang said it raised 50 billion yuan ($8 billion) from investors in 2014. That increased its registered capital fivefold to 62 billion yuan ($9.5 billion), the biggest among Chinese insurers.
Caixin's April report said at least 30 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) of that money really was payments from policyholders. The magazine said it was channeled back into the company through a complex ownership structure.
Anbang has more than 30,000 employees serving 35 million clients and has interests in life insurance, banking, asset management, leasing and brokerage services.
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Online:
Anbang Insurance Group Ltd.: http://en.anbanggroup.com/
A woman carries an umbrella as she walks near the Anbang Insurance Group's offices in Beijing, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. The Chinese insurer that owns New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel said Wednesday its chairman was unable to perform his duties following a report he was detained by regulators amid accusations of possible financial misconduct. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
French actress Isabelle Huppert kicked off her visit in Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou by having a conversation with Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke in Shanghai on June 10.
Isabelle Huppert speaks as Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke looks on. [Photo provided to China Daily]
During their talk, the award-winning actress shared her experience of acting and exchanged her views about filmmaking with Jia, whose film Still Life won the Golden Lion Award for best film at the 2006 Venice Film Festival.
"I am both an actress and an audience. Each of my performances delivers my own thoughts," the actress said.
Huppert also gave a reading performance of French author Marguerite Duras' L'amant (The Lover) in Shanghai.
As part of the programs of the ongoing annual Croisements ("crossing") festival, which has been one of the biggest foreign cultural events in China since its launch in 2006, Huppert is doing a reading at Guangzhou Grand Theater on June 12 and will appear at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on June 14.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' testimony before Congress (all times local):
8:30 p.m.
Several U.S. officials say President Donald Trump has given his defense secretary the authority to make decisions on U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan, amid repeated calls from commanders for more forces.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sets his briefcase down before he testifies at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the defense budget for the 2018 budget year, on Capitol Hill, Monday, June 12, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The decision, which has been in the works for weeks, was finalized Tuesday. U.S. officials confirmed it just hours after senators berated Defense Secretary Jim Mattis for failing to complete an updated combat strategy for the Afghanistan war.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the decision publicly before an official announcement, say the move gives Mattis the ability to adjust troop levels more quickly. Trump gave Mattis similar authority in Iraq and Syria.
The move allows Mattis to end the current cap on Afghanistan troop levels. That cap has been 8,400.
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11 a.m.
Sen. John McCain is criticizing Pentagon leaders for not finding a new way ahead for the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan. He is telling Defense Secretary Jim Mattis that unless the Pentagon sends Congress a strategy soon, the department will "get a strategy from us."
Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that he will provide details on a new strategy for the war in mid-July. But he said he recognizes the urgency of the matter and that McCain's criticism is fair.
Mattis said the U.S. is not winning the war there and that the military is taking steps to make certain America doesn't pay a price for the delay in the new plan. He did not say what those steps are.
The Taliban has been making gains in Afghanistan.
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4:30 a.m.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis blamed the inability of Congress to deliver an annual defense budget for what he called a shockingly poor state of combat readiness as the United States faces fierce rivals, including an "urgent and dangerous threat" from North Korea.
Testifying Monday before the House Armed Services Committee, Mattis took aim at lawmakers for repeatedly approving short-term spending measures that provide too little money and lack the authority the services need to prepare their troops. He also faulted Capitol Hill for not repealing a law that limits defense spending even though there is broad support for doing away with the measure.
Mattis said: "Congress as a whole has met the present challenge with lassitude, not leadership."
He called Pyongyang's push for nuclear weapons "a clear and present danger."
"Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening" (Simon & Schuster)), by Manal Al-Sharif
Beset by traffic, smog and other distractions, it's easy to forget that driving a car is an act of free will, in theory transcending race, class and gender.
Then imagine what life would be like if American women weren't allowed to drive. Need to go to the hospital? No. Pick up kids after work? No. Visit family or friends? No. The only options are call a driver or wait for a male relative.
Manal Al-Sharif illuminates the insidious nature of that reality in Saudi Arabia. "Daring to Drive" is a brave, extraordinary, heartbreakingly personal story of one woman's battle for equal rights, told through the minute details of an everyday life that boiled over after years of frustrations.
Al-Sharif was arrested for driving; afterward, people bombarded her with both abuse and praise. The story of her time in a filthy jail is riveting, but "Daring to Drive" does far more than explore that episode and its aftermath.
The book provides a rare glimpse into Saudi society, and especially into the lives and emotions of women. Rules - especially for women - are everywhere, and so are the punishments for breaking them. "Every public and most private spaces were saturated with radical books, brochures, and cassette sermons ... (and) these pieces of religious propaganda were overwhelmingly intended to enforce the compliance of women," she writes. "Taboos included wearing pants, styling one's hair, and even parting one's hair on the side - because doing so causes a woman to resemble the infidels."
Al-Sharif's father and mother beat her; teachers beat students; her husband beat her; and other men beat their wives, usually with few consequences. Those passages are searingly painful to read, but Al-Sharif has the rare ability to put her suffering in context. Her family was poor, and her mother and father worked incessantly to provide the barest necessities. They are overbearing, yet absolutely determined to see Al-Sharif get a good education so she can escape the poverty that plagued them.
Despite Kafkaesque obstacles, Al-Sharif manages to become a pioneering computer professional. At school, male professors taught young women by closed-circuit TV, since they couldn't be face-to-face. The women had no way to ask questions, either.
Al-Sharif deftly uses a wide storytelling lens. During a year working in Boston she is shocked to meet so many young Americans overwhelmed by college debt - her education was free in Saudi Arabia. "Daring to Drive" ranges from Al-Sharif's first period to how she struggled to manage a crush on a co-worker to marriage, motherhood and workday issues.
The book ends with a blow-by-blow account of her arrest in May 2011 as part of a larger protest against the driving ban. That November she filed a lawsuit challenging the government refusal to give licenses to women. Soon afterward leading religious scholars warned that doing so would lead to a surge in prostitution, pornography, homosexuality and divorce. The experts proclaimed that "within ten years there would be no more virgins" in the country if women were allowed to drive.
Al-Sharif notes that some Saudi royalty are more progressive, but readers are left to ponder how much longer such outdated views will survive. President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia didn't explain much: like previous official trips it showed us pictures of princes, kings and ornate palaces.
Al-Sharif presents a more valuable and honest view: a look into the hearts and minds of people who live in a society that is mostly off-limits to Westerners. Her literary achievement is that despite the huge cultural differences, "Daring to Drive" shows that Saudi women and men have dreams and fears much like our own.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on probes into possible contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia (all times local):
8:55 p.m.
It took about 24 hours, but the White House has knocked down speculation that President Donald Trump considered firing special prosecutor Robert Mueller.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The president's personal friend, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy said late Monday that Trump was considering terminating Mueller. The claim went undisputed until Tuesday night when White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that Trump "has no intention" of firing Mueller, even though she maintained that "the president has the right to."
A person close to Trump's legal team said earlier Tuesday that there have been no discussions about firing Mueller with the legal team. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
Huckabee --- on a trip with Trump, also told reporters aboard Air Force One that the president thought Attorney General Jeff Sessions "did a very good job" in testimony before Congress on Tuesday. She says Trump thought Sessions was especially "strong" on denying any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
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8:45 p.m.
The White House says President Donald Trump "has no intention" to fire the special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders tells reporters aboard Air Force One that "while the president has the right to" fire Robert Mueller, "he has no intention to do so."
The president has railed against the Russia investigation as a "witch hunt."
Per Department of Justice rules, it's actually up to the deputy attorney general to make that call - though the president could bypass that protocol.
Some of Trump's allies have begun questioning Mueller's credibility as the investigation intensifies.
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6:00 p.m.
A week after being cut off by Republicans while questioning Trump administration officials, Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California was cut off again while questioning Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Harris was questioning Sessions at a Senate intelligence committee hearing Tuesday about his legal basis for refusing to answer some questions. As Sessions evaded specifics, Harris pressed, prompting Republican Sen. John McCain to interrupt Harris, as he had last week, and say the witness should be allowed to answer.
Last week, panel Chairman Richard Burr admonished Harris. This week, he asked her to simply let him answer.
She did, but wasn't satisfied as Sessions continued to evade. As she asked for a yes or no answer, Burr cut her off for the last time.
Burr said Harris' time had expired.
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4:30 p.m.
Members of the Senate intelligence committee are expressing confusion over why Attorney General Jeff Sessions will not disclose his conversations with the president.
Sessions won't describe his conversations with President Donald Trump about the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Yet he says he does not have the power to invoke executive privilege, and the president has not asserted it.
Maine independent Sen. Angus King asked a number of questions about the basis for Sessions' refusal to answer questions.
Sessions says the president was not asserting executive privilege and that Sessions was simply protecting Trump's right to do so if he chooses.
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4:00 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has angrily denied that there were problems related to his decision to recuse himself from the FBI's investigation into Russian activities during the election.
Former FBI Director James Comey testified earlier before the Senate intelligence committee said he knew of reasons why it would be problematic for Sessions to remain involved in the Russia investigation, even before he recused himself.
Sessions raised his voice to the Democratic senator pressing him for an answer, insisting there were no such reasons.
Sessions said to Sen. Ron Wyden: "There are none."
Sessions bristled at Wyden, telling the Oregon senator that people are suggesting through innuendo that he has not been honest.
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3:55 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says fired FBI Director James Comey should have shared his concerns about a meeting with President Donald Trump with another Justice Department official.
Comey testified last week that he did not tell Sessions that Trump had asked him to drop a probe into National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia because he suspected Sessions would soon need to recuse himself from the Russia probe.
But Sessions says Comey should have relayed his concerns to Dana Boente, who was then acting as deputy attorney general and Comey's direct supervisor. He says Comey should have talked to Boente, especially if he had concerns about Sessions staying involved in the Russia investigation.
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3:52 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says fired FBI director James Comey's decision to announce that Hillary Clinton would not be prosecuted over her emails was a "usurpation" of the Justice Department's authority.
Sessions says he recommended Comey's firing after a number of concerns about his job performance. But his very public handling of the Clinton email investigation was chief among them.
He says Comey's decision to announce the results of the investigation without Justice Department approval was "a stunning development" because "the FBI is the investigative team. They don't decide prosecution."
He called Comey's move "a thunderous thing" and it caused him to conclude "that a fresh start was appropriate."
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3:36 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he never had conversations with FBI Director James Comey about his job performance before Comey's firing.
Sessions recommended the firing last month, raising questions about whether he violated his recusal from the investigation into Trump campaign ties to Russia. But Sessions says he had concerns about Comey's job performance even before he was confirmed. He says he and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussed it and "we both agreed that a fresh start at the FBI was probably the best thing."
Sessions says he was involved in Comey's firing because he oversees the FBI. Sessions added that, "to suggest that a recusal from a single specific investigation" would render him unable to manage the leadership of the FBI would be "absurd."
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3:20 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he recused himself from the investigation into Trump campaign ties to Russia because he was involved in the campaign.
Sessions says his recusal was not because he had done something wrong or was, himself, the subject of the investigation. He says he stepped aside because Justice Department rules prevent such a conflict of interest. Sessions became attorney general in February but did not recuse himself from that probe until March.
He says it "became clear to me over time that I qualified as a principal adviser to the campaign and it was appropriate and right for me to recuse myself."
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3:10 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is contradicting fired FBI director James Comey's testimony about his concerns over a meeting he had with Trump.
Comey testified last week that Sessions did not respond when he complained that he did not want to be left alone with President Donald Trump again. This was after a February meeting in which Comey said Trump told Sessions and others to leave the room before asking him to drop a probe into National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia.
Sessions says he was not silent, saying he stressed to Comey the need to be careful about following appropriate policies.
He says he is confident that Comey understood and would abide by the Justice Departments rules on communications with the White House about ongoing investigations.
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3:05 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the suggestion that he colluded with Russians in the 2016 presidential election "is an appalling and detestable lie."
Sessions's comments came during his Senate testimony on whether he met privately with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at an April 2016 foreign policy event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. Sessions says he was there for a speech by then-candidate Donald Trump and members of Sessions' staff also were there.
He says the suggestion he was "aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country which I have served for 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie."
Sessions adds that he has no knowledge of "any such conversations by anyone connected to the Trump campaign."
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3:00 p.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he did not have third meeting with the Russian ambassador to the United States.
His impassioned response came after Senate Democrats raised questions about whether Sessions privately met with Sergey Kislyak at an April 2016 foreign policy event at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. Sessions says he was there for a speech by then-candidate Donald Trump and members of Sessions' staff were also in attendance.
But he says he does not recall any private meetings or conversations with Russian officials at that event.
Sessions in March stepped aside from the federal investigation into contacts between Russia and the presidential campaign after acknowledging that he had met twice last year with Kislyak.
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2:58 p.m.
Senate intelligence committee chairman Richard Burr says that so far, the panel has interviewed more than 35 individuals, including Jeh Johnson, the former secretary of homeland security, in connection with its investigation of Russian activities during last year's campaign.
The North Carolina Republican senator gave the update Tuesday at the beginning of an open hearing to hear testimony from Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Burr says the committee staff met with Johnson on Monday.
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2:40 p.m.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he has confidence in the Department of Justice's special counsel investigating Russian interference in U.S. elections.
McConnell told reporters Tuesday that "I have a lot of confidence in Bob Mueller."
The comments came a day after a close friend of President Donald Trump was quoted in a television interview as saying the president was considering dismissing Mueller.
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11:35 a.m.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says he will "defend the integrity" of the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. elections.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein told Rosenstein that she believes it would be "catastrophic" if special counsel Robert Mueller were fired on the orders of President Donald Trump. She said such a move would "destroy any shred of trust in the president's judgment that remains over here."
Rosenstein said he appointed the special counsel, he thinks it was the right thing to do and "I am going to defend the integrity of that investigation."
Feinstein also asked if Rosenstein had an estimate for how long the investigation will take.
"I regret that I do not," Rosenstein said.
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11:35 a.m.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says that a history of political giving is not a disqualifier for those who work for the Department of Justice's special counsel investigating Russian interference in U.S. elections.
Under questioning from South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, Rosenstein said that having given political donations is not a disqualifier. Graham also asked him if it would be a disqualifier to have worked for Hillary Clinton, who ran against President Donald Trump in the election and was a subject of a separate Justice Department investigation into her email practices.
Rosenstein said "I think the answer is no" but said it would depend on the circumstances.
Federal Election Commission records indicate that some members of Mueller's team have made political donations to Democrats, according to a CNN report.
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11:05 a.m.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says he wouldn't follow orders from President Donald Trump or anyone else to fire special counsel Robert Mueller unless they were "lawful and appropriate orders."
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, asked Rosenstein at a budget hearing Tuesday what he would do if Trump ordered him to fire Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the U.S. elections and possible Russian ties to Trump's campaign.
Rosenstein said that if he fired Mueller, he would be required to explain it in writing. He added that "if there were good cause, I would consider it. If there were not good cause it wouldn't matter what anyone said."
Rosenstein said Trump has not discussed the special counsel with him.
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11 a.m.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says he consults with a career ethics official when questions arise about Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation.
Under questioning from Sen. Brian Schatz about the scope of Sessions' recusal, Rosenstein said Sessions "actually does not know what we're investigating, and I'm not going to be talking about it publicly."
If questions arise about what matters Sessions should stay away from, he said, a career official in Rosenstein's office is consulted.
Rosenstein says it would be inappropriate for him to discuss Sessions' recusal and adds, "we don't talk about the subject matter of investigations while they are ongoing."
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10:40 a.m.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire the special prosecutor overseeing the Russia investigation.
The comment came in response to questions from Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. She asked about news reports suggesting that President Donald Trump was already thinking about "terminating" Robert Mueller from his position as special counsel. She asked whether he has seen "any evidence of good cause" to fire Mueller. Rosenstein responded: "No I have not."
Rosenstein says the attorney general would be the only one who could fire Mueller. And since Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from the investigation, Rosenstein is acting in that capacity.
He says he is confident that Mueller will have "the full independence he needs" to investigate thoroughly.
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10:25 a.m.
House Speaker Paul Ryan says the White House and President Donald Trump should let the special counsel's investigation continue, and await vindication.
Ryan told reporters Tuesday: "The best advice would be to let Robert Mueller do his job."
The Wisconsin Republican commented in response to a Trump friend, Chris Ruddy, the CEO of Newsmax, who suggested Monday night that the president was already thinking about "terminating" Mueller from his position as special counsel. Such a move would create a firestorm coming weeks after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.
Ryan said the smartest thing for the president to do would be to let the investigation continue and be vindicated.
Said Ryan: "I know Bob Mueller. I have confidence in Bob Mueller."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sworn-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, prior to testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about his role in the firing of James Comey, his Russian contacts during the campaign and his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, center, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the Justice Department's fiscal 2018 budget. Rosenstein said he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire the special prosecutor overseeing the Russia investigation. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's foreign minister has welcomed the fact that his country's ambassador was able to meet a German-Turkish reporter detained in Istanbul almost four months ago.
Deniz Yucel, who works for German newspaper Die Welt, was arrested Feb. 14. Germany's ambassador, Martin Erdmann, spent over an hour with Yucel Tuesday.
Turkish authorities accuse Yucel of disseminating terrorist propaganda and inciting hatred, as well as espionage and ties to the outlawed PKK group - allegations Yucel denies.
The case is one of several sources of friction between Ankara and Berlin.
Germany Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Tuesday his country will continue to press for Yucel's swift release.
German officials were granted consular access earlier this month to another jailed journalist, Mesale Tolu, a 33-year-old German with Turkish roots.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is complaining that vacancies in his administration are dragging on because of delays at the government's ethics office.
But data from the Office of Government Ethics show it's actually moving faster on nominations than it did under President Barack Obama.
With his Cabinet seated around a table at the White House on Monday, Trump said the office, which he referred to as a committee, "has become very difficult to deal with."
President Donald Trump speaks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, June 12, 2017, during a ceremony honoring the 2016 NCAA Football National Champions Clemson University Tigers. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The ethics office director disputes that. "OGE is not the cause of any delays," Walter Shaub said. "We're moving nominee reports faster during this transition than we did during the last transition, but we can't review reports the White House hasn't sent to us."
Ethics office data show it is giving guidance on nominees in an average of 26 days, compared with 32 days in Obama's first year.
That quicker pace comes even though the Trump appointees have generally had more complex financial entanglements and potential conflicts of interest than those under Obama.
The slowness, the data suggest, is on Trump's end.
As of June 9, the Trump administration had forwarded 331 nominees for ethics vetting, compared with 483 nominees in the same period under Obama, the numbers show.
The ethics office said Trump originally took an unusual approach to picking his nominees - one that did not loop in the ethics office for vetting until after the employees were announced. The office flagged the dangers in that in a letter to the incoming president's transition team in November.
Making announcements before the ethics process led to some embarrassing departures when a few Trump picks could not adequately resolve their conflicts of interest.
Among them was Todd Ricketts, son of the billionaire TD Ameritrade founder, who had been tapped as deputy commerce secretary. Ricketts chose to bow out of the position rather than divest enough of his financial interests to rid himself of conflicts of interest.
By April, the Trump administration adopted the traditional process of waiting until the ethics office had finished its work before announcing picks.
Trump's dig at the office is the latest volley in a long-running tussle between government ethics workers and Trump's lawyers and White House aides.
In late April, the ethics office demanded information from the White House and other executive-branch agencies about what, if any, waivers they had granted to lobbyists and other top officials who are working on government matters similar to what they'd handled in the private sector.
The administration initially said it needed more time to comply - and questioned the office's authority to make the request in the first place. But in the end, all of the federal agencies turned over the waiver information at the beginning of this month as the ethics officials had requested.
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - The Innocence Project in Puerto Rico has obtained a new trial for two men sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty in 1992 of killing a woman and her two young children.
A judge on Tuesday said Juan Melendez and Antonio Ramos should have the right to prove their innocence using DNA evidence.
The ruling comes more than a year after Puerto Rico's former governor approved a law that allows convicts to request DNA analyses based on new evidence or on evidence that was never analyzed or questioned at trial.
It is the second case the Innocence Project in Puerto Rico has taken on. It recently helped free three men found guilty of a 1988 murder.
Both cases share similarities including involvement of the same former prosecutor.
TIRANA, Albania (AP) - The European Union has urged Albania to implement justice reforms, saying it's "essential" for opening negotiations for its accession to the bloc.
Judicial corruption has plagued post-communist Albania, hampering its democratic processes. Parliament unanimously approved a justice system reform last year to ensure that judges and prosecutors are independent from politics, and to root out bribery.
But implementation of the reform has been delayed after two judges' associations complained about its implications at the Constitutional Court.
A statement Tuesday from the EU delegation in Tirana said that "vetting of judges and prosecutors ... needs to start."
A day earlier the United States embassy voiced concern "about attempts to weaken the reform to protect corrupt judges and prosecutors."
A Detroit-area woman is suing Delta Air Lines, claiming it could have prevented a man from molesting her on a flight from South Carolina in 2016.
Christopher Finkley of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced in March to a week in jail after pleading guilty to simple assault, a misdemeanor.
The woman, Rhonda Costigan, said he put a hand under her shorts while sitting in an open seat.
Costigan told reporters Tuesday that she was 'trapped' in her window seat and 'frozen in terror,' according to WWJ-TV.
Rhonda Costigan (left) of Garden City, Michigan speaks to reporters as she sits next to her attorney, Gerald Acker
The lawsuit, filed Friday in Wayne County, Michigan, says the crew negligently allowed Finkley to roam during a Delta Connection flight to Detroit from Myrtle Beach, despite exposing himself earlier while in first class.
Delta said it's 'dismayed' by what Costigan described but it declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Costigan said she was offered $2,500 in ticket vouchers.
She is now seeking $10million in damages.
ExpressJet Airlines, which flies as Delta Connection, declined to comment.
In Finkley's criminal case, defense attorney Colleen Fitzharris said the trucker did a 'terrible thing' while under stress and the influence of alcohol.
Christopher Finkley, 41, was convicted in March of assault and indecent exposure following the incident on a Delta flight from Myrtle Beach to Detroit in July last year
'He is embarrassed by his conduct and regrets the pain it has caused the victim, the public and his family,' Fitzharris said in a court filing.
Finkley, who was a first class passenger, opted to use the bathroom at the back of the plane when he sat down next to the woman, according to court documents.
Costigan - a waitress and mother of a 15-year-old girl - claimed Finkley put his hands on her legs and started massaging them.
'I looked down and his hands were rubbing my leg,' she toldFox News in April.
'It continued to escalate; he went inside my shorts.'
Court documents state that Finkley told her he 'liked white women' and asked 'where's your man?' as he groped her.
Costigan said she begged him to stop and said her daughter was sitting in the row behind her.
Finkley eventually left the woman alone and went back to his own seat to masturbate.
He later admitted that he liked to sit with his hands in his pants and called it 'his happy place', according to court documents.
Costigan's lawyer Jerry Acker said flight attendants noticed Finkley about 40 minutes into the two-hour flight but claims they failed to restrain him and allowed him to roam freely in the cabin.
Acker said a flight attendant called ahead to Detroit to make sure police were waiting to arrest Finkley.
'What they should've done after they found out he's masturbating and exposing himself in first class... they should've monitored that man and not allowed that predator to run through the cabin,' Acker said.
SANDY, Utah (AP) - The Latest on stalking report days before a Utah shooting that killed a woman her son (all times local):
5:40 p.m.
The family of a boy critically injured in a shooting that killed his mother and brother say his condition has been upgraded and he's talking as he continues to improve.
FILE - This June 6, 2017, file photo, crime scene investigators begin their work as Sandy police investigate a fatal shooting in a Salt Lake City suburb in Sandy, Utah. Police documents obtained by The Associated Press say a Utah woman fatally shot this month along with one of her sons had reported being relentlessly stalked by the man. The documents released Tuesday, June 13, 2017, also disclose that Memorez Rackley and Jeremy Patterson had previously been in a romantic relationship. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP, File)
Family spokesman Jeff White said in a statement Tuesday that 11-year-old Myles Rackley is getting stronger. White says his 6-year-old brother Jase will be remembered for his "bigger-than-life smile."
Police records show the younger boy was killed along with mother Memorez Rackley three days after she reported her ex-boyfriend, Jeremy Patterson, had been relentlessly stalking her.
Police say Rackley encountered Patterson as she walked her boys home from school and climbed into the car of a woman who saw them arguing and stopped to help. Police say Patterson rammed the car, then got out and opened fire. The daughter of the woman who stopped was also hurt.
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4:50 p.m.
Recordings of 911 calls illustrate the panic that hit a normally calm street in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy earlier this month after a man opened fire on a car full of children in a shooting that killed his ex-girlfriend, her 6-year-old son and injured two other children.
The calls made public Tuesday following a public records request by The Associated Press show that more than a dozen people called police to report that a man used his pickup truck to ram a sports utility vehicle off the road and started shooting as parents were picking up children from a nearby elementary school.
One woman tearfully told dispatchers that a child had been shot while others described taking cover to avoid the gunfire.
Documents released by police said Memorez Rackley three days before the shooting told a police dispatcher that Patterson had been relentlessly stalking her.
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3:20 p.m.
Police say they couldn't arrest a Utah man on a stalking report days before he killed his ex-girlfriend and her son because the woman didn't want to press charges.
Sandy police Sgt. Jason Nielsen said Tuesday because the former couple didn't live together and weren't related, officers couldn't arrest him unless victim Memorez Rackley wanted them to.
Rackley reported the stalking on Saturday, June 3 and told officers she planned to file for a protective order Monday morning. Rackley initially said she was afraid to have officers contact him about the relentless stalking because it could provoke him.
Utah courts spokesman Geoff Fattah says there's no record of Rackley filing a petition for a protective order before the Tuesday, June 6 shooting that left Rackley and her son dead and two other children injured.
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10:00 a.m.
A recording of a 911 call obtained by The Associated Press shows a Utah woman told police three days before she and her son were killed that she was worried for her safety and her children's safety because she reported her ex-boyfriend was relentlessly stalking her.
The audio recording released by police Tuesday reveals Memorez Rackley called police three days before the shooting and said Jeremy Patterson had told her he had guns.
Rackley tells a dispatcher in the recording she was terrified Patterson would hunt her and her children down if police got in touch with him about the harassment.
Police reports say she later changed her mind and asked officers to contact him because she said Patterson he followed a friend of hers to try to find her.
She told an officer she would apply for a protective order to keep Patterson away from her.
Court records do not show a protective order was in place before the June 6 shooting that killed Rackley and her 6-year-old son and left her other son critically wounded.
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9:15 a.m.
Police documents obtained by The Associated Press say a Utah woman fatally shot this month along with one of her sons had reported being relentlessly stalked by the man.
The documents released Tuesday also disclose that Memorez Rackley and Jeremy Patterson had previously been in a romantic relationship.
Rackley told police June 3 that Patterson followed her while she was driving her car in Salt Lake City's suburb of Sandy and confronted her about their breakup while she was in a nail salon.
Rackley died June 6 after getting her children from school.
She was in an SUV with a woman who had picked her up when Patterson rammed it, got out of his pickup truck and opened fire.
The woman's daughter and Rackley's other son were wounded.
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This story corrects that Patterson, not Rackley, rammed the SUV.
NEW YORK (AP) - The Daily Show is unveiling the Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library this weekend.
The pop-up exhibit will be at 3 West 57th Street in Manhattan, not far from Trump Tower, Comedy Central announced Tuesday. It will feature some of the president's better known one-shots, organized around such categories as "SAD! A Retrospective" and "The Commander-In-Tweet." The 'Daily Show' will highlight Trump's insults and contradictions and allow "verified survivors" to remember being on the receiving end of his social media outbursts.
The exhibit runs Friday-Sunday, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
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Pu Songling is known for being behind the fantasy world of co-existing spirits and humans of the 18th century collection Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio.
Conteptual poster of Shentan Pu Songling Lanruo Xianzong (The Genius Detective Pu Songling Celestial Tracks of Lanruo Temple) [Photo provided to China Daily]
But now an upcoming movie will include him as the protagonist.
Internet giant iQiyi's film body iQiyi Motion Pictures released the conceptual posters of the upcoming live-action and CGI-hybrid movie Shentan Pu Songling: Lanruo Xianzong (The Genius Detective Pu Songling: Celestial Tracks of Lanruo Temple) on June 9.
A town set in the movieShentan Pu Songling[Photo provided to China Daily]
The movie, the biggest blockbuster hope of iQiyi Motion Pictures this year, has a budget of more than 100 million yuan ($14.7 million).
Adapted from post-1990 writer Teng Da's online novel with the same title, the movie will enliven the fantastic spectacles as well as set dramatical twists to follow Pu's criminal-hunting adventures.
Liu Xiaoguang, known for producing heavy visual effects-studded blockbusters The Monkey King and The Monkey King 2, says his visual team has already done many designs for the sets and characters.
The movie will soon cast A-listers and begin the shooting, according to the company.
More commercial movies were highlighted at the event.
Actress Yan Ni co-stars her 19-year-old daughter Zou Yuanqing in the upcoming comedy I Am Your Mother [Photo provided to China Daily]
Comedy star Yan Ni's new movie I Am Your Mother, her first work to co-star with her 19-year-old daughter Zou Yuanqing, also released promotional posters.
Historical themes support other films, such as Kui Long Yu (The Jade of Kui Dragon), based on the Ming Dynasty emperor Zhu Qizhen and his loyal official Yuan Bin, and Lie Dong (A Harsh Winter), adapted from a true story of Chinese troops defending Nanjing against Japanese invasion in 1937.
The internet-backed company also highlighted its "17 Project" to support young directors and art-house titles.
Home of the titular protagonist inShentan Pu Songling [Photo provided to China Daily]
The project, which was launched around two years ago, financed the first such movie The Summer Is Gone, winner of a Taipei Golden Horse for best picture in 2016.
Ya Ning, president of iQiyi Motion Pictures, says the project will support another three newbie directors' movies: My Town, Blue Chrysophoron, and Daogao Yizhang (The Good Wins).
The company also announced it will invest in or seek cooperation with upcoming domestic movies backed by famous directors, such as Feng Xiaogang's Fang Hua and Benny Chan's Meow.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. relationship with Russia is at an all-time low and deteriorating further, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday, yet he cautioned against taking steps that might close off promising avenues of communication between the two former Cold War foes.
Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tillerson was noncommittal about a package of new Russia sanctions, saying he's still reviewing the proposed penalties that Senate Republicans and Democrats agreed upon after lengthy negotiations. But it's important, he stressed, that President Donald Trump have the flexibility "to turn the heat up" on Russia if necessary.
At the same time, he also said he doesn't want to preemptively shut down a potentially productive conversation. As an example, Tillerson said talks with Moscow on stabilizing war-ravaged Syria are progressing, but it's too early to tell if the discussions will bear fruit. Imposing more sanctions could lead the Russians to curtail the dialogue.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Top lawmakers on two Senate committees - Banking and Foreign Relations - announced the sanctions deal late Monday amid the firestorm over Russia's meddling in the presidential election and investigations into Moscow's possible collusion with members of President Donald Trump's campaign.
The plan calls for strengthening current sanctions and imposing new ones on corrupt Russian figures, those involved in human rights abuses and those supplying weapons to the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The package also would require a congressional review if a president attempts to ease or end current penalties. And, penalties would be slapped on those responsible for malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government.
If the Trump administration decides to oppose the new sanctions, they could be in a bind. The package is to be added to a bill imposing penalties on Iran that the Senate is currently debating. So the White House would have to reject stricter punishments against Iran, which it favors, in order to derail the parts of the legislation it objects to.
"The amendment to the underlying Iran sanctions bill maintains and substantially expands sanctions against the government of Russia in response to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and Crimea, its brazen cyberattacks and interference in elections, and its continuing aggression in Syria," said Republicans and Democrats on the committees.
A vote on the Russia sanctions is scheduled for Wednesday, and the measure is expected to get strong bipartisan support. The legislation was worked out by Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, of the Banking Committee, and Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., of the Foreign Relations panel.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., also participated in the negotiations and pushed for provisions that bars punished individuals from using family members to get around the sanctions.
"This amendment also takes appropriate steps to ensure that current sanctions cannot be unilaterally unwound by this administration," Shaheen said.
The legislation also allows new penalties on key elements of the Russia economy, including mining, metals, shipping and railways.
House and Senate committees are investigating Russia's meddling and potential links to the Trump campaign. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a separate probe.
The sanctions package is rooted in legislation introduced earlier this year amid concerns on Capitol Hill that Trump may seek to lift sanctions against Russia as part of a plan to forge a partnership between the two countries in key areas, such as counterterrorism. In early January, before Trump was sworn in, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill designed to go beyond the punishments already levied against Russia by the Obama administration and to demonstrate to Trump that forcefully responding to Moscow's election interference wasn't a partisan issue.
Then-President Barack Obama in late December ordered sanctions on Russian spy agencies, closed two Russian compounds and expelled 35 diplomats the U.S. said were really spies. Those penalties were on top of existing U.S. sanctions over Russia's actions in Ukraine, which have damaged Russia's economy but had only limited impact on Putin's behavior.
A month later, senators introduced another measure that would require the president to get approval from lawmakers before easing Russia sanctions. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said at the time that the measure was styled after 2015 legislation pushed by Republicans and approved overwhelmingly in the Senate that gave Congress a vote on whether Obama could lift sanctions against Iran. That measure reflected Republican complaints that Obama had overstepped the power of the presidency and needed to be checked by Congress.
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Contact Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - An Indiana woman who admitted to fatally smothering her two children was charged Tuesday in the death of a former neighbor.
Allen County Prosecutor Karen Richards also filed a weapons charge against Amber Pasztor, 30, of Fort Wayne, in the September slaying of 66-year-old Frank Macomber.
Pasztor has admitted shooting Macomber in the head and leaving his body in woods near her parents' home in Allen County, according to court documents.
Pasztor is due to be sentenced June 29 to 130 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to two counts of murder in the deaths of 7-year-old Lilliana Hernandez and 6-year-old Rene Pasztor. She entered the plea June 1 after an Elkhart County judge ruled she was competent to stand trial. She underwent three psychological evaluations to determine whether she was able to assist with her defense.
Pasztor abducted her children on Sept. 26 from their custodial grandparents' home, prompting authorities to issue an Amber Alert. Her children's bodies were found later that day inside Macomber's stolen car parked behind the Elkhart Police Department, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of Fort Wayne. Pasztor had flagged down an officer and showed him the bodies.
According to court documents, she told officers she drove the children around northern Indiana and southern Michigan, taking them to a park and a restaurant before smothering them with her hands.
Pasztor told police that she shot Macomber with a hunting rifle, and she gave officers directions to the spot where she had buried Macomber under a tent that the two had bought Sept. 25, court documents filed in Allen Superior Court said.
Pasztor told police she killed Macomber to "send a message to the 'cartels' not to mess with her," court documents said. "The defendant stated that she knew Frank was setting her up to the cartels."
Indiana Department of Child Services records released by a juvenile court say that Pasztor killed her children because she felt they were being threatened with violence by members of a Mexican cartel. Those records also say she suffered from untreated bipolar disorder.
The children's father, Rene Hernandez, 24, of Fort Wayne, was found dead in a wooded area in neighboring Whitley County in June 2010. His body had been frozen and cut into two pieces, police said. That slaying has never been solved.
GREECE, N.Y. (AP) - Water-filled portable dams are being deployed and $1 million in state funding will go toward emergency repairs to wastewater treatment systems in two flood-damaged Lake Ontario communities, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday.
A temporary emergency barrier system using water-filled dams instead of sandbags is being deployed in Greece in Monroe County and Sodus Point in Wayne County, the Democrat said. The two communities also will get $500,000 each to repair and upgrade flood-impacted wastewater infrastructure.
The Democrat said he has also renewed a request to the Army Corps of Engineers for rock structures to safeguard flood-prone areas.
Last month, Cuomo announced $7 million in state aid to help Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River homeowners impacted by flooding caused by record rainfall.
Cuomo again blasted the U.S.-Canadian panel that controls the outflow of water from Lake Ontario, saying the agency bears much of the blame for flooding in New York's lakeside communities.
"I think they pulled the trigger too late" on increasing outflow, Cuomo said in the Rochester suburb of Greece on Tuesday. "They got behind, and now we have a real problem."
The International Joint Commission responded to Cuomo's comments by saying no one could have predicted the severe flooding throughout the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system caused by record rainfall.
The commission-directed board that controls outflow through a St. Lawrence River dam said Tuesday it would increase water releases starting Wednesday.
The governor returned to flood-damaged Lake Ontario shoreline communities in Monroe and Wayne counties Tuesday amid National Weather Service predictions for more damaging waves and an Army Corps of Engineers forecast of above-average water levels for all five Great Lakes all summer.
Both counties have seen some of the worst damage from flooding that began earlier this spring during heavy rains. Many lakeside communities in an eight-county region stretching from the Niagara River to the St. Lawrence River have sustained at least some damage since May, including shoreline erosion, flooded roads, battered break walls and submerged docks and boat launches.
Cuomo said the flooding has "devastated" the spring-summer tourism season for many lakeside communities.
"When that season gets wiped out, it has economic consequences for the entire year," he said.
Some lakeside residents and local officials have blamed the flooding on the International Joint Commission.
New York residents and officials want the board to release more water through a dam on the river, but the commission also must consider flood-ravaged downstream communities as well as cargo ships that would be hampered by increased currents.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit announced Monday that water levels for all of the Great Lakes are expected to be higher than average into the fall. The agency predicts Lake Ontario's level will start to lower this month but remain higher than average into November.
The Weather Service has issued lakeshore flooding watches for Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon from Wayne County west to the Niagara River due to wind-driven waves.
SAVANNA, Okla. (AP) - A former Oklahoma police officer has been arrested on felony warrants alleging sexual battery, forcible sodomy and accepting a bribe.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says 40-year-old former Savanna officer Jerry "Jay" Gragg was arrested Tuesday in McAlester.
The Bureau of Investigation says Gragg denies the allegations.
The bureau says Gragg is accused of stopping a woman in January when he was a police officer in Savanna in eastern Oklahoma, telling her she had a suspended driver's license and forcing her to touch him inappropriately and perform a sex act.
The bureau says the woman later notified police and provided a blouse containing DNA that was later matched to Gragg.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The threat from the Lord's Resistance Army can't be underestimated following the departure of Ugandan and United States forces that were deployed to pursue the rebels, the U.N. envoy for central Africa warned Tuesday.
Francois Lounceny Fall told the Security Council he is concerned that the withdrawal of troops from the two countries "will create a security vacuum that may be exploited by the LRA and other armed groups operating in the region."
He said the U.N. peacekeeping force in volatile Central African Republic isn't mandated to conduct anti-LRA military operations and the country's security forces lack training and need structural reforms.
In May, the African Union Peace and Security Council also warned that the LRA has not yet been eliminated and could "rejuvenate itself" if countries don't "urgently" fill the void.
Although scores of LRA fighters have surrendered or been killed in recent months, the whereabouts of LRA leader Joseph Kony remain a mystery. Of the five LRA commanders indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2005 for war crimes and crimes against humanity, Kony is the only one still at large.
Recent defectors from the rebel group suggest he is sick and hiding somewhere in the vast, ungoverned spaces of central Africa.
The United States, in announcing its pullout from the military mission against the LRA, said in March that the rebel group's active membership is now less than 100. The U.S. first sent about 100 special forces as military advisers to the mission in 2011, and in 2014 sent 150 Air Force personnel.
Uganda announced in April it was ending its manhunt and pulling out 1,500 troops because "the mission to neutralize the LRA has now been successfully achieved."
Fall expressed gratitude to the Ugandan forces and other countries fighting the rebel group, but stressed that "there is a need to remain focused on efforts aimed at the total eradication of the LRA."
He said the U.N. Regional Office for Central Africa which he heads will remain engaged, including by reviewing the U.N.'s regional strategy to address the threat and ensure coordination of key parties.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Changing winds are expected to blow smoke from a fire burning outside Flagstaff into the Arizona city over several days.
The fire has burned nearly 9 square miles (23 sq. kilometers) on Kendrick Mountain's northeastern flank since lightning started it June 1.
Firefighters plan several days of setting fires to burn forest debris near the top of the mountain to help protect a lookout tower and historic cabin. Crews previously wrapped the cabin with flame-resistant materials.
This photo provided by Wyoming Hot Shots, a member of the Wyoming Hot Shots firefighting crew pauses while battling the Lizard Fire near Willcox, Ariz., June 8, 2017. Thousands of firefighters continue to battle almost 30 wildfires burning throughout Arizona as gusty winds and dried vegetation continue to fuel the blazes. (Kyle Miller/Wyoming Hot Shots via AP)
The fire is burning in steep and rugged terrain and is 5 percent contained. Nearby U.S. 180 is closed because of smoke.
To the south, crews made strong gains against a fire burning near Wilcox, Arizona. Lightning sparked the 23 square mile (61 square kilometer) blaze on June 7.
This photo provided by Wyoming Hot Shots, members of the Wyoming Hot Shots firefighting watch a retardant drop while battling the Lizard Fire near Willcox, Ariz., June 10, 2017. Thousands of firefighters continue to battle almost 30 wildfires burning throughout Arizona as gusty winds and dried vegetation continue to fuel the blazes. (Kyle Miller/Wyoming Hot Shots via AP)
This photo provided by the Wyoming Hot Shots, members of the Wyoming Hot Shots firefighting crew watch the moon break through smoke and clouds while battling the Lizard Fire near Willcox, Ariz., June 8, 2017. Thousands of firefighters continue to battle almost 30 wildfires burning throughout Arizona as gusty winds and dried vegetation continue to fuel the blazes. (Kyle Miller/Wyoming Hot Shots via AP)
This photo provided by Kirsten Smith shows a wildfire burning in Benson, Ariz., on June 10, 2017. Nearly 30 wildfires tore through dry and windy Arizona on Monday, June 12, 2017, drawing crews from across the Western United States to the state with the most blazes burning in the nation. Thousands of firefighters were battling 28 wildfires throughout the state, many of them ignited by lightning or people, as gusty winds and parched vegetation fueled the flames, said Tiffany Davila, a spokeswoman for the state forestry department. No one has been injured, and just one empty house has been destroyed. (Kirsten Smith via AP)
In this Wednesday June 7, 2017, photo provided by Heather Floyd, a wildfire burns in Dragon, Ariz. Over two dozen wildfires tore through dry and windy Arizona on Monday, June 12, drawing crews from across the Western United States to the state with the most blazes burning in the nation. (Heather Floyd via AP)
In this Saturday, June 10, 2017, photo provided by Heather Floyd, a wildfire burns in Dragon, Ariz. Over two dozen wildfires tore through dry and windy Arizona on Monday, June 12, drawing crews from across the Western United States to the state with the most blazes burning in the nation. (Heather Floyd via AP)
In this Saturday, June 10, 2017, photo provided by Heather Floyd, a wildfire burns in Dragon, Ariz. Over two dozen wildfires tore through dry and windy Arizona on Monday, June 12, drawing crews from across the Western United States to the state with the most blazes burning in the nation. (Heather Floyd via AP)
CARMEL, N.Y. (AP) - A former New York county district attorney who's the son of TV's Judge Judy has gotten a public apology from a county sheriff as part of the settling of a defamation lawsuit.
Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith posted the apology to ex-Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy on the sheriff's department's website on Tuesday. He apologized for two press releases issued in March 2013 that included statements that Levy had interfered with the investigation of child rape accusations made against a friend of his. Levy had recused himself from the case; his friend later was acquitted.
Smith says he retracted the press releases unequivocally, and that the statements were untrue.
The settlement of the case also includes a payment to Levy of $150,000.
A historian has been charged with stealing the dog tags of U.S. servicemen whose planes crashed in World War II from the National Archives and selling them on eBay.
The U.S. attorney's office in Maryland says in a news release that 32-year-old Antonin DeHays of College Park, Maryland, was charged theft of government records in federal court Tuesday.
According to an affidavit, DeHays repeatedly visited the National Archives at College Park. Prosecutors say he stole dog tags and other documents.
Authorities say the dog tags of a downed Tuskegee airman were stolen and DeHays "donated" them to a museum in Virginia.
Prosecutors say a search of DeHays' home led to the recovery of documents missing from the National Archives.
No phone number could be found for DeHays.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Jerry Brown was named Tuesday as a special envoy to states at the next United Nations Climate Change Conference, further elevating his international profile as a leader on the issue as President Donald Trump backs away from a key international agreement.
The announcement of Brown's role at the November conference in Bonn, Germany, by Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama comes on the heels of the governor's meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks to discuss climate change.
"I will lean on Gov. Brown to continue to bring the great leadership he has demonstrated time and time again, and to mobilize a strong contingent of like-minded leaders from around the world, to show the world that we mean business," Bainimarama said during a news conference at the historic governor's mansion in Sacramento.
California Gov. Jerry Brown discusses climate change at a news conference Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. During the event Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, the incoming president of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, named Brown to be a special advisor for states and regions in advance of the November gathering in Germany. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
The four-term governor has made reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting green technology a key tenet of his administration. He's launched non-binding climate change pacts, including the newly formed U.S. Climate Alliance of states committed to upholding the carbon reductions goals in the Paris climate agreement, from which Trump plans to withdraw. Bainimarama on Tuesday joined Fiji in the Under2 Coalition, a pact among cities, states and countries that Brown helped launch in 2015 aimed at keeping the rise of global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius.
Bainimarama hailed U.S. states' commitment to upholding the Paris agreements. He noted Trump's choice to withdraw could bring fireworks to the U.N. conference, known as "COP 23."
"I think the withdrawal of the White House is going to make COP 23 very exciting," he said.
Brown won't be the only governor potentially playing an outsize role at the conference. Fellow West Coast Govs. Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington, who also traveled to Sacramento on Tuesday, both plan to attend with other governors in the state's Climate Alliance.
"We're going to play a very important role," Jerry Brown said.
The state agreement is a non-binding commitment to uphold the Paris goals, which include reducing the country's emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels. Many of the 13 states involved already have their own targets in place, and the goal of the coalition is to collaborate and share ideas on using green technology and other means to meet the goal.
"When the president decided to run up the white flag of surrender to the challenge of climate change, we jumped right into the barricades," Inslee said.
California Gov. Jerry Brown, right, watches as Prime Minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama signs a climate change accord Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. The non-binding international agreement commits the signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 80 percent to 95 percent, below 1990 levels. Looking on are from left, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
California Gov. Jerry Brown, center, discusses climate change at a news conference, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. During the event Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, third from left, signed a subnational climate change agreement that calls for the signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 80 percent to 95 percent, below 1990 levels. Also seen are Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, left, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, California Senate President Pro tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, fourth from left, along with several other California lawmakers are other dignitaries. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
The Prime Minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama, left, discusses climate change as Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, right, looks on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. Bainimarama signed a non-binding international agreement that commits the signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 80 percent to 95 percent, below 1990 levels. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, center, discusses climate change at a news conference held by Calif., Gov. Jerry Brown, left, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. During the event Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, signed a subnational climate change agreement, launched by Brown in 2015, that calls for the signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 80 percent to 95 percent, below 1990 levels. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, center, discusses climate change at a news conference held by Calif., Gov. Jerry Brown, left, Tuesday, June 13, 2017,in Sacramento, Calif. During the event Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, signed a subnational climate change agreement that calls for the signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 80 percent to 95 percent, below 1990 levels. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, left, talks with California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, after a climate change news conference, held by Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave the Trump administration more time to file legal papers in its bid to reinstate a ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries.
The justices agreed to a request from Acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall to address Monday's ruling from the federal appeals court in San Francisco. That ruling said the executive order violated federal immigration law. It was the second time a federal appeals court had refused to lift a hold on the revised travel ban.
The new briefing schedule lets the government submit its final brief on June 21, meaning the justices are not likely to act on the case until next week at the earliest. The state of Hawaii, which had challenged the ban, also gets a chance to submit additional briefs.
Earlier this month, the government asked the high court to review a ruling from the federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, which said the 90-day ban unconstitutionally discriminated against Muslims.
China's central government has allocated another 30.7 billion yuan (about 4.52 billion U.S. dollars) in funding to help people living in poverty, the finance ministry said Monday.
That has brought this year's total central government poverty relief funds to nearly 86.1 billion yuan, which has all been allocated at local levels, the Ministry of Finance said.
Up to 97.4 percent of the funding has gone to 22 provincial regions in the central and western parts of the country, the main battleground for poverty alleviation, said the ministry.
The central government has assigned 196.1 billion yuan of poverty relief funding over the past four years, representing annual average growth of 19.22 percent. This year's funding marks a 30.3 percent increase year on year.
The Chinese government has vowed to lift all impoverished citizens out of poverty by 2020 to build a moderately prosperous society. In 2016 alone, China helped 12.4 million rural residents move above the poverty line.
By the end of last year, there were 43.35 million people living in poverty in China.
A large rockslide has blocked one of the main roads into Yosemite National Park that will remain closed at least through the weekend, an official said Tuesday.
About 4,000 tons of rock detached from a cliff on Monday, blocking El Portal Road, said park spokesman Scott Gediman.
El Portal Road is a continuation of Highway 140 and the gateway for about a third of the park's visitors who enter from the foothills above the Central Valley.
About 700,000 to 800,000 visitors use that entrance each year, Gediman said.
'This massive slab of rock slid down the cliff, hit a ledge, and broke into many pieces,' he said.
A large rockslide has blocked one of the main roads into Yosemite National Park that will remain closed at least through the weekend, an official said Tuesday
Those pieces fragmented further after hitting the base of the cliff and fanned out over an area more than 1,000 feet wide with debris rolling down to the Merced River.
The park can still be reached by way of Highways 41 and 120.
The three entrances on the west side of the Sierra lead to Yosemite Valley, the park's main attraction.
The closure cut off the valley from the village of El Portal and the city of Mariposa, which are home to most of the park's employees.
About 4,000 tons of rock detached from a cliff on Monday, blocking El Portal Road (seen above), park spokesman Scott Gediman
The closure cut off the valley from the village of El Portal and the city of Mariposa, which are home to most of the park's employees
Commutes that typically take 30 minutes to an hour are now taking two to three hours, Gediman said.
The park's eastern entrance is still closed as plow crews clear near-record snowfall on the road to Tioga Pass, which sits at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level.
In a story June 13 about a man who took a rifle to a pizza restaurant while investigating an internet conspiracy theory, The Associated Press misspelled Edgar Welch's middle name. It is Maddison, not Madison.
A corrected version of the story is below:
Man arrested in DC 'pizzagate' incident apologizes in letter
A man who walked into a District of Columbia pizza restaurant with an assault rifle, intent on investigating internet rumors dubbed "pizzagate," is apologizing and saying he realizes now "just how foolish and reckless" he was
By JESSICA GRESKO
Associated Press
A man who walked into a District of Columbia pizza restaurant with an assault rifle, intent on investigating internet rumors dubbed "pizzagate," is apologizing and saying he realizes now "just how foolish and reckless" he was.
Edgar Maddison Welch made those statements in a letter submitted to a judge Tuesday ahead of his sentencing set for June 22. In a court document, his attorney asked he be sentenced to 1 years in prison. In a separate document, prosecutors wrote he should be sentenced to 4 years in prison.
Welch, who is from Salisbury, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in March to two charges in connection with the case.
As part of his guilty plea Welch has acknowledged entering the Comet Ping Pong restaurant Dec. 4 with an AR-15 assault rifle and a revolver. He also acknowledged driving to the restaurant from North Carolina to investigate a conspiracy theory about Democrats harboring child sex slaves there. Patrons fled when they saw Welch enter the restaurant, and when he encountered a locked storage closet he fired multiple times. No one was injured.
In his 1-page, handwritten letter filed with the court Tuesday but dated June 2, Welch wrote that he "came to D.C. with the intent of helping people I believed were in dire need of assistance, and to bring an end to a corruption that I truly felt was harming innocent lives."
He wrote that he wanted to apologize and that he acted without considering the repercussions of his actions or the possible harm.
"It was never my intention to harm or frighten innocent lives, but I realize now just how foolish and reckless my decision was," he wrote.
Comet Ping Pong owner James Alefantis has said the "pizzagate" hoax that spread on the internet threw the lives of everyone connected with the shop into chaos.
Welch's attorney Dani Jahn wrote in asking for a 1 year sentence that Welch has previously worked as an emergency medical technician and volunteered in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake there. She wrote that he's an involved parent to his 7-year-old stepdaughter and 4-year-old daughter. She also noted he surrendered peacefully after realizing that no children were being harmed at the restaurant.
In their own filing, prosecutors wrote that the fact that no one was shot was "entirely the product of good luck -- the fortuitous facts that nobody interfered with the defendant's progress and that nobody was behind the door which he ultimately shot through."
Prosecutors Demian Ahn and Sonali Patel wrote that a "significant sentence" was required not only to punish Welch but to "deter other would-be vigilantes from attempting similar crimes against innocent subjects of the next internet-inspired conspiracy theory."
Welch has pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon. As part of the guilty plea, prosecutors will drop a third charge, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, which had carried a mandatory minimum prison term of five years.
Lawyers said in court in March that under sentencing guidelines Welch likely faces 1 to two years in prison as a result of the interstate transportation charge and 1 to five years for the assault charge. Sentences on the charges could run either consecutively or concurrently.
Prosecutors are asking for two years on the first charge and 4 years on the second charge to run concurrently.
Rangers have signed winger Daniel Candeias from Benfica on a two-year contract.
The 29-year-old wide player is a former Portugal age-group international who has yet to make a full international appearance.
He joined Benfica from Nacional in 2014 but failed to make a first-team breakthrough with the Lisbon giants and has instead spent the last three seasons on loan to clubs outside Portugal.
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has added a familiar face to his squad (Jane Barlow/PA)
@RangersFC can today confirm the signing of Daniel Candeias from @SLBenfica on a two year deal https://t.co/XlZYQ5H75y #WelcomeCandeias pic.twitter.com/hY1weizaFF Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 11, 2017
After stints with German side Nurnberg, Spanish outfit Granada, French club Metz and Turkish top-flight newcomers Alanyaspor, he has taken up the chance to move to Scotland.
He joins up for a second time with Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha, who had Candeias in his squad at Nacional in 2011/12.
TRAILER: Watch a full interview with new signing Daniel Candeias on @RangersTV here: https://t.co/8heLzEQw1x pic.twitter.com/M9wZzp5xHm RangersTV (@RangersTV) June 11, 2017
A Rangers statement said: Rangers are delighted to announce the signing of Daniel Candeias on a two-year-deal from Portuguese side Benfica.
The Glasgow giants are rebuilding after a tough first season back in the Ladbrokes Premiership, when they began with high hopes of challenging Celtic but finished a distant third behind their unbeaten city rivals.
Police in Greater Manchester are under real strain in the wake of the citys suicide bombing after the loss of nearly one in four officers in recent years, the forces chief constable has said.
Ian Hopkins cited official figures which show Greater Manchester Police (GMP) currently carrying out one of its biggest-ever investigations had 8,148 officers in March 2010, but this had dropped by 23% to 6,297 by March last year.
Writing on Twitter, he praised his officers for their outstanding work policing the Parklife festival over the weekend along with a protest against Islamist terrorism.
He wrote: Outstanding from @gmpolice officers & staff this w/e policing protest & Parklife. Real strain on everyone not just this weekend see below.
Under his tweet, he posted a page from the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) 2016 efficiency report for GMP, with a table setting out staffing statistics.
It shows GMPs total workforce fell by a fifth during the period, from 13,189 to 10,506, while the number of community support officers (PCSOs) reduced from 842 to 748 a drop of 11%.
Police officers in England and Wales
The table shows these are set to fall even further over the next three years, with the total workforce expected to be 10,108 by March 2020 with 500 PCSOs.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: @gmpolice are stretched to limit & in middle of on-going investigation.
He criticised the protest against Islamist terrorism, organised by former English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson, which drew a counter-demonstration.
These EDL-types who came today need to have a look at themselves, Mr Burnham added. @gmpolice deserve better.
I care about our police being unnecessarily distracted when they are worn out & still working hard to investigate a major incident.
.@gmpolice are stretched to limit & in middle of on-going investigation. These EDL-types who came today need to have a look at themselves. Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 11, 2017
The force, the second largest in England, is investigating the Manchester Arena suicide bombing which left 22 people dead and more than 200 injured.
The figures show GMP will lose more staff than the national average, with the total workforce forecast to drop by 24% between 2010 and 2020, compared with 21% across England and Wales.
About 400 officers were deployed to police Sundays protest and officers made eight arrests for public order offences.
Chief Superintendent John OHare said many officers who had already worked long hours had to operate in extremely challenging circumstances.
More than 1,000 officers have been involved in the investigation into the May 22 attack, with hundreds of witnesses interviewed and thousands of hours of CCTV being examined.
GMP said there are now more than 8,000 entries on its logging system and 700 media devices such as mobile phones have been seized.
Latest update on Manchester Arena Attack (2/2) pic.twitter.com/FB4eyUSeXU Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 11, 2017
A total of 29 houses have been searched and 22 people arrested during the inquiry, with all now released without charge.
Policing cuts also became a key issue of last weeks general election, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn calling for Theresa May to resign as Prime Minister for presiding over cuts in police numbers as Home Secretary.
The topic came under the spotlight following the Manchester bombing along with Londons two terrorist attacks, with Mr Corbyn slamming Mrs May over Government cuts which have left the police with 20,000 fewer officers than in 2010.
Boris Johnson has urged four Gulf and Arab countries to ease their blockade on Qatar over its alleged support for extremist groups and close ties to Iran.
The Foreign Secretary also said Qatar must take seriously the concerns of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain and urgently do more to address support for extremists.
The four countries have cut off sea traffic to Qatar as part of severing diplomatic ties to the tiny, energy-rich nation. Qatar has begun shipping cargo through Oman to bypass the blockade and show it can survive the diplomatic row with its neighbours.
Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani (Pavel Golovkin/AP)
Speaking after meeting Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Mr Johnson said: I have been in touch with my counterparts across the region about the current tensions with Qatar.
I have urged all sides to refrain from any further escalation and to engage in mediation efforts. In that regard I pay tribute to the work of the Emir of Kuwait.
In finding a resolution, I call on Qatar to take seriously their neighbours concerns. Qatar is a partner of the UK in the fight against terrorism but they urgently need to do more to address support for extremist groups, building on the steps they have already taken to tackle funding to those groups.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will hold talks with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE (Victoria Jones/PA)
I am also concerned by some of the strong actions which Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have taken against an important partner, and urge them to ease the blockade on Qatar.
I call on all states to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and to find a rapid resolution through mediation.
Later this week, the Foreign Secretary will hold talks with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and urge them to ease tensions and enter mediation.
Mr Johnson will tell them a swift resolution is in the interests of the region and the UK, and express concern about the impact of the blockade on ordinary people in Qatar.
The new Environment Secretary has said Donald Trump was wrong to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.
The presidents decision to pull the US out of the worlds first comprehensive agreement on tackling climate change and seek renegotiated terms fair to America drew widespread international condemnation earlier this month.
Michael Gove returned to the Cabinet over the weekend after being sacked by Prime Minister Theresa May as justice secretary last July.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said President Trump was "wrong" to pull out of the Paris agreement (Victoria Jones/PA)
"It is an honour to be appointed Environment Secretary at such an important time for our country" says new Secretary of State @michaelgove pic.twitter.com/6OB7ufpyb1 Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) June 12, 2017
Quizzed on Good Morning Britain about whether President Trump was wrong to withdraw from the accord, Mr Gove said: Yes, I think he is wrong. I think that we need international co-operation in order to deal with climate change.
And I think the Paris Accord which my friend Amber Rudd had a huge role in helping to shape is a significant step forward.
The only way in which you can deal with this challenge, the only way in which we can enhance the environment to pass on to our children in a better state is by working across borders.
The Paris accord commits countries to holding global temperature rises to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels, which will require global emissions to be cut to net zero by the second half of the century.
Delighted to welcome @michaelgove as our Secretary of State. Read more here: https://t.co/wVl9Gwadqp pic.twitter.com/VPJsN7LWFj Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) June 11, 2017
Scientists have warned that failure to curb dangerous climate change will lead to sea level rises, more intense storms and flooding, more extreme droughts, water shortages and heatwaves as well as massive loss of wildlife and reduction in crop yields, potentially sparking conflict and mass migration.
Despite the decision by the US, the second biggest polluter after China, to pull out of the deal, many analysts suggest the shift to a low-carbon economy is now unstoppable, with renewable prices tumbling and new clean technology being developed and deployed.
Thanks @andrealeadsom from all @DefraGovUK and congratulations on new role as Lord President & Leader @HouseofCommons pic.twitter.com/0pjI28dFoH Clare Moriarty (@ClareMoriarty) June 12, 2017
It's an honour to follow a good friend and great Minister in this incredibly important role https://t.co/edV4mV0dnc Michael Gove (@michaelgove) June 13, 2017
Speaking of Mr Goves appointment, Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said he was entirely unfit to take on the position, adding: It is hard to think of many politicians as ill-equipped for the role of Environment Secretary as Mr Gove.
Beggars belief. One look at Goves voting record shows him unfit for this job: https://t.co/IIzaJRek8I https://t.co/TzIxt4duNp Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) June 12, 2017
In 2013, in his role as education secretary, Mr Gove was accused of trying to airbrush climate change from the national curriculum but he told Good Morning Britain he strengthened the position of climate change on school syllabuses.
Asked about the loss of EU subsidies for farmers and if he could guarantee them until the end of the current parliament, Mr Gove said it was a manifesto commitment.
On the issue of the supply of future unskilled labour for farmers as a result of Brexit and the possibility of a visa scheme, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: As we bring migration down to sustainable levels, well do so in consultation with industry and one of our most important manufacturing industries is agriculture, so we need to make sure that the workforce is there and the support is there.
Mr Gove said he wanted to enhance the environment and also ensure the UK continued to produce high quality food, adding the best means to do that was to exercise appropriate humility and listen and learn.
Former Monty Python star Michael Palin has donated his personal archive including more than 50 notebooks relating to the comedy show to the British Library.
The archive spans the writer, actor, comedian and TV presenters literary and creative life for more than 20 years, from 1965 to 1987.
The Python notebooks contain drafts, working material and personal reflections relating to Palins writing as part of the surreal comedy troupe.
The comedian could not resist making a joke as he explained his thinking behind the donation.
We're absolutely delighted to have acquired Michael Palin's personal archive which includes 50 'Python Notebooks'! https://t.co/3FX3jnxGmN pic.twitter.com/Uqw8hmMfXU The British Library (@britishlibrary) June 13, 2017
My work has been inspired by, and created in, this country, so Im very pleased that my archive has been accepted by the British Library, and that they will make it publicly available, so that future generations will know not to make the same mistakes again, he quipped.
Palin has also donated his personal diaries as well as project files, containing material relating to his film, TV and literary work. The files include correspondence, drafts and annotated scripts on later Python projects.
Rachel Foss, the British Librarys head of contemporary archives and manuscripts, said the archive is fascinating and wide-ranging.
Some of the personal archive whichhas been donated to the British Library by former Monty Python star Michael Palin (Tony Antoniou/British Library/PA)
Michaels contribution to comedy, film and television over the past 50 years has been enormous; in particular through Monty Python, which has had an unparalleled influence on British comedy and internationally, she said.
Were looking forward to making it available for researchers, students and everyone with an interest in post-war popular culture. Its particularly exciting to think that the comedy talent of tomorrow may find inspiration from this collection.
The collection will be available to view in the British Library Reading Rooms from spring 2018.
At least two people have died and more than 700 have fallen ill due to food poisoning at a camp for displaced people near the Iraqi city of Mosul.
A woman and a girl died and at least 200 people were rushed from the desert tent camp to hospitals in the nearby city of Irbil.
An Iraqi politician who visited the camp overnight and Saudi state television have accused a charity from Qatar of providing the tainted food.
In Baghdad, health minister Adila Hamoud told The Associated Press that 752 people became ill after a meal the previous evening at the Hassan Sham U2 camp, about 13 miles east of Mosul.
In this frame grab from video, a man comforts his daughter as a doctor treats her after she was taken ill with suspected food poisoning in the Hassan Sham U2 camp (Balint Szlanko/AP)
The food was meant for an iftar, a meal with which Muslims break their dawn-to-dusk fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Hamoud said at least 300 people remain in serious condition. She refused to speculate whether the poisoning might have been intentional.
Amira Abdulhaliq, from the United Nations refugee agency, said it remains unclear at which point in preparing, packaging, transporting or distributing the meals, the food became contaminated.
So far, we have received around 800 cases, around 200 have been transported to the hospitals in Irbil, she said.
At midday on Tuesday, medics were treating patients in a large tent at the edge of the camp. About 20 to 30 patients, mostly small children, lay on blankets on the floor as several more serious cases were being ferried away by ambulances.
In this frame grab from video, a woman looks at her daughter who was taken ill with suspected food poisoning in the Hassan Sham U2 camp (Balint Szlanko/AP)
At least one new patient was brought in during the day. Most of those afflicted were suffering from stomach cramps and dehydration, resulting from vomiting and diarrhoea.
Raad al-Dahlaki, who chairs the Iraqi parliaments immigration and displacement committee and who visited the camp overnight, said the meal contained rice, a bean sauce, meat, yoghurt and water. He put the number of ill people at 850.
Mr Al-Dahlaki said the food was distributed by a Qatari non-governmental organisation, a charity known as RAF. He added that Iraqi officials were to meet those from the organisation later on Tuesday. The Doha-based charity did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
At a joint press conference later in the camp, Irbil police chief Abdulhaleq Talaat said seven people were arrested in connection with the incident.
Talaat and Hadi said the food was prepared in an Irbil restaurant by a local NGO, Ain el Muhtajeen, under a donation by RAF. Dr Sabur Ahmed, head of Irbil childrens hospital, said 22 children remained in hospital while the rest have been discharged.
On Twitter, Saudi state television accused RAF of supplying the tainted meals and posted images it said showed the camps children poisoned by the terrorist Qatari RAF organisation.
Enda Kenny has said he hopes his legacy as the Republics Taoiseach will be marked by a modest contribution to improving the country.
In a somewhat reluctant and humble valedictory address to the Dail parliament in Dublin, Mr Kenny said he accepted he had made mistakes but that he always had peoples best interests at heart.
This has never been about me it has always been about the problems and challenges that the people of our country face, he said.
Outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny arrives at Government Buildings, Dublin, for his last day as Taoiseach (Brian Lawless/PA)
Mr Kennys speech marked his long-awaited resignation as leader of the Republics minority government after six years in the role.
As part of his last day in office, the veteran Fine Gael politician hosted a Cabinet meeting for the final time in Government Buildings before calling on President Michael D Higgins with a formal letter of resignation.
On his way to Aras an Uachtarain, he stopped off in Dublins north inner city an area blighted by high unemployment and gangland violence.
Called to North InnerCity on my way to Aras to assure community I may be moving on but Govt remains committed to area pic.twitter.com/JyZNGSvtI3 Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) June 13, 2017
A message was posted on Mr Kennys Twitter feed to say the stop-off was to assure the community he is moving on but the Government remains committed to regeneration.
Mr Kenny told colleagues that he would have preferred to have left office quickly and quietly.
The prospect of making a speech or listening to them, either of glorification or flagellation, is not something that I really relish, he added.
Taoiseach @EndaKennyTD leaves Government Buildings on his way to Aras an Uachtarain. pic.twitter.com/UkjUvNQPIl Fine Gael (@FineGael) June 13, 2017
He recalled the will of Michael Davitt. The 19th century republican, agrarian campaigner and founder of the Irish National Land League said he left kind thoughts to his friends, forgiveness to others and an undying prayer to Ireland for absolute freedom and independence.
I hope that in the two governments I have led that we have made a modest contribution towards that ambition, Mr Kenny said.
Mr Kenny, from Castlebar, Co Mayo, took over as Fine Gael leader in 2002 after the party suffered near annihilation at the polls.
As he leaves office today Enda Kenny can hold his head high pic.twitter.com/LxP4SPJ4tJ Colm Burke TD (@ColmBurkeTD) June 13, 2017
He is credited with steadily rebuilding support and, after surviving a leadership heave in 2010, he led it to its best ever election result in early 2011.
Mr Kenny is also the only Fine Gael leader to be re-elected taoiseach.
Among some episodes that will be remembered are his unprecedented attack on the Vatican over clerical child abuse cover-ups.
But his two governments will be marked out for the failure to comprehend and quell fears over water charges and the inability to react quickly and efficiently to a spiralling homelessness crisis which has left unprecedented numbers of families living in hotel rooms.
Delighted to appoint @simoncoveney as Deputy Leader of @finegael. Together we will guide FG's role in Govt and re-energise the party Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) June 13, 2017
Mr Varadkar will head a minority government with the backing of the Independent Alliance, two Independent TDs and a confidence and supply agreement with the main opposition party Fianna Fail.
Details of the frenzied knife attacks on unarmed victims in the London Bridge atrocity have been set out at the inquests into their deaths.
Three terrorists stabbed people in the neck, back and chest during a rampage which left eight dead on June 3, Southwark Coroners Court was told.
The mother of Australian nanny Sara Zelenak was in attendance to hear how her 21-year-old daughter was knifed in the throat on Borough High Street that night.
Julie and Mark Wallace
Julie Wallace, sitting beside her partner Mark Wallace, nodded silently to confirm the spelling of her daughters name.
Coroner Andrew Harris opened and adjourned inquests at the court on Tuesday for five victims of the attack.
He told the families: All of our thoughts and condolences are with you at this terrible time, one of the most horrible things is for parents to be in court hearing the details of a death, particularly a violent one, of their children.
London Bridge
Kirsty Boden, 28, Sebastien Belanger, 36, James McMullan, 32, and Ignacio Echeverria, 39, also died in the area on June 3.
A grim account of their injuries was read out to the inquest, detailing where they had been found and how they were identified.
Mr McMullan, from Brent, north-west London, was killed by a haemorrhage after being stabbed in the chest in Borough Market.
Kirsty Boden (Metropolitan Police/PA)
He was found lying outside the post office on Borough High Street and was later identified by his father.
Chef Mr Belanger, originally from Angers, western France, was drinking at the nearby Boro Bistro when he was stabbed repeatedly in the chest, the inquest heard.
His body was located in Borough Market and he was identified by dental records and fingerprints while his loved ones spent several days unaware of his fate.
James McMullan
Nurse Ms Boden, from Loxton, Australia, ran towards the danger in a selfless bid to save people.
She was found in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral, on Montague Close, with a stab wound to her chest, and was later identified by DNA and dental records.
Au pair Ms Zelenak, from Brisbane, Australia, was found in Borough High Street, stabbed in the neck, and was subsequently identified by dental records and DNA.
Ignacio Echeverria Miralles de Imperial (Metropolitan Police/PA)
HSBC analyst Mr Echeverria, from As Pontes, north-west Spain, was knifed in the back on London Bridge, having tried to defend a woman with his skateboard.
His body was identified by his brother several days later, the hearing was told. Representatives from the Spanish consulate also attended on behalf of Mr Echeverrias family.
Armed police shot dead ringleader Khuram Butt, 27, and his two accomplices Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, just eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.
The inquest proceedings were suspended by Mr Harris so that the vast police operation was not hampered by his investigation. A hearing will take place on Wednesday into the deaths of Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, and Frenchmen Xavier Thomas, 45, and Alexandre Pigeard, 26.
The 2017 South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair (SSACEIF) kicked off in the city of Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, on June 12.
The opening ceremony of the 2017 South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair was held at the Dianchi International Conference and Exhibition Center in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, on June 12. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]
Themed as "Jointly Creating New Opportunities and Seeking New Development," the expo and fair focuses on exhibiting commodities from South and Southeast Asian countries, facilitating cooperative negotiations between China and those countries, and offering a platform for enhancing multilateral diplomacy, economic ties and cultural exchanges, according to the opening ceremony held on the morning of June 12.
Chen Hao, the secretary of the CPC Yunnan provincial committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of Yunnan provincial people's congress, extended his welcome towards all the guests at the opening ceremony.
As Yunnan Province is located near South and Southeast Asian countries and both sides have a long history of economic and cultural exchanges, the event is expected to promote the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, the cooperation of the Lancang-Mekong Sub-region, and the construction of the China and Indo-China Peninsula Economic Corridor and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, he said during his speech.
Li Chenggang, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Commerce, Yang Xiuping, the secretary general of the China-ASEAN Center, and several foreign delegates also delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.
They noted that an increasing number of countries have responded to and have got involved in the Belt and Road Initiative with greater willingness and with expanded areas of cooperation. Yunnan, being an important node city of the Belt and Road Initiative, will offer more opportunities to step up cooperation and mutual benefits between China and South and Southeast Asian countries.
The policy consultation, trade promotion, infrastructure connectivity, financial cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and those countries are expected to be deepened through the event and extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits can also be advanced among countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, according to a news briefing held on June 11.
Yunnan is at the junction of Chinese, South and Southeast Asian economic circles and serves as a hub and gateway of South Asia when global goods flow into China. Therefore the event will also propel the circulation of commodities, capital, human resources, technologies and information as well as advancing the deep integration of markets, industries and projects between China and other countries, according to the news briefing.
Jointly held by the China Chamber of International Commerce, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, China-ASEAN Center and Secretariat of China-South Asia Expo, the event will last for seven days with Pakistan and Laos being the theme country and the guest of honor respectively.
There are 17 exhibition halls and more than 8,000 booths set at the Dianchi International Conference and Exhibition Center. A total of 86 countries and regions and over 4,000 enterprises attended the event, among which foreign ones accounted for 41.2 percent.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will make a five-day official visit to Poland and Germany in mid-July, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
William and Kate will begin their trip on July 17 in Polands capital Warsaw and end in the German city of Hamburg on July 21.
They are making the trip at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it is likely to be seen as another Brexit diplomacy tour, helping to maintain and strengthen the UKs relations with Europe as it leaves the EU.
Update: The Duke and Duchess will tour Poland and Germany from 17-21 July visiting Warsaw, Gdansk, Berlin, Heidelberg and Hamburg. pic.twitter.com/AeuYauUtlG The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 13, 2017
It is not thought the couple will be taking their young children Prince George and Princess Charlotte on tour with them.
Kensington Palace declined to comment when asked if the Cambridges would be accompanied by their children.
During their tour William and Kate will also visit Gdansk in Poland, Germanys capital Berlin and Heidelberg.
William travelled to Germany last summer, visiting Dusseldorf for a series of events honouring the role of British armed forces based in the country.
The Duke of Cambridge and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during William's visit to Dusseldorf, Germany (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)
During a gala event, where the Duke gave a speech alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel, William claimed the depth of Britains friendship with Germany would not change after Brexit.
The British monarchy has close ties with the European country, as a succession of sovereigns from George I, born in what is now modern Germany and who acceded to the throne in 1714, to William IV, who died in 1830, were also rulers of Hanover in Germany.
The 300th anniversary of what is known as the personal union was celebrated in 2014, and the year before the milestone, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie visited Germany to highlight the event.
The Duchess of Cambridge has yet to make an official trip to Germany (Dominic Lipinski/AP/)
During a state visit to Germany in 2015, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp to mark the 70th anniversary of its liberation by British forces.
Kate has yet to make an official trip to Germany and the Cambridges have not toured Poland before on behalf of the Government.
Kensington Palace said full details of the visit would be released at a later date.
Sinn Fein is still committed to powersharing at Stormont as it provides a strategic route to a united Ireland, party president Gerry Adams has said.
Mr Adams dismissed suggestions the republican party was no longer interested in getting a devolved administration back up and running in Belfast.
His remarks came as the faltering talks process took another effective pause, only 24 hours after it resumed.
Locked gates at Stormont in Belfast (Niall Carson/PA)
The initiative restarted on Monday, after breaking for the General Election, but negotiations have again been put on ice on Tuesday as the political focus shifted to Westminster and the anticipated parliamentary deal between the DUP and the Conservatives.
Mr Adams, addressing claims of Sinn Fein disengagement, said: We want into the institutions, because that is what the people desire, that is what the people voted for.
But also because we think strategically that is the way to a united Ireland.
The way forward is not to be in a vacuum, to have stagnation, the way forward is to have that forum working on the basis on which it should have been established.
As he arrived at the Dail in Dublin ahead of Enda Kennys formal resignation as taoiseach, Mr Adams said incoming Irish premier Leo Varadkar needed to put his efforts into restoring powersharing north of the border.
The focus has to be on plan A, which is to get the institutions in place, that is our focus and we would like to think it will be the focus of the incoming taoiseach, he said.
The Alliance Party has warned that the talks process is bereft of impetus and momentum. Exchanges at Stormont Castle on Tuesday are expected to be limited discussions between party officials.
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire (David Young/PA)
Secretary of State James Brokenshire and DUP leader Arlene Foster are both in London for talks on the confidence and supply deal that would enable Theresa Mays minority government to function.
The Stormont parties have until a June 29 deadline to reach consensus and re-establish a ruling executive.
Northern Ireland has been without a powersharing executive since March and without a first and deputy first minister since January.
Former Newcastle team-mate Papiss Cisse led the tributes to Cheick Tiote at a memorial service in China on Tuesday.
Tiote collapsed and died aged 30 during a training session with his club Beijing Enterprises last Monday.
Cisse, who played alongside Tiote at St James Park, said at the service: I lived some extraordinary moments with this man and today he is gone.
Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse
He was like a brother. We shared a lot in life. His family was my family.
Tiotes body is due to be flown back to the Ivory Coast where a private funeral will take place.
Theresa Mays premiership has no mandate and no legitimacy, Jeremy Corbyn told Labours MPs as he declared: "We are now a government in waiting".
The Labour leaders campaigning will continue, with plans to visit scores of Tory-held seats in a sign that the Opposition believes Mrs Mays government will fall and another election could happen within months.
The Leader of the Opposition was greeted with cheers and a 45-second ovation as he arrived at the first meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party since the election which saw Mrs Mays Tories lose their Commons majority.
The scenes were in marked contrast to the difficult meetings Mr Corbyn had with his critics in the parliamentary party before the election.
He said Labour would remain on a General Election footing due to the instability of the minority Tory government and set out plans to visit 65 Conservative seats over the coming months.
Labour has also gained 35,000 new members since the General Election, he added.
Young people voted in record numbers in the General Election because they wanted real change and a government that will work #ForTheMany. pic.twitter.com/6lcNoXRY9U Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 13, 2017
Mr Corbyn told the MPs and peers: "We must remain in permanent campaign mode on a General Election footing.
"We achieved what we did last Thursday because we were a united party during the campaign and we need to maintain that unity and collective discipline in the weeks and months ahead.
"We will continue to take the fight to the Tories and I will be out campaigning around the country in Conservative marginals in those extra seats we need to gain to deliver the government for the many that almost 13 million people voted for last week.
Lab source on parliamentary guerilla warfare to come: "We will be using every opportunity to halt the Tory programme ..." 1/2 David Hughes (@DavidHughesPA) June 13, 2017
"... and use every mechanism to advance our own manifesto and agenda." Lab source on the battle May faces without a Commons majority. 2/2 David Hughes (@DavidHughesPA) June 13, 2017
"Now as Parliament returns, we have a Government in complete disarray still unable to reach an agreement, it seems, with the DUP and desperately delaying the Queens Speech and Brexit negotiations.
"Far from being strong and stable, the Government Theresa May is putting together is weak, wobbly and out of control. This is a Government on notice from the voters.
Theresa May has no mandate and no legitimacy for policies that do not have the support of the majority of the British people.
The seats Labour would need to take from the Conservatives to become the largest party in a hung parliament
"We are now a government in waiting and we must think and act at all times with that in mind.
"That is our responsibility to the huge numbers who voted for our manifesto last week: a programme to transform Britain for the many that caught the imagination of millions.
"This was a remarkable result achieved because we stayed united and worked as a team and I have no doubt together we can win the next general election, whenever that may be."
In a sign of the parliamentary guerilla warfare that will face Mrs May as she attempts to run a minority government, a Labour source said: In Parliament we will be using every opportunity to halt the Tory programme which doesnt have a mandate and use every mechanism to advance our own manifesto and agenda.
The source added that some of Mr Corbyns critics in Parliament were gracious enough to point out that they hadnt always had confidence in his leadership but they did now and that they had underestimated him.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has heatedly denied that he had any undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador or conversations with Russian officials about the US elections.
He vowed to defend his honour against scurrilous and false allegations.
Testifying at a Senate hearing, Mr Sessions said it was a detestable and appalling lie to suggest that he participated in or was aware of any collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign.
Jeff Sessions is sworn-in prior to testifying (Alex Brandon/AP)
In his dramatic appearance before former colleagues, Mr Sessions also contradicted a contention made by former FBI director James Comey at a hearing before the same panel last week.
Mr Comey said that, after an encounter with President Donald Trump in which he said Mr Trump pressured him to back off an investigation into the former national security adviser, Mr Comey implored Mr Sessions to make sure he was never left alone with the president again but that Mr Sessions did not respond..
He didnt recall this, but I responded to his comment by agreeing that the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policy regarding contacts with the White House, Mr Sessions said.
The former Alabama senator defended himself against accusations that he misrepresented himself during his confirmation hearing by saying he hadnt met with Russian officials during the campaign.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified about his decision to recuse from an investigation into possible ties between Moscow and associates of President Donald Trump (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
Mr Sessions argued that in the context of the hearing, my answer was a fair and correct response to the charge as I understood it.
He said he recused himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation only because of a regulation to require the step because of his involvement in the Trump campaign. He never, he insisted, knew anything about the Russia probe or had any role in it.
While he had recused himself from the Russia probe, Mr Sessions said: I did not recuse myself from defending my honour against scurrilous and false allegations.
Mr Sessions said he was defending his honour (Alex Brandon/AP)
Despite his statement about the reasons for his recusal, the attorney general did not actually step aside from the Russia probe until March 2, the day after The Washington Post reported on his two previously undisclosed meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
Days after that, Mr Sessions also corrected his confirmation hearing testimony to inform the committee about the two meetings with Mr Kislyak.
Democratic Sen Ron Wyden of Oregon asked Mr Sessions about suggestions arising from Mr Comeys testimony last week that there was something problematic about his recusal.
Ron Wyden asked about Mr Comey's testimony last week (J Scott Applewhite/AP)
Mr Wyden asked Mr Sessions what problematic issues existed.
Why dont you tell me? There are none, Sen Wyden, there are none, Mr Sessions insisted, his voice rising. This is a secret innuendo being leaked out there about me, and I dont appreciate it.
As for his role in Mr Comeys sacking, Mr Sessions told senators that he and his second-in-command, Rod Rosenstein, had a clear view that we had problems there, and it was my best judgment that a fresh start at the FBI was the appropriate thing to do. And when asked I said that to the president.
By Padraic Halpin and Dasha Afanasieva
DUBLIN/LONDON, June 12 (Reuters) - Allied Irish Banks(AIB) plans to raise up to 3.3 billion euros ($3.7 billion) when it sells a 25 percent stake on the Dublin and London stock markets in the biggest test yet of investor appetite for Irish banks.
The initial public offering (IPO) is set to be one of Europe's largest bank listings since the 2008 financial crisis and the proceeds could extend to 3.8 billion euros if the over-allotment option is exercised fully.
With a price range between 3.90 euros and 4.90 euros, the deal is targeting a similar valuation to that of Bank of Ireland , the state's largest bank by assets.
A source close to the deal said the range was based on a price to book value multiple of between 0.82 and 1.03. Bank of Ireland trades at a multiple of 0.9.
The Finance Ministry said the long-awaited stake sale remains on track despite the Conservative party losing its majority in Thursday's UK election.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan had previously said the price could be driven up if the party, which still won the most seats, secured a convincing majority.
"Market conditions remain favourable and I am encouraged by the strong level of interest shown by investors in the offering to date," Noonan said in a statement.
Dublin rescued the bank in a 21 billion euro taxpayer bailout that began in early 2009 and has been considering cashing out some of its 99.9 percent stake since last year.
One of Ireland's two dominant banks alongside Bank of Ireland, AIB returned to profit three years ago and has since cut its huge stock of impaired loans by more than two thirds become the first domestically owned lender to restart dividends since the financial crisis.
AIB will list its shares on the Irish and London stock exchanges and seek admission to the main markets of each. The government said the sale is expected to be one of the largest IPOs on the UK's main market in 20 years.
AIB is less exposed to Britain's departure from the European Union than bigger rival Bank of Ireland, having made only 14 percent of last year's pre-provision operating profit in the UK.
However, the IPO prospectus said that Brexit could result in an increase in the level of non-performing loans held by banks across Ireland, including AIB, while demand for new loans could decline.
Ireland's substantial stock of non-performing loans, mostly extended for house purchases just before the bursting of Ireland's property bubble in 2008, amounts to 17.5 percent of total lending.
At the end of 2016 AIB's 14.2 billion euros of non-performing loans accounted for 22 percent of its gross loan book. That compares with 9.6 percent at Bank of Ireland.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Davy and Deutsche Bank are global coordinators for the AIB offering. ($1 = 0.8929 euros) (Additional reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Greg Mahlich and David Goodman)
By Maria Carolina Marcello
BRASILIA, June 12 (Reuters) - The main ally of Brazil's scandal-hit President Michel Temer will stay in his coalition despite a move by younger members to break away from what they view as an irremediably corrupt government, party leaders said on Monday.
Speaking just before an executive meeting of the Brazilian Social Democratic Party, or PSDB, they said a decision to stick with Temer was based on the need to support his austerity program in congress to balance Brazil's overdrawn fiscal accounts.
Senior leaders of the party have managed to hold back a movement by younger lawmakers who want to quit the government and pull the four PSDB ministers out of Temer's cabinet.
Temer's acquittal on Friday in an illegal campaign funding case dating from the 2014 election strengthened the president's position among some of those wavering in the PSDB.
"The government has retained its legitimacy by not being removed by the electoral court, and our party is committed to its policies that are needed for the recovery of the economy," national executive member Jose Anibal told Reuters.
Temer's unpopular fiscal reforms, particularly an overhaul of the costly pension system, are seen as crucial for Brazil to bring a gaping budget deficit under control and regain investor confidence.
But Temer's administration has been shaken by accusations he endorsed payment of hush money to buy the silence of a potential witness in a corruption probe and took bribes from giant meatpacker JBS SA.
Temer is being investigated for corruption and obstruction of justice. Brazil's top prosecutor is expected to file charges against the president in the coming days.
Another PSDB executive member said a majority of the party's 46 lawmakers in the lower chamber of Congress wanted to abandon Temer's coalition. They are worried voters will punish them at the polls next year for being part of a government widely perceived as corrupt.
"Our party has not won an election in 16 years and the electorate has changed a lot. Voters no longer tolerate traditional political practices," the PSDB leader said, requesting anonymity to speak more freely.
Corruption allegations that led to the ousting of the PSDB's former leader and presidential candidate in 2014, Aecio Neves, have weakened the party and made it imperative to take distance from Temer, he said.
The lawmaker wants the party to remove its ministers from Temer's government while making clear to markets that it fully backs his reform proposals. (Reporting by Alonso Soto and Anthony Boadle; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Dan Grebler)
By Andy Home
LONDON, June 12 (Reuters) - Aluminium is still the star of the London Metal Exchange (LME) base metals complex, up by over 12 percent on the start of the year.
After recording a two-year high of $1,981 per tonne in March, LME three-month metal has eased slightly but is largely holding its ground around the $1,900 level.
Compare and contrast with the likes of copper and zinc, both of which have wilted on growing concerns about renewed slowdown in China's construction and manufacturing sectors.
Aluminium is taking a different cue from China, pinning its hopes on what Beijing calls "supply-side reform" to force production cuts in the world's largest producer.
The money men are largely keeping the faith with this narrative, holding a net long position To send an online condolence, go to www.evansfh.com. 29:
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Mid-week already Canberra!
After an overnight low of minus 2 degrees there's a bit of frost and fog around town this morning.
Temperatures will heat up to a sunny 15 degrees, that's the hottest we are tipped to get until the weekend.
On this day in 1900 Hawaii became a United States territory, it was also the day in 1946 Donald J Trump was born, making today his 71st birthday.
If you're curious (we were), this is the President's horoscope as per Alison Moroney in today's Canberra Times:
Tensions between the family of murdered Canberra mother-of-three Sabah Al-Mdwali and her convicted killer and husband erupted in the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Family members of Ms Al-Mdwali read out victim impact statements detailing the horrific impact the killing has had on her children and the rest of the family since her murder in March 2015.
Maged Al-Harazi was sentenced to 30 years in Canberra's jail for killing his wife. He will likely be deported upon his release.
Her then-husband Maged Mohommed Ahmed Al-Harazi, 36, had previously been found guilty of the horrific murder of his then-wife, stabbing her 57 times as she tried to breastfeed her infant son.
But as Ms Al-Mdwali's brother read out a victim impact statement from her father in court today, Al-Harazi started yelling at the brother in Arabic, and saying in English he was "saying bad things" about him.
A deputy commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office has resigned on the same day he appeared in court for the first time following an investigation into a $130 million tax fraud scheme.
Michael Bede Cranston, 59, is charged with two Commonwealth offences of using information obtained in his capacity as a public official and exercising influence in his capacity as a public official.
The 35-year veteran of the ATO, who was considered to have an "illustrious" career until he was charged on May 17, had been suspended while the criminal matter was afoot.
He has since chosen to resign, effective from Tuesday.
Investors reacted positively to plans by CSL to make its first acquisition in China, pushing the shares to new all-time highs on its move which will give it on-the-ground access to its fastest-growing market for blood products.
CSL said it would pay $US352 million ($465.6 million) for an initial 80 per cent stake in Wuhan Zhong Yuan Rui De Biological Products Co from Humanwell Healthcare Group. The company operates a blood fractionation plant in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, as well as four plasma collection centres.
The company operates a blood fractionation plant in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, as well as four blood collection centres. Credit:James Davis
Optimism that the move will give CSL better access to China saw its shares pushed to a closing peak of $137.65, a gain of 1.9 per cent on the day with the shares one of the most actively traded on the day. Its shares have risen by more than a third so far this year.
Under the terms of the deal, CSL may buy out the remaining 20 per cent of Ruide under an agreed formula in future, although it is anticipated Humanwell will retain its holding in the venture for some time.
Corporate raider, Ariadne run by Dr Gary Weiss, has issued a notice of intention to call for an extraordinary general meeting in a bid to gain shareholder approval to appoint four directors to the Ardent Leisure board, and consequently gain control.
Ariadne owns 9.86 per cent, with Viburnum Funds, and has been seeking two seats at the table to push along changes within Ardent. Calling an EGM requires a stake in a company of at least 5 per cent.
But only a day after Ardent announced that the board had fast-tracked Simon Kelly as the new chief executive to replace Deborah Thomas, Dr Weiss has called for a shareholder meeting to boost it to four seats.
Aside from Dr Weiss, Ariadne is looking to add Kevin Seymour to the board, along with Brad Richmond and Andrew Hedges, and has been agitating for change at the embattled Ardent group.
Vile visual pollution I would like to express my extreme disappointment, sadness and disgust at the escalation of "tagging" in Canberra generally but particularly in the Woden, Weston Creek area. We moved to Canberra 13 years ago and apart from the odd scribble there was virtually no graffiti and tagging. In the past two years particularly it has become rampant and an abhorrent blight on our landscape. Visitors to Canberra are appalled at the way in which this vandalism has been allowed to get completely out of control. Major roads such as Hindmarsh Drive are an absolute disgrace and for a city that claims to pride itself on beautiful landscapes, dignity and as the nation's capital, the so called "jewel in the crown", the government should be utterly ashamed of itself. Surely there could be an allocation of funding to clean this mess up and prioritise ongoing maintenance to prevent what has been allowed to happen.
I understand that there will always be patches of graffiti in odd places, but to allow our major roads to be desecrated in this way is beyond comprehension. We visited Adelaide recently and I can assure you that all graffiti there is removed within 24 hours. Perhaps they treasure their city and its environment far more than we do ours. We have travelled extensively and apart from Rome, Canberra would be the worst graffiti vandalised city anywhere. Jenny Chapman, Fisher Mistakes disregarded
Darren Randal (Letters, June 13) points out the inability of the ACT government's planning agency to make the best of the amenity and scenery around Lake Tuggeranong. Unfortunately, he selected the Kingston foreshore as a positive example of what could be done. I am constantly bemused that I can eat at any restaurant along Trevillian Quay and look directly into the verandahs of the apartments opposite; likewise, the residents on the balconies can look down on diners. A view of the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin can only be glimpsed if I frequent the pub at the lake end of the Quay walkway. The ACT government has a long and sorry history of poor planning. For example, Belconnen residents have always appreciated the view of Lake Ginninderra that can be seen fleetingly as we park our cars at Belconnen Mall, rather than being able to enjoy the panorama of the lake over a leisurely repast. The genome of ACT planners seems to favour hiding our magnificent views from public appreciation. Seriously though, it would be a tremendous leap forward if our city planners could learn from past mistakes.
Surely, planning for future developments should provide better access to Canberra's magnificent scenery and improve the amenity of areas where people gather. J. Grant, Gowrie Clearing the air Paul E. Bowler (Letters, June 8) starts with two fundamental misconceptions about both Hare-Clark and Senate voting, and tries to finesse the inevitable difficulties inherent in any detailed variant of his incipient proposal. Although multiple vacancies are being filled in each electorate, we each have a single transferable vote, indicating the order in which candidates can be assisted by what remains unused of it.
That puts all elected candidates on the same footing once they achieve the quota, and limits the maximum level of wasted votes, namely those that fail to contribute to someone's election. While it makes sense for voters to mark as many preferences as possible in pursuit of their maximum available influence, under Hare-Clark just a single first preference is accepted as formal. Giving electors as many first preferences to allocate as there are vacancies would raise the prospect of some having all of these effective while others had just a few or none at all contributing to someone's election. This could mean a party with greatest support taking all the vacancies, well out of kilter with its actual public standing. Bogey Musidlak, Proportional Representation Society of Australia (ACT Branch) Some respect required for jungle sacrifices made on our behalf
On a recent visit to Canberra I came across the Kokoda Memorial located outside the Services Club site in Manuka. The statue depicts a wounded Australian soldier being helped by a Papua New Guinean, known as a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, during the famous Kokoda Track campaign. I only noticed the statue by chance as it is completely dwarfed by a beer company sign and a large tank. Unless you look carefully you would not realise the statue was there. The statue commemorates possibly the most iconic event of Australia's World War II history.
Simpson and his donkey, displayed prominently outside the War Memorial, is the First World War equivalent. It has become a significant Canberra attraction. The Kokoda memorial statue ought to be given similar prominence and respect. Peter Kearney, Lanena, Tas True basis of strategy Nicholas Stuart makes some valid points in his article ("Changing nature of war may undo us", June 13, p17).
Not everything is as he portrays, however. In particular, his assertion that strategic thinking begins and ends with equipment capabilities is not correct, nor is his statement that "our Abrams tanks are ageneration too old to fight inIraq". Defence strategy starts with two fundamentals: the "warning time" for enemy intentions to become clear; and the "lead time" to acquire equipment and train personnel to operate and maintain it. Coupled with alliances, these considerations drive defence policy, from the size of the standing defence force and readiness levels, to industry participation and stockpiling requirements. It was General Cosgrove as Chief of the Defence Force who stated that our then Leopard tanks could not be deployed to Iraq because "they would be anageing orphan among our allies". This was not, of itself, reason to prevent them participating in that campaign (our Centurions were operated successfully as ageing orphans in Vietnam).
The nature of warfare more recently, however, means that interoperability is essential. All sea, land, and air platforms in a theatre of operations must be able to communicate with each other, as well as with command centres. It is the responsibility of the ADF to maintain this capability in accord with the relevant warning and lead times (both in terms of equipment interface and logistic support). Bruce Cameron, Campbell In explaining that there can never be long-term guarantees about the effectiveness of any new weapons system, no matter how top-of-the-market world-beating they may be in the contemporary world, Nicholas Stuart is spot on ("Changing nature of war may undo us", June 13, p17).
By the time the new submarines we have ordered have been built and are in service in 50 years' time, there will very probably exist technology capable of detecting them: they will no longer possess the invisibility that is their main asset. To reinforce his point, Stuart gives many other examples of new weapons that have been effective only until technology devises an answer to them. He could have chosen many more the arms race started with a better kind of spear, andan improved shield to counter it. The modern nuclear weapon is an exception to this general rule. Ever since president Ronald Reagan announced his anti-missile project, dubbed Star Wars, back in the '80s, no reliable defensive shield to a fleet of intercontinental ballistic missiles tipped with multiple hydrogen bomb warheads and travelling at six kilometres per second has been found, despite the best efforts of scientists over many decades and billions of dollars expended. At last we have come to a point where there is no military answer to a weapon, and security must be sought in politics. A political solution to the other weapons systems would also be wonderful, but it would involve a degree of international collaboration never yet achieved.
Harry Davis, Campbell Your columnist Nicholas Stuart is incorrect in asserting, in his article "Changing nature of war may undo us", that sonar was a World War II development. While the technology, originally known as ASDIC, was not operational by the end of World War I, it was well along the development path with thefirst patent for an echo sounding device issued in 1912. Work on a (British) naval prototype began in 1916 and both France and Britain had constructed working prototypes by the end of World WarI. Research continued during the interwar period and by 1939 several ships in the British fleet were ASDIC equipped.
Britain supplied the highly secret technology to the US at no cost long before that nation officially entered the war. M. Moore, Bonython Truly a wailing wall The Great Wall of Parliament House is appearing. It's ugly. It's as senseless as any wall (buy a drone!). Its symbolism is tragic. It's from a furtive parliamentary process taking advantage of a minor act of interruption that was a major act of democratic protest. Shame on our pusillanimous, deceptive politics. Deal with real issues, like climate, inequality, housing, NBN, even the budget: there's no shortage after years of political failure.
This wall will stand as a symbol of shame and utter despair for our demeaned politics. Eric Pozza, Red Hill Now that's a penalty Why is our federal government so intent on screwing over the little guy? There is no evidence that cutting people's penalty rates will increase jobs. There is, however, on the increased inequality that it will cause.
Our investment banker Prime Minister doesn't want tohear from you unless you'rerich. The most vulnerable members of our community seem to be slowly crippled with every new policy that is made. I am sick and tired of the men on the hill living in luxury while we are stressing over how to make it through the week. Cutting penalty rates has entirely cut my support for our government. Andrew McGregor, Isabella Plains
TO THE POINT DIRTY WEEKEND Fifty thousand fellow Canberrans will be affected by the reduction in weekend penalty rates, so grossly unfair it's not funny. Many of these people provide services that the well heeled (lots being pollies and their support crew) take advantage of every weekend. And now they will need to throw even less shekels their way. Gerard De Ruyter, Wanniassa THE WRONG MAN
I object to Thos Puckett (Letters, June 12) claiming that Boris Johnson is "Britain's answer to Donald Trump". Boris Johnson badly needs a comb, but he had a successful career as mayor of London, is highly intelligent, writes well and appears to be genuinely funny. None of those apply to Trump. Jenny Goldie, Michelago, NSW If Boris Johnson gets to be Britain's next Prime Minister, we'll have our two closest allies leaders with the worst hairstyles in the history of the Free World. Brian Bell, Isabella Plains No, no, no, Thos Puckett (Letters, June 13), no way is Boris Johnson Britain's answer to Donald Trump. Boris is well educated, intelligent, literate and articulate.
M. Jackson, Kambah SCHOOLS TO HELP I remember when Greek children went to government schools and attended Greek school run by the Greek community on Saturdays to learn Greek language and culture. Why can't Muslim immigrants do this? It would help them integrate into the wider community. M. Davis, Charnwood
UNCLE VLAD STRIKES The arbitrary arrest, detention and third degree treatment of those protesting corruption in Russia makes one wonder whether the Stalinist communist state has been resurrected by the Putin regime. It certainly does not resemble democracy. Rajend Naidu, Glenfield WATCH THIS SPACE
Ten-year-old Barron Trump has moved into the White House. Should we expect to see an improvement in Donald Trump's spelling on Twitter? Peter Moran, Watson DEITY IS LAUGHING Luca Biason (Letters, June 13) has not heeded the old saying: "God must have a sense of humour. Otherwise He would not have made us the way we are." Jack Monaghan, Lyneham
A paper published last week by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute underlined the powerful impact this perception can have on how we spend money. It found that since the global financial crisis, for every $100,000 increase in property values, middle-aged home owners were likely to increase their consumption by up to $1600 a year. This is known as a "wealth effect", where households change behaviour because they're feeling richer, thanks to gains in their paper wealth. The wealth effect of recent years was not as pronounced as before the global financial crisis, the paper said. But even so, the feeling of greater wealth among home owners has helped to support household consumption in recent years, economists say. It's also true that people who own a property purely for investment purposes are clearly better off when house prices rise.
But rising home prices aren't as beneficial to many owner-occupiers as they might appear to be. Why? Because housing is both something that we consume, and an asset. That means it is a large source of wealth, but at the same time, we all need to pay for some amount of housing, whether it's through renting or buying. When that cost increases it means we have less to spend on other things. In practice, exploiting the unrealised capital gain in a house that you also live in will probably involve some big trade-offs, as many readers would be aware.
Some of these trade-offs have become increasingly obvious during the more recent years of the boom. One way to tap into that extra value is to sell the house. But of course, you'll still need somewhere to live, and comparable properties will have become just as expensive. In other words, you'll have to trade down in some way to end up ahead financially. That's not always easy to do in a city like Sydney. Another way to access the wealth is by taking out a loan against your house. But Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe last month suggested households were "much less inclined" to withdraw equity from their homes today, perhaps because of their already sizeable debt loads.
"Many of us feel that we have enough debt and don't want to increase consumption using borrowed money," Lowe said. The last few years have also demonstrated just how powerful property booms are in redistributing wealth in favour of those who already own property. As many baby boomers are finding out, one of the simplest ways they can help their adult kids counter this trend is through the "bank of mum and dad" tapping into their own superannuation or housing wealth to help their children afford a home. National Australia Bank and Westpac last year confirmed loans guaranteed by family members were growing more quickly than the broader home loan market, while this February the RBA said the proportion of first home buyers who received a loan from family or friends has climbed higher in recent decades, to more than 10 per cent. This trend is only likely to continue, and it has consequences for the parents' wealth, too.
As Lowe pointed out in a speech last year, if more parents choose to pass on their wealth to help their kids into the housing market, that leaves less wealth for the parents to spend on themselves. While the bank of mum and dad may seem like a modern phenomenon, we've been talking about these issues for more than two decades. In 1995, a future Reserve Bank governor named Ian Macfarlane pointed out the illusion of higher housing wealth. "The enhanced wealth is in a form which is unlikely to be realised how many of us sell our house and live in something of lower quality in order to 'cash in' the higher wealth for use in some other form of expenditure? "Moreover, while periods of strong increase in house prices make the present owners of housing richer, they also make those next in the queue poorer," he was later quoted as saying.
I work hard and I am a proud Australian citizen with a great love for this country. We make sure our kids, born here, appreciate everything that is Australian and acknowledge it's history. It's in our blood. It's politicians that demean the hard work and Australian patriotism that migrants have taken on. Get a grip. Krish Patel Leichhardt Keeping Islamic terrorists in isolation in a "supermax" high-security prison is an effective way of stopping their evil propaganda in a general prison population. I find calls for rehabilitation both naive and dangerous. And yes, there is the risk that if these terrorists were released they could be even more extreme in their beliefs. So why release them? Phil Johnson Dee Why No need to give CSG project to be given approval
What is the case for approving Santos' proposed massive coal seam gas (CSG) project in northern NSW? (" 'Sitting ducks': Santos' CSG gaps highlighted by farmers", June 13). The people are against it (more than 23,000 a record number of submissions from the public, an estimated 98 per cent against the project) and it clearly risks a lot of precious things: our water, food, soil, farmers' health and livelihoods, and climate (as CSG releases methane, which is up to 80 times more potent a greenhouse gas compared to CO), and even insurance companies refuse to insure farmers against the risk. The CSG project must be essential or overwhelmingly beneficial, in order for any go-ahead to make sense. But Australia already has plenty of gas, and globally we're estimated to face a gas glut as capacity increases at the same time as demand falls. I hope the NSW government does the right thing by us, as the only case for approving the Santos project is ideological. Danya Luo Marsfield Alan Finkell says that keeping electricity costs down, avoiding blackouts and keeping emissions below two per cent should all be given equal weighting. A risk analysis asks two questions; how likely is a thing to happen and how severe are the likely consequences. It is very likely all three will fail but the possible consequences of even half an extra degree of warming must far outweigh the other two. Maybe their equivalence computes in politics but not in the real world. Paul Hopmeier Lane Cove
Please! Crowdfunding urgently required to dispatch Tony Abbott to the Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula. The exercise is to allow a climate sceptic to discover and explain a large crack. The Australian public deserves some Abbott-free time. David Goldstein Balgowlah Frustrating NBN far less important than the landline Our family has also found the NBN to be a complete failure (Letters, June 12). Unfortunately for us, this came at a most difficult and distressing time. My husband was battling a brain tumour when we received a letter from Optus in February, telling us it was time to change over to the NBN, and implying our current service would be disconnected if we did not. After agreeing to the change, to occur on March 1, we have completely lost access to the internet both our old service and the promised NBN. In addition, we lost our land line at this time. The disconnection of the land line was particularly traumatising, as it was the only form of communication my husband was able to use due to his brain tumour, as well as being a means for overseas and interstate family and friends to contact him. Obviously internet based communication was also impossible as we had no service. We remain without service now in June, over three months later. This, despite dozens of long phone calls to Optus as well as 2 other telcos which all included the usual frustrations of hour long customer service line waiting times, and the familiar polite but disinterested interactions with off-shore based service representatives. In the midst of this, my husband passed away. Dealing with end of life activities, such as communicating news of his death to loved ones near and far, organising a funeral, and the other minutiae involved after someone dieshas been exceptionally trying without internet or landline. This letter no doubt reflects some of the deep frustration experienced by many, many Australians around the country. Claude Bilinsky's widow, Bellevue Hill
Can somebody tell me what sort of lunacy Australia has come to in pursuit of "the clever country"when the frail, aged and disabled who rely on a fixed line home phone as an essential link with the outside world are mandated to move to NBN by July. I have not heard of one household where it has been a smooth transition. If the power fails, these vulnerable people will be without a phone, even if they have a life-threatening medical condition including a "Vital Call" service. Unbelievably there is no black up backup plan. My 90-year-old mother is daily bombarded with "threatening" letters from Telstra telling her to join up or her phone will be cut off. On her behalf I have been given confusing and contradictory information (yes she needs to change, no she doesn't as there will be lines kept open for years, and finally YES she must). What of people who do not have family to make arrangements for them? Sue Outram Hamilton East Strike fighter jet an expensive dud The Australian Department of Defence has a propensity for selecting duds when it comes to military procurement. Second-hand Abrams tanks, Sea King helicopters, Collins-class submarines to name a few ("Australia's next generation fighter jets grounded after starving pilots of oxygen"' SMH.com.au, June 13). Add to that the F35A strike fighter jet yet to be delivered. Pilots being able to breathe should be seen as a priority. This plane is an obvious expensive dud and should be dropped and replaced by a more reliable jet such as the Eurofighter Typhoon. Continuing with the F35A strike fighter could end up as the most costly mistake ever made by government. It's time for a rethink. Greg Thomas Annandale
People the problem If the headline read thousands we might be able to help ("Famine stalks millions as aid efforts fall short"' June 12). Just as the refugee issue would be manageable if the numbers were in the hundreds not hundreds of thousands. Virtually every problem one can think of would be mitigated by a reduced population. Less demand is the solution, not more supply. Housing in Sydney will never be considered affordable until supply exceeds demand and the simplest way to do that is to reduce our population. The ancillary benefits are many: fewer cars; less need for more toll roads; reduced need for more hospitals, prisons, schools, etc. Bill DunLany Hunters Hill Voice of the young The impact of the youth vote in Britain's election was quite stunning and welcome but unlikely to be replicated in Australia ("Why Albanese benefits from UK result", June 13). A generation ago progressive, concerned young people were a significant force for change, even though cynically ignored by their conservative elders. Where are they today, when they are most needed? They should realise that a relatively small number of them, well organised, could overwhelm the major parties' membership in each electorate, control preselection processes and unseat every sitting politician. It must have something to do with education, which would explain our governments' indifference to educational outcomes and our declining place in the world order of things.
Jim Ayling Kirrawe Health star travesty Kudos to Peter FitzSimons for calling out the Health Star System as a corrupt joke. And letting Big Food have a say in the advisory panel is as ridiculous as letting Big Tobacco run the smoking Quitlines. It has become a government-sanctioned marketing scheme to give healthy "halos" to expensive and unhealthy processed foods. But this travesty isn't just harming our fight on childhood obesity. It undermines the credibility and integrity of the Health Department at a time when it needs to build trust in public health advice. A corrupt and weak health authority is easy prey for the anti-vax lobby. Kate Serisier Dee Why
In response to Debra Tranter's editorial on puppy farm abuses in NSW, I support everything she says ("You wouldn't treat a dog the way we do in NSW", June 13). How is it legal for pet shops in NSW to continue to sell pets that are so obviously from these despicable breeding farms? We were lucky to adopt two Cavalier King Charles spaniels this year who at five and eight years of age had outlived their breeding usefulness and were no longer wanted. Our older girl came into care with a prolapsed uterus and significant tooth decay. The day before we picked them up I saw our local pet shop in Burwood selling Cavalier pups in their window for $1000 each and, upon inquiry, no verification of desexing or medical history. Until we outlaw the selling of live pets in tiny boxes in shop windows the trade will continue. Cutting off the demand for puppies at the retail-pet shop level would go a long way to weaken the puppy farm industry. Rebecca Semple Abbotsford Turning the tide Ken Boston is on the money ("Now or never for school reform, says architect", June 13). With Australia seemingly sliding down the international rankings, drastic measures need to be taken to turn the tide. Gonski funding will go a long way to help this happen. Peter Miniutti Ashbury
Fundamental insult The article on Alan Joyce ("Fair go notion takes off for CEO", June 12) asserts that "speaking out publicly in the heated debate over marriage equality has made the airline chief a target of traditional family model fundamentalists". The term fundamentalist is frequently used by the media and others as an insult. I believe in the truth of the Bible and the definition of marriage. This does not make me a fundamentalist. I am simply a Christian and my views are at least of equal value to the debate as Alan Joyce's. Rev David Lloyd Kincumber Films with power It is a shame that Garth Clarke yet again had a negative experience at the Sydney Film Festival (Letters, June 13). This is a wonderful event made even more so by seeing a range of films that have the power to change the way we think. If he is looking for something that encourages narrative, characterisation and emotional engagement he could start with our own Australian movie We Don't Need a Map. I hope it is headed for general release. Vicky Marquis Glebe
Uber taking too big a slice of income I have started driving part time for Uber in Sydney. After all the hours of driving, running and maintenance costs of my car, Uber takes 25 per cent of the total fare. This is compared to Airbnb which only charges the host or owners of properties for accommodation a service fee of around 3 per cent and around 6 per cent for the user. Where is the justice or fairness in the system or is Uber just rorting the new online service industry? George Bobos Willoughby Lone wolves really curs Since I was "king hit" many years ago I have wondered why such a cowardly act was so named. It was with satisfaction I witnessed the name change to "coward punch". Can we do the same with the term "lone wolf"? The term has a certain cachet and does not properly describe the actions of these cowardly, creeping curs.
Paul Keir Concord Joyce should rescind ban Alan Joyce says he is humbled to be honoured as a companion of the Order of Australia. In keeping with this sentiment, perhaps he could now rescind the Qantas ban on his lemon meringue pie assailant. Riley Brown Bondi Beach Call poll at your peril PM
The British Prime Minister also needs to consider whether the 40 million-a-year "prevent" program (to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism) is useful and/or needs more money.
However, the French security measures are only wallpapering over the large cracks in French society where Muslims are discriminated against and treated as second-class citizens. I recently took a cab in Toulouse from the airport and was deliberately taken to the wrong address by an ethnic French cab driver so he could get back to the airport quickly for another fare. He complained about Muslims in general and how they should be sent "home". I then needed to get another cab to take me to the right address. This time, the driver was a young ethnic Algerian man born in France. I found him far more congenial. He told me that, because he was of Algerian origin, he was regarded by French people as an Algerian and it was hard for young Muslims like him to get honest employment. He had only been to Algeria once and regarded himself as French; he was also regarded by Algerians as French. It is little wonder that, while it does not justify terrorism, young Muslims living in France become disenchanted by the society they live in.
Many young Muslim men in Britain are disenchanted too, but as far as I have experienced they are not discriminated against and can be voted to high office like Sadiq Khan, the popular Mayor of London. Khan comes from a working-class British Pakistani family. In Britain, it is more a matter of young people being motivated and creating opportunities for a better life. Those who become radicalised generally lack purpose and are vulnerable to extremist ideology that persuades them they need to become terrorists to fulfil their destiny.
Australia seems to have a better balance of counterterrorism measures; perhaps we just need to improve around the margins. One way to reduce the scale of the problem is to ensure we do not have pockets of disenchanted young Muslims who do not mix with the rest of the population in their age group.
Children with early inheritance syndrome feel a sense of entitlement to their parents' assets. They are not prepared to wait until their parents die. These impatient children seek ways for their parents to give them money, or interfere in the management of their parents' assets to protect what they see as their entitlement.
Financial abuse is the most common, and fastest-growing, type of abuse of older people. It involves taking or misusing an older person's money, property or assets. It also includes persuading an older person to change their will through deception or undue influence.
As economic conditions worsen, older people are at a greater risk than ever of being financially abused. Credit:Virginia Star
As economic conditions worsen, older people are at a greater risk than ever of being financially abused. People who are locked out of the housing market may expect access to their parents' assets, even though their parents are still alive.
As the vulnerability of older people increases, their dependence on family members also increases. Often they do not want to say "No" to their children's requests for money or asset transfers for fear of upsetting these relationships.
Mr Zhou's resignation was announced by the ALP after it was sent questions by Fairfax Media about his connection to a long-running tax scam involving gold dealers. Fairfax Media and Four Corners first sought to question Mr Zhou several weeks ago. Simon Zhou (left) with former Chinese consul-general in Sydney, Li Huaxin (second from left) and two others. Mr Zhou said he had resigned to "focus on other priorities" and that he could not comment on his "ongoing dialogue with the ATO" because it involved "very complex" gold business dealings. Mr Zhou co-ordinated up to $140,000 in ALP donations from several gold dealers in May and June, 2016, and was given a job as the NSW ALP's multicultural officer, as well as a place on Labor's NSW Senate ticket for the July, 2016 federal election. Simon Zhou, left, with NSW Labor MP Ernest Wong.
Mr Zhou is a key figure in a gold-trading operation being investigated by the Australian Tax Office and which includes collapsed companies, massive tax debts and a shelf company in the British Virgin Islands. The ALP donations linked to Mr Zhou include a $29,000 donation declared by one of Mr Zhou's business associates, who was accused by Australia's tax commissioner of lying about trading gold bars in Sydney car parks at night as part of a scheme designed to avoid paying $13 million in tax. A second gold dealer linked to Mr Zhou has been accused by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of falsifying invoices linked to this same gold-trading scheme. This businessman, a Chinese national, declared a $35,000 donation to the NSW ALP via a gold-trading company owned by Mr Zhou. These donations, along with a further $56,000 in contributions from related gold businesses, were collected by the NSW ALP on May 15 and 16, 2016 seven weeks before the federal election. Five weeks later, Mr Zhou, whose former company contributed another $25,000 to the party in late June, was announced as an ALP senate candidate.
Mr Zhou, who worked at the NSW ALP's Sussex Street headquarters, is a close political ally of Mr Huang, a Chinese Communist Party aligned billionaire, who is a major donor to both the ALP and the Liberals. Mr Huang was a VIP guest at Mr Zhou's Senate ticket announcement and told China's state broadcaster at the event that it reflected the rising status of "overseas Chinese" and the desire "to safeguard Chinese interests and let Australian society pay more attention to the Chinese". Mr Huang also asked the NSW ALP to give Mr Zhou a job as an adviser, although the party insists he was appointed on merit. Mr Zhou and Mr Huang entertained China's consul-general in Sydney, Li Huaxin, on a boat cruise prior to Mr Li leaving Australia to take up a senior government post in China in April, 2016. ASIO has confidentially expressed its concern to the major parties about donations from some Chinese Communist Party-aligned sources, including Mr Huang. Meanwhile, in comments likely to infuriate some within the Labor Party, MP Anthony Byrne said public hearings by the joint parliamentary intelligence committee were needed to examine the past conduct of figures from both sides of politics.
"We have to have public hearings. I don't care if it is uncomfortable for any party," Mr Byrne said. His call raises the prospect that Senator Dastyari who has regularly used parliamentary committees to grill business figures about alleged impropriety may endure a hearing about his relationship with donors, including Mr Huang. Fairfax Media revealed last week that Mr Dastyari or his office called the immigration department four times to quiz it about the progress of Mr Huang's citizenship application, which has stalled while it is scrutinised by ASIO. Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten last week wrote to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull seeking his support for a joint parliamentary committee on intelligence to examine foreign interference on political campaigns. Mr Zhou could also likely face questioning in any parliamentary committee hearings.
The ATO suspects gold traders such as Mr Zhou and his associates have exploited a loophole by which GST is charged on gold ore, but not on higher-grade gold bullion. The loophole has created a sham industry in which circular or carousel-style arrangements "recycle" gold through syndicates of people, who keep the GST as well as claiming tax credits, leaving the ATO millions of dollars out of pocket. One of Mr Zhou's gold-trading companies, Australian Coin Exchange, collapsed this year owing the Australian tax office $2.54 million, with liquidators now examining the firm's operation. Mr Zhou is closely linked to several companies involved in suspected GST rorts. Two of these firms' directors or managers, Chinese national Chris Wang and his business associate Leo Yang, filled out Australian Electoral Commission forms last year to declare donations to the NSW ALP. A gold trading company owned by Leo Yang was declared insolvent by the Federal Court when it couldn't pay a tax bill of $8 million following an ATO audit. Chris Wang has been labelled a tax fraud by the ATO in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, which in February ordered he pay the tax office more than $20 million. The AAT has labelled some of Chris Wang's evidence, which included a claim about buying $143 million worth of gold ore at night in Sydney car parks, as "fanciful ... inconsistent and unpersuasive".
The Tribunal said Chris Wang's evidence was "not reliable" about his "rather unusual business" as a "one-man company with no gold industry experience" which was "the sole customer of an unidentified entity able to supply tonnes of gold". Leo Yang was similarly criticised by the Tribunal for his "apparent role ... directly" facilitating Mr Wang's alleged fraud by providing allegedly doctored invoices. The donations declared by Leo Yang and Chris Wang, and the other funds raised by Mr Zhou, raise serious questions around whether the ALP has accepted tainted money and is trading political access for donations a claim that Mr Zhou and Labor deny. When Leo Yang and Chris Wang were separately quizzed last week by Fairfax Media, they said they could not remember the date or size of the donations they declared. Mr Huang has no connection to the approximately $140,000 Mr Zhou raised for the ALP in May 2016.
Judges and magistrates have lashed out at "grossly improper and unfair" conduct by several Turnbull government MPs, who accused Victorian courts of being too soft on terror offenders.
The three ministers' criticisms of the courts have appalled the professional association of judges, which said the comments could be misconstrued as an attempt to interfere in a case before the courts.
Judicial Conference of Australia president Robert Beech-Jones said the "co-ordinated and direct attack" on the independence of the courts risked undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
"Whilst the State Election result was disappointing for the Party, I'm confident that the strength of our people and our beliefs will ensure that we will remain a strong, vibrant and relevant party in the years to come," he said.
He has only been in the job two years but described that period as busy, having presided over the Canning byelection in 2015, which saw the election of rising conservative star Andrew Hastie, a former SAS soldier. But Mr Cox also oversaw the party's less successful WA election campaign this year.
Mr Cox said in an email, seen by Fairfax Media, that he was leaving for "purely personal" reasons and would take up a Canberra-based position in the private sector.
The director of the Western Australian division of the Liberal Party Andrew Cox has quit after presiding over the party's loss of government in March.
"My reasons for leaving are purely personal. I will be taking up a Canberra-based position in the private sector," he added. He will stay in the job to usher in his successor. His announcement came just hours after the Senate was told Chris Back would be retiring from Parliament after seven years in the Senate. It also follows the departure of Tony Nutt as federal director, ahead of the scathing review into last year's federal campaign.
As state director Mr Cox signed off on the disastrous Liberal Party deal with Pauline Hanson's One Nation, with both parties suffering as a result and the Labor Party sweeping to power for the first time since 2008. However he was not personally responsible for the preference deal which was pushed by other figures, including the state president Norman Moore and the most influential West Australian in cabinet, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann.
Senior Liberals said Mr Cox, originally from the Victorian division of the Liberal Party, performed the best he could given the WA organisation's factional divisions and parochialism.
Described as "very good" at his job and a "safe pair of hands," Mr Cox had to deal with a severe collapse in party unity in the WA division following Barry Court's presidency. He also had to manage a series of damaging factional battles in the lead-up to state preselections. "A nice bloke with a tough job," was how one WA Liberal summed it up. The WA branch has also suffered a series of leaks exposing tensions between the grassroots in WA and the federal Coalition government.
Fairfax Media revealed that the WA division is being pressured to drop a motion to have the great white shark delisted as a vulnerable species, after the federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said this would violate international treaties and be impossible to implement.
I'm going to call it a day. What happened?
Coalition MPs are meeting to discuss energy policy following the release of the Finkel review ;
are meeting to discuss following the release of the ; at this stage it is unknown how fractious the meeting will be but there is a sense of unease in the air;
in the air; after offering bipartisan support for energy policy last week the opposition walked away from that in question time ;
for last week the walked away from that in ; Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called on immigrants to be "Australian patriots" ; and
called on immigrants to be ; and challenged the opposition to support citizenship changes which have still not been released.
My thanks to Andrew Meares for his assistance today and to you for reading and commenting.
You can follow me on Facebook.
Andrew and I will be back in the morning. Until then, go well.
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While the rate of the increase in capacity on routes in and out of Australia has slowed in the past six months, return flights to London for as little as $1000 highlights how competition among airlines for bums on seats is still intense.
Best times to fly
On domestic routes, the rule of thumb for snaring a bargain is to avoid early mornings or late evenings on weekdays because that is when businesspeople fly.
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If you are flexible on times, travel in the middle of the day and avoid the start and end of the weekends, Flight Centres general manager of leisure travel, Tom Walley, says.
For long-haul travel overseas, flights are more expensive at the start and end of school breaks, as well as public holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter. They also rise during holidays in the northern hemisphere.
Airlines have more data than ever on travellers habits, and they will exploit that to turn a profit. So to squeeze a cheap deal out of them, be flexible and book early.
The best thing for keeping your fare down is flexibility, Walley says. And generally you get the best fares by booking early. There is no advantage in waiting late if you are travelling in the school holidays.
Status trumps points
To put it simply, status matters in the world of airline loyalty schemes. It might now take longer to rack up loyalty points through paying for items using a credit card, but it is more challenging for travellers to use those points to pay for seats.
For those without status credits, forget trying to use points to secure seats at busy times such as Christmas.
You typically do not get them at peak times when airlines can charge a premium for their seats, Walley says.
People can still find themselves with large amounts of points because of the plethora of ways to earn them nowadays. Yet someone with platinum status earned from actually flying with an airline will always trump those with large amounts of points in the rush to secure a reward seat. Airlines do value people who fly with them.
Acclaimed feminist author Roxane Gay has called out her "cruel and humiliating" treatment by Mia Freedman and Mamamia, after a podcast recorded when she was in Sydney last month was released on Sunday.
The podcast, in which Gay discusses her new memoir Hunger - about her challenges with size and a culture that demeans and refuses to accommodate fat people - was introduced by Freedman who aired sensitive claims about how the author was accommodated.
"A lot of planning has to go into a visit from best-selling author, [US] college professor and writer, Roxane Gay," the podcast intro reads.
"Will she fit into the office lift? How many steps will she have to take to get to the interview? Is there a comfortable chair that will accommodate her six-foot-three, 'super-morbidly-obese' frame?"
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for president? Maybe. Kanye West? Suuure, why not?
But one celebrity who is definitely, certainly not going to be on a ballot: Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah Winfrey out ... the former TV host has ruled herself out of a presidential run. Credit:AP
The media mogul swatted down whatever talk there had ever been about her someday, possibly going into politics with the kind of definitive answer few people (paging Chelsea Clinton!) can manage. "I will never run for public office," she said on a Hollywood Reporter podcast, when asked if she'd face off against President Donald Trump in 2020 even if she was the only person who could beat him.
Winfrey had previously said "no way" to a political bid, but the Oprah-mentum machine started up again back in March, when the former talk show host got a little flirty with the idea. In an interview with billionaire/philanthropist David Rubenstein, she said she was rethinking her past stance. "I thought, 'Oh gee, I don't have the experience, I don't know enough,' " she said. "And now I'm thinking, 'Oh.'"
The national pesticides authority needs to be moved from Canberra to regional NSW to fix the agency's performance, according to the federal government.
Coalitions senators have called the majority Senate committee report into the controversial move "a political witch hunt" and said the move to New England was justified on the grounds it would help solve problems recruiting qualified scientists.
All guns blazing: Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
The Labor-Greens dominated Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee savaged the plan to move the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to the heart of Nationals' leader Barnaby Joyce's northern NSW electorate, saying it was driven by the narrow political self-interest of the Deputy Prime Minister.
But Mr Joyce's Coalition colleagues on the committee have hit back with their minority report, accusing their Senate colleagues of selectively quoting evidence and ignoring the many submissions the Nationals' solicited from country towns around Australia.
The NSW government is considering acquiring 60 hectares of the Royal National Park for the proposed F6 Extension between Sydney and the Illawarra.
The alternative, according to an internal government report, is the acquisition and bulldozing of about 460 houses and 40 commercial properties between between Loftus and Waterfall at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Roads and Maritime Authority believes it can acquire the 60 hectares of the Royal National Park for about $40 million.
Fairfax Media has seen the property acquisition and communications plans for F6 motorway, planning funds for which will be included in next week's budget.
The psychiatrist who advised NSW Police during the Lindt Cafe siege won't be working with the force in future, after he faced significant criticism from the state coroner.
Police are now assembling a new panel of experts, a spokesperson told AAP on Tuesday.
"In this increasingly dangerous environment it is clear we need to expand the expertise of those we call upon for advice," the spokesperson said.
Expanding the panel was a key recommendation from state Coroner Michael Barnes.
A diamond engagement ring and motorbike expenses for her son, visits to the hairdresser every 10 days, a fridge for home and even her dental work, Eman Sharobeem's snowballing expense claims from the taxpayer have led to the acting ICAC commissioner to suggest she was "plundering" resources for herself and her family.
And Ms Sharobeem, the former boss of two not-for-profit publicly funded community groups, has lashed out from the witness box, claiming she was underpaid, overworked and not given the prestige of other chief executives.
Eman Sharobeem, centre, arrives at the Independent Commission Against Corruption on Tuesday.
In evidence before the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Ms Sharobeem was told by acting commissioner Reginald Blanch, QC, that it was being suggested to her she was being accused of stealing.
"That word is like a knife in my heart," Ms Sharobeem, a former Australian of the Year awards finalist, responded.
A Logan man has been charged with the murder of his de facto partner's son, two years after the boy was found with "horrific injuries".
The 28-year-old Woodridge man was arrested on Tuesday morning at his home and hauled into the Logan Central Police Station.
A Woodridge man has been arrested over the 2015 death of a two-year-old boy found unconscious in a Logan home. Credit:Jorge Branco
After questioning, he was taken to the Beenleigh watchhouse where police charged him with murder and drug offences.
The man, originally said to be 29 years old, is expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A central Queensland police officer who died in hospital after being hit by a car last week has been remembered as a larrikin and family man who loved his job.
Sergeant Brendan Poustie, 44, was knocked down in the Mackay suburb of Glenella last Wednesday before being airlifted to Townsville Hospital in a critical condition with head injuries.
Sergeant Brendan Poustie died in hospital days after he was hit by a car. Credit:Facebook
Queensland Police confirmed on Tuesday that Sgt Poustie, who was jogging before work when he was hit, died overnight.
Mackay Police Superintendent Bruce McNab said Sgt Poustie was a father of two, who had been a police officer for 15 years after coming from a military background.
"In a world where people are becoming more and more inward, where there is a rise in populism, there is a lot of Islamophobia, a lot of xenophobia, there's a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment, Canada is uniquely positioned," said Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains on the program's launch at a tech startup accelerator.
The move comes at a critical time for Canadian technology companies, who are looking to lure top global talent who otherwise flock to Silicon Valley, a major employer of foreign workers.
Canada launched a fast-track visa program for highly-skilled workers on Monday, as it seeks to take advantage of a tougher immigration environment in the United States.
Bains and the other government officials at the launch were careful not to mention U.S. President Donald Trump by name, instead focusing on selling the positives of their new scheme, which aims to help domestic companies exhibiting growth of at least 10 percent.
But tech executives in attendance were less circumspect.
Roy Pereira, the founder of an artificial intelligence company called Zoom.ai, said Trump's policies had led to more interest in Canada from workers currently living in the United States than he had ever seen in his 20-year career.
Of the 150 total applications he received for three recent job postings, 50 came from U.S.-based applicants, he said, with most of the 10 he subsequently interviewed citing the political climate there as a factor in their decision to look north.
"They were concerned about some of the musings of the current administration down in the U.S.," he said.
Bones found more than a century ago in Queensland once thought to belong to a "giant ancestral pigeon" have been described as the remains of a kangaroo-sized flying turkey that roamed Australia more than two million years ago.
Researchers at Flinders University have carefully re-examined remains of avian megafauna from four states and have concluded that, rather than representing a single ancient bird species, they belong to five different species, one weighing up to eight kilograms and standing taller than a grey kangaroo.
Reconstruction of Progura gallinacea next to a grey kangaroo. Credit:Flinders University
"These discoveries are quite remarkable because they tell us that more than half of Australia's megapodes went extinct during the Pleistocene Epoch, and we didn't realise this until now," said Elen Shute, a Flinders University PhD candidate.
Megapodes are birds that incubate their eggs by burying them in warm compost mounds or underground. Modern Australian megapodes include the malleefowl and brush turkeys.
Controversial fire reforms will fail to pass parliament unless the legislation is changed to protect the role of volunteer firefighters and satisfy crossbench MPs.
Labor needs the five upper house votes of the Greens, plus two of the five crossbenchers to pass the legislation to create a paid urban firefighting force: Fire Rescue Victoria, and turn the CFA into a volunteer-only organisation.
The CFA will become a solely volunteer operation under the new arrangements. Credit:Craig Abraham
Senior government and Opposition MPs have been lobbying the crossbenchers in an urgent effort to secure their votes.
The Coalition remains opposed to the joint bill, which combines the fire services restructure with presumptive rights to compensation for firefighters who have fallen ill with particular kinds of cancer.
Tel Aviv: Israel has approved a request by Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas to cut by roughly a third the electricity it provides to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The move is aimed at undermining the Islamist movement Hamas, which has ruled over the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip since its victory in the January 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections, despite a failed attempt at an armed takeover by Mr Abbas' Fatah party in 2007.
But the decision, reached on Sunday by Israel's security cabinet, is stoking concern that it could trigger a humanitarian crisis among Gaza's 2 million people and a new round of fighting between Hamas and Israel.
In a statement on Monday afternoon responding to news of the Israeli decision, Hamas said that power cuts are "dangerous" and would lead to an "explosion".
Jerusalem: Israel said on Tuesday its ambassador to New Zealand will return to his post, ending a six-month rift in relations over a United Nations resolution against Israeli settlements on occupied territory which Palestinians seek for a state.
Israel recalled the ambassador in December after New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal sponsored a UN Security Council resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement activity .
Israel withdrew its ambassador from New Zealand in December. Credit:Chris Hopkins
New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the two leaders spoke on the phone earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Michal Maayan said in a statement.
"I regret the damage done to Israel-New Zealand relations as a result of New Zealand proposing Resolution 2344 at the Security Council," Mr English wrote, according to the Foreign Ministry statement.
Former Conservative Prime Minister John Major Credit:Getty Images Another former prime minister, David Cameron, said there would now be pressure for a "softer Brexit" - which is usually code for staying within the common market and/or customs union. The latter would preclude Britain striking a free trade deal with Australia, as is currently being planned. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hasn't led the left out of the wilderness. Credit:Getty Images According to The Financial Times, Cameron also reminded a business conference in Poland that there was a "new player on the stage" - the Scottish Conservatives, whose leader Ruth Davidson has expressed a preference for an "open Brexit". He said the government would need to "talk more widely, listen to other parties" on Brexit.
British government sources briefed journalists that only minor details remained to be settled with the DUP, and the deal was as good as done though one DUP member of parliament told Sky News that they were much further from agreement, and there might be no deal until the weekend. French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Credit:Thierry Chesnot This could put the already-delayed Queen's speech, in which the government is supposed to set out its agenda, back another week. May then had to face the first meeting of the new House of Commons as the head of a minority government. DUP leader Arlene Foster Credit:Charles McQuillan
It was a brief, formal sitting of the house whose only business was to re-elect Conservative John Bercow as the speaker and congratulate the new 'father of the house' Kenneth Clarke. But it was a revealing rehearsal for the resumption of hostilities in the now-hung parliament. While May was greeted by near-silence from her fellow MPs, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn entered the house to a standing ovation from his colleagues. Corbyn said he and May could agree that "democracy is a wondrous thing that throws up some very unexpected results". He taunted May with her own election slogans, saying "I'm sure we all look forward to welcoming a Queen's speech just as soon as a coalition of chaos has been negotiated [and] if that is not possible Labour stands ready to offer strong and stable leadership".
He added: "We look forward to this parliament, however short it may be", referring to speculation that the government would have to call an election long before its five-year term is up. Mrs May made a short statement saying all MPs wanted a stronger, safe, secure nation and "shared values must bring us together in a spirit of national unity". Labour is likely to make its move on the Conservatives as soon as they try to put forward a Queen's speech, British political scientist Philip Cowley told Fairfax on Tuesday. Rather than attempt to trigger an election through a vote of no confidence which they would lose if the Conservative-DUP alliance holds Labour could try to amend the Queen's Speech with policies that could appeal to the majority of MPs, Professor Cowley, from Queen Mary University of London said. "I suspect that if Labour thought it could get a second election, it would go for one," he said.
A post-election poll published on Sunday suggested Labour would win a majority if an election were to be called straight away. "But they know they won't get (an election)," Professor Cowley said. "So their tactics will be more about embarrassing the government highlighting issues with the DUP and Northern Ireland, for example." On Tuesday Sinn Fein's seven elected MPs set up their new office in London, from where they will lobby politicians without taking up their seats in parliament. At a briefing for journalists, the Sinn Fein MPs insisted they would stick to their commitment to abstain from the parliament, and were committed to re-establishing power-sharing devolved government in Belfast. Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew said the British government could not now be seen as an 'honest broker' in the negotiations between her party and the DUP.
The proposed confidence and supply deal was causing "a lot of anxiety and a lot of fear" among republicans, she said. And Sinn Fein warned that any Westminster deal would have to be acceptable to their side of politics, as it would be administered by the shared government once that was re-established in Stormont. Meanwhile, the UK has just one week until Brexit negotiations are supposed to begin. According to reports, British diplomats asked the EU if they could start technical talks led by civil servants while the new government settled in. But the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said they would not talk to a British counterpart unless they had a clear mandate from the new government.
May ended the day in France, where she had a pre-planned meeting with new president Emmanuel Macron. She said she had confirmed to him that the "timetable for Brexit negotiations remains on course and will begin next week". Macron said France desired negotiations to begin as soon as possible. Loading He also echoed comments made earlier in the day by German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble, that Britain could still choose to stay in the EU if it wanted.
London: Details of the frenzied knife attacks on unarmed victims in the London Bridge terror attack have been set out at the inquests into their deaths.
Australians Kirsty Boden, 28, and 21-year-old Sara Zelenak were among the eight people killed on June 3, when three attackers ploughed into pedestrians with a white van before stabbing revellers in Borough Market.
The mother and stepfather of Australian au pair Sara Zelenak were in attendance to hear how she was knifed in the throat on Borough High Street that night.
Julie Wallace, sitting beside her partner Mark Wallace, nodded silently to confirm the spelling of her daughter's name.
Phnom Penh: A Cambodian man who worked for Australian nurse Tammy Davis-Charles has testified he paid US$200 to a village official to obtain a birth certificate for a surrogate baby on behalf of Australian biological parents that police allege was falsified.
Penh Rithy told a Phnom Penh court that Ms Davis-Charles paid him US$600 to arrange birth certificates for single surrogate babies and US$800 for twins.
He also testified that Ms Davis-Charles paid him hundreds of dollars to arrange travel documents so that surrogate parents could take their babies home from the impoverished country.
Police have alleged that Ms Davis-Charles, a former Melbourne nurse and mother of six, was involved in the falsifying of documents, including birth certificates, before she was arrested in a crackdown on Cambodia's then booming commercial surrogacy industry last year.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The four partners organizing the Sint Maarten / Saint Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) are looking forward to a great trade event this week. Starting with an opening cocktail party at The Westin Dawn Beach Casino & Spa, followed by two days of events and incorporating a spectacular show at LAnse Marcel Beach.
The LAssociation des Hoteliers de St. Martin, Saint Martin Tourism Office in conjunction with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association are expecting tour operators, travel agents and travel writers to visit the island, as well as local hoteliers, activity providers, and vendors. This weeks events, to be held at Rainforest Adventure Park, Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa as well as L Anse Marcel Beach, already have over 350 subscribed visitors varying from international tourism buyers and agents, hotel and activity suppliers as well as island industry vendors or tourism officials. SMART has been an internationally renowned business event for over 15 years, as the yearly exhibition grew to be the largest tradeshow in the Northeastern Caribbean.
Next, to a reinforced binational character, new elements were added to the event. Apart from the spectacular opening and closing parties, hoteliers, operators, and agents are invited to take part in activities getting to know the island. Rainforest Adventure Park, to open this summer, will provide a sneak preview on its grounds. Secondly, a special activity Friday is installed to further get to experience Sent Maarten activities like Butterfly Farm, Aqua Mania Adventures Snorkel Tours, 12 Metre Regatta Sailing, Donut Dreams Barbecue Boats and Toppers Rum Distillery.
Another element the organizing parties focused on was further expanding the learning experience as the world of tourism changes rapidly. As the partners dont want to miss out on these developments, a special offer for Small Hotels was launched to be able to enter SMART. Amongst others, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), MasterCard, Expedia, TripAdvisor and AltaVista AG (official Google technology providers for hotels) and EPIC will share their newest insights within workshops at SMART.
A fourth change is the increased involvement of local business in the event. Various supplying industries to the hotel and tourism business have joined the event as a vendor. For that cause, the tradeshow venue Westin has doubled the area available for Sint Maarten / Saint Martin businesses portraying their products.
Registration and additional details can be obtained via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or by phone at 542-0108.
AIRPORT:--- A unique amphibian aircraft, the Cessna Caravan EX Seaplane, arrived on the island on Monday at the commencement of the 2nd Annual Caribbean Aviation Meetup. The seaplane will be used for demonstration rides around St. Maarten, and to Anguilla and Nevis, with the conference providing an opportunity to explore the feasibility of setting up operations in the region.
"Just arrived in St. Maarten aboard a Tropic Ocean Airways Caravan on floats. A great flight that set the stage for what's shaping up to be a great Caribbean Aviation Meetup 2017," said Rob Mark, an award-winning journalist who together with Tropic Ocean Airways Chief Executive Office Robert Ceravolo will host a presentation on Seaplanes in the Caribbean; potential for airlift and as a tourism product.
Mark arrived with two pilots, who flew the aircraft in from Miami, Florida, via San Juan Puerto Rico for the two-day trip.
Not only can the seaplane be used for inter-island transportation, it can also be used for aerial sight-seeing tours, an attractive and unique tourism product. The aircraft can access destinations regardless of runway access and is also capable of landing right at the beach.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tropic Ocean Airways already offers first-class, fun, and adventurous seaplane services throughout South Florida, the Bahamas, and New York. The airline also boasts experienced pilots used to tropical and sometimes harsh environments. CEO Ceravolo founded the company in 2009 and is himself a Navy Topgun fighter pilot.
The 2nd Annual Caribbean Aviation Meetup, hosted by Princess Juliana International Airport, differs from most other conferences because it puts the emphasis on experience exchange, interaction, and participation, rather than on listening to the achievements of speakers or companies.
It is the perfect opportunity for face-to-face business discussions and comprehensive group opinion exchanges on sector-specific topics.
The result is a proactive platform upon which successful networking can be built. It will provide impulses for new business developments and industry investments and will accommodate a new attitude towards positive development and impact of the airlift.
Some thirty speakers are contributing to the programme. Participants from 28 countries and territories will attend. The conference will be held June 13 through 15. For more information, visit www.caribavia.com.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has started the first phase of a study to assess the economic value of St. Maartens remaining wetlands. Prior to the rapid urbanization in recent decades, St. Maarten possessed at least 19 healthy ponds, of which only five remain today: Salt Pond, Fresh Pond, Little Bay Pond, Red Pond and Mullet Pond. In addition, the island has one of the largest wetlands in the West Indies, Simpson Bay Lagoon.
When the Great Salt Pond was used to harvest salt, its value as an economic asset was very clear. However, in recent times, wetlands such as these ponds are seen more as an area that should be developed for immediate economic gains. Yet wetland conservation offers significant economic benefits. As development and pollution continue to threaten our remaining wetlands, EPIC aims to make clear the significant role which healthy wetlands contribute not just to our environment, but also to our economy.
Wetlands are special ecosystems where land is partially or fully covered in water, making it a wetland. Wetlands are among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world, providing us with vital services such as climate control, water purification, and storm protection. Not to mention the more tangible services such as fishing, agriculture, and recreation. These are just a few of the ways in which wetlands improve our daily lives.
Without healthy wetland habitats, we would either forgo these benefits or create (often costly) infrastructure to replace them. A powerful example of the economic benefit of wetlands comes from New York. Studies revealed that they could avoid spending USD$3-8 billion on new waste water treatment plants by investing USD$1.5 billion in the purchase of land around the reservoirs upstate. These preserved lands will purify the water supply free of charge.
In 2010, the Nature Foundation found that St. Maartens coral reefs contribute US$58 million a year to the countrys economy through tourism and fisheries. This ultimately lead to the creation of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park which now protects these important natural and economic resources. In a similar fashion, this study ultimately aims to shed a light onto the overlooked value of our remaining wetlands.
The first phase of this project, led by Kippy Gilders, will last a total of three months. At the end of July, a community meeting will be held for the public to learn more about this study and the importance of wetlands as well as share their knowledge, concerns, and experience on the topic.
This project, Economic Valuation of St Maarten's Remaining Wetlands - Phase I, is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Prince Bernhard Cultural Funds Caribbean. For more information, contact Kippy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or surf over to www.epicislands.or
GREAT BAY (DCOMM) Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be a temporary interruption in the traffic flow at the junction of the Keys Road and Chin Cactus Road.
This temporary disruption will be on Wednesday, June 14 from 7.00am to 12.00pm.
Motorists are advised to be observant of a detour and directional signs, especially at the Keys Road.
The aforementioned is related to the repair and cleaning of the drain box and grill on the Chin Cactus Road.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.
Netherlands/ PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten has been making the news as the most corrupt country within the Kingdom due to a number of politicians and civil servants that were arrested, however, the community of St. Maarten hardly hears about the widespread corruption in the Netherlands.
In 2013 E. J Bron wrote an article which was backed up with facts on how corruption is rampant in the Netherlands. The title of that article The scary corruption of politicians in the Netherlands.
E.J Bron said that in Dutch politics, there is a tendency to downplay the existence of corruption and fraud. That apparently naive response could sometimes be fed by the fact that a heavy taboo rests on the subject. So far, the government has failed to take measures to counter possible corruption, fraud, and corruption of power.
While the Dutch has labeled St. Maarten as a country with a corrupted system they failed to clean up their own backyards with a number of corrupt politicians that have committed fraud.
The article continues to state that as a result of the robbery committed by PvdA city councilor Bert van der Roest in Utrecht, of the Daklozenkrant, he found out that Bert van der Roest will most likely not be prosecuted! This is the most reprehensible theft because this concerns the financially most vulnerable! As always, corruption within the government is covered with the cloak of love. This kind of dirty cover up games has made the people sick to death.
E.J Bron did some research on Google and found several articles of criminal acts that involve governors, civil servants, and politicians in the Netherlands, he again stated that the amount is scary.
The tip of the iceberg!
The Netherlands is described as a country of fraud? After all reports about affairs and scandals around governors has made the description of the Netherlands correct. E.J Bron in is research showed that Researchers at the Free University of Amsterdam collected data on corruption and fraud investigations at municipalities. The results of the research show a remarkable picture and show that figures alone are not enough to draw conclusions.
Unique even for Banana fraud The Netherlands: The whole of College Vlissingen corrupted.
"None of the 10,000" bankers "or" drivers "in the bin.
The group of chairmen in the city council of Vlissingen met about the declaration of fraud by their municipal administrators. In short: the whole College is corrupted and that was even a shame for his editors. But not for Boublog, which has just posted an article about the accounting fraud in almost all municipalities in Banana-Fraud-The Netherlands. One of the things E.J Bron did was to include links that highlighted the fraud committed in the Netherlands
Civil servant Amsterdam committed fraud
The civil servant would, among other things, make contractors paid by the district for private purposes. The employee has been reported for official bribery. The links with the companies involved have been broken. Five other officials, who were also accused of fraud, were released by the Office Integrity. They are now working again.
As the article continues it shows that a civil servant Leerdam was arrested for fraud and corruption.
The official is suspected of having hired outside companies at the expense of the municipality to hire private lessons. He would also have ordered goods for years at the expense of the municipality.
Civil servant prosecuted for fraud construction project Sneek
An official of the municipality of Southwest-Friesland is prosecuted for falsity in writing. He falsified a contract around an expansion plan in Sneek. About five percent of governors in the elderly, disabled care and long-term mental health care deliberately commit fraud.
One in twenty-one-care managers- commit fraud.At the end of 2008, the Education Inspectorate established that at fifteen school boards (together 43 schools) for at least 4.6 million euros between 2004 and 2008 were eclipsed or "unlawfully spent", but so far none of the culprits were prosecuted.
Utrecht investigates fraud of governors and civil servants
The municipality received signals of fraud with a tendering procedure for work on four buildings in the city. What wrongs and to what amount could not be said by a spokesman for the municipality. Another case that was swept away as long as the investigation continues. This particular wrongdoing came to light when a contractor brought the crimes to light. All of the statements made in E. J Bron article was supported either by links or by statements made by the spokesperson of the municipalities.
Fraud and theft are the most common thing for politicians! 'The Netherlands is Stiff of Fraud'
The fraud problem in the Netherlands is getting worse and the chance of getting arrested is low because police and justice have no plan of action.
E.J Bron concluded that they are governed and manipulated by a set of criminals (thieves and robbers) of the worst kind! And now it is probably again said that not everyone is corrupt, but tolerating fraud as a rule and the "Cover-Up" of this by the Dutch government, making all governors an accomplice! In addition, the cost of the deceived state institutions is transferred to the people and pushed through down their throats as budget costs.
In light of all that has been said about St. Maarten, the insistence for an integrity chamber, the amount of arrests made on St. Maarten by Dutch detectives it is only fair that this information surface locally, while crime should not be supported at the expense of the people, one has to take the plank out of their own eyes before trying to take the dust out of eyes of others.
The Apcera Container Management Platform Achieves VMware Ready(TM) Status
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Marketwired) 06/13/17 Apcera, the leader in enterprise container management, today announced that its Apcera Platform has achieved VMware Ready status. This designation indicates that after a detailed validation process the Apcera Platform 2.6 has achieved VMwares highest level of endorsement and is supported on VMware vSphere 6 for production environments.
We are pleased that the Apcera Platform qualifies for the VMware Ready logo, signifying to customers that the product has met specific VMware interoperability standards and works effectively with VMware cloud infrastructure. This signifies to customers that the Apcera Platform can be deployed in production environments with confidence and can speed time to value within customer environments, said Kristen Edwards, director, Technology Alliance Partner Program, VMware.
By using the Apcera Platform with vSphere 6, organizations can modernize their legacy applications, said Eric Leach, vice president, product management, Apcera. Organizations can now also run Docker in production with security, stability, resilience and high availability, enabling their infrastructure to become a multi and/or hybrid cloud environment. This allows customers to take advantage of their VMware investments while leveraging containers to develop innovative new applications as well as modernize existing applications without code modifications. Our plan is to provide VMware customers with an easy to use platform for managing their applications across multi and hybrid cloud environments.
The VMware Ready program is a co-branding benefit of the that makes it easy for customers to identify partner products certified to work with VMware cloud infrastructure. Customers can use these products and solutions to lower project risks and realize cost savings over custom built solutions. With thousands of members worldwide, the VMware TAP program includes best-of-breed technology partners with the shared commitment to bring the best expertise and business solution for each unique customer need.
The Apcera Platform can be found within the online VMware Solution Exchange (VSX) at . The is an online marketplace where VMware partners and developers can publish rich marketing content and downloadable software for our customers.
Apcera is the market leading enterprise-grade container management platform driven by security and policy that gives IT leaders the confidence and control to drive innovation and move faster, securely. Built for cloud-native as well as legacy applications, Apcera lets IT teams containerize, deploy, orchestrate and govern a vast range of workloads across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. Fully integrated and completely turnkey, only Apcera offers industry-leading agility and time-to-value without sacrificing security or control.
Apcera enables key enterprise use cases including deploying Docker and other cloud-native workloads in production securely and at scale, legacy application modernization and hybrid cloud mobility. Global 2000 companies use Apcera to lower CapEx and OpEx, improve time to market and reduce risk.
Apcera is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit , read the companys blog or follow on Twitter:
VMware, vSphere and VMware Ready are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.
Media Contact:
Scott Samson
Head of Communications
Apcera
415.781.9005
SANUWAVE CEO Interview to Be Released by Uptick Network to Over 570,000 Unique Visitors
SUWANEE, GA (Marketwired) 06/13/17 (OTCQB: SNWV) today announced that Uptick network will release an in-depth interview with CEO and Chairman, Kevin A. Richardson II. The interview details a discussion about the Companys pending FDA approval process, their rapid growth internationally, and the recently announced AI deal with eKARE, which pushes them to the forefront of wound management. The interview will be released on the following sites:
Uptick Newswires heavily trafficked website with over 20,000 daily visitors.
Audio Publication to the Audio Boom Channel, Audio Boom has 148,000+ unique visitors
Audio will be featured on the front page of Investors Hangout, Investors Hangout has over 30,000 Investors visiting the site daily
Audio Published on iHeartRadio Channel, iHeartRadios webpage alone has over 361,000 daily visitors
Placement on iTunes Website, iTunes has over 62,000,000 daily unique visitors trafficking the site. Uptick has its own iTunes Webpage that will feature the audio interview
Along with Audio Boom, Investors Hangout, iHeartRadio and iTunes, the Audio will be distributed and featured on: Stitcher, aCast.com, Spreaker, Player.fm, Google Play, FeedBurner.com, and Podcast Directory, Upticks YouTube Channel.
Mr. Richardson commented, Everett and his team at Uptick have developed a great niche to get the investment story out for many interesting companies. We are excited to be part of this unique distribution opportunity.
About SANUWAVE Health, Inc.
SANUWAVE Health, Inc. (OTCQB: SNWV) () is a shock wave technology company initially focused on the development and commercialization of patented noninvasive, biological response activating devices for the repair and regeneration of skin, musculoskeletal tissue and vascular structures. SANUWAVEs portfolio of regenerative medicine products and product candidates activate biologic signaling and angiogenic responses, producing new vascularization and microcirculatory improvement, which helps restore the bodys normal healing processes and regeneration. SANUWAVE applies its patented PACE technology in wound healing, orthopedic/spine, plastic/cosmetic and cardiac conditions. Its lead product candidate for the global wound care market, dermaPACE, is CE Marked throughout Europe and has device license approval for the treatment of the skin and subcutaneous soft tissue in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In the U.S., dermaPACE is currently under the FDAs de novo petition review process for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. SANUWAVE researches, designs, manufactures, markets and services its products worldwide, and believes it has demonstrated that its technology is safe and effective in stimulating healing in chronic conditions of the foot (plantar fasciitis) and the elbow (lateral epicondylitis) through its U.S. Class III PMA approved OssaTron device, as well as stimulating bone and chronic tendonitis regeneration in the musculoskeletal environment through the utilization of its OssaTron, Evotron and orthoPACE devices in Europe, Asia and Asia/Pacific. In addition, there are license/partnership opportunities for SANUWAVEs shock wave technology for non-medical uses, including energy, water, food and industrial markets.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to financial results and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among the key risks, assumptions and factors that may affect operating results, performance and financial condition are risks associated with the regulatory approval and marketing of the Companys product candidates and products, unproven pre-clinical and clinical development activities, regulatory oversight, the Companys ability to manage its capital resource issues, competition, and the other factors discussed in detail in the Companys periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
For additional information about the Company, visit .
Contact:
Millennium Park Capital LLC
Christopher Wynne
312-724-7845
SANUWAVE Health, Inc.
Kevin Richardson II
CEO & Chairman of the Board
617-306-1350
CognitiveScale Crosses $50 Million in Venture Funding
Posted by Publisher Hardware
AUSTIN, TX (Marketwired) 06/13/17 , a provider of industry-specific machine intelligence software, today announced it has received an additional $15 million in funding, bringing the companys total to $50 million raised to-date. This latest investment from , , , and , allows CognitiveScale to further develop its augmented intelligence products to deliver better business outcomes and customer engagement for leading global enterprises.
We are excited about the future AI-enabled enterprise, and believe no other company is better equipped to bring it to fruition than CognitiveScale, said Promod Haque, Senior Manager Partner, Norwest Venture Partners. Weve seen how CognitiveScales unique, industry-tailored AI software can create value more quickly by transforming customer engagement and augmenting employee decision making, allowing enterprises to perform at levels they never thought possible.
As artificial intelligence evolves, becoming a bigger part of businesses and consumers daily decision-making, the fear that machines will displace much of todays workforce has become more pronounced. CognitiveScale believes the real power and value of AI is not just automation of routine processes but in extending and enhancing human decision making and creative potential.
According to a from the (CEA), augmented intelligence has the potential to create new jobs in fields that require creativity, social interactions and intelligence and general knowledge. In addition, a that AI will increase labor productivity by up to 40 percent and double annual economic growth rates by 2035 by changing the nature of work and creating a new relationship between man and machine.
This round of funding demonstrates continued confidence in our strategy to help businesses augment and extend human creativity and capabilities, said CEO of CognitiveScale Akshay Sabhikhi. We have delivered real and measurable outcomes with some of the largest banks, healthcare and retail organizations, and are delighted to see the great client and investor demand for our enterprise AI products.
CognitiveScale will use the recent funding to further advance the state of its two flagship products, ENGAGE and AMPLIFY, which are built on its open and extensible Cortex OS. ENGAGE focuses on transforming customer experience at the edge of the business through any digital touch point. It interprets user goals, preferences, and context and delivers individualized insights by reasoning across billions of curated industry data points while learning continuously. While ENGAGE works at the edge, AMPLIFY works at the core of an organization, helping augment knowledge workers with contextual insights and deploy self-learning autonomous processes modeled after human cognitive architecture. Both products learn from new data and customer interactions, and deliver future insights and advice that account for dynamic changes in goals, preferences, and the business environment.
In a , CogntiveScale announced that in addition to USAAs recent investment, the financial services leader is also implementing CognitiveScales augmented intelligence solution so that USAA advisors can provide their more than 12 million members predictive, data-driven banking and insurance services.
To learn more about CognitiveScales underlying technology, which is backed by more than 100 patents covering deep cognition algorithms, computer vision, machine learning and cognitive system design, please see .
CognitiveScale builds augmented intelligence software for financial services, healthcare, and commerce markets. Built on its open and extensible Cortex OS, the companys AI products, ENGAGE and AMPLIFY, help large enterprises increase user engagement, improve decision-making, and deliver self-learning and self-assuring business processes. CognitiveScale has successfully deployed its enterprise-grade software with multiple Global 500 companies, and has formed strategic go-to-market and technology partnerships with IBM, Microsoft and Deloitte.
CognitiveScale has won numerous awards including Fortunes Top 50 companies leading the AI Revolution, Gartner Cool Vendor, and has been featured in prominent research and publications.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, CognitiveScale has offices in New York, London and Hyderabad, India. Investors include Norwest Venture Partners, Intel Capital, IBM Watson, Microsoft Ventures, USAA and The Westley Group. For more information on the company, please visit us at cognitivescale.com and follow @cognitivescale on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Image Available:
Greg Wise
Bhava Communications for CognitiveScale
512-213-9899
Leigh Ann Schmidt
CognitiveScale
AVST Advances the Skype for Business Enterprise Experience with Latest Release of CX-E
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (Marketwired) 06/13/17 The Skype for Business landscape continues to flourish, with approximately 75 percent of U.S. enterprises conducting Skype for Business trials.(1) Today, (AVST) announced the newest release of . An enterprise-class Unified Communications (UC) platform, CX-E enhances the Skype for Business user telephony experience with Click-to-Call functionality and the handling of complex call forwarding scenarios.
AVST is the only company that offers a UC platform that connects Skype for Business with all major PBX brands while enabling key enterprise-class UC applications including best-of-breed unified messaging, said Jim Burton, Founder and CEO of CT Link and Co-Founder of UCStrategies.com. We have found that customers who have deployed Skype for Business have a requirement to manage complex call processing flows across multiple PBX brands as well as deploy a highly flexible unified messaging solution. AVST addresses those needs. Its a perfect fit.
Many large enterprises currently:
1. Use Skype for Business for Instant Messaging and Presence;
2. Have Cisco, Avaya or other enterprise-class telephony switches (PBXs) for call control; and
3. Are considering Skype for Business as a full or partial PBX replacement in the future.
Enterprises are on a journey to Skype for Business, said Tom Minifie, AVSTs Chief Technology Officer. AVST helps them transition over time, with their desired feature set, at their chosen pace.
Skype for Business users can now easily and effectively have desktop telephony access across a mixed PBX landscape Cisco, Avaya and more. The enhanced Click-to-Call functionality in this version of CX-E provides a telephony experience where calls can be initiated from the Skype for Business client through an existing PBX.
The latest version of CX-E addresses key enterprise security requirements including support for enhanced security via mobile devices. Security continues to be one of the most defensible areas of tech spending. According to Gartner, security risks far outpace business needs and industry changes as the primary spending driver, with over 50 percent of surveyed organizations pointing to risks such as breaches or other security incidents, and privacy concerns as leading issues.(2) Customers can be confident that data remains secure when retrieved from AVSTs on iOS and Android devices.
New features in this latest release of CX-E include:
Improved Skype for Business integration enabling forwarding of calls to CX-E in certain conditions such as Do Not Disturb and Presentation Mode;
Skype for Business Click-to-Call client with auto-dial mode;
VMware vSphere 6.5 support;
Mobile Client inactivity timeout; and
Android 7 support.
The latest version of CX-E is now available through AVSTs reseller channels worldwide. For more information about AVSTs products, visit the company website at .
(1) InfoTrack for Unified Communications: Impact of Microsoft Skype for Business on the Enterprise Voice Market, Sept 2016
(2) Gartner, Survey Analysis: Trends in End-User Security Spending 2017, Jan 2017, Analyst(s): Deborah Kish, Dale Gardner, Nandita Iyer
With more than 35 years of continuous innovation, Applied Voice & Speech Technologies, Inc. (AVST) is a trusted developer of software-based, enterprise-class Unified Communications (UC) solutions.
Our mission is to design, deliver and support communications solutions that transform the productivity of individual workers, teams and enterprises while leveraging the value of their existing and evolving IT infrastructure.
Thousands of businesses worldwide rely on AVSTs advanced voice, mobility, team communications, and business process UC solutions to meet their mission-critical communications requirements. The world-class interoperability and flexibility of AVSTs UC platform provides a future-proofed bridge to their digital future.
Headquartered in Orange County, California, AVST maintains facilities in Seattle, Washington, Victoria B.C., Canada, the United Kingdom, and has remote sales offices throughout the United States. AVSTs UC solutions are sold and supported worldwide by an extensive network of resellers and OEM partners. To learn more about AVST, our products and partners, please visit or you can follow us at , or .
Stephanie Olsen
Lages & Associates
(949) 453-8080
On a trip to Britain before that country's recent election, Sen. Bernie Sanders noted the similarities between what he has done and what Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has done. Though Corbyn's party did not win, it gained 30 seats in Parliament and prevented the Conservative Party from winning a governing majority. PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Four Eastpointe citizens filed a federal lawsuit against Mayor Monique Owens Wednesday alleging their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated when they were not allowed to speak during audience participation at a recent city council meeting.
What does a 'Strengthen Our Schools' win mean for Penn-Harris-Madison?
One of three candidates backed by a conservative-leaning group has flipped a seat on the Penn-Harris-Madison school board. Here's what we know.
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SPIEGEL: Which essentially just boils down to the question: Do I like him?
Prum: You name it. And this leads us to aspects of personality that we usually don't imagine as sexual ornaments like humor, empathy or the ability to conceive of someone else's mind.
SPIEGEL: You think it was intrinsic values rather than outward appearances that mattered?
Prum: Let me say one thing about outward appearance. One feature that I think was transformed by female mate choice is the reduction of male canines. It is very notable that the males of other primate species have deadly weapons in their faces that humans lack. And the question is: Under what conditions do males give up their weapons? Well, believe me, in the United States we know how difficult it is to solve this question. But evolutionarily, there is a simple answer: when wearing weapons becomes unsexy.
SPIEGEL: You are suggesting that women were attracted to small teeth?
Prum: Yeah, and I even think that this is where our smile comes from. It is a sexual symbol advertising one's state of de-weaponization.
SPIEGEL: Do you think that our ability to fall in love was another innovation of human evolution?
Prum: Yes, I do think that sexual love has evolved distinctly in humans and doesn't exist in other apes. But we probably share with them the emotion of maternal love for our offspring, and very similar hormonal mechanisms might be engaged there.
SPIEGEL: How about birds? Some pairs seem to engage in very deep, lifelong bonds.
Prum: Well, I can't say for sure. But I find it not unjustified to speculate that some long-term bonds among birds might be similar to what we experience as love. This is the problem with all current attempts to biologically describe love: In evolutionary biology textbooks, you'll see pair bonding analyzed in terms of game theory. Who's got most of the resources, who's cheating whom, what's the right strategy to maximize your benefit, and so on. Which means that, instead of falling in love, we should all go to a lawyer's office and draw up prenuptial agreements. But human mating isn't anything like that. What's missing from that analysis of human reproduction is the aesthetic. And it's clear that if love is anything, it's a deeply emotional and deeply aesthetic experience.
SPIEGEL: But are you sure that the aesthetic experience of birds and the aesthetic experience of humans are the same phenomenon? After all, a peacock hen's sense of beauty is exclusively directed towards the appeal of a peacock tail, whereas we find beauty not only in our partner but also in flowers or landscapes or art.
Prum: I agree, the richness of human aesthetic experience is unparalleled. But still it is amazing how complex and diverse the aesthetic interests of birds can be. Take bowerbirds, for example, which build seduction theaters where they present objects for females. (He pulls a photo out of a pile on his desk.) Here, on this photograph, you can see one of those arenas. Look, what he has exposed: Those are red flowers, that is a bunch of black charcoal. A pile of blueberries is over here and shiny black beetles over there. That green stuff is a rotten log permeated with a spongy green fungus. And you're are telling me that his sense of beauty is limited?
SPIEGEL: But this is an exception.
Prum: I'll give you another example: Many birds learn their song, and some birds even mimic the songs of other birds. There's one species in South America, the Lawrence's thrush, of which there are individuals with repertoires of over 170 species of birds. And they don't imitate the sound of water, they don't imitate insects. They imitate other birds, because their songs are of aesthetic value to them. Or here is another one: A researcher in Sweden discovered a marsh warbler singing a song of a bird from its wintering grounds in Uganda. This warbler introduced aesthetic content from another continent into the acoustic environment of Europe. I can't imagine anything that humans could do that is aesthetically as fascinating as that. And who knows, may be the female that listens to that song will experience nostalgia, remembering the winter holiday in Uganda?
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130 Elm St., Bridgeport: Great Heart Yoga Studio opened last month in downtown Bridgeport. The studio is tucked away on the second floor of the brick building on Elm Street, next to the downtown staircase leading up toward Golden Hill Street and the City Hall building. The studio teachers can be reached at 203-522-5600.
Have a question about a business or property in the region? Email Keila Torres Ocasio at ktorres@hearstmediact.com or call 203-330-6227.
Celebrities hailing from Los Angeles to New York City flooded Radio City Music Hall for the 2017 Tony Awards hosted by Kevin Spacey.
During the red carpet runway, some celebs triumphed in statement-making frocks, but others fell flat or were trying to do too much.
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The colors of the rainbow should never trump the red, white and blue, says a retired Navy SEAL and unflagging defender of the president.
Frequent Fox News guest Carl Higbie ripped the Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS on Twitter Tuesday over a gay pride flag display outside the Americas headquarters of RBS in Stamford, which the financial services giants share.
The Greenwich native, who has attracted a national following with his pro vocative views and support of Donald Trump, posted a photo of the ubiquitous rainbow flag appearing to be flown slightly higher than the American flag for gay pride week.
Higbie said thats not proper flag etiquette.
Lower that flag below my American flag, Higbie told Hearst Connecticut Media. I would never fly a flag above the American flag. I think anybody who does is putting whatever that cause is above patriotism.
RBS, now part of NatWest Markets, acknowledged the flap and said it was inadvertent.
The height of the rainbow flag raised as the same height as the American flag was an oversight and in no way was it our intention to offend anyone in any way given the spirit of our message, said Kathleen Hanley, a spokeswoman for NatWest Markets. The height of all flags have now been rectified. At NatWest Markets we are committed to fostering an environment that celebrates our diversity and creates a culture of inclusion and respect. Raising the rainbow flag sends a strong message of support to our employees and the wider community which we care so much about.
UBS declined to comment.
Higbie took the photo from Interstate 95 from the opposite end of the 630,000-square-foot banking hub, prompting some critics to question the angle. Both flags appeared to be flying at the same height an hour later, in addition to the Connecticut state flag. All three flagpoles outside the 12-story complex are the same height.
Drew Marzullo, a Democratic selectman from Greenwich who is exploring a run for lieutenant governor and is gay, said it was a likely misunderstanding of flag etiquette.
The rainbow flag, which symbolizes support for the LBGT community, displayed is a beautiful thing and companies like RBS and UBS should be celebrated and not knocked or maligned for a probable unintentional oversight so easily corrected, Marzullo said, referring to reaction on social media to Higbies tweet. Happy Pride!
The United States Flag Code stipulates that the flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
Higbie, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, said he has nothing against gay pride.
Im not telling them to take it down, Higbie said. It doesnt bother me. If you want to be gay and proud of it, I dont care. Just lower it one flag length, and Ill be happy. That goes for the Connecticut flag, too, not just the gay pride flag.
The subject of a Washingtonian magazine report that he interviewed for White House Press Secretary Sean Spicers job, which was disputed by Trumps administration, Higbie has been a lightning rod.
Last month, he told Katy Perry to go to hell during a Fox News appearance in which he slammed the pop starlets call for tolerance after the Manchester, England, terrorist attack. Higbie made headlines last fall, when he suggested that a Muslim registry would be constitutional and compared it to Japanese internment camps during World War II.
nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; twitter.com/gettinviggy
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STAMFORD Gricelda Mendez is concerned her two children might be targets of federal immigration agents while theyre in school.
Mendez, a Guatemalan immigrant, spoke through a translator to express her fear of deportation, saying she also worries her children may return from Springdale Elementary School to an empty house one day.
Mendezs anxiety is shared by a parent group at Building One Community, a local resource center for immigrants, where Stamford Superintendent Earl Kim discussed the districts policy for dealing with Immigration and Naturalization Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers that come to the schools to question or detain students.
Ever since the election, the whole issue of immigration has become a main preoccupation for the parent group, Building One Community Executive Director Catalina Horak said. Even documented parents feel uncomfortable. Theyre asking questions like is it safe to stand at the bus stop with my kids? While children with undocumented parents say, what do I do when I come home and youre being deported?
Kim says he has heard similar concerns from parents since President Donald Trump took office. Trump has taken a hard stance on immigration issues, promising extreme vetting and a wall along the Mexican border.
Weve heard stories of children feeling anxious usually from kids who have had prior trauma in their lives, said Kim, who addressed about 80 parents Saturday at Building One Community. From a learning perspective, which is our perspective, we know that trauma interferes with learning in chemical ways it effects how the brain processes information.
He said he wanted to reassure parents that immigration status is not a concern for the public school system.
The role of school officials is to serve all students well by law whether theyre documented or undocumented, he said.
Hispanic students comprise the largest demographic about 40 percent of the citys public schools population.
Policy is nothing new
The policy Kim presented to parents is nothing new to people in the biz, he said. Still, the information was valuable to parents who say the schools policies are not well-publicized.
Teachers and administrators will never ask students their immigration status, nor will they disclose that status without a parents consent. Schools also have an extra level of protection from immigration investigations, since they are considered sensitive locations, Kim said.
If Immigration and Naturalization Service or ICE employees arrive at a school without first contacting Kim, they will be directed to the superintendents office or legal counsel.
If an ICE agent comes in with a judges order, its reviewed by me and legal staff to understand scope, Kim said. Then we comply with the order if its found to be legitimate.
The schools are not required to comply with anything below the level of a legitimate judges order, he said. Parents are usually notified by the district when a student is singled out by federal agents, except in extreme cases, such as when the investigation relates to abuse in the home.
Mendez was relieved to hear the district has an action plan, but said sharing it with the parents who attended Saturdays meeting isnt enough. Mendez said Kim and the Building One Community parent group should develop a strategy to reach the thousands of concerned immigrant parents in the district.
Kim said its troubling that these long-standing practices have recently become the focus for parent groups.
I hope that this anxiety passes quickly and the people who want to be part of this community ... feel they can engage with other parents in the community and leaders in school, he said. We want all of our parents, regardless of immigration status, to be active in the school community.
nnaughton@stamfordadvocate.com; @noranaughton
The fact that hes a famous actor is probably the least fascinating thing about Alan Alda these days. A likable and inquisitive guy, Alda spent 11 years interviewing scientists for the documentary show Scientific American Frontiers. The experience of trying to understand brilliant minds doing important work inspired him to partner with Stony Brook University to establish the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, which teaches scientists strategies for conveying their ideas to laypeople. It also inspired him to launch a deeper investigation into how people -- scientists, teachers, businesspeople, dentists and so on -- communicate. The fruit of that research is his surprisingly useful new book, If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating.
Related: The 10 Communication Skills Every Entrepreneur Must Master
Back when you were interviewing scientists, you ditched your lists of questions and proceeded with a sense of what you call ignorance with curiosity. You felt that having a list of questions was actually hurting your ability to communicate with people.
I think thats true. My experience interviewing those hundreds of people was that if I asked them a question and they answered it, and then I asked the next question on my list, it was a sign to them that I wasnt listening.
Plus, it only got you answers to the questions you thought to ask. Not necessarily the questions you should have been asking.
And the questions that are most important are the ones you think to ask in response to the other person.
I was surprised to learn you used to work in sales.
Yeah. I had to do something as a young actor to support my family. And I didnt get it at first. I thought of selling as manipulating people, because thats how I had been sold, and I really resented that. But I eventually figured out that focusing on the other persons needs and not my own was the most effective way to make a sale. Later I came across this guy Daniel Goleman, who had written pretty much the same thing.
Your book was basically inspired by the opposite of that: a bad experience with your dentist. What happened?
There was this operation he had invented that involved cutting that thing inside your mouth that connects your gum to your upper lip. He was really more interested in doing it than in explaining to me what it was. And I was kind of shocked when I didnt have a smile after that. I was acting in a movie, and my lip was hanging down like a hoop skirt. He explained in a letter that there was a second step to the operation. But his letters tone showed me that he was much more interested in avoiding a lawsuit.
Which is funny, because you cite a study in the book that found that when doctors apologized to patients for mistakes, lawsuits went down by more than half. Thats amazing.
It is amazing. It shows respect. If you show defensiveness, you increase the chances of getting into a fight.
It reminds me of this friend of mine. He was saying the other day that his most loyal customers are the ones he screwed up with the worst and then made good with.
Thats a wonderful story. I wish I had that in the book.
Theres another bad customer service experience in here, too. You got in a cab, and the guy didnt know where to go. Instead of indulging in the age-old New York pastime of yelling at cabbies, you decided to try to connect with him. And he really lit up.
So much so that it became a pain in the ass and he wouldnt let me get out of the cab! But it was a remarkable demonstration, to me, about how empathy transforms you. It made my behavior different, and it changed his behavior.
Those moments are pretty rare. But when they do happen, I always feel like people are sort of relieved.
That sense of relief is such a palpable thing to me. It makes me wonder why relating to others isnt self-reinforcing. We dont just tend toward it naturally. On the contrary, we seem to have to concentrate on doing the things that bring about the connection. I do it myself now. If someone is doing something annoying, I think, What are they going through thats making that happen? The amazing thing is that I get more patience from it. I dont feel like I have to work at being patient. I just have more patience.
Related: A 6-Step Program for Improving Your Communication Skills
And its not just about managing conflict. Theres a fascinating story you tell about an Israeli scientist who banned shop talk from the beginnings of meetings.
Uri Alon. He has his graduate students get together every week to talk about their work, but for the first half hour, nobody talks about work. They talk about what happened to them that week, or something thats happening to a relative that bothers them. Then when they do talk about work, theyre warmed up to each other. Theyre more helpful to one another. Its like a creative group rather than a critical group.
I discovered that independently when we were doing M*A*S*H, too. Instead of going to our trailers, we would sit around in a circle and just make each other laugh. It turned out to be the best preparation we could do for the scenes, because we were really turned on to each other. Thats contributed to how I train scientists and even businesspeople to communicate better.
What are some of the strategies you use, besides actually listening to people?
Observing the other person is the first step. In my own life, poor communication has been preceded by not noticing the other person. I would even be able to remember, later, the expression on their face -- that was very confused, or forbidding, or hurt, or generally not being with me -- but I wouldnt act on it in the moment. After the fact, Id say, "What was going wrong there?," and Id realize I was disconnected from them and they were disconnected from me.
What else?
Anytime you can laugh together, you invite the other person in. Youre never more vulnerable than when youre laughing. Youre really open to the other person. Youre not telling jokes -- just having a sense of jovial community. That kind of thing opens up both people and makes it a little easier.
Theres an interesting point in the book about explaining things to people. You have to start with what they know. But how do you know what they know?
Youve got to figure that out partly from their faces, and partly if you can make it a conversation.
And then you have to avoid the tendency to get excited by how much they do know and dump heaps of information on them.
Right. [Laughs] I really have found that you cant start out too far in or too far back, too childishly simpleminded or too complicated. Youve got to find out where that spot is that counts for them.
Related: How Successful Leaders Communicate With Their Teams
This is applicable to business, too. People have a tendency to instinctively say no when overwhelmed with information they dont understand.
Its a self-protective response, to say, Im not going to put my money into this if I dont know what it is. Why would you? You know -- scientists talking to Congress to get money, when the members of Congress have no idea what theyre talking about. There isnt anybody among us who would fork over a fortune if we dont understand what its about.
So something like excessive jargon must be a killer.
Jargon is a big one. There are some good reasons for using jargon. Some of the bad reasons, though, are trying to look like a big deal, to look smarter, to show you know a lot. Well, I think you show all that a lot better by being clear.
Related:
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T he impact of Lehman Brothers implosion on the global financial system was chaotic enough.
But without the help of the global clearing houses, it would have been far worse.
The complexities of unwinding $500 billion of Lehmans derivatives trades around the world was part of the reason the financial system ground to a halt. So far and wide were Lehmans trades that banks panicked about where liability for its losses lay. If they couldnt work out which Lehmans counterparties had lost what, how could they tell who was safe to trade with?
But then the worlds two biggest clearing houses LCH.Clearnet and New Yorks DTCC stepped in, saying they would untangle the mess. These processors of the electronic paperwork between buyers and sellers proved good to their word, unwinding Lehmans positions in a month.
Clearing houses also hold the collateral put up by buyers and sellers to ensure theyre good for the money. The more risk a bank takes, the more collateral, or margin, it must put up. LCH and DTCC have such a wide purview of the global landscape that they can assess how much risk banks are taking across the world and adjust the margin accordingly, netting off where exposure on one trade is mirrored in another. That frees banks to lend more money to households and businesses.
Despite these merits, loud voices in Europe want clearing of trades in euros to be stripped from London and moved to the eurozone. Its our currency, we should control the risk, they say.
The last time they tried, the European courts turned them down: it was illegal to discriminate against a fellow EU state.
Brexit means that no longer applies, but common sense should.
Carving euro trades from the 20 other currencies cleared through London makes no sense.
Europe would lose the benefits of London and New Yorks helicopter view of banks financial risks. And, instead of Londons huge pool of liquidity, euro trades will be covered by a small EU pot. Thats riskier for EU taxpayers and would reduce the amount of margin netting for its banks, perhaps costing them $77 billion a year.
And if Europe wont let London have the business, it must also strip New York. Does it want to do that?
If the leaks are to be believed, the European Commission seems to have twigged to all this. Rather than order clearing of euro trades to be done in Europe, it will only insist overseas clearers stick to tough European Central Bank rules. That would include stipulations on capital requirements and other measures.
Compared with the previous plan, this seems fairly rational. A promising example of economics triumphing over politics?
L ets be honest, few adults find it easy to manage their money. There are lots of reasons, but a lack of basic budgeting knowledge is key to why so many of us struggle to get through the month until payday.
If only money skills had been taught at school, many more people might approach their finances with greater confidence.
Thats the thinking behind My Money Week, an annual event in its ninth year which runs until the weekend. Its a programme of events in schools developed by Young Enterprise. Its aim? To give young people the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to manage their money.
This week students have been handed a special financial education newspaper and can enter a competition to produce money melodies, songs, raps or jingles. Theres 500 up for grabs for the winners school.
That may sound fun, but its a serious issue, warns Russell Winnard of Young Enterprise.
Financial capability is an essential life skill and a lack of financial education can affect nearly every aspect of a young persons life, from their mental well-being to their performance at work and even their personal health, he points out.
The week is being backed by MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis, who says: In our increasingly complex consumer world, its important to get young people thinking about how money works, and whos trying to sell to them, as early as possible.
Parents can help by teaching children about money matters at home. Joe Green of Experian reckons the easiest way to do that is by getting kids talking about money.
Its vital that children are encouraged to discuss money matters from an early age to help them develop positive attitudes, values and behaviours, he says.
And start early. Research from the University of Cambridge suggests childrens money habits are set from as early as the age of seven.
A good tip is to encourage kids to earn their pocket money, rather than simply handing it over. Spending an hour or two earning cash can help children learn the value of money early on, and money worked for is less likely to be wasted. Parents can help further by introducing financial goals, such as saving for games.
It can be fun but its actually financial planning, which is a critical life skill that will serve people well throughout their life, says Green.
To find out more about My Money Week and financial education in schools go to pfeg.org/resources/mymoneyweek.
H ere's one possible side effect of the Jeremy Corbyn insurgency: workers get a taste for saying: screw you, we wont do what you tell us to.
There was more than a hint of that on Monday when BMW staff in the UK voted down a pension deal.
BMW wants to shut its final salary pension scheme, like many before it, and hoped to reach a compromise. Staff have already staged four walkouts on the issue and more seem likely.
There are similar rows either brewing or well under way at BT and the Royal Mail a veritable summer of discontent. Both of those companies want to slash previously promised pension deals.
So far, staff are having none of it and good for them. As we must not tire of pointing out, pensions are wages deferred; they are a promise to pay. Companies should be held to those promises wherever possible, and if that means lower share prices or dividend payments, thats just too bad. The thing is, BMW is a good employer. BMW is a wealthy company that has done well from treating workers properly (also, the cars arent bad).
If it can find itself at war with its staff almost any big business can. On the face of it, BMWs offer for giving up admittedly very valuable rights doesnt look too shabby. The staff could take 22,000 in cash over three years, or have 25,000 paid into a new defined contribution pension scheme. You could see that as reasonable.
Chatting with union officials, you could get the idea that they might agree. Its certainly not as though the staff were under pressure from unions to be bolshy The statement from Unite notes: Unite shop stewards did not make a recommendation on the offer So the stewards didnt tell members they should vote against the deal. They left it to the members. And the members said: get stuffed.
This is interesting, both generally and specifically. If unions members feel empowered enough to slap management around a bit after years of stagnant wages, perhaps thats overdue.
BT might be about to find out that though pensions are complicated, employees are massively reluctant to agree to them being reduced. A pay cut is one thing, a pension cut quite another.
The BMW dispute is high stakes, however, for more than what it says about the state of industrial relations.
BMW is due to make a decision by the end of the month on where it will build the new electric Mini they have alternative factories in Holland and Austria. If they dont bring the Mini E to Cowley in Oxford this would be a massive sentiment blow for post-Brexit Britain and a decision BMW might be able to blame on an inflexible workforce. One to watch.
I t is often said that when it comes to elections, the British public always gets it right. And if you look back, its an argument that is hard to fault. We didnt entirely trust Neil Kinnock in 1992, were fed-up to the back teeth with the Tories in 1997 and couldnt bear to contemplate them again until 2010, when we werent quite convinced by David Cameron and so ended up with a coalition. By 2015, wed just about bought into the logic of the Tories economic project and found Cameron slightly more compelling than a potential coalition of Labour and the SNP. Much good, arguably, it has done us.
So how then do you explain this massive dogs breakfast of a result? Well, its not complicated. I think you can argue that, once again, the British public got exactly the result it wanted.
As I wrote in this paper a few weeks ago, Theresa May made mistakes from the start of this campaign. She called an election that no one wanted (we just gave you our answer twice!) and stretched our credulity by attempting to claim it was in the countrys interest rather than her own.
She told us that she needed our support for her Brexit negotiating position but resolutely refused to say what that was. She avoided the debates and insisted she was doing so because she wanted to spend her time meeting actual voters, while mostly appearing to make semi-regal progress from one sterile photo opportunity to another.
There was the gloomy, downbeat manifesto, the worst executed U-turn in modern history on the dementia tax (who will ever forget nothing has changed, nothing has changed?) and, arguably the most aggravating of all, the persistent, robotic instruction that we needed to vote for a strong and stable government. Honestly, when will politicians stop doing this? If we wanted a parrot, wed head to the pet shop.
Theresa May: I've brought 'talent' to the cabinet from across the Conservative Party
So as the increasingly large group of non-aligned, floating voters headed for the polling booths last Thursday, they did so in a state of profound irritation. And probably not only about the self-indulgent and alienating nature of the Tory campaign. Many seemed alarmed by the behaviour of the Brexiteers, who appeared to have taken last years narrow win in the referendum as an excuse to interpret our exit from the European Union entirely as they wished. We voted to leave, yes, but we didnt cast our ballots to lose our jobs and all the talk of a hard Brexit has made a lot of people very nervous.
So if all this is true of the Tory campaign, what does this result tell of us about Jeremy Corbyn? Is he the new Messiah, riding a wave that will one day soon deliver him to Downing Street, as his supporters seem fervently to believe? Hmm, I am not so sure.
There are undeniable positives for Corbyns growing group of fans. As the Tories and their friends in the press hurled ever more invective at him, most of us looked up to see a bloke who seemed basically all right. He potters about on his allotment at the weekend. He appears sincere and genuine. I even wondered halfway through the campaign if there wasnt a touch of the Harold Wilson or Jim Callaghan about him that everyone was missing the kindly uncle to whom you would happily entrust your pocket money on the grounds that, even if he went out and spent it, it would be on something worthwhile.
His campaign was clever, too. There is not a single serious political observer who believed that a Labour government under Corbyn would only marginally increase spending on the NHS or keep many of the existing and future public service cuts in place, as the partys manifesto and accompanying figures appeared to imply. Corbyn didnt talk about this because he didnt need to; the party already has a massive inbuilt advantage on this subject in the minds of most voters.
Instead, he offered one of the greatest inducements ever seen in modern politics. If you were a current or future student and someone offered you the equivalent of nearly 30,000, wouldnt you make sure you got out of bed and voted? The increase in the youth vote (and the defection of many middle-class parents too, one suspects) is one of the least surprising aspects of this result and the Tories are going to have to think hard about what it means for them. Of course they might have countered it in the campaign if they had bothered to make an argument on the economy. But from the party that built its modern political strength on the issue of the deficit we heard barely a whisper.
For all these positives for Labour, it is also true to say that elections are notoriously over-interpreted by both sides, and the basic truth is that many voters will have entered the polling booth on Thursday intent on punishing May but at the same time confident in the knowledge that they werent going to get Corbyn as Prime Minister. For Labour it poses an interesting question: does it double down on the radicalism or ease off in the hope of getting over the line next time?
What it means for the governing party is rather clearer: two or three or, if they are very lucky, more years of hard grind. It is now evident that there is no Commons majority for a hard Brexit and probably not for leaving the single market either. We look as if we are slipping towards some version of the Norway model, which would give us most of the advantages, costs and obligations of being in the EU without any say over how it is run.
If this turns out to be so, then someone will have to explain to the British people what the point of leaving the EU was in the first place. The Conservative Party might, in short, ending up clutching closely to its bosom the greatest political turkey of modern times. What happens after that is frankly anyones guess.
Tom Bradby is the anchor of ITVs News at Ten
Known for her devotion to the Knot on my Planet campaign, last night saw supermodel Doutzen Kroes pair up with Porter magazine's Editor-in-Chief Lucy Yeomans to host a star-studded dinner party in honour of Save the Elephants.
Held at The Orangery Kensington Palace in partnership with Tiffany & Co., guests including Naomi Campbell, Cara Delevinge, Samantha Cameron, Ruth Wilson, Anna Friel and Natalia Vodianova all stepped out in support of the event.
A number of iconic fashion designers also showed their support, with Peter Dundas, Roksanda Illincic, Emilia Wickstead and Alice Temperley all in attendance.
The party coincided with this month's launch of Porter's Summer Escape issue, which sees Kroes take to the magazine's cover in a portrait alongside elephants shot on location at the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya.
Speaking of the magazine's support for the campaign, Porter Editor-in-Chief Lucy Yeomans said: "It is incredibly rare that a project comes along that ignites such passion in a team, but the Porter and Net-a-Porter campaign to raise awareness about the plight of the global elephant population has done exactly that."
"Elephants play a crucial role in our eco-system and their rapidly dwindling are a threat to the species."
"We are very honoured to be supporting this cause and bringing the story of the inspirational Douglas Hamiltons (the family behind Save The Elephants) as well as the Samburu people, to a global audience."
The dinner also comes just one week after the Yoox Net-a-Porter group - which includes global e-commerce platforms Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter, Yoox and The Outnet - announced its new policy to go entirely fur-free.
The decision is particularly significant given that it sells products by fur-heavy designers such as Fendi and Burberry.
T he first major retrospective of Turkish artist Fahrelnissa Zeid opens at Tate Modern today.
Her epic abstract paintings are breathtaking, and her life story is pretty incredible too, but Zeid has been largely forgotten about. The exhibition continues the Tates work to broaden the canon of art history, which is notoriously neglectful of women - but who was Zeid and why does she matter?
She was a princess
No, genuinely. She divorced her first husband, novelist Izzet Melih Devrim with whom she had three children, so that she could marry Prince Zeid Al-Hussein of Iraq.
Her earlier life wasnt without drama either. She saw her brother shoot her dad dead when she was just twelve.
She lived all over the world
After she married the prince, he became the first Iraqi Ambassador to Germany in 1935, so the couple moved to Berlin. (Its rumoured that she discussed painting with Adolf Hitler whilst living there.) They later moved back to Baghdad, where Zeid became depressed and was advised by a doctor to go to Paris, where she had first been to art school. She then spent much of life traveling between the French capital, London, Budapest and Istanbul.
She created epic abstract paintings
Zeids paintings were huge - her 1951 piece My Hell, which was exhibited at Londons ICA in 1954, is over 5 metres long. Her international lifestyle meant she was influenced by a broad range of styles, from European abstraction to Byzantine, Islamic and Persian influences. In later life she painted portraits, but these never reached the level of acclaim of her unique, vibrant abstract works.
Summer exhibitions in London 1 /12 Summer exhibitions in London RA Summer Exhibition 2017 Want an insight into what is making the contemporary art world tick? You cant go wrong with the Royal Academys annual summer exhibition, which features the worlds most internationally renowned artists, including Mark Wallinger, Gilbert and George and Yinka Shonibare. Most of the artworks are for sale too, so if something takes your fancy you could end up taking it home.
13 June - 20 August, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Fahrelnissa Zeid Fahrelnissa Zeids paintings are a vibrant burst of colour and abstraction, and Tate Modern is offering a chance to see these dazzling works up close. This major retrospective shows the synthesis of Islamic, Byzantine, Arab and Persian influences fused with European ideas - dont miss your chance to experience them.
June 13 - October 8, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk Perfume: A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent Perfume is a kind of art that you wear on your skin - or so this exhibition argues. This multi-sensory exhibition will features ten iconic perfumes and their creators, and how they have changed our perceptions of fragrance over the last 20 years.
June 21 - September 21, Somerset House; somersethouse.org.uk Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction Science fiction isnt just aliens bursting out of stomachs and Darth Vaders heavy breathing, you know. This vast festival-style show explores the phenomenon through art, design, film and literature. It kicks off by placing visitors inside an episode of Black Mirror, and journeys through dystopian worlds, in what our critic Ben Luke described as a tribute to human imagination.
Until September 1, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Franklin: Death in the Ice If it all gets a bit too hot (unlikely), head to Greenwich for an arctic journey as the National Maritime Museum explores the mysterious fate of Sir John Franklin and his crew on their final expedition. What happened - scurvy, starvation or cannibalism? This exhibition tries to get one step closer to finding the answer.
July 14 - January 7, National Maritime Museum; rmg.co.uk Matisse in the Studio Heres a perspective on Matisse that you wont have seen before: the Royal Academy offers an exclusive glimpse at objects from his private collection, showing the ways that they influenced his work. The diverse collection includes African masks and Chinese calligraphy, precious items that werent high in material value but allowed him to go beyond the limits of Western art.
5 August - 12 November, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Dreamers Awake This major exhibition on the enduring influence of surrealism spans work from the 1930s to the present day. Featuring over 100 works by women artists, it will include a vast spread of art from greats including Leonora Carrington, Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Mona Hatoum and Gillian Wearing.
June 28 - September 17, White Cube; whitecube.com A Museum of Modern Nature Londoners dont often feel at one with nature, but we all are - and this summer show from the Wellcome Collection will tell us how. It will tell the individual stories of how people connect with nature by displaying items borrowed from the public, offering a big snapshot of how we tihnk about nature and our planet in the 21st century.
June 22 - October 8, Wellcome Collection; wellcomecollection.org Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power The Tate Modern will celebrate the work of Black artists in a vital time in Americas history, beginning in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of the works are on display in the UK for the very first time, and visitors will be introduced to the work of more than 50 influential American artist.
July 12 - October 22, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk BP Portrait Award 2017 Its a classic, but a goodie. The National Portrait Gallery once again hosts the prize for the very best in contemporary portrait painting, which is now in its 38th year. Three artists have been shortlisted, and the winner will be commissioned to paint a portrait that will enter the gallerys permanent collection. The winner will be announced June 20.
June 22 - September 24, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains This audio-visual spectacular exploring the rise and times of the legendary Pink Floyd is bound to gather crowds all summer. Exploring their music, design and staging, it leaves no stone unturned and is a treat for superfans as well as the uninitiated.
Until October 1, Victoria and Albert Museum; vam.ac.uk Sargent: The Watercolours This rare opportunity to see John Singer Sargents watercolours offer the chance to reassess works that have often been dismissed as travel souvenirs. 80 paintings from private and public collections will show his impeccable technique and distinctive way of seeing the world. And you can pop to the lovely Dulwich Pavilion while youre there!
June 21 - October 8, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
She saved her husband from a military coup
Zeid persuaded the prince that their family should not return to Baghdad in 1958 but instead to go to their holiday home in the Bay of Naples. Tragically, at the same time, a military coup detat in Iraq saw the entire Royal Family assassinated. If they had been there, its almost certain they would have met the same fate.
She didnt cook her first meal until she was 57
...but the experience inspired her art. After the military coup, the Zeids had to leave the London embassy where they were living at the time and find a modest flat. It was the first time they had lived without servants.
As a result, some of her later pieces featured painted chicken bones, or sculptures made from the bones.
She set up an art school for women
In 1975, after her husbands death, Zeid moved back to Jordan, where her son was living. She turned her home into an informal art school for young women artists, nurturing future talent.
One of paintings recently went for a big sum
Towards A Sky, painted in 1953, fetched just under 1 million at an auction in April this year - nearly twice its estimate. This painting was so big (six by two metres) that when it was exhibited at the ICA, a third of it had to be rolled up.
The Tates exhibition rescues her art from obscurity
Zeid was popular in her lifetime and exhibited all over the world in big cities like London and New York, but since then she has been all but forgotten. Its a sign of her obscurity in Europe that all but one of the pieces in the Tate show had to be loaned from abroad. The Tates new show offers a chance to reevaluate her artistic impact and legacy.
Fahrelnissa Zeid is at Tate Modern, SE1 until Oct 8; tate.org.uk
L ondoners torn between spending the afternoon in a hot tub or cruising down the Thames need fret no more as a new concept combining the two is setting sail for London.
HotTug which sounds as though it were named after a few too many beers bills itself as the worlds first wood-fired floating hot tubs and offers the capital the chance to spend 90 minutes floating their way down Regents Canal in the comfort of bubbly water.
Opening to the public from July 12, the experience has a permanent home at the Islington Boat Club, and has been bought to the city by Londoner Stuart "Tommo" Thomson, 31, and his business partner Jack Clegg, 32, from Preston.
Thomson, who first saw the hot tubs in Rotterdam five years ago, told the Standard: "I just thought, what a fantastic thing for London. It's taken a while for this crazy, mad experience to get it here finding the right site and that but we're almost there."
The pair hope to be open 365 days a year, with Thomson adding: "It's actually more fun in the winter. There's nothing better than being in the hot water when it's freezing out."
HotTug, in pictures 1 /9 HotTug, in pictures
Each 12ft hottug can hold up to seven and is fitted with an electric motor that can power the tubs about at speeds of up to 2.6 knots (3mph). Each each hold 1800 litres of water, which is heated to 38 celsius by a small wood-burning stove at the bow of the boat.
The tubs are approved by the River and Canal Trust, and are sturdy enough to have taken to the sea, as can be seen in the gallery and the group's promotional video, both above. Thompson said: "Because they're already full of water, they're basically impossible to sink."
The HotTug team are currently crowdfunding to raise 10,000 towards operating costs, offering a variety of rewards in return, from booking discounts to the chance to name a boat. To donate, visit this page.
Currently, Thomson and Clegg have raised around 6,000 in just one week, and still have until July 11 to meet their target. They say those who donate or book up using the crowd funding page will be offered the first trips out on the tubs. Sessions currently start at 160 for earlybirds.
Londoners should bring a swimsuit and towel, and there will be a shower on the docking site for guests to use before getting in. All guests apart from the driver can bring alcohol.
This isn't the first time a Hottug, all of which are hand built by their inventor Frank de Bruijn, have been in the UK. Since 2012, one has been available to guests at the Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel in Surrey for a splash on the Thames. However, Clegg and Thomson a have exclusive rights for all other boats in the UK and Ireland.
For more information, visit hottuguk.com
F or those who have heard of Trooping the Colour, they may refer to it as something to do with the Royals but what does it mean and why do we celebrate it?
Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old event which marks the monarchs official birthday celebration. Since the 1950s, it has always fallen on the second Saturday of June even if the sovereigns actual birthday does not fall on that day.
So, although Queen Elizabeths actual birthday is in April, a parade is held every June in her honour.
With the Queens birthday celebrations just around the corner, heres everything you need to know about Trooping the Colour:
What is Trooping the Colour?
Members of the Royal Family stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, marking the Queen's official birthday celebrations. / Getty
Trooping the Colour is believed to have begun as a military tradition. In the British Army, colour often refers to the uniform worn by the soldiers of different units. It was thought necessary for troops to display their Regiments Colours regularly, which they did so through a practice called trooping hence the name.
In June of 1748, King George II decided to combine the annual military parade with his own birthday celebration, despite his own birthday being in December.
Today, the Trooping of Colour is still used as a celebration of the sovereigns official birthday.
When is Trooping the Colour 2019?
This year, Trooping the Colour will be held on Saturday 8 June.
75th Anniversary D-Day Commemorations - In pictures 1 /66 75th Anniversary D-Day Commemorations - In pictures U.S. World War II paratrooper veteran Tom Rice, 97 years-old who served with the 101st Airbone, jumps during a commemorative parachute jump over Carentan on the Normandy coast ahead of the 75th D-Day anniversary, France Reuters A dog sits on the sidecar of a reenactor at the World War II Hillman Fortress camp in Colleville-Montgomery, north-western France AFP/Getty Images Sheridan Smith performing during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Southsea Common in Portsmout PA The Red Arrows flying over the commemorations at Southsea Common in Portsmouth for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings PA A history enthusiast looks on as C-47 Dakota airplanes drop parachutists in WW2 attire near the Normandy coast EPA Queen Elizabeth II and US President Donald Trump at the D-day 75 Commemorations Getty Images Dancers in period costume perform during an event to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth AP A single white rose lies in front of the Les Braves sculpture on Omaha beach during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings PA Performers speak on stage during the D-Day Commemorations in Portsmouth Getty Images A woman dressed as WWII US paratrooper walks after taking part in a parachute drop in Carentan, Normandy, north-western France AFP/Getty Images PA A man dressed as a WW2 US paratrooper looks on as C-47 Dakota airplanes drop parachutists in WW2 attire near the Normandy coast ahead of the 75th D-Day anniversary, in Carentan, France EPA US soldiers and members of the public watch paratroopers taking part in a parachute drop over Carentan, Normandy, north-western France AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May and the Prince of Wales during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Southsea Common in Portsmouth PA Polish D-Day veteran Eugeniusz Nead during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Southsea Common in Portsmouth PA Members of the public watch an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Portsmouth AFP/Getty Images US WWII veteran Tom Rice (C) reacts after taking part in a parachute drop over Carentan, Normandy, north-western France, AFP/Getty Images D Day veteran Henry Cullen, with British Royal Navy Bethany Thomson of HMS Nelson attending the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Southsea Common, Portsmouth, EPA A RAF Spitfire which flew during the D-Day invasion is prepared at Le Havre Airport in France to take part in a commemorative parachute drop to mark the invasion 75 years ago PA Veteran D-Day switchboard operator Marie Scott, 92, poses for a portrait wearing her WWII service medal (R) and her French Legion of Honour (Legion d'honneur) during an interview at her home in southwest London AFP/Getty Images A man in US Airborne period dress during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Southsea Common in Portsmouth PA US WWII veterans Stan Friday from Pennsburg, Pennsylvania hold a bottle of sand from Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, north-western France AFP/Getty Images D-Day veterans arrive for a D-Day event at Portsmouth Historical Dockyard PA US veteran paratrooper veteran Vincent Speranza (R) sings with the band "Band of Brothers" during a parachute drop in Carentan, Normandy, north-western Franc AFP/Getty Images The Royal British Legion ship taking D-Day veterans to Normandy departs from the port in Dover Reuters Few days before the 75th anniversary of the allied landings on D-Day, history enthusiasts drive a vintage jeep during a re-enactment of D-Day landings on the beach, in Arromanches, on the Normandy coast, France Reuters A re-enactor wearing a U.S. World War II-era military uniform snaps a photo of an American flag planted at Omaha Beach in Normandy near Colleville-sur-Mer, France Getty Images Vera Hay, 96, who was a nursing sister in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and landed on Gold Beach shortly after D-Day, talks to Lt Colonel Duane Fletcher MBE, as they attend a function at Southwick House, which in June 1944 was the headquarters of Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower in Portsmouth Getty Images Few days before the 75th anniversary of the allied landings on D-Day, history enthusiasts drive a vintage DUKW during a re-enactment of D-Day landings in Bayeux, on the Normandy coast, France Reuters D-Day veterans gather under the 'Embracing Peace' statue, during a D-Day event at Portsmouth Historical Dockyard PA Enthusiasts from France and Netherlands visit a supply souvenir shop as they take part of a camp re-enactment of the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army next to Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie du Mont, Normandy, France AP Veteran John Roberts, 95, from Whitstable, sits in a jeep as he arrives at the cruise termianl to board the MV Boudicca (behind) ahead of its departure from the port of Dover in Kent, on day one of a trip arranged by the Royal British Legion for D-Day veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day PA Enthusiasts from Italy ride a jeep and a U.S. Army DUKW, amphibious lorry, on Utah Beach, in Normandy, France AP US D-Day veteran Bert Chandler meets members of the Charlalas close harmony group during a D-Day event at Portsmouth Historical Dockyard PA A tracked military vehicle of the 326 Airborne medical Company is displayed as enthusiasts from France and Netherlands take part of a camp re-enactment of the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army next to Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie du Mont, Normandy, France AP Enthusiasts from France and Netherlands take part of a camp re-enactment of the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army next to Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie du Mont, Normandy, France AP D-Day veteran Ron Minton, aged 94, is greeted by a military policeman as he arrives at a function at Southwick House, which in June 1944 was the headquarters of Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower in Portsmouth, England Getty Images Few days before the 75th anniversary of the allied landings on D-Day, a young history enthusiast sits on a vintage jeep during a re-enactment of D-Day landings on the beach in Arromanches, on the Normandy coast, France Reuters Enthusiasts from France and Netherlands take part of a camp re-enactment of the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army next to Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie du Mont, Normandy, Franc AP A D-Day veterans arrive to the cruise terminal to board the MV Boudicca ahead of its departure from the port of Dover in Kent, on day one of a trip arranged by the Royal British Legion for D-Day veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day PA Soldiers of the U.S. Army pose for a photo with U.S. D-Day veteran Leonard Jindra, 98, following a small ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery Getty Images Veteran John Roberts, 95, from Whitstable, on a jeep as he arrives to the cruise termianl to board the MV Boudicca (behind) ahead of its departure from the port of Dover in Kent, on day one of a trip arranged by the Royal British Legion for D-Day veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day PA Few days before the 75th anniversary of the allied landings on D-Day, a history enthusiast drives a vintage jeep during a re-enactment of D-Day landings in Arromanches, on the Normandy coast, Reuters U.S. Army Rangers dressed in the uniforms of U.S. Army Rangers from World War II stand together after they scaled the cliffs of La Pointe du Hoc in a re-enactment of the D-Day assault on June 05, 2019 near Cricqueville-en-Bessin, France Getty Images Soldiers from the U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment, in period dress stand on the overlook after climbing the cliffs of Pointe-du-Hoc in Cricqueville-en-Bessin, Normandy, France AP Two people dressed as local resident during the WWII sits on a wall along the beach in Arromanches-Les-Bains AFP/Getty Images 96 year-old US army WWII veteran Onofrio Zicari poses at The Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, near Omaha Beach AFP/Getty Images A double of Winston Churchill attends at The Normandy American Cemetery, close to Omaha Beach, in Colleville-sur-Mer AFP/Getty Images WWII British veteran Mervyn Kresh holds a poppy on an inscribed wooden Star of David during a remembrance ceremony at The Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer AFP/Getty Images Rangers from the U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment, in period dress, hold the American flag after scaling the cliffs of Pointe-du-Hoc in Cricqueville-en-Bessin, Normandy, France AP
What is the Trooping the Colour flypast route?
As is traditional, Trooping the Colour will see a fleet of fighter jets, helicopter and army aircraft fly over parts of the country as they make their way towards Buckingham Palace.
The Ministry of Defence is yet to confirm the route and timings of the flypast.
However, its likely that the air show will follow similar routes as to previous years, making its way over Suffolk and Essex before reaching London.
What is the Trooping the Colour 2019 schedule?
Members of the Irish Guards, a regiment of Household Division, march to Horseguards parade ahead of the Trooping the Colour parade / Getty
The Queen follows the same itinerary every year for the Trooping the Colour festivities.
At around 9.15am, Household Guards will begin to take their places. The Queen, however, doesnt tend to leave Buckingham Palace until over an hour later, at 10.45am.
She will then be escorted from the Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade by St James Park.
The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past Her Majesty, and the Kings Troop, Royal House Artillery, rank past with their guns.
Finally, the Queen heads back to Buckingham Palace to the balcony for the Royal Air Force fly-past.
Trooping the Colour highlights: Harry and Meghan on royal balcony
How to get tickets for Trooping the Colour
Tickets are no longer available for the Trooping the Colour event this year.
Members of the public can watch the event for free, however, by standing by some of the designated viewing areas on The Mall or on the edge of St James Park, which overlooks Horse Guards.
The parade will also be broadcast live on the BBC.
P ippa Middletons 275,000 ceremony might have been dubbed the society wedding of the year, but a billionaire son and his model girlfriend may have just stolen her thunder.
Folarin Alakija, whose mum is Nigerian oil tycoon Folorunsho Alakija, tied the knot with Iranian model Nazanin Jafarian Ghaissarifar in an opulent ceremony at Blenheim Palace this week, reportedly racking up a 5 million bill.
The lavish details included one million white roses, a 12ft cake with eight tiers and 200,000 worth of orchids.
Mr Alakija also splashed out on a surprise performance by Blurred Lines pop star Robin Thicke, who serenaded the pair during their first dance at Winston Churchills ancestral home.
Thicke reportedly costs around 150,000 to hire and would have been specially flown over from the US for the performance.
Guests were also treated to a spectacular firework display in the hotel grounds later in the evening.
The father-of-one, who lost his first wife to cancer, celebrated his nuptials with friends, family and celebrities, including Victoria's Secret Angel, Shanina Shaik.
Alakija, who is in his 30s, studied at Imperial College in London and is an entrepreneur and cinematographer.
His new wife, meanwhile, studied bioengineering at the University of Manchester and reportedly met her husband through friends in London.
The bride stunned in a simple strapless white gown with lace embellishment, accessorising with a diamond necklace and a pair of white Manolo Blahnik shoes.
The grooms mother, who is likely to have footed the astronomical bill, has an estimated fortune of 1.6 billion and has been ranked as the 14th richest person in Africa by Forbes.
She overtook Oprah Winfrey as the richest woman of African descent in the world in 2014.
Best UK wedding venues - in pictures 1 /25 Best UK wedding venues - in pictures The Old Vicarage Boutique Wedding Venue - Nottinghamshire The Garden Room in Syon Park - Greater London Shilstone House - Devon The Balmoral - Edinburgh Browns Hotel - London Kingston Estate - Devon Hinchingbrooke House - Cambridgeshire Fulham Palace - London Eynsham Hall - Oxfordshire Comlongon Castle - Scotland Chiswell Street Dining Rooms - London Assynt House - Inverness, Scotland The Pump Room - Bath Merchant Taylors Hall - London St Giles House, Wimborne - Dorset Hedsor House - Buckinghamshire Drapers Hall - London Minterne House - Dorset Kensington Palace - London
Wedding planners believe the venue hire alone would cost an impressive 150,000, with the huge glass marquee and bespoke marble floor with their initials etched in gold adding an extra 200,000 to the bill.
Bridebook.co.uk founder Hamish Shephard said: 'The preparations and construction of their custom clear marquee including a bespoke marble floor with their gold initials, would have required up to a week of exclusive hire of the palace, with the cost of the marquee on top.
N ever one to shy away from making a statement, British artist Banksy has opened the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, attracting visitors to one of the most closed off parts of the world.
Best known as the biblical birthplace of Jesus, the town has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years. It is also in the West Bank, and surrounded by an eight-foot high concrete wall.
Having visited in 2004 to leave his mark on the wall, Banksy opened the hotel in secret with the aim of attracting a different tourist to the area and providing much needed local jobs. He has long been opposed to the decision of building the wall, and the hotel is his way of highlighting the current situation, as well as starting a conversation about what is going on.
Where is it?
To gain access to the hotel, tourists must cross the border from Jerusalem into the Occupied Territories, drive through the gates in the wall and into the town of Bethlehem. The hotel sits in the shadow of the wall, with the rooms just metres away, giving them the view dubbed the worst in the world.
Style
The Walled Off Hotel is trademark Banksy; eclectic, eerie, beautiful and politically charged. In the main dining room, angels with gas masks hang above a grand piano and a glowing fireplace is strewn with rubble. Its cool colonial with punchy pieces of art everywhere.
To gain access to the rooms, tap your wall-shaped key over the breasts of a classical bust and open a secret door hidden in a bookshelf. Each room has its own style, with stunning pieces of art and beautiful furniture throughout.
Which room
A bedroom
Room one for the 'worst view in the world'. Enter the plush pad, and walk into a lavish room with thick carpets, smart armchairs around a ruined fireplace and an antique writing desk in the corner. Fabulous art adorns the walls, and there are beautiful soft furnishings and accessories everywhere. Draw back the curtains to let in the light in and you are instantly hit with a view of the wall, towering above the building. Its a stark reminder why you are there and a snapshot of what life is like in this rather forgotten town.
If youre going to splash the cash, then the presidential suite is one of the most unique hotel rooms in the world. A leap of leopards (a Banksy original) glower across the room as they lounge on the wall above a zebra stripped sofa. In the corner, a bullet-ridden water tower acts as a fountain, gushing into a massive Jacuzzi. Theres a screening room, little bar and massive four poster bed.
Food and drink
The dining room
Breakfast is included in the room and you can chose from shakshuka, fruit salad and various breads. Lunch and dinner are served daily. The kitchen is open from 11am11pm, and non-guests are welcome. Munch on a meze platter, with creamy hummus, olives and cheese, or try the Walled Off Salad with bread shaped like sections of the wall.
Day-trippers popping in can tuck into a lush afternoon tea of victoria sponge, freshly baked scones, cucumber pittas and millionaires shortbread.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to try in town. Just around the corner from the hotel, Abu Eli serves decent enough BBQ, and slightly further away you can walk or hop in a cab Arabiesque is a bit more fancy. Try the lamb fukhara - incredibly moist lamb cooked with vegetables in an earthenware pot.
Facilities
This isn't a traditional hotel so don't expect a spa or activities for kids. There's a bright gallery space, which is home to a permanent collection of Palestinian art, as well as showcasing new work from up and coming artists. On the ground floor, a museum is dedicated to the history of the wall, starting from conception to present day. Next to the hotel (but part of it), you'll find Wallmart, a cool graffiti shop that has everything you need to release your inner Banksy. Chose a stencil from its selection I went for 'Make hummus not war' and trace it from a projection. Next, cut it out, decide the paint colour and then go and leave a burner on the wall.
Extra curricular
The hotel is all about getting guests to understand the situation of the people who live around it. It offers two tours. Firstly, a walking tour of Bethlehem to see the wall and how people live behind it. Its both fascinating and shocking, and I strongly advice you do this. The second tour is a drive around Jerusalem. You pass through various borders and get to see how the land is carved up. Again its intense and informative, and so interesting to help get your head around what is going on in our world today.
Best for
Political tourists, intrepid travellers and Banksy fans.
When to go
Whenever you can, try and go here.
Details
Rooms at The Walled Off Hotel start from $60 per night for a bunk and $965 per night for the Presidential Suite; walledoffhotel.com
A detectives testimony Tuesday morning did just enough to convince a Dane County judge to order a Madison man to stand trial on charges that he fired a gun multiple times at a passenger in a car making a U-turn on Raymond Road in May.
Anthony Glynn-Miles Jr., 25, will stand trial on charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide as well as first-degree recklessly endangering safety and discharging a firearm from a vehicle toward a building or vehicle stemming from a May 23 incident that police say sent another Madison man to a hospital for a graze wound to his back and other injuries.
Glynn-Miles attorney, Peter Middleton, told Judge William Hanrahan at Glynn-Miles preliminary hearing that the case shouldnt go to trial because the shooter was never positively identified by the victim. That followed testimony by Madison police Detective Norra Stachel that the victim initially was unclear during interviews with police about who was shooting at him because he said the man with the gun was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and his face was partially hidden.
Hanrahan disagreed, but said the minimum requirements needed for him to order the case to trial werent met until Stachel testified during cross examination by Middleton that the victim also told investigators that he saw enough of the shooters face to know it was Glynn-Miles.
Ongoing issues
According to a criminal complaint:
The victim told police that a woman had just driven him in her car to a PDQ convenience store at Raymond Road and McKenna Boulevard and was taking him to his girlfriends house in the 6200 block of Raymond Road when another car pulled up alongside it and he saw a handgun pointed at him from the drivers-side window.
Madison police officers said they found a Chevrolet Monte Carlo with seven bullet holes, a shattered passenger-side window and a flattened front passenger-side tire after the incident. Also, 10 fired cartridge cases were found in the road. The driver was not shot.
The victim told police he was having ongoing issues with Glynn-Miles.
The start of the hearing was delayed after Assistant District Attorney Tracy McMiller told Hanrahan that she wasnt prepared for the case and needed to interview Stachel before she could question her on the stand. McMiller said that Assistant District Attorney Andrea Raymond was assigned to the case, but was on vacation and hadnt found anybody to handle the preliminary hearing for her.
V ictims of serious or fatal knife attacks have usually attended local A&E units up to four or five times before with less serious injuries, a charity leader warned today.
John Poyton, chief executive of Redthread, called for earlier intervention by agencies to catch young people before they become involved in serious violence.
His charity deals with about 200 young people a month who are treated at Londons four major trauma centres for serious assault injuries, mostly from gun or knife violence.
Its youth workers meet victims, mostly aged 16 or 17, as they are brought in by ambulance or helicopter and, if the patient survives, try to help them turn their lives around.
Mr Poyton said: By the time a kid comes in as a major trauma patient having been stabbed they will have attended four or five times at their local A&E with a number of previous injuries and, anecdotally, those injuries will be rising in severity.
He said he feared that early stages of violence were being missed or ignored when young people walk into hospitals with more minor injuries. We should be asking have they had a beating or have they got involved as a perpetrator of violence, he said. We see lots of broken knuckles, for instance, there is an anecdotal spiral of violence.
Cordon: Police in Battersea after the teenager was stabbed to death / NIGEL HOWARD
The charity hopes to expand to more A&Es in London in an effort to intervene earlier.
Police have seen a 24 per cent rise in knife crime in the capital in the past 12 months, and nine youngsters have died in stabbings this year.
The scene of a stabbing outside Peckham Rye station / Craig Thomas
Redthread youth workers operate in shifts at the four trauma centres: St Marys in Paddington, St Georges in Tooting, Kings College in Denmark Hill, and with the St Giles Trust at the Royal London in Whitechapel.
Mr Poyton said the youth workers engage with victims and can also help the doctors and nurses who are treating them: This cohort of patient, adolescent men, are often quite a difficult group to treat because they are scared, worried, and that can come across as angry, possibly abusive.
But he said the youngsters are often in a teachable moment when they are seriously injured in a hospital.
We find young people who are known to services such as the Westminster Gangs Unit and have been offered support for years but have refused to engage. But when they are aware of their own vulnerability they are more open to how they can change their lives.
The charity has seen a rise in youngsters with knife injuries, many arriving at hospital in school uniform.
Mr Poyton welcomed police statistics showing that 75 per cent of young people carrying knives were not involved in gangs. These are children who are doing normal things but getting caught up in violence, he said.
T he grandson of a baronet accused of trashing his 1.1 million home compared himself to Theresa May as he suggested someone else was to blame for the destruction.
Desmond Fitzgerald, 63, allegedly flooded the terrace home in Medburn Street, Kings Cross, pulling radiators off the wall and taking a hammer to pictures and furniture.
It is claimed he caused the destruction at the climax of a bitter divorce battle with his wife, Catherine Akester, after being told by a judge to leave the former marital home.
However, Fitzgerald, whose grandfather was decorated war hero Major General Sir Allan Henry Shafto Adair, the 6th Baronet Adair, said in his closing speech at Blackfriars crown court, where he is representing himself: You may think theres a possibility that what really happened was somebody went in, we dont know who, and perhaps plaster was brought down in the kitchen you could do that with a wrecking ball.
The court heard Fitzgerald and Ms Akester appeared at Central London county court on October 3 last year, when a judge ordered him to vacate the 1.175 million house so it could be sold.
The next day, Ms Akester, a solicitor, was told by the police that the house was flooded. Fitzgerald said he came home and discovered the damage and went straight to a hotel.
He told jurors a box of papers was apparently destroyed, which contained information about a legal claim involving his aunt Annabel Adair.
He said he was not allowed to go into the detail of the legal dispute other than saying it was over land in Northern Ireland, but claimed: I am in a position that is very much like Theresa May I am entirely dependent on the DUP. The evidence of my aunt Annabels ownership of the heartlands of the DUP in Northern Ireland was in those cardboard boxes. If I had those cardboard boxes I wouldnt be here.
Fitzgerald contested an accusation from prosecutor Liz Lowe that he was a conspiracy theorist.
Fitzgerald, from Vauxhall, denies destroying property.
The trial continues.
T his is the moment bungling crooks attempted to hurl a 250kg safe from the balcony of a home in an affluent south London street.
The three thieves broke the railings on the balcony before launching the safe, which contained high-value jewellery and watches, to the ground below.
CCTV footage shows the brazen thugs struggle to summon the strength to shift the heavy item towards the edge of the balcony.
Police said the men eventually managed to throw the safe off the ledge before making their escape after ransacking the Kingston home on January 19.
Kingston: Police are trying to trace the three bungling thieves / Kingston Police
Officers have launched an appeal to trace the three suspects following the incident in Kingston Hill at about 5.30pm.
A Kingston Police spokesman said: Despite the weight the three suspects managed to move the safe to an upstairs balcony.
They then broke the railings and launched the safe off the balcony and made their escape. This must have made a significant noise, did you hear or see anything?
We are now appealing for your help, who are these males? They are wanted by Kingston Police for burglary.
Call Kingston Police on 101 and quote: 0400613/17 with information. Or you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to pass information to them anonymously.
A man has been stabbed to death in a knife attack on a south-east London street.
Police and paramedics fought to save the victim, aged in his 30s, after he was attacked in Woolwich Road, Charlton on Tuesday evening.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Images showed medics, doctors from Londons Air Ambulance and police officers treating the injured man and emergency services vehicles lining the street nearby.
Emergency services vehicles in Woolwich Road, Charlton (@Blick_Oyinbo ) / @Blick_Oyinbo
Police and paramedics were called to the stabbing at 5.50pm. The man was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later.
Scotland Yard said murder detectives have been informed of the man's death.
A Met Police spokesman said: Next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.
The Homicide and Major Crime Command has been informed. There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue.
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
G ood Samaritans have spoken of the terrifying moment they fought to help a mother as she was dragged 200 yards down a street by muggers who tried to snatch her handbag.
The woman in her 30s refused to let go when she was targeted by the gang who accelerated to 30mph as she clung on for dear life.
The pair eventually fled empty-handed after a van driver gave chase flashing his headlights and blaring his horn to raise the alarm.
The victim was treated at the scene for cuts and bruising following the terrifying ordeal.
She told a neighbour that she had refused to let go of the leather bag because police would never have got it back.
The woman was walking to collect her son from Stanford Primary School in Norbury, south London, when she was targeted by two helmeted riders in Hassocks Road.
The woman was dragged while refusing to hand her bag over to thieves
Scotland Yard have released CCTV footage taken from a security camera at a nearby house in an effort to track down the thieves.
The 50-year-old van driver who gave chase to the riders told the Standard: One of them jumped off the bike and grabbed her handbag and dragged her into the road back to the bike.
The rider pulled his throttle back and tried to accelerate to get rid of her but she was holding tight to the other end.
She was spinning and rolling all over the place and got over 200 yards easily. I was chasing them blowing my horn, I wanted to knock them off to help her but she was in the way.
Eventually he let go and they sped off.
Neighbours ran to the womans aid as she lay in the road battered and bruised but still clutching her handbag and called police.
The builder added: She was shaken and very scared, her clothes were torn up but she was talking.
I asked her if she wanted me to call the police but she told me Whats the point? They wont do anything, I wouldnt have got it back so I had to hold on.
I dont know what was in it that was so precious to her but she was strong to hold on, and so was that bag to not rip.
It was absolutely ridiculous. It could have been my wife and daughter being dragged along. I hope they get caught.
They had helmets on so I couldnt get a good look at them.
Police are now appealing for information on the attempted theft, which took place on May 15 at around 4.40pm.
A spokesman said: A lone female was walking along Hassocks Road when a moped with two riders rode past her.
Circling back, the two attempted to steal the females purse by grabbing her bag. She refused to relinquish the bag and was unfortunately dragged along the road.
She received injuries as a result of the dragging and the suspects did not steal anything in this attempt.
Thieves on scooters and pedal cycles are committing up to 50,000 offences a year in an alarming new crimewave, police have revealed.
Gangs of youths are using stolen scooters, mopeds, motorcycles and bikes to commit tens of thousands of snatch offences across London, detectives say.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
P olice are hunting a cowardly thug who brutally robbed an 85-year-old partially blind woman in her own home.
The great-grandmother was alone in her family home in Southall, west London, when she answered the door to two men.
The men pushed past her, throwing her to the floor.
Shocking CCTV footage shows her helplessly lying in a hallway as the men rip the jewellery from her fingers and ears.
Police want to speak to this man / Met Police
They then drag her along the floor into the living room, where police said they told her they had a knife.
The men fled after stealing around 300 in cash and a quantity of jewellery.
The elderly woman was dragged along the ground by the men / Met Police
Detective Constable Nicholas Strachan, of Ealing police, said: This was a cowardly and wicked attack on a defenceless woman in the home she has lived in for more than 40 years.
"We ask anyone who recognises the man wanted in connection with this incident to contact us.
The thugs also ripped off her jewellery / Met Police
After the incident, which happened on October 7, 2015, 22-year-old Ashan Ali, of Commonwealth Avenue in Hayes, was arrested and is currently serving nine years in prison having plead guilty to this and a string of other robbery offences.
However, the other suspect has not been caught.
The suspect is described as an Asian male aged 18-25. He was a Punjabi speaker and wore a scarf that partially covered his face. He is around 6ft tall, of slim build with a large nose and sharp eyebrows.
Anyone with information should contact police via 101, or alternatively they can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or tweet @MetCC.
A former Met Police commander has called on Muslims to use social media to denounce the "menace" of extremism within British mosques.
Mak Chishty, who was the country's most senior Muslim officer before retiring last week, appealed to Muslims of all ages to use their Facebook or WhatsApp accounts to denounce fanatics.
He issued a "call to action" for a show of defiance against online rather than "skirting round the issue".
It comes after eight people were killed in the London Bridge terror attack on Saturday, June 3, which Mr Chishty described as a turning point in the fight against extremism.
London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /40 London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack Police and paramedics treat an injured person Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images A woman is helped to an ambulance at London Bridge Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Armed police at London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images Debris and abandoned cars remain on London Bridge Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images People walking down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officers on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People flee along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Shocked onlookers in Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run down Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A helicopter lands on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police officers on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed Police officer looks through his weapon on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People run along Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Police at the scene on Southwark Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images A paramedic rushes to the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire An armed officer on London Bridge Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A paramedic at the scene Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Armed police on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emergency personnel on London Bridge Yui Mok/PA Wire Police officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire People are lead to safety away from London Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images
Outlining his blueprint for tackling extremism in the wake of three deadly terror attacks, the ex-Met Police commander also recommended a "mapping" exercise to identify areas of vulnerability and more leadership roles for women.
Mr Chishty appealed to Muslims of all ages to use their Facebook or WhatsApp accounts to "denounce extremism as not theirs".
He said: "All of a sudden you will find maybe these extremist voices begin to shrink.
"Remove their dominance, starve them of that oxygen, make sure they've got a powerful lobby against them.
Sadiq Khan: You do not commit these disgusting acts in my name
"We can do that now, we can do that today. Don't attack me for saying that dangers lie within mosques because they do. Instead, use your voice and maybe avert the next terrorist attack."
The former police officer painted a stark picture of the task facing authorities seeking to address Islamist extremism.
He warned that conspiracy theories suggesting terrorists were not behind recent attacks are going unchallenged while "quite extreme views" are present in a small minority of mosques.
He said a more "straight-talking" approach was needed, arguing that figures in positions of authority have "skirted round the issue".
Mr Chishty said: "Often, we've shied away from difficult issues or government programmes have simply not delivered what they were supposed to.
"The first thing that needs to change is we need to be comfortable with difficult conversations.
"We are not trying to defame Islam - that's the last thing that British people want to do. Let's stop being so sensitive about the language."
Mr Chishty outlined a three-month mapping project which would be carried out in order to improve understanding of which interventions should be focused where.
He said: "It's difficult to map extremism ... but you might be able to map areas of the country where (there is) vulnerability, amenability, propensity - the drivers, the factors that might lead people to becoming more radical, more fundamental, even more extreme and more violent with extremism."
A young woman who tricked a string of lonely hearts into sending her more than 100,000 in an online dating scam is facing jail.
Grace Akintaro, 24, posed as a woman called Amanda Jenson and chatted online to seven men who believed they may have found love.
She convinced her victims to send money for travel and expenses, but she then gave excuses for pulling out of face-to-face meetings.
At Woolwich crown court yesterday, Akintaro, from Greenwich, pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation on the first day of her trial.
She claimed the dating scam was masterminded by someone else, telling the court: I was naive and used by this person I was in love with.
Co-defendant Victoria Nwogu, 22, also from Greenwich, was cleared of the frauds but appeared in the dock with Akintaro where she admitted laundering 3,490 from the scam.
Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams QC freed the women on bail until sentencing on June 20, but told Akintaro: These were romance frauds and the fact I am ordering a pre-sentence report is no indication as to the sentence. There is a real prospect she will go to prison.
Akintaro carried out the scam between August 2014 and December 2015, chatting extensively online to the victims and talked to at least two of the men by telephone.
The judge said the men had suffered psychologically and financially once they discovered they had been conned. They were expecting to get their money back, they thought they were loaning the money, he said.
Akintaro made at least 16 trips to the bank to withdraw money sent by the men, the court heard, raking in a total of 104,962.
However, the court heard she only had a 5,000 Renault Clio and a few hundred pounds left, claiming the rest of money was passed on to others in the scheme.
There would have to be a female involved and that was Miss Akintaro, said prosecutor Kevin Dent. She may not have been at the top of this, but played a role over a period of time.
The prosecution offered no evidence against Nwogu.
E xaminers at Cambridge University have been warned to avoid using words like genius and flair because they are associated with men, an academic has revealed.
Tutors have been told not to use the terms because they carry assumptions of gender inequality, Lecturer Lucy Delap said.
She also claimed that men got more first class degrees at Oxford and Cambridge because female students struggle with the male dominated environment of the universities.
Ms Delap told the Telegraph: Some of those words, in particular genius, have a very long intellectual history where it has long been associated with qualities culturally assumed to be male.
Some women are fine with that, but others might find it hard to see themselves in those categories.
The history lecturer pointed towards male-dominated reading lists and portraits hanging on college walls which are either of men or by men as contributing to the stigma.
The university aims to get rid of the very vague talk and is encouraging examiners to strictly stick to the marking criteria, Ms Delap said.
She added: We want to use language that is transparent.
Were rewriting our first two years of our History degree to create a wider set of paper choices, to make assessment criteria clearer, and to really try and root out the unhelpful and very vague talk of genius, of brilliance, of flair which carries assumptions of gender inequality and also of class and ethnicity."
The move comes after Oxford Universitys decision to allow students to take a history exam at home in the next academic year in a bid to help women get higher marks.
The university found itself embroiled in a sexism row after critics blasted the move as insulting to women.
J udges in the European Court of Human Rights have ruled that terminally-ill baby Charlie Gard should keep receiving life support treatment until next week.
Parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard want their 10-month-old son, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, to undergo a therapy trial in America.
Doctors want to stop his life support and move him to a palliative care regime.
Charlies parents, who are in their 30s and come from Bedfont, west London, have asked European Court judges in Strasbourg, France, to examine issues after exhausting all legal options in the UK.
Parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard with their 10-month-old son / PA
Strasbourg judges said on Tuesday that doctors should keep treating Charlie until midnight on Monday June 19.
Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Charlie is being cared for, say therapy proposed by a doctor in the US is experimental and will not help.
They say life support treatment should stop.
A High Court judge in April ruled against a trip to the US and in favour of Great Ormond Street doctors.
Mr Justice Francis concluded that life support treatment should end and said Charlie should be allowed to die with dignity.
Three Court of Appeal judges upheld that ruling in May and three Supreme Court justices on Thursday dismissed a further challenge by the couple after a hearing in London.
Media coverage of a suspected burglar, including a surveillance camera photo of the suspect, helped Madison police arrest the man who they feel is responsible for three break-ins in the city.
Michael Hilton was initially arrested Friday on State Street on a parole hold, with tentative charges of burglary and attempted burglary expected to be filed.
He was out on parole on a burglary charge when he was arrested.
Early in the morning on June 2, Hilton allegedly used a rock to smash out a drive-up window at Dunkin Donuts, 739 S. Gammon Road, but didn't gain access to the store. He then allegedly smashed a glass door at Kelley's Market, 901 S. Gammon Road, and stole cigarettes.
On June 9, he allegedly tried to break into a residence in the 600 block of Howard Place.
Police posted surveillance video images of Hilton on its website following the Kelleys' Market break-in. The images were seen by a resident once they appeared on Channel 3000's web site.
"A vigilant citizen who had a memorable interaction with Hilton at a Madison bar remember his distinctive tattoos and voice when a story was on local news station Channel 3000's website," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain.
The same person who ran into Hilton in a bar pointed him out to police on Friday night on State Street.
T ransport for London plans to introduce new speed monitoring systems to tell drivers when to brake after seven people were killed when a tram derailed in Croydon last year.
TfL is in consultation to develop the systems, including an Automated Vehicle Speed Monitoring device, AVSM, to generate alerts when a tram is travelling too fast for a certain period of time.
It said in a call for developers that if the driver does not slow down, the devices - to be retroactively fitted into all of the capital's tram fleet - should be able then to apply brakes automatically.
TfL also wants to install driver vigilance devices, DVDs, that would generate alerts if the driver falls asleep and apply brakes if "no driver activity is detected" for a period.
Currently tram drivers are relied on to brake manually, whether on tracks sharing the road or on rail-like separate tracks. But questions were raised after November's tragedy, when a tram travelling between New Addington and Wimbledon came off the rails.
Victims: Dorota Rynkiewicz, Dane Chinnery, Phil Seary, and Mark Smith were among those killed in the crash
An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch found that the tram had gone into a tight left-bend at 74 kmph (46 mph), while the speed limit was 20 kmph (13mph).
Driver Alfred Dorris "lost awareness" as he approached the bend, according to the report, which also suggests that the single 20kmph (13mph) sign was too close to the bend to give the driver enough time to slow down.
The crash happened at 6.07am, during rain and darkness. One woman and six men were killed and 51 injured, including 16 seriously.
Concerns were also raised after Croydon tram drivers were filmed asleep in the cab by shocked commuters who feared for their safety.
Jonathan Fox, TfLs Director of London Rail, said: Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragic tram derailment and we continue to do all we can to offer our support, including through our Sarah Hope line that provides help with counselling and other assistance.
Since the tragic derailment we have been working on the development of an in-cab driver alert system for monitoring and managing tram speed.
We are now seeking interest from the wider industry to help support us in the development and introduction of that system.
G atwick is the second worst airport in the world, according to a damning new study.
A survey by ranked four British airports in the bottom 20 for punctuality and quality, for people flying into and out of the UK. Kuwait was rated the world's worst airport.
It comes after a year of chaotic incidents for travellers flying from the airport, including a British Airways IT crash that left thousands stranded in the capital last month.
Heathrow was rated the 20th best of the 76 airports studied.
A spokesman for Gatwick dismissed the survey, saying delays at the airport were often due to continental strikes and "outside its control".
Bags lined up at Gatwick after a fault with a conveyer belt system caused chaos earlier this year / @LanaBananaLana
In April, a Which survey found Gatwick to have the worst airport lounge in Britain, with customers complaining that the floor was grubby and the facilities were basic.
May Bank Holiday travellers were also left furious when they were told they would have to fly without luggage due a fault with the conveyer belt system that sorts suitcases before boarding flights.
Gatwick Airport's South Terminal last year unveiled a 186 million "state of the art" terminal link including a brand new baggage handling system, the airport's biggest single investment under its new ownership.
The top airport in the world, according to the rankings, was Singapore's Changi, followed by Munich and Hong Kong.
AirHelps UK manager Marius Fermi said: Its important - now more so than ever - that passenger service is a top priority of both airlines and airports, ensuring they receive the experience they deserve, so its fantastic to see that Singapore is setting the standard for customer-first service.
This research should hopefully give airlines and airports across the world, particularly in the UK, a nudge to improve their quality and punctuality urgently before the travel rush starts this summer.
Stranded travellers wait at Heathrow Airport after a global IT crash / AFP/Getty Images
The rankings also looked at airlines, with British Airways placed seventh worldwide out of 87 carriers, despite a worldwide computer outage that caused chaos in London last month.
Passengers at Heathrow and Gatwick were left stranded when computer systems went down, with travellers reporting being charged thousands to stay at nearby hotels.
Flybe came in 22nd, while Ryanair and Monarch featured in the bottom five of the rankings which measure on-time performance, quality of service and how well airlines process claims for compensation.
The top ranked carrier in the world was Singapore Airlines.
Sig Watkins, from Hampshire, flew from Gatwick with an under-12s rugby team to Lyon when the conveyer belt broke in May, describing being greeted by the "biggest queues I've ever seen" and confusion at the airport.
Airline staff assured her that their bags were on board, but when she arrived in Lyon they were nowhere to be found, she said.
"That's the frustration. If they'd said, then maybe we would have taken hand baggage," said Ms Watkins.
Nathan James called the airport a "nightmare" and described "chaos" after the incident.
A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said: Gatwick recognises the inconvenience that delays cause to our passengers and we will continue to do everything possible to prevent them from occurring.
However over recent years repeated strike action on the continent and heavily congested airspace above parts of Europe and London, have led to a significant increase in the number of delays caused by wider air traffic control issues outside Gatwicks control."
He added: "Surveys conducted amongst real passengers travelling through Gatwick currently show record levels of satisfaction and advocacy, with other third party passenger surveys also telling a different story and rating Gatwicks service levels highly.
T he inquests of five people who were stabbed to death in the London Bridge terrorist attack were formally opened today.
Coroner Andrew Harris heard details of how five of the eight victims died on June 3 when three terrorists rammed a van into pedestrians London Bridge before going on a stabbing rampage.
However he said he was suspending his investigations until after the police probe into the terror attack had concluded.
"I've considered how my investigation should proceed alongside the police investigation and concluded in light of the extensive police investigation, that I'm going to suspend my investigation into all these deaths to give primacy to the police to conduct theirs", he told Southwark coroner's court.
Borough Market after the attack / Jeremy Selwyn
"All of our thoughts and condolences are with you at this terrible time. It's a quite hard thing for a parent to be in court hearing the details of a death, particularly such a violent one when it is your child."
Julie Wallace, the mother of one of the victims, Sara Julie Zelenak, 21, was in court to hear the inquests being opened, as the coroner briefly outlined how each victim died.
Ms Zelenak, a nanny from Brisbane in Australia, was stabbed in the neck in Borough High Street, the court heard. She was formally identified thanks to her Australian dental records.
A woman at London Bridge in tears as a minutes silence was observed in the capital and across the country to remember victims / Jeremy Selwyn
James Alexander McMullan, 32, an entrepreneur who lived in Brent, died from a haemorrhage and a chest wound to the chest after being attacked close to the Post Office in Borough High Street.
A third victim from the Borough Market attack, Sebastian Michel Belanger, 36, from Anges in France, was also stabbed in the chest.
Armed police near the scene after the attack / Jeremy Selwyn
Kirsty Louise Boden, 28, a senior staff nurse from Loxton in Australia, was knifed in the chest in Montague Close, close to Southwark Cathedral, having reportedly run towards danger to help those already injured.
The fifth victim was Spanish HSBC banker Ignacio Echeverria Miralles de Imperial, 39, whose body was recovered from London Bridge.
Victims: Ignacio Echeverria Miralles de Imperial, Sara Zelenak and Sebastien Belanger
A representative from the Spanish consulate was in court to represent his family.
The court heard Mr Miralles de Imperial was stabbed in the back and died from multiple knife wounds.
The attackers, Khuram Butt, 27, Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, were all shot dead by armed police just eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.
However, they were not mentioned during today's hearing.
The inquests of the remaining three victims, Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, and Frenchmen Xavier Thomas, 45, and Alexandre Pigeard, will be formally opened and adjourned tomorrow morning.
A dog has been hailed a hero after she woke up a couple as a potentially deadly fire raged in their flat.
Alex Gibson, 22, and his pregnant girlfriend Charlotte Perren, 24, were sleeping in Princes Parade, Golders Green, when the blaze broke out in the kosher supermarket beneath their home just after 7.30am on Sunday.
As their bedroom filled with smoke they were awoken by three-year-old cockapoo Daisy leaping onto their bed, barking and pawing at them.
The couple fled to safety before flames engulfed their flat, destroying almost everything they owned and gutting the whole first floor of the block.
But they were unable to carry Daisy through the thick black fumes and the heroic hound died of smoke inhalation.
The dog was owned by Mr Gibson's mother and had been staying at the couple's flat overnight.
He told the Standard: "If the dog wasn't there we would be dead right now because the alarms didn't go off and it was really early in the morning. It was just a blessing.
"We were both asleep and if it wasn't for the dog jumping on my partner to wake her up, we wouldn't be here right now."
Fire in Golders Green
The DJ said Daisy "definitely" sensed the couple were in danger and acted to alert them, adding: "She was the most loyal dog ever, she was such a sweetheart."
Miss Perren, who is due to give birth to the couple's first child in November, picked up the cockapoo to carry her to safety as they fled the fire.
But her partner said: "The smoke was so thick that she had to put the dog down and basically run for her life."
Mr Gibson fall and broke his toe in the chaos as dozens of people fled the block of flats.
The couple were left homeless and lost "literally everything" in the fire, including clothes, a TV and his DJ equipment.
"We have basically got to start from scratch," he added.
Smoke can be seen billowing out over north west London / London Fire Brigade
Mr Gibson's mother, who asked not to be named, was "devastated" to lose Daisy but spoke of her pride at her pet's life-saving actions.
She said: Alex and his girlfriend woke up and she was clawing and barking and kept pawing at them. She jumped on top of Charlotte.
If the dog hadnt done that they would be dead as the fire alarm didnt go off.
Alex shouted fire and banged on doors and woke everyone else up.
He told Charlotte to carry to dog out but she dropped her and couldnt find her in the smoke.
He tried to go and find her but the smoke was too thick, and he fell over and broke his toe.
The fire brigade eventually found her and tried to resuscitate her but she died due to smoke inhalation.
Firefighters rescuing children from Golders Green / London 999
About 25 people fled the block before the fire took hold, while three people, including children, were evacuated from an upper floor window and led to safety by firefighters.
Just under 100 fire fighters battled the inferno, which caused extensive damage.
Mr Gibson's mother added: Alex and Charlotte and all these families, theyve got nothing now, absolutely nothing.
She paid tribute to the local Jewish community and Homeless Action In Barnet Ltd, who have rallied around the families to provide them clothes, bedding and other essential items.
Mr Gibson said the community's generosity had "given us a little bit more faith in humanity".
His best friend, Lorenzo Romero-Borrett, has set up a Gofundme page to help raise money for the affected families.
He wrote: My friend's home was destroyed and he lost all his possessions including all his clothes, all his furniture, and all the DJ equipment he uses to make money to provide for his family.
This fund is to help him to reclaim his lost possessions and to have a proper burial for the dog, the money shall be shared equally amongst those who were affected, many of which are currently in hospital due to the smoke, but thankfully no one died thanks to the actions of his heroic little dog Daisy.
"Luckily the local community have been donating what they can. It has given us a little bit more faith in humanity. It's a very difficult time for us right now."
Incident response officer Andy Brown said: "We were called a 7.34am to reports of a fire at Princes Parade, Golders green this morning.
"We have treated a total of 15 people for smoke inhalation. They have all been taken to local hospitals."
I nquests into the deaths of the eight people who were killed in the London Bridge terror attack will begin today.
Eight people were murdered during the horrific attack when three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a stabbing rampage in Borough Market on Saturday, June 3.
The Inquests will open at Southwark Coroners Court on Tuesday, with the opening expected to last a couple of days.
All of the victims have since been named by authorities, including Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, who died in her fiance's arms after being struck by the speeding van.
Vigil for London Bridge terror attack 1 /16 Vigil for London Bridge terror attack Hundreds gather during a vigil in Potters Fields for the victims of the June 3rd terror attacks Getty Images People attend a vigil for victims of Saturday's attack in London Bridge, at Potter's Field Park AP Hundreds gather during a vigil in Potters Fields for the victims of the June 3rd terror attacks Getty Images Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Amber Rudd take part in a vigil for the victims of the London Bridge terror attacks Getty Images Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott with members of the public observing a minute's silence PA People gather in Potters Field Park during an event for the victims of the terror attack REUTERS People at a vigil in Potters Fields Park, central London in honour of the London Bridge terror attack victims PA People take part in a vigil for victims of the London Bridge terror attacks by the City Hall EPA Floral tributes were set down during a vigil outside City Hall EPA ople attend a vigil to remember the victims of the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market REUTERS Pupils from Eden Girls' School in Waltham Forest take part in a vigil in memory of those killed in the recent terror attacks in London Getty Images People lay flowers after a vigil for victims of Saturday's attack in London Bridge, AP
Xavier Thomas, 45, who was knocked into the River Thames, was one of three Frenchmen who died, along with Sebastien Belanger, 36, and restaurant worker Alexandre Pigeard.
James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, and Spanish banker Ignacio Echeverria, 39 and Australians Kristy Boden, 28, and Sara Zelenek were also killed in the attack.
The Inquests will open at Southwark Coroners Court on Tuesday, with the opening expected to last a couple of days.
Xavier Thomas, pictured with his partner, was killed in the atrocity / Facebook
It was revealed on Friday by the Standard that every victim of the attack who made it to hospital has survived their injuries.
Armed police shot dead terrorists Khuram Butt, 27, and his two accomplices Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, just eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.
Frenchmen Alexandre Pigeard was one of the eight vicims / www.doyoubuzz.com
Police are continuing to investigate the attack, with counter-terrorism police arresting a 19-year-old man in Barking yesterday.
T he family of a man killed in a car being chased by police that smashed into the side of a house today told of their heartache at his death.
Perry Doherty, 27, had to be cut from the wreckage of the mangled vehicle after the early-hours crash in Kensington. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three men in their 20s were also injured when their car became plunged into the lightwell for the basement flat in West Cromwell Road.
One was fighting for his life today in hospital.
Mr Doherty, a forklift driver who worked for a cargo firm serving nearby Heathrow, was in the speeding car when it failed to stop for police in nearby Talgarth Road at 3.10am on Saturday.
Perry Doherty, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash
Witnesses claimed it took two hours for passengers to be freed from the car.
The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and the Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the crash, Scotland Yard said.
Man dies after car crashes into basement in Kensington
Distraught relatives were today comforting his mother, Kim Doherty, at the family home in Feltham. One said: He was a wonderful boy, we just cant take this.
His brothers also told of their pain at his shocking death online.
Jay Doherty said: Worst feeling in the world growing up with four brothers and losing the one you grew up with, went to school with, and basically looked up to...love you so much Pel, I cant believe this is happening.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the crash, Scotland Yard said / PA
Another brother, Jordan Eldred, said: Woke up to the worst news ever, cannot believe my brother has gone. I still just wish it is a dream.
Perry Doherty you were special to me and my little boy, I will never forget you. I love you so much.
Cousin Cealeigh Nolan said: Rip to my beautiful cousin Perry Doherty. Such shocking news, still cant believe youre gone Pel, while Samantha Foley wrote: I still dont want to believe it, I wish it was all a dream.
A workman sweeps at the scene of the fatal car crash in Kensington / PA
You are going to be so deeply missed its untrue...Im so proud to call you my sons uncle I will make sure he grows up knowing about his uncle Pel.
Floral tributes have been laid at the scene in memory of the former Longford Community School pupil, alongside candles spelling out his initials PD.
A neighbour said: He was a nice cheeky lad who always had a smile on his face we are devastated for his mum and the family.
Bianca Simpson, 45, who lives in flat at the junction with Warwick Road, was in bed when the car smashed into her basement just after 3am.
She said it took two hours for the passengers to be cut free from the back seat.
One of them jumped out and was screaming my brothers in there, my brothers in there.
He was groaning hard in pain. Im still traumatised...hearing that guy screaming.
Another person living at the house told the Standard: I thought the tree had fallen down. I saw two guys leaving the car and the police were there. I saw them chasing them.
Listening to the guy screaming for hours - that was a bad experience. He was touching my kitchen window and I could see him next to me.
A Met spokesman said two men who had freed themselves from the car had been arrested and subsequently de-arrested after being taken to hospital with minor injuries.
He added: At this early stage it is understood that the car was seen by officers being driven at speed on Talgarth Road shortly before the collision.
The police car followed the vehicle and signalled for it to stop, but it sped away out of sight of the officers.
When next seen by the officers, it had been involved in the collision in West Cromwell Road. Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.
O ne of Britains top police officers has warned the Metropolitan Police force will need more funding to keep London safe from further terror attacks.
Met deputy commissioner Craig Mackey said the recent Westminster and London Bridge atrocities had put a lot of stretch on the force and added the whole of the Met, not just counter-terrorism policing, needs more funds.
His warning was reiterated by Londons deputy mayor for policing and crime, who said she was incredibly worried and concerned that the ongoing budget cuts will put Londons safety at risk.
The two policing experts were today quizzed by a London Assembly committee on whether the force has enough money to keep the capital safe.
It comes after the Met was forced to make 600 million of savings over the past four years and is set to make 400 million further savings by 2020-21
Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick (right) and Deputy commissioner Craig Mackey / PA
Speaking to the London Assemblys Budget and Performance meeting on Tuesday, Mr Mackey said the recent terror attacks stretched the Met across the system and not just in the forces counter-terror command.
He explained in the recent terror attacks, the ability to mobilise lots of officers really, really quickly is what helped the Mets response.
Sophie Linden, Londons deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: We are incredibly worried and concerned that if we carry on with the level of budget cuts we are facing we wont have the level of resources we need to really keep London safe and secure.
Armed police on Borough High Street after the June 3 attack. / PA
She urged Prime Minister Theresa May to drop the funding formula for policing, which she said was damaging London.
Mr Mackey told the committee: If you don't understand how the system works, unfortunately then you end up with gaps along the way.
Its very challenging to see policing just as a group of discreet services. Counter terrorism is ring fenced and protected, but it requires the whole of the policing system to work.
Deputy commissioner Craig Mackey, left. / Hannah McKay/Reuters
"In the true spirit of the Met police and in the true spirit of London they are coping incredibly well, but they are working incredibly hard to keep us in that position.
The senior officer described the Mets response to Khalid Masoods terror attack in Westminster on March 22 and said for every 1 the force had spent on the counter-terrorism investigation, 2 had been spent in mobilising officers.
He added: If you say Its all right, Ive ring fenced this particular budget so that part of the service is fine those discreet capabilities probably are, but if you need to mobilise large numbers of officers, if you need to mobilise firearms officers, and other capabilities, you have to treat policing as a system.
Increased patrols: Extra armed police were stationed at Tube and train stations across London following the Westminster attack. / Getty Images
He emphasised the whole force needs extra funding, adding: You have to fund and support funding for the whole system. Its akin in my analogy to funding just one part of the health service.
The meeting came in the wake of the Westminster, Manchester Arena and London Bridge attacks which left 35 people dead and dozens more injured.
Last week Mayor of London Sadiq Khan voiced his concerns over the lack of police funding in the capital, slamming the plans to cut at least 400 million from the Mets budget which he said would reduce the force's strength by up to 40 per cent.
The Labour Mayor warned the funding cuts would translate to a reduction of around 12,800 constables.
T he boss of an IT firm told staff they would be made redundant first if they voted Labour in the General Election.
John Brooker, the owner IT firm Storm Technologies, sent an email to employees at the company warning them against voting for Jeremy Corbyn on polling day.
He claimed a Labour win could bring about a few changes in the company, but has since dismissed the remarks as internal banter.
The email said: If by any chance Labour win, well have to re-think a few things here at the company so if you value your job and want to hold onto your hard earned money vote Conservative.
General Election Night 2017 - In pictures 1 /41 General Election Night 2017 - In pictures Theresa May waiting in Maidenhead for the result to be announced Alastair Grant/AP Labour leaders Jeremy Corbyn at the Election count in Islington Jeremy Selwyn Leader of the Liberal democrats Tim Farron celebrates beating Conservative party candidate James Airey, Independent candidate Mr Fishfinger and Labour candidate Eli Aldridge following the announcement of the results at the Westmoorland and Lonsdale constituency count at Kendal Leisure Centre Dave Thompson/Getty Images Armed police outside the home of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in north London Yui Mok/PA Vince Cable pictured with his wife Rachel, is elected once again in Twickenham after losing his seat in 2015 Alex Lentati Nick Clegg loses his Sheffield Hallam seat and is no longer an MP Sky News Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts as her party loses their seat at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Parry/EPA Britain's Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, right, tries to high-five with Labour's Emily Thornberry after arriving for the declaration at his constituency in London Frank Augstein/AP Ballot boxes are run in during the count at the Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre as the general election count begins Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Boris Johnson at the Brunel Indoor Athletic Centre for the declaration of his Uxbridge and South Ruislip Constituency which he retained Rex Features Zac Goldsmith with his mother Lady Annabel Goldsmith Alex Lentati Close call for Zac Goldsmith as a recount is called for Richmond Park Alex Lentati Labour supporters react as Paul Sweeney (not pictured) is announced as the new MP for Glasgow North East for the British Parliamentary Elections at the Emirates Arena EPA UKIP leader Paul Nuttall at the Peter Paine Performance Centre in Boston during the counting Joe Giddens/PA Labour's Rupa Huq celebrates with her sister, TV presenter Konnie Huq, after increasing her majority from 274 to 13,807 in Ealing Central and Acton Matt Writtle Displays show the current rate of the British pound against the Japanese yen and a news program reporting on the British general election at a foreign money brokerage in Tokyo Roru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images Theresa May leaving CCHQ this morning Jeremy Selwyn Police watch as counting staff sort through ballots at a counting centre in Islington, London Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd's speaks after retaining her seat in Hastings Kevin Coombs/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May's chief of staff Nick Timothy and Joint-chief of staff Fiona Hill leave Conservative Party HQ in Westminster Rick Findler/PA Patrons watch the results for Britain's election in London. Alex Salmond loses his seat Peter Nicholls/Reuters Chuka Umunna kisses with his wife, Alice Sullivan at the London Borough of Lambeth UK Parliamentary Elections Lucy Young Prime Minister Theresa May waits with other candidates for the results to be declared at the count centre in Maidenhead Geoff Cadick/AFP/Getty Images Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh Jane Barlow/PA Vote counters wait for Ballot boxes to arrive at the Peter Paine Performance Centre where the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness Getty Images Kate Hoey who retained her Vauxhall seat at the London Borough of Lambeth Lucy Young Conservative's Gavin Barwell loses his seat to Labour at Croydon Central Chris Gorman Labour's Sarah Jones takes the Conservative seat of Croydon Chris Gorman DUP leader Arlene Foster and deputy leader Nigel Dodds cheer as Emma Little Pengelly is elected to the South Belfast constituency at the Titanic exhibition centre in Belfast Niall Carson/PA Exit poll results from Britain's general election are projected on to the BBC's Broadcasting House, London Jeff Overs/BBC The front door of 10 Downing Street in Westminster, London, as votes are being counted in the 2017 General Election Rick Findler/PA
Labour voters will be made redundant first if Labour do win and things slow down.
Anyway, just sharing my personal thoughts with you.
Feel free to vote for whoever you want but I have said my piece.
The GMB union has said the email was sent to 109 members of staff at the Watford-based company before it was leaked.
Labour went on to win 30 seats in Thursdays election, defying early polls pointing to a landside Conservative victory, with the Tories losing its majority in the Commons.
Warren Kenny, from the GMB, said: "A boss should not be harassing employees or interfering with their right to vote for who they wish - it's Dickensian, workhouse nonsense.
"Any staff working for John Brooker should be have been able to vote for their candidate or party of choice without fear for their jobs and their livelihoods."
Emily Thornberry Says Labour Would Win Election Today
In a statement, Mr Booker said: The email was a tongue in cheek note sent immediately after a large group of my staff and I were having a joke in the company canteen on the day of the election and was totally meant in jest.
He added: This was nothing more than internal banter now completely taken out of context. Obviously in hindsight I regret any offence this has caused and have reiterated to all my staff the respect I have for their political views and opinions.
A rejuvenated Jeremy Corbyn was today garlanded as heir to Blair by Harriet Harman, the former deputy Labour leader and past critic of his leadership.
The unexpected tribute, from one of the stars of Tony Blairs 1997 modernisers, came hours before Mr Corbyn was set to be cheered at the first post-election meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party - where he has previously endured some of his most bruising encounters with MPs.
Today pressure was also growing on former Labour shadow cabinet members who had refused to serve under Mr Corbyn to take up duties again.
Ms Harman told the Evening Standard the Left-wing leader had proved he had Mr Blairs ability to reach out to new supporters.
I supported Tony Blair in the Nineties because he won for Labour, she said.
U-turn: Harriet Harman / Ian Forsyth/Getty
Now Jeremy Corbyn is winning for Labour. Tony Blair took us to victory in Lincoln, Stroud, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Warwick. Now Jeremy is doing the same.
Acknowledging that she had been a fierce doubter of his leadership in the past, she added: Who knew? It turns out that Jeremy is the right person for now.
General Election Night 2017 - In pictures 1 /41 General Election Night 2017 - In pictures Theresa May waiting in Maidenhead for the result to be announced Alastair Grant/AP Labour leaders Jeremy Corbyn at the Election count in Islington Jeremy Selwyn Leader of the Liberal democrats Tim Farron celebrates beating Conservative party candidate James Airey, Independent candidate Mr Fishfinger and Labour candidate Eli Aldridge following the announcement of the results at the Westmoorland and Lonsdale constituency count at Kendal Leisure Centre Dave Thompson/Getty Images Armed police outside the home of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in north London Yui Mok/PA Vince Cable pictured with his wife Rachel, is elected once again in Twickenham after losing his seat in 2015 Alex Lentati Nick Clegg loses his Sheffield Hallam seat and is no longer an MP Sky News Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts as her party loses their seat at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Parry/EPA Britain's Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, right, tries to high-five with Labour's Emily Thornberry after arriving for the declaration at his constituency in London Frank Augstein/AP Ballot boxes are run in during the count at the Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre as the general election count begins Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Boris Johnson at the Brunel Indoor Athletic Centre for the declaration of his Uxbridge and South Ruislip Constituency which he retained Rex Features Zac Goldsmith with his mother Lady Annabel Goldsmith Alex Lentati Close call for Zac Goldsmith as a recount is called for Richmond Park Alex Lentati Labour supporters react as Paul Sweeney (not pictured) is announced as the new MP for Glasgow North East for the British Parliamentary Elections at the Emirates Arena EPA UKIP leader Paul Nuttall at the Peter Paine Performance Centre in Boston during the counting Joe Giddens/PA Labour's Rupa Huq celebrates with her sister, TV presenter Konnie Huq, after increasing her majority from 274 to 13,807 in Ealing Central and Acton Matt Writtle Displays show the current rate of the British pound against the Japanese yen and a news program reporting on the British general election at a foreign money brokerage in Tokyo Roru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images Theresa May leaving CCHQ this morning Jeremy Selwyn Police watch as counting staff sort through ballots at a counting centre in Islington, London Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd's speaks after retaining her seat in Hastings Kevin Coombs/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May's chief of staff Nick Timothy and Joint-chief of staff Fiona Hill leave Conservative Party HQ in Westminster Rick Findler/PA Patrons watch the results for Britain's election in London. Alex Salmond loses his seat Peter Nicholls/Reuters Chuka Umunna kisses with his wife, Alice Sullivan at the London Borough of Lambeth UK Parliamentary Elections Lucy Young Prime Minister Theresa May waits with other candidates for the results to be declared at the count centre in Maidenhead Geoff Cadick/AFP/Getty Images Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh Jane Barlow/PA Vote counters wait for Ballot boxes to arrive at the Peter Paine Performance Centre where the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness Getty Images Kate Hoey who retained her Vauxhall seat at the London Borough of Lambeth Lucy Young Conservative's Gavin Barwell loses his seat to Labour at Croydon Central Chris Gorman Labour's Sarah Jones takes the Conservative seat of Croydon Chris Gorman DUP leader Arlene Foster and deputy leader Nigel Dodds cheer as Emma Little Pengelly is elected to the South Belfast constituency at the Titanic exhibition centre in Belfast Niall Carson/PA Exit poll results from Britain's general election are projected on to the BBC's Broadcasting House, London Jeff Overs/BBC The front door of 10 Downing Street in Westminster, London, as votes are being counted in the 2017 General Election Rick Findler/PA
She predicted that Mr Corbyns fiercest critics would applaud him at the PLP, adding: You can be sure we would have made him take responsibility if we had lost seats. He deserves the credit for the fact that we won seats.
The first big test of Mr Corbyns new authority is whether he can persuade big beasts, such as former Cabinet minister Yvette Cooper and former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna, to serve under him in the shadow cabinet.
Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry on election night / AP
Both Ms Cooper and Mr Umunna had been expected to launch leadership campaigns if Mr Corbyn had lost badly against Theresa May.
Former leader: Tony Blair / PA
Ms Harman said she would expect Labour MPs who were offered posts in the reshuffle to accept them: I think he can choose who he wants to have in his shadow cabinet and I would expect that anybody he asks in the PLP would be prepared to serve now, because what hes shown is that he can lead us forward at a time when the Conservatives were expecting to make gains.
Success: Jeremy Corbyn celebrates a good evening for Labour / Frank Augstein/AP
But she appeared to rule herself out, saying her 20 years on the front bench had been a very long stint.
Ms Harman was one of the most prominent faces of Mr Blairs push for power in 1997. In February she warned Mr Corbyn that if Labour was badly defeated the buck stops with you.
Dawn Butler, who quit as shadow diversity minister in protest at the partys stance on Brexit, confirmed she would return if asked.
'Ohhh Jeremy Corbyn' - chants ring out at Labour leader's home
She said: Ive spoken to a number of MPs and they are all really pleased and we are seeing the Labour party becoming stronger and more united.
On making a return to the shadow cabinet, she said: Im happy to serve.
A backbencher predicted: People like Chuka will go back. We have got to make it work. We have got to all work together and keep on board new supporters as well as win back those who have left. We didnt win this election and some people are taking their eye off the ball.
The backbencher warned against those close to Mr Corbyn who might be assuming the election result was a solid resurgence of the core vote, saying: Even on polling day there was still a major problem with white working-class voters.
We didnt get them back. Some of them just didnt turn out and some of them went Tory. Others told me they still voted Labour but, What are you doing with him as your leader?
J eremy Corbyn mocked Theresa May over her disastrous election gamble today as they returned to the House of Commons.
Wearing a huge red rose, the Labour leader was applauded by MPs as he arrived in the chamber following his partys gains in the General Election last Thursday.
He made light of Mrs Mays troubles and mocked her campaign slogans, saying Labour would offer strong and stable leadership if her coalition of chaos fails.
But a Tory MP heckled Mr Corbyn during his speech shouting: "You lost."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking in the House of Commons during its first sitting since the election / PA
It came as senior Tories continued talks with Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party in a bid to strike a deal to support the Conservatives minority Government
Theresa May cracks a joke as she speaks at the dispatch box in the House of Commons / AFP/Getty Images
The Prime Ministers rival Mr Corbyn was speaking in the Commons after the re-election of John Bercow as Speaker and joked: "We look forward to this Parliament however short it may be."
He told MPs: It is customary on these occasions to congratulate the returning Prime Minister - and I absolutely do so.
"I congratulate her on returning and I'm sure she'll agree with me that democracy is a wondrous thing, and can throw up some very unexpected results.
John Bercow is re-elected Commons Speaker / PA
"I'm sure we all look forward to welcoming the Queen's Speech just as soon as the coalition of chaos has been negotiated.
"I must let the House know - and the rest of the nation know - that if that is not possible, the Labour Party stands ready to offer strong and stable leadership in the national interest."
Theresea May Makes Fun Of Herself in The Commons
The rival leaders both made speeches to mark the ceremonial re-election of the Commons Speaker.
Congratulating Mr Bercow on his re-appointment, Mrs May had quipped: At least someone got a landslide.
She called on MPs to come together in a spirit of national unity and urged them to recognise that we all want to see a Britain that is stronger, fairer, and safe and secure for our children and grandchildren.
Theresa May welcomes 'most diverse' parliament yet
Mrs May added that it was the first time the Commons has met since the terrorist attacks and that defeating extremism was one of the main challenges MPs face.
She welcomed the most diverse Parliament yet which saw a record number of MPs from black and minority backgrounds elected, plus the first ever female Sikh MP and more disabled and LGBT MPs.
T heresa May's weakness as Prime Minister was brutally exposed today as she was forced to listen to demands from her Cabinet, the DUP and EU leaders.
At the same time, she was warned that she should not rush ahead with Brexit before she can guarantee that she can get a Queens Speech through Parliament.
She was due to meet French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris tonight and hold talks with EU chiefs next week.
From across the Channel, Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, urged Britain not to delay Brexit talks.
He called for Mrs May to very quickly start the formal talks and appoint a negotiating team which is stable, accountable and with a mandate.
Mrs May chaired her first full Cabinet meeting this morning as Conservative party chiefs urged MPs to rally behind her to avoid a civil war over Brexit after her dismal election campaign left them short of an overall Commons majority.
Michael Gove, re-appointed to the Cabinet as Environment Secretary as Mrs May seeks to unite her Cabinet and party behind Brexit and a wider government programme, told BBC radio: We as Conservatives were not returned with a majority.
"That means we need to proceed with the maximum possible consensus and that we also need to make sure that the concerns of people who voted Remain, many of whom now actually want us to press ahead with leaving the EU as quickly and as in as orderly fashion as possible, but we need to make sure that their concerns are part of our conversation.
Tim Farron called Theresa May "a lame duck" / AFP/Getty Images
However, Mrs May is now vulnerable to the smallest of revolts from either wing of her party.
She was today seeking to cobble together a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party which will not jeopardise attempts to restore power-sharing at Stormont or cause further ruptions at Westminster.
But the talks are likely to be fraught including over more austerity measures to deal with the Budget deficit, which are opposed by the DUP.
DUP leader Arlene Foster has given little away ahead of discussions at No10. However, the party backs a softer Brexit than was being pursued by Mrs May before the election.
The DUP was also expected to demand a boost in investment in Northern Ireland, for the triple lock on pensions to be retained and for an end to the so-called bedroom tax.
Any DUP demands against gay marriage and abortion will almost certainly be rejected by Mrs May. But the Government risks angering Republicans in Northern Ireland, already bristling at the potential deal with the DUP and what it means for the Governments role as a mediator in power-sharing.
Sinn Fein said it would not work with the DUP in a power sharing arrangement if Ms Foster remained their leader, even if she secured a huge cash windfall for the province as part of her negotiations in Westminster.
Nobel-prize winner Lord Trimble, former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, said suggestions the DUP-Tory talks would jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement were silly and scaremongering.
Meanwhile, Mrs May was warned that she risks sparking a constitutional storm if she rushes ahead with Brexit in talks early next week before the Queens Speech, which may be delayed until Wednesday, is passed.
Two peers stressed that the Cabinet Manual made clear that she should consider restricting her actions until it was clear that she can command a Commons majority.
Former Cabinet Secretary Lord ODonnell, who led the work on drawing up the Cabinet Manual, said: The Prime Minister can go to the talks but as there will still be some doubt about whether she can get Parliaments support for her Queens Speech, she should observe discretion in initiating any new action of a continuing or long term character. (Cabinet Manual paragraph 2.27).
The talks are likely to be lengthy and little will be agreed in the first few days anyway so this does not constrain her very much.
Former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer issued a stronger warning to Mrs May: She should treat herself as being a caretaker Prime Minister until she can prove that she has the support of Parliament. She would be acting unconstitutionally otherwise.
She can definitely not agree anything on Brexit until she has the support of Parliament.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: She is now a lame duck as she heads across the Channel to begin some of the most difficult and complex negotiations in our history.
However, a Whitehall source defended the Governments actions on Brexit. He said: These talks are at a very early stage and clearly they will take some time.
"But they are an inevitable consequence of triggering Article 50 which gave the Government a legal mandate to engage with officials in Brussels.
B rexit supporter Michael Gove today backed cross-party talks on leaving the EU, calling for the maximum possible consensus.
The new Environment Secretary, who has rejoined the Cabinet after being sacked by Theresa May last year, did not rule out calls for a commission into the deal that the Government should seek.
Growing support among ministers for discussions with Labour sparked anger among hardline Tory eurosceptics, who fear their hopes of a hard Brexit or even no deal at all with the EU are falling away.
But Mr Gove said it was really important that the exit package was in the interests of the whole country.
Pressed on reports of secret talks between Cabinet ministers and Labour MPs, Mr Gove said the hung parliament meant that the Government would have to work with everyone.
He added We need to ensure that those who voted Remain are part of the conversation about what the best deal for Britain is in the future.
We as Conservatives were not returned with a majority and that means that we need to proceed with the maximum possible consensus and that we also need to make sure that the concerns of people who voted Remain are part of our conversation.
The Standard yesterday revealed that ministers opposed to a hard Brexit are reaching out to Labour MPs to get a Commons majority behind a softer stance towards the customs union and the single market.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson piled on pressure for a cross-party approach, saying we have to work with others.
Former foreign office minister Alistair Burt, a leading Remainer, said the election result meant talks with the EU were no longer the sole preserve of the Conservative Party.
It is not a matter that will be dictated between wings of the Conservative Party but it has to be, as the Prime Minister said, a national endeavour, he said. I agree with Ruth.
Another senior Cabinet minister told the Standard that he believed Mrs May should open up formal discussions across the Commons.
But the minister said: The real question is whether Labours front bench will allow it to happen. At the moment, they seem to have a real mood of lets bring the government down instead of wanting to negotiate.
Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell ruled out membership of the single market on Sunday, possibly fearing that Conservatives were seeking to blame them for any backtracking from the Tory manifesto, which also ruled out single market membership.
Former Conservative leader Lord Hague wrote in the Daily Telegraph that a change of style and substance was needed and suggested a commission included business leaders, trade union leaders and the leaders of all opposition parties yes, even Corbyn.
M ichael Gove today said Donald Trump was "wrong" to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.
The president's decision to pull the US out of the world's first comprehensive agreement on tackling climate change and seek renegotiated terms "fair" to America drew widespread international condemnation earlier this month.
Mr Gove, the new Environment Secretary, returned to the Cabinet over the weekend after being sacked by Prime Minister Theresa May as justice secretary last July.
Quizzed on Good Morning Britain about whether President Trump was wrong to withdraw from the accord, Mr Gove said: "Yes, I think he is wrong. I think that we need international co-operation in order to deal with climate change.
Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Paris climate agreement / AP
"And I think the Paris Accord which my friend Amber Rudd had a huge role in helping to shape is a significant step forward.
"The only way in which you can deal with this challenge, the only way in which we can enhance the environment to pass on to our children in a better state is by working across borders."
The Paris accord commits countries to holding global temperature rises to "well below" 2C above pre-industrial levels, which will require global emissions to be cut to net zero by the second half of the century.
Scientists have warned that failure to curb dangerous climate change will lead to sea level rises, more intense storms and flooding, more extreme droughts, water shortages and heatwaves as well as massive loss of wildlife and reduction in crop yields, potentially sparking conflict and mass migration.
Despite the decision by the US, the second biggest polluter after China, to pull out of the deal, many analysts suggest the shift to a low-carbon economy is now unstoppable, with renewable prices tumbling and new clean technology being developed and deployed.
Speaking of Mr Gove's appointment, Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said he was "entirely unfit" to take on the position, adding: "It is hard to think of many politicians as ill-equipped for the role of Environment Secretary as Mr Gove."
In 2013, in his role as education secretary, Mr Gove was accused of trying to "airbrush" climate change from the national curriculum - but he told Good Morning Britain he "strengthened" the position of climate change on school syllabuses.
T heresa May and Democratic Unionist Party lead Arlene Foster will meet today to hold crucial talks over a deal to prop up a Tory minority Government.
The meeting comes a day after officials admitted the Queens Speech, planned for Monday, could be delayed if a deal is not reached quickly.
The Prime Minister will make a desperate scramble to get the Northern Irish party to prop up legislative programme or risk her government failing in the wake of a disastrous General Election result for the leader.
A failure to gain support from the Northern Irish party would risk the Queen's Speech being voted down next week, and Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour will be pushing hard for that outcome.
Prime Minister Theresa May leaves Downing Street on the way to a meeting of the Conservative Party's 1922 Committee / EPA
The Tories and the DUP are considering a "confidence and supply" arrangement which would see the Northern Irish party back the Government to get its Budget through and on confidence motions.
Mrs May was last night forced to tell Tory MPs: Im the person who got us into this mess, Im the one who will get us out of it.
Theresa May meets with her Cabinet / Leon Neal/Pool/Reuters
She assured the backbench 1922 Committee that a deal with the DUP would not affect power-sharing talks in Northern Ireland or LGBT rights.
Mrs Foster has also rejected suggestions that the mooted agreement could undermine a return to power-sharing arrangements at Stormont amid claims from political rivals that the Government's stated impartiality as a mediator would be fatally undermined.
The DUP leader declined to give details of what she termed a "positive engagement with the Conservative Party", but said she would be travelling to London late on Monday for discussions with her team of 10 MPs before a meeting with Mrs May at Downing Street on Tuesday.
Partnership: the DUP's leader Arlene Foster with Theresa May / PA
Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams turned Mrs May's own slogan against her to brand it "a coalition of chaos", adding: "Any deal which undercuts in any way the process here or the Good Friday Agreement is one which has to be opposed."
It is thought Mrs Foster, despite being a Brexit supporter, could seek assurances from Mrs May that she will pursue a softer exit from the EU, given Northern Ireland's 56 per cent Remain vote and the DUP's desire not to see a return to a hard border with Ireland.
The DUP leader is almost certain to ask for greater investment in Northern Ireland as the price of a deal.
Any demands on maintaining the pensions triple-lock and the universal winter fuel allowance could see Mrs May drop manifesto pledges which appeared to be deeply unpopular with voters.
The unexpected snap election has already forced the Queen to cancel an Order of the Garter service and to accept a stripped-down State Opening of Parliament.
General Election Night 2017 - In pictures 1 /41 General Election Night 2017 - In pictures Theresa May waiting in Maidenhead for the result to be announced Alastair Grant/AP Labour leaders Jeremy Corbyn at the Election count in Islington Jeremy Selwyn Leader of the Liberal democrats Tim Farron celebrates beating Conservative party candidate James Airey, Independent candidate Mr Fishfinger and Labour candidate Eli Aldridge following the announcement of the results at the Westmoorland and Lonsdale constituency count at Kendal Leisure Centre Dave Thompson/Getty Images Armed police outside the home of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in north London Yui Mok/PA Vince Cable pictured with his wife Rachel, is elected once again in Twickenham after losing his seat in 2015 Alex Lentati Nick Clegg loses his Sheffield Hallam seat and is no longer an MP Sky News Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts as her party loses their seat at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Parry/EPA Britain's Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, right, tries to high-five with Labour's Emily Thornberry after arriving for the declaration at his constituency in London Frank Augstein/AP Ballot boxes are run in during the count at the Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre as the general election count begins Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Boris Johnson at the Brunel Indoor Athletic Centre for the declaration of his Uxbridge and South Ruislip Constituency which he retained Rex Features Zac Goldsmith with his mother Lady Annabel Goldsmith Alex Lentati Close call for Zac Goldsmith as a recount is called for Richmond Park Alex Lentati Labour supporters react as Paul Sweeney (not pictured) is announced as the new MP for Glasgow North East for the British Parliamentary Elections at the Emirates Arena EPA UKIP leader Paul Nuttall at the Peter Paine Performance Centre in Boston during the counting Joe Giddens/PA Labour's Rupa Huq celebrates with her sister, TV presenter Konnie Huq, after increasing her majority from 274 to 13,807 in Ealing Central and Acton Matt Writtle Displays show the current rate of the British pound against the Japanese yen and a news program reporting on the British general election at a foreign money brokerage in Tokyo Roru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images Theresa May leaving CCHQ this morning Jeremy Selwyn Police watch as counting staff sort through ballots at a counting centre in Islington, London Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd's speaks after retaining her seat in Hastings Kevin Coombs/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May's chief of staff Nick Timothy and Joint-chief of staff Fiona Hill leave Conservative Party HQ in Westminster Rick Findler/PA Patrons watch the results for Britain's election in London. Alex Salmond loses his seat Peter Nicholls/Reuters Chuka Umunna kisses with his wife, Alice Sullivan at the London Borough of Lambeth UK Parliamentary Elections Lucy Young Prime Minister Theresa May waits with other candidates for the results to be declared at the count centre in Maidenhead Geoff Cadick/AFP/Getty Images Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh Jane Barlow/PA Vote counters wait for Ballot boxes to arrive at the Peter Paine Performance Centre where the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness Getty Images Kate Hoey who retained her Vauxhall seat at the London Borough of Lambeth Lucy Young Conservative's Gavin Barwell loses his seat to Labour at Croydon Central Chris Gorman Labour's Sarah Jones takes the Conservative seat of Croydon Chris Gorman DUP leader Arlene Foster and deputy leader Nigel Dodds cheer as Emma Little Pengelly is elected to the South Belfast constituency at the Titanic exhibition centre in Belfast Niall Carson/PA Exit poll results from Britain's general election are projected on to the BBC's Broadcasting House, London Jeff Overs/BBC The front door of 10 Downing Street in Westminster, London, as votes are being counted in the 2017 General Election Rick Findler/PA
Further delays could see the Monarch miss out on Royal Ascot.
The Queen's Speech is traditionally written on goatskin parchment paper, which requires several days for the ink to dry, sparking a long waiting period.
The paper does not contain any goatskin but is high-quality archival paper guaranteed to last for at least 500 years.
However, nothing can be written down until the exact contents of the speech are finalised, which appears to be dependent on the outcome of Tory talks with the DUP.
While Mrs May appears to have seen off the threat of an immediate leadership challenge, her weakened grip on power has put her under pressure on several fronts.
Gavin Barwell was appointed Theresa May's chief of staff after losing his seat in the General Election / Getty Images
Her new chief of staff Gavin Barwell has suggested she should take a different approach towards public spending after Labour unexpectedly denied the Tories a majority after running an anti-austerity election campaign.
The PM also faced calls from Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson, whose influence has grown dramatically with the election of 13 Tories north of the border, to pursue a softer Brexit with greater focus on the economy and more cross-party input.
In another sign of Mrs May's weakening grip on power, MPs who attended the 1922 Committee revealed she was open to more backbench input on policy and a greater role for Chief Whip Gavin Williamson.
A jubilant Jeremy Corbyn told his Labour MPs we are now a government in waiting as he was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation after his shock election gains.
The Labour leader lambasted Theresa May, telling MPs and peers that she had no mandate or legitimacy to be Prime Minister and that he will continue to campaign across the country.
Mr Corbyn, buoyed by Labour winning 30 seats and the Prime Minister losing her Commons majority, met with the Parliamentary Labour Party for the first time today since last Thursdays vote.
MPs cheered as he arrived and held a 45-second ovation for the Opposition leader, who said Labour had turned the tables on Mrs May.
The tone of todays meeting was a far cry from the criticism Mr Corbyn had previously faced from members of his own party.
Thumbs up: A joyful Jeremy Corbyn. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images) / AFP/Getty Images
"We increased the Labour vote by the largest margin in any election since 1945 and gained seats as a party for the first time since 1997, Mr Corbyn told the Labour politicians.
"So now the election is over, the next phase of our campaign to win power for the majority has already begun.
"We must remain in permanent campaign mode on a general election footing.
"We achieved what we did last Thursday because we were a united party during the campaign and we need to maintain that unity and collective discipline in the weeks and months ahead.
Rivals: May and Corbyn exchange words as they leave the Commons after its first sitting since the election on Tuesday. / PA
"We will continue to take the fight to the Tories and I will be out campaigning around the country in Conservative marginals in those extra seats we need to gain to deliver the government for the many that almost 13 million people voted for last week.
"Now as Parliament returns, we have a Government in complete disarray still unable to reach an agreement, it seems, with the DUP and desperately delaying the Queen's Speech and Brexit negotiations.
"Far from being strong and stable, the Government Theresa May is putting together is weak, wobbly and out of control. This is a Government on notice from the voters.
He added: Theresa May has no mandate and no legitimacy for policies that do not have the support of the majority of the British people.
"We are now a government in waiting and we must think and act at all times with that in mind.
"That is our responsibility to the huge numbers who voted for our manifesto last week: a programme to transform Britain for the many that caught the imagination of millions.
"This was a remarkable result achieved because we stayed united and worked as a team and I have no doubt together we can win the next general election, whenever that may be."
Mr Corbyn is set to visit 65 Tory-held marginal seats over the coming months in a sign that he is maintaining the pace of his campaigning in the expectation that the Government will fall.
Macron greets Mrs May before a working dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris / REUTERS
A Labour source said some of Mr Corbyn's critics in Parliament were "gracious enough to point out that they hadn't always had confidence in his leadership but they did now and that they had underestimated him".
Todays meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party comes after Prime Minister Theresa May met members of the 1922 Committee the Tories equivalent on Monday.
After the first sitting of the Commons today, the Prime Minister then travelled to France to meet with President Emmanuel Macron before watching England play France in a friendly football match.
A fter last week's shock General Election result, Theresa May is expected to postpone the date when Parliament officially gets back to work.
In a rare move for a Prime Minister, the State Opening of Parliament and the flagship Queen's Speech is likely to be delayed.
Here is all you need to know about the Queen's Speech and why it could be pushed back.
What is the State Opening of Parliament?
The State Opening of Parliament is the formal start of the parliamentary year.
When is the State Opening?
It happens on the first day of a new session of Parliament or shortly after a general election, usually in May or June.
This year, the State Opening for the coming year was scheduled to take place on Monday, June 19 but is now expected to be delayed.
During the State Opening, the monarch delivers the centrepiece the Queens Speech - which is then debated by MPs before it goes to the vote.
What is the Queens Speech?
The Queens Speech is given at the start of the parliamentary year and sets out the governments agenda for the coming year.
Although it is read out by the Queen from her throne in the House of Lords, the words have been written by the government and her aides.
2016: The Queen wearing the magnificent Imperial Crown. / Getty Images
It is essentially a list of the proposed policies and laws that the government want to get passed and gives an indication of which plans will take priority.
It also includes a list of foreign visits the Queen is planning to make over the next 12 months as well as state visits to the UK.
The speech is rare in being the only regular occasion where the three parts of Parliament the monarch, the House of Lords and the House of Commons - meet together.
Why has it been delayed?
Because last Thursdays snap election brought a shock result and hung Parliament, Theresa May and the Tories needed a few days to negotiate with the DUP to form a government together.
It was thought the DUP might make several demands from the Tories in exchange for their support.
Because the Tory and DUP coalition was unexpected, government sources suggested no Queens Speech has yet been finalised and thus it might be delayed.
Prime Minister Theresa May has been meeting with the DUP. / Dominic Lipinski/PA
But on top of this, the Queens Speech has to be written on traditional goatskin parchment paper, which takes several days to dry.
In the past real goat skin was used, but now it is paper which is high-quality and lasts for at least half a millennium.
The PMs spokesman has not yet confirmed whether the Queens Speech will be held on the planned date of June 19 or whether it will be postponed.
What happens during State Opening?
It begins with a procession of the Queen from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry.
The Queen arrives at Parliament and makes her way to the Robing Room. She then puts on the Imperial State Crown called the most and the Robe of State and leads the procession past 600 guests to the House of Lords.
An official in the House of Lords called Black Rod is sent to summon the House of Commons but the doors to the Commons chamber are shut in his face. This is a ritual which dates back to the Civil War to symbolise the Commons independence from the monarchy.
Black Rod must then strike the door three times before it is opened. MPs then follow him and the Commons speaker, John Bercow, into the Lords chamber to listen to the Queens Speech.
What happens after the Queens Speech?
Once the Queen leaves Parliament, a new parliamentary session officially starts.
MPs and members of the House of Lords debate what is outlined in the speech and agree on an address in answer to the Queen.
Procession: Prince Philip and the Queen on the way to the Houses of Parliament for the Queen's Speech in 2016. / Getty Images
Both the House of Commons and Lords continue debating the speech for several days.
MPs in the Commons then vote on the contents of the debate.
What has happened with the Queens Speech in the past?
It is very unusual for the Queens Speech to be delayed.
But in the UKs last government coalition in 2010, the Queens Speech did not take place until 20 days after the General Election.
The speech also usually happens every year, but in 2011 the speech was cancelled after the Conservative and Lib Dem coalition (formed in 2010) said they would have enough policies on their speech to last two years.
What have politicians said about it?
The First Secretary of State Damian Green was asked whether the speech would be delayed and said: I can't confirm anything yet until we know the final details of the agreement," he said.
"We know those talks are going well and also we know that, at this very important time, we want to produce a substantial Queen's Speech."
Tim Farron, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, called it utter humiliation for Theresa May.
Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, told Sky News: Delaying the Queens speech does raise the question: is she really capable of putting together a credible functioning government?
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who made big gains in last weeks election, has said he will attempt to block Theresa Mays Queens Speech in the Commons.
S ocial media companies such as Facebook and Twitter could face fines if they fail to remove extremist propaganda and terrorist material under proposals agreed by the UK and French governments.
The two countries are to develop plans to create a new legal liability for tech firms which fail to take action against unacceptable content on their platforms.
They will lead also work with internet giants to explore the potential for new tools to identify and remove harmful material automatically.
Speaking ahead of a visit to French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday in the wake of atrocities in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge, Theresa May said the countries were determined to ensure the internet could not be used as a safe space for terrorists and criminals.
She said: "The counter-terrorism co-operation between British and French intelligence agencies is already strong, but President Macron and I agree that more should be done to tackle the terrorist threat online.
"In the UK we are already working with social media companies to halt the spread of extremist material and poisonous propaganda that is warping young minds.
"And today I can announce that the UK and France will work together to encourage corporations to do more and abide by their social responsibility to step up their efforts to remove harmful content from their networks, including exploring the possibility of creating a new legal liability for tech companies if they fail to remove unacceptable content.
"We are united in our total condemnation of terrorism and our commitment to stamp out this evil."
Theresa May condemns 'perverted' ideology behind London Bridge terror attack
Mrs May's visit comes just days after legislative elections in France which appear to have delivered Mr Macron's En Marche party an overwhelming dominance in parliament, just as the UK General Election deprived the Prime Minister of her own Commons majority.
The leaders will press tech companies to move forward urgently with the establishment of an industry-led forum to develop shared technical and policy solutions to the problem, as agreed by leaders of the world's most advanced economies at last month's G7 summit in Italy.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd and French interior minister Gerard Collomb will meet in the coming days to drive the agenda forward.
Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who chaired the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee in the last parliament, said: "Social media companies like YouTube have been getting away with a dangerous and irresponsible approach to extremism for too long.
"Still today YouTube is showing illegal propaganda videos for banned jihadi and neo-Nazi extremists. They have a disgraceful disregard for the law.
"The cross-party Home Affairs Select Committee called for a system of fines and stronger legislation.
"So if that is what the British and French governments are working on now, that is really welcome.
"They need to make rapid progress, because online radicalisation is a very serious threat, and this problem has been growing for a long time."
Facebook last week pledged to be a "hostile environment" for terrorists after Mrs May demanded action from internet firms following the London Bridge terror attack.
The social media website said it worked "aggressively" to remove extremist content and notify police of any threats, while Google and Twitter also defended themselves from claims web giants provide a "safe space" for terrorists.
T he sister of murdered MP Jo Cox has told of the struggle to keep going as she admitted she has not come to terms with her sibling's brutal murder.
As well-wishers across the country prepared for community events this weekend to mark the anniversary of the MP's death, Kim Leadbeater described the year since her older sister was shot and stabbed to death by right-wing loner Thomas Mair as a "constant rollercoaster".
Ms Leadbeater said she sometimes found herself sobbing in the middle of the night, but that she her family have been buoyed by an outpouring of support.
She said: "That doesn't mean we don't have days where it really can be a struggle to keep going, but so far we're managing.
Kim Leadbeater, sister of Jo Cox (PA)
"One thing that drives you is thinking what Jo would want you to do, and Jo wouldn't want this to take any more from us than it already has done. I keep trying to remember that."
Mrs Cox was shot and stabbed on June 16 last year as she arrived for a constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, just 13 months after being elected as Labour MP for Batley and Spen constituency.
Mair, who shouted "Britain first" as he attacked the mother of two, was given a whole life term after being convicted of her murder at the Old Bailey in November.
To mark the anniversary of her murder, thousands of people will take part in an event called the Great Get Together this weekend, gathering for small picnics and community events across the UK.
Jo Cox tributes - In pictures 1 /32 Jo Cox tributes - In pictures Tributes and candles left for murdered Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox are seen in Parliament Square, London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters A white and red rose lie on Jo Cox's empty seat in the House of Commons, London PA The parents of Jo Cox, Jean and Gordon Leadbeater look at the flowers laid in memory of their daughter in Parliament Square, Londo Hannah McKay/PA Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn lead MPs including George Osborne and Tom Watson as they process from the Houses of Parliament to St Margaret's Church, London, for a service of prayer and remembrance to commemorate Jo Cox MP Hannah McKay/PA A woman and child leave a floral tribute for murdered Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Messages from well wishers for murdered Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox are seen on a board in Parliament Square Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Tributes are paid at the Wapping house boat of Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox Lucy Young Lucy Powell MP, Jeff Smith MP, Paula Sheriff MP and Karen Rawling arrive to leave floral tributes close to where Jo Cox MP was murdered Matt Cardy/Getty Images Hilary Benn MP for Leeds Central, Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, Prime Minister David Cameron, Speaker's chaplain Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn arrive to pay their respects near to the scene of the murder Matt Cardy/Getty Images The flag above Buckingham Palace flies at half mast Yui Mok/PA Tribute messages at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminster, central London, in respect of Labour MP Jo Cox Yui Mok/PA A young girl leaves flowers in Market Square, Birstall, for Jo Cox, 41, Labour MP for Batley and Spen Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Yvette Cooper (left) leaves St Peter's Church Birstall, West Yorkshire after a vigil following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox Peter Byrne/PA Floral tributes are left in Birstall, West Yorkshire, after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot in the street outside her constituency advice surgery Danny Lawson/PA Floral tributes and candles are placed by a picture of slain Labour MP Jo Cox at a vigil in Parliament square in London Daniel Leal-Olvas/AFP/Getty Images The Union Jack flag at half-mast on top of Portcullis House, London Yui Mok/PA People place tributes at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminster Yui Mok/PA A woman leaves a floral tribute next to a photograph of murdered Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters A message is seen on a floral tribute left near the scene of the murder of Labour member of Parliament Jo Cox in Birstal Phil Noble/Reuters A woman arrives to leave a floral tribute near the scene of the murder of Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox in Birstal near Leeds Craig Brough/Reuters A flag at half mast above the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh ane Barlow/PA People react as they look at tributes left for murdered Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox in Parliament Square, Londo Stefan Wermuth/Reuters People place floral tributes and candles to slain Labour MP Jo Cox at a vigil in Parliament square in London Daniel Leal-Olvas/AFP/Getty Images Winston Churchill's statue stands in the foreground as Union Flags hang at half mast Stefan Wermuth/Reuters
Miss Leadbeater, 41, said that throwing herself into the organisation had helped her get through the tragedy but that there was much painful work still to come.
She said: "I don't think I've grieved at all yet, if I'm quite honest.
"Since Jo was murdered, there has been no time because of the public nature of how it happened, because of Jo's position that she was in - it's been a constant rollercoaster
"I know all the facts, I know what happened, I sat through the trial - I've got all that information, but have I actually processed that and understood what that means for the rest of my life?
"No, I don't think I have, and I think that's going to take a long time, an awfully long time."
Jo Cox's widower Brendan / Neil Hall/Reuters
Organisers said the Great Get Together, to be held this weekend, will see thousands of people hold picnics or community gatherings to remember Mrs Cox but also to reflect her philosophy of unity.
"We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us," the MP told Parliament in her maiden speech after election in 2015.
When the event is over, Miss Leadbeater will allow herself more space to grieve, she said.
She said: "There's a lot of stuff that I still haven't dealt with, and I guess that's where maybe counselling or some advice on how to cope with that would come in.
"We have been so busy focusing on creating a legacy for Jo, which is exactly what we want to do, but that has to slow down at some point.
"I've had moments. I've broken down in tears at the traffic lights and I remember sitting on the steps at home at 4 o'clock in the morning just uncontrollably crying.
"But they have actually been quite sporadic and I think I need a bit more time to really understand what's happened."
Miss Leadbeater said that while the family had been "extremely, unbelievably unlucky", she added: "the reality is, the way that the world is at the moment, bad things do happen".
She said: "You couldn't have foreseen it. No one knew that was going to happen, but then that happens to people all the time, with the bombings and the terror attacks in recent years.
Thomas Mair, who shot and stabbed Jo Cox (West Yorkshire Police ) / West Yorkshire Police
"I think that will take a lot of understanding, but what you have to then do is think actually the majority of people are good people, and we have just been unbelievably unlucky that our life has been affected by somebody who wasn't a good person.
"But you have to try and move forward from that and focus on how most people are actually really good and really kind."
Miss Leadbeater said she does not waste time thinking about Mair or the trial, describing it as a "job" the family had to go through.
She said: "I haven't thought about it since and I don't intend to think about it.
"The energy that I've got will be channelled into creating a positive legacy for Jo, rather than thinking about how she died. We will really, really focus on how she lived."
R oaming charges for mobile phones will finally end across the EU this week.
The charges will be abolished from Thursday, which means UK mobile phone users can use their regular call allowance, texts and data across most of Europe for no extra cost.
However, customers are being warned to check their tariffs and remain aware of unexpected costs.
Watchdog Which? said bill-payers will still be charged for exceeding allowances, while people could be caught out because roaming territories vary between companies.
It is also unclear whether the benefit will continue after Brexit.
What are roaming charges?
These are extra charges for making calls, sending texts and using data when using a mobile phone overseas.
They apply the moment a mobile phone starts using a foreign network.
Why is the EU banning them?
The Roam Like Home legislation is aimed at preventing consumers being caught out by huge bills when downloading films or other data while on holiday in Europe.
This will hopefully help customers avoid so-called "bill shock", which affects millions of UK mobile users a year and in extreme cases can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds of charges, when they return home.
Consumers are especially vulnerable since the smartphone market exploded and mobile data consumption soared.
Which countries are included in the ban?
Different providers include different countries in their roaming territories, while country inclusion can also vary with the same mobile provider depending on if you are on a pay monthly or pay as you go tariff.
Countries such Switzerland and Andorra as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, which are not formally part of the EU or even the European Economic Area (EEA), may not be included.
Consumers should also be careful to check whether or not their mobile provider includes Turkey in the ban.
Which? found that Vodafone is the only one to include the popular non-EU tourist destination in its roaming bundle, while others are charging between 69p and 1.65 a minute to call home.
What is not included in the roaming charges?
Roaming charges only apply when customers are abroad, so calls from the UK to the EU will still be charged.
Which? warned consumers to remember that, even though the UK is still part of the EU, the regulations only apply to roaming, not to calling EU countries from the UK, and prices vary significantly.
It found calling Spain from the UK can cost between 9p with provider Giffgaff to 1.50 per minute on O2.
Exceeding agreed minutes, texts and data will still be charged in the EU as it would in the UK, with all providers charging different rates.
Will free roaming continue post-Brexit?
UK consumers will benefit from the agreement while the country remains a member of the EU, but there is uncertainty as to whether or not it will continue after Brexit.
The ban is expected to remain in place for British users for at least two years and phone operators say it is too soon to assess what the implications of Brexit will be.
uSwitch.com spokesman Ernest Doku said any attempt to re-introduce the charges if the UK lost participation in the policy post Brexit would "a bitter pill for consumers to swallow".
Meanwhile Vittorio Colao, chief executive of Vodafone, Europes biggest mobile operator, said in February that Britons were unlikely to face steep charges after Brexit.
We treat Switzerland, which is not part of the EU, as part of it so why would we not treat the UK that way? he said.
P rince Harry met with parents who care for their sick children at a glitzy Buckingham Palace reception.
The Royal praised the work of parent carers at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of charity WellChild, which helps seriously ill young people be cared for at home instead of hospital when possible.
Harry, who is patron of the charity, said the parents had become care professionals and told them: I imagine it's one hell of a decision to say I want my children at home."
Hayley Smallman, whose daughter Holly has cerebral palsy and other medical needs, said she had been "giddy with excitement" ahead of her visit to the reception.
The Royal speaks to guests at Buckingham Palace. / PA
"One of the best days of your life isn't it, when you get to have a one-on-one with Prince Harry, have a little chat with him," she said.
"Our normal routine is so far away from this world and to be invited to Buckingham Palace for the day - it's just elevated us completely. All week we have been giddy with excitement."
She said Prince Harry had praised the "valuable" contribution of parent carers and the way their expertise is feeding back into local services.
Prince Harry meets TV presenter Gaby Roslin. / Getty Images
After their conversation, she also recalled the moment Holly, who is visually impaired and in a wheelchair, met Harry at the WellChild awards and highlighted his empathetic approach.
"Before he actually spoke to Holly he said to me - how am I best to communicate with her?
"And I said it would be best if you held her hand and talked to her so she could feel you, use her other senses. So he gets down on his knee, and he holds her hand."
Schmoozing Prince Harry meets more members of the parents advisory group. / PA
The 40-year-old, from Liverpool, said her daughter was "life-limited" because of her health problems.
She said: "I know I won't have her for a very long time.
"So the time that I have for her, I know that we need to make that time count.
"And that's what we are doing every day with this campaign."
Among those at the reception were parents behind the notanurse-but campaign, which aims to give a voice to those juggling the demands of caring for a sick child.
Leanne Cooper launched the initiative in 2015 supported by WellChild to "lift the lid" on the number of families providing home care, using video diaries and social media.
Ms Cooper, whose young daughter Sophie has severe cerebral palsy, said: "Prince Harry actually asked me where to find the Not A Nurse videos so I pointed him in the direction of the WellChild website and the YouTube channel.
The Prince speaking to guests. / Getty Images
"He was asking really what the message was and it's that we want to highlight the amount of medical care families are doing at home and then to hopefully make positive change for families, to get them the right support, so they don't reach crisis point.
"All of our children want to be enjoying life, taking part, going to school, being part of society. But we have to help them to do that."
Additional reporting by Press Association.
A teacher at one of Britains most prestigious public schools had sex with a teenage pupil in his classroom, a misconduct panel heard.
Dr Dean Johnson, 52, a physics master at Charterhouse in Godalming, Surrey, revealed his fantasies in Facebook messages to the girl beforehand.
He also asked what her underwear size was before buying stockings and presenting them to her gift-wrapped.
The astronomy and astrophysics specialist, who joined the 36,000-a-year boarding school in 1997, is facing a teaching ban after the panel found the allegations proven.
It heard he resigned in 2013 when the relationship came to light, after the girl complained to police.
An investigation led to his conviction for possessing extreme pornography, which depicted a woman being hanged, in 2015. He has since taught abroad.
The National College for Teaching and Leadership panel heard the relationship became sexual weeks after the girl turned 18. She was still a sixth-form student and had been taught by Dr Johnson the year before.
Kayleigh Brooks, presenting the case, said: Mr Johnson accepts the Facebook contact was inappropriate since they discussed topics such as sex and previous relationships.
She said Charterhouse considered the conduct to be even more inappropriate because the girl had touched his leg under a table during a school meal in 2007, aged 17, to show she had a crush on him.
Ms Brooks said: The college say it was inappropriate to engage with this pupil given the context of what had happened.
The relationship continued for almost five years after the girl graduated, with Dr Johnson filming their sexual encounters.
After she reported him to police, this led to him being convicted at Guildford crown court in May 2015 for possessing 22 perverted films which enact scenes that would threaten a persons life.
Ms Brooks said one showed a woman being strangled half-naked, with a man with a cord around her neck ... and a woman being ... hanged while two men watched.
Dr Johnson was given an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
There is no suggestion pupils came into contact with the material, which was filmed by actors in the US.
This month the panel ruled that the conviction, and the relationship, meant that Dr Johnson had breached teaching standards and was guilty of unacceptable conduct which could bring the profession into disrepute.
It will shortly decide whether to recommend a ban to the Secretary of State for Education.
Ms Brooks told the panel it was Charterhouses belief that Dr Johnson, who was educated at Oxford and Cambridge, had shown the girl inappropriate special attention before the relationship started. She added: Ultimately, he was the one in a position of trust.
Dr Johnson, a now-divorced father of three, told the panel he is a fantastic teacher who can take subjects such as maths and physics and make them do it.
He said: There isnt a day or waking hour where I dont reflect on the consequences of this mistake.
He admitted the allegations but argued that his conviction was not relevant to his fitness to teach. The panel ruled that it was relevant.
Annie Railton, representing Dr Johnson, said the relationship with the teenager started because he was effectively living apart from his wife and felt alone and isolated.
She added: Is it right the profession should lose such a dedicated, gifted, charismatic teacher for one catastrophic mistake? Since his conviction, she said, he has been teaching abroad with considerable success.
T om Hardy has quashed rumours that he is in talks to play Jafar in a live action remake of Disney classic Aladdin.
The 39-year-old actor was reported to be in the running to play the fictional villain in Guy Ritchies upcoming production.
But Hardy shut down the rumours after facing a backlash online over whitewashing fears.
A spokesperson for Hardy told Standard Online: There is no truth to this rumour.
Villain: Jafar in the 1992 Disney animated classic / Disney
The Sun reported that the Peaky Blinders actor had had conversations about the role as he was one of Ritchies favoured choices.
The report sparked outrage with angry fans criticising the rumoured casting months after Disney promised to avoid whitewashing.
Producer Dan Lin told fans that he and Ritchie will make a movie thats authentic to that world.
Tom Hardy - In pictures 1 /40 Tom Hardy - In pictures Tom Hardy in 'This Means War' (2012) 20th Century Fox Tom Hardy as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Warner Bros Tom Hardy's Al Capone (2020) Tom Hardy in his roles as Ronnie and Reggie Kray in 'Legend' 92015) Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney in 'Taboo' FX Networks Tom Hardy as Charles Bronson in the new film 'Bronson' (2008) Tom Hardy as a troubled fighter in the 2011 film Warrior Jason Clarke, Tom Hardy, and Shia LaBeouf in Lawless (2012) Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney in 'Taboo' Robert Viglasky/FX Networks Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney in 'Taboo' Scott Free Prods/Robert Viglasky Tom Hardy as Ivan Locke in 'Locke' (2013) Tom Hardy as Bane with Christian Bale as Batman in The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Tom Hardy and the dog Rocco from the film pose for photos at "The Drop" premiere in New York Charles Sykes/Invision/AP James Gandolfini and Tom Hardy in 'The Drop' (2014) 20th Century Fox Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy appear in 'Child 44' (2015) Lionsgate Tom Hardy attends the Global Triumph Bonneville launch in London Dave Benett Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) Warner Bros Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) Warner Bros Tom Hardy greets Mel Gibson at the premiere of "Mad Max: Fury Road" in Hollywood, California Reuters Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) Warner Bros Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders Robert Viglasky/Mandabach/Tiger Aspect/BBC Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) Warner Bros The Revenant (2015) Tom Hardy takes part in the 12th BGC Annual Charity Day at Canary Wharf in London in 2016 PA Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy attend the 88th Annual Academy Awards 2016 Jason Merritt/Getty Images #1in4 campaign, part of the BBC's Minds Matter season, of a selfie of Tom Hardy who has thrown his support behind a campaign encouraging people to talk about mental health in 2017 PA The actor shows a softer side joining CBeebies viewers for a bedtime story as he reads The Cloudspotter by Tom McLaughlin BBC Venom (2018) Tom Hardy, Kelly Marcel attend the Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' "Venom" at Regency Village Theatre Getty Images
Speaking to Variety he said: I mean, Im not a typical guy. Listen, Im very fortunate working in Hollywood; I am diverse. So when I came in to make the movie, I wanted to make a diverse version of the movie.
Luckily for me, [director] Guy Ritchie has the same vision and Disney has the same vision, so were not here to make Prince of Persia. We want to make a movie thats authentic to that world.
Will Smith is reportedly being lined up to play the Genie a role made famous by the late Robin Williams.
Aladdin will be the latest in a series of planned live action Disney remakes, including The Lion King, which will reportedly star Donald Glover and Beyonce.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson said hes concerned that he hasnt seen details of a Senate GOP health care bill that reportedly is being drafted behind closed doors and could receive a vote within weeks.
Asked if hed seen details of the Senate GOP health care bill, Johnson said no. Asked if that concerned him, Johnson said it did.
This is incredibly complex and from my standpoint, I need a whole lot more information before I agree to vote yes on a bill, Johnson said in a statement.
The comments underscore the unusual secrecy with which Senate Republicans are crafting a health care bill to repeal and replace swaths of former President Barack Obamas health care law. Johnson almost certainly must be one of the 50 votes required to pass a GOP health care bill in the Senate.
Other Senate Republicans, including Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Jeff Flake of Arizona, also told Bloomberg they dont know whats in the bill.
Johnson has made the case that Republicans should not rush efforts to roll back Obamas health care law.
Johnson has suggested the proper course may be to pass a short-term bill to stabilize individual health coverage markets, followed by a more sweeping measure in the long term.
His Senate Republican colleagues may not be listening. They are set to finish crafting a major health care bill soon, the online news outlet Axios reported Monday.
House Republicans passed their health care bill last month. It would remove the Obamacare mandate that everyone purchase health coverage, replace the laws subsidies to buy health coverage with tax credits, cut Medicaid by more than $800 billion over a decade, opt out of coverage requirements and roll back the laws taxes on the wealthy and parts of the health care industry.
The Congressional Budget Office found the bill would result in 23 million fewer Americans having health coverage by 2026.
BAYARD Residents in a small western Nebraska town were clearing away tree and building debris Tuesday after a tornado tore through the town.
The storm struck Bayard around 7:10 p.m. Monday, tearing the roof off a city-owned nursing home and damaging several homes. No injuries were reported.
Utility crews were trying to restore power to an estimated 80 percent of Bayard, which has about 1,200 residents.
Bayard cleaning up after tornado BAYARD A tornado going through Bayard ripped the roof off a nursing home in the community.
Neighbors were helping neighbors with the cleanup, said Mayor Michelle Coolidge.
"People are trying to make quick, light work of it," she said.
The storm felled trees and power lines all over town, and water supplies are low because city wells lacked the power to pump, Coolidge said.
The 45 residents at the nursing home, Chimney Rock Villa, were evacuated Monday to the high school, which was turned into a temporary shelter despite losing a portion of its roof over the wood shop. The mayor said the residents have since gone home with relatives or been temporarily housed at other area nursing homes.
The Bayard High School temporarily served as a shelter for the nursing home residents. The last residents left at about 1:30 a.m., transported to other facilities.
"We were very blessed that we had a strong response from our staff and volunteers," Bayard Superintendent Travis Miller said of those who responded to help with the nursing home residents. "We were very blessed that we only lost power to half of our high school, which allowed us to provide that service (housing nursing home residents). We are very grateful that we didn't have more extensive damage. I'm very grateful that we had the opportunity to help those members of our community."
Bayard High School was among the buildings in the community damaged.
Miller said, "There's also a real sense of tragedy, there's people in the community who have lost everything livestock, crops, their houses, completely destroyed so I think the recovery is going to extend far beyond the initial cleanup both financially and emotionally for the members of our community."
Damaged homes and agricultural buildings and dead livestock were reported north of Bayard. Coolidge said semi-trailers were blown over on nearby highways, but the drivers weren't hurt.
Like many Bayard residents, Nolene Lattin saw damage to her home, property and vehicle due to falling trees.
Lattin said the 60-year-old tree in front of her home was uprooted, taking cement and grass with it, and one felled tree "completely smashed" her car. Her home, where she has lived for 20 years, also sustained holes in the roof.
The home of Scot and Lisa Ouderkirk, located on 13th Street, was destroyed. The couple built the home 13 years ago. On Tuesday, windows were boarded up, gutters and shingles had been torn off the roof and siding and insulation lay on the ground.
"It hasn't hit us yet, we're still in shock mode," Scot Ouderkirk, who is a city councilman, said of the extensive damage.
Though his home was damaged, he and another councilman were involved in helping get the Chimney Rock nursing home people to shelter and Ouderkirk expressed concern about others.
Firefighter Ministry is acting as a donation point for supplies to Bayard responders cleaning up a tornado.
Carissa Smith, of Firefighter Ministry, said emergency management officials are advising no travel to Bayard, especially via Highway 26. Smith said there are downed powerlines along the highway.
"There are a lot of downed power lines and trees in town," Smith said. "Unless you are experienced or have a watchful eye, I would say to try and stay away. It's easy to get in the way."
Crews were out doing clean up work until late Monday night and were back at it starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday. The Firefighter Ministry responded, taking its disaster relief trailer and will again be in Bayard today.
Collections for donations are being taken at First Baptist Church, located on Avenue I near Home Depot. Donations being sought are water and snack items to be provided to emergency responders and volunteers, Smith said.
Dominos and Burger Works donated food for volunteers and residents at an area set up at Church of Christ, Becky Henkel said. A crisis center, set up by trained staff, had been set up Tuesday at the high school.
Storm chasers looking for action in Panhandle SCOTTSBLUFF Gearing up for a massive storm, the Center for Severe Weather Research (CSWR) sent out storm chasers to the Scottsbluff/Gering a
The scale of the Bayard tornado had not yet been determined, a National Weather Service official said. Teams were assessing the tornado Tuesday.
Heavy rain and hail also was reported in the area and earlier Monday in eastern Nebraska.
SCOTTSBLUFF A retention pond used by Western Sugar Cooperative has been identified as the source of odors reported by residents in the vicinity east of Scottsbluff and Gering.
Odor complaints were reported before a slurry breakout from the pond in mid-April, according to Brian McManus, spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.
The complaints have been longer term than April, McManus said. They have been the source of ongoing discussions with Western Sugar.
According to McManus, Western is restructuring its operations, and shutting down the pond is included in that plan.
We dont know when the pond will be shut down, but were working with them on that, McManus said Monday afternoon.
McManus said the agency had not received recent complaints on the odors, but other local agencies have had contacts regarding the odor.
Its been on our radar for some time, and we continue looking at it, McManus said, noting that Western has expressed plans to take the evaporation pond out of its system.
Heather Luther, spokesperson in Western Sugar Cooperatives Denver, Colorado, office, said the company does not have any comment at this time, but has been and will continue working with NDEQ on the problem.
SCOTTSBLUFF Gearing up for a massive storm, the Center for Severe Weather Research (CSWR) sent out storm chasers to the Scottsbluff/Gering area to learn more about the wind profile of tornadoes Monday.
Focusing on the lower portion of the tornado, the most destructive part, team members Karen Kosiba and Tim Marshall had hope that the storms going through the Panhandle Monday night would provide enough information to further their research.
Our mission is to deploy the instrumented pods, said Marshall. The CSWRs pods contain a computer with a 12-volt battery and can record wind speed, humidity, barometric pressure, and more. According to Marshall, the plan is to set the 70-pound pod on the side of the road and pray that the tornado hits it in order to record the proper data.
Hail, high winds and tornadoes possible this evening SCOTTSBLUFF During a conference call Monday, meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Cheyenne discussed the severe weather headi
In conjunction with the pods, the storm chasers are also using a radar truck.
While the pod can record up to 3 feet above the ground, the radar truck can record up to 300 feet above the ground. Data will be collected from both the truck and the pod to find the correlation between the two. Researchers are hoping the data will give a good estimate of the data between the 3 feet mark and the 300 feet mark.
The ultimate goal is to find out what happens inside a tornado.
What happens inside the tornado is a question that a lot have asked but no one has figured out yet, and its our job to figure it out, Marshall said.
Marshall said that the team thought the storms would be high end storms. While the storms are supposed to encompass eastern Wyoming and the Panhandle, the storm chasers chose the Scottsbluff area due to the ripe conditions for a tornado to appear.
The storm chasers arrived in town three days ago in order to prepare for the storm.
The CSWR has been doing work with tornadoes and similar storms for 14 years, with both Kosiba and Marshall on board.
Over those 14 years, the team has began 20 to 30 different projects. The project regarding the tornados wind profile did not begin until five years ago.
Based out of Boulder, Colorado, the CSWR team is nomadic during tornado season and travels to follow the weather patterns.
According to Kosiba, tornado season for the team usually includes all of May and ends around June 15.
BAYARD A tornado going through Bayard ripped the roof off a nursing home in the community.
Bayard Police Chief Zack Douglas told the Star-Herald that authorities are currently evacuating the Chimney Rock Villa, the local nursing home. Residents are being evacuated to the high school after the roof was torn off the building.
No injuries were reported. Douglas said sirens alerted residents of the approaching tornado at about 7 p.m. and the tornado came through the town about ten minutes later. He said that the tornado first touched down at the sugar factory, then struck the Chimney Rock Villa and "kept going from there" in a diagonal path.
School superintendent Travis Miller said that the high school is a storm shelter through the Red Cross. Fire officials contacted the school district and asked them to take residents from the Chimney Rock Villa. The school district has also provided a bus to aid in evacuating the residents.
"We were happy to help out and do whatever we can to help our community during this crisis," he said.
Miller was among the residents who took cover as the tornado traveled its path through the community. Miller, his wife, five children, niece and nephew and even the family dog were in a storage room under the stairs as the tornado went through the community. He said that the family prayed as they listened to the loud sounds of the tornado.
Afterward, Miller said, he checked his home and the neighbor's home before checking the school district buildings and providing assistance with the Villa residents.
School staff, principals, teachers and parents are at the high school volunteering to help as the Villa residents are being brought to the high school.
"Many of these people have had damages to their own houses, but are here, giving of themselves," Miller said.
Miller reports that a portion of the high school roof was lost over the part of the building containing the wood shop. He said they also lost some trees and the elementary school lost power.
Some homes and vehicles were damaged as the tornado came through the community. One family had to be assisted in getting out of their home after a tree fell on the home, Douglas said. Damages are to areas north of Eighth Street.
Meteorologist David Levin of the National Weather Service said that the damage occurred at the same time that radar indicated a tornado going over the community.
The scale of the tornado is not yet known. The National Weather Service will send a survey team to the area, likely on Tuesday, Levin said.
Cell phone communication in the community has been troublesome, but officials report that they have radio communications.
The tornado was part of a strong weather system that plowed through the area Monday night, June 12.
Just after 6 p.m. a tornado was reported on the ground southwest of Harrisburg in Banner County around Highways 71 and 88. Several other tornadoes touched down briefly in northern Kimball County, meteorologist Kate Cotsakis with the National Weather Service said.
As storms moved throughout Scotts Bluff County, Tim Newman, Region 22 Emergency Management director, said they were looking at several different tornadoes on the radar in Banner and Scotts Bluff counties. There was no reported tornado activity in the immediate Scottsbluff-Gering area at 7 p.m.
However, downed power poles were reported in Minatare, Gering and Scottsbluff. As of 9:30 p.m., the NPPD website was reporting that power outages affected more than 200 people and put restoration of services at 1 a.m.
Brief power outages throughout the area also resulted in fire crews checking alarms at businesses throughout Scottsbluff and Gering.
This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page
Published: 13 June 2017
One in six comprehensive school pupils received intensified or special support
Intensified or special support was received by 16.4 per cent of comprehensive school pupils in autumn 2016. Intensified support was received by 49,400, or 9.0 per cent of comprehensive school pupils and special support by 41,000, or 7.5 per cent of comprehensive school pupils. The number of pupils in intensified support grew from the previous year by 0.6 percentage points and in special support by 0.2 percentage points. These data derive from Statistics Finlands education statistics.
Share of comprehensive school pupils having received intensified or special support among all comprehensive school pupils 19952016, % 1)
1) Pupils accepted or transferred to special education before 2011 have been regarded as equal to pupils having received special support.
Among the recipients of intensified support, 65 per cent were boys and 35 per cent girls. Seventy per cent of the recipients of special support were boys and 30 per cent girls. In autumn 2016, a total of 550,200 comprehensive school pupils were in pre-primary, basic and post-basic education of the comprehensive school, 51 per cent of whom were boys and 49 per cent girls.
The statistics on special education in comprehensive schools contain data primarily on intensified and special support. The statistics also include data on general support as concerns part-time special education.
The database tables connected to the statistics on special education and the database tables related to statistics on pre-primary and comprehensive education allow examination of support received by pupils by area and place of implementation of teaching, for example. Data on special education in vocational education are collected at the end of the text section of this release and in Appendix table 9.
Intensified support increased in all Mainland Finland regions
In 2016, intensified support was arranged for more pupils than in the year before in all regions except Aland. In several Mainland regions, intensified support was received by over 10 per cent of pupils. In previous years, the number of pupils having received intensified support was not over 10 per cent in any Mainland Finland regions. In relative terms, the amount of intensified support increased most in South Karelia, Kymenlaakso and Varsinais-Suomi, in all of them the amount was over one percentage point higher than in the previous year. The share of pupils having received intensified support was highest in North Karelia and lowest in Kainuu. In Mainland Finland, the share of pupils having received intensified support in all pupils was 6 to 11 per cent in different regions.
Share of comprehensive school pupils having received intensified or special support by region 2016, %
In Mainland Finland regions, the share of pupils having received special support in all comprehensive school pupils was 5 to 12 per cent. The share of pupils having received special support was lowest in Central Ostrobothnia and highest in Kymenlaakso. In Aland, the share of pupils receiving special support was under three per cent.
The share of comprehensive school pupils receiving intensified or special support varies between regions. The combined share of those receiving intensified support was biggest in Kymenlaakso, where 22 per cent of pupils received intensified or special support. The combined shares of those receiving support were smallest in Kainuu, Lapland and North Ostrobothnia.
Three out of four pupils in intensified support received part-time special education
Seventy-five per cent of the pupils who received intensified support in autumn 2016 received part-time special education, 57 per cent remedial teaching, and 38 per cent special needs assistance and/or interpretation services. Thirty-eight per cent of the pupils who received special support received part-time special education, 35 per cent received remedial teaching, and 58 per cent special needs assistance and/or interpretation services.
Twenty-six per cent of the pupils receiving special support had extended duration of compulsory education.
Among the recipients of special support, 38 per cent received all education in a special education group and 20 per cent received all education in a general education group. The remaining 42 per cent received part of the education in a general education group and part in a special education group.
Over one-half of pupils having received special support studied fully according to the general syllabus
Fifty-one per cent of the pupils having received special support in basic and post-basic education of the comprehensive school studied general education syllabuses in all subjects in autumn 2016. The share of those studying according to the general syllabus has grown yearly; its share was 44 per cent in 2011, it was 46 per cent in 2013 and 49 per cent in 2015.
Thirteen per cent of the pupils having received special support in 2016 had individualised syllabuses for one subject, 12 per cent for two to three subjects, and 19 per cent for four or more subjects. Five per cent of the pupils receiving special support studied according to functional skill areas. The teaching can be arranged according to functional skill areas if it cannot be arranged by subject syllabuses due to the pupil's severe disability or illness.
Twenty-two per cent of comprehensive school pupils received part-time special education in the school year 2015 to 2016
In the school year 2015 to 2016, altogether 122,200 comprehensive school pupils received part-time special education, which was 22 per cent of comprehensive school pupils in autumn 2015. The share has fallen a little from the previous school year.
Share of comprehensive school pupils having received part-time special education among all comprehensive school pupils in academic years 2001/2002 to 2015/2016, %
In autumn 2015, part-time special education was included in intensified support for 34,400 pupils and in special support for 14,900 pupils. By subtracting we can conclude that around 73,000, or 60 per cent, of the 122,200 pupils having received part-time special education in the school year 2015 to 2016 received part-time special education as general support.
According to the available statistics, at least 29 per cent of the number of pupils in comprehensive school received some kind of support in the school year 2015 to 2016. The share has remained unchanged for the past three years. A total of 158,800 students received intensified support, special support or part-time special education as general support in the school year 2015 to 2016.
Number of vocational education students having received special education has continued growing
The number of students in vocational education leading to a qualification having received special education has grown at least from 2004 onwards, when the production of these statistics started: 12,500 pupils received special education in 2004, 18,300 in 2009, and 24,300 in 2015. The share of all students having received special education in all students in vocational education leading to a qualification was in the same years five, six and nine per cent.
In 2015, there were 124,220 students in vocational education for young people (curriculum-based basic vocational education provided by educational institutions), of whom 18 per cent were special education students. Nineteen per cent of male students and 17 per cent of female students were special education students. In all, 57 per cent of special education students were men.
Most special education students (86%) in vocational education for young people were studying in vocational education institutions. Thirteen per cent of special education students attended special vocational education institutions and around one per cent other educational institutions providing vocational education.
Eighty-three per cent of special education students in vocational education for young people were studying in the same groups (integrated) with other students.
Source: Education. Statistics Finland
Inquiries: Heli Hiltunen 029 551 3314, koulutustilastot@stat.fi
Director in charge: Jari Tarkoma
Publication in pdf-format (282.8 kB)
Updated 13.6.2017
Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Support for learning [e-publication].
ISSN=1799-1617. 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 11.11.2022].
Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/erop/2016/erop_2016_2017-06-13_tie_001_en.html
This set of statistics has been discontinued. Statistical data on this topic are published in connection with another set of statistics. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website.
This page is archived.
Published: 13 June 2017
Number of students in upper secondary general education decreased slightly
According to Statistics Finland's education statistics, a total of 103,600 students attended upper secondary general school education leading to a qualification in 2016. The number of students decreased by 0.5 per cent from the previous year. A total of 30,500 matriculation examinations were completed. The figure was 100 lower than one year before. Fifty-seven per cent of the students and fifty-eight per cent of passers of the matriculation examination were women.
Students in upper secondary general education and matriculation examinations 2006 2016
Upper secondary general education was provided in 389 educational institutions. There were 342 upper secondary general schools, eight fewer than one year earlier. Education in Swedish was offered in 36 upper secondary schools and six per cent of the students in upper secondary general school education studied at these schools.
Of all students, 1,800 studied for an international matriculation examination. The International Baccalaureate examination was passed by 423 students in 17 upper secondary schools, the European Baccalaureate examination by 8 students at the European School of Helsinki, and the Reifeprufung by 24 students in the Helsingin saksalainen koulu (the German School of Helsinki).
From 2006 to 2016, the number of educational institutions providing upper secondary general school education has fallen by 72. Over the same period, the number of students in upper secondary general school has diminished by 12 per cent. The number of matriculation examinations has gone down by seven per cent in ten years. Throughout the 2000s, over one-half of the students and passers of the matriculation examination have been women.
Source: Education, Statistics Finland
Inquiries: Leena Halinen 029 551 3288, koulutustilastot@stat.fi
Director in charge: Jari Tarkoma
Publication in pdf-format (215.1 kB)
Updated 13.6.2017
Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Upper secondary general school education [e-publication].
ISSN=1799-165X. 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 11.11.2022].
Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/lop/2016/lop_2016_2017-06-13_tie_001_en.html
A white University of Kentucky student accused of physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs says she will withdraw from the school. The decision announced Tuesday by a lawyer for 22-year-old Sophia Rosing came after hundreds of students rallied on campus the night before. News outlets report the students called for unity and for the university to quickly address the situation. Officials say Rosing has been charged with assault, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. She pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday afternoon. The altercation at Boyd Hall was captured on video and posted to multiple social media platforms.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) A hidden world of drugs, sex and gang violence thrives inside the state's prisons - and the officers who are paid to prevent such corruption are instead fueling it.
Prison officers frequently collude with inmates on crimes that endanger staff members, inmates and the public, a Charlotte Observer investigation found.
The newspaper found that prison employees have undermined the intent of incarceration - to punish inmates, rehabilitate them and separate them from society so that they can no longer harm innocent people.
North Carolina taxpayers, who pay more than $1 billion each year to fund the prisons, unwittingly bankroll the corruption. They pay even more when the state reaches legal settlements with inmates who have been abused or mistreated.
State leaders created the very conditions that allow corruption to flourish, the Observer found.
Lawmakers placed many of the state's 55 prisons in rural areas where it's hard to recruit employees. And they have failed to provide correctional officers competitive wages.
Prison officials, meanwhile, hire some employees with troubled pasts, and put new officers on the job with minimal training.
They also make it easy for officers to profit illegally - sneaking in drugs, cellphones and weapons. Unlike some states, North Carolina doesn't frisk officers when they report for duty and has been slow to use technology to find contraband.
The smuggled drugs and phones spur gang violence, allow prisoners to orchestrate crimes outside prison walls and cause many inmates to leave prison as addicted - and dangerous - as when they went in.
State prison leaders say they're cracking down on corruption. Most of the state's 8,000 correctional officers are ethical and hardworking, they say.
But leaders know they have a problem.
"Do I think I have corrupt staff in every prison, in every (maximum-security) prison?" said George Solomon, the state's recently retired director of prisons. "I would be naive to say I didn't."
WHAT THE OBSERVER FOUND
To investigate prison corruption, Observer reporters analyzed state data and reviewed thousands of pages of documents. They interviewed or corresponded with more than 65 current and former prison employees, more than 80 inmates, and dozens of prison experts, lawyers and law enforcement officials.
The Observer found:
Since 2012, at least 70 state employees have been criminally charged for offenses inside the prisons. More than 400 others have been fired for on-the-job misconduct. In some cases, when employees resign while under investigation, no charges are filed. Others are never caught.
Prison officials have hired officers with histories of crime, violence and unethical behavior, neglecting to follow the examples of states that more thoroughly vet job applicants. One correctional officer was fired from his post in Vermont after he pressed a gun to a man's head so hard that his ear bled. Four months later, North Carolina hired him to work as a prison officer.
Employees smuggle in most of the illicit drugs and cellphones to the state's maximum-security prisons. In the past five years, more than 50 North Carolina prison employees have been charged with bringing contraband into prisons. Some inmates and experts say it's easier to find drugs in prison than on the street.
Some officers are accused of torturing inmates. Former prisoner Jerome Peters says he was handcuffed from behind one day in 2012, when three officers assaulted him in a hallway that was not covered by video cameras. They fractured his arm and pelvic bone, leaving him in a wheelchair for a year. Peters and six other Central Prison inmates won settlements from the state after filing lawsuits alleging brutality.
Since 2012, more than 65 employees have been fired for getting too close to inmates. Some were simply too chatty with them. Others carried on blatant sexual affairs with the prisoners they were supposed to guard. And at the now-closed Wayne Correctional Center, in eastern North Carolina, a former prison substance abuse counselor was accused of carrying on a long-running sexual affair with inmate William Walker, a convicted murderer. Walker says they even had sex on the superintendent's desk - and that his lover smuggled in a poodle to keep him company on the weekends. The counselor was fired.
'SO MUCH CORRUPTION'
State prison leaders say they have no tolerance for officers who abuse or collude with inmates.
"Where there is misconduct at any level, it will be addressed," said Erik Hooks, the state's new Department of Public Safety secretary.
With plans to step up their battle against contraband, prison leaders hope to deploy four airport-style body scanners and four cellphone detection devices at problem prisons. They say they are quick to notify state or local law enforcement agencies when they find officers committing crimes.
State leaders say they're also working to improve the caliber of staff. They've increased pay for correctional officers, expanded their recruitment efforts, and introduced a new assessment tool to ensure candidates are psychologically suited for prison work.
But top prison officials and the state lawmakers who provide their funding have failed to adopt strategies that have proven successful in other states.
Prison officials rarely bring in drug-sniffing dogs, for instance, or even ask officers to turn out their pockets when they report for work each day, current and former employees say. They don't randomly drug test officers. And they don't check Facebook pages for signs of trouble in the backgrounds of would-be hires.
Employees said they wonder if some of their colleagues are on the wrong side of the bars.
"It's sad to say, a lot of times I would trust gang members before I would trust my co-workers," says Chesenna Ray, a former officer at Polk. "There's so much corruption. Nobody knows who to trust."
'A SETUP FOR PROBLEMS'
North Carolina built its largest maximum-security prisons in rural areas, at the direction of lawmakers who said those counties needed an economic boost.
But there was a downside to putting prisons in thinly populated counties: It's difficult to find enough qualified officers who are willing to live and work in those counties.
"It was a setup for problems from the beginning," said Jennie Lancaster, a former high-ranking state prison official.
The state fails to give new hires the training they need, many current and former officers say.
Some states require that officers get more than two months of training before they begin working. Not North Carolina. Here, after just one week of orientation, new hires are routinely put on the job guarding career criminals in situations that can turn violent.
Once every eight hours, on average, a North Carolina prison officer was assaulted last year. In April, Sgt. Meggan Callahan was killed as she rushed to put out a trash can fire at Bertie Correctional Institution. Authorities say an inmate beat her to death with the fire extinguisher she'd brought to douse the flames.
Jeffrey Scott Carter, who worked as an officer at Alexander Correctional Institution for eight months in 2015, remembers going through orientation, where he learned a lot about prison policies but almost nothing about the day-to-day requirements of the job.
Then he and another rookie were required to guard 120 inmates in one of the prison's toughest units. He recalls asking a sergeant on one of his first days what he should do.
"He said, 'The inmates have been here. They'll tell you what to do.' "
'THEM OFFICERS ARE BROKE'
North Carolina pays its prison officers an average of about $32,000 a year at minimum-security prisons and $35,000 at maximum-security prisons - less than most animal control officers. Nationally, most correctional officers and jailers are paid far more - an average of about $47,000.
The low pay can make officers susceptible to corruption, inmates and experts say. A pound of marijuana can sell for more than $9,000 inside a prison, and a single cellphone can fetch up to $750.
Troy Person, a former inmate at Scotland Correctional Institution, in Laurinburg, said he paid two officers to bring him cellphones, liquor, condoms, pornography and marijuana, which he resold to fellow prisoners.
"Them officers are broke," said Person, who served 24 years for multiple counts of forgery. "That's why there are so many cellphones in prison."
State funding cuts have also left abusive officers with less to fear.
Lawmakers in 2014 slashed the budget for Prisoner Legal Services, the state-funded agency that once filed lawsuits on behalf of inmates who alleged mistreatment. Now the office is so thinly staffed that inmates have to file their own lawsuits.
"These prisoners have no one to go to," says Elizabeth Forbes, who heads the criminal justice reform group NC CURE.
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To read the Charlotte Observer's full series on corruption in the state prisons, go to http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article152332332.html
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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com
By MARK EVANS mevans@stegenherald.com Westover and Smith roads, on the far western edge of the county, will get paving priority for 2023. Country commissioners and Scott Schmieder, county road and bridge foreman, decided at last Thursdays commission meeting to go ahead and seal up that corner of the county. That way, graders will not have
Former President Ion Iliescu, former Prime Minister Petre Roman and former head of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) Virgil Magureanu were sent to court by military prosecutors in the case of the June 13 - 15, 1990 violent events when miners crushed a sit-in anti-government protest.
The announcement was made in a press statement by a military prosecutor. Military prosecutors claim that in the period 11 - 15 June 1990, the defendants have decided, organized and coordinated "a generalized and systematic attack," launched against the civil population, against the manifestations in the University Square in Bucharest respectively, as well as against the population residing in Bucharest, an attack which involved the participation of armed forces of the Interior Ministry (MAI), National Defence Ministry (MApN), Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), as well as a number of over ten thousand miners and other workers from multiple areas of the country.
The alleged attack, prosecutors say, had the following consequences: the killing of four persons by shooting and the wounding of three others by the same means; harming the physical or psychical integrity of 1,269 persons; deprivation of freedom, for political reasons, of a total number of 1,242 persons.
Agerpres..
Updated at 9:21 a.m.
Billionaire Eddie Lampert-controlled Sears Canada Inc. flagged doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern and said it was exploring strategic options, including a sale of the company, following years of losses and falling sales.
Sears Canada's shares slumped as much as 56 percent to 50 Canadian cents in early trading, as investors fretted about whether the company would be able to weather this liquidity crisis before it found a buyer.
The company was valued at about C$51 million ($38.5 million)at its lowest stock price on Tuesday, a far cry from the C$1.18 billion valuation when it was partially spun off from Sears Holdings Corp. in November 2012.
Sears Canada, much like Sears Holdings now its fourth-largest shareholder has struggled for years to remain relevant to shoppers who have switched to stores that keep up with fast-changing fashion trends.
The company has also booked losses as Wal-Mart Canada and Amazon.com Inc. have stepped up competition.
Sears Canada's sales have fallen every quarter since it was spun off from Sears Holdings in 2012.
Sears Holdings, in March, also warned about its ability to continue as a going concern. The company said on Tuesday that it would cut 400 full-time jobs at its headquarters in Illinois as part of its plan to save more than $1 billion in costs annually.
Sears Canada said it would postpone its 2017 annual meeting scheduled for June 14 to a date it would determine later.
The company's cash and estimated cash flows from operations were not expected to be enough to meet obligations over the next 12 months, it said in a statement.
The company said it had expected to be able to borrow up to an additional $175 million, which was secured against its owned and leased real estate, as part an existing loan. Based on current talks with lenders, however, it expects that it will be able to borrow up to $109 million.
Sears Canada said it had recently begun a process to address its liquidity situation to continue to finance its business and had hired BMO Capital Markets to assist with the restructuring process.
($1 = 1.3239 Canadian dollars)
Will Ross knows the challenge before him.
A physician by trade, Ross is also associate dean and director of diversity for Washington University. Now he is one of three St. Louis area residents appointed to a new task force with a daunting charge: Come up with a plan the plan to remake government in St. Louis.
Momentum has built toward this day, ever since the nonprofit Better Together came on the scene in the fall of 2013 and started studying the inefficiencies of a government apparatus highlighted by its major city being separated from the county that bears the same name. Folks have called this amorphous concept all sorts of things: Merger. Reunification. Combination. Marriage. The time has come to figure out specifically what to call it and ask voters to approve it.
It wont be easy, Ross said. He has been at the center of such regional discussions before, from the creation of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission to the attempts to keep a regional hospital alive to serve north St. Louis residents. Getting people in St. Louis to think regionally, particularly when the beneficiary of such thought might be somebody other than you, has been a challenge since, well, since the Great Divorce of 1876 that created a divided St. Louis.
But Ross is optimistic.
Ive been talking on the streets for 30 years about finding a solution to our division, Ross said. Most of the people I talk to say: Why is it taking so long?
In St. Louis County, a government amalgam of 89 municipalities, 54 police departments and 23 fire districts, change is slow. And thats not even counting the city of St. Louis, which stands alone and apart from the county that shares its name and includes what once was the rest of the outline of one of Americas great cities.
Over the next several months, Ross and his fellow task force members, Spire CEO Suzanne Sitherwood and Bryan Cave attorney and partner Arindam Kar, will meet with residents of the St. Louis region and help craft the Great Reconciliation.
They will face many obstacles in a region that does division better than unity.
The biggest might be that even the politicians who on Monday stood in front of the Better Together banner and heaped praise on the new task force cant yet bring themselves to fully embrace the unity the task force is charged with defining.
Mayor Lyda Krewson comes closest, having endorsed a combination or a remarriage between the city and the county, which sounds an awful lot like a full city-county merger or unigov or combined metro government. County Executive Steve Stenger is mostly in the same place he has always been, though he says he has come to appreciate Better Together, which is funded primarily by political donor and activist Rex Sinquefield.
Im not really here to endorse a particular path forward until we see what options are available, Stenger said.
The options are obvious to anybody whos been paying attention. Theyre all laid out on another nonprofit website, called St. Louis Strong, run by Chesterfield native Jake Hollander:
Theres the borough plan, which unites the city and county, disincorporates the countys municipalities, and creates one city government fed by nine boroughs, with individual mayors and councils. This is a model similar to New York.
Theres Metro St. Louis, where the city re-enters the county and most municipalities are kept in place, but key services such as public safety and economic development are controlled at the county level. This model is similar to Nashville, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky.
And theres unigov, where the city re-enters the county and one umbrella city-county government is formed, similar to the Indianapolis model.
The challenge for Ross and his colleagues will not be to reinvent the wheel, but to fill in the specifics, and get over the inherent fear of change that Ross says is a St. Louis staple. The task force will need to unite those in the city who dont trust Sinquefield, those in the county who disdain the city, and those who fear that the sudden close relationship between Krewson, Stenger and their mutual advisers is political cover for something yet unseen.
Its time to do something different, said Better Together Executive Director Nancy Rice on Monday.
Indeed it is. Fear and division have failed St. Louis for too long.
Unity awaits.
BELLEVILLE Police are looking for a man they say invaded a home here Monday and shot two people, critically injuring both of them.
The victims, a white 57-year-old woman and a white 27-year-old man, were in critical but stable condition at a hospital Monday night, police said.
Arriving police officers found the shooting victims in the area of a home in the 100 block of Glenview Drive just after 1 p.m. Police had responded there to a call of shots fired.
Both victims gave detectives a statement before they were taken to a hospital, police said.
Police said the shooter confronted the woman in her driveway and then followed her into the house. The shooter then fought with the 27-year-old man inside the house, and several shots were fired, police said.
Police are looking for a suspect they describe as an African-American man in his 20s with a short hair cut. He was carrying a silver handgun and wearing a blue shirt and blue pants or shorts, police said.
The suspect may have bruising or other marks on his head after fighting with the man inside the home, police said. He fled the area in a white Chevy Impala.
Authorities ask anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts to call Belleville Police at 618-234-1212 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
A court hearing in Las Vegas for a man whose daughter's decomposed body was found in a vacant Metro East home has been postponed until Friday.
The hearing was set to determine whether there is enough probable cause to hold Jason Quate on suspicion of possession of child pornography. A hearing will also be held Friday to determine whether there is probable cause to hold him on suspicion of child abuse.
Quate, 34, has already been charged in Las Vegas with sex trafficking and living off the earnings of a prostitute, both felonies, after police there say he forced his wife, Elizabeth Odell-Quate, 35, into prostitution.
Police in Las Vegas have said additional charges might be added to the case. Quate is being held without bail.
The investigation into the bizarre case began when Odell-Quate went to a domestic violence shelter in Las Vegas last week. She called police and told them her husband had forced her into prostitution and had abused their three daughters. She claimed he had killed one of them, Alysha, about four years ago when she was 6. Odell-Quate said the girl's body was hidden in the garage of an abandoned home in Centreville.
Authorities found the little girls skeletal remains there, but an autopsy was inconclusive as to the cause of her death.
In a jailhouse interview with the Post-Dispatch, Quate said the girl died in an accident, after choking on a piece of Salisbury steak as he spanked her, sometime in 2012 or 2013.
Police found Quate's other two daughters, ages 12 and 13, with him inside an apartment in Las Vegas.
Police seized Quate's cellphone during the raid on his apartment and found multiple images of child pornography on it involving prepubescent girls, according to police records.
Both Quate and the mother, Odell-Quate, face a charge in St. Clair County of concealing a homicidal death, a felony. In a hearing Monday, Odell-Quate said she would not fight her transfer to Illinois to face that charge. The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department said it will take weeks before she returns to Illinois.
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TROY, Mo. A judge has denied a womans request for a new civil trial seeking damages against a Roman Catholic priest after a Lincoln County jury in April found insufficient evidence that he fondled her at her home.
St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer on Monday also ordered the woman to pay legal expenses of the St. Louis Archdiocese and the Rev. Xiu Hui Joseph Jiang totaling $48,516.84. Ohmers order requires she pay $19,316.51 to the archdiocese and $29,200.33 to Jiang.
The woman sought a new trial last month after a jury found in favor of Jiang following a two-week trial. She had accused him of molesting her as a 16-year-old in June 2012 while her relatives were in the same room. The jury also rejected her claims that the St. Louis Archdiocese failed to protect her and should have known Jiang was dangerous to children.
Jiang denied the womans claims at trial and told jurors the womans family was trying to steal his dreams of serving as a priest in the United States.
Jiang came to the United States from China in his 20s to pursue the priesthood and was sponsored by St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson. Jiang served as a deacon in Saginaw, Mich., while Carlson was bishop there and came with Carlson to St. Louis in 2009. Carlson was installed as archbishop that year; Jiang was ordained in St. Louis on May 29, 2010, and became an associate pastor at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End.
Criminal charges were filed against Jiang but were dropped in 2013.
ST. LOUIS Lawyers for Reginald Clemons, whose double-murder retrial in the 1991 killings of two sisters on the Chain of Rocks Bridge is set for August, have been negotiating a plea agreement with the Missouri attorney generals office, according to a motion filed late Monday seeking to push off a trial date.
Over the course of the past several weeks, counsel for the defense has spent considerable time in discussions with Mr. Clemons and in negotiations with the state over a potential plea agreement, the filing says. Those efforts continue, but as of this date, they have not yet resulted in a resolution.
One of Clemons public defenders, Heather Vodnansky, declined to comment.
The motion for continuance filed by Clemons lawyers late Monday asks for a later trial date, arguing that prosecutors had not provided the defense with additional DNA testing and analysis that the state intends to present as evidence.
The DNA evidence is the only physical evidence that would allegedly place Mr. Clemons at the scene of the crime, the motion says. Mr. Clemons requires, and is entitled to, sufficient time to review, analyze and prepare rebuttal evidence to this entirely new DNA analysis.
The motion also says Clemons has waived his right to a speedy trial and that his defense team needs more time to review 3,822 pages of prison records and hours of recorded phone calls Clemons made to associates and relatives, and to review 71 potential witnesses the state has said may testify.
A spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley did not immediately return a phone call Tuesday.
The Missouri attorney generals office, which took over the case before St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner assumed office in January, did not oppose Clemons request for more time.
Sisters Julie Kerry, 20, and Robin Kerry, 19, were killed on the closed Chain of Rocks Bridge in April 1991. Authorities have said Clemons was among four men who encountered the Kerry sisters and their cousin on the bridge, attacked them and forced them to jump into the Mississippi River. The women died; their cousin lived.
Clemons was convicted in the killings in 1993 but the Missouri Supreme Court overturned that conviction in November 2015 and sent the matter back to circuit court.
JEFFERSON CITY Missouri lawmakers reluctantly launched their second special session of the summer Monday, this one taking aim at the states abortion laws.
Ordered back to the statehouse by Republican Gov. Eric Greitens, the GOP-controlled House and Senate could take on a host of abortion-related legislation in the coming days, including overriding a St. Louis ordinance banning discrimination based on abortion, pregnancies and other reproductive health decisions.
They also are expected to debate a response to a recent federal court ruling that invalidated rules that doctors who perform abortions must have admitting privileges at hospitals and that abortion clinics meet more stringent standards for health care facilities.
But some senators groused that Greitens was abusing his power as governor to repeatedly call the part-time Legislature back into session.
I dont think we should be here, said Sen. Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City. Its certainly clear the governor doesnt have any respect for this process.
Are we lemmings? asked Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City. What we should be doing is telling this governor no.
Since issuing his call, Greitens has held three campaign-style rallies. His plan to appear at a fourth event on Wednesday afternoon in the Capitol was clearly grating to some lawmakers.
I do not like or appreciate the political shenanigans, said Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield.
On the House side, lawmakers quickly gaveled in and out Monday and said they would follow the lead of the Senate.
The special session is the second ordered by the rookie governor in his first six months in office. After lawmakers adjourned their regular session on May 12, Greitens called them back to help two potential industrial users in New Madrid County get cheaper electric rates.
Some lawmakers say the governor is wasting time and money in an attempt to burnish his anti-abortion record and score political points.
A frustrated Holsman introduced legislation that would allow voters to choose whether the part-time General Assembly should become a full-time group, given Greitens comments that more special sessions may be on the way.
The governors inability to work with the supermajority of his fellow Republicans to get things done on time has thrown our state into an unpredictable environment in which the governor can waste taxpayer dollars on a whim just to pass more laws and regulations for a never-ending campaign, Holsman said.
The last special session cost an estimated $67,000 based on what lawmakers get paid in food, lodging and mileage when they are in the Capitol.
Greitens says it is his responsibility to protect life and defend life.
Under an ordinance approved by St. Louis aldermen in February, employers and landlords are banned from discriminating against women who have had an abortion, use contraceptives or are pregnant.
Along with nullifying that law, Greitens is targeting a May ruling by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs in a case involving Planned Parenthood affiliates in Missouri.
Sachs ruled that Missouris laws were similar to a Texas law struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court on the basis that abortion services legal since the 1970s under the landmark Roe v. Wade case were being illegally denied to women.
After the ruling, Planned Parenthood announced it was expanding its services across the state. Currently, the only licensed center to provide abortions is in St. Louis, down from 29 facilities in 1982.
A number of other proposals could be considered, including a plan to give the attorney generals office the ability to prosecute local violations of abortion laws.
Unlike the first special session, which lasted one week, lawmakers are not expected to make quick work of the governors call. The House is not expected to take a final vote until next week at the earliest. The schedule shows the Senate also may be in next Wednesday, June 21.
WASHINGTON St. Louis philanthropist, political megadonor and education reform advocate Rex Sinquefield met privately Tuesday with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Sinquefield was joined by his wife, Jeanne, and Travis Brown, chief executive officer of First Rule, Sinquefields media organization, according to a description of the meeting provided to the Post-Dispatch by the Department of Education.
The group discussed innovation grants, distance learning, school choice and digital programs in schools, said Education Press Secretary Liz Hill. The group also discussed innovative career and technical education programs in Missouri.
In her first four-plus months on the job, in which she has become a lightning rod of sorts in the presidents new Cabinet, DeVos has met with widely divergent charter school advocates, including the rapper Pitbull.
Sinquefield was the latest on Tuesday, and the meeting did not go unnoticed by his critics, and those of the secretary.
The liberal, David Brock-founded dark money group American Bridge, one of many that does not disclose its source of funding and is gearing up to try to influence the Missouri Senate race in 2018, issued a press release criticizing the meeting and calling Sinquefield and DeVos enemies of public schools.
DeVos has said that allowing parents more choice on where to send their children to school using public funds would better educate children, especially those in poor communities. Her supporters say shes running up against opposition because she is challenging the status quo and entrenched teachers unions.
DeVos has been a controversial figure as education secretary, having been booed at the Bethune-Cookman graduation and being blocked by protesters from entering a school for an event in Washington.
ST. LOUIS Supporters of a buffer zone barring anti-abortion demonstrators from the front of the states only abortion clinic made their case to a panel of aldermen on Tuesday, sparking debate over the First Amendment.
The bill at hand would ban activists from within an 8-foot radius of a health care facilitys driveway. Violating the ordinance, or blocking entry or exit from a facility such as the Planned Parenthood clinic on Forest Park Avenue, would be punishable by up to $500 in fines or up to 90 days in jail.
The proposed ordinance is similar to those in cities such as Pittsburgh and Chicago. Backers of the plan say it offers a clearer avenue to charge protesters who impede the flow of traffic in and out of Planned Parenthood.
In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Colorado law laying out the same 8-foot radius. But in 2014, the court struck down a Massachusetts law keeping protesters outside of a 35-foot buffer zone, leading cities throughout the country to rethink such zones.
Proponents of the bill in St. Louis said an 8-foot bubble is small enough to pass constitutional muster, since it allows for protesters to talk to visitors without standing in their way. Opponents said they should have the right to peacefully approach cars and hand out literature laying out other options for women considering abortion.
Some who testified identified themselves as sidewalk counselors, saying theyve done little more than flag down incoming drivers and passengers, who only stop out of their own free will.
This bill would be a barrier to education, said Kristin Wilmes, director of operations at Coalition for Life St. Louis.
Sponsoring Alderman Christine Ingrassia, 6th Ward, said she felt her proposal struck a careful balance between free speech rights and the rights of patients to access the health care of their choosing.
Its possible to have a vibrant, political speech occurring on our sidewalks while still protecting access to abortion, Ingrassia said. We dont need to sacrifice either fundamental freedom.
One St. Louis police officer who frequently responds to complaints at Planned Parenthood testified that even with surveillance camera footage, its difficult to enforce rules against blocking the facilitys driveway.
Because its a low-priority crime, officers often take a long time to respond, he said. Even if they do, the violation can be tough to prosecute, especially if the protesters have left the scene.
He estimated that the department received an annual average of 40 calls a year to Planned Parenthood, and that he personally receives more on his cellphone, usually regarding protesters disturbing the peace, he said. But writing tickets is rare.
Given the difficulty of enforcing the law as it stands now, some aldermen raised concerns as to how much an 8-foot buffer zone would help. Other opponents, like David Drury of Missouri Lawyers for Life, implored aldermen not to pass a broad law because of a few people who went too far.
(This law) is un-American, because it says, People, we dont want to hear your message. We want to keep our business going. We dont want you telling us the other side, Drury said.
Mary Kogut, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said she believes the proposal would alleviate the problem of protesters lingering to talk to people in their cars, leading to backups on both sides of the facility.
I always am concerned about (safety), every day, Kogut said. I think what the buffer zone will help to provide more safety around pedestrian or car traffic. It will not stop some of the other concerns we may have, but it takes care of that particular issue.
FERGUSON A special meeting of the Ferguson City Council held Monday night to discuss Ferguson Market & Liquor ended with confusion after a video that residents say they had requested be shown wasnt.
The market was where Michael Brown had a run-in with the owner just before the confrontation with a Ferguson police officer in August 2014 that ended with Browns fatal shooting. His death sparked outcry and protests.
The markets liquor permit is set to expire on June 30. Some residents say they not only want the license withheld but the store shut down because of alleged drug activity and other illegal dealings at and around the store.
A community petition calling for the stores closure with more than 1,000 signatures was presented to the council.
Joshura Davis, president of the Dellwood-Ferguson West Florissant Business Association, said he has witnessed dozens of people walking out of the store without bags and he questioned activity at the store.
Thats one business we dont need, Davis said.
He added later, My vote, our vote, the peoples vote is to get rid of Ferguson Market.
While Davis said he spoke for the business association, the group did not take an official vote on the matter.
Thomas Nellums is a leader at Family of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, located behind the market.
He said the churchs windows and van have been shot up because of activities coming from that parking lot that nobodys doing anything about.
He said he believes the church has lost members of its congregation because they are fearful of activities there.
Other residents told the council they have seen employees at the store sell minors single cigarettes. Others said they have witnessed drug transactions in front of the store, including the sales of the synthetic drug K2. Last month, some convenience stores in the St. Louis area were raided in K2 drug investigations.
Darnell Singleton said the video he wanted to show during the public hearing would prove to the council and the police chief that drug activity happens around the store.
Singleton said he shot footage outside the store one day in April. The video shows people loitering outside the market and a close-up of one man placing an item in another mans hand and receiving money.
The opening scenes of the roughly four-minute video are from the controversial documentary Stranger Fruit, which featured surveillance footage of Brown in the market and alleged that Brown had been involved in a drug transaction with workers there.
Council members said they believed the video wasnt shown during the meeting because of a miscommunication, though residents say their intention to show it was clear long before the meeting.
The markets lawyer, Jay Kanzler, says the business has been the focus of community anger since Browns death.
He denied drug sales take place at the store and said the market contributes to the community.
Ive been behind the counter in that store dozens and dozens of times and Ive never seen K2, Kanzler said.
He cautioned the council to be leery of misinformation.
Im telling you, if theyre selling drugs, shut em down. But if they arent breaking the law and they are doing whats best for the family and whats best for employees and whats best for a lot of people in the community ... , he said.
Residents bemoaned the lawyers statement, saying that they dont understand if community members see illicit activity why the council or police havent done anything to address the issue.
One resident called the council historically unresponsive to community needs.
Police Chief Delrish Moss called on residents to present evidence to the police to help them monitor the stores activity. We cant do it alone, he said.
He said the number of calls to police since 2015 related to the market have decreased significantly.
So far in 2017 there have been 23 calls to police. Last year, there were 57 calls. In 2015, however, there were 256 calls.
Most of the calls in 2016 and this year have been fraud calls reported by the market. Other calls included disturbance, stolen vehicles and police service calls. Moss said none of the calls involved shootings.
Police said no one connected to the market is being investigated or has been arrested.
Officials also said the market has complied with requests concerning lighting and security. The last store inspection was on May 4.
Councilwoman Laverne Mitchom called the presentations compelling, but the council members took no formal action. The council is slated to discuss the markets liquor license at the last meeting of the month, days before it is set to expire.
Qatar Airways has called on the UN's aviation body to declare "illegal" an ongoing boycott by some Arab counties of Persian Gulf region against the carrier.
In a televised interview on Monday, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker called the move an "illegal blockade".
Baker also urged the United Nations' civil aviation branch to intervene in the dispute.
The International Civil Aviation Organization "should heavily get involved, put their weight behind this to declare this an illegal act", CNN Money quoted the Baker as saying.
He went onto say that the move was in violation of the 1944 convention on air transport, charged with overseeing and regulating international aviation.
On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates broke off relations with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region. They also suspended all land, air and sea traffic with Qatar, ejected its diplomats and ordered Qatari citizens to leave their countries.
The administration of Saudi-backed and resigned Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Libya, the Maldives, Djibouti, Senegal and the Comoros later joined the camp in ending diplomatic ties. Jordan downgraded its diplomatic ties as well.
Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani rejected those trying to impose their will on Qatar or intervene in its internal affairs.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry also announced that the decisions to cut diplomatic ties were unjustified and based on false claims and assumptions.
In an interview with Qatar's pan-Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, Baker also came down hard on US President Donald Trump, whose country has been a longtime ally of Qatar.
"We expect our friends to stand up with us in this unfair, illegal blockade conducted by four countries," the CEO stressed.
"I want the American people to realize that they are trying to intimidate a small country which has the closest relation with the United States," Baker stated, adding, "I think that President Trump's comment about my country is ill-placed, ill-informed, and I can again repeat that I'm very disappointed in him."
On Sunday, Trump accused Qatar of bankrolling extremists, throwing his weight behind Saudi regime and its allies in the worst crisis to grip the region in years.
As part of the measures against Qatar, Saudi Arabia also shut the local office of Qatar's Al Jazeera news channel amid escalation of tensions between the two Persian Gulf states.
China has expressed a desire to take on a role as mediator between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's office said in statement on Monday.
"Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit Kabul soon where he will meet Afghan officials to discuss ways to improve Afghanistan-Pakistan relations," the statement said.
It added that the Chinese foreign minister would work to discuss the possibility of setting up a meeting between the four members of the Quadrilateral Coordination Committee Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China.
The four-nation group was formed in January 2016 for reconciliation in Afghanistan through the direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.
"It is the first time that China wants to be a mediator in Afghanistans peace process and soon the Chinese Foreign Minister will visit Kabul. Peace with Pakistan was our demand and this must be solved between government and government," Ghani said, according to the statement.
The development follows a spate of deadly attacks in the country.
Two weeks ago, a suicide truck bomber detonated his explosives in the Kabul city, killing over 150 people wounding hundreds other.
No group, including the Taliban, claimed responsibly for the attack.
Pakistan had closed the Pak-Afghan border in mid-February this year, following a string of militant attacks that Islamabad blamed on militants hiding in Afghanistan. The closure of the formal crossing points on the 2,600km porous border was ordered after the Sehwan shrine bombing that claimed around 100 innocent lives.
Existing tensions between the two countries further deepened last month when the Afghan border forces reportedly opened fire on security personnel and civilians on Pakistani side, killing at least nine people. Subsequently, Pakistan Army claimed to have killed 50 Afghan security personnel in a retaliatory move.
Several efforts, including visits of officials and jirga members, have been made since then to bring normalcy in the bilateral relations of the two countries but no major breakthrough has surfaced as yet.
Earlier this month, Ashraf Ghani lashed out at Pakistan at the Kabul Process, alleging that it is waging an "undeclared war of aggression" against Afghanistan. Last week, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Ashraf Ghani held a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit where both the leaders agreed to use the QCG mechanism as well as bilateral channels to undertake specific actions against terrorism.
They also agreed to use the QCG to promote peace and reconciliation within Afghanistan.
"Joy and pleasure are as real as pain and sorrow and one must learn what they have to teach. . . ." -- Sean Russell, from Gatherer of Clouds"If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." -- Helyn D. Goldenberg"I love you and I'm not afraid." -- Evanescence, "My Last Breath"If I hear not allowed much oftener, said Sam, Im going to get angry. -- J.R.R. Tolkien, from Lord of the Rings
Champagne celebrations for Emirates Team New Zealandthe Kiwis winning the Louis Vuitton challenger series for the fourth time and doing it in some style.
By beating Artemis 5-2, they now take on Oracle Team USA in the Americas Cup match starting next weekend.
In a seventh race against the Swedes, initially delayed by light winds, Peter Burling dominated his arch rival Nathan Outteridge in the start box, heading off to round mark one in the lead for the first time in the series final.
From then on Emirates Team New Zealand were untouchable, the Swedes with no answer to the Kiwi boats speed.
Upwind and downwind Aoteraoa had the measure of Artemis, with an average speed almost three knots faster than the Swedish boat.
And with slick boat-handling producing a fly-time on the foils of 99.7 per cent the Kiwis sailed close to a perfect race.
The boat was going seriously fast, says Burling. I think we are in great shape to take on Oracle.
Dedicating the Louis Vuitton win to the Emirates Team New Zealand shore crew, Burling praised the massive effort theyd made to repair and prepare the boat.
They gave us the tools we needed to win and this is a great way to be able to repay them today.
Tauranga Intermediate students are helping to eradicate New Zealands pests and raise money for a unique Kickstarter project.
Last week students participated in a coin trail to raise over $400 for two predator traps.
Squawk Squad is a New Zealand business, which has just finished their Kickstarter campaign.
Their aim is to connect people with sanctuaries via an app that gives them the ability to collectively invest in sensor-connected traps in aid of sanctuary projects.
Investors can see where their trap is deployed in the sanctuary and are notified in real-time when their trap activates.
Tauranga Intermediate Year 7 teacher Debi Mayhead shared the idea with her class, Room 44, who came up with the idea to make an investment on behalf of the school.
The kids were really interested, and the principal just embraced the idea totally, says Debi.
Its an awesome initiative that fits well with our school. Were working on a school production at the moment about the kokako, an endangered New Zealand bird. It will be written and performed by students, and is going to be on at Baycourt at the beginning of Term 3.
In keeping with the theme, students brought coins and notes to school to fill in the outline of a kokako, raising enough money to put the schools name on two traps.
The traps will be called Tauranga Intermediate School traps, and will be located in two sanctuaries, which we will hopefully be able to choose, adds Debi.
Squawk Squads Kickstarter campaign has now ended, with the business raising more than $70,000 from 643 backers.
Mr Matt Short (Head of Miro House) talks to a group of students about their coin trail fundraiser.
Ever since the courts declared that the plusvalia tax should not be charged if a property loses value, town halls have been searching for different ways to top up their revenue streams.
In both Fuengirola and Mijas, they look set to take advantage of a new bylaw, a proposal set out by the Ciudadanos party at the latest meeting of the full council in Fuengirola, which declares that town halls have the right to charge extra taxes on use of public land by private utility providers.
Both currently receive 1.5 per cent of the providers annual takings obtained within the municipalities, as declared in article 24.1 of the Law regulating Local Tax Authorities. However, in the same article, but in subsection a, local authorities are able to establish taxes for the private use of public land, including pylons, overhead cables, piping and transformers, among other things, on streets and other land in the public domain.
Applying the formula set out by the Spanish federation of municipalities and provinces (FEMP) in the case of the Galician town of Arteixo, the estimated earnings, based on the electricity pylons alone are around 80,000 euros. Adding the figures for gas, water and hydrocarbons, that could rise to 200,000 euros.
The final figure is expected to be much higher, though, given the relative cost of land in Fuengirola.
In the neighbouring municipality of Mijas, which has ten times as much land, the earnings will be much higher. Ciudadanos spokesman in Fuengirola, Javier Toro, assured that the local government team are in agreement and we are sure that this will go ahead.
Days after the proposal came to light, officials at Mijas town hall, led by the Cs, took note of the Fuengirola idea and will be launching the proposal at their own next council meeting.
As public authorities, we have a duty to ensure the public pays less while at the same time we bring in more income. So if the law allows us to tax the multinationals then its our obligation to do so, Toro concluded.
The brother of Ignacio Echeverria, the Spanish lawyer killed in the London Bridge terrorist attack earlier this month, has revealed that the 39-year-old lawyer had intervened to aid a police officer and not a woman, as was previously reported.
Joaquin Echeverria told the news agency Efe on Tuesday that the family had changed the story when they still didn't know what had happened to Ignacio to protect him from "future retaliation".
"We were worried that, if he was alive, the jihadists would go to his house or his work to look for him," he added
His brother explained that Ignacio's friends had told them what happened the next morning while they were looking for him in hospitals around London.
"They saw from a distance that the terrorists were stabbing a woman, when a police officer with a truncheon overtook them and fell immediately," he said.
According to his friends, at the same time as the officer went towards the terrorists Ignacio Echeverria got off his bike to help the police officer.
"We think that Ignacio saw the officer run and went to help him arrest the three terrorists so that they wouldn't keep attacking," said Joaquin Echeverria. "He wasn't exactly helping the woman, but he was trying to stop the attack," he said.
Echeverria's body was flown back to Spain in a Spanish air force plane on Sunday. Prime minister Mariano Rajoy met the aircraft at the Madrid air base and awarded Ignacio with a posthumous Gran Cruz del Merito Civil, a medal for civil merit.
He was buried in Las Rozas, Madrid, on Monday.
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A former prison officer has been jailed for four years after he encouraged an inmate to beat up a sex offender in prison.
James Cookson, 33, was found guilty at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, June 19 of two counts of willful neglect or misconduct in a public office while working as a prison officer at HMP High Down in Banstead.
Cookson, from South Coast Road in Peacehaven, was sentenced yesterday (August 4) but he failed to attend either court date as it emerged he had fled the country with his family to Cyprus on June 4.
While in the sunny island, prosecutor Jonathan Davies said Cookson had still been getting paid from High Down, despite not working there officially anymore.
Recorder Judge Robert Fraser said he found that "quite remarkable".
The former officer was jailed for encouraging inmates to beat up vulnerable members of the prison, such as sex offenders.
At the time of the offences, Cookson was working in the Vulnerable Prisoners Unit (VPU) at High Down, in High Down Lane, which houses inmates, such as sex offenders or ex-police officers, who are considered vulnerable to attack by other members of the prison population.
Cookson was found guilty by the jury, who deliberated their verdicts for less than three hours, of organising the assault of Jamie Fuller, a prisoner in the VPU, by another prisoner Peter Giles in October 2012 and of trying to incite Bradley Dobson to attack John Drury, a convicted child sex offender, between May 6 and 9 in 2015.
The jury were unable to reach a verdict on a third count of willful neglect or misconduct in a public office.
Judge Fraser said: "It was very clear from a number of messages on his [Cookson's] phone that he had a disdain and a dislike for certain prisoners, in particular sex offenders."
During Cookson's trial, Mr Fuller, who has since completed his sentence and been released, gave evidence.
He said he had been in prison for about a week at the time of the assault, and was waiting on the landing area to be locked in his cell for the night when he was approached by Giles and attacked.
Mr Fuller said: "[Giles] shouted at me that I had killed a baby and started to attack me.
"He hit me in the face a few times and I curled up to try and protect myself. I was very scared and was shouting loudly for him to get off me.
"The attack lasted for a minute or so and then he disappeared."
Mr Fuller, who was not convicted of killing a baby as alleged by Giles but had been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) to a baby boy, suffered a cut lip and bruising in the attack.
The jury was told that, following the attack, Cookson appeared at the door of Mr Fuller's cell and when he told him what had happened the prison officer said "never mind" before locking him in his cell for the night.
In his evidence to the jury Mr Fuller said Giles approached him on the day after the attack and apologised for what he did, saying it had been set up by Cookson and that he had been paid for the attack with a small amount of tobacco.
For Cookson's second offence, Mr Davies told the jury at the time of the trial that Bradley Dobson had to be taken to hospital in May 2015, and while there he was guarded at points by Cookson.
The jury was told that during this time Cookson showed Dobson an article on his phone, containing details of Drury's conviction - which is also an offence - and said that Drury was a "dirty pervert of the worst kind".
Mr Davies added that Dobson was offered tobacco and a 50 postal order to attack Drury but he did not want anything to do with the plan and reported the matter via a written complaint to prison authorities.
Drury also wrote a complaint after being told about the planned attack by Dobson.
During sentencing, Judge Fraser commended High Down for the way it allowed prisoners to confidentially report complaints.
He said: "I do pay tribute to the anonymous system of complaints in High Down, it has clearly worked in this case."
He added: "Cookson has undermined the prison and he has undermined the trust that is put in prison officers.
"What particularly concerns me is that he was targeting vulnerable prisoners and using other prisoners to target them."
Cookson denied the allegations in his first police interview, saying they were "absolute nonsense" and that the prisoners must "have a grudge against him" or want to see a prison officer in trouble.
He was ordered to serve four years imprisonment, with the chance of parole after two years. Cookson was also ordered to pay a 120 victim surcharge fee.
An arrest warrant for his immediate return to the UK was also put out.
As Russians seized parts of eastern and southern Ukraine in the opening stages of the war, mayors, civilian administrators and others say they have been abducted, threatened or beaten to force their cooperation. In some instances, they have been killed. Human rights activists say these actions could constitute a war crime. Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov said he was abducted from his office and the bullying and threats did not stop for a minute." He said they tried to force him to continue in his role but he refused. After six days in detention and an intervention from Ukraine's president, he was exchanged for nine Russian prisoners of war and expelled from the occupied city.
Robb Farmer isnt stepping into the library directors position unaware. He knows the controversy that has swirled around the institution since last fall. His dad even asked him if he was sure he wanted to get involved with the library system now. But, it was the public outcry that made Farmer certain he wanted the job.
Farmer said he saw that citizens cared about the library system, that they respected it as an important community institution. That sold it for me, said the man who will become the first director of the newly established Smyth County Public Library on July 1.
Farmer is returning to the library that helped shape him as a child. While the location is different from the library he went to as a little boy and checked out his first books, which he remembers included The Biggest Bear, he calls the Marion branch my home library. He also remembers being dropped off at the library on summer days to sit and read. The Marion library, he said, impacted his worldview.
While he wasnt looking to leave his current position in Sitka, Alaska, when the job opened up, Farmer said, the idea appealed to him, especially because of the long distance that separates him and his wife, Kathy, from their families. Farmers parents are Ervin and Brenda Farmer, who live in Danville, Ky.
Farmer completed his last traditional workday as director of the Sitka Public Library yesterday. Farmer didnt know where Sitka was when he first saw the job posting, but the heading got his attention: Best Library Director Job Ever. Farmers description suggests it lived up to the help-wanted ad. He started there Oct. 1, 2014. He called Sitka, an island fishing community of about 9,000, a beautiful place and crazy pretty with a fantastic library.
Though his early love of libraries and reading might suggest his adult career path led directly to library sciences, Farmers path includes an array of experiences. Though a future in libraries seemed certain from the day he entered the University of Kentuckys law school, Farmer confessed that he hated law school. The best part happened his first week. He tagged along with a friend who was applying for a part-time job at the law library. Farmer got a job too and kept it throughout law school. It was, he declared, the best decision I made.
The research skills he learned and the connections he made with law librarians would prove invaluable throughout his career.
When he worked with a law firm that was filing suits against the big cigarette companies and again when he worked for a firm specializing in bankruptcy cases, he always called a librarian for assistance if I needed it.
His career path also included stints as a dean of students at a Kentucky college and a coordinator for HIV services to folks who had to be poor and sick to qualify. Farmer said he gained a different perspective helping people who really needed it. He added, Ill carry it all my life.
His work ultimately led to him working at a law firm that sent him back to school to earn a masters degree in library sciences. With hindsight, Farmer said he probably should have gone that route initially, but he reflected that all the side trips tied together and have helped him grow.
Along the way, he also earned a masters degree in criminal justice.
In about 400 hours of higher-education classes, he said, storytelling was one of the most useful courses. Farmer explained that storytelling helps you think on your feet and learn about communicating with people.
When getting his library degree, he also took every class oriented toward youth and childrens work he could. That area of service still appeals to him. The book on Farmers nightstand during this interview was The Hate You Give, a young-adult book recommended to him by Sitkas youth-services librarian. Farmer declared hell read anything, especially to understand how to serve patrons better. He noted hes read romance novels to learn more about the genre.
He also enjoys comic books and graphic novels and was delighted to see that the Marion branch has what he described as a fantastic collection of graphic novels.
Hes also pleased about the librarys focus on technology. Part of a librarys public service, he said, is to help bridge the technology divide. You gotta be tech friendly.
Farmer had checked out the Smyth librarys summer reading plans on the systems website and said they looked fantastic. From what hes learned so far, Farmer said, many positive things are happening at the libraries and he wants to keep that going.
Farmer said he doesnt plan to reinvent the wheel for Smyths libraries. He wants to learn about the libraries from the staff on the front lines, especially what the needs are. He also wants to learn from the Friends groups and the libraries patrons. Farmer says hell have an open-door policy and always be willing to talk to people about the library. The people of Smyth County, he said, are moving toward something positive.
Farmer views libraries as living, growing entities where ideas and information are freely exchanged. Part of their responsibility, he said, is to help share and preserve information for everyone to be a marketplace of ideas.
Hes firm in his belief that libraries can benefit everybody, and that needs to be trumpeted everywhere.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Attorney General Jeff Sessions heatedly denied on Tuesday that he had any undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador or conversations with Russian officials about the U.S. elections. He vowed to defend his honor "against scurrilous and false allegations."
Testifying at a Senate hearing, Sessions said it was a "detestable and appalling lie" to suggest that he participated in or was aware of any collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign.
In his dramatic appearance before former colleagues, Sessions also contradicted a contention made by former FBI Director James Comey at a hearing before the same panel last week. Comey said that, after an encounter with President Donald Trump in which he said Trump pressured him to back off an investigation into the former national security adviser, Comey "implored" Sessions to make sure he was never left alone with the president again -- but that Sessions didn't respond.
"He didn't recall this, but I responded to his comment by agreeing that the FBI and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policy" regarding contacts with the White House, Sessions said.
The former Alabama senator defended himself against accusations that he misrepresented himself during his confirmation hearing by saying he hadn't met with Russian officials during the campaign. Sessions argued that in the context of the hearing, "my answer was a fair and correct response to the charge as I understood it."
Sessions said he recused himself from the Justice Department's Russia investigation only because of a regulation to require the step because of his involvement in the Trump campaign. He never, he insisted, knew anything about the Russia probe or had any role in it.
While he had recused himself from the Russia probe, Sessions said, "I did not recuse myself from defending my honor against scurrilous and false allegations."
The "Bachelor in Paradise" scandal continues to unfold as Corinne Olympios says she was too drunk to consent to sex.
TMZ reports Corinne was in a "blackout state" and claims she doesn't remember getting naked with fellow cast member DeMario Jackson, or performing sex acts in the pool together. Witnesses say she was stumbling drunk with her eyes closed and slurring her words two hours after their encounter in Mexico.
According to the celebrity gossip site, she's blaming producers for allowing DeMario to allegedly sexually assault her -- all while filming the incident. She's hired a lawyer, though no charges have been filed.
DeMario reportedly claims the encounter was consensual and says Corinne was the instigator. TMZ sources who saw footage say she was clearly drunk, but appeared lucid.
An unnamed "Bachelor in Paradise" contestant told People magazine that two other cast members saw the encounter and were upset producers didn't do more to stop the incident.
"The Bachelor" spinoff has shut down production after a field producer filed a formal complaint about misconduct in the workplace. All cast members were sent home or told to stay home while the production company, Warner Bros., investigates.
"We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico," WB said in a statement. "We have suspended production and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action."
Leah Block, who appeared on season 20 of "The Bachelor" and season 3 of "Bachelor in Paradise," blamed the ABC show in a series of tweets.
"Just shows everyone how trashy that show is & how trashy the producers are to think it's ok to film sexual activity on an ABC SHOW.
#
garbage," she wrote on Twitter. "All of these contestants (including myself) are supposed to trust these producers who we all think are our 'friends.' Yeah...definitely not."
Another former "BiP" contestant, Ryan Beckett, told People that contestants frequently get drunk and hook up on the show, but denied alcohol was ever "forced" on them by producers: "There's some leading the horse to water, but at the end of the day, it's always the cast that has to decide if they want to drink or hook up."
"In my experience, the producers definitely step in," Beckett added.
DeMario appeared on Rachel Lindsay's "The Bachelorette" and Corinne appeared on Nick Viall's "The Bachelor." DeMario and Corinne, both cast as villains, were reportedly scripted to hook up on "Bachelor in Paradise."
They were among 16 former "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" castoffs scheduled to begin filming the summer spinoff series in Sayulita, Mexico. The rest of the cast includes Raven Gates, Alexis Waters, Kristina Schulman, Danielle Maltby, Jasmine Goode, Lacey Mark, Taylor Nolan, Derek Peth, Nick "St. Nick" Benvenutti, Robby Hayes, Alex Woytkiw, Vinny Ventiera, Amanda Stanton and Ben Zorn.
According to Variety, "Bachelor in Paradise" will likely be canceled as season 4 had only recently begun filming and was scheduled to premiere Aug. 8.
People reports "BiP" may not film another season, either, because the majority of the production costs are covered by the Mexico Tourism Board.
"They pick up the tab for practically everything in exchange for all the free publicity the show gives them -- but is not a good look and is not likely to be something Mexico Tourism wants to welcome back," an insider told the magazine.
sandbags.JPG
Sodus Point resident Ann Hayslip is pictured earlier this spring in front of her house. The village is providing sand bags for those residents who request them, but it's their responsibility to put them in place.
(David Figura l NYup.com)
Editor's note: this story was updated.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo returned to two, flood-damaged shoreline communities on Lake Ontario today, promising local officials and residents more state help in dealing with their problems.
Were deploying temporary dam systems in Greece and Sodus Point to proactively mitigate any damage from flooding on Lake Ontario. pic.twitter.com/O7Z8lQ5cWL Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 13, 2017
The governor also continued his criticism of Plan 2014, the lake's water level management plan being handled by the International Joint Commission, a U.S.-Canadian panel.
"I think they pulled the trigger too late," on increasing water outflow, Cuomo said in the Rochester suburb of Greece, according to the Associated Press. "They got behind, and now we have a real problem."
When he visited Greece back on Memorial Day, he said the IJC "really blew it," in regard to managing Lake Ontario's water level this year. He said the commission committed a "series of blunders."
The IJC has repeatedly said that no one could have predicted the severe flooding throughout the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system caused by record rainfall throughout the area - and in the Great Lakes, which empty into Ontario. Officials from the commission say managing the lake's level is a balancing act, and that it has to consider the impact of water releases downstream from the dam -- particularly around Montreal, where thousands were evacuated earlier this spring because of flooding.
Meanwhile, the commission-directed board that makes decisions on the lake's outflow announced today it would increase water releases starting Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.
As for helping out the flood-damaged communities Cuomo tweeted the following shortly after 12:30 p.m. today: "We're deploying temporary dam systems in Greece and Sodus Point to proactively mitigate any damage from flooding on Lake Ontario."
With Lake Ontario forecast to slowly decrease but remain at high levels through mid-summer, the water filled dams can be rolled quickly, effectively and at less cost than sandbags to protect property, Cuomo said.
State officials successfully tested these movable, emergency dam systems in several flood prone areas affected by rising Lake Ontario flood waters over the past few weeks to ensure this technology properly conforms to the terrain, withstands waves, and holds back water.
Dams have now been placed in two locations.
*In the Town of Greece, where approximately 140 feet have been placed on a private lot on Old Edgemere Dr. This open lot is a major contributor to the inflow of water that affects the roadway and sanitary sewers and the dam's placement will reduce the impact of flooding.
*In the Village of Sodus Point, the approximately 700 feet of dam has been placed through roadways at Arney's Marina, which is currently under water. The placement here will enable the land side to be pumped off regaining access to one of the Sodus Point waste water treatment lift stations.
Additionally, the governor announced $1 million in expedited funding--up to $500,000 for the Town of Greece and up to $500,000 for the Village of Sodus Point--to conduct emergency repairs and upgrades to flood-impacted wastewater treatment systems.
Cuomo also renewed his request for assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Advanced Measures program, to immediately deploy protective measures such as rocks and gabions to safeguard areas that remain at heightened risk of flooding.
He asked the Army Corps to assess the feasibility of more permanent onshore and offshore measures to protect communities in the long term.
Apart from statement's made during today's visit by the governor, the state at this point has provided $22 million in state funding to New Yorkers living along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River. That includes assistance to repair public infrastructure ($10 million) to repair roads, floodwalls and other public infrastructure); relief to residents whose homes have been damaged due to flooding ($7 million) and money for small businesses to support the repair or replacement of damaged property and other tangible assets ($5 million).
Cuomo noted members of the National Guard at his direction have been deployed to the region. "The state has also delivered more than one million sandbags to the area, as well as equipment from across New York, "including pumps, generators, boats and light towers."
Cuomo also tweeted today: "We will continue to do whatever it takes to help affected communities and homeowners return to normal."
Cuomo's visit comes as the National Weather Service has issued lakeside flooding watches for tonight into Wednesday afternoon from Wayne County west to the Niagara River due to wind-driven waves.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit said Monday that water levels for all of the Great Lakes are expected to be higher than average into the fall. The agency predicts Lake Ontario's level will start to lower this month, but will remain higher than average into November.
According to Wired, a power outage occurred a week before Christmas in Kiev, Ukraine. Hackers unleashed a particularly nasty malware that was able to take control of the SCADA systems that control the electrical equipment and substations. The damage was relatively weak only lasting about an hour, but compared to a similar attack on Ukraine two years ago, this December attack was drastically different.
Two cybersecurity firms, ESET and Dragos Inc., released a detailed analysis on the attack this week detailing how it works and why it remains a menace. The malware, dubbed "Crash Override" or "Industroyer" is able to nearly automate attacks on power infrastructure and includes swappable components that allow it to adapt to different utilities. The malware was able to utilize the specific protocols the subsystems use in order to control the flow of electricity. Once a machine is infected, the malware automatically maps out control network and locates critical equipment. It also sends logs back to the attackers for future attacks. Because this particular malware is automated, it allows attackers to quickly deploy to multiple sites with less manpower. In contrast, cybersecurity experts believe the attack two years ago required no less than 20 people and three separate regional energy companies in a coordinated strike. This attack also probably was facilitated by a targeted spear-phishing attack that allowed hackers to gain administrative credentials. According to Rob Lee of Dragos, "Those 20 people could target ten or fifteen sites or even more, depending on time."
The most infamous case of malware targeting infrastructure was the Stuxnet virus that took down Iranian nuclear power plants. However, while Stuxnet was focused on disrupting Iran's nuclear ambitions, this is only the second time that malware has targeted commercial power stations. This past January, The U.S. Department of Energy warned that the electric grid "faces imminent danger" from targeted infrastructure attacks. At the moment, Crash Override doesn't seem to use any zero day vulnerabilities and also seems to be limited to regional blackouts instead of being able to cause damage on the scale of the 2003 blackout of the northeast United States.
Verizon as anticipated on Tuesday sealed the deal with regard to its acquisition of Internet pioneer Yahoo. After gaining shareholder approval last week, the nation's largest wireless carrier today finalized the purchase which sent former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer packing.
As has been previously reported, Verizon intends to consolidate what's left of AOL and Yahoo and form a new entity called Oath. According to recent estimates, as many as 2,100 people could soon be out of a job.
It's been nearly five years since Yahoo took a gamble and hired former Google employee Marissa Mayer to lead the ship. Many will pin Yahoo's shortcomings on Mayer's leadership decisions but in reality, the task of turning around a company that had fallen so behind the times was incredibly daunting.
Despite being acquisition-happy, Mayer was willing to pull the cord on several products that were well past their prime, helped rebuild their advertising business, improved its website and mail systems and sent share values on a trip north in which they recently hit a 17-year high. Yet again, achievements like those will likely be forgotten as people focus on the negative such as the massive security breaches that took place under her watch
With Mayer now out of the picture, Oath will be led by former AOL CEO Tim Armstrong.
Researchers reveal that Mars may have hosted diverse environments in its ancient past. The scientists examined the rocks samples NASA's Curiosity rover gathered on Mars to arrive at this conclusion.
As part of the study, the researchers discovered a wide diversity in the minerals that were deposited in layers on the sedimentary rocks collected from the base of Mars' Mount Sharp.
The NASA Curiosity rover landed on the Red Planet's 96-mile-wide Gale Crater in 2012 and took another two years to reach Mount Sharp, which is located at the crater's center. Shortly upon its landing, the Curiosity rover found evidence that the Gale Crater was once home to a diverse environment and could have been a "lake-and-stream system" in Mars's ancient past.
"We went to Gale Crater to investigate these lower layers of Mount Sharp that have these minerals that precipitated from water and suggest different environments," the study's first author Elizabeth Rampe remarked.
Rampe also shared that these mineral layers were deposited roughly 3.5 billion years ago, at a time when the Earth was taking its first steps toward supporting life. The researchers posit that ancient Mars was possibly similar to the Earth in its initial days. The Red Planet's early environment was possibly even habitable.
Evidence Of Diverse Environment On Mars Found
The researchers note that the collection of minerals found in the four samples from Mars' Mount Sharp reveal that they precipitated into layers because of water presence. The diversity in the minerals layer deposits also reveal that the Gale Crater was home to not one, but multiple environments.
The sedimentary rock samples that contained the mineral deposits were drilled out from the base of Mount Sharp. The range of mineral deposits that were found in layers also hint at the presence of water around the rock base. This water had different pH levels and unpredictable oxidizing conditions. The rock samples also suggested that there could be more than one source region for the Marias Pass and Pahrump Hills regions' sedimentary rocks.
Different Minerals Indicate Different pH Levels
All the four rock samples examined revealed a wide diversity of minerals. Three of the rock samples were collected from the Pahrump Hills region, whereas the fourth was found in 2016 and named "Buckskin."
These rocks were then studied using the Chemistry and Mineralogy or CheMin instrument aboard the Curiosity rover. The researchers found that the base mineral's source was prehistoric magma, rich in magnesium and iron similar to the basalt rocks found in Hawaii. The scientists observed that more layers situated higher were composed of silica-rich minerals.
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The Court of Appeals of the National Court of Justice announced Thursday the annulment of the eight-year sentence against the former vice-president of Ecuador Jorge Glas and six others... | Read More
Comets may have delivered significant portions of Earth's xenon
Washington DC (SPX) Jun 12, 2017
A new study suggests that roughly 22% of the element xenon found in Earth's atmosphere may have come from comets. The finding - shedding light on a decades-long mystery about the source for some of this gas on Earth - could be important for understanding comets' contribution of other materials, such as water, to our planet, as well. Xenon is the heaviest stable noble gas. It has nine different isotopes (essentially "weights"), which scientists can trace through the cosmos and use to determine its ... read more
When East Baton Rouge received federal grant money to help poor people, the government instead spent hundreds of thousands of dollars building a bike path along the Mississippi River levee.
Now, the city-parish must repay the federal government $1.3 million after an audit discovered that and other cases of misspending by the city-parish's Office of Community Development.
HUD audit faults city-parishs accounting for use of $2.2 million in federal funds The city-parish could be forced to repay as much as $2.2 million in federal money because au
In addition to the money spent on the bike path, auditors called into question $388,000 the city-parish spent on a program to train low-income young people for construction jobs.
However, in some cases teens who were still living at home were incorrectly accepted based on their own lack of income without considering the income of others in their family, explained Monika Gerhart, the current head of the OCD and the fourth person to lead the office since the audit period that ended in 2015.
The city-parish is also going to have to pay back money it spent on contractors who authorities say were not hired according to federal standards.
In a June 2 letter from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, officials wrote that the city-parish was asked to submit paperwork for 64 low-income housing rehabilitation projects but that more than a third of the documents weren't there. And some of the paperwork they did turn over was incomplete, auditors found.
The city-parish also often failed to document cost estimates to determine a reasonable price for work, according to the letter.
The bike path was largest single project to compel a refund. The city-parish spent $397,000 as part of an unfinished effort to extend the trail from downtown south along the river to L'Auberge Casino. The city-parish defended the decision in a written response to HUD.
"The Mississippi River Bike Trail provides a transformative impact in the service area; while it is available to all residents, it especially improves the lives of those with low and moderate income levels," they wrote.
HUD officials didn't buy the response and ordered the city-parish to pay back the money they spent. All told, the city-parish will have to make up $1.3 million. On June 28, the Metro Council will be asked to sign off on a three-year repayment plan and to transfer money from the general fund to help cover the costs. Some funding may be available from other sources, like the Green Light Plan tax, officials said.
The Office of Community Development does not typically receive financial support from the city-parish. Some federal grants allow up to 20 percent of the amount to go toward salaries and overhead, but others require more funding to go toward programming, Gerhart said. In fact, the city-parish was penalized for using some grant funding to pay staff for hours they worked on other projects. Gerhart said the audit shows that the existing funding system needs to be addressed.
"I think that this is in part evidence ... that doesn't work," she said.
The OCD has shrunk considerably over the past decade. In 2008, there were 69 people on payroll. Last year, there were only 23, according to online city-parish records.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome's transition team has advocated for merging the office with the Redevelopment Authority and the Housing Authority. However, Tuesday, assistant chief administrative officer Rowdy Gaudet said the administration is "not actively seeking to combine those three entities."
Gaudet was sympathetic with the federal auditors, whose findings related to actions taken during the tenure of Broome's predecessor, Kip Holden.
"HUD had every right here to say 'East Baton Rouge, you have to pay us back,'" he said.
Moreover, they could reduce the city-parish's funding in the future, he said. Local and state government are currently seeking HUD grants to pay for post-flood rebuilding projects.
Gaudet said the Broome administration is trying to "reset" East Baton Rouge's relationship with HUD and demonstrate a willingness to support its objectives.
While the city-parish will have to repay the money already spent on unqualified projects, Gaudet and Gerhart said, HUD has agreed in working with the administration to keep the funds available for the local government to use on approved work for future projects.
The OCD has not yet determined how to spend the outstanding $1.3 million. Recently, the city-parish has been working to direct HUD grant money toward various flood rehab programs, in particular one that helps landlords with small rental properties rebuild their tenants' units.
Leaders from Louisiana colleges and universities, the state Department of Health, prisons and social services programs got another chance Monday to plead for their budgets to be protected from dramatic cuts in the coming year.
The House Appropriations Committee has resumed efforts to build a budget after last week's regular session dramatically ended with no spending plan for the state budget that begins July 1.
And House Republican leaders are starting with a plan that mirrors their earlier push that the state spend about $200 million less than the state is expected to have available. The Senate and Gov. John Bel Edwards have said that they disagree and want the state to appropriate all of the money.
Both the House and Senate have Republican majorities, but the House is more conservative and the Senate is more closely aligned with Edwards, a Democrat.
The Appropriations Committee is expected to continue its budget hearing Tuesday, with the full House taking up the budget on Wednesday.
For several hours, department heads detailed what the cuts would mean on the ground.
The Department of Health would have to scale back mental health programs and abandon Zika virus prevention efforts. The state's food stamp program, which is federally funded but must be administered with some state dollars, could be at risk, and a money-saving technology consolidation won't take place, according to the Division of Children and Family Services.
LSU has become a prime "poaching ground" as lower-level professors eye opportunities for stability and growth in other states that could worsen without a commitment to funding higher education.
And hundreds of non-violent prisoners could be released from prisons early, as corrections faces cutbacks. "This is where we are, our backs are against the wall," Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc said.
But the central dispute that created the budget impasse on the final day of session Thursday dominated much of the narrative during Monday's hearing.
"To have a conversation about needs and wants is almost irrelevant," said Rep. John Schroder, R-Covington. "This is a conversation about what can we afford."
House Republican leaders maintain that the state has experienced 15 mid-year budget deficits in the past nine years. They say that they want to spend less money on the front end, leaving money on the table to serve as a "cushion" if revenues again don't meet expectations.
"Everybody would like more money than they were given last year; the fact is it doesn't exist," said House Appropriations Chair Cameron Henry, R-Metairie.
The special session is limited only to the state operational and construction budgets. Lawmakers cannot consider tax hikes or other ways to increase revenue.
"People in this state do not want to pay any more in taxes," said Rep. Steve Pylant, R-Winnsboro. "Maybe we need to give them the size of government they want."
During last week's negotiations, House leadership worked down to leaving about $100 million unspent in the coming year, while the Senate negotiators pushed for $50 million to come through the appropriations process but with an instruction for agency heads to not spend the money.
A separate House bill has been proposed by House Speaker Pro Tempore Walt Leger III that reflects the Senate version.
Another outstanding issue between the two chambers was again raised during the Appropriations hearing. The House wants to freeze some vacant positions in state government and target them for elimination to save money.
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne said the state cannot control when there are openings in necessary jobs and that exceptions would be needed for that effort. "That's not the way that any business or government should be allowed to operate," he said.
The Administration has also called on legislators to be more direct about programs that they no longer want to fund.
"The agencies believe that everything they do is in statute," said Barry Dusse, director of the governor's Office of Planning and Budget.
Troubled dairy company Bellamy's has unveiled a $60.4 million capital raising as part of a major overhaul that will see it take control of a new canning facility and recast its supply arrangement with sector giant Fonterra.
Bellamy's shares were placed in a trading halt on Tuesday morning as the company announced a deal to buy a 90 per cent stake in the Camperdown Powder canning facility in Melbourne.
Bellamy's has announced a capital raising. Credit:Kate Geraghty
In a statement to the ASX, Bellamy's said the deal was one of "several key initiatives" that would "underpin the company's turnaround plan".
The transactions will deeply affect the bottom line, with the company saying it now expected to post a loss of between $9.5 million and $14 million before tax and interest (EBIT) in the second half of the financial year, having previously given guidance of a profit of between $9 million and $13 million.
Oliver Wendell Holmes jnr (1841-1935), an associate justice of the US Supreme Court, said: "I like to pay taxes. With them, I buy civilisation." Most Australians, it appears, agree with this enlightened, community sentiment.
The only comprehensive survey of attitudes to taxation in our nation shows most Australians feel they are not being overtaxed. The survey by Melbourne-based policy research organisation Per Capita also indicates most of our citizens reckon high income earners and companies do not pay their fair share of tax.
Fair suck of the icy pole: Billionaire US investor Warren Buffett discovered his secretary paid a higher tax rate than he did, so he is pushing for a tax on the richest 1 per cent. Credit:AP
That is of hefty political, economic and social significance. It reflects the rising importance of the notions of fairness and equality, particularly to younger generations, throughout the industrialised world. As we wrote in this space on Tuesday, the traditional "left" and "right" political cleavage has become all but meaningless.
As recent elections in Britain, the US and France show, people are rejecting the status quo, largely out of disenchantment over economic policies that are disproportionately beneficial to the rich.
It would be a "tragedy" for Australia if the Senate voted down the Turnbull government's new school funding model, according to Gonski Review member and leading education policymaker Ken Boston.
Dr Boston, a former head of the NSW and South Australian Education Departments, broke his silence on the school funding debate to say the country was on the "threshold of a new deal of historic national importance" and should not allow the opportunity to pass.
The Turnbull government will bring its school funding bill to a Senate vote in the next fortnight and is scrambling to secure the votes required.
"Five years after the release and subsequent emasculation of the Gonski Report, Australia has a rare second chance," Dr Boston told Fairfax Media.
The yawning gap between rich and poor in Australia should be formally tracked by the nation's prime economic review body, the Productivity Commission, according to a Labor senator who has drafted legislation to bring it about.
The proposal would ensure that any negative impacts on the poor arising from government policies are specifically measured and taken into account in program design.
Known for its market-oriented, pro-business disposition, the Productivity Commission is the government's prime, independent economic adviser.
A five-yearly inequality report would also be mandated to lay bare the scale, and map the location of wealth disparity in an Australia, where currently, the richest three people hold as much wealth as the poorest three million.
Elle Macpherson and her second husband, Jeff Soffer, have split according to a report in Page Six.
The tabloid quotes "sources in Miami" as saying: "Elle and Jeff are definitely over.
Elle Macpherson and husband Jeffrey Soffer in happier times in 2015. Credit:Getty Images
"She has left their house at Indian Creek in Miami with her kids, and is looking for her own house in Miami. He has been linked to some other women, but insists they are just friends."
The Australian supermodel and lingerie mogul, aka "The Body", 53, and the reclusive real estate billionaire, 48, were married in Fiji in 2013.
Or, if she can do something to minimise her concerns, she lets her worries prompt her to action. Now she has changed her behaviour, Alicia believes the amount she worries is "beneficial". Psychology professor Kate Sweeny, from the University of California, agrees worrying can be beneficial. "Despite its negative reputation, not all worry is destructive or even futile," Sweeny says in a paper published in Social and Personality Psychology Compass in April this year. She says people who report greater worry may perform better in school or at work, as they seek more information in response to stressful events and engage in more successful problem-solving. Worrying serves other purposes, too. It shows us that a situation is serious and keeps the stressor at the front of our mind.
Because such feelings are uncomfortable, we're often spurred to find ways to reduce our worries through action. That can be particularly helpful in areas such as health. For instance, research shows those who worry about skin cancer are more likely to use sunscreen. The same goes for breast cancer and breast self-examinations. That's not to say that worrying all the time is good for you. Rather, it's a spectrum, where the aim is to land plum in the middle. Sweeny explains that women who worry to a "moderate" level are more likely to get screened for cancer, compared with those who either worry a lot or relatively little. "It seems that both too much and too little worry can interfere with motivation, but the right amount of worry can motivate without paralysing."
When you worry excessively, you're not doing yourself any favours, says health psychologist Marny Lishman. She says excessive worrying can interfere with problem-solving abilities, along with negative health effects such as sleeping problems and anxiety. If your worries are consuming you, Lishman says the first step to overcoming the situation is acknowledging this. "If it's getting in the way of your normal life and it affects your enjoyment in what you do, or if you are unable to be in the moment, then it's probably a problem." Next, pay attention to what you're worrying about, and analyse why it's bothering you so much.
From there, you have two choices. You can either engage in a behaviour that will help reduce your worries (like getting a skin check if you're worried about skin cancer) or use a strategy to nip your worries in the bud. "If it is a 'what if?' [kind of worry], call it that, and then don't entertain the worry any more. Distract yourself with something else." If distraction doesn't work, Lishman recommends setting aside an allocated block of time in which to worry. When a worry crops up throughout the day, remind yourself you'll deal with it later. "That way you won't think about them all day and night." Once you hit that sweet spot of worrying not too little, not too much Sweeny says you're likely to reap the rewards.
As an honorary lifeguard at Reef Beach, Bob Reed used to hear a few things.
Like the story told to him by the "old gay couple" who watched through their telescope as one man pushed another over a rock ledge at Reef Beach, near the site of a mysterious death several years earlier.
The last family photo of Scott Johnson, who died in 1988. Credit:NSW Police
Mr Reed was giving evidence at an extraordinary third inquest into the death of American mathematician Scott Johnson on December 10, 1988.
He said the men told him they used to train their telescope on the bushes behind Reef Beach, where homosexual men met for sex.
The toddler allegedly murdered by his mother's partner was known to Queensland's under-pressure child safety department, provoking more criticism from the state opposition.
Joel Nicholas Kuskey, 28, is set to front court on Wednesday, charged with the murder of two-year-old Joshua Migala, more than two years after his death.
Joshua Migala was found unconscious in a home in Kingston on April 8, 2015. Joel Kuskey has been charged with murder.
Child protection officers ramped up a major operation when the toddler's mother found him in his bedroom in Logan, south of Brisbane, on April 8, 2015, unconscious and suffering what police described as "horrific injuries".
As many as two dozen officers worked for two years before arresting the Woodridge man on Tuesday morning.
Google has officially launched the Flights service today in Australia that lists available flights between global destinations.
Users can search for queries such as "flights to Hobart", or access the service directly via google.com.au/flights, delivering cached but current results at snappy speeds.
Details offered in search results include price, airline, duration and stopovers.
Details offered in results include price, airline, duration and stopovers, similar to existing web services such as Skyscanner and KAYAK.
A notification bar offers tips such as cheaper deals on nearby days or alternative airport options.
The Age first reported on the alleged fraud in 2015, when it was revealed that South West TAFE had asked police to examine a third-party contractor suspected of embarking on a shonky training operation.
The Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission said on Tuesday it would hold public hearings for Operation Lansdowne, which will probe alleged corruption involving training for rail workers at South West TAFE, which has campuses in western Victoria, and Bendigo Kangan TAFE.
The public examination will look into checks and balances at V/Line, Credit:Wayne Taylor
The alleged scam involving an educational contractor may have ripped off dozens of regional Victorian students and potentially cost the state millions.
Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog will investigate an alleged rort involving dodgy TAFE qualifications for workers at V/Line, the state's regional rail operator.
The contractor ran an engineering course on the institute's behalf for about 140 people. The program attracted subsidies believed to be worth $15,000 per student, but was later alleged to have failed to meet proper training standards in its course content.
An audit by the Victorian Auditor-General in 2014 uncovered a loss of $1.82 million at South West TAFE, in a case of suspected fraud. The alleged fraud was referred to Victoria Police and IBAC.
IBAC said on Tuesday that Operation Lansdowne would investigate allegations that people connected with V/Line and the two TAFEs had corruptly profited at the public's expense.
"The investigation is considering whether persons associated with these public bodies have engaged in corrupt conduct to improperly benefit themselves or others," the watchdog said.
In a statement it named Rebecca Taylor, director of Taytell, as a person of interest in relation to the investigation. It said it would investigate whether current or former TAFE officers misused their position to award or interfere in the awarding of qualifications to her.
A bomb scare that forced the evacuation of a Kmart store in Melbourne's east was sparked by a "broken toy".
Police confirmed a "malfunctioning toy" was found and dismantled by the bomb response unit after reports of a suspicious package at the department store in Burwood on Tuesday morning.
Police at the Kmart store in Burwood after a possible bomb scare. Credit:Twitter/@9NewsMelb
Staff and customers were evacuated about 9.30am as officers conducted a "safety check" at Burwood One Shopping Centre on the Burwood Highway.
The area was declared safe about 12pm after the bomb response unit confirmed the package was harmless.
A man who broke into a woman's flat late at night, hit her multiple times, then raped her while asking "feels good, doesn't it" could walk free in 2 years.
The reason? Paul Nicholas Sayer broke into a Caulfield flat and terrorised his victim In 1984, when rape carried a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Burglary, the other offence he was sentenced for, carried a longer sentence: 14 years.
On Tuesday, in the County Court in Melbourne, Sayer was sentenced for both offences, but Judge Sue Pullen was limited by the historical maximums.
Sayer, who has been jailed previously for two other rapes, received a 4 year jail term, with a non-parole period of 2 years.
A "gutter crawler" accused of attacking eight sex workers has uncontrollable urges to lash out at women, a court has heard.
Wei Feng, 45, is charged with 36 offences against nine women, including eight rapes, an attempted rape, an abduction and an attempted abduction.
Credit:Penny Stephens
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday that Mr Feng had been charged on March 2 with offending against two women, one of whom was a sex worker.
After Mr Feng was arrested, nine other sex workers alleged he had assaulted them, and seven of these women had made statements, Victoria Police sexual crimes squad Detective Acting Sergeant Stephen Harvey said.
A young family was forced to move after their home was shot up in a drive-by that police allege was intended for a witness living next door.
The Melton West house, targeted at 2am on February 18, was home to a couple and their three children, including one with cancer, a detective told the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
"The occupants were so frightened, the very next day they vacated the premises," Detective Senior Constable Lisa Apollonio said.
They were not physically injured.
The intended victim, Senior Constable Apollonio alleged, was a grandmother living next door who, less than 12 hours earlier, had given a statement against a man facing drugs and weapons charges.
A proposal to detain suspected extremists as young as 14 would breach human rights while doing little to prevent attacks such as the deadly Brighton siege, civil liberty advocates say.
The state government proposal to replicate NSW laws allowing police to lock up people deemed a terrorist risk for up to two weeks has alarmed legal groups who fear some young people will feel further marginalised.
Premier Daniel Andrews: ''The safety of the Victorian community has got to be the No.1 priority.''
Criminal defence lawyer Rob Stary said federal laws were already in place to deal with people suspected of preparing a terrorist attack.
Mr Stary, who has represented high-profile terror suspects, said there was "no demonstrated need" for the proposed changes.
When AJ was discharged from the army in 1979, he began the process of covering himself from head-to-toe in intricate designs and colourful artwork.
His passion for body art meant he soon began his career as a tattoo artist, and he is well-known in WA for his attention to detail and love for his job.
The dragonfly done by AJ. Credit:King Tattoos
After nearly 40 years in the industry, AJ said he had experienced his own struggles with mental health, both personally and amongst his loved ones, and decided it was time he gave back.
His Camillo tattoo parlour, King Tattoos and Piercings by AJ, has become the first WA studio to get on board the Tattoo for Scars project, which encourages tattoo studios around Australia to offer one free tattoo a week for those who have experienced self harm, who wish to cover the scars resulting from their trauma.
The former chief of an organisation aimed at helping substance abusers has been spared a jail sentence for supplying heroin.
Louise Janette Grant, 51, was employed at the WA Substance Users Association in February 2015 when she supplied her partner with some heroin and also arranged for the supply to a friend, the WA District Court heard on Tuesday.
Four people employed by the WA Substance Users Association were charged with drug offences.
Grant, who quit WASUA in 2015 to save embarrassment to the organisation, was among a few employees charged with drug offences.
Judge Anthony Derrick said Grant, who also has a history of drug addiction, had not taken advantage of her position but had "demonstrated a degree of hypocrisy".
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Prairie View A&M University President George Wright announced Tuesday he will leave his position in the administration and return to teaching.
In a statement, Wright said he is proud of his 14 years of service but believes it is time to "lay down the responsibilities that go with a job like this one and focus on other things."
"I have decided that this is a good time because we have just put the last legislative session behind us and we are at a point where a transition in leadership will have the least disruption on our school," Wright said.
A&M System Chancellor John Sharp thanked Wright for his service in a statement, noting that he "touched a generation of students and faculty, and he changed lives for the better."
Wright said he intends to begin teaching history full-time once an interim president has been named.
A&M System officials said under Wright's leadership, university enrollment grew from 6,500 students to 9,000 and he oversaw the addition of a number of new programs including doctorates in education, engineering, nursing practice and juvenile justice.
A former Texas A&M University doctoral candidate found not guilty by reason of insanity in the stabbing of a nurse at College Station Medical Center in 2014 is back in court this week.
The first day of a civil commitment hearing related to the January 2014 stabbing began Monday.
Attorneys agreed in August that Yuchen Lei was not guilty by reason of insanity for the stabbing of James Rhinehart. With the criminal proceedings finished, Lei now faces a bench trial before 361st District Court Judge Steve Smith to determine if he should be committed to a state-run inpatient mental health facility for up to 180 days.
Rhinehart, who had been working a shift as a charge nurse at the time of the stabbing, testified Monday that Lei arrived at the hospital Jan. 7, 2014, seeking help for "cough, cold and congestion."
Rhinehart said Lei received medication that night. Shortly before Lei's discharge, the nurse noticed Lei standing on his bed and staring at an unlit light in the room. Rhinehart said that after he unsuccessfully asked Lei to sit down, he called a language line and asked for a Mandarin Chinese interpreter, thinking Lei had trouble comprehending his instructions.
Rhinehart said Lei then began pushing him. While attempting to restrain the patient, Rhinehart said he realized he had been stabbed in the right side of his chest. Rhinehart said he suffered a punctured lung and remained in the hospital for several days. He did not suffer permanent physical injury but still experiences panic attacks and anxiety.
While being questioned by Shane Phelps, Lei's attorney, Rhinehart said he'd had a "small inkling" that Lei had been suffering from symptoms of a mental illness at the time of the stabbing.
Ross Taylor, forensic psychiatrist and clinical director of operations at the Vernon campus of North Texas State Hospital, testified that Lei suffers from a delusional psychiatric disorder; Phelps said his client had believed at the time of the stabbing that the Chinese government had been targeting him because he had created a crypto-currency.
Taylor said that "most people with psychiatric disorders are not prone to violence," but that people suffering from delusions or paranoia are potentially more dangerous if they aren't medicated properly, especially if the triggers for dangerous behavior are unknown.
Ryan Calvert, an attorney from the Brazos County District Attorney's Office representing the state along with Jessica Escue, said Lei should be committed and undergo a Dangerousness Review Board before a panel of five mental health professionals.
Taylor said that most patients who pass their DRB are usually sent from Vernon to another, lower-security location before being released. During Phelps' cross-examination, Taylor also acknowledged he had not treated Lei for 3 1/2 years, and that he had not personally evaluated Lei since around the time of the stabbing.
Phelps noted during Monday's testimony that Lei had been voluntarily taking his medications to manage his mental illness symptoms since July, despite not being required to by the county jail. Taylor acknowledged that Lei had been an ideal patient and inmate, but "we know he's getting treatment, and we know he's in a controlled environment, so we really would not expect to see much in terms of violent behavior."
Lei came to the U.S. from China in 2013, when he was 22 years old, according to Yan Li, his mother, who testified Monday morning. Lei had been a gifted student in China and came to the U.S. after finishing his undergraduate studies in China to pursue a doctorate in mathematics at Texas A&M University. Li said through an interpreter that she had expected her son to be successful in the U.S. after he had graduated at the top of his class at a prestigious university in China, and that Lei is an "excellent, excellent person."
Li, who came to the U.S. on a visa shortly after her son's initial arrest, said that it has been difficult for her to come to terms with her son's mental illness, given the cultural stigma associated with mental illness in China. Standing to face Smith, Li told the judge she will do "everything, as a mother" to make sure Lei follows the court's rules and takes his medication.
"I will do my best. Everything in my power," she said.
Calvert said Lei had exhibited stalking behavior toward a female student at A&M during his time at the university, eventually purchasing a $10,000 Tiffany engagement ring and sending text messages to what he thought had been her phone. Authorities arrested Lei in March 2014 -- two months after the stabbing -- outside the student's class on the A&M campus.
"We are not quite at a place where he can be trusted," Calvert said of Lei, whom he said is "profoundly mentally ill."
According to public records, Lei had been released from jail on Jan. 18, about 10 days after the stabbing. On March 20, 2014, Lei was arrested after reappearing on A&M's campus. He has not been released from custody since then.
The hearing continues today at 8:30 a.m.
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is monitoring several cases of canine influenza across the state.
Veterinarians with the TVMDL had diagnosed five cases of the virus as of Monday. Officials said two were in Harris County, one was in Fort Bend County, one was in Travis County and one was in Hood County.
Officials at the state lab said in a news release that "virtually all dogs exposed become infected with the virus, but only 80 percent develop clinical signs."
Officials said symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy.
It is recommended that dogs in areas where the flu is active avoid places like dog parks, grooming salons, day cares and kennels. If exposed, the virus typically manifests itself within 2 to 5 days. Vaccines are available for some strains of the virus.
For more information, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.
Privatizing air traffic control would be a disaster
I am a supporter of the president as are many in the Brazos Valley. But the proposal to privatize air traffic control and remove it from the FAA is a mistake. This change is backed by most all of the airlines, who would hold the majority of seats on the private board.
In Canada where privatization already took place, airline fares rose 33 percent. In Europe increases were higher. Under that system each time a pilot talks to a controller there is a fee, each time a flight plan is filed a fee results. To save money, pilots will limit talks to controllers and fail to file flight plans -- a serious safety issue.
Control towers, such as the one at Easterwood Airport in College Station are funded as 'contract' towers. Under privatization, those towers could be the first to be dismantled.
This is all about control, and the way some airlines are treating passengers recently, giving them control of the skies does not bode well for the flying public.
The United States has the finest air traffic control system in the world and it would be a serious error to give it up.
Call Rep. Bill Flores and tell him to keep our excellent system. He's a pilot.
GORDON B. RICHARDSON
Caldwell
Moderates on both sides need to speak up for America
Dylan Whitehead (Eagle, June 7) encourages "rejecting the extremes in both parties." I believe this man speaks for a majority of Americans and yet we are not being heard because of extremes in the media, the parties, and elected officials. What a disgrace!
I am also a centrist but voted for Donald Trump because he stands for the agenda that I support: following the law and Constitution, making America great again, not supporting ideologies that allow terrorism, bringing jobs back to Americans. I do not support his tweets and childish responses to criticism and am embarrassed by him and for him. But by the same token, there was and is little in the former administration's agenda that I could support. It felt like everything done was to demean, harm and destroy America while supporting those who want to destroy us with a Pollyanna attitude that if we play nice they will not want to harm us.
It is time for us as common sense, honest citizens, the media, and elected leaders to speak out against anything that wreaks of extremism, exaggeration or falsifying of the truth. This may require those of us as conservative moderates to speak out when Trump continues his juvenile communications and behavior, when the alternate right encourages white supremacy or when Sean Hannity steps over the line of courtesy and respect.
But it also requires liberal moderates to take a stand when the media continues to attack the minutiae of the day, send out fake news, use unidentified sources and innuendo, when the left does not get the decisions it wants to speak out against those who decide to riot and destroy property, when comedians step over the line in what is acceptable, when terrorism strikes and those who practice a faith in which extremists have hijacked their religion must stand up for honesty, morality, common sense and civil discourse.
PEGGY CALLIHAM
College Station
A restraining order requiring Kirbyville school district officials to preserve potential evidence involving high school principal Dennis Reeves will remain in effect following a hearing Tuesday, which marks three weeks since his suicide.
A lawyer for Kirbyville school district asked District Judge Baylor Wortham to lift a restraining order secured recently by the wife and family of Reeves, who argued that it's possible someone could destroy documents or video related to the May 23 incident.
In the request, the districts lawyers contradict what Superintendent Tommy Wallis and Assistant Superintendent Georgia Sayers told the police following Reeves death. In their witness statements, both said they confronted Reeves about accusations of an affair between Reeves and his former secretary. Wallis said in his statement that he told Reeves that he could resign, or face an investigation and be fired if it turned out he lied about the affair.
Sarah Leon, attorney for the district, however, said that Wallis and Sayers actually met with Reeves to address to accusations of harassment from two different employees, which is not mentioned in the witness statements. Leon said the first claim came May 13 from a teacher and the second, which was made by the principal's former secretary, came hours before Reeves death in the high school parking lot.
Former Superintendent Richard Hazelwood told Beaumont's KFDM-TV in late May that he and Sayers addressed those allegations the previous year, both denied a romantic relationship and she voluntarily switched schools.
Leon said the secretary told school officials on May 23 that she was seeking protection from harassment by Reeves wife, who recently had been told about the affair. Leon said Reeves wife texted the secretary on May 19 and posted an aggressive message on Pinterest on May 22 that included a meme reading you know you are alive because I cant afford a hit man.
I feel its disingenuous and slightly deceptive to the court for Mrs. Reeves to say she has no idea why her husband was [confronted by Wallis on May 23], Leon said.
The 11-page brief filed by the school district's attorney states that the May 13 complaint came from a teacher in an attempt to get Reeves to stop sending her text messages.
According to KFDM, the former Kirbyville High School secretary accused of having an affair with Reeves released a lengthy statement.
In the statement, Marcia Morgan details that she was "experiencing some very difficult issues" in her life in September 2015 and she and Reeves became close in October 2015. According to the statement, the two eventually began an affair.
Morgan says in her statement that Reeves' wife became suspicious in January 2016 and began making accusations via text message. Reeves said he would or should kill himself at least two times, and one time mentioned "blowing his brains out," according to the statement. Morgan says when former Kirbyville superintendent Richard Hazlewood confronted the two about an affair, the two denied it.
Morgan eventually moved to a position at the elementary school and said her relationship with Reeves ended in spring 2016. In April 2017, Morgan said Reeves called her three times saying that she led to the change in behavior of a teacher at the high school. Morgan wrote in her statement that she went to Wallis because she was afraid she'd be put in the middle. When Wallis asked about rumors of an affair, Morgan said she denied it again and was told she would be fired if Wallis found out she was lying.
According to Morgan's statement, Reeves' wife texted her on May 19, 2017, and said Reeves had confessed the affair. On May 22, Morgan said she received another text from Reeves' wife. Morgan also said Reeves' wife was posting comments about her on social media, so Morgan made an appointment with Wallis. At the May 23 meeting with Wallis and Sayers, Morgan said she told Wallis she and Reeves did have an affair and he said he knew and had seen the internet postings. Morgan was asked to write a statement and says she told them that Reeves threatened to kill himself if the affair was discovered. According to the statement released by Morgan, she was told the talk was "just bullying" and not to worry about it.
The petition for the restraining order filed by Reeves wife, two children and parents requires 10 district officials Wallis, Sayers, other administrators and some trustees to refrain from deleting, altering or destroying any emails, memos, text messages, photos or correspondence going back to Aug. 1, 2016. Most are required to also preserve information on their personal computers and cell phones. Personnel files for Wallis, Reeves, Sayers, counselor Amy Fountain, Marcia Morgan and Dustin Rutherford also were requested.
The Reeves family attorney said they will file a subsequent restraining order to reflect restrictions imposed by the court in subsequent days. Leon said her clients are relieved that the scope of the order may be limited, but the district still believes any restraining order is unnecessary.
Wallis has not responded to several requests for an interview, nor has the Reeves familys attorney, Chip Ferguson.
In the wake of the inconclusive general election result and bearing in mindthe forthcoming Brexit negotiations, we are writing to leaders of UKparliamentary parties to urge you to unite around a common cause - tackling climate change - as a way of helping to provide major economic, social and environmental benefits at this time of uncertainty.
Not only does there continue to be there very strong scientific evidence on the urgency of this global threat, but measures to tackle it offer major opportunities to exploit science and technology to create jobs, tackle fuel poverty, reduce local air pollution and provide many other co-benefits for British society.
The UK could now capitalise on the renewed international commitment to tackling climate change in the wake of the ill-informed decision of President Trump to withdraw the USA from the Paris Agreement.
We have noted the widespread commitment to tackling climate change in the party manifestos. While there is some diversity in the approaches, there are many common factors. Hence, as a priority, we urge strong support for:
Home energy conservation programmes. These will both reduce carbon emissions and help to tackle fuel poverty, which is estimated to be responsible for nearly 8,000 UK deaths a year. [1]
Renewable energy projects - especially wind, solar, marine and biogas technologies and community-led projects. With costs for many of these falling rapidly, the potential economic and employment benefits are very large [2] - and government opinion polling shows these technologies are especially popular. [3]
Energy storage technologies, including batteries, power-to-gas systems, and pumped hydro storage. Many of these technologies are already rapidly falling in cost, and they have enormous potential to complement the variable renewable energy sources. [4] Electric vehicles will play a key role here and their widespread adoption will help to reduce the number of UK deaths attributable to outdoor air pollution, currently estimated at 40,000 per year. [5] Additional Recommendations:
We further recommend the following additional actions, which we strongly
believe will complement those above:
End subsidies for fossil fuels, especially for unconventional sources like shale gas. The growth of a large-scale shale gas industry in this country is likely to seriously undermine Britain's climate targets, as the Committee on Climate Change has warned. [6] Furthermore, the technique of hydraulic fracturing (or fracking') is not popular with the British public, [7] partly as it creates significant risks for the local environment.
WACO gets a crack at the first state championship game in school history
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NORWALK With its cascading sprays and overturned buckets of cold water dumped on grateful children, the splash pad at Calf Pasture Beach was the coolest place in town to beat Tuesdays heat.
As 6-year-old Brielle Arteaga ran through the cool bursts of water, she didnt mind that her teeth were chattering.
When youre under the water its cold. Its good, Brielle said. I went from hot to cold today.
Brielle, who graduated kindergarten from Tracey Elementary School on Tuesday, went to the beach with her mother Nicole Haynes to celebrate the milestone.
It turned so hot today after graduation, we came here for a treat, Haynes said. Im just sorry I didnt wear a bathing suit.
Anthony DiIorio of Norwalk, who brought his 5-year-old granddaughter Layla to the splash pad, appeared to be having almost as much fun as the children.
I dont want to take anything away from the kids, DiIorio said. But I am having a lot of fun.
For Layla, the splash pad was a pit stop that kicked off a full evening of cooling-off activities.
I have two different pools to go in after this, she said.
More Information Beating the heat Hit the city's cooling centers Dress for the warm weather Drink plenty of water Don't get too much sun Check on elderly neighbors Avoid strenous activity See More Collapse
Three consecutive days of 90 or higher temperatures brought Connecticuts second heat wave of the year.
Record temperatures included 94 degrees in Stamford, 93 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, 92 degrees at Westchester airport near Greenwich and 90 at Danbury airport.
The hot temperatures were more than 17 degrees above normal for this time of year.
Eleven elementary and middle schools canceled programming for the second day in a row due to summer-like heat in buildings without air conditioning.
The schools let children out two hours early on Monday ahead of a 90-plus degree forecast. On Tuesday, officials announced that after-school activities would be canceled as the National Weather Service forecasted a high of 92.
Children were also scheduled to leave class early on Tuesday and Wednesday, but that was planned in advance, according to officials, and merely coincides with the hot days.
There is a normal early dismissal today at all Norwalk Public Schools, as tomorrow is the last day of the 2016-17 school year, Brenda Williams, a spokeswoman for the school district, said. The cancellation of after-school activities today is for the same 11 schools impacted by the heat yesterday. These schools have limited to no air conditioning.
Those schools are Nathan Hale, Ponus Ridge, Roton, West Rocks, Cranbury, Kendall, Naramake, Rowayton, Silvermine, Tracey and Wolfpit.
With the first heat wave of the summer, the city of Norwalk is reminding people to protect themselves during the extreme heat and seek out options to cool down, such as cooling centers at the public libraries and City Hall.
Extreme hot weather can be very dangerous, especially for the elderly, young children, and those who work outdoors, said Mayor Harry Rilling. Remember to take frequent breaks if working outside and drink plenty of water to beat the heat.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions could be at the center of two controversies in the Trump administration: whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to help President Donald Trump win and whether the president obstructed justice.
That's why it's a big deal he'll testify Tuesday to the Senate Intelligence Committee, the main committee in Congress investigating Russian meddling in the election and potential Trump meddling in the fallout.
Here's why Sessions is at the center of so much, and here's how he can help us better understand the still-unraveling Trump-Russia-FBI investigation.
1) He met with Russians during the campaign, when the Russians were allegedly trying to help Trump win
Besides Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Sessions is the highest-profile member of Trump's campaign and administration who we know met with Russians during the 2016 campaign and didn't disclose it. Sessions didn't disclose those meetings when he was asked, under oath, in his confirmation hearing.
A day after The Washington Post reported that, Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation.
Why that's a big deal: It's normal for U.S. political campaigns and foreign officials to talk. But the former CIA director John Brennan recently told Congress that his "radar" went off anytime Russians met with the Trump campaign because he knew the Russians were trying to influence the election, and he knew they often did that by trying to recruit "either wittingly or unwittingly" U.S. officials to help.
What Congress will want to know: A lot. Are there more meetings Sessions had that he didn't disclose? Why isn't he forthcoming about these meetings? What did Russia want to talk about? Did he get the feeling Russians were trying to recruit him or others for anything?
2) He was James Comey's boss when Comey said Trump was trying to interfere in the FBI's Russia investigation
Sessions is a starring character in the fired FBI chief's testimony. Comey testified last week that Trump shooed Sessions out of the Oval Office to be alone with Comey, then asked Comey to back off the FBI's investigations into fired national security adviser Michael Flynn.
"My sense was the attorney general knew he shouldn't be leaving, which is why he was lingering," Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday.
Comey later told Sessions he didn't want to be alone with the president. But Comey said he didn't tell Sessions why he was so concerned.
"We considered whether to tell the attorney general, decided that didn't make sense because we believed, rightly, that he was shortly going to recuse," Comey testified.
Why this is a big deal: A few reasons. Did Sessions suspect that Trump was trying to interfere in the FBI's various investigations into Flynn and Russia meddling? And what did he do about it? Also, why did Comey feel he couldn't trust Sessions?
What questions Congress will want to know: Pretty much everything above.
3) Sessions has technically recused himself from the Russia investigation
But Comey left open the possibility that Sessions had violated his recusal.
"If, as the president said, I was fired because of the Russia investigation," Comey testified, "why was the attorney general involved in that chain?"
The Washington Post reported that Trump called Sessions up to the White House to talk about firing Comey, then asked Sessions (and Sessions' No. 2, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein) to explain in writing the case against Comey.
The Washington Post also recently reported that Sessions offered to Trump to resign, in part over Trump's frustration that Sessions stepped aside from the Russia investigation.
Why this is a big deal: Sessions is a Trump ally, and he appears to be caught between the president and his promise to run the Justice Department in an apolitical way. In his confirmation hearing, Sessions promised:
"You simply have to help the president do things that he might desire in a lawful way and have to be able to say no, both for the country, for the legal system and for the president, to avoid situations that are not acceptable."
What Congress will want to know: Where does Sessions draw the line on recusal? Can he be trusted to not interfere in the department's independent Russia investigation, which is now being led by a special counsel? If it comes down to the Justice Department having to choose who to believe, special counsel Robert Mueller or the president, who will Sessions choose?
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Sessions offered in recent months to resign as attorney general
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WOOD RIVER The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit on Monday against Heritage Bank after it says the bank paid women and men unequally for jobs with the same required skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions.
According to the EEOC, Christine Schwieger began working for Heritage Bank, which is based in Wood River, in 2010 as a relationship manager who sold insurance. From 2010 to 2013, Heritage Bank paid Schwieger and another woman in the same position as Schwieger the same base salary.
However, when that other woman quit and was replaced by a man in 2014, Heritage Bank paid him 33 percent more, according to the EEOC. After Schwieger learned of the pay inequity and complained, Heritage Bank allegedly did nothing. When Schwieger quit in December 2015, she was still being paid the same unlawfully discriminatory base salary that she earned when she was hired, even almost six years earlier, according to the EEOC.
The alleged conduct violates the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits companies from paying women and men unequally for doing a job with the same required skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions.
The EEOC filed its lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The EEOC seeks monetary relief, an order requiring the company to implement policies and practices to prevent future discrimination and declaratory judgment.
The law requiring equal pay for men and women is the oldest law the EEOC enforces, James R. Neely Jr., director of the EEOCs St. Louis District Office, said in a press release. It is unconscionable that women are still paid less than men for equal work in the 21st century.
Andrea G. Baran, the EEOCs regional attorney in St. Louis, said, Heritage Banks failure to pay Ms. Schwieger fair and equal wages for equal work was manifestly unfair and illegal. The commission is dedicated to investigating claims of unequal pay and enforcing the law against employers who it finds have violated this important statute.
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The St. Louis District Office oversees Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and a portion of southern Illinois.
Heritage Bank has locations in Grand Island, Wood River, St. Paul, Aurora, Hastings, Doniphan, Kearney, Loup City, Neligh, Orleans, Red Cloud, Broken Bow and Stromsburg, according to its website.
The Grand Island Independent has contacted Heritage Bank and is waiting for comment.
Alejandro Luna of Omaha pleaded not guilty to pandering on Tuesday in Hall County District Court.
Luna, 28, was arrested on March 7 by the Nebraska State Patrol with a woman who was initially charged with prostitution and possession of a controlled substance (cocaine).
Pandering is a Class 3 felony. The charge accuses Luna of procuring or attempting to procure another person to become a prostitute.
District Judge Mark Young scheduled Lunas pretrial conference for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 7, with a jury trial set for 9 a.m. Sept. 11.
The woman in the case, Lateefah Williams, now faces only a charge of possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.
She will be arraigned in Hall County District Court at 9 a.m. July 11.
Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Chapman Schools enrollment and plans for alternative education, despite the discussions that took place at the Northwest Public Schools board of education meeting at the Northwest High School Monday.
Northwest Superintendent Matt Fisher defended the school districts plan for Chapman, saying the K-5 elementary and alternative education programs came out of a need to reduce district spending and to provide an alternative program for area schools.
Randy Stueven addressed the board to say he felt the district was turning its back on the Chapman community, which he said raised $300,000 in enrollment funds to keep the school open, under closure pressures. Stueven said the superintendent had sold the alternative education program as a million dollar idea, with 30 or 40 out-of-district alternative education students bringing in $30,000 to the district. Now, the program enrolls only four students from within the Northwest school district.
Fisher said the program was never intended as a source of revenue for the district, but rather was designed to provide a needed service to our students that could grow to become a service to students outside our district.
He said the new program brings together special education students and allows them increased, personalized time with paraprofessionals. The program also eliminates the distraction special education students may cause in a general classroom, and expands their learning opportunities.
The program has been successful with being structured to these students needs, Fisher said. And not just blending in.
Dan Lieser also addressed the board about the districts vision with Chapman.
Its not clear whats happening, Lieser said. Whats our plan for the next year, for the next two, three years?
Lieser talked about his concerns for the districts budget, considering that in Nebraska property taxes largely fund school spending.
He asked if preschools are legally required of public school districts and said that some may see preschools as district-funded babysitting.
But Matthew Hudnall warned the board against seeing preschools as superfluous to student education. Hudnall said preschools provide the foundation to education and allow students to enter kindergarten and hit the ground running.
Cutting preschool may help penny-pinching, but I hope the board sees its not good for a students education in the long run, he said.
As a Chapman and Northwest graduate, Hudnall also voiced his apprehension about spending cuts and the alternative education program at Chapman. He said the changes have caused legacy families to leave the school district, something that shouldnt be happening to mitigate the districts budget.
I will be here until something is figured out because this matters to me, Hudnall said. I want to make sure the community I was raised in is taken care of.
The board also heard about a recent septic system issue at 1-R School. The schools septic line runs underneath a public road and crosses into an adjacent owners property. Stueven commented to the board that this breeches several public policies, and procedures to repair the violation and damage would have immense monetary and time costs.
The board also began to review budget information for 2017-2018. The districts budget information and documents will be released on June 15.
U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., praised the Trump administration for finalizing an agreement to restore trade access for U.S. beef to China for the first time since 2003.
"We know opening more markets for Nebraska agriculture producers is crucial to their continued success in feeding the world, and restoring access to China is an incredible step forward," Smith said.
He said there is "no doubt consumers in China will be pleased with the quality of Nebraska beef."
Smith said he will continue to stress the importance of strong trade policy that benefits U.S. agriculture and consumers around the globe.
He recently introduced a resolution in the House calling on the Trump administration to negotiate a trade agreement with Japan.
Smith serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade, and is founder and co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus.
Fischer said the agreement is "welcome news for families across our state who can now compete in a new market that is estimated at $2.6 billion."
Recently, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited the Fischer family ranch in Cherry County, where he joined Fischer in hosting a rancher roundtable. Fischer said that, during the discussion, Perdue stated that opening U.S. beef exports to China is a top priority and would better enable American ranchers to sell their world-class product to a growing market.
Fischer said Nebraska exports beef products equivalent to 2,600 head of cattle worldwide every day. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, beef was Nebraskas No. 1 export item with a value of more than $1 billion last year. China was Nebraskas fourth-largest trade partner with a trade value of nearly $500 million.
Last year, Nebraska led the nation in commercial red meat production and commercial beef slaughter, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nebraska slaughter plants produced 8 billion pounds of commercial red last year compared to 7.48 billion pounds in 2015. Iowa was second in the nation at 7 billion pounds.
According to the USDA, Nebraska retained its No. 1 position as the nations leading cattle slaughtering state. Last year, the USDA reported that Nebraska slaughterhouses killed 7.24 million head of cattle compared to 6.58 million head in 2015. The 7.24 million head equaled 10.27 billion pounds compared to 9.39 billion pounds in 2015. The average slaughter weight was 1,420 pounds in 2016.
Last year, the USDA reported that Nebraskas gross income from cattle and calves was $10.99 billion, which was down from $12.57 billion in 2015. Nebraska ranked No. 1 in the nation in gross income from cattle and calves.
Fischer worked with the USDA and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to export Nebraska beef to Israel. In February 2016, the USDA announced a new agreement with Israel to lift the ban on U.S. beef imports for the first time since 2003. The first shipments arrived from Nebraskas WR Reserve plant in Hastings.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President Philip Seng said his organization is "pleased to see these important steps completed that will soon allow U.S. beef shipments to China to resume, ending a suspension that has lasted more than 13 years."
He said it is important to note that the market-opening agreement includes requirements that will involve a period of adjustment for the U.S. industry.
"Meeting these requirements will add costs, and this will mean that U.S. beef is priced at a premium compared to other suppliers in the market," Seng said. "With that said, China holds exciting potential for the U.S. beef industry and for buyers in the market who have waited a very long time for the return of high-quality U.S. beef."
According to the United States Cattlemens Association, the USDA announcement will provide market access to China for chilled or frozen beef, processed under the age of 30 months.
The provisions of the agreement include specific mention to hormones, trace residue and overall herd health; and a mandate on origin information for any product entering the market. The association said U.S. producers and the industry "must work together to ensure these criteria are met, thereby securing this needed market access for years to come."
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:
A Plus Construction, Norvell Plumbing, Middleton Electric, Nebraska Fire Sprinkler and Talon Apartments reported a burglary at a construction site Friday morning at 200 E. Highway 34.
Carlos Estrada reported a burglary Friday night at 1304 W. Anna St.
Jonah Chandler reported a domestic assault Sunday night at 1014 W. Fourth. Madison Hulse was arrested for second-degree domestic assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony.
Daniela Sanchez and Manuel Barrios reported a burglary Sunday evening at 417 S. Vine.
Hall County Sheriff
Law enforcement arrested seven people on warrants in nine cases. There were 84 calls for service.
For more information visit www.hallcountyne.gov and click on the sheriff link.
Tyson Juhl reported a burglary Sunday evening at 1314 Marshall St. in Wood River.
Court report
Hall County District Court
Yovany Rosales-Garcia, 20, 922 N. Pine St., attempt of a Class 2A felony, four years probation, required to pay $1,680 probation fee, 30 days in jail with credit for 12 days served. Also guilty of Attempt of a Class 2 felony, four years probation.
Hall County Court
Troy Pfeil, 38, 615 Ringload Road, Hastings, had his probation revoked (original offense enhanced DUI), 14 days in jail, license revoked one year).
Madison A. Hulse, 25, 1014 W. Fourth St., was charged with second-degree domestic assault, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony and committing child abuse negligently with no injury, all on Sunday. Preliminary hearing set for 10 a.m. Aug. 14.
Driving under the influence Douglas F. Flaherty, 55, 517 N. Custer Ave., $500 fine, six months probation, drivers license revoked 60 days.
On Feb. 9, 2014, my husband, David Bush, passed away after a long battle with kidney cancer. His ashes are buried in an area of flat stones at the Grand Island Cemetery.
Prior to the first Memorial Day after his passing, I visited his grave as I was about to leave town for a week and wouldnt return until the Memorial Day weekend. Much to my surprise and dismay, the flowers I had placed in the vase attached to the stone were gone. I thought perhaps the wind had blown them away, but other flowers near his grave were still there.
Thinking I would replace the flowers when I arrived home, I was unsettled a bit, but went on my trip. When I returned, I was stunned to see new flowers in the vase at his grave! I was so very grateful and touched, so began quizzing many of our friends in an attempt to find my angel who had given our sons and me such a lovely gift. Not a single one would say that they had replaced the flowers.
Flash forward to 2017 and again, for the fourth year in a row, the flowers have been refreshed again! Last year, I left a note in a plastic bag, hoping that I would be able to at least thank this kind individual via a written note. I placed the note in the empty vase so that they would need to move it to replace the flowers. On Memorial Day weekend, the flowers had been replaced and the note was still there!
Consequently, I am turning to The Independent to thank the person who is gracing our family with such a lovely act of kindness. As Dave had been a judge in Hall County, a friend suggested that as he had touched many lives, perhaps one of these individuals could be our angel.
In any case, I want to most sincerely express our familys deep gratitude, and we want you to know how you have touched our lives by way of this gentle act. May your life be blessed in many ways!
It has been said, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Our Founding Fathers were well aware of this when they designed the Constitution. They agreed to a bundle of compromises which included both a separation of powers, and checks and balances. These were safeguards to protect against the frailties of human nature.
It is worth noting that the Constitution was conspicuously silent in reference to political parties. Today, many Americans blindly pledge their loyalty to a political party over the Constitution. Political parties use the power of the gerrymander to emphasize party power over that of the individual voter.
The strength of our political system lies with an informed public. Blind obedience to a political party is not what our Founding Fathers had in mind.
The 3rd Congressional District allowed Adrian Smith to run unopposed. He has amassed a very large campaign war chest. Mr. Smith has chosen to hold telephone conversations with constituents rather than town hall meetings. This makes it difficult for people to interact with Mr. Smith and each other.
Just as importantly, it makes it exceedingly difficult for the media to convey his positions to a wider public. Mr. Smith is the closest contact we have with the federal government.
Finally, very few people have the opportunity to ask questions about explosive issues such as Medicaid, the fiduciary rule regarding retirement protection, controlling the cost of prescription medication, the proposed tax reform bill and proposed cuts in the federal budget.
I would encourage Mr. Smith to hold town halls across the district. By hiding in the bushes, he doesnt have to explain how or why he voted for a particular piece of legislation. His lack of transparency is a strong justification for term limits.
Washington, June 13 (IBNS) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will discuss common priorities like fighting terrorism when they meet in USA on June 26, a White House spokesperson said, even as the meeting is likely to see Modi raising the issue of H1B visa strictures imposed by Trump on Indians.
Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with President Trump on June 26 at the invitation of the American President during his visit to USA.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said: "I am also pleased to announce that President Trump will welcome Indian Prime Minister Modi to the White House on June 26th.
"He looks forward to discussing the ways to strengthen our ties between the United States and India and advancing our common priorities -- fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms, and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. "
"The two leaders will look to outline a common vision for the U.S.-India partnership thats worthy of India's 1.6 billion citizens," he said.
Speaking on the meeting between Modi and Trump, India's foreign ministry earlier stated: "Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the U.S."
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 07:59 1977 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4f5458 4 Editorial #Editorial,salt-import,salt,industrial-salt,health,corruption-case,#SaltScandal Free
A report by law enforcers unveiling corruption involving state officials is no longer news. But the abuse of power allegedly committed by the president director of stateowned salt company PT Garam, Achmad Boediono, may constitute a crime against humanity.
National Police detectives have arrested Boediono, who will be charged with changing a permit to import table salt into a license to bring in industrial salt, which allegedly helped him evade a 10-percent tax from the government. Boediono was alleged to receive Rp 71 billion (US$5,3 million) in kickbacks from private companies buying salt from PT Garam.
Investigators estimated state losses from the scandal at Rp 3.5 billion, but given the impact of industrial salt, which is now in the market, on the health of human beings who consume it, non-financial effects could be immeasurable.
There have been debates as to whether industrial salt endangers human health if consumed, but a case in Poland is a lesson Indonesia should learn from. In September 2012 Polish health authorities ordered the withdrawal of more than 230,000 kilograms of pickles, bread and other food from the market on suspicions that they contained industrial salt.
The decision followed media reports of the scandal, including from independent Polish television network TVN, which presented evidence of industrial salt, obtained as a waste by-product of calcium chloride production and containing dangerous carcinogens, as having been sold to the food industry as edible salt. Laboratory tests discovered insignificant amounts of dioxins and heavy metals in the salt, but the removal order stood as a precaution.
The bold measure the Polish government took was a show of responsibility for the public good. While it might have doubted industrial salt could harm peoples health, its withdrawal of the product at least guaranteed that citizens would remain safe and sound.
Human consumption of industrial salt in Indonesia would perhaps not cause immediate disease or health problems because first symptoms of illness typically appear after consumption for a long period. There is no justification for distributing industrial salt for human consumption as it is not intended for it in the first place. In Iceland, for example, industrial salt is used to deice roads or in chemical production.
The police therefore are right to investigate Boediono and if found guilty of violating the 1999 Consumer Protection Law, he could face a maximum of five years imprisonment. The sentence could be heavier if the distributed industrial salt is proven to have caused sickness or claimed lives.
Due to the potential effects of the alleged crime on public health, the ongoing investigation into Boediono should not focus solely on the corrupt practice he has allegedly committed, but the possibility that he has endangered lives. Many people convicted of producing or selling poisonous food have avoided the maximum penalty, simply because consumers were medically treated.
More than just allegedly stealing taxpayers money, Boediono may have put their health in peril.
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Linkedin I Made Andi Arsana (The Jakarta Post) New York Tue, June 13, 2017
I was lucky enough to attend the celebration of World Oceans Day (WOD) 2017 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. For the first time, WOD was celebrated as the main event of the UN General Assembly. The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) managed to bring the celebration of WOD to the next level. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti was also at the event, accompanied by the Indonesian ambassador to the UN.
I was at the event in my capacity as an alumnus of the UNNippon Foundation Fellowship program. The program enables young people from developing countries to conduct research on DOALOS and learn from the best in the field. Out of more than 100 alumni, around 70 were invited to the celebration and most of them are now in a strategic position in their countries.
This reminds us all that capacity building is critical when it comes to ocean-related expertise. It has to be admitted that for such an important issue and given that oceans cover the majority of the planet, the world lacks experts.
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Linkedin Siauw Tiong Djin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 15:19 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a50d063 3 Opinion Pancasila,democracy,persecution,vigilantism,FPI,Islam-Defenders-Front,Rizieq-Shihab,minority-groups,FPI-disbandement,New-Order,history Free
Indonesians may feel relieved now for the government and police have acted swiftly and firmly on cases of vigilantism done by radical group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) towards people who commented on the pornographic case involving the groups leader Rizieq Shihab.
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said that the vigilantism violated the laws and would be firmly dealt with. Two men directly involved in intimidating a 15 year old boy of Chinese descent in East Jakarta have been arrested. Solok Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Susmewalati Rosya was replaced over her inability to prevent the persecution of a physician at Solok Regional Hospital, Fiersa Lovita.
It is in our hope that other vigilantism cases will be handled justly by the national police.
So far, the Joko Jokowi Widodos administration shows commitment to uphold the rule of law and to punish those who violate the basic principles of the Unitary State of Indonesia, state principles Pancasila and state motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
The purpose of the radical group members are clear, they are committing a political terror to silence the people and to discourage positive reaction towards governments action. More specifically, they want to spread anti-Jokowi sentiment on the grassroots level.
The government had previously banned the anti-Pancasila and anti-diversity Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). While FPI is not banned (yet), there are a lot of indications that FPI sponsors various anti-Pancasila and anti-diversity sentiments.
Rizieq has been repeatedly reported to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) for his various public statements that contain elements of religious blasphemy, insults on the countrys first president Sukarno, Pancasila, and Sundanese people.
It was Sukmawati Sukarnoputri who reported Rizieq for his insult on Sukarno and Pancasila, which stated that, In Sukarnos Pancasila, belief in one and only god [the first principle] is on the butt, while the Jakarta Charters is in the mind.
The meaning is clear, Rizieq wishes to reinstate the Jakarta Charters version of the Pancasila, implying a more Islamic Indonesia that upholds sharia law. He aims to change the revolutionary spirit of our founding fathers, who did not want to see Indonesia become an Islamic country, due to the countrys diversity principle. Hence, it is obvious that Rizieq has violated the essence of the first Pancasila principle which has been recognized as the states foundation.
Rizieq has been named suspect in a pornography case, with other cases still in the investigation process. These cases can lead to the disbandment of FPI in Indonesia.
The last National Awakening Day commemoration on May 20 gave a ray of hope since the government and various political organization seized the moment to emphasize the importance of defending our unity, the pluralistic Indonesian nation that embraces various cultures and traditions including that of Chinese-descent.
Jokowi brings back a habit from Sukarnos regime in celebrating the birth of Pancasila every June 1. The celebration holds a significant meaning since on June 1 1945, Sukarno presented the basic principles of Pancasila as state foundation in the BPUPKI meeting, supported by the countrys founding fathers. Sukarno firmly stated that Pancasila reflects the main characteristics of the nation: upholding interreligious tolerance, pluralistic Indonesian nation, a just and civilized humanity, democracy, and law that guarantees social justice.
Our founding fathers clearly intended a nation that is against sharia, that upholds democracy, against racism, against vigilantism and other human right violations, and also against corruption that eats away peoples welfare. The motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika emphasizes this anti-racism view and shows that Indonesia is against the tyranny of majority and oppression towards minority.
Indonesian government under Jokowi administrations firm stance against vigilantism or intimidation has been a correct one. Vigilantism is an obvious crime that violates not only the law but also Pancasila.
To gather peoples support in defending the state, Pancasila, our diversity and the constitution, it is important for the government to spread awareness of the past. Under the New Order, there were a lot of violations of the basic principles of the nation.
From 1965 to 1967, Soehartos regime not only supported but also led the mass killings of millions of innocents, capturing and prisoning hundreds of thousands, and persecuting many others. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners of conscience and persecution of those seen as leftist continued for decades. All these violations of law and Pancasila happened without adequate legal process. Ironically, Soeharto justified these violations, saying that he was upholding Pancasila and implementing the constitution.
Now, several figures who rely on the support of Islamic radical organizations that wish to turn Indonesia to an Islamic state based on sharia law are a part of political force involved in those past violations.
They are also those who become opposition of the Jokowi administration, who want to continue the corrupted system that has disadvantaged the people. If the 2019 presidential election runs similarly with the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election, with money politics and intimidation based on race and religion and other legal problems, these people can once again lead the nation.
Imagine yourselves what will happen.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 09:02 1977 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4f7424 1 Art & Culture dance,tango,community,#dance,#community Free
Many Paciencia dance community members were already old friends when in 2012 they began to gather weekly on Mondays for a Milonga (social event for tango dancing) to practice sensual Argentine moves of tango-style dance.
Paciencia founder Fuchong "El Tanguero," a Spanish nickname he took on which translates to "the tango dancer," said the community for the past five years slowly grew after starting with an average of 25 people during each week's attendance.
"Now every week we can have have around 50 people coming. Although the number has doubled, it's arguably a bit slow since it took five years. But we're here and we're growing," Fuchong said during Paciencia's 5th anniversary celebration over the weekend.
Ina Utomo, a dancer of the community, said she had long been friends with would-be fellow dancers of the community before joining. Ina helped organized the anniversary's 17-hour Milonga on Saturday, saying the duration was a nod to 2017.
Read also: Purwakanthi seeks to preserve classic Surakartan Javanese dances in Jakarta
Looking back, she said the friendship was what inspired her to join the community, as it provided an opportunity to attend a social gathering that was in line with her interest in dancing.
Ina, who first began to dance the tango after joining Paciencia, said her husband would also sometimes come to dance with her.
"At the Milonga, we find our own dance partners and that's also how our friendship in the community grew," Ina said.
Friendship within the international community also supports the growth of tango popularity in Jakarta, Ina said, through exchange of experiences, lessons and mutual support.
Read also: Bedhaya Ketawang: A sacred dance from the sky
Colombian tango dancer Maicol Mira said he was first introduced to the Indonesian tango community by a student he taught in Japan. Mira, who splits time between Indonesia and Japan, has now been teaching the tango in Jakarta for two-and-a-half years.
"Actually, I think the community in Jakarta is a little bit smaller [compared to other countries] in Asia, because in other countries I think there's about 2000 to 3000 people, but in Jakarta it's very small. We're talking like 100 people. But it's growing with more people joining," Mira said.
Mira expressed enthusiasm for the positive outlook, saying that more people should join as it is a fun opportunity for people to stay active and socialize in an increasingly digitized world. (kes)
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 13:35 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a505ac2 1 Science & Tech Google,#Google,Android,Android-app,#Android,smartphone,google-pixel,google-pixel-xl,Nexus,Pixel,#smartphone Free
Tech giant Google has revealed its intention to stop supporting Nexus and Pixel smartphones.
On its updated support page, as quoted by Engadget, Google said it would launch the latest Android updates for Pixel and Pixel XL in October next year.
"After two years, we can't guarantee more updates," the statement said, referring to Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones that were launched last year.
Read also: Three new Google phones in the works
The company will only provide services for both devices' security updates and telephone or online support until October 2019.
Meanwhile, Nexus 6P and Nexus 5x will get the latest Android updates in September this year.
As for Nexus 9 and Nexus 6 devices, the latest Android updates were released in October last year. Therefore, supporting services for both devices will end by October this year. (kes)
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Linkedin Syofiardi Bachyul Jb (The Jakarta Post) Landak regency, West Kalimantan Tue, June 13, 2017 09:52 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4f9c38 4 Lifestyle culture-and-tradition,Dayak,school,West-Kalimantan Free
Over 20 children and teenagers sat in a circle in a house with wooden floors, listening to a local legend recounted by 66-year-old Yohanes Natalius Siton.
Yohanes was telling the children about the origin story of the Kanayatn Dayak, the largest group within the Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan.
With the title of Timanggong, Yohanes is the tribal chief of Binua Lumut Tengah, where a Kanayatn Dayak group is based.
The story he told began with a local tale about Samabue Hill, which has a level plain on top and is considered sacred in the West Kalimantan village.
Formerly Samabue Hill was the highest in Kalimantan. For fear it would collapse onto the Dayak people, a man, Bujakng Nyangko, sliced it twice and the cut off layers formed other hills, making its surface flat like it is today, Yohanes said.
After Yohanes shared the story, We Lia, a 50-year-old woman commonly referred to as Nek Singara, jumped in and told a tale of a woman who loved her disabled husband.
Read also: A very sacred Dayak ritual
Nek Singara said the story, despite its adult-oriented topics, would make the children learn about loyalty to their families.
The story telling session led by Yohanes and Nek Singara was an activity at Samabue Traditional School (SAS) in Menjalin district, Landak regency, West Kalimantan.
After listening to the stories, the youngsters went to a grass field to play games, sing and dance.
On the field, Emi Goreti taught them the Kanayatn Dayak dance as traditional Bawangk music played in the background.
The children followed Emis graceful yet basic movements to gradually grasp the moves and meaning of the performance. The dancing session took around three hours from 2 p.m.
I learn a lot about our customs and traditions from SAS. We do not learn a lot about our culture from formal schooling. This traditional school brings us much closer to our own culture, Sherryl Christabell Agatha, also known as Ayank, said.
Ayank, a Menjalin state junior high school student, has been enrolled at SAS since it opened. A senior member of the school, she has been active in extracurricular activities and was the top student in her class.
Read also: A Dayak wedding: An affair to remember
Angela Nova, Ayanks junior schoolmate, said she enjoyed learning about Dayak culture at SAS.
There are many interesting things that we learn from cooking traditional food, weaving wickerwork, singing, dancing and playing games, Angela said.
Initiatives to preserve local culture through education has traditionally come from older generations but such was not the case in Menjalin. Here, a young woman, Modesta Wisa, spearheaded tradition-oriented education to preserve local culture for future generations.
Modesta, a 2012 graduate of the Health Polytechnic in Pontianak, became an activist of cultural preservation by joining the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) and the Archipelago Indigenous Youth Front (BPAN).
She proposed incorporating traditional school programs in youth education at a Next Gen Traditional Community leadership training program organized by AMAN, BPAN and Life Mosaic in 2015, along with 30 other Indonesian traditional youth leaders.
We were divided into groups to propose ideas. Nedine from North Sulawesi, Sritiawati from North Kalimantan and I came up with an idea of a traditional school project, Modesta told The Jakarta Post.
Read also: Lok Baintan floating market leads revival of river tourism
Modesta shared and presented the idea to her friends in Menjalin Katharina Ria, Reni Baday, Yosita and Dwiana Sary. In February 2016, they launched SAS.
Two months later, Nedine launched her own traditional school called Koha in North Sulawesi, which complemented the Punen Semeriot traditional school launched by Sritiawati in North Kalimantan in December 2015.
Each of the traditional schools focuses on different aspects. With few formal education facilities in the area, the Semeriot school concentrates on childrens literacy, while Koha focuses on the revival of culture and Samabue on acquainting children with their local culture through formal education, Modesta said.
For Modesta, traditional schooling for the youth in Menjalin is important because formal education has estranged them from their local culture.
Many of the youth do not speak the Kanayatn Dayak traditional language. Those who go overseas to pursue a better education or career rarely return home.
Their village is deserted and those who have left generally lose their collective spirit. This leads to a loss of appreciation for the legacy of their tradition and culture, Modesta said.
After a year, the efforts from Modesta and her colleagues at SAS began to be recognized and appreciated.
During the first anniversary, we began to raise donations, Modesta said.
Modesta also said she was proud of the fact that neighboring regencies began to adopt the SAS concept to teach their youth about their respective cultures. The Mempawah and Kuburaja, for example, started their own traditional schools.
In Landak regency, local councilors and the Education Office also expressed interest in opening a traditional school like SAS in each district. They planned to involve Modesta and her colleagues as mentors.
Our big dream is to maintain SAS operations and to see many other regions starting similar schools so that the countrys traditional communities preserve their cultural heritage, Modesta said.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 22:39 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5188cf 1 National armed-robbery,teenagers,Lampung,South-Sumatra Free
Three teenagers have been arrested by the Lampung Police on suspicion of stabbing to death a resident of Ogan Komering Ilir in South Sumatra in a botched carjacking and fleeing in his car.
Lampung Police chief Sr. Comr. Rali Muskitta said the three boys attempted to drive the car after killing the driver, Abdurahman, but lost control and rammed into a wall in Mulyojati, West Metro, early on Sunday morning.
Rali said all suspects identified only by their initials as IS, 17, HC, 18, and ES, 19 got panicky and fled the scene when some residents approached the car.
Our personnel found the victim inside the car, Rail said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Tuesday, adding that he had suffered 11 stab wounds in the neck, body and head.
Following up their the crime scene, police officers apprehended the three suspects waiting for a bus in front of Charly karaoke hall in Metro Lampung.
According to Rali, the perpetrators also stabbed Abdurahmans driver, Rudi Hartanto, 26, but the latter managed to escape. Rudi is currently being treated at a hospital in Bandar Lampung.
Police also seized the Toyota Avanza Veloz and sharp weapons used in the stabbing. (dmr)
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Linkedin Fachrul Sidiq (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 20:09 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a51796d 1 City pretrial-motion,robbery,suspects Free
A judge at the South Jakarta District Court has ruled that police breached procedures in the arrest and investigation of three suspects in a motorcycle robbery case.
The court granted on Tuesday a pretrial petition filed by Herianto, 21, Aris, 33, and Bihin, 39, who demanded the annulment of their suspect status.
"[The court] declares that the suspect status of the three plaintiffs is illegitimate and not in accordance with the law," judge Martin Ponto said.
Martin said that the process of the arrest and the investigation carried out by the Jakarta Police had breached due procedures, including the absence of a letter authorizing raids on the plaintiffs' houses from the Bekasi District Court in West Java, where the robbery took place last year.
"The judge could not find a letter from the relevant court that approved and ordered the raid. The raid was also not witnessed by at least two residents so it was illegitimate," Martin added.
The three plaintiffs were arrested last month in their houses in Tangerang, Banten. Jakarta Legal Aid Institute lawyer Bunga Siagian, who represented the men in the case, said the three were tortured by police investigators prior to confessing to the crime.
Bunga had presented evidence of the alleged torture during a previous hearing, but Martin said the pretrial hearing could not touch on that matter because it should be handled by a criminal court.
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Linkedin Tama Salim and Muhammad Bilhaqi IB (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13 2017
Foreign ambassadors in Indonesia use the fasting month as an opportunity to enhance relations with Muslim figures in the worlds largest Muslim-majority country.
Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Masafumi Ishii hosted an iftar (breaking of-the-fast meal) gathering with Indonesian Muslim figures in Jakarta last Tuesday to deepen the friendship between Indonesia and Japan.
Several prominent Muslim leaders from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, the countrys largest and second largest Muslim organizations, respectively, rectors of Islamic universities in Jakarta and leaders of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) attended the event.
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 17:11 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a51346d 1 Business deficit,reduction,Sri-Mulyani,comments Free
The government is still struggling to reduce the deficit for the 2018 State Budget to below Rp 100 trillion (US$7.52 billion) from Rp 109 trillion in the 2017 State Budget.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government would reduce the deficit to between Rp 50 and 99 trillion in 2018.
"We will further reduce the primary deficit to zero, then we will have a surplus," she said during a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission XI, overseeing financial affairs, in Jakarta on Monday.
Since 2012, Indonesia has run a deficit, Sri Mulyani said, adding that this was caused by the ending of the commodities boom, which significantly reduced the government's revenue.
(Read also: Lower budget deficit seen in first two months)
In 2018, the government will still need to issue debt with a value of around 0.3 to 0.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
As spending increases to between Rp 2.2 quadrillion and 2.35 quadrillion in 2018, the budget deficit will amount to between 1.9 and 2.3 percent of GDP, a bit lower than the 2.41 percent of GDP in the 2017 budget.
Sri Mulyani said the government would diversify the source of debt to reduce costs. The government is aiming for the three-month debt paper (SBN) yield to be around 3.8 to 4.6 percent compared to 5.3 percent in 2017. (bbn)
Chandigarh, June 13 (IBNS) : A senior officer of Punjab police who became a star by carrying out successful operations against drug business in the state, was arrested on Monday after the shocking discovery of a massive haul of narcotics, arms and cash in his home, NDTV reports.
According to reports, large bundles were carried out of his home in Phagwara, around 100 km from Chandigarh. Around 3 kg of smack, 4 kg of heroin, an Italian-make pistol, an AK 47 rifle and around 400 live cartridges including those of AK 47s were found at his house in Jalandhar's police lines. Over 16 lakhs cash was also found, besides around 3,500 pounds.
He is the first big catch for the Special Task Force set up by the Amarinder Singh government that came to power in March this year promising, among other things, a war against the state's raging drug problem.
Special Task Force chief Harpreet Sidhu has been quoted as saying that Singh's service record showed a sudden spurt in contraband seizures wherever he was posted and there was 100 per cent success in his raids.
But in almost every case the accused were eventually freed by the court because of lacunae in the cases, which emerged as a pattern and gave rise to suspicion among a section of high police officials.
The suspicion was confirmed during raids that began early Monday morning.
Singh was charged and produced in a court around 10 pm. He has been sent to custody till June 19.
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Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 16:30 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a511068 1 Business coordination-meeting,preparation,IMF-WB-meeting,bali,2018,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan,Sri-Mulyani Free
The government expects to complete preparation for the 2018 IMF-World Bank meeting in Bali in October 2018 during coordination meetings held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Tuesday, a coordination meeting was held at the Finance Ministry to discuss the event. It was attended by, among others, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Bank Indonesia (BI) governor Agus Martowardojo.
The preparation has been going well. On Wednesday, [we will complete] 95 percent of the concept and time table, Luhut said at a press conference after the meeting.
(Read also: Indonesia gears up for annual IMF-World Bank meeting)
Between 15,000 and 17,000 people from 189 countries are expected to participate in the annual event, including official country delegations, international observers, academics, journalists and NGO representatives.
At least 30,000 people are expected to travel to Bali in October, next year.
Sri Mulyani said the event was important for Indonesia as the country had recently regained its investment grade rating from global rating agency Standard & Poors (S&P) after 20 years amid various development programs, which should create a good impression among the worlds decision makers and investors.
The government also expects the event to attract more tourists to Bali and other tourist destinations across the country. Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said previously that his ministry had prepared several tourist packages that would be promoted on travel website TripAdvisor. (bbn)
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Linkedin Muhammad Setiawan Kusmulyono (The Jakarta Post) Tue, June 13 2017
The era of globalization is an inevitable reality. Technological advancements have accelerated the globalization process, propelling the growth of cross-national economies. If harnessed properly, globalization could propel a nation.
Globalization, however, is not without its weaknesses and limitations. Intense interactions among nations, which have been closely connected, pose challenges for each of the countries. The impact of globalization for developing countries has strongly been influenced by the degree in which law enforcement and democracy are implemented in these countries. Weak law enforcement hinders steps to implement democracy, while high levels of criminal behavior adversely impacts a nations effort to develop its human capital. Without responsive, corrective actions, globalization could in fact erode the Human Development Index (HDI) in such a nation.
The situation demonstrates the vital role of the readiness of a nations human capital to face globalization. One of the biggest obstacles hampering a nations human capital development is the equality factor, which has become a serious problem in Indonesia. Because of the uneven distribution of resources, many Indonesians suffer from low self-esteem and believe they are not equal to people from other countries. This sense of low self-esteem could inhibit Indonesians high potential as human resources, causing them to be defeated even before going into battle.
Overcoming an inequality of resources requires the exponential acceleration of a nations competitive advantage, which needs to be built at the same level as other nations. The primary element to fix in order to boost the competitive advantage of a nations human resources is the confidence to feel equal with people from other countries. A nations human resources must be courageous enough to run in the same trajectory with that of people from other countries.
Western mentality,
eastern heart
A nations competitive advantage should be framed with a tough fighting spirit. In order to get that fighting spirit, a nations human resources must continuously renew their sense of self-confidence. This can be accomplished with high levels of discipline and focus, accompanied by superior global knowledge.
In addition to a fighting spirit, tolerance of ambiguity should also be incorporated into ones daily habits in a global world where we deal with abundant diversity, where waves of change should be dealt with positively. Therefore, ones adaptability to differences must be optimized in order to process facts into useful knowledge.
As a comparison, the Western mentality has been put to the test in numerous fields. It is not rare for us to find people aged 25 or younger with doctorate degrees. We could also frequently discover, in various fields, achievements that have been crafted from a young age.
Despite their high competitive advantage, we still have our own competitive gap to fill. Even though the world has been made flat through communication, cultural characteristics have made each nation into its own unique entity. It is hard to compete with the uniqueness of a culture. Take a look at Bali. With its strong Hindu culture, it is able to attract tourists to enjoy the islands beauty while still respecting the islands traditional customs.
Therefore, despite the more intensified global economic competition, globalization still provides room for each nation to boost its global competitiveness. The competitiveness for human capital must be holistic instead of just relying upon technical skills. A world-class spirit must be developed while still deeply rooted in local wisdom, so that Indonesians can possess a Western mentality while still embodying the humility of Eastern people.
Collaborating to create
added value
Boosting ones competitiveness definitely requires real actions, like forming effective and efficient partnerships with parties that could boost the quality of human capital in a significant manner.
One such partnership can be done through a mutual learning processes, which can fill in gaps and complement the aspects that each party lacks, building knowledge upon other peoples experiences. These collective learning experiences could be done across different institutions, regions and countries. The existence of the internet has also ensured that the lifelong learning process to boost the quality of human capital can be done without being hampered by time and space constrains.
Collective learning could also stimulate cross-national innovations. For instance, if Indonesian and European students learn together, they could synchronize the technological advances of Europe with Indonesias village culture to create a village with a sovereign water source. This is how collaboration could create added value.
Building globally
competitive human capital
The creation of productive collaborations requires synchronized actions taking care of businesses, from upstream right down to downstream elements. Higher education as the final downstream portion of formal education must be able to be the holistic peak that equips students with practical concepts and a comprehensive understanding of real issues present in the field.
Complains about the weak competence of university graduates when they enter the workforce need to be overcome with a learning model that emphasizes practical experiences. That alone is not enough; curricula need to be designed in a dynamic manner to adjust with constant changes in the environment. Teaching staffs are also continuously demanded to be able to extract their intellectual capabilities through competitive research studies on a global level.
Forming alliances with other educational institutions is not a taboo. Global learning concepts now require new waves of knowledge contributed by developing countries. Therefore, it is not rare for prestigious universities in Western countries to form partnerships with highly reputable universities in developing countries to strengthen their global competitiveness.
This is actually the positive effect of globalization. With the spirit to strengthen a nations human capital, universities as spearheads of national education must serve as positive role models for the formation of value-added partnerships. Hopefully, through these international educational collaborations, we can create capable leaders who are spiritually mature, competent in their professional practices and competitive on a global level.
If these partnerships could be formed in a consistent manner, then we could put aside fears of the negative impacts of globalization on our human capital. The fear of losing ones job to foreign talents has become even more irrelevant than ever, when a nations human capital could be masters in their own country and highly competent guest on foreign soil.
Therefore, the courage to run in the same trajectory now means that Indonesia is ready to share the stage with other nations, even developed countries. We must be able to produce human capital with equal quality, capable of producing added value for the benefit of not just Indonesia, but the whole world.
______________________________
The writer is a faculty member of the Prasetiya Mulya University
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 06:55 1977 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4f3e3c 1 Business Indonesia,Freeport-Indonesia,negotiation,contracts-of-work-CoW,special-mining-license-IUPK Free
The government and Freeport Indonesia are still not in agreement over several aspects of the latters contract of work (CoW) conversion to a special mining permit (IUPK), an official has said.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministrys secretary-general, Teguh Parmudji, said for example, that Freeport Indonesia, a subsidiary of the United States-based mining giant Freeport-McMoRan, had demanded a separate financial agreement.
We have explained that under the IUPK scheme, it is unlikely, Teguh said as reported by kontan.co.id on Monday in response to documents submitted by Freeport.
Teguh said last week that Freeport had submitted a document to be negotiated with the government, covering fiscal policy, the conversion from the CoW to IUPK and the divestment of the companys stocks.
Under the document, the mining company also only agrees to 30 percent share divestment, instead of 51 percent, as demanded by the government.
The divestment of 51 shares is a presidential order, he stressed.
Teguh added that the government had offered Freeport an extension of its operational permit up to 2031 as long as the company agreed to the IUPK scheme, including the 51 percent stock divestment.
Freeport Indonesia spokesman Riza Pratama refused to comment on the governments offer. In the CoW, [the permit] could be extended for another 20 years, he said. (mrc/bbn)
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Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 16:03 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a50e7a0 1 Business Google,tax,solution,Indonesia Free
The government has reached a tax settlement with United States-based tech giant Google for 2016 for an undisclosed figure following a long dispute over allegations that the firm had avoided paying adequate taxes.
We already have an agreement with them based on the 2016 annual tax return form [SPT], but we cant disclose the figure, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said after an event on Tuesday.
The deal ended months of probing by the Finance Ministrys Directorate General of Taxation into Googles local operations after the tax authorities calculated that the company owed about Rp 5 trillion (US$376.1 million) in back taxes and penalties.
The government, desperate for new tax sources and a boost in state revenue, began negotiations a few months ago to find middle ground with the tech giant, only to end in deadlock.
Google did not immediately respond to requests for a comment.
The government's short-lived battle against Google has thus undermined Indonesia's ability to squeeze more revenue from other tech giants, such as Facebook and Twitter, which have been practicing transfer-pricing mechanisms. (bbn)
Topics : Google tax solution Indonesia
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 12:09 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a500ccb 1 City armed-robbery,illegal-firearm,Tangerang,Jakarta-police Free
The Jakarta Police have vowed to hunt down the distributors of illegal firearms following two cases of armed robbery that have killed two people in Greater Jakarta in the past three days.
"We will look after it [...] We wont ignore this," Jakarta police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Tuesday.
On Monday afternoon, Italia Chandra Kirana Putri, 22, was fatally shot in the chest after attacking two men with a broomstick when she caught them attempting to steal her motorcycle in Tangerang, Banten.
Three days prior, Davidson Tantono, 30, was shot in the head and died instantly in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta, while preventing two men from robbing his bag containing Rp 350 million ($26,327) in cash.
Separately, deputy Jakarta Police chief Brig. Gen. Suntana said the department was carrying out "Sendak Operation" (raid of firearm and explosive materials) in a bid to track down illegal firearms and update its record of authorized firearm holders.
Read also: Another deadly robbery occurs in Greater Jakarta
Police are also monitoring some distributors of homemade guns, such as those in Cipacing, Sumedang, in West Java, and in Lampung.
Suntana urged residents to report armed robbers to the police instead of confronting them.
The police, with their "panic button," would handle the situation as soon as possible, he said. (dmr)
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Tue, June 13, 2017 21:58 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a51856a 1 National formaldehyde,formaldehyde-tainted-noodles,noodles,Jambi,BPOM,BPOM-Jambi Free
Personnel of the Jambi Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) raided on Monday a warehouse used as a location for the production of noodles preserved with formaldehyde in Simpang Rimbo, Kenali Besar sub-district, Alam Barajo district, Jambi.
During the raid, the officers found six sacks of formaldehyde-preserved noodles, which were ready for distribution, weighing 35 kilograms each.
The results of a laboratory examination on samples of the noodles show the processed noodles contain formaldehyde, BPOM Jambi head Ujang Supriatna said on Tuesday.
He further said that results of the sample examination were strengthened by findings during the raid, during which the officers saw many used formaldehyde bottles inside the factory.
We suspected the formaldehyde-tainted noodles were distributed in traditional markets across Jambi, said Ujang.
He said authorities were still investigating HD, a Jambi resident suspected to have produced the noodles. During the investigation, the perpetrator said the processed noodles were sold at Rp 7,000 [53 US cents] per kg, said Ujang.
The BPOM official further said formaldehyde-tainted noodles were dangerous for people who consumed them. If proven guilty, the perpetrator will be charged under Law No.8/1999 on consumer protection, said Ujang. The law carries a maximum punishment of five years prison time and Rp 2 billion in fines. (kuk/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 16:14 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a51005c 1 City murder,shooting,shooting-incident,robbery,Tangerang,Banten Free
Italia Chandra Kirana Putri, 22, was a student at Trisakti Universitys medical school in Grogol, West Jakarta. She grew up and lived with her mother in Tangerang, Banten.
Until last week, she was busy pursuing a career in dentistry as she was enrolled in an internship program to become a dentists assistant.
However, on Monday Italias life and dreams were abruptly ended when she was shot in the chest after attacking two men with a broomstick when she caught them attempting to steal her motorcycle at her house.
Italias mother, Sugiharti, rushed outside from inside the house upon hearing the shot and hugged her daughter while screaming for help.
The two robbers fled on their motorcycle, leaving behind Italias bleeding body.
Italia was taken to Sari Asih Hospital in Tangerang but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Italias brother, 27-year-old Yugo Slavia Kirana, said their neighbors had warned his mother that a suspicious man had been watching their house for the last few nights.
My mother told me that the neighbors had warned her to be careful as a person had been observing the house. [The man] can be seen on CCTV, Yugo said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com. (hol)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 17:15 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a513d33 1 Business PLN,EBA-asset-backed-securities,issuance Free
State-owned electricity firm PLN aims to raise between Rp 5 trillion (US$376 million) and Rp 10 trillion through the issuance of asset-backed securities (EBA) in August, using its future cash flow from subsidiary Indonesia Power as underlying assets.
The cash flow is expected from the off-take contract requiring PLN to buy electricity generated by the Suralaya coal-fired power plant (PLTU) in Cilegon, Banten, built by Indonesia Power. The securities will mature within five years.
The Suralaya plant has a capacity of 3,400 megawatts (MW) of electricity and contributes 12 percent to PLNs Java-Bali electricity system.
(Read also: PLN set to absorb Masela gas)
The Suralaya plants revenue is about Rp 12 trillion per year. So, if we take Rp 10 trillion from its future cash flow for the next five years, its relatively small compared to its total revenues during the period, PLN finance director Sarwono Sudarto said in Jakarta on Monday.
The book-building period for the asset-backed securities is slated for the May-to-July period.
PLN will use funds collected from the securities to develop four new coal-fired power plants, including the new facility at Suralaya with a capacity of 2 x 1,000 MW and another in Jambi with a capacity of 2 x 300 MW.
In 2017, PLN estimates it will need more than Rp 100 trillion to develop electricity infrastructure across the country, 50 percent of which will be used to develop various power plants, while the rest will be allocated for the companys power transmission and distribution projects. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 16:21 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a510865 1 City murder-case,West-Jakarta,Jakarta-police Free
West Jakarta Police have fatally shot a man suspected of raping and killing his own daughter in Tangerang, Banten.
The suspect, identified as W, had been on the run for more than a week when officers tracked him down on Monday.
When the police tried to arrest him, [the suspect] fired shots at officers, who shot back and hit the perpetrator twice in the chest, said West Jakarta Police chief of detectives Adj. Sr. Comr. Andi Adnan as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com on Tuesday.
Ws body was taken to the National Police hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, for an autopsy.
His 13-year-old daughter, AF, was found dead in the attic of their home in West Jakarta on June 3. Her neck and hands had been tied and her body showed signs of sexual assault. (dra)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 10:51 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4fd035 1 National drug-lord,DrugKingpin,drug-abuse,drug-dealer,FreddyBudiman,money-laundering,BNN Free
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has confiscated assets and Rp 39 billion (US$2.93 million) in illicit funds from the alleged laundering of drug money belonging to four suspects believed to be connected to deceased drug lord Freddy Budiman.
One of the suspects is a drug inmate at Cipinang penitentiary. He has access to special facilities, such as an office-like cell, equipped with TV and CCTV, said BNN drug control head Insp.Gen. Arman Depari said as quoted by Antara in Jakarta on Tuesday.
At the prison, the suspect employed two people, one of whom was An Cal, a British citizen, who assigned to manage funds from the business, he further said.
To shut down a drug network, BNN will not only arrest drug suspects but also track down the results of their crimes, such as money laundering, Arman said.
Freddy was one of four death-row convicts executed at Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, last year.
Arrested in 2009, Freddy was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for possessing 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as sabu-sabu.
He was arrested again in 2011for possessing hundreds of grams of crystal meth and raw materials for manufacturing ecstasy pills.
The West Jakarta District Court declared Freddy guilty in a hearing in May 2012 of importing 1.4 million ecstasy pills from China.
He was sentenced to 18 years for a drug trafficking case in Sumatra and served his sentence at Cipinang penitentiary.
On July 29, 2016, Freddy was executed by firing squad, along with three other drug convicts, Seck Osmane, Michael Titus and Humphrey Jefferson, all Nigerians. (ebf)
Bhopal, Jun 13 (IBNS): Police in Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday, registered a criminal case against Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik and Vinay Goyal for inciting violence in Karera of Shivpuri, according to media reports.
According to media reports, Khatik was caught on camera repeatedly asking the mob to to set fire to a police station in Karera.
The leaders and the crowd had gathered to protest against the death of five farmers during the clash between protesting farmers and the police in Mandsaur.
According to Zee News, another Congress leader has been caught on camera threatening the police about setting an entire Mandi on fire in the Jabalpur district.
Image: AIRNews Twitter
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java Tue, June 13, 2017 14:59 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a50a3b1 1 National Akpol,National-Police-Academy,National-Police,Polri,Semarang-police-academy,Semarang,Central-Java Free
Insp.Gen. Rycko Amelza Dhaniel has been inaugurated as governor of the National Police Academy (Akpol) in Semarang, Central Java, replacing his predecessor Insp. Gen. Anas Yusuf.
Akpol governor is a position that is important for the development of the National Police in the future. Akpol will be revitalized, said Police Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklatpol) head Comr. Gen. Moechgiyarto, who led the handover ceremony at Bhayangkara field in Semarang on Monday.
Rycko previously served as North Sumatra Police chief, while Anas is now serving as the principal policy analyst on police education and training management at Lemdiklatpol.
Anas was replaced following the death of second-year cadet Second Brig. Mohammad Adam after being beaten by his seniors on May 18. The police named 14 cadets suspects in the case.
As part of its overhaul, Moechgiyarto said, the academy will stamp out its long-preserved gang culture.
We have set up a revitalization team. Several things will be evaluated, one of which is the life of cadets. Improving the software is the first thing we need to do. In this regard, there will be no more cadet gangs here; its not a healthy tradition. We will ban it. We will impose sanctions to anyone who breaches this rule, said Moechgiyarto. (foy/ebf)
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 12:55 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a502c98 1 Business BTN,bonds,issuance Free
State-owned lender Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) is offering bonds worth Rp 5 trillion (US$376 million) as a part of its Rp 10 trillion shelf registration.
Shelf registration is a method in which certain issuers are allowed to offer and sell securities to the public without a separate prospectus for each offering.
The lender, widely known as a mortgage specialist, will issue the debt papers in four series, namely Series A with a tenure of three years and coupon ranging from 7.65 percent to 8.3 percent, Series B with a tenure of five years and coupon of between 7.95 percent and 8.5 percent, while Series C has a tenure of seven years and coupon from 8.2 percent to 8.7 percent.
Finally, Series D has a tenure of 10 years and coupon range between 8.3 percent and 8.9 percent.
"All proceed will be used to fund BTN's loan expansion that is still tentative, and at the same, time support the government's 1 million-houses program," BTN director Adi Setianto said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
BTN has set an aggressive loan growth target of more than 20 percent by the year-end. The bank has disbursed Rp 170.45 trillion in loan as of April, an 18 percent year-on-year (yoy) increase.
It collected Rp 157.52 trillion in public funds during the period, a growth of almost 22 percent yoy. (bbn)
Topics : BTN bonds issuance
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 16:54 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a511d97 1 City Liquor-demolition,raids Free
The Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) destroyed more than 12,400 bottles of illegal alcoholic beverages they seized in five municipalities across the city since January at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Tuesday morning.
Satpol PP head Jupan Royter hoped the destruction of such drink could help protect citizens from the deaths caused by consuming alcoholic beverages, especially miras oplosan local hard liquor mixed with harmful substances.
These are illegal drinks, many of which are even oplosan that can cause death, Jupan told reporters at Monas. About 5,000 of the bottles were seized in West Jakarta, 4,000 in East Jakarta, 1,500 in North Jakarta, 1,200 in Central Jakarta and 700 in South Jakarta.
Deaths caused by bootleg liquor have been increasing. At least 10 citizens died of consuming bootleg liquor late last year in Cakung, East Jakarta. In January, three residents of Bekasi in West Java also died of the same cause.
Tens of thousands of commuter journeys descended into chaos on Monday in Jakarta after Transjakarta bus staff went on strike, the first in 13 years of operation.
Dozens of buses were abandoned in long lines on the buses dedicated lanes as about 200 workers staged a rally at the companys head office in Cawang, East Jakarta.
Angry and frustrated passengers, meanwhile, were left queueing at bus shelters around the city.
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 19:21 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a516118 1 City fire,collision,Train Free
A fire broke out at the Pasar Senen railway crossing on Jl. Kembang Pancar, Central Jakarta, after a long-distance train hit a car at 5.03 p.m. on Tuesday, killing two people inside the car.
The Jakarta Fire Agency deployed 13 pumper trucks to extinguish the blaze that gutted a Walahar Ekspress carriage following the collision. The train serves a route running from Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta to Purwakarta in West Java.
The situation is now under control, but the officers are still trying to extinguish the fire, fire agency command center wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek (KJC) spokesperson Eva Chairunisa said services on the commuter line between Jatinegara and Kemayoran had been disrupted as the electricity had been shut down to allow for the evacuation of the train.
The Bogor-Jatinegara commuter line service was halted at Kampung Bandan station in North Jakarta.
The passengers who could not use their tickets because of the incident are able to ask for refunds, she said.
Topics : fire collision Train
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 14 2017
During a judicial review at the Constitutional Court in August 2016, then-justice Patrialis Akbar used religious arguments to reject a demand by activists that consensual sex outside of marriage not be outlawed. Patrialis told the court that sex outside of marriage was immoral and the root of many social problems.
In the same month, according to an indictment read to the Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday, Patrialis, a former Law and Human Rights minister, allegedly began to seek bribes from businessmen in the meat industry in return for a favorable ruling in the judicial review of Law No. 41/2014 on husbandry and animal health.
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Linkedin Julia Suryakusuma (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 14 2017
Donald Trump famously said, I was elected to represent the people of Pittsburgh, not Paris, when he announced the withdrawal by the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement (PCA). Pittsburgh is a city in the Rust Belt, which suffered from economic decline due to deindustrialization. It was purportedly the Rust Belt that paved Trumps path to the presidency.
But what was the Pittsburgh mayors reaction? Were actually with Paris on this. In fact, the majority of Rust Belt states are also. It just goes to show, climate change and global warming goes beyond politics (although pssst! For your information, Pittsburgh did vote for Clinton!).
Well, thats the way it should be. If theres one thing that people have in common, it is that we all live on this one fragile, precious planet.
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Magelang, Central Java Tue, June 13, 2017 08:03 1977 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4f5a72 1 Destinations Al-Mahdi-Mosque,mosque,klenteng,Magelang,Central-Java Free
A unique mosque stands tall in the Armada Estate in Magelang, Central Java. Named Al-Mahdi Mosque, it resembles a Chinese temple, locally known as klenteng, instead of a mosque, because of the appearance of its overall structure, its red and yellow paint scheme and the dozens of lanterns that hang out front.
Inside, the 290-square-meter property also hosts several Chinese-inspired ornaments, such as more lanterns, lamps and pillar. The lanterns are uniquely adorned with Asmaul Husna (the 99 names of God) written in Arabic. Some calligraphy can also be found on the walls, the mimbar (pulpit) and the red carpet that serves as a prayer mat.
"This mosque attracts many people. Some want to pray; some simply seek to take selfies. We are open to the public," said Mahdi, the mosque's founder.
One visitor, 33-year-old Abdul Haris who came from Surakarta, said that the mosque was not only beautiful but also remarkable. "The Muslims [who live] around the mosque are also remarkable for accepting [each others'] differences," he added.
Built by Kwee Giok Yong, a man of Chinese descent who changed his name to Mahdi when he converted to Islam, the mosque can accommodate about 120 people.
Read also: Weekly 5: Interesting places of worship that are worth a visit
Built by Kwee Giok Yong, a man of Chinese descent who changed his name to Mahdi when he converted to Islam, the mosque can accommodate about 120 people.(JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
Mahdi's house use to stand on the land where the mosque was built, but he donated the property to be the site of the house of worship in August 2016. By April the following year the mosque's construction was complete and it was officially inaugurated.
"In China, all buildings are like this, either klenteng, mosques, or houses. China has many Muslims and their mosques look just like this. I want to show that Islam is everywhere, including in China," Mahdi said.
On weekdays, Al-Mahdi Mosque hosts various activities, from a regular pengajian (Islamic learning forum), shalawat (prayers to Prophet Muhammad), religious discussions and Quran learning classes.
During Ramadhan, the mosque gets busier with iftar (breaking the fast), tarawih (evening Ramadhan prayers), kuliah subuh (learning Islam in the predawn) and tadarus (reading the Quran).
"Alhamdulillah, many [Muslims] like to come here. This mosque is part of our syiar [spreading religious values] efforts. They first come to take pictures, but maybe later they will perform the shalat prayer or mengaji [recite the Quran]," said Mahdi. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, June 13, 2017 14:02 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5060e2 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Natuna,sailing,Anambas-Islands,yacht Free
Natuna Islands will welcome 150 foreign tourists and 25 yachts for Wonderful Sail Natuna 2017, an international yacht rally supported by the Tourism Ministry that runs from June 13 to 15.
The three-day event is the result of a collaboration with Sail Malaysia Passage to the East, another yacht rally that departs from Langkawi to Sandakan in Sabah, the northern part of Kalimantan island.
The Sail to Natuna event has been conducted for three years, partnering with the regency administration. The goal is to promote Natuna regency as the worlds leading destination for cruise tourism as well as stimulating infrastructure development for marine tourism, said Esthy Reko Astuti from the Tourism Ministry, who oversees national tourism marketing.
Read also: Cruising Indonesian waters: Read nature, notice differences
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya added: "It's guaranteed that [this area] has interesting attractions, supported by Natuna and Anambas' natural beauty and marine tourism potentials.
"If these yachters are exposed to Indonesia, I want them to stay longer. Our marine tourism is world-class. Our sea zone, coastal zone and underwater tourism [] are among the best in the world.
On the first day, yachters were welcomed with a gala dinner, and arts and culture performances. They also received an introduction to the tourism potential of Natuna regency presented in English by elementary school students.
Yachters from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and England will get a chance to take part in diving, snorkeling and spearfishing activities on Senua island, tour a town located on Tanjung beach, discover Natunas traditional handicrafts and sample local dishes. (asw)
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Linkedin Sarah Wormald (The Jakarta Post) Manado Tue, June 13, 2017 10:34 1976 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a4fca7c 4 News photography,festival,marine-tourism,Bunaken-National-Marine-Park,manado Free
Activists and underwater photographers will use the power of pictures to inspire conservation and the protection of the oceans during next years Celebrate the Sea Festival 2018, slated to be held in Manado in North Sulawesi starting on March 31.
The festival will also serve as a platform to call for a ban on shark fins in restaurants and to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags in the province two initiatives supported by the provincial government that, if successful, will mark a breakthrough in Indonesia.
The incredible richness and marine biodiversity in the Bunaken Marine Park, Manado Bay, Bangka Island and in the Lembeh Strait will be in the spotlight as the festival tries to highlight threats to marine environments from climate change and pollution.
Launched in 2002 and in previous years staged in association with the World Festival of Underwater Pictures, Celebrate the Sea is now in its 13th year running.
It will be the second time for Manado to host the festival, after the first time in 2011. Previous festivals have been held in destinations around the globe, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
World of wonder: North Sulawesi and its vibrant marine life will be the center of attention at the 2018 Celebrate the Sea Festival.(Celebrate the Sea festival/File)
Past presenters include some of the worlds most prominent luminaries in underwater imaging and science, including festival founder and acclaimed underwater photographer Michael Aw, award-winning cinematographer and pioneer of underwater film and photography Stan Waterman and National Geographic photographer David Doubilet.
The 2018 event in Manado will take place in conjunction with the 5th annual Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year competition, and highlights of the festival weekend will include the screening of finalists images, an underwater photography shootout and a childrens art competition.
Michael Aw, who is also the founder of the Ocean Geographic Society and publisher of the Ocean Geographic Journal, said he had a strong reason to bring the festival back to Manado for a second time.
This is a very special place to me. I first came to Manado in 1992 on assignment for GAHAWISRI Indonesia, and I was so impressed that I returned in 1993 for a period of eight months to finish my photography book Beneath Bunaken, he said.
GAHAWISRI is an acronym for the Indonesian Marine Tourism Association, which comprises of business leaders in the marine tourism industry from throughout the archipelago. This industry is made up of vessel operators, diving and surfing operators, builders and all kinds of marine tourism businesses operating in the country.
Read also: Diving pioneer's legacy lives on
Aw said Hanny Batuna at Murex Dive Resorts was kind enough to host him, and as a conservationist, Hanny supported Aws vision to bring greater attention to the marine park. He said it was the graciousness of Hanny and his wife Ineke Batuna that enabled him able to launch his underwater photographic career.
I still return to Murex to dive now, he says.
One moment: Michael Aw takes pictures of a sea turtle while diving in Bunaken, North Sulawesi.(Celebrate the Sea festival/File)
Aw hopes to exceed the success of the 2011 Manado festival, which attracted more than 3,000 entries in the childrens art competition and almost 1,000 entries for international underwater imaging competitions. Back then, the festival saw over 80 children from Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and India compete in the finals.
The 2018 competitions will once again include a childrens art competition and several different competition categories for underwater imaging, which boast an array of prizes ranging from US$5,000 in cash to resort holidays in North Sulawesi and opportunities for winning images to make the cover of Ocean Geographic.
Cash prizes and funding for the event has been put forward by the provincial government under the direction of North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey and the head of the North Sulawesi Tourism Agency, Daniel Mewengkang.
Michael Aw went on to say that Bunaken Marine Park is small and easily accessible for everyone it is a public aquarium in a natural environment located in the worlds richest biological province. If we are to take on issues to protect larger areas, then Bunaken should serve as a template.
Read also: Our Ocean view wins accord
I am looking forward to seeing the interpretation of the image makers of my favourite marine park and to seeing the younger generation involved in the art competition, he said.
New Delhi, June 13 (IBNS): Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Tuesday appeared in a British court in connection with the hearing on the extradition case against him.
Mallya denied all 'allegations' levelled against him.
Speaking to reporters, he said: "I deny all allegations."
The businessman said he did not elude any court in India.
"I have not eluded any court. I have no expectations, listen to what court says," Mallya said.
The UK court on Tuesday fixed the next hearing into the case on July 6.
The Supreme Court last month found liquor baron Vijay Mallya guilty of contempt of court and ordered him to appear before the court on July 10 to decide the quantum of punishment to be awarded to him, reports said.
We give him an opportunity to be present in court personally while deciding on quantum of punishment, justices A.K. Goel and U.U. Lalit said.
The order of the top court came following the contempt plea by the State Bank of India, which is leading a consortium of banks seeking to recover more than Rs 9,000 crore from Mallyas grounded Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. , moved a contempt plea against Mallya in July 2016.
The banks sought action against Mallya for allegedly diverting $40 million to his children's accounts in foreign banks in violation of the court order.
The banks argued that Mallya had wilfully disobeyed the orders of the apex court by making vague and unclear disclosure of his assets and appearing before the apex court.
Mallya fled to the UK in March 2016 and has been living there since then. The Indian Government has been putting in efforts for his extradition for investigation in connection with alleged money laundering by him.
The apex court had started proceeding against Mallya and had issued notice to him on Mar 8, 2016 on the plea by banks for recovery of the loan money taken by Mallyafor the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines that he owned.
Kolkata, Jun 13 (IBNS): Trinamool Congress (TMC) Councillor of Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC)'s Ward-29, Sailesh Rai was arrested on Tuesday morning in connection with a murder case, reports said.
According to reports, the ruling party Councillor was detained by local police on Monday night and after hour-long interrogation, he was booked on Tuesday morning.
Earlier on June 17 last year, a middle-aged security-guard of an apartment, Bijay Mallick, was shot dead by few miscreants at his workplace in central Howrah's Round Tank Lane area.
Based on CCTV footage and eyewitnesses' accounts, police identified his killers and booked five miscreants, including prime accused in the case- Sanjay Jadav.
A local police official told IBNS that the five accused confessed their involvement in the crime and also claimed that TMC Councillor Sailesh Rai had paid them money for murdering the security-guard.
Sailesh Rai was produced in a local court later in the afternoon and was remanded to seven-day police custody for further interrogation.
The arrested leader of state's ruling party, however, denied his involvement in the murder while no reaction has been received so far from the party leadership.
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Image of held TMC Councillor Sailesh Rai from his Facebook profile)
This Article 19 production of Hamlet is produced and performed entirely by students from the University of Birmingham, but can easily be mistaken for a professional staging.
It locates the Shakespearean play in the modern day. Despite being nearly three hours long, Article 19 managed to effectively combine both drama and humour to ensure that the perfomance wasn't tiring or too intense throughout.
Performed in The Crescent Theatres studio theatre space in the centre of Birmingham, the room was small but this didn't hinder the performance - in fact it enhanced it. Promising an exciting stripped back performance, the group did exactly that. The stage was almost bare, with only two black tables and a few chairs placed on the stage, in such a small space the lack of any visable set was incredibly effective in forcing the focus throughout onto the actors.
Every part of the room was utilised, which is key to why this performance is so successful. By placing the actors around the corners of the room in the first scene, it meant that when they applauded the King it felt as if they were sat right with us, as if we were supposed to be applauding along with them.
From standing around the audience, to actually shining torches around the seating, it was hard not to feel exposed throughout the show. If performed in a bigger venue, this effect would have truly been lost, and the atmosphere of the produciton would have been completely different.
The sound was incredible and deserves recognition. It was key in creating the eerie, suspcious, and ghostly world of Hamlet. Appearences of the ghost and when Gertrude recieves the news of Ophelia's death are key moments where the sound is the most effective. It's almost cinematic in how the sound effected the overall perfomrance.
Whilst every cast member was exceptional, with some performing multile roles, Elliot McDowells as Hamlet was extraordinary. Theres a reason he received the biggest applause during the curtain call. Balancing both the serious and the playful, the delivering of Hamlets monologues were impactful and a true highlight of his performance. Intense and emotional, he engaged with the audience fully something that the other actors sometimes lacked. If members of the audience didnt feel included in the performance before, direct eye contact with Hamlet definitely creates that effect.
Equally Katy Owens and Charlie Harris are also a credit to the performance. The relationship between Gertrude and Claudius slowly deteriorates through the performance, and Owens depiction of a woman trapped in a marriage was incredible, it was hard not to feel sympathy towards Hamlets mother. Meanwhile, Harris succeeded in portraying a cold and harsh King who could resort to murder to get what he wants.
With a strong cast and talented crew, this production of Hamlet gave a lot more than what was expected. Lighting, sound, and movement worked in harmony constantly throughout, making this adaption of the Shakespearean play unique and, honestly, increidble.
Hamlet ran at The Crescent Theatre last week. Visit their website here
The Conservative government has announced the Democratic Unionist Party have agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support them on a confidence and supply basis.
A Number 10 spokesman said: We welcome this commitment, which can provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond.
Thursdays General Election saw the Conservatives win only 318 seats, eight shy of winning an overall majority. An agreement with the DUP would bring in an additional 10 seats, pushing the party over the 326-seat threshold.
So what is a confidence and supply agreement and how will it work in the UK?
What is a confidence and supply agreement?
Conservative Chief Whip Gavin Williamson travelled to Belfast to meet with the DUP (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
A supply and confidence arrangement is not a formal powersharing coalition. It is instead an agreement whereby smaller parties pledge to back the Governments budget and programme without actually taking up ministerial positions in the new administration.
The agreement should protect the government from being brought down by a vote of no confidence, but they will have to agree other issues on a vote-by-vote basis.
The development comes after May sent her Chief Whip Gavin Williamson to Belfast for talks with the DUP after the election.
What happens next?
Details of the agreement will be discussed and agreed by cabinet on Monday( Tim Ireland/PA)
A Downing Street spokesman said details will be discussed and agreed by cabinet on Monday, after which more information is likely to be released.
However, its not just the support of another party May needs to ensure.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who wields considerable influence after the Scottish Tories won 13 seats, said: I want to ensure that we can look again at issues like Brexit which we know we are now going to have to get cross-party support for.
And move to a consensus within the country about what it means and what we seek to achieve as we leave.
The recent general election has sparked a completely new debate of its own: are young people attacking freedom of speech? Are we really the generation snowflake that gets offended over any view that we don't agree with?
Freedom of speech is one of the most essential, valuable elements of a democracy, granted. It gives us the right to express our opinions and beliefs, and to have a voice in society. However, freedom of speech does not mean that we, as members of the British public, have to listen to it. This debate has partially been amplified by the recent snap election, but examples such as Liverpool banning the Sun newspaper, and LBC 'parting ways' with Katie Hopkins are often used.
While it is important to give platforms to people with different views, backgrounds, and circumstances, it can't be denied that both the Sun and Katie Hopkins do not shy away from spreading their vulgar, hateful messages to a huge following through their platform, and that is frankly unacceptable in this modern society.
Take the horrific attacks that occured in Manchester and London. Within hours of the incidents taking place Katie Hopkins took to Twitter to demand a number of hostile responses, as opposed to the humane course of action to simply offer support and condolences to the families of the victims.
Now we look at Liverpool banning the sale of The Sun. The newspaper published stories built on lies, punishing the people in their time of need, during one of the hardest-hitting incidents to ever happen to the city. Why should freedom of speech mean that lies should be listened to? What have The Sun ever done to deserve the respect of Liverpudlians? The city showed heroic strength in numbers to get the newspaper banned, and quite rightly too. It was not an attack on freedom of speech, it was the action of rejecting the lies and vile stories that were published.
Let's not forget the shocking article that was published by The Sun just before election day. An article aimed at parents, telling them ways to stop their children voting because 'you just know they'll do the wrong thing' - and yet we are the ones challenging freedom of speech? I could go as far as saying the ones claiming young people are the issue are as just at fault themselves.
I think the term 'Generation Snowflake' is laughable. It's a serious misunderstanding from those with outdated views, who can't handle the fact they are not relevant anymore. Young people shunning radical, obnoxious opinions isn't an attack on freedom of speech, it's a sign that the norms and values are changing and that there is no place for hatred.
The way in which young people use social media to connect, to educate, to inspire, and to campaign means we could be the most powerful generation to ever exist. We are driving the changes in Western society through the internet, and there is nothing wrong with that. The evidence is in the election results. It is completely okay to dismiss someone or something if it is counter productive to society.
As for being too emotional to cope with opposing views, that's not an issue either. Millennials aren't "too" emotional, I think we just can see the inequalities that exist, and the frailties of society, and we're passionate about changing them. We are passionate about saving our world, and changing our politics, and using strength to get ourselves heard against dominating right-wing media is completely different to attacking freedom of speech.
So my answer, to put it simply, is no. Young people are not attacking freedom of speech, and we are not weak, emotional, or vulnerable. We are challenging idealogies that we do not agree with, in some cases because they may be harmful, others just to engage in debate. Although the way in which young people combat other opinions may not always be appropriate, it is certainly different, and in most cases it is progressive. The historic campaign of the Labour party, and the record-breaking youth turnout in the election is just one example of changing times, just a thought... maybe this generation isn't so 'snowflake' after all?
For those who were as yet unfamiliar with the Ice Warriors, this episode has unmistakably shown the reptilian humanoids at their irreverent best. Due in no small part to the introduction of Iraxxa, the titular Empress of Mars.
Compared to Skaldak, the stranded Grand Marshall discovered by a Soviet submarine crew in Series Seven's Cold War, the character of the Empress takes a form that is far more true to that of the Ice Warriors of old. A figure that is not simply intent on blind revenge, but acts only out of respect and, at times, fear for the future of her species. As such, I think it's fair to say that she is one of Gatiss' finest creations for the show to date.
The story itself follows suit in doing its humble best to rise to those same lofty heights. The introductory sequence is done with and out of the way almost as snappily as the credits which it precedes and, having witnessed NASA's fictional Valkyrie probe uncovering a message that reads "God save the Queen" beneath the Martian icecaps, The Doctor and his companions head back in time to the year in which it was put there:1881.
Upon their arrival, the trio finds that a small group of soldiers from Victorian Britain have been inhabiting the peculiarly oxygen-rich caverns beneath the surface of Mars - and for quite some time it appears. How did they get there? Via a ship belonging to an Ice Warrior marooned on Earth, severely in need of help. They obliged, and this was their reward. Well... that and a massive mining laser fashioned from the ship's artillery.
After The Doctor ascertains from the group's Colonel that their reptilian friend, whom they all call 'Friday', was now, in fact, the last of his kind, alarm bells start to ring. Thus ensues a series of classic plot devices, leading to the eventual awakening of the Empress and many of the hibernated Ice Warriors that surround her 'tomb'.
In light of the seriousness into which the episode descends, as the story progresses, Gatiss makes a clear point of using various references as comic relief throughout its majority, par the point at which the title of his previous contribution to the show - Sleep No More - is used as an awakening battle cry by the Empress of Mars herself.
Bill mentions films such as The Terminator and The Thing, in addition to likening the nature of the Ice Warriors to that of the Vikings, as a segue into talking about Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, and The Doctor even manages to drop Frozen into the pot. While all this amicably serves to further endear the show's audience to the ever-playful friendship the two of them share, it also highlights Gatiss' meticulous attention to detail.
The name 'Friday' is a particularly nice touch. The group's Captain, Catchlove, explains when questioned by Bill, that it is in tribute to the otherwise nameless Robinson Crusoe character, to which she seems suitably bemused. However, when it comes to a writer such as Mark Gatiss, everything tends to have a reason or link. So, to expand; he has a character in an episode of Doctor Who set on Mars, who is named after a character in a book which has been retold on screen, as a sci-fi adaptation, also set on the red planet. But I digress...
When all is said and done, it really is the climactic scenes that Empress of Mars will be remembered for. A good old-fashioned dose of monsters, steeped in meaningful exchanges, that culminates in the posing of one increasingly intriguing question that concerns the rest of the series.
Doctor Who airs on Saturdays at 7:20pm on BBC One.
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Nine CRPF jawans injured in Kashmir grenade attack India Blooms News Service | | #Kashmir, #GrenadeAttack, #NineCRPFJawansInjured, #TralAttack
Srinagar, June 13 (IBNS): At least nine para-military troopers were wounded when militants lobbed grenade on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Lariyar Tral of South Kashmiras Pulwama district on Tuesday evening .
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A lawsuit continues in a battle over who should have won a seat on the Taylor Public Schools Board of Education last fall.
Ron Miller, who was an incumbent at the time, still says he should have retained his seat. David Meyers, who was declared the winner by Wayne County officials has been serving since January and maintains that he was declared the winner.
During a hearing June 9, Wayne Circuit Chief Judge Robert Colombo Jr. said that it was clear the ballots in Westland -where a single precinct is in the Taylor School District- were improperly stored over the last seven months.
Colombo also said that the only community involved that properly stored the ballots was Inkster, where they were still in the ballot boxes from election night.
The clerks from Taylor as well as Browntown Township and Dearborn Heights were ordered to appear in Columbos courtroom June 15 to discuss how they stored their ballots.
Taylor Clerk Cindy Bower said there is nothing illegal or even improper on how she stored her ballots.
Once they were released by the State they were transferred out of the ballot boxes into bags, she said. Thats how it has to be done. We dont have the money to buy extra ballot boxes for out next election.
Bower said her ballots, which have been under double lock and key since they were returned after a partial recount in the presidential election. Her ballot have been in sealed bags, locked in a storage room, inside a locked office at City Hall.
Thats the proper procedure since they were released, she said.
Columbo is expected to rule on if a recount is still feasible after speaking with the clerks in each of the cities and township in the school district.
The suit stems from an alleged miscounting of the ballots during the certification process.
The issue, according to Miller, is that there are several precincts that the county failed to count the write-in votes for. He said that if those votes were counted, he would have been the victor.
I was told (by county election workers) that there were no write-in votes in those precincts, he said.
Among the nine precincts that show zero votes was the precinct that Miller and his wife voted in.
Ive worked several elections over the years, he said. I had people at several precincts collecting the numbers. Several of those precincts were the ones that show no votes cast.
Meyers didnt question Millers assertion that the precincts werent counted, but pointed out that if they werent counted, he didnt get the votes he had earned in them either.
Hes saying the numbers are messed up for him, Meyers said. If the precincts reported zero numbers, I didnt get my votes either.
Since the suit was filed, county and state officials have all admitted to errors in the counting process, but they are all pointing fingers at others.
Bower said the numbers her workers sent to the county appear to be accurate, but the county certified lower numbers and the wrong winner. She said none of her elections workers did anything wrong, the numbers appeared to have changed once they reached the county level.
Mumbai, June 13 (IBNS): Off late, two big ticket releases are bound to clash at the box-office on the same day. What happens next is that one feels that they are almost watching a thriller film.
The movies are pitted against each other, day-to-day box-office numbers are taken into record and comparisons are made. Until the film reaches its D-Day on Friday, there is suspense built.
But well, we must say that not only the trade pundits but even the audience enjoys this thrill. While the trade analysts are only concerned about the numbers, the viewers are excited to watch both the films and experience different genres on the same day. And the audience is going to experience this soon.
Sridevi starrer Mom and Kartik Aaryan and Paresh Rawals Guest Iin London releases on the same day July 7th, 2017.
What makes this clash interesting is the fact that both the releases are different genres. While Mom is a thriller and a dark film, Guest Iin London is a light comedy and both the genres have their own loyal audiences. Despite a great comeback with English Vinglish (2012), Sridevi didnt do any Hindi film for five years, so the Goddess second innings with Mom is surely most awaited. Also its Sridevis 300th film and she guarantees to blow your mind off.
On the other hand Guest Iin London is a family-film with loads of comedy. It has been a long time Paresh Rawal is back on the big screen and audiences love to watch him in a comic role. Seen with him in the film will be Gen Ys heartthrob Kartik Aaryan. The actor whos also known for his comic timing is all set to team up with Mr Rawal and entertain us like never before. Infact Kartiks chemistry with Paresh Rawal is being compared to the Akshay Kumar-Paresh Rawal duo. Now thats something we all want to look forward to.
So lets see if its Sridevis vengeful Mom act or Paresh-Kartiks comic timing that wins audiences hearts and gets the box-office excited.
Munich, June 13 (IBNS) : A policewoman was injured in a shooting at a railway station in a Munich suburb by an assailant who reportedly grabbed her gun.
The Telegraph quoted German police as having confirmed that several people were injured in the shooting during a morning police check at the Unterfoehring subway station. The suspect was also injured and is in custody.
Witnesses said the suspect took a police officer's handgun and then shot her, also injuring others at the S-Bahn station in the northeastern suburb of the Bavarian city.
Police later said there had been "no political or religious motive" in the shooting, saying the attacker acted out of "personal" reasons.
"The sole male perpetrator was motivated by personal reasons. There is no political or religious background here," police spokesman Marcus da Gloria Martins told reporters.
Force spokesman Michael Riehlein has been quoted as saying that the area has been "secured" and that there was no danger to the wider public.
Munich police said in a tweet: "Several people were injured by shots. A female police officer was badly wounded."
Image: Wikipedia Creative Commons
London, June 13 (IBNS): British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday held talks with leaders of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to form the minority Tory government, according to BBC News.
May-led Conservative Party failed to secure majority in the recently concluded snap election in UK, as they are short of eight seats to from the government.
Reports suggested, DUP which has 10 seats under their belt might lend their support to form the government.
DUP leaders, Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds, are currently in the Westminister to discuss the possibility of post election ties.
The Conservative party had won 318 seats while the opposition Labour Party bagged 261 seats.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) won 35 seats, the Liberal Democrats 12 and the Democratic Unionist Party 10 in the election.
May, who had inherited her government from former UK PM David Cameron in 2016, called for a snap election but failed to seal a clear victory.
Cameron resigned from his post after the defeat in the Brexit as 52% of people voted for an exit from the European Union (EU).
In the first cabinet meeting since election, May discussed several issues which include DUP deal as well as Brexit, that took place on Tuesday.
The PM even apologised to Tory MPs for calling a snap election but failing to win it. She took the responsibility for not getting a clear victory and also ensured that she would fix it.
London, June 13 (IBNS): An audio message purportedly released by militant group Islamic State, the group's spokesperson has directed followers to launch attacks in America, Australia, Europe, and Russia in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The holy month of Ramadan commenced in May.
The audio clip could not be independently verified.
The massage was given from ISIS spokesperson Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir.
As per the the SITE intelligence group website which read: "Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, the spokesman for the Islamic State (IS), called on lone wolves in America, Australia, Europe, and Russia to emulate those who came before them and attack, and rallied fighters to persevere amidst the trials of war and multitude of enemies in a speech issued for Ramadan."
New York, June 13(Just Earth News): Highlighting the importance of cooperation among countries to overcome the violence and discrimination faced by persons with albinism, a United Nations rights expert has urged African nations to fully implement a regional action plan on ending attacks on persons with albinism.
The plan sets out clearly what States can do for example educating the public, collecting data and researching the root causes of the violence, said the UN Independent Expert on human rights of persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero, in her message for International Albinism Awareness Day.
The regional action plan to end attacks on persons with albinism in Africa the first-ever such joint initiative was recently endorsed by the African Commission on Human and People's Rights. It includes 15 practical steps which are expected to go a long way in addressing the persisting and deadly challenge.
International cooperation will be a turning point in the long battle to end discrimination for people with albinism, some of whom continue to be murdered for their body parts, added Ero.
According to a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the action plan focuses on ensuring accountability as well as support for victims and uses legal and policy frameworks to deter practices of witchcraft and trafficking in body parts.
Further, Ero underscored that persons with albinism also face significant barriers restricting their equal participation in society, impacting their rights to enjoy physical and mental health and their ability to access adequate health care, education, social services, legal protection, and redress for abuses.
In particular, women and children face violence, suffer from discrimination, stigma and social exclusion, forced into becoming marginalized within their communities and face social exclusion caused by misunderstanding, deeply entrenched prejudices and stereotyping.
'We cannot underestimate the importance of joint action' UN Independent Expert
We cannot rest until we have seen change in people's lives and tackled the root causes of the current situation, she said, calling everyone concerned to be bold and to persevere to ensure that all people with albinism enjoy their full human rights.
We cannot underestimate the importance of joint action [] we advance together, with renewed hope inspired by the principle of 'leaving no one behind' which is at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ero's statement has been endorsed by the African Commission on Human and People's Rights; the UN Special Rapporteur on physical and mental health, Dainius Puras; the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Mutuma Ruteere; the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Catalina Devandas Aguilar; and the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard.
Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
In December 2014, the UN General Assembly designated 13 June as the International Albinism Awareness Day to draw attention to the stigma and violence that persons with albinism everywhere in the world.
Photo: UNICEF/Pirozzi
Source: www.justearthnews.com
'That's madam governor to you': Record 12 women elected to serve in 2023
Politics
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
New York, June 13(Just Earth News): As some 1.4 million people in Europe and Central Asia die prematurely each year from polluted environments, United Nations agency heads at high-level meeting call for regional leaders to scale up action to stem environmental deaths and diseases.
In the era of Sustainable Development, we can prevent the 1.4 million environment related deaths by making health a political choice across all government sectors, said Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe (WHO/Europe), at the opening of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
European citizens annually lose 50 million years of healthy life due to environmental risks, corresponding to at least 15 per cent of Europe's total deaths around half of which are due to outdoor and indoor air pollution.
We urge all European leaders to take this opportunity for more sustainable policies to address the health challenges of the 21st century, he underscored.
WHO/Europe, the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), joined approximately 500 representatives from the 53 countries of the European Region together with international and non-governmental organizations, to commit to prioritizing action on environmental risks to health.
We have enough evidence. We have solutions at hand. What we need is action, agreed Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of UNECE. Examples of solutions developed over the past 20 years by UNECE and WHO/Europe with a proven track record include the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the Protocol on Water and Health and the joint Programme on Transport, Health and Environment. But we must do more to fulfil their potential to clean the air and water and promote smart cities and clean transport systeAnd while doing more, we must build on the synergies embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Environment-related non-communicable diseases
Environmental risk factors are responsible for around 26 per cent of ischemic heart disease, 25 per cent of strokes and 17 per cent of cancers in Europe. Cardiovascular deaths and diseases from environmental exposures are three times higher in low and middle income countries than in high income ones.
Air pollution is Europe's leading environmental killer, responsible for 620,000 deaths every year from both outdoor and indoor exposure.
Successful cooperation among UNECE member States has led to significant reductions of air pollution in the region thereby saving lives, stressed Algayerova. All recent studies show that this work needs to continue and be strengthened, and lessons learned should be shared with other regions, she added.
Other environmental factors, such as chemical pollution, occupational risks and unsafe water and sanitation account for more deaths and diseases and road traffic injuries kill 85,000 people per year.
Extreme weather events from climate change, rapid urbanization and unprecedented levels of migration further exacerbate Europeans' health.
Investing in cities
By 2030, eight out of 10 Europeans will be living in cities, making them one of the main priorities in Europe's agenda at the Ministerial Conference.
A new WHO report, Environment and health for European Cities in the 21st century: making a difference, developed jointly with UNECE and UNEP, makes the case for investing in cities to improve people's health and reduce inequalities.
The Environment and Health Ministerial Conference in Ostrava, organized by WHO/Europe, in partnership with UNECE and UNEP is hosted by the Czech Republic and runs until 15 June.
Photo: World Bank/Lundrim Aliu
Source: www.justearthnews.com
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.
Toronto, June 13 (IBNS) Canada's Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, has wrapped up the two-day G7 Environment Ministersa meeting in Bologna, Italy.
Minister McKenna led a Canadian delegation including representatives from academia and the private sector, and showcased Canadas climate plan, which brings together provinces, territories, cities, Indigenous peoples and businesses on the path to a clean growth future.
At the G7, Minister McKenna joined France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in reaffirming Canadas steadfast commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, which is the global instrument for effectively and urgently tackling climate change.
Canada expressed its deep disappointment in the decision by the United States Administration to walk away from the global consensus of the Paris Agreement.
Building on the leadership the Government of Canada has shown at home and abroad since the Paris climate talks, Minister McKenna promoted Canadas climate plan and indicated that the collaboration of the provinces, territories, cities, Indigenous peoples and businesses will ensure the success of the plan.
Minister McKennas G7 counterparts expressed their appreciation for Canadas leadership and concrete actions to implement the Paris Agreement, including our commitment to put a price on pollution across the country.
Canada takes on the G7 presidency next year, focused on strengthening the middle class, advancing gender equity, fighting climate change and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion
Minister McKenna held bilateral meetings with her American, European Union, Italian, British, French, Japanese and Maldivian counterparts to discuss climate change, clean growth and the path forward on the commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
The G7 partners made good progress in discussions on a wide range of global environmental issues, such as clean growth, carbon markets, innovation and trade as well as resource efficiency and marine litter, and financing for developing nations, including those in Africa.
The G7 Environment Ministers Communique outlines progress.
Image: Catherine McKenna Twitter page
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has reminisced about the times when he was working in Yash Chopra's Kaala Patthar, says being on the late filmmaker's set was like a picnic.
"Working with Yash-ji was always a picnic Informal, relaxed and filed with humour and eating delicious food. He encouraged the families of artists to accompany them at the shoot destination Whether it was Pune or Kashmir or Amsterdam or Delhi, it was always the same," Amitabh posted on his blog on Monday night.
He recounted how evenings were spent at a common place where everyone chatted, played games and enjoyed each others' company.
"Antakshari was the favourite, along with dumb charades Haha What wonderful moments shared," added the actor, who is currently in Malta to shoot Thugs of Hindostan.
Big B, 74, particularly mentioned how shootings in Kashmir, where he shot for Chopra's romantic drama Silsila, were a delight.
"After pack up, we would all migrate to the Dal Lake, where several dongas' boat platforms would be tied together to make one floating large boat and all of us would spend the evening, moving about in the lake, eating, singing Music by local folk musicians, until the late hours.
"Now all forgotten And in memories Sad. Time waits for no one And neither must we," he added on an emotional note.
History students at the University of Oxford will be required to sit at least one exam paper focusing on black, Asian and other non-European history, following long-held complaints about an overly white curriculum.
From the next academic year, all Oxford history undergraduate students will choose at least one from a range of papers covering non-British and non-European areas of interest during their three-year degree course. The move comes as universities across the UK face protests led by the student campaign, Why is my curriculum white?
The Times reported. Possible topics for students to choose from include the 1960s civil rights movement in the US, Indian independence, the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the development of modern Japan.
Figures such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Mahatma Gandhi will feature prominently. The top ranking UK institution has been criticised in recent years for not recruiting enough black students, despite a growing number of British Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students applying.
The university has also been at the centre of controversy following the student-led Rhodes Must Fall campaign, which saw thousands of people across the UK and South Africa campaign for statues of Cecil Rhodes to be removed on the basis that he was a racist colonialist.
Oxford's Oriel College, which is home to one Cecil Rhodes figure, has since refused to take it down. An Oxford University spokesman said there was no link between the Rhodes Must Fall campaign and the updated history curriculum the move was in fact four years in the making, he said.
In a statement, the university's History faculty said the department regularly reviews and updates its course curriculum to reflect the latest developments in the subject. After a number of years of discussion and consultation among ourselves and with students, we have decided to make a number of changes to the curriculum.
Among these is a requirement that students study one paper (from a wide range of such options) in non-British and non-European history, alongside two papers of British History and two papers of European History. Students take 11 papers in total during their history degree, the faculty added, and many members already opt to take at least one paper of non-European or British history.
We are pleased to be modernising and diversifying our curriculum in this way, the department said. The move has been welcomed by students and academics alike, but critics have argued the change does little to solve Oxford's underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities.
Niall Ferguson, a former Oxford professor who is now at the Hoover Institution in America, told The Times, By comparison with America, some history courses here do look a bit oldfashioned. I am not the kind of backwoodsman who thinks Oxford should only teach English history and general history, which is what it did when I was an undergraduate, but let us be careful not to stop teaching crucial subjects like the rise of the West or the world wars in the effort to make courses more diverse.
This year, the institution unveiled a series of new portraits of women and non-white scholars and alumni in a bid to redress diversity on show.
Other universities are also in the process of reviewing their history curriculums, it was reported, including Leeds, where a module in Black British History is said to be in development. Cambridge professor Sir Richard Evans also said the way the empire was being taught was changing. It is being studied in a more balanced way, he said.
The independent
Girls outshone boys yet again in the Maharashtra Board's class X examination results declared on Tuesday, by recording a better pass percentage.
The state Secondary School Certificate (SSC) class X examination results registered an overall pass percentage of 88.74.
A total of 91.46 per cent of girls passed the exams as compared to 86.51 per cent boys, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Chairman Gangadhar Mahmane said while announcing the results.
In the Maharashtra State Board class XII examinations also, the results of which were declared last month, girls had performed better with a pass percentage of 90.50, compared to 83.46 of boys.
In the class X exams, the Konkan division topped the list with 96.18 per cent pass percentage while Nagpur division was at the bottom with 83.67 per cent, Mahmane said.
Besides, the Kolhapur division registered a pass percentage 93.59, Pune 91.95, Mumbai 90.09, Aurangabad 88.15, Nashik 87.76, Latur 85.22, Amaravati 84.35.
Total 16,50,499 students registered for the class X exams and 16,44,016 appeared, out of whom 14,58,855 passed the exams, held in March this year.
Astudent of FIITJEE Kolkata Centres Udaya, Debaditya Pramanik secured State Topper, Zonal Topper and City Topper. He studied in Birla High School and stood AIR 38, scoring 315 out of 366 marks.
He is also NTSE Scholar and KVPY fellow (AIR 2) + Gold medallist in IAO (2015), IPhO (2016), IJSO (2013-14, both golds).
Apart from academics, he is a black belt in karate and plays synthesiser at his free time. His dream is to pursue physics and do research on the subject.
Sayak Chakraborty with an AI 181 has come second from FIITJEE.
Nilabjo Dey has come third with an AI 380 and is giving all credit to the time he has spent with FIITJEE while preparing for the exams. At a National level, FIITJEE students from All Programmes dominate in every range of All India Ranks of JEE Advanced 2017 with five in Top 10, 12 in Top 20, 23 in Top 50. This is not the first time that their students have excelled in JEE.
In fact, this is the only institute that consistently produces excellent results across all its centres countrywide. The topper Pramanik was understandably thrilled.
He said, Making it to IIT has been my dream since childhood and I am grateful to FIITJEE for helping me accomplish this dream. Their unique teaching methodology has helped me tremendously with the preparations in a pattern proof manner. Well trained faculty facilitated in strengthening my fundamental concepts of science and mathematics that helped me in creatively resolving complex and tricky problems.
At FIITJEE, their aim is to train serious aspiring students in such a way that they are ready to scale JEE successfully. The institute's edge programmes are designed for students to start early in their preparation and help them adapt to the quantum jump in level of difficulty and secure a Top Rank in JEE.
The government on 12 June clarified that Aadhaar number will be required to avail of the central co-contribution benefit under the Atal Pension Yojna (APY) scheme.
"An APY subscriber will have to get the Aadhaar number recorded in his or her APY pension account and also in his/her savings account where the periodic pension contribution instalments are debited and government co-contribution is to be credited," the Ministry of Finance said.
"In case a subscriber is not yet having an Aadhaar card, he/she should immediately get him/her enrolled for the Aadhaar card."
The ministry pointed out that PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) has identified nearly 12.35 lakh subscribers eligible for the central government's co-contribution for an amount up to Rs.1,000 for the financial year 2016-17 which will be released to the eligible subscribers' savings bank accounts seeded with Aadhaar.
"These subscribers are advised to approach their Bank or Postal Branch for seeding their Aadhar Number," the ministry said.
Currently, the scheme has more than 54 lakh subscribers with an asset base of more than Rs.2,200 crore.
A farmers' association has asked the government to roll back 5 per cent GST on raw tobacco and exempt it from the tax bracket like any other agricultural crop.
Fearing drop in prices of tobacco leaves and raw tobacco post GST, tobacco farmers across Andhra Pradesh have stalled auctions in all platforms, said the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) in a statement.
Terming the tax rate on tobacco "unrealistic", farmers said it will severely endanger their livelihoods and asked the government to do away with it in the upcoming GST-Review meeting on 18 June.
"Farmers from different auction platforms in the Southern Black Soil (SBS) region decided not to bring our produce to the market to protest 5 per cent GST on tobacco leaves and 28 per cent on unmanufactured tobacco," said FAIFA Vice President Gadde Seshagiri Rao.
According to FAIFA, raw tobacco and unmanufactured tobacco were exempted from the central excise from the time of Charan Singh government considering their difficulties.
The association has requested to "maintain status quo" in this regard by treating tobacco "on par with other agricultural crops".
FAIFA claims to represent farmers of commercial crops from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat etc.
India has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of ceramic table and kitchenware items from China to protect domestic industry against goods being sold at below normal value.
The Department of Revenue in the finance ministry on 12 June issued a notification imposing the anti-dumping duty of $1.04 per kg on import of ceramic tableware and kitchenware, excluding knives and toilet items from China.
"The anti-dumping duty imposed shall be levied for a period not exceeding six months (unless revoked, amended or superseded earlier)," it said.
It cited investigation by the DGAD which concluded that ceramic tableware and kitchenware, excluding knives and toilet items, are being exported from China to India "below its normal value, resulting in dumping".
The domestic industry, it observed, has suffered material injury due to dumping.
The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) in its findings recommended imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty in order to remove the injury to the domestic industry.
Through a separate notification, the government also extended by one year till June 6, 2018 the anti-dumping duty on imports of 'plain gypsum plaster boards' from China, Indonesia, Thailand and the UAE.
The anti-dumping duty on import of plain gypsum plaster boards was first imposed in 2013 and the DGAD has recommended extension of the same.
The same will now "remain in force up to and inclusive of the 6 June, 2018", the notification read.
Hong Kong on Tuesday said that it has become a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
In May, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved the funding for subscription of 7,651 shares of the AIIB's capital, including 1,530 paid-in shares that amount to about 1.2 billion Hong Kong Dollars ($150 million) and payable over five years, and 6,121 callable shares, reports Xinhua news agency.
Having completed the subsequent legal procedures, Hong Kong was admitted as a new member of the AIIB.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that "the early completion of our accession process demonstrates Hong Kong's readiness to support the operation of the AIIB."
"As the leading international financial centre, Hong Kong has a sophisticated, robust and highly liquid financial market, and an abundance of top professionals with global experience, coupled with the unique advantage of 'one country, two systems'," Chan said, adding that the region is "well placed to help the AIIB to raise funds to finance various infrastructure projects."
The AIIB will hold the second annual meeting of its Board of Governors in Jeju, South Korea, from June 16-18.
With an aim to clean the Anganwadi system in the national capital, around 1,600 Anganwadi centres in Delhi will be inspected by IAS officers on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Tuesday.
Addressing the media, Sisodia said there were around 800 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) officers in Delhi and each officer would have to inspect at least two Anganwadi centres on Saturday.
"Under this campaign, officers will have to visit the houses of each child or women whose name is registered in an Anganwadi," the Deputy Chief Minister said.
The officers would enquire from children whether they were getting proper food, what was taught in these centres and whether students were actually visiting the Anganwadi centres, Sisodia said.
He said there were about 10,000 Anganwadi centres in Delhi and after reviewing the first phase, the inspection would be extended to other centres.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that he has visited many centres over the past few days and noticed an insensititve attitude towards pregnant women and children at many places.
"The government is spending around Rs 400-500 crore and I won't allow it to be spent insensitively," he said.
"In many Anganwadis, the survey registers had been filled with pencil for many years," Sisodia said. "If we don't care about children or their education, then it will affect the future of the country."
The Deputy Chief Minister added that some Anganwadi centres were doing a good work and the government would reward workers who were running these centres.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will hold a national farmers' conference here on Saturday and will also announce the blue print of its nation-wide campaign for farmers, a Delhi minister announced on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters here, AAP leader and Delhi Rural Development Minister Gopal Rai said that farmers' representatives from more than 20 states would participate in the conference scheduled to be held from 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Constitution Club of India.
Rai also lashed out at Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's statement that states would have to fund loan waivers for farmers.
"Wherever there is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, farmers are being cheated after being fed with big promises," Rai said.
Waving BJP's election manifesto in Madhya Pradesh, Rai said: "BJP promised loan waiver in case of an emergency, but famers were given bullets."
"There have been even no FIRs against policemen who fired at the farmers," he added.
Asked for a reaction on party leader Kumar Vishwas's remark that state leaders would raise funds and campaign for the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections, senior party leader Ashutosh told IANS that "he (Vishwas) is a senior party leader and he articulates for the party".
"It's a good thing that Vishwas said it," he added.
When asked whether it would be the party's policy for the Rajasthan elections, Ashutosh said that "every state is different from another and has it's own dynamics". He did not elaborate.
Members of the Delhi University Teachers Association on Monday took out a candlelight march in protest against the UGC's move to grant autonomy to varsities based on National Institutional Ranking Framework rankings and NAAC score.
"Autonomy to offer self-financing courses, establishing self-financing centers and freedom to increase fees can only be seen as a push towards commercialisation by the government," said DUTA president Nandita Narain.
Burden of sustaining central and state universities is being shifted to students and parents, she added.
Demand to implement and make public a report of the Pay Revision Committee, withdrawal of retrospective application of API in Delhi University were some of the other demands.
The DUTA also demands that the Judgement of the Double Bench, High Court which upheld pension as a basic right and granted pension to all categories of teachers employed as on 1987 should be implemented it toto, Narain said.
Some of the teachers were temporarily detained when they were marching towards Parliament Street.
Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu on 12 June assured the business community that their interests will be fully protected under the new GST regime, saying the government would not compromise the fiscal autonomy of the state under the regime.
"We have made changes in federal relations with the government of India. Other states draw powers to tax from the Constitution of India, while we draw our powers from our own Constitution. Those legislative powers have not been compromised, so there is no question of compromising fiscal autonomy," he said.
The state finance minister was speaking at a meeting attended by representatives of business chambers of Jammu and Kashmir regions, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association, Kashmir Restaurant Owners Federation, Hoteliers and other business leaders of the state.
Drabu said it is for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir that a constitutional amendment required to extend a central law to the state will be debated in the state assembly.
"People of J-K must understand what is at stake, which is why we are holding a special assembly session," he said.
He said the state government has set a precedent of discussing policy issues with stakeholders and in the assembly where people sent their leaders to take decisions which impact their lives.
"Article 370 is safe and modalities are safe. You should recognise that we are setting a precedent. If anything, it is my understanding that the union is sharing sovereignty with the states, in the taxation space," he said.
The finance minister said while the state can defer the GST implementation, "it will impact the business of Kashmir more than the government".
"In the absence of GST in J-K, no one would want to trade with us.
And if they do trade, the consumer will be penalised through double taxation. Let me assure you that no one will be put to a disadvantage under the GST regime. In fact, J-K will be the first state to do GST refund for shoppers on handicrafts," he said.
Drabu said the GST system is running successfully in 198 countries.
"Let me assure you that there can be no better system for traders than GST. Besides, the system of exemptions will also continue in J-K. Modalities will be worked out in coming days as there is uncertainty all across India and J-K is not unique to it over other operational issues which will have to be resolved," he said.
He said the implementation of GST is being discussed since 2002 and the law has evolved over the years.
"Earlier, the GST was supposed to be a single rate, single tax with no GST Council. Today, not one decision has been taken without the consultation of other states which is why I have repeatedly said that GST council is India's first truly federal institution," he said.
The finance minister said the GST will ease the businesses as inspection audits will fade away and assessments will be done by traders.
"States have huge power today. Our government has done nothing in the constitutional amendment which takes away the legislative powers of J-K," he said.
Two policemen were injured when militants attacked the guards at the residence of a former judge of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in the state's Anantnag district on Tuesday, police said. The assailants also took away four rifles.
Police said militants attacked the guards post at the Anchidora residence of Justice (Retired) Muzaffar Attar.
"Two policemen posted at the residence were injured. Militants have decamped with four service rifles of the guards posted there," said a police officer, adding that a manhunt has been launched to trace the attackers.
Authorities on Tuesday put Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq along with his secretary advocate Shahid-ul-Islam under house arrest in Srinagar, police said.
Mirwaiz was scheduled to attend a commemoration meeting in the old city's Aali Kadal area.
Gujarat Patidar leader Hardik Patel was arrested just as he entered Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday on his way to Mandsaur to meet families of the farmers killed in police firing. He was later released.
Hardik Patel and four aides, who were also arrested, were then taken to the Rajasthan side of the border.
"Hardik Patel was stopped at the Nayagaon barrier," Neemuch Superintendent of Police TK Vidyarthi said.
"His convoy included 20 vehicles and at least 150 people. Patel and four others were detained while the rest were turned away," Vidyarthi added.
According to Patidar Navnirman Sena General Secretary Akhilesh Katiyar, Hardik Patel left for Mandsaur from Udaipur in Rajasthan. He planned to meet the kin of the deceased farmers along with other farmer leaders.
"Hardik Patel neither sought permission to visit Mandsaur nor was he allowed by the administration. That's why, he was not allowed to go to Mandsaur," District Magistrate OP Shrivastava said.
Heavy deployment of police is in place at the Nayagaon barrier on the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border.
Toronto, June 13 (IBNS): Hate crimes rose by 5% in Canada in 2015, largely due to an increase in incidents targeting certain religious and ethno-cultural groups, specifically the Muslim population and Arabs or West Asians, a new study has said.
For the year, police reported 1,362 criminal incidents that were motivated by hate in Canada, 67 more than the previous year.
These findings are included in the new Juristat article "Police-reported hate crime in Canada, 2015" released on Tuesday.
Police-reported hate crimes refer to criminal incidents that, upon investigation by police, are found to have been motivated by hatred toward an identifiable group, as defined in subparagraph 718.2(a)(i) of the Criminal Code of Canada, as per the Statistics Canada website.
An incident may be against a person or property and may target race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, language, sex, age, mental or physical disability, among other factors.
In addition, there are four specific offences listed as hate propaganda offences or hate crimes in the Criminal Code of Canada: advocating genocide, public incitement of hatred, willful promotion of hatred, and mischief motivated by hate in relation to religious property.
Police determine whether or not a crime was motivated by hatred based on information gathered during the investigation and common national guidelines for record classification.
Overall, police reported 469 Criminal Code incidents in 2015 that were motivated by hatred of a religion, 40 more incidents than the previous year. These accounted for 35% of hate-motivated crimes reported in 2015.
Police-reported hate crimes targeting the Muslim population increased from 99 incidents in 2014 to 159 incidents in 2015, an increase of 61%.
At the same time, the number of police-reported crimes targeting the Jewish population declined from 213 in 2014 to 178 in 2015.
Hate crimes targeting the Jewish population accounted for 13% of all hate crimes, followed closely by hate crimes targeting the Muslim population (12%).
Approximately 10% of the population in Canada were part of a non-Christian religion in 2016.
According to recent projections by Statistics Canada, the number of people in Canada with a non-Christian religion could almost double by 2036.
Within this group, the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths would see the number of their followers grow more quickly, although still representing a small portion of the population overall.
In 2015, a number of police services increased outreach to ethnic groups, including Muslim communities. In addition, the National Council of Canadian Muslims made efforts to encourage reporting of hate crimes to police.
From 2014 to 2015, the number of police-reported crimes motivated by hatred of a race or ethnicity increased 5%.
Much of this increase was a result of more hate crimes targeting Arab and West Asian populations (+33%). Although down in 2015, crimes targeting Black populations remained the most common type of hate crime related to race or ethnicity (17% of all hate crimes).
Overall, 48% of all police-reported hate crimes in 2015 were motivated by hatred of a race or ethnicity.
In all, 8 of 10 provinces reported an increase in the number of police-reported hate crimes from 2014 to 2015.
The increase was most pronounced in Alberta, where police reported 193 hate crimes compared with 139 the year before (+39%).
This increase was primarily driven by a higher number of police-reported crimes motivated by hatred against the Muslim population (+12 incidents), Arab or West Asian populations (+10), Black populations (+9), and the Jewish population (+8). It should be noted that Alberta also reported an overall increase in their 2015 crime statistics.
In contrast, in Ontario, which historically records close to half the total number of hate crimes in Canada (46%), the number of police-reported hate crimes declined by 5% from 2014. The decrease in Ontario was primarily driven by fewer police-reported hate crimes motivated by hatred against the Jewish religion (-30 incidents) and against the Black population (-19).
From 2014 to 2015, police-reported crime motivated by hatred against the Muslim population increased in all provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where the totals remained virtually the same.
More than 80% of police-reported hate crimes in Canada occurred in census metropolitan areas (CMAs). The 10 largest CMAs in Canada, home to over half of Canada's population, accounted for 71% of hate crimes in 2015. The three most populous CMAs of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver together accounted for 43% of police-reported incidents in 2015.
Of the 10 largest CMAs in Canada, 4 reported more hate crimes in 2015 compared with the previous year, while 5 reported fewer such crimes. Vancouver reported the same number of incidents in 2015 as in 2014. The largest increases in hate crime incidents were reported in Edmonton (+45 incidents), Montreal (+39) and KitchenerWaterlooCambridge (+23).
The increase in the Edmonton CMA was driven by more reported hate crime incidents against a race or ethnicity (+25) and against a religion (+17), mainly targeting the Muslim (+8) and Jewish (+7) populations. The number of hate crimes in Montreal was attributable to 33 more reported incidents targeting a religion. Of the additional incidents, 20 of these targeted the Muslim population. In the CMA of KitchenerWaterlooCambridge, counts were primarily driven by more incidents targeting different races or ethnicities (+12) and religions (+10).
Females were more likely to be victims in incidents targeting a religion, and the presence of female victims in violent crimes motivated by hatred of a religion increased in 2015. That year, 53% of these victims were female, compared with 40% in 2014. The increase in female victims of religious hate crimes is attributed to an increase in female victims for Jewish and Muslim hate crimes from 2014 to 2015.
Police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation declined 9% for the year, down from 155 incidents in 2014 to 141 incidents in 2015. They accounted for 11% of the hate crimes reported in 2015.
Unlike other types of hate crimes, almost 6 in 10 of reported crimes motivated by hatred of a sexual orientation were violent. This compares with 45% of anti-race or ethnicity offences, and 24% of anti-religion hate crimes. Just over 4 in 10 victims of hate crimes targeting a sexual orientation (42%) reported an injury, compared with victims of violent crimes motivated by hatred of a race or ethnicity (29%) and of a religion (12%).
Victims of violent hate crimes targeting sexual orientation were more likely to list the relationship as acquaintance or family member (47%). This compares with victims of violent crimes motivated by hatred of a race or ethnicity (36%) and of a religion (26%).
Violent offences accounted for 38% of police-reported hate crimes in 2015. Violent offences included such things as assault, uttering threats, and criminal harassment. Overall, the number of violent hate crimes increased 15% from the previous year, driven by increases in common assault and uttering threats.
From 2014 to 2015, the total number of non-violent hate crime incidents increased by 5%. Mischief, which includes vandalism and graffiti, was the most commonly reported offence among police-reported hate crimes, accounting for 44% of all hate crime incidents in 2015.
In a shocking incident, rats nibbled a four-day-old baby's fingers at a government-run hospital in Banswara in Rajasthan.
The incident occurred on Monday in MG Hospital, a doctor at the hospital, not willing to be named, said on Tuesday. Banswara is over 500 km from state capital Jaipur.
A woman, Priyanka, gave birth to a baby boy four days ago. Around 5 a.m. on Monday, the rats nibbled at the boy's fingers.
There was no light in the ward when the rats were nibbling the baby's fingers and the family members saw it only after the lights came on. They then lodged a complaint with the hospital authorities.
"A committee has been formed to look into the matter. The committee consists of doctors and nursing staff," O.P. Upadhaya, Acting Principal Medical Officer (PMO) of the hospital, said.
Muhammad Yasin Malik, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was arrested here on Friday when he tried to lead a protest march.
Police arrested Malik in Druggen area after the Friday prayers when Malik came out of a mosque to lead the march towards the headquarters of the UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Sonawar area.
Malik was whisked away by police along with some supporters.
Separatists had called for a protest sit-in outside the UNMOGIP in Srinagar on Friday to highlight the "repression and innocent killings in Kashmir".
Authorities had blocked all roads leading to the UNMOGIP Headquarters, preventing both pedestrian and vehicular movement in the area.
Thousands of passengers were left stranded for nearly three hours on Tuesday when Delhi Metro's Blue Line (Dwarka 21-Noida City Centre/Vaishali) service was disrupted following an electrical short circuit near Indraprastha station en route.
Due to electrical short-circuiting caused by an eagle that flew into overhead high-tension wires, an insulator of the Overhead Equipment (OHE) broke, causing the OHE to come in contact with passing trains, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a statement here.
While the snag was reported at 4.55 p.m. between Indraprastha and Yamuna Bank Metro stations, normal services on the route could be restored only at 7.43 p.m. after the broken OHE was repaired.
In the meantime, thousands of commuters had to wait for the service to resume for their onward journey on the route.
"I waited for the train at Dwarka station for 40 minutes. But when it didn't turn up, I took the Airport Line, which is still a fair bet to reach ITO," a commuter said.
It took another commuter more than an hour to reach Rajiv Chowk from Noida's Sector 16 Metro station.
"The train halted for almost 10 minutes at every station. At Yamuna Bank, it remained stationary for 15-16 minutes. Even the air conditioner stopped functioning several times," a student Ankita Sarkar said.
Two persons were killed due to incessant rains that sparked flash floods in Assam's Guwahati city on Tuesday, disrupting normal life and causing immense suffering to lakhs of people.
Kamrup Deputy Commissioner M Angamuthu said the dead included a school student and a man who were electrocuted on Zoo Road.
"We have ordered a probe into the incident," he said. He said rescue operations were on to help the marooned in different areas of the city.
The incessant rains that began on Tuesday morning blocked the two main arterial routes in the city, triggering traffic congestion and submerging several localities.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was to go to Karbi Anglong to address two public rallies regarding the forthcoming election to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
The programme was cancelled as the chopper he was supposed to take failed to take of due to heavy rains.
The Chief Minister even failed to reach his office at Janata Bhavan in Assam's Dispur area due to water logging on roads.
The administration ordered the closure of schools and other educational institutions on Wednesday.
There were reports of landslides from some areas in the city.
Actress Kritika Choudhary, who appeared in the daily soap Parichay, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her Andheri residence in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.
Kritika's neighbours alerted police after a foul smell started emanating from her apartment on Monday. When police broke open the door which was locked from the outside, Kritika's decomposed body was found, sources said.
According to reports, the actress' dead body was lying in the apartment for the last three to four days.
Police have registered a case of 'accidental death' but are suspecting that the actress might have been murdered.
Kritika Choudhary starred in Ekta Kapoor's 'Parichay' in a supporting role and was also seen in Kangana Ranaut starrer film 'Rajjo'.
Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra whose upcoming film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha which throws spotlight on the lack of toilets in rural India, is actually building hundreds of lavatories in the slums where he's busy shooting.
Mehra, who began filming his next, Mere Pyare Prime Minister, in a Ghatkopar slum in Mumbai, has now got a no-objection certificate from the city's civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), to build 20 toilets there, including five separate toilets for men and women.
Known for making critically acclaimed films like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', Rakeysh has been collaborating with an NGO, 'Yuva Unstoppable', for the last four years to transform slums by building toilets.
We don't just build toilets and walk away but we also make sure the locals maintain them. We've been having meetings with slum-dwellers and corporators of the area, urging them to put one rupee in the donation box so that the community workers can be given their dues"
"The new toilets are as good as the ones in private buildings, with proper pipelines and extensions with tips where they can get clean, drinking water, informs Mehra who after seeing Gandhi's model toilets at the Sabarmati Ashram was motivated to pick up this cause and has so far built over 800 toilets.
The slum dwellers have TV sets and mobile phones but no toilets and during the monsoons are forced to defecate on the railway tracks. I remember reading a Mirror story about a woman who got run over while defecating on the tracks and wondered, is a toilet worth losing your life over? he added.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is now shooting at a slum settlement behind the Powai lake, where the dwellers defecate in the open. New toilets will be built here too.
The area gets water for just 30-45 minutes a day. We are planning to build adequate toilets in this area too, he says, admitting that while the 'Maximum City' has been absorbing immigrants like a sponge, its infrastructure hasn't grown at the same pace.
Talking about his film, 'Mere Pyare Prime Minister', Mehra said it revolves around four kids living in a Mumbai slum. One of them wants to build a toilet for his single mother and makes an appeal to the Prime Minister.
Two persons of Indian origin were among 891 Australians recognised by Queen Elizabeth II in her birthday honours list for 2017 for their contribution to the community.
Queensland-based Professor Rajiv Khanna received the Officer of the Order of Australia Medal for his work in medicine specifically his contribution to the development of cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancers, infectious complications and chronic disease.
Khanna said he and his team were honoured to be recognised by those outside the scientific community.
Khanna had been working on a new cancer treatment alternative a treatment he said was safer.
He said his hard work shows how the Indian community values education.
"We tend to value education very highly in India. You go to any Indian parent, they all want their kids to become a doctor or an engineer or something," he was quoted as saying by SBS Television network.
"But in a terms of what it brings to the Australian community is that the highly educated Indian community whether they're in a medical area or an engineering area, they contribute hugely.
"And I'm part of that and I'm very proud of that heritage, to be from the Indian community," he said.
Unnikrishnan Velayudhan Pilla from Queensland was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in the general division (OAM) for service to the Malayali community in the state.
Other notable mentions who received the award included Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett, Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce and the departing mining industry heavyweight Jacques Nasser.
The list was announced by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove on Monday and the honours were awarded for service to the country to mark the Queen's official birthday in June each year.
The AAP on Monday attacked the Centre over the release of 11 Pakistani civilians, saying the government is following a dual policy towards Pakistan.
Senior party leader Ashutosh said on the one hand, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj says there cannot be talks with Pakistan alongside terror and on the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
He was referring to the interaction between the two premiers at Astana in Kazakhstan.
"What was the pressing need that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to embrace Sharif. Pakistan is preparing to hang Kulbhushan Jadhav and India is releasing 11 of their citizens," Ashutosh said.
Jadhav was sentenced to death on April 10 by a Pakistan military court for alleged espionage.
India maintains that Jadhav, a forrmer naval officer, was kidnapped from Iran and brought to Pakistan by its security agencies.
Sharif and Modi had last week met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation (SCO) meeting.
Civil society members and leaders of opposition parties on Tuesday dubbed the killing of five farmers in police firing in Madhya Pradesh "murder by state machinery" and demanded an inquiry by a sitting High Court Judge.
A delegation comprising social activists Medha Patkar, Swami Agnivesh, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav and politicians Kalpana Parulekar of the Congress, and Paras Saklecha of the Aam Adami Party was detained at Dhodhar in neighbouring Ratlam district when it tried to visit Mandsaur to meet the kin of the farmers killed in the June 6 police firing.
The Madhya Pradesh government had on Monday appointed a one-member judicial commission of Justice JK Jain (retd) to probe the police firing. The commission has been mandated to submit its report within three months.
"Independent persons and agencies are denied entry while the full might of the state appears to be influencing and torturing witnesses to the murder of farmers by police, causing disappearance of material evidence and running an extortion racket by intimidation," a statement issued by the delegation members said.
They demanded that all civil and police officials responsible for the firing should be booked and cases against protesting farmers withdrawn.
They said the government's failure in ensuring adequate remuneration for agricultural produce seemed to be the reason for the widespread discontent among Madhaya Pradesh farmers and the state government's inaction has further fuelled the unrest.
A 'Shaheed Kisan Mahapanchayat' will be held in Madhya Pradesh on July 6 to support the farmers' protests across the country, the delegation members said.
A plan is also afoot to set up a people's tribunal on police firing and alleged torture of farmers at Mandsaur.
he Centre has approved proposals for setting up of 100 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) hospitals across the country, Minister of state for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik has said.
The minister said during the last three years the Union government had approved posting of 4000 AYUSH doctors in primary health centres across the country.
"The salary is being paid by the Union government," he told reporters here last night.
He also said an AYUSH hospital equivalent to AIIMS would be opened within a month at New Delhi.
The ministry has approved setting up of two 50-bedded integrated AYUSH hospitals at Theni and Tiruvannamalai districts in Tamil Nadu, he said.
A total of Rs 283.6 lakh has been released out of sanctioned amount of Rs 563 crore for conservation and development for medicinal plants across Tamil Nadu, the minister added.
Madhya Pradesh Congress on Tuesday said it would support the agitating farmers by holding a series of farmers' `Mahapanchayats' (mega-gathering) beginning with a 72-hour-long `satyagraha' in Bhopal from Wednesday.
"Congress will hold a series of farmers' Mahapanchayats beginning with 72-hour-long Satyagraha from tomorrow at TT Nagar Dussehra Maidan. Subsequently a Mahapanchayat will be held at Khategaon on June 17," state Congress chief Arun Yadav said.
Then there would be a Mahapanchayat at Sagar on June 19.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan makes "empty announcements" whenever farmers take to the streets, he said.
"Chouhan made several announcements in the past whenever farmers protested, but no action was taken on ground.
Chouhan is known for empty announcements. Three farmers have committed suicide in the last three days," Yadav said.
Asked about the allegation that Congress MLA Shakuntala Khatik was seen asking her supporters to set a police station on fire, Yadav said it was only a half-truth.
"Police misbehaved with Khatik and drenched her with water. The dignity of a Dalit woman was violated. So she must have said it in a fit of anger," the state Congress chief said.
The EU delegation to India has announced its decision to release the final tranche of euro 25 million of its euro 80 million grant to the Indian government's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), a statement said.
This brings to a conclusion the EU's sector support to school education in India, to which it has contributed over euro 520 million (currently valued at Rs.3,700 crore) in grant funding, a statement from the EU said.
The EU grants have contributed to setting up new schools, improving existing ones, bridging gender and social gaps, providing toilets especially for girls, training teachers, and enrolling nearly all children in the primary school years.
At an event held in Delhi to mark the occasion, Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to India, recalled that the EU was the Indian government's first development partner in education through its participation in the 155 districts initially selected under District Primary Education Programme in 1994. The Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK and the World Bank joined subsequently as partners.
"As the number of children being enrolled in and completing primary school rose, we extended our support to the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for elementary education up to Grade VIII in 2002, and the RMSA for secondary education in 2012" Kozlowski remarked. The EU has also provided euro 32 million to the Chhattisgarh from 2006-2015 for improving elementary education.
These programmes anticipated and then supported the implementation of the Right to Education Act of 2009, which made elementary education compulsory. The sector support programme has been a model of development cooperation, with Joint Review Missions taking stock of progress every six months and adjusting elements of the programme accordingly. This has contributed to rapid progress in setting up schools, training teachers and enrolling students, the Ambassador said while thanking the Ministry of Human Resource Development and all the partners for their cooperation, the statement said.
Speaking on the occasion Ajay Tirkey, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, thanked the European Union for its pioneering initiative and long-term commitment to education over the last 23 years and said that the development partnership had contributed both financially as well as in terms of new approaches and new ideas.
World Bank Country Director Junaid Ahmad said it was a proud moment to have partnered with the EU in the education sector in India.
India has more than 1.5 million schools in the public and private sectors, with over 227 million children enrolled. Around 1.29 million or 84.7 per cent are in the rural areas. The reduction of dropout rates and the improvement of education outcomes as measured by various surveys are the main challenge for school policy makers and public authorities, going forward.
BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday held discussions with senior ministers Rajnath Singh, M Venkaiah Naidu and Arun Jaitley, who comprise the three-member team constituted by him to evolve consensus with other parties on the presidential candidate.
"We have today (Tuesday) begun the process by discussing within. We had a discussion with President Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. We also talked to (Home Minister) Rajnathji, who is in Mizoram. In the coming days, we will be talking among ourselves and then to other political parties. We will meet them and discuss with them and will try our best to garner their support," Naidu told a press conference later.
He said the government side will talk to all political parties and make all efforts to evolve a "broad consensus" on the candidate and sought the cooperation of the opposition parties in this regard.
Naidu was replying to a question whether the government would reach out to opposition parties to evolve a consensus on the presidential candidate.
"We have just started the process because we are the ruling party and we have the responsibility to take every one on board. So, we will make our efforts in the direction to evolve a broad consensus and then also try to seek support that is what we are going to do.
"It will be done in true spirit of democracy. Going by the mandate of the people and the mandate of people is for the government I appeal to all to understand that spirit and try to cooperate. We will be discussing with them to try to find out what their suggestions are," Naidu said.
The term of President Pranab Mukherjee gets over on July 24 and the process of electing a new President gets under way from Wednesday with the issue of notification in this regard.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia next week, avoiding a possible confrontation with the United States and its allies over his war in Ukraine.
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The last days of the Newfie Pride
There were many nights he didnt sleep. The numbers and scenarios turned over and over in his mind, making rest impossible. Id get up two, three oclock in the morning, night after night, come out to the kitchen table and work the numbers every ...
Central government employees, on several occasions, have expressed their disappointment over the long delay in rolling in out revised allowances.
By India Today Web Desk: The Narendra Modi-led cabinet is likely to meet tomorrow and is expected to take a decision on revised allowances under the Seventh Pay Commission.
According to reports, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to table the proposal for the revised allowance structure at the Cabinet meet--the move will benefit nearly 50 lakh Central government employees.
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The Union cabinet could not take the subject of allowances in its last meeting on June 7.
Central government employees, on several occasions, have expressed their disappointment over the long delay in rolling in out revised allowances.
HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION REPORT ON ALLOWANCES: If reports are to be believed, Central government employees are likely to start getting revised allowances under the Seventh Pay Commission from July. The Central government, however, may not be keen on giving arrears on allowances, a demand repeatedly raised by employees. According to some reports, employee unions have planned protests if the demand of arrears on allowances is not met. The Seventh Pay Commission recommended axing 53 of the 196 allowances that Central government employees get besides merging 36 smaller allowances into bigger ones. The pay commission also suggested bringing down the House Rent Allowance (HRA) rates for Central government employees by varying degrees depending on the type of city. For instance, the pay commission recommended reducing the HRA for Metros from 30 per cent to 24 per cent. The axing of allowances, and a slash in HRA rates by the Seventh Pay Commission did not go down well with Central government employees. A Committee on Allowances was formed under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to review the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission in July last year. The Lavasa panel submitted its report to Arun Jaitley on April 27 after missing two deadlines. "Modifications have been suggested in some allowances which are applicable universally to all Central government employees as well as certain other allowances which apply to specific employee categories," a Finance Ministry statement said a day after Lavasa panel submitted its report. The Ashok Lavasa report was sent to the Department of Expenditure for a first round of review before being placed before the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) for another round of screening. Representatives of Central government employees wrote to Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and said that employees were clueless about the recommendations of the Ashok Lavasa Committee on Allowances. They also expressed anguish over inordinate delay in implementation of the Lavasa panel's report. After screening the Ashok Lavasa report on allowances, the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) forwarded the report along with its suggestions to the government after a June 1 meeting. Central government employees are now waiting for the good news on allowances.
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Small-time actress Kritika Choudhary (30) was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her residence in suburban Andheri today, police said.
By Press Trust of India: Small-time actress Kritika Choudhary (30) was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her residence in suburban Andheri today, police said.
Police suspect it to be a case of murder, an investigating official said.
The incident came to light at around 3:45 pm when Choudhary's neighbours complained of foul smell emanating from her flat and informed police.
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Choudhary was a resident of Bhairavnath Society in Char Bungalow area in Andheri West.
After getting the information, Amboli police rushed to the spot and broke open the door which was locked from outside for the last three-four days, an official said.
After entering her flat, police found a decomposed body of a woman, who was later identified as Choudhary, he said.
Initially, Amboli police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), the official said, adding that it came to fore during the investigation that Choudhary was murdered by unidentified person(s).
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The air embargo imposed on Qatar only applies to airlines from Qatar or registered there, the United Arab Emirates Civil Aviation Authority said today.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain issued identical statements on the air embargo, which came into effect when Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Manama broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting "terrorism".
Meanwhile, Qatar has asked the United Nations' aviation agency to intervene in an airspace rights' dispute with three Gulf states following an escalating diplomatic row and trade blockade, two sources familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Qatar has sent a letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) governing council in an effort to resolve the dispute after Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain closed their airspace to Qatari flights.The Gulf state has indicated that it will ask the council to resolve the conflict, one of the sources said, using a dispute resolution mechanism under the 1944 Chicago Convention which is overseen by ICAO.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because council business is discussed in private.Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar a week ago, accusing it of fomenting regional unrest, supporting terrorism and getting too close to Iran, all of which Doha denies.The biggest diplomatic rift in years among the rich states of the Gulf has disrupted Qatar's imports of food and other materials, although its finance minister has played down the economic toll of the confrontation.
It is not yet clear whether the ICAO council, which is holding regularly scheduled meetings in Montreal this week, would agree to intervene, and how long any efforts would take. The matter is expected to be discussed at council by Friday, said one of the sources. "I would not expect any overnight resolutions," he said. ICAO spokesman William Raillant-Clark said the agency could not make an immediate comment.
The UN aviation agency, which is headquartered in Montreal, does not impose binding rules, but wields clout through safety and security standards that are usually followed by its 191-member countries.
Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya will face extradition hearing in London's Westminster Magistrates Court today where the Crown Prosecution Service, the principal public prosecuting agency in England and Wales, will be arguing the case on behalf of India.
The absconding businessman was arrested by the Scotland Yard on fraud allegations, which triggered his extradition process in the British courts.
Mallya was, however, released on bail, within hours of his arrest, as he assured the court to abide by all conditions associated with extradition proceedings, including surrendering his passport.
Despite the extradition treaty signed in 1992 between India and the UK, only one successful extradition has taken placeSamirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in October 2016 to face trial over his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002, the report says.
In April this year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that Mallya's extradition was stratified by the Secretary of State of the UK government and added a warrant would soon be released against him.
Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines allegedly owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016.
India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the extradition treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale, a diplomatic communication, on February 8.
Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was arrested on Tuesday under Section 151 near Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh.
Scindia, along with his supporters, were stopped from entering Mandsaur at Dhodar while en route to meet the kin of farmers' killed in police firing during an agitation.
Section 151 in The Indian Penal Code (IPC) refers to a situation wherein a person or persons knowingly join or continue in assembly of five or more persons after being commanded to disperse.
Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
If the assembly is an unlawful assembly within the meaning of section 141, the offender will be punishable under section 145.
Speaking to the reporters, Scindia said, "144 laga hai to maine police ko kaha hai mai akele jaunga. Kaun rok sakta hai agar ek insaan akele jana chahta hai?" (I have told the police that if I am charged with 144 then I will go alone. Who can stop if a person wants to go alone?)
Meanwhile, curfew has been lifted from Mandsaur, but prohibitory orders remain.
The state government has issued a notification for the judicial probe into Mandsaur violence. Retired Justice J. K. Jain will head the one-member judicial commission.
The single member commission will probe under what circumstances the farmers were killed in the agitation.
Over a dozen firms engaged in cross-LoC trade since October 2008 are under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) scanner as part of its probe against separatist leaders allegedly receiving terror-funding by Pakistan-based organisations to stoke unrest in the Kashmir Valley.
Top NIA sources said that "dubious transactions" of several traders, whose names have been withheld considering the gravity of the case, raised suspicions about their close connections with banned Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organisations.
NIA investigators also found inputs regarding channelling of money to Kashmiri separatist leaders through these "suspected" traders. The firms run by these traders are engaged in barter trade with some Pakistan-based individuals or companies and were found to be under-invoicing the import of goods, like leather articles, dry fruitsespecially dates and California almonds (badam giri)surgical instruments, zinc and oil seeds.
The NIA suspects that "crores of rupees" had been handed over to separatist leaders by the LeT, Hizb and Pakistan's spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) through these traders and other sources for fuelling the prolonged unrest in the Valley last year after the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8.
The agency has seized several bank accounts and ledgers of these traders who are active in the cross-border trade with Pakistan-administered Kashmir that was allowed in October 2008 as a major confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan.
The NIA has alleged that since the cross-LoC trade began, some businessmen "under- or over-invoiced" their bills, and the difference in payment was later used for promoting subversive activities in the Valley.
The counter-terror agency is also investigating the inflow of money routed during the cross-border tradewhich is against the trade rules of the barter system under which only goods can be exchanged, an official said.
The trade is conducted at two points across the Line of Controlthe de facto boundary in Kashmir between India and Pakistan: Chakan-da-bagh-Rawalakote route in Jammu and Salamabad-Chokoti in Kashmir.
The NIA's move comes after the agency converted a May 19 preliminary enquiry against Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his close aide and Hurriyat provincial President Nayeem Khan, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Farooq Ahmed Dar alias "Bitta Karate" and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Ghazi Javed Baba into a regular case.
The preliminary enquiry was converted into an FIR against Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and other Pakistan-based terror agencies last week.
The FIR, which does not name any of the separatist leaders, was registered under legal provisions dealing with waging war or attempting to wage war against India, criminal conspiracy, and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ul Dawah, the front of the banned LeT, has been named in the NIA's FIR.
The NIA has so far questioned over half a dozen people, including Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah, in connection with the case.
Last week, the NIA carried out raids at 26 places and the following day at seven places across Srinagar, Delhi and Haryana in connection with the terror-funding probe.
This is the first time since the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the early 1990s that a central probe agency has carried out raids in connection with funding of separatists.
The NIA investigation seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, including those who throw stones at security forces, burn down schools and damage government establishments.
(From IANS)
The European Union will shortly release the final tranche of 25 million euros of its promised 80 million euros for the India's school programmes. The money will be used for setting up new schools, improving existing ones, schooling the poor and girl students, training teachers, and enrolling children in primary classesall under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.
This will conclude the EU's commitment to support schooling in India, to which it has contributed over 520 million (current value Rs 3700 crore) as grants.
Announcing the fund release decision, Tomasz Kozlowski, the EU's ambassador to India, recalled that the EU was India's first development partner in education. The EU had aided the 1994 District Primary Education Programme, in which the UK's Department for International Development and the World Bank joined later as partners.
India has more than 1.5 million public and private schools, which have over 227 million children on the rolls. Around 1.29 million or 84.7% are in villages where dropout rates have been high.
"As the number of children being enrolled in and completing primary school rose, we extended our support to the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for elementary education up to Grade VIII in 2002, and the RMSA for secondary education in 2012," said Kozlowski. The EU has also provided 32 million euros to Chhattisgarh between 2006 and 2015 for improving primary schooling.
Ajay Tirkey, joint secretary in the ministry of human resource development, pointed out that the EU not only funded the programmes, but also has given new ideas and approaches.
Discernible dalit anger is building against the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP governemnt in Uttar Pradesh. And not surprisingly, this is brewing thanks to the continuing upper caste high-handedness in a village near Saharanpur, described as the communal lab of the country.
Dalit experts believe this can be a uniting factor. They are quick to point out that Yogi Adityanath is a dalit himself. If the excesses do not stop, they warned the chances of a caste-conflict cannot be ruled out.
More than 120 organisations of dalit youth across the state have come together to challenge the attack on their community. They have also begun using the social media, taking strong exception to the increasing abuses against their icons, including B.R. Ambedkar and Mayawati.
It is argued that activists of the Hindutva lobby always had two enemiesMuslims and dalits. The minority community has been fearful of the BJP regime, which is now ruling both at the Centre as well as the crucial and most populous state.
Dalits have become an easy target. The Rajputs appear to be emboldened with Yogi Adityanath's chief ministership. Considering the caste complexities in UP, it is widely apprehended the tormentors of the dalits are back along with untouchability.
Many analysts believe Western UP could well become the nerve-centre of the country's dalit politics in the near future, with hindutva activists becoming more aggressively active in the region.
The disturbances are attributed to the upper castes that could not tolerate political empowerment of dalits.
The upper castes also resent the 'Jai Bheem' slogan, a symbol of empowerment for dalits. For a while in the wake of disunity among its ranks, the dalit movement had weakened. With the community votes divided in different parties, they are now realising their political blunder.
This is particularly so after BSP supremo Mayawati squandering Kanshi Ram's legacy, with caste attrocities against dalits increasing under her rule.
Dalit aggression can provoke Muslims to retaliate. All this is bound to affect Mayawati adversely who, as the flag-bearer of the dalits was soundly defeated in both the general elections in 2014 and the recent assembly elections.
Her stock is at an all-time low. Recovering from this situation appears bleak for Mayawati. Dalits are now realising the harsh ground realities.
The Bhim Sena has been afforded an opening to step in and make its presence felt. It is significantly linked to the declining representation of dalit interests and ideology in the state apparatus, first under the SP and now with the BJP at the helm of affairs. The Bhim Sena is viewed more as following the Ambedkar tradition of politics.
The Samajwadi party as the other regional heavyweight in UP also failed miserably having been in power on its own for five years from 2012. Their truck with the Congress backfired badly.
The BJP's strategy of wooing the OBCs among the Muslims as well as the dalits paid rich dividends. Their gambit of polarisation succeeded much the same way as it did in the general elections in 2014.
The BJP brass has impressed upon the chief minister to ensure that the clashes did not spread to other districts and there is even-handedness in administering the state. Any fresh dalit-thakur clashes can put the Yogi Adityanath-government under strain.
The dalits have alleged collusion between Yogi Adityanath and his thakur brethren. There is fear among the dalits that the dominant thakur community will continue to harass and force them to leave the village.
The clash happened last month on May 5, when the thakurs took out a Maharana Memorial procession in which sixty dwellings were burnt down.
With the BJP indulging in majoritarian politics and continuing attacks on Muslims by the self-styled 'gau rakshaks' in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryanaall ruled by the saffron brigadehas created fear and discrimination against the Muslims.
Dalits are reaching out to Muslims for mutual support and solidarity. The Bhim Army, spearheaded by a young lawyer, Chandrashekhar, seen as a replacement for Mayawati, is seeking cooperation from the yadavs, valmikis and other OBCs. With deprivation and discrimination binding them, they see a common adversary in the upper caste-led Lotus party.
Caste continues to be a central challenge for the BJP. If there exists any major contradiction in society that can be mobilised against the BJP, it remains the caste factor, dalit experts maintained.
In a fresh push for generic drugs, the Centre is planning to open Janaushadhi Kendras at railways stations across India. Currently, there are over 1,600 Janaushadhi Kendras in over 450 districts across the country, that have opened under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), said Anand Kumar, minister for chemicals and fertilizers at a press conference on Tuesday.
The decision to open the stores selling generic medicines at railways stations came after Kumar's detailed discussion with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. We will utilise the vast railway infrastructure to increase accessibility of cheap, quality generic drugs for the common man, said Kumar.
The emphasis on generic drugs, particularly by the union ministry of health and family welfare as well as Kumar's ministry, can be traced to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement in April on making generic drugs mandatory.
The move generated controversy, particularly by doctors, who insisted that they needed to retain the autonomy to write prescriptions based on their experience. Last week too, thousands of doctors affiliated to the Indian Medical Association protested in New Delhi, citing the generic drug decision as one of their concerns.
Doctors have also cited the issue of drug quality among generic drugs. Kumar, however, insisted that the drugs available at these stores meet the WHO GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) benchmarks.
At the press meet, it was announced that both Kumar and Prabhu had directed senior officers in their ministries to work out the modalities and the strategy for rolling out the plan to open these stores at railway stations.
Having these stores at major railway stations might help increase access to cheap, generic drugs, but for the plan to succeed, the government will have to address issues of quality, and also ensure that an adequate supply of essential drugs is maintained at these shops.
A Hami melon is so much like Xinjiang. A white filigree runs over its yellow rind. So much like a map, or like the pattern on a bottle of Old Monk rum. And, under the melons intriguing skin lies pale yellow bliss. The melon is a gift of the desert. So is Xinjiang, the province that hides much under its skin.
A string of high-altitude oases, this province lies at the heart of Chinas One Belt One Road initiative. Look out of the window before the aircraft descends into Urumqi, and see a land painted in varying shades of grey. The retiring sun smears gold on the snow-capped crags of the Tian Shan range. And, then, Urumqi. A flash of green. A blaze on the horizon.
Urumqi is more than a city on the ancient Silk Route. It is a conversation between cultures, between time. Uyghur Muslims make up close to 46 per cent of the province, but there are many more ethnicities in the mosaic. Just as Perth is the worlds most remote city, Urumqi is the city farthest from the sea. And, it is the heart of Asia. Twenty-five kilometres from Urumqi, stands an 18m tower to mark the geographical centre of the continent. Of course, such a marker does not go uncontested. The Russians say the heart of Asia lies in Kyzyl, in the Tyva Republic.
However, Urumqis remoteness does not put it too far from Beijing. Everything, from architecture to infrastructure and agriculture, has a Beijing touch. For example, here, the sunset is at around 9pm, Beijing Time. Beijing goes to work at around 8am, and, to compensate, Urumqi clocks in at 10am.
To begin with, Beijing has eight reasons to keep a firm hand on XinjiangRussia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Eight countries border this one province, making it a bridgehead in Eurasia. The province has identified reserves of 139 types of minerals. For example, 30 per cent of Chinas onshore oil reserves and 40 per cent of coal reserves lie here. Add to all these the fact that 54 countries have invested in Xinjiang.
So, Chinas core interest in Xinjiang is not simply hegemonic as made out to be. It is commercial. Beijings policies in the province should be seen in this perspective. The same applies to OBOR. It is an investment and China is committed to dealing with the risks appropriately.
In his keynote address at the Belt and Road Forum on May 14, President Xi Jinping dropped a broad hint: Finance is the lifeblood of modern economy. Only when the blood circulates smoothly can one grow. Even when Xi first broached the OBOR dream in 2013, market-watchers had speculated that it could be rooted in Chinas need to create new markets and improve its return on investment. Peter Wong Tung Shun, deputy chairman and chief executive, HSBC, said recently that OBOR could also be aimed at pushing the internationalisation of the yuan.
On May 24, 2017, Moodys Investors Service downgraded Chinas credit ratings for the first time in 30 years. Moodys said the downgrade reflected the expectation that Chinas financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years, with economy-wide debt continuing to rise as potential growth slows.
The Chinese finance ministry said Moodys was exaggerating the difficulties and underestimating Chinas ability to deepen supply-side structural reform and appropriately expand aggregate demand. Thats true to an extent, considering that state control over major sectors is significant and, perhaps, without parallel.
OBOR factors greatly in Beijings plan to boost demand. And, Chinas strategy in Xinjiang could be seen as a model for OBOR. For example, Xis worry about circulation could be applied in Xinjiang. The landlocked province has not seen as much rapid development as provinces on the seaboard.
Ghayarat Salief, deputy director (Information), Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, told THE WEEK that geography was a major challenge in the province. We are an oasis economy, and it was tough to connect these isolated pockets. Also, the return on investment was slow. But, that has changed vastly with high-speed rail connectivity, airports and roads. OBOR will take this further. Salief said that the change was powered by a mix of favourable financial policy and infrastructure development.
Officials in Xinjiang said that one of the policy initiatives that has seen success is the pairing assistance programme, where provinces that were strong in certain areas were asked to help those that were not. This peer to peer assistance can go down to municipal level and it is not restricted to industries.
Xinjiangs Hotan prefecture, for example, has cotton and jujube farms owned by farmers who were originally from Gansu, Henan and Shandong provinces. China-watchers say the pairing assistance programme has the additional thrust of domestically managing the countrys excess capacity in certain sectors. Interestingly enough, managing excess capacity is also considered to be one of the core drivers of OBOR.
Another takeaway from Xinjiang could be security. The international community has been very critical of what is seen as Han domination of Muslim Uyghurs. But, the Uyghurs THE WEEK met had a different story to tell. Yes, Beijing is watchful. But, the scrutiny mostly does not impinge upon the way Islam has traditionally been practised here. For example, Uyghur women dont wear the burqa, names do not sound Muslim, their embroidery is exceptional and it is not restricted to geometric shapes. While the Taliban frowns on music and dance, Uyghurs celebrate with dances and with the magnificent muqam, a mix of music and theatre. And, in a land famous for dried fruits, tomatoes and the famed Turpan grapes, who says no to a glass of wine?
Tip of the spear: Chinese marines training in Xinjiang. Beijing has sanctioned a 400 per cent increase in the number of marines | Reuters
Beijing clearly does not want Islamic monoculture in Xinjiang. Terror attacks and the assassination of two progressive mullahs have raised the ire of the administration. China has always accused the west of double standards, when it comes to dealing with radical Islam. They can have boots on the ground in Afghanistan, but we cannot defend ourselves from terrorists? an official, who did not wish to be named, asked THE WEEK.
In his first message as the caliph of Islamic State, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi named China as a target. The threat did not come as a surprise, considering that China has had credible evidence of links between al-Qaeda and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) since 1999. ETIMs stated agenda is the separation of Xinjiang from China. While China has dealt with its domestic terror concerns swiftly and unmercifully, it has not been part of international anti-terror missions. But, OBOR will change that.
In November 2015, IS executed a Chinese citizen for the first time. The next week, IS affiliates attacked the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, Mali, killing 22three were Chinese nationals working for the state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation. Mathieu Duchatel, deputy director (Asia and China programme), European Council on Foreign Relations, observed: Chinas global footprint means that it has global exposure to terrorist risks. Meanwhile, Chinas ambitious plans for Eurasian integration, which involve a new wave of outward investment and a new wave of Chinese citizens settling overseas, mean those risks are likely to increase in the coming years.
The comprehensive anti-terror law passed in December 2015 is seen as part of its reaction to this risk. The law provides for China to seek international cooperation in its anti-terror efforts, and allows Chinese forces to participate in counter-terror ops abroad. Lu Kang, director-general (information), ministry of foreign affairs, said that the law is the answer to the latest situation and our objective needs.
In January 2016, the marines corps of the Chinese Navy held a field drill in the Gobi desert, in Xinjiang. It was the corpss first ever exercise in the region, which is around 2,000km from the nearest ocean. Defence analysts had observed then that Beijing had just taken a page out of Americas playbook.
The marines were being moved from their traditional amphibious assault role to that of an expeditionary force. This March, Beijing announced a 400 per cent increase in the number of its Marines, from 20,000 to one lakh. Main overseas stations of the force are expected to be Djibouti and Gwadar port, Pakistan. Both places figure in the larger OBOR map.
Now, the final question. Is OBOR merely a land and sea trade network? Of course, not. The most credible proof lies in Chinas exploration of the Northwest Passage, the fabled shortcut from the Pacific to the Atlantic, which offers Chinese merchant vessels a faster passage all the way to the US east coast, than through the Panama Canal or around Cape Horn. With global warming opening previously icebound shipping lanes, China COSCO Shipping has been sending vessels on this route.
OBOR is President Xis Great Wall, and, in it, he sees the possible extension of the Chinese philosophy, and the opportunity to step into a vacuum left behind by an increasingly insular America.
THE WEEK was hosted in China by the information office, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
At least 125 people have been killed in three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to rains induced massive landslides.
By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: At least 125 people have been killed in three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to heavy rains induced landslide.
The Bangladesh Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate said that 4 soldiers including 2 Army officers have died in the landslide.
News of several people missing in different places has been reported following the landslide.
The affected areas are known to be thickly populated. Sources said that the number of casualties is likely to be higher. The army, fire service and law enforcing agencies are conducting rescue operations.
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Chittagong, Rangamati Bandarban have been witnessing heavy rains since Sunday due to the depression caused in the Bay of Bengal. There have been reports of road blocks and power supply crisis in different areas.
The fire service official said that nearly 88 people have been killed in Rangamati city and several upazilas due to heavy rains.
The government has said that at least 4,000 people have been taken to 18 shelters where the hill collapse occurred.
ALSO READ : If Bangladesh wants, India will support during eleventh national election
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ALSO WATCH: One soldier killed in unprovoked firing by India, claims Pakistan Army
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All men have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, wrote Thomas Jefferson in the American Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was an epicurean, but a pragmatist: He knew people will look for happiness, but he also knew that most people wouldnt find it. Hence the guarantee, in the American constitution, of the right to pursuit of happiness and not of happiness itself.
A sharp-witted polymath, Jefferson would have fitted in with the host of eminent persons who graced the Manorama News Conclave on Happiness, the first-of-its kind conclave in Kerala held at Le Meridian in Kochi on June 3. Across several sessions of stimulating discussions, on themes as varied as governance and spirituality, and economy and arts, they shared their views on how Malayalis ought to pursue happiness.
The timing was appropriate: A survey conducted in the weeks leading up to the conclave had revealed that the happiness index of Malayalis stood at a dismal 4.4 out of 10. Most people worried about corruption and social security of the elderly. Apparently, the fact that most of them were satisfied with their health and living standards was not reassuring enough.
In the session titled State of Happiness, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar suggested that people did not realise that happiness was within them. Someone asked me, in Los Angeles the other day, What makes you happy? I said, What do you mean? I am happiness.
While Ravi Shankars spiritual insights drew much appreciation from the audience, the man who succeeded him on stage, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant had material matters on mind. With the Gulf boom coming to a close, he said, Kerala was at the crossroads. It needed to discover growth engines, get rid of rules that kill businesses and tourism, and focus on sustainable development.
The Malayalis must get it into their minds that there is nothing wrong in creating wealth, said Kant. Even in Bhutan [which relies on gross national happiness index], the king has said that the people must have the freedom to create wealth.
Breaking News or Happiness had journalists Barkha Dutt, Vinod K. Jose and Dhanya Rajendran and writer N.S. Madhavan talking about the state of the Indian media. Dutt said people had been cribbing about what they watch keenly, while Jose said the rich and the powerful should not dictate journalism.
IPS officers K. Sethuraman and Merin Joseph and IAS officer Sriram Venkataraman discussed the role of bureaucrats. We think most people want to do their job in peace, said Venkataraman, whose moves to evict encroachers in Munnar ruffled many a political feather recently. But think of a sub-inspector of police. Would we be able to lead a peaceful life if he is bent on avoiding conflicts? For some people, peace is not synonymous with happiness. They derive happiness from doing their duty.
The session on Gender of Happiness had actor Manju Warrier as moderator and writer Anita Nair, Olympian Anju Bobby George and Divya S. Iyer, IAS, as participants. Anita Nair said that the pressure on women to exercise moderation had never waned in Kerala. The male scrutiny defines what a woman does, she said. Othukkam (modesty), which is religiously preached by our society, is a product of that.
In Happinomics, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, noted bureaucrat V.J. Kurian and entrepreneurs Azad Moopen and Navas Meeran roadmapped Keralas economic progress. Manifesto of Happiness, on the importance of credible politics, crackled with the witty banter among panellists: Jairam Ramesh of the Congress, Subramanian Swamy of the BJP and Nilotpal Basu of the CPI(M). Basu set the tone, saying that he was surprised that he was invited to the conclave, because the common refrain about us, the communists, is that we try to discover unhappiness.
The concluding session, Cinema: Happy with the Big?, explored whether blockbusters like Baahubali were boon or bane for the Malayalam film industry. A bane, no doubt. It will kill the ecosystem that fosters creativity and talent, two factors that make Malayalam films great, said award-winning filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Art director Sabu Cyril, who was part of the Baahubali crew, partly agreed, saying, Malayalis need not make big-budget films; we can watch the ones others make. It is all about setting your priorities and budget right.
In his valedictory address, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, Dont survive only on remittance economy. Keralites have a lot of potential. Keep it up with good governance and good politics.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had inaugurated the conclave. He said people in Kerala were reluctant to see others unhappy. Happiness, according to him, had become a basic right here. The government is duty-bound to provide maximum happiness to all, said Vijayan.
It was a happy coincidence that, an hour after he left the conclave venue, the chief minister boarded the Kochi Metro to inspect the operational aspects of the project. The metro will form the backbone of the proposed integrated public transport system, which is expected to significantly ease the traffic woes of Keralas commercial capital. Vijayan took a ride on phase-I of the metro, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17. For most Malayalis, Kochi Metro is a dream come true, one that symbolises a giant leap in their pursuit of happiness.
Jefferson would surely have approved.
The Tourism Ministry and Hainan Airlines announced on Sunday morning 17 Sivan 5777 the signing of a marketing agreement to open a new route between Shanghai and Tel Aviv. This step makes Hainan Airlines the first airline to operate regular flights between the economic capital of China and Israel. Because of the signing of the agreement, tickets can be reserved from today on this route.
In the last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists and business people visiting Israel from China. The new route is expected to increase these numbers further, while providing good news to the Israeli consumer who can now enjoy a new destination in the Far East. The entry of Hainan Airlines into Israels skies has brought a significant reduction in prices, and it is anticipated that this will happen on the new route as well.
Beginning September 12, Hainan Airlines will operate three direct weekly flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, using their new Dreamliner planes (787-900). The flights will depart from Ben-Gurion Airport at 13:55 local time and land in Shanghai at 05:30 the following day. The flights will leave Shanghai at 01:25, landing in Ben-Gurion at 08:30 the same day. According to Hainan Airlines, the ticket prices for a return journey will begin from $669 in economy class and from $2,749 in business class.
The company has also decided to add another flight to the current four weekly flights on the Tel Aviv-Beijing route due to increased demand, beginning September.
The entry of Hainan Airlines into the Israeli market in April 2016 changed the face of incoming tourism from China, leading to a significant drop in airfares. In its first year of operations in Israel, Hainan Airlines flew 76,649 passengers on its direct flights into Israel from Beijing. Today, the company accounts for 63% of the direct flights between China and Israel, with Chinese passengers accounting for about 70% of all flights and Israelis 30%. In the period January April 2017, 35,800 tourist entries from China were recorded, 116% increase on the same period last year.
According to the company, Hainan Airlines, with its fleet of 177 airplanes, is the fourth largest airline in China and the largest private airline in the country.
Tourism Minister Yariv Levin: I congratulate Hainan Airlines on opening a new route from Shanghai, another direct route that will bring record numbers of tourists from China. We set as our goal to encourage and assist airlines to open new direct routes from destinations that hold potential for incoming tourism to Israel and I am pleased that Hainan Airlines expresses a vote of confidence in us and continues its cooperation with us in its operations in Israel.
Li Liang, General Manager, Hainan Airlines: We are very excited to announce the opening of a new direct route from Shanghai. We thank Minister Levin and his ministry for the important support we received through this process. There is no precedent in the company for opening another route less than a year after opening the inaugural route from Beijing. This is an amazing vote of confidence from the airline in the Israeli market and our cooperation with the Israeli government. We have no doubt that the new route from Shanghai will continue to boost the number of tourists visiting Israel from China and will serve as another bridge in strengthening the commercial ties between China and Israel. Today, we operate four weekly flights from Beijing which exceeds our expectations and we are sure that the three weekly flights from Shanghai will enjoy remarkable success. Shanghai holds a unique place in the historical connection between China and the Jewish people, when the city absorbed 30,000 Jews fleeing Europe during the Second World War. We are proud to strengthen this connection today with the launch of the first direct route between the commercial capital of China and Israel. We will operate our new Dreamliner 787-900 on the route and we will soon see the launch of deals to serve the Israeli public.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A female government employee was kicked by a man as she observed fast during Ramazan and came late to work. The man who assaulted the woman has also been in fights with others as well.
By India Today Web Desk: A female government employee was assaulted by her male colleague in Karnataka's Raichur district.
The footage caught on camera showed Sharanappa, a contractual employee, assaulting Nasreen who works at Sindhanur City Municipal Council (SCMC). He had kicked Nasreen after they got into an argument as she came late to work. Reportedly, Sharanappa, who is a computer operator, had been involved in fights with others as well.
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According to the police official, at the time of incident Nasreen was observing fast during Ramazan. After she filed a complaint against Sharanappa, he was arrested by the police.
#CAUGHTONCAM: Sindhanur City Municipal Council employee kicks a woman colleague, in Karnataka's Raichur. Accused arrested, case registered. pic.twitter.com/X2lYckClXI- ANI (@ANI_news) June 13, 2017
SCMC official told, "following the woman's complaint, her male colleague has been dismissed and handed over to police."
"Sharanappa is a contractual employee and the Council had no idea about the incident. We came to know about it only after police informed that Nasreen has complained against Sharanappa," he further added.
The incident occurred last Saturday which was a holiday but Sharanappa and Nasreen were asked to work to clear backlog.
FYI || Watch: Kerala man enters college bus, abuses driver, assaults female student and flees the spot ||
FYI || Radical Islamists troll, threaten, abuse Muslim woman for singing Hindu devotional song ||
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(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)
14 years ago, on June 11th, 2003, Alan Beer HYD and 16 other people HYD were murdered by a terrorist who blew himself up on the 14a bus at Davidka Square. The family of Alan Beer sued for damages from Iran and other entities that support terror and were victorious in their lawsuit. From the penalties awarded, only a small amount ever reached the family and they decided to utilize this money and inaugurate a mobile intensive care ambulance that will save lives in the city in which the terror attack was carried out.
14 years to the day, in the very spot of the terror attack, Davidka Square, the relatives of slain Alan Beer stood together with family members of other victims, as well as EMS and hospital personnel who treated the victims from that heinous attack. In their presence, the ambulance was unveiled and a Sefer Torah was written in honor of the fallen.
Alan hailed from Cleveland, Ohio and was a new immigrant to Israel. He had been in the country for only a few months when his life was cut short by the tragic attack. In the words of his sister Cookie Maisel who spoke at the dedication, Alan loved Jerusalem. He loved it and he loved the people in it. He loved talking with them and hearing their stories. It is why he took the bus instead of driving his own car. What better way to pay tribute to him than by dedicating an ambulance that will save the lives of people in the city that he loved so much.
The ambulance was dedicated to United Hatzalah and will serve as the organizations first ICU ambulance.
Dov Maisel, Vice President of International Operations of United Hatzalah and the nephew of Alan, was one of the first responders at the scene of the attack. He was the EMS responder who found his uncle amid the rubble after the blast. Today, in this very spot, we are closing a circle. 14 years ago, my uncle, Alan was murdered together with 16 other people, while over 100 were injured amid the chaos of the 14a bus bombing. At this place, where friends and family members lost their lives we are inaugurating a new mobile intensive care unit that will save lives, he said.
President and Founder of United Hatzalah Eli Beer said following the event, This ICU ambulance will join the other 24 active ambulances across the country and will save lives of all citizens of Israel, regardless of race, religion or background. We are incredibly excited as an organization to honor the memory of our beloved Alan Beer, whose life was taken from us before his time. By helping us to save lives in Israel we hope that his memory may live on among the heroes of Israel. Alans family was generous enough to donate the mobile ICU to United Hatzalah so that this vehicle will be able to save lives without cost to the patients. Being able to inaugurate the vehicle in the very spot that Alans life was taken away together with 16 other victims of the heinous attack, has brought a small sense of relief to the family and to all of us as a nation.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: United Hatzalah)
Haaretz reports on Monday morning 18 Sivan that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, accompanied by opposition leader MK Yitzchak Herzog, secretly met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The report states the meeting took place in the Presidential Palace in April 2016 during the time period when Herzog was in contact with the prime minister about possibly entering the coalition government.
The traveled with a number of advisors on a private jet, late at night, from an airport in the center of the country directly to Cairo. From their they traveled directly to the presidential palace for the meeting, which surrounding political steps to advance a regional diplomatic policy. They were back in Israel before sunrise.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
In his words describing anger among chareidi elected officials pertaining to Chilul Shabbos on Ayalon Highway work, Transportation Minister (Likud) Yisrael Katz last week called it an artificial crisis, playing down chareidi anger. This was days before workers would once again be mechalel Shabbos working on the highway project.
The chareidim insist the work was not pikuach nefesh and therefore, it could have been done during the week.
The work in question was on the Ayalon in the southbound direction between Rokeach Interchange and Arlozoroff Interchange from Friday night at 11:00PM until 4:00PM on Shabbos day.
The chareidi elected officials are becoming increasingly audible in their protest, beginning to hint at a coalition crisis. The daily Hamodia reports that Health Minister Yaakov Litzman turned to Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz to point out the severity of the incident. He instructed him to intervene to prevent future Chilul Shabbos, which Litzman pointed out is not pikuach nefesh and therefore unjustifiable on Shabbos.
MK Moshe Gafne also commented, explaining he has been informed by the Minister of Labor the workers were non-Jews and only the minimum work was done however, he does not find this to be an acceptable situation. MK Uri Maklev added that the policy is such because Shabbos is not perceived as paramount but as secondary. Maklev feels that when repairs and maintenance is planned, kedushas Shabbos must be considered in advance.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The following is being reported, albeit without names, because such a scenario can happen in many homes and one must learn the painful lesson of this couple, whose entire life has been turned around by the events that have taken place.
Bnei Brak violence has led to the hospitalization of a seven-week-old baby, who has sustained a fractured skull RL. Police report the father, 37, attacked his wife and while the attack was taking place, the infant was injured too.
The father was arrested, telling police he had no intentions of harming their child. The court however was not sympathetic and he remains in jail.
According to a Yisrael Hayom report, police in the Dan District received a call last weekend, a complaint from a woman that she had been assaulted by her husband, who left and was living with his father. He arrived home on Thursday and an argument ensued. The wife told police she was holding their infant in her hands when he lost control and punched her with a closed fist, striking the child too. He left the home after the assault.
The infant is in Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital and has been diagnosed with a fractured skull.
The husbands attorney, Eyal Simchoni, stresses he never intended to harm or even strike the child but he tried to calm his wife who suffers from hysteria and postpartum depression.
Justice Amiad Roth extended the husbands remand for three days and ordered a preliminary psychiatric evaluation.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)
On May 22, 2017, in a Bnei Brak post office, a man left his tallis and tefilin. A cleaner found them and placed them in a closet. The following day, after visiting the post office, a suspect stole the tallis and tefilin.
The person in question is 38 and has been using the tefilin since his bar mitzvah, which he explains cost NIS 7,000 but are far more valuable sentimentally.
A police report was filed and the stolen items were found in the Krayot. A Krayot resident, 60, was taken into custody. On Monday, 18 Sivan 5777, the tallis and tefilin finally arrived back in the police station and Frist Sgt. Shlomi Bahat returned them.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Police spokesman unit)
Former President George H.W. Bush is celebrating his 93rd birthday with family on the Maine coast.
Bush was planning a low-key celebration Monday with his wife, Barbara Bush, and other family members at their summer home in Kennebunkport. She turned 92 last week.
The former president was hospitalized in the spring with a case of bronchitis, but his staff says hes doing well. He arrived in Maine last month.
Bush is the oldest living ex-president and has celebrated previous birthdays by skydiving. His last jump came when he turned 90.
His chief of staff, Jean Becker, says hes going to remain firmly planted on the ground Monday. Becker joked that she hid his parachute.
(AP)
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis blamed the inability of Congress to deliver an annual defense budget for what he called a shockingly poor state of combat readiness as the United States faces fierce rivals, including what he described as an urgent and dangerous threat from North Korea.
Testifying Monday night before the House Armed Services Committee, Mattis took aim at lawmakers for repeatedly approving short-term spending measures that provide too little money and lack the authority the service branches need to prepare their troops for the battlefield. He also faulted Capitol Hill for not repealing a law that strictly limits defense spending even though there is widespread support for doing away with the measure.
Congress has sidelined itself from its active constitutional oversight role, Mattis said. It has blocked new programs, prevented service growth, stalled industry initiative and placed troops at greater risk. Despite support from the committee, Mattis said Congress as a whole has met the present challenge with lassitude, not leadership.
Mattis, who appeared before the panel with Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said North Koreas continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them has increased in pace and scope. He called Pyongyangs programs to build weapons of mass destruction a clear and present danger to all.
The defense secretary warned that a war with North Korea would be very, very serious and be unlike anything the world has seen since 1953 when the Korean war ended. Dunford said the U.S. and its allies would win, but the casualties would be unlike anything weve seen in decades.
The committee called Mattis and Dunford to field questions about President Donald Trumps proposed military budget for the 2018 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Trump requested $639 billion for the Pentagon, including $65 billion for ongoing military operations. Yet Republican lawmakers are pressing for upward of $30 billion more to be added to the budget. They argue the extra money is needed to rebuild the military degraded by years of war and erratic budgets.
The world is not stopping and waiting on us to get our act together, said Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the committee chairman. It moves on, and it is moving in a dangerous direction.
During the wide-ranging hearing, Mattis sought congressional approval to shutter excess military bases a move the Pentagon concludes will save billions of dollars but one that lawmakers have previously rejected.
Mattis proposed a new round of base closings starting in 2021. He said the department currently has more infrastructure capacity than required for operations. That outlook wont change even if the service branches grow in size, he said. Closing the unneeded bases would save $10 billion over a five-year period, Mattis said, which could be used to acquire four nuclear submarines or dozens of jet fighters.
But military installations are prized possessions in congressional districts. The GOP-led Congress rebuffed the Obama administrations requests to reduce the number of military bases even though the Army and Air Force said they had vastly more space for training and basing troops than they need. But lawmakers have refused to go along, questioning the data and the analysis the Pentagon used to make its argument for fewer facilities.
Mattis also faced skepticism, particularly over the up-front cost required. Thornberry said it took 10 years to break even from the last time the Pentagons closed bases.
That has left a bitter taste in a lot of folks mouths, Thornberry said.
Mattis pledged to examine the data to avoid past pitfalls.
Mattis said the Trump administration continues to deliberate a new strategy for Afghanistan, telling the committee we need to do things differently.
The war in Afghanistan began in October 2001. The U.S. has about 9,800 troops there conducting counterterrorism operations against insurgents and training the Afghan army. Although they ended their combat mission against the Taliban in 2014, they are increasingly involved in backing up Afghan forces on the battlefield. The top commander there has told lawmakers he could use several thousand more U.S. troops to end the stalemate in the country.
But Mattis declined to tip his hand on the emerging blueprint, saying only that it would not rely solely on the military and a decision would be coming soon.
The bulk of the fighting will continued to be carried by the Afghan forces, he said. Mattis added that the plan would require additional money thats not in the current budget request.
(AP)
Authorities say at least 34 people were injured after elevated carbon monoxide readings were detected Tuesday morning in the basement of 60 Murray Street, a commercial building in the Tribeca section of Manhattan.
Only one person is believed to have a serious injury and was taken to New York Downtown Hospital.
An oil burner fire may have sparked the high carbon monoxide readings.
The FDNY responded to a defective oil burner in the basement at 8:28 a.m.
(Source: WABC)
ISIS is calling on supporters to carry out attacks in the United States and Europe during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that began two weeks ago.
In an audiotape circulated online Monday, spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajer praised last weeks attacks in Irans capital, saying the country is weaker than a spiders web and calling for more assaults.
Al-Muhajer also called for attacks in Russia and Australia, saying heaven is reached under the shadow of swords.
ISIS has called for attacks during Ramadan in the past. This year it has claimed responsibility for attacks in Britain, Egypt, Iran and the Philippines that killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds.
(AP)
A top U.S. military commander in Europe says American B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers currently taking part in exercises from a British air base should reassure allies about his countrys commitment to NATO.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the Germany-based 3rd Air Force, told reporters Monday the bombers are participating in exercises with NATO partners and other allies.
President Donald Trump has been critical of NATO but Clark says from a military standpoint theres been no change in guidance and this exercise underscores our commitment to NATO and our allies.
Speaking in a phone conference from the bombers temporary base in Fairford, England, Clark says the Russian intercept of a B-52 over the Baltic last week is no cause for concern, calling it standard practice.
(AP)
The story has expired.
By India Today Web Desk: The story has expired.
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The White House says President Donald Trump still looks forward to scheduling a trip to the United Kingdom.
Spokesman Sean Spicer said Monday that Queen Elizabeth II had invited the president and we look forward to scheduling that trip. He said they hope to find a mutually acceptable date.
The prime ministers office said Sunday the invitation was still good, after a newspaper reported Trump wanted to postpone the trip. The Guardian reported Sunday that Trump told Prime Minister Theresa May that he doesnt want to come if there will be protests. The newspaper cited an unnamed Downing St. aide.
The White House said Sunday the two leaders had not discussed the topic.
Spicer said Trump does not factor his popularity in the country when deciding on a foreign trip.
(AP)
While Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz confidently plays down the repeated Chilul Shabbos on Tel Avivs Ayalon Highway, chareidi parties in Knesset prefer to turn up the heat, insisting it could lead to a true coalition crisis.
Work on a section of the Ayalon has taken place on Friday night and Shabbos day in recent weeks, with Katz insisting there is no alternative, guaranteeing all of the construction workers are non-Jews.
According to a report in Hamodia, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has spoken with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on the matter, threatening it could bring an end to the government coalition. Litzman is quoted telling the prime minister Maintaining the Shabbos status quo is among the first items mentioned in coalition agreements but it appears There are government offices that are turning Shabbos into a weekday, referring to the Ministry of Transportation.
Mr. Netanyahu reportedly told Litzman he noted the issues at hand and he will address them with the appropriate agencies and persons.
In addition, Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush on Monday, 18 Sivan, had demanded an explanation for the Chilul Shabbos seen over the past three Shabbatot. In his HaMevaser newspaper, Porush attacks Katz for the ongoing Chilul Shabbos in addition to the ministrys defiance of the Shabbos status quo elsewhere. He adds that beginning this Shabbos, the Ministry has permitted operating the 369 line from Tel Aviv to Beersheva. HaMevaser adds that this is in addition to the fact that this very same line has carried out 61 trips in both directions.
The chareidim are placing the blame on Katz, adding he along is responsible in his capacity as Minister of Transportation and he must act to prevent a coalition crisis or bear the outcome of his actions.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
While by any margin of judging his actions as a chareidi MK, Moshe Gafne is indeed a leading figure in Knesset working to protect the rights of chareidi citizens. However, from time-to-time he seems to put his foot in his mouth saying something to anger one tzibur or another. In the past, when angered at settlers, Gafne has been heard threatening he would support a future vote giving yishuvim away.
Some feel that the following comments, made by Gafne, are harmful to the cause and would have best not been said. Gafne told the Haaretz-sponsored Israel Peace Conference he supports an agreement with the Palestinians.
I do not like the legislation that this government brings on all kinds of right-wing issues, Gafne said.
Gafne explained why he joined a right-wing government: They always ask me in lectures of this kind you are politically more inclined to the left, why do not you go with them, because they are sitting with the Reform?
In a conversation with Haaretz editor Aluf Benn, Gafne added: I will not sit with the Reform, the Reform being the biggest blow to the Jewish People. I do not have someone saying to me, In matters that are important to you, we are with you in fire and water. I speak my mind with Netanyahu in the Knesset plenum. I am not a leftist, I am acting wiser, and on the political issues I am close to the left.
Gafne adds The leftists are more intelligent than the right-wing, leading to a round of applause from the conference audience.
The first important thing is that the State of Israel be a Jewish state, otherwise we have no right to conduct negotiations with the Palestinians they were here before us, we removed them from here, said the Finance Committee chairman.
He quickly explained: If we do not have the historical right that the Jewish people have here, we have no rights.
Regarding Peleg protests, Gafne claimed that the demonstrations were aimed at him and his party members.
Im part of the establishment, part of the system, they want us not to be there, Im the first in the Knesset plenum to condemn those who went to Iran, so what if they look like me? People must know how to make the distinction.
At the Likuds chareidi headquarters, MK Gafnes response to the Haaretz conference, in which he admitted that he was a leftist and that the Arabs had preceded the Jews in the Land of Israel did not go over well.
The man is totally cut off from the chareidi public. When we warned before elections that Gafne is left-wing, we meant it. The chareidi tzibur opposes the messianic fantasies of the left, and resolutely opposes the abandonment of parts of the land by the Palestinian murderers to put it mildly.
(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
REFRESH FOR UPDATES OLDER UPDATES IN EXTENDED ARTICLE
5:07PM ET: Committee Chairman Sen. Burr thanks Sessions for participating in a continuing dialogue. Burr: You have helped us tremendously. The hearing has been adjourned.
5:05PM ET: Sessions: I do want to say that a change at the top of the FBI should have no impact on the Russian investigation.
5:01PM ET: Sessions says that its very disturbing that the Russians continue to push hostile actions in their foreign policy. McCain asks if theres a strategy to deal with the Russian threat. Sessions says there is not. Sessions: All of Congress is going to have to do better.
4:57PM ET:
Markets hit record high. Senate Dems continue their OBSTRUCTION. America is roaring back without them and despite them! #MAGA" Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2017
4:45PM ET: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX): Is it true that the Russian investigation didnt factor into your decision to fire Director Comey? Sessions: That is correct.
4:40PM ET: VIDEO: Im not able to be rushed this fast it makes me nervous, AG Jeff Sessions says while answering questions from Sen. Kamala Harris.
"I'm not able to be rushed this fast it makes me nervous," AG Jeff Sessions says while answering questions from Sen. Kamala Harris. pic.twitter.com/CG1nUYwh3M CBS News (@CBSNews) June 13, 2017
4:29PM ET: VIDEO: AG Sessions lists a group of Trump officials he has no recollections of meeting with Russian officials
"I don't recall any of those individuals having any meeting with the Russian officials," AG Sessions says of Trump campaign associates. pic.twitter.com/VBmGy7JOaP CBS News (@CBSNews) June 13, 2017
4:24PM ET: Senator James Lankford (R-OK) starts questioning, defending Sessions position that conversations with the president should remain private. Lankford says theres a long history of keeping such conversations confidential.
4:16PM ET: Trump Jr: Markets up again as dems messaging gets destroyed in these hearings
4:05PM ET: VIDEO: Sen Heinrich Goes OFF! You took an oathAnd now youre not answering questions. Youre impeding this investigation.
Sen Heinrich: You took an oathAnd now youre not answering questions. Youre impeding this investigation. pic.twitter.com/0khsPNZvM8 David Mack (@davidmackau) June 13, 2017
4:02PM ET: Sessions refuses to answer a question asking if President Trump has ever expressed concern over Sessions performance as Attorney General.
3:54PM ET: Wyden: Why did you sign the letter recommending the firing of Director Comey when it violated your recusal? Sessions say it didnt violate his recusal. Wyden says that Sessions answer doesnt pass the smell test.
3:52PM ET: Sessions: Theres a secret innuendo out there being leaked about me and I dont appreciate it.
3:49PM ET: Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) starts his questioning, says hes fed up with stonewalling. Sessions: I am not stonewalling. I am following the historic polices of the department of justice.
3:46PM ET: VIDEO: Rubio: Do you know if the president records conversations in the White House? Sessions says he does not.
Sessions says he does not know if the President records conversations in the White House https://t.co/ktSiFF7yGW https://t.co/eb3J8XDd7k CNN (@CNN) June 13, 2017
3:35PM ET: Sessions: Comey did not tell me any details about anything that was said that was improper from his conversation with Trump.
3:34PM ET: JUST IN: Department of Justice releases Attorney General Jeff Sessions prepared remarks (Full Text)
JUST IN: Department of Justice releases Attorney General Jeff Sessions prepared remarks (Full Text) https://t.co/mH3hROJOAf pic.twitter.com/3HFpFMMZMR Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 13, 2017
3:32PM ET: Sen. Warner: James Comey expressed concern about being left alone with the president, AG Sessions testifies. But that in itself is not problematic.
3:30PM ET: VIDEO: Q: Did Trump campaigns foreign policy team ever meet?
Sessions: (laughs) A couple of times, maybe We never functioned as a coherent team
Q: Did Trump campaigns foreign policy team ever meet?
Sessions: (laughs) A couple of times, maybe We never functioned as a coherent team pic.twitter.com/6CEU4hfyxx David Mack (@davidmackau) June 13, 2017
3:27PM ET: AG Sessions just said he doesnt think its good policy for Trump cabinet members to keep testifying before Congress
3:24PM ET: AG says he has confidence in special counsel Robert Mueller; says he has no idea whether Pres. Trump maintains confidence in Mueller.
3:22PM ET: Attorney General Jeff Sessions tells Senate Intelligence Committee he has no knowledge beyond what has been publicly reported of the federal investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, from which he has recused himself.
3:20PM ET: VIDEO: The suggestion I participated in or was aware of any collusion with Russian govt is an appalling and detestable lie, AG Sessions says
The suggestion I participated in or was aware of any collusion with Russian govt is an appalling and detestable lie, AG Sessions says pic.twitter.com/fZoEEcjHVl CBS News (@CBSNews) June 13, 2017
3:17PM ET: Sessions defends his remarks to Franken during his confirmation hearing:
He asked me a rambling question that included dramatic, new allegations that the United States intelligence community had advised President-elect Trump that there was a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trumps surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government,' he said. I was taken aback by these explosive allegations.
3:11PM ET: Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified at a Senate hearing on Tuesday that he did not have a third undisclosed meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak as he denied any notion that he colluded with Russian officials during President Donald Trumps campaign.
The suggestion that I participated in any collusion or that I was aware of any collusion with the Russian government to hurt this country, which I have served with honor for over 35 years, or to undermine the integrity of our democratic process, is an appalling and detestable lie, Sessions said before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Sessions had been forced to clarify remarks from his confirmation hearing in January that he did not have communications with Russian officials when two previous meetings with Kisylak surfaced earlier this year. But the Justice Department has repeatedly denied that a third meeting took place, reportedly at the Mayflower Hotel in April 2016.
I did not have any private meetings nor do I recall any conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower Hotel, Sessions said on Tuesday.
2:50PM ET: Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Burr laid out what he hoped to address during Sessions testimony on Tuesday in his opening remarks.
Heres what he said:
Attorney General Sessions, this venue is your opportunity to separate fact from fiction and to set the record straight on a number of allegations reported in the press. For example, there are several issues that I am hopeful we will address today:
Did you have any meetings with Russian officials or their proxies on behalf of the Trump campaign or during your time as Attorney General?
What was your involvement with candidate-Trumps foreign policy team, and what were their possible interactions with Russians?
Why did you decide to recuse yourself from the Governments Russia investigation? And,
What role, if any, did you play in the removal of then-FBI Director Comey?
A former darling of Britain's tech scene is being snapped up by American buyers after losing a battle with Apple and Google.
Monitise pioneered mobile phone payments and was once a 2billion business which many expected to dominate the industry.
But its value collapsed after giants Apple and Google muscled in with rival software backed by all the wealth Silicon Valley could muster.
Rise and fall: Monitise's value collapsed after giants Apple and Google muscled in with rival software backed by all the wealth Silicon Valley could muster
Shares in the Soho-based firm have crashed 98 per cent since their peak in early 2014, and the business is now being bought by Fiserv for just 70million.
'The tech sector is a particularly savage place to be because it moves so fast,' said Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Laith Khalaf.
'The likes of Apple, Google's parent company Alphabet and Facebook are so big they can afford to throw resources at designing their own stuff and buying competitors.
'If they decide to enter the market then competitors should beware because they have such deep pockets Monitise might have been a 2billion company but Google and Apple can draw on hundreds of billions.'
Founded in 2003, Monitise floated four years later and quickly became the toast of the City, winning backing from big hitters such as Visa, MasterCard and Telefonica.
The firm developed a star-studded list of clients, with payment systems for Santander and most other UK banks, and tie-ups with well-known names including Premier Inn.
But envious eyes were watching from across the Atlantic and in 2013, Apple began top-secret talks with Visa, MasterCard and US lenders about its own service.
The proposals were deemed so sensitive that one firm involved, Wall Street giant JP Morgan, held all discussions in a windowless 'war room' to prevent details from leaking out.
Of the 300 people who the bank set to work on the project, only 100 were told that Apple was the partner.
Apple Pay is a sign of how the tech giants have their eyes on the lucrative finance world
The iPhone maker finally announced its plans to enter the market with Apple Pay on September 9, 2014.
Nine days later, Visa said it was looking to reduce its stake in Monitise sending shares crashing around 35 per cent.
Google launched its Android Pay system the same year, hammering another nail into the company's coffin. Meanwhile, losses were stacking up and bosses were jumping ship.
Monitise issued three profit warnings in 12 months, co-founder Alastair Lukies a former professional rugby player quit, and his replacement Elizabeth Buse departed soon afterwards, quickly followed by chief finance officer Brad Petzer. Since midway through 2015, it has lost 528million.
The firm put itself up for sale two years ago.
Chief executive Lee Cameron, who earned 344,000 in the year to June 30, 2016, said Monitise clients would be 'served well' by Wisconsin-based Fiserv whose offer of 2.9p per share is 26 per centmore than the company's 2.3p closing price before the deal was announced.
Fiserv, whose boss Jeffery Yabuki was paid 7.8million in 2015, is the latest foreign firm to buy a UK company after the fall in the pound following the Brexit vote made British companies look cheap.
There are concerns the UK is bad at supporting tech companies once they get beyond being a start-up.
Many struggle to find the billions of pounds needed to reach the next level in the City, and are forced into the arms of the Silicon Valley giants so they can carry on growing.
The 403million takeover of 1,900 British pubs by global drinks giant Heineken could see punters paying more for their pint - but only in 33 areas across the UK.
The competition watchdog has examined the market and decided that it is only in certain areas that Heineken will have sufficient power in the market to risk raising pump prices.
Heineken now has to address the CMA's concerns over the 33 areas where competition could be reduced by June 20, or face an in-depth probe.
Concerns have been raised in the industry over the deal by Heineken to acquire nearly 1,900 Punch Taverns pubs, with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association calling for the CMA to launch a probe.
To the surprise of many in the industry, the Competition and Markets Authority said it did not believe the controversial tie-up would significantly cut the choice of drinks made available to customers.
This comes despite fears that Heineken would give preference to its own beers and ciders and close off an important route to market for brewers that compete with the Dutch giant, and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association has called for the CMA to launch a probe.
The SLTA has previously warned that Heineken would give preference to its own drinks, which it claimed would be 'simply not fair for brewers, publicans or consumers'.
In February, a microbrewery launched an 80million lawsuit against the brewing giant for allegedly bullying bars and rival brewers to sell its beer.
Macedonian Thrace Brewery accused the Dutch company of excluding smaller brewers from bars and supermarkets in Greece, and using exclusivity agreements to force publicans to stock Heineken brands.
The company had already been handed a 25million fine by the Greek competition regulator.
FACTFILE: HEINEKEN Heineken sells 17.5bn of beer and drinks annually
This includes around 200bn litres of beer enough to fill Coniston Water in the Lake District
It has 250 brands in 178 countries
In Europe it sells roughly 165bn pints of its top brands including Heineken, Moretti and Strongbow
Amstel is sold in 100 countries and 1.1bn litres were shipped last year
The CMA said the 1,895 Punch Taverns pubs being snapped up by Heineken, which it will add to 1,100 leased pubs it already owns across the UK, only account for 4 per cent of the market and is therefore 'not a major route to market for brewers'.
It added Heineken was likely not to risk losing customers by reducing the range of beers and ciders on offer.
Andrea Coscelli, acting chief executive of the CMA and decision-maker in the case, said: 'We have listened very carefully to a range of concerns about this merger.
'The companies will own less than 10 per cent of all British pubs after any deal, but we are concerned about the loss of competition for pub goers in a number of local areas.
'Without sufficient competition from rivals, pubs in these areas might be able to raise prices or worsen the service they offer customers.'
The CMA said its investigation so far found evidence from brewers showing that the Punch pubs being bought typically account for only a small proportion of all of their sales to pubs.
It added that choice available was not set to be impacted badly, given the drinks currently stocked by Punch and the range available in Heineken-owned pubs.
Heineken said it was putting together proposals to address the CMA's concerns and was 'confident' these would allow the deal to go ahead as planned by the end of August without a full-scale probe.
David Forde, managing director for Heineken UK, said: 'This decision by the CMA acknowledges that there are only a small number of local areas where competition may be diminished due to our acquisition.
'We are confident we can offer the CMA suitable undertakings to satisfy their concerns,' he said.
Heineken sealed its deal last December to snap up Punch Taverns with private equity firm Patron Capital, having fought off a rival bid from the pub chain's co-founder Alan McIntosh with a 180p-per-share offer.
Under the deal, Heineken would buy 1,895 pubs, while Patron would acquire 1,329.
SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson said: 'We have consistently voiced our concerns over the negative impact of the deal since it was announced, believing it will create a monster pub co which will adversely affect operators, consumers and brewers.
'We would urge the CMA to dig deeper and launch a full investigation into the merger.
'This takeover will inevitably lead to decreased choice for consumers, price rises, pub closures and job losses UK-wide.'
Calling relatives who are on holiday abroad will be no cheaper despite a crackdown on mobile phone charges in Europe.
From Thursday, Britons travelling to EU nations will be able to use their phone as if they were at home thanks to a ban on any surcharges for making calls, sending texts, surfing the web or downloading videos.
Advocates say this will end the bill shock suffered by millions who are left with costly charges following summer breaks.
However, the roam like home structure brought in by EU legislation has complexities that could still leave customers with higher bills, consumer group Which? says.
Advocates say this will end the bill shock suffered by millions who are left with costly charges following summer breaks
The regime caps the cost of calls only for citizens of one EU country who have travelled to another.
Which? said: Calls and texts sent from UK mobiles to the EU will still incur charges.
For example, we found that calling Spain from the UK can cost between 9p (Giffgaff) and 1.50 (O2) per minute.
Which? also said that when customers exceed the agreed minutes, texts and data for their package, they will still be charged in the EU as they would in the UK
The rules also apply only to EU nations, meaning those travelling to places in Europe that are not in the EU, such as Switzerland and even the Channel Islands, could still be hit with high bills.
Some firms voluntarily include these destinations in the new price-cap regime, but others do not.
Which? said: Mobile providers include different countries in their roaming territories and this can vary depending on whether consumers are a pay as you go or pay monthly customer.
For example, O2 pay as you go customers will continue to be hit with roaming charges in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Monaco and Switzerland whereas O2 pay monthly customers wont.
Vodafone is the only provider including Turkey, which is outside the EU, in its roaming bundle, meaning there are no surcharges. But calling the UK from Turkey on other networks can cost 1.65 a minute.
Which? also said that when customers exceed the agreed minutes, texts and data for their package, they will still be charged in the EU as they would in the UK.
All providers charge different rates, which can be very high.
The consumer watchdog is advising customers to check tariffs with their provider and shop around for the best deal at the end of their contract.
Advocates hoped the new EU legislation will end the bill shock suffered by millions who are left with costly charges following summer breaks
Alex Neill, of Which?, said: Many will reap the benefits of these changes and will no longer be put off from making calls abroad.
However, it is important that you take a close look at what is or isnt included in your current mobile deal. Not knowing whats included could lead to some surprising charges on your next bill.
Once Britain leaves the EU in two years time, mobile firms would be within their rights to re-introduce higher charges for Britons in an EU country.
But Ernest Doku, of comparison site uSwitch.com, warned that doing so would be a bitter pill for consumers to swallow.
He said: For those providers looking to step up and stand out, they would do well to look at how free EU roaming could be maintained.
Bangladesh's deputy consul general in New York was indicted on charges of labor trafficking and assault for forcing his servant to work without pay through threats and intimidation.
By Reuters: Bangladesh's deputy consul general in New York was indicted on Monday on charges of labor trafficking and assault for forcing his servant to work without pay through threats and intimidation, a New York City prosecutor said.
Mohammed Shaheldul Islam has limited diplomatic immunity and was ordered to surrender his passport when he appeared before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement.
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Bail was set at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
THE INDICTMENT
According to the indictment, Islam brought another Bangladeshi, Mohammed Amin, to New York between 2012 and 2013 to work as a household help for Islam and his family.
"Soon after Mr. Amin's arrival, the defendant allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day ... Even though Mr. Amin had a contract which outlines his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work," the statement said.
"If the victim disobeyed the defendant's orders, Mr. Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the defendant, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe," it said.
A spokesman for the Bangladesh embassy in Washington said it believed Amin had filed the case in bad faith and the allegations were "fabricated" and "baseless".
"It may be noted that Mr. Islam decided to cancel Mr. Amin's contract and was preparing to send him back to Bangladesh due to his irresponsible acts," Shamim Ahmad, the spokesman, said.
"We hope the court will give its verdict in the matter judiciously," he said.
Shameem Ahsan, the consul general of Bangladesh, told Reuters over the telephone from New York that Amin disappeared on May 17, 2016 and the very next day the consulate informed the US state department office in New York.
"It is surprising for us that after 13 months he has appeared with these allegations, why did he not raise this issue earlier," he said.
SERVANT HIT AND THREATENED
According to the charges, Amin's only form of income came from tips from guests at parties and a "miniscule" amount of money Islam sent to Amin's family in Bangladesh.
On several occasions when Amin sought to leave, Islam hit him and threatened to harm his mother and young son in Bangladesh, the statement said.
On occasion, Islam also stated that he would have Amin's college-age daughter "shamed" if he did not continue to work as his servant, the statement said. The statement did not make clear what Islam meant by shaming.
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INDIAN DIPLOMAT IN NEW YORK CHARGED WITH LABOR TRAFFICKING
The statement also said that in 2014, shortly after an Indian diplomat in New York was charged with labor trafficking, Islam wrote a check for Amin's cash-tip earnings that the latter then had to deposit in a bank account to create the appearance of a paycheck.
In late 2013, Devyani Khobragade, who was India's deputy consul general in New York, was arrested and subsequently accused of visa fraud and forcing her housekeeper and nanny to work 100-hour weeks for just over $1 an hour.
Khobragade's arrest and strip search provoked outrage in India and caused a major diplomatic rift between the United States and India. The charges against her were dismissed because she had diplomatic immunity. After she left the United States, a New York grand jury later issued a new indictment for visa fraud.
Last year, a Manhattan federal judge declared the former Bangladeshi consul general in New York and his wife to be in default for ignoring a lawsuit by a former domestic worker who claimed they forced him to work without pay in slavery-like conditions.
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Also Read:
Ratlam: 6 women arrested for human trafficking
Human trafficking racket involving cops: Bombay High Court transfers case to CID
Also Watch:
CID arrests BJP women wing leader Juhi Chowdhury in child trafficking case
--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)
From Yoshita Singh
New York, Jun 13 (PTI) A senior Bangladeshi diplomat here has been indicted on charges of forcing his domestic help to work long hours without pay, with prosecutors saying he tried to cover up his actions after an Indian diplomat faced visa fraud charges and accused of exploiting her maid in 2013.
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Md Shaheldul Islam, 45, is the Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh in New York and holds "limited immunity" which pertains specifically to official actions only, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement.
Islam was indicted by a Queens County grand jury with 33 -counts of labour trafficking, assault and other charges. He was arraigned yesterday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis, who set bail at USD 50,000 bond or USD 25,000 cash and ordered Islam to surrender his passport.
Islam?s next court date is June 28 and if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
According to the indictment, Md Amin was brought to Queens from Bangladesh around 2012 to work as household help for Islam and his family. Soon after Amin?s arrival, Islam allegedly took his passport and required the man to work 18 hours a day in the family?s home.
Even though Amin had a contract which outlined his compensation, it is alleged he was never paid for his work and if he disobeyed Islam?s orders, Amin was allegedly physically assaulted by the diplomat, who either struck him with his hand or sometimes with a wooden shoe.
The Bangladeshi diplomat allegedly forced Amin to work for his family in their Queens home without financial compensation from approximately 2012 through May 2016, when the victim was able to escape.
According to the charges, the victim?s only source of income came from tips from guests when he was a server at parties and a minuscule amount of money that Islam sent to Amin?s family in Bangladesh.
However, Islam sought to "cover up" his own alleged illegal actions afterIndian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was then India?s Deputy Consul General in the city, wasindicted in January 2014 on visa fraud and making false statements regarding the visa application of her domestic worker, Brown said.
Khobragade too was accused of underpaying her domestic help while making her work long hours and of intimidating her and her family. Manhattan?s former top federal prosecutor Indian-American Preet Bharara had brought the charges against Khobragade, setting off a major diplomatic crisis between Washington and New Delhi.
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"However, in 2014, shortly after there was local news coverage of an Indian diplomat being charged with labour trafficking, the defendant allegedly sought to cover up his own alleged illegal actions by taking most of the victim?s cash tip money which he gave back in the form of a check," Brown said.
"It is alleged the victim then had to deposit the check into his bank account, thereby creating the appearance that the employee was receiving a paycheck,"the Queens District Attorney statement said, referring to theKhobragade incident without naming the Indian diplomat.
Finally, according to the criminal charges, when Amin asked to leave his job on several occasions, Islam in response, allegedly hit him or threatened to harm his family back home in Bangladesh. It is alleged that Islam specifically threatened to kill the man?s mother and young son and, on occasion, stated he would have Amin?s college-age daughter shamed if he did not continue to work as his servant.
In May 2016, Amin was able to escape from the residence and reported his experience to the police.
?The allegations in this case are very disturbing. A diplomat is accused of using both physical force and vile threats to control a person in his employment and whom he refused to pay," Brown said adding that Islam seized his domestic helps passport and, from the first day on the job, refused to pay wages due the employee. PTI YAS NSA
--- ENDS ---
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MANZINI Judge Titus Mlangeni has given women, especially, something to talk about.
Some women who voiced out their opinions regarding the recent judgment that Makhwapheni cannot be sued for adultery said they were tired of being harassed and labelled as boMakhwapheni by the wives of the married men they date.
One such woman, who called this publication, said she had to endure threats of litigation and being cited in divorce papers by the wife of the man she was dating.
At least the spouse will know that there is nothing she can do to me now. From the judgment, I deduced that the judge put clearly that the spouse should deal with his/her better half and leave us (the so called bomakhwapheni or third parties) alone, said the female caller, who wished to remain anonymous.
Another female, through her Facebook page took it a step further by quoting part of the judgment and made an addition to it.
It is now accepted that primary responsibility to sustain marriage rests with spouses and that if they abandoned this responsibility, not much can be achieved through punishing their parties in the form of civil rights Niyeva kambe? (do you understand)? You can also add, In the form of whatsapp texts, SMS, calling with private numbers or kidnapping or calling the third party names (sic).
Some of the women noted that the judge had just given them ammunition against the wives of the men they date. However, others felt the judgment may have serious repercussions to many marriages.
Religious leaders, on the other hand, are of the view that a person cannot be judged twice, at least according to Christianity.
LOBAMBA A motion on homosexuals was enough to turn Senate into a chaotic scene yesterday.
This is because the senators ended up losing the plot and moving away from what the motion actually focused on. The motion, which was moved by Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya, was that the Minister of Health should submit a report to Senate explaining, in light of the Constitution, the current government policy relating to access to health facilities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersexual people.
While the motion focused on access to health services for LGBTIs, most of the senators ended up debating the existence of people with certain sexual preferences, while some simply crushed it on the basis that it did not provide concrete evidence that LGBTIs were discriminated against in local hospitals.
As they made their submissions, the senators turned the House into a place of laughter as they would use examples to describe how LGBTIs engaged in sexual games, which they said was wrong and put them at risk of infections. The senators were also agitated by Ngwenyas submission that LGBTIs were a creation of God, which meant that even their sexual orientation was same.
The statement turned the debate away from its initial focus on access to health, with Ngwenyas colleagues demanding to know the Bible verse which talked about sexual orientation as Gods creation, while there was also a question on whether it was procedural to use the name of the Almighty when debating in Parliament. I heard the mover saying that these people were created by God, which means that even their sexual orientation is Gods creation, which according to me is a big mistake. Akasikhombise leli-verse (she must show us the verse), submitted Senator Prince Fipha.
MANZINI Government operations could be brought to a standstill tomorrow as civil servants have vowed to join teachers in their march to demand the resumption of pending salary review talks.
The stance by the civil servants came after teachers, through their association, the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), held an extra-ordinary meeting about a fortnight ago where they resolved to down tools and march to demand that government convenes the round table tomorrow.
During the meeting, the teachers agreed that last Wednesday, their National Executive Council (NEC) should ask the other Public Sector Associations (PSAs) to go and demand that the negotiations should resume, failing which they would march tomorrow to demand same.
Also last week, government sent a wrong communique to PSAs, which invited them to the round table only to apologise later and claim to have been directing the message to the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) because it (government) wanted to continue with their bilateral meeting over a recognition agreement.
Following this, the teachers union leaders said they would not stand in the way of their members when they were fighting injustice, but instead they would lead them to demand the resumption of the round table tomorrow. As events unfolded, the teachers association leaders formally notified the other public sector associations about their decision to march to the Ministry of Public Service and further welcomed their participation in tomorrows activity as the negotiation table affects all of them.
Pahlaj Nihalani may be the epitome of sanskaar in India now, but there was a time when his films were full of double entendres.
By India Today Web Desk: When Pahlaj Nihalani took on as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief, it marked the beginning of a 'reign of terror' of sorts, at least according to the filmmakers who have become victims of his snip-happy scissors. Sanskaari Nihalani, who has also become a self-appointed guardian of morality since he came on board the CBFC, is only too happy to trim anything that does not meet his ultra-conservative standards.
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Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi-starrer Bank Chor is in hot water with the CBFC for its expletive-like name. Apparently, the censor board has directed the makers of the film to re-dub the words 'Bank Chor' every single time they appear together in the film.
Incidentally, Nihalani himself took advantage of every loophole in the book, back in the days when he was a producer. In an interview, he even admitted that his standards were different as a producer and as the CBFC chief and that he has grown a sense of morality with age.
KHADA HAI KHADA HAI
Sample this: Khada hai khada hai khada hai...Dar pe tere aashiq khada hai. Pahlaj Nihalani-produced Andaz (1994) had this double entendre-filled song featuring a lungi-clad Anil Kapoor beckoning to Juhi Chawla to "khol khol khol" (darwaza khol, you filthy minds.) If the pun isn't obvious enough, the camera zooms into Anil's crotch, when he sings "khada hai khada hai" the first time.
Ironically, one of the first things Nihalani did when he came into power was introduce a list of banned words. Anything with a double entendre was in trouble, along with several other words. That the list was never passed, in the face of strong opposition, is a different story.
AKELI HOON GHAR MA, TU AAJA BALMA
This is the same man who had a song called Angna Mein Baba, Duare Pe Maa with lyrics like "Khet gaye baba, bazaar gayi maa. Akeli hoon ghar ma, tu aaja balma" in his production Aankhen (1993).
Nihalani has always been one to have double standards - his production Aag Ka Gola featured Sunny Deol and Archana Puran Singh in a sensuous liplock, but the same man decided that Daniel Craig's kiss with Monica Bellucci in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre was not fit to be seen in its original form by audiences, and trimmed it by 20 seconds.
In an interview with The Hindu in 2015, Nihalani had openly declared that he does not mind being conservative if his actions are in the "interests of the nation". "I will give the right kind of content. I will monitor the sensitive things that might harm the society," he had said, adding, "In the name of modern, we can't barter our country. We can't sell our culture."
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TUMHARE ZAKHMON PE BLOW KARNA MERA JOB HAI
In the interview, Nihalani self-appoints himself as a guardian of our culture, arguing that youngsters will get a wrong impression if they are exposed to films which do not have, as he calls it, "the right kind of content". One wonders if that was the rationale behind allowing lines like, "Tumhare zakhmon pe blow karna mera job hai" in films like Mastizaade.
ALSO READ: Bank Chor under fire from Pahlaj Nihalani's CBFC for expletive-like name
ALSO READ: What-the-Pahlaj! 10 outrageous double-meaning songs that survived the censor board
ALSO READ: How Pahlaj Nihalani is dragging India to a regressive ditch
ALSO WATCH: There is nothing dirty about sex or the word adult, says Anurag Kashyap
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By Prem Calvin Prashad
The standoff between so-called sanctuary cities and the federal government crystalized for Queens residents recently, when rumors spread that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement visited PS 58 in Maspeth, allegedly to check on the immigration status of a fourth- grader there before being turned away by school security.
City and local officials rallied to defend the schools decision, affirming their opposition to ICE operating in the city. Subsequent reports have disputed whether or not the individual asking about the students status was affiliated with ICE, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or some other agency. Mayor Bill de Blasio later criticized the Department of Homeland Security for not reaching out for information, which he says the city was willing to provide.
However, the confusion and ambiguity over ICE operations is emblematic of problems facing large cities across the country.
Rumors of ICE agents operating in places such as Jackson Heights have rattled New Yorks estimated half million undocumented immigrants. While social services and medical providers report fewer levels of undocumented persons seeking services, law enforcement is also concerned that crimes against the undocumented will go unreported.
In response to these concerns, the city of Los Angeles called on ICE to stop identifying themselves as police. The federal government declined, noting that the word police was universally recognizable and therefore necessary to operations.
Sanctuary cities, at varying levels, determine to what degree they cooperate with federal mandates on immigration. At the core of this power struggle is the federal governments resolve to unilaterally pursue the broad application of immigration enforcement.
According to the Washington Post, detentions have surged under the Trump administration, with the arrest of 41,318 immigrants, roughly 400 a day. Its worth noting, however, that the ramp up of immigration enforcement is in fact reflective of a trend that began during the Obama administration.
The previous administrations officials alleged that only criminal aliens were being targeted for deportation, though the definition of a criminal record often included minor civil offenses. An estimated three-quarters of detentions this year are believed to be immigrants with criminal records or gang affiliation.
Unauthorized crossings at the U.S. southern border with Mexico have dropped to levels not seen since the late 80s. Overstayed visas are now the most common reason why a person is undocumented. Still, immigration played prominently during the 2016 election, and that has brought enforcement actions, particularly against parents, activists, or childhood arrivals to national prominence.
The mass deportation agenda occurs concurrently with the administrations initiatives to implement a Muslim ban, end temporary protected status for asylum and refugee seekers from Central America and Haiti, and speed up deportation proceedings. Large cities, such as New York, have responded with increases in legal aid for immigrants enduring deportation proceedings, as well as affirming protections from having immigrants disclose an undocumented status when interacting with city agencies or law enforcement. Protections such as the DREAM Act appear in place, with the federal government giving no indication of removing those protections.
For immigration advocates, the large increase in the deportation of non-criminals is alarming. The deportations represent many long-term residents who have thus far not been offered the possibility of legalizing their status, as was the case in previous decades.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has made sanctuary cities its primary target, aiming to cut federal funding, nominally for counter-terrorism efforts for cities that do not assist deportation efforts. Citing concerns over funding, Floridas Miami-Dade County was the first to rescind sanctuary status.
Currently, the executive order to withhold federal funding was blocked in federal court, with U.S. District Court Judge William H. Orrick noting that only Congress has the constitutional right to apply such conditions to funding. The decision drew a sharp rebuke from the president on social media.
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By Gina Martinez
Queens Memory, a project documenting life in the borough, will make it easier for residents to share materials with its new website and app.
The innovative project, supported by Queens Library and Queens College, is a time capsule designed to collect stories, images and other aspects of life in the borough of Queens. Submitted records get archived and are featured in the gallery where newly added materials connect with historic artifacts. Queens Memory also provides training and materials for anyone wishing to contribute interviews, photographs, or other records of their neighborhoods, families and communities. Queens Memory empowers residents from diverse backgrounds to document the personal histories that together tell a more complete story of life in the borough, according to the project.
The entity began in 2010 at Queens Library as part of a community oral history project by Natalie Milbrodt while she was conducting independent study and earning her masters degree in Library and Information Science at Queens College. The program was initially supported by a grant from the Metropolitan New York Library Council, the only project of its kind among the three New York City public library systems.
Milbrodt was hired by the Queens Library in 2012 to oversee Queens Memory as a permanent program. The project is encouraging immigrants, newer residents and Queens natives to participate. The new mobile app will make it more convenient for participants to send personal materials.
This community involvement leads to a heightened appreciation of shared experience and the value of history and preservation, Milbrodt said At the heart of this work is the idea of democratizing the process of history-making empowering people to contribute to and define their local history.
The project has now collected more than 300 oral history interviews, from teens to residents in their 90s, hailing from 23 countries and now living in more than 50 Queens neighborhoods. 17,000 digitized items are available for viewing on the librarys digital archives website.
Jongbu Sherpa, Andy Yu and Aniqa Wahid, three interns from the NYC Tech Talent Pipelines TTP Residency at Queens College, helped to redesign the website and mobile app.
This internship was a great learning experience, Wahid said. Giving Queens Memory a portable aspect the ability for patrons to send personal histories, photographs and other records from smart phones allows them to conveniently contribute to the librarys permanent archival collection.
Anyone wanting to submit material through their phones, the Queens Memory app will be available for Android and iPhone through Google play and iTunes store. Queens Memory accepts any Queens-related materials, including scanned photos, along with printed materials, manuscripts and even audio files.
One example of a recent submission was a sound recording that was made during an entire Queens bus route. The different languages heard as passengers boarded along the way reflected the changing ethnicities of the neighborhoods through which the bus traveled.
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By Naeisha Rose
Our Lady of Lourdes, a Catholic church in Queens Village, will have a new pastor on June 18 when the Rev. Patrick Henry Longalong,38, is installed as the seventh religious leader.
Longalong is both ecstatic and anxious about being selected to take control of the more than 90-year-old church by the Archdiocese of Brooklyn. The diocese oversees 1.5 million parishioners in 250 Catholic churches, and schools in Brooklyn and Queens. It also helps run nine cemeteries in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Long Island, and the Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center in the Garment District, according to the dioceses website.
I have to admit that I am a little bit nervous because of the amount of responsibility, Longalong said.
As the new pastor he will be responsible for the diverse 2,700 families that belong to the parish at 92-96 220th Street,
We do have a large Filipino community. We do have a large Latino community from different countries in Latin America. We have a lot of Asian groups, like Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, we have Indians and we also have people from European descent a Polish community. We also have people from the Haitian community, Longalong said.
Before becoming the new pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes, he served at St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor in the Rockaways for 2 1/2 years after Hurricane Sandy wrecked the peninsula as the Parochial Vicar and helped by meeting the communitys spiritual needs and aided in insurance claims with FEMA.
I was assisting with the community to help it get back on its feet post Sandy, said Longalong, who grew up Jamaica.
Longalong spent this past year working as an administrator at Lourdes to get the lay of the land of the Queens Village church before being promoted.
The transition was to check out what could be done [at Lourdes] and to get to know the community the movers and the shakers within it, Longalong said.
Not only will he be in charge of the spiritual needs of members of the church, but he will have to take care of its facilities.
Right now we are doing some repairs [of the facade] and some restoration efforts and the parish because the church is old, Longaglong said. The church needs a little bit of a face-lift to make sure that it will last for the next generation.
The reverend wants to do an outreach program for teenagers and to create a young adult group.
Longalong knew he wanted to serve his community even when he was just a kid in the Philippines, but since 1993 he has called Queens home.
Ever since I was a child there was a calling to serve my community, which means for me my neighborhood, Queens, Longalong said. That is why I decided to become a diocesan priest.
Non-pastoral priests go on missions around the world, but for Longlalong being able to serve Queens Village is a privilege.
Vicar General Raymond Chappetto is scheduled to preside over the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass installation of Longalong June 18 at 3 p.m.
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By Naeisha Rose
York College held an emotional 47th commencement ceremony outside the universitys gymnasium Friday with 1,200 graduates collecting their hard-won degrees and Snapchatting the event for their followers to see.
Timothy Paglione, the chairman of the Earth and Science Department, was the master of ceremonies, while York College President Marcia Keizs congratulated the graduates and wished them luck in their endeavors. The commencement speaker was New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado.
You deserve to be proud, Rosada said. Your degree is a passport to success. It represents the great investment that you decided to make in yourself, and each of you will grow into leaders of tomorrow. You will be the voice of the next generation.
Zilefa Grace Rajendra, the valedictorian and married mother of four who came back from a yearlong maternity leave to get her degree, is one of those voices. Paglione introduced Rajendra, who was raised Muslim, Hindu, and Christian in Guyana.
Mrs. Rajendras goal in pursuing a math degree was quote to be eligible to teach in the New York Public School system, Paglione said. Rajendra started her masters degree in education to teach mathematics from grade 7 to 12 yesterday at Hunter College.
Rajendra highlighted the struggles and determination that she and many students faced to receive their diploma.
I want to thank God Almighty for bestowing his blessings on each of us, Rajendra said. College was always out of my reach because of financial restraints.
Rajendra came to New York in 2006 and applied to York College three times. She was admitted on a mathematics scholarship.
While it was not an easy journey for me, I believe it was a more difficult journey for you that worked two or three jobs to make ends meet, Rajendra said. Many of you are single parents or children helping your parents. I dont know how you did it, but I stand in awe of you.
Elected officials at the event included Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Schumer, who arrived during the procession, gave a short speech before the students with degrees in Arts & Sciences could receive their degrees.
My class gift, Schumer said is a law that says if you or your parents paid for college, you can take a full tax credit of $2,500 off of federal taxes for every year of college and every year of graduate school, provided that your family income is below $250,000 a year.
Despite the audience wanting to hear his longer commencement speech after he arrived during the ceremony, he decided to rip it up and let the remaining students walk the stage.
Accepting a degree on behalf of his sister was Michael Raghubar. Two months earlier, police officer Neville Smith alledgedly crashed his vehicle into the car of psychology student Vanessa Raghubar, 22. Smith was charged with negligent homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence, the DA said.
She was an amazing and caring person, said Michael Raghubar, wearing a white hoodie with his sisters face emblazoned on it. She would just be there for you and have your back at all times.
Closing out the ceremony was Randy Houston, a Theater Arts and Speech Communications graduate, who sang York Colleges school song:
Though the road was often rough, we worked hours late and long, when the going seemed too tough we strove harder to be strong.
By Tomislav Jakic
Once upon a time, this is how fairy tales usually begin. This is not a fairy tale, but once upon a time people used to talk about common sense and to think based on common sense. It was never an ideal time, but always when it seemed that the lack of common sense and the evil in us would draw the world in the abyss of self-destruction, common sense woke up and rebelled; most usually in combination with pragmatism. Mankind paid dearly in the ensuing battle, it went through unbelievable horrors, but eventually common sense would prevail. And so it went until the year 1990, when the cold war ended. It was an extremely dangerous confrontation between two, not only ideologically different blocks. The world peace was saved only due to the fragile, but at the same time efficient balance of fear, namely on the knowledge that an open armed confrontation would end without anybody being victorious. But, as from the beginning of the last decade of the 20th century, when East West confrontation ended, due to the fact that the Soviet block disintegrated, when the dawn of democracy begun shining on countries, previously ruled with iron hand from one centre and by one and only party and its repressive system, we are witnessing a constant and steady downgrading in all sectors of life. Because of this and despite democracy as a system, despite democratic forms and despite the multiparty system, it is unavoidable that we put to ourselves the question: does common sense belongs to the past, is t a relic of the past?
All indications point towards a positive answer.
In international relations we are experiencing the revival of the cold war, a new and with every day passing more dangerous confrontation between the United States and the Russian Federation. In fact it is nothing more than the almost desperate striving of neoliberal capitalism to rule the world. In order to be able to achieve this goal, to gain the support (of previously manipulated citizens, but alas in the best democratic form) for the policy of expansionism, regardless of anything, neoliberal capitalism needs an enemy. Because having an enemy is the best way to homogenize ones own flock. And the enemy was found, better to say it was projected in the picture of Russia, although and this is ironic indeed it is the democratic West that is today practicing the policy of hegemony, once a trade mark of the Soviet Union. All basic principles upon which the architecture of international relations was build, are abandoned. Nobody even thinks of speaking about the principle of equality, or the principle of not meddling in internal affairs of other states, not to mention the right of every country and nation to develop as they think it suits them best. In a globalised world, and we were made to believe that only such a world could exist, everything must be cooked following the same recipe. If this is not the case, with or without the blessing of the UN and under the disguise of the war for democracy and for human rights, bombers start their deadly missions, mercilessly killing those whose human rights they are supposed to protect. Whole states are pushed into chaos and internal fighting, whole regions are destabilized and heads of states are killed (just remember Hillary Clinton and her words, when she received the news that colonel Ghadafi was killed: We came, we saw and he is dead!). At the same time for billions of dollars modern arms are being sold to states whose record in the field of democracy and human rights is to put it mildly very poor. But they are ours. With growing speed the world is being divided between the ever smaller part of privileged and rich, those who are governing not because they were democratically elected to do so, but because they have the power to do so and the ever bigger part of oppressed in every sense and poor, those who are being governed. While thousands and thousands of people are dying from hunger in the undeveloped countries, Europeans waste in one year so much food that every hungry human being on this planet Earth could be fed. And the American President says that climate changes and their evident results are just a hoax. Is there any common sense in all this? No, there is none!
So, what can we expect, what is to be expected? Let us put forward just two scenarios. The first is the armed confrontation between East and West, be it direct, be it as a consequence of some action of the unpredictable US President amateur (for example a missile attack on North Korea). In both cases the consequences would be disastrous, not to say suicidal. The second scenario is slightly milder. It is based on the presumption that the oppressed, the hungry and the poor would conclude that they have nothing to lose, but their lives, and a tornado of revolution would hit the whole world with a highly uncertain result. Indications that are pointing towards this scenario we can detect in attacks whose perpetrators are more and more often terrorizing the countries of the West. While it is true that these attacks are at least disguised as being religiously motivated, it is not less true that there is no religion that could motivate suicide attackers, were it not for the basic and deeply rooted feeling of being pushed to the margines of the society, of being deprived of some basic rights, such as the right to be educated, the right to be medically cared for, in short the right to live, as a human being, a decent life.
There too we confront the results of a policy without any common sense, a policy that recruited the oppressed, the poor, but pathological killers too, trying to use them as an instrument for achieving its goals, only to meet now the murderers it produced as its own enemies. There can be no doubt about it they, the terrorists, were produced by the policy of the West, they were armed and supported thanks to this policy either directly, or through smaller countries, satellites of the big Brother form the other side of the Atlantic. And now this same policy is being confronted by them globally. Still it will not, or cannot accept the fact that the terrorists are the greatest danger for the world as we knew it and that the fight against them should be the prime and common target of our civilization. It will not, or cannot accept Russia as an ally in this war; on the contrary it is continuing to present Russia as an enemy (adversary), adding if it seems to be suitable Iran, North Korea and sometimes China. Is there any common sense in all this? None whatsoever!
And is there some common sense in the policy of the so called transition countries? Absolutely not! Former Soviet satellites only changed their master, they became champions in the battle against the (non existing) communism, because it suits the neoliberal capitalism for which the very idea of communism is the worst imaginable enemy. At the same time these countries are deeply engulfed in historic revisionism, writing the new history of WW 2 and the Antifascists struggle, while forgetting their collaboration with Nazi-fascism. Republic of Croatia, to name one example, invented the formula about all totalitarian regimes being equal evil, thus putting on the same level antifascism (labeled for this purpose as communism) and fascism, while Republic of Serbia just another example rehabilitates in court procedures the leaders of the Chetnik movement which collaborated with the occupying forces during WW2 and fought against Marshal Titos partisans.
The prevailing atmosphere in the world is one of fear for the future, of growing intolerance, of hate not only towards those who are in any way different, but towards those who dare to think differently and to voice their opinion. In the creation of such an atmosphere the once respected journalistic profession played a shameful role. Not only the mainstream media, but social networks too are transformed into a snakes pit of intrigues, lies and disinformation servicing the policy that forgot what common sense is.
The rest is silence.
The views expressed in this article are the author\s own and do not necessarily reflect The Times Of Earth\s editorial policy.
A US appeals court has upheld a decision to block President Donald Trump\s controversial travel ban targeting citizens from six Muslim majority nations the latest in a string of stinging judicial blows for the Republican billionaire.
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Monday kept in place a lower court injunction on the ban, arguing the president had overstepped his authority and his executive order discriminated against travelers based on their nationality.
The matter was already headed for the Supreme Court, as another federal appeals court had already ruled against the Republican president, and the Justice Department had asked the high court to hear the case.
But the Ninth Circuit ruling certainly was another setback for Trump in his quest to see the measure put into effect.
"Immigration, even for the president, is not a one-person show," the three justices all appointed by former president Bill Clinton said in their unanimous ruling.
"The president, in issuing the executive order, exceeded the scope of the authority delegated to him by Congress."
The judges said the government had failed to prove "any link between an individual\s nationality and their propensity to commit terrorism," and cited a June 5 tweet by Trump to back their argument.
"Indeed, the president recently confirmed his assessment that it is the \countries\ that are inherently dangerous, rather than the 180 million individual nationals of those countries who are barred from entry under the president\s \travel ban,\" the judges wrote.
"National security is not a \talismanic incantation\ that, once invoked, can support any and all exercise of executive power," they added.
The judges ruled against Trump on both the effort to bar from US entry travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, and on the clause suspending the refugee program for 120 days.
That went one step farther than the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which only upheld the part of the measure naming the specific countries.
The judges did appear to back the administration in saying that the government was within its rights to review existing vetting procedures for travelers from the six countries concerned.
Douglas Chin, the attorney general for Hawaii, one of the states challenging the executive order, said the ruling was a clear message to the administration that it was not above the law.
"I stated from the beginning that the president must act in a way that follows the laws and constitution of the United States," Chin said in a statement.
"Our system of checks and balances, enshrined in the Constitution for more than 225 years, remains in place."
The ruling came just ahead of a deadline for states challenging the travel ban to submit briefs to the Supreme Court in response to the Trump administration\s request that the nine justices hear the case.
The US Justice Department filed an emergency application to the Supreme Court on June 1, urging it to undo the Fourth Circuit\s ruling.
Trump issued an initial travel ban by executive order in January, but that measure which banned entry to nationals from seven countries for 90 days and suspended the nation\s refugee program for 120 days was quickly halted by the courts.
A revised executive order announced in March meant to address the issues raised by the federal judges deleted Iraq from the list and removed an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. This is the measure affected by the Ninth Circuit ruling.
The Trump administration argues the measures are needed to ward off terror attacks in the country, but critics say the ban is discriminatory and violates the US constitution by specifically targeting Muslim-majority countries.
The Justice Department declined to comment on the latest ruling.
In refusing to reinstate the travel ban, the Ninth judges said there was no evidence presented by the Trump administration to back the measure and pointed to a government report to support their decision.
The Department of Homeland Security report issued just after Trump\s first executive order concluded that citizenship of any given country "is unlikely to be a reliable indicator of potential terrorist activity" and that citizens from the countries targeted by Trump\s ban are "rarely implicated in US-based terrorism."
Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said Monday\s ruling was yet another signal that Trump\s executive order was on weak legal footing.
"At this point, it\s surprising if a court rules in favor of the travel ban," Levinson told AFP.
She said she did not expect the Supreme Court to consider the case before the fall, making it difficult for the administration to defend its argument that the travel ban was urgently needed.
"The longer it goes on, in a way the worse it is for the Trump administration because they claimed they needed this right away for national security," she said.
"It\s harder to argue that time is of the essence when so much time goes by."
SOURCE: AFP
The beef controversy exploded in Goa a couple of weeks back, when a central government notification banning animal markets, led to a temporary beef shortage here.
By Indo-Asian News Service: Even as rains lash Goa, the state's politics -- already embroiled in controversies surrounding red meat -- has come to resemble a piping hot bowl of beef stew, a popular comfort food for the local Catholic community in the monsoons.
Only, the "stew" brings no comfort to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance government, which faces questions from coalition and party MLAs, the influential Goa Catholic Church, beef traders and civil society, on purported moves to usher in the beef ban by the back door.
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As a result, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar appears caught between a frozen slab of beef and a very hard place vis-a-vis distancing himself from the aggressive anti-beef posturing of the BJP's central leadership and pacifying his MLAs, seven out 12 of whom are Catholics. The minority community accounts for more than 26 per cent of Goa's 1.5 million population.
The beef controversy exploded in Goa a couple of weeks back, when a central government notification banning animal markets, led to a temporary beef shortage here.
The Qureshi Meat Traders Association of Goa said that cow vigilante groups stopped legal consignments of cattle meant for slaughter in Goa from neighbouring Karnataka for several days after the central environment ministry notification.
"This harassment has been temporarily resolved. We are allowed to get our cattle for slaughter for now. But once the animal markets from where we source our cattle stops, where will we buy them from? This notification is nothing but a beef ban by the back door," Anwar Bepari, a spokesperson for the association, said.
The Goa Church also endorsed the concern, by backing a newly-formed civil society coalition.
"Why (has) the government failed to raise any issues or make any statement with respect to the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, which would affect the livelihoods of thousands of people in Goa, besides impinging on the food habits of a significant number of people in Goa," Fr. Savio Martins and Abdul Matin, co-convenors of "Goa for Beef-Beef for Goa", have said.
BEEF ONE OF THE CHEAPEST MEATS
Beef is consumed in the form of stew, curries, roasts, soups and is an essential protein, and one of the cheapest meats, in most Catholic homes in the state.
Cheaper than mutton, beef is also commonly consumed in the tourism-oriented coastal belt, which is visited by more than four million tourists every year.
Official statistics suggest that the state consumes more than 40 tonnes of beef every day.
Ruling political parties like Goa Forward, which had attacked the BJP over its alleged anti-minority policies only to subsequently join a BJP-led coalition, now wants the notification reviewed.
"I am not happy with the new rules. The new rules can lead farmers and meat traders to penury and affect the leather and hospitality industry," Goa Forward's Vijai Sardesai, a member of Parrikar's cabinet, told reporters.
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CATHOLIC MLAS PRESSURISING STATE UNIT
Closer home, BJP's Catholic MLAs are also pressurising the state unit to request the central government to amend the controversial notification, fearing alienation of their minority vote-base.
"We are alienating Catholics more and more with such decisions. Goa's demographic reality is different from the rest of the country and so are our eating habits," a minority BJP MLA said on condition of anonymity.
Union Minister of State for AYUSH and North Goa MP Shripad Naik has already acknowledged that there is "some concern" among Goans about the beef controversy.
Chief Minister Parrikar, who has in the past publicly warned media against asking him questions on the sensitive beef controversy, eventually relented and blamed the Congress government in Karnataka for the temporary beef shortage.
"Even if there is a problem, and it is being created by Karnataka, the Congress leadership here should give some comment on it. Karnataka is being ruled by Congress. What can I do if their officials are stopping the trucks," Parrikar said, even as the controversy continues to simmer.
ALSO READ:Beef ban: Plea challenges Centre order in SC, says it would lead to increase in cow vigilantism
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ALSO READ:Beef festival organised in Aizawl as Rajnath Singh visits Mizoram
ALSO WATCH: Beef ban: Plea challenges Centre order in SC, says it would lead to increase in cow vigilantism
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ALBANY - A package of 14 measures to address the heroin and opioid epidemic, expected to pass the Senate Tuesday and Wednesday, focuses on law enforcement efforts, following several years of legislation aimed more at prevention and treatment.
The package appears at odds with a competing set of 11 legislative proposals to address heroin and opioid abuse sent to the Senate and Assembly by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to a list supplied by a patient advocate. The governor's list advances issues that the state has tackled in recent years, including increasing insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment.
With just more than a week left to the legislative session, senators said their package was also different from measures supported in the state Assembly. An Assembly spokesman confirmed the two legislative bodies disagree over the right approach to the problem.
"Enhanced penalties are not a solution to addiction," said Assembly spokesman Michael Whyland. "Our position has always been to give people access to services and treatment so we can set them on a path to leading productive lives. That's the place we should be starting from."
At a Senate press briefing Tuesday morning, heads of the Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction said that it was time to bolster law enforcement officials' ability to arrest and prosecute drug dealers that put highly addictive heroin and even more dangerous opioids like fentanyl and carfentanyl on the street, after years of legislation aimed at prevention, treatment and insurance coverage. The state budget this year includes $214 million to support such programs, senators noted.
"If we don't go after the perpetrators and punish them swiftly and severely, it doesn't matter," said Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan.
The Senate package includes Laree's Law, sponsored by Sen. George Amedore, R-Rotterdam and named for Colonie resident Patty Farrell's daughter who died of an overdose at age 18. It would allow police to charge a dealer who sells an opioid that results in someone's death with homicide.
The Senate and governor's proposals would both update the state's controlled substances schedule, including adding new derivatives of fentanyl to the list and prohibiting kickbacks to doctors, counselors or organizations that refer patients to a treatment center.
The Senate's list also includes proposals that would create drug-free zones around drug treatment centers, create new standards for determining the amount and weight of heroin in someone's possession to trigger a felony and establish new laws regulating non-controlled prescription medicine and devices, and prohibit kickbacks to doctors.
Cuomo's proposals include eliminating prior authorization for insurance coverage for all outpatient substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation services, including treatment with medications like methadone and buprenorphine (aka Suboxone). They would also limit co-pays for outpatient substance abuse services and add prevention programs to insurers' wellness programs.
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Stephanie Campbell, executive director of Friends of Recovery-New York, a patient advocacy group, said the group's members have heard support in both the Senate and Assembly for the governor's proposal.
"We certainly support the governor's legislative package," Campbell said. "We see it as an extension of prior efforts."
A representative for substance abuse treatment providers said he hoped lawmakers would not return to a former philosophy of addressing drug addiction by locking people up, after a shift in recent years toward treating the problem as a public health matter more than a criminal one. John Coppola, executive director of the New York State Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, said legislators should aim penalties at what he called "big corporate dealers," who might best be blocked by federal law enforcement officials, not local ones.
"We don't want to go back to the days when we were punishing street-level drug users, but to direct those people to treatment," Coppola said.
Coppola said the state will need to invest more funds if it wants to address an epidemic that continues to get worse.
SCHENECTADY - The city is converting more park land, this time in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood.
On Wednesday, the City Council is set to hold a special meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. to consider a resolution supporting the so called "park alienation" of about 1.35 acres of land in Quackenbush Park in Mont Pleasant.
The parcel would be used in the future to build a new Boys & Girls club that would house a teen center, technology center, gymnasium, DJ training and radio station booth, shared access to a commercial kitchen that will be used to serve snacks and lunches to the needy, according to city attorney Carl Falotico.
He said the city plans to increase the footprint of nearby Orchard Park to make up for the land being lost to the proposed Boys & Girls club project.
In New York, the parkland "alienation" designation occurs when a municipality wants to sell, lease, or discontinue municipal parkland, according to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
To convey parkland to a nonpublic entity or use it for a different reason, the municipality must receive prior authorization through the state Legislature and the governor's signature.
This is the second time the panel will be voting on the resolution related to Quackebush park.
The required authorization, introduced by Assemblyman Phil Steck, was passed by the governing body in Schenectady during a Jan. 5 special meeting, said Falotico.
After that, he said city officials learned that the park is located in the 111th Assembly district, which is represented by Angelo Santabarbara.
He introduced the measure Friday, but the assembly rules state that has to be done before the municipality takes action on the measure.
The Boys & Girls Club is in fund-raising mode now for the future construction on its new facility, added Falotico.
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Shane Bargy, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady did not immediately return calls Tuesday seeking comment.
Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Association President Pat Smith, who initially had some reservations about the proposed project, said Tuesday that she is pleased with the plans for the park.
"I'm happy as long as the park and the pool stay where they are," said Smith.
Earlier this week, the Schenectady officials approved a resolution to alienate no more than 30 feet in Riverside that will be used to build a new and larger pump station in the Stockade.
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Detroit
Uber must get rid of leaders who tolerate bad behavior and hire people who don't including up to the chief executive experts say, as the ride-hailing company gets ready to announce significant changes to its culture and management.
Uber's board has adopted the recommendations of former Attorney General Eric Holder, who investigated its toxic culture of harassment and bullying. Those will be revealed to employees and made public on Tuesday.
Experts interviewed by The Associated Press say CEO Travis Kalanick should step aside or at minimum change his behavior for the company to make progress. Uber's board is discussing a leave of absence for Kalanick. No decision has yet been made, according to a person briefed on the matter who didn't want to be identified because board discussions aren't normally made public.
A CEO's behavior sets the tone for the rest of the company, says Cindy Schipani, a business law professor at the University of Michigan who has taken part in investigations of corporate conduct. She says Kalanick should resign and save the board from having to oust him. "That's where the culture comes from. It has to change at the top and he has to recognize what he does, his actions, speak louder than anything put on paper," she says. It would be tough for the board to remove Kalanick because of Uber's stock ownership structure.
Jennifer Chatman, a business professor at the University of California Berkeley who also does corporate investigations, predicts that Kalanick will be granted a leave but he won't return in the top spot.
"He lacks the ability to set an appropriate tone for this organization," she said. "He lacks the kind of presence that's needed for a larger organization."
It is common, Chatman says, for company founders to be ill-equipped to lead an organization as it matures. "This may be the moment for Uber where it needs to go to the next stage," she says.
She expects Kalanick to come back as a strategist under a new CEO or possibly a board member who runs the company.
Last week, based on a report from a different law firm that investigated employee harassment, bullying and retaliation complaints, Uber fired 20 people and sent another 31 into counseling. Experts say it's an unprecedented number of firings that shows a pervasive problem, but also is a strong step toward rehabilitation. Who the company hires as replacements will make or break the effort, they say.
Uber must hire people who "don't have the harassment state of mind," Schipani said.
On Monday, Uber said its chief business officer, Emil Michael, is leaving the company. No reason was given for his departure.
Uber Technologies Inc. has been rocked by accusations that it has fostered a workplace environment that condones harassment, discrimination and bullying. It's also facing a federal investigation into claims that it used a fake version of its app to thwart authorities.
Amid the turmoil at the world's largest ride-hailing company, competitors such as Lyft are trying to take advantage, growing ridership and inking technology deals and investments. On Monday, Lyft announced a $25 million investment from Jaguar-Land Rover.
Albany
Before they come to the negotiating table, Canadian officials are hoping to remind their American counterparts about the benefits of the two countries trade agreements.
Canada and the United States have a relationship that is the envy of all mankind, Jeff Leal, Ontarios minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, told the Times Union Tuesday. Weve been an example to the world of how two nations get along together and how we can work together.
In Albany as part of a six-state tour, Leal met with state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball and Lt. Gov Kathy Hochul.
Such meetings have gained new importance in recent months, with disputes over dairy and lumber stoking concerns over the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement that pours billions of dollars into the New York economy each year, but which has become a punching bag for President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration has repeatedly said its looking to renegotiate the landmark deal, with the president calling NAFTA the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere.''
Canadian officials, meanwhile, have said they would be open to new talks, but want to first remind American businesses and lawmakers of the deals importance to the two countries past and future.
Collectively weve built economies (and) created wealth, Leal said. ...Anything that would lead to the thickening of the border would disadvantage both sides of the border.
All told, New York and Ontarios agricultural trade is worth about $2 billion a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and helps drive Ontarios agribusiness sector and its some-800,000 employees.
Leal also cited regulatory reform as one part of NAFTA that could be renegotiated to benefit both Canada and American farms and businesses, noting that consumer standards and habits on both sides of the border are very similar.
"Our countries are so similar. The standards that we demand for our consumers are so similar, he said. We see a modernization of regulatory reform on both sides of the border in terms of NAFTA would be very helpful to both countries.
RDownen@timesunion.com - 518-454-5018 - Follow @RobertDownenTU
Before Salman Khan-starrer Tubelight hits the silver screen on June 25, here are ten factoids you need to know about the original inspiration behind the film, the Hollywood movie Little Boy.
By India Today Web Desk: Tubelight, starring Salman Khan and Sohail Khan in the lead roles, is releasing across India this Eid. One of the most anticipated films of the year, Tubelight, is an official adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood film Little Boy.
Directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, Little Boy is the story of an eight-year-old boy who shared a very special relationship with his father. He was devastated when his father left home to join the military to fight in Japan during World War II.
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Here are a few facts about the movie:
1. The code-name of the atomic bomb that the US dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima during World War II is the same as the film's title.
2. The film was set in a fictional town called O'Hare in California.
3. More than 1,000 kids were auditioned for the lead role of the film, Pepper Flynt Busbee, the little boy with supernatural powers. Jakob Salvati bragged the role when he was seven years old.
4. Jakob Salvati, who plays the titular role in the film is a young actor with an extensive work to his credit. The 13-year-old actor has appeared on episodes of Mad Men, Grimm and Red Widow. He has also acted in the independent dark fantasy horror film Escape From Tomorrow.
5. Salvati is also a singer and dancer.
6. Little Boy, the film, was panned by critics for displaying faith in a bad light. In the movie, the boy with special powers wished for his father to come back home from the war. Little Boy was criticised for showing a world where miracles happened by killing lakhs of people just to get rewards for the believer.
7. In the film, Pepper brought about an earthquake in Japan with his special powers in an effort to get his father home from a POW camp.
8. The famous Hollywood actor, Kevin James, who plays the character of Dr Fox in Little Boy, liked the script so much that he decided to do the film for free.
9. In the film, Pepper befriends a Japanese man because he wants to get over his hatred for the Japanese (America's World War II enemy), in order for his faith to work so that he can bring his father back home. In Tubelight, Salman's character Laxman is supposed to befriend a Chinese boy, played by Matin Rey Tangu. Tubelight is a set against the 1962 Indo-China war.
10. Emily Watson, who played the character of Emma Busbee in Little Boy, acted in three World War II dramas before the film. The other two were The Book Thief (2013) and The Water Horse (2007).
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Tubelight, helmed by Kabir Khan, is slated to release on Eid this year.
ALSO READ | Tubelight new song Tinka Tinka Dil Mera: Salman Khan will leave you in tears
ALSO READ | Will Salman Khan's Tubelight be able to break Baahubali 2 records? The actor responds
ALSO WATCH | Happy Birthday Salman Khan: A look at Bhaijaan's controversial life
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QUEENSBURY A dozen men were charged with soliciting sex with an underage girl online, police said Monday.
The men came to Queensbury planning to hook up with either a pimp or an underage girl, age 9 to 14, only to discover they were meeting with a cop who then arrested them.
"You would not believe the number of predators out there," Warren County Sheriff Bud York said at a press conference Monday afternoon. "It's sickening."
The arrests were the result of a six-week investigation, known as Spider Byte, by the sheriff's office, State Police and the FBI.
"It is an operation we do on occasion with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to arrest sexual predators and hopefully deter others from participating in this type of behavior," State Police Capt. Robert Patnaude said. "We want sexual deviants to know that the person they think is a 14-year-old girl online might just be a trooper."
Those arrested used social media, including Facebook, to communicate with what they thought were underage girls.
The sheriff said among those arrested are Frank Gunther, a Mechanicville City School District bus driver; Timothy Celeste, a Glens Falls radio personality; and Thomas Abrams, a captain from Westchester County Department of Correction.
York said he hoped that releasing the defendants' names will encourage victims to come forward.
"I don't think this is the first time for these men," the sheriff said. "If anyone recognizes these men, call us. We are expecting more charges. Really, this could be opening a Pandora's box."
Those arrested by the Warren County sheriff were charged with attempted rape. Those arrested by the State Police face attempted criminal sex act charges. If convicted of the felonies, the men would be required to register as sex offenders.
The sting involved an undercover officer posing as the girls' pimp who met with prospective johns Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Once a price was agreed upon, the men were arrested, the official said.
"One tried to get away," said State Police Senior. Investigator Karl Meybaum. "But with a SWAT team with guns drawn surrounding them, they cooperate."
York said some men brought drugs, alcohol and sexual paraphernalia with them.
"I'd like to see these guys gone longer than one or two years," York said. "We need to change the system. They need to be gone for life because when they come out, they abuse children again. Society needs to do something about this. It's sick."
The 12 men arrested are:
Jose Roberto Zapata-Cruz, 32, of 1017 Wendell Ave., Schenectady, charged with attempted rape.
Gerald F. Harrington III, 36, of 30 Lupine Lane, Queensbury, charged with attempted rape.
Thomas J. Clancy III, 21, of 2 Concord Drive, Saratoga Springs, charged with attempted rape.
Mark D. Hodges, 63, of 1112 New Loudon Road, Latham, charged with attempted rape, attempted aggravated sexual abuse and criminal possession of a weapon.
Roger P. Whiting III, 43, of 29 Mallory Ave., Queensbury, charged with attempted rape.
Paul R. Wilson, 31, of 36 Ethan Allen St., Fort Edward, charged with attempted rape.
Peter J. Fava, 41, of Halifax, Mass., charged with attempted criminal sex acts.
William K. O'Connell, 46, of Fort Edward, charged with attempted criminal sex acts and attempted rape.
Timothy Celeste, 49, Glens Falls, charged with attempted criminal sex acts.
Adam S. Hiedman, 32, of Schenectady, charged with attempted criminal sex acts.
Thomas G. Abrams, 52, of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, charged with attempted criminal sex acts.
Frank L. Gunther, 61, of Mechanicville, charged with attempted criminal sex acts.
Washington
A longtime friend to President Donald Trump said Monday that Trump was considering whether to fire Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating possible ties between the president's campaign and Russian officials.
The assertion comes as conservative allies of Trump have begun trying to attack Mueller's credibility.
Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax Media who was at the White House Monday, said on PBS' "NewsHour" that Trump "is considering, perhaps, terminating the special counsel I think he's weighing that option."
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a White House spokeswoman, said Monday that "Chris speaks for himself" but declined to comment further. Allies of the president cast doubt on the idea that Trump would take such a dramatic step, and White House officials said Ruddy did not meet directly with the president while he was there.
Firing Mueller would be a politically explosive move that would raise new questions about Trump, whose abrupt dismissal of James Comey, the former FBI director, generated accusations of obstruction of justice and led to Mueller's appointment.
Trump has been known, in moments of frustration and stress, to vent threats of action to members of his inner circle. In the past, some of those private expressions of anger have been made public by friends and associates, only to generate speculation about possibly imminent moves by Trump that never take place.
Under Justice Department rules, Trump seemingly would have to order Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein to first rescind department regulations protecting a special counsel from being fired for no good reason and then fire Mueller. If Rosenstein refused, Trump could fire him, too a series of events that would recall the "Saturday Night Massacre" during Watergate, when President Richard M. Nixon sought to dismiss special prosecutor Archibald Cox.
White House officials referred questions to Trump's personal lawyer, Marc E. Kasowitz, as they have recently on all matters relating to the Russia investigation. A Kasowitz spokeman declined to comment.
Newt Gingrich, a supporter of Trump's, said in a tweet Monday that it is time to "rethink" Mueller's ability to be fair.
"Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair," Gingrich tweeted after in recent weeks praising Mueller's integrity. Apparently referring to Federal Election Commission reports, he added: "Look who he is hiring. check fec reports. Time to rethink."
The idea that the investigation is illegitimate and politically motivated is one that has been gaining currency on the political right for months. Conservative writers, radio hosts and cable personalities emboldened by the president himself have repeatedly sought to discredit the inquiry, its investigators, the mainstream news media accounts of it and lawmakers on Capitol Hill who are demanding answers.
Initially, Comey was the subject of much of their derision. Now they have moved onto Mueller, a man they are attacking as too compromised and conflicted to lead an independent inquiry.
In the PBS interview, Ruddy said Trump had considered replacing Comey with Mueller, a former FBI director during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. A senior White House official confirmed the president interviewed Mueller for the FBI post the day before he was tapped by the deputy attorney general to serve as special counsel in the Russia investigation.
Ruddy said the president was weighing whether to dismiss Mueller because of concerns about conflicts of interest. He said those concerns included the interview for the FBI post and connections between Mueller's law firm and other White House officials.
"There are some real conflicts. He comes from a law firm that represents members of the Trump family," Ruddy said. "I know for a fact that he was under consideration and that the president did talk with him in the days before he was named special counsel. I think there's a conflict."
Democrats Monday accused Republicans of beginning a campaign to smear Mueller's reputation as he engages in a investigation that could include whether Trump obstructed justice by first pressuring Comey to end parts of the inquiry, and then by firing him.
Rep. Adam B. Schiff of California, senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, scoffed at the idea that the president might fire Mueller. "If President fired Bob Mueller, Congress would immediately re-establish independent counsel and appoint Bob Mueller," Schiff said.
Washington
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, facing fresh questions about his Russian contacts during the election campaign and his role in the firing of James Comey, will be interrogated in a public hearing by former Senate colleagues on Tuesday.
The appearance before the Senate intelligence committee comes one week after former FBI Director Comey cryptically told lawmakers the bureau had expected Sessions to recuse himself weeks before he did from an investigation into contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russia during the 2016 election.
Sessions, a key campaign adviser to Donald Trump, stepped aside from the investigation in early March after acknowledging he had spoken twice in the months before the election with the Russian ambassador to the United States. He said under oath at his January confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russians during the campaign.
Since then, lawmakers have raised questions about a possible third meeting at a Washington hotel, though the Justice Department has said that did not happen.
There had been some question as to whether the hearing would be open, but the Justice Department said Monday Sessions requested it be because he "believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him."
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Schenectady
Union College's security officers will soon have a new home.
The college announced Tuesday that it has agreed to purchase the former Bank of America building on Nott Street for $135,000, with $25,000 coming from a Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority grant.
Union said it will renovate the 2,500-square-foot building to house its Campus Safety Department, moving its 26-member security force there. Some services, including vehicle registration and ID car processing, will remain in College Park Hall.
"This is a very strategic acquisition for us," Union President Stephen C. Ainlay said in a press release. "We wanted to do our part to help develop this critical corridor that borders our campus. By having the high visibility of the Campus Safety Department there, it not only brings them closer to campus, but benefits the neighborhood as well."
The building has been vacant since Ann Cort LLC bought the property at auction in 2013.
State Police
ARGYLE A man working at the Washington Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare is accused of sexually assaulting a patient, troopers said Tuesday.
Richard Gonzalez Medina, 25, of Schenectady, allegedly had non-consensual oral sexual contact with a patient at the center, troopers said. The victim reported the assault to other staff members, who immediately called the State Police.
Acting under the Prevention of Benami Property Act, action has been initiated against Tejashwi Yadav and his siblings.
By Atir Khan: Trouble seems to be mounting for Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. The Income Tax Department has passed orders of attachment of their alleged 'benami' property in Delhi. The properties worth more than Rs 50 crores in Delhi have been attached.
Sources said the move had been initiated post searches by the unit dealing with alleged benami properties. Action has been initiated against Tejashwi Yadav and his siblings. The department has exercised its powers under the Prevention of Benami Property Act.
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Stepping up investigation against former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the IT had recently raided 22 premises in Delhi and Gurgaon in connection with benami land deals to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore. As per the procedure after the raids, a separate unit of IT Department investigates the suspicious benami deals. The searching team refers such cases to the benami unit. After the probe, if the benami unit finds any proxy transactions, then it has powers to initiate prosecution. Benami law also attracts criminal provisions and if convicted, there is a provision of imprisonment.
The department will now issue a notice under Benami law and give Lalu Yadav and his family members an opportunity to give their version on the ownership of the properties. If they fail to give an explanation, then the properties worth Rs 50 crores will be permanently attached. The IT Department gets 90 days to file its final report.
IT DEPARTMENT PROBE
The IT Department sources said it was probing several businessmen and real estate agents as well, in connection with the deals. Searching were conducted everywhere connected to Lalu Prasad with regard to the benami land deals and cases of tax evasion as well.
The raids had followed the BJP's allegations that Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti and his two sons were involved in benami land deals to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore, thereafter seeking a probe by the government in the matter.
Last month, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had also demanded that the Centre probe the alleged land deals. He alleged that Lalu's daughter Misa Bharti, a Rajya Sabha MP, had failed to disclose these assets in her election affidavit and demanded the Election Commission to take action against her.
LALU ATTACKS BJP
Lalu Prasad Yadav, however, sounded a warning on Twitter, asking the BJP to "be careful". "Beware egoist and fascist BJP leaders! Before threatening Lalu, look at your face in the mirror. There are millions of thousands of Lalus in Bihar," he posted on Twitter, on Monday night.
Misa Bharti has been summoned by the IT Department twice earlier this month. But she failed to appear on both the dates. She was represented by her lawyer, who had expressed displeasure over the department making the summon dates public. Sources said he had told the IT officers that making the summoning date public compromised her security.
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Also read: Minister son Tej Pratap deputes 3 doctors, 2 nurses for ill father Lalu Prasad
Also read: Grand alliance at Centre is Lalu Prasad Yadav's birthday wish
WATCH VIDEO HERE
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Shades of Irish Light is the latest exhibition to show at the Tipperary Excel Gallery, and depicts scenes of the Irish Countryside. The exhibition of oil paintings by Deirdre Dunne will run until July 1st and the Gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm
Admission is free and All are welcome. Deirdre Dunne is an Irish born Artist who obtained her honours degrees in Fine Art, and Painting at Crawford College of Art in Cork. Since her studies she has bicycled through Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and Central America, as well as working as a tour guide in Australia and Africa. Throughout these experiences she has been continuously sketching and painting images from each of the countries she has passed through, including her native Ireland. She is now living near Kilbeheny, Mitchelstown surrounded by the beautiful Galty Mountains. This is where her studio is situated. She also teaches art to both children and adults. Artist Statement: My subject matter varies throughout my paintings. What attracts me to a certain subject is the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. I use intense colours and contrasts to achieve a strong impact on the viewer. From winter sunshine to stormy skies, I try to capture the moment in nature where everything is highlighted. Deirdres preferred medium is oil on canvas, and she works on a red ochre background to create rich tonal contrasts.
[June 13, 2017] Travelers Institute Teams Up with the Economic Club of Canada to Promote Cybersecurity for Businesses
The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), today will host its Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore symposia series for small and midsize businesses and organizations. Co-hosted by the Economic Club of Canada, the event will convene thought leaders to share strategies for creating a cyber-smart workplace. "It is important for employers and employees to recognize potential cyber scams, which are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect," said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. "Small and midsize businesses are particularly vulnerable. By better understanding the risks, they can take the appropriate steps to protect their private information." Sophie LaPointe, Director of Operations at the Economic Club of Canada, said, "Today's cyber risk environment is very challenging for businesses. We are pleased to work with the Travelers Institute to help educate companies about creating a strategy to help prevent and recover from a cyber intrusion." The keynote address will be delivered by Michael Echols, CEO, International Association of Certified ISAOs (Information Sharing and Anlysis Organizations). He is also the former Director, Joint Program Management Office, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The event will feature a panel discussion, "Tackling Evolving Cyber Threats," moderated by Woodward. In addition to Echols, panelists will include Victor Beitner, Founder and CEO, Cyber Security Canada, and David Clark, Senior Claims Counsel, Major Case Unit, Specialty Insurance, Travelers Canada. The Travelers Institute has held its Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore educational initiative across the United States since 2016, and expanded the series to Canada this year with a launch event at the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta's annual convention.
About the Travelers Institute
The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., engages in discussion and analysis of public policy topics of importance to the insurance marketplace and to the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers' senior management, as well as the technical expertise of many of Travelers' underwriters, risk managers and other experts, to provide information, analysis and solutions to public policymakers and regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. For more information, visit www.travelers.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613005320/en/
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[June 12, 2017] Kabam Spin-Off Studio Phoenix One Launches Guardian Kingdoms to Challenge Supercell
SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As Netmarble completes its acquisition of Marvel: Contest of Champions developer Kabam, Kabam spin-off studio Phoenix One launches Guardian Kingdoms - a next generation 3v3 mobile strategy game to challenge Supercell. Phoenix One Games is led by a veteran group from Kabam, Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Zynga. The studio has spent the last few years at Kabam quietly developing an ambitious mobile game, Guardian Kingdoms, and has its sights set on Supercell's unassailable dominance on strategy games. As Kabam began considering its own sale, the team spun off to launch Guardian Kingdoms under their new studio, Phoenix One Games. Guardian Kingdoms is built upon ground-breaking technology for competitive team battles, allowing for multiplayer experiences never before attempted at such large scale, on mobile devices. This breakthrough on mobile allows for a true strategy game experience reminiscent of Blizzard classics Warcraft or Starcraft, rather than rival Clash of Clans. Not satisfied with only revolutionizing the combat system for mobile, Guardian Kingdoms also caters to players who enjoy cooperative gameplay alongside a story-driven quests and massiv team raid challenges.
All this culminates in a fresh and uniquely bite-sized MMO RTS experience for mobile that is super accessible, yet with the complexity and depth for the most hardcore gamers. One player muses: "Given the saturation of mobile games that emphasize social interaction, Guardian Kingdoms is a rare gemstone that brings back the spirit of this old school gamer...The best thing about it is it's all real-time, I was able to play with a co-worker while assaulting another person's base." With Guardian Kingdoms, the base-building and strategic team gameplay of RTS games has been carefully crafted into a fresh twist on a classic genre, and makes a clear case for challenging Supercell's dominance on the charts.
Get Guardian Kingdoms on iOS for free: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1139986797 For more information about Guardian Kingdoms visit: http://www.guardiankingdoms.com/. Stay up to date on game developments by liking Guardian Kingdoms on Facebook and following on Twitter and Instagram. About Phoenix One Games Phoenix One Games is a San Francisco based mobile gaming startup founded in 2016 after spinning out of Kabam with significant veteran gaming and art talent from top publishers such as Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Kabam, and Zynga. Guardian Kingdoms is the company's flagship title and is an original fantasy genre base builder / strategy multiplayer mobile game. Media Contact:
[email protected] Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f11e7r31yI
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/521188/Guardian_Kingdoms_3v3_Phoenix_One_Games.jpg SOURCE Phoenix One Games
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[June 12, 2017] Nobilis Therapeutics Receives a Notice of Allowance for a Patent Covering Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders With Noble Gases
PORTLAND, Ore., June 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nobilis Therapeutics announced today that the patent that it had exclusively licensed from Partners HealthCare/McLean Hospital (an affiliate of Harvard University) has received a notice of allowance. The patent is titled "XENON AND/OR ARGON TREATMENT AS AN ADJUNCT TO PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS" and covers a wide range of noble gas uses in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
"We are very pleased to receive this very exciting news," said Dr. Vlad Bogin, company's CEO. "This patent had laid the groundwork for our first therapeutic indication, which is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As Nobilis Therapeutics has selected the 505(b)(2) pathway to ND approval, having an issued patent becomes of paramount importance."
"The issue of a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office strongly supports the novelty of our safe approach to treating this debilitating and devastating condition - more than 20 Veterans a day commit suicide as they try to cope with their traumatic experiences. Sadly, current therapies and treatments are only moderately effective. We are very excited to have forged this relationship with Nobilis Therapeutics as we work to translate our research findings into a clinical trial and, hopefully, an effective treatment for PTSD," said Edward Meloni, Ph.D., one of inventors. About Nobilis Therapeutics, Inc.
Nobilis Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that is focused on development and commercialization of proprietary inhalation-based treatments using controlled device administration of inert gases that have an exceptional safety profile proven by decades of clinical use. The Company has filed multiple patents on the use of inert gases for treatment of a variety of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and leverages the experience of its international team that has successfully used this technology in the treatment of over 500 patients for conditions ranging from panic attacks to substance abuse. Vlad Bogin, MD, FACP 3042NW Monte Vista Terrace Portland, OR 97210 Tel: (971) 229-1679 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.nobilistx.com Twitter: @nobilistx
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[June 12, 2017] ROKT Finalizes US$26 Million Series 'B' Funding Round
NEW YORK and SYDNEY, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ROKT today announced the conclusion of a US$26 million Series "B" funding round, led by Moelis Australia Ltd. (ASX: MOE). John Ho, Lachlan Murdoch, Greg Roebuck, Square Peg Capital and Time Inc. (NYSE: TIME) also participated in this investment. ROKT's "B" round consisted of US$15 million, announced in February 2017, and a further US$11 million investment just made by existing investors. The investment process was structured this way to facilitate ROKT's acquisition of strategic assets to broaden its offering as well as accelerate the company's global growth. Reflective of that was ROKT's acquisition of CalReply, completed shortly as part of the February 2017 Installment of the "B" round. "All of us at ROKT are appreciative of this latest vote of confidence from our investors," said Bruce Buchanan, ROKT's Chairman and CEO. "It serves to further step up our efforts, sharpen our focus and continue to execute flawlessly at the intersection of digital marketing and e-commerce." Along with acquiring CalReply, the largest and fastest growing provider of calendar marketing solutions, ROKT has added depth to its management ranks, notably managing directors to spearhead expansion in the EMEA and APAC regions, increased headcount in all parts of the company, and advanced its technology platform to deliver mor and better results for advertisers and e-commerce partners in the company's global network.
"Working with the ROKT team continues to be an immensely positive experience," said Ben Wong, a Managing Director at Moelis Australia. "We are pleased to have added further support to ROKT as it brings more benefits to more advertisers and e-commerce businesses across the globe." ROKT helps to achieve better e-commerce results by improving customer engagements and delivering meaningful native monetization for such brands as eBay, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Gumtree, AXS, Dominos and Kogan, among others. It also works with thousands of performance marketers focused on acquiring large numbers of new customers at the point of transaction.
"This US$26 million funding round is one of the biggest this year for an Australian company," said Tushar Roy, a Square Peg Partner. "It represents more than investor confidence in the company. It serves as a reaffirmation of our belief that ROKT will persist to gather speed along its path to becoming a company that profoundly changes the way brands acquire and convert customers worldwide." About ROKT
ROKT sits at the intersection of digital media and commerce. The company brings significant benefits to e-commerce operators by applying its algorithmic engine to optimize customers' journeys as well as monetize underutilized portions of their websites. ROKT uses its unique position in the customer journey and set of capabilities to help performance marketers engage with and acquire customers at scale when they're most receptive, just as they've made an online transaction from a trusted brand. ROKT has offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit ROKT.com. About Moelis Australia
Moelis Australia is a fully integrated financial services group that operates through its' two business segments: Corporate Advisory, Equities and Asset Management. Moelis Australia was established with a philosophy to offer unbiased advice of the highest quality to its clients. This philosophy is fostered through an exclusive global alliance with New York Stock Exchange listed global investment bank, Moelis & Company (NYSE: MC). Since its establishment in 2009, Moelis Australia has advised on corporate transactions with a value in excess of $72 billion, raised over $5.7 billion in capital for clients and now manages in excess of $1.9 billion in assets under management. For further information, please visit: https://moelisaustralia.com.au. About Square Peg
Square Peg Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in outstanding teams building tomorrow's technology leaders. Its investing activities focus on Australia and New Zealand, South East Asia and Israel. For more information please visit. www.squarepegcap.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rokt-finalizes-us26-million-series-b-funding-round-300472529.html SOURCE ROKT
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[June 12, 2017] TeamDynamix Named SIIA Education Technology CODiE Award Finalist for Best Higher Education Enterprise Solution
TeamDynamix, providers of cloud-based work management software, today announced that the solution was named a 2017 SIIA CODiE Award finalist in the Best Higher Education Enterprise Solution category. Finalists represent applications, products and services from developers of educational software, digital content, online learning services and related technologies across the PreK-20 sector. Click to tweet TeamDynamix gives higher education service organizations the ability to align and simplify their work management processes. From IT to facilities, residential life to media services, marketing, library services and more - the platform offers a single portal to help students and faculty with all service requests and improved support through shared knowledge. The platform also offers an integrated Project Portfolio Management solution that helps to optimize resources working on both tickets and projects. The SIIA CODiE Awards are the premier awards for the software and information industries, and have been recognizing product excellence for over 30 years. The awards offer 93 categories that are organized by industry focus of education technology and business technology. TeamDynamix was honored as one of 160 finalists across the 34 education technology categories. "I am impressed by the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the 2017 CODiE award finalists. These products are opening doors for learners of all ages by combining new technologies with research about how people learn in order to respnd to student and educator needs," said Bridget Foster, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN), a division of SIIA.
"We are thrilled to be selected as finalists," stated C.J. Wimley, CEO for TeamDynamix. "We are dedicated to the Higher Ed community with a clear focus on helping institutions work smarter, faster and better. It's all about the student experience, and the industry experts who selected the finalists for the CODiEs recognize TeamDynamix' ability to improve that experience by helping colleges and universities better manage their time, resources, and support needs." The SIIA CODiE Awards are the industry's only peer-reviewed awards program. Educators and administrators serve as judges and conduct the first-round review of all education nominees. Their scores determine the SIIA CODiE Award finalists, and SIIA members then vote on the finalist products. The scores from both rounds are tabulated to select the winners. Winners will be announced during a CODiE Award Winner Ceremony in San Francisco on July 26 at the Education Impact Symposium, hosted by the Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN), a division of SIIA.
Details about each finalist are listed at http://www.siia.net/codie/Finalists About the SIIA CODiE Awards The SIIA CODiE Awards is the only peer-reviewed program to showcase business and education technology's finest products and services. Since 1986, thousands of products, services and solutions have been recognized for achieving excellence. For more information, visit siia.net/CODiE. About TeamDynamix TeamDynamix cloud-based work management software gives service organizations in higher education the ability to align, work together, and simplify their work management processes. TeamDynamix transforms IT from order taker to strategic innovator. Colleges and universities use TeamDynamix project portfolio and service management to simplify, collaborate, and work. More at TeamDynamix.com, @TDXBuzz, LinkedIn. For the media: Additional details and images available in this online press kit. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006335/en/
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[June 12, 2017] Rimini Street Recognized by 2017 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for Customer Service Innovation
Rimini Street, Inc., a global provider of enterprise software services, and the leading independent support provider for Oracle (News - Alert) and SAP products, today announced that it won a prestigious Stevie Award in the Innovation in Customer Service Management, Planning & Practice category from the 2017 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. This honour marks the Company's 10th Stevie Award win this year. Rimini Street recently earned Stevie Awards in several categories, including Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year from the 2017 American Business AwardsSM and Customer Service Department of the Year from the 2017 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006130/en/ Rimini Street continues to gain worldwide recognition for client service and industry leadership with its 10th Stevie Award win this year. (Photo: Business Wire) Global-Scale Customer Service Excellence Honored Once Again The Stevie Award recognized the achievements of Rimini Street's Global Support Department in customer service excellence and innovation for delivering its premium-level independent support model to clients running Oracle and SAP (News - Alert) enterprise software. The Company's model incorporates more comprehensive support services not offered through standard vendor maintenance, including support for customizations, interoperability and performance tuning, as well as access to a named, dedicated Primary Support Engineer (PSE) with an average of 15 years' experience, and 15-minute guaranteed response times for critical cases (P1) - all delivered at half the original vendor's annual maintenance fee. Rimini Street lient Also Wins Award After Switching to Independent Support
Organizations who have made the switch to independent support and are benefitting from the greater operational efficiencies and flexibility afforded by the ultra-responsive support model are able to reinvest these significant savings back into their business to drive more strategic initiatives that help lead to growth and competitive advantage. One such example of an organization that leveraged the savings from its switch to Rimini Street is Kumagai Gumi in Japan. One of the largest, most reputable contractors in Japan, Kumagai Gumi switched to Rimini Street and immediately reduced the IT costs associated with an upgrade of its ERP software by 100 million yen. The company was also able to lower its operations and maintenance expense by 40 million yen annually, while at the same time experiencing more responsive support. This enabled the company to reallocate savings into new projects, including the installation of 800 iPads to improve operational efficiencies across the organization. As a result, Kumagai Gumi earned the IT Special Award earlier this year given by the Japan Institute of Information Technology.
"We are honoured to be a recipient of the prominent Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards," said Rimini Street, Asia Pacific, managing director, Andrew Powell. "This recognition further cements Rimini Street's leadership position in customer service and our ability to help enable innovation in the organizations we support. For Rimini Street, it's not just about the cost savings we can enable for our clients, but the value we can bring clients with exceptional support of their systems and what each client can do with the reinvestment of saved funds - specifically to drive growth." The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards were open to organisations in the 22 nations of the Asia-Pacific region and focused on recognizing innovation in business. The judging panel consisted of more than 50 executives around the world acting as judges for more than 700 nominations submitted by organizations across the region. The award ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on 2 June. About Rimini Street, Inc. Rimini Street is the global leader in providing independent enterprise software support services. The company has redefined enterprise support services since 2005 with an innovative, award-winning program that enables licensees of Oracle, SAP, IBM (News - Alert), Microsoft and other enterprise software vendors to save up to 90 percent on total support costs. Clients can remain on their current software release without any required upgrades for a minimum of 15 years. Nearly 1,300 global Fortune 500, midmarket, public sector and other organizations from a broad range of industries currently rely on Rimini Street as their trusted, independent support provider. To learn more, please visit http://www.riministreet.com/, follow @riministreet on Twitter (News - Alert) and find Rimini Street on Facebook and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may," "will," "plan," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are based on various assumptions. If the risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Rimini Street assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak only as of the date of this press release. 2017 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. "Rimini Street" is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006130/en/
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The Bengaluru Police has again sought custody of four suspects to investigate how they managed to secure Aadhaar cards with fake papers.
By Nolan Pinto: After the Bengaluru Police nabbed three Pakistan nationals for staying in the country without valid documents and an Indian for aiding them on May 25, the force has tightened its vigil.
Even after 15 days of custody, the Bengaluru Police has sought their custody again to investigate how they managed to secure Aadhaar cards with fake papers.
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"Checking their antecedents and contacts requires a huge effort," and hence the police is taking the help of central intelligence agencies both within and outside the country.
The arrested are Sameera, Kiran Ghulam Ali and Kashif Shamshuddin all from Karachi and Mohammad Shihab from Kerala. They were arrested by the Central Crime Branch sleuths on charges of illegally staying in India for nine months and also getting Aadhaar cards.
All four have been charged under Sections of Foreigner's Act, Passport Act, conspiracy and creation of false documents and misrepresentation, said Praveen Sood, Police Commissioner of Bengaluru.
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[June 12, 2017] Global Mobile Robot Charging Station Market - Key Drivers and Forecast from Technavio
Technavio analysts forecast the global mobile robot charging station market to grow at a CAGR of close to 14% over the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006164/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global mobile robot charging station market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The research study by Technavio on the global mobile robot charging station market for 2017-2021 provides a detailed industry analysis based on the type (stand-alone charger and multi-robot charger), application (industrial and commercial sector), and geography (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC).
Mobile robot charging station, or docking station, comprises transmitter and receiver, which helps the charging station and the autonomous mobile robots to communicate. The demand for autonomous mobile robots has increased due to the extended preference of factory automation and Industry 4.0, increasing the growth of the global mobile robot charging station market.
This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. Technavio analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global mobile robot charging station market: Reduced cost price of electronic components
Factory automation
Solar-energy fueled charging stations Reduced cost price of electronic components The extent of microelectronics, nanotechnology, and wireless communication technology has led to the rise in the use of autonomous mobile robots in multiple industrial and commercial applications. These robots are working in and around the shop floors and are enabled with autonomous charging facility. "The significant fall in the price of electronic components, such as the infrared sensors and cameras has elevated the growth of the global mobile robot charging station market. The availability of affordable raw material has enabled the development in the field of robotics, and thereby charging stations," says Sushmit Chakraborty, a lead analyst at Technavio for robotics research. Factory automation The automation of factory floors greatly improves the quality of work output, which has led to the automation of a plethora of end-user industries such as automotive manufacturing, food and beverages, and chemical manufacturing. Countries such as China, India, Japan, Singapore, Germany, and the UK, which are dependent on the manufacturing industry, are increasingly adopting robots in their factories. Most fully automated factories are dependent on autonomous mobile robots for various applications such as commercial equipment cleaning, transportation and material handling, garbage disposal, and inventory management. Mobile robot charging stations are employed in these industries to power the robots. Solar-energy fueled charging stations "Autonomous mobile robots are used in defense and police applications for outdoor operations such as border patrol, security, forest and agriculture, and material transfer. Such operations need robots and charging stations that can provide power supply whenever required," says Sushmit. The mobile robot chargers or docking stations used for outdoor operations cannot be assisted with wall mounted power boards connected to traditional grid power sources. Therefore, solar energy fueled charging stations are developed to enable charging these remote docking stations. These stations are equipped with a solar panel that helps to convert solar energy into a direct current, which can be supplied to robots. Browse Related Reports: Global Automatic Palletizer and Depalletizer Market 2017-2021
Global Agricultural Robots Market 2017-2021
Global Automated Truck Loading System Market 2017-2021 Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like automation. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, resellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170612006164/en/
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[June 12, 2017] FileRight.com and Community Organizations Stand With Immigrants at Nevada's Immigrant Heritage Month Event
LAS VEGAS, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds gathered Saturday, June 10, at the Asian Culture Center for Nevada's Immigrant Heritage Month Dedication Ceremony + Cultural Showcase to celebrate the fourth annual Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM), a nationwide effort to gather and share the inspirational stories of immigrants in America. Attendees were also encouraged to give back to the community by volunteering to help local immigrant-serving organizations. The evening included performances by Latin musicians, the Comparsa Fiesta Morelense dance troupe of Las Vegas and Korean and Polynesian dance groups. U.S. Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada's 4th congressional district was the event's keynote speaker and spoke of his family's journey to the U.S. and his pledge to stand with immigrants. "My family came here in pursuit of the American dream," Kihuen said. "And the simple fact that a former undocumented immigrant is serving in Congress is a testament of the greatness of this country." "We are overwhelmed by the turnout and support that was isplayed on behalf of Immigrant Heritage Month," said FileRight.com Founder and CEO Cesare Alessandrini. "So many great folks came out to help celebrate their immigrant heritage and take part in an event that celebrated cultural diversity. We were delighted to partner with IAmAnImmigrant.com and the team at FWD.us to help put together and sponsor such an incredible event. Additionally, we are excited to see support for IHM coming from more than 250 companies and nonprofit partners, including Facebook, Verizon, Snapchat, Refinery29, MTV, HBO and Airbnb."
For more information about the event and Immigrant Heritage Month, please visit fileright.com/IHM or facebook.com/fileright. About FileRight.com
FileRight.com is an online software company dedicated to setting immigrants on the path of success by focusing on one thing: getting immigration paperwork filed right. FileRight.com's software (available in English or Spanish) guides applicants through the process step-by-step and checks for errors or problematic entries along the way. Popular application filing packages also include an immigration lawyer consultation and a review of applications prior to filing. FileRight.com offers 24/7 support and a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Learn more at www.FileRight.com.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/filerightcom-and-community-organizations-stand-with-immigrants-at-nevadas-immigrant-heritage-month-event-300472713.html SOURCE FileRight.com
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[June 13, 2017] Credit Peers Secures 45 million Credit Line
LONDON, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Peers, one of the first peer-to-business (P2B) secured property lending platforms in the UK, announced today that it has secured a credit line of 45 million from a European investment management firm. The financing should allow Credit Peers to expand its growing business by providing fast-tracked debt funding to experienced property investors and developers on investment grade property transactions across the UK. Earlier this year Credit Peers launched its loan-based P2B platform offering property transactions to the public that were previously only available to institutions and banks. Credit Peers aims to significantly speed up the process of property financing compared to the traditional model. The Credit Peers team is passionately working to make property lending faster, more flexible and transparent. Romain Cohen, Chief Investment Officer at Credit Peers said: "We are thrilled to receive this credit line that should help us o accelerate the company into its next stage of growth." Torsten Hartmann, CEO, adds: "Being able to secure such a financing supports our ability to originate attractive opportunities for institutional investors and family offices."
Credit Peers is one of the latest businesses to launch in the exciting alternative finance market and is one of the first peer-to-business (P2B) property lending platforms in the UK. More specific information can be found on Credit Peers' website http://www.creditpeers.com. Risk warning
Although lending to real estate investors can be rewarding, it involves a number of risks. If you choose to lend through Credit Peers, you need to consider that you will not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, that you should not lend more money than you can afford to lose, that the loans facilitated by Credit Peers are illiquid - i.e. can be difficult to sell -, and that lending should be done as part of a diversified portfolio. Capital is at risk. Credit Peers Limited is an Appointed Representative of Resolution Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 574048) Notes to editor The Credit Peers platform allows people to lend money in two different ways. Lenders can put their funds towards financing a specific property asset, selected from the loan opportunities on the Credit Peers website , or they can opt for the auto-match product . The auto-match product allows lenders to select the type of property transaction they want their funds to be allocated to, against a set of criteria. Funds are then assigned to the next available loan that meets these criteria. Every pound loaned is secured against a legal charge on the property, designed to set Credit Peers apart from most forms of peer-to-peer lending. For more information, please contact Credit Peers at [email protected].
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[June 13, 2017] Local Logic closes a first funding round of 1,15 M$ to change the way cities are being used and developed
MONTREAL, June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Local Logic, a Montreal-based company specialized in urban data collection and analysis, has closed a funding round of 1,15 M$.
This first funding round, for the company created 2 years ago, was lead by Cycle Capital Management and supported par BDC, 500 Startups Canada and Yellow Pages. It will allow the team to grow and finance the expansion of the technology throughout the North-American market. With its team of urban planners and data scientists, the company uses sophisticated algorithms and artificial intelligence to map the city using big data. Local Logics mission is to help consumers, real estate companies, investors and urban planners to make better decisions by enriching their understanding of cities and citizens needs, as stated by Vincent-Charles Hodder, cofounder and CEO of the company. According to him, the use of urban data allows for a better understanding of cities, which contributes to their sustainable development. We are thrilled to count on the financial and strategic support of major investors. Their backing will allow us to expand Local Logic to the United States and develop new markets for our urban data, declared Vincent-Charles Hodder. We elieve that the analysis of urban big data is a key element in the management of smart cities and that this technology has a lot of potential for various applications, declared Andree-Lise Methot, founder and associate director of Cycle Capital Management. Investing in this sector is a first for us. We took the time to analyze different technologies and we are investing in Local Logic because the developed technology is accessible, very useful for a variety of markets and because the entrepreneurial team is solid, she added.
About Local Logic
Local Logic is a big data company which uses a combination of geospatial and user generated usage data to quantify the qualities of any given location within a city. The technology developed by Local Logic is used to guide the decisions of consumers when looking for real estate or travel accommodations. The company already counts Centris, Quebecs largest real estate website, as well as Sothebys International Realty Canada among its clients. About Cycle Capital Management
Cycle Capital Management is the most active cleantech venture capital firm in Canada. Cycle Capital invests in companies developing and commercializing clean technologies and striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing resource use, and improving process efficiency throughout a products life cycle.
With assets under management of $231M, Cycle Capital invests in Quebec and across North America. Cycle Capital Management, based in Montreal with an office in Toronto and points of presence in New York, Seattle and Qingdao in China, regroups seasoned investment professionals, strategic advisors and industrial partners with in-depth knowledge of the sector. Cycle Capital Management has a special relationship with its strategic partners, notably Brookfield Renewable Energy, Rio Tinto Alcan, Cascades, Group M3, Lonza, Gaz Metro, Systemex Energies, Aluminerie Alouette, and Hydro-Quebec. For more information on Cycle Capital Management visit: cyclecapital.com. For additional information: Local Logic Gabriel Damant-Sirois Co-founder & CPO [email protected] +1 438-932-9236 Cycle Capital Management Catherine Berube Head of Communications and Public Relations [email protected] +1 514-629-1022
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[June 13, 2017] 5th Anniversary of "SMIC Liver Transplant Program" - Cumulative Donation Exceeding RMB 15 Million and 200 Children Saved
SHANGHAI, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI; SEHK: 0981.HK), one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the largest and most advanced foundry in mainland China, held the 5th Donation Ceremony of "SMIC Liver Transplant Program" at Shanghai Renji Hospital. At the ceremony, SMIC announced a further donation of RMB 2.56 million in 2017. In the past five years, the charity program has raised more than RMB 15 million and more than 200 children were successfully treated with liver transplant. Chairman of SMIC Dr. Zixue Zhou, Honorary Chairman of SMIC Mr. Wenyi Zhang, Vice Chairman of SMIC Dr. Tzu-Yin Chiu, CEO of SMIC Dr. Haijun Zhao, Deputy Chairman of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Mr. Dunquan Jing, and President of Renji Hospital Dr. Weiping Li, Secretary of Communist Party Committee of Renji Hospital Ms. Lian Guo, attended the donation ceremony. Since the start of the charity project "SMIC Liver Transplant Program" by SMIC in April 2013, this is the fifth time that SMIC has donated to China Soong Ching Ling Foundation for the purpose of funding the underprivileged children to receive liver transplant operations. So far, the total amount of donated by SMIC has reached RMB 11.1 million. At the same time, the "SMIC Liver Transplant Program" has attracted more and more caring enterprises and individuals, making it a common mission for the IC industry. This year, the number of participants from the industry reached 111 with a total donation amount of RMB 2.2 million and the cumulative amount exceeding RMB 4.4 million. Up to now "SMIC Liver Transplant Program" has successfully implemented liver transplants for more than 200 underprivileged children throughout the country, and the youngest one was only 6 months old. The Chairman of SMIC, Dr. Zixue Zhou, said: "Thanks to the caring and the excellent skills of the medical staff from Renji Hospital, the generous help from China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, and the sincere love from all SMIC staff and partners, we are proud to see more than 200 children are recovered, and their families once again resound with laugher in the past five years. That's the meaning and value of our commitment 'Care for people, care for the environment, and care for the society'. In the future SMIC will continue to carry out this valuable charity program and undertake the responsibility and commitment as a corporate citizen. " The Vice Chairman of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Dunquan Jing, said: "'The Belt and Road Initiative' connects people, 'SMIC Liver Transplant Program' converges benevolence. We are pleased to see the number of enterprise participants has doubled comparing to lastyear. With the steady development of China's economy and thanks to SMIC's inspiring call, we believe more enterprises will join us to fulfill their social responsibilities, promote the prosperity and development of China's public welfare work, and finally help more children to regain the right to live."
Secretary of Communist Party Committee of Renji Hospital, Ms. Lian Guo, said: "As the largest children's liver transplant center in China, Hepatic Surgery of Renji Hospital has achieved rapid development over the last ten years. The number of our pediatric liver transplant operations in the past 6 years has ranked first in China. Currently the center has finished 890 pediatric liver transplant operations, in which more than 70% patients are from underprivileged homes. Thanks to the great support from the caring organizations such as SMIC and China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, so many poor children have been successfully treated. Hereby I would like to express my sincere gratitude and highest respect to the foundations, enterprises and all individuals for your benevolence and support to social philanthropy. We hope more enterprises and individuals will join us to help the children with liver disease, and give them a light-hearted childhood." About SMIC
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI; SEHK: 981) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the largest and most advanced foundry in mainland China. SMIC provides integrated circuit (IC) foundry and technology services on process nodes from 0.35 micron to 28 nanometer. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, SMIC has an international manufacturing and service base. In China, SMIC has a 300mm wafer fabrication facility (fab) and a 200mm fab in Shanghai; a 300mm fab and a majority-owned 300mm fab for advanced nodes in Beijing; 200mm fabs in Tianjin and Shenzhen; and a majority-owned joint-venture 300mm bumping facility in Jiangyin; additionally, in Italy SMIC has a majority-owned 200mm fab. SMIC also has marketing and customer service offices in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Taiwan, and a representative office in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.smics.com. Safe Harbor Statements (Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) This press release contains, in addition to historical information, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on SMIC's current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. SMIC uses words like "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," "target" and similar expressions to identify forward looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of SMIC's senior management and involve significant risks, both known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors that may cause SMIC's actual performance, financial condition or results of operations to be materially different from those suggested by the forward-looking statements including, among others, risks associated with cyclicality and market conditions in the semiconductor industry, intense competition in the semiconductor industry, SMIC's reliance on a small number of customers, timely wafer acceptance by SMIC's customers, timely introduction of new technologies, SMIC's ability to ramp new products into volume, supply and demand for semiconductor foundry services, industry overcapacity, shortages in equipment, components and raw materials, availability of manufacturing capacity, financial stability in end markets, orders or judgments from pending litigation, intensive intellectual property litigation in semiconductor industry, general economic conditions and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. In addition to the information contained in this press release, you should also consider the information contained in our other filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 27, 2017, especially in the "Risk Factors" section and such other documents that we may file with the SEC or The Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited ("SEHK") from time to time, including current reports on Form 6-K. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future results, performance or achievements. In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated or, if no date is stated, as of the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, SMIC undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SMIC Media Contact Terry Ding
+86-21-3861-0000 x16812
[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/5th-anniversary-of-smic-liver-transplant-program---cumulative-donation-exceeding-rmb-15-million-and-200-children-saved-300472860.html SOURCE Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation
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[June 13, 2017] Altair First With GNSS (GPS) Integrated in Narrowband Cat-M1 and NB1 Cellular IOT Chipset
HOD HASHARON, Israel, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair Semiconductor (altair-semi.com), a leading provider of LTE chipsets, today demonstrated GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) functionality integrated in its new ALT1250 narrowband CAT-M1 and NB1 (NB-IoT) chipset. The ALT1250 is the only narrowband cellular IoT chipset in the market today that incorporates GNSS/GPS functionality. "Location determination is essential in many IoT applications - including asset tracking, vehicle monitoring and wearable devices. Satellite positioning is the most accurate method for doing that," said Eran Eshed, Co-founder and VP of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Altair. "Integrating GNSS functionality in the ALT1250 significantly reduces the overall cost of IoT solutions while offering state of the art, low power satellite positioning capabilities in a miniature package. The market is responding well to it." In addition to GNSS functionality, the ALT1250's extreme level of integration eliminates the need for most external components required to design a cellular IoT module. Approximately the size of a shirt button and less than 100mm2 in size, an ALT1250 module features support for both Release 13 standards - CAT-M1 and NB1, and includes a wideband RF front-end supporting unlimited combinations of LTE bands within a single hardware design, a multi-layered and hardware-based security framework, an internal application MCU subsystem and packaging that enables standard, low-cost PCB manufacturing.
"Altair continues to lead the narrowband cellular IoT market with the most integrated, feature-rich and cost-efficient chipsets available," added Eshed. "We called the ALT1250 a game-changer when we announced it several months ago - integrated GNSS is one of a large set of groundbreaking innovations offered by this chip." For more details on the ALT1250, visit http://www.altair-semi.com/products/alt1250 .
The demonstration of the ALT1250 in action, including the GNSS capability, will be presented today at the Sierra Wireless Innovation Summit, being held at the Paris Novotel Tour Eiffel in Paris, France. About Altair Semiconductor
Altair Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, is a leading provider of LTE chipsets. Altair's portfolio covers the complete spectrum of cellular 4G market needs, from supercharged video-centric applications all the way to ultra-low power, low cost IoT and M2M. Altair has shipped millions of LTE chipsets to date, commercially deployed on the world's most advanced LTE networks including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Softbank and KT (Korea Telecom). The company's customer roster includes some of the world's leading OEMs and ODMs, such as Hewlett-Packard, ASUS, D-Link and WNC, as well as the majority of Asian ODMs developing LTE products for global markets. For more information, visit http://www.altair-semi.com. Follow Altair on Twitter: @AltairSemi Media/Analyst Contact:
Finn Partners Israel for Altair Semiconductor
Ellie Hanson
[email protected]
@elliesheva
+1-929-222-8006
SOURCE Altair Semiconductor
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[June 13, 2017] Titan HST Deploys Augmented Reality, Real Time Translation, Crowdsourcing to Save Lives as Shootings and Terrorism Emergencies Increase
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vic A. Merjanian, Founder and CEO of Titan Health & Security Technologies, Inc., today announced the national launch of Titan HST its patented Next Gen 911 two way emergency communications platform for law enforcement, campus administrators and users to instantly communicate campus emergency alerts, broadcasts and lockdowns, survey users for their safety status and location and provide site-specific emergency materials. Leveraging next generation technologies including Augmented Reality (AR), Multi-Lingual and Crowd Sourced Data, Titan HST dramatically boosts emergency response capacity, and reduces administration response time by 50 percent, while integrating Privacy-by-Design. Medical personnel can also be connected to initiate lifesaving diagnostics in real time, and weather information warning people about impending tornados or other emergencies can be broadcast and continuously updated. School districts, corporations, police and city governments in California, where Titan HST is headquartered, have adopted the secure, reliable, multilingual emergency communication network to save lives. The Titan HST mobile system is a pillar to our nations school safety. It enables students, faculty, parents, teachers, and police to communicate instantly and in real time, according to Dave Long, Ph.D., former California Secretary of Education. Titan HST is a powerful, secure, reliable, mlti-lingual Next Gen 911. It can save lives with its comprehensive two way campus emergency communication network. The mobile app allows users and emergency personnel to communicate emergency information instantly increasing information dissemination and reducing emergency response time. During an alert, users can communicate relevant emergency information, including their GPS coordinates, text, audio, pictures and videos, as well as classify the type of emergency. In addition, users have the ability to speak with administrators and emergency personnel. Administrators and emergency personnel receive emergency alerts via push notification, text message, web pop-up, email, and can communicate directly with users and send lockdown notifications and broadcast messages to the entire site.
The European Union/European Commission has completed the Titan HST pilot program with anticipated purchase and full-scale roll out per an executed Letter of Intent. Based on its early success with school districts in Orange County, rapid scalability and intense interest from public and private organizations, the corporation is gearing up for its nationwide U.S. launch. With the frequency of emergencies on the rise, the future of safety demands a unified, simple, immediate and reliable way to obtain help. Old emergency communications systems fail to timely notify necessary parties due to failure in adopted technology, reliance on a single outdated medium, or due to incorrect user data during an emergency. Survivors tell us that lives would have been saved if only they had the Titan HST system in place, added Vic A. Merjanian, Founder and CEO.
About Titan Health & Security Technologies, Inc.
Titan HST (www.titanhst.com) is a patented internationally accessible, multi-lingual, customizable, mobile two way emergency system. Titan HSTs interdisciplinary team includes industry leaders with deep relationships in target markets which include any public or private, government or non-governmental organization concerned about safety. The corporation is headquartered at 500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 950, Newport Beach, CA 92660. To interview Vic A. Merjanian, Esq., Founder and CEO, please contact Gary Douglas at 310.592.3049 or [email protected]. Media Contact: Gary Douglas [email protected] Direct: 310.592.3049
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[June 13, 2017] The World's Only Software Defined Access Platform brings NG-PON2 to North America's Most Widely Deployed Access System - the Calix E7-2
ORLANDO, Fla., June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calix, Inc. (NYSE:CALX), the world leader in Subscriber Driven Intelligent Access, today announced that North Americas most widely deployed access system has been AXOS enabled with the addition of NG-PON2 and XGS-PON support. This game-changing enhancement allows over 1000 service providers who have deployed the E7-2 to transform their systems into AXOS E7-2 Intelligent Modular Systems and take advantage of the fast, always on, simple, and secure capabilities of AXOS, the worlds only SDA platform. The addition of next generation PON support enables Calix customers to deliver a 10 gigabits per second (10 Gbps) symmetrical experience to their subscribers when deploying business, residential, and mobile backhaul services, with the flexibility to expand up to an astounding 40 Gbps with another recently announced AXOS enabled industry first NG-PON2 wavelength channel bonding. The AXOS platform is the most powerful innovation engine in the industry, and for service providers who have yet to deploy the worlds only modular, non-blocking access system, the AXOS E7-2s ability to support anyPON and anyPHY, and to seamlessly integrate with anySDN makes this the perfect time to introduce the power of AXOS into their network and drive down operational costs, speed time-to-market, and ensure a future-proofed network.
With an embedded network of Calix E7-2 Modular Access Systems, the addition of AXOS and powerful new intelligence allows Pilot to seamlessly integrate NG-PON2 and deliver 10 gigabit services with our existing software defined network, said Joseph Fasone, founder and CEO of Pilot. In addition, because we serve commercial customers throughout New York City, 100 percent uptime is critical for our business to meet the strict SLAs of large enterprises with massive bandwidth needs. The addition of the AXOS platform to the E7-2, as well as the AXOS NG-PON2 line card, tansforms our existing E7-2s into AXOS E7-2 Intelligent Modular Systems and gives us the solution we need to eliminate maintenance windows as we update individual components without impacting service, keeping all customers up and running always. These features, combined with NG-PON2, allow us to future-proof our network and be ready for whatever our customers may need next.
A video showcasing Pilots AXOS and NG-PON2 deployment can be viewed here. The AXOS E7-2 now joins a rapidly expanding family of AXOS eSeries systems capable of supporting both centralized and decentralized network architectures from the data center edge, central office, or headend, to the remote cabinet, or MDU. The unprecedented pace of Calix innovation that brings next generation PON to the E7-2 is made possible by the unique way that AXOS was engineered. While others in the access industry chose to hide the complexity of their outdated access boxes behind complex, functionally limited, slow-to-deploy, and difficult to maintain middleware platforms, Calix chose the strategic path, investing the last six years building AXOS from the ground up. AXOS, the worlds only SDA, is a software platform totally unencumbered by legacy thinking that has now set a new standard for rapid innovation, operational excellence, and puts service providers who deploy it on a new path to sustainable success. With AXOS the software is abstracted from the underlying hardware and silicon, componentized, and layered, as evidenced by the unique ability to run AXOS systems virtualized on x86 off-the-shelf servers with AXOS Sandbox. By re-using hundreds of existing components on the platform, each new feature, capability, and breakthrough technology addition to AXOS comes faster and easier.
The testament to this radical shift can be seen in the evolution of AXOS this year, including the recent additions of RPm (Routing Protocol Module with Layer 3 routing) and SMm (Service Management Module with access centric BNG capabilities), as well as the expansion of its anyPON capabilities with the addition of 10G EPON (in only 120 days) and now NG-PON2 on the E7-2. Furthermore, industry leading anySDN capabilities continue to expand with the recent addition of OFx and DPx, to a growing suite of AXOS connectors that can easily integrate AXOS into existing back office systems as service providers plan future migration to SDN architectures. Unlike middleware models, which mask the complexity of old access systems and must remain in place forever, AXOS connectors can be turned off once the service provider migrates to SDN thanks to the platforms native NETCONF/YANG architecture further simplifying operations and speeding time-to-market. The E7-2 is the industrys benchmark for a modular, small form factor, environmentally hardened access solution for service providers that has never been matched, said Shane Eleniak, Calix vice president of systems products. Today, the over 1000 service providers who have embraced the E7-2 can take the next step in their transformation, positioning themselves as the preferred service providers of the future by leveraging AXOS to bring unprecedented intelligence and service velocity to their networks. And with the unparalleled pace of AXOS innovation, they are poised to stay at the forefront of their markets. Visit Calix this week at 2017 Fiber Connect in Orlando, Florida and see the AXOS E7-2, along with the other members of the Calix AXOS eSeries family in Booth #301 and 400. About Calix Calix, Inc. (NYSE:CALX) pioneered Software Defined Access and cloud products focused on access networks and the subscriber. Its portfolio of Intelligent Access systems and software combines AXOS, the revolutionary platform for access, with Calix Cloud, innovative cloud products for network data analytics and subscriber experience assurance. Together, they enable communications service providers to transform their businesses and be the winning service providers of tomorrow. For more information, visit the Calix website at www.calix.com. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calixs business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix's results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Press Inquiries: Neila Matheny 707-766-3512 [email protected]
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[June 13, 2017] FISION to Present at the Marcum MicroCap Conference on June 15, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS and NEW YORK, June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FISION Corporation (OTCQB:FSSN), a leading provider of cloud-based digital asset management and sales enablement technology, has been invited to present at the Marcum MicroCap Conference being held on June 15-16, 2017 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
FISION President and CEO Mike Brown is scheduled to present on Thursday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. He will be joined by the companys CFO Garry Lowenthal for one-on-one meetings with institutional analysts and investors on June 15-16. Management will discuss the companys unique cloud-based SaaS platform, which enables its enterprise customers to efficiently create, store, distribute and measure omni-channel marketing communications. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay here and via the Investor Relations section of the companys website at www.fisiononline.com/ir/. The Marcum MicroCap Conference is an annual highlight on the investment community calendar. Since its launch in 2012, this event has become a nationally recognized forum for publicly traded companies with less than $500 million in market capitalization to network with fund managers and high net worth investors who focus on small cap equities. More than 2,000 participants from all segments of the microcap market participate each year, including senior management, finance and legal executives, venture and lower middle-market private equity investors, institutional investors, directors, investment bankers, bu- and sell-side analysts, and service providers to the microcap marketplace.
For more information about the conference or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with FISION, please contact your Marcum representative or visit www.marcummicrocap.com. About Marcum
Marcum LLP is one of the largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms in the nation, with offices in major business markets throughout the U.S., as well as Grand Cayman, China and Ireland. Headquartered in New York City, Marcum provides a full spectrum of traditional tax, accounting and assurance services; advisory, valuation and litigation support; and an extensive range of specialty and niche industry practices. The Firm serves both privately held and publicly traded companies, as well as high net worth individuals, private equity funds and hedge funds, with a focus on middle-market companies and closely held family businesses. Marcum is a member of the Marcum Group, an organization providing a comprehensive array of professional services. For more information, visit www.marcumllp.com.
About FISION Corporation
Founded in 2011, Minneapolis-based FISION is a cloud-based digital asset management, marketing automation, and sales enablement company. FISIONs advanced, patented technology specializes in managing a customers brand and marketing content enabling marketing and sales people to quickly and easily create compelling, personalized, on-brand communications, which increases revenue and profits. With more than 65,000 users in 21 countries, FISION services enterprise clients in the health care, hospitality, financial/insurance, software and technology industries. For more information, visit FisionOnline.com. Important Cautions Regarding Forward-looking Statements
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, plan, project, predict, should and will and similar expressions as they relate to FISION Corporation or (the Parties) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Parties undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect future financial results are discussed more fully in the Parties respective filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the their most recent Annual Report on filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Company Contact: Garry Lowenthal, EVP & CFO FISION Corporation Tel (612) 927-3620 Investor Relations: Ron Both, CMA Tel (949) 432-7557 [email protected]
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Bihar Police on Monday compelled a man to tie the knot with a girl he initially refused to marry on their wedding day. The bride's angry family even held 100 guests hostage.
By India Today Web Desk: Bihar Police gave its fight against crime a break on Monday, to compel a man to tie the knot with a girl he initially refused to marry on their wedding day.
According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, Bihar resident Rajesh Shrivastava got cold feet on his wedding day and refused to marry his to-be bride, saying she was dark-skinned and elder to him.
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The groom's decision came right in the middle of a marriage ceremony called jaymala, infuriating the girl's family.
According to them, Rajesh and his family did not have any problem with the marriage initially, but the groom suddenly started having all kinds of issues 20 days after their wedding was fixed.
After Rajesh's initial denial, the bride's angry family held 100 guests hostage and demanded to get the cost they incurred on the marriage back. They also demanded a return of the dowry worth lakhs they had paid the groom and his family.
As tensions intensified, the bride's family finally called the police. Officials arrived at the scene and after diffusing the situation, they convinced the groom to marry the girl, finally ending the drama.
FYI || Bihar woman refuses to accept baby born with deformity, says he looks like an alien ||
FYI || Pyaar in Bihar: Woman ditches husband for son-in-law, daughter faints ||
FYI || Beating the heat: Driver in Bihar stops train midway, goes missing for about 2 hours to take cold shower ||
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[June 13, 2017] Cavirin Establishes Security Advisory Board with Industry Luminaries
Cavirin Systems, Inc., offering continuous security assessment and remediation for hybrid clouds, containers and data centers through correlated risk scoring, announced today a security advisory board consisting of luminaries from across the industry, coming together to solve customer challenges and educate organizations about cybersecurity risks. Initial members include Robert Rodriguez, the chairman and founder of SINET, and Izak Mutlu, the former CISO of Salesforce.com (News - Alert). Both bring to Cavirin a keen understanding of practical cloud security issues and solutions. Robert Rodriguez is the chairman and founder of SINET, whose mission is to advance innovation and enable global collaboration between the public and private sectors to defeat cybersecurity threats. Previously, Robert served 22 years as a special agent with the United States Secret Service where he held a number of executive leadership positions within the Presidential Protection, Protective Intelligence, Inspection and Criminal Investigation Divisions and the Counter Assault Team. His executive protection experience spanned 10 years at the White House serving Presidents Ronald W. Reagan, George H. W. Bush, William J. Clinton and numerous heads of state. Izak Mutlu most recently served as CISO at Salesforce.om, responsible for managing globally the information security activities, including architecture, design, implementation, and operations. He was instrumental in Salesforce's initial certifications across areas as diverse as ISO, PCI (News - Alert), and FedRamp. Izak was also chairman of the CSO Council in the Bay Area, promoting the sharing of best practices among peers made up of the top 30 Bay Area companies.
"Both Robert and Izak bring extensive industry expertise directly applicable to our customer base," said Dr. Rao Papolu, CEO of Cavirin. "Their credibility in solving challenging security issues will positively impact our customers' hybrid cloud deployments and pave the path for further growth." Cavirin will be showcasing its security solutions in Booth 966 at the upcoming Black Hat conference, July 26-27 in Las Vegas, Nev. Executive briefings and demos may be scheduled here.
The company recently received the 2017 IT World Awards in two categories: a gold award in the Hot Company category, and in the product category, an award for the Cavirin Continuous Security for Hybrid Clouds solution. About Cavirin Cavirin is the only company providing continuous security assessment and remediation across physical, public, and hybrid clouds, supporting AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google (News - Alert) Cloud Platform, VMware, KVM, and Docker. The company's solution helps organizations leverage the cost savings and agility of the cloud without increasing operational risk or reducing their security posture. Cavirin offers up-to-the-minute compliance assessments, supplying audit-ready evidence as measured by every major regulatory and security best practice framework including CIS, DISA, PCI and HIPAA. For more information, visit www.cavirin.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/cavirin. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613005587/en/
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[June 13, 2017] Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to Keynote UTC Gala
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (News - Alert) will keynote the Utah Technology Council's (UTC) 19th Annual Hall of Fame Gala event on Friday, November 10, 2017 in Salt Lake City. "The Hall of Fame is the premier event for Utah's 6,000 tech companies where we celebrate the vitality of our dynamic industry," said Richard R. Nelson, president and CEO of UTC. "Hosting Mr. Nadella is a major coup-he's a brilliant visionary." Nadella is known for transforming Microsoft (News - Alert) to be more driven with a strong sense of purpose. This can be seen in Microsoft's mission which is "to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more." The crucial need for corporate change and reinvention, as told in his own words, can be found in his new book Hit Refresh which is scheduled to be published on September 26, 2017. p> "I am pleased that Satya Nadella has accepted my invitation to keynote the Utah Technology Council's Hall of Fame event," said Senator Orrin Hatch. "He is a true innovator and is doing amazing things for Microsoft. Following a thrilling visit from Apple's (News - Alert) Tim Cook last year, Satya will continue our tradition of bringing the world's foremost tech leaders to Utah to provide unique insights and inspiring advice for our vibrant innovation community."
The annual Hall of Fame event is the state's largest gathering of technology executives who honor individuals with Utah ties who have made global contributions to the tech industry through innovation and leadership. Previous keynote speakers hosted by UTC include: Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Marc Benioff (News - Alert) of Salesforce, Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn, Steve Ballmer of Microsoft, Mark Hurd of Oracle, and Eric Schmidt of Google. For sponsorship information about the Hall of Fame or to become a UTC member, please contact [email protected] or call 801-568-3500.
About UTC Utah Technology Council gives an influential, unified voice to the state's 6,000 technology businesses and marshals support from government, education and community leaders. UTC's top priorities are: expanding the talent pipeline for high tech positions, enhancing the business climate in Utah, and fostering innovation within Utah technology companies. Visit www.utahtech.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613005621/en/
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[June 13, 2017] Three New Studies Presented at ASCO Annual Meeting Demonstrate Benefits of MammaPrint in Aiding Individualized Treatment Management for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Agendia, Inc., a world leader in personalized medicine and molecular cancer diagnostics, today announced further details on three studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago earlier this week. These studies further demonstrate the clinical utility of Agendia's MammaPrint 70-Gene Breast Cancer Risk-of-Recurrence Test. A scientific presentation by David Dabbs et al. compared breast cancer risk stratification using the MammaPrint 70-gene signature, and the 21-gene signature in a large multi-center analysis. The results demonstrated that the 70-gene signature identified 30% more Low Risk patients than the 21-gene signature with fewer distant metastases and deaths resulting in an excellent 5-year distant metastasis free interval (DMFI) of 98.5%. Furthermore, the MammaPrint 70-gene signature detected 30% more high risk patients. Among the patients who had a distant event or death, when the two tests provided discordant results, the 70-gene signature correctly predicted a High Risk classification in 72% of the cases compared to 0% (zero) correct for the 21-gene assay.1 "The decision to use chemotherapy for the treatment of early breast cancer is one of the most challenging decisions that we face as physicians," said Dr. William Audeh, Chief Medical Officer at Agendia. "We believe that it is important for patients to know what their options are and to work with their physician to make their treatment decision with confidence. For patients with early-stage breast cancer, MammaPrint is the only test with the highest level of evidence (Level 1A), to help physicians make the critical decision that chemotherapy might not be part of the treatment management plan." A second scientific presentation reported results from the I-SPY 2 multi-center trial. Rita Nanda et al. investigated how adding the anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, pembrolizumab, to standard neoadjuvant treatment impacted pathological complete response (pCR) rate in a selected HR+ MammaPrint High Risk patient cohort. The results demonstrated that adding pembrozilimab to standard neoadjuvant therapy improved pCR rates in all HER2 negative breast cancers within the I-SPY 2 trial, and marks the first time that an agent has graduated to phase III in HR+/HER2- patients.2 The third scientific presentation reported follow-up results for the landmark prospective, controlled, randomized Microarray In Node-negative and 1 to 3 positive lymph node Disease may Avoid ChemoTherapy (MINDACT) trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in August 2016. Fatima Cardoso et al. analyzed the patient cohort within the trial who received and were randomized to chemotherapy. The optional randomization compared standard athracycline-based regimens (AT) in the control arm to an experimental docetaxel + oral capecitabine (DC) regimen.
This study found that in all study endpoints, DC did not improve patient outcomes compared to AT, including those patients that were in the concordant clinical high risk/MammaPrint High Risk arm of trial.3 According to Dr. Audeh, "The breadth of data presented at ASCO this year is testament to the many valuable applications of the MammaPrint test in improving how patients with early-stage breast cancer are managed. Of particular interest is the new data from MINDACT which demonstrated that patients with MammaPrint High Risk results that were randomized to receive chemotherapy showed good survival at five years whether they had received a standard chemotherapy regimen, or an experimental regimen. These are higher rates of response than previously seen in immunotherapy trials in ER positive cancer, and may be due to the selection of only MammaPrint High Risk patients. It is also encouraging to see the efficacy data from the I-SPY 2 trial which explores MammaPrint's utility in aiding to tailor treatment in the neoadjuvant setting."
1 Multi-institutional comparison of breast cancer risk stratification by 70-gene signature and 21-gene assay. Poster presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting. June 2017; Chicago Illinois. 2 Pembrolizumab plus standard neoadjuvant therapy for high-risk breast cancer (BC): Results from I-SPY 2. Poster presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting. June 2017; Chicago, Illinois. 3 Cardoso F, et al. Standard anthracycline-based vs. docetaxel-capecitabine in early breast cancer: Results from the chemotherapy randomization (R-C) of EORTC 10041/ BIG 3-04 MINDACT phase III trial. Poster presented at ASCO Annual Meeting. June 2017; Chicago, Illinois. - Ends - About MammaPrint MammaPrint is a FDA-cleared in vitro diagnostic test, performed in a central laboratory, using the gene expression profile of breast cancer tissue samples to assess a patients' risk for distant metastasis within 5 years. MammaPrint also carries the CE Mark which certifies that the test complies with the quality standards set by the European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive, enabling the use of the test in the European Union. MammaPrint is indicated for use by physicians as a prognostic marker only, along with other clinical-pathological factors. The test is not intended to determine the outcome of disease, nor to suggest or infer an individual patient's response to therapy. About Agendia Agendia is a privately held, leading molecular diagnostics company that develops and markets genomic diagnostic products, which help support physicians with their complex treatment decisions. Agendia's breast cancer tests were developed using an unbiased gene selection by analyzing the complete human genome. Our offerings include MammaPrint, a 70-Gene Breast Cancer Risk-of-Recurrence test, and BluePrint, a Molecular Subtyping Assay that provides deeper insight leading to more clinically actionable breast cancer biology. In addition, Agendia has a pipeline of other genomic products in development. The company collaborates with pharmaceutical companies, leading cancer centers and academic groups to develop companion diagnostic tests in the area of oncology. For more information on Agendia or the MammaPrint and BluePrint tests, you can visit Agendia's patient site at www.KnowYourBreastCancer.com or the corporate site at www.agendia.com. Follow Agendia, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with the latest news. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613005687/en/
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[June 13, 2017] SpotX Launches "Audience Lock" Feature to Protect Audience Data
DENVER, June 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Video ad serving platform SpotX today introduced Audience Lock, a new solution that provides a secure environment to conduct data-driven transactions and allows buyers and sellers to maintain complete control of data ownership.
As both media owners and ad buyers activate more first- and third-party data to improve targeting, additional safeguards are required around data protection. Designed for broadcasters, TV networks, OTT platforms, telecommunications companies and other owners of high-value, unique data, Audience Lock allows targeting in a secure environment, helping media owners raise their overall yields, particularly in live or linear OTT content, while delivering higher ROIs for advertisers. The product will also help media owners manage the strict data privacy requirements they must operate under regulations that vary country to country. It can be applied across both traditional direct and programmatic direct (private and Curated Marketplaces) transactions. Audience Lock is an extension of SpotXs commitment to enabling media owners to maximize the value of their inventory, Allen Klosowski, VP, Advanced Solutions Group at SpotX, explained. Effective transactions at scale are sometimes held back by legitimate privacy concerns shared by all parties, Klosowski said. Audience Lock alleviates these concerns by matching user IDs and audience segments in a controlled environment, and ensures proprietary data is only available for the campaign at hand and can be configured to expire upon campaign completion. With the ability to define boundaries around who can see what data, media owners are able to protect the vaue of their data and facilitate direct sales, without concerns of data leakage or limiting buyer access to inventory.
Audience Lock allows both buyers and sellers to activate data safely to fulfill their goals. For media owners, Audience Lock will allow them to activate their first-party data for an advertiser to target a campaign to reach viewers of specific shows, or that fit a specific profile. For ad buyers, SpotX will enable a secure data escrow environment to allow buyers to bring their own audience data to media owners, with similar assurances that their data is protected. An example of this would be an auto manufacturer who wants to target customers who are near a lease termination date.
In both scenarios, SpotX will allow the media owner to apply their, or the advertisers, audience data inside SpotX, agree to deal terms with the buyer, and send inventory to the buyer in a completely secure environment to their chosen DSP. This way media owners and buyers can use audience data to create unique deal opportunities to reach the right audience at the right time in a secure, double-blind environment. Additionally, SpotX will give media owners complete control on when to apply additional data protection measures, depending on the terms of the deal. SpotXs direct integration with media owners and DSPs enables verification and passing of audience information with every impression opportunity, uniquely positioning SpotX to solve data leakage issues. Audience Lock transactions are currently supported by Adobe Advertising Cloud, Amobee (formerly Turn), DataXu, MediaMath, The Trade Desk and other leading DSPs. SpotXs various data partnerships also enable first- and third-party data from leading DMPs or proprietary data providers to be activated within SpotXs platform. About SpotX
SpotX is a video ad serving platform providing media owners with monetization tools for desktop, mobile and connected devices. The platform features modern ad serving and programmatic infrastructure, and other monetization tools, like solutions for OTT and outstream video ad units. SpotX gives publishers the control, transparency and actionable insights needed to understand buyer behavior, manage access and pricing, and maximize revenue. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and has offices in New York, San Francisco, London, Sydney, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg, Belfast, and Singapore. In July 2014, RTL Group, a leader across broadcast, content and digital, acquired a 65% stake in SpotX. For updates, follow SpotX on Twitter and LinkedIn. Media contacts SpotX Chris Byrne, [email protected], +1 646 683 9184
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[June 13, 2017] Swiftpage Partners with CareerWise Colorado to Offer Business-Led Youth Apprenticeships
DENVER, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiftpage, the maker of Act! and a leading provider of software and services that help small and mid-sized businesses grow, announced it's partnership with CareerWise Colorado at the Youth Apprentice Signing Day event yesterday. This partnership will serve as part of Swiftpage's overall commitment to the youth and constantly evolving business community in the Denver area by helping to provide today's students with the skills they will need to effectively meet the needs of tomorrow's local businesses. CareerWise is working to shape Colorado's workforce through innovative, business-led youth apprenticeships. The nonprofit coordinates apprenticeships among businesses, students and educators that create long-term impact. Students completing the program earn wages while gaining real-world skills, industry credentials and college credit that provide them with options to enter the workplace in high-paying jobs or continue their education. Participating local businesses benefit from the program as they take a more hands-on approach to building their own skilled and loyal workforces. As a part of the partnership with CareerWise, Swiftpage will be hosting two apprentices in the pilot year of the program one software QA tester and one computer technician with plans to add more apprenticeships in the coming years. "As a member of the Business Experiential-Learnig (BEL) Commission and the leader of a technology company headquartered in Denver, I am extremely excited for the launch of this program," said H. John Oechsle. "There has been a need for something like this program for a long time the world is changing, and it's changing fast I am so honored to work with CareerWise to provide these types of opportunities to better prepare our next generation workforce."
To find more information or learn how you can get involved, visit www.careerwisecolorado.org. About CareerWise Colorado
CareerWise Colorado is building a statewide system of youth apprenticeships that create pathways for students to access high-demand, high-paying careers at leading Colorado companies. Student apprentices also work toward high school graduation and earn postsecondary credit, industry credentials or both in their chosen career path. Established by the Business Experiential-Learning (BEL) Commission created by Gov. John Hickenlooper and chaired by Noel Ginsburg of Intertech Plastics, CareerWise Colorado will launch in school districts in metro Denver, Fort Collins and the Western Slope. 20,000 youth apprentices, or about 10 percent of Colorado students in their last two years of high school, are expected to participate by 2027. More information about CareerWise Colorado is available at http://www.careerwisecolorado.org/.
About Swiftpage
Swiftpage, the maker of Act!, is a leading provider of software and services that helps small and mid-sized businesses grow. Founded in 2001 and based in Denver, the company's growing network of partners, customers, end-users and employees collectively represent Swiftpage Nation, united across the globe as one team, on one journey. Learn more at http://www.swiftpage.com and join the conversation at act.com/blog. 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
Mallory Bowers
Swiftpage
(303) 257-5051
[email protected] Dave Feistel
LF|PR
(949) 502-6200 x 224
[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/swiftpage-partners-with-careerwise-colorado-to-offer-business-led-youth-apprenticeships-300472904.html SOURCE Swiftpage
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[June 13, 2017] Becoming the Answer: seoClarity Launches Voice Search Optimization to Further Brands' Opportunity
CHICAGO, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The current battle in search is all about voice results; brands can no longer rely on the first page of Google to reach customers because of the single answer result. According to Google, as much as 20 percent of mobile queries are conducted by voice search. In just three years, that number will more than double thanks to the emergence of voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa and Google Home.1 To enable brands to capitalize on this emerging opportunity, seoClarity, the search insights and content optimization platform, today introduced new capabilities for Voice Search Optimization, the first and only technology in the industry that allows brands to improve their visibility for voice search. Using seoClarity, brands can: Understand what drives voice search.
Uncover the questions people ask instantly.
Identify the opportunities to connect at the right moment.
Win the single answer against their competitors. "Without question, voice search is the biggest opportunity for brands today," said Mitul Gandhi, Chief Architect and Co-Founder of seoClarity. "With voice search, there is only one answer presented to customers. Brands need to be there or risk being left out entirely from thei customer's buying cycle."
The adoption of voice search demonstrates the strategic importance for brands to be the single answer to their customers' queries. Voice search is the biggest shift in search behavior in decades and its growth is being driven by a number of factors: People perceive voice search to be faster. In fact, humans can speak 150 words per minute vs. type 40 words per minute. 2
Growth in mobile devices and mobile engagement will continue to drive voice search forward. Nearly 70 percent of queries to Google Assistant are done via voice. 3
Specialized devices and proliferation of personal voice-enabled assistants continue to grow. Amazon Alexa has shipped more 10 million units and Google Home and Apple products are both targeting this market.4 "At seoClarity, we help brands connect with their customers by helping improve their visibility in search," said Gandhi. "In voice search, just like in traditional search, brands that chase the search engine will come up short, but brands that create a great search experience for their customers will win."
About seoClarity
seoClarity is the natural search and content optimization platform that helps brands connect with customers in the moments that matter. The company's proprietary Clarity GridTM technology combines petabytes of data with machine-learning insights to help marketers develop proven content strategies, analyze competitive gaps, improve site health, and drive performance. The company's unique approach to understanding audience intent turns the focus from the search engines and algorithms to the customer. 1 - According to ComScore
2 - According to KPCB, Mary Meeker reports
3 - According to Google
4 - According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners survey Contact: Sammi Berrafato
[email protected]
(847) 830-5588 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/becoming-the-answer-seoclarity-launches-voice-search-optimization-to-further-brands-opportunity-300472978.html SOURCE seoClarity
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[June 13, 2017] Interson's Latest FDA 510(k) Clearance Just Made The Future Of Ultrasound Healthcare More Accessible
PLEASANTON, Calif., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Interson announced today they have received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market their SiMPLi Series ultrasound array probes for medical applications. Interson has been the market leader in open-architecture USB ultrasound imaging products since 2007. Interson's new linear and convex array probes enable medical professionals to use Windows tablets and laptops to display real-time ultrasound images at resolution and detail that were, until now, only available on high-end ultrasound systems. The new SiMPLi Series probes are lightweight, handheld and can easily be carried to any patient location. The SiMPLi Series probes provide such ease of use that now every medical professional can benefit. Simply connect the USB probe cable to a Windows computer to view real-tme, high-resolution ultrasound images.
"These new array probes continue on our company vision to bring affordable, high-quality ultrasound imaging to every medical professional. SiMPLi Series is truly a portable, bedside ultrasound solution. We are proud to keep pushing the market forward on performance and practicality while also driving the cost of healthcare lower." Roman Solek, President & CEO Interson's next-generation USB probes provide the image quality necessary for a wide variety of ultrasound diagnostic applications: (For image examples follow @simpliinterson on Twitter and @simpliultrasound on Facebook)
Primary Care
Emergency Medicine
Abdominal & Vascular
Musculoskeletal
Telemedicine Interson's open architecture solutions provide the capabilities and features that previously could only be addressed by more expensive, proprietary closed-architecture solutions. SiMPLi Series portable ultrasound imaging solutions can be quickly and easily brought to the patient, making point-of-care diagnostic medical imaging more timely and convenient. With a history of innovations recognized by the International Academy of Science, the new SiMPLi Series aims to follow by extending ultrasound diagnostic healthcare to the fingertips of all medical professionals. Interson Corporation, an ISO certified, privately held corporation located in Silicon Valley, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of ultrasound imaging solutions. Ultrasound systems using Interson products have been installed in offices, hospitals, and clinics around the world since 1989. Interson ultrasound imaging probes are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. and have FDA 510(k) clearance, a CE mark, Japan PAL NINSHO approval, and a medical device license from Health Canada. Contact: Gregory DePaco Phone: 925-462-4948 Email: [email protected]
https://www.interson.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intersons-latest-fda-510k-clearance-just-made-the-future-of-ultrasound-healthcare-more-accessible-300471897.html SOURCE Interson
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[June 13, 2017] Bread for the World Members Lobby Congress to Oppose Harmful Budget Cuts
Nearly 500 Bread for the World members and activists will visit Capitol Hill today to personally ask their members of Congress to oppose any budget cuts or structural changes that would increase hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. "The budget cuts proposed by President Trump would be absolutely devastating to struggling families both in the U.S. and around the world," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "Our members are here to voice their opposition to these cuts and urge their members of Congress to fully fund programs that help people living in hunger and poverty." Widespread opposition to these budget cuts resulted in one of Bread's largest Lobby Day turnouts in years. The activists' visits are supported by hundreds of Bread members personally calling their members of Congress. President Trump's budget proposes drastic cuts to progrms critical to helping people living in hunger and poverty in the U.S. It cuts billions from SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), refundable tax credits for low-income working families, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Medicaid would face hundreds of billions in additional cuts above the $834 billion that would already be taken from the program by the American Health Care Act.
The budget also makes severe cuts to international programs during a time of unprecedented need, when more than 20 million people are at risk of starvation in famine or near-famine conditions in South Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen. The House of Representatives is expected to introduce a budget resolution that also includes significant cuts to domestic safety-net and international development programs.
"We believe the overwhelming turnout for today's Lobby Day proves that the American people oppose these kind of shameful, short-sighted cuts," Beckmann said. "Bread for the World members will work tirelessly to ensure Congress passes a responsible budget that adheres to the values of our Christian faith." Later today, Bread for the World will honor Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Reps. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) for their outstanding leadership toward ending hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613005923/en/
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[June 13, 2017] Top SANS Instructors Head to Virginia Beach for Two Week Information Security Training Event
BETHESDA, Md., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SANS Institute, the global leader in information security training, today announced the agenda for SANS Virginia Beach 2017 taking place August 21 September 1. This two week training event offers students the unique opportunity to take back-to-back courses or select a week of their choice. Included among the 16 hands-on immersion style courses offered is the newly updated SEC503 Intrusion Detection In-Depth Course. According to the CTO of SANS' Internet Storm Center and SEC503 instructor Dr. Johannes Ullrich, "Based on student feedback, we significantly increased the "hands-on" part of the Intrusion Detection In-Depth class. Using current threats like ransom ware, covert channels and spear phishing attacks, we created three scenarios that students analyze as part of a whole-day exercise. To provide students with even more keyboard time and to enable them to use the tools and techniques learned in class as soon as they return to their job, the class now uses SANS NetWars as a capstone exercise." To learn more about SANS SEC503: Intrusion Detection In-Depth, please visit: www.sans.org/u/sIO SANS Virginia Beach offers couses for those new to information security as well as highly seasoned professionals. Several new, and newly updated, courses will be offered at the event including SEC555: SIEM with Tactical Analytics; FOR610: Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques and MGT517: Managing Security Operations: Detection, Response, and Intelligence. Many of the courses offered are designed to prepare students for GIAC Certification. Bonus evening sessions will round out the agenda offering insight into the latest cyber security topics.
For a complete list of courses, instructors and bonus evening discussions, or to register for SANS Virginia Beach 2017, please visit: www.sans.org/u/sJ3 About SANS Institute
The SANS Institute was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization. SANS is the most trusted and, by far, the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certification to professionals at governments and commercial institutions world-wide. Renowned SANS instructors teach over 50 different courses at more than 200 live cybersecurity training events as well as online. GIAC, an affiliate of the SANS Institute, validates employee qualifications via 30 hands-on, technical certifications in information security. The SANS Technology Institute, a regionally accredited independent subsidiary, offers master's degrees in cyber security. SANS offers a myriad of free resources to the InfoSec community including consensus projects, research reports, and newsletters; it also operates the Internet's early warning system--the Internet Storm Center. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners, representing varied global organizations from corporations to universities, working together to help the entire information security community. (www.SANS.org)
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-sans-instructors-head-to-virginia-beach-for-two-week-information-security-training-event-300473171.html SOURCE SANS Institute
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[June 13, 2017] Ixia Honors 2016 Asia Pacific Partner of the Year Recipients
Ixia, a leading provider of network testing, visibility, and security solutions, today announced the recipients of the company's 2016 Asia Pacific Partner of the Year Awards. Selected from Ixia (News - Alert) partners throughout the Asia Pacific region, these organizations were chosen based on year-over-year growth, solid success within a specific market, and maintaining a committed, innovative approach to supporting their customers. Ixia's award-winning partners were invited and recognized at the company's Asia Pacific Partner Summit held in Bali, an island and province of Indonesia. "Ixia is very proud of the world class network of partners we have in every region," says Lori Cornmesser, Vice President of Global Channel Sales at Ixia. "The strength and commitment of our partners in the Asia Pacific region is inspiring, and we look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial relationship with each of them." Ixia recognized the following organizations for building strong professional relationships with their customers and other Ixia partners: 2016 ASIA PACIFIC AWARD RECIPIENTS Emerging Distributor of the Year: M.Tech was appointed an Ixia distributor in 2016 and has consistently recruited and supported a wide range of new reseller partners
was appointed an Ixia distributor in 2016 and has consistently recruited and supported a wide range of new reseller partners Test Partner of the Year: LeaderTech is a loyal Ixia partner that has demonstrated success in the network equipment manufacturer space selling Ixia's portfolio of test solutions
is a loyal Ixia partner that has demonstrated success in the network equipment manufacturer space selling Ixia's portfolio of test solutions Visibility Partner of the Year: Digital Networks Australia (DNA) supports partners in the sale and technical aspects of Ixia's visibility solutions
(DNA) supports partners in the sale and technical aspects of Ixia's visibility solutions New Logo Partner of the Year: SCSK Corporation offers a full range of IT-related services with emphasis on providing Ixia's visibility solutions to the manufacturing industry
offers a full range of IT-related services with emphasis on providing Ixia's visibility solutions to the manufacturing industry Growth Partner of the Year: B & Data Technology , Ixia's new distributor in Hong Kong and Macau, quickly achieved significant results in recruiting new partners and new customers
, Ixia's new distributor in Hong Kong and Macau, quickly achieved significant results in recruiting new partners and new customers Innovative Partner of the Year: SoftNet has shown innovation in positioning Ixia's security solutions, which has resulted in several new strategic customer wins
has shown innovation in positioning Ixia's security solutions, which has resulted in several new strategic customer wins Strategic Win of the Year: KPMG is a new Ixia partner with unique domain knowledge in Forensics, Auditing, Penetration Test, and Security
is a new Ixia partner with unique domain knowledge in Forensics, Auditing, Penetration Test, and Security Top Asia Pacific Partner of the Year: Itochu Techno Solutions (CTC (News - Alert)) is Ixia's overall Asia Pacific partner of the year, offering operation support services for enterprise customers throughout the IT lifecycle
(CTC (News - Alert)) is Ixia's overall Asia Pacific partner of the year, offering operation support services for enterprise customers throughout the IT lifecycle Speed & Focus Partner of the Year: Comint has worked with Ixia to effectively assist new service providers throughout India
About Ixia Ixia, recently acquired by Keysight Technologies, provides testing, visibility, and security solutions, strengthening networks and cloud environments for enterprises, service providers, and network equipment manufacturers. Ixia offers companies trusted environments in which to develop, deploy, and operate. Customers worldwide rely on Ixia to verify their designs, optimize their performance, and ensure protection of their networks and cloud environments to make their applications stronger. Learn more at www.ixiacom.com.
About Keysight Technologies Keysight Technologies is a leading technology company that helps its engineering, enterprise and service provider customers optimize networks and bring electronic products to market faster and at a lower cost. Keysight's solutions go where the electronic signal goes, from design simulation, to prototype validation, to manufacturing test, to optimization in networks and cloud environments. Customers span the worldwide communications ecosystem, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics end markets. Keysight generated revenues of $2.9B in fiscal year 2016. In April 2017, Keysight acquired Ixia, a leader in network test, visibility, and security. More information is available at www.keysight.com. Ixia, the Ixia logo, and Xcelerate are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ixia in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. Connect with Ixia LinkedIn
Twitter
Ixia Blog
YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613005962/en/
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Two months ago, the Bombay High Court had issued contempt notices to Mahim police station officers for allowing the use of loudspeakers during the Mahim Dargah's annual Urs.
By Vidya : Shilvan Dhavale, Assistant Commissioner of Police in Mahim and Milind Idekar, senior inspector of Mahim Police Station today tendered an unconditional apology for giving permission to use loudspeakers at Mahim dargah during the Urs. Senior advocate Rafiq Dada appearing before the Bombay High Court in the case said that the officers had recently joined the police station and that "the ACP had joined only two-three months ago."
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Two months ago, the Bombay High Court had issued contempt notices to Mahim police station officers for allowing the use of loudspeakers within the police station compound during the Mahim Dargah's annual Urs festivities.
Mahim Dargah is located near the police station and the Urs procession begins right from inside the police compound. There were loudspeakers put up across Mahim and inside the police station as well, for the festival. The permission for the usage of loudspeakers is given by police for the festival and Awaaz Foundation had measured the decible levels that went beyond permissible levels in a residential area.
The court was irked by the fact that law enforcers themselves were violating the laws so blatantly.
CONTEMPT PETITION
The division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Vibha Kankanwadi accepted the apology from the police officers. However, the court refused to immediately dismiss the contempt petition against them. "Unless we have an assurance from the Maharashtra government we will have to keep the contempt petition against the officers," said Justice Oka. The lawyer for petitioner Awaaz Foundation too supported this saying that they do not want to disrupt anyone's career.
An advocate representing the Maharashtra government told the court that subsequently the state government did issue a circular asking the police station oficers not to issue permission for use of loudspeakers for the festival.
The court went through the cicular and said, "You have tried to be as vague as possible in this circular. What is the dificulty in saying that henceforth the permission shouild not be granted?"
The court will further hear the case in few weeks from now.
Also read: Maharashtra: You are only interested in removing the mangroves, Bombay HC raps civic body in Thane
Also read: Polices only on paper, zero implementation: High Court slams Maharashtra over police modernisation
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[June 13, 2017] Artificial Intelligence Startup Biggerpan Welcomes World-Renowned Researcher Dr. Gregory Grefenstette as Chief Scientific Officer to Lead its Predictive Technology Works
SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Biggerpan, a startup company which develops a predictive artificial intelligence (AI) technology that anticipates people's needs on mobile, is pleased to welcome Dr. Gregory Grefenstette as Chief Scientific Officer. A world-renowned expert, Dr. Grefenstette brings more than 30 years of experience in the AI industry, and is considered a leading researcher in the field of natural language processing (NLP) and information retrieval. In his newly appointed role, he is responsible for driving the continued research and development of Biggerpan's breakthrough technology. Biggerpan's mission is to make the Internet smart on mobile by building the first AI that predicts what you want, so you don't have to search. "As we are shifting away from the traditional keyboard and mouse paradigm, people will need to rely more and more on predictive interfaces," said Eric Poindessault, co-founder and CEO at Biggerpan. "Today we target the mobile user experience, where 75% of the Internet use is happening right now, tomorrow think virtual and augmented reality." Derived from the latest research in natural language processing, a branch of AI which extracts meaning from text, Biggerpan's proprietary technology is able to analyze and understand any web page in real time in order to make the most relevant recommendations. For example, if you are reading an article about a movie, it instantly offers you to watch the trailer or to buy tickets online. Biggerpan's technology takes text comprehension to new heights, as it understands the meaning of each word based on the context of an entire page rather than just the surrounding words, which allows for a more effective disambiguation. It goes further thanks to a unique multi-class entity recognition approach which allows it to identify topics almost instantaneously. Dr. Grgory Grefenstette joins the team as an authority in natural language processing, as he has continuously been pioneering the fields of cross-language information retrieval and of distributional semantics, the induction and extraction of meaning from large quantities of text. Sought after as a keynote speaker, he is named inventor in 20 granted U.S. patents, has authored and edited four books, and published hundreds of research papers in the most prestigious scientific journals. Dr. Grefenstette previously held chief scientific officer positions at Xerox Research Centre Europe, search engine company Exalead, Clairvoyance Corporation and with the French CEA, and was a senior researcher at numerous top-tier institutions such as INRIA and the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC). A graduate from Stanford University, Dr. Grefenstette initially studied mathematical sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later received a PhD in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh.
"Today, the power and capacity of a computer is underused. We can leverage algorithms to provide powerful predictions, avoiding the frustrations of typing and searching on a small device," said Dr. Gregory Grefenstette. "I am excited to be part of a team that is at the forefront of such innovation and look forward to incorporate my years of research into a useful real-world application through the development of this technology." Dr. Grefenstette now brings an unrivaled level of expertise and experience to Biggerpan. His past work and interests acutely align with the company's forward-thinking vision, fostering ideal conditions for future enrichment of the technology, and overall company success.
"We are very happy to welcome Dr. Gregory Grefenstette to the team," said Eric Poindessault. "As a founding father of modern NLP, his extensive knowledge and experience will accelerate the development of our AI technology and propel us forward in achieving our mission." ABOUT Biggerpan is a French-American startup which develops a predictive artificial intelligence that leverages context to make real-time recommendations. The company's mission statement is to build a brain for the mobile web, to allow a better integration of the technology into our lives, without all the pain and frictions that are found in traditional mobile online activities. The first product released by Biggerpan is Ulli, a smart mobile web browser that simplifies the experience on a mobile device by recommending the most relevant content, services and purchases for people to navigate based on the context of their current browsing. The iOS app was nominated 2016 Mobile App of the Year by Product Hunt and featured on the Emerging Tech Tour at Mobile World Congress 2017. Visit www.biggerpan.com for more information including a video. CONTACT Luc Hancock
1-415-867-4031
[email protected]
facebook.com/biggerpan.inc
twitter.com/ulliapp To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artificial-intelligence-startup-biggerpan-welcomes-world-renowned-researcher-dr-gregory-grefenstette-as-chief-scientific-officer-to-lead-its-predictive-technology-works-300473204.html SOURCE Biggerpan, Inc.
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[June 13, 2017] INVESTOR ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Reminds Shareholders of Eco Science Solutions, Inc. of a Class Action Lawsuit and a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of July 24, 2017
The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP: To: All persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Eco Science Solutions, Inc. ("Eco Science Solutions") (OTCMKTS: ESSI) between May 1, 2017 and May 19, 2017. You are hereby notified that a securities class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. To get more information go to: http://www.zlk.com/pslra-sb/eco-science-solutions-inc?wire=2
[email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you. The complaint alleges that throughout the class period Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company's plan for strategic acquisitions lacked veracity; and (ii) as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. On May 19, 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued an order of suspension of trading, halting trading of the Company's securities.
If you suffered a loss in Eco Science Solutions you have until July 24, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613006224/en/
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[June 13, 2017] Palo Alto Networks Announces Formation of Venture Fund to Radically Change Future of Security Innovation
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Palo Alto Networks (NYSE: PANW), the next-generation security company, today announced it is forming a $20 million security venture fund. The fund will provide early stage capital investments to fuel development of innovative security applications for the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform (see related press release: Palo Alto Networks Ushers in the Future of Security Innovation With New Cloud-Based Application Framework). The fund will be aimed at seed-, early- and growth-stage security companies with a cloud-based application approach. These companies can accelerate their routes to market for their respective technology by developing cloud-based applications built upon the Palo Alto Networks platform and the new Palo Alto Networks Application Framework, easily engaging the tens of thousands of Palo Alto Networks customer deployments. The fund expects to collaborate with Greylock Partners and Sequoia Capital to identify and evaluate innovative security applications for potential co-investment. By providing capital, the fund will enable entrepreneurs and security vendors to focus on developing high-value functionality for customers, instead of developing the infrastructure and data stores necessary to effectively deliver their applications and establish a foothold in the market. The investments in entrepreneurial security companies are designed to accelerate the development of new security applications for the Palo Alto Networks platform. Such applications will help customer organizations more easily access, evaluate, and adopt new advanced security capabilities and activate cloud-delivered security applications from different providers as their securit needs change.
QUOTES "This new fund will build upon our reputation for developing innovative, next-generation security technologies and demonstrate the excellent momentum that we have achieved with our ecosystem of security partners. It represents an essential part of our mission to help organizations prevent cyber breaches by inspiring and accelerating a groundswell of security innovation in a model that can be easily accessed and deployed by customer organizations. "
Chad Kinzelberg , senior vice president, Business and Corporate Development, Palo Alto Networks
"Palo Alto Networks new security application development model represents an important milestone for the security industry, and holds huge potential for customers, entrepreneurs and developers. We are excited to team with Palo Alto Networks to help entrepreneurs accelerate development in cloud-based applications, to serve a rapidly growing customer base that includes tens of thousands of the world's most important customers."
Asheem Chandna, partner, Greylock Partners
"Many early stage security start-ups have excellent ideas, but struggle to reach customers. By tapping into this fund and application framework, companies can get their technologies to market faster and into the hands of Palo Alto Networks customers."
Jim Goetz , partner, Sequoia Capital LEARN MORE
Palo Alto Networks Venture Fund
Palo Alto Networks A pplication F ramework
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Palo Alto Networks formation of a venture fund and its expectations regarding the benefits associated with the fund. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual benefits and expectations with respect to the fund to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including Palo Alto Networks inexperience making early stage capital investments and its ability to identify and manage investment opportunities. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Palo Alto Networks as of the date hereof, and the company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. About Palo Alto Networks Palo Alto Networks is the next-generation security company, leading a new era in cybersecurity by safely enabling applications and preventing cyber breaches for tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. Built with an innovative approach and highly differentiated cyberthreat prevention capabilities, our game-changing security platform delivers security far superior to legacy or point products, safely enables daily business operations, and protects an organization's most valuable assets. Find out more at www.paloaltonetworks.com. Palo Alto Networks and the Palo Alto Networks logo are trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palo-alto-networks-announces-formation-of-venture-fund-to-radically-change-future-of-security-innovation-300473190.html SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
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[June 13, 2017] Chicago Virtual Charter School to Hold June 15th Graduation Ceremony
Chicago Virtual Charter School (CVCS), a full-time online public school, serving students in grades K-12, will honor the Class of 2017 at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 15th. Twenty-three high school seniors will graduate from the school, which leverages a blended learning model. Blended learning combines online with in-person instruction to ensure every student receives an exceptional, individualized educational experience. Importantly, eye-opening new findings in this newly-released whitepaper paint a compelling portrait of the academic success realized by CVCS students. Among the key findings: In the school year 2014-2015, full academic year CVCS students outperformed their peers in Chicago Public Schools in the majority of grades 3 through 8 in reading
In the school year 2015-2016, CVCS 11th graders outperformed 44 percent of schools nationally on the ACT exam "We congratulate the Class of 2017 on their accomplishments," said Head of School, Dr. Richard LeBron. "CVCS is a critical choice for local students, as the blended learning model facilitates a unique and successful school." Class of 2017 graduates report receiving $6,400 in scholarships and repot being accepted to the following colleges and universities: Northeastern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Eastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University, among others. Valedictorian Noha Bouqartacha plans to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The media is welcome to attend the commencement. Teachers and students are available for interview. Details of the ceremony are as follows:
Chicago Virtual Charter School Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, June 15, 2017
12:30 p.m. (8th grade) and 6 p.m. (12th grade)
Chicago Virtual Charter School Learning Center, Gottlieb Hall
38 South Peoria
Chicago, IL 60607 About Chicago Virtual Charter School Chicago Virtual Charter School (CVCS) is a full-time, online public school available to Chicago students in grades K through 12. CVCS is a pioneer in blended learning - combining online learning with onsite instruction at the CVCS Learning Center. As part of Chicago Public Schools, CVCS is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of proprietary K-12 curriculum and online education programs. For more information about CVCS, visit: http://cvcs.k12.com/. About K12 Inc. K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) is driving innovation and advancing the quality of education by delivering state-of-the-art, digital learning platforms and technology to students and school districts across the globe. K12's curriculum serves over 2,000 schools and school districts and has delivered more than four million courses over the past decade. K12 is a company consisting of thousands of online school educators providing instruction, academic services and learning solutions to public schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs and directly to families. The K12 program is offered through K12 partner public schools in 33 states and the District of Columbia, and through private schools serving students in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More information can be found at K12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613006282/en/
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[June 13, 2017] First3Years Names Sadie Funk Chief Executive Officer
The First3Years Board of Directors today named Sadie Funk as First3Years CEO, a new role for the organization. Ms. Funk joined First3Years in April 2013 as Executive Director and, since then, has led the organization through significant growth and impact in achieving its mission to educate, advocate and collaborate to advance healthy development of infants and toddlers. Ms. Funk is credited with bringing the Safe Babies program to Texas, an approach that seeks to redesign foster care and child welfare by centering on the developmental and social needs of babies from birth to 36 months. This year, Ms. Funk's plan is to replicate the Safe Babies Tarrant County pilot program in Dallas County, which aims to impact more than 1,000 babies in foster care. Making life better for the vulnerable is on many Texan minds. In the recent legislative session, a number of bills were introduced-aimed at fixing a system that unfortunately is not working for thousands of children and families. Safe Babies Dallas has the potential to not only save young children from hard places and familial crisis from secondary trauma in foster care, but provide a model that can be replicated across the state. "Foster care right now for a baby is beyond traumatic. We believe that by making small tweaks to each step - case management, placement, parent visitations - we can significantly improve outcomes for that child. We welcome Gov. Abbott's intentional efforts to address longstanding issues that further traumatize children in the child welfare system. Texas needs more leadership to step forward and demonstrate their unwillingness toaccept the poor treatment of children in the system," shares Ms. Funk.
It was Ms. Funk's vision to establish Safe Babies in Texas, starting with a pilot in Tarrant County. Safe Babies educates parents, judges, placement agencies and case managers on the critical importance of the first three years of a child's life; and promotes coordination among agencies involved with cases of abuse and neglect. In its pilot year, Tarrant County trained 300 stakeholders, impacting 12,000 infants and toddlers in the community. Funders for Safe Babies Tarrant County include The Meadows Foundation, Rees-Jones Foundation, Sid W. Richardson (News - Alert) Foundation, Don and Barbara Kirk Endowment Fund, the Martin H. and Helen M. Wikierak Memorial Fund for Abused Children and WORTH Endowment Fund at the North Texas Community Foundation. "Sadie's approach to identifying promising best practices and innovations in reaching the most vulnerable among us - babies, toddlers and their families - is what makes her leadership distinctive," shares Mark Sinatra, First3Years Board President.
First3Years began in 1980 when early childhood professionals banded together to learn, share and connect in their goal to better serve their young clients. Recognizing that systemic change can multiply education efforts, First3Years in recent years has incubated promising approaches that are highly-collaborative and go beyond single-agency programs, like Safe Babies. With an advantage of learnings from the pilot in Tarrant County, Safe Babies Dallas has found good early momentum for the initiative, including funding from United Way's GroundFloor accelerator program for entrepreneurs. About First3Years First3Years educates, advocates, and collaborates to advance the healthy development of infants and toddlers. We have trained and mentored thousands of professionals across the state on brain development, attachment, separation, trauma, self-regulation, cross-cultural awareness, and other infant mental health related issues. We know that supporting the social emotional development of infants and toddlers is critical for helping the next generation be healthy, productive members of society. In 2016, the organization reached 2,396 professionals and 112,000 young children across the state of Texas through its signature education and professional development programs and community programs supporting young children in foster care, child welfare, and at-risk teen dads. For more about First3Years, visit: first3yearstx.org View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170613006297/en/
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[June 13, 2017] Automotive Software Company Announces Incubator Graduation and Launching of New Venture in Rock Hill's Knowledge Park
ROCK HILL, S.C., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The principal owners of Insignia Group LC, the industry leader in accessory sales process consulting and configurator software, in partnership with the Technology Incubator at Knowledge Park, are pleased to announce Insignia's graduation from the Incubator program and the launch of a new venture: YourConfigurator.com. "This is the realization of many years of effort; launching YourConfigurator.com to commercialize the technology Insignia patented in 2013." says David Stringer, president of Insignia. "Working in partnership with The Technology Incubator, we were able to focus our vision, develop our strategy for launch and gain access to audiences to make this a reality." Stringer explains that in 2010 the company began the process to patent its technology that dynamically visualizes the customizations of products. After receiving the patent in October of 2013, it entered the Technology Incubator in 2014. The Technology Incubator, a joint venture between the City of Rock Hill and the Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation, is dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and advising emerging technology companies. According to Stringer, the purpose for entering the Incubator was to develop Insignia's innovation beyond the Automotive Industry. "YourConfigurator.com is launching to explore how our visualization process and software can be leveraged in more mass-market segments." "Insignia represents an exemplary entrepreneurial venture founded in Rock Hill." Says David Warner, director of the Technology Incubator. "We are proud to have assisted in Insignia's positioning to launch the new technology venture and to set the stage for future sustained growth." The next steps for YourConfigurator.com have already been set with the acceptance into the State's South Carolina Research Authority's (SCRA) SC Launch Program, which according to its web site, "provides a framework to grow South Carolina's innovation economy by providing mentoring, funding, commercialization assistance and the resources necessary to successfully launch start-upsin the state."
"We are excited to welcome YourConfigurator.com to SCRA's entrepreneurial program, SC Launch. We look forward to the impact they are going to make in our state," says Bob Quinn executive director of SCRA. Established in 2001, Insignia is a software and consulting company with 42 employees in the Knowledge Park district of Rock Hill. The company is a service provider for car dealerships, accessories distributors, and vehicle manufacturers like Volkswagen and Jaguar Land Rover.
The company's visualization technology and the progress toward commercialization received a big boost in 2015 from Eastman Chemical when Insignia launched a global window film configurator for Eastman's LLumar(c) window film. This configurator is used by installation centers for window film around the world. According to Stringer, the ownership team of Insignia will also be the ownership team for YourConfigurator.com. Although the two companies will support each other for the foreseeable future, Stringer explains that eventually each will be independent operations and directions. "It is our hope and drive to see both companies continually grow and expand within Knowledge Park." says Stringer. "The environment here, created by the partnership of the City of Rock Hill and the RHEDC, is one that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial growth. We also could not have done this without local partners like First Citizens Bank." About Insignia Group
Insignia Group is the innovator and industry leader in accessory sales process consulting and configurator software. Insignia drives exceptional Vehicle Personalization sales training, configurator software, continual leadership, and process improvement to the automotive industry. These core deliverables improve the customer experience, increase customer satisfaction, reduce sales staff turnover, and maximize profits. Insignia currently supports eighteen vehicle brands, and serves dealerships nationwide. Insignia's software solution manages the fulfillment of nearly $85,000,000 in accessory sales transactions annually. For more information, visit www.insigniagroup.com.
Media Contacts:
Insignia Group
888-579-4458 About the Technology Incubator The Technology Incubator @ Knowledge Park (or the TI Center) serves as Rock Hill's innovation and entrepreneurship hub. Its two pronged mission is to: 1) attract and assist promising technology startup and early stage businesses in a program to create new knowledge worker jobs; and 2) to build a community-based entrepreneurial ecosystem to support the development of local talent and new innovation ventures. Media Contact: David Warner, Director
803-329-8721
[email protected] About the SCRA Chartered by the state of South Carolina in 1983, South Carolina Research Authority, SCRA, is a public, non-profit corporation that fosters and enriches South Carolina's innovation economy. SCRA was created by the South Carolina Legislature and given a one-time founding grant of $500,000 and 1,400 acres of undeveloped land. In order to successfully execute its mission and remain self-sustaining, SCRA uses income from its government contracting affiliate and funds from the Industry Partnership Fund to further technology-based economic growth in the state. Our vision is to enhance and improve the development and growth of the state's Innovation Economy - creating jobs, furthering company growth and facilitating academic research and commercialization. Media Contact: Jessica Cokins
[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automotive-software-company-announces-incubator-graduation-and-launching-of-new-venture-in-rock-hills-knowledge-park-300473465.html SOURCE Insignia Group, LLC
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[June 13, 2017] Cloud Foundry Foundation Announces Microsoft Joins as Gold Member
SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cloud Foundry Foundation, home of the industry-standard platform for cloud applications, today announced Microsoft has joined as a Gold Member. With a leading public cloud platform Microsoft Azure, and deep enterprise experience, Microsoft will bring valuable skills and technology to the open source software community and the Foundation. Over the past few years, Microsoft has increased its engagement with open source projects and communities, including joining the Linux Foundation in November 2016. The company is currently a leading open source contributor on GitHub and has released .NET Core in open source. Cloud Foundry is already a first-class citizen on Azure. In just the past six months, core usage of Cloud Foundry has increased 300 percent on Azure. "Microsoft is widely recognized as one of the most important enterprise technology and cloud providers in the world," said Abby Kearns, Executive Director, Cloud Foundry Foundation. "Cloud Foundry has the greatest number of deployments of any cloud application platform in the enterprise, and is used by most Fortune 500 organizations. We share both a tremendous number of users and a common approach to the enterprise cloud." Corey Sanders, artner Director, Microsoft Corp. said, "Microsoft and the Cloud Foundry community are deeply aligned around our mutual understanding of enterprise business and technical requirements, and our commitment to help organizations modernize their applications without vendor lock-in. By joining the Cloud Foundry Foundation, we will be able to work with members to contribute to Foundation initiatives and bring a wider range of solutions to Microsoft Azure for our customers and the community."
Cloud Foundry is an open source technology backed by the largest technology companies in the world, including Cisco, Dell/EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Pivotal, SAP and SUSE, and is being used by leaders in manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services. Only Cloud Foundry delivers the velocity needed to continuously deliver apps at the speed of business. Cloud Foundry's container-based architecture runs apps in any language on your choice of cloud Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS), OpenStack, VMware vSphere, SoftLayer and more. With a robust services ecosystem and simple integration with existing technologies, Cloud Foundry is the modern standard for mission critical apps for global organizations. About Cloud Foundry Foundation
The Cloud Foundry Foundation is an independent non-profit organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard platform for cloud applications. Cloud Foundry makes it faster and easier to build, test, deploy and scale applications. Cloud Foundry is an Apache 2.0 licensed project available on GitHub: https://github.com/cloudfoundry. To learn more, visit: https://www.cloudfoundry.org.
Jessica Rampen
Cloud Foundry Foundation
[email protected]
650-787-3548 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cloud-foundry-foundation-announces-microsoft-joins-as-gold-member-300472815.html SOURCE Cloud Foundry Foundation
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Johnny Lever says that he is very proud of his daughter Jamie.
By India Today Web Desk: Sony TV's kids reality show Sabse Bada Kalakar will welcome comedian and actor Johnny Lever next week in the Father's Day special episode of the show.
The father-daughter duo of Johnny and Jamie Lever will appear together for the first time in the show and it will surely be a treat to watch the father and the daughter duo together on the stage.
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The episode was shot today and father and daughter went live on Facebook on the official page of Sony TV.
When Jamie asked her father how he felt to be on the show, he replied, "I am very happy to be on this show. I watch your show on TV. The kids on the show are so talented."
Johnny also expressed how proud he is of his daughter. He said "Which father will not feel proud to see his daughter do good. I really hope that you do very well in life."
The comedian also praised contestant Mahi Soni and said that Mahi is talent ki khayi (valley).
Also read: This is how Sunil Grover reacted when teased about the plane incident on Sabse Bada Kalakar
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By Press Trust of India: Kolkata, June 13 (PTI) West Bengal Tourism minister Gautam Deb today said that the present unrest in Darjeeling was against the interest of the people of the hills as the agitation was being staged during full tourist season.
"It is a movement against the people of the hills, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha resorted to this violent agitation during full tourist season," the tourism minister said.
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"Darjeeling registered a record footfall of domestic and foreign tourists this summer," he said.
Darjeeling town and other destinations in the hills, which were overflowing with tourists till last week, wore a deserted look today.
"We hope they will call off the agitation in the interest of the local people," Deb, also a Trinamool Congress leader in Siliguri, situated on the foothills of the Himalayas, said.
Deb, who inaugurated a daily Volvo bus service by the state tourism department from here to Siliguri to facilitate travellers, said, "This is the beginning of the end of unrest in Darjeeling."
"The general public in the hills are not supporting the agitation. Some elements are trying to disrupt normal life in Darjeeling in an attempt to fish in troubled waters," Deb said.
"Such attempts will not be successful. Ultimately the hills will become peaceful and it will be long term. The chief minister is dealing with the situation strongly," he said. PTI AMR MD
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Nintendo held its E3 2017 press event today (more on that here, here, and here), but the most exciting piece of Nintendo-related news didnt come from the company's own event. In fact, the most exciting news didnt even come from Nintendo itself. By far the wildest Nintendo-related news from today--in our humble opinion--is that Mario Kart exists in virtual reality form. Were equally excited for fans of the "Dragon Ball" anime series, too because there's also a Dragon Ball VR game.
A VR arcade called VR Zone Shinjuku opened its doors today in Shinjuku Japan, and its selection of VR titles is impressive. VR Zone Shinjuku offers thrilling experiences such as Height Fear Show, which tests your tolerance for extreme heights, and Despair Jungle, in which you must outrun dinosaurs in a jungle. VR Zone Shinjuku also offers licensed VR experiences of world famous properties, such as "Dragon Ball" and Mario Kart.
The VR attractions at VR Zone Shinjuku come equipped with Vive Business Edition VR headsets and custom-tailored accessories for each experience. Despair Jungle pairs with a VR treadmill system; Height Fear Show pairs with a harness system for safety, and to enhance the experience; and you can sit in a cockpit simulator to play a spaceship game called The Soul of the Soul. The Mario Kart Arcade VR and Dragon Ball VR experiences also include specialty peripherals.
The Mario Kart Arcade VR kiosks feature racing seats, steering wheels, and pedals inside a pod thats dressed up as a kart from the Mario Kart game series. VR Zone Shinjuku offers multiple Mario Kart pods which are connected for multiplayer races against other patrons.
The Dragon Ball VR experience is set up on large kiosk pods to give you room to safely move around and swing your arms. This experience also features wrist-mounted devices that track your wrist movement to allow you to fire Kamehame Waves. VR Zone Shinjuku said that Dragon Ball VR offers a multiplayer mode which allows you to battle others, and you can also play a single-player training mission.
Bandai Namco makes the VR experiences at VR Zone Shinjuku, but were not sure if they are available to other VR arcades. The Mario Kart Arcade VR game is an adaptation of Bandai Namcos Mario Kart license for arcade cabinets. Bandai also holds the distribution license for "Dragon Ball" video games. Its entirely possible that these games will see wider distribution in the future, but for now, you can only play them in Shinjuku.
Nilakshi Elizabeth Jorendal was adopted by a Swedish couple in 1976. She had been trying to trace her biological mother since 1990.
Nilakshi Elizabeth Jorendal was adopted by a Swedish couple in 1976. (Photo for representation/Reuters)
By Press Trust of India: It was an emotional moment for Nilakshi Elizabeth Jorendal, the India-born Swedish national, as she met her ailing biological mother in Yavatmal.
Nilakshi (44), who was adopted by a Swedish couple when she was a three-year-old, had managed to trace her biological mother through Anjali Pawar of Pune-based NGO - Against Child Trafficking.
"It was an emotional reunion on Saturday at the government hospital in Yavatmal. The mother-daughter duo broke into tears," Pawar told PTI.
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"Nilakshi, who was on a mission to trace her biological parents, had met her mother briefly earlier but this was a more elaborate, public reunion," she said.
Nilakshi's biological father, a farm labourer, had committed suicide in 1973, the year she was born at Pandita Ramabai Mukti Missions shelter-and-adoption home in Kedgaon near Pune.
Nilakshi's mother had left her there and later remarried and has a son and daughter from the second marriage. They too were present at the hospital on Saturday, Pawar said.
The centre gave Nilakshi in adoption to a Swedish couple in 1976.
"Nilakshi had been visiting India since 1990 to trace her biological mother. She visited India six times for this," Pawar said.
Both the mother and daughter suffer from thalassemia, she said, adding, "During the meeting on Saturday, she assured her biological mothers kin of all help in her treatment."
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Indian origin stepmother charged with killing 9-year-old girl in New York City
Man booked for raping minor girl, stepmother for abetting crime
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A man is recovering at a metro hospital after being shot during a break-in early Tuesday morning. The shooting happened about 12:50 a.m. at a home in the 5500 block of Park Avenue. Police say he was shot by suspects as they broke into his home. The man was taken to an area hospital.
"Interim Police Chief David Zimmerman is allowing commanders to make the change in neighborhoods where dedicated officers may be needed.
"Former Chief Darryl Forte eliminated dedicated community interaction officers nearly a year ago, saying all cops on the beat should be reaching out to know their neighbors. Many community leaders said having dedicated officers working side-by-side with citizens on quality of life issues helped prevent crime and eliminate blight.
"With the recent surge in homicides in the urban core, some expect having community interaction officers plugged in to personal relationships can help resolve problems before they turn deadly . . ."
A welcomed break with the policies of the previous administration is now under way . . .Deets:Remember thatAnd so, the move beyond "business as usual" is welcomed by many in KCMO as this town continues to fight a homicide crisis.Developing . . .
OLATHE Kan. -- On Monday, the Johnson County District Attorney announced the office has dismissed the case against Richard Jones, the local man who found his Doppelganger, and in the process, his freedom. Jones spent 17 years in prison, convicted for a purse snatching in Roeland Park on Memorial Day, 1999.
Athens pupils invited locals of all ages to the local school to talk about sustainable fishing
The environmental protection lessons that can be learned from the small and remote Greek island of Fournoi were presented in the following article by Kathimerini newspaper:
How can a Greek border island whose economy relies heavily on fishing continue to depend on the sea for its survival without depleting its resources? And how much do the pupils at a senior high school on the tiny eastern Aegean island of Fournoi, whose parents still practice dynamite fishing, know about sustainable living?
The good news is their knowledge does not disappoint. And, interestingly, most of it comes from an initiative organized by a group of pupils in Athens who visit the island every year with the aim of reminding locals that they are not alone out there. So again last month a small group of teenagers from Athens made the trip across the Aegean to meet with their friends on Fournoi.
The project was led by 16-year-old Yiannis Dalakouras. Together with another two of his classmates in the International Baccalaureate program at Psychico College in Athens, he traveled to the remote island in a bid to raise awareness, to clean up beaches, and promote sustainable ways of living on Fournoi.
The group spent an entire morning cleaning the largest beach on the island, together with local pupils. They also met with parents who came to support the efforts of their children.
After that, the Athens pupils invited locals of all ages to the local school to talk about sustainable fishing and outline todays challenges and solutions based on international best practices.
All the children showed up, even the youngest. But their parents, mostly fishermen, didnt, Yiannis said.
When we asked them why they didnt come, the kids told us it would be like trying to persuade a wolf not to eat sheep, he said.
Sustainable fishing
The island children listened carefully as the visitors described sustainable fishing as the art of preserving your income from the sea without destroying the environment. They seemed to appreciate that the discussion was, in fact, about their future. The information that 65 percent of the fish stock in the countrys seas is already depleted shocked them.
On the same day, Yiannis and his classmate Metaxia Boudouraki conducted an informal survey. They asked people on Fournoi if they understood the effects of overfishing and, in particular, of illegal fishing.
Although people were aware of the problem that has not been adequately addressed by the authorities, it took a campaign by young Athenians, who spoke the language of their peers, to mobilize the younger generation on the island.
Maybe things will be a bit better next year, one of the youngsters said.
Over the winter the Fournoi pupils visited Athens to attend events including the Psychico College bazaar. Thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, the organizers were able to purchase computers for the school on Fournoi.
The project is remarkable not only because of the young age of the people behind it, but also its significance for the future of the young islanders.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Source: ekathimerini.com
Plastic bags will soon be a thing of the past for the Greek island of Skiathos, one of the most beautiful resorts in the country, which has voted to ban their use in line with European directives. The island is launching the ASAP programme (Active Skiathos Against Plastic bags) run by the MEDITERRANEAN SOS Network, which is to run until the end of June 2018, with a beach-cleaning activity on Friday.
Funded by BeMed (Beyond Plastic Med), the Thalassa Foundation, Skiathos municipality and MEDITERRANEAN SOS Network, the ASAP pilot programme will strive to increase public awareness and sensitise the public to this issue. It mirrors a similar programme successfully adopted by the island of Alonissos, another island in the Sporades group, using tried-and-tested methods and tools to get islanders on board, such as beach-cleaning, consultation processes, distribution of fabric shopping bags etc.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Almost ten years after the movie "Mamma mia" more and more visitors visit the island
An island full of "green", beaches with crystal clear waters, paths that await the traveler to explore, churches and sites with centuries of history. These are just some of the reasons why tourists choose Skopelos for their holidays.
Almost ten years after the movie "Mamma mia" more and more visitors visit the island to exchange wedding vows with their loved ones. "I have performed many wedding ceremonies of foreigners," the mayor of Skopelos Christos Vassiloudis said and added: "Our island is a beautiful place for a couple to begin their common life."
"Skopelos has about 10,000 beds," Mary Diamanti, president of Skopelos Hoteliers' Association, said. Apart from the Greeks, the island attracts a lot of tourists from Scandinavia, Britain, Germany and Italy.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Leading regional groups including some of Bahrain's top developers have been shortlisted for this years Gulf Property Show awards in the 'Best Stand Design' category, said the event organisers Bahrain-based Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE).
The nominees include Diyar Al Muharraq, Manara Development, Bahrain Marina Development, First Bahrain, Fontana Real Estate, Bin Faqeeh, Naseej, Eagle Hills, Dilmunia, Eskan Bank and Survey and Land Registration Bureau.
A boutique showcase for real estate and property, the Gulf Property Show was held from May 9 to 11 under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, in the capital Manama.
The three-day event took place alongside two other major exhibitions - Gulf Construction Expo and Gulf Interiors, continuing the success of the only integrated B2B and B2C platforms for the construction, interior and property sectors in the Northern Gulf, said HCE.
It provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, designers, architects and contractors to showcase a wide range of luxurious, designer and innovative products for house, home, or commercial spaces.
The increasing size of Gulf Property Show is recognised by the rising number of exhibitors on the shortlist," remarked exhibitions director Ahmed Suleiman.
"The criteria includes creativity, brand promotion, investor attraction and functionality for conducting business on the stand. The standard of Gulf Property Show 2017 stands was extremely high, which made the shortlisting task harder," he noted.
The nominated stand designs, he stated, are available for viewing online at the Gulf Property Show website - http://gulfpropertyshow.net/ - while votes can be cast via a Facebook poll.
The polling closes on September 19 and the winner will be announced in October at the HCE Events 2018 Launch.-TradeArabia News Service
SR Technics, a world leading MRO service provider, has signed an exclusive agreement to provide inspection and repair services for easyJets thrust reversers used in their Airbus fleet.
The work for the new three-year contract will be done at the SR Technics facility at Zurich Airport.
The quality, reliability and competitiveness that have made SR Technics an industry leader were all important factors in easyJets decision to further expand its collaboration with the company. SR Technics has extensive experience supporting CFM56-5B thrust reversers and in-house repair capabilities to provide the low-cost carrier with the best value.
Gary Smith, easyJets head of engineering said: The ability of SR Technics to meet easyJets growing fleet maintenance requirements has already been proven with their support of our line and base maintenance. The overhaul of our A320CEO family thrust reversers represents another significant step forward in our relationship with SR Technics. As easyJet grows, we are pleased to share the strength of our business with maintenance providers capable of meeting the highest quality and safety standards, and cost focus of easyJet.
SR Technics chief operating officer Jean-Marc Lenz said: We are very pleased to expand our cooperation with easyJet, building on our successful line and base maintenance agreements in the UK, Malta and Switzerland. easyJet is a highly valued customer of SR Technics, and we look forward to working closely together to strengthen our partnership.
Last year SR Technics signed a five-year extension on an existing maintenance cooperation agreement with easyJet in Malta, and the British airliner also extended several line maintenance agreements with SR Technics for a range of stations in the UK and Switzerland. - TradeArabia News Service
National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) expects to conclude new contracts worth $15 billion with foreign countries to develop the country's energy fields, the company's managing director was quoted as saying in a media report.
The development of Phase 11 of South Pars, Azadegan oilfield and South Pars oil layer are in the final stage, Ali Kardor, who is also deputy oil minister, was quoted by Iran Daily, which cited Irna.
Iran has signed a range of deals with international firms over the past year since the easing of international sanctions on Tehran, the report said.
In November 2016, France's Total became the first oil major to sign a big deal with Tehran since the lifting of sanctions and agreed to help it develop the world's largest gas field, South Pars.
Shell signed a provisional deal in December to develop Iranian oil and gas fields South Azadegan, Yadavaran and Kish in December 2016.
Iran has named 29 companies from more than a dozen countries as being eligible to bid for oil and gas projects using the new, less restrictive contract model.
The firms include Shell, France's Total, Italy's Eni, Malaysia's Petronas and Russia's Gazprom and Lukoil, as well as companies from China, Austria, Japan and other countries.
Barclays, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Morgan Stanley Invest and Obtain Equity Stake in KY3P
IHS Markit announced that Barclays, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Morgan Stanley have joined together to take an equity stake in KY3P, IHS Markits Know Your Third Party risk management solution. Goldman Sachs will contribute intellectual property and join the other banks as a design partner of the platform.
Launched in October 2015, KY3P was created in partnership with global financial institutions, buyside firms and third parties. To date, it has gained significant traction with more than 75 signed customers and over 15,000 vendor profiles available on the platform. The patent-pending platform is the first, centralized cloud-based community for simplifying and standardizing third party risk management. It enables firms to communicate multilaterally, or on a one-to-many basis, to support vendor due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
At Barclays, we see our suppliers as an extension of our business and key in helping us become the bank of choice. Our aim is to develop world-class partnerships with our suppliers that support innovative solutions that put clients and customers at the heart of what we do. said Al Williams, Chief Procurement Officer at Barclays. The relationship with KY3P will help us maintain the necessary oversight required in a consistent and efficient manner. The further benefit of working with other financial institutions ensures an increasingly standardized approach for our suppliers.
At Goldman Sachs, we work with a wide range of partners to deliver the best solutions to our clients, said Richard Blore, head of the Vendor Management Office
News Release
at Goldman Sachs. We believe that KY3P will further enhance our third-party riskmanagement efforts, streamline our vendor onboarding process and support our global business operations.
At HSBC, our third parties work in close partnership with us to deliver the safe and reliable banking experience our customers expect, said Jan Fokke Van Den Bosch, Chief Procurement Officer at HSBC. KY3P will ensure those providers meet our high standards without creating an additional administrative burden for them.
Like many in the industry, we at Morgan Stanley are required to evidence a consistent, comprehensive and holistic approach to the evolving requirements over Third Party Oversight and risk management bound by our policy and procedure framework, said Julia Kubis, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. This begins with the due diligence process and extends across the life cycle of our relationship with our vendors. We are optimistic that investing in and the utilization of KY3P will make this a more efficient endeavor for our internal business partners, our risk managers, and our vendors alike.
When we launched KY3P, we were confident that our platform was truly a game changer for the industry by increasing efficiency and improving the accuracy of information, said Ellen Schubert, Chief Executive Officer of KY3P. With the adoption and support from these global financial institutions as well as our existing customer base, we have made this a reality by fundamentally revolutionizing the way organizations assess and manage third party risk.
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Director DJ Caruso confirmed on Twitter that Deepika Padukone will return as Serena Unger in the fourth installment of the xXx franchise.
By India Today Web Desk: Deepika Padukone is all set to return as Serena Unger in the fourth installment of the xXx franchise, director DJ Caruso confirmed on Twitter. When a fan asked him, "Serena Unger Aka Deepika is there in #xXx4?" he replied, "Oh yes." He also revealed that there will be meetings next week to zero in on the story and the dates.
Yes meetings next week. Honing in on story and start dates- D.j. Caruso (@Deejaycar) June 12, 2017
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Just last week, Deepika's co-star Vin Diesel had shared a throwback selfie from their xXx days and captioned it, "All love... #xXxThursdays."
All love... #xXxThursdays A post shared by Vin Diesel (@vindiesel) on Jun 8, 2017 at 12:05pm PDT
The two actors have been all praise for each other since they began working on xXx: Return Of Xander Cage, which was also Deepika's Hollywood debut.
Deepika had said that one of the biggest takeaways from the film was her bond with Vin, who she called a "friend for life" and "the most amazing person (she has) met."
When Vin came to India with Deepika for the premiere of their film, he had said that she was the "queen of the whole world." He also called her "an angel with a beautiful soul."
xXx: Return Of Xander Cage was largely panned by critics, but was a box-office success that went on to earn over USD 300 million worldwide.
MOVIE REVIEW: XXX RETURN OF XANDER CAGE
ALSO WATCH: xXx star Vin Diesel leaves India to shouts of 'takle'!
ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone and Vin Diesel have a new relationship now. It does not involve babies
ALSO WATCH: Deepika Padukone teaches xXx Return of Xander Cage co-star Vin Diesel Hindi
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ON THE MOVE: Citadel Makes Another Senior Hire; KeyBanc Grabs 6 for Equities
Fresh on the heels of landing Joe Mecane as its new Head of Execution and re-hiring James Yeh to lead its global quantitative strategies business, the firm has landed Tom Zychinski, the former head of fixed income trade execution at Bridgewater Associates. Zychinski onboards as head of portfolio analytics and monitoring within its equity quantitative research group in New York.
Kevin Byrne has named senior vice president of Macquarie Portfolio Solutions, the transition management business of Macquarie Group. Byrne's appointment comes after the departure of Lance Vegna, who had been director and co-head of portfolio solutions with Fogg. Previously, Byrne was senior vice president at Loop Capital Markets. He will report to Fred Fogg, director and head of Macquarie Portfolio Solutions.
Mizuho Americas announced the addition of Traci Creange to its fixed income team as Managing Director and Head of US Floating Rate Note (FRN) Credit Trading. In her new role, Creange will be responsible for trading all maturities and sectors across the floating rate note complex for Mizuhos growing US client base. A 15 year veteran, she most recently served as head FRN trader for Deutsche Bank. Prior to this, she was with Mizuho as an Executive Director in investment grade credit trading from 2011-2014. Creange comes to Mizuho with nearly fifteen years of senior credit trading experience at firms including Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Jefferies and Bear Stearns.
If you have a new job or promotion to report, let me know at jdantona@marketsmedia.com
State Street Corporation announced the appointment of David Pagliaro as head of State Street Global Exchange for Europe EMEA. Based in London, Pagliaro will report to John Plansky, global head of State Street Global ExchangeSM and Liz Nolan, co-head of Global Services for EMEA.
Goldman Sachs is relocating one of its top US equities traders to head up its European execution business, according to a report. Elizabeth Martin has been appointed Head of EMEA Equities Execution and Global Chief Operating Officer for Electronic Equities Execution Services. She will focus on developing global electronic execution products and client services across the trade lifecycle. Her promotion to the senior role follows the decision by Todd Hohman to retire after 24 years with the firm. Martin was previously co-head of Americans electronic trading products and head of systematic market making for US listed options. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2000 as a derivatives trader and has since worked her way up to become chief of staff for equities and global head of equities management. Martin will report to Raj Mahajan, global co-head of execution services, Philip Berlinski, co-head of global equities trading and execution services, and Konstantin Shakhnovich, global head of FICC electronic trading. [IMGCAP(2)]
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The Changing Face of Volatility
With the Chicago Board Options Exchange's Volatility Index not closing above 13.75 for the past year, many in the industry are left scratching their heads wondering whether low volatility is the new reality for the US equities market.
"Whenever something is the new norm, I know it is about to change," Chris Concannon, president and COO at the CBOE, told the audience at Sandler O'Neill's Global Exchange and Broker Conference in Midtown Manhattan last week. "I continue to hear that theme that this low level of volatility is the new norm. It's not, and it's going to change."
"I don't think we are out of the world of high volatility," agreed fellow speaker Rocky Fishman, equity derivatives strategist at Deutsche Bank Securities.
However, Fishman also noted that the nature of volatility has changed.
"We are not going to be in a world where you have a volatility regimes that last for a year or two anymore," he added. "The volatility cycle is compressed, and you are going to see high and low volatility more often than we did before the financial crisis."
Driving the change is how electronic markets distribute information to their participants quicker as well as the further adoption of machine learning, explained Nicholas Colas, chief market strategist at Convergex.
"Think of the self-driving car market," he suggested. "A person can drive a car pretty well with fairly low error rates and a human-dominated market can do the same. As you infuse artificial intelligence and information into a bigger algorithm to drive market and asset prices, volatility should collapse over the next two, three, four, 10, or 20 years in the same way self-driving cars have fewer crashes than those driven by humans."
Daniel Coleman, CEO of Knight Holdings, thought it would be wrong to divorce human actors for the market and that the low-volatility environment is nothing new as he cited Nick Leeson.
"He pinned the Nikkei futures in 1994, and they didn't move and traded with a three volatility for nine months," he said. "Then the Kobe earthquake happened, volatility blew up, and it took down Barings Bank and a bunch of other people. There is an overarching human element to this: If I can take on risk and be compensated for it and not be penalized, I'm going to keep on doing that until I get hurt."
Speaking during the conference's lunch, Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, also attributed the current low-volatility environment to the interventionalist policies that central banks around the world have pursued for nearly a decade.
"That is the dominant effect on the markets, hands down," he said.
Griffin also sees stat-arb traders contributing to low volatility by continuing to chase stock reversals.
"This community is pushing stock prices back to where they recently were," he said
Eric Noll, former president and CEO of Convergex and who spoke earlier, sees active asset managers contributing to low-volatility as well since it is difficult for them not to participate in the markets.
"If you feel very strongly that the market is over-valued and you go to cash, you are going to show a massive amount of underperformance," he said. "If the market continues to bleed upward however slowly that happens, then you are going to get outflows. So what ends up happening is that active managers tend to stay invested either they become closet indexers or they just stay in their holdings and hope they can get out of the way when the bad stuff happens."
Most of the conference speakers agreed that volatility will return to the markets, but remain unsure when it will happen.
"It is very much a function of what the equities market looks like, which are a function what the economic conditions are," said Deutsche Bank Securities' Fishman. "Part of this exercise is figuring out when we are going to have a recession. That is something that is very difficult to figure out."
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The BJP's central leadership has pulled up Delhi unit's spokesperson for appearing on TV debates on national issues without having 'proper knowledge' of the topics.
By Rakesh Ranjan: Loudmouth spokespersons of Delhi BJP have drawn the ire of central BJP leaders for debating national issues like farmers' suicide and cow slaughter.
BJP's national media team has taken strong note of Delhi BJP leaders debating the sensitive issues and thus embarrassing the party.
After three BJP spokespersons appeared on various television channels discussing the farmers' agitation in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, BJP's national media in-charge Anil Baluni pulled up the leaders and categorically told them to avoid discussing such issues "without proper knowledge" of the subject.
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"Those debating the issues like cow slaughter and farmers' agitation are required to have adequate knowledge of the subject. It was found that the Delhi BJP leaders failed to put BJP's stand and thus brought embarrassment to the party," a senior BJP leader said, adding the BJP has a definite ideology and a political stand over these issues.
Party insiders told Mail Today that Baluni had a word with state leadership and conveyed his displeasure over participation of Delhi BJP's spokespersons on these issues. "Balooni also asked the state leadership to restrict these spokespersons from speaking on national issues."
Two Delhi BJP spokespersons appeared on TV channels debating protest in Madhya Pradesh in which five farmers were killed. Another spokesperson had spoken over the issue of cow slaughter, said sources.
The top leadership has also told BJP leaders, other than the spokespersons or those authorised by the state unit president, not to participate on TV debates. The idea is to avoid confusion or embarrassment as they tend to deviate from the party line on several issues and even put forward factually incorrect things, a BJP leader said.
"Apart from spokespersons, several state leaders regularly appear on TV debates on national issues. The central leadership wants the state unit leaders to abide by the rulebook and stick to the brief issued on national issues," they said.
ALSO READ | Harsh Vardhan in China: India will prove importance of cow through science
ALSO WATCH | Mandsaur violence: Is dealing with farmer fury the BJP's biggest challenge so far?
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After a recent visit to Arizona, riding holiday specialist, Ranch Rider has announced it will be adding the Rancho de la Osa to its collection. The new Classic Arizona Adventure, will also depart in November.
(TRAVPR.COM) UK - June 13th, 2017 - After a recent visit to Arizona, riding holiday specialist, Ranch Rider has announced it will be adding the Rancho de la Osa to its collection.
Over the last two weeks, the tour operators team of Western riding experts including, Managing Director, Tony Daly, have been blogging their way across the Grand Canyon state, the Rancho de la Osa one of four ranches visited in Arizona. One of the most historic properties in the west, the colourful guest ranch combines Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences with ranching, political and Hollywood celebrity narratives. Its scenic trails have been frequented by US Presidents and legends like Pancho Villa; the Marshall Plan and Margaret Mitchells classic Gone With the Wind were both drafted on the property and even American icon, John Wayne, fell in love with its 590 acres - his favourite room still available to book.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider comments, We prefer to visit each individual property before adding a ranch to our collection. First hand knowledge really counts when it comes to making recommendations and booking the right dream riding holiday.
An upscale guest ranch, the Rancho de la Osa excels when it comes to outdoor activities; horseback rides across the unspoilt desert landscape, cattle drives along the Mexican border, fat tyre electric bike tours on the surrounding sandy tracks and guided hiking and climbing to 7,730 feet in the majestic Baboquivari Mountain range, just some of the many thrilling pursuits on offer to guests.
Ranch Rider is including the ranch in its new Classic Arizona Adventure, the itinerary scheduled to depart on 15 November. The riding holiday will feature stays at three of the ranches recently visited by the tour operator, including Tucsons White Stallion Guest Ranch, the Tombstone Monument Ranch and Sasabes historic Rancho de la Osa. Nine nights from 1,979pp (two sharing) and 2,169pp (no single supplement) including activities, meals (except one), lodging, all transfers, tax and service charge. Excludes return flight from 879pp.
Book now and snap up a great deal at Arizonas White Stallion Guest Ranch, Ranch Riders December offer saving you up 427pp! Test your mettle out on the trail with fast paced horseback adventures and challenging mountain rides across the saguaro filled desert landscape. The tour operators top tip: dont miss out on a fun game of team penning. Seven nights from only 1,275pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flight from 890pp. Offer valid on departures from 26 November through 16 December. Full ranch stay price 1,702pp.
Spectacular horseback adventures, desert nature walks, mountain biking and more are on offer at Arizonas Tanque Verde Resort Ranch & Spa - the property still one of Ranch Riders favourite places to saddle up. Riding holidays here are also perfect for pint size, John Waynes and Calamity Janes - those aged six and above heading off on trail rides. The ranch's supervised childrens programme runs year round and is open to kids aged from four to 12 years. Seven nights from only 1,159pp (two sharing) and from 1,155pp (four to 17 years) including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flight from 890pp and from 775pp (under 12 years) . Offer valid on departures from now through 31 October. Full ranch stay price 1,351pp (two sharing).
The tour operator ended their trip in the Western state of California. On their San Diego city break, they experienced the sand swept delights of Mission Bay, the Catamaran Resort Hotel located on Mission Boulevard. The hotel is only a 15 minute drive away from old historic downtown, where the trolley bus tour took the team to all the key sights, including the USS Midway Museum, Gas Lamp quarter (great for restaurants, cafes and bars), Horton Plaza, a shopping haven that doubles as an art gallery, and Coronado, its gentle surf and sparkling wide-sands consistently voted best beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach.
Tony Daly, comments We had three nights in San Diego and we saw a good amount of the old town, but we would suggest five nights to allow more time to enjoy the beaches and water activities on offer.
Also we would definitely recommend a stay on Mission Boulevard if you are interested in spending your time relaxing on the sands, however, if you want access to night life, shopping and the wide range of restaurants and bars we would suggest opting for downtown accommodation.
The full ranch and city/beach based review and Rancho de la Osa online image gallery is available to view on the Ranch Rider website.
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Ranch Rider (01509 618 811) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.
Notes to Editors:
Other ranches visited by Ranch Rider on their recent trip include the White Stallion Guest Ranch, Tombstone Monument Ranch and the Tanque Verde Resort Ranch.
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Suriname, while not a bastion of queer acceptance, is remarkably more open to the LGBTQ community than many Caribbean nations. The capital of Paramaribo is where youll find most of the LGBTQ locals living.
Theres not a gay club to speak of in Paramaribo, though Bardancing Airport reportedly holds a gay night every Friday at the Onyxstreet 17. Likewise, there are little to no establishments proudly declaring they are LGBTQ-owned or -friendly. The country doesnt currently allow gay marriage or domestic partnerships, but that doesnt mean queer individuals are persecuted.
In fact, the annual Pride Month is held in October when members of the community are encouraged to take to the streets for the parade. Life in Paramaribo is fairly easy-going for gay and lesbian men and women, with many openly holding hands in public.
Theres no reason LGBTQ travelers should feel uncomfortable in this fine city, as long as youre fine mingling with straight couples everywhere you go. While its generally illegal to discriminate against minorities in Suriname, that doesnt mean there arent still pockets where being LGBTQ wont get you some odd looks. In the capital of Paramaribo, though, you have nothing to worry about.